this indenture made
10.2.1696
witnesseth that
Sam Finch
and
Jn Pratt
churchwardens and
Jn Sparrow
and
Andrew Conye
overseers of the poor of Earls Colne as also by the consent of
Jn Eldred
esq and
Wm Eldred
esq two justices of the peace have by these presents placed and bound
Thos Bellshame
being a poor fatherless and motherless child as by and with the consent of the said
Thos
as an apprentice to and with
Andrew Conye
of Earls Colne miller the art science or trade he now useth to be taught and as and apprentice with him the said
Andrew Conye
to dwell and serve from this day until the said
Thos
shall come to the age of twenty four years etc during which time the said
Thos
shall serve his master well and faithfully etc in all such business as the said Thos shall be put unto according to his power wit and ability his commandments lawful and honest every where he shall gladly do hurt to his master he shall not do or suffer to be done but shall hinder the same or else admonish his said master thereof the goods of his said master he shall not inordinately waste nor them to anybody lend without his masters licence at any unlawful game he shall not play alehouses he shall not frequent from the service of his said master day nor night he shall not absent nor prolong himself without his masters leave and good liking but in all things as a good and faithful apprentice shall honestly and obediently behave himself towards his master his wife and children and orderly and honestly toward the rest of the family of him the said
Andrew Conye
and the said
Andrew Conye
doth for his part promise the churchwardens and overseers and their successors to keep the apprentice in meat drink washing and lodging apparel both woollen and linen hose shoes and all things needful and convenient for an apprentice to have in witness whereof the said parties have interchangeably set their hands and seals after the paper was stamped according to the statute with the 6d stamp etc
Sam Finch
Jn Pratt
Jn Sparrow
Andrew Conye
Jn Eldred
Wm Eldred
justices of the peace witnesses
Sam Burton
Edw Warron