c. On the 15 th of June the Lord Arch-Bishop and the other Bishops that were Committed to the Tower were brought by Habeas Corpus to the Kings-Bench where the Attorny General had Exhibited an Information against them for Contriving Making and Publishing as they term'd it a Seditious Libel against His Majesty and the Government to which they severaly Pleaded not Guilty and had that day fortnight Appointed for their Tryal and upon entering into Recognizance for their further Appearance they were Dismissed the Court and the same day in the Evening their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Denmark came from the Bath The 17 th day of June Appointed for the Thanks-giving being come within the City of London c. the Conduits were ordered to run with Wine which accordingly they did and the Streets in the Evening every where shined with Fires the Bells Ringing c. and most of the Cities â— Towns in England followed the Examplâ— of London as well upon the first News â— upon the Thanks-giving day On the 26. of June 〈◊〉 was a new 〈◊〉 of Serjeantâ— at Law out of several Inâ—â— Court whâ— were Swoâ—â— in the Chanceâ—â— Court performing the usual Ceremoâ—â—â— and gaâ—â—â—ings with this Motto viz. Râ— Princâ—pâ— Christianâ— Libertas and thâ— Lord Mayor and his Brethren the Aldeâ— monâ—â—eâ—t to 8. Jaâ—â—s's and Presented th◠〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 Chamber â—ain with Golâ— to be Distributed by the Marchioness 〈◊〉 his Governâ—ss as Custom directed 〈…〉 ordered by an Order of Council 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 for in all publick Prayers foâ— tho 〈◊〉 â—amily 〈◊〉 to the King an◠〈…〉 â—â—ssion of Common prayer 〈◊〉 commanded to be Printe◠〈◊〉 the Alteration 〈◊〉 now the Bishops coming upoâ— their Tryals at the Kings-Bench-Court iâ— Westminster after a long and full hearing on all sides with many Arguments oâ— Council against Dispensing Power and thâ— Lawfulness of such a way of Petitioning they were Acquitted and gain'd to them selves as Worthy Confessors a lasting Memory in the minds of good Men however it so far displeased some at Court that Sir Richard Holloway and Sir John Powel two of the Justices of this Bench were Removed for they had delivered their Opinions in favour of the Bishops and indeed only Sir Richard Allebors a devoted Papist pressed it strongly against them so that upon notice of their deliverance the Shouts of the People Echoed in all places in some places the Bells were rung and Bone fires made c. This gave a sensible blow to the designs of the Popish Clergy so that some of them confessed it had broke all the measures they had been taking for many years and indeed it so opened the Eyes of the People that their Projects became visible and they were often Afronted in the Streets and in their Mass-Houses and about this time the Brother of Edward Petre the leading Jesuit and now Clerk of the Kings Closet holding forth at the Chapple in Lime-street took occasion to Cavel with the Bible declaring it false and no rule of Faith and having one in his hand tore out several Leaves at the same time and threw them amongst the People whereupon one that stood by gave him the Eye in his Pulpit and there being sideings on both parts it came to a Scuffle in which some were hurt and it had gone very far had not it been timely appeased and from that very day the Priest's might date their no Success in England for all that were not Papist's declared against their Practices and talked loud against the Intreagues of Court however curious Machins of Fire-works were prepared on the Thames to Celebrate the Infants Birth-day and performed before the King Queen and the whole Court with great variety on the 17 th of July and the Ambassadours Envoys and Consuls Abroad spared no Cost in the Courts of Forreign Princes on the like occasion So that to appearance of what is Related it Cost the King above 200000 l. but the Joy was some time dashed by the Infants falling ill at Richmond where upon a Country Nurse said to be the Wife of a Tile-maker was provided for him to give him Suck he being before designed to be brought up by hand And Envoys were sent from most of the Neighbouring Princes to Congratulate this Birth but the most Memorable proceeding was at Rome where Sir John Lydcot the Kings Agent caused amongst other things a piece of Painting to be drawn Representing the Infant in the Apparrel of a Knight of the Garter supported by two Angels surrounded with Lawrels descending from Heaven and other Angels holding the Crowns of the Three Kingdoms and his Sword with several Trophies over him was a Plum of Feathers with the Device and below the Sun rising at a distance Expressing his Birth with the Representation of a Sea Battle wherein the English Admiral was Triumphing over his Enemies This Piece was hung over the Palace gate in Rome all hung with Dammask richly Laced and Fring'd with Gold the King and Queens Picturs being on each side the piece and the Popes after the Roman manner But all this Joy was soon after dashed by surprizing News from beyond the Seas as will appear in proper place c. On the 24 th of August the King declared in Council that he Intended pursuant to a Declaration he had put forth to call a Parliament to meet on the 27 th of November and directed the Lord Chancellor to Issue out Writs on the 18 th of September and the Addressers continued to make large Promises in divers of their Addresses what they would do towards Chusing such Memâ—ers as should answer his Expectation c. But however the great Preparation in Holland to make Decent in England being by this time known at Court a Proclamation contrary to the thoughts of most was put forth bearing date the 21 st of September declaring amongst other things Invâ—olably to preserve the Church of England by such a Confirmation of the several Acts of Uniformity that they should never be Altered any other way theâ— by Repealing the several Clauses which â—â—flicted Penalties upon perâ—â— not promoted or to be promoted upon any Ecclesiastical Benifice or Promotion within the meaning of the said Acts for using and exercising their Religion Contrary to the Tenor and Purport of the said Acts of Uniformity and for the further securing not only the Church of England but the Protestant Religion in General he was willing that the Roman Catholicks should remain Incapable to be Members of the House of Commons c. this suddain Alteration made many Amaâ—ed till the true cause was known and then the Wonder ceased for now as 〈◊〉 Papists as others were dismissed of theâ—â— Places the King Authorizing and Impowring the Lord â—ieutenaâ—â—â— of the socral Counties to Grant Deputations to such Gentlemen as had been lately 〈◊〉 from being Deputy Liâ—â—tenants and directions were given to the Lord Chancellor to put into the Commission of the Peace such Gentlemen as were said aside
he had been some time detained by contrary Winds he arrived and was received at Dubâ—â—n by those of his Sticklers with Accâ—â—maâ—â—â—â—s of Joy and from that time the Iâ—â—sh Papists began to date their hopes of subjectinâ— the Protestants and bragged that their Religion should not long coâ—â—inue And indeed this Earl did all he could to surpress it by placing and disâ—â—â—ing Officeâ—s and Ministers in Sâ—â—â—â—ns Military and Civil by â—n â—ncontroâ—lable Power refusing to shew â—ny Warâ—â—â—â— or gâ—ve the least reason for his so 〈◊〉 and all 〈◊〉 a â—â—ddain a Proclamation was sent to the Coâ—â—câ—l of Scotland 〈◊〉 sed in 〈…〉 Letter for Liberty of consâ—â—ce as â—â—ll for Roman Caâ—â—â—licks as other 〈◊〉 only Field-Convenciâ—â—â—â— and 〈◊〉 Meetings and such like 〈◊〉 and to suspend all Laws c. 〈◊〉 â—â—câ—sants and Conventicie◠〈◊〉 that â—hould peacefully meet disâ— anulling 〈…〉 Tests and other Matters 〈…〉 were rendeâ—d unqualified or uncapable of holding Places and Trusts in the Government and appointing a new Oath to acknowledge his Right and Power and not to take up or bear Arms against him but to oppose such as should attempt it to which a suitable Letter was returned Signed by the chief Ministers of State of that Kingdom promising Obedience And now many Roman Catholicks being Commissioned for the Peace throughout England and Dispenced with from taking the Oaths and Tests of Qualification The Protestant Justices of the County of Middlesex desired the same Dispensation might be allowed them To which the King replyed He took it kindly their putting Confidence in him and he would take care of them The New Lord Deputy of Ireland finding his violent Proceedings much disatisfied the greater part of the People and occasioned Reflections on them the better to palliate the Matter Isâ—ued out Three Proclamations One to assure the People of his good Intentions towards them commanding the Magistrates to apprehend and bring to Justice the spreaders of Reports tending otherways Another for preserving the Forces in good Order and Discipline And a Third for suppressing Tories and Robbers On the 18 th of March the King being in Council at White-Hall Declared his Intention further to Prorogue the Parliament to the 22 d. of November 1687. And that he intended a General Toleration of Liberty of Conscience to his Subjects and for that end he designed to Publish his Declaration for a general Liberty of Conscience to all Persons of what Perswasion soever c. The Attorney and Sollicitor General were forbidden to suffer Process to Issue out in the King's Name against any Dissenter whatsoever and a Proclamation was Issued out for a fuâ—ther Pâ—orogation of the Parliament and with these Proceedings concluded the Year 1686. On the 4 th of April 1687. A Declaration for Liberty of Conscience was Signed by the King at VVhite Hall promising amongst other things to Protect and Maintain the Arch-Bishops Bishops and Clergy and all others of the Church of England in the Free Exercise of their Religion as by Law Established c. and that the Penal Laws and all Tests should be laid aside and no longer useful for distinguishment of Opinion or keeping Persons of any Perswasion out of Places of Trust directing how and in what manner they should meet in their several Assemblies and upon what notice c. Upon this both Papists and Dissenters began to spread sundry Scandalous and Malicious Libels against the Conduct of the Church Established and doubted not but this great Engine would make her totter but it proved otherwise and this dividing made way for a surer Establishment However divers flattering Addresses followed from sundry Perswasions promoted for the most part by Underhand Insinuation for the Priests were every where busie in making their Advantage and several Alterations were made in the Judges and Ministers of State many of the Judges having given their Opinions for the Dispencing Power and it having been carryed for Sir Edward Hales in the King's-Bench Court upon an Action brought against him by his Coachman for Five Hundred Pounds according to the Statutes for taking upon him a Place of Trust without being Qualified by the Oathes c. On the 22 d. of April the King removed the Loâ—d Chief Justice Herbert to the Common Pleas and the Lord Chief Justice Wright to the Kings-Bench and Sir Francis Withens one of the Justices of the Kings-Bench had his Quietus And now the D. of Buckingham dying his Garter was given to the Earl of Sunderland and he was made a Knight Companion of the Order and Sir Richard Allebone a Roman Catholick who had been 〈◊〉 and a Serjeant at Law by the King 's Writ was sworn on the 28 th of April one of the Justices of the King's-Bench before the Lord Chancellor And the Parliament meeting at VVestminster were by Commission Prorogued to the 22 d. of November The Army being all this while on Foot and several Campaigns held at Hounslow-Heath where Two Cnâ—ppels were erected one for the Roman Catholicks and another for the Protestants The â—â—ege of Buda was appointed to be Acted but it being like to come to earnest about Priority and some Bullets being shot 〈◊〉 was given over and some of the Judges having given their Opinion that it was Death by the Law of the Land for a Soldier â—ntering into Pay Deserting his Coloâ—rs without Leave though in time of Peace divers were tryed and executed and now â—ddresses came crouding from all 〈◊〉 of Thanks for Liberty of Conscience c. The publick Papers being Weekly fiâ—led with them c. And the Priests proceeded to Build Chaples in St. John's Limes-Street Bucklers Bury Lincolns-sâ—n-Fields and in most places giving out what Advantages they had gained and how near they were to the Consummating their Wishes but 〈◊〉 Man Proposes God Disposes nor were the Quakers a thing unusual in those People behind-hand in their Complements and Addresses which induced many to believe that some Jesuits in Disguise were gotten amongst them About this time arrived a Ship very Richly â—aden with Gold and Silver from the VVest-Indies Commanded by Captain VVilliam Phillips who afterward was Knighted for this Exploit and this Treasure with several pieces of Canon were the Wreck of a Spanish Galleon about 40. Years since and recovered by Diving in 14 and 15 Fathom Water in a strong Sea running between divers Rocks and Islands the Treasure amounted to about 200000 l. and was partnered amongst those that had fitted him out of whom the Duke of Albermarle was principal but others going to attempt the like returned without Success and Sir John Narborough dyed in the Enterprize And now contrary to Expectation the King Published a Proclamation for the Dissolution of the Parliament given at Hampâ—on Court on the Second of July 1687. and upon an Embassy sent to Rome the Pope sent hither in Quality of his Nuncio Ferdinand d' Adda Arch-Bishop of Amasia c. who on the 3 d. of July had his publick Audience at VVindsor and was
its Enemies and as I do not doubt of such an Assistance from you as shall be suitable to your Advice to me to declare War against a powerful Enemy so you may relye upon me that no part of that which you shall give for the carrying it on with success shall be diverted by me to any other use And that the Protestants who had Fled from Ireland might not suffer want in England great care was taken to provide for them and most People wherever they came contributed liberally to their relief and assistance and the King was pleased to put forth a Declaration to encourage the French Protestants that should Transport themselves their Families and Estates into this Kingdom and a Proclamation Prohibiting the Importation of all sorts of Manufactures and Commodities whatsoever of the Growth Production and Manufacture of France in way of Trade c. On the 1st of May His Majesty was pleased to give the Royal Assent to an Act for raising Money by Pole and otherwise towards the Reducing of Ireland an Act for preventing Doubts and Questions concerning the Collecting the Publick Revenues and a private Act to Sell Lands for Paying of Debts c. For the better Supply and Support of Their Majesties Navies Two Proclamations were Issued out one to Prohibit Seamen from Serving Foreign Princes and the other for Prohibiting them from Deserting Their Majesties Navies and His Majesty having been pleased to call by His Writ divers worthy Persons to take upon them the State and Degree of Serjeants at Law they performed the Ceremony with all the Decency and Grandure that usually attends it and gave Rings with this Motto viz Veniendo Restituit Rem and the King was further pleased to Constitute Sir John Holt Lord Chief Justice of the King 's Bench. Sir William Dolbin Sir VVilliam Gregory Giles Eyers Esq Justices of the same Sir Henry Pollexfen Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas Sir John Powel Thomas Rokeby Esq Peyton Ventris Esq Justices of the same Sir Robert Atkins Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Sir Edward Nevill Nicholas Lechmer Esq John Turton Esq Barons of the same John Trenchard Esq Chief Justice of Chester Sir George Treby His Majesty's Attorney General John Summers Esq His Majesties Solicitor General During these things the French Fleet attempting to Land Forces in Ireland Admiral Herbert with a Squadron of the English Ships stood over to Kingsale on the 24 th of April in hopes to meet them and on the 29 th his Scouts made a Signal that they discovered a Fleet keeping their Wind which caused the Admiral to keep His all Night to hinder them getting into Kinsale and the next Morning had notice they were gone into Baltimore being 44 Sail whereupon he stood away towards the place but not finding them there the Scouts however got sight of them again in the Evening to the Westward of Cape clear whereupon steering after them it was sound they had got into Bantry so that the English Ships lay off the Bay all Night and by break of Day stood in where they found them at Anchor who presently got under Sail and bore down upon the English in a Line of 28 Men of War and five Fireships and when they came within Musquet-shot of the Defiance being the head-most of the English the French Admiral put out the Signal of Battle which they began with small and great Shot and the English made several Boards to gain the Wind or engage them close but that way of working not being advantageous the English Admiral stood off to Sea as well to have got his Ships into a Line as to have gained the Wind of the Enemy but the French were so cautious in bearing down that this advantage and opportunity could not be obtained so that our Admiral continued Battering upon the Stretch 'till Five in the Afternoon at what time the French tacked and stood further into the Bay and the English Admiral 's Ship and some of the rest being disabled in their Rigging could not follow them but continued some time before the Bay and gave them a Gun at parting In this Action Capt. George Aylmer of the Portland with 1 Lieutenant and 9 Seamen were Killed and about 250 Wounded and of the French without doubt a greater number and not without good Supposition one of their great Ships sunk although they had double the number of Ships and the advantage of the Wind. Upon this further Invasion of the French King made upon the Kingdom of Ireland Their Majesties of Great Brittain delayâ—ed no longer to Publish Their Declaration of War against him Given at Hampton-Court the 7 th of May 1689. Seting forth Reasons that moved Their Majesties to denounce War and the Unjust and Perfideous Dealings of the French King c. as well against Their Majesties Subjects in Europe as in America c. And to prevent upon this Rupture any Disturbance from Papist's an Act Intituled an Act for the better Securing the Government by Disarming Papist's and Reputed Papist's passed And now the Case of Algernoon Sidney Esq who lost his Head on Tower-Hill being before the Parliament amongst other Acts one was passed for Anulling and making Void his Attainder Collonel Lundy who had been Appointed Governour of London Derry in Ireland forsaking that place as supposing it not Tenable upon the Approach of the Irish Army and it being likewise left by Coll Richards and Collonel Coningham who brought back the Regiments under their Commands the Inhabitants and such as came in Arms from other Parts to Assist them Resolving however upon their Defence Choose that Brave Gentleman Mr. George Walker a Minister of their Governour and Major Baker his Assistant who although the Irish took Kilmore a Fort that lies advantageous to it defended they it almost to a Miracle against above 30000 Men till it was Relieved by Major General Kirk with Provision by Water the Inhabitants and Garison having Eat all manner of unclean things as Dogs Cats Rats Mice c. And thereupon the Enemy having lost a great number of Men and some of their best Commanders found themselves constrained to raise the Siege after they had lain before it Battering with their Cannon and Casting in Bombs from the 19 th of April to the end of August and a great party of the Protestants Fortifying themselves in the Isle of Inch and other Places made a Resolute defence beating off such as were sent to Attacque them and frequently taking great Booties by which means they Subsisted and held out till they were Succour'd and Recruted from England About this time the Papist's were commanded by Proclamation to leave London and Ten Miles about it unless such as were Excepted in an Act for this purpose and we had the happy News of the taking two French Men of War by the Nonsuch Frigate as likewise a Privatier and several of their Merchants by other English Frigates and Vessels On the 11 th of May â—he Commissioners Appointed to
may see our Unanimity and that I may have the opportunity of shewing you how ready I am to do any thing that may give Comfort and Satisfaction to such Dutiful and Loyal Subjects Hereupon a Proclamation was Issued out for the Confinement of Popish Recusants more distant from London within five Miles of their Dwellings and another Proclamation for Apprehending divers Persons by Name accused of the Conspiracy Likewise an Order of Council for the apprehending Jesuits and Popish Priests with the Reward of Twenty l. a Head One William Staley a Goldsmith's Son in Covent Garden and a noted Papist was Tryed on the 21 of November at the Kings-Bench Bar before the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs and other Judges of that Bench upon an Indictment of High Treason for saying He would Kill the King c. and being Convicted was Sentenc'd to be Draw'd Hanged and Quartered which was accordingly Executed and his Quarters being given to his Friends a great many Papists crowded to his Funeral which was Solemnized with much pomp as accounting him the Proto-Martyr of their Cause The King was so much Incensed at this proceeding that an Order was sent to have the Body taken up and the Head and Quarters afixed upon the Gates of the City of London which was accordingly performed And now the Conspiracy being more narrowly searched into and manifested by the Papers seized with Edward Coleman Esq he was Tryed at the Kings Bench Bar before the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs on the 27 th of November upon an Indictment of High Treason in Conspiring the Death of the King subverting the Government and Extirpating the Protestant Religion upon which he was found Guilty by a Jury of Gentlemen of Quality of the County of Middlesex and the next day received Sentence as in case of High Treason and was Executed at Tyburn and a reward and protection was offered to such as would come in within a limited time and make a further Discovery and to prevent any danger that might from hence arise in any of the other Kingdoms Expresses were dispatched and such Persons as were accused or had been suspected were Seized and all due care taken especially in Ireland where by reason of the number of Papists Inhabiting that Kingdom the danger seemed to threaten and an Order was published That no Person upon great penalties should resort to the Queens Chapple or the Houses of Ambassadors unless her Servants or Servants of such Ambassadors as had Chapples and strict Inquiry was made upon this occasion Officers being appointed to have an Eye upon such as came in and out and some who could give no good account of themselves were carried before the Magistrates and Committed and a Proclamation was Issued out for dis-arming and securing Popish Recusants throughout the Kingdom which was punctually observed in most parts On the 17 th of November Letters having been scattered in the Streets of Dublin in Ireland Intimating a Conspiracy against the Life of the Duke of Ormond Lord Lieutenant of that Kingdom to be put in Execution by one Michael Jepson he was thereupon Seized and confessed the Design and that he was preverted and incited amongst other Inducements to this intended Murther for that Alexander Jepson his Father had been hanged at Dublin for the Plot contrived 1663. and hereupon Brin and Plunket two Secular Priests were Seized the former being the party that set him on to perpretrate this wickedness and Papers from other Priests incouraging the like were found upon a strict Inquiry And now the Parliament of England having made a considerable progress into the Plot and the design growing more and more apparent by the Testimonies of other Witnesses that came in they were on the 30 th of December Prorogued 'till the 4 th of February following upon which the Papists relying for a greater boldness in returning to the Cities of London and Westminster another Proclamation was Issued out commanding them to depart as likewise the Magistrates and Officers to make diligent search for such as should lurk about Town c. And a Proclamation commanding the immediate return of the Children of Noblemen Gentlemen and others that were the Kings Subjects being in Foreign Seminaries and forbidding relief to be sent to them according to the Statute made in the 20 th Year of Elizabeth or undergoe the Penalty of that Statute which is to be adjudged a Traytor and suffer Forfeit and â—oss as in case of High Treason And another Proclamation for apprehending several Jesuits by Name viz. John Gaven Vavasor alias Gifford Edward Levison as also Broadstreet a Popish Priest and Francis Evers alias Ireland forbidding all Persons to Harbour Conceal or Shelter them on pain of being proceeded against for High Treason offering for the lattor 100 l. and for the rest 50 l. a Man and William Ireland and John Grove the first a Jesuit being Tryed and Convicted at the Old Baily as Guilty of the Conspiracy were Sentenced as in case of High Treason and afterward Executed at Tyburn In the Month of February several of the Justices of the Peace being doubtful in putting the Laws in Execution as to what related in some particulars against Popish Recusants and proposing several Queries to His Majesty He referred them to His Judges who after Consultation made this return of their Opinions viz. I. That Foreigners being Popish Recusants and excercising ordinary Trades but not Merchants are not excused from taking the Oaths or finding Securities II. That Foreigners though certified by Ambassadors to be their Servants except they are their menial Servants are not excused III. That Foreigners though settled House-Keepers being no Travellers or Foreign Ministers Servants are not excused IV. That the Kings Native Subjects are not excused from taking the Oaths by being menial Servants to Foreign Masters V. That we find no Law that excuses a Female Covert being a Papist from taking the Oaths though her Husband be a Protestant VI. That a Popish Recusant having taken the Oaths is not bound to find new Surities unless upon a new tender of the Oaths he shall refuse to take the same And this was Signed Will. Scroggs Fra. North W. Montague W. Wylde T. Littleton Hugh Windham Robert Atkins V. Bertie Fra. Bramston Tho. Jones W. Dolbin And the King having approved the Opinion of his Judges ordered the Justices of the Peace in their respective precincts to take notice accordingly in the execution of their dutys and conform thereunto and ordered the Custos Rotulorum of each County to give them Information and a further charge given them to put the Laws in Execution where any neglect had been The Murther of Sir Edmond Bury Godfrey being by this time fully discovered to have been acted in Somerset House Yard whither he had been way-layed and trained in under pretence of parting a Fray and there being Strangled by the suddain twisting a Napkin round his Neck and afterwards breaking his Neck and that he had been carried to Primrose-bill where he
Warranto against the City of London concerning the duty of Water-ballage and caused a Nolle prosequi to be entered the Lord Mayor Court of Aldermen Recorder and Committee of Common Council went in a Body to pay their dutiful acknowledgment to the King and afterwards many of them did the like to his Royal Highness the Duke About this time James Baker alias Hesketh and John Naylor were Tryed at the Old Baily for being Priests yet only the former was found Guilty And now some Heats arising amongst great Ones to prevent the danger the King published a Proclamation wherein he declared that he would not Pardon any Person that should Kill another in a Duel And thus ended the noted Affairs of this Year In May 1680. A prodigious Storm of Hail fell the Stones being of a vast weight and 8 or 9 Inches in Circumference did great damage to Houses Cattle Fowl Herbs Corn c. And soon after Mrs. Celier getting herself Tryed before the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs was acquitted by the said Judges disapproving of Dangerfield as a good Evidence But not content with this narrow escape she undertook to publish a Book for shamming the Popish Plot and particularly Prance's Evidence as to the Murther of Sir Edmond Bury Godfrey for which She was Tryed at the Old Baily Fin'd and Pilloryed And the Parliament sitting according to prorogation and the popish Lords in the Tower having been obliged to give in sufficient Answers they proceeded to Try William Viscount Stafford who had the whole House of Peers for his Judges a place being erected in Westminster-Hall for that purpose where after a Tryal which held 4 or 5 days he was by the majority of Voices cast and attainted of high Treason for which he lost his Head on Tower-Hill And soon after his Death a prodigious beam of Light streamed in the Night-time from the West and soon after the Star from whence it darted appeared above the Horizon and grew nightly higher till it had compassed East and West and was admired by many who made different Judgments as their Minds lead them And the Parliament after a considerable Sitting was prorogued to a further time but before the time of their appointed Meeting they were dissolved and a Parliament called to meet at Oxford on the 21 th of March though the Earl of Essex and divers Lords petition'd the King to have it sit at Westminster however they did not prevail for the Parliament accordingly met at Oxford where the King in his Speech amongst other things put them in mind of the râ—lief of Tangier then pressed by the Mâ—â—rs But they had not sat many days before they were Dissolved and the King came in great haste for London One Edward Fitz-Harris having been discovered by Mr. Everard and Sir William Waller to have contrived a treasonable and dangerous Pamphlet since called Treason in Grain and having other projects against the Government he had been Impeached by the Commons but in fine was Tryed before the Lord Chief Justice Pemberton and being found guilty of High Treason was Executed at Tyburn with one Oliver Plunket condemned at the Kings Bench Bar for attempting to betray Ireland to the French Plunket was a Romish Bishop and termed the titular Primate of Ireland and the Wife and Maid of Fitz-Harris accused some persons of Honour but it came to nothing but upon Information of several Irish Evidence and others soon after the Earl of Shaftsbury was committed to the Tower as were several other persons having continued there a considerable time a Bill of High Treason was drawn up against him as likewise Bills against Stephen Colledge and others and preferred to the Grand Jury of the City of London and the Evidence heard in open Court at the Old Baily but after a long Examination the Bills were found Ignoramus but Colledge was soon after carried by Water to Oxford and there being Tryed for treasonable words spoke in that City during the siting of the Parliament there was found Guilty and Executed and the following Michaelmass Term the Earl of Shaftsbury and divers others were set at Liberty A Parliament being called in Scotland the King sent his Brother to preside as his High Commissioner and there amonst other things they passed an Act for asserting the right of Succession to the Crown making it Treason for any to question or object it and the Earl of Argyle for only making some Queries c. was committed to the Castle and in danger of his Life but he escaped thence by changing Habit with a Ladies Page that came to visit him and fled into Holland where he remained till his unfortunate invading Scotland Anno 1685 of which more hereafter The Duke being returned for England upon the concluding of the Parliament and leaving his Dutchess in Scotland whilst he was on his way again by Sea in the Gloucester Frigat attended with several Yatchs to fetch her home the Frigat under full Sail stood in upon the Lemmon and Orrey two dangerous Sands off the Humber Mouth where she beat along the Sands till she foundered and falling off the Sands fell into deep Water where she was swallowed up and about One hundred Persons lost besides the Dukes Plate and a great deal of Treasure Amongst the Drowned was the Lord Obrian the Duke however with as many as his Barge which was hoisted Over-board could hold got safe to the Yatchts and landed in Scotland and the Pilot being suspected of Treatchery suffered a long Imprisonment in the Marshaseas on this occasion and soon after this Disaster the Duke and Dutches returned for England Sir John Moore after the Mayorality of Sir Patience Ward being Elected Lord Mayor of London and received with the usual Splendor at the time of Election of Sheriffs great Heats and Contests arise among the Citizens about the Electing two Persons to serve as Sheriffs for the year ensuing and it was deferred from time to time however in the end Sir Peter Rich and Sir Dudly North were sworn Mr. Box who had been declared Elected declining it and paying his Fine and Siâ— William Pritehard was chosen Lord Mayor and upon the occasion of these Contendings several Citizens as Sir Thomas Player and others had Informations in the Crown Exhibited against them as Rioters and haviug a Verdict found against them before the Lord Chief Justice Saunders at Guild-hall were the following Term Fined at the Kings-Bench Bar very considerably And this year died the Illustrious Prince Rupert a Prince whose great Services have all along been very considerable to these Kingdoms And a thing not known before two Ambassadors arrived one from the Emperor of Fess and Morocco and the other from the King of Bantam with rich Presents and were splendidly Entertained and much admired by the crouding People for their strange Habits The first came to treat of Peace and free Traffick Tangier an English Garison standing in his Masters Countries and the other to crave Succour for the King
his Master against his Son who had risen in Rebellion against him and soon after outed him of his Kingdom by the help of the Dutch and our East-India Company of their Trade in that part of the Country As for the Emperor of Morocco he kept not the Truce or Treaty his Ambassador had made whereupon the King finding one Town very chargeable to keep against a populous Country and that it turn'd to no great advantage by reason the Mould could not be finished as had been proposed he sent the Lord Dartmoueh to fetch off the Garrison the Inhabitants and their Effects and then fired the Town and blew up the Works which had cost a Million of Mony And now the Court being disgusted at the proceedings of the City of London a Quo Warranto was brought against their Famous and Ancient Charter and the Controversie admitted of many long Arguments and Debates at the Kings Bench Bar between the Kings Council and the Council for the City but it being over-ruled in the end it was declared by the Judges that the Liberties and Franchises should be Seized into the King's hands however Judgment was not entered up but the King appointed the Lord Mayor Sheriffs c. to Act by Commission reserving to himself the Nomination of the Chief Magistrates and the Common Council was laid aside and so it continued 'till the Charter was restored Anno 1688. of which hereafter for the City finding it in vain to contend when the Opinions of the Judges were against them found themselves constrained to acquiesce in what was done as did afterwards most of the Corporations of England likewise the Companies or Bodys Corporate of London c. whose Charters and Franchises were either Seized or Surrendered About this time the Nation was allarmed by the appearing of Keeling West and others who Deposed there was a Design against the Life of the King c. whereupon the Earl of Eslex the Lord Russel Captain VValcot VVilliam Hone John Rouse were Imprisoned and Proclamation published for the apprehending the Duke of Monmouth and others that fled many of which upon their not rendring themselves were attainted by Out-lawry but the Duke a considerable time after came in and was received into Favour the proceedings upon Out-lawry having been stopped by the Kings special Command but the Duke out of Discontent soon after went for Holland and from thence after his Fathers Death Invaded England of which hereafter However this Business proved very Bloody for the Earl of Essex was found with his Throat cut in the Tower Rouse Hene and VValâ—ot were Executed at Tyburn the Lord Russel was Beheaded in Lincoln-Inn-Field Collonel Sidney on Tower-Hill and Sir Thomas Armstrong being surprized and brought from Holland and James Holloway from Nevis were executed upon their Out-lawrys by a rule of Court made for their Execution all of them making very penitent ends and upon this score divers were Executed afterwards as will appear in the Reign of K. James The Earl of Shaftsbury a little before this matter broke out Dyed in Holland whither he was retired and his Body was brought over and Buried in England This Storm being a little over the happy Marriage was Consummated between the Lady Anne and his Royal Highness Prince George Brother to the King of Denmark the Ceremony being performed by the Bishop of London in the presence of the King Queen Duke Dutchess and most of the great Persons of the Court and followed with great demonstrations of Joy and Satisfaction throughout the Kingdom and a great Muster of the Land Forces was soon after held on Putney-Heath where the King and most of the Court went to take a view of them And such a Frost happened that the like had never been known in England before all the Rivers were Frozen over and the Harbours and Havens were stopped up so that Carts and Coaches might move on the Waters but neither Boats nor Shipping could stir for the space of six Weeks People keeping Fairs upon the River of Thames with all manner of Disports as likewise upon other great Waters and divers Fowle and Cattle were starved to Death many of the Elder sort of People despairing to out-live so sharp a Season but the Wind turning it Thawed of a suddain without much harm The King having appointed Sir William Goslin and Sir Peter Vandeput by Commission under the Great Seal to be Sheriffs of London and Middlesex on the 28 th of September 1684. they were Sworn at Guild-Hall before the Lord Mayor anâ— Court of Aldermen and on the 30 th at Westminster in the Exchequer Chamber taking upon them the charge of Sherâ—ffs 〈◊〉 the ensuing Year On the 2 d. of October the City of Oxford had a New Charter sent and thereupon according to what was nominated therein Mr. Walker was sworn Mayor and Mr. Baker Town-Clerk the latter making a large Speech upon the occasion and afterward great Feasting ensued to Treat and Wellcome the Earl of Abindon who brought the Charter And about this time many other Charters were sent down to divers Cities Corporations c. in lieu of those that had been surrendered or were taken away by proceedings in the Courts of Westmincter and a new Engine was Invented by sundry Undertakers to make Sea-water fresh which was tryed and approved by many persons of Quality of divers Nations and experienc'd Sea-Commanders as well as Foreign Ministers of State and His Grace the Duke of Grafton being appointed Recorder of Bury St. Edmonds by the new Charter he was received there with many demonstrations of Joy and sworn the 20 th of October And Justice Windham Dying in this Month Mr. Baron Street was removed to the Common-Pleas and in his stead Sir Robert Wright was Constituted and Sir James Smith being Commissionated by the King to be Lord Mayor for the ensuing Year was Sworn before the Barons of the Exchequer on the 29 th and the Entertainment was performed with the usual Solemnities Great Storms about this time happened at Sea and Land which did considerable damage breaking many Ships in pieces and over-setting some Houses And Dr. Turner being removed to the Bishoprick of Ely Dr. Sprat Dean of Westminster was Consecrated Bishop of Rochester at the Chapple at Lambeth by the Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury aâ—â—isted by several other Bishops and two Addresses were presented to the King the one from the Lieutenant and Governour General of the Collony and Dominion of Virginia together with the Council of the same and the other fromt the Burgesses and General Assembly of the said Dominion in the Name of themselves and the Commons to congratulate his happy continuance in the Throne and the sensibility they had of their own Tranquility under his Reign c. On the 6 th of November the Tryal commenced at Guild-Hall between Sir William Pritchard formerly Lord Mayor of London and Mr. Papillion c. before the Lord Chief Justice Jefferies where the Jury gave Sir William 10000 l.
Elizabeth Gaunt for Succouring and Assisting the said Burton with Money and helping him to a Passage in order to his escape beyond the Seas and were all Three found Guilty and received Sentence of Death as in case of High Treason And on the 23 d. of October Mr. Cornish was taken out of Newgate and Drawn in a Sledg to Kings-Street-end by Guild-Hall and there Executed on a Gibbet erected for that purpose his Head set upon Guild-Hall and his Quarters upon the Gates though since taken down and his Attainder reversed in Parliament Elizabeth Gaunt was conveyed to Tyburn and there Burnt to Ashes the other two got their Pardons and a Soldier for running from his Colours was Hanged on Tower Hill On the 27 th of October Richard Nelthrop and John Ayloff were carried from Newgate to the Kings Bench Bar and there received Sentence upon their being Outlawed for High Treason and a rule was made for their Execution on the 30 th when accordingly they were executed the first before Grays Inn Gate and the last before the Temple Gate and Quartered as in Case of High Treason On the 29 th of October Sir Robert Jefferys Lord Mayor of London was Sworn for the Year ensuing before the Barons of the Exchequer and the City received him with the usual Pomp c. and about the latter end of this Month a great Scuffle happened at Wiggan in the County Palatine of Lancaster between the Towns-Men and 4 Companys of Soldiers belonging to Sir William Clifton's Regiment in which many People were hurt however the inquiry as to the Agressors being submitted to a Court Marshal the Soldiers were excused and only obliged to remit out of their Pay so much Mony as their Quarters came to it being alledged That the Crouds of People pressed upon their Artillery and Carriages and their endeavouring to keep them off began the Fray On the 6 th of November an Order of Council was Published against making Bone-fires or Fire-works at or upon any Festival Days or Times whatsoever without particular leave first had from the King or Council-Board or signified to them by the Lord Mayor of London or by the Justices of Peace of the Respective Limmits upon Pain of Displeasure and being Prosecuted with the utmost Severity of the Law and some were taken up and Imprisoned on this occasion but upon submission and acknowledgment most of them Released And on the 20 th of November the King by the Lord Chancellour Prorogued the Parliament to the 19 th of February On the 4 th of December Robert Earl of Sunderland Principal Secretary of State was declared Lord President of the Council and took his place And divers new Charters about this time were Granted to sundry Corporations On the 10 th of December One Charles Bateman a Chirurgion was Tryed upon an Indictment of High-Treason for Conspiring the Death of King Charles the Second and to raise Rebellion within the Kingdom c. of which the Jury found him Guilty and he the next day received Sentance of Death as in Case of Treason and upon the 18 th was Executed at Tyburn where he made a very Pious End and his Head and Quarters afterwards set up in divers places And the King Appointed the Lord Viscount Tiveot Coll. Robert Phillips and John Evelyn do in the Absence of his Excellence the Earl of Clarendon who was made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and on his way theither being Attended to the utmost Limits of this Kingdom with a Numerous and Gallant Train and received at Dublin with all the Demonstrations of Joy usual on that Occasion and the Earl of Huntingdon was appointed Lord Cheif Justice and Justice in Eyre of all the King's Forrests Chaces Parks and Warrens on the South side of Trent And on the 29 th the Bishop of Durham was Sworn Dean of the Chaple Royal and the Bishop of Rochester Clerk of the Closet to the King On the 30 th of December John Hambden Esq was Arraigned at the Old-Baily upon an Indictment of High-Treason but was afterwards Pardoned And a Proclamation was published for the further Prorogation of the Parliament viz. to the 10 th of May 1689. On the 8 th of February Thomas Saxton was brought to his Tryal at the Kings Bench-Bar upon an Indictment of Perjury in wilfully Forswearing himself at the Tryal of Henry Lord Delamere and the Jury found him Guilty without going from the Bar and afterward received Sentence to stand in the Pillory before VVestminsterx-Hall gate Temple Bar and the Royal Exchange and to be Whiped from New-gate to Tyburn and to pay 500 Marks as a Fine and he did stand in the Pillory and was Whiped Phlibert Vernatti who had been Attainted by Outlawry for Murthering Sr. Edmunbury Godfry appeared likewise at the Kings-Bench and being admitted to Reverse the Outlawry by Writ of Error tookâ— a kind of a pretended Tryal as knowingâ— doubtless no Witness would appear for that Miles Prance and others being called and not coming into Court the Jury was necessiated to Aâ—quit him and the Parliament Meeting on the 10 th of February was Prorogued by Commission to the 10 th of May. On the 13 th of February Sr. Thomas Jenner was Appointed one of the Baroâ—â— of the Exchequer in the place of Sr. VVilliam Gregory and Sr. Henry Bedingfield was Appointed a Justice of the Common-Pleas in the stead of Sr. Creswel Levens and Sr. John Holt was Constituted Recorder of London On the 10 th of March 1685. The King-Signed a Proclamation of General Pardon yet full of Exceptions in Sundry matters and cases Excluding from the benefit of it a great number by Name especially the most considerable Persons that had Escaped the Battle of Sedgmore or were concerned in the business of the VVest however divers Addresses followed it and sundry clusters were granted or restored and thus ended the most Remarkable Transactions of the year 1685. The year 1686. began with Storms in which a great many Ships were cast away and the shoars in many places were strew'd with Wrecks c. And on the 21 st of April Sr. Thomas Jones Lord Cheif Justice of the Common-Pleas VVilliam Montague Esq Lord Cheif Baron of the Exchequer Sr. Job Charleton one of the Justices of the Common-pleas and Sir Edward Nevil one of the Barons of the Exchequer had their Quietus and others appointed in in the stead however Sir Job Charleton was made Cheif Justice of Checter and a Call of Serjeants was made by Writ and they took their Oaths accordingly at the Chancery-Bar the first day of Easter Term and performed the Ceremonies usual on that occasion Presenting Rings with this Motto viz. Deus Rex Lex And an Order about this time was Published by the King and Council strictly Commanding any one to Betrary or Seduce any Person to the Forreign Plantations in America c. without their Consent and being lawfully bound before a Majestrate or such as should be thereunto Appointed which for a
best men On the 16 th of December the King went to the House of Lords at Westminster attended with the usual Solemnity and gave the Royal Assent to An Act granting to their Majesties an Aid of two Shillings in the Pound for one Year An Act for Declaring the rights of the Subject and settling the Succession of the Crown And some other Acts for Naturalizing Persons c. On the 23 th of December the King passed an Act to prevent Doubts and Questions concerning the Collection of the Publick Revenue An Act to punish Officers and Soldiers who shall mutiny or desert their Majesties Service and for punishing false Musters And a private Act for settling a Joynture c. On the first of January a Chapter being held by the Soveraign and Knights Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter Frederick Elector of Brandenburgh was chosen a Knight Companion of the Order into the Stall of the Late Elector of Brandenburgh his Father The King of Denmark having sent about 6000 Horse and Foot to assist their Majesties of Great Britain Shipp'd in a very considerable Fleet they notwithstanding the projects of the French to disappoint it arrived safe in England and Scotland and were kindly received and care taken for passing them into Ireland to which Service they were chiefly designed being all well Disciplin'd and well Accourtred Men. On the 16 th the King came to the House of Lords and being Seated on the Throne the Commons attending gave the Royal Assent to An Act for a Grant to Their Majesties of an additional Aid of 12 d. in the Pound for one Year An Act for the Charging and Collecting the Duties upon Coffee Tea and Chocolate at the Custom-House and a private Act. And for the firmer settlement of the Kingdom of Scotland by putting the places of greatest Trust in confiding Hands His Majesty has been pleased to Constitute Lords Commissioners For the Great Seal The Duke of Hamilton the Earl of Argyle and the Earl of Southerland For the Privy Seal The Earl of Forfar the Earl of Kintore and the Lord of Carmichael For the Treasury The Earl of Crawford the Earl of Cassels the Earl of Tweddale the Lord Ruthuen and Mr. Melvil For the Clerk Register's Office The Lord Betheaven the Master of Burleigh Sir Duncan Campbell of Auclimbreak Sir Thomas Burnet of Lays and John Hay of Park Sir George Campbell of Cesnock Lord Justice Clerk On the 27 th of January His Majesty being seated on the Throne in the House of Lords sent for the Commons and gave the Royal Assent to An Act for the renewing of the Poll Bill and for an additional Poll. An Act to prevent Vexations Suits against such as acted in order to the bringing in their Majesties and Four private Acts. And then proceeded to make the following Gracious Speech My Lords and Gentlemen I Am very sensible of the readiness you have shewed to supply me with Money for the carrying on the Wars I am engaged in That I am glad of this occasion to give you Thanks for your careful dispatch of that matter which was absolutely necessary for the common safety The best return I can make your Kindness is to assure you that as far as it will goe it shall be imploy'd to the purposes it was given It is a very sensible Affliction to me to see my good People Burthened with heavy Taxes but since the speedy recovering of Ireland is in my Opinion the only means to ease them and to preserve the Peace and Honour of the Nation I am resolved to go thither in Person and with the Blessing of God Almighty endeavour to reduce that Kingdom that it may â—o longer be a Charge to this And as I have already ventured my Life for the Preservation of the Religion Laws and Liberties of this Nation so I am willing again to expose it to secure you the quiet enjoyment of them The Spring draws on and it being Requisite I should be early in the Field I must immediately apply my Thoughts to give Orders for the necessary Preparations which that I may have the more leisure to do I have thought convenient to put an End to this Sessions Then Mr. Speaker by His Majesty's Command said My Lords and Gentlemen IT is His Majesties Pleasure that this Parliament be Prorogued to the second Day of April next And this Parliament is Prorogued to the second Day of April next And thereupon His Majesty returned to his Palace FINIS