and had gotten Licence from the said Justices of the Peace which said Licence Sir Thomas read and it conteined as is below expressed The one Licence or Certificate was to permit Thomas Gascoigne Esq and his man to Travail peaceably to London for that the said Thomas Gascoigne Esq his only occasion to go to London was to decide or make an end of a Controversie then depending in Chancery between Sir Thomas Gascoigne of Barmbow his Father and James Nelthorpe Esq living in London and that Mr. John Middleton of Stockhil-Hall had likewise gotten the Justices consent to Travel into the South who pretended that his only occasion was to Receive some Rents due to him in the South parts and that the Justices upon their Oaths had given them liberty to the last day of April or last day of May but whether of the two it was this Informant does not well remember but saith he thinks they had their Licence or Certificate to Travel but until the last day of April And he saith That he did hear the said Thomas Gascoigne Esq say unto his Father that as soon as he had done with James Nelthorpe Esq and set in Order that design they had in hand he and Mr. John Middleton would then fly into France for that they were resolved not to return again but both would if it were possible Cheat the Justices and that he did hope God would help and further their design which did tend so much to the Glory of God for they both were resolved to commit the design into such hands as would not fail to do it but they would not stay to see the Execution for they were both resolved to fly with the first convenience And the said Sir Thomas Gascoigne did mightily commend Mr. John Middleton and his Sons Resolutions And the said Informant says he does not know what is become of the said Thomas Gascoigne Esq or Mr. John Middleton of Stockhil-Hall but he saith that both Thomas Gascoigne Esq and Mr. John Middleton of Stockhil-Hall did before their going to London sell or cause to be sold their Stocks from off their Grounds And that the said Mr. John Middleton did sell his very House-Hold-Goods which was only done with an intent to defraud His Majesty of them for they were in fear some Discovery should be made against them and that their Estates should be forfeited to the King This Informant further says That being with William Rushton at Confession who taking occasion to Discourse with him about this Horrid Plot as he had done several times before he the said William Rushton told him this Informant that when he heard at any time the word Design mentioned that he must understand by that word the Design they had in hand of Killing the King for Establishing the Roman Catholick Religion again in England and that except at some of their private Consults he this Informant should seldom hear mention made of Killing the King but that only they were resolved when they spoke of it to call it by the name of the word Design This Informant also saith That Sir Thomas Gascoigne with others hereafter mentioned did in the year 1677. between April and Lammas to the best of his remembrance assemble themselves together at Barmbow-Hall where was held a Conference to Establish a Nunnery which Nunnery they then agreed immediately to Establish at Dolbanck in hopes that their Plot or Design should take effect which was to have Killed the King and to alter the Government Established in England and to bring in the Roman Catholick Religion upon which account they all mutually resolved to venture their Lives and Estates 1. Whereupon Sir Thomas Gascoigne did promise to give to the Nunnery 90 l. per ann for ever upon which account the rest did agree that Sir Thomas Gascoigne should be Canonized a Saint to which they would procure the Popes consent 2. Sir Miles Stapleton promised to give 200 l. who made this Excuse that he was building his House which should be made fit for the Reception of Noble Persons according to their Degree and Quality but that in the mean time nothing should be wanting to his power for their assistance whereupon it was unanimously resolved that he should be made a Privy-Councellour to which they would procure the Dukes consent 3. Thomas Gascoigne Esq promised to give 500 l. and it was also there agreed that he should be made a Privy-Councellour to which the Duke should be intreated to give consent 4. Sir Walter Vavaser promised to give 200 l. but is since dead 5. The Lady Tempest said she would give 150 l. but promised a larger Contribution at her death 6. Sir Francis Hungate promised 50 l. who made an Excuse that he had a great many Debts to pay but that afterwards they should have more 7. Richard Sherbourne Eldest Son of Richard Sherbourne of Stonyhurst promised to give 300 l. 8. Mr. John Middleton of Stockhil-Hall yielded to give 200 l. to the said Nunnery and Plot of Killing the King 9. Mr. Charles Ingleby Lawyer concluded to give 30 l. 10. Robert Killingbeck a Romish Priest was also present at the said meeting and did promise in the name of his Master Thomas Riddal of Fenham Esq that he should Contribute Liberally for the carrying on the said Design and that his Master had given him such Instructions before he came from home but does not remember how much it was he promised for the carrying on of the said Design There was also a Letter read in the said Assembly wherein Stephen Tempest Mr. John York and Richard his Son did excuse themselves that they were not at the Meeting according to their promises and that the said Stephen Tempest was willing to give 50 l. Mr. York and his Son would give betwixt them 50 l. for the effecting of so Pious a Design and besides their well Wishes and Prayers should not be wanting for the Prosperous proceeding of so Meritorious and Pious a Design There was also present William Rushton and Thomas Thwing besides several others whose names this Informant does not know This Informant heard also that the Lord Mollyneux had given his Consent thereto but he does not know where he lives And according to the former agreement Sir Thomas Gascoigne did by Deed conveigh unto the said Nunnery a certain Estate for ever which was Purchased of Mr. Timothy Maceleverer of Arncliffe and lyes at Mauston in the Parish of Whitchurch near Leedes and is Rented of Sir Thomas Gascoigne by Alvery Lofthouse who enjoys by Lease the said 90 l. per ann And he did also in the said year between Lammas and Michaelmas Establish the said Nunnery at Dolbancke near to Ripley Broughton-Hall Hewoyth-Hall and Mistress Lashals House in York were made their places of Refuge that they might not be too great a Company together for avoiding suspition till the Plot or Design took effect Mistress Lashals was made Lady-Abbess Mrs. Beckwith her Sister and Mistress Benningfield
February the 10th 16 79 80. I Do appoint Thomas Simmons and Jacob Sampson to Print this my Narrative and that no other Presume to Print the same or any part thereof Robert Bolron THE NARRATIVE OF Robert Bolron Of Shippon-Hall Gent. Concerning the late Horrid Popish Plot and Conspiracy for the Destruction of His Majesty and the PROTESTANT RELIGION Wherein is Contained I. His Informations upon Oath before His Majesty in Council and before several Justices of the Peace of the said Design and the means by which he arrived at the knowledge thereof II. Some particular Applications made to himself to assist those design'd in the Murdering of his Majesty the Persons by whom such applications were made and the Reward promised III. The Project of the Popish Party to erect a Nunnery at Dolebanck near Ripley in Yorkshire together with the Names of some Nuns actually designed for that Employment and taking the Profession upon them as also an Account of a certain Estate of 90 l. per annum given by Sir Thomas Gascoigne to the Nunnery for ever IV. The Names of the Persons Contributors to the design of Killing the King and the Establishing of the said Nunnery as also the particular Sums of Money by each of them respectively subscribed and given V. The cunning contrivances of that Party by fraudulent Conveyances to secure their Estates from forfeiture to the King if they were discovered to be engaged in the Plot himself being witness to one of them VI. The names of the Popish Priests known by him to have said Mass or to be engaged in the Plot. With other Material Passages relating to the Horrid Plot. Together with an Account of the Endeavours that were used by the Popish Party to Stifle his Evidence LONDON Printed for Thomas Simmons at the Princes Arms and Jacob Sampson next door to the Wonder-Tavern in Ludgate-Street MDCLXXX TO THE KINGS MOST Excellent Majesty THE Protestant Party in this Land though they admit of many subdivisions amongst themselves by reason of differences in Opinion and Judgment about Modes and Forms of Worship such Disagreements having likewise been even in the Purer dayes of the Apostles themselves yet do all Unite in their joint Prayers and Supplications to God Almighty for your Majesties Life and Safety your Majesties Interest in them all being very Considerable if you please to improve it and I pray God to direct your Majesties heart to Protect Value and Esteem them that your Majesties Interest may be only aimed at by all your Loyal Protestant Subjects I know this is an extraordinary time and things verge towards a Crisis wherefore if my zeal for your Majesties Service as well as Gratitude for my Pardoned Life doth somewhat transport me to some indecencies in my Address to your Majestie I hope as formerly I shall obtain your Majesties Gracious Favour This Nation is very sensible how often your Majesties Life hath been threatned by the Romish Faction I have heard Sir Thomas Gascoigne say That though some were discovered and Executed for the Plot yet they would never give over until you were taken off I confess I have been often present in Popish Cabals where it hath been represented as a chief part of their Policy to alienate Your Majesties Affection from Your Parliament for then as I have heard them alledge Exasperations and Discontents would grow high on each side and Your Majestie would be weakned in the greatest part of Your Defence so that the Love of Your People would be alienated and estranged from your Majesties Interest For no Home-bred Disturbance can ever rationally do Your Majestie any hurt as Long as you have Parliamentary Assemblies to second and stand by you For then they did conclude that your Majesties Sword would cut on both sides and they thought themselves happy if it did cut but on one side as they were pleased to Term it when Your Parliament was Dissolved which procured much rejoycing among the Romish Party Being but an Inferiour Person 't is above my Sphear to advise but my Prayers shall not be wanting That God would mightily Protect Your Majesty against all Machinations and Attempts of Wicked Men made against either Your Life or Government And that he would continue You an Eminent Example of Piety Vertue and Goodness to Your People who walk as much by Pattern as Precept according to the example of Jehosaphat whose heart was lifted up in the wayes of the Lord to Your Establishment and Comfort here and Eternal Bliss hereafter For God being an Your side all the Projects of Your Adversaries though seemingly not disappointable by human art are but weak and impotent things and subject to a demolition by the least breath of his Mouth who hath suffered them to proceed so far towards the Destruction of Prince and People Your Majesties most Dutiful Subject and most Obsequious Votary and Servant Robert Bolron Advertisement THE Narrative of Lawrence Mowbray of Leeds in the County of York Gent. concerning the Bloody Popish Conspiracy against the Life of his Sacred Majesty the Government and the Protestant Religion Wherein is Contained I. His Knowledg of the said Design from the very first in the Year 1676. with the opportunity he had to be acquainted therewith and the Reasons why he concealed it so long with the manner of his discovering the said wicked Project to His Majesty and His most Honourable Privy Council II. How far Sir Thomas Gascoigne Sir Miles Stapleton c. are engaged in the Design of Killing the King and Firing the Cities of London and York for the more speeding setting uppermost the Popish Religion in England III. An Account of the Assemblings of many Popish Priests and Jesuits at Father Riston's Chamber at Sir Thomas Gascoigne's House at Barmbow with their Consultations and Determinations IV. A Discovery of the Erecting a Nunnery at Dolebank in York-shire by the Popish Party especially by Sir Thomas Gascoigne with an Account of an Estate of Ninety Pounds per Annum settled thereupon by him V. A Manifestation of the Papists Fraudulent conveying of their Estates himself being privy to some of them VI. A probable opinion concerning the Jesuits the grand Instruments in these Affairs With other Considerable Matters relating to the Plot. Together with an Account of the Endeavours that were used to stifle his Evidence by making an Attempt upon his Life in Leicester-Fields Printed for Thomas Simmons at the Princes Arms and Jacob Sampson next door to the Wonder-Tavern in Ludgate-street The Preface to the Reader TWO things render a Discourse grateful and acceptable to the Peruser thereof First The Dignity of the Author Secondly The Usefulness of the matter therein contained The second of these will be accompted for in the whole Series of the following Discourse but by naming the first I know I have laid in a great prejudice against my self who does acknowledge the Mediocrity of my State and Condition insomuch that Silence might have suited my station rather than Speech
especially one time being at a Feast with the said Father Harcourt where was none then present but Roman Catholicks but as the House had ordered some Protestants coming afterwards to the said Feast Father Harcourt goes into another Room but a Child of the said Mary Pressicks and another little Boy belonging to the House where the Feast was said one to another Father Harcourt is gone whereupon one of the Protetestants immediately stept out to fetch a Constable to apprehend the said Father Harcourt but the said Mary Pressicks with others did forthwith help to convey the said Father Harcourt out of the house so that at that time he was not taken and she likewise told him this Informant that she was very sorry that the said Plot did not take effect and that Pickering did not accomplish his design in PISTOLLING THE KING and if that had taken effect all would have been well this she said about Easter last when this Informant's Grandmother and Wife were present both whose names are called Mary Bolron and she added That Oates and Bedlow were Rogues for discovering it This Informant also says That the said Mary Pressicks did affirm unto him that the Gun was found wherewith Pickering did intend to kill the King and that Gun being found she feared was the cause that he lost his Life This Informant further saith that Mary Pressicks said That though this Plot did not succeed yet still would they be contriving new ones for as long as this King ruled and until the Plot took effect and that the Roman Catholick Religion were established in England this Nation need not expect any quietness And further she affirmed That most of the Gentry of the Roman Catholick Religion were concerned and did know of the Plot particularly Sir Tho. Gascoigne of Barmbow Hall Baronet Thomas Gascoigne Esq his Son the Lady Tempest his Daughter and Tho. Pressicks Husband of the said Mary Pressicks This Informant further saith That the said Mary Pressicks did say in this Informants hearing That the King was but an Ass and was not fit to Rule That he was guide by the Parliament and what mony the Parliament gave him he spent it upon his Concubines This Deponent saith that upon the 30th of May last past being the day after Holy Thursday he being at Barmbow-Hall aforesaid the said Sir Tho. Gascoigne desired him this Deponent to go into the Gallery where after a little time the aforesaid Will. Rushton who was their Deponents Confessor came unto him asked him whether he were at Pontefract-Sessions to whom he answered That he was and had taken the Oath of Allegiance as also several others with him that thereupon the said Rushton told him That he and all others that had taken that Oath were damned if they kept the same and therefore bid him be sure to come to Confession to him the next Sunday to have the benefit of Absolution for that it was a damnable sin to take that Oath Also telling him this Deponent That he had power from the Pope to absolve him upon his Confession adding that few Priests had that power from the Pope as he had And this Informant saith That he discoursed with the said Rushton about the Lawfulness of his taking the said Oath but the Priest was in great wrath with him this Deponent as if he would have struck him and told him he was a fool and knew not how to judge of that Oath for it was a denying of his Religion to which the said Informant said That he thought it was only to be true to his King and Country which was no sin for Mr. Ellis Priest to Sir Walter Vavesour hath written Commentaries on the Oath justifying the lawfulness of taking it Rushton replyed That Ellis was a Fool and that his Superiors would call him to an account for the same and that he this Deponent by taking that Oath had denied the Popes's Power to absolve him from it but said he The Pope has power to depose the King and cause him to be killed because he was a Heretick and further affirmed that it was a meritorious Act to kill the King and that he might merit Heaven if he would do it and that he said Rushton would assist him in it and that the Pope would absolve him if he did that Act and Deed. This Informant further saies that the said William Rushton did quote a certain Text of Scripture unto him which as he this Informant remembers was the 149 Psal The words were Thou shalt bind their King in Fetters and their Princes in Chaines Upon which words the said William Rushton did make this Exposition as follows That the Pope had bound the King Prince and People in their Sins because they had denied the power of the Pope and deserted his obedience who was Successour to St. Peter therefore it was lawful and no sin to depose and kill the King or any of his Subjects and that the Pope may give away His Majesties Kingdoms to any Person whom he pleaseth unless the King and his Subjects would return into the bosome of the Mother Church To all which this Deponent replyed that he would not be employed in doing so wicked a deed and therefore desired him not to trouble him this Deponent about the same well said the Priest you may hang me if you please for speaking these words to whom the Deponent answered that if he did do himself no injury he this Deponent would not do him any and so the Priest bad him consider what he had said and come to him again The same 30th of May about Six of the Clock in the Evening Sr Thomas Gascoigne having left order with his Servents that the Deponent should not go away till he came in he the said Sr Thomas at his return called the Deponent into his Chamber at his house at Barmbow and asked what discourse past between him and Mr. Rushton the Deponent said their discourse was about the Oath of Allegiance then the said Sr. Thomas told him in these or the like words Well man if thou wilt undertake a designe which I and others have in agitation to HELP TO KILL THE KING I will send thee to my SON TOM if in TOWN who with the rest that are concerned shall instruct thee how thou shall assist in it and thou shall have a 1000 l. for thy reward This Informant further saies that the said Sr. Thomas Gascoigne did tell him this Informant that perhaps his Son Tom Gascoigne would not be at London yet he would give him such Instructions that if his Son were gone beyond Seas that he should find out the rest concerned in the business and he bid him this Informant not to fear any danger for what he did was for the good of the Church who would reward him well for his paines besides what he gave him The Informant desires him to forbear to perswade him thereunto for he would not have any hand in Blood neither would he do
so wicked a deed Then the said Sr. Thomas desired him of all loves to keep secret what he had said which the Deponent promised and so they parted but though he promised secrecy both to the said Sir Thomas and the said Rushton he thought it a sin to conceal so wicked a thing That soon after the said 30th of May he went to Mr. Normanton Minister of Water-Fryston who sent him to Mr. Tyndall a Justice of Peace and he sent him to Willian Lowther Esq another Justice who acquainted Justice White with the Informants business and upon discourse thereof with the said Justices he this Informant did desire he might come up to the Council to inform them of it which the said Justices thought was the best way and Justice Tyndall wrote a Letter and sent it by him to his Brother Tyndall in London to carry him this Deponent to some of the Privy Council but this Informant saies he had the misfortune to lose his Letter at Ware which being found and opened was sent after him to Mr. Tyndal at London That at his Arrival in London he went to the Green Dragon in Bishop gate-street and was there directed to Sir Robert Clayton who took his Examination And the Deponent further saith that about 14 Months since he was discharged from being Sir Thomas's Steward at his own desire for that he the said Sir Tho. would have had him this Informant for one month to have got in his debts and in the mean time to let Hen. Addinson and Bennet Johnson manage the Colliery in this Informants room but the said Informant refused for he told him that they that look to the Pitts should gather in the debts for that he would not be concerned with Hen. Addinson or B. Johnson who are the Informants Enemies which was the occasion of their parting Neither did this Informant give the said Sr. Tho. any other occasion then before mentioned to fall out with him save only that he was about a year since arrested about his accounts for that the said Sir Tho. was then indebted unto this Informant 19 l. which the said Sir Th. refused to pay him this Informant until he had delivered in his accounts but this difference was all pacified in a weeks time that he hath no malice against Sir Tho. or any others and would do no wrong in such a matter for all England that he hath 7l a year Land of his own a Cole-Farme of 30l a year a Lime Kilne of 10l a year This Informant further says that about three years ago viz. in the year 76. that he the said Sir Tho. Gascoigne did send 3000 l. to the Jesuits then in London besides 50 l. beyond Seas which 3000 l. was paid for a design then in agitation for the good of the Roman Catholick Religion and the said Sir Tho. Gascoigne did tell Christopher Midcalf who then lived in Sir Tho. Gascoigne's house that he intended Rich. Phishwick should return it to London by 300 l. at a time for avoiding suspicion And this Informant supposes that it was so returned because the said Rich. Phishwick did tell him that in a little time they had returned 3000 l. to Lond. and this Informant further says that he hath in that year at several times seen the said Rich. Phishwick carry to Leeds several sums of mony to be returned to London and the said Rich. Phishwick when examined is able to give an account if he did return it all himself or else who it was that did return it and this Informant further says that he do's well remember that 300 l. of the said 3000 l. was for Mr. Corker who was and is a Roman Priest whom the said Sir Thomas Gascoigne did say was a Prisoner in Newgate and other 300 l. for Mr. Harcourt who was executed as also 300 l. for John Cornwallis who is a Roman Priest and is Prisoner in York Castle where this Informant did see him And this Informant further sayes that he did hear the said Sir Thomas say that if it were 10000 times as much he would be glad to spend it inso good a cause This Informant further says that a little before Easter in the year 1675. Charles Ingleby a Lawyer being with Sir Thomas Gascoigne in his Bed-chamber the said Sir Thomas Gascoigne told the said Charles Ingleby in the hearing of this Informant he being in the next Room That he was resolved to make a Colourable Conveyance of his Estate unto Sir William Ingleby Baronet accordingly as they had formerly discourst about it for that he was fearful his Estate should be forfeited to the King and the said Charles Ingleby answered it was best so to do and that he would have the defeasance ready against Easter to be sealed which he would draw with his own hands withall he advised the said Sir Thomas Gascoigne that he must be sure to bring none but Protestant-witnesses to testifie the sealing of the said Deed in regard they that were witnesses to the said Deed must not be witnesses to the Defeasance for fear the Conveyance should be discovered to be but meerly Collusive to whose advice Sir Thomas did assent And at the time appointed Matthias Hickeringhill with this Informant did attend Sir Thomas Gascoigne to the house of the said Sir William Ingleby aforementioned where at the sealing of the said Conveyance which was the eight day of April Anno 1675. he did see the summe of one thousand pounds collusively borrowed which this Informant did with the Assistance of the aforesaid Matthias Hickeringill help to count And the said Charles Ingleby his Brother holding the Deed with him in his hand did read the said Collusive Conveyance the Contents of which Conveyance was as followeth That the Said Sir T. Gascoigne in consideration of the sum of one thousand pounds in hand paid by the said Sr. William Ingleby did convey away all his estate lying in Barmbow Barwick Scoles with many other places therein particularly named unto the said Sr. William Ingleby for seaven years he paying besides the aforementioned sum of one 1000l yearly and every year during the said term of seven years unto the said Sr. Thomas Gascoigne the sum of one hundred pounds toward his yearly maintenance to which Deed of Conveyance the said Matthias Hickeringill a Servant of Sr. William Inglebyes with this Informant being then a Protestant were witnesses And after the sealing of the said Conveyance The said Sir Thomas Gascoigne did go with Sir William Ingleby into a back Room of the said House to seal the Defeasance which he heard Sir Thomas Gascoigne and Sir William Ingleby declare in discourse to Sir William Inglebyes Lady immediately after their coming forth that it was accordingly sealed but who were witnesses to the said Defeasence he cannot inform but believes Charles Ingleby and his Brother who were present can give an account This Informant saith that when the aforesaid one thousand pound was borrowed and the Conveyance sealed that he