Apprentices Act 1814
1814 c.96 54_Geo_3
An Act to amend an Act passed in the Fifth Year of Queen Elizabeth, intituled
“An Act containing divers Orders for “Artificers, Labourers, Servants of Husbandry, and “Apprentices.” [18th July 1814]
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2. Other part of the Act respecting apprentices repealed.
And whereas by the
said statute, divers rules and regulations were enacted respecting the qualifications of persons entitled to take and become apprentices, and the term of years for which such apprentices should be bound, and as to the mode of binding such apprentices; and it was also enacted by the said statute that all indentures, covenants, promises, and bargains of and for the having, taking, or keeping of any apprentice otherwise thereafter to be made or taken than is by the said statute limited, ordained, and appointed, should be clearly void in the law to all intents and purposes; and that every person that should from thenceforth take or newly retain any apprentice contrary to the tenor and true meaning of the said Act, should forfeit and lose for every apprentice so by him taken the sum of ten pounds: And whereas it is expedient that so much of the said recited Act should be repealed: So much of the said recited Act shall be and the same is hereby repealed; and that it shall and may be lawful for any person to take or retain or become an apprentice, though not according to the provisions of the said Act; and that indentures, deeds, and agreements in writing entered into for that purpose, which would be otherwise valid and effectual, shall be valid and effectual in law, the repeal of so much of the said Act as is herein last above recited notwithstanding.
3. Justices may determine complaints as heretofore.
And any justice or justices of the peace may hear and determine any complaints that may arise respecting any apprenticeships, in like manner as if they had been made under the Act hereby in part repealed.
4. Customs of London, &c. in respect to apprentices not to be affected.
Provided always, that this Act or any thing herein contained shall not extend or be construed to extend to defeat, alter, or prejudice the custom and order of the city of London concerning apprentices, or the ancient custom, usages, privileges, or franchises of the said city, or of any other city, town, corporation, or company lawfully constituted, or the citizens and freemen thereof, or any byelaw or regulation of any corporation or company lawfully constituted.
