this indenture made 13.3.1732 witnesseth that Jn Hatch and Ambrose Towers churchwardens and Joseph Bott and Jn Cook overseers of Earls Colne with the consent of justices of the peace have put and placed Jn Shepheard a poor child of the parish apprentice to Joseph Gage of Coggeshall bay weaver with him to dwell until aged twenty four years (now aged 17years) during which time he will serve his master etc and Joseph Gage covenants to instruct him in the art of a bay weaver and will lodge and feed him and indemnify the inhabitants against any charges and at the end of the term will provide double apparel etc Joseph Gage witnesses Wm Eglon Sam Burton justices of the peace H Summers Robt Tweed