the Citie Let them breake in destroy cast downe cut off lay euen with the ground and make spoile of all things but let them know that God is the rewarder and the reuenger And let them tremble at length in the conscience of so great wickednesse for they shall no doubt ere long be seuerely punished which they haue iustly drawne vpon themselues by their furie and madnesse These things with speed returned to Kett and his companions in the Campe being much mooued hereat with a brainsicke rage as wild furies they came running downe the hill with a cruell and despitefull noise crying out And when they came neere the Gates they practized with all their forces to breake into the Citie but being driuen backe with pikes and arrowes they left that enterprise At that time all the Ordinance as was said before being placed in the meddowes beneath the Citie was spent vpon the enemie but for lacke of powder and want of skill in the Gunners to small or little purpose Yet many being shot with arrowes were wounded which when they fell thicke vpon the ground the beardlesse boyes of the Countrie whereof there were a great number and others of the dregges of the people men most filthy gathered them vp and carried them to the enemie And the minds of them all were so inflamed as the very naked and vnarmed boyes as though a certaine frenzie had bereaued them of the sense of vnderstanding running about prouoked our men with all reprochfull speeches There was added also to their importune cursed words an odious inhumane villany for with reuerence to the Readers one of these cursed boyes putting downe his hose and in derision turning his bare buttocks to our men with an horrible noise and out-cry filling the aire all men beholding him did that which a chast tongue shameth to speake much more a sober man to write but being shot thorow the buttocks one gaue him as was meete the punishment he deserued It is reported also that some hauing the arrowes sticking fast in their bodies a thing fearefull to tell drawing them out of the greene wounds with their owne hands gaue them as they were dropping with bloud to the Rebels that were about them whereby yet at the least they might bee turned vpon vs againe so great a desire was there almost in all ages of spoiling and so great a thirst of shedding bloud In the meane season when on the other side of the Citie a fearefull crie began To your weapon To your weapon Citizens if ye be men to your weapon the enemies are entred the Citie and all men on the sudden ran thither as is the manner of men in feare where especially the greatest tumult and noise is heard The Rebels beholding these things from the hill and perceiuing the Citizens thinne vpon the walles and before the Gates of the Citie resolued presently to enter the Citie where it was void of defence There the boyes of whom wee spake before and a great company of Country Clownes did hazard a thing not only marueilous to see but incredible to heare For the vnarmed multitude and others part with Clubbes and Swords others with Speares Staues and Iauelins as chance could arme euery man on the sudden cast themselues headlong into the Riuer that cōpasseth the Citie at the Bridge called Bishops Gates Bridge Who without feare swimming ouer and flying to the Gates with out-cries and most tumultuous noise strooke such a terrour in the minds of all men as there was none almost which thought not that day the day of doome both to their Citie and to themselues Therefore all for the most part being afraid and discomfited fled and as euery man could find the way to his house and the secret places thereof they creepe in leauing the Citie vndefended But the Rebels pulling off the barres of the Gates whatsoeuer Ordinance or instruments of warre they found in the Citie they carried with them into the Campe. There when some of our friends among them vpon the miserable sight of these things were strooken with sorrow and compassion and with lamentable voice and waterie eyes prayed God to turne these calamities from the Citie The Boyes and Country Clownes which stood round about mocked them calling them traitors and in most vile maner they were vexed and grieued with cursings and reuilings But the Gates after this sort set open as was said before when all things were disordered through the boldnesse and violence of the Rebels for they came to and fro out of the Campe into the City The Herald for as yet he was in the City neither was the last day appointed by the King for the multitude to lay downe their weapons yet past came with the Maior into the market place accompanied with a great number of Citizens There againe in the Kings name hee commandeth them to put off their armour to leaue the Campe euery one to depart home to his owne house and to vse reuerently and humbly the Kings mercy and clemency If they would so doe then they should be safe and free from all punishment Otherwise there is nothing to be looked for but grieuous torments bitter death and all extremity When hee had made an end of speaking the Rebels cryed out very arrogantly and fiercely saying Let him depart with a pestilence and on the deuils name with his idle promises He was mad that infusing such flattering speeches into their eares did beleeue that they being bewitched with such intising words would bee oppressed and circumuented in the end They detested such mercy and vtterly defied it as which in apparant offering a slender and vaine hope of impunity would cut off treacherously all safety The Herald perceiuing now all of them giuen ouer and as it were bondslaues to fury and villanie and that they could neither by the feare of punishment nor hope of impunity be brought from their intended wickednesse without anything done presently leaueth the City and returneth to the Court. Soone after whose departure the Rebels commanded Leonard Sutterton to bee brought before them that so they might lay him in chaines because hee had beene companion with the Herald in his iourney But Sutterton vnderstanding the matter fearing also lest the mad and turbulent people burning towards him with malice as they did towards all good men might deale cruelly with him hid himselfe priuily in the City amongst his friends and kindred Then Kett tooke the Maior Robert Watson William Rogers Iohn Homersone William Brampton and many others and commanded them to bee brought out of the City into the Campe and so to prison where chaines were put vpon them all and they were shut vp in Mount Surrey and there remained prisoners and in irons vntill the last day of this conspiracy at the length some of them were set at liberty others cruelly slaine While these and the like were tumultuously done in the Campe Kett perceiuing the matter was come
by the commandement of the King authority was giuen vnto William Pari Marquesse of Northhampton to leuy an Armie of men with commandement to goe in all haste to the City of Norwich and there to doe his indeuour that because these so great furies could not by clemency and lenity be appeased to pursue with fire and sword Kett and his Confederates as Traytors and most cruell Enemies to his Maiestie Northampton all things prepared and made ready to his liking with fifteene hundred Souldiers as was commanded goeth shortly after towards Norwich There were with him in his Armie two Lords Sheffield and Wentworth besides Anthony Denny Richard Southwel Ralph Sadler Iohn Gates Thomas Paston Henry Beding field Iohn Suliard William Wilgraue Iohn Cuttze Thomas Cornwallies all Knights to these of Esquires Gentlemen aswell of England as of Italy a worthy traine When they were now but a mile from the City the Marquesse of Northampton sent presently an Herald which as the manner is should denounce Warre to the City except they would presently obey By whom al things which are accustomed to be done being proclaymed and performed in the City Augustine Steward the Maiors Deputy sendeth speedily Messengers to signifie vnto Codde the Maior who was as we said before most against his will detayned in the Campe what commandements were imposed vpon the City in the Kings name by the Marquesse of Northampton Hereunto speedily answere from the Maior was returned to the Herald That neuer any thing happened more grieuous vnto him al his life time then these euils which brought in of most seditious persons haue almost ouer-turned with an implacable villany his Country and City of Norwich flourishing before That asmuch as by mans reason could be foreseene hee had vsed all diligence that these tumults might haue been restrayned at the beginning yet could he not bring to that passe by reason of the rage of the mischiefes wherewith the mindes of all were holden intangled That he had indured the terror of imprisonment the perill of death finally all extremity at their hands and at this time was holden in the Campe with a guard of Souldiers round about him Otherwise he would come himselfe without delay as was meet to the Marquesse of Northampton Neuerthelesse that the City might be kept the better in order he had giuen his authority of gouernement to Augustine Steward a very carefull and wise man lest in his absence the people through ignorance might fall away from their duty That the City should be at his commandement and himselfe if Kett would permit would willingly come out of the Campe and receiue him and commit his owne and the state of the City to his protection This answere of the Maior was carryed with speede by the Herald to the Earle of Northampton The Maiors Deputy with the Sherifes and a great multitude of Citizens following went presently into the Armie of Northampton vnto whom he deliuered the Sword which is a signe of the Kings Maiesties presence and of his Authority and in the chiefe Cities of England is wont alwayes to bee carryed before the Maior declaring as the Maior had done before that hee could not come himselfe which he most desired but that he and the chiefe of the City were come to deliuer the City themselues and all that they had vnto the faith and authority of the King they confesse there are many of the Citizens which could not be terrified but that they would needes consent to the Rebels but yet the greatest part of the best Citizens doe remayne still in their faith and allegeance and haue not ioyned themselues with the others nor in any respect haue conspired against the Kings Maiestie and that this part is ready and willing to doe that which shall be inioyned them and most willing to receiue him and his Armie into the City Northampton againe incouraged the hearts of the Citizens with good words and promised he would haue care of the City and had good hope that ere long these great furies wherewith now almost all things were set on fire should be suppressed When he had made an end of speaking he deliuered the Sword to M. Southwel who carryed the same bare-headed before the Marquesse into the City This honor by an old and soiemne custome is giuen alwayes to the Kings Lieutenants And comming in at Saint Stephens Gate he gaue commandement that all the Citizens should come vnto him into the Market place There they long consulted and many things of many were deuised aswell for the defence of the City as for restrayning the assault of the Enemie Then were appointed Watch and Ward vpon the Walles and Citie Gates And in all places if any were thought too weake were appointed armed men that might be ready vpon euery occasion These things thus appointed and performed Northampton went at night vnto the house of the Maiors Deputie and supped there with his company of Nobles and Gentlemen when supper was ended although through the tediousnesse of the iourney and heat of the weather all in the house were weary yet they rested that night in their Armour lest they might be taken vnawares And here it came to passe whether by chance or of set purpose I cannot yet tell that certaine Italians skirmished with a great company of the Rebels and many wounds were giuen on both sides but one of the Spaniards while he went very boldly into the middest of the Rebels being a valiant man first the multitude beset him round at the length they tooke him and put him to a shamefull death for taking away all his garments and furniture which were vpon him very costly and cunningly wrought they stripped him naked and so hung him vpon an Oke in Mount Surry house not without many reuilings and shamefull contumelies before his death All men surely tooke great griefe from so cruell and miserable a death of such a worthy and most noble Souldier and would with a great summe of money willingly haue ransomed him if it had been possible from so cruell ignominie and shame But from this mans calamitie now in the very beginning was easily perceiued how great and detestable cruelty raigned in those that had wickedly taken vp Armes against their Country although not long after by the prouidence of God for hee suffereth not the wicked to indure long nor the shedding of innocent bloud alwaies to go vnreuenged Cayme himselfe the Author of this dreadfull villany with the same manner of death though somewhat too late receiued conding punishment of this so great crueltie But the Earle of Northampton fearing the breaking in of the enemie in the night commanded that the Porters and Watchmen which before wee said were bestowed vpon the Walles and Gates of the Citie should now more painefully and diligently then commonly they were wont walke round about the Citie Whereby both their eyes and minds prepared and attending vpon the enterprises of the enemie if
followed him and forsaking their former purpose and casting off their weapons betooke themselues to the Kings mercie All these with the Maior and Thomas Aldrich went into the Citie and forthwith the Maior commanded the gates to be shut especially Bishops Gates because from thence directly except speedily by this aduice they had beene preuented the Rebels might breake into the City Moreouer all the Gentlemen of whom we spake before that were throwne into the Castle by Ketts company were loosened from their bonds and imprisonment and set at liberty and were admitted into Counsell with the Maior and his Brethren and their aduice required which way best the assault of the Enemie might be let and hindred Againe they deuised for the defence of the City lest by the breaking in of the Rebels and licentiousnesse of the Souldiers all should goe to hauock It was thought best in conclusion that the City should be defended on euery side the Gates walles kept watch and ward to be had all enterance to be shut vp whereby the meanes of transporting victuals being cut off and taken away on euery side the mindes of the Rebels being strooken through want of victuall and weary of the Warres might faint at length Of these things which they long time debated betweene themselues deliberating and consulting without Iudges there came messengers vnto them from the Gates trembling and bringing fearefull tidings that many of the Citizens had bound themselues to the fellowship of this villany and that some of them had let in many of Ketts Campe into the City When this great and sudden danger vnlooked for came to passe and the Rebels were now entred the City all things immediately seemed to goe to ruine feare possessed the minds of all Request was made therefore and it was easily obtayned of the Magistrates of the City that the Gentlemen should bee shut vp in the Castle as before lest peraduenture while they might be seen at liberty in the City and free from bonds wherewith of late they had beene holden the mindes of the Rebels full of fury and rage should by that occasion be stirred vp to murther and bloudshed Therefore they were all called for and againe committed to close prison Notwithstanding it was afterward vnderstood that the enemies were gone againe out of the City into the Camp the same way they came When this danger was ouer the Maior and his Brethren perceiuing the Conspirators to plot on euery side the death and destruction of men and goods they gaue themselues wholy to study for the preseruation of the Citie Wherefore ten of the greatest peeces of Ordinance were planted against the enemies in the ditch called the Castle ditch and well placed for the defence of the Citie if any force and assault should bee made Moreouer they appoint watch and ward especially in those places where through tract of time the walles were weake and decayed Who were commanded forthwith to remayne in those places that if any danger should happen from the enemy in the night they might presently with stones Pikes and other prouision bee driuen from the walles and Gates of the City The rest of the multitude were commanded that all of them armed should bee ready in the Market place and crosse streets of the City for euery occasion And because it seemed that the Ordinance whereof wee spake placed in the Castle ditch and ruines of the walles did not much annoy the enemy not bring any defence vnto the City At the cōmandement of the Maior they were all brought into the plaine speedily bestowed in the Meddowes which lye to the lowest part of the City and all the night following for the most part was spent in fearefull shot on both sides The next day the Rebels perceiuing of all that tumult in the night more feare then hurt to the Citie because the bullets from their Ordinance mounting ouer the City had done no harme brought all the Ordinance they had from the Hill into the Plaine and planting them at the bottome of the Hill beganne to assault the City afresh but because soone after the Campe beganne to be distressed for victuall that they might more commodiously being prouision from the places neere adioyning they agree to make truce with the Citizens for a time Therefore they ordayne to this office as Ambassadours one Iames Williams and Rafe Sutton beastly men and of the common people of the City of Norwich the basest These came presently from the Camp to the City Gates with a Banner of Truce in their hands and by the permission of the Citizens were brought to the Maior and his Brethren and are said to speake after this manner OVr Captaine Kett and his Souldiers intreateth of this City and of you the Maior and your Brethren Peace Truce for a few dayes whereby he may haue liberty as the custome was of late to transport victuall through the City which thing except yee grant he will breake in by force into the City and threatneth destruction by fire and sword HEreunto the Maior answered that they were most wretched Traytors cladde with all disloyaltie and villany seldome heard of Therefore he would yeeld nothing vnto their uniust demands neither was it lawfull for him if he would especially vnto them the vilest men that euer were borne That they had committed so many and such intolerable villanies whereby they deserued not only to be shut out of the Citie but also if it could be raced out of the nature of mankinde That they despised the Kings Maiestie wasted the Countrey destroyed the City of Norwich almost on euery side had branded an euerlasting note of reproch for villany and treason vpon themselues and their posteritie all places through force and cruelty polluted troubled vexed and destroyed Notwithstanding doe they intreat to be admitted into the Citie to be Citizens to be partakers of the benefits thereof and diuine exercises And doe they intreat at the last that their want might be supplyed What doe they not repent of the wickednesse whereto they haue vowed themselues What not so much as are ashamed Verily I know not whether are more wicked they that haue done these things or more shamelesse they that make request for them Doe they hope of the Maior And of the same Maior whom of late they made to suffer the shame of imprisonment Of this City which they wish ouerthrowne by the foundation Of the people of Norwich vpon whom they haue brought violence and the danger of Warre on euery side Corne and victuall to be ministred vnto them as meate to the furies What madnesse were this at length to see Let them be packing therefore let them be packing and tell Kett that wicked Captaine of these outragious villanies these things The Citizens of Norwich will obey the Kings Maiesty not Traytors to their Countrey and most cruell beasts And that hee esteemeth little of the dangers and feares they intend against
of them to London But the Citizens loden and ouer-whelmed with so many euils when all places were now filled with Enemies fearing violence and murther and all hostilitie which is accustomed to be done of Enemies to Cities ouer-come and all hope of redresse being taken away fled out of the Citie All mens hearts for the most part were smitten with so great feare as many through sorrow and anguish hauing their minds alienated from the regard of their goods left their wiues and children and all their possessions in the power of the Enemie But many when all mens conditions were lamentable followed euery man his owne hope and aduice for whatsoeuer gold siluer plate or good household stuffe they possessed that they hid in Priuies Welles and Pits digged in the ground Sorrow and lamentation occupied the Citie on euery side And the crying of Women and Children mixed with the shouting of the Enemies cracking of the fire and fall of the houses filled all places with an horrible noyse For the Rebels after the departure of the Earle of Northampton threw fire vpon the tops of the houses which did flye from house to house with fearefull flame and from one street to another which in small time consumed a great part of the Citie For all the houses in Holme-street were consumed with fire on both sides thereof Also the Hospitall dedicated to the reliefe and maintenance of the poore diseased Moreouer Bishâ—â—s Gates Pock Thorpe Magdâ—lyn Bearstreet Gates and diuerâ— other buildings besides in many places were consumed with fire But it happened fitly by Gods speciall prouidence that there fell great store of raine at that time Whereby the fire being speedily quenched did not so generally preuaile as the Enemie wished Moreouer the Rebels entred the houses of the rich men in the Citie and rifled them and after they had emptied them set some of them on fire and committed so great and sundry examples of cursed cruelty as euery where it seemed at this time not men indued with reason were entred the City but wilde beasts vnder the shape of men Whence manifestly appeareth how lamentable and miserable the state of the City was at thiâ— time when nothing was seene or heard but lamentation and weeping of those that were vexed and troubled and contrary the reioycing of the Enemy the weeping of women the crying of men and the noise of them that ran about the streets then the clashing of weapons the flames of the burning the ruines and fall of houses and many other fearefull things which that I may not make lesse in speaking I willingly let passe which so filled with â—orâ—our not onely the mindes and eyes of the beholders but strooke with incredible sorrow the hearts and eares of all that heard it The City therefore taken after this sort by the conspirators set on fire spoyled and wasted when desolation occupied all places euery where except the enemies for they that remained in the City shutting their gates and doores hid themselues in the most secret places of their houses The Maiors Deputy alone as it were reserued to behold the miserable spectacle of his Counties downefall void of all aduice and helpe when he beheld from the vpper part of his house all things consumed with fire and ruinated supposing the enemies as they had brought destruction vpon the houses would not long after offer violence and death vnto men shutting his doores kept himselfe within his house But the power of the enemies in the meane time waxing great and gathering a band of men together they broke into the City at Saint Augustines gates and all of them being armed with clubs and such weapons as euery mans lotte could afford him they came running vnto the house of the Maiors Deputie and assayed to breake vp the doores at length when they began to set them on fire hee being greatly afraide for all his seruants were fled from him himselfe alone vnshut the gates whom presently they tooke and plucked off his gowne which hee vsed at that time calling him Rebel and threatning him a most shameful death except he would tel them in what place the Earle of Northampton was hidden when he answered They were all departed All of them tooke that answer with great indignation and outcryes most tumultuously rushing with all violence into his house they searched furiously all the corners thereof Afterward turning to the prey they depart loaden with the spoyle But many being restrained partly by reason of money and other things which they receiued of the Deputy and partly by the speech of a certaine person which said vnto them such doings were intolerable yea theft and villanie by all kind of punishment to be reuenged and repressed brought againe their packes and burthens which they had carryed away before and laide them in the shops and warehouses Neuerthelesse many of the Citizens into whose houses the Rebels had entred onely vnder pretence of seeking the Earle of Northampton were vtterly robbed of all that euer they had Chiefly they spoyled their houses which were gone out of the City proclaiming them Rebels and open enemies to the Kings Maiesty and therefore their goods to bee confiscate Notwithstanding some of the Citizens tooke order there should be deliuered to the furious multitude bread drinke and all kinde of victuall whereby it came to passe that the miserable and hungry people being pacified they were somewhat stayed from the rage of spoyling Neuerthelesse very many vpon this sodaine calamity sustained great losse and iniury and were so ouercharged with such great expenses that euer after while they liued and many liue at this day in their houshold affaires fared the worse In the meane season the remembrance of future times as it seemed came into the mindes of the Rebels Wherefore being now turned from violence they beginne to thinke of their owne safety therefore they commanded the Maiors Deputy and the chiefe of the City that watch and ward should be kept from house to house by the Citizens euery day at all the gates of the City which if they shall refuse to doe they threaten death and grieuous torments Moreouer in the Temple which is fearefull to tell in the Temple of the great God the Rebels as oft as it rained placed the tents of their furies And so farre grew their malapertnesse boldnesse and desire of ouerturning of things as neither the speeches of the wise nor the feare of Gods vengeance nor the teares and lamentations of women could remoue them from their villanies For the women when they saw the slaughter of harmelesse naked men oft times offered themselues in the streets intreating them to haue compassion vpon their Countrey vpon them their husbands and children and remember that they were men themselues begotten of men and that they had reuenged themselues sufficiently vpon those for whose cause they took vp Armes that they would at last cast a bridle vpon their rage so should they
Gates and admit the Kings power into the Citie Kett when he vnderstood that the Herald was come to the Gates willed Augustine Steward the Maiors Deputie and Robert Rugge chiefe men of the Citie to goe vnto him and inquire what hee demanded These being let out at a back gate the matter being vnderstood made answere to the Herald That they counted themselues the miserablest men aliue which had indured so many and great discomfitures both in minde and body as at the remembrance thereof all the parts of their body tremble Neuerthelesse this one thing was added vnto the rest which increased the height of their calamity griefe and shame because that fidelity which they ought and earnestly desired to performe to his Maiestie they were not able to fulfill at this time and iudgâ—d themselues the vnhappiest that liued in this age wherein they were euer compelled either to vndergoe the danger of their life or the hazard of their dignitie Notwithstanding they hoped well of the Kings Maiestie as those which had no wayes bound themselues in any consent of these villanies but had restrayned as much as was in them the rest of the Citizens with great losse of their goods and euer with an incredible danger of their liues Moreouer they most humbly besought this one thing of the Earle that because there were in the City an innumerable company of Ketts Campe vnarmed poore and naked who besides that through feare and conscience of their owne wickednesse were holden guilty Moreouer were weary of this cursed society as which had filled the very desire of working mischiefe with the sacietie of their furies it would please him once againe to trie that which hath been often prooued in vaine signifying that they greatly hoped if at this time might be offered vnto them againe the hope of impunitie it would come to passe that forthwith they would lay downe their weapons without slaughter and bloudshed Which thing if it might come to passe would be an eternall memorie vnto posteritie and a glory exceeding all victorie if they might carry home peace and their weapons vnstained with the bloud of ciuill dissention The Herald presently departeth from the Maiors speech into Warwicks Campe declaring all things as hee had receiued The Earle vnto whom nothing was more precious if by any meanes it could bee brought to passe then that this flame so dangerous and dreadfull might be quenched without slaughter and bloudshed decreed himselfe also the aduice in this matter that it should not be measured according to the villanies they had committed but according to the dignitie of the King and the vtilitie of the Kingdome He feared moreouer lest the Gentlemen that were holden bound in the Castle and other Prisons euery day tossed and turmoiled with the great waues of feare at the length might be cruelly slaine of them For many were threatned death euery houre and many chiefly Roger Woodhouse Knight was continually reuiled with contumelious speeches vpon whom without all doubt they exercised the vnsatiable crueltie of their minds vexing and abusing him For these causes therefore it pleased him to prooue whether now at the length by the hope of pardon and impunity they might be drawne from the errour of their mischiefe To this end the Herald was presently sent with a Trumpeter who entring into the Citie were met with fortie of the Rebels marching two and two together for they were Horsemen with great ioy and loud cries from Saint Stephens Gates to the Bishops Palace From thence the Trumpeter sounding his Trumpet gaue a signe whereat when great routs of Rebels came flocking by heapes vnto them from the hill The Horsemen with a swift course ranne vnto them commanding that diuiding themselues the one halfe should stand in ranke right ouer against the other in order Which when they had presently done the Herald with his Trumpeter and two other of the principall of the Citie going in the midst betweene the rankes of the Rebels were receiued on euery side with great shouts and outcries For euery one vncouering their heads as it were with one mouth and consent all at once for the most part cried God saue King Edward God saue King Edward becommended therefore of the Herald and chiefe of the Citie and willed to keepe their order awhile as they were appointed of late The Herald when in this sort hee had passed betweene them two hundred and fiftie paces at the length came vnto the top of the hill hauing on his rich Coate of Armes as solemne ensignes of his Office There he staied awhile for Kett was not yet come at the last hee spake after this manner THey were not ignorant from the first time euer since they had wickedly taken vp Armes against their Countrie how many and sundry waies by all meanes possible labour and study the Kings Maiestie had imploied his care to the ende to bring them from the crueltie of those villanies whereby they haue violated all Lawes of God and men to some consideration of their duties and regard of their owne safetie and had sent vnto them messengers and Proclaimers of Peace not once but often againe and againe Notwithstanding they regarded not but euer despised and by all meanes misused them through their deâ—estable madnesse and disloyaltie But now in the sight of God whither would they rush whither would they throw both themselues headlong and their goods with deadly furie what measure would they put to their most trecherous madnesse or what ende of their most filthie counsels How long being stirred vp through pestilent lusts which false and idle confidence of liuing better had once suffered to enter into their minds would they pursue alwaies with deadly folly How long would they adorne with counterfeit titles the most foule impietie of mischieuous treason How long would they wrappe in the garments of vertue horrible filthinesse and deceiueable villanies Finally how long would they be holden bound with the mortall desire of those things which if it were lawfull for them to obtaine the destruction of the Common-wealth would insue presently much more intolerable and lamentable but rather now at the last they should looke about them awhile and apply both their minds and vnderstanding and mark thorowly with more intentiue eyes their Common-wealth of which in all their talke no lesse foolishly then wickedly and vngodly they are wont to boast of Surely then may easily be seene whether they be faithful subiects and worthy the name of good Citizens which haue taken vp hostile Armes against the Kings Maiestie which haue gathered together routs of wicked men despised and vile which haue brought vpon their Countrie the common Parent of vs all vngodly and sacrilegious hands which haue let in the scumme of the people and the vilest of all mortall men cast out for the most part of all English Societies into the Common-wealth to the destruction of the good and ouerthrow of the Kingdome which haue defaced
when he had tryed all meanes in vaine and perceiued that neither intreaty nor reward could preuaile any thing at all to draw the mindes of the Conspirators from so great wickednesse to the consideration of peace presently returneth into the City After whose departure the Rebels conceiued as it was indeede which also they beganne to perceiue by little bowes in the hands of certaine men which fled vnto them out of the City that if they tarried any longer scattered and separated one from another their enterprise presently without any difficulty would be disappointed and they resisted To preuent this they thought it safest that all their cursed companies should be drawen together into one place Whereupon without delay they went to Eaton wood which when they had viewed thorowout and found no conuenient place to pitch their campe in by publique consent it was agreed vpon that from thence they should presently depart to Moushold And chiefly they did chuse that place wherein they might appoint seates for their wicked purposes and dennes for their robberies Therefore when this aduice liked them all and night before they were aware came on they sent messengers vnto the Maior to signifie vnto him that they intended without iniury to any man to passe thorow the City because that way was more easie and readier and therefore they request to doe it with his good leaue Hereunto the Maior answered that they were men of a lewd minde and enemies to the weale publique and therefore he would giue them no passe thorow the City Moreouer he rebuked them sharpely and with threatning words as men seditious and desirous to trouble and ouerturne all things that so striking a feare into them he might by all meanes possible terrifie them from so great mischiefe and cruelty Moreouer he gaue them to vnderstand that if they proceeded in their fury and rage it would shoâ—tly come to passe such desperat attempts would come to a fearefull end But this speech of the Maior was so farre from terrifying them as they departed from him more obstinate and confirmed in their resolution then when they came Thus Ketts Company disappointed of their hope and intention lurked all that night in Eaton wood In the meane season the Maior with his Brethren called a Councell as it behoued them for the Common-weale of their City There it was longtime and much debated as of them whose mindes were carryed into doubtfull opinions Some thought there is neede of expedition and that without delay they are to be put to flight For being desperately mad and raging if they be not in the beginning repressed they would bring a plague and destruction to the whole City Other thought otherwise that it is a matter of great danger deliberation and aduice and that this speede in resisting comming as from courage and magnanimity so it may seeme vncertaine and vnaduised whose whole commendation is in the euent Which course as it bringeth alwayes a doubtfull so for the most part a dolefull end And therefore they perswade to fortifie the City and appoint watch and ward carefully and to bestow the Citizens vpon the walles and other conuenient places of the City As for other things because by the Law of raising Force and Armes it is prouided that no Bands bee mustered without the commandement of the King therefore nothing to be attempted as they aduise but to expect his will and authority All men easily inclined to this sentence as held for the best proceeding from the matter in question and most safe against euery assault of Fortune And forthwith messengers are sent post with letters vnto the King wherein all things are carefully reported commanding that with as much speed as was possible they should be deliuered to the Kings Councell The next day after that was the eleuenth of Iuly when they could not obtaine liberty of the Maior to passe thorow the City and all hope therof being taken away it seemed best to them and they all agreed to goe ouer at Hailsdon Bridge which because they could not easily doe for the straightnesse of the Bridge the way whereof was too narrow for the drift of the Cattell and carriage they threw great store of wood into the riuer and so vpon the boughes and bodies of the trees heaped vp together men horse and cart might passe ouer the Riuer After this manner being gone ouer the night following they lodged at Drayton The next day they went towards Moushold casting downe on euery side hedges and diches Moreouer they pulled downe a Chappell of one Corbetts and brought a desolation and miserable ruine vpon all places Into this cursed rout of wretched men destroying and wasting all things and rushing into all places with headlong rage wheresoeuer they came Roger Woodhouse Knight and the brethren of the Appleyards fell into their company while vnwarily they went to see which way these Rebels came These they tooke and against their wills carried with them Then they tooke the hill called Saint Leonards hill right ouer against Norwich in which place the Earle of Surry had built a faire and sumptuous house which hath beneath it the maine Riuer running betwixt the City and hath on the East and South the wood and a little village called Thorpe but on the East and North Moushold Heath which containeth in length and breadth more then sixe miles Heere they placed the Chambers and as it were tents of their furies and lurking those thicke woods as dogs in their kennels they violated all Lawes of God and man Moreouer they entred that goodly house in all places thereof left the markes of their villanies And now whatsoeuer of the vilest and basest of the people were in any place these came running thither and all the dregges and filth of the people of Norfolke ioyned themselues to this Campe besides a great number out of Suffolke also of men dwelling in other places and Countries by the ringing of Belles and firing of Beacons câ—me stocking thither Moreouer they adde one mischiefe to another for this so horrible villany and desire seldome heard of of destroying all things they couer with a certaine shew of counterfeit holinesse for they got vnto them a certaine Minister of the City whom they appoint to say prayers Morning and Euening Furthermore they endeuour to ioyne to the societie of these outrages men any way excellent for Religion and Doctrine and for vertue and innocencie of life commendable Among whom was Robert Watson Preacher Thomas Cod Maior of Norwich Thomas Aldrich of Mangreene a man while he liued beloued of all men These three because they refused to be bound to their wicked agreements and trecherous Couenants against their willes they constrained to bee present at all their Consultations and to take vpon them the administration of all things with Kett the chiefe Rebell Which thing fel out marueilous wel for if it happened at any time which happened often that Kett or
any of the principal Conspirators as they were prone and headlong to all villany stirred vp by the mad multitude to goe about any wicked and vngracious worke which might tend in conclusion to the spoile either of the Citie the Fields or Townes neere the City the wise and careful diligence of these men often hindred such pestilent enterprises Although Kett set on fire with mischiefe and spurred forward by the rude furies of his companions was wont sometimes to send foorth Commandement as from authoritie of prescript formes which were called Ketts writs whereunto sometime this importunate beast abused the names of these honest men The Coppie of which writs followeth WE the Kings Friends and Delegates giue authoritie to all men for the searching out of beasts and all kind of victuall to be brought into the Campe at Moushold wheresoeuer they find it so as no violence or iniurie bee done to any honest or poore man charging all men by the authoritie hereof that as they wish well vnto the King and the afflicted Common wealth they be obedient to vs his Delegates and vnto them whose names are vnderwritten Robert Kett. Then in order other followed for the number of Delegates were many for besides the chiefe of this wicked societie they chose two out of euery hundred and there were sixe and twenty hundred and with these and the like Warrants many worthy and Great persons whom the furie and rage of the common people made guiltie were arested And many as though they had been guiltie of great crimes were led away to Moushold and there shut vp in hold and prison Moreouer the ditches and hedges of common Pastures inclosed by the authoritie of the same Commission were throwne downe and in diuers places many were charged to be assistant and helpers in these tumults And all these things were done these three the Maior Watson and Aldrich not only holding their peace and winking at the matter but also in shew sometime consenting being often compelled to serue the time whereby they might relieue their Country tost to and fro in the deepe seas of sedition and discord lest if not resisting at all the aduersarie and cruell common people should haue perceiued it and so they should haue brought present death to themselues and destruction to their Countrie which then without doubt if they had openly resisted or plainely denied as farre as man could perceiue such was their rage and vnbridled madnesse had vtterly perished ouerthrowne with robberies burning and all kind of common calamitie In the meane season the Citie of Norwich carefull of this estate of things with an vncertaine hope and continuall expectation for reliefe remained doubtfull of these sturres for hitherto no answere was brought vnto them from the King neither vnderstood they what the Councell had decreed to be done and the Citizens without commandement durst attempt nothing but remained in the Citie still looking for the Kings authoritie And it chanced at that time many obscure and vile persons were in armes in sundry places as bound by a common consent of villany they had conspired to teare in sunder the bowels of the Common wealth for although the fury of rude and beastly men did much more and cruelly rage in the Countie of Norfolke then any where else yet the same mortall plague of destroying all things was spred abroad almost through all parts of the land Not onely Norfolke but Buckingham Oxford Surrey Essex Kent Cambridge-shire and many other places were troubled with the like sturres Whereby it came to passe that when all the counsels care and studie was occupied in quenching the flames of so great seditions lest if they had not gone presently against the fire all the Common-wealth had burned they came somewhat later to represse these Norfolke Commotions then they wished In the meane while sedition groweth and loseth nothing but daily increaseth in so much that of beastly men in Kets Campe there were almost sixteene thousand and these went about to fortifie themselues with all meanes of defence Kett being their Captaine and they brought from diuers parts prouision for the warres and al kind of weapons into the Campe. Moreouer great store of Gun-powder and Gunnes of all sorts a great number To the obtaining whereof they ran into all places and entred the houses of Worshipfull persons and Gentlemen robbing them and whatsoeuer cattel they found in the field money in the houses or corne in the barnes that vngodly and wickedly they tooke away yea the owners looking vpon them and carried it into the Campe. And many when after this sort they had wasted powled and emptied all places and left miserable monuments euery where of their villanies and made a discomfiture of all things a great part of the prey was priuily turned another way and thrust into holes and corners and euery one heaped vp by stealth for himselfe as much as their dennes could hold This being knowne and brought before Kett and the other Gouernours for so would they bee called they being desirous aboue all to prouide against this inconuenience by common consent they agreed that some place should be chosen where they might sit to minister Iustice. Now there was an old Oke with great spred boughes this they laid ouer with raftes and balkes acrosse and made a roofe with boordes where for the most part the people standing round about they determine and decree of complaints and quarrels if any were done to any as the cause required and sometime they binde with straighter bands the insolent and ouer-much greedy couetousnesse of some by violent taking all away This Oke was called the Oke of Reformation whereunto at the first none came but Kett and the Gouernours of the which some and among these the Maior of the City especially Aldrich and others of whom we spake before against their wils appointed in this number contended vehemently by all meanes possible as much as was in them to restraine the needy and hungry cōmon people from this importune liberty of rifling and robbing To the which end they went often vpon the Oke and with their graue speeches perswaded that there might be at the length if not an end yet they would prouide some meanes against such rapine and so generall violence in all excesse There were besides also other graue Persons and good Diuines who endeuoured by all meanes possible study and diligence to reduce the tumultuous people hauing now cast off all feare of Law and glutting themselues in all villany from robbery and burning wherewith they had confounded all things vnto the consideration of peace And these in the day preaching and in the night watching armed in the City omitted nothing that belonged vnto them as they were faithfull Ministers or lay vpon them as they were good Subiects At this time among the rest the wisedome faithfulnesse and integrity of D. Matthew Parker was notable a worthy man and euery way adorned with vertue then Professor
him presently saying They vnderstood he had three or foure good and able Geldings which might serue the King therefore they willed him that immediatly after dinner they should bee readie for they were to vse them presently Hereunto Matthew answered little or nothing but called vnto him speedily a Smith and taking the shooes off the feet of some of them he caused them to be pared to the quicke The other he willed to bee anointed with greene Coperasse all ouer as though they had been tired with ouermuch trauell and dressed with medicine The Rebels supposing the matter to be euen so indeed for anon after as they were led to pasture seeing some swadled about the feete and other anointed with greene medicine they left off their purpose Mathew not long after going out at the gates as it were to walke about two miles from the Citie had his horse brought him to Kringelford bridge where hee tooke their barks and began his iourney towards Cambridge But in the way what he saw what he heard what furies and villanies by the seditious which met him in his iourney hee beheld to speake of all were an infinite labour Neuerthelesse by the goodnesse of God when hee had escaped all these garboyles and popular hurliburlies at the length being free from so great dangers he came safe to Cambridge The speech therefore of this worthy man as an Oracle from heauen was after this manner wickedly neglected and despised of most vile and beastly persons forsaken not onely of all health but of all hope which although at that time blind and headlong through fury and madnes as deadly and to so great meanes of recouering their libertie an enemie and dangerous they despised and refused yet without all doubt from the most dolefull chances which insued the horrour of Gods vengeance possessed all their soules For as we said before hee was the minister of this heauenly voyce that quenching as it were so great a fire of mischiefe in their mindes they would speedily repent lest the impiety of Treason spreading further should at length become lamentable to their Countrey and in the end sorrowfull and deadly to themselues for all things that were diuinely and wittily spoken by him as though they had beene fitted by destiny to the people of Norfolke came to passe And the Rebels falling from one villanie to another receiued at the last condigne punishment for their so great furies In the meane time the Rebels of whom we spake before thirsting after the goods and fortunes of Great men had filled all places with robbery theft Being now satiate and glutted with the spoyles they turned at length from the desire of the prey to violence and cruelty going through all the Country of Norfolke threatning terrour and perill to all that would not stand on their part And now the worshipfull and Gentlemen in all places whithersoeuer their rage carryed them being taken and brought into the Castle it caused such a generall feare vpon all men that many forsaking house and inheritance and changing their apparel lest being perceiued in their flight iourney they might be knowne escaped by obscure by-pathes and fearing all extremity from the Enemy hid themselues in Caues of the earth and thicke woods And many hauing horse and cart were constrayned to serue and if they had none were compelled to get elsewhere And vnto these was commanded that bestowing their labour and bearing their owne charges they should carry corne and victuall to the Campe at Moushold To whom except they presently obeyed was threatned the destruction of their houses and fields and violence to their wiues and children Moreouer what worshipfull persons and Gentlemen soeuer they tooke and they tooke many them they bound surely with cords as though in all villanie they had exceeded themselues Many were deliuered to be kept in Norwich and some committed to the prison commonly called the Guild Hall others to the Castle Some shut vp in the Earle of Surryes house as theeues and felons Yea heereunto it came that if at any time they wanted money which they wanted often they compelled the Maior of the City out of the common treasure alwayes to supply their necessity Whose importune demands if the Maior had denied without all doubt they had emptied the treasury and set the house on fire and brought a miserable plague and destruction vpon all mens goods And surely they often entred wicked counsell for the rifling of the City and the thing had beene done vndoubtedly if by the industry and diligence of the Maior they had not beene alwayes put by their hope and indeuour Notwithstanding many Gunnes and much Artillery and instruments of warre whatsoeuer could bee found in the City they tooke and carryed away fearing lest any thing might happen heereafter at any time against them and carryed them into the Campe charging moreouer all the Citizens they should bee ready at the first call to defend and helpe them if neede require Crying out that they were the Kings friends and being vniustly oppressed had taken vpon them the defence of the Lawes and of the Kings Maiesty And not contented with this they abused the Kings name to serue their villanie and wretchednesse Moreouer there were certaine Commissions sent from the Kings Maiesty giuing authority vnto diuers worshipfull and Gentlemen whose names were inserted in the Commissions with commandement carefully to preuent the dangers that might insue to the Common-wealth and to prouide that these sturres and commotions might be repressed in the beginning When they had gotten these letters putting out the names of the men of Worship they caused their owne names to be written in and pulling off the Kings Seales set them to foâ—ged Commissions of their owne and setting them vp in open places abused the ignorant people that knew not this great deceite And now they were come to such rage and madnesse as the fury and force of so great tumults could not be restrained neither by the gouernours nor yet by Kett himselfe the arch and chiefe Rebel Moreouer they held them for enemies not onely which refused to ioyne with them in their villanies but many good Citizens which to saue themselues fled out of the City with their wiues and children they accounted enemies Who being driuen out of their houses through the feare of so great danger when they durst remaine no longer any where wandered heere and there separated and dispersed by the meanes of this generall rage and violence And with exceeding lamentation and many teares bewayled the iniquity of those times the miserable condition of their Countrey Moreouer they threaten the City with fire and burning insomuch as they which remained in it looked for nothing else but the ouerthrow and ruine of all things In the Campe was an horrible and lamentable fate of things for when there met together a great multitude of theeues and bankrouts from all parts of England whome the hope of
to this passe that he must of necessity either haue a bloudy victory against his Countrey or else shortly receiue an end worthy his deseruing thought it best for his affaires if hee could draw a huge multitude together for the increase of his Army Wherefore he allured by rewards and faire promises all fugitiues on euery side as many as could be gathered together and men that had nothing to take to and were without hope of any thing to ioyne themselues to the fellowship of this cursed company Whereupon it is incredible to tell how great and almost innumerable multitudes of gracelesse persons on the sodaine were assembled But the Citizens tooke it grieuously that their Maior a worthy and vpright man should bee holden bound of wretched murtherers and as it now seemed thirsty of bloud moreouer in bonds should sustaine the contumely and shame of the prison fearing also lest in the end hee might bee slaine by violence because some of them threatned him many grieuous things others scurrilously and scoffing iested at the good mans name and that dangerously as pretending death vnto him after a sort For being called Codde by name and there is a fish of the Sea called after the same manner in Latine called Capite in contempt of the worthy Maiors name and to his no little danger one varlet ministring occasion vnto another of laughter and scoffing they made an O yes and cryed As many as would come to the Campe to morrow should buy a Cods head for a penny Herevpon the Citizens fearing lest the seditious should determine any thing grieuously against him and being marueilously troubled in minde and carefull of the Maiors danger hauing deserued so well of them they came vnto Thomas Aldrich complaining one by one of this importunate boldnesse and vnbridled violence This Aldrich as wee said before was a man beloued of all men and ruled with such wisedome grauity and modesty for he was a man of a fine and sharpe wit that euen his name was fearefull to the most barbarous enemie For when al men loued him exceedingly maruailing at his singular courtesie and modesty in as much as among the chiefe of the Rebels he had that command in short time as neither his aduice nor enterprises were at any time in vaine Therefore much of the goods that were taken away of the Rebels by violence through his industry were restored again to the owners many pestilent attempts of the seditious by his prouidence diligence were restrained When therfore he vnderstood in how great danger the safety of the life of the Maior was being moued with the indignity of the thing hee went to Kett into the Campe and willeth him to set at liberty and out of bonds the Maior of the City Hereunto when Kett as it were perplexed in minde said nothing Aldrich cryed with a loud voyce Art thou not ashamed wretched Traytour to hold in prison and irons I say not alone an harmelesse man but a Maior which is the Kings Maiesties most faithfull Lieutenant Art thou so fierce and cruell that when through ryot and excesse thou hast wasted the goods and commodities of all men thou canst now not bee satisfied nor filled except thou mayest drinke vp at last also the bloud of innocent persons Therefore thou the wretchedst man the earth beareth command him forthwith to bee brought out of prison These words as flashes of lightning sharpely bent against Kett whether it were for the reuerence of the man that spake or which is most like of a conscience of his wickednesse strooke such a feare and terrour in him as the thing which others could not obtaine with intreaty and all perswasion he brought to passe with threats and grauity of speech By whose wisdome the Maior hauing obtained his liberty although he could not altogether auoid al the storms of that turbulēt time yet he escaped happily both the grieuousnes of imprisonment and danger of his life Wherefore hauing liberty to goe all about in the City his care and diligence was a great comfort to many of the Citizens afterward against those euils which at that time oppressed the City And for as much as he could not sit continually in the gouernment of the City because for the most part hee was constrained to abide in the enemies Campe he deputed one Augustine Steward in his roome to take the charge of desending and gouerning the City in his absence Who taking vnto him Henry Bacon and Iohn Atkinson then Sheriues of Norwich ruled the City carefully and kept all the Citizens easily in order except the vnruly whō no good order could command But here must needs be remembred what seuere and sowre Iudges the seditious were vpon them whom hauing in prison and bonds they afflicted with all opprobry and shame whose cruelty and wickednesse was so great as those whom they had first oppressed with vnspeakeable villany and seldome heard of them at the length vexed and afflicted with extreme miseries they deliuered to the mad multitude to be slaine For a day was appointed when they that were in hold should be brought forth openly as malefactours that after a preposterous manner of Iudgement a quest might passe on them Then Kett openly all men beholding him went vpon the Oake which they called the Oake of Reformation and there fate downe euery one of the prisoners in order were called by their names then his manner was to inquire of his fauorites and companions in that villanie what they thought of them The furious varlets being made Inquisitors and Iudges of the liues of innocent men if they found nothing of the man in question cryed out A good man bee is a good man and therefore ought to bee set at liberty But if by the least suspicion of any small crime his fame that was named was but once touched or if any thing though the least were found wherein perhaps he had offended any one of them some one of the people answered whose voyce the other of the common sort followed as it were stirred vp of the furies Let him bee hanged Let him bee hanged although they were vtterly ignorant of the man in question whether white or black old or yong as one whose name was neuer heard of before yet after this manner they were alwayes wont to cry out And in this manner these pestilent Traytors not led by iudgement or reason lest they should be vnlike themselues but led by a certayne blinde and headlong rage of the minde as by a mighty Tempest oftentimes with a word and as it were with a madde nod of their furies they inflicted most cruell punishment vpon innocent and iust men And surely so great was the strength of the disease and as it were corruption that possessed the mindes of them all as being almost without sense and through the crueltie of so great villany hardened they violated all Lawes of God and Man with their great fury and boldnesse Not many dayes after
obtaine without doubt peace and pardon and all good things else of the Kings Maiesty but as wee saide before neither threatnings nor the counsell of the wise nor flattering prayers nor any thing else could restraine them from so great rage of villanie vntill they had brought a miserable destruction vpon the Country and drawne vpon themselues at last an ende worthy such wickednesse For the King after hee vnderstood that his Maiesty was daily more and more despised the company of lewd persons to increase all things confounded with this execrable and raging tumult the clemency of the King set at nought and now no place left for mercy soft medicines to auaile nothing at all their mindes to be without cuâ—e and infected with deadly pestilence Finally all hope of recouery taken vtterly away but onely that which consisted in force and seuerity of punishment hee thought good to put this first in execution Wherfore in the Country of Lyncolne other shires of the Kings Kingdome he commandeth and appointeth a muster and presse of Souldiers Also a great number of Swyssers to be sent for supposing as the thing required that this wicked rout and their followers ought to be vtterly taken away by the sword Otherwise if it should spread further and infect the neighbour Countrey people with the contagion of this villanie it could very hardly be stayed when the heat of that infection had spred further and fallen as it were into the veynes and bowels of the Kingdome and had inclosed all the parts thereof with that deadly flame of disloyalty Vnto this army was Iohn Dudley Earle of Warwick a man of great Nobility and marueilous courage appointed Lieutenant and vnto him the chiefe soueraignety is committed by Letters and Commandements from the King At that time the opinion by the report of all men for the most part was receiued among our Countreymen of him that this Noble man was of such Magnanimity and experience in Martiall affaires as it was thought the Rebels should be suppressed by him or else surely put to flight by none Therefore these speeches of the Kings preparation and power being disperst abroade and entring the eares of the common people came at the length vnto the hearing of the Campe. And when they vnderstood of a surety that they were mustered and a Captayne Armour Bands of men and all instruments for the terror of Warre prouided against them to bee readie and at hand they beganne euery day to fortifie themselues and to looke about for all things necessary and to trayne themselues that they might bee the more able to make resistance So farre was it from them that either reason could mitigate their crueltie and boldnesse or terror breake their stout mindes To this end when some of the Citizens obserued that many things were done euery day more tumultuously fearing all violence slaughter robberie burning and a lamentable ouer-throwing of all things At the length lest if they should abide in the Citie they might be constrayned to be on the Rebels side gathering all their goods together in heaps asmuch as they could conueniently and hiding them in the ground or else by Masons helpe couering them with lime and stone they fled priuily in the night out of the Citie The Earle of Warwick after he had furnished himselfe with Souldiers at home and from beyond the Seas with Money Weapons and all things necessary for the Warres departeth from London accompanyed with all his forces There were in that Armie the Marquesse of Northampton who of late had the Gouernement of the Warres against the Campe Ambrose and Robert Dudley Warwicks sonnes Willoughby Poijsi Bray and many other noble and famous Captaynes besides of Knights Esquires and Gentlemen of the Switsers and of all kinde of common Souldiers about foureteene thousand When they came to Cambridge some of the Aldermen of the Citie of Norwich and other of the Citizens met with Warwick at the Townes end Which Citizens as we said before being afraid and astonished at the fearefull and mad boldnesse of the Conspirators had fled the City These pale and forlorne and falling vpon their knees cast themselues euery one at his feet and with weeping lamentable voice beganne earnestly to intreat him that he would lay no grieuous thing to their charge for they were innocent persons and guiltie of no crime Yet they besought the mercy and fauour of the Prince For they had verily conceiued an incredible griefe of this miserable destruction and spoile of their Countrey and had further indured all extremitie at the Rebels hands In the end to prouide for their liues they were constrayned to flye the City and with sword and fire were cast out not only from the City but from their wiues and children and all their friends In so great misery where with they were pressed on euery side they craue nothing else but if in this common and exceeding feare through ignorance and folly vnwittingly they haue wrapped themselues in any offence the same might not be imputed vnto them but vpon their repentance and humble petition it might be pardoned Hereunto Warwick answered that he perceiued how great perill they were in and that without doubt the strength of those desperat men was great which had driuen them from all these things as deâ—re vnto them as life it selfe Affirming that they had done nothing amisse to his knowledge In that they had left the Citie in so great feare and danger it was but the infirmitie of man and to be borne withall Notwithstanding in one thing they were somewhat ouer seene that they withstood not these euils in the very beginning for a few valiant and wise men might haue dispatched those companies in a moment if while the matter was in the beginning they had opposed themselues for the health of their Countrey Notwithstanding he granted pardon at their request and offered the Kings fauour to them all willing them when they haue furnished themselues with weapons and with the furniture of Souldiers to be in a readinesse to follow the Host hauing Laces about their necks to bee discerned from the rest These things done after this manner he departeth from Cambridge And the tenth of the Kalends of September hee came with all his Armie to Intwood Intwood is distant from Norwich about two miles There Thomas Gresham Knight had a faire and large house where Warwick abode that day and the night following with his companie All the men notwithstanding were armed and ready to the battell if peraduenture the Enemie should rayse vp any tumult on the sudden which surely beheld from the holes in the Walles and Towers what should be done Warwick in the meane season while as is said before hee made his abode with all his Armie at Intwood sendeth his Herald which in the name of the King as the manneris proclaymeth warre against the City and Citizens except forth with they set open the
to place the Ordinance before the gates that being throwne downe and battered way might be made for the souldiers to enter the City Which while they were about to doe the Earle had knowledge from Augustine Steward the Maiors Deputy that there was a gate not farre off which the common people call Brazen doore This the enemy had made fast with great beames and peeces of timber and rampired vp with stones and earth notwithstanding with no labour might easily be shaken and broken downe The Pyoners are sought for Commandement giuen to breake vp the gates which broke open there they first entred the City and killing many they easily remoue the enemy from that place And now the Master Gunner had shottred and broken the Port-cullis at Saint Stephens gates and ouerthrowne the one halfe of the gates being shaken with the often shot Where the Earle of Northampton one Drury a man of excellent valour with their Bands hasting into the City driue the Campers from thence many being wounded and many slaine Also on the other sides of the City the Maiors Deputy brought to passe that the gates called Westwicke gates were opened which being vnlocked and set open Warwicke with all his Host were let in almost none resisting and came into the market place There they found almost threescore of the Rebels whom in warlike manner they punished For without hearing the cause all of them were presently as the manner of warres is manifestly conuict of their wickednesse and receiued their last punishment Not long after all Carts and carriages which could not come in both by reason of the hardnesse of the draft as also the often and sodaine incursioÌ„s of the enemies are brought into the City at these gates also But it came to passe as it chanced by the rashnesse and folly of the keepers of the carriage while our men were occupied about their weighty businesse that they went out of the City thorow Bishops gates towards Moushold which certaine of the Rebels perceiuing they sent some of their company to set vpon the carelesse keepers thereof and bereaued our men of the whole carriage Whereat greatly reioycing for before they were vtterly vnprouided of such things they carryed into the Campe Carts loaden with Gunnes Gunpowder and all kinde of instruments of warre But in very good season Captaine Drury came vpon them with his Band which recouered part of the carriage from the enemy yet not without some losse of his Souldiers Then the Traytours tooke this counsell to lay waite in the Lanes and crosse Streets by Companies supposing to stay our men quickly and vnwares being ignorant of the wayes not accustomed thereto and by reason of the greatnesse of the City Wherefore they diuided themselues by Parishes Some of them stood at Saint Michaels of Mospoole part at Saint Simons others at Saint Peters of Hungate and others in East Wymer Warde all ready to battell There setting vpon some of our men on the sodaine they most cruelly slew three or foure Gentlemen before any helpe could come The matter being knowne and noysed in the market place Warwicke goeth with all his Host to remooue the enemy When they came thorow the Street called Saint Iohns Street and were now come to Saint Andrewes Church the enemy vnlooked for with his Bowmen discharged vpon vs a mighty force of Arrowes as flakes of snow in a tempest But while they were yet shooting intending to mixe heauen and earth together On the sudden came Captayne Drury the second time with his charge of Harquebusiers yong men and of an excellent courage and skill who payed them home againe with such a terrible volly of shot as if it had beene a storme of hayle and put them all to flight as in a moment trembling There were slaine at this skirmish about three hundred thirty And many being found creeping in the Church-yard and vnder the Walles were taken and put to grieuous punishment All the rest of that filthy company flowed againe to the Campe at Moushold as into a sinke Which being auoyded the Citizens seemed at the length to be greatly releeued and comforted because they had vomited vp and cast out so grieuous a plague The Rebels after this sort chased out and driuen from the City Warwick the better to fortifie the same furnished the walles with Souldiers and other prouision fit for the repulsing of the Enemie and gaue commandement that armed men out of hand should be placed in euery street and that all the passages into the City and Gates one or two excepted should bee blocked vp For by those Gates our men carryed out great store of Ordinance which stood there ready charged to bee conueyed the next day to Moushold But Ketts company supposing our men to bee greatly distressed for powder all other necessary furniture for Ordinance perceiuing also some few to stand straggling with our Carryage and Carts not carefull for any sudden euent of warre whom through the rage of the swelling pride of their heart being mad they greatly despised both because of their small company as also being negligent and fearing no such danger they supposed they might easily ouer-come they thought there was offered vnto them great oportunity of doing some notable exploit Therefore while Warwicks Souldiers what for the defence of the City and the number of other waighty businesse were hindred with greater cares One Myles a man as it seemeth most bold and skilfull in discharging of Ordinance watching the time and oportunity of this villany shot thorow the Kings Master Gunner with a bullet Whom when they perceiued to bee fallen downe dead some of them naked and vnarmed some armed with staues bâ—ls and pitchforkes moued as it were with a frensie made an assault vpon our men running downe the Hill Who abode not so much as the first incounter so great was the feare on euery side and force of the enemie vnlooked for but astonished and terrified with the disordered cries and horrible noise of their feete as they came running downe the hill leauing all the Baggage and Carts ranne away on all sides with great out-cries and a swift course A few therefore after this sort put to flight by many the Rebels tooke and carried away into the Campe certaine Ordinance which they found there and Carts loaden with all things necessarie for the warres before any helpe of our men could come Which thing was very hurtfull vnto vs and much out of our way For besides that afterward we wanted those instruments and weapons wherewith the enemie had furnished himselfe Ketts Gunners discharged often vpon vs and most cruelly those iron bullets from the Ordinance and Gunnes which they tooke from vs and battered the Citie grieuously And many being slaine torne and rent in sunder with the rage of the shot this villany and wickednesse they adde to the rest that they beate downe most furiously a great part of the Wall
and the Tower vpon Bishops Gates though surely through the goodnesse of God such was the lot of the people of Norwich at that time as the bullets flying euery where whether by chance or of set purpose or which rather I suppose by the rashnesse and ignorance of the Gunners which sometime happeneth leuelling somewhat too high mounted ouer the toppes of the houses without doing any great harme which except it had so come to passe with the continuall force of shot from those vile and wretched Rebels the houses being shattered and shaken the greatest part of the Citie had beene beaten downe and made euen with the ground in short time And without doubt in the opinion of all men a greater losse that day had come vnto all common affaires except Drury with his valour and slaughter of his souldiers not to bee despised making satisfaction for this inconuenience by putting the enemies to flight and chasing them had recouered the greatest part of the prouision they droue away Warwicke these things done after this manner some of the Gates of the Citie being broken and fallen downe and now ramperd vp againe placed vpon the Bridges and winding Streetes of the Parishes and Lanes diuers of his Garisons and appointed a great companie of Armed men at Bishops Gates and committed the charge thereof to my Lord Willoughby and so compassed and fortifyed all places as the same night hee cut off from the Enemy all entrance into the Citie Notwithstanding the next day the Rebels came ouer the Riuer called Contsford and confounded all things with a terrible fire and lamentable to behold For all the houses in two Parishes being burnt downe the fire so spred abroad as it got hold with an horrible flame vpon many of the Neighbour Parishes There was a certayne house wherein the Marchants of Norwich did vsually bestow their marchandize which they receiued daily from Yarmouth called the common Stathe Hereunto the Rebels set fire whereby within a moment the house it selfe and great store of Corne and much other commodities of many honest Marchants were vtterly burnt with fire and consumed The report goeth and it is not vnlikely that they intended to haue destroyed the whole City with fire and to that end threw fire vpon the roofes of many houses whereby they might bring to passe that while all men should runne to saue the fired houses the Rebels at the same instant casting downe the Rampires and opening all the Gates might distresse our men being scattered and helping one another hauing the fire on the one side and the sword on the other Which thing being wisely obserued both disappointed the deuice of the Rebels and brought our men in the minde to suffer the fire spreading euery where vpon the tops of the houses with a speedy wasting and consuming of all things neither would they so much as quench it in the very beginning But when in this sort vnhappily these things for the most part befell the Citizens God bringing alwayes one calamity on the neck of another great astonishment and sorrow strooke many mens mindes in somuch as languishing through despaire and feare they almost faynted now deuoide of all counsell These came vnto Warwick declaring vnto him that the City is great and all the Gates either broke open or burnt downe the number of men for the warre but few the power of the Enemie to be great and cannot be resisted They humbly besought him in regard of their safetie he would leaue the Citie not suffer the matter to be brought to vtter extremity Warwick as hee was a man alwayes of a great and inuincible courage valiant and mighty in Armes and thought scorne of the least infamie said What are ye so soone dismaid and is so great a mist on the sudden come ouer your mindes which hath taken away the edge of your courage that you would either desire this thing or thinke it can come to passe while I am aliue that I should forsake the City I will first suffer fire sword finally all extremity before I will bring such a stayne of infamy and shame either vpon my selfe or you With these words hee drew his sword so did the rest of the Nobles for they were all there gathered together and hee commanded after a warlike manner and as is vsually done in greatest danger that they should kisse one anothers sword making the signe of the holy Crosse and by an Oath and solemne promise by word of mouth euery man to binde himselfe to other not to depart from the City before they had vtterly banished the Enemie or else fighting manfully had bestowed their liues cheerfully for the Kings Maiestie While these things were in doing the Rebels broke in at another side of the City where our men little thought they could enter but when they were almost come to the Bridges they were speedily incountred by our men and with a mighty slaughter and many wounds were driuen back againe and retyred headlong the way they came But Warwick the better to take vtterly away from the Rebels all ability of entrance into the City commanded all the Bridges on euery side to bee cut on sunder yet after for certayne causes it was commanded otherwise and only that which is commonly called white Fryers bridge was broken downe All the rest were defended with good Souldiers And al places else and especially the gates because for the most part they were all either broken downe or else fired were deliuered in charge to men of courage and experienced in warlike affaires to bee defended vpon euery sudden occasion whereby it came to passe that al the desperate and night incursions of the Enemie were voide and of none effect The next day after which was the seuenth of the Kalends of September one thousand and forty Switsers valiant and notable Souldiers as the report goeth commonly came from London to Norwich These were ioyfully receiued of our men who testified their gladnesse and cheerfulnesse by many vollies of shot At the length being diuided by Parishes and houses and liberally courteously intertayned and inuited of the Citizens as it reuiued the hearts of our men and stirred them vp vnto a sure hope with confidence of performing the businesse well So it danted the hearts of the Enemies being now confounded with a new feare and astonishment at this doubtfull knowledge of their future ouerthrow In the meane season the seditious coueting nothing more then to sucke out the bloud of all good men whereof they had now drunke in their most greedy mindes some hope thought all the waight of the matter to consist in this if Warwicks Army might be put to flight at the first assault And surely as they forsooke the good and mighty God so againe being despised and reiected of him they gaue ouer themselues bond-slaues to the Deuill Who bewitching their mindes with an old wifes superstition brought to passe that being once
Lawes Rog. Cowper  4 26 Aug. Steward W. Lin. Thomas Greenwood Ladie Elizab. borne the 2â— he 7. of Septem at Greenwich 5 27 Nicholas Syphat Robert Browne Henry Crooke  6 28 Robert Ferrer 2. Edmund Wood. Tho. Thetford  7 29 W. Layer Robert Rugge Robert Palmer 1532. Monke of Aye burnt at Norwich 8 30 Tho. Pickerel 3. Nic. Osborne Io. Humbersteâ— Rugge Bishop 14. 9 31 Nic. Soterton Iames Marsham Th. Walters Iohn Tracie Six Articles 1549 32 Tho. Grewâ— Thomas Codde Iohn Spencer  1 33 Robert Leech Foelix Puttocke Iohn Quasse  2 34 W. Rogers Thomas Cocke Richard Dauie  3 35 Edward Reede Rich. Alee W. Morrant Tho. Marsham  4 36 Henry Fuller Edmund Warden Rob. Martin  5 37 Robert Rugge Ric. Suckling Robert Ling  6 38 Aug. Steward 2. Rob. Michels Bern. Vdbeard  7 Edw. 6 1 Robert Rich. Thomas Dowsing W. Heed  8 2 Edmund Wood 2 W. Rogers 2 Henry Bacon Iohn Atkins  9 3 Thomas Codde Richard Fletcher W. Ferrer Ketts Campe this yeere 1550 4 Robert Rugge 2 Thomas Morley Iohn Walters Thomas Thursbey Bishop sate 4. yeeres 1 5 Richard Dauie Iohn Aldrich Thomas Gray  2 6 Thomas Cocke Rob. Norman Iohn Bungey Sweat 4. Iuly 8. this yeere was the Voyage to Muscouie 1651 3 Marie 1 Thomas Crooke Nicholas Norgate Iohn House  4 2 Tho. Marsham Foelix Puttocke Thomas Marsham W. Mingay  5 3 Thomas Goddez Thomas Greene. Iohn Bloome Iohn Hopton Bishop sate 6. yeres 6 4 Aug. Steward 3. Tho. Sutterton Leo. Sutterton  7 5 Henry Bacon Edm. Wolsey Thomas Lin Iohn Beniamin S. Quintens wonne Aug. 18. 8 Eliza. 1 Iohn Aldrich Thomas Parker And. Quash Calice lost in foure dayes after 216. yeeres possession 9 2 Rich. Fletcher Thomas Culley Tho. Tesmund  0 3 Robert Michels Thomas Whale Richard Heed Iohn Parkhurst sate 16. yeeres 1 4 W. Mingay Robert UUood Thomas Pecke  2 5 W. Ferrer Thomas Ferrer Tho. Beomund Many Noblemen came to Norwich to visit the Duke of Norfolke and to shoot 3 6 Richard Danie 2 Christopher Some Eliz. Bate  4 7 Nichol. Norgat Rob. Suckling Iohn Gibbes  5 8 Tho. Sutterton Iohn Sutterton Tho. VVinter Strangers Dutch Wallounes had leaue from her Maiestie to exercise such trades not vsed before in Norwich 6 9 Henry Bacon 2. Thomas Pettis Iohn Sucklin  7 10 Thomas Whale Iohn Worsley Thomas Layer  8 11 Thomas Parker Iohn Reede Simon Bowde  9 12 Robert Wood Christopher Layer Rich. Bate  1570 13 Iohn Aldrich 2. Tho. Gleane Robert Gostling Iohn Throgmorton and his Companie suffered for rebellion The same yeere was Candlemasse Floud 1 14 Thomas Greene Henry Greenwood Edm. Pye  2 15 Robert Suckling Nich. Sutterton Fran. Rugge  3 16 Thomas Pocke George Bowgeon Thom. Stokes  4 17 Christoph. Some Nich. Baker Thomas Gooche The Massacre in France August 26. 1572. 5 18 W. Ferrer 2. Rich. Baker Clement Hirne  6 19 Thomas Layer Cut. Bryarton Fran. Morley Edm. Freeke Bishop 9. yeeres 7 20 Thomas Culley Richard Howes Rich. Bauges  8 21 Robert Wood. 2. Iohn Elwin Thomas Sacker Queene Elizabeth at Norwich August 16. 9 22 Simon Bowde Robert Dauie Iohn Pye  1580 23 Christoph. Some 2 Laurence Wood. Nic. Bradford Haman the Blasphemer burnt at Norwich 1 24 Christoph. Layer Richard Ferrer Thomas Pye Plague great also this yeere at Norwich Earthquake April 6. at 6. of the clocke in the afternone 1580. 2 25 Rob. Suckling 2. Rob. Yarrou Iohn Wilkinson  3 26 Thomas Gleane Henry Pye Edward Iohnsons  4 27 Iohn Suckling Laurence Watts Titus Norris  5 28 Thomas Layer 2 Rob. VVelles Iohn Tesmund Edmund Scambler Bishop sate 9. yeeres 6 29 Thomas Pecke 2. Henry Dauie Ios. Culley  7 30 Francis Rugge Aliz. Thurston Greg. Howlton Cole the Anabaptist burnt at Norwich Iuly 8 31 Sâ—mon Bowde 2 Robert Rooke VV. Ramsey Ket the Iewish ArriaÌ„ burnt at Norwich Ian. 14. 9 32 Christo. Layer 2. Randol Smith Iohn Siluer  1590 33 Thomas Pettis Robert Hall VV. Peters  1 34 Robert Yarrom Nicholas Layer Thom Lane The Inuincible Nauy of Spaine destroyed in the Sea by GODS hand August and September 1588. 2 35 Tho. Gleane 2. Iohn Sutterton Roger Ramsey  3 36 Clement Hirne Rob. Blackbornt Aug. VVhale  4 37 Christ. Some 2 Richard Tooley VV. Iohnson Edm. Browne Rog. Gaywood W. Redman Bishop sate 9. yeres 5 38 Thomas Layer 3 Ri. Sadler Cales sacked 6 39 Richard Ferrer Tho. Anguish Ro. Gybson This yeere Christs Church spoyled by thunder and lightning A feareful Earthquake about noone the 24. of December 1600. 7 40 Thomas Pye Tho. Hirne Pet. Barker  8 41 Francis Rugge Iohn Pettis George Downing  9 42 Roger UUelles Ro. Gatshead Hen. Galyard  1600 43 Alex. Thurstone Thomas Pettis Robert Debney  1 44 Iohn Tesmund Tho. Gleane 3 Ioh. Chapman Spen. Peterson Another the 8 of April following about midnight 2 45 Francis Rugge Iohn Mingay VV. Drake  3 Iames. 1 Thomas Lane 1 Edâ— Nâ—â—ting Iohn Simons Iohn Gyggons Bishop 1. Iacobi 4 2 Thomas Hirne 1 George Birch George Cocke A lamentable chance about able men and women were in the crowde trodden to death at night 5 3 Tho. Sutterton Mic. Aldrich Fran. Sâ—â—al peece  6 4 Iosi Culley Thomas Blosso Iohn Shouel  7 5 Geor. Downing Rob. Craske Iames Allen The Bishops house at Ludham vtterly consumed with fire by negligence as thought 1611. 8 6 Sir Iohn Pettis Knight Rob. Hernsey H. Fasset  9 7 Sir Tho. Hirne Knight Bas. ThrogmortoÌ„ Th. Doughty Prince Fredericke Count Palatine of Rhene and the Ladie Elizabeth the Kings daughter was married Februarie 14. 1612. 1610 8 Roger Ramsey Peter Gleane Rich. Goldman  1 9 Thomas Anguish Ric. Rosse Simon Dauie  2 10 Thomas Blosse Bussey Iohn Norris  3 11 George Cocke Lionel Claxton Mich. Parker  4 12 Thomas Pettis Th. Spendelaw Matt. Peckeuer 1614. Two great Flouds in Norwich 1. the 30. of Nouember Second not so great the 15 of March. 5 13    Now more then twenty yeeres since Tristibus Elegia 6. This was translated twentie yeeres since Act. 23. 12. Gen. 13. 8. Exod. 2. 13 Act. 7. 23. Rom. 14. 3. Phil. 2. 2. 1. Cor. 11 â—â— The Rebels complaint Ahellish paritie The Rebels desire Windham game Rebels sute to Ket Kets answere Ket a ranke Rebel The Rebels came to Hetherset The CoÌ„mon wealth of Rogues Towne Close Maior Tho. Cod. A signe froÌ„ the Citizens to the Rebels Rebels request to the Maior The Maiors Answere The Maior calleth a Councell The Rebels goe ouer at Hailsdon Bridge Roger Woodhouse Knight taken To Rebellion they ioyne deuotion Gods prouidence Ketts Writs 2600. Rebels at this time 16000. Rebels in the Campe. The Rebels rob one another The Oke of Reformation Ketts request The courage and fidelity of the Maior Matthew Parkers Sermon A Tumultuous wretch Conceite is strong Rebels desirous of the great Scale The Rebels deceiued Great cruelty The City treasury forced to ayde the Rebels The Rebels pretence A trecherous forgery Idlenesse the mother of mischief 3000. Bullocks and 20000. Sheep spent in few daies Good 〈…〉 Wretched cruelty Wharton hardly carried aliue to prison A horrible thunder rayne with hayle The Gentlemen in great danger Ketts triall of prisoners A Rebels reason Hatred of the Gentry Sutterton at London An Herald sent to Norwich Proclamation Ketts Ansswere Vnholy League Kett pronounced Traytor Many forsake the Campe. Gentlemen set at liberty admitted to Counsell Delay breedeth danger The GeÌ„â—lemen shut vp in prison againe Ordinance in the Castle ditch A fearefull night Ketts truce The Maiors â—â—swere A beastly villany A fearefull and desperate crueltie The enemies policy Pardon offered again Pardon refused Leonard Sutterton sought The Maior put in prison Kett distressed maketh the worst choise The Citizens carefull of their Maior The Maior in great danger Aldrichs speech to Kett for the Maiors liberty The order of trying innocent men Northamptons Army 1500. Lords Knights GeÌ„tlemen The Maiors answere The Maior kept by a guard in the Campe. Cayme the author of this murther Some think Ketts Gunners corrupted A fearefull fight in the night Desperate rage 300. Rebels slaine in fight Flotman an Arch-Rebell Resolution is good in a iust cause not in Rebellion 140. Rebels slaine L. Sheffield slaine Traytors without naturall affection The Rebels are 20000. ours but 1500. The City in a miserable case Rebels fire the City Holmstreet Hospital with diuers Gates burnt Gods prouidence Augustine Stewards house abused Christs Church abused of Rebels The women intreate Rebels inexorable Earle of Warwick appointed Lieutenant The Rebels fortifie Citizens flye the City Warwicks Army 14000. Citizens suit to Warwick His answer Laces fur distinction The 23. of August Brasâ—n doore Two great extremities A glory exceeding all Victory Roger Woodhouse vsed cruelly The Heralds oration The Rebels reuile the Herald A boyly tricke iustly punished Kett would haue spoken with Warwicke S. Bennets 60. Rebels hanged The K. carriage taken by Rebels Captaine Drury 3. or 4. GeÌ„tlemen slaine Three hundred and thirty Rebels slaine at S. Andrew alia Editio 130 Myles killed the Kings Gunner The Rebels tooke the Kings prouision the second time Drury satisfieth the former inconuenience Warwicke fortifies the Citie Rebels come ouer at CoÌ„tsford and fire the City Common Stath burnt Rebels policy Better a mischiefe then an incoÌ„uenience The coward linesse of the CitizeÌ„s Souldiers kisse one anothers swords White Friers bridge broken The 26. of August 1040. Switsers sent to Norwich A Snake in Ketts wifes bosome The Deuils Oracles are obscure doubtfull and as men are affâ—cted so they choose The Rebels were twenty ancients Aug. 27. S. Martins Behold the difference betweene a naturall Prince and a Tyrant Obstinaâ—ie will not suffer a man to be amended Warwicks exhortation to the battell A cruell policie Gods Prouidence Miles stew the Kings Standerd-bearer Kett flied cowardly Traytors can haue no hope 3500. Rebels slaine Magnanimity stands not in the outward reuenge Warwicke goeth himselfe and they inbrace Pardon Kett taken 9. hanged on the Oke Warwicks speech to the Gentlemen Warwicke after praising God departeth the Citie A Law made for the continuall remem brance Kett tried and condemned at London Executed Campe lasted 60. daies