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C. K. OGDEN
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
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,oey have
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ig of the Needy, now will
him that puffeth at him.
BLE in George-Tard,
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L-.V JL^tUI t-i
C. K. OGDEN
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(^a>H
COLLECTION
OF THE
SUFFERINGS
Of the PE OPLE called
QUAKE RS,
F O R T H E
Teftimony of a Good Confcience^
FROM
The Time of their being firft diftinguiihed by
that NAME in the Year 1650^ to the Time of
the ^ci, commonly called the ^£i of Toleration,
granted to Trotejiant Dill'enters in the firil Year
of the Reign of King William the Third and
Queen Mary^ in the Year 1689.
Taken frofii Original Records-^W o//j^r Authentick Accounts,
By JOSEPH BESSE.
VOLUME
John xv. 20. The Servant is not greater than the Lord : If they have
perfecuted ine^ the"^ will alfo perfecute you.
PsAL. xxxiv. 19. Many are the JffliSlions of the Righteous^ hut the Lord
deliverelh him out of thein all.
PsAL. xii. 5. For the Oppreffion of the Poor, for the Sighing of the Needy, now will
I arife, faith the Lord : / will fet him in Safety from him that puffeth at him.
LONDON:
Printed and Sold by Luke Hinde, at the Bible in George-Tar^,
Lo?nbard-Street, M,DCC,LIII.
'I
7^ i^X
Vol. I. ^'/'^TO iii
T H P
PREFACE
TO THE
READER.
IT wijs an excellent Obfevoation of Jefus the Son of Syrach, that Ecckfiajiicus
Gold is tried in the Fire, and acceptable Men in the Furnace of "• 5*
Adverfity : Parallel to which is that of the Apojlle Paul, All that ^ Tim. nl. 12.
will live godly in Chrift Jefus, fhall fuffer Perfecution. Thofe that
live other ivife cannot go through it. "Tis a fever e 7e/i upon the Hypocrite
and Earthly-minded. Such jhrink at the Apprehenfion of it, and retire^ 2 Tim. iv. 10.
nsoith Demas, to tie Embraces of this prefent World. Thofe only who have
weighed the Earth with its tranfitory Foffefions, Plcafures arid Delights,
in the Balcnce of the SanSluary, where they have been found even as pr^i^ ixji. «.
nothing, and lighter than Vanity, who know their AffeSlions weaned ri— -
from Things that are below, and fet on Things that are above, who are
dead, and whofe Life is hid with Chrift in God, are made ftrong in the
Lord, and enabled to fiiffer cheerfully for his Name and Truth's Sake,
not being moved at thefe light Afflidlions, which are but for a Mo- i 7i?/. iii. 5.
ment, knowing that they are x}iiQxt\xv[io appointed, and that for their i/fcJr'iViV'
'Encouragement God hath promt fed. When thou pafleft through the "... *''
Waters, I will be with thee, and through the Rivers, they {hall not '^' ^ *"' ^'
overflow thee : When thou walkeft through the Fire, thou flialt not
be burnt, neither (hall the Flame kindle upon thee, for I am the Lord
thy God, the Holy one of Jfrael, thy Saviour.
A Meafure of this holy Faith., and a Senje of this divine Support, bore
up the Spirits of the People called Qud^ktr^, for near forty Tears together,
tojlem the Torrent of Oppofttion, equally tejlifying againft Propha'nenefs
md Immorality on the one hand, and Superftirion and Will-worfliip on
the other. Nor could it be expeSled, that a Tejlimony levelled both again[l
the darling Vices of the Laiety, and the forced Maintenance of the
Clergy, f.^ould meet with any other than an unkind Reception. The
Mefje7igers of it were ejitcrtained with Scorn and Derifion, with Beat-
ings, Buffetings, Stonings, Pinchings, Kickings, Dirtings, Pumpings,
and all Manner of A.bufes from the rude and ungoverned Rabble : And
from the Magiftrates, who fiould have been their Defenders, they met
TO/V/j Spoiling of Goods, Stockings, Whippings, Imprilonments, Banifli-
ments, and even Death itfclf
Under this State of Perfecution, wherein they were exercifed from their
Infancy, (fome of their Sufferings bearing an * earlier Date than the
Name
* The Name ^laker was given firft in the Year 1650, whereas George Fox
faflered Imprifonmcnt at Nottingham in 1649.
3003717
IV
The PREFACE.
Vol. I.
Name Quaker) their Numbers greatly iijcreafed, Jo that it may ivell be
ExoL \. 11. faid of them, ai of the Ifraelites in Egypt; The more they afflifted
them, the more they multiplied and grew. For Religion, }iext to her
oixn Light and Energy en the Minds of Men, has not a more popular
Argument in her Favour, than the Patience and Conftancy of her
afflidled Confeffors.
A Brotherly Love and Sympathy, proceeding from a Senfe of one another's
Innocence and Integrity, doth generally abound a?}20fig Felloivfuferers for
true Religion, and laas very remarkable iii this .People, fonic of 'whom
have travelled Hundreds of Miles to vifit and admi?iifter to their Brethren
in Prifon, and 'v:hile they feemed each regardlefs of his cicn Liberty, were
ftrenuous Advocates for that of others, zealoujly, and almofl inceffantly, in
their feveral Tunis, reprefenting to thofe in Authority the fufering Cafes
of their Friends, either by Word of Mouth, Writing, or Print : There
ivas a printed Paper prefented to the Parliament in 1659, and fubfcribed
by one Hmidred and Sixty four of this People, li^herein ihey make an
Offer of their oivn Bodies, Perfon for Perfon, to lie in Prifon infead
of fuch of their Brethren as were then under Confinement, and might be
in Danger of their Lives through extreme Durance, which Paper was
as follows, viz.
' Friends,
WH O are called a Parliament of thefe Nations : We in
Love to our Brethren that lie in Prifons, and Houfes of
CorreiStion, and Dungeons, and many in Fetters and Irons, and have
been cruelly beat by the cruel Goalers, and many have been per-
fecuted to Death, and have died in Prifon, and many lie fick and
weak in Prifon, and on Straw. So we in Love to our Brethren do
offer up our Bodies and Selves to you, for to put us as Lambs into
the fame Dungeons and Houfes of Correction, and their Straw and
nafty Holes and Prifons, and do ftand ready a Sacrifice for to go
into their Places in Love to our Brethren, that they may go forth,
and that they may not die in Prifon, as many of the Brethren are
dead already : For we are willing to lay down our Lives for our
Brethren, and to take their Sufi^erings upon us that you would infiidt
upon them : And if our Brethren fuffer, we cannot but feel it :
And Chrifl faith. It is he that fuffereth and was not vifited. This is
our Love towards God and Chrift, and our Brethren, that we owe
to them and our Enemies, who are Lovers of all your Souls and
your eternal Good.
' And if you will receive our Bodies, which we freely tender to
you for our Friends that are now in Prifon for Jpea king the Truth in
feveral Places, for ?iot paying Tithes, for meeting together in the Fear
of God, for not Swearing, for wearing their Hats, for being accounted
as Vagrants, for vifting Friends, and for Things of the like Nature,
according to a Paper intituled, * A Declaration to the Parliament,
&c. delivered the 6th Day of the Second Month called April j6^g,
' to
* That Paper gave an Account of above one Hundred and forty then in
Prifon, and of one Thouflind and nine Hundred others who had fuffered in the
laft fix Years, alfo twenty one imprifoned till Death.
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
to the then Speaker of the faid Houfe : We whofe Names are
hereunto fubfcribed (being a fufficient Number to anfwer for the
prefent Sufferers) are waiting in Weftminfter-hall for an Anfwer from
you to us, to anfwer our Tenders, and to manifefl our Love to our
Friends, and to flop the Wrath and Judgment from coming upon
our Enemies.
* Henry Abbott
* Alexander Allen
* James Allen
' "John All'mgton
' 'John Anderdon
* William Archpool
* Henry Ayrei
* Humphry Bache
* John Baddely
* Daniel Baker
' John Barber
* John Barnard
* Richard Bax
* John Beckett
* James Beeche
* William Betf
* George Bewly
' Nicholas Bend
* John Blachfan
* Edward Bland
* Thomas Blatt
* Edward Billing
* John Bolton
* I'homas Braborn
* Thomas Bradley
* Ninion Brockett
* Edward Brook
' William Brown
* Thomas Burchett
* Richard Bird
« Jofeph Bufiell
* Jacob Carr
* John Carter
* ManalJeb Cajketter
' John Chandler
' Richard Clipfl^am
' Richard Cockbill
' Maximil. Cockerill
' Francis Collins
' Henry Cocke
' Thomas Coveney
' Richard Crane
' Stephen Crifp
Vol. I.
John Crook
Edmund Crofs
Thomas Curtis
Thomas Davenport
Richard Davis
Richard Deane
William Dike
John Dijhorow
Thomas Dowen
Rowland Eldridge
John Fawkes
James Fenner
John Fielder
John Fofier
John Freeborn
John Furly jun.
Benjamin Furly
Roger Gaine
Nathanael Garrard
William Garrett
John Gayon
William Geering
Edward Giles
Henry Godman
Peter G'ofs
Richard Greenaway
James Grynier
John Hackleton
Richard Hacker
William Hampfhire
Edward Harrifon
William Harwood
Cuthbert Harle
Robert Hajle
Richard Hind?narjlj
John Hollis
Juftinian Holyman
John Hope
Williarn Hownell
Stephen Hubbard
Robert Ingram
Ralph Johns
William yohnfon
h
Jofeph Jones
Rice Jones
Richard Job/on
Thomas Kent
Humphry Kirby
George Lamboll
Jofeph Langlcy
John Laurence
Thomas Laurence
John Lee
Richard Lewis
John Love
Willia?n Marner
Benjamin Matthew
Robert Mildred
Robert Moor
Thomas Moor
William Mullins
John Newton
Richard Newman
Robert Newman
Thomas Norris
Edward Owers
Alexander Parker
Thomas Pajfenger
William Pennington
John Pennyynan
William Pierfehoufe
William Plumley
Benjamin Pierfon
John Price
Richard ^ick-
John Radley
George Rawlijis
Tbomas Rawlinfon
Thomas Reefe
Nicholas Rickman
George Robinfon
Simon Robinfon
John Scattfield
John Schoreti
Thomas Seaman
Edward Shaller
* William
VI
The PREFACE.
' William Shewen
' Thofiuis Sbortland
* Robert Sikej
' Richard Simpfon
' James Smith
' 'Jonah Smith
' Jatnes Smither
* Robert Sooley
' Edward Sonthwood
' William Sparey
' John Star key
* John Stavelin
John Stedman
Robert Stedman
'Thomas Stedman
Amor Stoddart
John Stevens
William Styles
Arthur Stanbridge
"Thomas Tax
James Tenning
Rowland Tichbourn
William Travers
Richard Tidder
Vol. I.
John Tyjo
Samuel Vaufe
Robert Wade
Chrijlopher White
Philip William/on
Stephen Wix •■ •
Caleb Woods
William Woodcock
John Woolrich
Henry Woolger
John Tardly."
By thefe Means they demo7iftrated the PerfeSlion of Chriftlan Charity
among themfehes, left their Oppreffors without Excufe, and have tranf
mitted to our Times many Accounts of thofe early Sufferings here
abftraSied.
The firfi Laws, under which they fufferedy were Adls or Ordinances of
the Long Parliament : Some of which gave the Juftices Power to deter-
mine Cafes of Tithes, who generally gave treble Damages, and put the
Execution of their Precepts into fuch Hands^ as by excejpve Seizures made
the Sufferers Lofs to be fometimes tenfold the original Demand.
Nor were their Perjons better ufed, their Liberty being very precarious^
for the Ordinances then in Force againfl Blafphemies and HerefeSt gave
thofe hat-d Names to what * Opinions the Law-makers thought fit, fo that
the Quakers were liable to Imprifonment at the Pleafure of every Juftice.
Upon Cromwell'i bei?ig fnade ProteSlor, fome Eafe was expeSfed ; for
the Inftrument or Form of Government by him accepted and fworn tOy
had feveral \ Articles in Favour of Liberty o/' Confcience, viz.
' Art, 35. That the Chriflian Religion contained in the Scriptures be
' held forth and recommended as the publick Profeflion of thefe Na-
' tions, and that as foon as may be, a Provifion lefs fubjedl to Scruple
* and Contention, and more certain than the prefent, be made for the
* Encouragement and Maintenance of able and painful Teachers for
* inflrudling the People, and for the Confutation of Error, Herefy^
' and whatfoever is contrary to found Dodtrine ; and that until fuch
* Provifion be made, the prefent Maintenance fliall not be taken away,
' nor impeached.
' Art. 36. That to the publick Profeffion held forth, none fhall be
' compelled by Penalties or otherwife, but that Endeavours be ufed
' to win them by found Dodtrine, and the Example of a good
' Converfation. « ^^^
* By an Ordinance for punifhing piafpbemies and Herefws, dated May the 2d
1648, the Juftices might commit to Prifon all fuch as fhould publifh and
maintain, that the two Sacraments of Bnplifm and the Lord's Supper are not
Ordinances commanded by the Worn of God, or that the baptizing of Infants is
unlawful and void, or that the Churches of England are no true Churches, nor
their Minillers and Ordinances, true Miniflers and Ordinances ; or that all Ufe
of Arms is unlawful, or that a Man is bound to believe no more than his
Reafon can comprehend.
■f- See Hughes's Abridgment of ^£fs and Ordinances.
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
Vll
* Art. 37. That fuch as profefs Faith in God by Jefus Chi-ift,
* (though diifering in Judgment from the Doftrine, Worfliip, or Dif-
< clpline publickly held forth) fhall not be reflrained from, biit fliall
« be protedted in the Profeffion of their Faith, and Exercife of their
* ReUgion, fo as they abufe not this Liberty to the Civil Injury
* of others, and to the aftual Difturbance of the publick Peace.
' Provided this Liberty be not extended to Po^crv or Prf/^cj,t(r, to
* fuch, as under the Profeffion of Chrift, hold forth and practice
* Licentioufnefs.
' Art. 38. That all Laws, Statutes, Ordinances, and Claufes in any
* Law^, Statute or Ordinance, to the contrary of the aforefaid Liberty,
' fliall be efteemed null and void.'
And the ProteStor himfclf, in a Speech to the Parliament on the lith
cf September 1654, made a fine Harangue on that SubjeSi, viz. ' Is not
Liberty of Confcience a Fundamental ? So long as there Is Liberty
for the fupreme Magiftrate to exercife his Confcience in erefting
what Form of Church-Government he is fatisfied he fliould fet up,
why lliould he not give it to others ? Liberty of Confcience is ^
natural Right, and he that would have it, ought to give it, having
Liberty to fettle what he likes for the Publick. Indeed that hath
been the Vanity of our Contcfls. Every Seft faith. Give me Liberty :
But give it him, and to his Power he will not yield it to any Body
elfe. Where is our Ingenuity ? Truly that is a Thing that ought to
be very reciprocal. The Magiftrate hath his Supremacy, and he may
fettle Religion according to his Confcience : And I may fay it to you,
I can fay it : All the Money in the Nation would not have tempted
Men to fight upon fuch an Account as they have engaged, if they
had not had Hopes of Liberty better than they had from Epifcopacyy
or than would have been afforded them from a Scottijh Prepytery, or
an Englifi either, if it had made fuch Steps, or been as fharp and
rigid as it threatned when it firft fet up. This I fay is a Fundamental,
it ought to be fo, it is for us and the Generations to come.'
But Jiotioitljflanding thefe good Words, the poor Quakers found their
Sufferittgi continued, and not only the before-mentioned Ordinances fill
turned againjl them, but their Meetings for Worjhip, though feemingly
allowed, ivcre in FaB prohibited, fince they were piiniped as Sabbath-
breakers, for traveUi)ig to them no farther than their diftant Divcllings
made necejjary.
'their mofl innocent ASliom were mifreprefented. A Chriflian Exhor-
tation to an Ajjembly after the Prieft had done, was called a diflurbing
him in his Office. An honeft Tejlimony againjl Sin in the Streets or
Markets, was ftiled a Breach of the I'eace : Hence proceeded Fines,
Imprifonments, rt;z^fpoiling 0/' Goods : Nay fo hot for Perfecution were
many Magi/irates, that by an unparalleWd MifconJtriiBion of the Latvs^
againjl Vagrants, they tortured with cruel Whippings the Bodies both oj
Men and IVomen of good Eflate and Reputation.
Thus their Sufferings continued under the fever al Adminiflrations of
Government by the Long Parliament, Oliver aJid Richard Cromwell, the
Council of State, &c. until the Rejloration of King Charles the Second,
Anno 1660.
But
vm
The PREFACE. Vol. L
But although the Rejioration of that Monarch -was nf}:ered hi 'with a
fpecious Declaration for Liberty of Confcience piblig^d from Breda,
<wherein he thus exprejl himfelf viz. ' And hecaufe the Paffions and
* Uncharitablenefs of the Times have produced feveral Opinions in
* Rehgion, by which Men are engaged in Parties and Animofuies
' againft each other, which when they fliali hereafter unite in a
* Freedom of Converfation, will be compofed or better underflood :
' We do declare a Liberty to tender Confclences, onH that no Man
' fhall be difquieted or called in Queftion for Difference of Uplrion in
' Matters of Religion, which do not difturb the Peace of the King-
* dom, and that we aiall be ready to confent to fuch an Ad of
' Parliament, as upon mature Deliberation fliall be offered to us for
* the full granting that Indulgence.' let it ivas not hn^mefore the
Quakers, iioho had not in any Thing dijlurbed the Peace of the Kingdoniy
were grievoujly perfecufed, as well by the Execution of old Laws made in
former Reigns agaifijl Popifli Recufanfs, as the enacliftg of new ones
againfi themfelves^ extending even to Banifhment on pain of Death.
That the Reader may have the clearer Idea of the Injujiice and
Unreafonablenefs of the Sufferings of this People in this Reign, we think
proper to prefix an Account of thefe Laws, which however rigorous in
themfelves, were made more J'o by the extreme Severity exercifed in the
Execution of them.
In the twenty feventh Tear of King Henry the Eighth, in a Law
made for Payment of Tithes was this Claufe : ' * If the Judge of
* an Ecclefiaftical Court make Complaint to two Juftices of Peace,
* ^orum unus, of any Contumacy or Mifdemeanour committed by a
' Defendant in any Suit there depending for Tithes, the faid Juftices
' fliall commit fuch Defendant to Prifon, there to remain till he fhall
' find fufficient Sureties to be bound before them by Recognizance,
* or otherwife, to give due Obedience to the Procefs, Proceedings,
' Decrees and Sentences of the faid Court.'
In the Beginning of ^een Elizabeth'^ Reign a Law was made for
adminiftring the Oath of Supremacy, which Oath (mutatis mutandis) as
now required to be tendred, runs thus :
* •\- 1 A. B. do utterly teflify and declare in my Confcience, that
' the King's Highnefs is the only fupreme Governour of this Realm,
' and of all other his Highneffes Dominions and Countries, as well in
' all Spiritual and Ecclefiajlical Things or Caufes, as Temporal. And
* that no Foreign Prince, Prelate, State or Potentate, hath or ought
' to have any Jurifdidion, Power, Superiority, Pre-eminence or Autho-
* rity, Ecclefiajlical or Spiritual within this Realm. And therefore I
' do utterly renounce and forfake all Foreign Jurifdidtions, Powers,
* Superiorities and Authorities, and do promife, that from henceforth
* I (hall bear Faith and true Allegiance to the King's Highnefs, his
' Heirs and lawful Succeflbrs, and to my Power fliall alTifl and defend
' all Jurifdidtions, Privileges, Pre-eminences and Authorities granted,
* or belonging to the King's Highnefs, his Heirs and Succelfors, or
* united
27 Hen. 8. Cap. 20. t Oath of Supremacy, • 1 Eliz. Cap. i.
Vol. I. The P R E F A C ^. ix
* united and annexed to the Imperial Crown of this Realm. So help
' me God, and by the Contents of this Book.'
hi the fir fl Year of ^leen Elizabeth ivas alfo made an A5l for the
Vniformity of Common-Frayer and Church-Service^ having this Claufe :
' * Every Perfon fhall refort to their Paiifh-Church,. and upon ' Lett
' thereof to fome other, every Sunday and Holiday, .upon Pairy to be
' puniflied by Cenfiires of the Church, and alfo to forfeit twelve^ Pence,
* to be levied by the Churchwardens there, for the Ufe of the Ppqr,
* upon the Offenders Goods by way of Diflrefs.' '-\ ,
In the 2 id Tear of the fame ^ieen, a Lmo was made with this Claufe :
' Every Perfon not repairing to Church according to the Statute of the.
.' I Eliz. 2. fliall forfeit twenty Pounds for every Month they fo make.
' Default, and if they fo forbear by the Space of twelve Months after
* Certificate thereof made by the Ordinary unto the King's Bench,
' a Juflice of AfTize, Goal-Delivery, or Peace of the County, whe;-e
' they dwell, fliall bind them with two fufficient^ Sureties in twQ
* Hundred Pounds at leaft, to the good Behaviour, from wJhicli .they.
* fhall not be releafed, until they fliall repair to Church accprdijag to
' the faid Statute.' ■■.:-, ;.
In the twenty ninth Tear of the faid ^ueen, another Law wafi^,^ad.ey
wherein was the following Claufe : ' -f- The Queen may fei^e ;air'^t^e;
* Goods, and two-third Parts of the Lands and Leafes ,of every; Of-
* fender not repairing to Church as aforefaid, in fuch of the-.Terxnsof
' Eafter and Michaelmas as lliall happen next after flich Conyidtlpn,.
' for the Sum then due for the Forfeiture of twenty Pounds a'Month
* for fo long Time as they (hall forbear to come to Church, according
' to the faid Statute of 23 Eliz. i.'
In the thirty fifth Tear of the faid ^ceen, it was enaSied, t$dt.. ' || If
* any aboye Sixteen Years of Age fliall be convided to have abfented
' themfelves above a Month from Church, without any lawful Caufe,
* or impugned the Queen's Authority in Caufes Ecclefia/lical, or fre-
' quented Conventicles, or perfuaded others fo to do, under Pretence of
* Exercife of Religion, they fliall be committed to Prifon, and there
' remain until they fliall conform themfelves, and make fuch open,
* Submiflion as hereafter (hall be prefcribed. And if within three.
* Months after fuch Convidion they refufe to conform, and fubmit.
* themfelves, being thereunto required by a Juftice of the Peace, they
' fliall in open Aflize or SelTions abjure the Realm. And if fuch Ab-
* juration happen to be before Juftices of the Peace in SefTions, they.
* fhall make Certificate thereof at the next Aflize or Goal-Delivery.
' And if fuch Offender refufe to abjure, or going away accordingly,
* doth return without the Queen's Licence, he fliall be adjudged a
' Felon, and fliall not enjoy the Benefit of the Clergy ; but if before
* he be required to abjure, he makes his SubmifTion, the Penalties
' aforefaid fliall not be inflidled upon him.'
In the third Tear of King James the Firfl, aii AB was made, (after
the Difcovery of the Gunpowder-plot) enjoining the taking the Oath of
Vol, I. c Allegiance,
I Eliz. Cap. 2. f 29 Eliz. Cap. 6. || 35 Eliz. Cap. i.
X The P R E F A C E. Vol. I.
Allegiance, 'which Oath, afterwards called by tU Name of fheTtf\:, tvas
as follows :
' I A. B. do truly and fincerely acknowledge, profefs, teftify and
' declare before God and the World, that our Soveraign Lord King
' Janies is lawful and rightful King of this Realm, and of all other
' his Majefty's Dominions and Countries, and that the Pope, neither
* of himfelf, nor by any Authority of the Church or See of Rome, or
' by any other Means with any other, hath any Power or Authority
* to depofe the King, or to difpofe of any of his Majefly's Kingdoms
* or Dominions, or to authorize any Foreign Prince to invade or to
* annoy him or his Countries, or to difcharge any of his Subjects from
* their Allegiance and Obedience to his Majefty, or to give Licence or
* Leave to any of them to bear Arms, raife Tumults, or to offer any
* Violence or Hurt to his Majefly's royal Perfon or Government, or
' to any of his Subjects within his Majefty's Dominions. Alfo I do
* Swear from my Heart, that notwithftanding any Declaration, or
* Sentence of Excommunication, or Deprivation, inade or granted, or
* to be made or granted by the Pope, or his Succeffors, or by any
* Authority derived, or pretended to be derived, from him or his See,
' againfV the faid King, his Heirs or Succeffors, or any Abfolution of
* the faid Subjedts from their Obedience, I will bear Faith and true
* Allegiance to his Majefty, his Heirs and Succeffors, and him and
* them will defend to the utmoft of my Power, againfl all Confpiracies
* and Attempts whatfoever which fliall be made againft his or their
* Perfons, their Crown and Dignity, by Reafon or Colour of any fuch
' Sentence or Declaration, or otherwife. And will do my belt En-
* deavour to difclofe and make known unto his Majefty, his Heirs
* and Succeffors, all Treafons and traiterous Confpiracies which I fliall
* know or hear of to be againfl him or any of them. And I do farther
' Swear, that I do from my Heart abhor, detefl and abjure, as impi-
* ous and heretical, that damnable DoiHirine and Pofition, that Princes
' which be excommunicated or deprived by the Pope, may be depofed
* or murdered by their Subjedls or any other whatfoever. And I do
' believe, and in my Confcience am refolved, that neither the Pope,
' nor any other Perfon whatfoever, hath Power to abfolve me of this
* Oath, or any Part thereof, which T acknowledge by good and full
* Authority to be lawfully adminiftred to me, and do renounce all
* Pardons and Difpenfations to the contrary. And all thefe Things I
* do plainly and fincerely acknowledge and Swear according to the
* exprefs Words by me fpoken, and according to the plain and
' common Senfe and Underftanding of the fame Words, without any
' Equivocation or mental Evafion, or fecret Refervation whatfoever.
* And I do make this Recognition and Acknowledgement, heartilv,
' willingly, and truly, upon the true Faith of a Chrijlian. So help
' me God."
The Edge of thefe old Laws was fiow turned upon the Quakers, while
the Papifts, againjl whom they were originally made, were little molejicd.
Ajid as if all thefe were an infufficient Guard againfl an harmlefs and
liioffenfwe People, the following new Laws were enaSled, viz.
' An
Vol. I The PREFACE.
' * y^n AC T far pre'venting Mifchiefs and Dangers,
^ fbat may arife bjy certain Terfons called QunkQYS-
' and others refufing to take lawful Oaths.
i^ C in <S 2ft ^ of late Times certain Perfons under tlie
Name of ^takers, and other Names of Separation, have
taken up and maintained fundry dangerous Opinions and
Tenets, and (amongft others) that the taking of an Oath in any Cafe
whatfoever, although before a lawful Magiftrate, is altogether un-
lawful and contrary to the Word of God ; and the faid Perfons do
daily refufe to cake an Oath, though lawfully tendred, whereby it
often happens that the Truth is wholly fuppreffed, and the Admini-
flration of Juftice much obftruded : And ifi'^ZtZ^^ the faid Perfons
under a Pretence of religious Worfhip, do often alfemble themfelves
in great Numbers in feveral Parts of this Realm, to the endangering
of the publick Peace and Safety, and to the Terror of the People, by
maintaining a fecret and ftrid: Correfpondence amongft themfelves,
and in the mean Time feparating and dividing themfelves from the
reft of his Majefty's good and loyal Subjedls, and from the publick
Congregations, and ufual Places of divine Worfliip.
' 2. For the redrefling therefore, and better preventing the many*
Mifchiefs and Dangers that do and may arife by fuch dangerous
Tenets, and fuch unlawful Affemblies : Be it CnaCtCll by the King's
Moft Excellent Majefty, by and with the Advice and Confent of the
Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons afTembled in Parlia-
ment, and by the Authority of the fame. That if any Perfon or
Perfons who maintain that the taking of an Oath in any Cafe
foever, although before a lawful Magiftrate, is altogether unlawfulj
and contrary to the Word of God, from and after the four and
twentieth Day of March, in this prefent Year of our Lord, one
Thoufand fix Hundred and lixty one, {hall obftinately and wilfully
refufe to take an Oath, where by the Laws of the Realm he or fhe
is or fliall be bound to take the fame, being lawfully and duly
tendred, or (liall endeavour to perfuade any other Perfon, to whom
any fuch Oath fliall in like Manner be duly and lawfully tendred,
to refufe and forbear the taking of the fame, or fhall by printing,
writing, or otherwife, go about to maintain and defend, that the'
taking of an Oath in any Cafe whatfoever is altogether unlawfial j
and if the faid Perfons commonly called fakers, (hall at any Time
after the faid four and twentieth Day of March depart from the
Places of their feveral Habitations, and affemble themfelves to the
Number of Five or more of the Age of fixteen Years or upwards,
at any one Time in any Place, under Pretence of joining in a
religious Worfhip, not authorized by the Laws of this Realm, that'
then in all and every fuch Cafe, the Party fo offending being
thereof lawfully convift by Verdidl of twelve Men, or by his own
ConfefTion, or by the notorious Evidence of the Fa<5l, fhall lofe and
' forfeit
* Anno 13 & 14 Car. 2. Cap. i.
XI
Xll
The
P R
E F A G .E.
YoL.i:
forfeit to the King's Majefty, liis Heirs and Succeflbis, for the firfi
Offence, fuch Sum as' fliall be impofe^d upon him or her not
exceeding five Pounds ; and -if any Pe^fcn or Perfons being once
convidted of any fuch Offence,": fliall again >oftehd therein^ and H^.dl
in Form aforefaid be thereof lawfully ctirivicted, fnall fqr the lecond
Offence forfeit to the King ourSoveraign .tifeii4,'his HeirS^-^' ■:^ >>-
cellbrs, fuch Sum as fnall be impofed upon- Aiii\ o.- hci, not^, . :,_,rig
ten Pounds ; the faid refpeftiveiPenaltiesitpfe^ilevvedby Diftrefs anct
Sale of the Parties Goods fo convicted,, reiiu^iiig the Oveiplus io.the
Owners if any be : And for want of fuch Diftrefs, or Non-payment
of the faid Penalty within one Week, after fucli Convi<3:ion, that
then the laid Parties fo convidied, ihall for the firft Offence be com-
mitted to the common Goal, or Houfe of Gorred:ion, for the Space
of three Months y and for the fecond Offence, during fix Months,
without Bail or Mainprize, 'there to be kept to hard Labour :
Which faid Monies to be levifcd fliall be paid to fuch Perfon or
Perfons as fliall be appointed by thofe before whom they fliall be
convided, to be employed for thelncreafe of the Stock of the Houfe
of Correftion, to which they fliall be committed, and providing
Materials to fet them at Work. , And if any Perfon after he in Form
aforefaid, hath been twice convided of any of the faid Offences, fliall
offend the third Time, and be thereof in Form aforefaid lawfully
convid, that then every Perfon fo offending and convid, fliall for
his or her third Offence abjure the Realm, or otherwife it fliall and
may be lawful to and for his Majefly, his Heirs and Succeflbrs, to
give Order, and to caufe him, her or them, to be tranfported in any
Ship or Ships, to any of his Majefty's Plantations beyond the Seas.
, '_2- ■^"'^ ^^ is ^rDaineD and CnartCt by the Authority aforefaid.
That all and every Juftice of Oyer and 'J'enmnet\ Juftices of Afiize
and Goal-Delivery, and the Juftices of the Peace, .fliall have full
Power and Authority in every their open and general Seffions, to
enquire, hear and determine, all and every the faid Offences, within
the Limits of their Conimiflion to them direded, and to make
Procefs for the Execution of the fame, as they may do againft any
Perfon being indifted before them of Trefpafs, or lawfully convidted
thereof.
' 4. And be it alfo (KtiaCtCB, That it fliall and may be lawful to
and for any Juftice of Peace, Mayor, or other chief Officer of any
Corporation within their feveral Jurifdidtions, to commit to the
Commoii-Goal, or bind over with fufficient Sureties to the Quarter-
Sefiions, any Perfon or Perfons offending in the Premifes, in order to
his or their Convidtion aforefaid.
:•!.* 5. ^tOtJiteD always, and be it hereby farther (EtiaCteD, That if
any ot the laid Perlons fliall after fuch Convidtions as aforefaid, take
fuch Oath or Oaths, for which he or flie ftands committed, and alfo
give Security that he or flie fliall for the Time to come forbear to
meet in any fuch unlawful Affembly as aforefaid, that then and from
thenceforth fuch Perfon and Perfons fliall be difcharged from all
the Penalties aforeliiid ; any Thing in this Adt to the contrary
notwithftanding.
' 6. i^rotJiticli
Vol. I. The PREFACE. ' xiii
' 6. JBrObitJCD always, and be it (tnUdttti by the Authority,-
' aforefaid, That all and lingular Lords of the Parliament, for every
* third Offence committed againft the Tenor of this Adt, Hiall be
' tried by their Peers, and not otherwife.'
' An ACT to prevent and Jupprefs feditious
' Conventicles.
<■ 3J^M|[ i^ <S U,C 3B ^ an Adt made in the five and thirtieth
* ^Wfc^ ^'e^'' '^^ ^^^ Reign of our Soveraign Lady Queen Elizabeth,
* intituled, An Act to 7-etain the^tcens Majejlys Subjects in
' their due Obedience, hath not been put in due Execution by Reafon
« oi fome Doubt of late made, Whether the faid ASl be flill in Force,
' although it be very clear and evident, and it is hereby declared, that
' the faid Ad; is flill in Force, and ought to be put in due Execution.
• 2. For providing therefore of farther and more fpeedy Remedies
' againfi: the growing and dangerous Pradtices of feditious Sedlaries and
* other difloyal Perfons, who, under Pretence of tender Confciences,
* do at their Meetings contrive Infurredions, as late Experience hath
' fhewed,
' 3. Be it iCnaCtCD by the King's Moft Excellent Majeffy, by and
* with the Advice and Confent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal,
' and Commons in this prefent Parliament affembled, and by the
' Authority of the fame. That if any Perfon of the Age of fixteen Years
' or upwards, being a Subjedl of this Realm, at any Time after the firft
' Day of jfuly, which fliail be in the Year of our Lord one Thoufand
' fix Hundred and fixty four, fliall be prefent at any Afl'embly, Con-
* venticle, or Meeting, under Colour or Pretence of any Exercife of
* Religion, in other Manner than is allowed by the Liturgy or Pradice
' of the Church of England, in any Place within the Kingdom of
* England^ Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon 'Tweed ;
* at which Conventicle, Meeting or Affembly, there fhall be five Per-
* fons or more affembled together over and above thofe of the fame
' Houfhold : Then it fliall and may be lawful to and for any two
' Juflices of the Peace of the County, Limit, Divifion or Liberty,
' wherein the Offence aforefaid fliall be committed, or for the Chief
' Magiftrate of the Place where fuch Offence aforefaid fhall be
* committed (if it be within a Corporation where there arc not two
* Juftices of the Peace) and they are hereby required and enjoined
' upon Proof to them or him refpedively made of fuch Offence, either
' bv Confeffion of the Party, or Oath of Witnefs, or notorious Evi-
* dence of the Fad, (which Oath the faid Juftices of the Peace, and
* Chief Magiftrates refpedively, are hereby impowered and required
' to adminifler) to make a Record of every luch Offence and Offences
* under their Hands and Seals refpedively, which Record fo made as
' aforefaid, (lull to all Intents and Purpofes be in Law taken and
* adjudged to be a full and perfed Conviition of every fuch Offender
' for fuch Offence : And thereupon the faid Jurtices and Chief
* Magiftratcs refpedively, fhall commit everv fuch Offender io con-
* vided a£ aforefaid, to the Goal or Houfe of Corredfion, there to
Vol. L d
XIV
The PREFACE.
Vol. I.
remain without Bail or Mainprize, for any Time not exceeding the
Space of three Months, unlefs fuch Offender fliall pay down to the
faid Juftice or Chief Magiftrate, fuch Sum of Money not exceeding
five Pounds, as the faid Juftice or Chief Magiftrate (who are hereby
thereunto authorized and required) ftiall fine the faid Offender at for
his or her faid Offence: Which Monies fliall be paid to the Church-
wardens for the Relief of the Poor of the Parifti where fuch Offender
did laft inhabit.
• 4. And be it farther CttaCtCD by the Authority aforefaid, That
if fuch Offender fo convidled as aforefaid, fliall at any Time again
commit the like Offence contrary to this A&, and be thereof in
Manner aforefaid convidled, that fuch Offender fo convidl of every
fuch fecond Offence, fhall incur the Penalty of Imprifonment in
the Goal or Houfe of Corredlion for any Time not exceeding fix
Months, without Bail or Mainprize, unlefs fuch Offender fhall pay
down to the faid Juftices or Chief Magiftrate, fuch Sum of Money
not exceeding ten Pounds, as the faid Juftices or Chief Magiftrate
(who are thereunto authorized and required as aforefaid) fhall fine
the faid Offender at for his or her fecond Offence : The faid Fine
to be difpofed in Manner aforefaid.
' 5. And be it farther (jnaCtCti by the Authority aforefaid, That if
any fuch Offender fo convid of a fecond Offence, contrary to this
A<ft in Manner aforefaid, fhall at any Time again commit the like
Offence contrary to this Adt, then any two Juftices of the Peace
and Chief Magiftrate as aforefaid, refpeftively fhall commit every
fuch Offender to the Goal or Houfe of Corredlion, there to remain
without Bail or Mainprize until the next General Quarter-Seffions,
Affizes, Goal-Delivery, Great Seffions, or Sitting of any Commiffion
of Oyer and 'Terminer, in the refpedlive County, Limit, Diviiion or
Liberty, which fhall firft happen, when and where every fuch Of-
fender fhall be proceeded againft by Indiftment for fuch Offence,
and fhall forthwith be arraigned upon fuch Indidment, and fliall
then plead the general Iffue of Not guilty, and give any fpecial
Matter in Evidence, or confefs the Indidment ; and if luch Of-
fender proceeded againft fhall be lawfully convid of fuch Offence,
either by Confeffion or Verdid ; or if fuch Offender fhall refufe to
plead the general Iffue, or tc confefs the Indidment, then the
refpedive Juftices of the Peace at their General Quarter-Seffions,
Judges of Affize, and Goal-Delivery, at the Affizes and Goal-
Delivery, Juftices of the Great Seflions, at the Great Sefllons, and
Commiffioners of Oyer and Tertniner, at their Sitting, are hereby
enabled and required to caufe Judgment to be entred againft fuch
Offender, that fuch Offender ihall be tranfported beyond the Seas to
any of his Majefty's foreign Plantations, Virgiiiia and Nciv-Evglatid
only excepted, there to remain feven Years. And fliall forthwith
under their Hands and Seals make out Warrants to the Sheriff or
Sheriffs of the fame County, where fuch Convidion or Refufal to
plead, or to corffefs as aforefaid, ihall be, fafely to convey fuch
Offender to fome Port or Haven ncareft. or molt commodious to be
appointed by them refpedively, and from thence to embark fuch
' Offender
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
XT
Offender to be fafely tranfported to any of his Majefty's Plantations
beyond the Seas, as fliall by them aUo be relpcftively appointed,
Virginia and New-Ejigland only excepted. Whereupon the faid.
Sheriffs fliail fafely convey and embark, or caufe to be embarked,
fuch Offender to be tranfported as aforefaid, under pain of forfeiting
for Default of fo tranfporting every fuch Offender the Sum of forty
Pou.-.ds oi lawful Money ; the one Moiety thereof to the King, and
the other Moiety to him or them that fliall fue for the fame in any
of the King's Courts of Record, by Bill, Plaint, Adlion of Debt or
Information : In any of which no Wager of Law, Effoin or Pro-
tedlion Ihall be admitted. And the refpedive Court fhall then alfo
make out Warrants to the feveral Conflables, Headborousihs, or
Tithingmen of the refpediive Places where the Eftate, real or
perfonal, of fuch Offender fo to be tranfported, fliall happen to be,
commanding them thereby to fequefter into their Hands the Profits
of the Lands, and to diffrain and fell the Goods of the Offender fo
to be tranfported, for reimburfing of the faid Sheriff all fuch rea-
fonable Charges as he fliall be at, and fhall be allowed him by the
faid refpedtive Court for fuch conveying or embarking of fuch
Offender fo to be tranfported, rendring to the Party, or his or her
Alfigns, the Overplus of the fame if any be, unlefs fuch Offender, or
lome other on the Behalf of fuch Offender fo to be tranlported, fhall
give the Sheriff fuch Security as he ihall approve of for the paying
all the faid Charges unto him.
' 6. And be it farther cgnactetl by the Authority aforefaid. That in
Default of defraying fuch Charges by the Parties to be tranfported,
or fome other in their Behalf, or in Default of Security given to the
Sheriff as aforefaid, it fhall and may be lawful for every fuch Sheriff
to contraft with any Mafter of a Ship, Merchant, or other Perfon,
for the tranfporting of fuch Offender at the beft Rate he can. And
that in every fuch Cafe it fliall and may be lawful for fuch Perfons fo
contrafting with any Sheriff for tranfporting fuch Offender as aforefaid,
to detain and employ every fuch Offender fo by them tranfported, as a
Labourer to them or their Affigns for the Space of five Years, to all
Intents and Purpofes, as if he or fhe were bound by Indenture to
fuch Perfon for that Purpofe : And that the refpeftive Sheriffs fhall
be allowed, or paid from the King upon their refpedlive Accounts in
the Exchequer, all fuch Charges by them expended for conveying,
embarking and tranfporting, of fuch Perfons, which fliall be allowed
by the faid refped:ive Courts from whence they received their
refpecftive Warrants, and which fhall not have been by any of the
Ways aforementioned paid, fecured, or reimburfed unto them as
aforefaid.
' 7. ^^rotjiliell always, and be it farther cEtiattel), That in cafe
the Offender fo indifted and convidled for the laid third Offence,
(hall pay into the Hands of the Regifler, or Clerk of the Court
or Seliions, where he fliall be convidfed, (before the faid Court or
Seflions fliall be ended) the Sum of one Hundred Pounds, that then
the faid Offender fliall be difcharged from Imprilonment and
Tranfportation, and the Judgment for the fame.
' 8. And
XVI
The PREFACE.
Vol. I.
' 8. And be it farther dgnacteU, That the like Imprifonment,
Indi<ftment, Arraignment and Procedings, Ihall be againft every fuch
Offender as often as he fliall again offend after fuch third Offence,
neverthelefs difchargeable and difcharged by the Payment of the hke
Sum, as was paid by fuch Offender, for his or her faid Offence next
before committed, together with the additional and increafed Sum
of one Hundred Pounds more upon every new Offence committed :
The faid refpedlive Sums to be paid as aforelaid, and to be difpofed
of as follows, viz. The one Moiety for the Repair of the Parilh-
Church or Churches, Chapel or Chapels, of fuch Parifli within
which fuch Conventicle, Affembly or Meeting, llmll be held ; and
the other Moiety to the Repair of the Highways of the faid Parifh,
or Parifhes, (if Need require) or otherwife for the Amendment of
fuch Highways, as the Juftices of Peace at their refpedlive Quarter-
Seffions, fliall diredt and appoint. And if any Conftable, Head-
borough, or Tithingman, fhall negledl to execute any the faid War-
rants made unto them for fequeflring, dilbaining and felling, any of
the Goods and Chattels of any Offender againil this Adt, for the
levying fuch Sums of Money as fhall be impofed, for the firft or
fecond Offence, he fliall forfeit for every fuch Negledl the Sum of
five Pounds of lawful Money of Engla?id ; the one Moiety thereof
to the King, and the other Moiety to him that will fue for the fame
in any of the King's Courts of Record as is aforefaid. And if any
Perfon be at any Time fued for putting in Execution any of the
Powers contained in this Adt, fuch Perfons (hall and may plead the
general Iflue, and give the fpecial Matter in Evidence ; and if the
Plaintiff be nonfuit, or a Verdift pafs for the Defendant thereupon,
or if the Plaintiff dlfcontinue his Action, or if upon Demurrer Judg-
ment be given for the Defendant, every fuch Defendant fliall have
his or their treble Cofls.
* 9. And be it farther (^ttactct), That if any Perfon againfl whom
Judgment of Tranfportation Ihall be given in Manner aforefaid,
fliall make Efcape before Tranfportation, or being tranfported as
aforefaid, ihall return unto this Realm of England, Dominion of
WaleSy and Town of Be>-wici upon TiL-eed, without the fpecial
Licence of his Majefty, his Heirs and Succeffors, in that Behalf firfl
had and obtained, that the Party fo efcaping or returning, fliall be
adjudged a Felon, and fliall fuffer Death as in cafe of Felony, without
Benefit of Clergy, and fliall forfeit and lofe to his Majefty, all his or
her Goods and Chattels for ever, and fhall farther lofe to his Majefly,
all his or her Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments, for and during
the Life only of fuch Offender, and no longer ; and that the Wife of
any fuch Offender, by Force of this A£l, fliall not lofe her Dower,
nor fliall any Corruption of Blood grow or be by Reafon of any llich
Offence mentioned in this Ac}, but that the Heir of every fuch
Offender by Force of this Aft, fliall and may, after tlie Death of
fuch Offender, have and enjoy the Lands, Tenements and Heredita-
ments of fuch Offender as if this Aff had not been made.
* 10. And for the better preventing of the Mifchiefs which may
grow by fuch feditious and tumultuous .Meetings, under Pretence of
' religious
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
xvii
religious Worfliip, be it farther Q^naCtet by the Authority aforefaid,
Thkt the Lieutenants, or Deputy-Lieutenants, or any commiffioned
Officers of the Militia, or any other of his Majefty's Forces, with
fuch Troops or Companies of Horfe or Foot, and alfo the Sheriffs
and Juftices of Peace, and other Magiftrates and Minifters of Juflice,
or any of them jointly or feveially, within any the Counties or
Places within this Kingdom of England, Dominion of Wales, or
Town of Berivick upon Tweed, with fuch other AlTiftance as they
fliall think meet, or can get in Readinefs with the fooneft, on Cer-
tificate made to them refptftively, under the Hand and Seal of any
one Juftice of the Peace, or Chief Magiflrate, as aforefaid, of his
particular Information or Knowledge of fuch unlawful Meetings or
Conventicles, held or to be held in their refptftive Counties or
Places, and that he (with fuch AfTiflance as he can get together) is
not able to fupprefs or diffolve the fame, (hall and may, and are
hereby enjoined and required to repair unto the Place where they are
fo held, or to be held, and by the befl Means they can, to diffolve
and diiTipate, or prevent all fuch unlawful Meetings, and take into
their Cull:ody fuch of thofe Perfons, fo unlawfully alfembled, as they
fhall judge to be Leaders and Seducers of the reff, and fuch others
as they fhall think fit, to be proceeded againfl according to the Law
for fuch Offences,
* II. And be it (EnSCteD by the Authority aforefaid, That every
Perfon who fhall wittingly and willingly fuffer any fuch Conventicle,
unlawful AfTembly or Meeting aforefaid, to be held in his or her
Houfe, Out-hou(e, Barn or Room, Yard or Backiide, Woods or
Grounds, fhall incur the fame Penalties and Forfeitures, as any other
Offender againft this Adl ought to incur, and be proceeded againfl in
all Points, in fuch Manner as any other Offender againft this A£l
ought to be proceeded againfl.
'12. ^tobiljell alfo, and be it cgliaCtCD by the Authority aforefaid.
That if any Keeper of any Goal or Houfe of Correftion, fliall fuffer
any Perfon committed to his Cuflody for any Offence againft this
A£t, to go at large, contrary to his Warrant of Commitment accord-
ing to this Adl, or fhall permit any Perfon who is at large, to join
with any Perfon committed to hisCuftody by Virtue of this A£t, in
the Exercife of Religion differing from the Rites of the Church of
England, then every fuch Keeper of a Goal, or Houfe of Corre£lion,
fliall for every fuch Offence forfeit the Sum of ten Pounds ; to be
levied, raifed and difpofed by fuch Perfons, and in fuch Manner as
the Penalties for the firft and fecond Offence againft this A£t are to
be levied, raifed and difpofed.
' 13. )BCOl}iD0tl always. That no Perfon fliall be punifliedfor any
Offence againfl this A£l, uvAkk fuch Offender be profecuted for the
fame within three Months after the Offence committed : And that
no Perfon who fhall be puniOied for any Offence by Virtue of this
Acl, fhall be puniflied fur the fame Offence by Virtue of any other
A£l or Law whatfoever.
' 14. ^tObiDel) alfo, and be it (jgnaCtCt), That Judgment of
Tranfportation fhall not be given againfl any Feme-Co'vert, unlels
Vol. I. e ' her
xviii The PREFACE. Vol. I.
' her Hufband be at the fame Time imder the like Judgment, and not
' difcharged by the Payment of Money as aforefaid, but that inftead
' thereof, fhe Ihall by the refpeftive Court be committed to the Goal
' or Houfe of Correftion, there to remain without Bail or Mainprize
' for any Time not exceeding twelve Months, unlefs her Hufband
' fhall pay down fuch Sum not exceeding forty Pounds, tci redeem her
-' from Imprifonment, as fliall be impofed by the faid Court : The
* faid Sum to be difpofed by fuch Perfons, and in fuch Manner, as
* the Penalties for the firfl and fecond Offences againfl this ASi are to
' be difpofed.
' 15. ^tOblDetl alfo, and be it (£n8fteD by the Authority aforefaid,
' that the Juftices of Peace, and Chief Magiflrate, refpeftively im-
' powered as aforefaid to put this AEi in Execution, fliall and may
' with what Aid, Force and Afliflance, they fhall think fit for the
' better Execution of this A£i:, after Refufal or Denial, enter into
' any Houfe or other Place where they fhall be informed any fuch
* Conventicle as aforefaid is or fhall be held.
' 16. ^(OtlitlCD, That no Dwelling-houfe of any Peer of this
' Realm, whillt he or his Wife fliall be there refident, fliall be fearched
' by Virtue of this AEi, but by immediate Warrant from his Majefly
' under his Sign-Manual, or in the Prefence of the Lieutenant, or one
' of the Deputy-Lieutenants, or two Juflices of the Peace, whereof
' one to be of the Riorum of the fame County or Riding ; nor fhall
* any other Dwelling-houfe of any Peer, or other Perfon whatfoever,
* be entred into with Force by Virtue of this Aft, but in the Prefence
' of one Juflice of the Peace, or Chief Magiftrate, refpe£lively, except
' within the City of London, where it fhall be lawful for any fuch
' other Dwelling-houfe to be entred into as aforefaid, in the Prefence
* of one Juflice of the Peace, Alderman, Deputy-Alderman, or any
* one Commiirioner for the Lieutenancy of London.
' 17- ^roSJlDeiJ alfo, and be it dEttattet) by the Authority aforefaid,
' That no Perfons fhall by Virtue of this Aft be committed to the
* Houfe of CorredVion, that fhall fatisfy the faid Juftices of the Peace,
* or Chief Magiflrate, refpeftively, that he or fhe (and in cafe of a
* Feme-Covert, that her Hufband) hath an Eflate of Freehold or
' Copyhold to the Value of five Pounds per Annum, or perfonal
* Eflate to the Value of fifty Pounds j any Thing in this Aft to the
* contrary notwithflanding.
' 18. And in Regard a certain Seft called fakers, and other
* Seftaries, are found not only to offend in the Matters provided
* againfl by this Aft, but alfo obftrudl the Proceeding of Juflice by
* their oblHnate Refufal to take the Oaths lawfully tendred unto
' them in the ordinary Courfe of Law : Therefore be it farther
' (EtlSCtCD by the Authority aforefaid, That if any Perfon or Perfons,
* being duly and legally ferved with Procefs or other Summons, to
' appear in any Court of Record, except Court-Leets, or as a Witnefs,
' or returned to ferve on any Jury, or ordered to be examined upon
* Interrogatories, or being prefent in Court, fliall refufe to take any
' judicial Oath, legally tendred to him by the Judge or Judges of the
■ ' fame Court, having no legal Plea to juffify or excufe the Refufal of
' the
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
XIX
the fame Oath ; or if any Perfon or Perfons being duly ferved with
Procefs to anfwer any Bill exhibited againft him or them in any
Court of Equity, or any Suit in any Court Ecclefiaftical, (hall refufe
to anfwer fuch Bill or Suit upon his or their Corporal Oath, in Cafes
where the Law requires fuch Anfwer to be put in upon Oath ; or
being fummoned to be a Witnefs in any fuch Court, or ordered to
be examined upon Interrogatories, (hall for any Cauie or Reafon not
allowed by Law, refufe to take fuch Oath as in fuch Cafes is required
by Law ; that then, and in fuch Cafe, the feveral and refpedtive
Courts, wherein fuch Refufal fhall be made, fhall be and are hereby
enabled to record, enter or regifler fuch Refufal ; which Entry or
Record fhall be, and is hereby made a Convidlion of fuch Offence :
And all and every Perfon and Perfons fo as aforefaid offending, fhall
for every fuch Offence incurr the Judgment and Punifliment of
Tranfportation in fuch Manner as is appointed by this At\ for other
Offences.
' 19. ^tOblD^t) always. That if any the Perfon or Perfons afore-
faid, fliall come into fuch Court, and take his or their Oath in thefe
Words, I do Swear that 1 do not hold the takitig of an Oath to he
unlawful, nor refufe to take an Oath on that Account ; which Oath
the refpedlive Court or Courts aforefaid, are hereby authorized and
required forthwith to tender, adminifter and regifler, before the
Entry of the Convidlion aforefaid, or fhall take fuch Oath before
fome Juftice of the Peace, who is hereby authorized and required
to adminifter the fame, to be returned into fuch Court, fuch Oath {q
made fhall acquit him or them from fuch Punifhment ; any Thing
herein to the contrary notwithftanding.
' 20. ^tOt)it)Stl always. That every Perfon convifted as aforefaid
in any Courts aforefaid, (other than his Majefty's Court of Kifigs
Bench, or before the Juftices of Affize, or General Goal- Delivery)
fhall by Warrant containing a Certificate of fuch Convidlion, under
the Hand and Seal of the refpedlive Judge or Judges, before whom
fuch Convidlion fhall be had, be fent to fome one of his Majefty's
Goals in the fame County where fuch Conviftion was had, there to
remain without Bail or Mainprize until the next Affizes or General
Goal-Delivery, where if fuch Perfon fo convidled fhall refufe to take
the Oath aforefaid, being tendred unto him by the Juftice or Juftices
of Affize or Goal-Delivery, then fuch Juftice or Juftices fliall caufe
Judgment of Tranfportation to be executed in fuch Manner as Judg-
ment of Tranfportation by this Adt is to be executed ; but in cafe
fuch Perfon fliall take the faid Oath, then he fliall thereupon be
difcharged.
'21. ^tObttiCd always, and be it (^ttaCtCD by the Authority afore-
faid. That if any Peer of this Realm fliall offend againft this Adl,
he fliall pay ten Pounds for the firft Offence, and twenty Pounds for
the fecond Offence, to be levied upon his Goods and Chattels by
Warrant from any two Juftices of the Peace, or Chief Magiftrate of
the Place or Divifion where fuch Peer fliall dwell ; and that every
Peer for the third and every farther Oftcnce againft the Tenour of
this A6}, fliall be tried by his Peers, and not othcrwife.
* 22. i^tobilieD
XX . The P R E F A C E. Vol. I.
' 22. ^rObiUel) alfo, and be it farther cBHaCtCtl by the Authority
* aforefaid, That this Aft fliall continue in Force for three Years after
' the End of this prefect Seffion of Parliament, and from thence for-
' ward to the End of the next Seffion of Parliament after the faid
' three Years, and no longer.'
This laft A51 for Banifiment icns very extenfive, being calculated to
affc6i every Man among the Quakers in tivo Poi?2ts, wherein they flood
firm and unmoveable, viz. Their publick meeting to worlliip God, and
refufing to Swear : This -was that Law of ichich Judge Turner told
Francis Howgill at his Trial at Appleby AJfizes in 1664, J^iying, You
meet in great Numbers, and do increafe, but there is a new Statute
which will make you fewer. And indeed in human Probability it was
an effeBual Method for that Purpofe, and could fcarce have failed, had
not the Hand of God vifibly interpofed, not only by fuftaining and
firengthning this perfecuted People under their extreme Sufferings, but
in frufl rating the Attempts of their Adverfaries, and appearing in a
remarkable Manner for their Delivera7ice, as by divers Infiances in this
ColleBion related will appear.
To the former Laws were added in the Tear 1665, An Act for
reftraining Non-Conformifts from inhabiting in Corporations, and
about the Tear 1670, An Act to prevent and fupprefs feditious Con-
venticles : The foriner of which, though principally intended againft the
Prefbyterian ««^ Independent Teachers, was yet madeJJfeof to imprifoji
the Quakers : The latter they food daily expofed to by their publick
Affemblies for Worfl:ip ; ma7iy of them were f polled of their Goods, and
from a confiderable Subjlance reduced to jneer Poverty, for ?iot only their
trading Stock in their Shops and Warehoufes, but even their HouJ);old
Goods and Beddi?ig became a Prey to wicked h formers, fo that they were
fometimes conflrained to lodge on the bare Boards. What terrible Havock
this A£l made in many Families, will appear by a Multitude of Injlances
in the following Colleciioii. The faid A6ls were as follows.
^ I. An ACT for re ft raining Non - Conformifts
*■ froyn inhabiting in Corporations.
j^ C 151<£3(I^ divers Parfons, Vicars, Curates, Ledlurers,
and other Perfons in holy Orders, have not declared
their unfeigned Aflent and Confent to all Things con-
' tained and prefcribed in the Book of Common-prayer, and Admini-
ftration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the
' Church, according to the Ufe of the Church of Ejigbjtd, or have
not fubfcribed to the Declaration or Acknowledgment contained in
' a certain Aft of Parliament made in the fourteenth Year of his
' Majefty's Reign, and intituled. An Kc T for the Vnifortnity of
' publick Prayers, a77d Adminilhationof Sacrainents, and other Rites
and Ceremonies, and for ejlabli{l:ing the Form of makiiig, ordaining,
' and confecrating of Bi/J:>opSy Priejh and Deacons, in the Church of
* England, according to the faid Aft, or any other fubfequent Aft ;
and tO^ttCajS they, or fome of them, and divers other Perfon or
Perfons, not ordained according to the Form of the Church of
' England,
Vol. L The PREFACE. xxi
* Englandy and as have fince the Ad: of Oblivion taken upon them to
' preach in unlawful Airemblies, Conventicles or Meetings, under
' Colour or Pretence of Exercife of Religion, contrary to the Laws
' and Statutes of this Kingdom, have fettled themfelves in divers Cor-
' porations in England, fometimes three or more of them in a Place,
' thereby taking an Opportunity to diflill the poifonous Principles of
* Schifm and Rebellion, into the Hearts of his Majefty's Subjeds, to
* the great Danger of the Church and Kingdom.
' 2. Be it therefore CEtlSCttD by the King's Mofl Excellent Majefty,
' by and with the Advice and Confent of the Lords Spiritual and
' Temporal, and the Commons in this prefent Parliament affembled,
' and by the Authority of the fime, That the faid Parfons, Vicars,
' Curates, Ledlurers, and other Perfons in holy Orders, or pretending;
' to holy Orders, and all Stipendiaries, and other Perfons who have
' been polTeffed of any Ecclefiaftical or Spiritual Promotion, and every
' of them vvho have not declared their unfeigned AfTent and Confent
* as aforefaid, and fliall not take and fubfcribe the Oath following.
' / A. B. do Siuear that it is tiot lawful upon any Pretence wbatjoever^
* to take Arms againft the King, and that I do abhor that traiterous
* Pofition of taking Arms by his Authority againft his Perfon, or againfl
' thcfe that are commijjioncd by him in Purfuance of Juch CommiJJions :
' And that I will 7iot at any 'Time endeavour any Alteration of
* Government either in Church or State.
•:3. And all fuch Perfon or PerfOns as fhall take upon them to
* jpreach, in any unlawful Aflembly, Conventicle or Meeting, under
V Colour or Pretence of any Exercife of Religion, contrary to the
' Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom, (hall not at any Time from and
* after the four and twentieth Day of March, which fhall be in the
' prefent Year of our Lord God one Thoufand fix Hundred Sixty and
* five, unlefs only in palling upon the Road, come or be within five
* Miles of any City or Town Corporate, or Borough that fends Bur-
' geffes to the Parliament, within his Majefty's Kingdom of Etigland,
* Principality oilVales, or the Town of Berwick upon Tweedy or within
* five Miles of any Parifh, Town or Place, wherein he or they have,
' fince the Adl of Oblivion, been Parfon, Vicar, Curate, Stipendiary or
* Ledurer, or taken upon them to preach in any unlawful AfTembly,
* Conventicle or Meeting, under Colour or Pretence of any Exercife
* of Religion, contrary to the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom,
* before he or they have taken and fubfcribed the Oath aforefaid
* before the Juftices of the Peace at their Quarter Seftions, to be
* holden for the County, Riding or Divifion, next unto the faid Cor-
* poration, City or Borough, Place or Town, in open Court, (which
' faid Oath the faid Juftices are hereby impowered there to adminifter)
* upon Forfeiture for every fuch Offence the Sum of forty Pounds of
* lawful Englijh Money, the one third Part thereof to his Majefty
' and his SuccefTors, the other third Part to the Ufe of the Poor of
* the Parifh where the Offence fliall be committed, and the other
' third Part thereof to fuch Perfon or Perfons as fliall or will fue for
' the fame by any Adion of Debt, Plaint, Bill or Information, in any
' Court of Record at Weflminjler, or before any Juftice of Aflize,
Vol. L f ' Oyer
xxu
The PREFACE. Vol. I.
' Oyer and T'ermifier, or Goal-Delivery, or before any Juftices of the
* County Palatine of Chefter, Lcvicajler, DurhatJt, or the Juftices of
* the Great Seflions, wherein no Effoin, Protedlion or Wager of Law
* fliall be allowed.
' 4. ^^tObitCl) always, and be it farther (gnaCttD by the Authority
' aforefaid, That it fliall not be lawful for any Ferfon or Perfons
' reftrained from coming to any City, Town Corporate, Borough,
' Parilh, Town or Place, as aforefaid, or for any other Perfon or
* Peifons as fhall not firft take and fubteribe the faid Oath, and as
' fhall not frequent divine Service eftabliflied by the Laws of this
* Kingdom, and carry him or hcrfelf reverently, decently and orderly
* there, to teach any publick or private School, ,or take any Boarders
' or Tablets that are inftrudled by himfelf or any other, upon pain
' for every fuch Offence to forfeit the Sum of forty Pounds, to be
' recovered and diftributed as aforefaid.
' 5. )dtOl)iDft) always, and be it farther (ftiaCtCB by the Authority
' aforefaid, That it fhall be lawful for any two Juftices of the Peace
' of the refpe£^ive County, upon Oath to them of any Offence againft
' this A£i, (which Oath they are hereby impowered to adminifter) to
' commit the Offender for fix Months without Bail or Mainprize,
* unlefs upon or before fuch Commitment he fhall before the faid
* Juftices of the Peace, fwear and fubfcribe the aforefaid Oath and
* Declaration.
' 6. iSCObtDsD always, That if any Perfon intended to be reftrained
' by Virtue of this Adt, fliall, without Fraud or Covin, be ferved with
' any Writ, Subpoena, Warrant or other Procefs, whereby his perfonal
' Appearance is required, his Obedience to fuch Writ, Subpoena or
' Procefs, fliall not be conftrued an Offence againft this Aft.'
^ II. ^n ACT to prevent and fupprefs feditioiis
*■ Conventicles.
' I. TT^OR providing farther and more fpeedy Remedies againft: the
' X^ growing and dangerous Pradlices of feditious Sectaries and
' other difloyal Perfons, who, under Pretence of tender Confciences,
' do at their Meetings contrive Infurredions, as late Experience hath
' fhewn : Be it CttaCtCl) by the King's Moft Excellent Majefty, by and
' with the Advice and Confent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal,
' and Commons in this prefent Parliament aflcmbled, and by the
' Authority of the fame, That if any Perfon of the Age of ftxteen Years
' or upwards, being a Subjedl of this Realm, at any Time after the tenth
' Day of May next, fliali be prefent at any Affembly, Conventicle or
' Meeting, under Colour or Pretence of any Exercife of Religion, in
' other Manner than according to the Liturgy and Practice- of the
' Church of England^ in any Place within the Kingdom of England,
' Dominion of IVales, and Town of Berii'tck upon Thcrcd ; at which
' Conventicle, Meeting or Affembly, there ftiall be five Perfons or
' more affemblcd together over and befides thofe of the fame
' Houfhold, if it be in a Houfe where there is a Family inhabiting,
* or if it be in a Field, Iloufe or Place, where there is no Family
* inhabiting ;
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
XXlll
inliiihiti'ng ; then where any five Perfons, or more, are fo aflembled
as aforefaid, it fhall and may be lawful to and for any one or more
juftkes of the Peace of the County, Limit, Divifion, Corporation
or Liberty, wherein the Offence aforefaid fhall be committed, or for
the Chief Magiflrate of the Place where the Offence aforefaid fliall
be committed, and he and they are hereby required and enjoined
upon Pr-oof to him or them refpeftively made of fuch Offence, either
by Confetlion of the Pafty, or Oath of two Witnefies, (which Oath
the faid Juflice and Juftices of the Peace, and Chief Magifl:rate,
refpedively, are hereby impowered and required to administer) or
by notorious Evidence and Circumflance of the Fad:, to make a
Record of every fuch Oftence under his or their Hands and Seals
refpedively, which Record fo made as aforefaid, fliall to all Intents
and Purpofes, be in Law taken and adjudged to be a full and perfed:
Convidion of every fuch Offender for fuch Offence : And thereupon
the faid Juftice, Juftices, and Chief Magiflrate, refpedively, fhall
impofe on every fuch OfFer.der fo convid as aforefaid, a Fine of five
Shillings for fuch firfl Offence, which Record or Convidlion fhall be
certified by the faid Juffice, Juflices, or Chief Magiflrate, at the next
Quarterly-Seffions of the Peace for the County or Place where fuch
Ofience was committed.
* 2. And be it farther (PtiaCtCD by the Authority aforefaid. That if
fuch Offender fo convidted as aforefaid, fliall at any Time again
commit the like Offence, or Offences, contrary to this Adl, and be
thereof in Manner aforefaid convifted ; then fuch Offender fo con-
vided of fuch like Ofience or Offences, fliall for every fuch Offence
incurr the Penalty of ten Shillings, which Fine and Fines for the
firfl and every other Offence, fliall be levied by Diffrefs and Sale of
the Offender's Goods and Chattels, or in cafe of the Poverty of fuch
Offender, upon the Goods and Chattels of any other Perfon or Per-
fons, who fhall be then convided in Manner aforefaid of the like
Offence at the fame Conventicle, at the Difcretion of the faid
Juflice, Juflices, or Chief Magiflrate, refpedively, fo as the Sum to
be levied on any one Perfon, in cafe of the Poverty of other Of-
fenders, amount not in the whole to above the Sum of ten Pounds,
upon the Occafion of any one Meeting as aforefaid : And every
Conflable, Headborough, Tithingman, Churchwardens, and Over-
feers of the Poor refpedively, are hereby authorized and required to
lev.y the fame accordingly, having firfl: received a Warrant under the
Hands and Seals of the faid Julfice, Juftices, or Chief Magiflrate,
refpecfively fo to do : The faid Monies fo to be levied, to be forthwith
delivered to the fame Juflice, Juflices, or Chief Magiflrate, and by
him or them to be diflributed, the one third Part thereof to the Ufe
of the King's Majefty, his Heirs and Succeflbrs, to be paid to the
High-Sheriff of the County for the Time being, in Manner follow-
ing, that is to fay, the Juflice or Juflices of the Peace fliall pay the
fame into the Court of the refpe£live Quarter-Seflions, which faid
Court fliall deliver the fame to the Sheriffs, and make a Memorial or
Record of the Payment and Delivery thereof, which faid Memorial
fhall be a final and fufficient Difcharge to the faid Juflice and
' Juflices,
r
;xxiv The PREFACE. :nroL. I.
' Juft ices, and a Charge to the Sheriff, which Charge and Dikharge
' Ihall be certified into the Exchequer together, and not one without
' the other ; and no Juftrce flmll or may be queftioned or accountable
-••for the fame in the Exchequer, or elfe where than in Quarter-
ff Seffions ; another third Part to and for the Ufe of the Poor of the
?* Parilli where fuch Offence fliall be committed, and the other third
Part thereof to the Informer and Informers, and to fuch Perfon and
Perfons as the faid Juftice, Julfices, or Chief Magiftrate, refpeftively,
' Ihall appoint, having Regard to their Dihgence and Induftry in the
' Difcovery, dilperfmg and punilhing of the faid Conventicles.
' 3. And be it farther QEnaCtCD by the Authority aforefaid. That
* every Perfon who fhall take upon him to preach or teach in any fuch
' Meeting, Affembly or Conventicle, and fhall thereof be convifted as
' aforefaid, fhall forfeit for every fuch Offence the Sum of twenty
' Pounds, to be levied upon his Goods and Chattels in Manner afore-
f faid : And if the faid Preacher or Teacher fo convi£ied be a Stranger,
' and his Name and Habitation not known, or is fled and cannot be
' found, or in the Judgment of the Juftice, or Juftices, or Chief
' Magiftrate, before whom he fhall be convidled, Ihall be thought
• unable to pay the fame, the faid Juftice, Juftices, or Chief Magi-
' ftrate, refpedively, are hereby impowered and required to levy the
' fame, by Warrant as aforefaid, upon the Goods and Chattels of any
! fuch Perfons who fliall be prefent at the fame Conventicle j any
' Thing in this or any other Adl, Law or Statute, to the contrary not-
' withftanding : And the Money fo levied to be difpofed of in Manner
*„ aforefaid. And if fuch Offender fo convidled as aforefaid, fliall at
*" any Time again commit the like Offence or Offences contrary to
* this A£l, and be thereof convidted in Manner aforefaid, then fuch
' Oftender fo conviQed of fuch hke Offence or Offences, fhall for
' every fuch Offence incurr the Penalty of forty Pounds, to be levied
* and difpofed as aforefaid.
' 4. And be it farther cEUaCtCtl by the Authority aforefaid. That
' every Perfon who fliall wittingly and wiUingly fuffer any fuch Con-
' venticlc. Meeting, or unlawful Affembly, as aforefaid, to be held in
' his or her Houfe, Out-houfe, Barn, Yard or Backfide, and be con-
*■ vifted thereof in Manner aforefaid, fhall forfeit the Sum of twenty
' Pounds, to be levied in Manner aforefaid upon his or her Goods and
' Chattels, or in cafe of his or her Poverty or Inability as aforefaid,
' upon the Goods and Chattels of fuch Perfons who fhall be convifted
• in Manner aforefaid, of being prefent at the fame Conventicle, and
^ the Money fo levied, to be difpofed of in Manner aforefaid.
' 5. l^tOtjitct) always, and be it CttaCteD by the Authority afore-
' faid. That no Perfon fliall by any Claufe of this Ati, be liable to
' pay above ten Pounds for any one Meeting, in Regard of the Poverty
' of any other Perlon or Perfons.
' 6. J^robiOeD alfo, and be it farther (BMUtl), That in all Cafes
'■of this A6i, where the Penalty or Sum charged upon any Offender
• exceeds the Sum of ten Shillings, and fuch Oftender fliall find him-
' felf aggrieved, it fliall and may be lawful for him within one Week
'"after the faid Penalty or Money charged, fliall be paid or levied, to
' appeal
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
XXV
* appeal in Writing from the Perfon or Perfons convi£iing, to the
* Judgment of the Juftices of the Peace in their next Quarter-Seffions,
' to whom the Juftice or Juflices of the Peace, Chief Magiftrate, or
' Alderman, that firll convifted fuch Offender, fliall return the Money
' levied upon the Appellant, and fhall certify under his and their
' Hands and Seals, the Evidence upon which the ConviQion paifed,
* with the whole Record thereof and the laid Appeal ; whereupon
' fuch Offender may plead and make Defence, and have his Trial by
* a Jury thereupon ; and in cafe fuch Appellant fliall not profecute
* with Efft£l, or if upon fuch Trial he fliall not be acquitted, or
' Judgment pafs not for him upon his faid Appeal, the faid Juftices
* at the Seflions fliall give treble Cofls againfl fuch Offender for his
' unjuft Appeal : And no other Court whatfoever fliall intermeddle
* with any Caufe or Caufes of Appeal upon this A£f, but they fliall be
* finally determined in the Quarter-Seflions only.
' 7. )^(Ot)lt)Ct) always, and be it farther (gnattCl), That upon the
* Delivery of fuch Appeal, the Perfcn or Perfons Appellant fliall enter,
' before the Perfon or Perfons conv;£fing, a Recognizance to pro-
' fecute the faid Appeal with Efft£f, which faid Recognizance the
* Perfon or Perfons fo convi£ling is hereby impowered to take, and
' required to certify the fame to the next Quarter-SefTions, and in cafe
* no ilich Recognizance be eutred into, the faid Appeal to be null
' and void.
' 8. ^tObitetl always, That fuch Appeal fhall be left with the
' Perfon or Perfons fo convlfting, at the Time of the making thereof.
• 9. And be it (gnaCteD by the Authority aforefaid, That the Juflice,
* Juflices of the Peace, and Chief Magiffrate, refpe(flively, or the
* refpeftive Conftables, Headboroughs, and Tithingmen, by Warrant
* from the faid Juflice, Juftices, or Chief Magiftrate, refpedively, fliall
* and may with what Aid, Force and Affiftance, they fliall think fit,
* for the better Execution of this Ad:, after Refufal or Denial to enter,
* break open and enter into any Houfe, or other Place, where they
' fliall be informed any fuch Conventicle as aforefaid is or fliall be
' held, as well within Liberties as without, and take into their
' Cuftody the Perfons there unlawfully alTembled, to the Intent they
' may be proceeded againft according to this Ad: : And that the
* Lieutenants, or Deputy-Lieutenants, or any commifTionated Officer
' of the Militia, or other of his Majefty's Forces, with fuch Troops
' or Companies of Horfe and Foot, and alfo the Sheriffs and other
' Magiftrates and Minifters of Juftice, or any of them jointly and
' feveraliy, within any Counties or Places within this Kingdom of
' England, Dominion of Wales, or Town of Berwick upon T'lveed,
' with fuch other Affiftance as they fliall think meet, or can get in
* Readineis with the fooneft, on Certificate made to them refpedively
' under the Hands and Seals of any one Juftice of the Peace, or Chief
* Magiftrate, of his particular Information or Knowledge of fuch
' unlawful Meeting or Conventicle, held or to be held in their
' refpedive Counties or Places, and that he with fuch Affiftance as he
' can get together, is not able to fupprefs and diflblve the fame, fliall
' and may, and arc hereby required and enjoined to repair unto ihe
Vol. I. g ' Place
XXVI
The P R E F A C E.
Vol. I.
Place where they are fo held, or to be held, and by the beft Means
they can, to diflblve, diffipate, or prevent, all fuch unlawful Meet-
ings, and take into their Curtody fuch, and fo many of the faid
Perfons fo unlawfully ailembled, as they fliall think fit, to the Intent
they may be proceeded againft according to thisAfl.
' JO. )3tOt)il)Ct always, That no Dwelling-houfe of any Peer of
this Realm, where he or his Wife fliall then be refident, fliall
be fearched by Virtue of this Ad:, but by immediate Warrant
from his Majefly under his Sign-Manual, or in the Prefence of the
Lieutenant, or one Deputy-Lieutenant, or two Juftices of the Peace,
whereof one to be of the ^orum of the fame County or Riding.
' II. And be it farther (EnaCteD by the Authority aforefaid, That
if any Conllable, Headborough, Tithingman, Churchwarden, or
Overfeer of the Poor, who fliall know, or be credibly informed,
of any fuch Meetings or Conventicles held within his Precindis,
Parilhes, or Limits, and fhall not give Information thereof to fome
Juftice of the Peace, or Chief Magiftrate, and endeavour the Con-
vidion of the Parties according to his Duty, but fuch Conflable,
Headborough, or Tithingman, fhall wilfully and wittingly omit the
Performance of his Duty in the Execution of this Aft, and be
thereof convidled in Manner aforefaid, he fliall forfeit for every
fuch Offence the Sum of five Pounds, to be levied upon his
Goods and Chattels, and difpofed in Manner aforefaid : And that if
any Juflice of Peace, or Chief Magiftrate, fhall wilfully artd wit-
tingly omit the Performance of his Duty in the Execution of this
Adt, he fliall forfeit one Hundred Pounds, to be recovered by Adion,
Suit, Bill, or Plaint, in any of his Majeffy's Courts at Wejiminjier,
wherein no Effoin, Protedion, or Wager of Law fhall be.
' 12. And be it farther (jEllBCtSD by the Authority aforefaid, That
if any Perfon be at any Time fued for putting in Execution any of
the Powers contained in this Ad, otherwife than upon Appeal
allowed by this Ad, fuch Perfon fliall and may plead the general
IlTue, and give the fpecial Matter in Evidence, and if the Plaintiff be
nonfuit, or a Verdid pafs for the Defendant, or if the Plaintiff dif-
continue his Adion, or if upon Demurrer, Judgment be given for
the Defendant, every fuch Defendant fliall have his full treble Cofls.
' 13. And be it farther (JgnaCtCll by the Authority aforefaid, That
this Ad, and all Claufes therein contained, fhall be conflrued moft
largely and beneficially for the fupprefiing of Conventicles, and for
the Juflification and Encouragement of all Perfons to be employed
in the Execution thereof: And that no Record, Warrant, or Mit-
timus, to be made by Virtue of this Ad, or any Proceedings
thereupon, fliall be reverfed, avoided, or any Ways impeached, by
Reafon of any Default in Form. And in cafe any Perfon offending
againft this Ad, fliall be an Inhabitant in any other County or
Corporation after the Offence committed, the Juflice of Peace, or
Chief Magiftrate, before he fliall be convided as aforefaid, fhall
certify the fame under his Hand and Seal to any Juftice of Peace,
or Chief Magiftrate, of fuch other County or Corporation wherein
the faid Perfon or Perfons are Inhabitants, or are fled into, which
' faid
Vol. I. The PREFACE. xxvii
faid Juflice, or Chief Magiftrate, refpedively, is hereby authorized
and required to levy the Penalty, or Penalties, in this Adl men-
tioned, upon the Goods and Chattels of fuch Perfon or Perfons, as
fully as the faid other Juftice of Peace might have done, in Cafe he
or they had been Inhabitants in the Place where the Offence was
committed.
' 14, }5 tObiDeD al fo. That no Perfon fhall be puniflied for any
Offence againfl this Aft, unlefs fuch Offender be profecuted for the
fame within three Months after the Offence committed, and that no
Perfon who lliall be punifhed for any Offence by Virtue of this Adt,
fliall be punched for the fame Offence by Virtue of any other Adt
or Law what foe ver.
' 15. l^rotJtDcD, and be it farther dgtiactel) by the Authority
aforelaid, That every Alderman of London, for the Time being,
within the City of London and the Liberties thereof, flrall have (and
they, and every of them, are hereby impowered and required to
execute) the fame Power and Authority within London, and the
Liberties thereof, for the examining-, convidling, and punifliing, of
all Offences againll this A61:, committed within London and the
Liberties thereof, which any Juflice of Peace hath by this Adt
in any County of England, and fhall be fubjedl to the fame
Penalties and PuniHiments, for not doing that which by this Ad:
is diredled to be done, by any Juftice of Peace in any County of
England.
' 16. ©roijiliell, and be it cEtiaCtel) by the Authority aforefaid.
That if the Perfon offending, and convidted as aforefaid, be a Feme-
Covert cohabiting with her Hufband, the Penalties of five Shillings
and ten Shillings, fo as aforefaid incurred, fliall be levied by War-
rant as aforefaid, upon the Goods and Chattels of the Hufband of
fuch Feinc-Covert.
' 17. ?Srot>iDei) alfo. That no Peer of the Realm fhall be attached
or imprifoned by Virtue or Force of this Adl ; any Thing, Matter,
or Claufe therein to the contrary notwithflanding.
' 18. ^BrobiDeD alfo, That neither this Adt, nor any Thing herein
contained, Ihall extend to invalidate, or make void his Majeffy's
Supremacy in Ecclefiaffical Affairs : But that his Majefty, and his
Heirs and Succeffors, may from Time to Time, and at all Times
hereafter, exercife and employ all Powers and Authority in Eccle-
fiaflical Affairs, as fully and amply as himfelf or any of his Prede-
ceffors have, or might have done the fame ; any Thing in this Adt
notwithftanding.'
'This A61 was forthwith put into a rigorous Execution, and many
hungry Informers made it their Bufnefs to Jive upon the Spoil a}id Ruin
of confcientious People : But after fome Time a Stop was put to their
Proceedings by King Charles the Second's Declaration for fiifpending the
Penal Laws in Matters Ecclefiaftical, intituled. His MAJESTY'S
Declaration to all his loving Subjedts ; dated the i^th of March,
1671-2: Publifed by the Advice of his ^vivy-CowncW. The EffeSl of
which was as follows, viz.
'OUR
XXVlll
The PREFACE.
Vol. I.
OU R Care and Endeavours for the Prefervation of the Rites
and Interefl of the Church have been fufficiently manifefted to
the World, by the whole Courfe of our Government fince our happy
Reftoration, and by the many and frequent Ways of Coercion that
we have ukd for reducing all erring and diffenting Perfons, and for
compofing the unhappy Differences in Matters of Religion, which
we found among our Subjeds upon our Return.
' But it being evident, by the fad Experience of twelve I'ears, that
there is very little Fruit of all thefe forcible Methods ; we think our-
felves obliged to make Ufe of that Ibpreme Power in Ecclefiaftical
Matters, which is not only inherent in us, but hath been declared
and recognized to be fo by feveral Statutes and Ads of Parliament.
' And therefore we do now accordingly ilTue this our Declaration^
as well for the quieting the Minds of our good Subjeds in thefe
PointSj as for inviting Strangers at this Time to come and live under
us, and for the better Encouragement of all to a cheerful following
of their Trades, from whence we hope (by the Bleffing of God) to
have many good and happy Advantages to our Government.
' And in the frji Place we declare our exprefs Refolution,
Meaning and Intention to be, that the Church of TLngland be pre-
ferved and remain intire in its Dodtrine, Difcipline and Government,
as now it ftands eftablifhed by Law, Gfr.
' We do in the next Place declare our Will and Pleafure to be,
that the Execution of all, and all Manner of Penal Laws in Matters
Eccleliaftical, againfl; whatfoever Sort of Non-Conformifls or Recu-
fants, be i.-nmediately fufpended, and they are hereby fufpended ;
and all Judges, Sheriffs, Juftices of the Peace, &c. are to take Notice
of it, and pay due Obedience thereunto.
' And we do declare, That we {hall from Time to Time allow a
fufficient Number of Places, as they (hall be defired in all Parts of
this our Kingdom, for the Ufe of fuch as do not conform to the
Church of Efigland, to meet and affemble in, in order to their publick
Worlhip and Devotion, which Places fliall be open and free to all
Perfons.
' To prevent fuch Diforders and Inconveniencies as may happen by
this our Indulgence, if not duly regulated, and that they may be the
better protedled by the Civil Magiftrate, our exprefs Will and Pleafure
is. That none of our Subjedts do prefume to meet in any Place, until
the fame be allowed, and the Teacher of that Congregation be
approved by us.
' And we do farther declare. That this our Indulgence as to the
Allowance of publick Places of Worfliip, and Approbation of
Teachers, fliall extend to all Sorts of Non-Conformifts and Recu-
lants, except the Recufants of the Roman-Catholick Religion, to
whom we fliall in no wife allow publick Places of Worfhip, but
only indulge them their Share in the common Exemption from the
Execution of Penal Laws, and the Exercife of their Worfliip in
their private Houfes only.
' And if, after this our Clemency and Indulgence, any of ourSub-
* jedls fhall prefume to abufe this Liberty, and preach feditioufly, &c.
' we
Vol. I. The PREFACE. xxix
' we will let them fee we can be as fevere to fuch Offenders, as we
* are indulgent to truly tender Confciences.'
Divers good EJf'eBs followed the publifinng of this Declaration, 'oiz.
I ft. T^he Stop put thereby to Informers and Perfecutors for a T'ime.
2d. The quiet and peaceable Ejijopnent of their religious Meetings.
3d. The Prefervation of their Goods from Rapine and Spoil by
Informers and other Perfecutors.
4th. The Kings Difcharge and Deliverance of above four Hundred
of the People called Quakers out of Prifon by his Letters Patent, or
Pardon, under the Great Seal, remitting their Fines, and releafmg their
Eftates forfeited to him by Judgment of Premunire, &c. fo7ne of 'whom
had endured ten or eleven Tears Imprijonnmit.
But this Calm continued not long, for in the Tear 1673 the Parliame?it
obferving, that upon fuch Sufpenfion of the Penal Laws, the Papifts,
againjl whom divers of thofe Laws were made, began to get into publick
Offices of Trujl, grew uneafy, and reprejented their Difike of it to the
King, alledging that he thereby extended his Prerogative beyond the Boun-
daries of Law, which might be of dangerous Confequence : Whereupon the
King was 7noved to recall and vacate that Declaration. The Informers
after this returned to their old Employment, and many Projecutions upo?i
the Conventicle- Acl quickly followed, as appears in the following Accounts
through the fever al Counties in England and Wales. Many alfo of the
People called Quakers were again profecuted upon old Statutes againfl
Ii.ecufa7its, and committed to Prifon : But we do 7iot find that any 7iew
Law was made in England to prohibit the Meefvigs of Dijfmters after
the A5i againfi Conventicles in 1 670.
Befide the 7-igorous Execution of the aforefaid Penal Laws againfi this
People, the Ecclcfiafiical Courts, being up07i the Refioratio7i of King
Charles the Second, reftored to their former Authority and JurifdiSlion^
ceafed 7iot to worry the7n by freque7it Projecutions for Tithes, Oblations,
a7id other Church Clai77is, as alfo for their Np7i-atte7idance at the ufual
Places of Parochial Worfinp ■,^ for thefe Caufes, and for prete77ded Con-
tempts of the Difcipline and Cenfures of the Church, which indeed the
Quakers confidering as originally derived fro7n the Papal Power, paid
little Regard unto. Multitudes of them were excommu7iicated, and by
Writs de Excommunicato capiendo y7;«^/ up, a7id as it were buried
alive in Prifons and Dungeons, where many of the/n, after long Co7ifine~
me7it, drew their lafi Breath, and laid down their Lives, as true Proteftant
Martyrs, facrificed to the Infiuence of Church Power, which in ma7iy
I7ifta7ices is to this Day exerted, in Oppofition to that pe7feSl Chriftian
Freedo7n a7id Liberty of Co7ijcience, which in Matters of Faith a7id
Religion ought to be enjoyed.
Duri7ig the Co77ti7iuance under fo rigorous a Perfecution here 171
England, the popular Prejudice agai/fl them fp7-ead itfelf alfo into
foreign Countries, efpecially the Englifti Plantations in America, where
Falfijood and Calumny had a7iticipated their Arrival, a7id prepofeffed the
Mmds of thofe /« Authority agai7ift them : He7ice it ca7ne to pafs that i7i
New-England a Set of fiery Zealots, who, through hnpatiejice U7ider
Sufferi7igs fro7n the Bifiiops in Old-England, had fed fro7n thence, beitig
invefted with Power, a72d placed at the Helm of Govertwient, exceeded
Vol. I. h ' all
XXX The P R E F A C E. Vol. I.
nil others in their Cruelty towards this People, the Barbarity of whofe
Reception foon after their firjl Arrival there, is well defcribed in a
fummary Account thereof drawn up by fome of the Sufferers, and pre-
fented to King Charles the Second ajter his Re/lor ation, by Edward
Burroughs, being as follows, viz.
*" ^ Declaration of fome Part qf^he Sufferings of
*■ /^/je 'People of Gon in Scorn called Qjjakers,
' from the Trqfe/fors in New-England^ onljy for
' the Exercife of their Confciences to the Lord,
' and oheying and confejffing to the Truths as in
^ his Light he had difco'vered it to them.
* I. ^ I 1 W O honeft and innocent Women flripped Jlark nakedy
' JL and fearched after luch an inhuman Manner, as Modefty
' will not permit particularly to mention.
' 2. Twelve Strangers in that Country, but free-born of this
' Nation, received Twenty Three Whippings, the moll: of them being
* with a Whip of Three Cords with Kfiots at the Ends, and laid on with
' as much Strength as could be by the Arm of their Executioner, the
' Stripes amounting to Three Hundred and Seventy.
' 3. Eighteen Inhabitants of the Country, being free-born Efigliffj^
' received Twenty Three Whippings, the Stripes amounting to Two
' Hundred and Fifty.
' 4. Sixty Four Imprifonments of the Lord's People, for their
' Obedience to his Will, amounting to Five Hundred and Nineteen
' Weeks, much of it being very cold Weather ; and the Inhabitants
' kept in Prifon in Harveft-time, which was very much to their
' Lofs ; befides many more imprifoned, of which Time we cannot
' give a iuft Account.
• i;. Two beaten with Pitched Ropes, the Blows amounting to
' an Hundred and Thirty Nine, by which one of them was brought
' near unto Death, much of his Body being beaten lil:e unto a Jelly,
*• and one of their Doftors, a Member of their Church, who faw him,
* faid. It would be a Miracle if ever he recovered, he expeBing the Fle(l?
' Jhould rot off the Bones, who afterwards was baniPied upon pain of
' Death. There are many WitnefTes of this there.
' 6. Alfo an Innocent Man, an Inhabitant oi Boflon, they banijloed
' from his Wife and Children, and put to leek an Habitation in the
* Winter, and in Cafe he returned again, he Was to be kept Prifonef
' during his Life , and for returning again he was put in Prifon, and
' hath been now a Prifoner above a Year.
' 7. Twenty Five Baniptncnts upon the Penalties of being whipf,
' or having their Ears cut, or branded in the Hand, if they returned.
' 8. Fines laid upon the Inhabitants for meeting together, and
' edifying one another, as the Saints ever did ; and for refufing to
' Swear, it being contrary to ChrilVs Command, amounting to about
* a Thoufand Pounds, befide what they have done fince that we have"
' not heard of, many Families, in which there are many Children, are
' almoll ruined by their unmerciful Proceedings.
* 9. Five
Vol. I. The PREFACE. xxxi
' g. Five kept Fifteen Davs in all, without Food, and Fifty Eight
* Days fliut up clofe by the Goaler, and had none that he knew of ;
' and from fome of them he ftopt up the Windows, hindring them
' from convenient Air.
' lo. One laid Neck and Heels in Irons for Sixteen Hours.
' II. One very deeply burnt in the Right Hand with the Letter [H]
' after he had been isoloipt with above Thirty Stripes.
' J 2. One chained to a L,og of Wood the moji Fart of Twenty
* Days, in an open Prifon, in the Winter-time.
' 13. Five Appeals to England denied at Bojlon.
' 14. Three had their Right Ears cut by the Hangman in the
* Prifon, the Door being barred, and not a Friend fuffered to be
* prefent while it was doing, though fome much defired it.
* 15. One of the Inhabitants oi Salem, who fince is banifoed upon
' Fain of Deaths had one Half of his Houfe and Land feized on while he
' was in Prifon, a Month before he knew of it.
* 16. At a General Court in Bofton they made an Order, That
' thofe ntko had not where^'ivithall to anfwer the Fines that were laid
' upon them for theit Confciences, Jljould be fold for Bondmen and
' Bondwomen to Barbadoes, Virginia, or any of the Englifh Plantations.
' ij. Ez^g^Zito;; of the People of God were at feveral Times /5rt;;//Z)^^
' upon pain of Death ; fix of them were their own Inhabitants, two of
' which being very aged People, and well known among their Neigh-
' hours to be of honeft Converfation, being baniflied from their Houfes
' and Families, and put upon Travelling and other Hardfliips, foon
' ended their Days, whofe Death we can do no lefs than charge upon
* the IRUCCtjS) of Bofton, they being the Occafion of it.
' 18. Alfo Three of the Servants of the Lord they put to Death, all
= of them for Obedience to the Truth, In theTeftimony of it, againft
* the ttjiCfeCl^ EUleriaf and XatDjJ at Bofton.
* 19. And fince they h?i\Q banijhed Four more upon Pain of Deaths
■ add Twenty Four of the Inhabitants of Salem were prefented, and
■ more Fines called for, and their Goods feized on to the Value of /
■ Forty Pounds for meeting together in the Fear of God, and fome for
* refufing to Swear.
' Thefe Things, O King ! from Time to Time have we patiently
■ fuffered, and not for the Tranfgreflion of any jufl or righteous Law,
either pertaining to the Worfhip of God, or the Civil Government
of England, but fimply and barely for our Confciences to God, of
which we can more at large give thee, or whom thou mayft order,
a full Account (if thou will let us have Admifiion to thee, who are
■ banip.'ed upon Pain of Death, and have had our Ears cut, who are
fome of lis in England attending upon thee) both of the Caufes of
' our Sufferings, and the Manner of their diforderly and illegal Pro-
'■ ceedings againft us ; they began with JmiltOlJCllp, went on in
^nljumanftp and Cruelty, and were not fatisfied until they had
■ the Blood of Three of the Martyrs of Jesus : Revenge for all which
■ we do not feek, but lay them before thee, confidering thou hail
' been well acquainted with Sufferings, and fo mayft the better confider
' them
xxxii The PREFACE. Vol. I.
* them that fuffer, and mayft for the future reftrain the ^ioleuCC of
* thefe ]fvUlCriS( of New-Enghmd, having Power in thy Hands, they
' being but the Children of the Family of which thou art Chief
* Ruler, who have in divers their Proceedings forfeited their Patent,
* as upon ftrift Enquiry in many Particulars will appear.
' And this, O King 1 we are afTured of, that in Time to come it
* will not repent thee, if by a clofe Rebuke thou ftoppeif the 2dIOODP
' fgirOCeeDing? of thefe BlOODp ^et(eCUtOr«(, for in fo doing thou
* wilt engage the Hearts of many honeft People unto thee both there
' and here, and for fuch Works of Mercy the Bleffing is obtained ;
' and fliewing it is the Way to profper : We are Witnefles of thefe
' Things, who
' Befides matiy long Imprifonments, and many cruel Whippitigs, had
* our Ears cut,
* John Rouse John Copeland.
* Befides majty long Imprifotiments, divers cruel Whippings, with the
* feizing on our Goods, are banijloed upon Pain of Death, and fome of
* us do wait here in England, and defire that we may have an Order
' to return in Peace to our Families,
' Samuel Shattock Josiah South ick
' Nicholas Phelps Joseph Nicholson.'
' Jane Nicholson
T/j/j Reprefentatioft of their Cafe to the King, with the earnejl and
inccfj'ant Solli citations o/' Edward Burroughs, and others, on their Behalf
procured a Mandamus yro/« that Monarch, by which an efeSlual Stop
was put to the Proceedings in New-England of putting Men to Death
for Religion, by which their blind Zeal and Fury would otherwife
probably have dejiroyed many innocent People. NevertheJefs they yet con-
tijiued by cruel Whippings, and other Barbarities, to demonftrate that they
repented not of their former Cruelty, but that they were reflriSied by
Force of the KiNo'i Authority, and not from any jilt er at ion in their
own T'empers or Inclinations, as will plainly appear by the Narrative of
their Proceedings.
In Barbadoes the Laws for fettling the Militia were very fevere,
and as feverely executed, for their rejufing to appear perfonally /'« Arms.
A Law was alfo ?nade to prevent Negroes from coming to any Meetifigs
of the People called Quakers under fevere Penalties ; of all which tlje
Cafes of Sufferings in that I/land exhibit a particular Specifcation.
At Nevis fever al Laws were enaSled for preventing any Quakers
landing there, and fever al Inhabitants of that Perfuajion fuffer ed for
their religious Teftimony.
At Bermudas fome were imprifoned, others tied Neck and Heels,
fome banified, and Elizabeth Carter, an innocent Woman, barba-
roufy ufed.
At Antigua feveral fuffer ed hnprifonmcnt, and an ASl was made
for banijhing them. T^be bteadinefs of their ConduSi on Occafion of taking
that
Vol. I. The P R E F A C E. xxxiii
that IJland by the French, is worthy of Obfervation ; and their Patience
under Sufferings for their religious Tejiimony, demonfirates their Sincerity
therein.
In Maryland, though they enjoyed the Liberty of holding their
religious Ajjemblies^ yet divers Injiances occurr of their Sufferings for not
bearing Arms, and for refufing to Siisear.
In Jamaica, their Rejujc' to pay towards the eftabliffied Maintenance
of the Priefls, as irell as their refufing to bear Arms, expofed them to the
Penalties of the Laws in both thofe Cafes.
Having in diftinB Chapters given an Account of their Sufferings in
each of the foregoing Places in America, we return to Europe and Af^a.,
giving a Narrative of what befell fuch of this People as were concerned
to travel out o/' England, into other Parts, for the Advancement of true
Religion, and the Benefit of the Souls of others : Here we JJjall find
George Robinlbn, a young Man, in his Travels to Jerufalem, preferved
through many imminent Dangers, and defended by the Authority of the
Turks from the Malice and Treachery of Friars^ whofe Superfiition he
had boldly teftified againft : Alfo Mary Fifher, a religious Maiden, tra-
velling to Smyrna, whence being fent back /o Venice, fl:ie went by Land
from the Sea-Coafl o/'Morea to Adrianople, where p:e delivered a Meffage
to the Sultan Mahomet the Fourth, who favourably received and heard
her, and difmiffed her with Te'fimonies of his Efteem. Her remarkable
Prejervation in that long and tedious Journey is an Argument of the
T'ruth of her Miffion, and of the Providence of God protecting her in the
Performance of her Duty, and in yielding Obedience to his Requirings.
The Travels of feveral of this People to Rome, publickly and freely
tejlifying there againft the Popifli Superfiition, were attended with the
ntmoft Hazard of their Lives, and their Deliverance and fafe Return
from thence very remarkable.
The Death o/" George Bay ley in Prifon in France, and the Sufferings
o/'Chriftopher Birkhcad W Middleburgh in Zealand, and of William.
Ames aW Martin Martinfon at Rotterdam, are worthy of Obfervation ;
as was alfo the Bani/liment of William Caton from Middleburgh, and
his hard Ufage on Shipboard.
The Sufferirigs of Katharine Evans and Sarah Chevers, Englifli
Women, in the Inquifition at Malta, are of an extraordinary Nature, and
are a convincing Evidence of the Con/lancy and Patience wherewith they
were endued, a?id enabled to abide faithful in the Midjl offo great Trials ,
and Tribulations. The Letters they wrote during their Confinement,
exhibit a Specimen of that excellent Chriflian Spirit by which they were
conduSled and preferved in the Time of their AffiSlions, and are well
worthy the Perifal of religious Readers.
The manifold Trials, Jeopardies and Torments, which John Philly and
William Moore underwent in Hungary and Auftria, are exemplary
Proof of their Meeknefs and Patience, and of an unfiiaken Coitfiancy in
the Faith by them profeffed.
In the Account of their Sufferings at Dantzick, Embden, Hamburgh,
the Palatinate and United- Provinces, feveral Papers and Letters are
interfperfed, in perufing which, the Readers tnay find both Pleafure and
Vol. I. i InfiruSlion :
xxxiv The PREFACE. Vol. I.
InftriiBion : Of this Kind are, (ift.) A Letter of Chriftian Andreas,
a Citizen of Dantzick, to John Claus o/' Ainfterdam. (2d.) A Chriftian
Expoftulation with the Magijlrates of Dantzick and Schidlith, 'written
by William Gibfon. (3d.) A Letter written by William Penn to the
King of Poland. (4th.) A Letter 0/' William Penn to the Council and
Senate o/Embden. (5th.) An Anfwer from the People called Quakers
at Amlterdam, tofome Propofah 7nade them by the Burghers and Senate
of Embden. (6th.) A Letter from William Caton in Germany, to his
Friends at London. In all which the innocent Caufe of their Sufferings is
jujlly reprefented, and the PraSlice of Perfecutionfor Religion defervedly
reproved.
We have alfo colleSied fuch Sufferings of this People in Ireland as have
come to our Hands, and have clofed this prefent ColleSlion with their
Sufferings in that Pay-t of Great-Britain called Scotland, wherein are
many Pajjages worthy of Obfervatioii.
At London, in the Year 1680, while the Perfecutors of the People
called Quakers were very bify in profecuting them upon the Conventicle-
Adt, and alfo upon old Statutes made againji Popirti Recifants, iin-
jujlly infinuatijig their Affemblies to be feditious CoJiventicles, and very
dangerous to the Peace of the Government ; a Difcovery was made to the
Parliament of a Popifli Plot, which by the Houfe of Conwions in their
Addrefs to the King, dizted the 2gth of November 1680, was fliled, A
damnable and hellifh Plot, by the good Providence of God brought to
light, and the Contrivers thereof were termed A Popiff Party, who have
not only plotted and intended the Deftruftion of your Majefty's royal
Perfon, but the total Subverfion of the Government and true Religion
■eftabliflied among us. Upon the Difcovery of the [aid Plot, and the Im-
peachment and Condemnation of William Lord Vifcoimt Stafford for the
fame, the Parliament affumed the Confideration of Ways and Means to
increafe the Proteftant Interefl. A)id the Hoife of Cotnmons in their Votes
of the 1 0//6 0/' January 1680, publif^ed this Refolution, viz. Resolved,
That it is the Opinion of this Houfe, that the Profecution of Protejlatit
Diffenters upon the Penal Laws, is at this Time grievous to the Subjedt,
a weakening of the Proteftant Interefl, an Encouragement to Pop>ery^
and dangerous to the Peace of this Kingdom. And had accordingly
under their Deliberation, A Bill for exempting Proteftant Diffenters
from the Penal Laws. A Committee was alfo appoifited to enquire into
the Caje of the Quakers Sufferings by thofe Laws, and an Inclination was
apparent in the Hoife of Commofts for their Relief at that Time, when
the King, by difolving that Parliament, preve?tted the intended Iffue of
their Confultations ; and the Profecutioits again ft this People were renewed
with a frcjld Vigour ; for Informers, like Beajis of Prey, were lurking
about in mo ft Parts of the Nation, and were encouraged by many of the
Clergy and Magiftracy : Several of the Priefts alfo turned Informers,
and perfonally afffted in difturbing religious Meeti?igs, and promoting
the Ruin of their confcientious Neighbours. Now though thofe Informers,
gejier ally for the Sake of their own Part of the Spoil, fought more after
Fines and DiftreJJes, than the Imprifomnetit of Mc}is Pafo?2s ; yet many
of them were put up in Prifon, as appears bv the following Petition, viz.
' To
Vol. L The P R E F a C E. xxxv
' To the KING,
T^be Humble PETITION of above a Tlmifand Prifoners, commonly
called Quakers,
* Sheweth,
THAT our renewed Hardrtiips, our continued and increafing
Impriibnments, do occafion this our humble Complaint and
Requeft, of which we intreat the King's favourable Acceptance and
tender Refentments. We do folemnly declare, that we know no
other Caufe for our Jlrait Confinements and hard Ufage, than what
concerns our tender Confciences in ferving and worfliipping Almighty-
God that made us, being well known to be Perfons of quiet Con-
verfations and peaceable Behaviour, and clear in the Sight of God of
all leditious Contrivances, Plots and Confpiracies, and are not evilly
affedled towards the King's Perfon or Government, Howbeit fever^l
Goals are filled, without Regard to Sex, Age, or Condition, not only
to the impairing our Healths, but endangering many of our Lives,
many having already died Prifoners, the greateil Part of late com-
mitted for our peaceable religious Meetings, many of us under Fines
on that Account, and upon the Adt of 13 & 14 Car. 2. Cap. i.
extending alfo to Baniflament. In fome Goals many of us crouded
in nafly Holes, and mixt among Felons, many under Sentence of
Premuniref not for refufing Fidelity or Allegiance to the King, but
only not Swearing the fame for Confcience-fake. Many under
Sentence of Excommunication committed on Writs de Excom. cap.
^c. for Non- conformity, &c.. and have undergone long and tedious
Imprifonments. By which Confinements and Hardships many inno-
cent and induftrious Families are left deftitute and in Diflrefs, many
honeft Tradefmen, Hufbandmen, and Farmers, greatly difcouraged
and fpoiled in their Trades and Livelihoods, and many poor Familes
depending on them for Employment, now for lack thereof expofed
to great Want and Penury : Befides the Violence and woful Spoil
made upon many, both in City and Country, by Informers, Profecu-
tions, &c. and for twenty Pounds a Month, and Two-thirds of Eff ates
feized into the King's Hands, ^c. which will unavoidably force many
to fhut up Shops, and leave off their Trades and Farms, ^c. (as fome
have done already) if not timely relieved.
' We therefore who are concerned in the Sufferings aforefaid, do in
all Chrijiian Humility requeft, that the King in his Princely Com-
paffion will pleafe to take our diftreffed Cafe into his tender
Confideration, and afford us Relief from thefe Hardfliips and Impri-
fonments, as he hath * formerly done for many of our fuffering
Friends, which we do thankfully acknowledge, we being fincerely
defigned by the Grace of God to live peaceably and inoffenfively
under the King and his Government. Wherefore, according as our
Converlations are found concurring with this our folemn Profellion,
' we
* This refers to the King's Letters Patent for releafing of the ^takers in
general, in 1672 bttore mentioned.
XXXVl
The PREFACE.
A^OL. I.
' we humbly crave Liberty, that we may provide for our diflrefled
' Families, and be capable to rejider to Csekr thofe Things that be
' Csefar's, and to God the Things that are God's, according to our
« Chrijlian Principle and Perfuafion.'
An Addrefs was alfo preferted to King Charles the Second (and by
him accepted) at Windfor Cajlle^ on the ^th of the Month called Auguft
1683, by George Whitehead, Alexander Parker, Gilbert Latey, and
Francis Camfield, nsohich '■uoas diJlinSlly read to the King and the Duke
of York, in the Prejence of many of the Nobility, by George Whitehead,
being as follows, viz.
' To the KING,
* The Humble KD'DK'ESS of the People comjuonly called Quakers.
' O King !
T' H E K I N G of Kings and Lord of the whole Earth incline
thine Heart to that which is juft and merciful in his Sight,
and to make fuch clean and equal Diftindtions, as that the Innocent
may not fufFer in any Cafe for the Guilty, that it may ever redound
to thy Honour and Safety, and thy peaceable Subjedls Comfort.
' Our Innocency, Love and Goodwill to thy Perfon, and the
Government that God has committed to thee, encourage us in this
our humble Addrefs and Application.
' Whereas the late Plot againft the King and his Brother the Duke
of York, &c. is made an Occafion to perfecute many of us for our
religious Meetings more feverely than formerly,
' We do folemnly declare, that it is known to the Divine Majefly
and the all-feeing Wifdom, whereby Kings reign, and Princes decree
Juftice, that our manifold, extreme and continued Sufferings, being
only on a religious Account, have not been the leaft Motive or
Provocation to us to defire, much lefs to contrive, the leaft Hurt
either to thy Perfon or Government, or to the Perfon of thy
Brother the Duke of York, &c. We are clear in the Sight of God^
Angels and Men, from all hellifh Plots and traiterous Confpiracles,
and from all murderous Defigns and Undertakings, againft the
King, his Brother, or any Perfon on Earth whatfoever, being
Works of the Devil and Darknefs, having contrariwife learned of
Chrift Jefus our Lord, by his Light and Grace in our Hearts, not fo
much as by Force to defend, much lefs to avenge ourfelves from
Injuries done us, but to commit our Caufe to him that judgeth
righteoufly, as peaceable Followers of our Saviour and Redeemer in
his patient Example and Sufferings, who is the Prince of Peace.
' O King ! we do farther declare, that God Almighty hath taught
and engaged us to acknowledge, and adtually to obey, Magiftracy
(as his Ordinance) in all Things not repugnant to his Law and
Light in our Confciences, which is certainly agreeable to the Holy
Scriptures, and admits not of any immoral or injurious Adlion :
And that even where through tender Confcience we cannot con-
iorm, it is our Duty patiently to fuffer, and not to rebel nor feek
Revenge. And we hope by his divine Grace ever to demean ourfelves
' as
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
xxxvu
' as peaceable-minded Chriftiam in our Converfations under the Civil-
* Government : And as we do fuicerely, and with Reverence, confefs
' to the divine Power and Providence in thy Rejioration, and the
* Prefervation of thy Perlbn hitherto, fu our Prayers and Supplications
* are to the Almighty for thy future Safety and Peace, and that in a
' thanlihil Remembrance of God's great Mercies towards thee, thou
' mayft be obliged to fliew Mercy, and to relieve the Opprefled from
* thefe unmerited Afflidions and Perfecutions, which a great Number
* of us, thy peaceable Subjeds, do even at this Day fuffer in our Perfons
* and Eftates, not only by Laws made againrt, cut alfo by Laws never
* made againil us ; and which is more extreme, divers Severities of
' late have been, and ftill are inflided, for which no Colour or Pretence
' hath been or can be alledged, ieveral Goals being fo filled as that
* they want Air, and many innocent Perfons are held under extreme
* Dijlrefs without Regard to Age, Sex, or Condition, to the Lofs of
' fome Lives already, and apparent Hazard of many more, if not to
* the endangering Infedioh in divers Cities and Places in this Nation ;
* and many Houfes, Shops, Barns, and Fields are ranfackt, and fwept
* of Goods, Corn, and Cattle, tending alio to the great Difcoufage-
* ment of Trade and Hufbandry, and to the Impoverifliing of a great
* Number of quiet and induftrious People, and that for no other
* Caufe but their religious Worlliip, and the Exercife of their tender
* Confcicnces toward Almighty God that made them, who is the
' Sovereign Lord of all, and King in Men's Confciences.
' Therefore we humbly intreat thee, O King ! in Princely Juftice,
* Chrijlian Charity, and Compaffion, to open our Prifon-doors, and
* take off our Bonds, relieve the Innocent and OpprefTed in thy Land,
' that fear God, and in Converfation truly honour the King, and
' fuffer not the Ruin of fuch as are quiet in the Land, nor the Widow
* and the Fatherlefs for their peaceable Confciences, to lie at the Door
* of a Prince profefling the tender and compaffionate Religion
' of Chrift;
But notwithftanding all thefe Reprefentations of their Cafe fr&m I'ime
to Time, aftd the Hopes fometimes raifed of Relief from the favourable
Reception fome of them jnet with in their perfonal Applications to King
Charles the Second ; yet the Perfecution coniplained of continued to the
End of his Reign in 1684.
Upon the Acceffion of King James the Second to the Throne, they
repeated their Application for Relief and on the ^d Day of the Fir ft
Month called Ni^xch. 1684-5, the following Vct\\\on and Czie, with ati
Account of the Number of Prifoners annexed, were prefented to the King
by George Whitehead, Alexander Parker, and Gilbert Latey, viz.
' To King James the Second, ^c.
' The Humble A P P L I C A T I O N 0/ ^/j^e- People called Quakers.
WHEREAS it hath plea fed Almighty God (by whom
Kings reign) to take hence the late King Charles the Second,
' and to preferve thee peaceably to fucceed ; we thy Subjects heartily
Vol. I. . k ' defire.
xxxviii The P R E F A C E. Vol. I.
' defire, that the Gher of all good and perJeSi Gifts may pleafe to
' endue thee with Wifdom and Mercy, in the Ufe of thy great Power,
* to his Glory, the King's Honour, and the Kingdom's Good.
' And it being our lincere Refolution, according to our peaceable
* Principles and Converfation, (by the Afliftance of Almighty God)
* to live peaceably and honeftly, as becomes true and faithful Subjects
* under the King's Government, and a confcientious People that truly
' ferve and fear God : We do humbly hope, that the King's Tender-
' nefs will appear and extend with his Power to exprefs the fame,
' recommending to his Princely Clemency the Cafe of our prefent
' fuftering Friends hereunto annexed.
' To the KING,
* I'he Diftreffed C A S E ^W R E QJJ E^T of the Suffering People
' commonly called Quakers, humbly prefented ;
' Shewing,
* ^np* HAT according to Accounts lately given, above fourteen
* X Hundred of the faid People (both Men and Women) are con-
* tinued Prifoners in Etigland and Wales, only for tender Confciences
' towards Almighty God that made them : Many under Sentence of
* Premunire, and many near it, not for refufing the Duty or Sub-
* ftance of Allegiance itfelf, but only becaufe they dare not Swear :
' Others under Fines on the AB for Banip^ment : Many on Writs
' of Excommunication : Befides fome Hundreds have died Prifoners,
' many by Means of this long Imprifonment fmce the Year 1680, (as
', it is judged) thereby making Widows and Fatherlefs, and leaving
* poor innocent Families defolate in Diftrefs and Sorrow.
' Thefe two hard Winters Confinement tending alfo to the De-
' ftrudtion of many in cold Holes and Goals, their Healths being
y greatly impaired thereby : Befides the Violence and open Spoil made
* by mercilefs Informers on the Cowcenticle-AB, upon many con-
' vidled, unfummoned 2indL unheard in their own Defence, both in City
* and Country, as alfo on ^/ tatn Writs, and other Procefi!es for
* twenty Pounds a Month, and Two-thirds of Eftates feized for the
* King : AH tending to the Ruin of Trade and Hufbandry, and
' induftrious Families ; to fome not a Bed left, to others no Cattle to
' till their Ground or give them Milk, nor Corn for Bread nor Seed,
■ nor Tools to work withall : And all thefe and other Severities done
' under Pretence of ferving the King and the Church, thereby to force
* us to violate our Confciences, and conlequently to deftroy our Souls,
* which we are very tender of, as we are of our Peace with God, and
' our own Confciences, though accounted as Sheep for the Slaughter.
' And notwithftanding all thefe long fuflained Extremities, we the faid
*. People do folemnly profefs and declare in the Sight of the Heart-
* fearcher, that we have nothing but Goodwill and true Affection to
* the King. We have never been found in any feditious or treafonable
* Defigns,
Vol. I.
The PREFACE.
XXXIX
Defigns, as being wholly contrary to our Chrifiian Principles and
holy Profeffion.
' And knowing ivhere the Word of a King is, there is Power, we in
Qyrillian Humility, and for Chrill's Sake, intreat that the King will
pleafe to find out fome Expedient for our Relief in thefe Cafes,
from Prifons, Spoil and Ruin.
• And we JJjall, as in Chrifiian Duty bound, pray God for the Kings
' Welfare in this World, and his Eternal Happinefs in that which
' is to come.
* London, the 2d of the Firft Month
< called March 1684-5.
An Account of the Number of the faid Prifoners called fakers
' in the feveral Counties, viz.
Bedfordshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Buckinghamshire
Cambridgeshire
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumberland
Derbyshire
Devonshire
Dorsetshire
Durham
Elv
Essex
Gloucestershire
Hartfordshire
Herefordshire
huntingtonsh ire
Kent
Lancashire
30
37
103
19
8
9
32
22
I
104
13
39
II
10
66
i8
I
10
16
73
Carried up 622
Not long after was alfo prefented.
Brought up
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London and Middlesex
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
Ox ON
Salop
Somersetshire
South amptonsh ire
Staffordshire
Suffolk
Surry
Sussex
Wales
Warwickshire
Westmorland
Wiltshire
Worcestershire
Yorkshire
622
37
12
66
52
S9
6
ij
18
36
I
79
29
17
30
31
S
34
15
279
Total 1460
To the KING and both Hoiifes of Parliament,
'the Suffering Condition of the People called Quakers, only for
* tender Confcience towards Almighty God, humbly prejented;
* Shewing,
TH A T of late above one Thoufand five Hundred of the faid
People (both Men and Women) having been detained Prifoners
in England, and Part of them in Wales, fome of them being iince
' difcharged
xl
The PREFACE.
Vol. I.
difcharged by the Judges, and others freed by Death through their
long and tedious Imprifonment. There are now remaining, accord-
ing to late Accounts, about one Thoufand three Hundred eighty and
three, above two Hundred of them Women : Many under Sentence
of Premunire, (both Men and Women) and more than three Hundred
near it, not for denying the Duty, or refufing the Subftance of
Allegiance itfelf, but only becaule they dare not Smear : Mariy on
Writs of Excommunication, and Fines for th.e King, and upon the
Adt for Banilliment. Befides above three Hundred and tiuenty have
died in Prifon, and Prifoners, fince the Year 1660, near one Hundred
whereof by Means of this long Imprifonment (as it is judged) fmce
the laft Account delivered to the King and Parliament in 1680,
thereby making Widows and Fatherlefs, and leaving them in
Diftrefs and Sorrow. The two laft hard Winters Reftraint, and the
Confinement of great Numbers in divers Goals, unavoidably tending
towards their Deftiudion, their Healths being evidently impaired
thereby.
' And here in London the Goal of Newgate hath been from Time to
Time crouded within thefe two Years (fometiraes near twenty in
one Room) to the Prejudice of their Health, and feveral poor inno-
cent Tradefmen of late have been fo fuffocated by the Clofenefs of
the Prifon, that they have been taken out fick of a malignant Fever^
and died in a tew Days after.
' Befides thefe long continued and deftrudlive Hardships upon the
Perfons of Men and Women as aforefaid, great Violence, outragious
DeftruBion, and nssoful Havock and Spoil, have been made, and are
frequently made upon our Goods and Eftates, bcth in and about this
City of London, and other Parts of this Nation, by a Company of
idle, extravagant, and mercilefs Informers, and their Profecutions
upon the Convent icle-^tly many being convided and fined, unfum-
moncd and unheard in their own Defence : As alfo on ^li tain Writs,
at the Suit of Informers (who profecute for one third Part for them-
felves) and on other Procefi'es for twenty Pounds a Month, and
Two-thirds of Eftates feized for the King : All tending to the Ruin
of Trade, Hufbandry, and Farmers, and the impoverifliing of many
induftrious Families, without CompafTion fhewn to Widows, Father-
lefs, or Defolate ; to fome not a Bed left to reft upon, to others no
Cattle to till their Ground, nor Corn for Bread or Seed, nor Tools
to work wiihall. The faid Informers arui Sheriff's Bayliffs in fome
Places, being outragious and exceflive in their Seizures and Dif-
trefi"es, breaking into Houfes, and making great Wafte and Spoil.
And all thefe and other Severities done againft us by them, under
Pretence of ferving the King and the Church, thereby to force us to
a Conformity, without inward Convidtion or Satisfadion of our
tender Consciences, wherein our Peace with God is concerned,
which we are very tender of.
' The Statutes on which we the faid People fuffer Imprifonment,
Diftrefs and Spoil, are as fblloweth,
' The 5th of Eli z. Chap. 23. de Excommunicato capiendo.
' The
Vol. I. The P R E F A C E. xli
* The 23d of Eliz. Chap. i. for twenty Founds a Month.
* The 29th oiEliz. Chap. 6. for Continuation.
* The 35th of Elix. Chap. i. for abjuring the Realm on pair,
' of Death.
' The I ft oi Eliz. Chap. 2. for Hwelve-pence a Sunday.
* The 3d of King James the Firjl, Chap. 4. for Premunire,
* Imprifonment during Life, and Eftates confifcated.
' The 13th and 14th of King Charles the Second, againft: ^takers,
* &c. Tranfportation.
' The 22d of King Charles the Seco?id, Chap. 2. againft /editions
' Conventicles.
' The 17th of King Charles the . Second, Chap. 2. againft Noti-
' Conformifts.
' The 27th of King Henry the Eighth, Chap. 20. fome few fuffer
* thereupon.
' Upon Indidments at Common Law, pretended and framed againft
* our peaceable religious Affcmblies, for Riots^ Routs, Breach of the
* Peace, &c. Many (both Men and Women) thereupon fined, im-
* prifoned, and detained for Non-payment, fome till Death : Inftance
* the City of Brijlol, where a great Number have been thefe divers ^
* Years ftraitly confined and crouded in Goal, moftly above one Hun-
* dred on fuch Pretence, about feventy of them Women, many aged.
* And in the City of Norwich, in the Year 1682 and 83, about
* feventy kept in hold, forty five whereof in Holes and Dungeons for
' many Weeks together, and great Hardftiips have been, and are, in
* other Places. So that fuch our peaceable Meetings are fometimes
* fined in the Conveiiticle-ASl as for a religious Exercife, and other
* Fines at Common Law, as riotous, routous, &c. when nothing of that
* Nature could ever be proved againft them, there being nothing of
* Violence or Injury either done or threatned, or intended, againft the
* Perfon or Property of any other whatfoever.
* The during and tedious Imprifonments are chiefly on the Writs
* de Excommunicato capiendo, upon the Judgment of Premunire, and
* upon Fines faid to be for the King. The great Spoil and exceflive
* Diftrefles and Seizures are chiefly upon the Conventicle- AB, and for
* twenty Pounds a Month, and Two- thirds of Eft ate s, and on %/ tarn
* Writs. In fome Counties divers have fuffered by Seizures and Dif-
* trefl"es above eight Years laft paft, and Writs lately iffued out for
' farther Seizures in leveral Counties for twenty Pounds a Month,
* amounting to the Value of many Ihoufand Pounds, fometimes feizing
' for eleven Months at once, and making Sale of all Goods and Chattels
* within Doors and without, both of Houfljold Goods, Beds, Shop Goods,
* Moveables, Cattle, &c. and Profecution hereupon ftill continued,
* and in divers Counties much increafed : So that feveral who have
* long employed fome Hundreds of poor Families in Manufadlure,
* and paid confiderable Taxes to the King, are greatly difabled from
* both by thefe Writs and Seizures, as well as by long hnprifonments.
* So many Serge-makers of Plymouth, as kept above five Hundred poor
* People at Work, difabled by Imprifonment : Many in the County
Vol. I. 1 'of
xlii
The P R E F AC E.
Vol. I.
Deut. xix.
17, 18.
^ohn vii. 51.
Prov. xxvi. 2,
^ob xxix. 16,
i:.
Gen. iii. 8.
$-iidges xix.
30-
8, ic, 16.
of Suffolk, under a long Imprifonment, fentenced to a Tremunire j
one whereof employed at leaft two Hundred poor People in the
Woollen Manufafture, when at Libeity. Omitting other Inftances,
that we may not feem too tedious, thefe may evince how deiliuJ^fve
fuch Severities are to Trade and Induftry, and ruinous to many poor
Families. On the Conventicle- ASf, within thefe two Years laft paft,
many in and about this City of London, have been extremely op-
preffed, impaired, and fpoiled in their Eftates and Trades, upon
numerous Convictions and Warrants made againft them in their
Abfence, upon the Credit of Informations fworn by concealed In-
formers, divers of them impudent Women, who fwear for their Profit
in Part of the Fines and Seizures, their Hufbands being Prifoners for
Debt, through their own Extravagancies. The Warrants commonly
made to break open and enter Houfes, which is done with Rigour
and great Spoil, not fparing Widows, Fatherlefs, or poor Families,
who are fuftained by their daily Care and Induftry, not leaving them
a Bed to reft upon. The Fines upon one Juftice's Warrants amount-
ing to many Hundreds of Pounds, frequently ten Pounds a Warrant,
and two Warrants at once for twenty Pounds executed upon one
Perfon, and three Warrants at once from another Juftice for fixty
Pounds upon another Perfon, and all his Goods carried away in
about ten Cart-loads, and five Warrants at once for fifty Pounds upoii
another, Gfc. befides what we have fufFered by others in the like
Kind. And in this deftruftive Courfe the Informers have Encourage-
ment, and are fuffered ftill to go on, to the ruining many Families
in their Trades and Livelihoods j divers fo difcouraged and difabledj
that they are forced to give over their Shops and Trades.
' Thefe Informers being accepted for credible Witnefles, yet Parties,
fwearing for their own Profit and Gain in the Abfence of the Per-
fons profecuted. This we think is very hard, and undue Proceedings,
and not confiftent with Common Law and Juftice. As alfo con-
viding and fining us Upon their Depofitions, iinjummoned and
unheard in our own Defence, and fo keeping us ignorant of ouir
Accufers, unlefs upon Traverfe of our Appeals. This Procedure ap-
pears contrary to the Law of God, common Juftice and Equity, and
to the Law and Juftice of the ancient Rowans, and of Nations.
' And although it hath been openly manifefted upon Trial of
Appeals at feveral Quarter-SefTions, both for Middkfex and London,
and other Places, that the Depofition of divers Informers have been
falfe in Fadt, yet the great Trouble and Charge in the Traverfe of
Appeals, and the great Encouragement Informers have from him
who grants the moft Warrants, hath been a Difcouragement to
many from feeking fuch difficult Remedy, confidering alfo the
treble Cofts againft the Appellant, in Cafe he fucceeds not, or is not
acquitted upon Trial •, whereas there is no Cofts or Reftitution
awarded or given againft the Informers for unjuft Profecutions.
Some alfo having refuled to grant Appeals, others denied Copies of
Warrants to prevent Appeals ; which whether this be equal or juft,
pray confider ye that are wife and judicious Men. And whether it
'be
Vol. I The PREFACE. xliii
be fot the King's Honour and the People's Interefl:, that idle,
drunken, extravagant Informers, fhould either be encouraged, or
fuffered to go on thus to ruin Trade, Hufbandry and Families, or to
command and threaten Juilices of the Peace, with the Forfeiture of
an Hundred Pounds if they do not make ConvicJligns, and iffue
Warrants, upon their bare Informations, and uncertain Depofitions,
frequently in the Abfence of the Accufed.
' And, liiftly, one third Part of the Fines being alTigned to the
King, he can only remit that ; but the Informers and Poor being
affigned two third Parts, feems not to allow him to remit them,
how much Cauie foever may appear to him to extend his Favour in
that Cafe : Is not this againft the King's Prerogative, to reftrain his
Sovereign Clemency ? And how far it refledls upon the Government,
and is fcandalous thereto, for beggarly rude Informers (fome of them
confident Women) not only to command, threaten and c'lquiet
Juftices, Peace-Officers, ^c. but to dtftroy the King's honeft, in-
duftrio.us and peaceable Subjedls in their Properties and Eftates, is
worthy of your ferious Confederations ? And whether the faid Con-
ventkle-AB ought not therefore juftly to be repealed ? A noted
Inrtance of the like Cafe we have concerning the Statute of the' nth
of Henry the Sevej2t/j, Chap. 3. (for determining certain Offences,
and Contempts upon Informers Profecutions) being repealed in the
firft Year of King Henry the Eighth, Chap. 6. though that in fome
Refpefts was more tolerable than this. f ■
' Be pleafpd to make, our Cafe your own, and do to us as you 'would he
done unto. As you would not be opprefl'ed or deftroyed in your Per-
fons or Eftates, nor have your Properties invaded, and Pofterities
ruined, for ferving and worfhipping Almighty God (that made all
Mankind) according to your Perfwafions and Confciences, but would
no doubt enjoy the Liberty thereof : So we intreat you to allow the
fame Liberty to tender Confciences, that live peaceably under the
Government, .as you would enjoy yourfelves j and to difannuU the
faid Conventicle- ^£i, and to flop thefe devouring Informers, and alfo
take away all Sanguinary Laws, corporal and pecuniary Punifimefits
merely on the Score of Religion and Confcience, and let not the
Ruin and Cry of the Widow, Fatherlefs, and innocent Families, lie
upon this Nation, nor at your Door, who have not only a great
Truft repofed in you for the Profperity and Good of the whole
Nation, but alfo do profefs Chrijiianity, and the tender Religion
of our Lord Jefus Chrifl.
' And notwithftanding all thefe long fuftained Extremities, we the
faid fuffering People do folemnly profefs and declare in the Sight of
the all -feeing God, who is the Searcher of Hearts, that as we have
never been found in any feditious or treafonable Defigns (they being
wholly contrary to our Chrijlian Principle and Profeflion) fo we
have nothing but good Will and true Chriftian Affedion to the King
and Government, fincerely defiring his and your Safety, Profperity
and Concurrence in Mercy and Truth, for the Good of the whole
Kingdom*
' Having
xliv The PREFACE. Vol. I.
* Having thus given you in flioit the general State of our fuffering
' Cafe, in Matter of Fadl, without perfonal Reflexion, •we'mChriflian
* Humility, and for Chrift's Sake, intreat, that you will tenderly and
* charitably confider of the Premifes, and find out fome effedlual
* Expedient or Way for our Relief from Prifons, Spoil and Ruin.'
Upon thefe and other Applications to King James, and prefeniing to
him a Lift of the Names of fome Hundreds of Perfons wider Profecution
in the Exchequer, &c, the King being moved for a Noli Profequi, or
Stay of Procejs, was pleafed to give DireBion to the Lord treafurer and
Attorney General, that no more Exchequer Writs might be iff'ued out
againfi the Quakers on Occafwn of their Ahfence from the Natio?ial
Worflnp. Upon which the following Petition was prefented,
' To Laurence Ear/ c*/ Rochefter,, Lord Treafurer
' of England ;
« 'The Humble PETITION of us whofe Names are herewider
' fuhfcribed, on Behalf of the Perfons called Quakers, named in the
' Lift hereunto annexed ;
* S H E W E T H,
* rip H A T in Purfuance to the King's Reference made to his
' J^ Attorney General, he among other Things did, on the 20th
' Day of January laft 1685, make his Report, that the Perfons named
* in the Lift hereunto annexed, are convidted for their Monthly Ab-
* fence from Church, and are returned into the Exchequer, and in
* Charge there for their twenty Pounds per Month.
' That upon the reading of the faid Report, the King was gracioufly
* pleafed to fignify his Royal Pleafu re amongft other Things, that
' Procefs might be forthwith ftayed from iffuing out of the Exchequer
' againft the faid Perfons named in the faid Lift.
' That it now remains under the Confideration of the Attorney
* General, to dired or prepare fit Inftruments to difcharge the Pro-
' ceedings, as well againft the Perfons named in the fiid Lift, as all
* others mentioned in the faid Report.
* That forafmuch as Procefs is now likely to iflue forth out of the
* Exchequer againft the Perfons named in the faid Lift, before the
* Attorney General can diredl or prepare fit Inftruments to be made
* for Relief of the Perfons in the faid Report, according to the King's
' Will and Pleafure,
* May it therefore pleafe the faid Lord Treafurer in the mean
* Time, to iffue forth his Warrants to the Clerk of the Pipe, for
' ftaying of Procefs againft the Perfons named in the faid Lift,
' until their Difcharge can be effedtually completed in Purluance
' of the King's faid gracious Will and Plealure.
, ' And the faid Petitioners f^all, &c,'
*...*. i The
Vol. I. The P R E F A C E. xlv
The/aid Lord T'rcafurer accordingly ifued his Warrant as follows, viz,
' A Copy of the Lord Treasurer's Warrant to
•^ the Clerk of the Pipe_, to forhea?^ making forth
' any 'Procejs again fi the Terfons mentioned in
*^ the [aid Lift, i:iz.
* AFTER my hearty Commendations, thefe are to authorize
* jf^ and diredl you, to forbear making out any Procefs againft
* any of the Perfons mentioned in thefe four Sheets of Paper hereto
* annexed, each Sheet being fubfcribed by myfelf, and the three firft
' Sheets having four Columns of Names, the fourth only two, till the
* next Term. And if any ProcefTes are already made forth, you are
* immediately to fuperfede the fame : And for fo doing this fiiall be
* your Warrant.
' 2o my verj loving Friend the Clerk of the Pipe, or his Deputy.
Whitehall, 'Treafury-Chamber, ^ ROCHESTER.'
March ^th 1685.
T'he Stay of Proceedings in the Exchequer thus obtained^ prevented
the Ruin of foine Hundreds of Sufferers in the refpe£live Cities a7id
Counties.
The King was alfo pleafed upon farther Application to him, to grant a
Conviiifion for enquiring into the CojiduSi of the Infonners about London,
•which upon Enquiry was found attended with fo much falfe Swearing,
Injuftice and Illegality, that upon Signification of the Ki?igs Pleafure
therein, the Informers were difcountenattced, both by the fuflices, and at
the ^larter-Sefions in London aWMiddlefex, and their Courfe gradually
fopt in other Parts of the Kingdom. At kftgth, on the ^th of the Month
called Apn[ J 687, came forth the King's Declaration yor Liberty of
Confcience, a fid for the immediate Sufpenfon of all and all Manner of
penal Laws in Matters Ecclefiafical, for not coming to Church, or for
any other N on- conformity to the Religion ejlablip:!ed.
By that Declaration prefent Eafe and Relief to Proteftant Diffefiters
erfued^ fo that they could generally hold their religious Meetings undif-
turbed. But as that Declaration was lookt upon, even by ?nany of thofe
who received a prefent Benefit from it, as an Extent of the King's Pre-
rogative beyond it's due Bounds, and which had not the SanBion of any
Acl of Parliament^ the Liberty thereby granted was at moft but precarious
and uncertain.
In the following Tear., viz. i688, /'/ pleafed Almighty God, to whom
only the Intentions and Defigns 0} Princes are Jorejeen and foreknown, in
the Courfe of his Providence, to remove the faid King James the Second
from the Government of thefe Nations, aiid to place upon the "Throne Ki?ig
William the Third, and his Conj'ort ^een Mary, for whofe truly
Proteftant Reign was referved the Glory of eJiablifJnng to Proteftant
Difentcrs a general Liberty of Confcience in religious Worfhip, which was
done in the fir jl Tear of their Reign by an A£l of Parliament, intituled.
Vol. \. m * An
xlvi The P R E F A C E. Vol. I.
' An ACT for exempting their Majesties
^ Proteftant Sul/e&s, dijjenting from the Church
" of Englandj/r^w the Te?ialties of certain Laws.
' At* €)!R3([^^1XCI^ as fome Eafe to fcrupulous Confciences
' ^r in the Exeicile of Religion, may be an efFe£iual Means to unite
« ••^ their Majefties Proteftant Subjedis in Intereft and Affedlion :
* Be it CnaCtCtl by the King and Queen's Moft Excellent Majefly, by
' and with the Advice and Confent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal,
' and the Commons in this prefent Parliament affembled, and by the
* Authority of the fame, That neither the Statute made in the three
* arid twentieth Year of the Reign of the late Queen Elizabeth,
' intituled, An Act to retain the ^eens Majejly's SubjeSis in their due
' Obedience ; nor the Statute made in the twenty ninth Year of the
' faid Queen, intituled, An Act for the more fpeedy and due Execution
* of certain Branches of the Statute made in the three and twentieth Tear
* of the ^eeti's Majejly'i Reign, (viz. the aforefaid Adt ;) nor that
' Branch or Claufe of a Statute made in the firll Year of the Reign of
* the faid Queen, intituled, An Act for the Uniformity of Common-
' prayer and Service in the Church, and Adminifiration of the Sflcra-
* ments, whereby all Perfons having no lawful nor reafonable Excufe
' to be abfent, are required to refort to their Parifh-Church or Chapel,
' or fome ufual Place where the Common-prayer fhall be ufed, upon
' pain of Punifhment by the Cenfures of the Church, and alfo upon
* pain that every Perfon fo offending, fliall forfeit for every fuch
' Offence Twelve-pence. Nor the Statute made in the third Year of
* the Reign of the late King fames the Firji, intituled. An Act for
' the better difcovering and fupprefjing Popifli Recufa?its ; nor that other
* Statute made in the fame Year, intituled. An Act to prevent and
* avoid Da?jgers which may grow by Popifti Recufants ; nor any other
V' Law^' Or Statute of this Realm made againft Papijts or Popifi Recu-
* fants, except the Statute made in the five and thirtieth Year of King
' Charles the Second, intituled. An Act for the more effc^ually preferv-
' ing the King's Perfon and Government , by difabling Fapids from ftting
* in either Houfe of Parliament, fhall be conftrued to extend to any
* Perfon or Perfons diffenting from the Church oi Engla?id, that AmU
* take the Oaths mentioned in a Statute made this prefent Parliament,
' intituled. An Act for removing and preventing of all Qtieftions and
' Difptites concerning the AJJembli7ig and Sitting of this prefent Parlia-
* ment, and fhall make and fubfcribe the Declaration mentioned in a
* Statute made in the thirtieth Year of the Reign of King Charles the
' Second, intituled, An Act to preve?2t Papiffs from fittijig in either
* Houfe of Parliametit : Which Oaths and Declarations the Juflices of
' the Peace, at the General Seffions of the Peace, to be held for the
' County or Place where fuch Perfon fliall live, are hereby required to
* tender and adminifter to fuch Perfons as fliall offer themfclves to
' make and fubfcribe the fame, and thereof fliall keep a Regifter ; and
' likewile none of the Perfons aforefaid, fliall give or pay as any fee
' ' or
Vol. I. The P R E F A C E. xlvii
or Reward to any Officer or Officers belonging to the Court afore-
faid, above the Sum of Six-pence, nor that more than once, for
his or their Entry of his taking the faid Oaths, and making and
fubfcribing the faid Deckration ; nor above the farther Sum of Six-
pence for any Certificate of the fame, to be made out and figned by
the Officer or Officers of the faid Court.
' And be it CtlftCtCD by the Authority aforefaid. That all and every
Perlon or Perfons already convidted, or profecuted in order to Con-
vidion of Recufancy by Indidlment, Information, Aft of Debt, or
otherwife grounded upon the aforefaid Statutes, or any of them,
that fliall take the faid Oaths mentioned in the faid Statute made
this prefent Parliament, and make and fubfcribe the Declaration
aforefaid in the Court of Exchequer, or Affizes, or General or
Quarter-Seffions, to be held for the County where fuch Perfon lives,
and to be thence refpedively certified into the Exchequer, ihall be
thenceforth exempted and difcharged from all the Penalties, Seizu-i-es,
Forfeitures, Judgments, and Executions incurred by Force of any
of the aforefaid Statutes, without any Compofition, Fee, or farther
Charge whatloever.
' And be it farther Ctiactet by the Authority aforefaid. That all
and every Perfon and Perfons, that fhall as aforefaid take the faid
Oaths, and make and fubfcribe the Declaration aforefaid, (hall not
be liable to any Pains, Penalties or Forfeitures, as mentioned in an
Adt made in the five and thirtieth Year of the Reign of the late
Queen Elizabeth, intituled, An Act to retain the Queen's Majefty'%
Siibjci^s in their due Obedience ; nor to an A61 made in the two and
twentieth Year of the Reign of the late King Charles the Second, in-
tituled, An Act to fupprefs and prevent /editions Conventicles ; nor
fhall any of the faid Perfons be profecuted in any Ecclefiaftical
Court, for or by Reafon of their Non-conformity to the Church of
England.
' )BtObil)et) always, and be it CtlftCttl) by the Authority aforefaid,
That if any Affembly of Perfons diffenting from the Church of E«g--
land, ffiall be had in any Place for religious Worfhip with the Doors
locked, barred or bolted, during any Time of fuch meeting together,
all and every Perfon or Perfons, that fhall come to or be at fuch
Meeting, fliall not receive any Benefit from this Law, but be liable
to all the Pains and Penalties of all the aforefaid Laws, recited in
this Adl, for fuch their Meeting, notwithflanding his taking the
Oaths, and his making and fubfcribing the Declaration aforefaid.
' )BtObtt)Ct) always. That nothing herein contained fliall be con-
flrued to exempt any of the Perfons aforefaid from paying of Tithe,
or other Parochial Duties, or any other Duties to the Church or
Minifler, nor from any Profecution in any Ecclefiaftical Court or
elfewhcre for the fame.
' And be it farther CnaCtCD by the Authority aforefaid, That if
any Perfon diffenting from the Church of England as aforefaid, fliall
hereafter be chofen, or otherwife appointed, to bear the Office of
High-Conltable, or Pettv-Confkble, Churchwarden, Overfeer of the
' Poor,
xlviii The PREFACE. Vol. I.
Poor, or any other Parochial or Ward-Office, and fuch Perfon (hall
fcruple to take upon him any of the faid Offices in regard of the
Oath, or any other Matter or Thing required by the Law to be
taken or done in refpeft of fuch Office, every fuch Perfon fhall and
may execute fuch Office or Employment by a fufficient Deputy, by
him to be provided, that fliall comply with the Laws on this Behalf.
* l^tObiD^D always, The faid Deputy be allowed and approved by
fuch Perfon or Perfons, in fuch Manner as fuch Officer or Officers
lefpedlively, fliould by Law have been allowed and approved.
' And be it farther (ftlACtCtl by the Authority aforefaid, That no
Perfon diffenting from the Church of Efig/afiJ in holy Orders, or
pretending to holy Orders, nor any Preacher or Teacher of diffenting
Protejlants, that (hall make and fublcribe the Declaration aforefaid,
and take the faid Oaths at the General or Quarter-Seffions of the
Peace, to be held for the County, Town, Parts or Divifion, where
fuch Perfon lives, which Court is hereby impowered to adminifter
the fame, and fhall alfo declare his Approbation of, and fubfcribe
the Articles of Religion mentioned in the Statute made in the
thirtieth Year of the Reign of the late Queen Elizabeth, except
the thirty fourth, thirty fifth and thirty fixth, and thele Words of
the twentieth Article, "oiz. ['The Church hath Power to decree Rites
or Cei-emonies, and Authority in Contro-verfies of Faith, and yet] (hall
be liable to any of the Pains and Penalties mentioned in an Ad: made
in the feventeenth Year of King Charles the Secojid, intituled, An
Act for rejlraini^tg Non-conformi(ls from inhabiting in Corpora-
tions ; nor the Penalties mentioned in the aforefaid Adt made in the
two and twentieth Year of his faid late Majefly's Reign, for or by
Reafon of fuch Perfons preaching at any Meeting for the Exercife
of Religion ; nor to the Penalties of one Hundred Pounds mentioned
in an Ad: made in the 13th and \\^ oi YsAW^ Charles the Second^
intituled. An Act for the Uniformity ofpublick Prayers and Admini-
jlration of the Sacratnents, and other Rites and Ceremonies ; and for
eftablijl-nng the Form of making, ordaining and confecrati7ig of Bif-^opSy
Pricjls and Deacons, in the Church 0/" England, for officiating in any
Congregation for the Exercife of Religion permitted and allowed by
this Adf.
' ^BCObtDct) always. That the making and fubfcribing the faid
Declaration, and the taking the faid Oaths, and making the De-
claration of Approbation, and Subfcription to the laid Articles in
Manner as aforefaid, by every refpedive Perfon or Perfons herein
before mentioned, at fuch General or Quarter-Seffions of the Peace
as aforefaid, (hall be then and there entred of Record in the faid
Court, for which Six-pence fhall be paid to the Clerk of the Peace,
and no more.
' )BtOt}it)C2) that fuch Perfon fliall not at any Time preach in any
Place but with the Doors not locked, barred or bolted, as aforefaid.
' And tXlt)ettd|S fome diffenting Protejlants fcruple the baptizing of
Infants, Be it (fnactel) by the Authority aforefaid. That every
' Pcrlon in pretended holy Orders, or pretending to holy Orders, or
' Preacher,
Vol. I. The P R E F A C E. xlix;
' Preacher or Teacher, that (hall fubicribc the .aforefaid Articles of
' Religion, except before excepted, and alio except Part of the twenty
* fevcnth Article touching Infant- Baptifm, and fliall take the faid
' Oaths, and make and fubfcribe the Declaration aforefaid, in Manner.
< aforefaid, every fuch Perfon lliall enjoy all the Privileges, BenefitSj
' and Advantages, which any other diffenting Minifler as aforefaid,
' might have or enjoy by Virtue of this Adl.
' And be it farther CuaCteU by the Authority aforefaid, That
' every Teacher or Preacher in holy Orders, or pretended holy.
* Orders, that is a Minifler, Preacher or Teacher of a Congregation,
* that fhall take the Oaths herein required, and make and fubfcribe
* the Declaration aforefiid, and alfo fubfcribe fuch of the aforefaid
* Articles of the Church of Englatid as arc required by this K&. in
' Manner aforefaid, every fuch Perfon fliall enjoy all the Privileges,
' Benefits and Advantages, which any other diffenting Mi.nifter ,as.
* aforefaid, might have or enjoy by Virtue of this Adl. ".
' And be it farther (^tiaCtCD by the Authority aforefaid, That
* every Teacher or Preacher in holy Orders, or pretended holy
* Orders, that is a Minifter, Preacher or Teacher of a Congregation,
* that fliall take the Oaths herein required, and make and fubfcribe.
* the Declaration aforefaid, and alfo fubfcribe fuch of the aforefaid
* Articles of the Church of England as are required by this A6t in
* Manner aforefaid, fliall be thenceforth exempted from ferving upon
* any Jury, or from being chofen or appointed to bear the Office of
* Churchwarden, Overfeer of the Poor, or any other Parochial or
* Ward OfEce, or other Office in any Hundred of any Shire, City,
* Town, Parifli, Divifion or Wapentake.
* And be it farther (j^ttclCtCD by the Authority aforefaid. That every.
* Juflice of the Peace may at any Time hereafter, require any Perfon
' that goes to any Meeting for Exercife of Religion, to tnake and fub-
* fcribe the Declaration aforefaid, and alfo to take the faid Oaths or
' Declaration of Fidelity herein after mentioned, in Cafe fuch Perfon
' fcruples the taking of an Oath, and upon Refufal thereof, fuch
* Juflice of the Peace is hereby required to commit fuch Perfon to
' Prifon without Bail or Mainprize, a'^d to certify the Name of fuch
' Perfon to the next General Quarter-Seffions of the Peace to be held
' for that County, City, Town, Part or Divifion, where fuch Perfon
*■ then refides ; and if fuch Perfon fo committed, fliall upon a fecond
' Tender at the General or Quarter-Seffions, refufe to make and fub-
* fcribe the Declaration aforefaid, fuch Perfon refufing fhall be then
' and there recorded, and he fliall be taken thenceforth to all Intents
' and Purpofes for a Popiflj Recufant Convift, and fuffer accordingly,
' and Incurr all the Penalties and Forfeitures of all the aforefaid
* Laws.
* And tUljCtCajS there are certain other Perfons, Diffenters from the
' Church of England, who fcruple the taking of any Oath j Be it
' dEliaCtel) by the Authority aforefaid, That every fuch Perfon fhall
* make and fubfcribe the aforefaid Declaration, and alfo this Declara-
* tion of Fidelity following, vl'z.
Vol. I. n ' / A. B.
The PREFACE.
Vol. I.
* 7 A. B. do fincerely proj?iifc, and fokmnly declare before God and
the World, that I will be true and faithful to King William and
^een Mary, j^nd I do folemnly profefs a7id declare, that I do from
my Heart abhor, deteft and renounce, as impious and Heretical, that
damnable Do5iri?ie and Pofition, that Prifices excommunicated or de-
prived by the Pope, or any Authority of the See of Rome, 7nay be
depofed or murdered by their SubjcBs, or any other ivhatfoever. And
1 do declare, that 7io Foreign Prince, Perfon, Prelate, State or
Potentate, hath or ought to have any Power, JurifdiSiion, Supei-iority^
Pre-eminence or Authority, Ecclejiajlical or Spiritual, within this
Realm.
' And (hall fubfcribe a Profeffion of their Chrijlian Belief in thefe
Words,
' 7 A. B. profefs Faith in God the Father, and in Jefus Chriji his
Eternal Son the true God, and in the Holy Spirit, one God blefed for
evermore : And do achioivledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and
New Tefament to be given by divine Infpiration.
' Which Declarations and Subfcriptions fliall be made and entred
upon Record at the General Quarter-Seffions of the Peace for the
County, City or Place where every fuch Perfon fliall then refide.
And every fuch Perfon that fliall make and fubfcribe the two
Declarations and Profeffion aforefaid, being thereunto required,
fliall be exempted from all the Pains and Penalties of all and every
the afore-mentioned Statutes made, againft Popifi Recufants or
Proteftant Non-Conformifts, and alfo from the Penalties of an Ad;
made in the fifth Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, intituled.
An Act for the Ajfurance of the ^leen's Royal Power over all
EJlates and SubjeSfs within her Dominions, for or by Reafon of fuch
Perfons not taking or refufing to take the Oath mentioned in the
faid Adl. And alfo from the Penalties of an Aft made in the
thirteenth and fourteenth Years of the Reign of King Charles the
Second, intituled, An Act to prevent Mifchiefs that may arife by
certain Perfons called Quakers refufwg to take lawful Oaths j and
enjoy all other the Benefits, Privileges and Advantages under the
like Limitations, Provifoes and Conditions, which any other Dif-
fenters fliall or ought to enjoy by Virtue of this Aft.
* ptObitlCl) always, and be it CltaCtell by the Authority aforefaid.
That in cafe any Perfon fliall refufe to -take the faid Oaths when
tendred to them, which every Juflice of Peace is hereby impowered
to do, fuch Perfon fliall not be admitted to make and fubfcribe the
two Declarations aforefaid, though required thereunto, either before
any Juflice of the Peace, or at the General Quarter-Setlions, before
or after any Conviftion of Popip^ Recufancy as aforefaid, unlefs fuch
Perfon can within thirty one Days after fuch Tender of the Decla-
rations to him, produce two fufhcient Proteftant WitneiTes to teflify
upon Oath, that they believe him to be a Protejlant Diffenter, or a
Certificate under the Hands of four Protejlants who are confonnable
to the Church of England, or have taken the Oaths, and fubfcribed
the Declaration above mentioned, and (hall alfo produce a Certificate
' under
Vol. I. The P R E F A C'lS;
under the Hands and Seals of fix or more fufficient Men' of the
Congregation to which he belongs, owning him for ohe of them.
' ^rotjiDcD iilfo, and be it cgnacteD by the Authority aforefaid, ■
That until Inch Certificate under the Hands of fix of his Congre-
gation as aforefaid be produced, and two Protejlant Witneffes come
to attell his being a Froteftant DiiTenter, or a Certificate under the
Hands of four Proteftants as aforefaid be produced, the Juftice of
the Peace fhall, and is hereby required to take a Recognizance,
with two Sureties in the penal Sum of fifty Pounds, to be levied of
his Goods and Chattels, Lands and Tenements, to the Ufe of the
King's and Queen's Majefties, their Heirs and SuccefTors, for his
producing the fame ; and if he cannot give fuch Security, to
commit him to Prifon, there to remain until he has produced fuch
Certificates or two Witneffes as aforefaid,
' ptOljillcD always, and it is the true Intent and Meaning of this
Adt, That all the Laws made and provided for the frequenting of
divine Service on the Lord's Day, commonly called Simday, fhall
be ftill in full Force, and executed againft all Perfons that offend
againfl the faid Laws ; except fuch Perfons come to feme Congre-
gation or Affembly allowed or permitted by this Adf.
' )3t0t)tliet always, and be it farther (^tiaCtCll, by tlie Authority
aforefaid, That neither this Aft, nor any Claufe, Article or Thing
herein contained, fliall extend or be conftrued to extend to give
any Eafe, Benefit or Advantage to any Paptft or Popi/fj Recufant
whatfoever, or any Perfon that fhall deny in his Preaching or
Writing the Dodtrine of the bleffcd Trinity, as it is declared in the
aforefaid Articles of Religion.
' ^COtltllCll always, and be it d^ttactcb by the Authority aforefaid.
That if any Perfon or Perfons, at any Time or Times after the
tenth Day of June, do and fhall willingly, and of purpofe, mali-
cioufly, or contemptuoufly, come into any Cathedral or Parifh-
Church, Chapel or other Congregation permitted by this Adl, and
difquiet or difturb the fame, or mifufe any Preacher or Teacher,
fuch Perfon or Perfons, upon Proof thereof before any Juftice of
Peace by two or more fufficient Witneffes, fliall find two Sureties
to be bound by Recognizance in the penal Sum of fifty Pounds,
and in Default of fuch Sureties fnall be committed to Prifon, there
to remain till the next General or Quarter-Seflions ; and upon Con-
viction of the faid Offence, at the faid General or Quarter-SefTions,
fhall luffer the Pain and Penalty of twenty Pounds, to the Ufe of the
King's and Queen's Majeflies, their Pleirs and Succeffors.
' ^COl)il)CD always. That no Congregation, or Affembly for reli-
gious Worfhip, fliall be permitted or allowed by this A(5l, until the
Place of fuch Meeting fliall be certified to the Bifhop of the Diocefe,
or to the Archdeacon of that Archdeaconry, or to the Juftices of the
Peace for the County, City or Place in which fuch Meeting fhall
be held, and regiflered in the faid Bifliop's or Archdeacon's Court
refpedively, or recorded at the faid General or Quarter-Sefiions :
The Regifter or Clerk of the Peace whereof lefpeftively, is hereby
required to regifter the fame, and to give Certificate thereof to fuch
Perfon
lii The P R E F A C E. Vol. I.
' Perfon as fhall demand the fame, for which there fliall,,be none
• greater Fee or Reward taken than the Sum of Six-pence.
This Adt put an End to the Perfecuticn of Proteftant JOijfentersJn
this Nation, for the Exercife of religious WorJJnp, had a natural
Tefidency to unite SiibjeSls of divers Perfuafwns in mutual Love and
Jljf'eBion one towards another, and ivas and is a general Blefjhig^ and
exceedingly conducive to the firengthenitig o/' //'£"; Proteftant Interejl.
At this happy Period of Time have we thought proper to clofe this
prefent Collection : To the Pubhcation of which we have been induced
by the following Reafons.
I ft. To teftify our Regard to the Memory of the Sufferers, 7)iany
of whom we highly efteem for their (Z\ix\^\z.Vi. Courage and Conftancy
in 7naintaining the Truths they were perfuaded of, and preferring
Peace of Confcience to all worldly Confiderations.
2d. To exhibit to Pofterity a Variety of rare and fingular In-
fta?ices of a People remarkable for their Chriftian Zeal and immoveable
Refolution in maintaining their Right of pubHckly affembhng for
the Worftiip of God : An Indication that in thofe AjJ'emblies they
were made Partakers of that fohd Comfort a?2d Coeleftial Sweetnefs
which attends the true and Evangehcal Worfliip, which they valued
above all the Delights, Pleafures and Enjoyments of this World,
and which fupported and enabled them cheerfully to undergo not only
the Spoiling of their Goods, but Imprifonments, Banifhments, and
even Death itfclf, for they ftood faft in one Spirit with one Mind,
ftriving together for the Truth of the Gofpel, and in nothing terri-
fied by their Adverfaries : For unto them it was given in the Behalf
of Christ, not only to believe on him, but alfo to fufFer for his
Sake, Philip, i. 27, 28, 29. May their Conftancy fir up thofe tvho
now freely enjoy what they fo dearly purchafed, viz. The Liberty of
their religious Meetings, to an afjiduous PraStice of their Duty in
that Rejpecl, and to a diligent Jeeking after that inward Solace and
Heavenly Satisfadion of Soul, which refreflies and fuftains thoje who
fincerely worfhip the Father of Spirits, in Spirit and in Truth.
3d. That the Sufferings they underwent for their Teftimony to
the Purity and Spirituality of the Chriftian Difpenfation, their com-
mendable Zeal againft the Payment of Tithes, and their earneft
Endeavours to preferve the Dodrine of the Gofpel free from any
undue Mixture, either of Jewifli Ceremonies or Heathenifti Super-
ftition, }?iay induce others to a ferious Confideration of the Importance
of that Teftimony, and the Nature of thofe Payments, which they
^y^^^cwf-^Antichriftian, to fearch the Scriptures, a?id to praBifc agreeably
to the Convidions thcv may receive Jrom juch Enquiry. On this
Head Trials and Sufferings yet continue and are moft lafling, becaufe
the Power and Intereft of the Priefthood (the principal Source of
all Sufferings for Religion) are moft nearly concerned therein.
4th. That
Vol. I. The PREFACE. liii
4th. That the Example of their Anceftors tuay reprove the prefent
Degeneracy of too many, who by Speech and Behaviour proclaim
their Declenfion, from that Plainnefs and Simplicity . in both, ichich
thofe that went before them confcientioujly praBfed afid fufered for,
and that being thereby excited to a religious Search itito the * Ground
and Origin of the Expreflions, Habits, Cuftoms, and Salutations of
the Times which their Elders fo zealoufly difufed, they may difcern
the Inconfiftency of thofe Things with the Purity of the Chriftian
Religion, and be reclaimed from a jnean and cowardly Compliance
therein, contemptible even with thofe they give it to, and which has
gradually led fame into greater Evils, by afociating with fuch as
Jrequent Sports, Plays, finful Paftimes and Diverfions, till their
Delight has centred in that which their Fathers could find no Peace
in, and which it is reafonable to think, themfelves have fometimes
praSiifed with much Regret and Uneafinefs of Mind, in vainly
attempting to ftifle the Checks of that divine Light, which they know
'would direSi them better.
5th. That cotTiparing our own Times with the preceding, and
the Liberty we now enjoy with the afflided State of our Pre-
deceflbrs, whofe Perfons and Properties were made a Prey to the
vilejl of Men, we may receive the prefent Blefllngs with humble and
thankful Hearts, duly prizing the Mercies of God, and the Favour
cf the Government under which we live, a?id earneftly praying that
the Throne of the King ?nay be eftabliflied in Righteoufnels, that
a Spirit of Peace and Charity may diffufe itfelf through all his
Dominions, and unto the Ends of the Earth, to the Completion of
that glorious State of the Kingdom of the Messiah prediSled by
the Prophets, wherein The Wolf fliall dwell with the Lamb, and iliuh xi. C^
the Leopard (hall lie down with the Kid, and the Calf and the ''^'9-
young Lion and the Fatling together, and a little Child fliall lead
them ; and the Cow and the Bear fliall feed, and their young
ones fliall lie down together ; and the Lion fliall eat Straw like
the Ox, and the fucking Child fliall play on the Hole of the
Afp, and the weaned Child fliall put his Hand upon the Cock-
atrice Den. When the Earth fliall be full of the Knowledge of
the Lord as the Waters cover the Sea.. When they fliall beat M/V^/Ei iv. 4,
their Swords into Plough- fliares, and their Spears into Pruning- 5> ^•
hooks : When Nation fliall not lift up Sword againfl: Nation,
neither fliall they learn War any more ; but they Ihall fit every
Man under his Vine, and under his Fig-Tree, and none fliall
make them afraid. When all People fliall walk every one in
the Name of his God, and we will walk in the Name of the
Lord our God for ever.
Vol. L o We
* For their Help in fuch Enquiry, they are recommended to the Perufal
of the fifteenth Propofitiori ot R o b e R t Barclay's Apology, with his
Differtation thereupon ; and alfo the ninth and tentli Chapters of W i l l i a M
P B N n's No Crop, No Crown.
liv The PREFACE. Vol. I:
We think it not improper in this Place, to obviate one of the
principal OhjcBions ivhich the Perfecutors of this People iijiially ad-
vanced a'rainft -them, viz. The Singularity of their Sentiments, and
that the Teftimony they bore, ftruck againft fuch Points in Re^'
ligion, as other Proteliants before them had not been concerned to'
oppofe. This Obfcclion can have Imt little Weight ivith thofe who'
(hall co7ifider the Reformation from Popery, as a gradual and^'pf^
grefive Work : The firjl Reformers in England, iisent through the-
fiery Trial, and many of them facrificcd their Lives in a faithful
TeJ}imo?iy againft the Idolatry of the Popifli Mafs, the abfur-d and
irrational DoBrifie of Traniubftantiation, the Adoration of Imagesj?.
and other grofs Superjlitions of the Romifh Church. Thefe dark Errors
were aboUped by Laivs of Proteftant Princes, and the Papal Power
renounced : But the Chiiftian Zeal a?id Fervour uhich began- tM-s
Work, by Degrees la?iguift.vd and ic^Oxed cool, to the Retarding of the.
Reformation, and continuing among the Reformers thenfelves, many
Relicks oj the Papal Corruption unremoved. Agai^fl thefe yet remain-
ifig Marks of the old Apojlacy, the primitive Spirit of Proteftantifm
reviving amo?2g the Quakers, tonfti^ained them to.teftify, and enabled
them to fuffer under Pe?ial Laws, enabled by degenerate Proteftants,
to prevent any farther Progrefs of that Reformation nvhich their
Forefathers had begun, and 'which the faid People called Quakers
have inceffantly laboured to carry on, and wherein, fuch among themy
icho abide faithful to their firfl Principles, do yet fiedfaftly perfjl, as
becometh a Race of true Proteftant Reformers, more zealous for the
Extirpation of Popery, than any that ever nsixnt before them-: For
after that profejjed Proteftants had afjiinied to themfelves an Eccle-
fiaftical JurifdiSiion, in fame Degree refembling that of Rome, and
Proteftant Priefts had appropriated to themfelves the old Popifti Main-
tenance by Tithes, and other fuch Fees and Perquifites as the Romifh
Clergy had formerly enjoyed, they profecuted the confcientious With-
holders of their Pay, and fpared not to recover it by the fame Methods
which thefe of the Church of Rome had done before them. A Mul-
titude of Injiances of extreme Rigour and Severity in recovering
Church Claims are to be met with in this Collection ; the Zeal
of the Clergy moft remarkably exerting itfelf againft the ObjlruSfors
of their Interejl, and inducing them to excite the Legijlature againft
them in order to their Extirpation. Hence proceeded Ads for Fining
and Baniflment, to which the invincible Conflancy of this People in
publickly ajjembling for their religious Worjlnp, and their Refufal to
Swear in any Cafe, did continually expofe them. Nor was it poffible
for them to evade the Rigour of the Laws, whofe Habtt^ Speech
and Deportment, fubjeSled them to every Man's Notice, and whofe
open religious Meetings, at certain fixed Times and Places, miniftred
never-failing Occafions for their Enemies to execute their Aftilice upon
them.
That the following CoUeftion of the Sufferings of this People
might be as compleat as the Nature of the Thing would admit, the
Compiler of it has endeavoured, by an indufrious Application for
inan^
Vol. 1. The P R E F A C E. Iv
many Years paji^ to Jurnijh himfelf ivith a competent Kncnaledge of
his Subje£l ; and Jor that End has had Rccourje not only to their
DiJon Manufcript Records, nvherein is preferred a genuine Account of
fuch of the Sufferings of their Friends as were tranfmitted to them^
but has alfo confulted a great Number of printed Accounts relative
thereto, and which were publijhed at or near the I'ime of the Tranf-
aSlions related : So that the Reader has here prefented to his FieiVy
digejled in proper Order of Time and Place, a faithful Narrative,
not only of what before lay difperfed, but alfo of tnany remarkable
Matters never heretofore publijhed, which yet were thought well worthv
of being refcued from Oblivion, and tranfmitted to Pofterity.
The Matters of Faft, herein related, are attended with all reafonable
"Evidences of Truth, and many of them are co7ifrmed by correfpondent
Copies of Letters, Warrants, Mittimus's, Prefentments, Indictments,
Trials, and other publick Proceedings, inferted in their proper Places
through the Coiirfe of this Collection,
We make no Apology for the Plainnefs of our Style ; a Compofure
of this Nature requiring no Embellif:me?its either of Art or Elegance :
Wherefore difregarding the Cenfures (f Criticks, this Colledlion of
the Sufferings of a plain, honeft, and confcientious People, is
recommended to the ferious and weighty Confider ation of judicious and
Chriftian Enquirers^
By the Compiler,
Jofeph Befle,
A COLLECTION
Chap. I.
COLLECTION
OF THE
SUFFERINGS
Of the People called
QUAKERS.
The INTRODUCTION.
CHAP. 1.
CHAP, i:
Cofiiainiftg the Principal Caufes and Motives of that People^ i Dijfent Caufes of
from the Forms of Worjlnp ejlab lipped by Law.
TH E tejlbnony of a good Confcience, bearing Witnels to the Truth,
in Oppofition to Opinions and Prafticcs eftablifhed, under the
Name of Religion, by human Laws, and enforced by Penalties, has
b;en the common Caitje alledged by all fincere Sufferers, Confeflbrs
and Martyrs, ibr any Branch of Chriftian Do^rine or Duty required of them
to teach or praftife, either by the immediate Call and Evidence of the Spirit
of God in themfelves, or the Tcftimony of the holy Scriptures always agreeing
therewith.
This General Plea, the perfecuted People, here treated of, have con-
ftantly, and as reafonably as any, infifted on, in Juftification of themfelves,
and of that fraclical DiJJl-ni from Opinions and Cuftoms in Religion, which
though generally received, appeared to them inconfiftent with the Truth, the
Voclrine of which is firm and immutable, and which, though popular Preju-
dices and human Lavss may fometimes contradift, they can never alter.
The principal Points wherein their Confcientious Nonconformity rendred them
obnoxious to the Penalties of the Law, were,
\. Their Refufil to pay Tithes, which they efteemed a Jewifh Ceremony
abrogated by the Coming of Chrift. They alio confidered, that the Levitical
Priefthood, which took Tithes, being changed, a Change alfo of the Law
which enjoined the Payment of them did neceffirily follow : And that there
being no Precept either of Chriil or his Apoftles, enjoining them to be paid
under the Gofpel, his Difciples are totally freed from all Obligation thereunto,
and that it was a Chriftian Duty in them to Hand fall in tiiat Liberty whercwich
Chrift had made them free, and to be no more entangled with thc2oke of Bondage.
II. Their Rcfufal to pay Rates or Jfeffments lor buikling and rcpuring
Houfes, or Places, appropriated to the Exercife of fuch a V,\irfhip as tiiey did
Vol, I. A not
In general.
Caules of Suf-
fering p.irti'
cuLtri^eJ.
I . Hefufrrffi^ to
piy lubes.
2. l^efufDig^ t»
p.iy ton',ir.ls
I{jtfS {or fll-
pirjiitious
VffS.
CHAP. I.
5. K'M'ng to
Siuar,
4. Not taking
of tkeir hits.
5. Nleeting
piiblickly to
roorjhip Cod.
a. Fublijhwg
the Iruth to
others.
:. ivith-hoU-
ing the Frieft's
Fees,
8. Their
Teflimonj
agjinjt Fight-
'>'g'
Proofs of their
Sincerity.
Order of the
Ifork.
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
net approve of •, the pretended Confecration of which Places, rhey looked upon
as an unwarrantable 5a/)fryZz7w« •, theyalfo confidered the iaid Affefrments as
applied to many other unfcriptural Ufes and Impofitions, which they could not,
with a good Confcience, contribute to the Support and Maintenance of.
III. Their conftant Obedience to the Precept of Clirift, Swear not at ally
which they would not in any Cafe tranfgrefs : For they did not believe, that any
human Law or ^ower upon Earth could juftify them in the known Breach of
Ci, pohtiVe Command, fuch as they elleemed that of bur Saviour to be in Refpeft
oi Swearing. In this Point xh>iy were afted by an invincible Conftancy, and
fupported ftedfift in the Faith, through Bonds, Imprifonments, Banifliments,
and even Death itfelf
IV. Thj^ir Difufe of the Cuftom of uncovering their Heads, or pdling off
their Hats, by way bi Homage to iVIen, which they accounted an undue and
unfcriptural Refpect of Perfons, and a Milapplication of that outward Signifi-
cation of Honour and Addrefs which they appropriated to God only. This
Cuftom had not the Sandtion of any zvritten Law ; yet the Omiffion of it was
deemed a Contempt, and frequently puniflicd by Fines and Imprifonmcnt.
V. Their Chriftian Refolution ot allembling publickly lor the WorOiip of
God, in fuch Manner as was moft agretable to their Confciences, from which
nothing couki deter them -, and in which they ftood much expofcd to the Malice
of their Adverfaries, who always knew wliere Co find them. In this they mani-
_ tefted an Intrepidity, fometimes aftonifliing, even to diofe who came to their
Meetings on purpofe to moieft them.
VI. The Neceffity many of them found themfclves under of publiiliing the
Doctrine of Truth which they were perfuaded cf, and of reproving Vice and
Immorality openly in the Streets and Markets, and fometimes even in the
Pkices appointed for the publick national Worfliip. From the worft of thofe
whom they fo reproved, they met with ungrateful Returns of manifold and
barbarous Abufes, which were too often encouraged by Authority of the Ma-
giflrates, who ought to have reftrained them.
VII. Their refufing to make Ufe of the eftablifhed Priefts or Miniflers,
either in Marrying, Burying, or any other Cafe, and confcientioufly with-
holding the Fees cuflomarily paid on thofe Occafions. Hence proceeded many
Profl'cutions againft them, efpecially in the Ecclefiaftical Courts, where they
generally iffued in Excommunications, the Confequences of which often were
Imprifonments on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, during the Pleiillire cf holy
Church. By this Means many of this People were buried alive, ^nd became
Sacrifices to the Intereft of domineering Ecclejiafticks, in Caufes, of which the
fecular Power never had any Cognizance, but through their Mifreprefentations.
VIII. Their Teftimony againft JVars and Fighting ; the Praftice ■whereo!fi
they judged inconfiftent with thofe Precepts of Clirifl, Love -jour Enemies. Do
Good to them that hate you. Wherefore they refufed eidier to bear Arms
thcmfelveSjOr to hire others in their Stead. This expofed them to Fines,
and Seizure's of their Goods, and fometimes even to corporal Punifhments .at
the arbitrary Wills of Military OfHccrs.
Thefe Points of their religious DifTent were to them of vcjy great \yeight
and Confequence ; in the Obfervance of which, they experienced an inward
Peace and Tranquillity of Mind, ftrengtlining and enabling them to perfevere
in the Way of their Duty ; and indeed their Patience and Conftancy in enduring
fo great a Fight of AfBiftions, for the Sake of their rehgious Tell:imony, was :is
cogent and convincing a Demonftration of their Sincerity therein, as can rea-
fonably be cxpefted.
Having premifed thefe Things, wc proceed to the Work propofed, which,
in regard to the fuffering Cafes in England and Wales, we have thought proper
to place in an alphabetical Order of the feveral Places and Counties wherein
they were tranfafted, afTigning to each Place and County a diftinft Chapter.
Afterwhich will follow a Narrative of the remarkable Sufferings which they
underwent in New-England and other foreign Countries.
C FI A P.
Chap. 2. of the People called QUAKERS.
CHAP. II.
BEDFORD-
SHIRE.
1655.
BEDFORDSHIRE.
Anno 1655.
TH E firft Inilance recorded of Sufferings in this County was in the
Month called Aprils i(>^, at Cranfdd, where Thomas Stubbs,
James Lnncajler, and Anthony Patrickfon, were taken out of a
Friend's Houfe by a Conftable, kept ail Night under a Guard, and
next Day conveyed to AinfthiU, where two Juftices privately examined them,
and fen: them to Prifon till the garter Sejfions about fourteen Days after ;
when, being called in Court, no legal Caufe appeared for their Commitment -,
nevertlulefs, their coming in with their Hats on was deemed fufficient Caufe
for their Recommitment to Prifon, where they lay about a Month longer, and
then were privately dilcharged at a petty Seffions, without any Notice taken of
tlie Injuftice of their Confinement.
In the fame Year Thomas Stacey^ and Mary Mounfdl, a Woman of good
Repute, and Sifter to a Juftice of the Peace in that County, were taken out
of a religious Meeting at the Houfe of Thomas Scott in IVooburne, by a Con-
ftable, and confined under a Guard a Day and a Night, till they were carried
before two Juftices of the Pe;ice,, who after Examination relcafed them.
Imprifoiiment
oj Jevenl.
Anno 1656.
1656.
Ifabel Parlour, for exhorting the People in Amplhill Market to Repentance Imprifontmnt
and Amendment of Life, was lent to Brideivell, with an Order to be whipt, i"" P''^^'^!''"g>
and was detained there about a Month.
James Taylor fuffered about two Months Imprifonment for refufing to pay and for
Tidies, and for die fame Caule feveral others fuffered Diftrefs of their Goods to Ti'l'^^-
the Value of 20/. ys. for Demands of 9 /. Ss. 8d. for Tithes.
A
N NO
1657.
In the Month of Nove?nber this Year, William Mather was fent to Prifon
for not paying Tithes, and detainetl there two and thirty Weeks. Alfo Matthew
Pryor, for a Demand of 48 s. for Tithe, fuffered eight Weeks Imprifonment,
and after his Difcharge had his Goods diftrained for the flvme Demand to the
Value of 3/. 165. Several others alfo in this Year for Claims of 22/. 19;. 2 d.
for Tithes, fuffered Diftrefs of their Goods to the Value of 84/. 2 s.
In this Year John Stevens of Wooton, for refiifing to take the Oath required of
him, when chofen Conftable, fuffered fix Months Imprifonment in the County
Goal.
An
N O
1658.
Eliflxi Hunt, Maty Botham, Aine Cox, Miles Pattefon, and William Ed-
munds, occafionally meeting with die Prielt of Rifely, reproved him in a fcrip-
tural manner for his Milconduft , which he lb higii'ly rcfcnted, as to caufe tlicni
to be fet in the Stocks three Hours, and next Day they were carried b-lore
Gaius Sqtrire of Eaton, a Juftice of the Peace, who finding no juft Caufe againit
them, refufed to .id therein i but another Juftice, more ofBcious, and lefs dif-
crect.
1657.
Jmprifonments
and £>iflrejfes
jor Tithes.
For vot
Swearir.g.
1658.
Four Perfo.-s
fpn to Cost
jor reproving
i rriift.
BEDFORD.
SHIRt.
1658.
S, Baker's
Imprifonmem.
ImfrifoHtnent
for Mjrrjing.
1659.
Diftrefs for
Steep U-toufe
Ji^tes,
Imprifonnent
for Jitkes.
iiiie for
roeirbig the
Hit,
Viflrefs for
Tithes.
1660.
Jmpnfonmmt
for Tithes.
Cafe of i
poor Widow.
Fifty two Per-
fons fern to
Prifon for re-
fufmg to
Swear.
Their Cnfe
frejentel to
the fudge in
Writing.
A Colledion of the Sufferings . Vol. I.
creet, fent them to the common Goal till next Quarter Sefllons, when they
were all fent to Bndevjell, and kept there one Month.
Sarah Baker of IVooburne, for giving fome Chriftian Exhortation to the Peo-
ple there, in the publick Place ot Worlhip, was alfo fent to the common Goal ;
and after about two Months Imprifonment, at Midfummer Scffions fent to
Bridewell for one Month.
In the fime Year John Impey of Barton, and Ame his Wife, fuffered three
Months Imprifonment, for having taken each other in Marriage, otherwife
than in tlie P'orm appointed by the Directory.
Anno 1659.
Several Perfons in this County for confcientioufly refufing to pay fome trivial
Sums toward repairing the publick Worfhip-houfes, for Demands of j i. xod.
fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Amount of i /. \s. 9 d.
In this Year were committed to Prifon for Tithes, Edward Franklin, George
Franklin, John Apthorp, and Dorothy Neale Widow, of whom the two former
continued Prifoners above fifteen Months, and the latter about two Years.
In the fame Year Nicholas Beard of Scotfield, being cited to ferve on a Grand
Jury at the garter Sejfions, for appearing there with his Hat on, was fined
\7,s. \d. and had his Goods taken by Diftrefs for that Fine to the Value of
1 /. I J. 9 ^.
In this and the preceding Year for Demands of 9/. I'j s. 6d. for Tithes,
were taken from fundry Perfons by Diftrefs, Goods worth 25/. 11s. Sd.
Anno 1660.
In the Month called May this Year, John Samm was committed to Prifon
for Tithes, and continued there eighteen Months,
In the Month called Auguft, Elizabeth Bruce, a poor Widow, was fent to
Prifon for Tithes of fmall Value, her Houfe and Ground being rented but at
6 /. per Annum, out of which fhe fupported herfelf and two fatherlels Children ;
fhe was continued a long Time in Prifon.
At the AlTizes at Bedford on the 13th of the Month called ]\4arch, 1660-1,
* two and fifty Perfons, then in Prifon, for refufing the Oath of Allegiance, were
brought before Judge Windham, who ordered the Statutes of 35 Eliz. and
7 James, to be read ; telling the Prifoners, that wawy of them being but youngs
might probably be ignorant of the Penalties they were liable to for refufing the Oath.
One of them, in the Name of the reft, anfwered, ^at the Penalties had been
fully confidered by them : That they thought it their Duty a^ively to obey the Laws
of the Land, when confiflent with the Law of God, and when otherwife, patiently
to fubmit. That the Laws read, appeared to them contrary to the Precept of
Chrift, Mat. v. which they durfi not break. They prefented at the fame Time
to the Judge, a Paper in Writing, as follows, "viz.
" nr^Hough it be generally known through Chriflendom, fo called, that the
" JL People called Sfuakers cannot fwear at all, becaufe it is according to
" the Command of Chrift, our Lawgiver, Judge and Saviour, yet for the taking
" away all Jeajoufiesand Fears out of the Mind of the King, his Council, and
*' other his Officers and Subjedtsin this Realm, and other Dominions belonging
" thereunto, that fo under him we may live in a godly, holy, honeft, peaceable
" and quiet Life, to ferve God and the Creation, in our Generation, We give
*' forth thefe Lines, concerning the 0.ith of Allegiance, (obligatory to us) to
" the King, and to all in the Nation, whom it may concern, that we may
" not
* Thvir Names may be diftinguifhed in the Men by referring to this Page.
Chap. 2. of the People called, QUAKERS. §
not be made TranfgrefTors without a Caufe, and expofed to fuffer for keeping BEDFORD
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our Confciences clear before the Lord.
" Firft of all : We do believe and declare, that the immediate Hand of
the Lord hath brought in Charles Stuart, now proclaimed King of Efig/and,
Scotland, &:c. according to the Laws and Statutes of the Nation ; and that
the Pope, neither of himfelf, nor by any Authority of the Church or See of
Rome, or by any other means with others, hath any Power to dcpofe the
King, or to difpoflefs him of any of his Dominions, or to authorize any fo-
reign Prince to invade or annoy him, neither to dilcharge any of his Subjeds
from their Obedience to him, or to give Licenfe or Leave to any to raife up
Arms, or to offer any Violence or Hurt to the Perfon of the King, State,
or Government, or to any of his Subjects within his Dominions : And
likewife we declare and fhall keep our Words, notwithftanding any
Declaration or Sentence of Excommunication or Deprivation, made or
granted, or to be made or granted by the Pope or his Succeflbrs, or by
any Authority derived, or pretended to be derived from him, againft the
King, his lawful Heirs or Succeflbrs, or by any Abfolution of the faid Sub-
jefts to the King : And we will not confpire, neither attempt any Con-
fpiracy againft his Perfon, nor plot nor contrive any Thing againft him,
nor any of his Subjefts, neither would we have any others to do it, not-
withftanding any Sentence or Declaration from the Pope •, and farther we do
abhor and deteft that Pofuion as impious and Heretical, and a damnable
Dodlrine, that Princes which be excommunicated by the Pope may be de-
pofed or murthcred by their Subjefts or otherwife. And further we do be-
lieve in our Hearts, that neither the Pope, nor any other whatfoever, have
Power to abfolve us of this our Acknowledgement and Teftimony, or any
Part thereof, and do renounce all Pardons and Difpenfations to the con-
trary. And thefe Things we do plainly and fincerely acknowledge and
confefs, according to the plain common Senle and Underftanding of the
Words herein exprelTed, without any Equivocation, mental Refcrvation, or
fecret Evafion whatfoever, and thele Things fhall atteft by Word, and fhall,
if thereunto lawfully required, fct our Hands.
" So let us not be made a Prey upon, feeing what we do is in a good Con-
fcience to our God, and in it thefe Things we write, and Ihall keep in
Truth and Righteoufnefs, which may fatisfy you and all reafonable Men."
SHIRE.
1660.
They alfo delivered to the Gratidjury at the fame Affizes, a Paper in Writino-
as follows, viz. '^
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Friends,
YO U among whom we have been and converfed, and you who cannot a Paper deli-
be ignorant of our Behaviour, Carriage and Sufferings, through the verei to the
many changeable and oppreffive Governments, which this Land of our Na- Grand Jury,
tivity hath been cxercifed with, unto the Light of Chrift which ftiineda in
your Confciences do we appeal, and to it defire to be made manifeft, and
by it to be judged. We have been, ever fince we were a People, Men of
a quiet, fober, peaceable and upright Converfation, neither plottino- nor
contriving Murder, War or Bioodlhed, againft any Man or Power that
hath been, but as much as in us lay, always fought the Good and Peace of
this Nation, and of all Men therein, although from it, and the Mao-iftrates,
and the Rulers thereof, we have fuffered the Spoil of our Goods, Imprifon-
ment of our Bodies, and the Lofs of Blood and Lives of fome of us, who
have died in nafty Prilbns, Holes and Dungeons, under the Cuftody of cruel
and unmerciful Goalers, and that for no other Caufe, but for keeping a good
Confcience toward God and toward Men : Concerning the unjuft and
illegal Proceedings which hath from Time to Time been reached forth unto
us, it is too long to relate, and how the penal Laws of this Nation which
have been made for Plotters, Fighters, and Murderers, have been turned
Vol. L B "backward.
6
BEDFORD-
SHIRL.
i6fao.
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
backward, and laid as Snares for the Innocent, we think hardly any Court
within this Nation is without a Witnefs.
" We defire, that thele Things you would in Coolnefs andMeeknefs of Spirit,
which is in God's Sight oi great Price, confider of, and let the Fear of God,
by whom you have fworn to do juftly and equally, be before your Eyes ;
and unto the Light of Chrift which fhineth in your Hearts and Confciences,
let all your Adions be brought, and let none pais from you, but fuch as
are approved thereby, and let not Juftice be turned into Wormwood,
nor Judgment into Gall, left the latter End thereof be Bitternels unto you ;
and let the Innocent come forth and plead their Caufe before you, and let
the Teeth of the Devourer be broken, and thofe whofe Helper is not Man,
be delivered out thereof, that fo a Blefling unto your Generation you may
be, and not by doing Injuftice and opprefling the Innocent, let your Names
and Memories be a Stink and Execration to Generations to come."
Tender of the
Outh.
Bills of In-
diilment'
i6b\
Denh of
John Rufh in
rrifon.
\66l.
Difirtjfii for
TithiSt
ani for not
SxPiuring.
M. Bennett
fined ini im-
prifoned,
1664.
Exorbittnt
Diflrefs.
Long Imprifon-
mentis
166S.
On the next Day, the Oath was tendred in Court to fix of the Prifoners,
viz. John Rujh, John Samin, Thojnas Green, lljomas Gamhle, Richard Laundy,
and John Lauiidy, who infifted on the Illegality of their Commitment, having
been taken by Violence out of their Beds, though innocent of the Breach of
any Law. The Judge anfwered. If they had fuffered any Wrong, they might
take their Remedy at Law, but being notio before him, he required them to take the
Oath : Adding, that an Oath was a Part of God's IVorJhip, and that the Scri^'
iures had always been interpreted that Men j/iigbt fwear.
The Prifoners fpeaking in their own Defence, were interrupted, and ordered
to be taken away. The grand Jury found the Bills of Indidlment, and return-
ing into Court, one of them was read to the Prifoners, who were told, llje
refi were like it ; and they, not forward to plead, were fent back to Prifon.
Anno i66r.
On the I ft Day of the Month called "January, John RuJJj of Kempton Hard-
wick, finifhed his Teftimony againft Tithes, by laying down his Lite in Prifon,
where he had been confined about a Year at the Suit of one IVells, the Prieft of
Wilkhamftead.
Anno 1662.
For a Demand of lo;. for Tithe, James Bennett of Staff old, had a Cow
taken from him worth 2/. 16 s. 8 d. And for a Demand of 18 J. Tithe, was
taken from Anthony Bennett a Cow worth 3 /. 1 8 j.
Richard Laundy, and William Phillips, for refufing to take an Oath at the
Quarter SefTions were fined 5/. each, and the former of them had an Horfe
taken from him worth 8/. lOi.
Matthew Bennett, for refufing to Swear, fuffered twenty Weeks Imprifon-
ment, and afterwards was fined 3 /. for which his Goods were taken to the
Value of 4/. 5 J.
Anno 1664,
A Widow of Little Bareford, named Rawling, for a Demand of p,l. tos.
for Tithe, fuffered by Diftrefs of Horfes and Cattle to the Value of 50 /.
In the fame Year, fix Perfons were Prifoners for Tithes in this County, of
whom one had been confined three Years, others more than two Years, and
one about three Months.
Anno 1668.
Ilotnas JVilUamfon of fVooton was imprifoned in Bedford Cod, on an Ex-
chequer Procefs tor Tithes.
Robert
Chap. 2. of the People called QUAKERS. 7
Robert Goocles of PPm/Iui^worlh, was profecuted in the King's Bench for BEDFORD-
Tithes of 45/. Vakie, at the Suit of one Goodchild a Tithe-farmer, who ob- SHIRE.
tained aVerdicfl for 135/. the treble Value : For which his Goods were taken 1668.
by an Execution to the Value of 200/. but fo undervalued by the Sheriff's (-/"^v^^^'
Officers, that they pretended yet to want 41/. 35. 4^. of their Demand, for ^^"^^'r
which they took away his Bed and committed him to Prifon. 7V«L"?
Richard Smith of Girford, in the Parifh of Sandy, was imprifoned on an Ex- Imprifonment
chequer Procefs : There were alfo Prifoners at the fame Time on Writs de t"" Tithes.
Excommunicalo Capiendo, Thomas Ballard of Elfton, llMinas Beak of Luton,
Francis Coletnan of fFooburiie, and Richard Laiindy of Boldenhwj}.
John Rujh and T^dntha RuJIj, for rehifing to take an Oath in the CommifTa- Imprifonnem
ries Court, were committed to Prifon : As was alfo John Curfe of Harlington, /'"' ""' •S'wfir-
for refufing to take the Oath of a Conftable, and to pay a Fine of 40 j. for "'^'
fuch Refufil : Sentence of Premunire was pafl upon him, his Goods feized, and Semenei of
himfclf continued feveral Years in Prifon. Fremunjre.
Anno 1670. J-^
By a Law then made, intituled, y/« yiol to prevent and fupprefs /editions Con- Conventicle
venticles, impofing Fines both on Preachers and Hearers, and giving one Third
to the Informer or Informers, the vilcft of Men were encouraged to prey upon
the Confciencious. This induced iJjojms Dier, a Barber in Wooburne, to inform
the OiBcers there of a Meeting at the Houfe of fFiiliam Albright. The Offi-
cers went to the Houfe, and called PFilliam Albright out, but neither went in, l'^/!^^'^
nor faw who elfc was there. However, they, with Dier, went next Morning courJcd, '
to Juflice Charnock at Sazvford, and gave in the Names of fuch Perfons as
they fuppofed to be at the Meeting, and obtained the following Warrant, viz,
Bedford fs.
** To all the Conflables, Churchivardens, and Overfeers of the Poor of
*' Wooburne, to either or any of them.
*' ITtTHereas the Perfons here underwritten have, contrary to the late Aft Wirnnt far
"■ V V of the prefent Parliament, met at a Conventicle at IVooburne afore- lines mi
" laid, and do ftand convidcd thereof by the Oaths of two or more Witnefles, D'fi^^t'
'* that the faid Perfons underwritten, did meet under Pretence of Religion, at
" the Houfe oHWiUiain Albright ofWooburne aforcfaid, upon the 15th Day of
" this Inftant May, 1670, to the Number of above four Perfons, befides the
" Perfons ufually refiding in the Family of the faid William Albright. Thefe
" are therefore in hisMajefty's Name to command you, or either of you, upon
" the Sight hereof, to demand of the feveral Perfons underwritten, the
" feveral Sums fct upon them, they being according to the fliid Aft fined.
" Imprimis, PFilliam Albright, for permitting the faid Conventicle at his
" Houle, the Sum of 20/.
" PVilliam Albright, for being prefent at the faid Conventicle, the Sum of 5 s.
" The Wife of the faid fVilliam Albright, for being prefent at the ftmeCon-
*' venticle, the Sum of 55. For the Speaker, whofe Name cannot be known,
*' fined 20/, to be levied upon all that were prefent at the fame Conventicle.
*' The Wife of Francis Coleman, for being at the fame Conventicle, 5 s. Sarah
*' Baker, for being at the fame Conventicle, 5 s. Ihoinas Sinfield, for being
*' at the fame Conventicle, 5J. Mary Saunders, for being at the fame Con-
»' venticle, 5;. Robert Gurney, for being at the fame Conventicle, ^s.
•' And if the faid Perfons do upon Demand reflife: to pay you the feveral
•' Sum or Sums of Money by Fine let upon them, that you, and every of
*' you, levy upon the Offenders Goods and Chattels, the laid feveral Sum or
*' Sums of Money by Diftrefs and Sale of the faid Offenders Goods, return-
ing
8 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BEDFORD- « ing the Overplus. Given under my Hand and Seal this i6th Day of
SHIRE. « jVfriTT, 1670.
I&70- " St. 'John Charmck:* -
. Vreicber's
Fine levied, on
ethers.
Grievous Suf-
jeHvgs of
VV. Albright.
Fives for
meeting at hit
I-Joufe.
An inhumxn
Seiittre.
fuftict Char-
nock'j Severi-
Other Dif-
trejfes.
The Jufticc farthei' dife(?ted, that the f Speaker's Fine of 20 /. fhould be
levied^ 5/. thereof on fFilliajn Jlbright, 5/. on George Gal fey, and the other
10/. on IVilliam Cooke of Bowbrick-hill : Accordingly, Grt^_)' had his Haycock
taken away, and Cooke his Cart, Hay, houfhold Stuff, and other Things.
Robert Gtirney, for his Fine of c,s. had a Kettle taken worth 2 s. and Mary
Saunders, for her Fine, had fix Pewter Plates taken worth 1 2 s. fome of which
were her Mother's, who at that Time received Alms of the Parifh.
But fir more fevere were the Sufferings of William Albright, for on the 6th,
8 th, and 9 th of the IVIonth called Auguft this Year, one Bum/lead, a Bayliff's
Follower, with others, came to his Houfe, and by Warrant from thefaid Juftice
Char nock, broke open his Doors, and took away Timber, Malt, Oats, and
other Things to the Value of above 70 /. Howbeit, the faid Albright conti-
nued ftedfaft, in permitting religious Meetings at his Houfe, till by repeated
Seizures he was fo impoverifhed, that having nothing left to fitisfy the Fines, he
was committed to Prifon about the Month of Oolober this Year.
Although Albright WIS now clofe fhut up, yet his Heart and Houfe continued
open to his Friends, who held their religious Meetings there as before, in F'aith
and Patience : At one of them Mercy Cart-wright, and Thomas Harvey, being
prefent, were fined 1 o /. each for a fuppofed Preacher, though the Meeting was
held in Silence : Such Miftakes the Juftices frequently made, for they not un-
derllanding the Nature of performing fpiritual Worlhip in an awful and holy
Stillnefs, took for granted, that where a Meeting was, a Preacher muft be.
Sarah Baker, a poor Widow, for 15J. Fine, fuffered Diftrefs of the few
houlhold Goods flie had -, among which, having boiled Milk in a Skillet for
two fick Children, the Informers threw away the poor Babes Suftenance, and
made Prize of the Skillet.
Robert Gurney, and Francis fr eland, for Tithes of 10 s. each, fuffered Dif-
trefs ; the former to the Value of 30 i. and the latter of 22 s.
The Officers and others concerned in making the Diftreffes, were excited to
Severity by Juftice Charnock, telling them, They might take an 100/. for 20/.
and bring him the Money, for his Clerk muji have fome of it for his Pains :
Adding, that they tnuji take the more, becaufe few would buy the Goods. For
about that Time it happened, that Richard Laundy of Boldenhurft, for being at
a Meeting at the Houfe of Tho?nas Sutton in Little Stanton, was fined 5 s. for
himfelf, and 10/. for a Preacher, and had Wheat taken from him worth 14 /.
which Wheat, when expofed to Sale at Bedford Market, no Body there would
buy ; nor would the Officers, who made the Diftrefs unwillingly, take it at
any Rate : So it was left to the Juftices and Informers to difpofe of.
For being at the fame Meeting, Diftreffes were alfo made,
/. s. d.
On thomas Sutton to the "\''alue of
John Bullock
fVilliam Laman
William Metcalf
Mary Read o 12
Robert Rotham of Rifely 14 o
/.
7
6
o
o
o
o
5
8
o
o
o
o
o
o
CmvlHiont
e» flight In-
formal hnst
43
o
On the 2 2d of the Month called May, this Year, five Perfons, dreft like
Soldiers, came to the Houfe of William Richardfon near Tury, and feeing fome
Perfons
+ Though in Truth there was no Speaker at that Meeting, for the Aflembly was alto-
gether held in Silence.
Chap. 2. of the People called QUAKERS. 9
Perfons walking in the Hall, enquired their Names. Of this they went and BEDFORD-
infbrmed the Juftices, who were pleafed to call it a Conventicle, and granted SHIRE.
Warrants, by which were taken from the faid William Richardjoii i6o Fleeces of 1070.
Wool and other Goods worth 23/. 10;. and from Matthew Beadles, and ^^^''^'V^'^
Samuel W^artoK, Vev/ter -woith 8 s. esLch.
On the 29th of the fame Month, was a Meeting at the Houfe of Jatnes Diftnffes for
Taylor of Hardwick, of which Juftice Ventrefs being informed, iflued his War- '^ ^«'»»^-
rant, by which was taken,
/. '
From James Taylor, feven Cows and an Ox, worth 40
John Satnm ot Clifton, Goods worth
Thomas Wiltjhire, a poor Hemp-drejfer, a work
ing Tool called an Hitchel, worth
Mordecai Suerfiy^ Pewter and Brafs, worth
Elizabeth Beadle, a very poor Woman
William Picely, a poor Weaver, working Tools
William Cojlin of Southill, Goods worth
John Geddins of Henloe, Pewter worth
Benjamin Majlers of the fame. Goods worth
William Skillet^ a very poor Man
\
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
10
10
8
10
13
8
6
6
s.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
45 II
For another Meeting in the fame Houfe on the 26th of the Month called Suffiriugof
June, the faid Jatnes Taylor had taken from him by the high Conflable, and Jani^ s Tay-
others, who refufed to fliow their Warrant, five Horfcs worth about 60 1. *
which they often attempted to fell, but could not -, till at length they
were purchafed by a Perfon who had been formerly High Sheriff of the
County.
On the 5th of the Month called July, was a Meeting in the Houfe of Wil-
liam Phillips of Statfold, for which was taken by a Warrant granted by Juftice
Bedford oi Henloe, from
The faid
tf»i of W.
Phillips ani
Othirs.
I
5.
d.
William Phillips, three Horfes worth
30
John Paffil, Goods worth
9
Hannah Freeman
7
William Burton
9
Anthony Bennett
8
John Freeman
7
32
Thomas Gamble o^ Pollux-hill, was fined 20/. for a Meeting held at his Houfe,
tor which were taken by Diflrefs, five fat Cows.
Anno 1672.
1672.
In this Year the following Perfons were releafed out of Bedford Goal by the ^^'fo^sn dif-
King's Letters patent, viz. John Fenn, John Bunnion, John Dunn, Thomas '^""^^ '
Haynes, Simon Haynes, George Farr, James Rogers, John Rufh, Tabitha RuHj^
and John Curfe.
Anno 1675. 1675.
Several Inhabitants of this County, taken at a Meeting in Buckinghatnjhire, Fines for a
were fined by Juftice Thomas Hacket of that County, who certifying the fame ^eswig in
Vol. I.
to
another Cotin-'
lo A CoUeclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BEDFORD- to Sir John Charmck, he grajited a Warrant for Diftrefs, by which were
1^75-
Several Pro-
Jiciiuons bf
thi Mediis of
^ulihe Keel-
ing.
jt ConlijLle
cotnfcUei t9
inform-
Hxri Siyivg
gnd a Co?i-
Jiible.
taken,
From Richard Hartivell o^ Wooburne, for
Fmticis Ireland
Sarah Baker of WcohurHe
Mercy Cartwright of JJpJy Gidfe
Jtafrifor:m:m
jcr Tithis.
1678.
Zo>!g Jmprifoji-
mcnt 0} Jghn
Barton,
avd of Henry
Newman.
1682.
Fitiet for Ab'
fence from
Chu'Cb.
Fine
s.
5
5
5
o
d.
o
o
o
o
Goods worth
/. s. d,
3 19 o
o 15 o
4 10 o
15 o o
For 13 15 o Taken 24 4 o
By an Order of Seffions held at Shefford on the 8 th of the Month called
April this Year, Profecutions were carried on afrelh, efpecially in the Parifli
where Juftice Reeling dwelt, whofe Authority influenced inferior Officers to aft
beyond their Inclinations. From IVilliam Rogers, a Wheelwright, they took his
working ToqIs, not fpr want of other Goods, but on purpofe to difable him
from working for his Livelihood. From a poor lame Maid, a Baptift, who
earned her Bread by fpinning and teaching Chikiren, they took, by the Juftice's
Order, her fpinning Wheel : He alio forbad the Neighbours to fend her their
Children, faying, in his ignorant Zeal, She Jhould mt teach Children to he
damned \ and when Ihe had no Goods left to diftrain, he threatned to Jend her
to Bridewell. He not only cauled the Goods of feveral poor People to be
taken away, but threatned to punifh their Neighbours for relieving them. The
Priefl of the Parifh was of a hjce Difpofition, for hearing of a Meeting in a
diftant Place, he by Threats conftrained the Conftable to go thither, and give
Information to the Juftice. And fo intent was this Priefl on a Part of the
Frey, that he went into the Yard of the aforefiid William Rogers, and cheapned
fome Wood, of which when the Owner told him the Price, he replied, /'// let
it alone till it he dijlrain'd, a>id then I JJjall have it for half the Value.
Anpther Zealot in this Work, was George Blundell of Cordington, a Juftice of
the Peace, who feeing the People unwillling to buy diflrained Goods, faid.
He would fell a Cow for a Shillmg, rather than the Work fhoidd not go forward.
It is probable this Juftice's Example might induce the Conftable of the fame
Parifli to a like Behaviour, in the following Inftancc : When a poor Man,
an Independent, met this Conftable carrying away a Tub of his, and defired
him, faying. Pray l^e,ighhour don't take away my Hub, 'tis all I have, and I had
much ado to get Money to pay for it, the profane ill-natured Officer replied, Come
to Church then an(l be damn'd, if you will. This ExprefBon fhcws, by what kind
of Spirit fome Men are led, while they pretend a Zealfor the Support of the
Church, and Pxopagaiion of Religion.
In or about this Year Thomas Ballard of Eljlon, was arrefted and committed
to Prifon for Tithes at the Suit of Thomas Hillerfden of the fiime Place.
Anno 1678.
John Barton of Studam, in the County of Hartford, Taylor, for not paying
2s. 2d. toward repairing the Pariijh Church, fo called, was taken by a Writ ^/i?
Exco?nmiinicato capiendo, and kept Prifoner at his own Houfe for fome Time,
and about t,wp Months. after was taken by. Ipecial Bayhtfs and carried to^^r^^/en^
Goal, where. l}c remained a Pdloner tliree Yeats and an half.
For a like. Clairn. of is. xd, Henry Newman of Seawell, in the Parifh of
King's Haughton, was thrown into Goal by a Writ de Excotnmumcata capiendo,
and lay there above two Years and an half
-■:A
Anno 1682.
A,t the Qu^fte/ SefTiops. hdd> about Midfummer, Jx!bH'^^,qt{ir^, Tlxmas
IfickaSy Jofeph Barber, John Smith, and Richard Compton, were fi^verally fined
for
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS.
ir
for abfentlng from the nationnl Worfhip ; as were alfo about the fame Time, BEDFORD-
Robert Tyfoe, Robert Lovelid^e, and Richard Gur>m\ SHIRE.
"^^ "^ " 1682.
Anno 1683.
Samuel Britton was continued Prifoner a confiderablc Time, for a Demand
of about i5i. for Tithes.
In this Year Daniel King was imprifoned for refijfing to take the Oath of Al-
legiance.
IVilliam RicharSfon was imprifoned for not going to his Parifh Cliurch, fo
called, as were alfo William JVeitb, and Francis Bell.
William Mather, after a Profecution in the Ecclefiaflical Court, was com-
mitted to Prifon on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo.
Jofiph Barber was profecuted on the Statute for 20/. a Month, for eleven
Months Abfence from his Parifli Church, fo called, the Forfeitures for which
Time amounted to 220 /. which in the Month called Augujl this Year, was daily
expefted to be levied on his Eftate.
We fhall clofe our Account of this County by taking Notice of the remark-
able End of two Informers, whofe fudden Deaths were interpreted by many as
a Token of the divine Vengeance : Their Names were Fecknam and Swinton,
both of Bedford. Fecknam, who had been an Apparitor, turned Informer, and
was obferved to be very adlive and vigilant for his Part of the Spoil : He had
not long followed his new Employment, before he was fuddenly taken fick,
having a Flux of Blood both upwards and downwards, which continued till he
died, and the Smell of him was exceedingly offenfive. Swinton was Sexton of
Cuthberi's Parilh in Bedford, and was found dead in the Steeple-houfe there,
befmeared with Blood, and having a Rope and a Ladder by him. As their
Pradice of informing had render'd them odious to their Neighbours in general,
the unufual manner of their Exii became a Subjedt of popular Remark.
1683.
Imf'tfo'iirmnt
for Tithis.
Siveral Imfi-
fonmoirs.
Mlfenhh
End of fwo
Injormert.
CHAP. HI.
L
BERKSHIRE.
Anno 1655.
E O N A R D C O L E, for reRjfmg to pay Tithes, fuffcred fix Weeks Imprifomm
Imprifonment at Reading, and foon after his Difcharge, for a Demand '"'' ^"'•"*
of 55. had an Horfe taken from him worth 4/.
Anno 1656.
1656.
Imprifovments
jor rrei^kivg.
In this and the foregoing Year, Jofeph Cole, Dorothy Wangh, George Adam-
Jon, Hannah Mills, Tlmnas Curtis and Anne his Wife, were imprifoned at fe-
veral Times, for offering to fpeak, by way of Chriftian Exhortation, to the Priefl
and People when affembled in their Place tor publick Worfhip at Reading.
John^ Evans, for reprehending one of the publick Preachers, who thought
himfclf above Reproof, was by him profecuted and cafl into Reading Goal.
Leonard Cole aforefaid, who held a Farm at Arborfeld, was imprifoned twelve L- Cole again
Weeks at Reading, and then removed by Habeas Corpus to the Fleet in London : imprifoned.
While there, the PriefV, his Profecutor, with Bayliffs, made a Seizure of his
Corn Ex(ejfrji P!f.
trefs.
12
BERK-
SHIRE.
1656.
Jmfrifonments
for fmall £>c-
minis.
Imprifonment
for not Sroar-
irtg.
1660.
^ough Fro-
ceediiigs of the
Militia.
Motijirous
Abufei.
Saying of
drioikftl
rrieft.
Suiiry //»-
prifotmeint
forrefujing to
Svie.tr.
Some appre.
headed by
Night.
Clofe and
Cruel Csrfne-
mem.
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Corn and Cattle to the Value of near an 100/. all for one Year's Tithe, for
which the former Occupier told Cole, heufed to pay but 6/,
Edward Hide^ and William Kible, were imprifoned in Reading Goal about
half a Year, for Tithes demanded ; of the one of them 5 j. and of the other
but IS. 6d.
Robert Hodgfon, for preaching to the People in the Street at Newhury, was
carried before the Mayor, who tendred him the Oath of Abjuration, and for
refufing to Swear, commited him to Reading Goal.
Anno 1660.
On the 27th of the Month called May this Year, fomeof the County Militia
came to a religious Meeting at Kingjlon Lijle, and with the Points of their Swords,
wounded Richard Ballard, John Clark, and Hugh Penjlon ; with Clubs they
broke the Heads of Robert Cook and Edward Ware, and cruelly beat Bartholo-
mew Maylin an aged Man, Thomas Colehurn, Robert Sanfom, and j^dam Lau-
rence ; after which they dragged out thofe four, with Robert Cooke, and Richard
Creenway, by the Hair, thrufl fome, and threw others of them, into a Pond of
muddy Water. Being defired to Ihew the CommifTion by which they aded,
one of them held up his Sword, fiying. This is my Warrant.
About the 3d of Otlober, a Conftable and others, armed with Pitchforks,
Bills, Staves, and fuch like Weapons, entred a Meeting at Steventon, pulled
out Tl.mnas Curtis, and threw him into a Pond, tearing his Coat in pieces :
With like Barbarity they ufed feveral others, Iparing neither Age, nor Sex.
One of them was trode on and kept down in the Water, till fome of their own
Company cry'd out, Toii'll droivn the Man. After which they drove the inno-
cent People along the Highway, inhumanly abufing and bemiring them. This
wicked Infult was faid to be afted at the Inftigation of a drunken Priefl, who
having been told, that the Weapons of his Warfare ought to ' be fpiritual, re-
plied, that he would fght the Quakers with fuch Weapons as he had.
About ten Days after, John Giles, Leonard Cole, Humphry Knowles, and yf«-
drew Pearfon, were taken out of a Meeting at Mary Slade's at King/ion Life,.
and committed to Prifon for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance tendred
them by three Jullices, where they lay about three Montlis, till the Quarter
SelTions -, and then, together with Richard Greenway (who had been before
imprifoned, for fpeaking a few Words by way of Exhortation to the People,
after the Priefl had ended his Sermon at Farringdon) were required by the Court
to take the Oath, and for Refufal were recommitted. At the fame SelTions
were fent to Prifon for the fame Caufe, Robert Kingham, Robert Waffhott, and
Tlmnas Dell, who were apprehended pafTmg through Maidenhead to vifit their
Friends in Prifon at Reading. At the fime Time were imprifoned there Thomas
Clark, Adam Laurence, Robert Sanfotn, Richard Gery, and Mary Slade^ at
whofe Houfe they were taken a few Days before.
On the 13 th of the Month called January, were added to the Number of
Prifoners, icven others, taken by Soldiers from a Meeting at the Houfe qf
Thomas Davie in Windfor.
On the 3 ift of the fame Month, Roger Milton was called out of his Bed by
Officers with a Warrant, and kept together with John Dudge and Willia?n Wyatty
under a Guard all Night, and next Day were conveyed to Twyford ; whence, for
refufing the Oath of Allegiance tendred by three Jufiices, they were fent to the
County Goal. Thefe confcientious Prifoners there met with cruel Ufage ; the
Goaler locked up twenty two of them in a Dungeon among Felons, a Place fb
clofe, that himfelf faid, he thought it would breed an Infetlion among them ; nor
would he allow them Liberty of breathing in the Yard in the Day-time, a Pri-
vilege ufually allowed even to Thieves and Murderers. Their Friends were not
fufFered to vifit them, nor to bring them Food or other Neceffiries. Their Ink,
Paper, Knives, and working Tools, were taken from them : They were made
the Subject of their Keeper's Scorn and Derifion, who bringing fome of his
Companions
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS.
13
Companions to fee them, fcoffingly faid, there ivas not fucb another Bed in B E R K-
Berhshire, allu.ling to the dilnul thronged manner in which thofe poor af- SHIRE.
Bicled Prifoners lay. 1 660.
In the fame Month, Reynold Avery, Walter Emerton, William fomfon, Wil- u>^~V'^s->
Ham Teate, Edzard Smith, Chrijhfher Cheefman, James Lavel, 'JJjomas Bart-
lett, Jofeph Phipps, and Anthony Dixon, were taken at a Meeting in Reading by
Soldiers, and tor retiifing to take the Oath of Allegiance, were by the Mayor
and another Juilice, fent to the Town I'rifon, called the Cowiter. They were
kept clofe Prifoners, together with Anthony Sadler, who was taken by Soldiers,
going to his daily Labour.
A Remarkable Occurrence happened this Year at Reading AfTizes. Henry a rentirkMs
Hodges, a poor Smith, loft three Cows, wi.ich were iound in Pofllffion of the Pjjf-ige at
Thief, who took them : He was brought to Tr'al, and Henry appeared to Readmg Jf
claim his Cows : The Judge told him, they muji be proird his upon Oath before ^'^''*
he eould have them again. He replied, that he could not Swear for Confcience-
fake. The Judge faid, if any of his Neighbours would Jwear they were his,
ihev fhould be rejlored him. Upon which one of his Neighbours took his Oath,
and the Judge promifcd they fhould be returned. Thus tar the Proceeding
appeared juft and equal ; but many thought the fame Judge too rigorous,
when, having obferved the Sincerity and Tendernefs of the poor Man's Con-
fcicnce, who could not fwcar in a Cafe of his own Property, he caufed the Oath
of Allegiance to be tendred him in Court, and tor relufing to t..ke it, fent him
to Goal.
Anno 1662.
1662.
On the 8 th of the Month called April this Year, Thomas Curtis, George Miflemevts
Lambotl, Reynold Avery, Robert Paine, Maurice Hutchins, Henry Wooden, 'JfN^^^bury
Clement Taylor, James Lavcl, Richard Green, and Chrijlopher Good, appeared
at Newbuty S^fiions, being fummoned thither for not going to the publick Wor-
Iliip : They were indicfled, ar^d pleaded not Guilty, but retufing to put in Bail,
were lent to Prifon.
On the 15th ot the Month c-x\hAJune, two Conftables, fent by the Mayor, Several mfu.
came to the Meeting at Thomas Ctirtis's Houfe in Reading, and took the fi^ed for
Names of the Perfons met. Next Day, by Warrant from the Mayor, they ^I^e"."?* it
took William Lamboll, William Tomfn, Anthony Sadler, Thomas Tudway\ '^^^'^'"S"
Walter Emerton, James Dee, Anne Hatt, Hannah Webb, and Sarah Lam-
boll, and fent them, to Go.d, except the two laft, who were bailed by a Perfon
Without their Knowledge : But, being taken again on the 2 2d at another
Meeting, they were then fent to Prifon, with feventeen others, viz.
Leonard Cole
Jofeph Cole
Jonathan Lamboll
Thomas Chilton
Jofeph Walker
John Fellows
Jofeph Phipps
Thomas Bartlett
John Boult
James Whitehart
Edward Smith
John Reynolds
Richard Hutchins
Anne Sharp
Margery Richardfbn
Elizabeth Dee, Widow
Bridget Smith
On the 1 8th of the Month called July, Sarah Larnboll and Hannah Webb^
were brought to the Town SefTions at Reading, but inflcad of proceeding againfl
them on the Cauie of their Commitment, they were aflced, whether they
would take the Oath of Allegiance ? And for retufing it, were fent again to
Prifon.
On the 2 2d, thirty four others of the Prifoners were brought to an Adjourn-
ment of the Quarter SefTions at Abington, feveral being left fick in Goal. Tho-
mas Curtis, George Lamboll, and leven others of the ten before indiftcd at
Newbury, for not going to the national Worfhip, were tried by a Jury and ac-
quitted. Neverthelefs, Thomas Holt, Chairman that SelTions, caufed the Oath of
Vol. L D Allegiance
Proceeditie^B at
Abington
Sefftoni.
14
BERK-
SHIRE.
1662.
x; jicquittcd-
I p 9/ them
Tccomminei ;
iJfo 28 others
fcfit to Prifon.
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Troceeiings it
Newbury
Sejpovs,
1663.
Proceedings it
Newbury
Seffisns.
FioUnt FrO'
ceeihgs of
W. Armorer.
1664.
Commitment
of 54, jor
Sleeting.
Allegiance to be tendred to 'Thomas Curtis and George Lamholl, and for refhfing
it, fenc them to Goal : Of the other feven the Juftices demanded Sureties for
their good Behaviour, which tliey not giving, were alfo recommitted : The
other live and twenty Prifoners, being acquitted by the Jury, were fet at
Liberty.
On the 27th of the fame Month, George Thorn, Mayor, and Thomas Seikes,
Juftice, came with Soldiers to the Meeting, and finding there nineteen of the
laft mentioned twenty five, committed them again to Prifon, with twenty
eight others, viz.
Leonard Keys
Walter Emerton
Humphry Emerton
Jolin Walker
John Jeggar
William Yeate
Jafper May
Thomas Speed
William Whiftler
Anne Hatt
Frances Kent
Elizabeth Tudway
Jane Wilefby
Rachel Cope
Sarah Paine -
Anne Weedon
Jane Hufley
Joane Wheeler
Anne South
Hannah Wrenn
Hannah Emerton
Judith Smith
Hannah Mills
Anne Webb
Dorothy Clark
Katharine EdfoU
Frances Dawfon
Joane Terry
At Newbury SefTions on the 7th of CMober, the feven Men before mentioned,
committed for not finding Sureties, were difcharged -, and the rdl of the Men
laft taken, were indifted for being at an unlawful Meeting, and pltaded not
guilty, but refufing to give Sureties, were fent back to Goal.
Anno 1663.
At the Seflions held at Newbury on the 2Sth of the Month called ^pril, one
and twenty of the Prifoners were called into Court ; and the Judge iliid to
them, Ton (ire dijcharged, and I pray God bkfs you : But though ine difcharge you,
we can't give away the Clerk's Fees. The Prifoners faid, they would talk with
the Clerk, who, after feme Conference with them, though they gave him no
Money, confented to releafc them.
After this the Meetings at Reading continued quiet for fomc Time, for George
IJjorne, the Mayor, having long hurried the ^takers from one Seffions to ano-
ther, began to cool and grow weary of the Work, But in tlie next Year the
Perfecution there was renewed by WiUiajn Armorer, a Juftice of the Peace,
who by extending the Laws to their utmoft Severity, and by his own additional
Cruelty in the Execution thereof, appeared to leek the utter Ruin of his quiet
and peaceable Neighbours : The violent Proceedings of this Magiftrate are next
to be related.
Anno 1664.
On the 27th of the Month called March 1664, William Armorer came to a
Meeting at Thomas Curtis's Houfe, pulled out the young Children, and took
down the Names of thirty four Men, viz. John Beeke, Henry Brijhw, Thomas
Chilton, Tlmmas Cenick, Thomas Curtis, Leonard Cole, Widter JLmerton, John
Fellows, Edward Fellows, DaJiicl Green, Tljomas Hefiehl, Thomas Hind, Richard.
Hutchins, Leonard Keys, John Kemboll, George Lamboll, Jonathan Lamholl,
James Lavel, Edward Lamboll, IVilliam Lamboll, Jafper May, James Mar-
low, Thomas Norris, Chrijlopher Page, John Paine, Jofeph P'hipps, Robert
Piter, Henry Pizeing, 'Thomas Speed, Anthony Sadler, JVUliam Tomfon, Thomas
Tudway, James iVIntchart, and Willia?n IVbiftler ; he then caufed his Clerk to
write a Mittimus, and fent them to the County Goal in Readings for being at
an unlawful Meeting.
Chap. 3- (^ //.?(? People c^//^^ QUAKERS. 15
On the 3d of the next Month, he came again to the Meeting, and fent Ro-
bert Paiue, and John BouU, to Prifon, no other Man being there. The Dif-
courfe he then had with Johft Boult, giving a jull Idea of his Temper and
Spirit, was as follows, -viz.
W. Armorer. What a devil are you met again ? I will fend you all to Prifon. d\{c' wfe be-
What a devil are you all dunib ? Has the Devil call a Club over you, and 'p-"'-"'' '^V.
bewitched you? aJlT.Boul^,
J. Boult. fVe have learned of a letter Spirit, even the Spirit of Chriji Jeftis, '^"' ^' "■'
which ieacheth us to deny the Dcvil, and all his Injlruments.
W. A. Who the devil will believe you ? Hang you : You are deluded by the
Spirit of the Devil : I will fend you all to Prifon.
J. B. Many good People ivill believe us, and we wholly deny the Spirit of the
Devil, having chofn a better Spirit, the Spirit of ChriJlJeJuSy which is a Spirit of
Love and Meekiiejs, of Patience arJ Humility.
W, A. You fay true : It is lb.
J. B. And the Spirit of the Devil is an angry, furious, hafiy, perfccuting
Spirit.
W. A. He is lb.
J. B. Come let us try, who is of this Spirit, thou or we.
IV. A. A devil on you, I could find in my Heart to lay you over the Pate
with my Cane.
J. B. Thou ought ell to keep the Peace, and I hope tfxu wilt not break it : Didji
thou ever read that ChrijI or any of his Apoftles did perfecute ?
IF. A. Did none.? Chrift's Flock is but a little Flock, and there is hut a
few of you, but I will make you fewer : I will haunt you out, and fend you to
Prifon.
J. B. 1hat*s the weakefi thing thou canfl do : If thou canfl convince me of
any thing that is Evil, I will hear thee, and let the Prifons alone.
This Conference plainly fhews the Violence of the Man's Temper, and the
Wcaknefs of his Reafoning : But to proceed.
On the I ft of the Month called May, he came again to the Meeting, and Mieun9i ws-
fent thence to Prifon, Thomas Bartlett, Anne Halt, Anne Thorp, Hannah Wehh, kjhd.
Sarah Paine, Dorothy Clark, and Elizabeth Sprage.
On the 8 th of the fame Month he came again, there being no Men, he took
feven Women, viz. Bridget Smith, Anne Curtis, Sarah Lamboll, Judith Smith,
Katharine IVoodward, Martha Cheefman, and Elizabeth Kempton, and fent them to
Goal with a Mittimus, by 1ho?nas Coats, Conftable.
On the 22d of the fame, he came with his ufual Rage, but finding only a
few Children and young Maidens in the Meeting, he ftruck one of them with
his Staff, and ordered them to be pulled out, tlireatning to fend them to Prifon,
if they came thither any more.
On the 7th of the fourth Month called Juue, he gave all the Women and
Maidens Leave to go out of Prifon, and to come again when he fent for them,
except fix, viz. Anne Hatt, Anne Curtis, Sarah Lajnboll, Anne Sharp, Sarah
Paine, and Elizabeth Cragg. Some Time after Thomas Coats the Conftable,
came to the Goal, and fetched out Anne Sharp alfo.
At a Quarter Seffions held at Abington, on the 12th of the Month called July Abington
this Year, the Prifoners whom Armorer had committed, were called to the Bar, ^effiom,
hut inftead of a legal Trial upon the Cuife of dieir Commitment, were en-
fnarcd with the Oath of Allegiance : James JVhitehart was firft called, but
coming with his Hat on, the J uftices were fo angry, that they ordered him to
be taken away, without aftcing whether he would take the Oath or not.
Tlie next called was Henry Pizeing, who coming to the Bar with his Hat ofl", 11. Pizeing
and bowing his Body to them, Ihomas Holt, Joadge of the Sedions, fiid, no (Quaker.
Here's a Man has fome Manners, and afl<ed him, whetfjerhe would take the Oat/j
of Allegiance ? His Anfwer was, / have taken it already. The Judge faid. But
you were no Quaker then. Henry replied. Neither am I now, but have been
many Weeks among thetn, and I never faw any Hurt by them 5 but they are an honejl
civil
i6 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BERK- cWil People. Upon which W. Armorer ftooid up, and faid, IVlr^ did not you tell
SHIRE, jfig fo leforc ? Henry anfwered, 2''our Wu-Jhip laas fo wrathful that you -would not
'^^4- hear me. Then the Judge fuid. He mnjt lake it again. So the Oath was read
^-'"'^''"^-^ to him, and he faid after ihem ; and he having taken the Oath, the Jiiflices
ordered him to be difcharged without paying Fees, but advifed him to go cut
privately at a Back-door, and come no more among the ^inkers, but -he told
them, he hoped, now he was freed, he 7night go cut at which Door he pUafed.
Several other of the Prifoncrs were called, and afked, whether they would
take the Oath of Allegiance ? They anfwered, that they were not committed on
Account of the Oath, but ior being at a Mceung. The Judge replied, fVe
dijcharge you as to your Meeting, but you muft take the Oath of Allegiance. Tho-
mas Curtis being called, laid, that he did not refufe the Oath through any Defaidt
of Allegiance to the King, hut becaife Chrifl had commanded ^fOT to Swea rat
ALL, that he had approved himfelj a jailhful Suhjeci to the King, and would take
that Oath as foon as any -, and theretore defired the Court would permit one
of their Mmijiers to fhew him by the Scriptures how he might take it, and not
break the Command ot Chrift. The Judge fpake to a Prieft fittint^ by, to
endeavour to fatisty Thomas in that Point, but he defired to be excufed, fay-
ing, they were an obftinate People, and not to be fatisfied. The politick Prieft
ftartcd that Objedion to palliate his own Lack of Argument. At length
M^illiam Armorer commanded them all to be taken away, faying, / know they
will not take it, though many of them had not refufed it.
Next Morning (alter Armorer had gone out of Town) two others of the
fakers, viz. Richard Billing/ley and Richard Sargood, fummoned thither for
not going to Church, were cilled : But the Court dropt the Matter of their
Summons, and only tendred them the Oath, which they refufing, were fent to
Goal at Reading with the reft of the Prifoners.
Soon after their Return to Prifon, Armorer having Intelligence that the She-
riff had given 27jo/;iflj Curtis Leave to go x.oBriflol'BAix on his trading Concerns,
fent a Conftable with a Warrant to the Coaler, to bring the fiid Thomas before
him to the Bear Inn in Reading : Being brought thither. Armorer faid to him,
Tou are going to Briftol Fair., hut I'll Jtop your Journey, and commanded the
Conftable to carry him to the Counter, being the Tovra Prifon •, he refufing to
go, as being a Prifoner in the County Goal, was compelled by the Conftable
and another Officer called to his Affiftance.
Reading About three Days after, came on the Seffions for the Borough of Reading,
Scffioni. whither Thomas Curtis was brought from the Counter, before Tlmnas Seikes
Mayor, fV. Armorer and Edward Dolby Juftices, and many others in the
Council Chamber -, when a Paper was produced written by one or other of the
Prifoners, fetting forth the Reafons why they could not Swear, and lamenting
the Cafe ot thofe who, under the Name of Chriftians, habituated themfelves
to Curfing and Swearing. Their Examination of Thomas Curtis was thus.
Mayor. Did you fetid thofe Papers ?
T. C. I received them from a little Maid that came from the Goal, and I
fent them.
Mayor. Did you write them ?
T. C. No.
Mayor. Did you indite them ?
T. C. I will not anfwer fuch Queftions, read the Paper and I will fay more
to it.
So they gave him the Paper and he read it, and reading Part of it, -viz.
Becaufe of Swearing the Land jnourns. Alderman Johnfin faid. That is very trite.
And having read it, T. Curtis faid, // is every Word true and flnll fland for ever.,
I do own it. Then faid fV. Armorer, I will fend it to the Council. Thomas
Curtis anfwered, / wifh they had every One one of tbetn.
The faid Paper was as follows, viz.
<' THE
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS. 17
B E R R-
« fTp H E Eternal God, from whom no Secret can be hid, lees your Doings, ^ ^}c^ ^*
*' Jl^ and the Eye of the Lord beholds the Way that now you walk in, and 1004.
«' the Works you are about, who arc perfecuting his Lambs and imprilonijig V'''^'^'''"^^^
*' his People, who for the fulfilling of his Commands and walking in his swfirlof.
" Ways, have chofen the Sufferings of this prcfent World, rather than all the
*' Glory and Pleafures this World can afford them, and wc have couiited up
*' our Coft, and do find upon lerious Deliberation, that it is better for us to
*' die by the Hands of the hard-hearted and cruel Men of this World, in and
" under the favour. Love and Friendfliip of tiie Lord, than to lofe our
*' Peace with him, by making Shipwreck of our Faith and Peace of Con-
*' fcience which the Lord hath given us ; and we have truly debated, pon-
" dered and confidered this our prefent State of hard and cruel Suffering in ouf
*' own Bofoms, and weighed our Hearts in the Balance of God's Truth, and
" there is nothing in all this World that could make us leave our Wives and
" Families, our Callings, Eftates, and Employments, but this very Thing,
" namely, the Truth of our God, and the Worfhip of Chrift Jefus, the Pro-
" fcffion and Praftice of which at this Day, is the Ground of this our Suffer-
" ing. And whereas you prefs us lb hard to take the Oath of Allegiance, and
*' come to your Church -, we do declare in the Sincerity of our Hearts, That
*' the Ground and Caufe why we cannot take an Oath in any Cafe, although
** it be to the Lofs of our Eftates and Life is, becaufe Jefus Chrift and his
" Apoftle have commanded us not to Sivear at all, and it is not lawful for us
*' in any Cafe to break Chrift's Command : And if any of your Minifters,
" Doftors, Priefts or Bifhops, can make it appear by God's Word, or the
" Scriptures, that it's lawful for us to Swear, and that we may Swear, and not
" fall into Damnation, we will take it. And therefore ccafe calling for us to
" Swear, and break Chrift's Command, till your Doctors, Biftiops, Curates or
" Minifters, or feme of them, have convinced us that it may be done, and
" Chrift's Command not broken. There is too much Swearing already, and
" becaufe of Swearing the Land mourns. And as concerning coming to your
*' Church, we have with much Gravity confidered the true State of the Church
" of which you are Members, to 'ie.t if poftible we might come to you, and
" join with you, and not lofe our Peace with God •, and this we find, that
" you have called yourfelves by the Name of the Church of Chrift, but the
" Nature of Chriftians and of the Church of Chrift is denied by you : For the
" Pride we daily fee, and the Oaths we daily hear from the Members of
*' your Church, is fufficient to make 2n Heathen or a "Turk, much more a
*' Chrijiian, quite out of Love with it : And further, the Cruelty that is
" pradifed by your Members, as kding Men and Women out of their peace-'
»' able Meetings, and cafting them into Prifon, contrary to the Lord Jefus
" Chrift:'s Prailrtice and Dodtrine, is Ground enough for us to believe, that
" you are neither Members of ChriiTs Church, nor Children of God, nor Heirs
" of his Ueffed Kingdom ; for if you were Members of Chrift's Church, you
*' would not aft fuch high Blafphemies againft the Living God, as to Swear by
" the Blood and IVounds of God, apd God da7nr. vie, and God confound me ; and
" when you have fo done, enter into your Church, and cry aloud, fFe befeechthee
" to hear us, good Lord ; and this is too common among the Members of your
*' Church. Now in the Coolnefs of your Hearts, confider what it is you arc
*' fo earneftly perfiuding us unto : How can we come among you, and join .. ^^^ , ,
♦' in Prayer with fuch as aft this great Wickednefs > If we ftiould come and '^"'■""
" join with you, the Lord might damn lis all together •, for it is the famc-
*' Tongue, the fame Lips, and the fame Spirit that Swears before you enter^'i
" that when you are entered calls to God to hear you : So that the Words ofi
" the ApoflJe are hilfiUed, Out of the fame Mouth proceedeth Bleffing and'
** Curfing. O ye unwife in Heart ! ye know not God,. neither of what Spirit:
*' ye are, and therefore be advifed before it is too late, for in Love to your:
*' Souls do we deckirc unto you, That if you will have us ioin to yQUj.yout.
Vol. L E ♦' Wav
.;«r..j:R<
i8
BERK-
SHI R li.
1664.
Commitmems
from the
Meeting.
Illtgal Com-
mitmemu
a
A Colleclion of the Sufferings V.QLi^l-.
Way muft be to join to the Lord, repent of the Wickedncfs that you have
done, and return to the Lord God, and put away the Evil of your Doings,
and caft out from among you the Proud, and the Drunkards, the Swearer?,
the Murderers, tlie Adulterers and "Whoremongers, and all otkr Filthi-
nels of Flefh and Spirit that is among you, and then clothe yourfelVes with
Meeknefs, and Patience, as the Church of Chrift was in the Days. of the
Apoftles, and then if we will not join with you, and come to your Church,
let our Blame be upon our own Heads ; for till then, although ^010 call
yourfelves Cbrijlians, you are but Antichriff s Servants, that oppoie Ghrift
in this Day of his Appearance. And though you may compel by Force
and Cruelty many to join with you in Words, you do but make them ten-
fold more Children of die Devil, and a thoufand-fold more in a Capacity
to do you Miichief ; and truly fuch Chriftians you have enough aJready -,
and this was the Way that your Fore-fathers walked in, whom God over-
threw, and razed their Name out of the Land of the Living.
" Therefore boafl not yourfelves over us, as if the Lord had iorfaken us, be-
caufe we have none in the Earth to take our Part or plead our Caufe •, or
as if your Day lliould never have an End, or as if the Lord had no Regard
to his fuffering People, nor took no Notice of your Cruelty towards
them ; for certainly when we have filled up the Meafure of the Sufferings of
Clirift, that is yet to be filled up, and you have filled up the Meafure of
your Cruelty and Hard-heartedncfs, the Lord will divide between Cattle
and Cattle, and you Ihall not efcape his fierce Vengeance and fiery Indigna-
tion ; therefore in Love to your Souls do we lend this, that you might be
warned before it is too late, for the JVkked /hall be iimied into Hell^ atid all
that forget God, as the Scripture plainly declareth, and we cannot but be
plain with you. And therefore fear the Lord, ye Rulers, and give Glory
to his Name, for the Lord's Day is at hand that fhall burn as ,aa Qven, and
the Wicked fhall be as Thorns caft into it ; we wifh you well, and coukl
rejpyce to fee you in that Path that leads you to God's Kingdom, that your
Souls might find Reft, that the Light of the Lord might be your Leader,
and you might be guided up to God, is the Defire of them who. .in, Scorn
are called ' fl:.!ilv.-
Iron the Cod the 22 J of
the^th Month, i66/[.
£{
Q^UAl^EillS.
/ 10 SID
again to.
On the 31ft of the Month called ftdy, JV. Armorer came again ^tb. the
Meeting, and took Bridget Smithy Elizabeth Bradiridge,. Anne iVatfi)t^- Anne
Sharpy Elizabeth Wright, Elizabeth Dee the Younger, and Sarah Anfled, ant!
caufed his Clerk immediately to make their Mittimus to the Houfe of Correc-
tion. Then he went, and knocked at Tljonias Curtis'^ Door, which the Maid
being afraid to open, he picked the Lock and went in, and finding there Jeftph
Coale, one of the Family, who had taken Phyfick and kept in his Chainber,
he pulled him down Stairs, and afked him, -whether be would take the Oath of
Allegiance ? Fie then ordered a Line or two to be added to the Women's- iW?//f-
mus, and lent him together widi them to the Houfe of Correftion.
On the 2d of the Month called Aigujl, he fent William I'eate, Anm Ball^
Mary Slade, Mary Emerton, Elizabeth Lavell, Katharine Edfoil, EUfn Binfield^
and Mary Richard/on, from the Meeting to the Houfe of Corre<2:ion : -On the
14th of the fame, finding but three PcTlons there above fixteen Years of Age,"
although that Number was not prohibited by the Ack, yet he oj^dei-ed iliem,
viz. Benjamin Cole, Jahn Trayard, and Hannah Webb, to the Ho(ule of Cor-
rection. On the 25th he fent for thofe three and Jo/eph Coale<, who being*
brought before him and Thomas Seikes Mayor, were aflced, whether tl?^y vsmtct
take ihc Oath of Allegiance ? And after many liard and threatning SpeecJ-Jcs were
committed to the Countj Goal. The fame Day the Women \feCre-feFit for,'
fined, and lent back to the Houfe of Corredion ter three Months. A-n<d on'
the aSth, finding but four Women at the Meeting, he lent them V» the lame
•i Pl'iice ;
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS.
Place ; he alfo (truck a L.id, under Age, witli a great Cane, and pulled him
by the Nofe, fo that his Nofe was much fvvelled.
1ho7nas Curlis and liis Wife being clofe Ihut up in Prifon, liis Trade; and
Houfc were under the Care of a Man and Maid-fcrvant. tV. Armorer liad de-
clared his Refolution to fend them to Goal, and nail up the Doors, that no
more Meetings might be held there : Accordingly, on the 13th of Septemh£r
he fent two Officers with a fVurrant, to take the Man-fervant, Robert Pocock,
out of the Shop, who being brought before him and the Mayor, was aflvcd,
"whether he ivouid take the Oath of Allegiance ? Pocock anfwered, 1 ain a peaceable
Man, and have dene no Wrong, and dare not break Chrifl's Com?nand, but can
proniile to be true to the King, and will be content to fuffer tJx fame PimiJImient., if
I break my Promife, as they who Swear and break it. So they fent him to Pri-
fon, but could not accomplifli their Defign of preventing the Continuance of
Meetings there.
On the 1 8th of the fame Month he took at a Meeting, Chrijlopher Cheefman,
Anne Sharp, Hannah Webb, Bridget Smith, Hannah Emcrton, and Judith Smith ;
thcfe were fined by the Mayor and himfelf 12 d. each, and fent to Prifon, but
were rele;d"ed the next Day.
At Newbury SelTions on the 3d of OSiober, about fifty Men Prifoners, and
fome of their Wives, were brought to the Bar, and indicfted for obftinately re-
fufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, which one Champion, the Clerk, fwore
had been tendred tliem at Abington. They pleaded not guilty, and defired a
Copy of the Indictment, which with fome Difficulty they obtained. After them
fix others, more lately committed, were indi£led, and together with the reft,
remanded to Prilon till another Seffions.
On the 6di of the fame Month, he fent from the Meeting to Prifon wich a
Mittimus for one Night, Anne Sharp, Frances Kent, Elizabeth Streater, Anne
Smith, and Sarah Binfield. While he was in the Meeting-room, a Neighbour's
Wife feeing the Door of T. Curtis's Houfe open, locked it and took away the
Key : TJius being difappointed of his Defign to fearch the Houfe, IK Armorer
fell to Swearing like a Madman, and called for an Inftrument to break open
the Door : But was difiljaded from his Purpofe by thofe who were about
him.
On the 23d he eame with his ufual Fury to the Meeting, and tcok Chrifto-
pher Cheefman, Reynold Avery, l7jomas Hind, Mary JVrenn, Elizabeth Dee
Widow, JaneHu£ey, Judith Smith, Katharine Edfoll, -mA Elizabeth Lavell the
Younger •, he committed Chrijlopher Cbeejman for the third Offence in order to
Banifliment, and fent the refl to the Houfe of Corretlion for forty eight Hours -,
one of whom was "Thomas Curtish Maid-fervant. So that the whglq Pamily
was now in Prifon.
On the 6th of Novfmher, taking a View of the Meeting, he fwore they were
a goodly Company, and caufed the Children to be pulled out, pricking fome of
them with a Staft; having a fharp Iron at the End, fo that their Flefh was
very fore and black : After which he fent 'Thomas Hind, Anne Harrifon, Rachel
Cope, Hannah Emerton, Mary Saunders, Alice Millard, and Mar-^ IVinter, to
die Houfe of Corredfion for three Days.
On the ill of December he came again, and caufed the Children to be pulled
out of the Meeting, threatning them with Whipping ; then he fent Bridget
Smith and Margery Richardjon to Goal for the third Offence, and An7ie Hatt,
Margery Symonds, Grace Hutchins, and Jane Huffey, to the Houfe of Corrcc-
don for twenty four Hours, ordering the Goaler to put tbeni all in one Room,
and fufier no Body to come at them, and that no Provifion Ihould be brou,ght
diem but wliat was taken in at the Grates. He alfo caufed their Papers tO; be
taken from them, on a falfe Pretence of their writing to the King and Council. •
We come next to the Proceedings at the Qiiartcr SelTions held in Recfding on
the loth, nth, and j 2th of the Month called January, 1.^64. .,: -: .■ -
On the loth a Paper was fent to the Jwftices by Jofepk Qgak^ QJ3e.p£; tfesPM-
foners, being as follows, :'7 tv i-tL^i i^au'I [,:;"j;. ■•
Friends !
BERK-
SHIRE.
1664.
A Lai cruehi
iifei. ■
ArmorerV
Froceedi-i^ at
T. Curtis'f
Boufe.
Newbury
SeJJions,
Fury of W.
Armorer.
T. Curtis'/
rvhole Family
in Prifon.
Children
abiifid.
Several fent
to Prifon.
Sijftons at
Reading,
20 :A ColleClioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BERK- « Friends !
^ ^y/^ ^* *' T T will be a good and precious Thing, to have the Fear of God before your
1 004. ^^ J^ Eyes, and tlierein to aft in all Things toward all People ; and then you will
VC^^'7"^ *' aft in Righteoufnels, and do the Thing tkit is juft, if in the Fear of the
to the^^uj/i"el *' Lord yon ftand, and are exercifed therein in your Proceedings, for it is
iyj. Coale. *' that which makes Men honourable, and in Ages to come to be had in Re-
-'* nown by the Generation ol the Righteous ; and the Memory of fuch who in
•" the Fear of the Lord do aft in their Day in Juftice and Righteoulhels
" Ihall live for ever, when the Name of the Wicked fhall rot, and be blotted
*' out from under Heaven, who have had no Regard to the Fear of God,
" neither have Equity and Juftice had Place in their Hearts, and fuch fhall
*' tat the Fruit of their own Doings, and receive a juft Reward from the
*' Hand of the Lord according to their Work, in the Day when God Ihall
" judge the Secrets of all Men's Hearts, and fearch out the hidden Things of
"• Darknefs, and dien fhall every Man be rewarded according to the Deeds
*' done in the Body, whether they be good, or whether they be evil.
" Wherefore, Friends, the Lord hath put it into my Heart to write unto
" you, and that I may be clear in his Sight, and that the Negleft of fuch a
*' Thing may not43e upon my Confcience as Difobedience, I fay unto you,
■"Be confiderate and fober in your Minds, and caknly and ferioufly weigh
^'' what you are going about, and let not Rafhnels and Envy overfway you,
,;_ " becaufe that the God of Heaven takes Notice of your Proceedings, and
;■ " your Aftions are regiftred in a Book of Remembrance : But let Juftice
" be your Rule, and let the Law of Equity be your Guide ; let the Light of
^-,i " Jeius in your Hearts and Confciences be your Counfellor -, becaufe if you
" ftart afide from that, and aft not according thereunto, you cannot pleafc
" God, nor do the Thing that is juftifiable in his Sight -, but you will bring
" Guilt upon your Confciences which no Man upon the Earth fhall ever ac-
" quit you of; and the Sentence of Condemnation you will certainly fed, by
" the Spirit of the living God, which judgeth righteoudy without Relpeft of
*' Perfons : And to lie under that Guilt and Sentence from the Lord in your
*' own Hearts and Confciences will be fad and heavy indeed •, for a wounded
" Confcience who can bear ? If the Lord wound Men inwardly in their Con-
*' fciences, bccaule of Tranfgrefiibh againll his righteous Law of Equity, -tvho
*' can bind them up or he;il them ? Will the laying. We have a Law, and by
*' our Laiv, he fthe Juft) ought to die or\fuJfer, will this eafe them ? O no f
*' that will not remove tiiat Weight and' Burden from off" their Confciences,
" which they do bring upon them by afting and walking contrary to the
*' Light or Law of God in their own Hearts, and becaule of this, the Lord
" often brings Shame and Confufion upon Men -, and Difhonour and a Curfe
" in all Ages hath attended and followed thofe that have been found in that
*' Way of afBifting, troubling, dilquieting and perfecuting innocent and harm-
" leli People, becaufe of the Exercife of their Confcience toward God, and
*' for their Obedience unto his Requirings. And do you ' think to gain Ho-
*' nour if ye proceed againft us in afflifting of us, becaufe we cannot tranf-
*' grefs the royal Law written in our Hearts ? I tell you no: For we are a
*' People that defire to fpend our Days here in this World in the Fear of God,
" and to follow him in all Things which he doth require of us, to keep his
*' Commandments and his Statutes, and to worfhip him according to his
" Mind, in Spirit ami in 'Truth : And this is all we defire, which is our Right
" and Privilege, as we are free-born People in this our native Country, diat
*' we may have Liberty lo^to do ; but if fbr fo doings and nothing elle, we
" muft fgtfer, as ancient Chriftians haVe done, we are content, knowing that
" the Lord will plead our Caufe, and will care fbi- las ; and we cannot deny
" him to pleafe Men, but muft toour Lives End feiive.and obey him, and
" wait upon him and worlliip him in Spirit and Truth, liaving engaged our
" Hearts fo to do, in that he hath made known himlelf to us, and by his
♦* eternal Power redeemed us out of the World and the fin&l Ways thereof,
" and
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS. 2t
" and fhed abroad his Love in our Hearts -, and we are perfuaded, and do know B E R K-
" of a Truth, that the Lord hath been and is with us in this cur Way SHIRE.
" which we now walk in ; and can you in Reafon and Equity cxpeft, that IR04-
" we lliould deny tliat Way in whicli we have found the Lord to latisfy and ~
" refrefh our Souls, and to make our Hearts glad ? Or is it doing as you
" would be done by ? Would you tliink it right to be perlecured and af-
♦' Aided lor walking in that Way which you are periliadcd in your lelves you
" ought to walk in? If not, do you fulfil the royal Law, which is to do to
*' others as you would be done unto ? Wherefore confider betimes, and have
*' not an Hand in afflicting innocent People becaufe ot their Conlliences: But
" break off your Sins by Righteouiheis, and your Iniquities by fliewing Mercy
" to the Poor in Spirit, and afflided People of God, who fuffer at this Day
" for no other Thing, but for keeping the Commands of the Lord Jefus
" Chrill, and for his Worfhip : For what is the Matter ? Who have we hurt
" or wronged in any Thing, that here is fuch furious and unchriftian-likc
" Proceedings againil: lis ? And if our Adverfaries have nothing againft us, but
*' becaufe of our Obedience to the Law, and Worlhip of our God, is this
" iuch a Crime at this Day, that honeit People for lo doing fliould be lb
" eagerly and violently proceeded againft, and that Snares and Traps fhould •
" be laid to catch and enfnare them ? Well, the Lord takes Notice of thefe
" Things, and he will ariie for his own Name and Seed's Sake, before whom
" the Mountains muft bow and tremble, and the high Places of the Earth
" which ftand in his Way fhall be removed, and the Lord God will cut his
" own Way through them, before whom all Nations are but as the Drop of
" a Bucket, and as the fmall Duftof the Balance, and they that ftrive againft
" him cannot be bkifed. And therefore be wife and confiderate, ye Rulers
" of the Earth, left ye be found oppofingof, and ftriving againft that Eternal
" God that gives us all Life, arwi Breath, and Being here in the World,
" who will be too ftrong for you, it you iliall think in your Hearts, to ftop
" and limit his Appearance in the Hearts of his People, and bind the Con-
'• fcience (in which it is his Right and Prerogative to rule, and no Man's
" upon the EarthJ from following the Lord in what his Light leads and
" draws it unto, which will be Ulurpation and great Sin charged upon you
" in the Day of the Lord, when you fhall come before the Throne of his
" Juftice and give an Account unto him. Wherefore, k'lfi the Son, i^oop and
" bow down unto the Light of God's Son which appears in your Hearts, and
" convinceth you of Sin, left the Anger and Indignation of the Lord be
*' kindled, and flame and break out like devouring Fire, and burn your own
" Hearts fo as it can never be quenched.
" Here are many of us Prifoners in this Goal, and have been long, which
*' is not unknown to you, both Men and Women, and almoft fome whole
" Families, and leveral aged People, many, becaufe we cannot break the
" Command of our Lord and Mafter Jefus Chrift, who hath faid unto his
*' Followers, Siv car not at all, becaufe he leads them and keeps them out of
" Strife, and out of Sin and Wickednefs, into Love, Peace and Truth, from
" which Mankind was degenerated when the Swearing came in, which was to
»' bind the Confcience, becaufe they were gone and erred from the Love and
" Truth of God in the Heart, which Chrift our Saviour rcftores into again, and
" fays unto fuch, Swear not, for Truth binds them, and their Je-^ is Jt'j, and
*' their Nay is iViry, and becaufe we cannot break this Command of Chrift,
*' we are enfnareci, and do fuffer at this Day, and many may be expofed to
*' utter Ruin in this World becaufe thereof, and the Guilt of the Ruin of in-
'< nocent People and Families may come upon you, if in a rafh and un-
" chriftian-likc Spirit ye run on thus againft them, which may be in your
" Power to prevent, the Sufferings and Cries of them will enter into the
»' Ears of the Lord God of Sabbath, who will hear and have Regard there-
♦' unto, if Men do not regard, and will recompenfe thofe that trouble his
" into their own Bofom?.
Vol. J. F ' <« And
22 A CoUeaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
B L R K- «' And others here are that fiiffer for worfliipping God in Spirit and Truth
SHIRE, tc according to the Scriptures, who cannot forlake the ancient Doftrine and
1664. <( Pnidice of the Apoftles, who exhorted true Chriflians not to forfake the
\^y^W~^^^ " affembling themfelves together, and we cannot but perform that Chriftian
«' and innocent Duty, for which Occafion is fought againft us, by fuch as have
" cxiven way to that Spirit of Enmity which always appeared againft the
" Way and Worfhip of the true God, which ilich tliat are joined unto, will
" feel their Reward and Portion with ; and their inhuman Proceedings may
" in Time be more fully and manifeftly declared to the World.
" Now are thefe Things worthy of fuch ftrait Bonds, and clofe Imprifon-
" mcnr, even to the endangering the Lives of your peaceable Neighbours,
" who have not done any Man wrong, but becaufe of the Tendernefs of their
" Confciences towards God they mult be thus ufed, fo that hereby at lead
" their Health, as to the outward Man, comes to be impaired, by reafon of
♦' keeping in, and being kept from their outward honeft Callings and Em-
«' ployments in the Creation •■, fo that thefe Things tend to the Deftruftion of
«' Men, Women and Children, and civil Commerce among Men, and only
" becaufe of their faithful Obedience to the Lord, in what they are perfuaded
" in their Hearts unto by his eternal Spirit, and Conftancy in his Way, which
" they can never deny, whatever they fuffer in this World -, neither can an}""
" of thefe Things, I am perfuaded, feparate us, who have truly and expe-
*' rimentally tafted thereof, h-om the Love of God which we feel in Chrift
" Jcfus, in whom we have the Afllirance thereof unto our Souls. Where-
*' tore I fay, O ye Men in Power and Authority in the World, be cool
" in your Minds, and let the Caufe of the opprefled and afflifted People of
*' God be pondered by you, and take heed of turning your Hand againft
" them, for if you do make that your Work to root out and deftroy them, it
" will be too hard for you, and your Eyes fhall never lee the Accomplifli-
" ment thereof, but if Ibme or many of us do feal our Teftimony with our
" dearcft Lives and Blood, yet will the Lord raife up more in the lame Power
" and Spirit, to bear witnefs unto his Name in die fame Way wherein we
" ferve him, and you will be Ibund fighting againft God, if Juftice and
" Mercy be not ftiewed to them, and ye fl-iall not obtain Mercy and Favour
" at the Hand of the Lord, which that you may is my Defire, who defii-e
" the Good and Salvation of your immortal Souls, and not your Deftruftion,
" and am a true Friend to Juftice and Righteoufnefs, and thofe %vho are
*' exercifed therein, and fuffer with the defpifed People of God, for the Tefti-
*' mony of a good Confcience.
frcOTifeeGw/ w Reading, tie 1 6ffc <f >!: T /^rj A T 17 "
o/ikiui Mow/', 1664. J* '*-^^^-^-^-
Tr'til of 50 On the nth, about fifty Prifonei-s were brought to the Bar, and an IndiA-
frifoners, mcnt read againft them for wilfully refufing the Oath at Abington the 12th of
jf«/v, to which at Newbury Seffions they had pleaded not guilty. The Evidences
were Sir William Armorer, and Chnvifion, Clerk of the Peace, who fwore tlut
the Oath had been tendred and read to them all at Abington Seffions, The
Council for the King infifted much on the Credit and Reputation of the Wit-
neffes, telling the Jury, the'^ rnujl either bring the Prifoners in guilty, or they
would make Sir William Armorer, and the Clerk, as perjured Perfons. Neverthe-
lefs the Jury, on ftrift Enquiry, perceiving that the Tender of the Oath was
irregular, and Champion himfelf acknowledging, that he could not tell whether
it was read to the Prifoners before or after they were called over, brought in
their Verdift mt guilty. So the Court broke up, and many of the Prifoners,
difcharged by the Jury, went away, as did alfo feveral of the more moderate
Juftices.-
* This f,C«ale continued long in Prifjn, and died there in itf;o ; as did alfo Dtrttl^
Cltri.
Chap. 3- of the People called QUAKERS.
Juftices. But W. Armorer, and fome others, ftaying behind, ordered the
Goaler to call back the fakers, which he did, and Thomas Curtis, George
Lamholl, and their Wives, with three others appeared, the reft being gone :
The Juftices threatned to fine tlie Go.der, faying, ~Did not we give -^ou Orders
to ftay them ? But tiie Goaler anlwered, As jbon as I heard your Orders, Iran
down the Stairs, upon my Faith, hut they were gone.
T. Curtis laid, I luppole they would not have gone away, had they known
your Order, but being cleared by the Jury, they thought it fufficient : And
I my lelt' was gone, not intending to come again, but when they told me I
was called for, I came, for I am not afhamed to fhew my Face, nor afraid
of any Thing that I have done : And I know, PViUiam Armorer''^ Man Venter
is Warrant enough to take me at any Time.
Judge. Though the Jury did clear you of that InditJment, yet they coidd not
clear jou of your Obedience.
Then the Clerk reading over their Names, they called for Thomas Heifield.
T. C. That is a Man that has ferved the King faithfully, and has many Cuts
in his Head, and Wounds about his Body, that he received in the King's
Army : Yet he is regarded no more than others, though he fought and ven-
tured his Life for the King : But being come now to make Confcience of an
Oath, muft be enfnared with the Oath of Allegiance.
Then Anne Curtis was called .
*r. C. Here is another, whofe * Father laid down his Life, and fufFered
Death for the Service of the King, yet Ihe alfo muft be enfnared with the
Oath.
Then they called for the Statute Book.
T. C. We fee your Snare well enough : It is not the Part of Men of
Honour, to feek to enfnare thofe whom the Jury have cleared, but thefc
Things will appear as Blots in your Efcutcheons : We do believe you aim to
enfnare us •, and 'tis our Eftates you feek after. It is well if fome of you have
not begg'd tliem already.
Then Proctor, the Councellor, ftood up in a great Rage, and bid the Clerk
read the Oath to them.
T. C. Be not fo hafty, for thou didft but a litte Time fince charge thelc
two Men ^pointing to Armorer and the Clerk) with being perjur'd, tor thou
told'ft the Jury, That either they muft bring us in guilty, or elfe thefe Men
were perjured. Thou need'ft not be fo fierce now, for the Time was when
thou waft as fierce in Oliver Cromwell\ Days.
Then the Judge bid the Clerk read the Oath, which being done, he afked
T. C. if he heard it ? Who anfwered, Tes. So they held the Bible to him.
T'. C. I could read you a better Leftbn in that Book ; holding the Bible
in his Hand.
They bid him fiy after the Clerk, who read the Oath, which he did, till
he came to that Claufe, / do fwear, &c. Then he fiid. But I cannot Swear,
but what I have faid I do believe, and queftion not but I fhall prove as good
a Subjeft to the King as fome of you.
Then George Lamboll was called : They afked him, whether he would take
the Oath of Allegiance ; He anfwered, as to the Oath of Obedience he could
■promife very much, and fhould keep his Promife.
Then Sarah his Wife was called. They afked her, whether flie would take
the Oath ? She anfwered, at prefent fhe was not fatisfied that fhe might fafely do
it ; or to that Purpofe.
The other three, viz. Tlxmas T'udway, John Paine, and Jaffies Marloe, were
afked the fime Queftion. T. Tudway queried, whether it were better to obey
God or Man ? They laid, That was not the ^efiion.
Then
'^^
BERK-
SHIRE.
1664.
T. Heifield
fender of the
Oath to T.
Curtis.
Tender of ths
Oith to G.
Lamboll and
kis Wife,
a'ld othrs.
* Her Father was a Magillrate of Brifiol, put to Death there for his Loyalty to the
King.
24
BERK-
SHIR E.
1 664.
Tiitdir of the
fiath to A.
Curtis.
Oath toidred
to divers
othea.
Commitments
in order to
B^tiijhmetn.
Commitments
from W. Ar-
morcr'j
houje.
166 !i
26 Sent to
Prifon and
continued
Jang.
20 Perfons
fremu/iired.
Two bitiijhed.
O^ib ttndred
to R. Willbn.
Violent Pro-
ceedings of
Armorer.
.^ Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Then Anne Curtis was called to the Bar. One of the Juftices faid, Cof?ie, Nan,
I kno^iV you izill take it.
A. C. Yes, if thou, or any one, could convince me that I might lawfully
do it, and not break Chrift's Command, who hath laid. Swear not at all.
One of the Juftices faid. But the Apollle Paul laid, That an Oath for Con-
firmation endeth Strife. She anfwered, that Chrijl, the everlafting Oath of Gody
who puts an End to Strife, himfelf I know, faith. Swear not at all.
William Armorer faid, 'This is the old 'Tone.
A. C. It was before thou waft, and will be when thou haft no Being,
The Juftices bid her anfwer direftly, whether fhe would take the Oath or no ?
She replied, I fhall give no other Anfwer than I have done. So the Goalertook
her away.
Next Day, the 12 th of the Month, Jofeph Coale, Robert Pocock, Benjamin
Cole, IVilluim 2'"eate, Richard Green, and John Tray, had the Oath of Alle-
giance tendred them in Court, and refufing to take it, were fent to Goal.
Alio Chriftopher Cheefman, Anne Sharp, Bridget Smith, and Margery Richard-
fon, were at the fame Seffions brought to the Town-hall, having bten taken at
a Meeting, and committed for a third Offence, in order to Banifliment. But
the Evidence appearing to the grand Jury infufficient, they did not find the Bill
of Indiftment. Neverthelefs the Court fent the Prifoners back to Goal ; and
fo the Scftions ended.
On the 2 2d Wdliam Armorer fent Joane IVUefhy, Mary IVinter, and" Mar^
Richardfon, from the Meeting to the Houfe of Correftion, for three Days, for
a fccond Offence, as he called it. At the fxme Time he fent IVilliam Tomfon,
Leonard Key, Anthony Sadler, Thomas Speed, and John Boult, to Prifon, by his
Servant and the Coaler's Man, without a Mittimus. Next Day they were
brought to his Houfe, had the Oath of Allegiance tendred them, and were re-
committed.
Of thofe whom W. Armorer had committed to Prifon, William Tomfon, and
Walter Emerton died Prifoners this Year. As did alfo not loiip before, IFilliam
Matthews.
Anno
1665.
Before the next SefTions held at Newbury, in the Month called April this
Year, Armorer had committed to Prifon from Meetings at Reading, fix and
twenty Perfons : Thele were moft of them the fame who had been let at Li-
berty at the laft SefTions : They were continued from Seffions to Affixes., and
AJfvzes to SefTions, till the 9th of the Month called January following -, when,
at the SefTions in Reading, twenty of th?m had Sentence of Premunire pafTed
upon them, and were remanded to Goal.
At the lame SefTions Mary Winter, and Judith Smith, convided of meeting
the third Time, received Sentence of Banilhment to Berhadoes, and Elizabeth
Tudway, convifted of the fame, being under Covert, was fentenced to one
Years Imprifonment. Anne Curtis, and Sarah Zji?nboll, were indicfted for re-
fufing the Oath, but their Trial deferred.
At this SefTions Robert Wilfon was indifted for opening his Shop on a Faft-
day ; but, when in Court, that Caufe was dropt, and the Oath of Allegiance
tendred him ; for refufing of which, he alio was fent to Goal.
On the 14th yfrworfr's Servant came into the Meeting, went out again, and
fhut the Door after him, which having a Spring l^ock, catch'd and ihut him
out. His Mafter followed him, and in a Fury had the Door broke open, and let
a Guard on thofe that were met : He then broke open five Doors of T. Curtis's
Houfe, under Pretence of fearching for Writings : After which he went Home,
and fent for Jofeph Phipps, Henry Adams, and John Thome, who coming before
him with their Hats on, he ordered his Servant to take and fill them with Water,
which his Servant being backward to do, he kicked and forced him to it : Being
filled, he ordered the Conftable to put them lb on their Heads, but he would not,
but
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS.
"^S
but threw out the Water, and gave them their Hats again. He committed B E R K-^
thofe three to the Houl'e of Correftion for fix Months, and Anne Webb for three SHIRE.
Months, and a few Days after recalled that M'//i;««J, and fent another for de- 1005.
taining her fix Months, an arbitrary Proceeding, but like die Man, a violent ^~f^~y^'^'^
Perfecutor, yet irreligious and profane, of which take the following Inftance : J^^" "'^'"^^
When in his ufual manner he was railing againft the ^mkers, and telling about
them Stories unlike a Man of Gravity and Underftanding -, one of them,
Elizabeth Ttidway, advifing him to take heed of his fVords, and putting him in
mind, that there tvoidd come a Day wherein he viuft give an Account of his
Aolions : He anfwered, Ay, you Jhall fee at ■ the Day of Judgment^ whofe Arfe Profaiie £.t-
luill be blackeji, yours or mine : An Expreflion, denoting a profane and obdurate p'^ejfw..
Mind, void of Remorfe or Senfe ot that divine Juflice, which fooner or later,
will overtake thofe who pervert Judgment, and delight in opprefTing the Inno-
cent by tyrannical and arbitrary Meafures; and which may e;xcite in the Reader
a juft Idea of the Man tlut ufed it, and of his Qualifications for a Poft o{, fi^cb.
Repute and Dignity as that of a Juftice of the Peace.'> ; ; . . -, ,;w.,, ,,
Anno 1666.
On the 15th of the Montli called Ap7il, IViUiam Armorer, and Juftice Dolby,
came to the Meeting at Reading, where they found Robert Paine, Anne Hatt,
Hannah Emerton, Elizabeth Judway, Mary fVebb, Mary Kent, and Sarah Kent,
whom tliey ordered a Conftable to carry to the Counter. This being done,
they went to their Worfliip, it being on the Firfb-day of the Week. After
Sermon they fent for the Prifoners, and committed Hannah Emerton to the
Houfe of Correction tor fix Months, and Robert Paine for three Months. They
alfo fent Elizabeth Tudivay to Goal for twelve Months, and Anne Hatt for fix
Months. The other three being under fixteen Years of Age, were difmifled
with Thre;its of being fined.
On the 19th of the Month called Augujl 1666, afirer above four Months Im-
prifonment, Anne Halt, through a clofe Confinement in the Heat of Summer,
fell fick, and died in the Prifon, leaving behind her this Charafter, lljat fje had
born a faithful Teftimonyjor the Lord and' Ms Truth, in which Jhe walked' in
Gravity, Sobriety, anitheFearofthe,Loxd^-^and ended her Days in Peace with
him.
On die 24th Anne Curtis, and Sarah Latnboll, were brought to the SeiTions
at Newbury, but their Trial put off by the Jufbces, who told them, the King's
Evidence were not ready. However, Armorer, their profefied Adverfiry, not
being prefent, the Juftices granted them their Liberty upon promife of appear-
ing at the next SeiTions. So they went home to Reading, and Anne Curtis went
the next Day to vifit fome Relations at 5r(/?o/.
This difpleafed Arinorer, who prefently fent the Goaler's Man to fetch them
to Prilon again : The Man told him, that the Juftices had given them Liberty
till next SefTions : To which Armorer replied, What have the Juftices to do with
my Prifoners ? and threatned to lay the Man by the Heels, if he did' not obey
his Order. So the IVIan fetched Sarah Latnboll back to Prifon. After fome
Time Anne Curtis being returned from Brijlol, went to Armorer, who direatneid
to fend her to her Huftjand dien in Prifon, but did not.
On the 19th of the Month called June, John Witham Under Sheriff of the
County, and Thomas Roffe, the Duke of I\4on7nouth\ Tutor, , came to the Go^il
and called for Thomas Curtis, and George Lamboll, and tokl\ them, they had a
Warrant from the King to jeize their Ejlates, and forthwith they, with one John
Thorp, went into the faid Prifoners Chambers, and feized their Books, Papere,
and Writings, and 150/. in Money diTlmnas Curtis\ : Then they locked chenf
out of their Rooms, and went to their Houfes, and took ^n InventoYy of what
they could find, but on their Promife to: be anfwerable for die Goods, they.dW
not remove them. ' ' ' '
Vol. I. G On
1666.
Several im-
frijoned.
Deith of .]
A. Hatt. ,
Ber Chirici
ter.
A. Curtis ani
S. Lamboll
rekafed.
but recOM'
mined by Ar-
morer.
EffeasofT.
Curtis and
G. Lamboll,
filled in tkti
C0.1l.
i6
BERK-
SHIRE.
1666.
Dij'ehirge of
A. Curcis.
Girls under
Agl J'iTJt 10
Gotl.
Triil of J.
Phipps on the
Ail for Si-
nifiniint.
^ury kept all
Night.
Sentence of
Bxnijhinent
pflfed on J.
Pnipps.
^ Colleaioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
On the fame Day, Anyie Curtis, by Armorer's Warrant, was carried again to
Goal : About two Months after, he fent for her and told her, the Gentlemen
concerned in her Hufband's Eftate defired him to fet her at Liberty, and gave
Jier the following Difcharge, viz.
*^ Burgus de Reading in Com. Berks.
*' To the Keeper of hisMajeJiy's Goal for the [aid Borough^ and
to his Deputy and Deputies there, Greeting.
<■<■ TT^ H E S E are in the Name of the King's mcft excellent Majefty, to
" ^ charge and command you upon Sight hereof, to fet at Liberty and
" free the Body of Anne Curtis, Wife of Thotnas Curtis, of this Borough,
« Woolendraper, out ot your Cuftody, and from her Imprifonment. Dated
" under my Hand and Seal this 2 2d Day of Augiifi, Anno Horn. 1666.
^' JV. ArmorerT
In the mean Time he had taken Jofeph Phipps, and Hannah Kent, at a
Meeting, and fent them to the Houfe of Corredlion ; and two others, taken
at the fame Time, he committed to the County Goal. He took alfo three
Girls, under fixteen Years of Age, viz. Lydia Herfant, Mary Kent, and Sarab
Kent, fined them i s. each, and fent them to Goal, where they lay a Icaig
Time.
On the 1 6th of the Month called Jamiary following, at the SeJTions in Read-
ing, Sarab Ljimhell was called to the Bar, had the Oath of Allegiance tcndred
her, and was remanded to Prilbn.
On the fime Day was a Trial of Jofeph Phipps, for the diird Offence, on the
A&. of Banifliment : A ^laker who had been juft before tried, was acquitted :
Whereupon the Court difcharged that Jury, and empanelled another : Armorer
faying to the Baylifts, Kjo oiil and pick a Jury, yoi{ know there are honeft Me/t
enough in the 'tonx)n. One of the Bayliffs anfwered, Tes, Sir William, /'// jSs
you. Another Jury being fworn, Phipps was fet to the Bar, and his Indidiment
read, to which he had betbre pleaded not guilty. The Prifoner infifted, that there
yrere not five Perfons of fixteen years of Age at the Meeting : Edward DalH
anfwered. If there were but one of that Age, yet if there were five prefent., bs
ivould fend that one to Prifon as a Breaker of the Law, for though the refi were
not funifhahle by that A51, yet they would ferve to make up the Number. This
unequal Conftruilion of the Law was preft upon the Jury •, as was alfo the
Confcfllon of one of the Prifoners, that they were met to feek the Lord. And
when one of them aiked, whether to feek the Lord were a Crime worthy of Banifb-
ment ? the Judge anfwered, Tes.
The Jury went out, and tarrying long, the Court fent for tliem, and
threatned fuch as favoured the Prifoners Caufe ; but they could not agree. So
they were ordered to be kept all Night without Fire or Candle, £jr. and thar
no Perfon fhould come at them till they were agreed.
Next Morning the Court £it again, and fent to know, whether the Jtrry
'were yet agreed ? They anfwered. No. Yet after fomc time, two of riac dit
llitisfied began to comply, and fome crying, A Verdiii, a Verdiif, they came
into Court. The Court afking, if they were agreed ? One of the Jury anfwered,
/ am not Jatisfie-d : Armorer replied. Ton fhall he fatisfied. So the ForemaJn
faid, GuHty -, though four of the Jury had not agreed to the Verdid: : How-
' ever the Judge pafied Sentence on Phipps, 'That he fhould be transported to fomc
of his Majefty s Plantations, there to remain (even Tears. Under uvhich Sentence
he was returned to Prifon, and lay there till difcharged by the King's Letters
patent, about fix Years after.
On
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS.
On the 27th of the Month called January^ William Armorer coming early
to the Meeting, found only four young Maids, viz. Hannah Kent., Sarah Btn-
feld, Elizabeth tVhitehart, and Anne her Sifter, and faid. Here's a goodly Cc/tn-
pany : He then commanded one of his Servants to fetch fome Water -, which
being brought, he tlirew with great Violence in their Faces, till one of them
was almoft luftbcated : Having executed this Barbarity, he turned them wet
out of the Meeting, and went away.
On the 17th of the Month called March., he came, with Thomas Coales
Mayor, to the Meeting, and fent rtve Perlbns to the Houfe of Correftion,
viz. Henry Adams for the third Offence, Elizabeth fVhitehart, and Mary Webb,
for fix Months, Sarah Binfield for three Months, and Elizabeth Tudivay, under
fourteen Years of Age, till iht fhould pay i s. tor Abfcnce from the Church.
At the lame Time he went up to Anne Curtis, who was fick in her Chamber,
protefting he would fend her to Goal, becaufe the Meeting was continued at
her Houfe : She anfwered, the Houfe was her Hnjband's, and he might do what
be would with it, afking,- whether they tbemjehes would admit their Wives to con-
tradi£l their Hujbands. At length he ordered a Conttable to carry her to Goal ;
but in Regard of her Sicknels, the Conftable did not obey him. Next Day
Sir William fent for the Conftable, and fharply reprimanded him, giving him
a Warrant to carry Anne Curtis to Goal upon her former Commitment, of
which himfelf, as is before fliewn, had dilcharged her under his Hand and Seal.
Thus arbitrarily did he act, fearing no Controul.
In this Year William Dobfon oi Slade End in Brightwell Parifli, for Tithes of
about 4/. lOi. Value, had Goods taken from him worth 40/.
27
1} E R K-
SHIRE.
1666.
Cruelty of
Armorer.
A. Curtis
fent to Goal
when fuk-
Excejjive
Z>ijirefs for
Tithes.
Anno 1667.
The aforefaid William Dohfon, for rcfufing to pay Tithes, was imprifoned at
Reading, and thence removed by Habeas Corpus to the Fleet in London, where
he lay feveral Months-.
Olirjef Sanfom, for a Demand of 61. 8 5. for Tithes, fuffered Diftrefs of his
Cows, Sheep, and Money, to the Value of 30/. At the Sak oi' James A>idenon,
Prieft of Boxford, a violent Perfecutor, who told Oliver, that if the King would
grant a Law, he would be the firjl Man that would put a Faggot to his Tail :
He procured the faid Oliver's Excommunication, and told the People they muji
have no Dealings with him, forbad die Miller to grind his Corn, and threatned
to profecute a Man in the fpiritual Court for working for him. - ' -'
On the 14th of the Month called July this Year, W. Armorer, with hisMah;
came to the Meeting, the Man looking in, went out again, and pulled thfe
Door, which having a fpring Lock, Ihut him out : His Mafter finding the
Door locked, called for a Sledge to break it open ; but one within opened it,
faying, / open the Door that thou ntayft fee our Innocence, and that we are not
plotting : If we were, we- would uot have opened it. He anfwered. If you
bad not, I would have broke it open. His Clerk took the Names of nine Pei'-
fons, of whom Richard Hutchins, John Littleworth, Martha Cbeefmani Francis
Greenway, and Elizabeth Booth, were fent to the Houfe of Corre<^ion for
three Months : Mary Coale (whole Hufband was then in Prilbn under Sentence
of Premunire) for fix Montlis, and Anne Sharp, Anne Kent, and Elizabeth Tud-
way, were committed 'on the third Offence in order to Banifhment.
On the 1 6th at Ahington SefTions, the laft three were indided, and pleaded
not gidlty •, but their Trial was poftponed till another SelTions. ..mlQ
Henry Adams, on a like Indidfment, was tried -, but no Record bf his fitfl
or jecond Offence could be produced ; nor did any Witnefs appear to prove
a third Offence •, lb that the Jury brought him in not guilty. This Verdi<ft not
pleafing the Court, the Jury were fent back, and by W. Armoret'^ liifluence
and Threats, who iwore that the Records, though loft, were true, fome of the
Jury brought in a contrary Verdicft, with which the teft fbf Fear complied :
Upon which the Prifoner was remanded to Goal, but no Sentence pronounced
againft
[667
VV Dobfon
imprifoned
for Jit his.
Suffering of
O. Sanfom.
Commitments
in er.ier to
Batiipmint.
Trhf if jrWi-
ry Adams.
Tki "furi
ovei-iTo'i.
28
BE RK-
SHIRE.
1667.
1669.
Jmprifonme?it
of Oliver
S'anfom.
1670.
profecutions
on the Con-
venticle AB.
A CoUea-ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
againft him in Court. Wiien he afterward afked the Goaler, what Order he
had concerning him? His Anlwer was, Harry ^ xhee. zn for 1'ranfportaiion : Ihey
have done it fince among themfehes. Thus he continued Prifoner about five
Years after, till releafed by tlie King's Letters patent in 1672.
Anno 1669.
On the laft Day of the Month called February this Year, Oliver Sanfom was
committed to Prifon on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of T^wzf^
Anderton, Prieft of Boxford, for Tithes, and continued there till releafed by the
King's Patent in 1672.
N N O
1670.
Many were the Profecutions in this County, on the Conventicle Aft, which
paffed this Year, and animated the Informers afrelh. On the 19th of the Month
called May, two of them informed Humphry Hide, a Juflice, of a Meeting in
the Houfe of Adam Laurence at Charlow, that they lliw there Nine Perfons be-
fide the Family, but all filent. Upon this he fined the faid Laurence 20/. and
5 J. for his Wife : Richard Vokins, Thomas Clark, John Willis, and John Geer-
ing, 5 s. each for themfelves or their Wives : And Diflrefs of their Goods was
made accordingly.
John Stevens was by the fame Juflice fent to the County Goal : His Mitti-
mus was in the following, Form, viz.
John Stevens
his Mittimus.
Diflrejfes for
Meltings.
At Win for.
I
** To the Keeper of his Majejiys Goal at Reading in the County
oj Berks, or to his Jiifficient Deputy there,
HAVE fent unto you the Body of John Stevens of Uffington, a pro-
fefTed ^aker, who for many Montlis has had great Meetings at his
Houfe, but the Officers of the Town, upon IVlAtfunday the 22d oi May lafl,
fet a Guard upon the Houfe to keep the Company out, but they would not
difperfe, but many congregated in the Street, and divers of them were
ftreined, but none would buy their Goods -, and upon Sunday the 19th of
7«Kif laft, he had another Meeting of many People more, but fome of the
Officers not being at Home, and fbme carelels, the Meeting cannot be
proved, although it appears probably to be fo : And left any more fuch
Meetings fhould be there, I fent a Warrant for him, that he might promife
not to have above four Perfons, in that Kind at his Houfe, more than his
own Family, which he refufing to do, I gave hini five Days Liberty to
confider of it, but no Perfuafioji will operate, and he not being able probably
to pay a Fine of .20/. I tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, which he alio
refufing, I committed him to your Cuftody, that no. Rebellion may be con-
trived in his Houfe. Given under my Hand and Seal this 4th Day ot
July 1670, in the 2 2d Year of oijr gracious Sovereign l^ord King CW/^i
the Second \ni'R.Q\gn. ,, • "!.;I i 1 '• / v',,-'") V'-' ' .' 'o:.1 •_. ..■';
Mump]^Tjiii'4^-^
Cf
During 5'/^i;^«;'s Imprifonment, i?;V/j«ri ThatcherJ.' Richard Bollard, Mary
Johnfon, Clement King, Anthony Pearfon, and Thomas Leadbealer, hfikreii, Dif-
trefs of their Goods for Fines of 5^. each, impofed oi;i/them for meeting at his
Houfe; ■ :..,;; , , , ., i. > ;■,■■/
At Windfor, Thomds Davie, for a Meeting held at; his Houfe, was fined: 20/.
Richard Marfh, 10 s. Thomas Cooke, George Taylor, Godfrey Redford, a.adi[j eorge
Ball, $s. each, which Fines were levied by Diftrefs, . >i
, ■ At
Chap. 3.
of the People called QLTAKERS.
29
the M'.iilng
molidcd.
A. Merrick
At Bracknell, John Fenwkk, and John Cooke, for fines of 5^, cacli, had their BERK-
Goods taken to tiie Value of 1 1 ;. each. ^ ^ ^^^^^ ^'
At Lamborn Woodland, Bartholomew Maylin Iiad nine Cows taken for a Fine J^^2l .
of 20/. tor a Meeting at his Houfe, which Cows, though expofcd to Sale at Bi,,cl--neil/'^
two Markets, no Body would purchafe. Lamborn
At Reading, Armorer and Coates, Jufticcs, came often to the Meetings at Woodland.
T. Curtis's Houfe, which confuted generally of Women and Children, moft of '^.' '^^<«i'"g
the Men being in Prifon : They ufu.^lly took down the Names of the Pcrfons
met, and turned them out. To Alexander Merrick, a young Man, whom they
found at one ot thofe Meetings on the 3d of the Month called July, they imprifonei.
tendred the Oath ot Allegiance, and fent him to Prifon. The fame Juftices,
in Conjundtion with the Mayor, granted three Warrants ag-ainft Thomas Cur- 3 ^^'-^''^^'^ts
tis, then a clofe Prifoner, for 20/. each, for wittingly and willingly fuffering ''^/"'i''--
fiditious Conventicles at bis Houfe. With theCe Wdrrmts, Philip Newland, and Sdi^ur'eofT.
John IVilder, Conftables, with' Richard Burt, an Officer, came on the Sth of Curth's Goods-
the Month called Augujl, to the Prilbn, and afked tor '■Thomas Curtis, who was «'» Prijon.
then at Dinner in his Chamber. The Door being locked, the Goaler broke it
open : The Confliables fliewed Thomas their Warrant, took an Inventory of
what he had there, and departed. On the lothof the laid Month, NewLind
the Conftable, and IV. Armorer's Footboy, went to Thomas Curtis's Houfe, a.nd at his
opened the Door and went in, the Maid-fervant only being at Home. The """' tiouji.
Conflable fent for Juftice /Irmorer, who came, and faid, they muJI feiz£ all.
The Maid told him, jome of the Goods were not her Majler's, hut another Man's.
Armorer anjwered, he knew that, but he zvould take it while it zvas there, and then
let them try for it. So they locked up the Houfe, fhut out the Family, carried
away the Keys of the inner Doors and went away. After which they fearched
feveral Neighbours Houfcs for Goods of Thomas Curtis, broke open Ibme of
their Doors, and took an Oath of tome of them, that they had no Goods of his.
Next Day rhey took an Inventory of the Goods in Thomas Curtis's Houfe,
hired Porters, and carried away great Part of them. On the 1 6th, Armorer,
with Newland the Conftable, came to the Meeting, and plucked out thote that
were met : Anne Curtis, dilcourfing with Armorer about the Illegality of lock-
ing People out of their ozvn Houfes, he grantetl. That there was no Law for it,
but fliid, that the King and Council were above all, and he had a Warrant from
them, and would do it, threatning withal, that he would not leave her a Cup to
drink in. He then put Padlocks on two of the Doors, and ordered the Con-
ftable to fetch away the Remainder of the Goods : On the 18th the Conftable,
another Officer, and the Bellman, brought a Waggon for them, but could Foners avd
get no Porters to their Affiftance : So they went about it themfelves, and put ^^'^gpner un-
a great Tub into the Waggon ; but while they were attempting to remove ^f^"lf ^kmi'
fome other Things very heavy and cumberfcm, the Waggoner, no Friend to " "''''■^'^'^
their Proceeding, drew back the Tub, and drove .iway his Waggon. Thus
difappointed of their Purpofe, they gave over. On the 25th the Juttices, Ar- Doors of the
morer and Dolby, came to the Meeting, turned out thofe that were met, and Meetiag-houfe
canted the Doors to be nailed up. On the 28th Armorer coming to the "'"•''^' "P'
Meeting, caufed feveral Buckets of Water to be fetched, fiying to his Man,
Throzv zvhole Buckets upon them, which he pertbrmed : His Matter then com- ll'^iter thrown
manded him, to^^o in among them, being all Women, and throw it in their o^^^omen.
Faces, which he alio did : Armorer being afked, whether he was not ajhamed of
fuch Anions ? anfwered, he zvould promife them it ffjoidd be worje next Time,
adding, that he would lay the Man fafl, who had broke open the Door, which
be had nailed up.
At Newbury, on the 1 5th of the Month called May, three Officers came to Mettiy^gs
the Meeting, took the Names of thofe that were met, and then turned them broieuy^-a
into the Street : The like they repeated on the 2 2d of the fiime Month. On '^^ "'^"
the 1 2th of the Month called June, they took fix Pcrfons out of the Meeting,
and lent them to Prilbn, and pulled out the rcit in a violent manner. On the
10th of the Month called July, a Guard being fet to keep die 1^'riends out ot
Vol. I. H their
io
BERK-
SHIRE.
1670.
l/leetwgs
broke up at
Oare.
Diflrcft at
Uffington.
tines for not
totnhig to
Churih'
1671.
v^
Trofecutions
for Tithes.
HarJi Impri-
joiimeiif.
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
their Meeting-houfe, they met in the Street, where the Mayor, another Jufticc.
and a Conftable, pulled them about, and threw away their Hats •, they pluckt
down one Woman, and dragged her along the Street, the Juftice bidding them
dnnv her into the Keimel. Having wearied themfelves with abufing them, they
fent fix of them to Prilbn, where they were kept twenty four Hours witliout
any Charge or Examination. On the 13th of the IVIonth called Auguft, for a
Meeting held near three Months before, they took away the Goods of Thomas
Marjh, Richard Hutchins, and John IVhittick, for Fines of 5 s. each. How
roughly thofe Officers behaved themfelves, may be guelfed by the Saying oi James
Nor'Lvay Churchwarden, to Richard Hutcbins'^ Wife, viz. Come, yo7i Whore
yoii, I am come for your Goods, for your being at a Conventicle^ at R. Wilfon's,
the \^th of May, \ou are the brazen PFlxre that was drawn doiv?i Stairs. Thus
they feemed to glory in their own Shame, by infulting over thofe whom they
had mifufed.
On the 23d of Septe?nber, for a Meeting held a few Days before at Oare,
DiflrelTes were taken for the following Fines, viz.
I.
o
o
s.
15
O
O
}
William Jufell, for his Wife and two Sons
William Spicer, for himfelf and Wife
On the 24th,
Richard Angel, Maurice Hulchins,
Henry Hiint, and Richard Worrel, 55. each
On the 30th of the fame, for a Meeting at Uffington^ was taken
From Adam Laurence, for 10/. Fine, a Rick of Hay.
John Wallis, for lo/. 5^. Ten Qiiartcrs of Malt, and a Horfe,
Richard Brooks^ for i /. io.f. a Cow worth 2 /. 5 j.
The Meetings being fometimes filent, the Officers were at a ftand how to
proceed on the late A& at thofe Meetings, and therefore took another Method,
which was to fine the Perfons for Abfence fron\ their Farifh Church. 'X'hus
they did to Richard Htilchins, John Child, and others.
Anno 1671.
Oliver Lockey, and John Clark, were imprifoned in the County Goal at
Reading for refufing to pay Tithes.
John Cotterell was profecuted on the Statute for treble Damages, by Solomou
Nafh, Prieft of Binfeld, and h;\d a Vcrdicl given againfl him for 4/. 13 .f. Tithes,
tor the treble of which. Execution was awarded, and his Goods and Chattels
taken away to the Value of 27/. 10 s. The fame Priefl's Servants entered the
faid Cotterell's Ground, and carried away his Corn before it was raked, in wkit
Quantities they pleafed, driving their Cattle over his Corn, and throwing down
his Gates at Pleafure.
On the 2d of the Month called July, W. Annorer, with the Mayor, and
fome of his own Servants, came to the Meeting at Reading, and ordered all
prefent to be pulled out and fent to the Counter, whence tl\ey were aftcrv/ard
brought to his Houfe, and then, having a 1,111 of thofe who were lately Pri-
foncrs, he feparated them from the reft, and fent them to Goal on their former
Commitment : To all the others, being Women and Maids, he tendred the
Oath of Allegiance, and fent them alfo to Prifon, according to his Saying
when he firfl entred the Meeting, Here is a goodly Company, you fhall aU go to
Goal. That Day twenty nine Women and Maids were committed, wiiich in-
creafed the Number of Prifoners to feventy three, who were much thronged,
the Place being very hot, and their Rooms but little and next the Tiling -, nor
had they any other Place to drefs their Victuals in : Which hard Condition they
patiently fubmitted to for the Teflimony of a good Con'tcicnce, and their Heady
Px^rfevei-ance
Chap. 3. of the People called Q1JAKER3. 31
8E R]
HIR
1671.
Perfe\'erance in nieeting together to worfliiip God according to his Requirings, BERK"
and their Duty. SHIRE.
Anno 1672.
>..•
In this Year feventy feven Perfons were difcharged out of Prifon in this
County by the King's Letters patent, whereby a general Amneily was granted " -^#^'p^«'
to fuch of the People called ^takeri as were confined at the King's Suit, ^•^.•^;, "'" "^ "'''"'
Twenty three IVlen, under Sentcnfz& of Premunire, nioft of whom had .been
Prilbners above feven Years.
Thirty four Women, viz. nine Widows, Fourteen Wives, and eleven Maid?^,
who being taken at fllent Meetings, h^d tlie Oath of Allegiance tendred them
by William Armorer, though fome ot them were under eighteen Years of Age.
Five for refufing to Swear, one of whom was Ifaac Pennington, who coming
to vifit his Friends in Prifon, pyUliam Armorer being informeci of it by the
Goiiler, fent for him, and tendred him the Oath of Allegiance.
Five under Sentence of Banifhment.
Four on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo^
Two for not paying Tithes.
Four for Abfence from the publick Worfhip : Three of whom, viz. John
Langlcy, Mary Slade, and Richard Slack, had been fined 80/. each, 7iX\d IVilliam
fi^ejlon 220 1.
Befides whom, fix had died in the Prifon, viz. William Mather, Jofeph Coalc, six died in
Anne Hatt Widow, William Tonifon, Walter Emerton, and Dorothy Clark. Trifou.
Daniel Bunce, while at Prifon in Reading, had his Corn alfo taken away in Ddlrefi of
great Quantities. Alfo Leonard Keys, being in Goal, liac| his Goods taken away Goois.
tor his Wife's being at the Meeting.
Anno 1673. i^73-
Jane Vickris, an antient Woman, of Shreenham, having only half an Acre jane Vickris.
of Ground fow'd with Hemp, had the fourth Part of her litde Crop taken
from her for Tithe by one Kingjlon the Parifli Prieil. ;,
Anno 1674. '^74-
Robert Paine, -imX John Paine, of Sunning, were committed to i?i?«&_^ Goal Inpr ifonmemt
for Tithes, at the Suit of Samr^el Chriftopher Prieft, and lay there feveral Years. ^■''■' -^'^'#*
Bartholomew Maylin of Lambo^n Woodlajtds, had a Calf taken and carried ''"" ^"^"'
away, without any Warrant, by Robert Anderfon Priefl, and fFilliam Sepnour
Bayliff.
Elizabeth Finch of Winkfield, Widow, was profccuted in the Exchequer,
imprifoned feveral Months, and afterward removed to the Fleet in London, at
the Suit of Richard Wheatley Tithe-farmer.
In this Year was taken for Tithes, Worth
/. s. d. I. s. d.
From William Sandy of Sunning, for 2 6 o A Mare 450
Eleanor Paine, for 200 Plate ;^ o o
Richard Thatcher, for i 1 6 o Two Cows 800
For 620 Taken i§ 5 o
For a Meeting at New-Windjor, Samuel Burgis was fined 20/. for which they f;„n for
threfli'd out his Corn, and carried away what they pleafcd. Several otliers had a Matting.
their Goods taken by Diftrels for being at Meetings jhere, liz. John Wyron, Tho-
mas Davie, John Laurence, Thomas Pretty, Richard Najh, George Ball, Roger
Roberts, Godfrey Redford, and Ellen Cooke, to the Value of 3 /. 2 s. §d.
Simon
32
BERK-
SHIRE.
1674.
167^
Death of W.
Dobfon VI
Prifoju
CruelProceed'
ings at Rea J-
iiTS.
Commitments
«j 7 to Frifon.
A Lftter from
ike Prijoners
to the iixyor.
A Colkftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Simon Batten^ Thomas Strange^ Jofeph Nobes, George Jdams, and Johi Geer-
ijig. Inhabitants of this County, having been at a Meeting at Alrefcott in Ox-
fordlhire, a Certificate thereof was tranlmitted from the Juftices there, by means
of whicli were taken from them Goods worth i /. 165. 8d.
Anno 1675.
William Dobfon was profecuted in the Exchequer, and fent to Prifon on the
6th of September this Year ; where, after twenty iVIonths Confinement, he died
in the Month called May 16^^. He had alfo taken from him at the Suit of
Ralph Whijller; his Profecutor, Goods worth 156/. for five or fix Years Tithe
of a Farm, the Yearly Value of which Tithe had been formerly eftimated at
no more than 4/.
At Reading, for a Meeting there, were taken by Diflrefs from Thomas Tud-
ivay, for 105. Fine, Goods worth i /. §s. and firom Thomas Curtts, for 3/. i§s.
Fine, a * Mare worth 7 /.
On the 17th of Oolober, W. j^rmorer, aiid George Gofwel Mayor, came to
the Meeting at Reading, and Armorer, with a fharp Bodkin or packing Needle,
pricked feveral of the Women moft inhumanly : And at the lame Time ten-
dred the Oath of Allegiance to George Lamboll, John Kent, Robert Paine jun.
Jojeph Phelps, Leonard Cole, William Lamboll, and William Paine.
On the 7th of November they came again, but the Meeting being jufl ended,
they ffopt thirteen Perfons in the Street, going Home, viz. Tbotnas Tudway^
John Harrington, William leate, John Thome, John Buy, John Goome, John
Hill, John Price, Richard Breach, Nathaniel Branflon, John Aflett, Daniel
Hickiis, and Nicholas Waite ; to all thele they tendred the Oath of Allegiance,
and for refufing it, fent them to Prifon, where they were confined in two fmall
Rooms over the Dungeon, in which a Felon then lay fick of the Small Pox.
They were kept clofe locked up feventeen Hours of twenty four, and not fuf-
fered to go out to eafe themfelves : Their working Tools were taken from them,
and their Wives and Servants not fuffered to bring them Neceflaries, nor were
they allowed the Benefit of Air which the Felons had.
On the 2 1 ft of the fame Month, fevcn others, viz. Lemard Keys^ Reynold
Avery, Anthony James, John Tray, Thomas Bartlett, William Legatl, and Ben-
jamin Cole, were taken from the Meeting, and the Oath of Allegiance being
firft tendred them, were committed to Prifon.
On the 13th of the Month called January 1675, Thomas Davie, George Ball,
Richard Najh, Thomas Pretty, Thomas Draper, William Ward, and John Wyon,
all oi New Wind/or, were arrefted by Walter Coudry Under Goaler, on a Writ
de Excofnmunicato capiendo, for not going to Church, and for not repairing it, and
not receiving the Sacrament. They were all carried to Reading Goal, where they
remained clofe Prifoners for five Years, though the Sums demanded of them,
were from one of them but 3 d. from another 4 d. and from all of them
but 12s. id.
The Calmnefs of Temper, and Serenity of Mind, wherewith thefe Prifoners
fuftained the Miferies of a clofe Confinement, and the plain, meek, and Chrif-
tian manner of Addrels, wherein they reprefented their Sufferings to the Confi-
deration of thoie who inflifted them, are well expreflTed in the following Letter
fent to the Mayor of Reading, from the Prifoners called fakers there, dated
in the Month of November 1675, viz.
Friend !
THOU art now in Power and Authority, and the chief Magiflrate
of this Town, that thou mighteft be a Terror to the evil Doers, and
a Praife to them that do well, and iear God, and depart from Iniquity : And
" it is the Day of thy Vifitation, and a Day of Trial what thou wilt do now
•' thou
* This Mare, when expoled to Sale, being known to be Thotrns Curiis's, none of the
Neighbours would buy her, wherefore the Juftice, or his Brother, took her at 4/.
Chap. 3. of the People called QL^AKERS. 'x>6
" thou haft Power in tliy Hands, for the Lord, as he hath appointed a Day in B E R K-
" which all Men fliall come to Judgment, and every Man without hxception, and SHIRE.
" without Refped;!: ot Peribns, mult receive a Reward according to the Deeds done ^^IS-
" in the Body, whether they be good, or whether they be evil in his Sight, who <-^'~V^^^
" is a God ot a pure Eye, and learcheth the Heart of Man, whofc Ways are far
*' above Man's Ways, and his Thoughts arc not Man's Thoughts •, who made
" Man upright, though he has fought out many Inventions, and is become a de-
" generate Plant, and hath forgotten the Lord his Maker, and in that State may
" and doth call Evil good, and Good evil : Yet the Lord hath appointed a
" Day and a Time in which he vifits Man, either by his invifible Light and
" Spirit inwardly, or by his Mellengers or true Witnefles outwardly, or both,
" who defires not the Death of a Sinner, but that all Men might turn from
'' their Wickednefs and live, who waits long to be gracious, yet his Spirit
" fhall not always ftrive with Man, for tliat he is vain. Therefore this is
" written in true Love to thy Soul, tlut thou mighteft confider, and mighteft
" not harden thy Heart, whilft it is called To-day, whilft thou haft Time
*' and Space, for Time is precious, and in the Hand of the Lord, who giveth
" Life and Breath unto all Men, and thy Breath i3 in thy Noftrils, and the
" Lord will take it at his Pleailire. Therefore confider whilft thou haft a
" Day and a Time, what thou art doing, whilft thou art haling and pulling
*' thy peaceable Neighbours to Prifon, who truly and eameftly defire and feek
*' thine and all Men's Good, and not Hurt to any. Why flaouldft thou ftrive
" againft what the Lord is bringing to pafs, and not rather turn into thine
" own Heart, and do to others as thou wouldft be done by, which is, faith Chrift,
" the Law and the Prophets. And confider what the wife Counfellor fliid. Take
*' heed and let them alone, for if this Work be not of God it will fall, but if it
" be, thou and ye cannot overthrow it, left you he found Fighters againft God,
*' whilft ye cannot tell, nor prove by the Teftimonies of the Scriptures, and
" holy Sayings of holy Men in all Ages and Generations paft, that this Work
*' is not of God, it would be moft Hvtc to let them alone, and be contented,
*' whilft thou, with many others of our Neighbours, have had long Ex'pe-
* ' rience, that we have lived quietly and peaceably among you, and have paid
" our juft Dues and Taxes readily. Therefore confider, and commune with
" thy own Heart, and fee whether tliou doft by us thy peaceable Neighbours
*' as thou wouldft be done by, and the Lord will judge between us, who will
♦' judge in Righteoufnefs, and his Witnefs in thy own Confcience (in that Day
*' when he judgeth and rewardeth every Man according to his Deeds) will
*' teftify for us, for we are opprefTed on every Side, fometimes under Pretence
*' of Law, and fometimes where no Law can be pretended, and the Goaler
" hath taken away fome of our Goods, and our working Tools : We defire,
" if thou pleafe, to let us know whether he did it by thy Order or not, and
" to require him to deliver them to us again."
This cool and Chriftian manner of reprefenting their Grievances, had fome-
times the defired Effect in foftning the Hearts of their Perfecutors, and exciting
them to a Confideration of the Injuftice of their Proceedings.
Anno 1677. 1677.
On the 15th of the Month called June, John Knowles o^ Eaft-Chalcw, was imprifo,mcvt
committed to Reading Goal at the Suit of Stephen Penjlon, an Impropriator, o/J.Knowles,
for Tithes of but 3J. Value.
Anno 1678. 1678.
On the 27th of the Month called March this Year, William Waterman of imprjfovment
HartzveH, a poor Shepherd, having a Wife and eight Children, was arrefted for of W.Watcr-
Tithe at the Suit of John Sawyer his Pariih Prieft. In the Montli called '"••"•
Vol. 1. I May,
3+
BE RK-
SHIRE.
1678.
John Lam-
boll.
M. Reynolds.
andS.iimgh.
Excommuni-
cations.
Difirefs for
not Srvearing.
1683.
■Piflre^ei for
Meeting,
Sudden Death
of a P erf ecu-
tor.
Piflreffes for
tweeting.
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Maj, tiie Widow Thkkas, an aged Woman, was imprifoned for Tithe at the
Suit of John Mills of Mortimer, Impropriator. In the lame Year John Lam-
holl ot Sandford, for one Year's Tithe of a Farm of 14/. per Annum Rent, had
Corn and i-Iay taken from him worth 5/. Alfo Michael Reynolds of Faring-
dou, on an Execution for Titlies, at the Suit o'i Robert Pye Impropriator, had
his Corn and Cattle taken away to the Value of 97/. bs. gd. for only one
Year's Tithe of Land of 55/. Yearly Rent. And Samuel Bv.rgis xii BruMton^
for 4/. I Si. 4^. demanded for Tithes by Thomas Worral Priefl, had a Mare
taken from him worth 10/.
About this Time many Perfons in this County were excommunicated for ab-
fenting themfelves from the publick Worfliip, viz. Robert Aldworth, Simon
Bat tin and his Wife, Amor Andrews, 'Thomas Bartlett, Richard Cox, Humibry
Carter, Robert Cox, Sarah Child Widow, Elizabeth Finch Widow, Anne God-
dard, J. Gayer, Thomas Holmes, Henry Hodges, Simon Haynes fen. Richard
Hutchins and his Wife, Thomas Kitcttn, John Kent, Faith Lewington, Mary
Lewington, John Lamboll, Bartholomew Maylin, Thomas Minjhall and his Wite.,
Udward Mills, Stephen Morrall, T. Merryman, Paul Newman, his Wife and
Daughter, Edward Swain, Francis Steames, John Strong, Richard Towfifend and
his Wife, Ferdinando lull and his Wife, George IVhite and his Wife, Widow
tVhitewich, John Whitewich and his Wife, ff^illiam Watennan, Robert Wilfon
and his Wife, Prifcilla Wiljbn, and H. Wright. Alfo Thomas Mar (Ij di Newbury,
who was committed to ReadingQo'A by a Writ de .Excommunicato capiendo.
On the 17th Qi Ovlober xS\\% Year, Robert Ewer being chofen Tithing-man at
a Court Leet,
of 40 .f.
and refufing to Swear, fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value
Anno 1683.
In this Year many, for their Conftancy in attending religious Meetings, fuf-
fered Diftrefs of their Goods and Chattels, viz.
At Faringdoiit
I.
s.
d.
Oliver Sanfom
Thomas Withers
'30
3
George Adavis
Williavt Green
2
2
15
10
Edward Lockey
I
II
2^ 16 o .
The faid Thomas Withers was grievoufly beaten and abufed by one Thomas
Reynolds, who took away his Goods without any Warrant ; but it was oblerved
that Reynolds was foon after fuddenly ilruck with Sicknefs, of which he died
within two Days.
At Wmdjor,
At Newbury,
At Oare,
Roger Roberts, for Preaching
John Cottrell of Wtnkfield
John Jegger of Eaton
Richard Najh
Richard Brown
William Aujlell
John Wifdom
Simon Battin
William Spicer
Paul Newman
Matthew Andrews
I.
40
1 1
10
o
7
o
o
21
O
I
o
s.
8
o
14
5
2
18
18
4
18
4
7
cl
o
o
o
6
o
o
6
o
o
o
o
94 19
John Buy, for Preaching, was fined 40/. and had talcen from him in Corn,
Meal, and other Things, to the Value of 53 /, At
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS.
At Reading, John Thome Mayor, with his Officers, thruft the Friends out
of their Meeting-place, and when they continued their Meeting in the Street,
he fined them, and committed feven ot them to Prifon, namely., Abraham
Bonifield, Simon Hawkins-, Richard Roufi, Thomas Speakman, Giles Charlton,
John Thickas, and Jofeph South, which laft died a Prifoner.
Others, for Abfcncc from the National Worlliip, had their Goods taken by
Diftrefs, viz.
1.
Paul Newman
Richard Allen
WiUia?n Orpwood
John Hojkins of Midgham
Samuel Burgis of Bfimpton
Andrew Pearfon
Ferdinando Tull
John Giddin
o
o
o
I
o
o
2
2
S.
5
10
16
8
6
5
3
12
O
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
35
BERK-
SHIRE.
1683.
Commitment
of-/ toPrifojj,
Dijtrejfes.
8
And for the ftme Caufe Paul Newman, and Edtnund Orpwood his Servant, wer6
fent to Goal.
Taken alfo this Year for Tithe of Corn,
From John Knowles of Chalo^j/, to the Value of
Richard Fokins of fVeJi Chalow
Daniel Bunce of Cherney
George While of Bucklebury
Jojepb Stevens of Baulkin
I.
3
16
5
6
s.
16
17
5
4
12
35 15
Anno 1684.
Taken in G)rn for Tithes,
From
d.
6
4
4
o
o
L
s.
d.
John Knowles
I
4
Daniel Bunce
S
5
Paul Newman of Eaton
5-
5
Samuel Burgis of Brimpton
12
Richard Fokins
13
18
29 4 o
Taken by Juflices Warrants for Abfence from the National Worfhip,
/. s. d.
From Wdliam Bryan oi^ Bucklei>urj, Goods vforth o 19 6
John Sanfom 090
John fViJdem 012 o
IVilUam Aufiell 1 2 o o
Tithes.
1684,
Titki.
.'Kl
Fines.
14 O 6
And for the fime Caufe, John Norman, William Auflell, Martha Wejlon, and Imprifon'
Richard Ball, Auftellh Servant, were committed to Prifon, mcnti.
At Newbury Scffions in the Month called April this Year, an Appeal of Tryd of m
Thomas Withers, and Edward Lockey, on a filfe Information of being at a Meet- yippsd.
But though their Cafe appeared to many very clear, yet the
Court
mgj was tried
36
BERK-
SHIRE.
1684.
Fines hviei.
^ Colleclioii of the Sufferings
Vol. I.
and foon
Court fo influenced the Jury, that they determined it againfl them •,
after Edward hockey fuftered Diftrefs to the Value of 2 1 /.
Roger Roberts, fined for Meeting, was committed to Prifon, for lack of
Goods to make Diftrefs.
Taken more for Fines for Meeting,
1. s. d.
From Abraham BonifieU of Reading, Goods worth 100
John Wiron of Faringdon 012 o
John Wells 090
iS fmprifonei
for refufwg to
Swear,
Caufe of
Oliver San-
fom'i Commit-
ment.
1685.
lines far re-
fiijing to bear
^rms. Or to
pay Trophy
Money.
Many Diflref-
fcs made.
On the 6th of the ninth Month this Year, Edward Mills, Robert Wilfon, John
Strong, Jofepb Gray, John Plant, John Jones, IVilliams Mills, Benjatnin Gray^
Jofefh Stills, Richard Brown, Thomas Marjh, John Waterman, Robert Cox, Wil-
liam lovey, Robert Jones, John Gray, nomas Jones and 'thomas Hinde, were
imprifoned at Newbury for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance : Some of
them were taken at a Meeting, and odiers fummoned to an Adjournment of
the Seffions there. There were alfo at that Time Prifoners for the fame
Caufe in this County, Samuel Burgefs, George White, Edward Swain, John
Sanfom, Simon Battin, Richard Allen, William Orpwood, Francis Humes, and
Oliver Sanfom : The Occafion of Oliver Sanfomh Commitment was thus :
He, feeing two Informers ftanding in the Town-hall, advifed them to defift from
their Pradlice, telling them, their Ends would not be anfwered, but they would be
reduced to Beggary and Scorn. This fb enraged them that they complained to
the Juftices, who fent for Oliver and tendrcd him the Oath, which they knew
he would not take.
Anno 1685.
Abraham Bomjield of Reading, for reftifmg to find a Man to ferve in the
trained Bands, was fined, and had his Goods taken away to the Value
of 2 /. 35. 5 d.
Daniel Bunce, for refufing to pay Trophy Money, had a Lamb taken from
him worth 4 J. a.nd Willia?n Aujiell oi Oare, for 'the fame Caufe, Goods worth
2s. 6d.
In this Year many DiftrelTes were made, on fome for being at Meetings, and
on others for Abfence from the National Worfhip, viz.
I. s. d.
At Faringdon, from George Adams 2 7 lo
Michael Reynolds 5 3^
Edward Lockey 3 811
James Matthew i i o
William Aufiell 090
John Haines 012 6
* Jane Sanfom 126
Richard Vokins 140
Mary Butcher 056
William Cooper 20 19 3
Thofnas Pretty 096
John Laurence on 6
John Moore o 14 " o
38 9 2 Carried over
At Bifhopton, from
At Windfor, from
* She was the Wife ©{ Oliver Stnfoa, then in Prifon .for his Teftimony agalnft
Swearing.
Chap. 3.
of the People called QUAKERS.
Brought
At Oldfield, from
At Uffington, from
over
At Charlow, from Francis Knowles
John Knowles
Bartholomew Laurence
'Thomas Reynolds
Elizabeth Hatton
Richard Thatcher
Richard Ballard
fVilliam Ballard
Richard Saunders
Alice Dean
Robert Holmes
Jofcph Woodroof
Mary Deane
John Clark
John Stevens
At Watchfield, from John Haines
At Cherney, from Tloomas Strange
Daniel Bunce
John Pinell
At Coltfwell, from Richard Hazel
Joane Hazel
Jane Knight
John Langley
At Longcutt, from
At Id/on, from
George JVhite at feveral Times had taken from
him Horfes, Cattle, Corn, &c. worth
}
/.
J.
d.
38
9
2
lO
10
10
7
17
8
2
8
7
r
I
II
6
15
10
1
16
18
6
5
7
5
5
I
2
18
i
6
3
7
I
5
6
6
2
5
3»
2
6
112
37
BERK-
SHIRE.
1685.
On the 2 ift of the Month called 7«/y, ^t Jbingtm Seffions, Samuel Burgefs, Ptniality of
George IVhite, Edward Swaine, Oliver Sanfotn, and John Sanfom, were indi<5ted '^' 3^Hfti<:es.
for refiifing to Swear, but upon arguing the Errors in their Indiftment, were
acquitted. Yet, fo partial were the Juftices, that inftead of difcharging them,
they tendred them the Oath of Allegiance again, and remanded them to Prifon.
Taken this Year in Com for Tithes,
/.
From Sa?nuel Burgis o
John Knowles 2
Michael Reynolds 12
Thomas Strange c
Richard Vokins ir
Paul Newman o
Daniel Bunce 6
s.
16
13
6
16
18
12
10
d.
O
o
6
o
o
o
o
Tithes vf
Com.
Anno 1686.
Taken in Corn for Tithes,
From
54 II
Vol. I.
1686.
•.^\ AS'
d.
John Knowles
,0 19
Tithes of
Samuel Burgis
10
Corn.
Daniel Bunce
4 5
Richard Vokins
20
6
George JVhite
K
5 10
31 4
. lU: Vri
On
38
BERK-
SHIRE.
1 686.
i^. James'/
Pirion.
Sfeciil Wdr-
runt for ex-
tending the
Xjngi Far-
dOTh
A CoUeaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
On the 14th of the Month called April this Year, Friends imprilbned in this
County were fet at Liberty by King James's general Pardon, the Benefit of
which was extended to them by a Ipecial Warrant, in the following Form, viz.
cc
James R.
n
<(
((
cc
«c
<t
(C
(C
<(
((
cc
(C
C(
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
WHEREAS we are given to underftand, that feveral of our Subjefts
commonly called Sluakers, in the Schedule liereiinto annexed, are
eidier convicted or in Procefs in order to their Conviftion of Preiminire for
7tot Swearingy or indifted or prefented for not coming to Church, or con-
vidled for the fame, and feveral of them have been returned into our Ex-
chequer, and in Charge for 2 /. /Jf/- Mif«72'7«, according to the Statutes in
that Cafe provided, and fome of them lie in Prifon upon Writs de Excom-
municato capendty^ and other ProcefTes for the Cajjfes aforefaid, and we,
being willing that our Subjcdls commonly calkd §}nakers, who are or have
been profecuted, indifled, convlfted or imprifoned for any the Caufcs afore-
faid, fhould receive the full Benefit of our general Pardon, which we have
been pleafed to grant to our loving Subjefts by our royal Proclamation, with
all pofTible Eafe to diem, our Will and Plealure is, and we do hereby au-
thorize, will and require you, to caufe fuch of our Subjefts commonly called
^lakers, who are in Prifon for any the Caules aforefaid, to be forthwith
difcharged out of Prifon, and forthwith to flop and difcharge, or caufe to be
difcharged, by giving your Confent on our Behalf, all Fines, Forfeitures, or
Sums of Money, charged upon any of our Subjefts commonly called fa-
kers, for not coming to Church, or fet upon them upon any Procels for the
fame, as alfb all ProcefTes, Indiflments, Prefentments and Corwiftions, for
any of the faid Caufes, by entring Noli p-ofequi, or otherwife, as you fhall
judge necef%ry fbr rendring that our Pardon moft effectual and beneficial for
our faid Subjedls, and for your fb doing this fhall be your Warrant.
" Given- at our Court zX Whitehall ths 15th Hojo^ March, 1685-^, in
" the Second Year of our Reign.
•lo:
" To our Trufty and Well-beloved
" our Attorney General.
By His Majefty's Command,
Sunderland P/'
(C
Jhrests.
1687.
Titb:s of
Ctrn.
Thus were they let at Liberty, though againfl the Will of fome of the
Juftices, who were heard to fay upon the Bench, that H- "iuould not be long before
they /hould have them in Prifon again.
Anno 1687.
Taken in Com for Tithes,
/:
^.
d.
1 Richard Vokins
20
14
Paid Newman
6
Samuel Burgis
10
John Knowles
13
6
Daniel Bunce
"3
Ralph Mackarell of
Hungerford
4
10
- Reb^ca'Milhoixht
'. fame
le
'•' ~. -^
--. '
38
3
6
/mprifinmems The faid Ralph^ Mackarell, and Rebecca Mills, were alfo committed to Prifon
for Tithes. by ^ Attachment out of the Exchequer, at the Suit of John fVelh Priefl, for
Tithes.
■ U
- An^n'O
Chap. 3. of the People called QUAKERS.
Anno 1688.
Taken in Corn for Tithes,
From Thomas Watts
Samuel Burgis
Adam Laurence
John Knowles
John Hankin
Paul New7nan
Richard Vokins
39
I.
5.
(t.
I
17
18
6
2
10
3
6
4
5
18
18
BERK-
SHIRE.
i688.
Tithes of
Com,
28 17 6
CHAP. IV.
BRISTOL.
BRISTOL.
1654.
Anno 1654.
IN September this Year, John Camm, John Audland, Edward Burroughs and
Francis Hozvgill, were at this City. Their Preaching was like that of the
Apoftles, in the Deynonflration of the Spirit, and with Power : Multitudes
flocked to hear them, and many embraced their Doftrine : The publiek
Aliemblies, for lack of Room in their ufual Meeting-houfes, were held in the
Fields, even in "Winter, increafing to the Number of /-K'o, three, and fometimcs
n^xr four Thoufand of all Degrees, Profeffions, Ages and Sexes. This alarmed
the Priefts, and they the Magiftrates, who on the 30th of OHoher held a Coun-
cil, the Mayor prefiding, and lent for Burrough and Hoivgill : The IlTue of
their Examination, at which none of their Friends were fuffered to be prelfcnt,
though their Oppofers were readily admitted, was an Order for their departing
the City fortJjwitb at their Peril : To this they anfwered, IVe came not in the
JVill of Man, nor ftand in the IVdl of Man, hut when He inoves us to depart,
who moved us hither, we Jhall obey ; but your Wills we cannot obey, for your
Will is no Law ; if we are guilty of the Tranfgrejfwn of any Law, let us fuffer by
it, but rather than we -will tranfgrefs the righteous Lavj of God written in our
Hearts, by fubjeSling to your Wills and Lufls, we Jhall chufe to walk in the Lazd
cf God, and to fuffer under your Wills, what you can lay upon us : We are
ti-ce-born Englifhmen, and ha-ve ferved the Common-wealth in Faithfulnefs, being
Jree in the Prejence of God from the TranlgreJJion of any Law : To your Conmiands
we cannot be obedient, hut i/" by Violence you put us out of the City, and ha-ve
Power to do it, we cannot refifl. Having fiid this, they went out of the Cottrt,
but tarried in the City preaching as before ; for, though the Magiftrates bare
them no Goodwill, yet they could not either by Law or Juftice execure the
Order they had made. The Oppofers of the Truth, enraged at this Difap-
pointment, excited the Mob to do what the Magiftrates could not : On the
19 th ot December, John Camm and John Audland, pafting, over the Bridge to-
ward Brifington, where they had appointed a Meeting, were afllvulted by feme
Hundreds ot' the Rabble, whole ignorant Zeal had been blown up by one
Farmer, a perlecuting Frieft, and others, to the higheft Pitch of Fury. They
violently drove back the innocent Strangers, Ibme crying out, hang them pre-
» fently
Lxfge Meet-
ings in this
City.
Priefls excite
the!Aae.iftrMcs
to Ferficution,
An Oriterfo^-'^
their dt-p/iri'-''
ing the City.
Cowagious
Avfwer of
BnvTOUgh afi.i
Howaill.
Tht: Mob
raifeJ. a^iinfl
ihitn.
40
JJRKTOL.
1654.
Patience of
the Sufferers.
Rioters tf-
/emble again.
The Innocent
preferved.
Magi^rite
countenance
the Mabt
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
fentl)\ others, knock them dcwn, and would have dragged them through the
fi^hte Street out of the City, in order to execute their wicked Purpole upon
them, but were diflliaded by others, who advifed firit to carry them before the
Mayor. Then they dragged them to the Tolzey, _ a Place in the City where
Merchants and Traders meet, and Courts of Jufticfe are held. There again the
enraged Mob would probably have torn them in pieces, had not a Frienxl with
much Danger and Difficulty got them into his Houfe, and fhut the Doors.
The Rabble, with hideous Noife, threatned to pull down the Houfe, while the
innocent Men remained as Lambs dumb before their Shearers, in Quietnefs and
Patience, yet undaunted, putting their Truft in God. After fome Time, the
Officers of the Garriibn approaching, the Mob, fearing Military Execution,
difperfed. Next Morning the two Strangers paffcd over the Bridge to their
Meeting at Brijlington : 1 hree of the Rioters were apprehended, oii the Report
of which they gathered again to the Number of about ffteeii Hundred, and
forced the Difcharge of their Companions. Toward Evening it was rumoured
that the fakers were returning, whereupon Multitudes drew together on the
Bridge, and on the other Side ot the River ^von, uttering terrible Language
and Tlueats, fo that the Magiftrates, fearing Bloodflied, fent their Sword-bearer
to prevent the Men from returning that Way, for that they could not undertake to
fecure them. Thus Providence preferved the Innocent from the enraged Rabble,
whofe Fury fpread a Terror over the whole City. Thefe Diforders were too
much countenanced by Men in Office : It was credibly reported, that George
Hellier, an Alderman, faid at the Tolzey to fome of the Rioters, that be would
fpend his Blood, and lofe his Life, rather than any of his fellow Apprentices fhould
go to Prijon : Such Familiarity increafed their Inlblence. Neverthelefs, the
Magiftrates foon after, in reprelenting thefe Tumults to the Proteftor, charged
the innocent Men, againft whom they were raifed, as the Authors of them.
In the next Month the Magiftrates iflued out the following Warrant to tlie
Conftables of the feveral Wards of that City, viz.
(C
IVsrrtnt for
apprehending
them as Fran-
sifcan Frjars.
(C
cc
((
LI
<C
((
((
C(
<c
cc
((
<c
<(
cc
Citj of Briftol.
" To the Co}iJlables of the Peace of the Ward of
" and to every of them.
FORASMUCH as Information hath been given unto us upon Oath, that
certain Perfons of the Francifcan Order in Ro7ne, have of late come
over into England, and under the Notion of ^takers, drawn together feveral
Multitudes of People in London : And whereas certain Strangers going under
the Names of J'''^^ Camm, John Audland, George Fox, James Naylor, and
Edward Burrough, and others unknown, have lately reforted to this City,
and in like Manner, under the fame Notion of ^takers, drawn Multitudes
of People after them, and occafioned very great Diflurbances amongft us,
and forafmuch as by the fiime Information it appeareth to us to be very pro-
bable, and much to be fufpefted, that the faid Perfons fo lately come hither,
are fome of thofe that came from Rome as atorefaid : Thefe are therefore in
the Name of his Highnefs the Lord Prote^or, to will and require you to
make diligent Search throughout your Ward for the atorefaid Strangers, or
any of them, and all other fufpedted Perfons, and to apprehend or bring
them tjefore us, or fome of us, to be dealt with according to Law. Hereof
fail not. Given the 25th of January 1654.
Signed John Gunning, Mayor
Gabriel Sbertnan
Henry Gibbs
George Hellier
Gabriel Sherman.
fVilliam Gunn
Jofeph Jackjon
John Lock
Richard Vickris
To
Chap. 4-
of the People called QJJAKERS.
41
To this Warrant Gabriel Hberman^ one of the Aldermen, fcr his Name
twice, a Token of his Non-attention to, or Difregard of what he did. And
indeed the Infonnation they pretended, had it been real, could have given no
ground for fufpcfting thefe Perfons of coming from Rome, whofe Birth and
conftant Refidence was well known to have have been in this Kingdom. But
on the fame Pretence llamas Murford, a Man born and brought up in Brijlol,
and who had an Eftatc there, was taken out of a Meeting and carried before
the Mayor. They charged him with being a Fraud/can Friar, becaufe he was
cloathed in a Coat of Hair. When the Mayor and Aldermen afked him, why
he came into the City in that Habit., his Aniwer was, / was ccmmaaded of the
Lord to come ami ?nourn in Sackcloth for -jou, and to warn you to let the Lord's
People alone, as you will anfwer it at the Day of 'Judgment, and not to perfecute
ami imprifon his Saints. Upon this the Mayor ordered him to be turned out of
Town, and on his coming in again, committed him to Nezvgate. When his
Wife complained to the Mayor of the Injttftice of her Hufband's Confinement,
fhe was fent to Bridewell.
Thomas Jaques, going to a Meeting in Bri/lol, was taken up by a Conftablc,
fent to Bridewell, and next Day let in the Stocks fix Hours.
Jeremiah Hignell, Daniel fVaJlfield, and William Ford, all three Inhabitants
in Brijlol, were fent from their own Houfes, and committed to Prilbn by the
Mayor, without any Caufe affigned.
Anno 1655,
BRISTOL,
1654.
T. Murford"
chi in Siich
(loth.
Commimeras
of feveral to
Frifon,
^655.
S. Gold-
fmith'j yip-
petirince in
Sickcloth ani
Jjhes.
Sarah Goldfmith, clad in a Garment of Sackcloth, reaching to the Ground,
with her Head uncovered, and Earth or Allies laid thereon, and her Hair
hanging down about her, early in the Morning on the 3d of the Month called
Ma-j, pafled through the Streets to the feveral Gates of Brijlol, two of her
Friends accompanying her : Some People followed them, but did them no
Harm. About nine the fime Morning Ihe came and flood in the fame Habit
at the High-Crols in View of the Town and Market, as a Sign againft Pride.
There fhe Hood about half an Hour, till certain rude Perfons began to abufe
her, when fome Byftanders in CompafTion forced her into a Shop, out of which
the People called to have her thrown, but the Chajnberlain and Serjeants kept
her out of their Hands and carried her to the "Tolzey -, the Mayor came thither,
and afked her, why fJje appeared in the City in that Habit ? She anfwered. In
Obedience to the Light in m-j Confcience. What if you, faid the Mayor, had been
killed by the rude Multitude in your Obedieitce ? She replied, I am in the Hand of
him that ruleth all Things, I have harmed none, yet have I been harmed : Neither
have I broken any Law by which I can be brought under juji Cenfure : If I had
appeared in gay Clothing, you would not have been troubled. In Conclufion, the
Mayor, at the Inftigation of Jojeph Jackfon, one of the Aldermen, fent her to Her Commit-
Bridewell, and with her Anne Cunnicliffe and Margaret fVood, for owning and ^"'^ '*
accompanying her.
Bridewell.
Anno 1656.
About this Time feveral Perfons were committed to Newgate in Briflol, for
bearing Teftimony to the Truth in the Place of publick Worfhiip diere, viz.
Thomas Robinjon and Jofiah Cole, having firft been grievoufly abufed by the
Populace, and dragged bareheaded under the Spouts in Time of Rain.
John Smith, after he had been forely beaten, and his Clothes torn by the Rabble.
John Waring, Henry Waring, Margaret Thoinas, and Elizabeth Marfhall,
after having been miferably mifufed by the Mob : The two former of thefe
were committed to Prifon without any Mittimus in Writing.
To thefe we muft add the deplorable Cafe of Temperance Hignell, who being
concerned to reprove a certain Priefl, after he had ended his Sermon, was
knocked down in the Place, to the taking away her Senfes, and forely beaten
Vol. I. L and
1656.
Commitment
of fiverjl to
Prifon for
their publick
Tejtimonjf.
Vfage of
Temperance
Hignall^ esuf-
irg her Diith.
42
BRISTOL.
1656.
ieith of G.
Harrifon.
Clofe Impri-
j'ovmem of
others.
1657.
Oife off.
Love and J.
Withers.
1660.
j^. Charles 2.
his Trochma.'
tion. agaitiji
lMeeti77gs in-
forced.
Courage of
D. HoUifter
and G. Bi-
filop.
Ommhmetn
of 65 Perfotis
to Frifon.
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
and bruifed, her Clothes were torn from her Back ; after which flic was caft
into Prifon, wliere being dangeroiifly ill, fhe was carried out in a Balket, and
within two or three Days died.
George Harrifon was alfo imprifoned there till Death.
For Caufes of the like Nature, Chrifiopher Birkhead, Benjamin Maynar^,
John IVare^ and John Bezer, of whom the firft had been ftruck on the Head
with a Stick by the Prieft himfelf, and the two laft put into the Stocks, and
whipt, were kept clofe Prifoners four Months, and none of their Friends ad-
mitted to vifit them.
Anno 1657.
John Love and John PFilhers, though they had legally ferved an Apprentice-
fhip in the City, yet becaufe they could not Swear, were refufed their Freedom,
had their Shops feveral Times Ihut up, and their Goods taken from them : At
length being fummoned to the iMayor's Court, and appearing there with their
Hats on, they were committed to Prifon.
Anno 1660,
In the Month called January this Year, on Occafion of the Infurrefbion of
Venner and his Accomplices, called the Fifth Monarchy Men, a Proclamation
of King Charles the Second was ifllied againft the Meetings of the ^takers, &c.
This, as foon as known at Briftol, was put in Execution. On the 15th of the
Month, a Captain and Lieutenant of the Militia, with Soldiers, came to the
Meeting at Dennis Hollifter's, and turned out fixty five Perfons, who were con-
duced by a Guard to the Guild-hall, where a Lift of their Names was taken.
Then Den?iis HoUifter and George BifJjop, with that Lift, were carried before
the Mayor, who examined them apart, ufing Arguments to diflliade, and
Threats to terrify them from Meeting, but they anfwered with Chriftian Courage
and Freedom, that they thought it their Duty fo to meet, in Obedience to the Rc-
qiiirings of the Lord, whom they ought to obey rather than Man, that in fo doing
they had not broken any Law, no not the Froclamation itfelf, which had not yet
been publifhed in that City. The Mayor requiring Sureties for their good Beha-
viour, which they knew, in his Senfe, implied a Reftraint from their religious
Meetings, they refufed, frankly telling the Magiftrates, that they might as well
think to hinder the Sun from fhining, or the Tide from flowing, as to think to hin-
der the Lord's People from meeting to wait upon him, whilft but two of them were
left together. The Mayor riien ordered, tliat all who had been taken at the
Meeting fhould be fent to Prifon, except the faid Dennis HoUifter and George
Bifhop, whom the Magiftrates told, they might go to their own Houfes. They
replied. We Jeek not Liberty at the Hand of tbbfe who have ordered our Brethren
to Prifon, nor can it be jujl to commit poor Men and let us go free. Howbeit,
they were not then committed, but next Day were fent for again, and perfifting
to refufe the Sureties required, Dennis HoUifter was fent to Prifon, but George
Bifhop went free till the iSth of the lame Month, the fixth of the Week,
when being again at a Meeting in his own hired Houfe, a Captain with Soldiers,
having their Swords drAwn and Matches lighted, forced him with about fifty
others to the Guard, where they were kept in the Cold vi'ithout Fire or Beds,
and next Day fent to Prifon. On the Firft-day of the next Week, fixty five
Perfons more were taken at the Meeting and committed to Prifon, which, with
fome taken frdrh their own Houfes, increafed the Number of Prifoners to about
one Hundred" and ninety. Soldiers kept Guard Day and Night at the feveral
Prifons, with Orders that none ftiould come to them : Their Servants were de-
nied Accefs, and whatever they brought was ftri£lly fearched, and themfelves
rudely treated : Thus were they kept feveral Days, till the 24th of the fame
Month, when an Order was iffued about Midnight, by which they were dif-
charged next Morning. This was the Confcquence of reprefenting to the K:. g
the
Chap. 4. of the Peapk called QUAKERS.
the Grievous Sufferings fuftained by them from the Soldiers ; which was
repeatedly done by Margaret Fell, who with unweiried Application procured
a lecond Proclamation as a Superjedeas to the former, prohibiting the Officers
and Soldiers from entring Houfes without a legal Warr.int.
On the I ft of the Month called February, Samuel Taylor, Shoemaker, and
Edtvard Erberry, Soapboiler, and the next Day, Thomas Callowhill, a Shopkeeper,
\^ere taken from their Houfes by Soldiers, for refufing to contribute toward the
Charge of the City Militia ; and Richard Holding, lately come thither from
Ireland, was taken out of a Friend's Houfe by Soldiers, and had before the
Mayor, who tendred him the Oath ot Allegiance, and fent him to Prifon for
refufing it.
Anno 1661.
The Meetings were now generally quiet ; yet fome of this People were mo-
lefled on another Occafion, In Dece-mber this Year, an Order was proclaimed
by the common Cryer through the City, that no Per/on Jhould prejume to open his
Shop, or any Part thereof, on Chriftmals-day, or on any other of the Holidays,
on pain of Imprifoimient. This Order the ^takers regarded not, but opened
their Shops as ufual, lor which the Mayor fent Thomas Goldney, Henry Rowe^
Charles Harford, and John Love, to Prifon ; they afking by what Law he pro-
ceeded, he anfwered. My Will is vi'^Law, I am chief Magijlrate, and will be
obeyed. He alfo gave fpecial Order to the Goaler, to keep them in feparate
Apartments, and not luffer them to fpeak to one another.
Anno 1662,
fohn Audland, and John Wdkinfon, were taken a,t a Meeting, and by the
Mayor committed to Prifon for refufing the Oath of Allegiance. Their Ex-
amination, at which many People were prefent, was as follows, viz,
Magiflrate. IVhat are your Names ?
Anjwer. John Wilkinfon and John Audland.
Mag; Wljence came you ?
Anfw. Out of Weftmorland.
Mag. What both of you f
AnftSJ. Yes.
Mag. You came hither to feduce the People, and to get tutnultuous Meetings, and
ig draw People from their Obedience to the lung's Laws,
Anfw. Nay, we have no fuch Bufinefs, neither do we feduce the People at
all, but defire the Welfare of the King, and all his People.
Mag. What Bufinefs have -^ou here ?
Anfw. We came to bear Witnefs to the Truth.
Mag. Who called you to come here to bear Witnefs to the Truth ?
Anfw. You called us to come here, and fo we are come here to bear Vflt-
nefs to the Truth,
Mag. IVere you ai the Meeting Tejlerday ?
Anfw. Yes. '
Mag. Were there three more than you ?
Anfw. Call the Lieutenant who took us away: It is likely he took Notice
how many there were.
Mag. // is 710 matter : Tou were at the Meeting, and we look upon you as
dangerous Perfons, therefore we tender you the Oath of Allegiance ? Will you take
that or no ? Read it to them. Clerk. ^^Which Wiis done.
Anfw. We are not fatisfied that it is lawful for us to Swear, becaufe it is
againft Chrift's Doftrine, who faith. Swear not at all: But if you will fatisfy us
according to the Truth, that it is lawful for us to Swear, we will give you a
farther AnJwer. ',,"'
Mag. We will not difpute the Cafe with you, hut if you would be fatisfied, it
43
ERFSTOL.'
1660.
M. Fell's Jf
fl'uiiion to
the Kjiig.
Apprehaifion
cj fdviral by
Soldiers.
Imprifonment
o/R. Hold-
ing.
1661.
J mfrifonments
for opening
Shops on the
£>ay culled.
Chriftmafs-
day.
[662.
Commitme-nt
of J. Audland
dwJJ.Wilk-
infon.
7heir Exami'_
nation.
viufi be by fome Minijiers, or the B'l/hop of the Diocefe.
Anfw,
44 ^ CoUediion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BRISTOL. Anfw. We fliall be very willing to hear the Minifters or the Bifhops, what
1 6e»2. they will fay to us in this Matter, let them come that we may hear them.
Mag. ^hat is not like to be done now. IVtll pit take the Oath or not ?
Anf-ju. We are Chriftians, and do account ourfelves bound to abide ir»
Chrift's Dodrine, who abfolutely forbids all Swearing ; therefore we defired to
be anfwered by any of you concerning it ; for we have no Intention againft the
iCing of Harm in the leaft ; neither do we refufe to Swear becaufe of any Guilt,
for we are innocent in our Hearts and Confciences -, neither have we given any
Gccafion wherefore the Oath fhould be offered to us, for we have walked in all
good Confcience peaceably.
Mag. I'ou miift obey the King's Laws., and go to Church, and hear divine
Service ?
Anfw. We do go to Church, and hear divine Service.
Mag. JVhat Church, an Honfe or a Barn ?
Anfw, Nay, we do not call an Houfe or a Barn a Church.
Mag. What is a Church then ?
Anfw. The Houlhold of Faith, who are fanftified in Chrift Jefus, that
meet together in the Name and Fear of the Lord, and worfhip him in Spirit
and in Tfuth.
Mag. So : Well, you are required here to take the Oath, and if you will do
it, anjwer us, or deny us, "xhich if you refufe we mufi co?nmit you.
Anfw. We are not refolved that it is lawhil for us to Swear, and therefore
if you do commit us, we fhall willingly fuffer, and keep our Confciences clear
in the Will of the Lord, rather than fin againft God.
Mag. Well, hold them the Book.
A Man brought the Book, and faid. Here, will you lay your Hands on the
Book?
AnfM. When we have Occafion ; but that Book forbids all Swearing.
Then one of them taking the Book in his Hand, would have turned to a Place in it.
Mag. Take the Book from him : He will hring a Place againft Swearing.
Anfw. Do you not profefs your felves Chriftians ? Will you not own the
Doftri«e of Chrift and his Apoftles ?
Mag. We have a Law that you mujl Swear, and therefore you refuftng mufi
go to Goal. Clerk, make a M ittimus.
Anfw. Well, but hear us, will you commit us for owning the Doflrine of
Chrift ? You had no Occafion to offer us the Oath, for we are peaceable Men,
and were not feen in any tumultuous Meeting, neither have we abfolutely re-
fufed, but only defired you to anfwer the thing, becaufe we fear the Lord, and
an Oath to us is matter of Confcience. Therefore you fliould be tender in
fuch Cafes, and take heed of ading any thing againft your Knowledge, or to
the Hurt of the Innocent ; for we defire the Good of you all, that you may
do juftly, and fear the Lord, that when you come to give your Account to
him, it may not be with Grief.
One of the Magiftrates. Don't hear them, Mr. Mayor, they would have all
fuch as themfelves.
Anfw. Paul, when he was before the King and Rulers, defired they had
been altogether fuch as he was, except his Bonds.
Mag. Ay, hut Paul was no Quaker.
Anfw. But Paid was a Chrijtian, and he faid himfelf, that he was with tl:e
Corinthians, in Fear and much Trembling.
Mag. No, Paul was no Quaker : Tlx Pharifees were Quakers.
Anfw. The Pharijees were Perfecutors, and haled the Servants of God be-
fore Rulers, and refifted the Holy One and the Juft, and perfecuted them
that met in the Name of Jefus.
Mag. Don't hear them : Take them away. Coaler.
Anfw. Well, we are willing to fuffer for the Teftimony of a good Con-
fcience, and we defire nothing but well to you all -, that you may do juftly,
and aft nothing againft the Lord nor his People,
Sa the Coaler took them away, Anno
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS.
Anno 1663.
On the 29th of September this Year, John Knight entred upon his Mayoralty,
who purfiied the ^takers as earneftly, as if tlie Profecution of them had been
the chief Bufinefs of his Office. By his Authority the inferior Officers Wi-re
conftrained to aft beyond their Inclination,
On the 28th of November they came armed to the Meeting, many of the
City Militia attending them, and fent from thence to the Guard Edward. P)ctty
George Oliver, John Gibbons, James Sterridge, Ihotnas Morris, John Spocre,
Benjamin Cottle, Nehemiah Poole, Jeremy Hignell, George Bijhop, Lewis Rogers,
and Jofeph Jones, whom they kept in the Wind and Cold till Evening, and
then by the Mayor's Order fent them to Bridewell : Next Morning they were
brought by the Keeper to the Council-houfe, and a Guard of Mufqueteers
were placed to keep out the People during their Examination : The Prifoners
pleaded, that their Meetings had, by many Tears Experience, been foutjd peaceable,
and free from giving any juft Occafion of Offence to the Governtneni : Neverthe-
lels eight of them, iirft above named, vi^ere fent to Newgate for beitjg at an un-
lawful Meeting, not taking the Oath of Allegiance, and refufing to give Sureties
for their good Behaviour. The others, being Citizens, were releafed on Promife
of appearing at the Seffions : After feven Days Confinement, the aforefaid eight
were let at Liberty, upon fome of the Citizens engaging to have them forth-
coming.
On the 13th of December, the firfl of the Week, the Meeting-houfe Doors
being fhut up, and guarded by armed Men, they met in the Street, whence
George Bifjop, Edward Pyott, John Withers, Lewis Rogers, Nathaniel Day,
George Gougb, Thomas Goldney, John Summers, John Pickering, John Saunders,
John Spoore, Thomas North, and Nathanael Milner, were fent to Bridewell, and
next Day brought before the Mayor, who committed Edward Pyott and John
Spoore to Prifon for meeting, and refufing the Oath of Allegiance, and George
Bifloop and Lewis Rogers for meeting, and refufing to give Sureties for their
good Behaviour.
On the 27 th, Thomas Speed, Charles Jones, 2.rA William l!aylor, were taken
at the Meeting, to whom the Magiftrates tendred the Oath of Allegiance, and
fent them to Frifon for refufing it. '
Daring their Imprifonment, George BifJjop, and Tho?nas Speed, writ each of
them a Letter to the Mayor, warning him in Chriftian Meeknefs, of the Evil
of his Proceedings : George Bifljop's Letter was as follows, viz.
" Friend !
" XliT^ ^'"^ innocent as to God, to Men, to thee ; we live in all good
«' VV Confcience, giving no juft Occafion of Offence to any -, the King,
thy felf, the Government, are lafe in us : We defire your Welfare, God is
Witnefs : Our Meetings arc in Obedience to the Lord, and not in any Op-
pofition to you, the Law or Government, the Searcher of Hearts knows it
is Truth, who will render unto every Man according to his Deeds. Our
retufing to Swear is in Obedience to the Lord, becaufe the Law of him we
cannot tranfgrefs : Our Behaviour has been in the Fear of the Lord, and no
other Thing have you had from us : Our Converfation has been blamelefs as
among Men, and we are clear as in the Sight of the Lord : We have not been
an OpprefTion to this City, nor the Nation, nor to any Particular therein,
but what in us lies, we have had Peace with all Men, and we defire the
Deftrucfion of none, but the Salvation of all, even our Enemies, whom we
pray for, whom we blefs, whom we love: We cannot refili Evil, becaufe
of him th.it has faid, reffl not Evil. We are in Peace ; and we would be
in Peace : Times have tried us: Revolutions, great Revolutions, the grcatefl
Revolutions this Nation hath had, have proved us a People not dangerous to
the Government, nor to the Peace of this Place. You have had no Hurt
Vol. I. . M ''^ ■ ■ «' from
45
BRISTOL.
1663.
Mayornhy ef
J Knight.
/ f'erior Oji-
..rs CimpitlccL
to 2ci.
Al^tiiig dif-
turbfi bjrhe
M.licia.
(C
(C
cc
C(
<c
(C
cc
Commitment
of 8 Pirfo;i$
to Newgate.
Meeting in
thi Street..
1 5 Suit to
Bridewell.
Oith tendrei
to three of
them.
G. Birtiop'j
Letter to the
Mayor.
46 A CoUc-aion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BRISTOL. « from us : We have done you no Hurt, God is Witnefs, and that of him in
1663. " your Confciences, which fhall one Day witnefs for us in you, that it is fo,
\^/~V'\>' " whether you will or no : We are ready to be offered up, as to all we have,
" or are, in the Tcftimony of the Lord, and the Dominion of him in our Con-
" fciences, which we cannot give, or bow, to Man that mufl die, nor to the
" Son of Man that mufl perifh and come to nought, whoje Breath is in bis
•' Noftrils, and wherein is he to be accounted of ? In other Things, (as we can
" in Confcience- to God,) of which you yourfelves are WitnefTes, doing more
•' than you have expected at our Hands, in fome Things. As you know we
" are a confiderable Body of People in this City, we, our Families, our Rela-
" tions, our Eflates : We are of the City, and in the City, Inhabitants thereof,
" and interwoven are we therein, and with the People thereof, as a Mun's Flefli
" in his Body, and his Spirit in his Flefh : The Separation of us from the City
*' will prove as of a Man's Flefh from his Body, and his Spirit from his Flefh,
" when you have Liberty to do it from above (for you can do nothing at
♦' alias to us but as you have Power from above) you will fee it; the Day of
" God's Vengeance is at hand, wherein he will render to every Man according
" to his Deeds : The Lord's Controverfy is with all thofe who oppugn his
" Dominion in the Confciences of Men, and he will pluck them up Root and
"Branch, ^nA they Jhall know that he is the Lord. It is the Word of the Lord,
" and fhall be fulfilled in its Seafbn, and the Time is near. So, my Friend,
" take heed, there is no dallying in Tilings of this Nature, thou wilt find it fo
" in the End, I defire it may be before it be too late ; for this I know afTuredly,
•' that the Lord will avenge the Qiiarrel of his People, and he will plead the
«' Caufe of thofe that fufier for his Name, and ye fhall be rooted up, that
*' rife up againft them : It is the Word of the Lord, not with confufed Noife,
*' and Garments rolled in Blood, but by Burning and Fuel of Fire, by the
" Spirit of the Lord. Therefore take heed, I warn thee once more in the
»' Name of the Lord, who am
*' Thy Friend
Newgate Pri/b« ;?; Brlftol, t6e cc rj-cnPriT? "RTCtrno '*
15th of tkwnhMomh 166s. ■ ^J^-OIiGE 131 SHOP,
Thomas Speed'% Letter ran thus :
" Friend !
T. Speed'i " ry^HE God of Heaven is not well pleafed with thee, becaufe thy Ways
Utter to the " j^ are not found right in his Sight ; the Innocent, who are to him as the
'^^^' " Apple of his Eye, are by thee opprefTed and afHifted. The fame Jefus^
«' againft whom Saul zealoufly fought in the Time of Jiis Ignorance, dofl thou
" now perfecute in his fuffering Members, of which what can be the Confe-
" quence, (without Paul's Repentance) but a fearful Flxpeftation of Wrath
" and Judgment from the righteous God : The Sovereignty of the Great God,
" over the Confciences of Men, dofl thou violently attempt to invade, and to
" ufurp to thy felf, who art a Man that mufl die, and the Son of Man whofe
" Breath is in thy Noflrils, and dofl thou judge thy felf ftronger than
" the Almighty ? Confider, O Man, what thou art now doing, e're it be too
" late, and there be rio Place left for Repentance. They that live godly in Chrift
" Jcfi'-^i fi^^^ fi'ffo' Perfecution ; as fay the Scriptures, but woe unto him or
" them by whom they fuffer, better for them, unlefs they repent, that they had.
*« never been born, and that the Womb that bare them had been their Grave,.
♦' that they might never have ktn the Light : Think ferioufly with thy felf,
" how thou wilt be able to fland in Judgment with him, who is a confuming
" Fire, in the Day when he fhall come to plead with thee the Caufe of the In-
" nocent. Will it then fuffice for thine Acquittance to fay, that thou hadft a
*' Law, and by that Law they ought to fuffer ? Was not holy Daniel hurried
*' into the Lions Den, and the three faithful Children into the Furnace, by a
•^Law ? And will the Judge of all the Earth accept of that Plea from the
' " Executioners
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS. 47
it
*(
*(
«
*(
««
Executioners of that Law lb as to acquit them ? Did not the Murderers of BRISTOL.
jclus Chrift, in whole Mouth never was Guile found, fay, We haw aLaw^ 1663.
and by our Law he ought to die, but did that fave them trom the Wrath of
God his Father, fo as that he hath not fince forely vifited his innocent Blood
upon them, and their Children, in the View of all Nations ? Will not Bonner^
and his Accomplices, be found not guilty before the Tribunal of the Al-
mighty, if this Plea prove valid, who ruined the Eftates, and confumed into
Alhes'in the Flames, the Bodies of many holy Martyrs, during the Time of
the Marian Perfecution ? By him who made Heaven and Earth, muft both
the Law, and thou, and we, be judged, and then nothing but that which
is righteous in his Sight will ftand and abide his Trial, and then will that
very Law which he hath engraven in thy Heart, judge thee, which faith,
' " do
«(
*t
cc
Wbatjoever thou --d^ouldjl that Men Jhoidd do unto thee, do thou even the fame
unto them, which whether thou doll now praftife, we leave to the Lord, and
to his Witncfs in thee, and in the Confciences of all fober-minded Perfons
within this City, to judge and determine. Let me yet farther reafon with
thee, and be not offended, for in tender Love to thy immortal Soul, (the
Lord is my Witnefs) do I write thefe Things. Haft thou the Spirit of Chrift ?
If not, fad is thy Condition, for he that hath not the Spirit of Chrift, as faith
the Scripture, is none of his : It thou haft it, O then, where are thy Fruitsr ?
The Fruits of the holy Spirit are Love, Gentlenefs, Meeknefs, Long-Juffering,
Mercifuliuf, Fmgivenefs, &c. This Spirit never prompted or prevailed with
•' any Man to perlecute others for Confcience-fake : They in whom this Spirit
•* dwelt in all Ages were perfecuted, but never found Perfecutors ; envied, but
** not envying -, hated, but not Haters of others ; fuffering for the Matters of
*' their God, but not caufing others to fuffer. Paul, who had this Spirit,
•• Ipeaking of Things appertaining to Confcience, faith. Let every Man bs
** fully perfuaded in his own Mind [mark that] Every one of us fhall give ah
•* Account of himfelf to God. Rom. xiv. 5, 12. And as you have received Chrift
«« Jejus, walk in him. Col. ii. 6. By this Spirit the Apoftle Peter faid. Be
fubje^ to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's Sake. And the fame Peter,
by the fame Spirit, being commanded by the Rulers not to fpeak at all, or
teach in the Name of Jefiis, did, (chufing rather to obey God than Man)
fpeak openly and boldly in his Name. Weigh thefe Things in a cool un-
prejudiced Spirit, and hearken to, and O that thou mighteft alfo know,' the
Things that do belong to the Peace of thy precious Soul, in this thy Day,
whilft thou art on this Side the Grave. Remember, O remember, in whole
Hands is the Breath of thy Noftrils, who can foon turn thee into Duft.
Thou knoweft not how foon the King of Terrors may knock at thy Door,
with a Commiffion from the Lord to remove thee from the Land of the
Living, and then Peace with thy Maker, againft whom thou art now con-
tending, will be more worth than the whole World, but not then to be
purchafed with all the Treafurcs thereof. I lay therefore again, defpife not
the Friendly Advice of him, whilft thou haft yet a Seafon, who in Heart
defireth thine eternal Welfare, left when thou comeft to lay thine Head upon
thy Death-Pillow, and the Terrors of the Almighty feize on thee, thou
Ihouldft then cry unto the Lord, for Mercy, and he fhould fay unto thee, A/y
■ Love often called upon thee, and thou wouldft not hea]\ in the Day 6f thy aui-
'• ward Profperity : I would have won thee with Kindnefs, but thou wouldft not
■ hearken. Now therefore I will ftop mine Ears at thy Cry : Reap the Fruits of
■ thine ozvn JVorks, and let Mij'ery be thy Portion unto Eternity. Hear, and fear
■ the Lord, and defpife not the Counfel of him, who is truly breathing in his
• Heart to the Lord, for the Salvation of thy precious Soul, and in the Lord
• wiftieth well to thee and thine.
froffl Newgate Prz/bw, tJe 3 i/f ^f'Ttj/-v\;f,«cQt»r'-pr»"
ofxU un,h Momh 166^. ^ HOMAS bPEED.
Thi$
48
BRISTOL.
1663.
BrUsoflndiB-
mem found at
SejfiOhs.
Trials of T.
Speed, C.
Jones, and
W. Taylor.
^ Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. li
This plain manner of Dealing, though from Men for Reputation in the City,
nothing inferior to himfelf (excepting his Office) was little regarded by the
Mayor, nor did he defift from his wonted Violence,
At the SelTions on the 12th of the Month called January, the grand Jury,
chofen by the Mayor's Influence, found Bills of Indidment againft the Prifoners-.
Thomas Speed, Charles Jones, and IVilliam Taylor, were called to the Bar, and
their IndiBment was read, charging them laith being at an U7ilawful AJfemUj
•with Force and Arms to the Terror of the People, &c. To which they pleaded
not guilty. A Jury was impanelled and fworn : The WitnefTes were two Ser-
jeants of the Militia, who took them at the Meeting. The Prifoners Council
infifted on the Illegality of their firft Apprehenfion, being by Militia Officers in
Time of Peace, but that Plea was over-ruled.
The Subftance of the Prifoners Defence is contained in the following Speech
of Thomas Speed to the Jury, viz.
T. SpeedV
speech to the
fur;/.
rerdia.
Mayor en-
raged it the
rrifoneri Ac-
quittai.
Trial of G.
Biftiop, and
8 others.
" To you that are our Neighbours and Fellow-Citizens, of the Jury^
" I have a few Words to offer. We might juftly except againft fome
•' of you, particularly againft thee * John Toogood, who didft lately fpeak
" fuch Things touching us, not fit to be named in this Court, but we
*' freely forgive thee, and delire the Lord to forgive thee alfo, to whom we
" commit our felves and our Cafe. That we were at a Meeting in Broad-
" 7nead, the Place exprefled in the Indidtment, we may not deny, but do
" confefs, being there in the Fear of the Lord, and in Good-will towards
♦' all Men, in Good-will to the King (againft whom we are accufed to be
*' TreipafTers) to whom from our Hearts we wifh Happinefs, that he may
^^ fo reign a)id rule in the Fear of God, that he may live in his Favour, and die
' ' in his Peace, and may have an Habitation with him when Time fiall be ?!a
" more. You have Families, Relations, and Eftates -, we have Families, Re-
*' lations and Eftates: Weigh well out of all Prejudice, and confider what
«' you are about to do as touching us. Suppofe with your felves, that the
*' Verdi<5l you are now going to confult of, may be the laft that ever you
*« may give in this World -, and that when you have brought in your Verdidt
*' on us, you your felves fhould immediately appear before the high Tribunal
*' of the God of Heaven : Go therefore, and do that wherein you may have
" Peace with your Maker when you Ihall go hence, and be no more feen."
The Jury having confulted, brought in their Verdidl, not guilty of Force and
Arms to the Terror of the People, but guilty of an unlawfid Affevihly. With which
the Court not being fatisfied, they returned, and expreifed themfelves thus, Not
GUILTY according to the Indi£iment. Many of the People prefent expreffing
their Satisfadlion at the Acquittal of the Prifoners, fo offended the Mayor, that
he cried out in a Paffion, / cannot endure to fit here, and fee my Sovereign's
Laws trampled under Foot ; and turning to the Prifoners, afked them, whether
they would take the Oath of Allegiance ? This he did with a Defigii to fend them
again to Prifon, but the other Juftices would not confent fo to enfnare thofe
whom the Jury had acquitted.
Next Day, George BifiMp, Edward Pyott, John Gibbons, Nehemiah Poole,
George Oliver, Thomas Morris, James Sterridge, Bejijamin Cottle, and John
Spoor e, were indidted in like manner, and pleaded not guilty, the Town-Clerk
afked. Whether they would proceed to Trial now, or traverfe it ? They anfwered,
Prefently, if you plea fe : To which the Court agreed.
The Plea of the Prifoners is exprefled in the following Speech o[ Edward Pyott
to the Jury, viz.
" You
■* This Man, when George B:Jhop was committed, was heard to fay, that he hoped to fee
him hatig'd : And a little before the Seffions he faid in the Prefence of feme of the Prifoners,
that the Mayor had ffoke to him to be one of their Godfatkrtt and that he rviu'.d vairr^r.t he'd.
do their Work for 'ein.
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS. 49
BRISTOL,
*' You by the Court are made our Judges, and the matter of Faft, for i66^.
" which we are called in Qucltion this Day, is not criminal, nor any matter -./"V^^^^
*' of Diftionefty, but only for our meeting together in the Worfliip and Ser- ^' Pyo^t's
" vice of God, and nothing more than barely meeting togetlier is proved |„^'' *" ^"^
*' againft us, to whicli our I'elves have confefled before Proof was made, and
*' as our meeting togetlier in fuch a manner, and to fuch Ends as is declared in
*' the Indidtment, hadi been by us denied, fo that it is altogether without
*' Proof to you : That which you are chiefly to confider of in order to your
«' Verdift is, Whether or not we were met together in Manner and Form ac-
<' cording as is declared in the Indid:ment. As to the manner of our Meeting,
*' it was not with Force and Arms, as you your felves in your own Conlciences
*' know, but we met together in the Fear of the Lord, and to no other End
♦' than only God's Worfhip and Service, and therefore take heed what you do,
*' ftriving againft the Lord •, for God will be worlhipped and ierved as himfelf
»' plcafeth, and by his own Diredlion and Prefcription, in Spirit and in Truth,
" for Things may be highly efteemed among Men, which are abominable in
*' the Sight of God ; and it is not in the Power of any Creature to prefcribe
•• to his Maker, how he fhall be ferved and worfliipped. It is enough for the
*' greateft of Men to prefcribe their own Homage, and to direft tiieir own
*' Service, and to leave that which concerns the Worfhip and Service of God
*' unto God himfelf, and to his own Prefcription and Diredlion, who alone is
*' Lawgiver to all, and Judge over all Things, which concern his own Wor-
" fhip and Service, and whom we chufe to obey rather than Men."
Here the Mayor interrupted him, crying out with fome Vehemence, /
cannot endure to fit here^ and hear a Religion inftilkd into the Court, a Religion
contrary to the Laws of the Kingdom, adding, that the Laws of England were
the fupretne Confcience of England.
The Court being ftill again, Edward proceeded,
" And forafmuch as it is often propofed in Courts of Judicature to the Pri-
*' fonersat the Bar, to be tried by God and their Country, in which Words it
*' is acknowledged that God is the fupreme Judge, and that the Verdift and
*' Sentence ought to be of the Lord : Mind the Lord therefore, and his Pre-
*' fence with you, and Counfel to guide you, that the Lord may judge among
*' you, that fo your Verdi(5t concerning us may be of the Lord."
George Bifhop alfo fpoke thus to the Jury :
" Friends, you have Confciences of your own, according unto whicli you C. BifhopV
*' would worfliip God, and you would not take it well, if fome fuch Thing speech to the
*' as hath been done, and is now doing to us, fliould be done to you for wor- ?'">
" fhipping God according to your Confciences : Now, what fxith the Judge
*« of all, Whatfoever ye would that Men fhould do unto you, do y even the Jame
" unto them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. And fo I fhall leave you."
' The King's Council made a long Speech againft the Prifoners, reprefenting
them as dangerous Perfons, and endeavouring to incenfe the Jury againft them.
The Jury withdrew, and after fome Time returned widi this Verdift, Guilty
cf being at an unlawful Apmbly according to the Laws of the Land, but not of
Force and Anns, nor to the 'Terror of the People.
The Verdidt being received, the Prifoners defned the Record of it jnight be ■?•"■"'•'' ^"f^y
read, which was done, and it appeared, that the Mayor had caufed the former "Jrjj'cf'^'-* ^
Part only to be recorded, viz. Guilty of being at an unlawful AfJ'emhh according
to the Laws of the Land. They infifted upon a Record of the Whole, or that
the Jury might write it themfelves, or elfe go out again. So the Jury withdrew
again, and tarried a confiderable lime, and then brought in the fime Vcrdid as
before, which being fpecial, the Validity of it lliould iiave been ai^ued before
Judgment had pafTed : But the Mayor on the 15th of the fame Month pafTed
Vol. I. ' N Sentence
5P
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Sentence
p-ijjed upon
a fpecial
rerdiii.
BRISTOL. Sentence thereupon, viz. That Edward Pyott, and Geo}-ge Bi/hop, fhould pay a
1663. Fine of 50/. each -, John Gibbons, md Nebsmiab Poole, 5/. each ; John Spoore,
George Oliver, Jamei Ster ridge, Thmas Morris, and Benjamin Cottle, 40 j. each ;
and that they fhould all continue m Prifon till Payment. He alfo fent to Prifon
.again thofe whom the Jury had acquitted, where riiey lay about a Fortnight
after,
-: We obferved before, the Mayor's Influence in the Choice of the grand Jury,
one of whom, Thomas Smart, Captain Lieutenant to a Colonel of xh.& Militia,
had probably recommended himfelf for that Service, by an unufual and illegal
lUegil Birbx- -Biirbarity on three innocent Men, viz. Samuel HoUiJler, iVilliam Sawyer, Servant
rity towird\ to Robert Nokes, !Lnd Richard Mercer, Servant to tht'Widovf Laverell. Thefe
Innocent Men. Perlbns, being in feveral Shops on the Day called Chrifimas-day, when the Offi-
cers came to ihut them up, were carried to the Guard, where, by Order of this
Captain ^w^r/, they were unmercifully tied Neck and Heels, with half hundred
Weights and Muflcets about their Necks, in extreme cold Weather, till the
Eyes of two of them were thought to be drawing out, their Faces being
black, and their Lives in Danger, which fome of the Townfmen obferving,
cut the Cords and releafed them when they were ready to expire. This Cruelty
was afted by S?nart, without the Confent of the other Officers of the Militia,
who were generally moderate, and adled only as pufhed on by the Mayor. Soon
after this the Militia were difbanded, and were glad to be difmifTed from a Ser-
vice they were weary of
On the lothof the Month called February, the Mayor fent Joane Hiley t6
Prifon by a Mttimus, charging her with difturbing Mr. Godwyn Minifter of St.
Philip's, depraving the Book of Common--prayer, and refufing to find Sureties for
appearing at the next SeJJions : Though fhehad only fpoken a few Words at the
Burial of a Neighbour, at which the Parfon took no Offence, nor would have
complained of, had not the Mayor fent for him, and importuned him to inform
againft her.
He alfo caufed Roger Oldftone to be taken in the Street, and when brought
before him, enquired, whether he was at the Meeting lafi Sunday ? He anfwering,
// may be I was, the Mayor without more ado fent him to Goal,
About the fame Time the Mayor, with two Alder^nen, and fome Officers,
came to the Meeting, and fent thence to Prifon, Thomas Atkins, Benjamin May-
fiard, John Brooks, John Johns, Andrew Vivers, Sufan Gotby, Jofep Kippin, Solo-
mon Huntington, Eleanor Maud, and Elizabeth Wilkinfon, leaving many others
in the Meeting, upon whom he ordered his Officers to nail up the Doors, and
keep them there till next Day. One William Wells, for fpeaking to the Offi-
cers, was alfo commited to Prifon. At the Seffions on the i8th, the Mayor
preferred Bills of Indiftment againft feven of thofe lately taken at the Meeting,
but the grand Jury would not find them. Joane Hiley was tried, but acquitted,
the Priell himfelf declaring, that he heard fome Body fpeak, but he could not
fay it was /he.
Commitment
of Joane
Hiley,
itiid. of Roger
Oldftone.
1 o Perfons
j'ent from the
Meeting to
Trifon.
Cthert yiiilei
up in the
Meeting-
houfe.
1664.
1 5 CommitteJ.
to Newgate.
Trial ani
VerdiB.
Anno 1664.
On the 1 3th of the Month called Jwie, Wdliam Ford, Nathanael Milner,
John Love, Sa?nuel Taylor, Willia?n James, Jofepb Moore, John Johns, Ifrael
Bird, Robert Claxton, T'ho?nas Jaques, alias Jackfon, William E?nblin, Jofepb
Cannings, Henry Prichard, Andrew Sowie, and Thomas Atkins, were committed
by the Mayor to Newgate for being at an unlawful Affembly, * refilling the Offi-
cers fent to difperfe thcin, and refufing Sureties for their good Behaviour. Upon
this Charge they were brought to Trial at the Seffions about a Month after.
The Jury brought in their Verdid in Writing, and gave it the Clerk, who,
when the Prifoners afked what it was, anfwered, Guilty of an unlawftd Affembly,
though
* Which they did not.
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS.
though the Jury had added, hit not of Force and Arms ^ nor to the 'Terror of the
People^ which Part the Court took no Notice of, but fined the Prifoners los. each,
and fent them back to Goal.
In this Year the Parhament pafled another Aft for banifhing the i^iakers,
which the Mayor, a Member of the Houle of Commons, was very aftive in
promoting, and it was faid, wept for Joy at the puffing of it. That Aft was
to commence on the ift of July 1664, before which Time he was heard to fay,
that be now hoped to fend four Hu7:dred Qiiakers out of the Land before the Ex-
piration of his Mayoralty, ; of whicli he had but thi-ee Months to come, in
which fhort Time he committed to Prifon,
On Conviftion for the firft Offence, two Hundred and nineteen Perfons,
whofe Names in the Index annexed to this Volume are thus diflinguifh'd (C.i.).
On Conviftion for the fecond Offence, after a Month's Imprifonment tor the
firfl, one Hundred and five Perfons, whofe Names are mark'd (C. 2.).
And in order to a Conviftion for the third Offence, after Conviftion for a
f.rfl and fecond, twenty three Perfons ; whofe Names are mark'd (C. 3.).
Had he continued longer in his Office, he would probably have procured the
Banifhment of thele and many more, but his expiring Authority gave him
Opportunity of convifting only three of them for the third Offence, viz. Ca-
fiafiiel Britton, Bartholomew Crocker, and Lewis Rogers. Thefe three were put
on Shipboard to be tranfported, but the Seamen refufed to carry them, and put
them on Shore with the following Certificate, viz.
51
BRISTOL.
1664.
Fi'aes.
Ariothir Aci
for Bxniflntig
the Quakers.
Jhe Mnyor^s
Eimeftncfs xo
execute it,
Mmy conviH'
ed on thatA£t,
Convi^ioi! of
three for the
third Offence.
(C
«c
<c
<(
a
<(
<c
«c
<c
cc
a
<c
<c
(C
(C
ii
it
«
<(
(C
(C
<c
<(
THESE are to certify all and every Perfon, unto whom this prefent Certificate of
Writing may or fhall come, That there were three Perfons called semen rt-
^uakers, viz. Cananiel Britton, Bartholomew Crocker, and Lewis Rogers, {" "a,^'!*
brought on board our Ship, called the Alary Fortune of Brijlol, the 1 6th of ,;;,„„,
December 1664, and continued waiting on our Ship until the 23d of the
fame Month.
" Then there came a Stay for all Ships, fo we put them on Shore again v
and on the 3 iff of December we received a Pafs from his Royal Highnefs the
Duke of Tork, to proceed on our Voyage, and then they were brought into
our Ship again by John Toogood Water-Bayliff, and have continued on board
our Ship until this prefent 7th of January ; and now by reafon of the long
continued Prefs, we could in no wife deny the taking them on board. But
now going to depart, their Cry, and the Cry of their Family and Friends,
are entred into the Ears of the Lord, and he hath linitten us even to the
very Heart, laying, Curjed is he that partetb Man and fVife.
'* And moreover, they that opprefs his People, his Plagues Ihall follow
them wherefoever they go, and affuredly we do in Part partake of them
already, for our Confciehces will in no wife let us reft, nor be in quiet, for the
Lord hath fmitten us with a terrible Fear, fo that we can in no wife proceed
to carry them.
♦' And moreover, we do wholly believe, that our mofl gracious Sovereign
doth not intend in the leaft to deftroy his Subjefts, becaufe he hath not made
void that Law of the Nation, which flxith. No EnglifhmanyZw// be carried out
of his Country againft his Will, and he or the-j that do fo carry them fhall for-
feit great Penalties. And farther we know, that there is a Law in the Barba-
does, that whofoever doth bring any Perfon or Perfons into the aforefaid Ifland
againfi their IVill, and not being bound by Indenture, flmll be under fuch Penalties
as the Law doth infliSi upon them, and alfo be enforced to bring them back unto
their Habitations again.
" And we alfo know, that they are innocent Perfons, and do defire to walk
in the Fear of the Lord, and that they are put on board our Ship againft
their Wills, neither are they bound by any Indenture, neither luth any one
agreed for their PafTage : And we find that our Mafter hath no Order under
any one's Hand to fave him and us from coming under fuch Penaldes, as the
Law may inflift upon us for carrying them in this Nature. For thefe Rea-
" Ions
52 ^ Colle6tioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BRISTOL. " fons and many more, we have put them on Shore, not that they have made
1664. " any Efcapc, but tliat we have let them at Liberty, to go whither they wiU :
" As WitnelsourlLindsthis 7thofyrtK«fl;;); 1664,
C/o/er imi iin-
heilthy Im-
prifoiimon.
Deith of
Lyaia
Toovey.
Death of
Alice Peachy
and Mary
Knight.
1670.
ExtnH of a
Letter jrom
Jriftol.
JoIm Lloyd
'Thomas Moody
JVilUam Stnitb
Philij) Philips
'Thomas Hughes
Richard Love
Thomas Sands.
The others who remained in Prifon at the Expiration of his Maybralty, about
one Hundred and forty five in Number, in procels of Time obtained their
I -iberty, the fucceeding Mayors for feveral Years after being more moderate ;
and the Meetings in this City continued generally free from Moleftation. For the
violent Proceedings of this Mayor were altogether difliked by many of the
Citizens, and the Inhabitants in general were grieved to fee fuch great Numbers
of fober, peaceable, and many of them very fubftantial Perfons, thaift by
Heaps into Prifon, where they were fo crouded in Heat of Summer, that it
was thought dangerous to the Health, not of the Prifoners only, but of the
City. Bridewell was fo full of them, that fifty five "Women there had but four
or five Beds to lie on, near diirty lying on the Boards or Floor about the Beds
in one Chamber ; and the Place, by reafbn of its Naftinefs before, which they
had not Time to clean, being fuddenly fent thither, was filled with Vermin,
and the Multitudes of People going up and down increafed the Filth. This
was very hard to Women of Subftance and Credit, accuftomed to live neatly :
Newgate alfo was fo full of them and other Prifoners, that they could not have
necefiliry Accommodations : Tlirough this clofe and unhealthy Confinement one
young Woman died, whofe lamentable Cafe is next to be related, vix.
Lydia Toovey, who being very big with Child, the unwholfom Scent of the
Goal affefted her at her firll coming in. She grew very ill, and Symptoms of
a Mifcarriage appeared ; which, though her Brother, who was a Common-
council-man of the City, and her Mother a Widow, whofe only Daughter fhc
was, acquainted the Mayor of, yet he would not admit of her Removal til] ic
was too late : When, underflanding by the Keeper, that her Life was in Danger,
he bad him turn her out : Which being done, fhe lay a Day or two in a fad
Condition : Her Infant came dead from her, and fhe foon after expired. The
ill Scent of the Goal was the apparent Caufe of the Death of both Mother and
Child.
Another young Woman, alfo great with Child, died of the hard Ufage Ihe
met with, viz. Alice, the Wife of William Peachy, who being at the Meeting,
from whence her Hufband was fent to Prifon, one of the Officers rudely haled
her towafd the Mayor, while another behind pufhed her forward beyond her
Strength, and hurt her, fo that her Countenance was obferved by fome prefent
to difcover her Illnefs. She went Home, and was delivered of a Child the
next Day, but neyer recovered, dying about feven Days after. Alfo Mary
Knight, a Maid-fervant, was carried fick from Bridewell to her Mailer's Houfe,
and there died within twelve Days after.
Anno 1670.
In this Year another Aft came forth againft Conventicles, whence the Ad-
verfaries of this People took frefh Occafion to moleft them, as appears by the
following Extrail of a Letter dated
" ^KiiiTOL the 2<^th of the fifth Month 1670-
" 1X7 E arc in this City wholly deprived of our Meeting-houfes, and do con-
" VV ftantly meet in tlie Streets before the Doors of the Meeting-houfes,
" which Doors every Firft-day are guarded with Soldiers, who fuffcr us not to
*' come into the Entry, nor fometimes near the Doors, but are pretty peaceable
"in
Chap. 4, of the People called QUAKERS.
f ' in the Streets ; only fome Informers commonly come there taking Names,
*' and they liiy, we are often fined upon a Record at the Tolzey, but we
" are never called before them, nor know what, nor by whom. Things are
" fworn againft us, neither hath any Diftrels been taken yet that I know, but
" threatned : I fuppofe they look for Precedent of the Mayor of LtJwJo?;. Laft
*' Firft-day, M. Bradjhaiv, that was lately with the King, beginning to fpeak,
*' was rudely taken by the Soldiers to the Guard, and fo were S. Pearjon and
*' Jane Batho, and kept there till near Night, and then fent to Bride'-u.-ell, and
*' there remain. CharUi Marfmll alfo was taken up by a Pried on a Writ for
" 20/. per Month for Abfence from their Church : All Friends elfe are at
*« Liberty : Truth profpers more than before. The Profeflbrs, Prefiyterians,
" Independents, and Baplifls, have forfaken their Meetings on Firft-days in the
*' City, and get out into the Highways without its Liberties, and there meet,
" fome Thoufands in a Place, as is reported. Friends about Ohe/lon, IVinter-
" bourn, Parflmtt, Keinjham, and other Places, be in much Sufferings, and
" much Cattle is taken from them, and brought into this Market to fell, fix,
" eight, or ten in a Drove ; which when wild People of the World come to
" know, they commonly get about them to fhame the Sellers what they can,
" and fometimes offer Three-half-pence a piece. Three-pence, or Four-pence
•' atmoft, and then on Condition too, that they will have the Sellers at the
" fame Rate to fend to Barbadoes : And fo after a while the Cattle is fcnt away
*' ufually to the Juflices Grounds, till fome bafe Man or other, not worth
*' half a Cow, can be got to buy an whole Parcel for about half the Worth :
*' John Hyler of Framf^ton had four good Cows taken fo, and many other
Friends fined
other.
a deal, for Thomas Roberlfon^'s, Preaching in one Meeting or
Anno 1671.
A Letter dated from Brijtol the
the following Account, viz.
;8th of the fecond Month this Year,
(C
II.
(C
OUR Meetings here are for the moll Part attended v/ith thofe Men,
(Informers) that ufually come among us. But one of them [viz. the
tall fickly Man) is never likely to come among us more, there being no Ap-
pearance of Life for him. He is in very great Horror, for what he has done
to Friends, and confeffed the fame to feveral that went to fee him : Some
gave him Money, which he gladly received, being very poor, and wilhed
the Makers of that Law had been at the utmoft Parts of the Earth when
they made it, and fiid, If God /pared his Life, he would never do us any Hurt.
His Wife alfo faid, that he was always much troubled and tormented in Mind
when he came from Meetings."
Anno 1678.
53
BRISTOL.
1670.
1671;
Extract of
another Letter
from Briftol.
167S.
After fix Years Enjoyment of their Meetings in Peace and Quietnefs, fome of ^e'^fecution
this People were again profecuted on feveral Pretences : In this Year William ''"'*"'^'''
Ilhell and James Pounfett were profecuted in the Bifhop's Court, becaufe they Trofemtions
had been married otherwife than according to the Liturgy of the Church of /"'' ^'"''"'"i^t
England, and were feverally committed to Prifon on Writs de Excoimjiunicato
capiendo. And in the Month of December this Year, Richard Snead being fum-
moned before the Juflices for refufing to bear Arms, had the Oath of Allegiance und for not
tendretl him, and for refufing to Swear was fent to Prifon. Inuring Arms.
Anno 1679.
1679.
Paul Moon, for fpeaking to Richard Tompfon, Vicar of Thomas^ Parifli in Imprifonment
Brijlol, after his Sermon, in the publick Worfhip-houfe there, was committed to ^/, P"*"'
Prifon for three Months, and till the Qi^iarter SefTions then next following, from
Vol. I. O whence
54- ^ CoUediion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BRISTOL, whence he was recommitted to remain there without Bail or Main-prize, till he
1 679. fhould be reconciled and penitent lor that pretended Offence.
1680.
Anno 1680.
lmprifo)me>n j^ Qmber this Year, Paul Plckris, Edward Erherry, William Hill, and Paul
Excommunt ^°°>^y were imprifoned on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo : At which Time
cato capien- alfo about twenty others, Inhabitants of Brijhl, Men of confiderable Trade,
do. ftood excommunicated, and Proceffes were expeded againil them.
16S1.
Violent Pro-
eeedbigs for
Minings in
Briftol.
ani for
Charges of
ths Alilitia.
Mseting-houje
Jpoikd',
Amther
Mseiing-houfc
vinnder'd.
Si inures of
Goods,
Jmprifonmsnt
#/J. Moon.
Anno 1681.
In this Year the Sufferings for religious Meetings in this City were very
numerous, a moft violent Profecution being promoted and carried on by John
Knight Sheriff, John Helliar Attorney at Law, the Town-Clerk, Robert Ble-
nearn Regifter of the Bifhop's Court, John Tilly, Ihomas Luggs, Edward
Brand, William Higgins, Ralph OUiffe jun. Jafper Cafs, Walter Watkins Mar-
fhal of the train'd Bands, John Hoare, John Patrick, and others. They be-
gan, on the 14th oi December, with a Pretence of levying 5/. laid on the Meet-
ing-houle in Jamesh Parifh, toward the Charges of the train'd Bands, un-
der which Colour they leized the Seats, Forms, Stools, and Chairs, breaking
many of them ; encouraged the Boys to break the Glafs Windows, carried
away what they pleafed, and burnt the reft. On the i8th Shcnf? Knight, Hel-
liar, and others, came to the Meeting, threw away the Mens Hats, beat Cana-
iiiel Britton an ancient Man, with a Cane, threw him down and bruifed him
much. After which the Sheriff fent him to fiewgate. On the 20th they plun-
dered the Dwelling of Elizabeth Batho Widow, Part of the Meeting-houfe,
threw out Part of her Goods, and took away the Doors of the Meeting-houfe.
The Damage done now and before was computed at 60 1. On the 23d, rind-
ing Hannah Marfiall at Prayer, they took her away, and carried her to New-
gate. On the 25th they broke down one of the Pillars of the Gallery, and fent
a young Man to Prifon. On the 27th they fet Guards on the Meeting-houfe,
took a Lift of the Names of three Hundred and twenty Pcrfons, and turned
them out. After which they broke the Galleries, and carried away the Doors
and Partitions : They alfo broke the Glafs Windows of the Tenement, and
threw out the Remainder of the poor Widow's Goods. On the 30th they made
farther Spoil, obliged the poor Widow to leave the demolifhed Houfe, which
Ihe held by Leafe, and put another Perfon in Poffeflion of it.
On the I ft of the Month called January, they made the like Havock at the
Meeting houfe in Temple-Street. On the 3d they feized the Meeting-houfe in
Jamci's, Parifli (as they laid) for the King, fiftned up the Door places with
Boards and Sticks, and fet Men to keep Poffeffion, who went in and out at a
Window. On the 8th they tore in pieces the reft of the Windows and Galle-
ries of the Meeting-houle in Temple-Street, in fo riotous a manner, that they
aftrighted the Neighbours : One of whom, a Woman of good Account, and a
Frequenter of die National Worlhip, wept much, and in an Agony of Grief
cried out, Leave off, lea-cc off, thsje Doings will bring God's Plagues upon us.
The Damage done to the Meeting-houfes was computed at 150/. All this was
without Law, the Pretence of charging thole Houfcs to die train'd Bands, being
only feigned to palliate their illegal Adfions. They raifed Riots, and accufed the
Perfons inililted as the Authors of them : Helliar fent a modeft Maid to Bride-
well for giving a Box on the Ear to a rude Boy treating her indecently. They
took from feven Perlbns within five Days, above one Hundred Pounds-worth of
Goods •, fining fome tor the pretended Poverty of others. They profccuted fifty
as Popifi Recufants, in order to run them to a Premunire. On the 14th they took
from Erafmus Dole, Goods worth 20/. and others were fined 20/. for Hannah
Mar(hall\ Praying in the iVleeting. On the 23d John Moon was fent to Prilon on
the Oxford Aft, and Griffith Jones, a Trader from London, being taken at a
Meeting
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS.
Meeting, had the Oath of Allegiance tendred him, at the Motion of the
Biftiop, and for refufing it was fent to Goal. At the fame Meeting, Uelliar^
the Town-Clerk, and others, were very abufive, and tore the Women's
Scarves. On the 29th Katharine Evans, Joaite Hely, Elizabeth Harford, and
Margaret Thomas, with fourteen others, were fent to Brukwell, and ten more
to Newgate.
Tho?jias Robert/on was fent to Prifon by the Bifhop for refufing to take the
Oath of Allegiance.
On the 6th of the Month called February, Heiliar, and others, came to the
Meeting at the Friars, where he took Robert GeriJI?, an ancient Man, brought
him among the Women, fcoffingly bid him Preach, and calling him Pope and
Friar, and the Women Whores, violently drew them out, and fent them
to Bridewell. At the fame Time with repeated Abufes infulting them, and
tearing their Hoods and Scarves. On the 12th at a Meeting in Temple-Street,
he confined the Men, and difperft the Women, driving them as if he had been
driving Cattle, crying P'throw, to make himfelt Sport. At this Meeting
Elizabeth Jaqties had her Arms forely pinch'd, and Thomas Hayes was fent to
Bridewell.
On the 1 5th the Prifoners in Newgate prefented a Petition or Complaint, as
follows :
" 'To Sir Thomas Earle Mayor, and the reft of the Jujiices oj
" the City of Briflol.
SS
BRISTOL,
1681.
ImpriJo;:me,it
of C.Jones.
1 9 Se>n to
Brk\e.vd, and
10 to New-
gate.
HdliarV
Cruilty and.
iVamo'iincjs.
tc
((
a
ti
<c
it
ii
w
E here prefent unto you the Complaint of many opprefled Prifoners Petition of
in this your Goal of Newgate, for what Caufe is not unknown to you, the Prijmers
concerning the grievous Straits for Lodging, being mofb of us thronged in '" ^/^^^''^
two Rooms, the one filled with nine Beds, the other about thirteen Foot "" ' ''■^''^'
fquare, with feven Beds ; fometimes there have been three, fometimes four,
in a Bed, whilft others fat up : The Senfe whereof, together with the Ne-
cefiities for want of Room, convenient for Work, that our poor Friends are
driven to, with the Fulnefs and Clofenefs of the Goal in genera], which by
reafon of its Unhealdiinefs, has been feveral Times prefented by the grand
Jury : And there being now above Fourfcore Prifoners, puts us upon renew-
ing our modeft Complaint unto you, and yet at the fame Time acknowledg-
ing your Companion in granting an Order of SeflTions for the Enlargement
of the Goal, which we might reafonably have expefted would have fpeedily
enfued •, but contrary thereto, notwithftanding all our Endeavours with t.hc
Goaler, to the Satisfadlion of Sheriff Lane, we cannot as yet obtain what you
have thought fit to grant us : So unlefs you are pleafed to fee your laid
Order of SelTions effefted (which is what we hereby defire of you) we are
like to have our Lives and Healths expofcd for want of reafonable Accom-
modations, who are
From Newgate Prifon, the 141^
of the 12th Mo?;thi68i.
Tour Chrifiian Friends,
Richard Snead
James Wall
John Philbridge
Philip RufTell
Thomas Dixon
Jofeph Wilcox
John Watts
Henry James
John Sumption
Arthur RufTel
John Cowling
Edward Erberry
Richard Reighley
Willliam Dedicott
John Bulgin
John Heme
Thomas Arnold
Jofeph Bennett
Thomas Robertfon
Jofeph Pafkall
Clement Oliver
Nicholas Taylor.
Richard Vickris
Edward Jones
Thomas Window
John Simmons
John Rufii
Thomas Willis
William Taylor
Hugh Bickham
George Bennett
Paul Moon
John Moon
John Bennett
JelTe Noble
Miles David
Jofeph Hale
Joiin Barnes
Robert Lux
Edward Dowel I
James Gayner
William Brigg
Th«
56
BRISTOL-
1681.
Certificate of
the Delivery
of thit Feti'
tion.
Jhe Mayor's
Trotefi agiitift
private Con-
virions, &c.
Tines Uviei>
Mitiy Ctm'
mitments for
Meeting.
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I
The Succcfs of this Complaint was fruftrated by the overbearing Power of
Sheriff Kiiight, and others of his Party, 05 appears by the following Certifi-
cate, VIZ.
" TT tE whofe Names are hereunto fubfcrlbed, do feverally teflify and de-
" Vv clare, that on the 15th Day of this Inftant Month of February, in
the 34th Year of the Reign of our fovereign Lord King Charles the Secondy
o\tr England, &c. Annofi. Boin. 1681, the annexed Complaint or Petition
was delivered in at the lolzey of the City of Brijlol, and publickly read by
Order of Sir nomas Earle Knight, Mayor of the fiid City, Sir Robert Cann
Knight and Baronet, John Lawford Eiq-, John Hicks Efq; Aldermen, fffc,-
his Majefty's Juflices of the Peace for the faid City and County. Which faid
Sir Thomas Earle Mayor, and the fiid other Juftices then prefcnt, did, in
the faid Court of Tolzey, openly declare their DifTatisfaftion concerning the
faid Goal, efteeming it as an unfit and an unhealthy Prifon, and of dange-
rous Conlequence to the Lives of his Majefly's Subjefts : And did then not
only declare their Willingnefs to have the fime enlarged, but alfo require
their late Order of Sefiions, touching the fame Goal, to be put in Execution,
which Richard Lane Efq-, one of the Sheriffs of the faid City, declared his
Readinefs to yield Obedience to, being of the fime Judgment and Opinion
with the fvid Juftices : But it was rejefted and refufed by Sheriff Knight, who
is the only Obllrudler. Witnefs our Hands this 15th of February 1 68 1.
John BUJfett Andrew Wyke jun.
Richard Ridley Henry Weaver
WiUia7n Weaver
Anthony Reece.
The Mayor at this Time declared his Purpofe, that all Convidtions for the
future fhould be publick, and not privately made in Taverns and Alehoufes. :
He alfo entered his Proteft againft fuch Convidions, and againfl the Goal as
altogether unfit for fuch Prifoners.
On the 1 8th the Mayor demanded of Sheriff Knght, an Account of the
Conviflions made to that Time, which Kjiight refufed : Wherefore the Mayor
caufed a Record to be made of fuch Demand and Refufal : The Mayor alfo
declared, that he would have no more private Conviflions ; and that Goods
diftrained Jhould be depofded in a piUick Warehoufe, that he would have an Ac-
count of the Sale of them, that they might be fold to their full Value, and juflly
accounted for. This highly difpleafed Knight, Helliar, and others, who there-
upon threatned the Mayor with oppofing his Intereft at the next Eledfion,
On the 25th were taken
From Richard Snead,hr¥intsoi ^ J I. 10 s. Goods worth 24/.
Edward Martindale, for 6/. 13^. Goods worth 13/.
Richard Vickris, for 7/. Goods to the Value of 1 8 /.
On the 26th Barbara Blagdon was fent from the Meeting- in the Morning to
Bridewell, as were alio twelve others for continuing their Meeting in the Street :
In the Afternoon they lent thirty more to Bridewell, and about ten at Night
committed forty from thence to Newgate, whofe Entertainment there, is de-
fer ibed in the following Certificate fi-om fevcral Neighbours who vifited
them, viz.
Certificate of
the hard Vf age
of the Pri-
foners,
WE whofe Names are hereunto fubfcribed, have daily heard of the re-
newed Complaints of the People called Slnakers to Sir Thomas Earle
Mayor, and the reft of his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace of tliis City,
about the Noifomnefs and Fulnefs of the Goal of Newgate in die faid City,
tending to the Suffocating and endangering of their Lives, for want of con-
venient Room for Lodging and Air. And being defirous to enquire into,
and view the fiiid Goal, we were willing to accompany Richard Lane Efq;
one of the Sheriffs for this City and County, to view the fame : And upon
ftrid Examination of the whole Condition thereof, wc find, that the faid
Goal
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS.
57
(I
(I
tc
((
<(
(C
it
i4
Goal is very noifom in general, and void of Outlett for Air, and therefore
unfit to contain fo great a Number of Prifoners, befides the Keeper and
his Family •, eighty five whereof are the People called ^mkers, who are,
through the SmalJnefs of the Goal, unreafonably thronged together, filling
the Rooms in the Goal fit for Lodging (except where the Felons are) with
four, five, fix, feven, and nine Beds in a Room, befides divers very little
Corners i^U'd with three in a Bed. And notwithftanding all this, we find
that many of thefe People are necefTitated to lie on the Ground, in the open
Rooms, where no Bedfteads are to be placed, and fpreading their IVIatts on
the Ground they lie at that miferable Rate, tliat it was a Grief to us to be-
hold, viz. fome atwhart the Room, fome under the Table, being a Ken-
nell where the Dogs were wont to lie •, fome upon the Table, and fome in
Hammocks over the Table, which necelTarily endangers their Lives ; and
as the Weather increafes in Heat, it may occafion infediious Diftempers, to
the endangering the Health, not only of the faid Prifoners, but alio of the
many Inhabitants of this great City : The Truth of which we Ihall be ready
to certify upon Oath, if Occafion fhall be. In Witnefs whereof we have
hereunto fublcribed our Names this 3d Day of March, in the four and thir-
tieth Year of the Reign of our fovereign Lord Charles, by the Grace of
God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland.
^c. Annoq^. Dotn. 1681.
BRISTOL.
1681.
King, Defender of the Faith,
Simon Harle
John Cofsley
Richard Codrington
John Dudlejlone
John BliJJett
Jofeph Finch'
William Weaver
Michael Pope
1'homas Saunders,
On the 5 th of the fame Month, in the Afternoon Meeting at the Friars^
Sujanna 2~ork, an ancient Woman, was thrown down : And Mary Hooper was
much abufed by Helliar and Tilly, who tore her Scarf, and tlirufl her up and
down, fo that fhe was ill for fome Time after. Mary Page, Wife of Francis
Page, was violently pulled out of the Meeting to the Danger of her Life,
fhe being then great with Child. Having driven and haled them out of the
Meeting, they encouraged the Boys to throw Dirt at them, Helliar, according
to his ufual Oratory, calling the Women ugly Whores, Bitches, Jades, and
the like. He took off the Hat of Elizabeth Long, and threw it into the Water,
calling her old damn'd Bitch.
On the 1 1 th Complaint was again made of the Hardfhips the Prifoners went
through : That three of them being dangeroully ill, could not obtain the Fa-
vour to go Home a little for their Life or Health : When one of their Wives
was brought to Bed, he defired Leave of the Keeper to go Home but an Hom-
er two to fee her, but could not obtain it : That they could get no Sight of
the Informations or Convidions againfl: them, though they endeavoured it,
and employed two Lawyers therein, but the Records were not in Court, but
in Cuftody of Knight, Helliar, or their Agents : And that they found it very
hard to get a Copy of the Warrants by which DiflreflTes were made.
On the 1 9th Thomas Lofty, an ancient Man, not going out of the Meeting as
foon as they bad him, Helliar delivered him to the Boys to carry to Brideivell :
They grievoufly abufed him, throwing him down feveral Times in the Dirt :
On his refufing to go with the Boys, Helliar told him, they were the King^s Offi-
cers. In the Afternoon, Dorcas Dole being at Prayer, was fcoffed at and de-
rided by Helliar and others, who made much Noife. One Captain Arundel
deriding her Prayer, her Hulband reproved him, at which Time the Captain
pulled off" Do/^s Hat, and threw it away, faying, he would jlrike his Teeth
down his Throat, and that, he would have his Heart out. After which the wicked
Rabble repeated their ufual Abules by throwing Dirt, and pufhing them up
and down.
Vol. I. P Bcfide
Grievous
Abujes of
Jeveral li'O'
mv, &c.
]{epeated Cem-
phints of the
Prifoners
HardJIiiftt
Sore Abufes
ofT. Lofty
and othirs. .
58
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. L
BRISTOL.
1681.
More Diftref-
[is-
Jbe Sheriff
iQi!ghted>
1682.
Ctrt'ifictte of
the Phjficiiins
concerning the
Goal.
Befide the DiftrelTes herein before mentioned, were taken tliis Year
/. s. d.
From Jbel Kelly, for 10 5 o Fine, Goods worth
And at another Time in IVIoney
Thomas Goldney,
Tlmnas Jordan
Thomas Callowhill
Rkhard Marjh
Richard Snead
Richard Erberry
John Love
Charles Harford
Charles Jones
for
7
5
8
10
9
5
7
7
7
o
5
5
10
10
10
15
15
4
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Goods which coft
Goods worth
10
12
13
12
22
17
15
II
10
18
s.
o
o
16
18
»5
5
o
o
o
o
o
d.
o
o
o
6
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
For Fines of 79 3 4 Taken
^55 14
About this Time, John Knight Sheriff was advanced by the King to the
Dignity of Knighthood, an Honour to which perhaps his violent Profecution
ofDiJfeHters had recommended him. His Accomplices, Tilly, Olliffe, and others,
gloried in this Promotion of his, giving out, that they fhould now have a Troop
of Horfe, and a Company of Foot to break the Meetings.
Anno 1682.
On the 25th of the Month called March, levcral noted Phyficians figned
the following Certificate, viz.
" Civitas Briftol.
« \J\^7E whofe Names are hereunto fubfcribed, being publickly known Phy-
" 'V ficians and Inhabitants of the laid City, having heard of the frequent
«' Complaints of the People called fakers to the Magiftrates of this City,
" concerning the Straitnefs and Noifomnefs of the Goal oi' Newgate, intowliich
*' great Numbers of the laid People have been and are thronged tc^ether in
*' a miferable manner, and we rdenting their Condition with Compaflion, and
" confidering of what dangerous Confequence fuch their clofe Confinement
" may be, were moved, upon a full F.xamination of the Truth thereof, to
" certify, that the faid Goal is very hill and noifbm, and that the faid Priibners
*' are defticute of Room for Reft, which hath a ready Tendency, astheSeafoii
increafes in Heat, to the deftroying and fuffocating of them, and in all Like-
lihood to breed infeftious Diftenipers, to the endangering the Lives not only
of the faid Prifoners, but of the many Inhabitants ot this great and populous
City. Witnefs our Hands this five and twentieth Day of March, Anno regni
Regis Caroli fecundinutic Anglia,i^c. triefimo quarto. Jnnoq;Dom. 1682.
<(
John Griffith
J. Chauncy
H^jlUam Turgis
T. Bourne.
rkiir religious As the Conftancy of this People in the great Duty of aflembling to worfhip
Meetings in God in Spirit and in Truth, while at Liberty, was immoveable, they continued
ohHi" r'i ^^^ ^^"^*^ Pradice while in Prifon, meeting and fitting down together in Re-
by the Sheriff, verence and Fear ; Being fo affembled on the 30th of the Month called March,
8tc. Sheriff Knight, John Helliar, Edmund Brand, ax\d the Goakr, fell furioufly upon
them, and thruft them by Violence out of the Room, the Sherift' protefting,
if they departed not, he would put them in Irons. He commanded Roger Holland
to be ironed and put down into the Wejihoufe, a Place where condemned Felons
are ufually put. At another Time, being affembled in the common- Hall, and
one of them (Allen Hallmark) fpeaking a few Words, the Sheriff ■t■h^e^v Jiini
hca;ilons
59
BRISTOL.
1682.
The Sheriff
lays violitit
Hands on
fiVirtl.
Conclufion of
the Prifomrs
Petition to ths
Juftices.
Commitment
of D. Dole,
and 6 others.
Letter from a
Gentlemm at
Briftol.
•(
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS.
headlong down Stairs, to the great Hazard of his Life, after whicli he was put
into the Wefthoufe, and continued there feveral Days. The Sheriff aUb laid
violent Hands on Erafmus Dole, Rkkird Fkkfis, and Richard Snead, pulling
them out by force, and inhumanly abufing them. I'hefe Grievances were re-
prefented in a Letter to the Juflices, dated the ift of the fecond Month 1682,
figned by above feventy of the Prifoners, and in a Poflfcript to the lame, con-
cluding thus :
" We intreat you to take thefe Things into your Confiderarion, and hear
" this Cry of Injuflice. Suffer us not to be thus inhumanly abuled in the Pri-
" Ion, which is under your Jurifdiftion ; for if thele Things be fufFered, we
•« can expecfl no other, but that the Lives of fome of us will be made a Sacrifice
" to the arbitrary Paffion and Rage of the aforefaid Sheritf and his Afliftants."
On the 2d of the Month called ylpril, Dorcas Dole was taken from the
Meeting by Ralph Ollijje jun. and forcibly haled by him and his AlTiftants to
Bridewell, without any fVarrant or Mittimus. On the 9th fhe and fix others
were fent to Newgate, under Pretence of a Breach of the Peace,
Extras of a Letter from a Gentleman at Brijlol to his Friend in London, dated
the 19th ot April 1682,
" ▼ AST Sunday the Sheriff, that is ournew Sir John, came to the ^takers ExtraS of £
" I J Meeting, and with him his ufual Aflbciates, and Fellow-Informers,
" Mr. Helliar, Cjlliffe, Lugg, Cajfc, Tilly, Patrick, Brand, and Summers ; the
** firft fix, being a Set of Conltables, paft together as the only Perfons in
the City for fuch a "Work : Thefe difturbed the Meeting, haling out, pufh-
ing and driving away the fakers, many of whom, both Men and Women,
they, as ufual, took Authority to commit to Bridewell, where eleven ot
them were continued all Night, fitting up by the Fire for want of Lodging.
Pleafe to not6, that the taking upon them this Authority is fo common
with them, that in th'eir Difcourfes and Aftions they all alike ufurp the
Place of Jufi:ices of the Peace •, the meaneft Tool among thefe Informers
menaces with his Power, commits with more Imperioulhefs, and releafes
with more Freedom than is common for any of our Aldermen, who ftill,
to give them their Due, fent the Women Home, as foon as they were
brought before them : The Mayor calling to our new Sir John, afking,
what they did, and for what they were corntniited ? he anfwered, that they
were all at a Meeting, but /aid nothing ; fo be knew not what they were ahouf,
unlefs they were plotting to break open the Prifon, and get away their Hnjhands.
" To fatisfy you with my Diftinftion, and calling Ibme of thefe Intorrrters
mean, I aflure you it is their proper Title, they being here fully known lb,
and in all their other Qualifications, that the naming them to an honeft
Briflol Man, prefently furnifhes you with their right Charafter. Mr. Helliar
has Precedency as a Perfon of an Eftate, one noted for and famous for
his Experience and great Cunning in thefe Praftices ; but our new Sir John
carries the Bell, for he is certainly the Son of once a truly worthy and
loyal Magiftrate, who bred him a Merchant, and placed him a Faftor at
J^evis. Since I write only News from Briftol, I fhall fay nothing of the
Ruggle he drove there, but come to his Charafter here. He now
abounds in an Eflate of at leafl leven Score Pounds a Year, he hath Part of
two Ships, and a Stock in Trade, befides the Improvement he is daily
• making in his prefent new Calling. Yefterday the i^takers Meeting w.is
• again difturbed by our new Sir John and his Man. The Conftables came not
■ with him, they, by a compacted Agreement, having placed themfelves in
= the Meeting-Room, and had fbr their Company feveral Fiddlers, a Drummer
■ with a Drum, alfo a Flag and Arms : For this Company Vidhials and
' Liquor were provided to carry on the defigned Revel and Riot : Juft as the
' Sheriff came, the Doors of the Meeting-houfe were thrown open, and the
' Fiddlers began to play on their Fiddles : The Sheriff fmiling, afked, JVl.^n
*' was
6o
BRISTOL.
1682.
Extntt of a
Letter from
the Priforters.
A Colleaioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" was the Meaning of this ? Tilley, one of his Brother Informers, anfwered,
" They meant to be merry, and came there to dayice. To make good his Word,
" they attempted to take hold of feveral young Women to hale them in,
" who, fearful of being abufed by fo vile a Company, held faft by the ancient
" Women, upon which two of the faid Girls, with the Women who fheltered
" them, were by the Sheriff committed to Bridewell, and with them two
*' more for reproving their Lewdnefs. The manner of the ^aker Woman's
'• Reproof was thus : fVell Sheriff Knight, faid fhe, I fee, that though we can-
" not be fuffered to Jerve God, theje Jhall to ferve the Devil. Our feaceable
" Meetings you feek to 7nake Riots, and here you your felves are rioting and revel-
" ling to a great Excefs. O, thefe Doings are a Shame to Bristol, which was
" once reputed a fiber and well governed City : Now it is altered, for the Pro-
" phane, Dru7ikards, Revellers and lVhore7nongers are countenanced, but thofe
" that fear God, made a Prey of ; furely God will vifit heavily with his Jt'.dg-
*' ments for theje crying Sins.
" To proceed, the Meeting being thus difperfed, thefe Conftables, Informers,
♦' and Company, ftill continued in the iVIeeting-houfe, eating, drinking,
" and making a clamorous Noife -, vifited they were by fome of the fame
" Complexion, whofe Names I may fiarnifh you with another Time. In the
" Interim, I have to tell you, that having well drunken in the lower Room,
*' they then went up Stairs to the Tenement of a late Widow, and there at
*' the Top of the Houfe they llxng, made Huzza's, and revelled till about
" three in the Afternoon, when, being weary, they left the Place, and to fhew
" their Power, Tilly, he goes to Bridewell, and releafes the fix Women. Juft
" before this Revel broke up, there happened a very pleafant PafTage, that is,
" the Informers being got up to the upper Tenement of the ^takers Meting-
" houfe, had then the View of the Houfe of a ^aker, againft whom thefe
*' Blades have an inveterate Spleen, in that he was one that went to Whitehall
*' to complain of their illegal Proceedings ; this they manifeft by enquiring every
*' Meeting-day after him, and menacing how they would manage him for his
*' petitioning, fuppofing they were now levelling their Thoughts at him, their
*' Heads fwimming with the Heighth of the Station, and the Strength of the
*' Liquor, they dreamed or fancied a Conventicle at his Houfe; fo away they
" came and befet it on this Sufpicion, he being then with his Wife and Mother
*' abroad at Dinner at a Relation's Houfe, and having left in his Houfe three
*' fmall Children and his own Servants only ; knocking at the Door the Ser-
*' vants were fearful to open it to f& rude and barbarous a Company : So one
" of them, that is, E. Summers, a rafcally wicked Butcher, goes over a Neigh-
*' bour's Wall, and entered his Garden, then went and opened the Street Door,
" letting in the other Informers, that is, Tilly, Patrick and Caffe : Lugg and
" Olliffe waited without Doors, whether fearing their Entry was unwarrantable,
" or that they waited for a fuppofed Prey, I know not ; but whilft they were
*' without Doors, Tilly enters and walks about the firft Floor within Doors :
" Summers, Patrick and Caffe, run haftily up Stairs, and finding none in the
*' Houfe but Children and Servants, away they departed. When I laft fpoke
«' with the Gentleman, he told me, he hopes he lojl nothing : However, fhouid
*' I be fo ferved, I think I fhouid be loth to let the Gentlemen go without
" fearching their Pockets, knowing that both Law and Gofpel, would, from
*' their thus entring an Houfe, make them all great TrefpafTers, and fhrcwdly
" fufpefted of being Thieves and Robbers."
In a Letter from the Prifoners, dated Briflol the 2 2d of the fecond Month,
they write thus :
" TTITE are here about eighty five. God hath been very good to us, and
«' V V we are all well content, though we are a great Family in Prifon ;
" both we and Friends abroad exceedingly exercifed by the Cruelty of thofe
'' that profecute us. Yeflerday and to Day, great Havock hath been made on
" Friends
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS.
" Friends Goods for Fines for Meeting the ift of the eleventh Month 1681,
" vix.
61
BRISTOL.
1682.
" For a Fine of 8/. odd Money, Goods taken from
" Charles Harford to the Value of
" For a Fine of 10/. odd Money, Goods taken from
" John Love to the Value of
»' For a Fine of 8 /. odd Money, Goods taken from
" Thomas Mofely to the Value of
" For a Fine of S /. odd Money, Goods taken from
" Charles Jones fen. to the Value of
" For a Fine of 8/. odd Money, Goods taken from
" Charles Jones Jan. to the Value of
" For a Fine ot 6 /. odd Money, Goods taken from
" Michael Jones to the Value of
" For a Fine of 10/. odd Money, Goods taken from
" John Jones to the Value of
" For a Fine of 10/. odd Money, T. Locket\ Box
" broke open, and Money taken out
' ' For a Fine ot i o /. odd Money, Richard Teal's
" Counter broke open, and in Money taken
" For a Fine of 10 s. Goods taken from tVilliam
" Da-ivfon to the Value of
}
}
}
]
}
I
}
}
}
I. s.
18 o
20 O
13 O
13 O
18 O
22 O
24 O
10 8
10 14
d.
^53
" They got into Richard Mar/h's Houfe and made fad Havock, a more
" full Account whereof may be given. They took Goods from others of our
" Friends, of which we have no Account yet, nor is this Account fo full as
" we intend. Wc may have more to mention of this Kind, in that we
" hear they intend to go to it again, they having Warrants for 400 /. Quarter
<' SclTions is to be next Third-day of the Week, by which they intend to eifeft it,-
" as we hear. The Bifhop is come, and all Things feem preparing to ruinate us,
" but our Flope is in the Lord, and we commend our Caufe to him alone.
" All dear Friends, pray for us that we may be kept faithRil to the End. Thefe
" DiftrefTes are taken for a Meeting whereat was no Preaching or Praying that
" they pretend to, nor was any there that v/e can call to Mind."
■■■a r.r. :
The manner of making thofe DiftrefTes, and a particular Account of the
Havock made at Richard Marjh's Houfe, we tranfcribc from a Paper intituled,
The devouring Informers 0/" Bristol, dated the i^do'i April 1682.
C(
FOR thefe two Days our old Informers Mr. Helliar and Accomplices, Tr.wfcnpt
Lug^s, Tilly, Caffe, Patrick, Hoare and IFatkins, with their Afhibtnts, i'°^'^ ** ^iP'^'f
have been levying DiltrefTcs upon feveral Protrjiani Dilfenters, and in tlae ^""'"''^.'' J'''^
Management of it behaved themfelves with that" Fury and unparallel'd Dc- informerfof
greeot \'iolence and arbitrary Force, that it fills our Hearts with Sadnefs, Brifiol.
and our Thoughts with no lefs Terror than Amazement. Part of them (for
they divide themfelves. into two Bodies) that is, Mr. Helliar^ Tilly, Liiggs, and
Walkins the Marlhal, with their late AlTiftant A/ww^rj the Butcher, came
to the Floufe of Mr. Richard Marjh in Corn -Street, who is a Perfon known
to be one of the confiderableft Merchants in this City.' -Thefe entring -his
Houfe to make a Diftrefs for 10/. broke open his Counter Door,°and
fearched for Money, and then went into an inward Counter, and there
feized and carried away his Journal, Ledger, Gt/Zj and /;rj«Vc Books,- attd-
feveral other Books of Account to the Number of thirty, and a Bundle of
written Papers, and feveral Sorts of Houfliold Goods : Not content with
this, they feized alfo the Provifion of Vidtuals then in the Houfe, beino-
Vol. I. Q »i three
62
BRISTOL.
ibSz.
Froceeihigs
M SeJJlons,
Covjinement
c/ 101 Per-
fcni in the
MeeuTig-
touf:.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" three Pieces of Pork, and two Pieces of Beef, two Pullets, and four Neats
" Tongues, all which they carried away : Befides tliis they feized a Gammon
«' of Bacon, and other Vicliuals and Drink which they conlumed on the Place,
" {pending near tlii-ee Hours Time in commanding his Houfe, and ranfacking
" feveral ^Chambers, particularly the Chamber of his Wife then lying in.
" During this Stay in his Houfe, their Behaviour was fo infolent, that they
«' crreatly alighted not only his Servants, but all thofe Spedrators vvhofe
*' Occafions and Refpe<^ called them into his Houfe, The Servants they hec-
" tored and treated in Language to this Purpole, How dare you touch any
" "Ihbig mijo we are here s" Two oi the Speftators, one a Butcher, the other a
" Butter-woman, bringing Meat and Butter into his Houfe, being Market-day,
" were forced to carry away both, and eicaped with Difficulty their having it
*'• taken from therh. This Gentleman, Mr. Mar/h, had formerly taken h-om
" him a Ton of Wine worth 20/. which they fold for 4/. and to make up
*' the Diftrefs 10/. they forced themfelves into his Man's Counter, and took
" from him 61. odd Money. Their manner of levying this Diftrefs is as
" follows, viz. When diey enter a Shop, albeit there is Abundance of Goods
" in View, yet they break open Chefts, Counters, ^c. and thence take away
" the Money •, if no Money to be had, then they take either Shop or Houfhold
" Goods, and of them generally to double their Value: If any durft fpeak to
" them by way of Reproof for thefe unreafonable Proceedings, then they huff
" and threaten to fend them to Prjfon, which Power they affume to themfelves
" commonly when they go to difturb the fakers Meetings, thinking, no
*' doubt, but they are privileged to it by the Office of Conftable, and the
" Exarnple of their _g-;'fl«^ ^^^//or, and Brother Informer, Sheriff K)ii£ht.'
" It's generally believed by the long Date of the Warrants, thefe Diftreffes have
*' been, levied for Convictions made clandeftinely in a Tavern, fcPc." '
At the SefTions beginning on the 25th of the Month called ^pril, many of
the Prifoners were indidted, fome pleaded nol guilty, and others defired Copies
of their Indidments, This done, the Court offered them Favour upon Sub-
miffion. Some of them were fined 6d. each, and difcharged without Fees :
But others, when advifed to fubmit to the King's Grace, and the Favour of
the Court, anfwered, that if it were a Cafe of Meum and Tuum, they thought
they might do it without Damage, but the Cafe being the Lord's, and not theirs,
atid their Confcience toward him concerned therein, they could not fubmit, hut
hoped the Lord would Jupport them under any Sufferings for his Sake, twelve of
them were tried on an Indid:ment for meeting in the Street, but their Council
demurring to the Evidence, their Demurrer was allowed. Eleven others were
tried on an Indiclinent for aflembling in the Meeting-houfe. Their Council
infifted on Sheriff Lane's returning the Jury, becaufe SherilT Knight was the.
chief Evidence againft them : But the Under Sheriff, 'Thomas Ofield, was or-
dered to do it, which he did, moftly Artillery Men. They brought in their
Verdift, Guilty of being at a Meeting-houfe in Temple Street, and not departing
upon Proclamation. But the Town-Clerk refufed to record that Verdidr, and
fcnt them out again, who returned, and brought them in Guilty of the Indi£i-
7nefit. Whereupon the Court fined one 5/. fome 40 j. and fome 10s. a piece.
In like manner they proceeded with m;my others. But in the End, the Juftices
generally inclining to be favourable, they difcharged many on Promife of ap-
pearing at next SefTions, ;ind left in Prifon only feventeen Perfons on Account
of Meeting.
Thofe who were fet at Liberty, were fbon taken again •, for on die 7th of the
Month called iWiT)', Knight, Helliar, and their Accomplices, came to the Meet-
ing about ten in the Morning, and lent feven Men to Newgate, and then
caufing the Doors to be nail'd upon the reft, being fourteen Men and eighty
feven Woinen, kept them together near fix Hours without any Convenience for
Eafe or Refrefhment ; Helliar fcoffingly telling them, that next Time they f}mild
have Chamber Pots. While they were lock'd up, the Afternoon Meeting began
near
BRISTOL.
1682.
Their Exmi-
nation.
Evidence of
the Cotiflabk
againft the
Women,
their Vefevest
Chap. 4. 0/ the People called QUAKERS. 63
near the other Mecting-houfe, into which, thofe who attended were not fuffered
to enter, but obliged to meet in an open Court, where my and his Accom-
plices iiiftened tliem in till between four and five in the Evening -, when they
and the others were had to the Tol^-ey before John Hicks the Deputy Mayor :
Bat he difmill thcni on Condition to appear next Day. They appeared ac-
cordingly, and the Day after a Bill of Indidtmcnt for a Riot was preferred
againll them, and they were brought to I'rial. The Subflance of the Evidence
given by Patrick die Conilablc, and another Informer, was, " That about
" thirty of" the IVomev. came and forcibly opened the Door, and laying Hands
*' on him, refcued themfclves from the Place they were confined to." The
Juftices, thinking diis Information improbable, gave the Women full Liberty
to make their Defence, which one of them, in behalf of the reft, performed
briefly and in good Language, telling the Juflices, " That being peaceably met,
*♦ the Officers and Informers let a Guard upon them, becaufe they did not depart
" immediately upon their Proclamation : That after this, they called out fix
" or eight of them at a time, and difmift them, and then called another Parcel
" of them and did the like: That one of the Informers ordered feveral of
*' them to Bridewell, but Helliar called them back again, and remanded them
" to their Confinement at the Meeting-place : That when the ufual Time came
•' for their Departure, they rofe together, and were going quietly away : That
♦' fome of them were got almoft as far as the Street unmolefted : That they
•' were brought back again to their Confinement, where they were kept in the
*' Rain, while the Informers took up the Places of Shelter to drink Ale and
*' fmoke Tobacco in." The Defence they made was fo clear, that fbme of the
Juflices became their Advocates, and the Jury would not give Credit >o the
Informers, but brought in their Verdict, No Riot, but guilty of an unlawful f^erdid of the
jijfembly. The Jury's Vcrdift not anfwering the Informers Purpofe, they were ?"y*
difpleafed with it, diough it w.is very fatisfaftory to the difcreet and moderate
Magiftrates, and fober Citizens that were prefent.
On the 1 2th of the fame Month the Sheriff came to the Meeting, and com-
manded the King's Peace to he kept : A ferious Woman prefent anfwered, l-Fe
do keep the King's Peace, and we ca?ne here to keep our Peace with the King of
Kings. Upon this he fent her and three more to Newgate. On die 14th Helliar,
and others, fent eleven Men and fourteen Women from the Meeting to Bridewell
and Newgate till Evening, and then carried them before Alderman Olliffe at
the three Tun Tavern, who committed them to Newgate as Peace-breakers.
This Alderman came Home the Night before from London, and Helliar was
heard to fay, he thanked bis God heartily for his Return, as knowing he would do
the fakers Bufinefs : For the other Aldermen were not fo forward at that Kind
of Work. On the 28th, in the Morning, they fent fourteen to Newgate ; and
in the Afternoon Helliar came to the Meeting, fearching for Stools, as he faid,
to make a Bonfire, it being the Anniverfiry of the King's Refloration. The
Sheriff^ feated himfelf without the Door, and ordered them to be brought out
one by one, then taking their Names, he put them under a Guard in the
Cloiflers, and thence fent about ninety ot them to Bridewell, with a fcornful 9°. •^^"f ^0
Derifion faying, that he would fend them away by thirteen to the Dozen : And bridewell,
fo they were driven away like Sheep to the Slaughter. They were thrufl into
Bridewell all together, without Regard to Sex, Age, or Condition, where, for
want of Beds, they were forced to lie fome on Benches, and Tables, others on
the Floor and Stairs, in nafty Rooms, not made Ufe of for many Years : Next
Day they were fent for to the Tolzey, and detained there about eight Hours, till
feveral of them' were fick and faint : After long Confultation the Magiftrates fent
feventy three of them to Prifon, under Pretence of being Peace-breakers,
where they were crowded together, lying on the Floor with feven, eight, or
nine Beds in a Room.
The Form of their Mittirnus was thus :
4 t^omen fent
to Newgate,
25 Sent to
Newgate.
Briftol
64
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
BRISTOL.
1682.
Warrant for
committing
7 5 Perjons to
Ncw;:ate.
r. Callow-
hillV Mitti-
mus.
" Briflol />.
" To the Keeper of his Majejlys Goal of Newgate /;; the City
of Briftol.
«' \7i7E herewith fend you the Bodies of Hannah Jordan Widow, Robert
*' VV Lux Stocking-maker, Mary Wooton, Mary HoUiJler, Sarah Shaw,
♦' Miny AUkvortb, Mary Co-xvlwg, JVilliam Davis, Charles Smith, Mary Day,
" Elizabeth Norwood, Mary Tyler, Margaret Price, Elizabeth Holjlone, Con-
" ftance Cox, Hannah Davis, Sarah Dickfon, Mary Hooper, Abigail Bues, Anne
" Andrezcs, Elizabeth St urge, Elizabeth Atkins, James Atkins, Chrijiian Roe,
" Elizabeth Roe, Mary Thre/her, Mary Albright, Sarah Saunders, Sufanna.
" 2'ork, Martha Window, Margaret Clijlell, Alice Ellis, Elizabeth Driver,
" Sa7-ab Cibfon, Jane Merrick, Sarah Bues, Elizabeth Kippin, Elizabeth Lucas,
*' Martha James, Mary Fry, Elizabeth Long, Mary Ledbrook, Mary Rock,
*' Joane Crow, Elizabeth Taylor, Mary Merrick, Sufanna Otley, Joane Segar,
" Sarah Dole, Sufanna Godby jun. Anne Snelgrove, Sufanna Godby fen. Martha
" Town, Joane Philips, Mary Hajnpton, Anne Hill, Anne Latnb, Elizabeth
" David, Mary Fry, Frances Fry, Mary Naylor, Elizabeth Martin, Sarah
" Blakeway, Ellinor Home, Rachel Martin, Alice Hill, Jane Taylor, Rebecca
" Martin, Joane Pricket, Ruth Rippin, Margaret T/mnpfon, and John IVood-
" ward, for th.it tliey, and every of them, upon the 28th of May Inftant,
" being the Lord's Day, together with divers other Perfons, did unlawfully
" aflcmble themfclves and meet together in a Place called the Friery, in the
" Parifli of St. Jatnes's in this City, and refufed to depart, though folemnly
*' required and commanded by feveral Conftables of the Ward of St. James's,
" in Contempt and Breach of his Majelly's Laws and Peace : And tor that
. " they and every of them refufed to find Sureties for their perfonal Appear-
" ance at the next General Seffions of the Peace. You are to take them into
" Cuftody, and their Bodies you are there fafely to keep, until they be thence
" difcharged by due Courfe of Law. Given under our Hands and Seals this
" 29th Day o'[ May 1682.
Thomas Earle Mayor Robert Teomans
Ralph Olliffe Richard Cnonp
On the 4th of the Month called June, they fent five Men and nine Women
to Bridewell : One John Franklin, for alking of Helliar a Copy of his Mittimus,
was put into a Place called Franklin'^ Penn, On the nth they fent four Men,
five Women, and feven Children to the fame Prifon. The Number of Pri-
foners in Bridewell and Newgate was now increafed again to about one Hundred
and fifty ; it being ufual to fend the Hufbands to one Prifon and their Wives to
another. On the iSth Thomas Callowhill, and Mary Goldney, were committed
to Newgate, Copies of their Mittimus are as follows.
cc
Bri/lol fs.
Thomas Callowhill's Mittimus.
FORASMUCH as Sir John Knight one of the Sheriffs, and divers Con-
llables of this City, were this Morning in Execution of their re-
IpcCtive Offices, at an Houfe in Teniple Street within diis City, difperfing an
unlawful Conventicle or Meeting there held at die Time of divine Service,
contrary to the Laws and Statures of this Realm, and thereupon Thomas
Callowhill, one of the Perfons fo there unlawfully alTembled, in Contempt of
our Sovereign Lord the King's Majclly, and the laid Laws and Statutes,
upbraidiiigly fpoke of the fl\id Sheriff" and Conftables reproachful Words to
tliis Efie(5t, that they troubled the Government, for no other Rcafon, as appears
to me, than lor doing their Office and Dury in executing the laid Laws and
•' Statutes,
^
Chap. 4.
of the People culled QirAKERS.
(C
(•
<c
>c
Statutes, and thereupon one of the faid Conflables fecured, and put into
your Cuftody the laid thoinas CallcwMl as a Contemner of tlie Laws,
and a Breaker of his Majefty's Peace, all which appears to me upon
Oath. Thefe are therefore to will and require, and in his Majefty's Name
ftriclly to charge and command you to detain and keep in your Cuftody the
faid Tomnas CallcwbUl, until he ftiall become bound to his Majefty by Re-
cognizance, with Sureties for his perfonal Appearance at the next general
Qiiarter Seflions of the Peace, to be held for this City and County, to
anfwer his faid Contempt, Mifdemeanour and Breach of his Majefty's Peace,
ami tor his good Behaviour in the mean Time, or that he fliall be thence
difcharged by due Courfe of Law. And hereof you lu-e not to tail at your
Peril. Given under my Hand and Seal this i8th Day of June, Anno regni
Caroli fecuiidi nunc Anglice, &c. 34° Annoq; Dom. 1682.
To the Keeper of his Majejlfs Goal
of Newgate within the J aid City.
" Ralph Olliffe.
6s
BRISTOL.
1682.
<c
(C
(C
<c
(C
<c
«,
(C
it
Mary Goldney's Mittimus.
Briftol fs.
FORASMUCH as Sir fohn Knight one of the Sheriffs of this City, and Mittimus of
diverfe Conftables of this City, were this Morning in Execution of ^^* Goldney.
their refpedfive Offices, at an Houfe in temple Street widiin this City,
difperfing an unlawful Conventicle or Meeting held there at the Time
of divine Service, contrary to the Laws and Statutes of this Realm,
and forafmuch as diverfe Eoys and Girls among others were there un-
lawRilly afiembled, and forafmuch as John Helliar Gent, one of the Con-
ftables of this City, fecured in Cuftody one ot the faid Girls, and the
better to deter her from frequenting fuch kind of unlawful Meetings,
threatned to put her in the Stocks, and thereupon Mary, Wife of Thoi?ias
Goldney, one of the Perfons lo there unlawfully afiembled, did comfort
and encourage the faid Boys and Girls in their Dilbbedience of the Law,
and in frequenting ot the laid Meetings, and faid to the Girl fo fecured,
thefe Words, or to this Eftedl, 'viz. Do not be afraid of the Stocks, and there-
upon the fold John Helliar fecured, and put into Cuftody the faid Alary
Goldney as a Contemner of the Laws, and Breaker of his Majefty's Peace -,
all which appears to me upon Oath. Thefe are therefore to will and require,
and in his Majefty's Name ftriftly to charge and command you to detain
and keep in your Cuftody the Body of the faid Mary Goldney, until Ihc fliall
find fufKcient Sureties to his Majefty by Recognizance for her perfonal Ap-
pearance at the next general Quarter SefTions of the Peace, to be holden tor
this City and County, to anfwer her faid Contempt, Mifdemeanour and
Breach of his Majefty's Peace, and for her good Behaviour in the mean
Time, or that fhe ftiall be thence difcharged by due Courfe of Law. Given
under my Hand and Seal this i8th Day of June, Anno regni Caroli Ject.ndi
nunc Anglies, fcfc. 34° Annoq; Dom. 1682.
To the Keeper of his Majejly's Goal of
Newgate within the Jaid City. Thefe.
ec
Ralph Olliffe."
The Caufe of thefe Commitments is apparently tri\'ial, and feems feigned on
Purpofe to juftify the Conftables in fending the Perfons at firft to Goal by their
own afllimed Authority in an illegal manner.
At the tame Time Helliar cauled Benjamin Wall, John Boucher, Jofephjamcs^ Jrbitra"^ AUs
Elias Ojlorne, Sa?nuel Gibbons, and another Youth under fixteen Years of Age, "/ HcUiar.
to be fet in the Stocks : An arbitrary Proceeding not warrantable by any Law.
He alfo caufed Dorcas Dole, whom he overheard, when at Prayer aniong her
Vol. I, R imprifoned
66
BRISTOL.
1682.
Cbfervtbh
Devotion of
Chiidren.
^commitment
from Sejftons.
Seysfet in the
Stocks.
Children heat-
en by Helliar.
Tfitknce of
Children un-
der nuny
Abufes.
A Colleaiion of the Sufferings Vol. L
imprifoned Friends in Bridewell, to be pulled ofF her Knees by Violence, and
confined in a dole dark Place called the Penn, fo damp and filthy, that through
the Naftinefs thereof Ihe tainted away, and when they took her out again,
could neither fpeak, nor fee, for a confiderable Time. The fame Day in the
Afternoon Helliar fent Mary Dedicate, Anne Day, Anne Gibbons, Sarah JavieSy
and Deborah Mean, to Bridewell, and Richard Lindey, a blind Man, eighty
three Years of Age, Richard Hayes, and iJjomas Dick/on, to Newgate. On the
25th five Men and two Women were fent to Bridewell, but next Day dif^
charged by the Mayor, fomebody being bound for them without their Confenr.
On the 7th of the Month called July, they difperft the Meeting which then
confifted chiefly of Children ; for the Men and Women being generally in
Prifon, the Children kept up their Meetings regularly, and with a remarkable
Gravity and Compofure : It was furprifing to fee the manly Courage and
Conftancy with which fome ot the Boys behaved on this Occafion, keeping
clofe to Meetings in the Abfence of their Parents, and undergoing on that Ac-
count many Abufes with Patience. On the 29th two Men were fent to New-
gate.
At the Seflions on the 1 5th many were convidted and fined, but generally
fent back to Prifon, their Number now being about one Hundred and fixty.
Two were carried out of Bridewell fick, and likely to die, of a Fever. On.
the 1 6th Tilly caufed five of the Boys to be fet in the Stocks three Quarters of
an Hour. On die 23d eight of the Boys were put in the Stocks two Hours
and an half : One B. Wall, following the Boys to fee what was done to them,
was alfo fet in the Stocks. On the 30th, in the Afternoon, about fifty five
were at the Meeting, when Helliar, with a twifted Whalebone-ftick, beat many
of them unmercifully, fbriking them violent Blows on their Heads, Necks arid
Faces, few of them efcaping without fome Marks Of his Fury. i^'iui ;.:
On the 3d of the Month called Augiifi, Tilly, with a fmall Faggot-riltfe, belt
many of the Children, but they bore it patiently and cheerfully. On the 6di
he beat fome of them with a Whalebone-ftick, and fent four Boys to Bridewell^
who were releafcd in the Evening with Threats of Whipping if they met to-
gether again. On the 13th Helliar much abufed Richard Vickris, threw away
an aged Woman's Staff, and beat Jo[e^h Kippin, a young Lad, about the Head
till he was ready to fwoon : He alio fent eleven Boys and four Girls to Bridewell,
till a Friend engaged for their Appearance next Day before the Deputy Mayor,
who endeavoured both by Perfwafions and Threats to make them promife to
come at no more Meetings j but the Children in diat Refpeft were unmove-
able : Wherefore they were fent to Bridewell again, Helliar to terrify them,
charging the Keeper to provide a new Cat of Ninetails againft next Morning.
Next Day at the Tolzey he urged the Juflices to have them correfted, but could
not prevail. The Boys and Girls were moftly from ten to twelve Years of
Age. Their Names were Samuel Gibbon, IVilUam Miller, Jofeph Jajnes, Elias
Ojborne, Tabitha Jones, Jonathan Jones, William Fry, Jofeph JVatkins, Rachel
Mears, William Day, Samuel Watkins, James Randy, Martha Waikins, Mar-
tha James, and James Wheeler. On the 20th James Peters, Sarah Jones, Mary
Wall, and An?ie Day, were fent to Newgate, and a Mitti7niis was afterwards
procured from Alderman Olliffe to detain them there. On the 27th, in the
Morning, William Bryan and four Boys, viz. Jonathan Jones, IPilliatn Day,
Elias Ojborne, and Sa7nnel Gibbons, and in die Afternoon John Styant, Elizabeth
Moore Widow, and Elizabeth Walker, were alfo fent to Newgate.
On the 4th of Septejnber, in the Morning, Ralph Olliffe jun. Standfall and
Watkins, abufed and beat the Children, and fent two Men to Newgate. In the
Afternoon Tilly, Lugg, and others, fent Sir Robert Cann's two Sifters to Newgate,
with an old blind Man, aged eighty three •, alfo two other Women, and a little
Boy. On the 9th thirty one were fent to Newgate, and on the i6th Mary
Sherwood, who came from London, was fent to Prilbn.
On the i8di Laurence Steel, Mary Goldney, and Mary North, were fent to
Newgate, and many others to Bridewell, where the Wife of Robert Gibbofjs was
taken
BRISTOL.
1682.
Dijth of R.
Gibbon'i
Wife.
19 Sint to
Bridewell.
A Lijt of ths
PriJo?iers.
In Newgate.
Chap. 4. of fbe People called QUAKER'S. 67
taken iick, and being carried Home died next Morning. On the zsth, in
the Morning, five Men, one Woman, and three Children, were fent to Brkld-
well ; and in the Atternoon, tliree Men, four Women, and nine Children. The
Mayor difmiffed them afterwards on Promife of appearing next Day, when
he threatned the Children, and fent feven of the Men, and four of the Women,
to Newgate.
On the 2d of Oclober nineteen were fent to Bridewell, and moft of them kept
all Night : Next Day the Mayor lent four of them to Newgate.
In November 1682, a Lift was taken of the Names, and Numbers of the
Prifoners, lodged in each Room in Newgate, and Bridewell, which arc as fol-
lows, viz.
In Newgate.
ift. In the Room called the Anchor, five, viz. 'Tho7nas Callowhill, Thomas
Pagot, Henry Dedicate, Charles Harford jun. and * Richard Snead,
2d. In the Coopers Room, eight, viz. Robert Gerijh, John Pope, Tobias
Dimocke, Richard Parker, Clement Oliver, Robert Prieft, Jabez fVhite, and
John Rennett.
3d. In the Chapell Chamber, thirteen, viz. Paul Moon, John Cowling, Wil-
liam Taylor, Thomas JVillis, Jofeph Chandler, George White, Ifaac Partridge,
Samuel Dick/on, Thomas Hill, Thomas Arnold, Samuel Gibbons aged fifteen Years,
John Hall, and Laurence Steel.
4th. In Traitors Ward, nine, viz. Michael Hitffe, Jane Simmons, Morgan
Lamb, Edward Bowel, William Davis, Thomas Lofty, John Woodward, Miles
David, and Charles Berry.
5th. In the Three Conier'd Lead Room, three, viz. Jofeph Watkins aged four-
teen, Sa?nuel Waikins aged eleven, and Thomas James.
6th. In the Gallery, eleven, viz. Margaret Hale, Mary Wall, Dorcas Bennett,
Elizabeth Harford, Anne Taylor, Martha Fry, Bridget Snead, Anna Taylor, Sarah
Bennett aged twelve, Mary Gil'bois aged fourteen, Joanna Taylor aged thirteen.
7th. In the Three Corner' d Room, three, viz. James Peters, James Gayner,
Matthias Jones.
8th. In the Wome)^s Ward, one, viz. Barbara Bkgdon.
In all, lodging in Newgate, fifty three.
In Bridewell.
In the Jirjl Rootn, thirteen, viz. Hannah Jordan aged fixry two, Anne /« Bridewell.
James, Jane Phillips, Mary Cowling, Mary Fry, Mary Day, Mary Hollifter,
Anne Harris, Sarah Gibbins, Mary Cliflell, Conflance Cp^, Sufanna Otley, Sarah
Minor fen.
In the fecond Room, feventeen, viz. Mary Thomas aged fixty five, Elizabeth
Batho aged fixty two, Sufanna Godby aged fixty two, Martha James, Sufanna
Godby jun. June Merrick, Mary Merrick, Sarah Bues, Jane Taylor, Martha
Windha?n, Sarah Dole, Hannah Dorney, Sarah Blackway, Mary ThreJher, Edith
Hollifter, Sarah Shaw, Elizabeth Horwood.
In the third and fourth Rooms, fixteen, viz. Elizabeth Hill, Mary Al-
Iright, Elizabeth Town aged fixty one, Anne Hill aged fixty four, Anne Lamb
aged fixty, Joane Pricket aged fixty two, Hannah Davis aged fixty one,
Martha Town, Elizabeth Lucas, Elizabeth Hollijler, Sarah Grift, Elizabeth At-
kins, Joane Suggar, Rebecca Itbell, Elizabeth Moggs, Ellinor Home.
In the fifth Room, eighteen, viz. Anne Aidrews, Elizabeth Martin, Rebecca
Martin, Elizabeth Roe, Chrijlian Roe, Mary Ladbrooke, Mary Tyler, Eliza-
beth Parfons, Margaret Godfrey, Jane CroWi Anne Fletcher, Margaret Price
aged fixty, Mary Chamber aged fixty eight, Elizabeth Long aged fixty five,
Elizabeth Driver aged fixty, Anne Rogers aged feven ty, Sufanna Tork aged
feventy fix, Elizabeth Martin.
In the fixth Room, viz. the Gallery, eleven Women, to wit, Dorcas Dole,
Anne Moggs, Sarah Gibbons fen. Margaret Coale, Mary Alderman, M<^>y
C'd Dedicote,
^' tneii lodaed over the Anchor,
68
BRISTOL.
1682.
Coirmitmefit I
for Meethigs,
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Dedicott\ Deborah Mears, Elizabeth Grantam, Alice Ellis aged fixiy, Mary
Hampton aged fixty eight, Bridget Nafi .aged about feventy eight, and eight
Children, viz, Elizabeth Jaques aged about eleven, Mary Jaques aged about
thirteen, Mary Grantam about eight Years of Age, Sarah Taylor about twelve,
Raehel Mean about eleven. Patience Heme about eleven, Mary Heme about
feven, and Sarah Coate about eight.
. In all, lodging in Bridewell, eighty three.
Conhncd in both Prilbns one Hundred and thirty fix.
The Jaylor thruft fourteen of them, and feven Debtors, into a dark Dun-
geon, where they were forced to burn Candle Day and Night-, and the i'lace
was lb little that they were obliged to lie in tliree Rows one above another.
On the 28th of the Month called January, Margaret Hall died a Frifoner.
There were alfo this Year committed tor Meetings, Anne Albright, Sarah
Canne, Margaret Car ell, Anne Davis, Anne Domey, ■ Elizabeth Dor ney, John
Philbridge, Anne Harford, Alice Hill, Anne Jordan, Richard Hayes, Thomas
Bayley, Martha Lane, Sarah Minor jun. Elizabeth Oldfione, fFillia;>i Tipfit^
Mary Tibby, Margaret Thomas, and otliers.
In this Year alfo the following Perfons had their Goods taken by Diftrefs for
9 1, each, for meeting together, viz.
Fines kvied.
1683.
Fines reutrned
into the Court
of Exchii^iter
on the Sijtute
for 20 1, per
Month.
I. .
s.
d.
Robert Lux, to the Value of
18
Charles Jones
22
Elizabeth Dowell
28
Daniel Gibbons
9
Edward Hacket
24
lOI
Anno 1683.
Many of the People called fakers, in Brijiol, were returned into the Ex-
chequer on the Statute of 20 1, per Month, for Abfence from the National
Worfliip •, a Lift of whofe Names and Penalties is fubjoined :
Fined for three Months from the 20th of November, 33 Car. II.
Anne S tor fn Widow 60
PVilliam Noble Wiredrawer 60
Frances his Wife 30
John Wood Carpenter 60
Henry Thomas Cooper 60
IVilliam Smart Tyler 60
And for his Wife 30
Barbara Blagdon Widow 60
Martha Lane Widow 60
John Hardiman Taylor 60
Frances his Wife 30
John Hathaicay Cooper 60
Joam Dapwell Widow 60
Owen Combes 60
Elizabeth Combes Spinfter 60
Hannah Blackway Spinfter 60
Henry Dedicate Currier 60
Cornelius Sergeant Sopemaker 60
Rebecca his Wife 30
NaihanaelDay Hoficr 60
Anne his Wife 30
Robert Lux Milliner 60
Richard Nelfon Porter
Thomas Gammon Mariner
Sarah Minor Spinfter
Blanch Baugh Widow
John Lovell Staymaker
Sarah his Wife
Thomas Paget Mealman
George Fifier Brewer
Mary his Wife
John Arney Chirurgeon
And for his Wife
Ifaac Partridge Silkweaver
Arthur Sawyer Sopemaker
Mary his Wife
Sarah Canne Spinfter
James Coat Clothworker
fVilliam Lane Grocer
Cecil his Wife
Samuel Combes jun.
Sarah Combes Spinfter
Roba-t Cottens Carpenter
/.
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
60
30
60
60
30
60
60
60
30
60
60
60
Philip
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS.
69
Philip Gibbons Cooper
60
Sujanna his Wife
30
Geofre^ Pinder Mercer
60
Elizabeth his Wife
30
William Daw/on Glover
60
Mary Lane Spinfter
60
Griffith Lafiotjib Milliner
60
Edward Line Mercer
60
And for his Wife
30
From the 25 th oK April,
I.
William Pledwell Mafon 60
Hannah Jordan Widow 60
Edward Otley Glover 60
Katharine his Wife 30
Elizabeth Taylor Spinfter 60
Mary Franklin Spinfter 60
Eflher Franklin jun. 60
Mary Day Spinfter 60
Mary Nailor Widow 60
John Collins Cooper 60
Charles Harford Sopemaker 60
Elizabeth his Wife 30
Ruth Kippin Widow 60
William Minor Cordwainer
Sarah his Wife
Morgan Lamb Tyler
Anne his Wife
Matthew Warren Labourer
Judith his Wife 30
Erafmus Dole Pewterer 60
Sarah his Wife 30
25 Car. II. for three Months.
/..
John Styant Cutler 60
Sujanna his Wife 30
Lazarus Moggs Cordwainer 60
Anne his Wife 30
William Franklin for 7
Ejlber his Wife £ ^o
Joane Birkhead Widow 60
Elizabeth Sullock Widow 60
Martha Nailor Spinfter 60
Lydia Nailor Spinfter 60
Walter Kippin Taylor 60
Hannah his Wife 30
Sarah Kippin Spinfter 60
/.
60
30
.60
BRISTOL.
1683
30
60
From the 20th of November,
I.
Charles Harford Sopemaker 220
Samuel 'Taylor Cordwainer 220
John Hall Baker 220
'Doojnas Jordan Grocer 220
Richard Phillips Cordwainer 220
Thomas Goldney Grocer 220
Samuel Hollijler Grocer 220
James Freeman Apothecary 220
Barbara Blagdon Widow 220
Geofrey Pinnel Mercer 220
John Love Grocer 220
Thomas Mofely Glover 220
Henry Dedicote Currier 220
John Jones Mercer 220
William BuJIj Victualler 220
Richard Hambory Gentltvnan 220
Elizabeth his Wife 220
Martha Lane Widow 220
Edward Line Mercer 220
John Barnes Cordwainer 220
From the 20th of November,
I.
John Gregory Scribe 60
Anne Harris Spinfter 60
Martha Harris Spinfter 60
Elizabeth Atkins Widow 60
Elizabeth Atkins Spinfter • 60
John Rujh Labourer 60
Richard Kenton 60
Vol. I.
32 Car. II. for eleven Months,
/.
Erafmus Dole Pewterer 220
Michael Jones Grocer 220
Tho. Swathcoat Schoolmz^&r 220
Peter Toung Sopemaker 220
John Jones Mafon 220
John Heme Silkweaver 220
Edward Perrin Merchant 220
Matthew Warren Labourer 220
Anne Blinkworth Widow 220
Simon Cox Cooper 220
Anne his Wife no
Joane Dixon Widow 220
Charles Jones Sopemaker 220
John Jones Pewterer 220
Elizabeth Dowel Widow 220
John Hart Currier 220
Paul Moon Currier 220
William Lane Grocer 220
Richard Wood Cooper 220
Edward Erbiiry Sopeboiler 220
33 Car. II. for three Months.
■Bridget Kenton Spinfter
Joane Dixon Widow
Samuel Dixon Sopemaker
Robert Barnes Cordwainer
Anne his Wife
/.
60
60
60
60
30
Tlxmas Heathcott Scjioolmafter 60
Jane his Wife 30
S Anne
A Colleaioii ^ the Sufferings Vol. L
BRISTOL.
168.3.
J. Piclon in-
prifofied>
£xiri3 of a
Jfirrative of
the Cruelties
e/J. Dennis
Keeper of
Newgate.
Jnne Brown Widow 60
Mary Alderman Spinfter 60
Anne Harris Widow 60
Mary Harris Spinfter 60
Daniel Gibbons Farrier 60
Sarah his Wife 30
Jatnes Jtkins 60
fVilliam Kenton Baker 60
Margery his Wife
Joyce Kenton Spinfter
Sarah Dixon Spinfter
John Johns Pewterer
Alice his Wife
John Jennet Taylor
Bridget liis Wife
JoJephBurgis Metheglinmaker 60
Jonathan Read Pumpmaker 60
Elizabeth his Wife 30
JVilliam Cook Grocer 60
Margaret Bifs 60
Hejler Saunders 60
An?je Albright Widow 60
Chrijlian Roe Spinfter 60
Edith Bowes Widow 6q
30
60
60
60
30
60
30
Nicholas Taylor Carpenter
Mary his Wife
Frances Fry Widow
Miles David Taylor
Elizabeth his Wife
Patience Heme Spinfter
John Saunders Silkweaver
Robert "Topcliffe Silkweaver
Katharine his Wife
Thomas Hayes Pinmaker
Charles Saunders Gardener
John Albright Silkweaver
Chrijlian Rot Widow
Elizabeth Roe Spinfter
Philip Rujfel Silkweaver
Sarah his Wife
Michael Huffe Silkweaver
Joane his Wife
Sarah Moore Spinfter
John Heme. Silkweaver
Eleanor his Wife
John Hort Currier
Brightweed his Wife
Paid Moon for
PrifciUa his Wife
I.
60
30
60
60
30
60
60
60
30
60
60
60
60
6a
60
30
60
30
60
60
The Fines for 38 Men for eleven
And for 2 of their Wives for
The Fines of 1 1 1 Men for three
And for 40 of their Wives for
Months amount
the fame Time
Montiis amount
the fume Time
to
to
Total of the Fines 1 6440
James Pi^on, an Inhabitant of Swcmzey in Wales^ being at Brijlol, went to
vifit his Friends in Prilbn, and being at Prayer with them, the Goaler came up
in a Rage and took him up from his Knees : Next Morning he was carried be-
fore the Mayor and other Officers, and for not giving Sureties for his good
Behaviour was committed to Prifon.
The Prifoners kept for fome Time a particular Account, which they pub-
lifhed under the Title of A Narrative of the Cruelties and Abufes a£led by
Isaac Dennis Keeper, his Wife and Servants, in the Prijon of Newgate, in the
City of Bristol, upon the People of the Lord in Scorn called Quakers, i^c.
Whence we have extradled fome PafTages, as follows,
" The faid Ijaac Dennis attempted to throw Jeffery Pinell, one of the Pri-
" loners, down Stairs, calling him Exconmiunicated Rogue, and fwearing, be
" would break his Neck : And being afked, fVhy be fo abufed the Man ? he an-
" fwered, He is an Excommunicated Rogue, and if I had killed him, I fhould
' ' never be called to Account about if,
" He encouraged two Women, condemned Felons, to beat Mariahella,
" Farmborough out of her Room, and throw down her Bedftead, and wafh her
" out, calling her Whore, with other abufive Language.
*' When J. Philbridge, a Silkweaver, dcfired a Place to put his Loom in to
" work for his Family, the Goaler fcoffingly anfwered, Can't you make Brick
" without Straw r* He alfo ordered his Servants, not to fuffer any Work or
<■<■ working Tools to be brought in, not fo much as a Board or Piece of Leather. He
" frequently locked fome of them into the Weflhoife, a nafty Place, and fo
" dark that tliey could not fee to cat their Food by Dav without a Candle.
«' When
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS. 71
*' When the Prifoners were met together, as they frequently did for religious BRISTOL.
" Worfhip, he, with his Turnkeys and Tapfter, would deride them, and l^^S-
♦' fometimes would pull them by force out of the Room, and lock them apart s.y'^/^-^
*' in feveral Places to prevent their fo aflembling'.
" He broke an Iron Candleftick about the Head and Shoulders of 'Toh'ias
" Dimocke^ and thruft him backward againft the Corner of a Cheft.
" When Dorcas Dole was at Prayer, IVekbman the Turnkey rudely pulled
" her away ; and the Coaler's Wife violently kickt one Woman, and threw
»' down another over the Threlhold of a Door, lo that fhe fpat Blood feveral
•' Days after."
Befides all this Cruel Ufage, the Keeper would frequently call them Rcguis^
Whores, Cheat s, Papjls, worfe than Felon s-^ with abundance more of fuch
wicked abufive Language, which he continued to do as long ;is he was able :
But he was fuddenly taken fick and died •, his Deportment during his Sicknefs,
and the Exit he made, we fhall alfo tranfcribe in the Words of the faid Narra-
rative, viz. " At length it pleafed the Lord to vifit Ifaac Dennis the Keeper
*' with his Judgments, which were very dreadful, for about the eighth Month
*• 16S3, it was fo terrible to him, that he could not eat, nor fleep, but very
*' little, and yet by Day would ftrive againft it, and by drinking and keeping
" vain Company endeavoured to get Eafe of his troubled Confcience, and
*' while the Strength of the Liquor was in him by Day, would fcem as if
*' nothing were amifs -, but at Night he was in a wolul Agony, and would
*' fhake and tremble, and fweat cold Sweats ; then he would defire us to fra-j
*' for him, and njoifi) he had never feen the Infide of the Goal, faying, ii fjad un-
" ihne hi?)!. He defired feveral of us to forgive him what he had done : To
*' which we anfwered, he Jfxuld ajk Forgivenefs of God, for we did forgive him.
*' But yet ftill his Anguilh and Torment increafed, fo that it was feared he
* ' might be diflradled ; But then Doctors being fent for and come, caufed him
*' to be let Blood : But he told them, No Phyfick would do him Good, his Dtf-
*' temper being another T/jing ; and that no Man could do him Good : His Day
*' was over, and there was no Hope of Mercy frojn God for him. And feeing
*' him in this woful Condition, our Hearts did pity him, and defired. If the
" Will of the Lord was fo, he might find a Place of Repentance ; and fome of
•' us had Opportunity to fpeak with him, and we found that he had his Senfes
*' and Underflanding well, and we ufed fuch Arguments as in Chriftian Ten-
*« dernels we thought bell to perfuade him out of his Hardnefs and Unbelief.
«« One of us faid to him, JVe hoped his Day was not over, hecatife he had a
*' Senfe of his Condition. To which he anfwered, / thank you for your good
*' Hope, but I have no Faith to believe, and farther iaid. Faith is the Gift of God ;
«' fo nothing would enter him, but that his Day was over, and there was no
*' M?rcy for him : And in this miferable State he continued until the 30th of
*' the ninth Month 1683, when about the fourth Hour in the Morning he
** ended this miferable Life. °
" Signed by C. Harford J. Cowling.
C. Jones Paul Moon.
The Publilhers of the foregoing Account, conclude their Narrative thus,
*' This is not made pyblick, the Lord knows, out of any Revenge to the
♦' Perfons concerned, but as a Warning to all : Neither is it of any Self-
*' boafling, as though by our own Ability we had undergone all thefe Cruel-
«' ties inflifted on us ; but to him that lives for evermore do we afcribe the
•' Glory : By his Power alone we have been fupported. And if this Example
»' of God's Judgments on this Man fliall flop any from their evil Courfes,
*' we have our End."
We fhall next relate the remarkable Cafe of Richard Vickris, who was pro- RsmrUbk
fecuted on the Statute of 55 of Q^Elizabeth, for abferiting himfelf from the 'rff'^ "f ^•
National Worfhip ; by which Statute any Perlbn convifled of abfenting from ^ "^•''''^'
his
72
BRISTOL.
16S5.
k^-' v"'^ — I
TrOCiii'n'gs
igiinfi Urn.
He is hurrki
to 1 Iridl.
His Sememe.
His defynei
Vexth pn.
ventii, ini
he redortil to
his Family .
ChiriHer of
R. Vickris.
1684.
u4 Colleclrion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
his ParilTi Church one Month, without lawful Occafion, is required to abjure
the Realm, or elle to be adjudged a Felon without Benefit of Clergy.
At a Scffions before the Time called Eapt\ 168^, Richard Vickris was in-
dicted on that Statute, but he demurring to the Junfdiftion of the Court, and
refufing to plead, was committed to Prifon. At a following SeiTions he was
admitted to Bail, on Security given to anfwer the Indiftment : Between that and
^iidiummcr SelTions he procured an Habeas Corpus to remove his Body and Caufe
out of that Court.
At an Adjournment of the ftid Seffions on the 20th of the Month called
Aiigiift, he prefented hlS Habeas Corpus^ had his Recognizance difcharged, and
was dehvered to the Cuftody of the Sheriff. On the 23d at a general Goal De-
livery, he was, by the Inftigation of Sir John Knight Sheriff, hurried to a Trial.
He retained Council, who learnedly pleaded his Caufe, and affigned divers
Errors in his Indiftment ; but Knight, HeUiary and others in Court, being bent
againft him, procured a Jury to their Minds, who brought him m Guilty, and
Sentence was paft upon him accordingly, viz. " That he Jhould conform, or ab-
" jure the Realm in three Months, or juffer Death as a Felon without Benefit of
" Clergy." The Recorder then admoniflied him to conform : R. Vickris an-
fwered, he prefiimed he zvoidd not defire his Conformity againfl Ms Confcience, and
that, to flay the Hypocrite with Alan was hateful, much more with God. He had
an Opportunity to fpeak his Mind fully in fome Points, and came away eafy
and latisfied, being committed to Prifon, where he remained under the fold
Sentence till the next Year, when the Time for his abjuring the Realm being
expired, he lay liable to the Execution of the Sentence ; for he who in Point of
Confcience could not Swear at all, was neceffarily reftrained from fuch Abjura-
tion : Thus the Malice of his Adverfaries had contrived the Deftruftion of the
innocent Man, and as they thought, effediually enfnared him.
The Time expefted for his Execution drawing nigh, his Enemies, to take
off the Odium of their Proceedings, and to render him unpitied, were not
wanting to blacken him with an infamous Charafter, and to fpre.id Reports
of his being difaffefted to the Government : But the over-ruling Providence of
God fruftrared their malicious Purpofe, and delivered him out of their Hands :
His Wife, with the Affiflance of her Friends, made Application to the Duke
of I'ork, who then bore great Sway at Court -, he declared, that Jieither his royal
Brother, Jior himfelf, defired that any of his SubjeSs /hotdd fuffer for the Exercife
of their Confciences, who were of a peaceable Behaviour under his Government ,
and gave fuch Direftions concerning him, as foon procured his Difcharge :
For being removed to London by a Writ of Error and Habeas Corpus, and
brought to the King's Bench Bar, upon the Errors affigned by Councellor ^ol-
//(X/>« and odiers, he was cleared of the Sentence on the 25th of Elizabeth by
Sir George Jefferies, Lord Chief Juftice, and fo was legally difcharged in Mi-
chaelmas Term 1684, to the great Joy of his aged Father, his diflreffed Wife
and Family, and his Friends throughout the Nation. His Father, who lived
to fee him difcharged, died within three Days after his Return Home, and left
to him, his only Son, the Inheritance of a good Eftate at Chew in SomerfetfJjirey
where he afterward dwelt, was a Man very fcrviceable to his Friends and
Neighbours, .and an Ornament to his Place and Station.
Anno 1684.
In this Year the Prifoners at B}-iflol writ an Ejiiflle to the Yearly Meeting of
their Friends in London, dated
A Letter from
the Trifoners
at Briltol to
the Tiifly
Meeting at
X-ondon.
" Bristol, Newgate the 17th of the third Month 1684;
' Dear Friends,
'i Regard th
gether, we thought it might not be unwelcome that you hear from us
"^ The
TN Regard the Time is near when Friends from mofl: Parts may be to-
Chap. 4. of the People called QUAKERS. 73
" The Friends who have been long Prilbners in Bridewell for not anfwering BRISTOL.
*' by Money the Keeper's Demands, they being his Prilbners, though kept 1684.
" there, he did on the 2d Inftant remove diem hither, fo that the Number of ,
*' Prilbners in this Goal is above one Hundred ; and are lb crouded for lodging
*' in dole, dark, damp and Dungeon-like Holes -, and many in one Place
" called Paul's, where never any before was put to lodge that ever we know
*' or heard of : We lay, thefe Things cry aloud, but many Hearts are hard,
*' and thole who might remedy will not hear, or at leaft not regard : None
*' can plead Ignorance, who arc any Way concerned to help the Opprefled ■■,
*' fince Friends and Truth are folly cleared fo far as we have been able in
" letting them underftand. And many are fo void of Compaflion, as to im-
" pute It wholly our Faults : And fome do account we are ufed too well.
" Thefe Things we mention rather to inform Friends how we are, rather than
*' to complain. Indeed God hath been fo good to us, and ftill is fo, that it
" doth outballance all thefe light Affliftions. He hath given Health, and
♦' alio prelerved the fame in feveral Appearances of very great Danger,
"• which Mercy is even to a Wonder. He hath given Comfort, Content,
*' Unity, Peace and Love amongft us greatly -, and by his tatherly Care hath
" fo provided always for us, that we have had no Want. For all which
" Mercies we defire you with us to praife the Lord, and to pray unto him for
" us here, that God would tor. ever keep us in Faithtulnels to him, that we
" may become even as Monuments of his Mercy, that he who alone is worthy,
" who is all and doth all, may have all the Honour,. Praife, and Renown,
*' now, henceforth and for evermore.
" Within this Week, we are pulled and haled out, and notfuffered to meet
" together, as hath been formerly allowed us to do : Nay, they will not futfer
*' it, though all in one and the fame Goal : The Keeper faith he hath Orders
" for it from his Matters : And fo we were thruft and locked into feveral
*' Places. But in thefe Things they have no Conqueft, nor Glory, thus to
" opprefs the Innocent, even in their Prifon, where they have tiius thrufb us
" in Heaps : But in this is our Rejoicing, that they cannot keep God from
" us, by whole Power we are kept in Patience to fuffer thefe Things from the
" Hands of Men, to whom we never did any Harm, to whom God grant
" Repentance, before his Anger break forth in an overflowing Scoui-ge, and
*' there be no Remedy, even fo be it, if the Lord will. Blelled be God, we
*' are well, and our Love is dearly to all our dear and truly beloved Friends
•'^ in tiie holy Truth of God, whote Lives, Liberty, and Peace, we pray God
" preferve : In your Approaches to the Throne of Grace forget not us ; that
" is the greateft Good we can do to each other, who have none in Heaven
' " but the Lord, nor defire any on Eardi but him only. Our Wives Love is
" dearly to you all, and the Loves of many more here, in whofe Names we
" falute you, and fhall rejoice to hear from you of the Glory of the Lord, and
«' the Profperity of his holy, innocent, peaceable, and everlalting Truth,
*' Amen. In Truth of Love we remain your Friends,
Anno 1685.
Charles Harford
Richard Siiead
Charles Jones.
168/
The Prifoners abovementioned ftill continuing under Confinement, wrote
another Epiftle to the Yearly Meeting, dated in the 4th Month 16S5, as follows,
*' Tiear Friends and Brethren \
*' 'TP H I S being a Seafon wherein you may be glad, as well as defirous a fecoii.
" JL to fee, or at leaft to hear from one another as Fellow-members of Epijih ta the
" that living Body of which Qmjl Jefus is Head, we thought it not unreafonable T"'"'-'' ^^^"'
»' that you might hear from us, who though ftill in Bonds, yet in Good '^^'
•' Satisfadion, knowing that Affliftion is that in which all tlie Righteous
in all Ages ever paft to God's Heavenly Kingdom : And who are faithful,
Vol. I. T " walking
74 -^ CollecTiion of the Sufferings Vol. L
BRISTOL. " walking in this true, right Way, even to their Lives End, may thereby
16S5. *' have a Tolcen from the Lord, that they are not Baftards, but Sons, be-
i " caufe every Son whom he loveth he doth rebuke and chaften, which God
" intends tor our Good, that we may learn never to ftray from him, who is the
" Rock of Acres, and the Foundation of the Righteous in all and every Age ;
" the Fountain of all Goodnefs, and the Life of all Things, witijout whom
" we can do nothing, and by whom we may be able to do all Things. This
" is our God, and as we have waited on him, he hath fufFered us to want no
" good Thing, neither hath any Thing feemed hard to us, infomuch that we
" can truly fiy, to God's Glory only, It is manifold better to fuffer with the
" People of God, than to enjoy the Pleafures of this finful World. Thofe
" endure but for a Seafon, but this worketh to the Faithhil an eternal Weight
" of Glory, which Eye hath not feen, nor Ear heard, nor can Man's Fieart
" diink what God hath laid up in his Son Chrift Jefus for thofe who in Patience
" continue through the Day of Trial, which God bringeth on the Earth, to
" try all the Inhabitants thereof, that all Works may be known, of what Sore
" it is.
" Dear Friends ! In your Approaches to the Lord, pray to him for us:
" O let us watch and pray, and that continually, one for another, that God
" would keep us faithful by his divine Grace, to ferve him in Meeknels, holy
«' Fear and Innocency, unto our Lives End : This hath been the Hope and
" End of our Calling from the dark Ways in the World to the marvellous
*' Light of Chrifl Jefus, which hath fhined in our Hearts, through which
*' we have feen the Way of Life, and know him who is the Truth, and there
<' is not another. God enable us to love him above all, and to cleave to him
" through the Lofs of all: We are but Worms, and of no Might, and have
" none in Heaven but him alone, nor can defire any (no not in all the Earth
" nor Earthly Things) but he only. He hath helped us, and doth, and fo
" ever muft do, or elfe we fliall fail, but God will never fail thofe who truly
" rely and depend upon him to the End.
" Praife God widi us for his wonderful Goodnefs in prcferving our Health, a
" Work to a Wonder : O, that we may ever be thankful for it : And alfo
" that he has thus made us worthy to fuffer for his Name's fake only. We are
" not quite an Hundred ; are well, and in good Content, Peace and Love, and
«' want nothincr. We pray God keep you, and crown your Affemblies with
*' his ancient Glory. JtnetJ.
<■<■ We and our Wives have our dear Loves remembred to you all, with die
«' refl here. We fubfcribe for our felves and the refl,
Briftol. Newgate, the " Your faithful Friends and Brethren,
fourth Moyith 1685.
Richard Snead Charles Jones
Charles Harford Paul Moon.
After this manner continued they in Chriffian Patience and Meeknefs, till
the coming out of King James's Proclamation for a free Pardon, with his fpe-
cial Warrant for comprehending the ^takers therein : Upon which they were
let at Liberty, and from thenceforth the Perfccution in this City for dieir re-
ligious meeting together entirely ceafed.
Thus it pleafed God in his merciful Providence to work Deliverance for his
People in a fingular and extraordinary manner, by making even a PopiJJj King
inftrumental in his Hand for opening the Prilbn Doors, andfettjng/rw Proteftanis
at Liberty from the OpprefTions they had long groaned under by the Severity of
Laws formed againfl them by thole who, while they called themfelves by the
Name of Proteftanis, had put in Praftice the worlT; Part of Popery, -viz. that of
Perfccution for Confaence-Jake. Being thus delivered Irom the Flands of thofe
who fought their Deftrudion, they enjoyed the Freedom of their religious Al-
femblies, and an Enlargement of Heart therein to praife the Name of the
Lord for his Mercy manifefted in lb fingular a Dclivcrance-
' CHAP,
Chap. 5, of the People called QUAKERS.
CHAP
V.
75
BUCK-
I N G HAM*
SHIRE.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.
Anno 1655.
Imfrifoii'
mnts.
MARY FISHER, James Lancajler^ and John CuHninghaniy
for giving Chriftian Exhortations to the Priefts and People, when
aflemblcd in the Places lor publick Worfhip, were committed to
Prifon.
John Whitehead, for admonifhing the People m the Grave Yard at North Mufes,
Crowley, was evil treated by them, receiving many Kicks and Blows with
Chriftian Patience and Meeknels.
Anno 1656.
16^6.
Richard Mark, Walter Mably, William Glidwell, and John Lucas, were impriformsnt
committed to the Fleet Prilon in London, lor refijfing to Swear to their fo' ''ot Sweirz
Anfwers to Bills againft them in the Exchequer for Tithes ; and while there '"^'
confined, a Seizure was made, by the Impropriators, their Profecutors, of
their Goods at Home.
Richard Hunt, and George Salter, were imprifoned in Ailjhury Goal for re- ini forTitks,
fufing to pay Tidies.
Anno 1658. ^^^s-
John Brown of Wejfon, reflifing to Swear when fummoned to ferve upon a Fines.
Jury, was fined 20^. and committed to Ailjhury Goal, where he lay twelve
Weeks.
In this and the foregoing Year, were taken fi-om feveral Perfons in this
County for Demands of 3/. 9 J. 6d. for Tithes, Goods worth 28/. 11 j. And
for 'Demands of i /. 45. 3 J, for repairing the publick Worfhip Houles, Goods
to the Value of 3/. 15^. 8^^. And for the fome Caufe Mary Chapman had her
Bible taken away for lack of other Diftrefs.
Such was the Superftition of thofe Times, that many of the People called
fakers, going to religious Meetings a tew Miles diftant from their own Dwel-
lings, were taken up by Officers, under Pretence of breaking the Sabbath,
had their Horfes impounded, and fometimes detained for a Penalty of 10 s. for
travailing on that Day : And at other Times themfclves, tor refufing to pay
that Penalty, were fet in the Stocks,
Anno i6cq. ^^59-
Sarah Lamburne 3.W\Ao^, Mother of fix fmall Children, was a Prifoncr S. Lamburne,
in Ailjhury Goal, and continued there a long Time.
Dijirejfis.
Superjiitious
Lams exiCut'
Anno 1660.
1660.
On the 30th of the Month called January, were Prifoncrs in the Coiuity impiimmem
Goal fixty three Perfons for the tbllowing Caufes, viz. of (>i I'erjons
Three for refafing to pay Tithes, viz. Ralph Trumper, Ihomas Hooton, and >'' '''^^'Z*
John Lucas. ^■"'/^'•
Ei?bt
BUCK-
INGHAM-
SHIRE.
1660.
76 ^ Collc(5tion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Ei^t for refufing ro take the Oath of Allegiance, when tendred them by three
officiom Jupces, who had come to a Meeting on purpofe to apprehend them,
viz. John fViynehead, Richard Hunt., John Cunningham, Robert Ball, Edward
J/idrews, Stephen Marfiall, Jofias Bringha7n, and Ja?nes Brierly.
Seventeen, who were taken out of a Meeting by Soldiers, and carried to
Juftices, who upon their refufing to Swear, fent them to Prifon, vi%. Henry
Hall, John Burrows, John Thornton, John Cunningham, Robert Reyborne, Henry
Cunningham, Edward Swaine, Tljomas Palmer, Richard Bawne, Robert Dag-
gery, William Glidwell, Nicholas Steel, Thomas Hartwell, Edward Franklin^
George Franklin, Robert Bojwell, and John Aajlin.
Fifteen, who were taken out of a Meeting by armed Men with a Warrant
from the Earl oi' Bridgewater, and for refufing the Oath committed to Prifon,
namely, Robert Jones, John Brown, Edward Chefter, Thomas Martin, Edward
Brampton, William Libertie, William Francis, Henry Newman, Henry Houfe.,
Francis Ceave, John Briden, Robert Wailis, John Stratton, James Lane, and
Jon. Houghton.
Eight were imprifoned illegally, viz. for refiafing the Oath when tendred only
by one Juftice, viz. Henry Parkes, Tho^nas Rogers, William Pratt, Edward
Hare, John Bovington, Edward Morrard, William Eldridge, and Richard Spoit.
Seven taken forcibly by Soldiers out of their own Houfes, and for refufing
to Swear, fent to Goal, viz. Richard Marks, Robert Newman, Henry Glidwell-,
Walter Mahly, Robert Glidwell, Thomas Glidwell, and William Moufe.
Five imprifoned for being at a Meeting, viz. Ifaac Pennington, George Salter,
Thomas Pewjey, William Sexton, and Edward Burton.
About the fame Time Ihonuis Burgis of Stony-Stratford, Thomas Davis of
Bradwell-Abbey, John Tork of Handflip, Thomas Ellingham of North Crowley,
and John Wilmot of Tinfweck, were taken from their own Houfes and Bufinefi,
lud the Oath of Allegiance tendred them by the King's CommilTioners, and
were by them fent to Buckingha?n Goal ; as was alfo Matthew Draper of Buck-
ingham, who appeared before the ftme CommilTioners upon a Citation.
1661. Anno 1661.
Commitment
cf C. Taylor.
8 ^em to Pri-
fon from a
Meetwg at
Cul?tTton.
1664.
Diiirejfit
On the I ith of the Month called Auguft, Chriflopher Taylor ofOtley in Tork-
{hire, was at a Meeting in the Houfe oi Anne Thurflon^'vkm , o{ Whitechurch ;
the Prieft of the Parifh, hearing of it, fent for a Juflice of the Peace, who
came in Perfon, and required Sureties of Chriflopher for his good Behaviour ami
Appearance at SefTions, which he refufing to give, was committed to Ailjbury
Goal, the Mittiinus being written in the Jullices own Name, without any
Mention of the King's Authority.
On the likoi September, a Meeting being appointed at Culvert on near St^ny-
Stratford. Six or feven Soldiers entered with Piftols, having with them two
Conllables, whom they ordered to take out the principal Men, but they refufed,
faying, they knew them not, at which the Soldiers were angry, and took away
eight Perfons, and carried them before the Deputy Lieutenant of the County,
who requiring Sureties, which they refufed to give, he formed a Mittimus (with
much ado, for he was near four Hours about it) in which it was laid, that thofe
Perfons were brought before him by the Conftables, whenas the Conflables
themfelves were forced thither by the Soldiers. The Names of feven of the
Perfons fo committed were Matthew Draper, John Crook, John Forjler, John
Cunningham, Thomas Rofe, Thomas Davy, arid Thomas Cocke.
Anno 1664..
Mary Chapman and John Puttivant of Sherington, Thomas Harvey., Robert
Page, Elizabeth Goodman, Jofeph Britikloe, Edward Au^in, George Cooper,
Adam King, and John Butler, all of Wandon, and Thomas CreJham of Olney,
had
Chap. 5. of the People called QUAKERS. 77
had Goods taken from them by Diftrefs for abfenting themfelves from the Na- B U G K-
tional Worfhip. ■^SfPlT'E ^'
In the fame Year William Glidwell, lipomas Palmer, Edward Swain, 'John ^^
Cunningham, Robert Benton, Robert Daggery, Robert Newman, Richard ^y-^^^
Hunt, Richard Marks, Henry Hall, IVilliam Moufe, Henry Glidwell, James imprifo„m^
Erierly, Henry Cunningham, Walter Mably, Nicholas Steely Henr-j King, John by the Conveti-
Thornton, Thomas Ellingham, and Richard Bawne, taken out of a Meeting at ^''^^ ■^^'
Newport Pagnell, were committed to Ailjlmry Goal for three Months upon the
Conventicle Ad, but were detained there much longer by the Contrivance of
the Goaler and Clerk of the Peace, who revived old Indictments laid againft
them tor abfenting from Church, ^c. Their Ufage in Prifon was cruel, being '^"'•^ '^'f^g^-
kept in a dark Room, expofed to the Weather lb that they could not lie dry in
their Beds, when they had any, for they were obliged tor fome Time to lodge
upon Straw, and fome of them, being poorTradefmen, were denied the Ufe of
a Place to work in, in order to provide for themfelves the Neceflaries of Life.
Anno 1665. J^^^
George Salter of Hedgerly Dean, profecuted by John Bajjett FrkG:, for Tithes Profecutions
under 12 I. in Value, had his Cows, Hogs, Sheep, and a Cart taken away to ^'"' ^"^"•
the Amount of 50/. And about the lame Time Seth Tomkins, John Fenfum,
Thomas Harvey, and John White, were imprifoned lor refufing to pay Tithes.
On the firft Day of the Month called July this Year, the Corps of Edward Burial of E.
Perrot was carrying through the Streets ot Amerjham, in order to his Interment, P^rt'ot f^-
when Ambi-cje Bennet of buljlrodes, a Jullice of the Peace, ordered the Perfons l^^'p^rfotf
attending the Funeral to be ftopt, ftruck one of the Bearerg with his drawn yj°,t jj pr//o».
Sword, and violently threw the Coffin from their Shoulders. The Corps, thus
inhumanly treated, was left lying in the Highway, while the Juftice withdrew
to an Inn, and in Concert with. ?>\v 'Tho77ias Clayton, fent for on purpofe, com-
mitted to Ailjhury Prifon Ifaac Penington, John Raunce, John Mead, Thomas
Ellwood, Thomas Lane, William Sexton, Thomas Dell, Jofeph Rofe, Jeremiah
Stevens, and Ralph Trumper. Thus by burying them alive he prevented their
charitable Intent of interring their deceafed Friend, whofe Body they took by
Force trom his Widow, to whom its Difpofition legally belonged, and buried
it in the Backfide, or as they term it, the unconfccrated Part of the Ground
called the Church-Tard. At the Affizes a tew Days after, the Prifoners were
brought before Judge Moreton, who refufed to hear their Cale, but referred it
back CO the fame Jultices, who lin'd them, and fent them back to Prilbn for
one Month. One ot them, Ifaac Penington, foon after his Difcharge fi-om that Crudvrx?'
Imprilonment,_ was taken oiit of his own Houfe, without any Warrant, by a o/l. Pening-
Soldier, who laid, he was come to fetch him before Sir Philip Palmer : Sir' Philip ""• - ,
fent him under a Guard of Soldiers to AU/lury Goal, with a Mittimus, orderino- .'{\,
him to be kept there during the Pleafure of the Earl di" Bridgewater, who, ic
feems,; had caufelelsly conceived a private Grudge againft this innocent Man ; T %\
which farther appeared during his Confinement, for when the Plague brok:e out t
in the Goal, and Application was made to the Earl for his Removal, to fome
other Place, he would not content to it : He continued Prifoner at .that Time
about three Quarters of a Year, without any legal Caufe affigned for his Com-
mitment.
■ ■■ Anno. 1666. ^^:jgj: ^ '^^^•
Ifaac Penington, about three Weeks after his Releafefrornjiis laft Imprilbm I. Penington
ment, was again apprehended by Soldiers fent from Sir Philip Palmer, bf "S^'" ""P'i-
Order, as was faid, of the Earl of Bridgewater, who took him out of his Bed, ^""^^^
and conveyed him diredly to Ailjlury Goal, where, without any leo-al Caufe'
he was kept a Year and an Half in Rooms fo cold, damp, and unhealth°y, that he ,■ .-Krk i
contrajfted a Sicknefs of leveral Months Continuance. During this long Con- '
finement he was never called for either at Sefilons or AtTize, but by fome illesal
Vol. I. - U Means
78
BUCK-
INGHAM-
SHIRE.
1666.
Sufferings of
R. Berry ani
J. Brown.
Account of
iHiiny Jmpii-
fonmcms.
1667.
Imprifonmenu
for Ttthcs,
ani for
Meeting,
166S.
IrofecMtien
if J. Lucas,
tni R.Trum-
per.
1669.
Farther Pro-
ceeiings of
R. Trumper.
yi Colled:ion of the Sufferings Vol. L
Means returned on the Calendar to remain in Prifon. At length, being re-
moved by Habeas Corpus to the King's Bench Bar, the Court, furprized to find
a Man kept fo long in Prifon for nothing, fet him at Liberty.
In this Year Richard Berry of Ivingoe, profecuted for Tithe by Reynold Bir-
den Prieft was excommunicated and Imprifoned in Ailjbui-y Groal, where he
continued feveral Years. Alfo John Brown had his Goods taken by Diflrefs to
the Value of 15 /. at the Suit of 'John Stokes of Wefton Turvill, Tithe-farmer.
On the I oth of the Month called June this Year, James Lane, John Ellis,
Ro'rer Deane, John Holliday, Thomas Hawkins, James Rouje, Thomas Sellat,
John Barton, Robert Jones, and John Brown, with Thomas Morton of Farrier's
End in the Parifh of Drayton Beauchamp, at whofe Houfe they were met, were
committed, by Charles Cheyney and Edmund Weft Juflices, to Ailjlmry Goal,
where they were clofe confined three Months. In the fame Year Floilip Ford,
committed to Prifon for reRifing to Swear, was put into the common Goal
amoncr Felons, and not permitted the Ufe of a Bed, when fent him. For the
fiime Caufe alfo were committed Francis Sear, Thomas Dell, Robert Hartwell,
Robert Swain, William Jldridge, Henry Purfoot, and William Towers. Many
others were taken out of their religious Meetings and fent to Goal, namely,
Michael Stancliff, John Fenwick, Samuel Darvall, Richard Martin, John Bar-
ringer, Henry Roberts, Richard Hartwell, Jojhua Hartwell, Samuel Brown,
Richard Goodman, Abraharn Barber, John Lane, and Thomas Wallis. Befides
thefe, feveral taken at Meetings were committed on the Aft for Banifhment, to
wit, John Partridge, James Boyfe, Philip Ford, Tloojnas Sellat, Thomas Eggleton,
John Ellis, Samuel Budd, William Lee, Richard Redder, Jane Mejjenger, Mor-
gan Watkins, Mary Barton, Thomas Ellwood, Francis Cawdry, Mercy Watkins,
and Francis Salter,
Anno 1667,
Ralph Trumper was imprifoned for Tithes at the Suit of Thomas Crawley,
Prieft of Amerjham : Alfo John White, profecuted by Timothy Hall, Prieft of
Monks-Risborow, not only endured twenty eight Weeks Imprifonment, but
upon a Verdift obtained againft him for 21/. ^s. for four Years Tithe, fuf-
fered a Seizure of his Goods to the Value of 92 /.
In the fame Year George Salter, and William Rtijfell the Younger, taken at
a Meeting in Salter' s-houfe at Hedgerly Deane, were committed to Prifon and
detained four Months.
Anno 1668.
John Lmas of Wingrave, was kept Prifoner a long Time on a Signifcavit of
Excommunication ifllied againft him upon a Profecution in the Ecclefiaftical
Court for Tithes.
RalpbTrumperof Amerjham, for Tithes of about 16 1. Value, had Goods and
Chattels taken from him worth 52 /. and was alfo imprifoned on the following Oc-
cafion : Before he was called a ^aker, he had taken a Leafe of his Farm, with a
Covenant therein to pay the Church Rates, which afterward he was convinced in
his Confcienee he ought not to do. For Non-performance of that Covenant, his
Landlord Sir IVilliam Drake arretted him, and fent him to Prifon : After fome
Time he applied to the Courts of King's Bench and Chancery, in the latter of
which he obtained an Injun£iion to ftop the Proceedings at common Law -, but
before the Service of that Injunftion Sir William died, and he was difcharged :
Neverthelefs,
Anno 1669.
He was .again arretted on the flime Pretence, by James Perrot, who had been
Sir Wjlliam*s Steward, and was his Executor : Upon this he was again impri-
foned
Chap. 5.
of the People called QUAKERS.
an Error in the Proceeding
foned and put to much Trouble and Charge ; but
obliged Perrot to drop his Suit.
In this Year George Salter, for Tithes of 5/. 5 J. Value, was imprifoned at
the Suit of John Bajfett Prieft of Farnhani Royal, and alfo fulTered Diftrcfs
of his Goods to the Value of 1 5 /. Alfo Ralph Trutnper for Tithes valued
.at 28/. 10s. had Corn, Cattle, and other Things taken from liim to the
Value of 112/. 6 s. 6 d.
Henry Ball of Cole/hill, was committed to Ailfhiiry Goal at the Suit of James
Eeles of Amerjham^ Tithe-tarmer.
Anno 1670.
79
BU CK-
I N G HAM-
SHIRE.
1669.
Hiftrejfes for
Tillies.
H. Ball im-
prifoned.
i6yo.
John Brown was imprifoned for Tithes at the Suit of IVillidm Baker a Tithe- ^grficmion of
farmer of pyejion. The fame John Brown, for being at a Meeting in Ailjhury, j. Brown,
fuffered Diftrefs of his Barley, without any Account rendred by the Prolecutors.
And for being at a Meeting at Tring he was fined 8 /. for which, by Warrant
from Sir Richard Anderfon of Penley, three Cows and a Bull were diflrained, and
valued by two Neighbours at 1 1 /. but Anderfon afterward fent two other Ap-
praifers, which rated them at jufl the Value of the Fine, and then he ordered
them to be driven to his own Houfe.
In the Month called June this Year, the Friends, being forcibly kept out
of their Meetng-houfe at Sherington, met in the Street, for which feveral were
fined, and DiftrelTes were made,
► /. s. d.
Richard Hunt for Preaching, to the Value of 1 2 14
James Brier ly 11 8
John Baringer of Olney o 6
John Lane of Landon o 8
Thomas Hooton o 8
On
o
o
o
o
o
r/wf J for
Misting.
/.
s.
d.
4
More Fines
5
7
for MiCfing,
12
25 4 o
In the next Month, for a Meeting at the Houfe of William Rujel at Jordans,
in the Parilh of Giles-Chalfont, were taken
1
From Heitry Tredway, an Horfe worth
l^ichelas Skidmore, Sheep, ^c. worth
Roger Dunton, Goods worth
9 19 o
In September, Bridget Atley Widow, of Horton, was fined 8/. 5J. for a nijirefsof t
Meeting at Colebrook, for which Fine two Feather-beds, and other Houlhold ^p^°^'^ Sj-
Goods, were taken from her. J^ ■'
Remarkable at this Time was the Cafe of Tfjomas Zachary, a Citizen of RsmirUhle
LondoHy who having an Houfe at Beconsfield in this County, fometimes refided ^/^\°^ J'
there. Two noted Informers, Lacy and Aris, fwore, at all Adventures, before '^^ ^"*
Sir Thomas Clayton, that Tl^omas Zachary and his Wife were at a Meeting at
J or dans on the. 21ft oi Auguft 1670, whereupon the Juftices, as forward to
convift, as they to inform, fined him 30/. for himfelf, liis Wife, and a pre-
tended Preacher, and ifTued his Warrant for Diftrefs. Thomas and his Wife
were then both at London, wherefore he appealed to the Qiiarter ScfTions ; the
Juftice, to fcreen the Informers, telling Thomas that he Juffered jujlly, and he
in his own Defence anfwcring, that the Righteous were opprejfed, and the lP"icked
went unpuniJJjed, interpreted thofe Words, as a Reflexion upon the Government,
and an high Mi/demeanour, and for refufing Sureties for his Appearance at the
next Quarter SefTions, committed him to Ailjhury Goal. This was done with a
View of preventing .him from profecuting his Appeal •■> but fome Friends of his,
efpecially
8o
BUCK-
INGHAM-
SHIR E.
1670.
Infermers con-
viflii of Per-
jury.
1671,
Diftreff:s for
not Sxve.tr irg,
Premunire.
JmpriJ'onmetn
o/T. Burgis.
Imprifonment
of N. Skid-
more mjL J.
Biggs.
Tithes of
Corn. '
^ Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
efpecially Thomas Ellwood, a knowing and active Man, took Care of the Af-
fair, and at the next Seflions at fFickhafn, proved by clear Evidence, that
T. Zacbary and his Wife were in London all that Day whereon the Informers
had fworn they were at the IMeeting in Biickinghamjhire ; fo that, notwithftand-
in"- all Endeavours to the contrary, the Jury found it for the Appellants, the Con-
viftion was let afide, and the Money depofited lor the Fines at entring the Ap-
peals fhould have been returned, but they could never get more than id. of
it, the Clerk of the Peace keeping the reft. Tboinas Zacbary was alfo brought
to the fxme Seffions, but Juftice Clayton found Means to prevail with others on
the Bench to remand him to Prifon till another Seffions. In the mean Time
1'bo?nas Ellwood got an Indiftment drawn againft the Informers for Perjury.,
which was found by the grand Jury, which they were obliged to traverfe : So
they were bound for each other to appear at the next Seffions at Ailjbtiry. Upon
Trial they were convifted of wilful Perjury, and had been taken up imme-
diately had they not fled from Juftice •, but an Order of Court was diredled to
all Mayors, Bayliffs, Conjlables, &c. to apprehend them, which fo terriiied them,
that hopelefs of carrying on their old Trade, and dreading a Goal, they p;rted :
Arts appeared no more in that County : Lacy lurked privily up and down, till
Htmgey and Necejfity forced him on the beft Expedient he could take : He went
to the innocent Man in Goal, threw himfelf at his Feet, confelTed his Fault,
and afked Forgivenefs, which the Good-natM^ d Man readily granted him, and
uled his Intereft with his Friends to mitigate the' Profecution againft him. The
poor F'ellow, overcome by fo much Goodnefs, defifted from his former Courfe
of living, returned to his Family and Labour, and for the future adted the
Part of an honeft and induftrious Man. But fo angry was the Convifting
Juftice, that he perfuaded the reft at the Quarter Seffions, to tender the Oath
of Allegiance to Thomas Zacbary., who, for refufing it, was kept in Prifon a
long Time after.
Anno 1671.
Thomas Saunders of Hmore, and Robert Kingham of Woohurne., for refufing to
Swear, had their Goods taken by Diftrefs, the former to the Value of 40 s.
and the latter to the Value of 30 s. And tor the fame Caufe John Raunce.^
and Nicholas Roy, were committed to Prifon under Sentence of Premunire.
Thofuas Burgis of Stony-Stratford, for refiafing to pay toward repairing the
Steeple- houfe there, was committed toAilJlurj Goal on a Significavit of Excom-
munication.
Nicholas Skidmore o{ Giles-Chalfont, for refufing to pay Tithes ; and Eajler-
Offerings, was excommunicated, and afterward imprifoned at the Suit of William
Rolls Prieft : And lor the fame Caufe John Biggs oi IVotton was committed to
the County Goal. Others had their Corn taken out of the Field without their
Confent, viz.
1672.
Kflenfe of
Pr if oner I.
1674.
Diflre^es for
Tithes.
John Brown of PFeJion-Turvil, to the Value of
John IVlnte of Meadle
Ralph Trumper of Amerjham
40
73
56
14
5
o
„4.
O
'\
.ii^,Ji.9
A
N NO
1672.
,£)ivrioJ
■o UvnVAo\
By Letters patent from King Charles the Second, were this Year ,difcharged
out of Prifon in this County, JohnRaiince Mid Nicholas Noy^ who lay under. Sen-
tence of Premunire.
Anno 1674.
Taken from John Morton of Amerjham, for 61. 3 ;. Tithe, Goods worth
22/. 15s. id. and from John Brown oi' Weft on-Turv ill, ior i^l. Tithe, Sheep,
&c. worth sol' Curge
Chap. 5. of the People called QUAKERS.
George Salter was call into Prilbn for Tithes at the Suit of John Bajfet Prieft
of Farnham Royal^ and had alio his Goods feized by Baylifis to the Value
of 59/.
Anno 1675.
John Morton fufFered nine Weeks Imprifonment, for Tithes of a trivial Value,
at the Suit of James Eeles Tithe-farmer,
In this Year Thomas Harman and Thomas Hootoii^ both of Sherington., were
fined for being at a Meeting, the former of them lo/. lo;. and the latter lo /. 55.
upon the Information of Ignatius Fuller Prieft of that Parilh, and a poor la-
bouring Man his Agent : Thofe Fines were levied by Diftrefs of their Cattle
and other Goods, Ibme of which the informing Prieft took to his own Ufe.
This Parfon, at another Time, caufed the OfRcers of the Town to attend him
to a Meeting, pretending a Warrant, but producing none ; he ordered them
to feize a Table, and then took it from the Conftable, faying he would have it
for Part of a Fine impofed upon James Brierly of Qlney, for a Meeting at his
Houfe i though the Houfe where the Meeting was, neither belonged to James
Brierlvy neither was he at the Meeting tor which the pretended Fine was
charged. But it was frequent with fuch bold Informers to poflefs themfelves of
other Mens Goods under a falfe Pretence of Law, and to ad: under Colour ot
Warrants without producing them.
This Year was alfo taken for Fines impofed for MeetingSj
Si
BUCK-
INGHAM-
SHIRE.
1674.
Imprifonment
for Tithis,
Tithes,
Fines for
Meeti>ig on
Inferynition of
a. Prieft.
From Henry Hall of Nezvporl-Pagnell, Wood worth
Henry Cunningham of the fime, Brals and Pewter
fniliam Glidwell of the fame. Hay and other Things
Richard Marks of North-Crawley, Sheep
Anno 1676.
3
4
4
3
s.
o
10
10
o
o
o
o
o
Fines for
Matiiigst
15
JVilliam Rujjell, near eighty Years of Age, and almoft blind, was caft into
Prifon at the Suit oi I'Villiam Rolls Prieft of Giles-Chalfont, for Tithes of 5 /. 145.
Value, for which he had afterward taken from him Cows and Sheep worth
22/. 1 2 J. A.\{o John Morelon^ at the fame Prielfs Suit, was imprifoned fix
Weeks, after which, for Tithe valued at 8/. 6 s. he had Cattle taken away to
the Value of 26/. 12 j. 6d.
lyUliam Grinfdale of Peter' s-Chalfont, for his Abfence from the National
Worfliip, had Goods taken from him worth 2 8 J. He had alio two Thirds of
his Eftate feized for the King, lor which the Bayliffs took in this and the fuc-
ceeding Year, two Cows worth 6/. 105. ¥ot thtiamtCmkThomas Satmders
of Ilnoret luftt;red Diftrels of his Goods to the Value of 405.
Anno 1678.
In the Month called Juguji this Year, John Stratton of Ivigoe, a poor Huf-
bandman, was taken from his Wife and eight Children, by a Writ de Excom-
municato capiendo^ on the Information and Profecution of Francis Duncomh Priclt
of that Parifh, whole Son, appointed a fpecial BaylifF on that Occafion, con-
veyed Stratton to the County Goal, where he continued Prilbner twenty
one Months to his great Lois, and the fore Affliftion of his Family. The
Caufe ot his Imprifonment was, for not appearing before the Surrogate of the
Bifhop of Lincoln, to anfwer a Charge of ahfenting from his PariJIj Church, and for
not receiving the Sacrament.
In November this Year, John IVyatt, an Hufbandman of Long-Crendon, was
committed to Prifon for not paying Tidies, and continued above three Years
Vol. I. X under
1676.
Jmprifomnents
for Tithes,
Diftrejfes for
Abfence from
the Natio/ul
irorjhip.
167S.
Hard Cife of
a poor Huf-
hxniritm.
Deuth of
J. Wyacc ia
Frilbn.
82
BUCK-
ING HAM-
S' H I R E.
1677.
Vtftrejt on
J. Morton.
1679.
Viftrffi for
Jilheu
1680.
Difirejfti for
repair ivg a
Chjppel.
1683;
Imprifonmem
of}. Thorn-
ton, (inJi R.
Marks.
22 Terfons
ferit to l^rifon>
ui CoUeclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
*
undtr Confinement till he died. And in the fame Month "John Morton was fent
to Jiljliiry Goal, whence after twelve Weeks he was removed by Habeas Cor-
pus to London^ and difcharged. Neverthelefs on a Trial at the Affizes for
Tithes, he fuffeied Diftrefs of his Cattle and Sheep to the Value of 24/. 10 s.
His Profecutor was William Rolls Prieft of Ciles-Clalfont.
N NO
1679.
Wtlliam Rujfell for Tithes of 8 /. Value, had his Cows, Sheep, and Lambs
taken away, worth 22/. ^s. at the Suit of the fame Prieft.
Anno 1680.
In this Year the Chappel at Biddlejden being repaired, the Charges of fuch
Reparation were put into the Rate of the Poor, which being known to Richard
Baker and Francis PFarr, they tendered to the Colledors their full Proportion
for the Poor, but refufed to pay the other Part ; wherefore the former fuffered
Diftrefs of his Sheep to the Value of 2/. 10 s. and the other to the Value
of 3/. lOi.
Anno 1683.
In the Month called June this Year, John Ihornton of Sheinton was com-
mitted to Ailjhury Goal on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo for Tithes : And
about the fame Time Richard Marks fuffered near ten Months Imprifonment in
the fame Goal for ref ufing to pay Tithes.
About the ifl of the Month called July, Dennis Ham-pjon, a Juftice of the
Peace, and Captain of the County-Troop, came with a Party of Horfe to a
Meeting near Wooburne, and by a forced Conftruftion, called their filent Af-
femUy, a Riot, and under that Pretence fent two and twenty of them to Prifon,
viz.
Richard James
William Batchelor
Edward Moore
William Aldridge
John Dolbin
John Reeve
Robert Auflin
Thomas Dell
John Ellis
Andrew Brothers
Thomas Sexton
Henry Mafon
Stephen Pewfey
William Tanner
John Jennings
Robert Aldridge
Timothy Child
John Smith
Richard Baldwin
Robert Moore
William Sexton
George Salter
1684 and
1685.
Dcxth of
J. Smith ini
W. Turner
in Prifon.
Sxorbicaiit
Seiiurti.
Anno 1684 and 1685.
John Smith, one of the two and tw^ity Prifoners lafl mentioned, died, during
his laft Confinement, on the 26th of Septetnber 1684 : Another of them, viz.
William Tanner oWxbridge, alfo died a Prifoner on the 12th oi' September 1685-
They finifhed their Courfe in Chriftian Patience and Refignation to the Will of
God, who enabled them to continue ftedfaft in their Teffimony to the great
and neceffary Duty of AiTembling together to worfhip him in Spirit and in
Truth.
Several Perfons in this County were returned into the Exchequer for Tithes
of 20/. per Month for Abfence from the National Worfliip, and fuffered ex-
orbitant Seizures of their Cattle and Goods, viz.
Francis Ware of Biddlefden, to the Value of
John Potnfrct of Lilinglon
John King of Padbury
Williajn Swannell of the fame
/.
s.
d.
140
70
25
60
All which Cattle and Goods amounting to 295 o o
were
Chap. 5.
of the People called QUAKERS.
/.
2
12
23
s.
10
5
o
were difpofed of by publick Sale for no more than 90/. 2 i. 6 J. — lefs than a
third Part of their real Value.
In like manner, and for the fime Caufc were taken
From IVMam Gnmfdale, to the Value of
And by Juftices Warrant from George Salter, Cattle, ^c. worth
Yrom George Belch of RUkman/worlh, three Geldings worth -j
and when he appealed to the Quarter SelTions, his Appeal, not being in Latins
was rejeded, and treble Cofts were given againft him, for which his Horfes and
other <3oods were taken away to the Value of 40/,
Anno 1686.
Williain Rujfek on a Verdift obtained againft him for 4/. 15^. 3 d. Tithes, at
the Suit of William Rolls Prieft, had Sheep and Lambs taken from him to the
Value of 15/.
John Morton at the fame Prieft's Suit was imprifoned twelve Weeks, and
afterward at the AfTizes had a Verdift given againft him for 23 /. 14J. for Tithes,
lor which Cattle were feized by an Execution to a much greater Value.
In this Year feventeen of the Perfons before mentioned, imprifoned for a
Meeting at Wooburhe, were fet at Liberty by King Jatfie/s Proclamation for a
free Pardon, having been under clofe Confinement about two Years and three
Quarters.
By the fame Proclamation were alfo difcharged, Jofeph Cook of Ed^orough,
long imprifoned, for Marrying otherwife than according to the Liturgy of the
Church of England •, John Thornton Prifoner on a Writ de Excommunicato capi-
endo above two Years and three Quarters for Tithes, and Thomas Olliffe of
Ailjbury., after thirty Montlis Imprilbnment for not receiving the Sacrament.
Taken about this Time by Diftrefles at JVaterford and Charkwoodi for reli-
gious Meetings,
83
BUCK-
I N G HAM.
SHIRE.
1684 and
168.'
G. Belch'i
Jpped rs-
jeUed.
1686.
Frofecutions
for Tithes.
From
William Aires, Houfhold Goods worth
George Mead, Flax
John Wells, an Horfe and Cart
Thomas Howard, Goods
Thomas Tanner, Leather
15
5
16
o
20
s.
o
8
o
15
o
o
o
o
o
o
57
Anno 1687.
HeJejfe of
Prifofurt.
JJtftreJfes foi
M<etwgi
William RiiJJel was again imprifoned about three Months at the Suit of W.
Rolls Prieft, and had afterward taken from him by an Execution, Cows,
Sheep, is^c. worth 23/. ss. for a Verdid: of 7/. 3^. 6d. againft him for
Tithes. Alfo Jofiah Lane at the fame Prieft's Suit fuffered Imprifonment about
twelve Weeks, and afterward fufFered Diftrefs to the Value of 23/. on aVerdidl
given againft him for 7/. Tithes.
Anno 1689.
In this and the two foregoing Years were taken out of the Fields in Harveft
For Tithes,
1687.
Imprifonment
for Tubes.
1689.
From Thomas White of Qulj-mck, Corn worth
John Wloite of Meadle, Hay and Corn
Edward Cook oi Bowirick-HiU
I
16
42
8
s.
18
4
15
o
o
o
Tithes of Cornf
&c.
6y ly o Carried over
84
BUCK-
ING HAM-
SHIRE.
1689.
1690.
Jinprifommnt
and Viflrefs
0/ G.Salter.
Profecutions
of J. Lane.
^ Colkaion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I.
Brought over
William Ruffelol Giles-Chalfont
Jofmh Lane of the fame, Grafs and Corn worth
Edward Belfon of Hadenham^ Corn worth
Henry Child of Amerjham
John Morion of the lame
/.
67
13
7
2
7
5
s.
17
I
II
II
13
8
d.
o
o
6
o
o
o
104
Anno 1690.
George Salter, after feveral Months Imprifonment at the Suit of Dr. Charles
Hickman Prieft of Farnham-Royal, had a Verdidt againfl him at the Affizes for
12/. 10 J. for two Years Tithe, tor which his Cattle, Corn, and Houfhold
Goods were feized at feveral Times to the Value of 62/. 12 j. \od.
On the 28 th of the Month called May this Year, Jofiah Lane was committed
to Ailjhury Goal for Tithes, at the Suit of Richard IVilhy and Charles Pierce
Tithe-farmers, who had before in the fame Year taken out of his Bam without
any Orders of Law, Corn worth 8/. js. 6d. And from C/iv^n'^^^ Market four
Hogs worth 3 /. but notwithftanding thofe illegal Seizures, they fued liim for
the whole Tithes as if they had taken nothing.
C A M-
3RIDGE.
SHIRE.
CHAP. VI.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE,
and IShE of Eh Y.
Ttrfecution of
ofE. Wil-
liams and M.
Filher.
T
Anno 1653.
H E earlieft Account of the Sufferings of this People in Camhridge-
Jhire bears Date in the fame Month wherein Oliver Cromwell had
afllimed the Title of Prote£tor, viz. in December i 6§2j when Eliza-
_ belh Willianis and Mary Filher, the one about fifty, and the other
about thirty Years ot Age, came from the North of England to Cambridge,
and difcourfing with fome Scholars oi Sidney-Suffex College, concerning Matters
of Religion, the Scholars afked them How many Gods there were ? The Wo-
men anfwered. But one God, and told them, they had many whom they made
Gods of, reproving their Ignorance of the true God and Ms IVorJhip. Whereupon
the Scholars began to mock and deride them : The Women, obferving the
Frotli and Levity of their Behaviour, told them they 'were Antichrijls, and that
their College was a Cage of unclean Birds, and the Synagogue of Satan. Such fevere
Reprchennons are ufually mofl offenfive to thofe who moft deferve them :
Complaint was forthwith made to JVilliam Pickering, then Mayor, that two
Women were preaching : He fent a Conftable for them, and examined them
whence they came, and where they lay lafl Night ? They anfwered, that they wife
Strangers, and knew not the Name of the Place, hut faid for what they had, and
came away. He alked t'rxir Names : They replied, their Names tvere written
in the Book cf Life. He demanded their Hufbands Names : They told him,
they
Chap. 6. of the People culled Qt' AKERS.
the-j had no Hufiand but Jcfus Chrill, and be fint them. Upon this the Mayor
grew angry, called them Whores, and iffued his Warrant to the Conftable to
whip them at the Alarket-Crofs till the Blood ran down their Bodies ; and ordered
three of his Serjeants to fee that Sentence, equally cruel and lawlefs, feverely
executed. The poor Women, kneeling down, in Clirilliian Meeknefs befought
lht'Lor(\ to forgive himy for that he knew not what he did : So they were led to
the Market-Crofs, calluig upon God to Jlrengthen their Faith: The Executioner
commanded them to put otf dieir Clothes, which they refufed. Then he
ftript them naked to the Wafte, puf their Arms into the W^hipping-pofl:, and
executed the Mayor's Warrant far more cruelly than is ufually done to the worft
of Malefadors, fo that their Flefh was milerably cut and torn : The Con-
ftancy and Patience which they exprefTed under this barbarous Ufage was
altonilhing to the Beholders, for they endured the cruel Torture without the leaft
Change of Countenance, or Appearance of Uneafinels, and in the midft of their
Punifliment fang and rejoiced, faying. The Lord be bleffed, the Lord be prai/ed,
who hath thus honoured us, and Jlrengthened us thus to fuffer for his Name^s fake.
After which they kneeled down, and, like the Proto-Martyr Stephen, prayed
God to forgive their Perfecutors, for they knew not what they bad done. As they
were letl back into the Town, they exhorted the People to fear God, not Man,
telling them, this was but the Beginning of the Sufferings of the People of God :
A Prredidion which was verified by the Sequel of what their Friends in that
Place afterward underwent. Then were they thruft out of the Town, no Man
daring to fhew them any Countenance, or give them any Relief, for though
many did fecretly commiferate their Cafe, yet none had Courage to oppofe the
Current of popular Prejudice, and the milapplied Power of the Magiitrate.
Anno 1655.
U^tUiam Crownes of the Ifle of Ely, fummoned to ferve on a Jury there, for
rekiling to Swear, fuffered Diftrels of his Goods to the Value ot 3/. 8 s.
On the Day called Trinity-Sunday, four Men and four Wom.en, coming from
a Meeting at Litile-Port, were ftopt by the Watch, and by order of a Magi-
ftrate lent to the Goaler, who fhut them up, together with their Horfes, all
Night, and great Part of next Day, in a Place where they had no lodging but
on dirty Peafe Straw, which the Hogs had before lain on.
_ Clement Crabb, taken at a religious Meeting, was imprifoned eleven Weeks
til] the Seflions, and then difcharged, without any Charge exhibited againfl
him. °
George lingy and William Waring, both o'^ Roy ft on, and Benjamin and TIjomas
Brett ot Mildred, for going to a Meeting on the Firft-day of the Week, fuffered
nea • fix Montlis Imprilbnment in Cambridge Caftle.
Boniface Norris, aged near eighty, for riding to a Meeting about two Miles
from his Dwelling, was fent to Prifon, where he fell fick, and being permitted
to go Home, a few Days after died. During his Imprilbnment, his Wife,
having publickly reproved his Perfccutors for their Hypocrify, was alio com-
mitted to Prilbn, where llie lay fix Months.
For the fame Caufe, of openly teilifying againfl the Corruption of the
Times, feveral others were imprifoned, to wit, Henry Fofter feven Weeks :
Philip Williamjon almoft a Year : Anne Blakely half a Year : Anne Cock and
Anne Wdfon, three Montlis. Thefe Imprifonments were by Warrants from the
Magiilrate, which, however illegal, carried with them the Face of Authority.
But at other Times the rude People with grievous Blows, Abufes, and Infults,
avenged themfelves on thofe who reproved them : By fuch Abufes of the Popu'
lace, Sajnuel Fulbeck, Henry Place, and Margaret Kellam, fuffered much.
Thomas Lightfoot, through the Malice of lome high Profeffors at Cambridge,
■whofe Hypocrify he had teflified againff, was acculed of Blafphemy, in laying.
The Scripture was not the Word of God ; an ExprefTion, which diough
clearly detbnfible in the Senfe he Ipake it, wherein that Title is properly and
«5
C A M-
BRIDGE-
S H I R !•,
&c.
1653-
Cruel Whip'
fiiig.
i%5-
rUfirejfis for
7iot SweiTifig,
Cniel CoiijiTii'
mint.
ImprifoHmems
for Meeting,
Death of B.
Norris in
GojI, .ini Ira-
prifo-iment of
his iVij's.
lUegd Imfri-
Jonments.
Rjge of the
People.
T. Lightfoot
accujed of
BJ.ifphemy.
Vol. I.
ejjentially
86
€ A M-
BRIDGE.
SHIRE,
&c.
1655-
J. Parnel im-
prifoned.
Oijirejps for
Tithis.
1656.
JmpriJ'oiimevis
forTithdi.
Some put in
Irons.
Death of R.
Crabb.
H. Clifton
confineil in a.
Dungeon,
Several pu-
ni{hel for
entertiinitig
Quakers.
Clerk's IVages.
Diftrejfes for
Tithes, a.ni
for not Svienr-
ing.
1658 and
1659.
Barbxroui
Ailions of
Cambridge
SehoUrs.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
effentiali-j afcribed to Chrift only, was made criminal in him, and he was there-
■ lipon impriioned, and Endeavours were ufed to have taken away his Life, but
God prd'erved him.
Jamei PariieU, for publilhing a Decoration againft corrupt Minifters and
corrupt IVIagiftrates, was impnlbned in Cambridge^ and lay there two Seffions.
In tliis Year levenil Perfons, for Tithes demanded worth but 2/. 2 s. had
their Goods taken by Diftrels to the Value of 8/. 10 j.
Anno 1656.
Robert Leichworth, for Tithes under 12^, in Value, fliffered a Year's Im-
prifonment ; and Jeremy Rofe, for a Demand of 5 s. for Tithes, was impri-
foned fix Months, though his Goods had been taken away for the fame De-
mand to four Times that Value.
Edward fVright and John Feaji, for not paying Tithes, were imprifoned fix
Months, and put in Irons as if they had been Felons.
For the fame Caufe were imprifoned, Thomas Payne about feven Months,
Chrijiopber Lancafier about twelve Months, John Srfiith near twenty Weeks,
John Smith the Younger about feventeen Weeks, Robert Kent eleven Weeks,
IVnlter Crane three Montlis, and Robert Crahb, who being taken fick in Pri-
fon, was permitted by the Goaler to go Home, where he foon after died,
Henry Clifton, riding tluough Upwell, was taken by a Conftable, and carried
to a neighbouring Juftice, who, after fome Reproach and Derifion, fent him
to another Jultice about four Miles diftant, who, without any legal Caufe, fent
him to Prifon, where he lay in the Dungeon among condemned Men lor a con-
fiderable Time.
It was at this Time adjudged penal to entertain any ^takers, and for that
Caufe only, JVillia7n Holmes and Thomas Jobjbn were indicted at the Aflizes, fent
to Prifon, and afterwards fined -, and the Former had taken from him by Dii-
trefs, two Mares worth 8 /. and the iai/fr an Horfe worth 10/. Even Cbrijlian
Charity it lelf was by fome Magiftrates reputed criminal, and Richard Htibber-
thorn and Richard Weaver were fent to Goal only for vifiting Anne Blakely in
Prifon ; and the laid Richard Hiibberthorn, for not departing the Town at the
Mayor's Command, was fent to the Houfe of Corredlion lor three Months ; as
were George Clark and Edward Salmon for working on a Faft-day.
George NaJJj, Thomas Poole, and John Cranford, were imprifoned near two
Mondis for retufing to pay i s. toward the Sexton's Wages.
A
N N O
1657.
In this and the next former Year, for Demands of 25/. 16 s. 4 J. for Tithes,
were taken by Diftrefs from fundry Perfons, Goods worth 70/. 15J.
Robert Afpelon, chofen Conftable, and refiifing to Swear, had his Goods taken
away to the Value of 70/. 1 1 j-.
Anno 1658 and 1659.
When neither the arbitrary Proceedings of the Magiftrates, nor the Infults
of the People, could deter the Perfons called Quakers from their Chriftian
Duty of aftcmbling together to worfhip God, the -younger Fry of Scholars in
Cambridge, animated by thofe who fhould have reftrained them, manifefted,
by their wicked Behaviour and barbarous Abufes, that their College had been
jultly denominated by the firft mentioned Chriftian Women who fulFered there,
a Cage of unclean Birds, and the Synagogue of Satan. 'Twas cuftomary with
tliem, when any of this People palTed the Streets to or from their Meetings,
to throw Dirt and Stones at them, to tear their Clothes, and fpit in their
Faces. In their publick Meetings the Scholars infulted them by breaking the
Windows, throwing great Stone^:, and fhooting Bullets in, to the Hazard of
their
Chap. 6. of the People called QUAKERS.
their Lives. When William. Allen^ who was frequently concerned to preach in
thofe Meetings, was declaring, they would run througli the Meeting-hoirie
like wild Horfcs, throwing down all before tlien^ halloeing, ftamping, and
making a Noife, as if fevcral Drums had been beating, to prevent his being
heard : While he was fpeaking they threw Stones at him, broke his Head in
feveral Places, cut his Face, and bruifed his Body : He neverthelefs perfifted
in his known Duty undifmayed. In like manner did they abule others of the Af-
fembly, pulling off the Womens Headclothes, and daubing their Faces with
Filth and Excrements. Some of thefe Barbarities were aded in the Sight cf
the Senwr Fellows^ and ProtJor of the College, who Ihewed no Didike thereat :
and when Alderman NicMfmi^ a fober and moderate Man, grieved at fuch
Inhumanity, complained to the Pro^or, defiring him to ufe his Authority to
keep tlie Scholars quiet, he churlifhly anfwered that be cmld npt^ nor would iwt'.'
In thefe two Years, for Demands of 12/, 95. u//. for Tithes, were takeh
by Diftrefs irom lijndry Perfons, Goods worth lyl. ^s. gd. Among which
the Cafe oi' Dorothy Motley might have moved Compaffion, who being a pool-
Widow with fcven Children, and her Tithe demanded by the Pricft but ^s. 4^.
had taken from her a Cow worth 4/. and no Overplus returned, nor Accoufit
given.
In 1 659 for 6 s. /\.d. demanded for Steeple-houfe Rates, were taken Good's
to the Value of 1 /. gs. 6d.
Anno 1660.
8
7
€ A ^^-
BRIDGE-
^HIRE,
&c.
1658 Slid
{65g.
Uard Cife of
D. Motley.
1660.
Soon after the RelVoration of King Charles the Second, a Letter was prefented
to him, fubfcribed by nine and twenty Sufferers at a Meeting in Cambridge on
the 2d of the Fifth Month 1 660, which, giving a juft Idea of the Continuance
of the Pertecution there, and of the Chriflian Plainnefs and Simplicity of Ad-
drefs theji ufed by them to Perfons in the highefl Authority, is as follows^ viz.
e(
To King CriARLES the Seeond, &c.
WE are not a People forward to complain without great Caufe, hoi-
backward or unwilling to abide the good Pleafure of the Lord, in
filling up the Meafure of the AfHiftions of Chrift in our Bodies, while
others are filling up the Meafure of their Sins : But the Things that iTave
lately happened to us at Cambridge, being altogether contrary to thy Decla-
rations for Freedom, and Proteftion, to them that fubmit to thy Govern-
ment and live in Peace, and much to the Difhonour of diy royal Engage-
ment particularly made to us, thy Authority being pretended for the foulefl:
Mifdemeanours and higheft Infolences, whereby thou mayft be abufed as
well as we, as declaring for one Thing and intending another, and much
Evil may proceed if fuch Things are luffered : Therefore we would not hide
it from the King, that Remedy may be had againft fuch prefumptuous Of-
fenders, or at leafl die like prevented for the Time to come, that the
Judgments of God, may, if pofiible, be diverted, that are ready to fall
upon this Nation, without fpeedy Repentance and Reformation, for the
Wrong done unto his Children and Servants, and thou mayft be prcfcrved
in the evil Day from the Wrath of the Lamb, who is making War with
the Nations, and paffing his dreadfiil Doom and Sentence upon the fFhore,
the falfe Prophet, and ^rone of the Beajl. Be it known unto thee, O King,
that on the 2d Day of the fifth Month, as we were gathering togetlier to
a general Meeting, at the ufual Place there, being our own hired Houfe, a
Tumult ot Scholars, lewd Women, Townlmen, and Boys, gathered alfo
about the Meeting- place like the Men of Sodom ; not content with the for-
mer Injuries, Infolences, and Indignities, aded and exprelfed toward the
Lamb's Followers about u Month before, neither afliamed nor afraid to do
the fame Things asain, though the Heads and Governors both of Town
" and
again,
A Letter to
K^ Chai'les 2.
jrum Siifferert
at Cam-
bridge.
88 A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
CAM- " and Univerfity were made acquainted with the former Riot, but rather en-
B RIDGE- tt couraged, in that their ddcrved Punifhment was delayed: Some of them
^^^&c/ " prepared with Excefs of Drink, that they might forget all Humanity, and
1660 " i^^'^ "o Mercy, fuffered none to pufs thither without fome Abufe or other,
" Hopping and tlirufting us to and Iro, throwing fome down, or throwing
" Dirt or Filth upon their Clothes, or in their F'aces ; and alio beating fome
" back again, and not fuftering them to go into the Meeting, mingling
" much Scoffing, Reviling, and Threatning, with the reft of their Mifufages;
" and not ceafing there, tell upon us in our peaceable Meeting, as we were
" waiting upon the Lord in Fear, ftriking at thofe they could reach,
" flinging at others, and making an hideous Noife, with Scoffing, Laugh-
" ing. Railing, Shouting, knocking, drumming upon the Boards, and fome-
" times throwing Wildrire and Gunpowder into the Meeting, to drown
" the Sound of that which was fpoken to us in the Name of the Lord, and
" continually exercifing themfelves in one Aft of Mifchief or other, to make
" a Diilurbance, and weary us out ot the Place j and when they fiw they
" could not do it by all thofe Means, they brake and battered down the
" Doors and Walls next the Street with Bolt-hammers and other Engines, and
" though we minded them of the King's Declaration, wherein he promiled
" Liberty to tender Confciences, at his firft coming into England, and Ihewed
" them the Unlawfulnefs of their Doings, aflaulting, breaking in upon us,
" and beating us in our own hired Houfe ; they called us Rebels, and pre-
" tended the King's Order for what they did, and ran violently upon us, and
" ufed us as if our Lives were all at their Mercies, haling, thrufting us out,
" and ftriking both Men and Women (though not lifting up an Hand againft
" them) without any Pity or Refpeft to Age or other Condition, with Clubs,
' ' great Splinters, and Pieces of the Doors and other Timber : And though
" they that entred the Houfe beat us with fo much Cruelty, yet would not
" their Outguard let us pafs, till they alfo had fatisfied their bloody Minds
" in beating us again, fo that very many of us were forely hurt and bruifed.
' ' Twenty two had their Blood ftied ; one fo lamed that he was left behind
" unable to walk abroad, and a Woman almoft killed by their cruel Ufage ;
" and befides this, fome of us loft our Hats, and many of us had our Clothes
" rent and much befpattered and daubed: And yet our Perfecutors were not
" fuisfied with all this : When they had driven us from the Houfe, and
♦' cleared the Streets of us, they returned and quite battered down the reft of
" the Walls and Bays on each Side of the Meeting-houfe, next two Entries,
" and laid it all open to the Streets, then fought and hunted up and down the
" Meeting-houfe again for us, and them they lighted on did very much abufe,
" and allaulted an Alderman'i Houfe where fome of us lodged, and beat the
" Man of the Houfe at his own Door, and departed not lb long as it was
" light. And lue wbofe Names are hereunto fubfiribed were Sufferers, and are
" Witneffes that thej'e things are true before written.
John Moone Jeremy Heme Jofiah Cole
William Pepper Stephen Crifp John Oftler
John Ainfloe Gregory Tingy William Warbies
John Parker Daniel Wallis Stephen Hart
John Webb Benjamin Lunt Thomas Harris
Daniel Ward William Turner Thomas Payne
George Clark Giles Fifher James Allen
John Forfter William Witham John Pollard
Henry Marfhall Philip Williamfon Thomas Roufe
John Adams Jeremy Wood.
Befide the Subfcribers, many others partook of the like Abufes, to which their
publick Meetings continually expofcd them, for being confcious of their own
Innocence, they difdained thofe mean Arts and Subterfuges, under which Men
of
Chap. 6. of the People called QL^AKERS,
of evil Dcfigns are wont to palliate their Treacliery, Of thefe were Vernier and
his Accomplices, called the Fifth Monarchy Men, who in the Winter this Year
made :m Infurredlion in the City of London, thereby incenfing the Government,
and raifing a Storm o\ Ferfecution, wherein the peaceable ^takers gready
fuffered, tor in the Month called January this Year, one Hundred and i'-^enty
fix of this People were committed to Prifon for rehifing to take the Oath of
JlUjiance, of which Refiifal, their confcientious Obedience to the Precept of
Chrifl;, Swear not at all, was their only Motive. Of this Number were com-
mitted,
To the Caftle in Cambrul^e, being the County Goal 59 Perfons
I'o the Talbooth Prifon there 8
To fVifhich Goal 8
To Ely Goal 51
89
CAM-
BRIDGE.
SHIRE.
&c.
1660.
lmprifonme7it
of 126 for
Tefufivg to
In all 126
The Ufage they met with in Cambridge Goal is defcribed in the following
Letter, from one of the Prifoners there to a Friend in London, viz.
«t
((
(.1
(C
<c
<(
It
<(
iC
<(
tt
It
" Dear Friend,
MY dear Love to thee and all foithful Friends and Brethren, in Bonds
and out of Bonds : God Almighty keep you all faithful to the End :
1 his is to let thee know how it is, and hath been with us, in Camhidge-
/bire and Town. They have been very cruel and violent towards all Friend?,
fparing none, neither Widows nor fatherlefs Children, but haled all before
them called Juftices, and they fent all to Prifon : Many Widows about
fixty, fome feventy Years old, and they left fome of the Houfes without
Inhabitant, and fome little Children in the Streets, without any to look after
them for feveral Days : Such was the Cruelty that I was moved to write
a few Lines to them, a Copy whereof I have fent thee. They brought
in one Day about fixteen Women, a great Part of them Widows, and moll
of them all very poor in the Outward, having but little but as they did earn
it by Day-labour, and they put them into the Shire Hall, where they were
kept all Night without any thing to lie upon, and thefe Women were kept
about four Days, and then the Goalor came and thruft them out, not having
any Order, and took from them what Bedding they had gotten in, and doth
keep it for Fees, We are already about thirty one Men in the County Goal,
and nine Men in the Town Goal, and fixteen Women. ^Upon the Se-
cond-day lail, the Men called Juftices, fent the Clerk of the Peace to lee
us know, that it was the King's Pleallire to free us of the Oath, and if we
would enter into a Bond to live peaceably, and not to have any Meetino-
or Conventicle for one Year's Time, we might have our Liberty : To
which we anlwered by one Confent, W^e could not for Confcience-fake, being
the Lord's free Men. And that Day I was moved to write a few Lines to
them called Juilices, and fent it to them where they fit in Cambridge, a Copy
of it I have lent alio. Friends here are finely kepr, and well content to lie
upon Straw. Farewell.
" Thy dear Friend and Brother in the Bonds of the Gofpel,
A Letter if»
fcrihivg thi
Vjde,e of the
rrij'oners.
Cambridge Comity Coil, the^id of
the Eleventh Month 1660.
cc
John Ainsloe."
The Letters above-mentioned which John Ainjloe fent to the Juftices, were
as follows, viz.
Vol. I.
The
90
C A M-
BRIDGE.
SHIRE.
&c.
1660.
ift Letter
j'om]. Ain-
lloe to the
Juftices.
A CoUeclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
J. Ainfloe'/
%d Letter to
tie Juftices.
H
The Fvjl L E T T T E R.
" Friends !
AVE you forgotten there is a God, or do you think he hath forgot-
ten his People, or do you think to change his Decree, or turn his
" Arm backward, chat you thus acl concerning his People, who feek not the
" Harm of any, but the Good of all, neither can they be charged with
" Wrong they have done to any, neither is Guilt found with them that Man
" can charge upon them, but only concerning our God, becaufe wc cannot
" deny our God, and fwear contrary to his Command -, therefore are we per-
" fecuted and imprifoned, and Widows Houfes left defolate, and the Fatherlels
" left in the Streets ; the like hath not been heard of in Ages paft, nor did
" this Nation ever meet widi the like. O confider, the Eord fce^ and hath
" Refpeft to the Widow and Fatherlcls, though you have none : Friends, this
" is your Day, you fhould do well to ufc it well, left God fhorten it, and
»' when you cry, God will not anfwer, and when you need Pity, you find
" none : Confider that the Breath of all Men is in the Power Oi the ixird,
«' and he can take it from them when it pleafes him, and he will fhorten the
" Days of the Wicked, and bring Deliverance for his People. Therefore
" confider, and take Warning, and leave off perfecuting the innocent People
" of God, left God caft out you as he hath done them beiore you, who
" were found guilty in that Thing, though not in lb great a Meafure. Friends,
" confider that the Cry of the Poor and Fatherlefs, and the Defolation of the
" Widow, enters into the Ears of the God of Heaven whom we Terve,
" and he will plead our Caufe one Day, until which Time we wait with
" Patience. Only it v/as upon my Spirit to lay thefe Things before you in
" Love, that you might repent before your Mealure be filled up, and then
" no Place of Repentance will be found.
" Frotn a Lover of Peace and Righteoiifnefs, and the Welfare of all Men,
" John Ainsjloe.'
25(6 0/ the EleventJ}
Month 1660.
w
The Second LETTER.
Friends !
'E are bound with a ftronger Bond than Man can bind, and this is the
Bond of Peace and Unity, with which Bond we are bound to God to
love him, and honour him above all, and our Neighbour as our felvcs, which
is to us of greater Price and Value, than any Tie Men can lay upon us, and
other Bonds cannot we enter into for Confcience-fake, but they who are
out of this Bond in the Strife and flriving Nature one with another, of
them Bond may be required for their good Behaviour ; but the Lord hath
redeemed us out of Strife, and we are come to witnefs him who hath taken
away the Occafion of War, and Plot5, and evil Contrivances againft any
Man ; and we wilh and defire from our Hearts the Welfare of all Men,
and their Profpericy in that which is good, and if any wilh otherwife, or be
found ading otherwife, they are not of us : Bond may be required ot them.
This being confidered by you in the Fear of the Lord, you v/ill fee no
Reafon why Bond fhould be required of us. This is written in Behalf of
my felf and many Brethren now Prilbncrs of the Lord, for witnefling forth
a good Confcience towards God and towards Man, in Cambridge Town and
County Goals.
iSthof the Eleventh
Mcntb 1660,
" John Ainsloe."
Thus in an innocent Plainnefs, and with Chriftian Courage, did this Sufierer
reprefent to the Magiftrates, the Cafe of himfelf, and of his Friends in Prifon,
and in lb doing cleared his own Confcience, and left them the lefs excufable m
dieir
Chap. 6. of the People called QUAKERS. 91
their Proceedings. The Bonds which were required of this People, would have C A M-
reftrained them Irom dieir religious Meetings, and tiieretore were by them re- ^^.^^RPp^'
lUiecl. ^c.
And in another Letter, fome Time after, the laid John Ainfloe fays, 1660.
•' O O M E of us are kept in and not fuffered to go out to eafe our felvcs, iisafon for re-
" l3 but muft do it where they lie, and others of us fhut up in Dungeons and M^^^ Bonds.
" Holes, where they keep their Felons, and Vv itches, and Murderers, and fo ^^'J^y'^j. //„j^
** thronged, that they have but Room to ftir one by another, and the Places jrom J.
" do fmcU fo nafty, that it were enough to poifon any Creature, but that the Ainfloe.
" Lord is our Prcfcrver. There is about twelve o[' us, poor labouring
•' Men, that have nothing to live on but their own Labour, and they have
" been kept from it thefe eight Weeks, and had nothing but as others of us
" relieve them. Many of the Prifoners are fickly with Colds.
*'■ John Ainsloe."
This hard and clofe Confinement was prejudicial to the Health of many of DemhofJ-
them, and occafioned the Death of Jnfeph Holmes ^ who together with his Fa- ^^"l'"^^ '"
ther and Brother, were imprifoned.
In this y e;ir Edward Peachy for a Demand of 6 ;. for Tithes, had his Goods Dijlrejfjs, &c,
taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 5 /.
Gecrge Thorowgoody for opening his Shop on the Day called Chrijlmafs-day-, was
committed to Prifon.
Anno 1661. 1661.
The fame George Thorowgood, for a Fine impofed on him for opening his oiflrefs for
Shop on an Holiday, fo called, had his Goods taken away to the Value of 1 5 i. ^P'^^'g ^>:^-
Mary Prior of Over, an aged and religious Widow, appearing at Scflions Vesthofhl,
on a Summons for abfenting herfelf from the publick Worfliip, was committed I'l^'or.
to Prilbn, where Ihe fell fick and died, and was buried in Cambridge Caftle
Yard on the 5th of the Tenth Month this Year.
Stephen Blow and the Widow Peach-j, for 75. of them demanded for Tithes,
had their Goods taken away to the Value of 10/. 135.
In the fame Year James Tims, and Francis Gerrard, were imprifoned in Catn-
Iridge Caflle, on an Attachment out of the Exchequer, for not paying Tithes.
Anno 1662. 1662.
Eleanor Harwood, Anne Barhary, Thomas Thorowgood, Mercy Padley, and ^'"P'"'A'P'-""
Blanch Sutton^ were imprifoned on an Indiffment ior Abfence from the Na- //omthTi^j-
tional Worfhip : I'hcy were kept five Days and five Nights without any Bed tioiuim'rjkif.
to lie on, though one of them had a young Child fucking at her Brealt. For
the fime Caufe Robert Leichworth was imprifoned, and afterwards detained on a
Writ de Excommunicato capiendo : And Samuel Cater, Thojnas Hawkes, and 5^-
muel Fuller, were by Order of ScfTions committed to Prifon, and continued
there ten Weeks.
In the Second Month this Year, Jofeph Stevens and Edith Stevens, both of
Over, were committed to Prifon for Tithes, and in the next Month Thomas
Goodwin and John Smith, of Hardwick. Samuel Fulbigg, for a Demand of 7 s.
for Tithe, had his Goods taken to the Value of 2 /. 10 j.
Robert Letchworth, for refufuig to Swear, had taken from him two Cows
worth 7/.
Anno 1663. ^^^3-
In this Year Jeremy Rofe was arrefted and imprifoned, for he, knew no: what, Caufelefs Jn-
unlefs the Name i^iaker had intitled him to fuch Ulage. frijhmsnT.
James
92
C A M-
B RIDGE-
SHI RE.
&c.
1663.
Diftrejfet for
refufing to
heir Arms.
-Dtflrtfs of
2/. lOi. {or
Zil. iimiiuisi'
IriiprifiD.niiiits
for TithiS.
Duthof T.
Richard Ion
in Prifon.
Veitb of H.
Fofter'j infi
and Chill.
Sever.:! in-
diiled .It the
Ajfi^es.
rmprifonmims.
Diflrejfcu
1664.
Diflrejfct -for
liihes.
ttlfo for Meet-
tvd for rcfu-
fing to Swiiir.
tirhtrous Ex-
prefften of a.
^ujiice.
Hii Deith.
Imprijotirn'rits
0.1 Proieffts
unknown.
A Collection of the Sufferings
Vol. I.
'James Tms, Robert Skeile, Richard Read, and John Alams, for refufing to
bear Arms in the County Militi.i, had their Goods taken away to the Value
of 1 9 /. 1 3 J. 4 J.
Jerem-j Rofe, for id. demanded for Tithe of Grafs worth but 18 J. fufFered
Diftrcfs of his Goods to the Value of 2 /. 10;.
In the fame Year Walter Crane of Horjed, had been detained in Prifon fixteeh
Months on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo for Tithes. And by like Writs
for the fame Caul'e were Robert Steel and John Rufs confined in Wijbech Goal,
On the 1 6th of the Second Month this Year, Thornas Richardfony Francis
Bugg, and John hes, taken by Conftables at a Meeting, were committed to
Eh Goal, and at the Aflizes about five Months after, had the Oath of Alle-
giance tendred them, and for refufing it were remanded to Prifon, where Iho-
mas Richard/on, above fixty Years of Age, through Want of Firing and other
NecefTaries, and lodging on Straw in Winter Time, was taken fick, and died
on the 13th of the Eighth Month 1665, after two Years and an Half Con-
finement. The other two continued there fix Months after his Death.
Henry Fojler of Sutton, was taken from his own Houfe by rude Soldiers,
who with Sword and Pifbol fo terrified his Wife, big with Child, that (he fell
in Travel before her Time, and both Mother and Child died : He was fent
to Wifljech Goal till the next AfTizes, and then, together with PFilliam ConJlancCt
and John lye, who were taken from a Meeting at Chatteris, was remanded to
Prilbn, where they continued many Months.
In the Month called November this Year, John Am floe, Robert Falkner, and
John Holloivell, after a Meeting at Welli}igha7n, were taken by the Sheriff and
fent to Prifon till the next Affizes, four Months after, when a Bill of Indidment
was found againfl them, for refufing to hear Common-prayer, and bein^ at an
itnlaicful Meeting : Upon which they were recommitted till another Affize.
Robert Skeile and John Rofe were imprifoned on a Writ de Excommunicato
capiendo, for abfcnting from the National Worfhip.
William Wilkinfon, fummoned to the Seffions, and appearing with his Hat
on, was fent to Prifon.
In this Year were taken from feveral in this County for refufing to pay to-
wards Rates for Repairing the parochial Worfhip-houlcs, Goods worth
2/. 13 J'. 8^.
Anno 1664,
In this Year were taken on Account of Tithes from Stephen Bloiv, for a De-
mand of 1 3 s. Goods worth 2 /. 6 s. and from Stephen Wilfon and Richard Bond.,
for about 40i. demanded, Goods worth 12/. 10 s.
Benjamin Cra>ru.'ell was this Year committed to Cambridge Caftle for Tithes,
where was alio James Blahly the Elder, who lay there feveral Years.
George Thorcugood and John Clark, taken at a Meeting, were imprifoned, the
Former ten Days, and the Latter two Months,
William Fifon and Jonas S crooks, for being at a Meeting, were fent to Goal
by William Holder a Prieft, and Juffice of the Peace.
George Thoro'xgood, William Williams, and John Lozvder, for refufing to Swear,
were imprifoned by Order of Seffions fifteen Months : This William Williams
was a very poor Man with many fmall Children : His Wife, hoping to get
Ibme Relief, applied to William Fifljcr, one of the County Juftices, at Wifhechy
reprcfenting the hard Condition of her numerous Family •, to which he, more
like a Canibal than a Chrifiian, replied. If Jhe wanted Food, fhe might take her
Children, fry them for Stakes, and eat them. The i^iid Jufticc died not long
after in much Trouble and Horror of Mind.
Richard Stedlon, Reuben Stevens, and Wdlia?n Pepper, were imprifoned on
Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, though wholly ignorant of any Procefs in the
Ecclefiailical Court againft them.
Chneni
Chap. 6. of the People called QUAKERS.
Clement Crahb the Elder, and William Hart, were imprifoned at Wijhech
eighteen Months, for Abfence from the National Worlhip ; as were Edward
Teach^-, 'Daniel Peachy, Walter Peachy, and Stephen Blow, fourteen Weeks,
alio Edward Wright and John Webb fuftered Impriibnmcnt fome Time for the
lame Caufe.
Several others had extravagant Seizures made on them for Nonconformity
to the pubiick Worfliip, viz.
worth
John Bring of Money, fixty three Beafts
Ezekiel Palmer, feven Cows worth
Dorothy Alotley, an induftrious Widow, having
fix Children, fix Kine worth
John Phipps of Meexel, eight Beafts worth
Richard Clarkfon of Chatteris, fourteen Kine worth
}
22
20
32
30
o
o
o
o
d.
o
o
o
o
93
C A M-
BRIDGE-
SHIRE,
&c.
1664.
Imprifonmenti
for Abfence
from the pub-
lick U^orjhip.
Extravagant
Sei^wct.
I 287 o O
Some of the Cattle thus feized, were fold for half, and other-s for a quarter
of their Value, few People caring to purchafe them, the Innocence of the
Sufferers afFcfting the Confciences of their Neighbours, who commiferating
their Cafe, generally refufed fuch Pennyworths.
Anno 1665.
Jofepb Nunn of Littleport, John Dring, Thomas Paine, Anne Crabb, and Eli-
znbetb Afpelon, for not paying Tithes, had Goods and Cattle taken from them
to tlie Value of 1 8 /. And Willia?n Boughton [or a. Mortuary, fuftered by Dif-
trels 2 1. 10 s.
Richard Bedmell, and William Wadinghain, of Doddington, Robert Smith, Wil-
liam Wilkinfm, and 'Tho?nas Dorman of Littleport, and Henry Wadely, for De-
mands on them of 14/. 4J. 2 <Y. for Tithes, had Cattle and other Goods taken
(rom them to the Value of 92 /. 13 j. 8 d. When the Prieft of Littleport made
Seizure of Dorman\ Goods, he was reproved for taking Tithe for Calves, where
none was due, and put in Mind of the Apoftle Paw/'s Example, who coveted
no Man's Goods, tec. to which he anfwered, I matter not what Ch.v'\ik. /aid, nor
what Paul faid -, I will have a Calf. An ExprefTion denoting, that he was
more concerned for the Profits tli&n the Duty of his Office.
1665.
Diflrejfes for
Tithes, &c.
Saying of t
covetous
Prieft.
1666.
Anno 1666.
John Way man and Thomas Wayman, both of Over, for a Demand of ^s. for
Tithe, were imprifoned in Cambridge CalUe at the Suit of Dudley Pope Impro-
priator.
At Ely AfTizes in the Month called April this Year, feveral who had been
long in IPrifon at Wijhecb for refufiiig the Oath of Allegiance, were, fet at
Liberty. , ■lp.d.i!\
Anno 1667. 1667.
Robert Rayment, William Witham, Thomas Paine, and Elizabeth Afpelon, were
imprifoned for Abfence from the National Worfliip.
William Wdkinfon, fined 60 /. for Meeting, died a Prifoner after two Years ^"'^ "/ W.
Confinement. Wilkinfon.
Anno 1668.
1668.
Francis Emerfon was imprifoned in Cambridge Caftle for Tithes at the Suit Imprifon-
of John Philips and Jofepb Kettle : Edward Peachy and John Blow were alfo '"''""•
imprifoned there on an Attachment for Tithes.
Vol. I. A a Anno
94
C A M-
ITRIDGE.
SHIRE,
1669.
Dijtrejfes xni
Jmprifon-
mtttts.
1670.
Great Spoil by
the Conviii-
tick Ad.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
A NNO 1669.
Richard Cope, for refufing to bear Arms, fufFered Diftrefs of his Goods to
the Value of 30^.
In the fame Year, John Adatns, Thomas Gray, William JVelh, William Crofs,
Edward Fuller, William Nix, and Philip Williamfon, were fent toPrifon for not
paying Tithes, and continued there feveral Years.
Anno 1670.
By an Aft of Parliament made diis Year againft Conventicles, whereby In-
formers were encouraged with Part of the Fines, great Spoil of Goods was made
in this County and Ifland, viz.
At Ely. At Ely were taken from Francis Bugg, for being at feveral Meetings, Goods
worth 42 /. 18 s. 4.d. And from feveral other Inhabitants there, to the Value of
47/. 4J. 2.d.
Among thefc was George Tljorowgood, a poor Man, who having all his
Houfhold Goods, Bed and Bedclothes taken from him, was forced to lodge
on Straw ; after which, when fick, his Profecutors took away his Sheets and
Shirt. Several, who, being fhut out of their Meeting-place, met in the Street
were forely beaten, and Stephen Clarkfon knockt down by a Blow, which he
complained of till his Death about five Months after.
At Chatteris and Sutton in the Iflc of Ely, were taken from about twenty Per-
fons, Goods to the Value of 6 1 /. Gs. Sd.
Richard Cope and Robert Stanton^ Conftables, refafing to ferve one of the
Warrants for thefe Diftreffes, were fined 5/, each, and for Non-payment, Cope had
taken from him four Cows worth 9 /. and Stanton four Cows worth 11/.
At Linton were taken from feveral Perfons, Goods worth g^l. ^s. gd.
At Cambridge, for Meetings held diere. Goods worth 54/. 4s. 6d. One
Williajn Brafier, at whofe Houfe fome of thofe Meetings were, had all his
Goods taken away, even his working Tools, and Bedding, fo that he was con-
ftrained to lie on the Boards. Edtvard Cooke had the Bedding for himfelf and
Family taken away, with his Children's Cradle, fo that the poor Babes con-
trafted Sicknefs by lodging on Straw, and one of them died. Alfo Nicholas
Froft, for permitting a filcnt Meeting in his Holife, fuflered the Lofs of all his
Goods.
At Littleport in the Ifle of Ely, were taken from feveral Perfons, Goods to
the Value of 54/. i8i. 8^. Among which is the Cafe o^ Samuel Cater, who
was fined 25/. for Preaching in Norfolk, from whence the Magiftrates there fent
a Warrant to the Juftrces of Ely, where he dwelt, and his Goods and Timber
were taken by Diftrefs before he came Home.
From John Adams of Hadenham, then a Prifoner, for Meetings at his Houfe,
were taken Goods worth 49 /. %s. ^d. And from Edward Fuller to the Value
of 35/. IS. Afd. One Woodward, a Member of the Church oi England, re-
fufing to afTift in carrying thofe Goods, was forced to pay 5 /. Fine •, and want-
ing but 2 J. of that Sum, the Juftice would nol! abate it. T\\k Woodwardy
afterward on his Death-bed, eXpreffed much Satisfiftion in lb fuffering.
At Overt feveral, who met there, had their Cattle and Goods diflrained to
the Value of 156/. 6s. 6d. John Anfloe, fined 20 1, for Freach'ing there, had
nine Cows taken worth 30/. which when the Parilh Officers retijfed to fefl bc-
■ low their Value, Juftice Hatton, who impofed the Fine, fold to his own Clerk
and the Informer for 12/. Some other of" the Cattle were bought by Sackvil
Wade Lord of the Manour of Over, who gave this Reafon for buying them,
vii. " That he, feeing rafcally Fellows purchafe thole Goods at low Rates,
*' had bought them with Intention to let the Owners have them again at the
" fame Price :" But he v/as ignoxant diat the Ov/ners would not buy their
own Goods again, though never fo cheap. The Purchafers were, generally
Men
Chap. 6. of the People called QUAKERS.
Men of little Reputation, fuch as interior Conftables, and Informers, one of
whom, Edward JFc'ili, a Cobler of Qimbridge, by buying fucii Bargains became
a Graiier.
f oi: Meetuigs at Royfion were taken Gqods worth 47 /. 12 s. One of the
Juflices who granted Warrants tor thefe DiftrefTes was James Wilmot, a keen
Man for fuch Service, who bid the Officers leave the Sufferers neidier Difli nor
Spoon, nor Scat to fit on. By fuch Direction they thought themfelves war-
ranted in Stripping ff'illiamff'itham oi the Coat from liis Back, and telling
him, that next Time rhey would fend him home naked : Alfo in taking from
rhc Wile ot Phikp Williamfoii, then imprilbned for his Religion, the Firino-
provided tor herlelf and Children ; and trom Ed-^ard Mayes and his Wife,
both very aged, their Bed and Bedclothes ; and from the Widow Ajh-joelly
above eighty Years of Age, the Bed the lay on.
At Oukmgtoi, Great Abington, Baljham, Fidliborne, and Hogington, they made
Diltrels of Cattle and Goous to the Value of 126/. 2J. 2,d. In which Diftrels
they ihewed no Compaflion, taking trom Sufanna Cmn^ a poor induftrious
Woman, even the Bread- Corn fhe had gleaned.
At Swanzey they took from Nuijoias fValker and John Norris, Goods
worth 22/.
In this Year Jofepb Town/end having a Booth at Sturbridge Fair with Goods to
fell, went to vifit his Mother in Qwibridge ; an Infomier leeing him go in, fuf-
peded a Meeting there, and perfuaded three Doctors of the Univerfity, Juftices
of the Peace, to come thither from their Place of publick Worlhip j who
coming, found only three Perfons befide the Family : Vext at the Difappoint-
ment, they charged a Conftable with JoJ'eph Town/end, and in the Evening
tertdrtd him the Oalh of Allegiance^ and tor refuling it committed him to Goal.
Wkert there, upon Intormation of his being at a Meeting in the Forenoon of
the fame Day, they fined him, and ordered Goods to be taken out of his Booth
to the Value of i o /. They kept him dole Pjifonef there durmg the Fair, to
his very great Detriment, though feveral of his Chapmen offered 1000/. Bail
for his Liberty ; and his Witt, who canae trom NorthamptonJhire to take Care
of his Goods, otlered herlelf to lie in Prilbn in hisftead.
Edward Smith of Litilon, and John Bing of Over, were imprifoned for re-
fuling to Swear.
for a Meeting at Cambridge on the 27th of the Ninth Month this Year the
whole of die Fines were laid on Elizabeth Underwood of CbeJlertoti, from whom
fhe.then dwelling with her Son, they took all the Goods they could find of hers.'
Violent, about this Time, were the Proceedings of Edward Patrick a Juftice
of the Pisace, who with one Rickman an Apparitor, came to the Meeting at
Littleporty took the Names of thote who were met, turned them out by Vio-
lence, took in their own Horles, made a Fire, and fat down drinking and ca-
roufing. When they went away they ordered the Doors to be lockt up. Then
charging feveral Pertons to attend them, they went to the Burying Ground pur-
chaied by the faid People, and made Uic ot by them for twelve Years pafl -,
where the Jultice with his own Hands pulled down the Pales, while his drunken
Attendants brake them in Pieces, digged up the Polb, and levelled the Fence
'with tlK Ground.
At another Meeting the fame Perfons pulled down Samuel Cater preach-
ing, and ftruck him twice : And while he was Praying, pulled liim off his
Kiices by the Note. They knocked down Stephen Clarkfon, ib that he com-
plained of the Blow till he died about live Months after.
On the 29th of the fame Month they repeated their Infults, beatino- and
abufing many, and throwing tome of dieir Hats into die Dirt. They alio
took away the Forms of the Meeting-hoiife,
In this Year Edward Redmel and fmiam IFadingbam, both of Doddinpion,
were imprilonetl in fVjfbecb Goal for Tithes.
In this Year alio Henry Tms, George Read, and John Pigg, fuffered eight
Montlis Imprifonment tor refufing to bear Arms in the County Militia.
Anno
95
CAM-
BRIDGE-
SHIRE,
&c.
1 670.
Severity of a,
^ujticc.
mr.i Uijlrff.
f(S.
CfeofJ.
Town lend
i Trader at
Sturbridge
Fair.
Diflrefs for
Meeii}?g.
XVicied. Pro-
ceedings of
juftice Pa-
trick.
96
A CoUeclion of the Sufferings Vol. L
C A AT-
-B RIDGE-
SHI RE,
&c.
1671.
y'tolcnce of
trick.
1672.
J{elsjfe of
Trifoncrs,
1673.
Difirejfcs for
Meeting.
Grievous Op'
frejjlon oj a.
poor M.m,
Denb of 4 •
Perfons in
Prifon.
1675.
Viftreges for
Tithcst
tnd for
Meetingi,
Hiri Cafe of
G. Friend
4»i hii f»-
tnilj.
Anno 1671.
Ezra Purcas was committed to Prifon for refufing to pay 3^. demanded cf
him for Smoke-penny, Garden-penny^ and Eafier-Offerings.
In the Month called April this Year, the aforementioned Juftice Patrick in
much Fury entered a Meeting at Littleport, violently beating both Old and
Young, till he broke his Staff, and then taking another out of a Warden's
Hand repeated his Blows, and throwing feveral Women down in the Street,
faid, If he killed them he could anfwer it. Then he fent two young Men to
Bridei^ell, where they were cruelly whipt, and detained till Seffions.
Anno 1672.
In this Year many of this People under Confinement, for refufing to take
the Oath of Allegiance, were difcharged by the King's Letters patent, of whom
were releafcd out of Cambridge Caftle, Edward Smith, John Bing, JViliam
Witham, Edward Sutton, Robert Matthews, Giles Pemberton, Philip H^illiamfon^
Thomas Rivers, Francis Holcroft, and Jacob Rogers.
In the fame Year died, Prifoners for Tithes, Reuben Stevens and Bennet Cranf-
well, both of Over, and Tho7nas Gray of Hadenham.
Anno 1673.
George Taylor of Chefterton, John Smith of Over, John Ainjloe, and John Nor.
ris, for being at a Meeting held in the Houfe of the faid John Norris at Wel-
lingham, fuffered Diftrefs of their Goods and Cattle to the Value of 37/. 16 J.
Alio for a Meeting at Mildenhall, were taken from Francis Bugg and John
Burgejs, Goods worth 32/. 10 s.
Anno 1674.
For Meetings held at Cambridge, Seizures were made on divers Perfons to
the Amount of 1 1 /. Of thefe was William Brazier, a poor Shoemaker, who,
after Diftrefs of his Houlhold Goods, was Ipoiled of his working Tools, his
wearing Apparel, and his Wood for firing : And when reduced to lodge on
Straw, they took from under him the Sheets which covered that Straw :
Neverthelefs his Zeal and Conftancy continued immoveable.
John Elgar of Papzmrth, for a Meeting at Eltijley, had Cattle taken from
him worth 6/. los. >' ..ia^siv,,. •.
In this Year John Adams of Hadenham, died a Prifoner for Tithes ; as did
alfo John Feaji of Sutton, John Beadles of Chatteris, and Peter Hill of the fame.
Anno 1675.
John Prime of IFJbrutn, at the Suit of Thomas Witham a Prieft, had his
Houfhold Goods, and other Things taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 74/.
for a Demand of three Years Tithe for a Farm of but 22 /. per Annum Rent.
In this Year feveral Perfons, who had met together at the Houfe of Matthew
Bee/ley of Oakington, fuffered by Diftrefs made on their Goods and Chattels to
the Value of 61/. lys. 6d. And Henry Bojiock for being at a Meeting at
Wellingham, had Malt taken from him worth 6 /. loj.
George Friend, informed againft by Edward Swanton a Prieft, for being at a
Meeting at Lakenheath, had all his Goods taken from him, and himfelf with
his Wife and four or five fmall Children, were obliged to lodge on Straw in the
Cold of Winter. The Goods taken were carried to the informing Prieft's
. Houfe.
Anwo
Chap; 6. of the People called QLIAKERS.
Anxo 1676.
Gabriel Walker of Su.-aJ7jam-Bulbeck, was committed to Cambridge Caftle on
a \\'ric de Excomininiicato cafienJo^ at the Suit of Malin Sawerby Pricft, tor
Eajl er-Offerings and Tithes of half a Rood of Safiron- Ground. He was con-
fined in a dole Dungeon, where, for want of Air in Summer, and Fire in
Winter, his Life was endangered. He was continued in this hard Imprifonment
near four Years after.
James Houghton of Downham, was imprifoned in the Ifle of Ely, on a "Writ de
Excommunicato capieiulo, where he lay above four Years, for reflifing to pay
i6d. toward the Repairs of the Parifli Worfhip-houfe. AH'o Henry Harlow,
Nh'bdas Erofi, Thcmas Edinundfon, and Henry James, for Hke Demands of 3 i. 6d.
each, were detained Prifoners at Cambridge above fix Years.
In this Year was levied by Exchequer Procefs, for Abfence from the National
Worfhip, whereby two Thirds of their Eftates were forfeited to the King on
old Statutes made againft Popjh Recufants,
/. s. d.
From John Prime of Wdbrun, Goods worth 88 o 2
Ruhard fVebb oi Wejiwickham, to the Value of 26 10 o
97
C A M-
B RIDGE-
SHIRE,
&c.
1676.
Cruel Confine-
ment of G.
Walker.
Tedious Im-
prijotriitintst
38 10 3
Diflrers by
Excheq^uer
frscefs.
Anno 1677.
By like Procefles for the fame Caufe, were taken from the faid Richard Webb,
and John Prime, Henry Bojiock of ^y, John Harvey of Linton, Grocer, and
Edward Smith of the fame. Goods to the Value of 65/. 17 6d. And from
John Smith and George Najh, both of Cjver, Goods worth 97 /. 1 1 J. 7 ^. The
felfilh View of feme Officers, in executing fuch Procefles, is fhewn by the An-
fwer which Ijaac Smith, an under Sheriff, gave when he was told that it would
be of lefs Detriment to the Sufferers to take live Cattle than Hoiijhold Goods, his
Reply was, that he had more Need of Hoiijhold Stuff, being Jhortly to go and
keep Houje hijnfelf. This was proved to a Committee of Parliament.
1677.
More Diflef-
fes by Vroceft
out of the
Exchequer.
N N O
1678.
1678.
Thomas Amey of Great Abington, imprifoned in Cambridge Caftle, on a Writ T-mg Impri-
de Excommunicato Capiendo, at the Suit of John Boulton, Vicar, for a Claim of /"^""^"f /<"■
Oblations and Tithe of Wild Pigeons, was remaining under that Confinement adm.
a Year and an Half after.
Anno 1679.
At Chatteris in the Ifle of Ely, exorbitant Seizures of Cattle were made for
fmall Tithes, at the Suit of William Strong Vicar, viz.
Demanded Cattle taken
/. J. d. /. s. d.
For 4 o o of Francis Cooper, to the Value of 40 o o
010 o of Ellis Basford 710 o
22 o o
o of Edward Claxon
II
69
10
The fame Vicar took from John Worth, for a Claim of Tithes, Cattle worth
13/. 10^. and for the ^ime Tithes detained him alfo in Prifon twenty Months.
Vol. I.
Bb
In
J679.
Exctjfive
Seizures.
98
CAM-
BRIDGE-
JiHIRE,
&c.
1679.
Sei\Hfes by
Exchequer
Procefs,
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
In this and the next preceding Year were taken by Exchequer Procels for
Abfcnce from the National Worlhip, from
Richard Petlit of Stow cum ^y. Wheelwright, ten Cows worth
Henry Boftock of ^j, a Cow and an Horfe worth
John Prime of iVilbrum, fourteen Cows worth
Robert Salmon of ShudicampSy and his Widow, to the Value of
John Smith of Over^ a Mare and a Gelding worth
Richard IVebb of IVejl- Wickham, feven Horfes,
and other Things, worth
Edward Smith of Linton^ and Jacob Baker of Wejl'
IVooton, Goods worth
\
I
I
22
5
32
7
16
52
s.
o
10
15
6
d.
o
o
6
8
o
5 15
141
[6Sc
Anno 1680.
Jofeph Endon of Bojley^
from him worth 7/.
1682.
for 30 J. demanded for Tithes, had two Cows taken
Anno 1682.
vijtrejfes, &c. Stephen Blows, for a Meeting in his Houfe at Soha7n in the Ifle of Ely, had
taken from him eight Cows worth 26 1. 15 j. and feveral others alfo had Goods
taken away for the fame Meeting worth 10/, 10 s.
Taken by Exchequer Procefs, for Abfence from the National Worfhip, fi"om
Nicholas Sparks o{ Linton, Goods worth lo/. 125.
For the fame Caufe were committed to Cambridge Caflle, Nicholas Walker,
John Holmes, George Ha7ifco7nb, and Robert Hanfcombi all of Swanzey ; alfo Robert
Adams, and l^illiafn Page of Over.
1683.
Jmprifonments
and Diftrejfes
for feverul
Caujes.
1684.
W. Page died
a. Irijoner,
1685.
5 Perfom in-
prijencd.
Anno 1683.
Edmuud Rofe of Chatterisy was imprifoned for Tithes at the Suit of PFilliam
Strong Vicar.
Nine Perfons, convifted for a Meeting at Littleport, fufFered Diftrefs of Goods
to the Value of 1 1 /. i6s. 6d. And fixteen others, for reflifing the Oath of
Allegiance, tendred them at the Quarter SefTions, were committed to Prifon ;
two of whom, Samuel Fullbegg, and John Toppin, foonfell fick and died Prifoners;
For Abfence from the National Worfhip, were taken from Nicholas Spark of
Linton, Goods worth 61. ^s. and fi-om John JVebb of Baljham, 'to the Value
of 9/. i\s.
And for the fame Caufe were committed to Prifon, Vincent Wayman of
Cottcnham, Edward Peachy, Thomas Blows, and Stephen Blows, all of Soham i
alfo Gabriel Walker of Swaffhatn-Bulbeck.
Anno 1684.
Taken for Tithes from Jeremiah Rofe of Chatteris, for 20s. demanded, two
Cows worth 6 /. and from Philip Eldin of Marjh, for 7 /. Demand, a Mare,
Colt, and fixty Sheep, worth 35/.
William Brafier of Cambridge, was committed to Prifon on a Writ de Ex-
communicato capiendo. And in this Year William Page died a Prifoner.
Anno 1685.
John Langran of 5rt//, and Thomas Hanjcomb and Richard Majlers of Swanzey,
were committed to Prifon for Abfence from the National Worfhip,
Anno
Chap. 7. of the People called QUAKERS, 99
C A M-
A,AQA BRIDGE-
NNO 1000. SHIRE,
&c.
John Prime was imprifoned for Tithes in Cambridge Caftle. In this Year King j gg^.
'James the Second iflued a Proclamation for releafing out of Priibn iuch as w''->r-s.
were detained either on Writs de Excommmicato capiendo^ or by Exchequer Pro- J- ^ /^'^fj.^
cefe, or otherwife at the King's Suit : By which Means were difcharged iourteen ^rodxnwm
or fifteen of the Perfons betorementioned, together with Samuel Cater, Robert
Letcbwortht Robert Read, fViiliam Crofs, and Robert Skeele.
Anno 1690. ^l^^°\
Henry Slater of Elme in the Ifle of Ely, profecuted for los. Tithe at the Suit DjflreS^^s for
of Charles Dimock Prieft, had taken from him a Cow and Mare worth 4/. 5 s. " "'
In the fame Year Henry Pf^adelow, John Goon, and Clement Pain, had their
Corn talcen for Tithes to the Value ot 6 /. 14 j.
CHAP. VII.
CHESHIRE.
CHESHIRE.
1653.
Anno 1653.
ON E of the earlieft Sufferers in this County was Richard Hitchcock, Sufferl'^g of
who after the Conclufibn of the publick WorHiip at Cbefter, R- Hitch-,
thought it his Duty to utter a Chriftian Exhortation to the People : ^'^^^'
For this innocent Freedom the Mayor fent him to Prifon, ftriftly
ordering the Goaler to lay him in Irons in a dark Place called Dead Marfs
Room, where condemned Perfons were ufually put ; there was he kept above
thirteen Weeks from his Wife and many Children, till the Stench and Naftinefs
ct the Dungeon had well nigh fuffocated him ; when Richard MinJJmll, a Ser-
vant of the Proteftor, commiferating his Cafe, by an Habeas Corpus brought
him before a Judge at the General SefTions, who declared his Imprifonmcnt to
be illegal, and fet him at Liberty.
For the like Offence Anne Fara was grievoufly abufed by the People, and Some impri-
afterward by the Mayor committed to Frifon •, as was nomas Tarwood for a [^''^■^ t"' ':'•''
Caufe of the like Nature. The flime Mayor fent Richard Hubberthorn to Goal, ■/:""•= /''^•'.[
and detained him there eight Days upon a bare Information of his vifiting I'rifon.
John Law/on then in Prifon. With equal Rigour were Elizabeth Levens and
Jane IVaugh treated by another Juflice of the Peace, who committed them to
Goal, where they lay five Weeks in a nafty (linking Place, for no other Rea-
fon than that they were pafTing the Street toward the Priibn with an Intention
to vifit their Friends there : An Inftance clearly fhewing that fuperftitious Zeal
clothed with Power, can, by a perverfe Conftrudtion, form a criminal Accuia-
tion, from the innocent Pradtice of a plain Chriftian Duty.
Thomas Holme for Preaching at a Meeting in Chejter, fuflered fix Weeks imprifonmetit^
Imprifonment under a wicked drunken Goaler, who grievoufly abufed and beat /c" Meni't-
him.
Richard Hitchcock and Edward Morgan, for being at the fame Meeting, were
imprifoned, the former fifteen Weeks, and the latter nine.
John
100
CHESHIRE.
'653-
Jmprifonments
for Heetir.g,
and for rej'u-
fir.g to Swear,
1654.
Imprijonmcnt
for oppcfiiig
fubiiik
^nachers.
A Defiription
of a Flice
culled Little
Eafe, in
Chefter, in
vbifb
R. Scoftroph.
T. Yarwood,
and W. Simp-
fon were tor-
tured.
1656.
Imprifonmsnts
for fundry
Ciufes,
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I,
John Wortlnngton, Thomas Janney, Toomas Potts, Richard Burgefs, Robert
Milner, and Ed-:ijard Alcock, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value ot 11/. 105.
for going but two Miles from their Habitations to a Meeting,
Thomas Livejey, for ref ufing to Swear, fuffered fix Weeks and five Days Im-
prifonment, befide the Value of 50 j. by Diflrefs.
Anno 1654.
Edzcwd Ogden, prefuming to difcourfe, after Sermon, with a publick.
Preacher^ concerning his Dodrine, was pulled out of the Place by his Hair ;
and by the Mayor's Order imprifoncd nine Weeks. And Mary tndon, for the
fime Caufe, ilifFered tour Days Imprifonment.
There was at this Time in Chefter, a Place called Little Eafe, devifed for
Torture, of which we find the following Defcription : " It was an Hole hewed
" out in a Rock, the Breadth and Crofs from Side to Side was feventeen Inches,
" from the Back to the Infide of the great Door at the Top, feven Inches, at
" the Shoulders eight Inches, at the Breaft nine Inches and an Half; from the
•' Top to the Bottom one Yard and an Half, with a Device to lefTen the
" Heighth, as they are minded to torment the Perfon put in, by Draw-
" boards, which Ihoot over the two Sides to a Yard Heighth, or thereabout."
In this Place they tormented many of thole who were induced with Chriftian
Courage to reprove the Vices either of Minifters, Magiflrates, or People, for
Inftance,
Richard Scoftroph, for Preaching Repentance in the Streets, was put into
Little Eafe till next Day, and then by the Mayor fent to Bridewell.
Thomas Yarwood, who, as the Mayor and Aldermen were going to a cuflomary
Fcaft, with Mufick playing before them, dared to remind them, wherein real
Chriftianity flood, viz. In true HoUnefs and the Fear of the Lord, was fent to Little
Ea/e, and kept there five Hours, by which he, being but a weak fickly Man,
was much bruifed and hurt.
William Sitnpfon, attempting in Chriftian Love to exhort the People, after
their publick Preacher had ended his Sermon, was firfl put in the Stocks, and
afterward kept in Little Eafe nine Hours : When, on the next Day, he com-
plained to the Mayor of his cruel Ufage, he was fent again to the fame Place,
after that the Sheriff, in the Mayor's Prefence, had flruck him in the Face, fo
that he bled very much.
Anno 1656.
Richard Sale, a Man zealoufly concerned to teflify againft the Vices and
Corruptions of thofe Times, fuffered thirty three Weeks Imprifonment, being
confined, even in the Depth of Winter, in a cold open Room without any
Firing.
For the like Caufes, John Law fon, John Badely, and Uenr-^ Murray, fuf-
fered four and twenty Weeks Imprifonment ; and Sarah Adgate and Margaret
fVood, about four Weeks.
Richard Cttbham, Benjamin Bolton, and Peter Lethard, for Reading a Paper
in the Grave Yard, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 2 /. 5 s, befide
eight Weeks Imprifonment.
John Miner and Thomas Hill, for reading a Declaration againft Tithes in the
Town of Tarvin, were ftoned, and barbaroufly abufed by a Rabble animated
by the Parifti Prieft.
Edward Morgan a Citizen of Chefter, complaining to the Mayor againft a
Servant who had robbed him, but rehifing to Swear, the Mayor difcharged
the Thief, and fent Edward himfelf to Prifon, where he was detained eleven
Weeks, and then privately releafed. During his Confinement he fent a Letter
to the Mayor by one Deborah Madocks, who carried it to him in the Penthoufe,
a Place in Chefter, where the Magiftrates ufed to meet -, but fhe coming in a
manner
Chap. 7. of the People called QUAKERS. 101
manner he c;dletl irreverent, lie ordered a Conftable to put her into Little Eafe, CHESHIRE.
where flie was kept about lour Hours. ^ 656.
Anno 1657.
In this and the next preceding Year, Richard Sale aforefaid, an undaunted
Reprover of Vice without Refpcft of Perfons, was feveral Times put into
Little Eafe for three, four, five, and eight Hours together ; and he, being cor-
pulent, could not be put into that narrow Hole without much Violence, four
Men having much ado to thruft him in, in doing which they crufhed him, till
the Blood gufhed out of his Mouth and Nofe : By this frequent Barbarity his
Health was impaired, and his Budy and Legs fo fwelled, that he languifhed
about two Months after the Time they laft put him in, and then died in the
Month called Augujl 16^"/, imputing the Caufe of his Death to the Cruelty
of his Perfecutors.
Edward Morgan., complaining to the Mayor againft a drunken Fellow, who
had grofsly abuled him, was fent to Little Eafe for not pulling off his Hat
when he made that Complaint, and the Drunkard went unpuniflied.
ylnibony Hulchi/js, having taken an Account of the Sufferings of the People
called ^takers in Chefter, lent a Manufcript Copy thereof to the Mayor, who
fent the Bearer of it to Little Eafe : About ten Days after Anthony was fent
for by Conftablcs to appear before the Mayor, Recorder, and another Juftice
of the Peace, who, having the Copy of the Book, examined him concerning
it : The Subftance of which Examination, conveying a juft Idea of couragious
Innocence, is as follows, viz.
Have "jou feen this Book ?
Yes/ '
Did you write your Natne here at the End of it ?
No : But I got it tranfcribed after a Copy of my own Writing.
Do you own it ?
I do.
Have you read it ever ?
I have.
^hen the Mayor gave him many 'threats.
Hiitchins. Who commit the greater Evil, they that aft cruelty, or they
that write down Cruelty acted by others ?
Recorder. Who nnijl judge of that ?
Hutchins. Let that ot God in your own Confciences judge who commit the
greater Offence.
Recorder. Many an one has had his Ears nailed to the Pillory for a lefs Offence.
Hutchins. If he deferve to have his Ears nailed to the Pillory that writ
thefe Things down, what do they deferve that afted them ?
Then they again gave him many threatning Words.
Hutchins. I defire no P'avour of you, let me have a fair Plea before a
Court, and if I have tranfgreffcd the Law, I am willing to fuffer for it : But,
I think, it is not equal you Ihould be Judges in your own Cafe.
A Juftice. We will not, twelve Men Jhall judge of it.
Recorder. Twenty four Men Jluall judge of it.
Mayor. Tou are a railing Fellow.
Turning to the People : Did any of you hear me rail ?
Tou do in the Rook.
If I Ihould fay fuch Words to you as Paul did to Elymas, you
would % I railed, though Truth may be written, and Names and Titles may
be given to Men anfwerable to their Adtions, as Paid called Elymas a Child of
the Devil, and an Enemy of all Righteoufnefs : But I have ufed no fuch Words
to you.
Recorder. Paul might fay fo to Elymas, who was a Sorcerer.
Vol. I. Cc Hutchins.
Mayor.
Hutchins.
Mayor.
Hutchins.
Mayor.
Hutchins.
Mayor.
Hutchins.
Hutchins.
Mayor.
Hutchins.
R. Sale crutl-
Ij ufei.
Hii Death.
E. Morgan
fent to Little
Eafe.
Examination
of A. Hutch-
ings.
I02 A CoUeftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
CHESHIRE. Hutchins. All the Priefts in England, which preach for Hire, and divine for
1 657. Money, are Sorcerers, for thereby the right Ways of the Lord come to be
L/'V^J perverted.
Recorder. Ton muft not judge them.
Hutchins. Their Praftice judges them.
After this he expofttdated with them about the Hole in the Rock, called
Litde Eafe, faying.
Where did you ever read of fuch a Prifon as that, which bruifed Men's
Bodies in fuch a cruel manner : The Law has fo much Refpeft to Men, though
Tranfgreflbrs, as to provide large Prifons to fecure their Bodies in, and not
llich Holes as thofe to prefs and bruile them. I can fee Drunkards paf> up and
down the Street, but hear of none put into that Place.
Mayor. If you fee fuch 'Things, you jnight come and inform vie, and fee if I
did not puniflj them.
Hutchins. And I might get the fame Reward as Edward Morgan got, who
complained to thee of a Man that was drunk and abufed him, and thou caufedft
him to be put into Little Eafe, and fufFeredft the Drunkard to pafs unpuniflied.
His Examination being over, and he refufing to find Sureties for his Appear-
ance at the Quarter SefTions, was committed to Goal for writing a Libely
wherein, as they fliid, he had reproached the Magiftrates and Minijlers of Chefter.
After thirty two Days Imprifonment, the General Sejfwns for the County coming
on, he was removed by Habeas Corpus, and his Caufe brought before the Ju'^ges,
who fet him at Liberty, although he, before them, afierted the Truth of all
he had written, wliich he afterward publifhed in Print, under the Title of
A Declaration of the Sufferi)igs of the Saints in Chefter, from which Book feveral
of the Paffages herein were extrafted.
Anno 1658.
In this Year feveral Perfons for Demands of 4/, lys. sd. for repairing the
publick Worfhip-houfes, and for Wages of the Pariih Clerk, fuffered Diftrels
of Goods to the Value of 14/. ij s. 10 d. One of whom, Jatnes Brown, for
a Claim of 2 s. had 50 s. in Value taken from him. Alfo in this and the pre-
ceding Year, fundry Perfons in this County, for Demands of Tithes amount-
ing to 27 /. 12 s. \od. \d. had Goods taken from them worth in/, oj. 2,d.
Mary Milner was imprifoned feven Weeks, and Thoinas Hill fourteen Weeks,
for Tithes, although their Goods had been taken for the fame Demands to
three Times their Value.
Anno 1660.
In the Month of 05lober this Year, were Prifoners in the County Goal at
Chefter, twenty oi the People called ^takers, committed for refufing to take
the Oath of Allegiance -, and before the End of the Month called January,
ninety two others of them for the fame Caufe were alfo fent thither. Befide
thefe, five others were committed to the North Gate at Chefter, and five others
to theCuflody of the City Marflial : Thefe laff, refufing to comply with the
Marfhal's illegal Claim of 42 s. per Week for the Guards he fet over them,
were for fome Time fo clofe confined, that no Perfon whatfoever was fuffered
to come near them, except a wicked Fellow employed on purpofe to fhut out
others.
About this Time one John Turpin, a Perfon only authorized to licenfe Mu-
ficians, pretended a CommifTion which he made ufeof to abufe honefl Men. He
caufed Hugh Crafty, IViHiam Gtbfon, and Thomas Eaton, to be hurried by loide
wicked Fellow's from Barterton to Chefter, and back again, and afterward to
Nantwich, in a very hot Summer's Day, as if on purpofe to afflift and tire
them : For it doth not appear, that he was able to accomplifli his Defign of
imprifoning them.
Anno
1658.
M.ivy Dif-
trejj'es
Lnprifon'
Y/ienti.
1660;
Imprifonment
of iiz for
refufing to
Srveir,
Ahujes of fc
veral by a.
fretended An-
tboritj.
Chap. 7. of the People called QUAKERS, 103
CHESHIRE.
Anno 1662. 1662.
In the Month called January i66z, twenty nine of this People were indifted ^5 inMeiAt
at the Qiiarter SelTions in Chefier, for being at an unlawful Affembly, and were sefmu'^''
all imprilbned by Warrants ifTued in the following Form, viz.
ce
(C
(.(.
(C
cc
<c
((
cc
cc
((
((
<c
(C
C(
tc
(C
cc
«
tt
Chefliire fs.
'^ Carolus Secundus Dei Gratia^ AiiglicC, (^c.
" To the Conftables of Clutterwick.
WHEREAS at the General Scffions of the Peace held at Chefier- m
die Caftle of Chefier, the D;iy of the Date hereof, Robert Taylor of
Clulierwick aforefaid, Yeoman, together with feveral other Pcrfons, being
above the Number of five, and alfo above the Age of fixteen Years, were
indidled tor unlawfiilly aflembling together at the Houfe of Jihn Dove in
CoddingtoH within the County aforefaid, the 19th Day o^'iNovember lalt
paft, upon Pretence of joining together in religious Worfliip of God, con-
trary to an Ad of this prefent Parliament in that Cafe made ana provided,
whereupon he appeared and pleaded not guilty ; which Iflue being after-
wards tried by twelve good and lawful Men of the County aforelaid, he
was found guilty. Whereupon our Juftices thought good to impofe a Fine
ot 2/. 10s. on him the Md Robert Taylor. We therefore command you,
and either of you, after fix Days next after the Date hereof, to levy by
Diftrefs or otherwife, of the Goods and Chattels of him the faid Robert Tay-
lor, the refpedive Sum of 2 1. 10 s. and the fame fo had and gathered forth-
with to pay unto the Clerk of the Peace of this County, at his Office in
Namptwicb, to be employed as the faid Aft direfts ; and for want of fuch
Diftrefs you are to apprehend him the faid Robert Taylor fb filling, and carry
him to the Houfe of Cotreftion, there to remain for the Space of three
Months, and fee that you certify your Doings unto the Clerk of the Peace
at his Office aforefaid, within three Weeks after the Receipt hereof, upon
Peril that may fall thereon. Teft. Rich. Grofuenor, Petro Leicefier,
Tbomd Manwaring Baronetto, £5? aliis Joctis Jufticiaris apud Ceftriam prccdiSf,
13" Jan. Anno regni Caroli fecundi 14° 1662.
" Humphry Milton."
lorn of War-
nvts for im-
prifonmeiits.
Anno 1663.
Richard Smith, a Praftitioner of Phyfick and Chirurgery in the City of
Chefier, was cited into the Bifliop's Court, for praftifing without a Licenfe,
which they would not grant him. After feveral Citations, notwithftanding his
Appearance thereto, they preceded againft him under Pretence of Contempt of
the Court, to 2cn Excommunication, in Confequence of which, on the 13th Day
of the Month called Augufi this Year, he was committed to the City Prifon,
on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, where he was detained under clofe Con-
finement more than five Years, illegally, as the Lawyers informed him, becaufe
the Writ had not been returned into the Court of Ktn^s Bench, as by Law it
ought to have been.
John Baddely of Malpas, by an Order from the Lord Cbolmondley, was taken
from Iiis own Houfe by Soldiers, and carried to Prifon, where he was detained
feveral Months without any Examination, or Charge exhibited againft him, nor
did there appear any legal Caulc for his Commitment.
In
1663.
PriJ,-cittio>i oj
R. Smith i)i
thi Bijliop's
Court for
pra3ifing
riyfick.
Illegal Com'
mimeins.
uA CoUediion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
In the Month of Novemher this Year, Thomas Buckley, Dorothy Deane, Wil-
liam Burton-jjood, and Ellen PVilliamfin, were imprifoned by Writs de Excom-
municato capioidu upon Prolecutions in the Ecclefiaftical Court for Tithes. And
in the fame Year for 7/. 4 J. 10 d. dtmandtd of Anne Jatifiey oi^ Hajiford, Tho-
mas Janney jiin. antl Jaines Harrifon of the lame, tor Tithes, Goods wae taken
by DUlrefs to the Value of 28/. 18 s.
Anno 1664.
Pfijoners for JoImi W^orrall, Tljomas Janney., and fFilliam Burge/s, were detained Prifoners
Tithes. in this County for refufing to pay Tithes.
104
CHESHIRE.
1663.
Imprifonmems
and Diflrejjes
for Tithes.
1664.
1655.
iS Sent to
Prifon.
Deith of E.
Knevett in
Frijon.
1666.
Imprifonmems
for Meeting.
Hemarts on
ttvo Informers,
i66y.
Commitment
<|/M. Brjggs.
1670.
Anno 1665.
Eighteen Perfons, taken in a Meeting at the Houfe of Edward Alccck of Mol-
berly, were by Warrants from the Deputy Lieutenants of the County commit-
ted to tne Houfe of Correftion at Middlewich tor two Months, where they
found feveral others of their Friends ; fo that they were much incommoded fcr
want of Room, being clofely kept, and none fufFered to vifit them, and when
PFilliam Woodcock and Mary Stretch came to the Prifon to fee their Brethren,
themfelves were imprifoned for attempting it. Nor were any admitted to
bring them their necefiary Food, but as they received it through the Windows
of the Prifon. By means of this clofe Imprifonment in the Depth of Winter,
Edward Knevett, a Man of good Reputation, aged about feventy, and infirm
of Body, fell fick and died there, before the two Months were expired ; at the
End of which Time the other feventeen were releafed -, four of whom, liz.
Thomas Janney, Tloomas Pott, Jeffery Biirgefs, and Edward Alcock, were foon
after taken again at a Meeting, and recommitted for four Months.
Anno 1666.
James Harrijon, William Janney, John Falkner, John Nixon, Thomas Pott,
John Lamb, John Milner, and Thomas Bretton, were committed to the com-
mon Goal at Chejler, the former five of them for fix Montlis, and the other tor
three Months, being convided of having been at a Meeting held at the Houfe
ot Tlmnas Janney at Pownal-Fee, upon the Information ot John Burges and
Thomas Heafe, noted Informers, Perfons ot a bad Charafter, and obferved to
be very unfuccefstul : Heaje was obliged to fly for Debt, and he who was ufed
to plunder his Neighbours Houfes, was turned out of his own by the Sheriff,
and fome of his Children fent to the Parilh for Maintenance. Burgefs was
thrown into Goal for Debt, and he who was inftrumental in fending his Neigh-
bours to Prifon, died a Prifoner himfelf.
Anno 1667.
In this Year for 23/. is. 6d. demanded of feveral Perfons for Tithes, they
fuffered Diftrefsot Corn, Cattle, and other Things, to the Value of 81 /. iSs.
One of them was Tho?nas Briggs, whofe Wife Margaret, before her Marriage
to him, being then a Widow, was fued for Tithes in the Confiftory Court at
Chejler and excommunicated. After fhe was married, fhe was by a Writ de
Excotnmunicato capiendo committed to Prifon at Chejler, and detained there five
Years and three Months.
Anno 1670.
Richard Mdner, fined 20/. for a Meeting at his Houfe, had Goods taken
from him worth 37 /.
Several
Chap. 7.
of the People called QUAKERS.
Several Inhabitants of Edleftme, Stoake, and adjacent Places, fufFered, for
their religious Meetings, Diftrefs ot Goods to the Value of 86/. \y s. It was
obferved that when Thomas Badcock., a Man adive in making Diftrefs on the
Goods of John Simcock one of the Sufferers, was foon after vifited with
Sicknefs, he complained that his having an hand in that Perfecution did
grievoufly burden his Confcience -, wheretore he fent to the laid John Simcock,
who vifited him in a tender Chriilian Spirit, freely forgiving the Injury done
to himfelf, and alfo prayed to the Lord to forgive him.
Richard Smith o( Cbejler, had his Goods feized feveral Times, for Meetings at
his Houie, to a Value tar exceeding the Fines impofed, which yet were uiually
20/. for each Meeting : Likewife Edward Morga?!, and others of that City,
fuffered greatly by the Conventicle Aft, upon the Information of Soldiers, and
bale Perlons, encouraged by the Mayor, and Alderman Poole., who, when he
was informed of a Meeting, ordered his Clerk to proceed to the utmoft Extent
of the Law, bidding the Officers take enough, who accordingly made Dil-
trelTes to five or fix Times the Value of the Fines.
CHESHIRE.
1670.
Diflrejfes.
All Informer
iroublid in
Mind
Sufferings by
the Convert'
tide Ail.
Anno
1671,
1671.
Among the Juftices of Peace in this County, John Darnel was fo remarkably Eagernefs of
earneft in profecuting Men for their religious Meetings, that he made his own f "i^'« Da-
Servants Informers, and took the Goods himfelf, of which were taken by his "'^! '" ^'"f^'
own Warrants in this and the foregoing Year, to the Value of 85/. 8 j. zd. '"^'
In this Year Thomas Jan>m\ for i/. 6s. 8d. and Thomas Pott, for zos. for niflreifes.
Tithes claimed by Peter Ledjham Prieft of Wilmjlow, had tneir Goods taken
away to the Value of 3/. loj. each.
Anno 1672,
Robert Pear/on, for a Demand of il. i6s. for Tithes, had his Goods taken
by Diitrefs to the Value of 3 /. 6j.
Anno 1673.
Thomas Janney, TIjomas Pott, and Robert Pearfon, for Tithes claimed of
tliem worth but 2/. 14J. had Goods taken from them to the Value of 10/. igj.
Anno 1674 and 1675.
1673.
T. Janney,
a.ni others.
1674 afid
Difirejjis,
In thefe Years, for their religious AfTemblies held at ^illifon, the following-
DiftrelTes were made, viz. °
Taken from 7X)o?«« J 5ra^j)', for preaching there. Goods worth 26 6 o
Henry Fletcher 16-3 a
John Sbarplace Ck Aooi ;>ri -^frfw 6,n--- q
Randal Elliott, for fuffering a Meeting in his Houfe 20 o " o
And from feveral others, to the Value of 9 iq 10
In all 81 o 2
Among thefe Sufferers was SajnuelGlent a poor Boy, from whom they took -^ M' Boy's
Jus wearing Apparel, worth but 1 3 j. 4^. / clothes tab-n.
In the Year 1675 feveral Diftreffes were made upon Warrants granted by
jfcpry Shackerly Governour of Chejler Caille, on Complaints of John Johnlon
Richard Jobnjon, and John Frodjham of Tr afford- Bridge, Informers, who made
much Spoil : 1 en or twelve Widows, who had many fatherlefs Children, were
bereft of all their Goods, till they had not a Skillet left to boil their Childi-ens
Food m. Thefe wicked Informers, and Edii-ard Birch a Conlfable, pulled
V°^- ^' D'i lEveral
io6
CHESHIRE.
1674 and
'1 675.
1676.
^ CoUeaion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I.
feveral out of a Meeting by the Hair of their Heads, fwearing they would cut
off their Arms, if they would not come out, and abufing them very inhu-
In the fame Year John Daniel of Danjhtiry^ a Juftice of the Peace, c.;ufed
to be taken by Diftrefs trom Thomas Briggs and others, to the Value
of 116/. 15^. lo^- in Kine and Horfes, which the Juftice kept, working
them as his own, and alfo took to his own Ufe their Houfliold Goods and other
Provifion.
From Margaret Briggs, for a Meeting at her Houfe, for a Fine of 5/. were
taken three milch Cows worth 10/. And from feveral others prefent at that
Meeting, Horfes and Goods worth 8 1, lis.
Remarkable, about this Time, was the Cafe of ffilUam Hall of Congleton,
who, being fined 20/. for a Meeting at his Houfe, had his Dwelling- houfc
broke open, and two Cart-Loads of Goods worth 40 /. carried away. Befide
which thev made Diftrefs of a Mare of his : The Mare after fome Time came
Home again : He went with two of his Neighbours to the chief Magiftrate
of the Place, and acquainted him that the Mare was come Home again, and
in what Field flie was : Notwithftanding this, they caufed him to be arraigned
at the Seffions as a Felon, on an Indictment for ftealing the Mare : But the
JEquity of the Judge and Jury acquitted him, and fruftrated their Malice who
would have taken away his Life.
About the fame Time, by Warrants from Juftice Manwarimg, Cattle and
Goods worth about 100/. were taken from fundry Perfons in and about Nampt-
wich : From Randal Elliot they took the Bed he lay on, and even the Dung-
hill in his Yard. When fome of the Sufferers upon an Appeal were acquitted
by the Jury, the Juftices would not accept their Verdid ; but at the next
Seffions gave treble Cofts againft the Appellants. The chief Informer was one
John Widdowhury of Hanklow, Efq; who being indebted 40/. upon Bond to
Thomas Brajfey, a Member of that Meeting, upon his Demand of Payment
was incenfed againft liim, and thus vented his Wrath upon his Friends. He
alfo got an old Excommunication revived againft the faid Thomas Brajpy, and
fent him to Prifon, and fwore that he would fend his Wife thither alfo.
Anno 1676.
Seiruret for JohnSimcock, for a fecond Offence in preaching at Meetings held in the Houfe
TreachingM' of Randal Elliott in Ridley, had his Goods taken away to the Value of 41 /.
And feveral others for being there, to the Value of 14/. 14 -J- 6 J,
P. Leicefter,
It perfceuting
1678.
Many Dilinf-
fes for reli-
gious yieei-
Anno 1677.
On.Midfummer-day this Year, S\r Peter Leicefter, a Juftice of the Peace,
who alfo afted the Part of an Informer, came pei-fbnally to a Meeting at the
Houfe of William Gandy, ftiut up the Doors, and placed a Guard of Soldiers at
them, while he took a'Lift of about two Hundred Names, and fined Marga-
ret Fwand Thomas Bocwra 2ol. each, for Preaching ; he alfo ordered 20/. to
be levied on feveral of the Affembly for the Houfe they met at, befide their
own particular Fines, for which he iffued Warrants of Diftrefs, threatning the
Conftables,. that if they did not execute thein to the ulmofi, he woidd hind them to
their good Behaviour, charging them to fell a Cow for 5 s. and to take enough for
themfelves. Thofe Officers, thus animated, took away for that one Meeting,
Goods and Cattle to the Value of about 2Co/. from John Hathurfl, HughCroJly,
Richard Barr, Elsazar Taylor, John Eaton 'yan. and Peter Pickering.
/'.';-,iv>-^\; v-ivv' k) nn:.';i(jrno'J ro r'^-'O v.;,!;^ \.,
■jhi-.m o '
Anno 1678.
-yi'.V ,n ,
Deborah Bujhel oi Ahandly, a Widow with fix Children,. for a Meeting held
at her Houfe, had raken from her bv Ra'.Dh Rutler an Informer, an.l two B.y-
hifs, five Cows worth 17/. ' Thomas
Chap. 7. of the People called QUAKERS. 107
Ihoinas Titley o'i Helfiy, fined lol. for a Meeting at his Houfe, fuffered the CHESHIRE.
Lofs of nine Cows worth 27/. five of which were lold for 14/. another for i /. 1678.
Rutur the Informer took two of them, ;'.nd John Davis tlie Prieft had tlic K-^O/'XJ'
other. But this not fuisfying them, they afterward took other Goods worth
y I. and a Cart and Wheels worth 50 j. This Friefl Davis was very officious
in promoting the Sale of thole Cattle and Goods, for which one Randal Malin
thus reproved him : " John Davis, wilt thou talce upon thee to be a Preacher
" of Righteoiilneis, and put Men upon taking away and felling their honeft:
" Neighbours Goods.'' Doft thou believe this will caufc an adding to thy
*' Church daily fuch as fhall be faved ?" The Prieft, offended at this Reproof,
meditated Revenge, and procured a Warrant from Sir Philip Egerton for his
Imprifonment, on an Information of his being concerned with one John Hodg-
jkin in preventing a Butcher from buying the Cattle offered to Sale, by telling
him that they were diftrained ; for which Caufe Hodgfkin had been fent to
Goal fome Time before on Ratter's, Information.
The laid Randal Malin, for Praying in a Meeting, was fined 20/. 5;. for
which Diftrcfs was made of his Houfliold Goods, Corn and Hay.
Taken alio by Diftrel's for Meetings at Heljby and Newton, from
/. s. d.
John Chefhire of Overton, Corn, Hay, and other Things, worth 900
Mary Tr afford, a Cart and Wheels, worth 210 o
John Brown, four Cows and two young Beafts, worth 15 o o
wliich were fold by Rutter the Informer to other Informers for 9/.
John Hcdgfkin, four Cows worth 1 3
Richard Jjhbrook and Peter Hatton of FrodJIjam, Goods worth 6
Jane Lownes, Goods worth o
Richard Sarrat, five Cows worth 1 6
and for another Meeting fliortly after, two Horfes & aMare worth 1 6
Richard Orme of Frodjham, Goods worth i o
Thomas Slretcb of Overton, Goods worth i
Richard Gregg oi Barrow, a Mare and fix Yearlings worth 13
s.
o
10
o
o
o
12
o
o
o
o
102
Crk'JOilS Spoil
miiii by in
formers.
Grievous was the Spoil made by the Informers, v/ho took away Goods with-
out producing their Warrant, and frequently fold the Cattle taken for lefs than
one Third of their Value ; for they took as much as they pleafed, which they
fold at wliat Price they lift, and rendered no Account of any Overplus : In
which Juftice Egerton encouraged them, faying, he would juftify them if they
fold Cattle at 12 d. a piece. Thus inftrufted, they fold as many Cattle for 4/. 5;.
as were really worth 1 yl. From Jrthur JVilcoxon they took a Nag, a Mare
and two Heifers, worth 11/. and fold them for 4/. 10^. And when at another
Time the faid yf/-//wr was fined 27/. 10 s. they diftrained a Bull and fifteen
Cows, a Yoke of Oxen, a Nag, and a Mare, worth above 70/. and becaufe
a Neighbouring Conftable refufed his AfTiftance in making that Diftrefs, they
complained againft him to Juftice Egerton, who bound him over to the ScfTions,
and fb terrified him with Threats, that he chole to pay ofl- the Fines, and take
the Cattle upon himfelf From Tho7)ias Peckoe of Stanthorne, they took a Mare,
retufing to produce a Warrant for their fo doing ; but iliid they had her, and
woidd keep her. From Thomas Vernon o\ Stanthorne, for a Fine but of 10 s.
they were driving away three Cows and two young Beafts worth iGl. which the
Neighbours obferving, prevented by engaging to pay the Fine. From RogiT
Dickes of Occlejlon, they took two Mares worth 61. and fold them for '2os.^
Befide the Sufferings befbrementioned, ieveral others in this County, for DiflreJ^a
Fines amounting to 29/. 15^. had Goods taken away to the Value of '51/.
1 8 J. id.
JohnSimcock, fined for Preaching, had taken from him eight Cows and eleven
Heifers, worth 90/.
Anno
io8
CHESHIRE.
1679.
Fine for
ffuking at a.
Funeral-
Ssizuris for
Mating.
43 K^eturnei
into the Ex-
chequer.
1681.
Fines and
Imprifon-
ments.
1682.
Warranti ex-
eeuted.
Fines for
Meetings at
Chcfter, ani
Imprijon-
mems.
More Dif-
trejfet bj ll'ar.
rants from
SirR Lei-
^ CoUeaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Anno 1679.
The fame John Shncock, for fpeaking fome Words ot Exhortation at a Fu-
neral, had his Goods taken away to the Value of lOo/.
Matthew Nixon of Keaquick, for a Meeting at his Houfe,
had taken from him three Cows, Hemp, and Houfhold
Goods, to the Value of
And for being at that Meeting was taken
From Thomas Brlggs ot Newton, an Horfe fold for
fVilliam Taylor of Sutton, an Hog worth
Tlmnas BoiiUon of Norton, a Mare worth
/.
14 17
d.
2
1
I
o
o
o
o
o
o
18 17
In this Year was alfo taken by Diftrefs for Fines of 1 2 i. fer Sunday, for Ab-
fencefrom the National Worlhip, the Sum of 36/. j s.
About twenty three others, convicted at the Quarter Seffions of one Month's
Abfence from their Parijh Church on the Aft of 23 Q^ Eliz. were fined 20/.
each, and returned into the Court of Exchequer, as Delinquents, indebted to the
King, namely, John Wrench, Richard Piulon, Alice Jackjon, Anne fFrencb,
"Thomas Norcott, John Hall, Thomas Powel, Mary Norcott, Peter Dix, Samuel
Tovie, John Jackjon, James Dix, William Woodcock, Mary Stretch, John Peckow,
Helen Peckow, Thomas Vernon, Thomas Pecko-w, Gilbert Woolam, Thomas Brajfey,
Jofeph Powel, John Sharpies, and Henr'j Fletcher.
Anno i68i.
John Simcock of Stoak, by the Statute of 23 Eliz. made againil Popijh Recu-
fants, had Goods taken from him worth 40 /.
In the fame Year Diftrefies were made on the Goods and Chattels of many
Perfons in this County, tor Fines laid on them for their Abfence from the Na-
tional Worlhip, to the Amount of 17/. and upwards. And fuch as had no
Goods, which through frequent Seizures was the Cafe of fome, were lent to
Prifon, of whom were Thomas Frier of Kingfley, Thomas Stretch of Overton,
and Job>i Cotton of Frodjham. From one John Button of Overton, the Profe-
cutors extorted a Demand of 7 s. by forcibly haling him out of his Houfe,
when his Family were in Bed, carrying him to an Alehoufe, and threatning in-
ftantly to lend him to Goal : By which they lb affrighted a Kinfwoman of his
that flie paid them.
Anno 1682.
Upon an Information made by Allen and Birket, two Informers, (the latter
of whom fhortly after fled the Country) of a Meeting at the Houfe of JoZ);?
Eaton fen. a Warrant was obtained from Sir Robert Leicefier Juftice, by which
Diftrcffcs were made on the laid John Eaton and others, to the Value
of 70/. los. lid.
In the Month of November this Year, WiHiam Harvey, an Alderman of
Chejler, came to the Meeting there, and obferving who were prefent, in-
formed the Mayor, and they two figned a Warrant, by which for Fines
of 2/. 5 J. Goods were taken to the Value of 5/. 11s. Of the Perfons fo fined
and dillrained on, two, viz. Thomas Grijjith and Edward Ogden, were by the
Mayor's Order committed to Prifon.
On the fame Day, Sir Robert Leicefier, attended by one Captain Needhatny
with his Soldiers, went to the Meeting at Franley, and fined all the Perfons
met, and ordered Diftrefs of their Goods to be made, which was done to the
Value of 32/. 16s. Sd. of which, dicy laid, 3/. i^s. Ad, was for Charges,
It
Chap. 7. of the People called QUAKERS.
it being ufual with tlic Conftablo, Informers, and their Aflbciates, to run up
large Scores at Akhoules, and include the Reckoning as Part of the Fines.
John Kimiciiyy lur being at ieveral Meetings, haci his Goods taken to the
Value of 60/. And Sbadrach f^alley fined zul. for himfelf and three Sillers,
had tourteen Cows takm worth 35/. and at another Time two Cows wortli 5/.
The Houfe of JumcS Clayton was befet in the Night by Conftables, who broke
open his Doors, and took away moft of his Goods, amounting but to 3 /,
About the lame Time Edmund Ogden, William Taylor, Charles Pickerings
Alexander Laurence., H illiam Kenty Robert Dix, and William Snead, had alio
their Goods taken to the Value of 14/. §s.
In tliis Year Lcjtwicb OLlfield, one of the County Juftices, difcovered more
Zeal than Knowledge in the Law, when coming too late to difperfe a Meeting,
juil before concluded, he ordered one William Becket, a rude Informer, to
"break the Door of the Meeting-houfe in pieces ; and fome Time after, when
it had been mended again, he came with a Coiiftable and others, and carried
away all the Seats ot the Place, with the Door and Window Siutters, and
never returned them. He alfo employed the Informer, with Conftables, to
keep the ^takers out of their Meeting-houfe almoft a Year togfther. After
which he caufed fome ot them to appear at the Quarter Seffions, and procured
tlie Commitment of thirteen of them to Prifon tor three Months : And at mo-
ther Quarter Seffions at Namptwich^ he caufed James Dix, Jofepb Dix, and
Samuel Tovc^y, to be impriioned for the fame Time : He hkewife committed
John Furnival and Henry AlaJdock. He alfo preferred Indiftments againft fe-
veral for tlieir religious AfTemblies, whereupon they were convifted and fined ;
of whom John Kinnerly and William Woodcock had their Goods diftrained : The
faid John' Kinnerly, with Daniel lowers a lame Man, whole Wife was alfo lame,
and John Lamb a poor Labourer, were committed to the Houfe of Corredlion
for fix Months ■, whither alfo were committed on the Aft for Banilhment, Anne
Rylance, and Phehe Gorji a poor Widow, having three fmall Children depen-
dent on her Labour for their Subfiftence.
Divers other Pcrfons were profecuted this Year for Abfence from the National
Worlhip, and had their Goods taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 66 1. 8 s. 10 d.
Anno 1683.
On the 3d of the Month called June this Year, 'Thomas Needham and Philip Eger-
/o« Juftices, came to a Meeting 3.t Newton, and demanded of thofe who were met,
whether they would enter into Recognizance to appear at the next Quarter Sef-
fions, and upon their general Refulal fo to do, they made a Miltvnus, and lent
for two Conftables, then at the publick Worlhip, to condudl about eighty of
them to Chi'Jler Caftle : Being brought thither, they could have neither Rooms
nor Lodgings, but for two Nights were obliged, fome of them to walk about,
others to lie on Tables and Benches, and fome on Flags fpread upon the Floor.
At length about thirty of them were put into a Itinking Dungeon, out of
which Felons were then removed : Five Weeks after feventy five of them
were carried near fourteen Miles to the Seffions, where about eight of them
were difchargeil, and moft of the others fined ; with an Order, in cafe of Non-
payment to commit them again to Prifon : By which Order many oi' them
were recommitted within the next three Months, together with others to the
Number of forty eight -, among whom was Alice Higncll, a very aged Wo-
man, and being exceeding weak, they carried her to Prilbn in a Cart.
On the 26th of the Month called Augufi this Year, the atorefaid Juftices
came again to the Meeting .t die lame Place, and committed to Prifon eigh-
teen Perfons ; all of whom (except one for whom Bond was given) lay there
about five Weeks till the Qiiarter SelTions, where they were convifted on the
Ad tor Banifhnicnt, feven for a fecond Oft'ence, and the reft for a firft Of-
fence, and Warrants were ilTued to the Conftables ot the Places where they
dwelt for levying 50 J. upon each of them, or committing them again to Prifon :
Vol. I. E e ' In
109
CHESHIRE.
16S2.
Perfecutivs,
Ms of L.
Oldtield.
Divsrfe Dip
treffii.
1683.
About 180
Perfoiii fem
to Cheiter
Cijik.
- 5 Cjrri;.l
to
A. Hignell
curried to F'i-
fon in n Ciirc,
18 Perj'ovs
committed on
tbi Ad for
DunilhmiHf,
Verdia of i
^ury rejeBed
by the Court,
iio ^ CoUeaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
CHESHIRE. In Confcquence of which 'ihoinai TVilliamfon, Ralph Heljby jun. and Elizabeth
1683. fJTaite^ were recommitted to ChefterGoal fome Months after, and Mary, Wife
v./^N^^v-' of Bt'?jjamin Bangs, was alfo recommitted by the Name of Mary Lozo Widow,
by which Name, though the Goaler acknowledged the Commitment to be er-
roneous, he neverthelefs received her.
Sicknefs of J. John Ga/idy of Ovcr-fFhitley, fummoned to appear at Chefier Affizes in Sep-
Gandy. tember this Ye.r, waited there a Week and was not callc', wheretore the Bay-
liff committed him to Prifon, till a Warrant came to bring him to the Quar-
ter SelTions at Kmitsford on the 2d of Ooloher, where he alfo waited two Days
and was not called : He was returned to Prifon at Chejier, where, being a weakly
Mar, the Fatigue of Travelling, and Durance of Imprifonment, caufed him a
Fit of Sicknefs to the great Hazard of his Life.
On the 2 1 ft of Ocfober, nomas fVilcock and William Harvey, Aldermen of
Cbejler, took ten Perfons out of a Meeting there, and fent them to Prifon. At
the next Seffions they were indicled, and by the Jury found not guilty : A Ver-
did the Court rejefted twice, and fent the Jury out again, but they perfifted
in their Judgment. The Court neverthelefs fent them back to Prifon till an
Adjournment of the SefTions two Months after, at which they were not called.
After which they were privately difcharged by Alderman Harvey on their Pro-
mife to appear at the next SefTions ; but no farther Notice was taken of them.
On the 31ft of the Month called January, 'Thomas Needham and Philip Eger-
ton Juftices, came to a Meeting at Newton, and finding a Perfon at Prayer,
Juftice Needham fell upon him, beat him on the Head, and punched him on
the Breafl with his Ciuie, pulled his Neckcloth in pieces, and threw him down
and kicked him. He alfo flruck feveral others fo that their Heads werefwelled
with the Blows. The other Juftices defired him to forbear, ftying. Let us
profecute the Law upon them, but not abuje them. Thus checked he forbore
ftriking, but continued railing, telling them, they were Dogs and no Men, no
more Chriftians than their Horfcs, &c. Then they took their Names, fined them,
and granted Warrants for Diftrefs, by which was taken
From John Williamfon of Creewood-hall, a Mare worth
John Clark of Frodjhani, Cloth worth
Elizabeth Sarrat of fVoodhoufe, Goods worth
Peter Hatton, James Hatton, and Richard Sarratt
15 15
yidence of
fufliceNeed-
ham.
/.
s.
d.
8
5
2
15
jiU the Goods
of T. Roland
feizeJ.
7 Committed,
and three of
them conviiied
on the Ail for
Bunijhmem.
Su^erwgs on
the Stitme
for 20 /. per
Month*
Thomas Roland of Jolon, was alio fined 5 s. which a Neighbour paid to keep
him from Prifon, he having no Goods left, for all his perfbnal Eftate had
been lately feized by an Exchequer Procefs for 20/. per Month for Abfence from
his Parijh Church.
On the 24th of the Month called February, Conftables, with a Warrant from
Leftwich Oldfield Juftice, took by Force feven Perfons out of a Meeting at Mid-
dlewich, and carried them before him, who fent them to Chejler Caftle till the
next SefTions, when four of them, viz. William Kent, William Rylance, John
Lamb, and Daniel Towers, were convidted of a third Offence in order to Ba-
nifhment -, and the other three, namely, John Furnivall, Jofeph Dix, and Phebe
Gorjl, were fined for a fecond Offence. The laid John Lamb died in Prifon
near two Years after.
Of thofe who fuffered this Year by the Statute made againft PopiJJj Recufants
for 20/. per Month, were
/. s. d.
Arthur Wilcoxon of Manly 30 o
John Brown of Kingfley 8 o
Williatn Woodcock of Church-holm 11 o
William Janne^ of Hanford 16 5
o
o
o
o
^S
o Car. over
Chap. 7. of the People called QUAKERS.
Ill
Brought over
Richard Sarratt of Croton
John Bancroft of Etchels in Nether den Parifh
'Thomas Roland ot PVeaverham
John fFalivorth of Frodjham
I.
S.
d.
CHESHIRE.
65
5
1683.
23
'wX'~V^^-^
15
31
6
2
12
•
146
II
In this Year alio many fuffcred by Diftrefs of Goods for their confcientious
Abfence from the National Worfhip, to the Amount of 74/. 3 j. 9 J. :^d.
Jofeph Shawcrofs, for lack of Diftrefs, was fent to Prifon -, and Deborah Bufiel
ot Ahandly, Widow, who had before fuffcred the Lofs of all her Goods, was,
by Warrant from Jullice Egerton, committed to Goal for Abfence from the
Parifli Worfhip four Days, Part of which Time fhe was confined in Prifon.
Among the Diltreffcs lall mentioned, Jeremiah 0-vjen Baker, of Stockport^ had
Bread taken from him, which was offered to be given to the Poor of the
TowTi, but they rcfufed it, faying, they would rather ftarve than take it. So it
was reftored to the Owner. There was alio a Quantity of Cheefe, taken from
Jane Scrivener, given to the Poor of the Parifh -, feveral of whom brought
back to the Ownf.-r what they had received of it, till near one Half was fo re-
turned : The Confcioufnefs of the Sufferers Innocence did fo aftedl the Minds
of many, that they thought it a Sin to partake of any Part of the Spoil.
Anno 1684.
On the 20t]i of the Month called April this Year, TFilliam Harve'j Alder-
man, with a Conftable and other Affiflants, came to a Meeting in Chejier, and
committed ten Perfons to the City Goal : They were foon after difcharged on
Promifeto appear at next Seffions : But it happened, before the End of that
SefTions, that the laid Alderman Harvey, their principal Profecutor, was feized
with an extreme Pain in his Bowels, for which he could find no Remedy,
though lie fwallowed Bullets of Gold, and tried other Experiments without
Succefs : He died in a very fhort Time. This uncommon End of a Perfon
very earneft in executing the Laws againft religious Meetings, could not but
come under the Remarks and Cenfure of thofe who had been Sufferers through
his Means.
On the I fl of the Month called June, Hugh Surges, for a Meeting at his
Houie in PVilmllow, was fined zol. and 20/. more for his Wife's Ipeaking a
few Words in that Meeting, for which the Conftables and Informers took away
all the Goods they could find in his Houfe, to the Value of 17/. At the fame
Meeting was John Milner, whom they fined 1 5 /. for himfelf and others ; but
he, forefeeing the Ruin he was expofed to, had afTigned his Stock to one of
his Creditors for Payment of his jull Debts : The Conftables feized his Cattle,
which the Creditor replevin'd. At this the Juftice, John Andern, highly dif-
pleafed, fent the Conftables and Informers again, who feized all that was in
the Houfe. The Juftice alfo fo terrified the Creditor, that he caufed him to be
bound for Payment of 10/. which was added to the Debt of the faid John
Mdner.
TIjomas Pott of fFilmfloiv, for a Meeting at his Houfe, was fined 20/. but he
being very poor, the Officers, who broke open his Doors, and riffed his Houfe,
could find no more Goods than amounted to 3/. os. 6d. which they took, and the
poor Man and his Family were obliged to feek for Lodging at their Neighbours
Houfes.
From Elizabeth Sarratt of Wocdhoufe, Widow, was taken on the Statute of
20 /. per Month, for Abfence from the National W^orffiip, Corn, Cattle, and
other Goods, worth 17/. Zs. And from Mary Tr afford Widow, for her Con-
ftancy in attending religious Meetings, Catde worth 11/. lo.c. And from Eli-
zabeth
16S4.
Obferviblt
Death of n
perfecutKg
Mierman.
Seizwes on
H. Burges
and ].M\l.
ner.
Cafi of T.
Potc,
anJt of v..
Sarratt, utiJ.
others.
112
CHESHIRE.
16S4.
Fines for
joT Ali'evce
Jrom the pub'
lUk Wcrihip.
JllVfuJi (jf
J. Helsby.
1685,
liries for
Meeting.
Preraunire.
Fines for a
Church l{jte,
fo called.
1686.
Kekafe of
Fr if oners.
Their Names,
&c.
Summxry of
lithes tiken
in this County.
A CollcClion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
zabeth Cufh and others, Goods worth 8 /. 55. \od. Alfo from John Brown
and John TValworlh, to the Value of 1 2 /.^
In this Year leveral Ferfons had their Goods taken by Diftrefs for Fines
of 1 2 J. CTich. Sunday, for abfenting from the pubUck "Worfliip, to tlie Value
of 31 /. 5 J. 3 d. And John Ccttcn, tor a Fine ot 45. was committed to Prifon.
JfJ.m HelJI^y, having been fined 8 s. and no Diftrefs to be found, the Warrant
was returned, and a hew one granted for his Imprifonment. The Conftable
broke open his Door, and took him and thruft him into a n?fty Place of
Confinement in the Court-houfe, but after fome Time turned him out again,
bidding him to be ready next Morning to go to Cheft er Goa\ ; but refleding
afterward on the Illegality of what he had already done, ne proceeded no farther.
Anno 1685.
On the 26th of the Month called May, Benjamin Bangs, for Preaching in a
Meeting, had Bedding and other Goods carted away by two BayhfFs to the
Value of 20/. And fevtral others, for meeting together, fufFered DiftrefTes of
Goods, to the Value of 31/. 1 9 j. 6 d.
'Thomas Griffith had Sentence of Premunire palTed upon him for refufing to
take the Oath of Allegiance. And Peter Dutton, for the fame Caufe, fufFered
about a Year's Imprifonment.
Tho?Has Buckley, lor a Demand of loj. for a Church-Rate, fo called, had
his Com and an Horfe taken away worth 5/. And Ralph Brock, lor a Claim
of 6 ;. 8d. a Cow worth 3 /. 6 s. 8 d.
Anno 1686.
On the 1 2 th of O£fober this Year, the following Perfons were releafed out of
Priibn by King James's general Pardon, ziz.
Thomas Griffith, who had been clofe confined under Sentence of Premunire
fixteen Months.
Henry Akerly, who had been imprifoned about the fame Length of Time for
being at a Meeting.
Edmund Ogden, Mary Edge, and Francis Morgan, taken at a Meeting above
two Years before.
William Kent, William Rylance, and Daniel Towers, who had been Prifoners
about two Years on the Adl for Banifhment.
John Cotton and Jonathan Woodward, who had been confined twenty three
Months for want of Effefts to make Diftrefs when fined for Abfence from the
National Worfhip. And
Peter Dutton, who had been Prifoner about a Year for refufing the Oath of
Allegiance.
Tfie Account of Tithes, taken from Perfons called Quakers in this County,
from the Year 1674 to the Year 1690, including both thofe Years, amountt
to 989/. 12 s. 8d.
CHAP.
Chap. 8. of the People called QUAKERS.
113
C R K
WALL.
1655.
CHAP. VIII.
CORNWALL.
Anno 1655.
TH E earlieil Profecution of the People called fakers in this County rtrjl Profecu-
appears to be that of George Fox, Edward Pyott, and William Salt, f^on m this
who travelling together, and preaching the Golpel, were taken into """'•'''
Cuftody, and, under a Guard of Horfe, fent to Prilon with the
following Mittimus, viz.
" Peter Ceely, one of the yu/lices of the Peace of this County,
" to the Keeper of his Highne/s's Goal at Launceflon, or his lawful
" Deputy in that Behalf, Greeting.
" T Send you herewithal by the Bearer hereof, the Bodies of Edward. Pyott of Mittimus for
*' Y. Brijlol, znd George Fox of Drayton and Clea in Leicejlerjhire, and fFillia7>i 'mp''l'>'"K^
*' Salt of London, which they pretend to be the Places of their Habitations, pyott' 'and
" who go under the Notion of fakers, and aclcnowledge themfelves to be fuch, w. Salt.
*' who have fpread feveral Papers tending to the Difturbance of the publick
*' Peace, and cannot render any lawful Account of coming into thefe Parts,
*' being Perfons altogether unknown, and having no Pals for their travelling
" up and down the Country, and refufing to give Sureties for their good Be-
*' haviour, according to the Law in that Behalf provided, and refufe to take
*' die Oath of Abjuration, &c. Thefe are therefore in the Name of his High-
«« nefs the Lord Proteiftor, to will and command you, that when the Bodies of
" the faid Edward Pyott, George Fox, and Willia7n Salt, fhall be unto you
»< brought, you them receive, and in his Highnefs's Prifon aforefaid you lafely
<' keep them, until by due Courfe of Law they fhall be delivered. Hereof fail
«* not, as you will anfwer the Contrary at your Peril. Given under my Lland
*« and Seal at Saint Ives the eighteenth Day of January 1655.
ec
T. Ceeljr
After nine Weeks Imprifonment they were brought before Chief Juftice They art finzi
Glyn at the Affizes, when the Caufe of their Commitment appeared infufficient, h ^"^S^
for the Paper mentioned in the Mittimus, was only an Exhortation to fear God, *^',y'\ /"'' ""^
and to learn of Chrijl the Light, and had nothing in it tending to Sedition, Ihiirn^if.
nor had they broken any Law. Neverthelefs, the Judge, not willing to dif-
charge thofewhom by Law he could not condemn, lined them 5/. each, under
Pretence of a Contempt of the Court, in coming before him with their Hats
on, and for not paying thole Fines, remanded them to Prifon, where they .-iii-"''v;
were moft inhumanly ufed, being put into a difmal Dungeon, called Doojnf- '^^^f"' "■"''
dale, a Place where the Excrements of the Prifoners had lain many Years, fo y[,'^f ^ t
tliat it was like Mire, and in ibme Parts of it up to the Top of the Shoes in t^on. """
Ordure and Urine. Here they were forced to ftand all Night, for they could
not lie down by reafon of the Filth, nor would the Goaler fuffer them to have
any Straw to lie on. Thus they continued a confiderable Time, till the Seflions
at Bodmin, when upon reprefenting their Cale to the Juftices, they obtained an
Order for opening the Door of Doomfdale, and that they might be fuffered to ' ■> -
Vol. I. F f ■ dear,
114
CORN-
WALL.
1655.
O. Crom-
VieW's J{emxrk
on om who
ojjired to Ih
in Prijon in
G. ho\'s
SteU.
H. Petffi'i
Obfcr-jition on
G. Fox'x hn-
prjj'oriiiient.
Co>ivi:.c^m:>it
0/ T. Lower.
Their Vif-
ckar^e.
AerudCOiilcr
(tueliy re-
qtinci.
Others impri-
Joiie.l for vi-
fniiig tin Pri-
joieis.
rmp'ifonmint
or J. Ellis.
S:.itiyig cf
N. Jole.
Prifoiers at
Truro.
lwprifo>im;>it
of T. May-
nanl and J.
Myers.
Others alfo im-
prijonid.
Cruel Confjte-
tnem of T.
Deeble.
Hoftile attach
ivg a r-ligiotts
Me:tirg near
Pcniyn.
^ Collcclion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I.
clean il, ami to buy their Pro'vifion in the Tozvn. While George Fox lay there in
Priibn, one of his Friends ottered himlelt' to Oliver Crotmvelly to lie in Prilbn
Body tor Body in George Fox's Stead : But Cromwell anfwered, ke could not
grant it, king contrary to Laix:^ and turning to fome of his Council {landing
by, queried, il'bicb of you -l^oiiUI do as jniicb for me, if I -iz-ere in the fiine Con-
dition ? Upon this, and other Applications to him on their Behalf, he lent an
Order to the Governour cf Pendennis Caftle to examine into the Circumftances
of their Call; : On v/hicli Occaiion Hugh Peters, one ot the ProteBor's Chap-
lains, told him, he could not give George Fox a better Opportunity of fpreading
bis Principles in Cornwall, than by imprifoniiig him there. The Truth of which
Obfervation the Sequel confirmed, for he was vifited by many, of whom feveral
embraced his Doftrine ; one of v/hich was Thomas Lower, a Phyfician of Loti-
don, who, aflcing many Queftions concerning Religion, received fuch clear
Anfwers trom George Fox, tJiat he laid, bis IVords were as a Flajh of Lightnings
they ran fo through him, adding, that he had never met with Men of fuch fVifdom
and Penetration in all bis Life. By their Means he became fully convinced of
the Doiftrine ot Truth, which he afterward made a publick Profeflion of. The
whole Time of their Imprifonment was about thirty Weeks, when they were
difcharged by an Order from M.ajor-General Dejlorow. The Cafe of the
Coaler who had fo barbaroufly ufed them was obfervable •■. for in the next Year
he was turned out of his Place, and for fome Crime caft into Goal himfelf,
where, for his unruly Behaviour, he was by the fucceeding Goaler put into
Dcomfdale, locked in Irons, and beaten, and bid to remember, bow he had
ahufcd thofe good Men in that najly Dungeon. Thus the divine Juftice overtook
him, defervedly rewarding him with the fame Meafure which be bad unjufUy
?neted unto others. At length he died in the Prilbn, poor and miferable.
Anne Blakely, James Godfrey, and Jcfeph Coale, were imprifoned at Laioi-
ccfton for no other Caufe than vifiting the Prifoners, and reprefenting their Cafe
to the Juftices : After a long Confinement, Coale being difcharged, and going
homeward, was taken up again, and recommitted betbre he got out of tJ:e
County.
John Ellis, going to Market, was taken on the Road not far from Home,
and fent to Goal.
Nicholas Joje was affaulted, and forely beaten by a Perfon who met him on
the Highway, and when he complained to the Magiftrates found no Redrels.
Dorothy IVaugh, for vifiting Sufanna Daniel, imprifoned at 'Truro, was alfo
there detained.
ANNO 1656. Benjamin Maynard, ftanding ftill in the Place of publick
Worfhip at Launcejlon,' -was laid violent Hands on, and by the Recorder com-
mitted to Goal, where he fuffered long Imprifonment. Allb James Myers, fot
fpeaking in Oppofition to the Dodrine of the Prieft, after his Sermon at ludj,
was imprifoned a long Time among Felons in Doomfdale.
ANNO 1657. For the like Caufe of oppofing in publick the Doftrine of
the cftabliflicd Preachers, were imprifoned, Robert Hawkin and John Mably :
Againft the iormer of whom, an Indi(51;ment was drawn up at the Sefllons, but
the Grand Jury would not find it. Joane Edwards was alfo imprifoned near
half a Year tor the like Offence.
Thomas Deeble, for refufing to pay Tithes, was kept in Prifon at Bodmin
near half a Year, under a cruel Keeper, who would not fuffer fome of his
Friends to vifit him, and beat and abufed others who came to fee him.
James Myers and Edward Winacott were violently haled out of a Meeting
at Stoke-Climfland by the High Conflable and his AfTiftants, who abufed them
very much, and t-lien carried them before a Juftice, who tent them to Lau?!-
ce/lon Goi\], where they were detained a long Time.
In the Month called Auguji this Year, many of this People were afTcmblcd
for Worfliip on the Do-zuji near Pcnryn, when a Captain with his Troop of
Horfe came furioufly rufhing on them, and had not the Horfes been more
inerciful than the Riders leveral in all Probability h.id been trodcn under
Foot :
Chap. 8. of the People called f^UAKJiRS.
Foot : The Captain ordered fome to be ftript, others fearched, and took away
one of their Horfes ; fome of them were beaten, others had their Blood fpilt,
and fome had the Hair of their Heads plucked oft' by tlie Soldiers. At length
the Captain, dividing his Troop, ordered them to be carried as Prifoners, fome
one way, and fome ;inother v the Soldiers having fo feparated them at lome
Miles Diftance, and tidcen from them what they pleafed, left them.
ANNO 1658. Lovsday Hambly xj-is imprifoned fevcral Weeks at 5(9i/;«i«,
for not p.iying Tithes of Geefe and Swine, amounting but to 13J. 4^. though
fhe had in that and the former Year fuftered Diftrefs to the \'alue of above 45/.
for about 8/. demanded.
John Ha?nhh was imprifoned twelve Weeks on an Exchequer Procels for
Tithes. Alio Jchn Ellis was kept Prifoner in a dole nafty Room, among fo
many other Prifoners, that the Stench of the Place bred a kind of In-
fection among them : While thus confined, his Wife was not fuffered to go in
to carry him p"ood, but he was obliged to take it in at an Hole in the Door.
In this Year Sajnfon Haivkbi was imprifoned for publickly oppofing a
Preacher at Southill, of which being convicted on an Indictment at .SelTions,
he W.1S lent to BrideiL-ell, and kept there twenty three Weeks. Trijlram Clark,
on a Ckirge of the like Nature, was a Prifoner fome Time at Launcejlon, bur
being indi(5ted at the SefTions was acquitted by the Jury.
John Ro'uuett was imprifoned fix Months for fpeaking to the Prieft of Pen-
ryn in the Street, for it was criminal at that Time to call in ^eftion the
Truth of the Preachers by Law eftablifhed, and the Juftices were impowered by
an Ordinance of Parliament, to fend to Prifon thofe who fhould publifh and
maintain, that iheir Minifters were not true Minifters. Plence proceeded the
Imprifonment of Edward llinckes, a poor Man, tor fpeaking to tlie Prieft of
Truro : He was committed by the Mayor and another Juftice there, who yet
had fo much Confidence in the Man's Integrity and Innocence, that they fui-
fercd him, while a Prifoner, to return Home and work for his Family.
John Ellis, for not putting off his Flat, when in Pretence of two Jufcices,
was by them fent to Launcejlon Goal, and Icept twenty Weeks among fufpecled
Felons, till the Atfizes, and then fined twenty Marks for coming to the Bar
with his Head covered.
ANNO 1659, Triliram Clark of Stoke-Climjland, fuffered Diftrefs to the
Value of 4/. for refufing to take an Oath at the Mannour Court tliere : And
William Hawkey of Truro, was fent to Goal for reilifing to take the Oatli of
Abjuration, tendered by two Juftices on purpofe to enfnare him.
About this Time more than twenty Perfons, prefented at SefTions for not
going to the publick Worfliip, were imprifoned for refufing to find Sureties for
their good Behaviour, which they always refufed to do, not only becaufe they
knew their own Innocence, but becaule fuch Bonds would be but Weapons
againft them jn their Enemies Flands, wlio would not fail to interpret their
religious Meetings, whicli they thought themfelves obliged to attend, as a
Breach of the Peace.
On the 27th of the Month called June this Year, was a Meeting in the
Borough of Lifieard, where a Multitude of rude People came in, halloeing,
finging, railing, throwing Dirt, Stones, Mire, and filthy Excrements, on the
Clothes, Heads, and Faces of thofe that were met, beating tome with Clubs,
others with their Fifts, and breaking a Pkclier about the Head of George
Bewley. One wicked Fellow Ibunded an hunting Horn, and railed a Cry of
his Hounds, to drown the Voice of the Preacher. Tliey threw George Bewley
and others down a fteep Hill on the Pavement •, and while they were pulling
the Hair off their Heads, and tearing the Clothes of George Bewley, the Prielt,
who fit finoking his Pipe in a Chamber Window, animated the Rabble, cry-
ing. Hold him faft, keep him in, if his Brains be knocked out, he has his cwnfie'k-
ing. This Violence continued till fome of the Perfecuted were almoft ftrangled
and ready to fiint. At length, fome of them being let into an Houle, and
fecureil
1 1
b
Imprifovuints
for IiihiS.
Clofe Coyifi'ie-
man of John,
Ellis.
Iwfrifonments
for divirfi
Imprijhmer.t
cj- Z for not
Sxvuring,
jyidof 20 for
Abfiiice fruiil
ihi Nutioiui
It'orjhip'.
Fjoiouibifulu
ai Liikeard.
ii6
CORN-
WALL.
1 6sc,.
]he Cdfc of
A. Upcocc.
Dijirejfis.
Trofeciition of
R. Tregen-
Jmprifotimstits
for Jhkes.
A Meeting it
Mabb hroie
ap bj Soldiers.
Many impri-
foiiei for not
Svoeiring.
J. Stevens.
Arhiuiry
Comnitmenti
of tndtiy for
JHeetirgs, tni
refufmg to
A Collcaioil of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Iccured from the inferior Mob, (for fome of the Rabble were Men of Figure,
and one a Magiilrate of the Town) the Tumult began to ceafe.
We are next to relate the remarkable Cafe ot Anne Upcot, Daughter to the
Pricft of Anjlell, who being convinced of the Truth, feparated from the pub-
lik Worfhip, and teftiiied againft the vain Converfation of the Profeflbrs of
thofe Times': This incenfed her Father and three Brothers againft her, fo tliat
they fought Occafion to profecute her •, a peculiar Inftance of which is as fol-
lows, viz. On the Firlf-day of the Week, as fhe was putting on her Clothes,
Ihe found her Waiftcoat torn, and was mending it, when one of her Sifters
came into the Room, ftie acquainted her Brother, who alfo was Conftable, of
it, he goes to a Juftice, and gets a Warrant to bring her before him, who or-
dered her to pay 5 s. for Sabbath-breaking, and authorized her Brother either to
levy die fame upon her Goods, or fet her in the Stocks. The fpiteful Brother
took the rougher Courfe, and put her in the Stocks in a Time of much Rain,
himfell with his Feather and Brothers being placed in a Window hard by, and
from thence jeering and fcoffing at her, and encouraging the Boys and other
Rabble to abufe her, infomuch that fome of the Neighbours wept to fee their
unnatural Ufage of her : Which Cruelty of theirs affords tliis Obfervation,
that Men of ill Morals may be extremely Juperftitwus.
ANNO 1660. In this and the three foregoing Years were taken by Diftrefs
from fundry Perfons in this County, tor Demands of Tithes amounting to 10/.
<)s. Goods worth 57/. 11s. "jd. And for Demands of 3/. 2s. yd. tor re-
pairing the publick Worfhip-houfes, Goods worth 7/. 19^. 6d.
In Oolober this Year, Richard Tregennow, arrefted for Tithes at the Suit of
James Forbes, Prieft, was caft into the Sherift^s Prifon at Bodmin : Wliile clofe
Prifoner there, he was JubpeenaW into the Exchequer, and for not appearing,
a Writ of Rebellion was illued againft him, by which he was taken from his
Houfe (whither he had Leave of his Keeper to go for a little Time in Harveft)
and carried to the Fleet in London. After fome Years Confinement there, he
had Leave ot the Warden to go and vifit his Family, which Liberty his Ad-
verfary foon deprived him of by caufing him to be arrefted in a ftiam Adion
for ico/. and committed to the Sheriff's Prifon in the Month called May
1664, where he lay, till the Prieft's Attorney, by means of a talfe Return and
other undue Praflices, fued him to an Exigent and Outlawry, whereupon a
Writ of Enquiry was executed, and his Eftate of 40/. per Annum was leized,
his Goods and Cattle diftrained, and his Wife obliged to pay Rent for their
own Floufe, to prevent herfelf and ten Children from being turned out of
Doors.
John Ellis of Penfance Market, w.is taken by the Town-Serjeants, on a
Judgment againft him in the Hundred-Court for Tithes, and kept Prifoner
leveral Years. And about the lame Time, Thomas Bant ot ^ithiock was
lent to Prifon for Tithes.
On the 2d ot November was a Meeting at Mabb near Penryii, whither a Ser-
jeant with Soldiers came trom Petuienms Caftle, and ufing much ill Language,
demanded the Names of the Perfons prefent, which being given, under Pretence
of fearching for Letters, they rifled their Pockets, took away all their Money,
(except one Groat) and leveral of their Clothes, and die Womcns Aprons ; and
then carried them all to Penryn, and next Day to Pendennis Caftle, where they
were ordered to be put into the Dungeon.
Toward the latter End of this Year many were committed to Prifon for
rcfufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, which at that Time was generally
tendered them, viz.
In Nove?nber, John Stevens of Bofcajlle, who was fent for on purpofe by two
neighbouring Juftices.
In the Month called January, Nicholas Jcfe pafTing through "TrurOy was by
the Mayor fent to Prifon. Alio Peter To'ujjoii, as he was going about Bufineis
throut^h Bodmin : And Ed-izard IVitton, taken by Soldiers out of his own
Houfe, and committed by the Mayor of Penjance : Likcwife Francis Hodge and
Richard
Ghap. 8. of the People called QUAKERS. 117
Richard Mills, who being obferved in Falmouth Market with tlieir Hats on,
during the Reading of a Proclamation, were fent by the Governour of Pen-
demis Caftle to the Mayor of Pemyi, and by him to Prifon : Alfo Ed-zvard
Angiers and yobn Kirtm, who being'brought to the Seirions, for refufing the
Oadiofa Conftable, were there again enfnared with the Oath of Allegiance.
From a Meeting at lier' Houfe was taken Loveday Hamhly, with John Rowett^
Jofeph Elliott, Philip Elliott, John Hambl^, Hugh Reynolds, Drew Stveet, Wil-
liam Benny, and Peter Godfrey : Thefe were conveyed by an unnecellary Guard
of two Conftables and forty Affiftants to the Juftices, who tendred them the
Oath : George fVhitford and Charles Appleby ot Lijkeard, who were fent for to
the County Court, and refufing to Swear, after'a "Week's Imprifonment there,
were fent xaLauncefton Goal; as had been the Day before William Hawkins, taken
{landing at his own Door, On the lamtj Day George Read an Apprentice,
going to vifit his Father, was taken by a Conllablci and carried to a Juflice,
who tendred the Oath to him, and alfo to Henry Keyjkes, who had been taken
out of his own Houfe. Sa?nfon Je_ffery -cirKi John Martin vfere taken on the
Road' by two Soldiers, and carried to the Mayor of Penryn, who after two
Weeks Imprifonment dierCy tendred them the Oath, and fent them to Lam-
cfjhn Goal for refufing it. "Tlmnns Gibbons was appreheiided' as he was vifiting
fome l-'riends at Stoke Cliinjland. . Richard Rider and Hemy Ford, taken out of
their own Houfcs, and fent to Goal by the Mayor of Marazion ; and John
Fledge was alfo committed to Prifon for the fime Caufe. At a Meeting at the
Houfe of John Ellis of Jiijl, a Conftable withabout one Hundred Attendants,
armed witli Clubs and Staves, took George Read, Tobias Read, John Read, and
John To7nkin, whom they carried before two Juftices, who fent them to Goal.
Thomas Martin, taken at a Meeting at Aujlell, was fent thence to Goal. Others
were committed to the Marfliall's Prifon for refufing the Oath, znz. George
Hawhns, Tridrain Clarke, Daniel Clark, Robert Hawkins, Elizabeth Collins,
Thomas Badcock, Walter Haivkins, Samfon Hawkins, and George Clark, taken
at a Meeting ; alfo Philip Dining, after he had been kept two Days and
two Nigjits in the Dark-houfe at Launcejlon : And Willia7n Trethowan, John
Trethowan, Ephraiin Mills, John Tregennis, John Crowgie, Richard CgfniJJj,
Richard Moon, and Peter Odger, taken out of Meetings at Mabb.
ANNO 1 66 1. On the 25th oi November this Year, Thoviafm Tregennis
Widow, was committed to Prifon for. not paying Tithes.
ANNO 1662. In the Month called July, Thomas Mounceo'i Lijkeard, was
committed to Launcejlon Caftle by a Warrant from two Juftices, for not ap-
pearing in the Arch Deacon's Court in a, Caufe of Tithes. After two Years
Imprilbnment, Judge Archer at the Afilzes, declared his Commitment to be
illegal -, yet, inftead of difcharging the poor Man, continued him in Prifon
for a Fine of 5 /. then impofed on him for not putting off^ his Hat in Court.
In September die lame Year, Edward Hancock of Minhennyatt, by an At-
tachment out of the Excheqiter, in a Cafe of Tithes, was fent to the Sheriff's
Priibn at Bodmin.
On the 2 7di of the Month culled Augujl, Nicholas Jofc, George Read, John
Matthews, Samjon Jeffery, Richard Hunt, Degory Vingoe, Jenkin Vingoe, John
Tomkin, Joane Penwarden, Mary Fenwarden, Jane Wilkey, Anne Trerowe, and
Blanch Brijlow, with three others, were taken by Captain Jones and a Com-
pany of Soldiers, out of a Meeting at Jujl, and fent by a Juftice to Laun-
cejlon Goal : At the AfTizes they were indicted on the Conventicle Aft, and
the firft four fined 40 s. each, and recommitted till Payment. Of the reft,
who were acquitted, die Judge demanded Sureties for their good Behaviour,
and upon Refufal returned them alio to Prifon, where they lay a long Time.
ANNO 1663. In November this Year, were taken from Loveday Hambly, on
an Execution for Demands of 18 j. /^d. for Tithes, at the Suit of the Lord
Mohun and Katharine May Impropriators, Cattle and Horfes *to the \'alue of
103/. After which, theBaylifts, pretending a Writ of Rebellion, broke operi'
five Doors, and having taken her, and with much Incivility kept her all Night
Vol. I. Gg in
CORN-
WALL.
1660.
hnprifonments
for Tithss.
T. Moiince J
vjroviful Jm-
pnjotimjni.
If) Sent to
Frifon,
and iCHuhtti
At ihs yiffi^cs,
jet rscommii-
ted.; -.;;!•,■■. V
Fiokm Profi.
(Utioii of L.
Hambly for'
Tiihet.
ii8
CORN-
WALL.
1663.
Jmprifonments
for MiCfitig.
Men and their
if''ivis im^ri-
fonei for
Mjrrji?ig.
Several im.'
frijoned.
Major Robin-
fon'i ferfecut-
itig Difpofiiion
And mijerabls
Death.
Opprefflon of
a yyidoTv,
Execution for
Titbes.
Diftrefs for
tpening Shof.
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol, I.
in an Alehoufe, carried her next Day to the SheriPs Prifon at Bodmin. And
in the Month called January following, nomas Deehle of ^ithiock, had taken
from him on an Execution, at the Suit of one Carey a Prieft, for Tithes,
Cattle, Horfes, and Sheep, worth 32/. Alfo about the fame Time, Henry
Grubb of Stoke CHmfland, at the Suit of IVilliam Pikej Prieft of that Parilh,
was committed to Tremation Caftle, where he continued Prifoner feveral
Years.
John Jenhn and John Gilbert were taken out of a Meeting at the Houfe of
Richard Tregennis, and fent to Laimcefton Goal : About a Week after, Thomas
Matthew and John Chapman, with his Sons John and Richard, were for the
fame Caufe fent to the fame Place.
In this Year Peter To-jjnfon and Jane his Wife, and Charles Appleby, and
Mary his Wife, were committed to Prifon by the Mayor of Lijkeard, for co-
habiting, not being married according to the Method prefcribed by the Liturgy
of the Church -, though it was well known, that they had taken each other in
Marriage in a publick AfTembly before many Witnefles of good Repute, who
had figned a Teftimonial thereof.
Elizabeth Hill, a Widow, of Lijkeard, had her Goods taken by Diflrefs for
Abfence from the Parifh-Church. Alio Stephen Pawlin of Lifkeard, and his
Sons, Samjon and 'Thomas, were imprifoned for refufing Sureties for their good
Behaviour, and had Goods taken away to the Value of 3 /. 12^, for the Charge
of carrying them to Goal.
Among the Magiftrates in this County, one of the moft noted for his fiery
Zeal againft the ^lakers was Major Robinfon, a Juftice of the Peace and Mem-
ber of Parliament. He had been aftive in fending many of tliem to Prilbn,
and hearing that the Goaler had given fome of them Leave at Times to go
Home and vifit their Families, he complained againft him at the AfTizes, and
had him fined an Hundred Marks for his good Nature. It was this Man's Di-
verfion to harrafs the ^takers, and the Difturbing their Meetings he fportively
called Fanatic k- hunting. The difmal Exit of this violent Perfecutor was re-
markable. Not long after that AfTize wherein he got the Goaler lined for his
Lenity to the Prifoners, he lent one Day to a Neighbouring Juftice to go with
him a Panatick-hunting. On the Day appointed for that Sport, he ordered his
Man to meet him with his Horfe fome Diftance fi-om his Houfe : He then
went into a Field, where he was ufed to play with a Bull, and fenced at him
with his Staff as he was wont to do -, but the Bull ran fiercely at him, ftruck
his Horn into his Thigh, and fo lifting him on his Horn, threw him over his
Back, and tore up his Thigh to his Belly, and when he came to the Ground,
he broke his Leg. The Bull then gored him again, and roared and licked
up his Blood. Several Workmen came up, but could not beat off the Bull
till they fetched Dogs to bait him. The Major's Sifter hearing of this Difafter,
came and faid, Alas, Brother, what an heavy Judgment is this ! He replied,
// is an heavy Judgment indeed. He was carried Home and loon died. His
tragical End was much remarked, and many were of Opinion, that the divine
Juftice was eminently confpicuous therein.
ANNO 1664. Katharine Gay of Calflock, Widow, at the Suit of the Prieft
of that Parilh, for Tithes, had Goods taken from her by an Execution to
the Value of 29/. Upon Enquiry into the Proceeding, it appeared diat the
PriefPs Agent and SoUicitor had entred a falfe Judgment, and illegally ob-
tained an Execution. The Judgment, upon a Motion, was reverfed, but no
Reftitution made to the Widow of her Goods wrongfully taken.
Thomas Mounce, at the Suit of Hugh Ringwood, Prieft of Broadoak, had an
Horfe, Cattle, and Sheep, taken by an Execution, for Tithes, to the Value
of 18/.
ANNO 1665. Elizabeth Hill of Li/keard, was fined by the Mayor for
opening her Shop on the Day called Chrijlm.ifs-da}\ and fuffered Diftrefs of
Goods worth 30 ;.
ANNO
Chap. 8. of the People called QUAKERS.
ANNO 1666. Obfervable in this Year were the arbitrary Doings of one
Pike, Prieil of Stoke-Climjland, who under Pretence of taking his Tithe, carried
cut of Men's (Grounds what Quantities of Corn he plealed : From Daniel
Clarke he took two Thirds of his wliole Crop of Oats : From George Hawkin
one fourth Part ot his Wlieat : He alfo with his Son's Afliftance, beat tlie laid
George Flazokbi, and Samfon his Son, fo cruelly, that they were difabled from
working many Days after. The only Provocation to this Ufage, was the Man's
afkino- tliis Priefl, -ujhetber he -ivere come to rob him ? at a Time when he took
away the fitdi Part of his Oats inilead of the tenth,
ANNO 1667. In the Month called June this Year, we find Richard Tre-
gennis continued a Prifoner in the Sheriff's Prilbn at Bodmin, where he had
been confined fix Years and eight Months, at the Suit of Jafnes Forbes Prieil,
for Tithes.
ANNO 166S. Thomas Deehle was committed to the Sheriff 's Ward at
Bodmin, for not paying Tithes, at the Suit of Thotnas Carew Clerk, and con-
tinued there a long Time. In the fame Year George Whitford, Elizabeth Hill,
and Rebecca Chapman, were put into the Cage, and kept there feven Hours,
for opening their Shops on the Day called Chrifttnajs-day, and for the fame
Caufe Samfon Paulin, and Thomas Paulin, were lent to Prilbn •, alfo John
Tregennis of Falmouth, who was continued under Confinement twenty two
Days.
ANNO 1669. Thomas Badcock, being in his lawful Bufinefs, was, without
any Provocation given, cruelly beaten by John Pike, Son of the Prieft of Stoke-
Climjland, fo that he was for a Time thought to be dead, and lay fick above a
Week after.
John Tregennis was imprifoned forty Days, for Tithes of los. Value, and
afterward for the fiime Demand, had Goods taken in Execution worth 5/. loj.
at the Suit of Francis Bedford, a Prieft of Falmouth.
John Scantlebury, Stephen Richards, and Jane Trevation, were imprifoned for
opening their Sliops on the Day called Chriflmafs-day ; as was alfo Cyprian
Shepherd of Penryn.
ANNO 1670 and 1671. In thefeYezrs Loveday Ha^nhly, a faithful and
virtuous Woman, for her frequenting religious Meetings, which were often held
at her Houfe at Tregangeeves, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods at feveral Times, to
the Value of 127/. los. 6d. Part of thofe Goods being the Property of T7jo-
mas Lower, he appealed to the Quarter Seflions, and got an Order for Refti-
tution : But thePerlbn who had wrongfully taken PoffefTion of them evaded that
. Order, and never reftored any of them. For the Preaching of Ja7)ies Park at
fome of thofe Meetings, and theinfelves being there, Ambrofe Groffe had Goods
taken from him to the Value of 20/. and Henry Conftable to the Value of \^L
The principal Aftors in thefe Profecutions were Degory Polwheel a Juftice of
the Peace and his Clerk, John May and William Allen Conftables, and one
Thomas Hodge. All thefe were together vifited with a long and tedious Sick-
nefs, which difabled them from molefting the Meetings for an Interval of
about fifteen Months : During their Affliftion they all fcemed penitent for what
they had done, but when recovered, returned (all except Hodge) like the Dog
to his Vomit. May, a profane Wretch, when afked, Hoiv he dare return fo
foon to a Practice he had fcemed fo forry for, anfwered, Needs mufi when the
Devil drives. The Juftice alio encouraged him, faying, he was a Servant to
God a>id the King, and a Friend to the Poor ; though it was obfei'ved that the
Poor had little of the Spoil. As tor Hodge, he behaved afterward as a fincere
Penitent.
For a Meeting at Truro, Edmund Hinckesh Doors were broke open, and all
the Goods in his Houfe, worth about 61. taken away, the Officers having a
fpecial Warrant for fo doing, by Virtue of which they raifed the People in the
Street, and commanded all Perlbns from fixteen to fixty Years of Age to aflilt
them, as if they had been about Ibme dangerous Enterprize. One Avery a
Conftable, in making this Diftrefs, was ftruck with a Remorfe of Confcience
viable
119
CORN-
WALL.
1666.
Arbitrnry Aclj
of i rhiX
rriefi.
Lovg Jmpri-
fotiment of
R.Tregennis.
Imprifonmems
forTifhes ani
other Ciufes.
Afpal
evaded'
Sidnifs of
J>iformers»
TrofiV.: Ati'
fvier of an
Jnfomer,
I{emiitkib1e
Seizure on
E.Hiuckei.
i2o
CORN-
WALL.
1670'.
A Conftabh
ji/ied.
Conftffion of
a Conjiabk.
Cruelty of n
Co>ifluble and
hiformer.
J>iftrejfcs for
Meetings,
IVhit befel a
Buyer of Dij-
trtjfes.
Seizures on
L. Hambly,
*nd others.
Seizure for
Tithes.
Vifchnrge of
Prifeners.
Difiriffcs for
Tithes,
and for refu-
fwg to Sruear.
^ Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
vifible in his Pulenefs and Trembling, acknowledging it to be the greateft Sin
he ever did. But diofc Officers were fometimes over-awed by the Penalty of the
Law, and tlie Thre:tts of the Informers, to aft againft their Judgments; one
Stephen Roufe, a Conftable, having been fined, and his Cattle and Sheep feized,
for Negleft or Duty in making I^iftrefies. ^Nnother Conftable, named fVil-
liam Ja7nes, making a Diftrefs on IVilliam Hawkey y to the Value of 8/. 105.
took among the reft, a Coat and Cloak from the poor Man's Back ; but be-
ing Ihortly after taken fick, he acknowledged hh Afjiiulion to he a juft Judgment
upon him for perfecuting the Innocent. At Truro., Elizabeth Angier, an ancient
and feeble Woman, going up Stairs into the Meeting, was pulled down by a
Conftable, who dragged her along the Street, and let on the rude Boys to pelt
her with Stones and. Dirt. The Informers and others, threw Hugh Reynolds
down on the Stones in the Dirt ; and wantonly fported themfelves by carrying
him on their Shoulders like a dead Corps, and profanely crying, Come let us
fing a Pfalm.
John Tregeiinis of Falmouth, for permitting Meetings at his Houfe, fufFered
Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value of 29/. And divers other Perfons, for
Meetings there and at Mabb, had their Goods taken to the Value of 19/. igs.
For Meetings held near the Lands- End in 1670, Diftrefles were made on John
Wallis, George Read, IVilliam Roberts, and others, to the Value of 64/. 2 s.
and from John Taylor of Marazion, for being at a Meeting, Goods worth 2 /.
Thefe Diftrefles were made upon the Information of WilliamThonias, Clerk to
Hugh Jones a Juftice of the Peace, who himfelf took Part of the Goods,
which were carried to his Houfe, and he obliged his Servants to take fome of
them for Wages. It was obferved, that one of the Buyers of thofe Goods,
had a Murrain iuddenly fell among his Cattle, which fwept many of them
away in a little Time.
In the Year 1 67 1 Loveday Ha?nhly had three Mows of Corn feized by Bay-
lifFs for John May Impropriator, which, together with the Waggon he carried
them away upon, were efteemed worth 53/. 6s. 8d. The Servants of the
laid Impropriator had taken from her in the foregoing Year, Cattle and Swine,
to the V-alue of 2 3 /. 35. 4 J.
Peter Tozvjbn and George Whitford of Li/keard, for Abfence from the Na-
tional Worfhip, had Goods taken from them to the Value of 9 s. and Charles
Appleby to the Value of 7 j. ....
ANNO 1672. John Scantlehury oi Falmouth, for a Demand of 2o.f. for
Tithes, had taken from hi.m by Francis Bedford Prieft, Serge worth 3 /.. \6s.
In this Years were difcharged out of Prilon in this County, by Letters Patent
from King Charles the Secofid, the following Perfons, viz. l^icholas Jofe, Stephen
Read, John Wallis, Thomas Richards, Richard Dennis, John Matthew, Thomas
Tyack, John Ellis, and Laurence Growden.
ANNO 1673. Fra7icis Hodge of Budock, for not paying Tithes to John
Collier Prieft there, had taken from him a Cow worth 4. 1.
In this Year, lor their Conftancy in attending religious AlTemblies, Henry
Wjlliatns, a poor Man, had his Bed and Coat taken from him, alfo his Hatchet
and Shovel, the Inftruments with which he wrought for his Living, the Whole
valued at 30 J. Alio John Mabely, a Weaver, had his Loom and. Slays taken
away, with a Bolfter and Pillow, valued at 4/. i8i. Alfo from Charles
Peters, William Guy, Nicholas Emtnatt, and Thofnas Pafcoe, were Goods taken
to the Value of 5/. iSs. Alfo for Meetings at Minver, from Charles Peters
and John Mabely, Goods worth 4/. 4. v.
From John Tregellis, for refufing to Swear, when chofen an AiTiftant for the
Tovfn of Falmouth, were taken Goods worth il. 10s. And from Francis Gwin,
a Mare worth 5 /.
Nicholas Jofe, tor refufing the Oath of Allegiance, was fent to Prifon, but
at the next Affizes freed by the Judge on Promife of appearing at the follow-
ing Aflizes,
ANNO
Chap. 8. of the People called QUAKERS. 121
ANNO 1675. In the Month called 7/^«^ this Year, "John Read, for re- C O R K-
fufing to pay to the Repairing of the publick Worfhip-houfe, was committed to WALL.
Prifon ; and in the Month called Juguft following, John Jewell of Mwhe>2fiyan, ^^75-
was for the fame Caufe committed to Prifon by a Writ de Excommunicato ■-^'"y^'^
. J •' Imprifonmcnts
capendo.
John I'regellis of Falmouth, for Ss. 6d. demanded for Tithes, had Goods andvidrefis.
taken by Dirtrefs to the Value of 5 /. 1 5 j. 10^. Alfo Willia?n Scantlebury and
Mary Liilicrop, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods for refufing to pay Tithes. And
in the fame Year Thomas Deeble was profecuted at common Law by Thomas rirUxj of
Carew Prieft, and fuffered a Seizure of his Goods to near 80 /. V.Jue •, an Extent Su^erivgs of
was alfo iflucd againft a Tenement of his for ten Years Rent, worth 1 3 /. per ^' ^'^^^^^-
jinnum : Befide all which he fuffered Imprifonment about half a Year.
In October this Year, a CommifTion of Enquiry was ex<:cuted at Lijlwithiely
in Relation to the Eftates of fome of this People, who, for not Szc-carhig, had
been convifted as PopiJJj Recufants, on which Occafion Thomas Salthoufe and
others, prefented the following Paper, intituled,
" Sober and Seasonable Advice, y^^wiWift^ to the jerious Confi deration
" of the CommifTioners and moderate Enquirers into the Eflates and Con-
" ditions of Perfons jujpe£}ed of Recufancy.
" Tj E M E M B E R the Counfel of our great Lawgiver, the Mediator of A Vip;r pre-
«' JiX. the new Covenant, What(oe"jer ye wbuld that Men fhould do unto you, fitted to the
" do )■£• even fo unto them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Mat. vii. 12. '^T^ful^^
*♦ It is faid that feveral Perfons are convifted as Recufants, and their Caufe and
*' Condition is to be enquired into by you at Liflwithiel tht 3d of OSlober 1675.
" Firfl. Confider that the A6ls made and provided in that Cafe were really
*' intended againft Popi/h Recufants, and to prevent the Spreading and the
♦' Growth of Popery, and not againft Protejlant Diffenters -, and that it is the
«' Care of the prefent Parliament to put a Difference between Popifh Recufants
«' and Protefiant Diffenters, and not to impofe the Penalty and Severity of the
»' Law upon fuch as are not Papifts, nor Popifhly affected.
" Secondl-j. Confider that feveral eminent People called ^lakers, are on
" the Lift among Perfons under the fuppofed Conviftion, who are neither
♦' Papifls, nor any Way inclinable to Popery ; for wc do deteft and utterly
** deny the Pope's Supremacy, Crucifixes, and Images, and Tranfubflantiation of
*' Bread and Wine, the Sacratnent, and all Idolatry and Superftition, Root and
*' Branch, without any Equivocation or Refervation whatfoever, and therefore
«' are not liable to the Penalty provided in that Cafe, being in our Hearts and
»' Affeftions, Judgment and Perfuafion, Members of the true Church, and of
*' the Reformed Religion.
*' Tloirdly. We were never admitted a legal Trial or Hearing, for we
♦' had no Summons, either by Procefs, Proclamation, or otherwife, whereby
*' we might have pleaded to the Indi^ment, which is allov/ed the worft of
«' Engli/hmen in Caulbs more defperate and of dangerous Confequence ; nei-
" ther do we know our Accufers, or who are Witneffes againfl us in this
" Matter : All which we fubmit to your ferious Confideration, minding you
«' of that often mentioned Maxim, that no free-born Englifhman ought to be
" infringed of his Liberty, or dijfeized of his Freehold Eftate, but by a legal Trial
*' of his Neighbours.
*' Fourthly. Enquire whether of late Years in this Nation there have been
" any Returns made, either of Popifh Recufants, or Protefiant Diffenters, con-
«' vided of Recufancy, or liable to the Penalties of the Laws made in that
" Cafe.
" Fifthly. Remember the Days paft, in which fome of you alfo fuffered
»' witii us as Diffenters, and that we have been an oppreffed, perfecuted Pco-
«» pie, both by Bonds, Imprifonmcnts, and the fpoiling of our Goods, for our
Vol. I. H h " Religioa
122 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" Religion and Righteoufnefs, and yet nothing can be laid juftly to our Charge,
" as a Tranlgreffion, except the Law and Worfhip of our God.
" Theie Things ferioufly confidered and weighed in the Ballance of Equity,
" by the choicelt Men of the beft Reformed Chriftian Religion, may, we hope,
" prevail with you, to make the beft Conftrudion of Things difputable,
«' and not to contribute AfTiftancc towards the future Sufferings of your lov-
" ino- Friends, who are reproached by the Name of fakers.
LongImprifo7u
vients-
E. Angier'j
Death in Pri'
fin.
Death of J.
Wzllis, Pri-
finer for
Tithes.
Fines for
hleetingiy &c.
Diftrejis.
Excommuni-
citions.
Loiglmprijoil-
ments.
J. Crowdgey.
T. Salthouje
J. Rowel
Laurence Growden
Richard Iregennow
This Advice was indeed feafonable, and the Commiflloners feemed to take
the Matter therein contained into Confideration, for our Accounts do not men-
tion many in this County to have been at that Time returned into the Ex-
cbequer as Pop/Jo Recufants.
ANNO 1676. In the Month called January this Year, Thomas Tyack was
fent to Prifon for Tithe, and continued a Prifoner above eight Years In the
Month called July this Year, Nicholas Emmatt of Endellian Parifh, for abfent-
ing from the National Worfhip, was committed to the Sheriff's Prifon, where
he was continuing four Years after.
In this Year alfo died a Prifoner Edward Angier of Minver, after near thir-
teen Months Confinement, for not paying to the Repairs of the publick
Worfhip Houfes.
ANNO 1 6yy. In November this Year, John Wallis died a Prifoner after fe-
veral Years Confinement for Tithes of about 3 /. in Value : And in the fanae Year
Francis Gwyn, Stephen Richards, ind Thomas Trigg, were alfo imprifoned forTithes.
Alfo George Read, for Tithes of 30 j. Value, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods worth
5/. In this Year alfo for meeting together to worfhip God, Loveday Hatnbly
and Ambrofe Crojfe had Goods taken from them worth 26/. and feveral others
for the fame Caufe fuffered by Diftrefs to the Value of 48/. 12 s. gd. Alfo
William Oliver, for Abfence from the National Worfhip, was imprifoned in
the Month called April this Year, and continued a Prifoner about eight Years
after. For the fame Caufe John Jewel of Minhennyat, and Thomas Paulin of
hifkheard, were imprifoned on Writs de Excofnmunicato capiendo.
In the Month called Jauary this Year, Thomas Deeble died a Prifoner, after
about fixteen Months Imprifonment for Abfence from the National Worfhip.
ANNO 1678. Nicholas J of, forTithes worth 5 j. 6^. had Goods taken
from him to the Value of 2/. %s. 6d. and George Read, for Tithes of 30j-.
Value, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods worth 7/. The fame Nicholas Jofe had alfo
his Goods taken by an Execution to the Value of 13/. at the Suit of Hugh
Jones a Tithe-farmer, who fued him in the Hundred Court for Tithes of about
1 1. 3 J. 4^. in Value.
About this Time many were excommunicated for Abfence from the National
Worfhip, fome of whom were Thomas Mounce, Stephen Pearfon, Samfon Paulin^
Elizabeth Hill, John Chapman, Edward Hancock, Margaret Gill, John Kirton,
and Katharine Gay. In this Year alfo William Scantlebury, Richard Samble,
Mary Lillicrop, and Francis Gwyn, fuffered Difb-efs, for Abfence from the
National Worfhip, to the Value of 3/. 3 J. 4^. Alfo Williain Way, after a
Profecution in tiie Archdeacon's Court for refufing to go to the publick Wor-
fhip, was committed to the Sheriff's Ward, where he continued Prifoner about
feven Years. Alfo in this and the foregoing Years, Ambroje Groffe had Cattle
and other Goods taken from him by the Sheriff's Bayliffs on an Exchequer Pro-
ceis, to the Value of 7/. 10 s. In this Year a.Ko Williafn Trethowan was con-
tinuing a Prifoner in the Sheriff's Ward, whither Jie had been committed for
Tidies about three Years before. .'.^. ' . .' ' ,' .
ANNO 1680. In this YecLi John Crowdgey was returned into the Exche-
quer as a Popijh Recufant, and under Pretence of a Forfeiture of two Thirds of
"his
Chap. 8. of the People called QUAKERS. 123
his freehold Eftate, though he had none but Lcafhold, had Goods taken from C O R N-
fiim by the Sheriff's Order, to the Value of 5/. '^^ ^ L L.
For being at a IVIeeting at Minver in September this Year, was taken from i>°2^
John Peters a Cow worth 4/. and from Samjon Coy [game a Mare worth 10/. pffir^jf^^r
Alfo from I^icholas Emmott a poor IMan, his Houfhold Goods ; and fo unmer- Meetings.
ciful were the Informers, as to take away from his Wife, then fick and fitting Cruelty of in-
by the Fire, the Chair from under her, fhe having no Other to fit on. From formers.
Henry Williams they took a Mow of Wheat worth 5/. and fold it for ^6s.
When one of the Informers, with a Conftable, came to tlie Houfe oi ylnne
Etnder a poor Widow, they found her Door fait, fhe being from Home, they
fculked about till fhe came and opened the Dcor, when they pufhed in with
her, and took away all her Goods, leaving her nothing to lie on but the bare
Boards, nor any Thing to cover her from the Cold. In the next Month the
Conflable and Ihformers came again to the Meeting there, and faid, they Meeting-beufc
feized the Houfe in the King's Name, put a Padlock on the Door, and kept the Je'X^ii-
Houfe fhut up, to prevent any future Meeting in it.
Befides thelc, many others were fined tor their religious Meetings -, of ■f"'"*
whom was Samfon Coyfgarne fined at feveral Times 75/. and Grace Grey 20/.
lor fufftring a Meeting at her Houfe.
ANNO 1 68 1. On the 8th of the Month called February this Year, was Burial of B.
buried at Tregangreves one Benja7nin Groivden, a Man well beloved by his Giowden.
Neighbours, who being many of them prefent at his Funeral, Thomas Salt-
houfe Ipake to them by way of Exhortation to this Purpofe : " Serioufnefs ^^^'''"'S "f
" and Sobriety is fuitable and feafonable on this Occafion. I have no Authority V ^^ ^ "^^ ^
" from Men to accommodate this Concourfe of People with Excellency of
" Speech as an eloquent Orator, nor with enticing Words that Man's Wil-
*' dom teaches -, Yet to the Living, there is a Neceffity upon, and a few Words
" in, my Heart in Tendernefs and Fear to offer, under Confidcration of our
" Mortality, and alio of Eternity which is fet before us : All Flejh is as Grafs,
** etnd all the Glory ef Man is as the Flower of Grafs. Now the Grafs wit her Sy
•' and the Flower fades away, but the IFord of the Lord endures for ever. All
*' mufl appear betore the Judgment-feat of Chrift, to give an Account of the
*' Deeds tfone in the Body, whether they be good or evil, and every one
" riiufl certainly recdive a Reward according to his Works : Therefore re-
*' member thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth, while the evil Days coine
" not, nor the Years draw nigh, in which thou fhalt fiy, Ihave no PUjfure
" in ihem : Then will they be bleffed who die the Death of the Righteous,
*' for in every Nation they that fear God and work Righteoufiefs are accepted,
" and this was evident to, and obferved by him that was an Oppofer of Jfi-ael,
" in whom God beheld no Iniquity : He took up his Parable and faid, O let
" me die tiie Death of the Righteous, and let my laft End be like his." More was
fpoke to the like Effeft with Tears and much Tendernefs, in the open Burying
Place at Tregangreves, in the Audience of many good Chriitians and loyal Sub-
jedis to the K.ing, and Profefibrs of the Protejlant Religion as by Law efta-
blifhed. On fuch an Occafion, and to fuch an Afiembly, one would fcarce
have thought, the f{>eaking by way of Remembrance of their Mortality, and
to excite them to prepare tor Death, could have been liable to the Penalties of
any Law : But there were Ibme Perlbns wicked enough to make an unlawful
Conventicle, of this humane, Chriftian, and decent Solemnity. Upon the Oaths
of Thomas IVhale and William Comyn, Informers, a Warrant was granted againfr
Anne Salthoufe, John Trefry, and Joane his Wife, Laurence Growden, Jofeph Many fnei
Growden, and Elizabeth his Wife, Jofeph Vivian, Ellinor the Wife of Nicholas for bdvg st
Btggs, David Thomas, Samuel Hornej, Samuel Bennett, John Heady, John Ktlle- '''^' ^^"''''^l-
game, John the Son of Richard Giles, William Nichols, Matthew Bennet, and
Thomas Salthoufe, to appear before the Juftices to fliew Caufe why they fhould
not be convifted according to the Ad. They appeared at the Time and
Place appointed before Sir Jofeph Tredenham, Jofeph Sawie, and William
Mohun, Juftices. But when they came, were told that the Convidlions were
already
124 ^ Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
CORN-
WALL.
1682.
Zonglmprijoti.
m:nti.
N.Jofe fent
to i'rijon.
Kit Mittimus.
Diflrejfes {or
Mc-etiii^ it
Minver.
already made, and that I'hojnas Salthouje was fined 20/. for Preaching: For
that Fine he had fliortly after taken out of his Shop, Goods worth 29/.
9 J. gd. yd. Alfo Jojepb Growden, for being at the faid Funeral, had his
Goods taken away to the Value of 1 /. fj.
ANNO 1682. JFalter Stevens had been a Prifoner in this County for
Tithes, three Years and three Months, and 'Tbornas lyack, who had been
then Prifoner above fifteen Months, continued fo feveral Years after. Samuel
Hancock was the fime Year profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes.
On the 30th of the Month called Jpril this Year, Hugh Jones a Juftice of
the Peace, with John Weeks Prieft, and a R:ibble attending them, broke up a
Meeting at Sennyn, and fined many of the Perfons prefent ; he alfo fent Ni-
cholas Joje to Prilon by the following Minimus, viz.
*' To the Keeper of his Majejlfs Goal at the Cajile of hznnct^ony
" or to his Deputy or Deputies there.
" \7IT H E R E A S Nicholas Jofe, of the Parilh of Sennyn, was this Day
" VV brought before me, for being found amongft diverfe others in an
" unlawful AlTcmbly in a private Houfe in the faid Parilh, and there feen to
" my View, being thereupon to find Sureties for the good Behaviour, he be-
" ing formerly, and, I think, ftill remains, a Teacher and Leader ot diverfe
" DifTentcrs from the Church, and one who denies the taking of an Oath
" in any Cafe whatfoever to be lawful, and refufing to give Sureties for
" his good Behaviour.
" J'hefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to charge and command you,
*' and every of you, to receive the faid Nicholas Jofe, herewith fent, into your
" Cuftody, and him fafely to keep and detain in your faid Goal, until he Ihall
" be thence delivered by due Courfe of Law, and thereof fail not at your
" Peril. Given under my Hand and Seal at Penrofe this firft Day of May^
" Anno regni Dni. nri. Caroli Jecundi, nunc Regis Anglitz, &c, triceftmo quarto^
" Annoq; Dom. 1682.
" Hugh Jones. {L. S.^
For meeting together at Minver, Juflice Ceely granted a Warrant for Dif-
trefs, by which was taken as follows, viz. from
/. s.
Edward Rowe, wearing Apparel and other Goods, worth 2 10
* Henry H^illiams, Houfhold Goods worth o 13
Thomas Coates oi Green-Hammerton, Goods worth o 10
Abrabarn Hawkes of fFhixley, Hufbandman, Pewter to the Value of o 9
d.
o
o
o
o
Dijirejfis for
tithes, &c.
The fame Juftice laid a Fine of 10/. on Prifcilla Peters, and granted a
Warrant to levy it on the Goods of Charles Peters her Hufband : But when he
appealed to the SefTions, the Juftice ordered the Goods to be returned, left his
own illegal Proceeding fhould be expofed, for the Law did not admit the im-
pofing fuch a Fine on a feme Covert.
ANNO 1683. John Scantlebury o^ Falmouth, for 32 j. demanded hy Walter
^taram Prieft, for his Wages, had Goods taken away to die Value of 4 /.
And Francis Hodges fuffered Diftrefs to the Value of 3/. gs. for Tithes de-
manded by John Collier Prieft of Penryn.
On the 31ft of the Month called May this Year, Richard Tregennow of
"Trenant, in the Parifh of Dewlo, for a Meeting at his Houfe, had Sheep,
Cows,
* Hevry WiUims was a poor Labourer, whofe Door they broke opea while he was
abroad at Work.
Chap. 8. ^/ //j(? People c^//^^^ QUAKERS, 125
Cows, and Oxen taken from him to the Vahie of 40/. The fame Perfon in CO R N-
the lame Year, lor Fines for his own, his Wife's and Daughters Abfence from ^ A L L,
the pubHck Worfhp, had Goods taken from him worth 3/. For the fame L^ ^'
Caule aUb John CUmeuls, Pbiltppa Feake, and Jane Peake, fiiffered Diftrefs of 'w^'^s/''"^^
their Goods. _ , c^ ,
In the fame Year Ipac Chappell, John Tomkbis, Richard Richards, John Jmprifonmmt
Malthe-Xy Joane Olivey and Wilmot Richards, taken at a Meeting, were fent to /<"■ Meeting.
Goal by Hu^h Jones Juftice, under Pretence tiiat they had no Goods to make
Dillrels on : They were diicharged by Judge Jefferies at I.anncejlon Aflizes.
Jcitkin y'liigoc, and Samfin Olivey, were A^o imprifoned for frequenting rehgious
Meetings r^ r ■ x,- n ^ r .'. • u r Cornnhmoiu
In this Yearaho many Perfons m this County were taken from tneir Houfes jgr„gfSmar.
and Employments, and carried before the Juftices, who tendred them the j„g.
Oath of Allegiance, and on Refuliil to take it, fent them to Prifon. At the
AlTizcs held in the Month called Augnjl, their Cafe drawn up and figned by
twenty one of them, was prefented to the Judge of AfTize, being as follows, viz.
" The fuff'ering Cafe of the People called Qvak-eks in the County of
" Cornwall, humbly prefented to the Confideration of the JudgeSf
" and in particular to Sir Job Charleton, Judge of the Crown
" Bench for this Affixes.
" T1[7HEREAS it hath been evidently known and manifcfted, that Suffering Cafs
♦' V V notwitliftantling the many grievous Sufferings that we have patiently f^ul/ q^L^
•' undergone for more than twenty Years paft, merely for the Difcharge of ^ers p^efentel
" our Confciences to God, and for our refufing to Swear at all, as Chrift Jefus m thsAjJl^es.
*' our Lord, and the Apoftle James commanded and enjoined, and that we
" have ftill deported ourfelves in all Humility and Lowlinefs of Heart and
*' Mind, and have peaceably born all the various Sufferings that have beea
«' infhdted upon us lor the Difcharge of our Confciences and Duty asaforefaid -,
*' and have never been known to have raifed any Infurred:ion, or been confe-
♦' derate with any evil Plotters or Contrivers of Mifchief, either againfl the
*' King or Government ; but have always ufed our Endeavours, as much as
" in us lies, to have Peace with all Men : Yet have we been expofed as well
* ' to the Laws not made or intended againfl us, as to thofe Laws made and in-
*' tended againft us, and are rendred obnoxious to the Government, when in
"■ Truth our Principles have all along led us to live peaceably under the Go-
" vernment, and to offer Violence to none, but rather to fulfer, than to dif-
" obey the Command of Chrift Jefus, and the Doftrine of the Apoflle afore-
" faid, who enjoined the Believers above all Things not to Swear : And for
" fuch our Refufid to Swear are we, whofe Names are hereunto fubfcribed,
" lent to the County Goal. Some of whom being Fifhermen, are taken from
" their motherlefs Children, whofe Support and Maintenance depended moflly
" upon the Induflry and Labour of their poor aged Fathers : Others from
" their looking after and carrying on ot their Adventures in Tin-works,
" (which are confiderable :) Others from their Labour in and about getting in
" their Harveft : Others from looking after and attending their Shop-keeping
" and Trades; and one of us, (by 'NAmc'Thomas Lower) being come down
" lately out of Lamajhire, into this his native Country, to look after and fettle
" an Eflate fallen into his Hands in this County, is enfnared with the Tender
"• of the Oath aforefaid, and fent to this Goal, and thereby incapacitated to
" perfecl a Contract lately made with his Landlord Sir Richard Edgecomb, of
" an F,ftate for Lives in this County, and alio from returning to his Wife and
" Children in the North, as he thought fhortly to have done : And fome
" poor Women, aged upward of fifty or fixty Years, after their Beds and
" other Houfhold Goods, and their very working Tools, by which they got
*' their Livelihood, were diftrained and taken from them, for their Abfence
Vol. I. I i from
126
N-
L.
COR
W A L
1683.
Wimon I{uie-
Ttefs of Pro-
fecutors.
ImU^ment.
Sentence cf
Premunire.
Dtitb of C.
Soper.
Relexfe of
Prijmiers,
Diflrejfes for
refufwg to
bear Arms.
A Colled:ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" from the publick Places of Worfhip, were, together with three other young
" Maidens, being Sifters, tenclred the Oath of Allegiance, and for this their
" Refufal, are alfo ient to the County Goal. All which Sufferings and
" Grievances we defire you would be pleafed to take into your ferious Confide-
" ration, and not to impofe the Rigour of the Law upon us, who are con-
♦« fcientioufly concerned to keep the Command of Chrift Jefus as aforefaid,
^« and do really own Allegiance to the King, and Subjedlion to his Govern-
♦' ment, hoping, that Mercy, as well as Judgment, may run down your Streets
" of Judicature, and that we may be encouraged to perfevere in our Chriftian
«« Pradice and Duty of praying for the King, and all fuch as are in Authority,
" that we may have Liberty to labour in the Creation in our feveral Callings and
" Habitations, which is the earnefl Defire of us, who are Prifoners for the
" Teftimony of a good Confcience.
LauncefVon Goil, the ift of the Signed by
Month tailed AugnR, 16S3.
Thomas Lozcer
Thomas Saltbouje
John Peters
Nicholas Jofe
John Elliott
John Flemi/ig
John Siinmons
John Trefry
Peter Rogers
John Cotley
Jacob Cotley
Peter Godfrey
Chriftopher Soper
Mary Clement
Katharine Clement
Philippa Peake
Jane Pcake
Dorothy Rogers
Maty Tregennom
Jane Tregennow
Gertruydt Tregennow.
' The three laft mentioned were Daughters of Richard Tregennow^ who were
taken by Force from their Father's Houfe, and carried before the Juftices,
who tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and fent them to Prifon. Thofe
who condufted them thither treated them with much Rudenefs and Infolence :
They afterward procured a Warrant from Sir Jonathan Trelawnevy &c. for
feizing their Father's Goods for their Fines, and for the Charges of conveying
them to Prifon, and in a Way of wanton Ridicule, made a Charge in their
Account, for rowing the Quakers to Prifon.
But notwithftanding the foregoing juft Reprefentation of the Prifoners Cafe,
they were indifted at the AfTizes, where the Oath was again tendred them in
open Court, and on Conviftion of refufing it, they had Sentence of Premunire
pafTed upon them, and were all remanded to Prifon •, though two of them, viz.
Mary Clement and Dorothy Rogers, were married Women, and therefore the
Sentence againft them was illegal. One of them, Chrijlopher Soper, died in Prifon.
ANNO 1686. The other twenty of the faid Subfcribers, after having
lain clofe confined about three Years, were difcharged by King James's general
Pardon : Befide wliom, John Gay, William fVa\', IVilliam Olivey, Edward Guy,
Daniel Clark, Walter Stevens, and Elizabeth Wlntford., imprifoned on Writs de
Excommunicato capiendo, were by the fame Means fet at Liberty. Nicholas Em-
mott died under Sentence of Pretnunire in the Prifon.
ANNO 1 688. In this Year the following Perfons, for refufing to bear
Arms, or contribute to the Charge of the County Militia, fufFered Diftrefs,
by which were taken
Ffotn Richard Tregemiow^ for 13 J. Demand, Goods worth
Samuel Hancock, for 28 J. Demand, Goods worth
John Tregellis of Falmouth, Goods worth
Stephen Richards of the fame. Cloth worth
; J . . Edward Dealing of Penryn, Goods worth
John Scatilkhury, Goods worth
/.
o
I
4
2
s.
o
5
14
2
o
4
o
o
o
o
o
12
Imprifiinments
for Tithes.
ANNO 1690. Samuel Hancock -was committed to the Sheriff's Ward at
Bodmin, for Tithes, at the Suit of Wilfmn Bujlard Impropriator.
CHAP
Chap. 9. of the People called QUAKERS.
CHAP. IX.
CUMBERLAND.
127
CUMBER-
LAND.
1653-
Anno 1653.
GEORGE FOX, for preaching the Truth in the great Worfliip-houie
at Carlijli\ after the Priefl had ended his Sermon, and for witnelTing a
good ConfefTion before the Magiftrates and People there, was impri-
foned kvtn Weeks, fometimes among Thieves and Murderers.
Robert Withers, tor afking the Prielt of Aketon a rehgious Qiiefbion after Ser-
mon, was imprifoned at Carlijh one Month ; as was George betvly for accom-
panying him. Robert Huntington, for Preaching at Carlijle, was imprifoned
three Months, and James Noble, for the fame Caufe, 7me Weeks.
Robert Withers, 'Thomas Rawlinjon, John Stubbs, and Thomas Gwin, for de-
claring againft falfe Worfhip at the Steeple-houfe in Coldbeck, were inhumanly
treated by the rude People, one of them being knocked down, and much of
their Blood fpilled on the Place.
John Martin, tor teftifying againft the Prieft of Kirkbride, whom he met in
the Fields, and calling him by his proper Name, viz. an Hireling, was com-
mitted to Prifon.
ANNO 1654. Thomas Stubbs was concerned to go into the Steeple-houfe at
Deane, where, when the Prieft had done, he fiid. Thou daubejl the People up with
unlempered Mortar ; whereupon the Prieft bid his Hezrexs fight for the Gofpel ;
they fell violently upon Stubbs andfome of his Friends, tore their Clothes, and beat
them cruelly. The Prieft's Son in particular forely bruifed the Face of Richard
Richard/on. After which two Juftices fent Stubbs to Prifon, but confcious of
the Wrong they did him, writ his Mittimus and Difcharge both on one Paper -,
this furnifhed the Goaler with a Claim for Fees, under Pretence of which he
kept him fourteen Weeks in Prifon.
Peter Head, for teftifying to the Truth, in the fame Place, was imprifoned
fourteen Weeks in a dole Room among Felons in the Heat of Summer -, and
John Head, fbr delivering fome Queries to the Prieft oi Deane at his own Houi'e,
was imprifoned fourteen Weeks. John Slee, for reproving a Prieft at Grifdale,
was kept a clofe Prifoner among Felons two Montlis. Alfo Katharine Fell, for
afking a Prieft, whether he did witnejs what he /pake to the People, was kept
in Prifon nineteen Weeks, having a young Child flicking at her Brcaft.
Thojnas Bcwley and Hugh Stamper, flanding at the SelTions in CarliJJe with
their Hats on, were by the Juftices committed to Prifon without any legal
Caufe aJTigned. After a Month's Confinement they were difcharged without
paying Fees : But Hugh Sta?nper was afterward arreited for Fees, and again im-
prifoned and detained there one and twenty Weeks.
ANNO 1655. Matthew Carpe and ylnthony Fell were imprifoned for ap-
pearing at SefTions with their Hats on, and detained three W^eeks.
Matthew Robinjon and John Dixon, for refufing to pay Tithes, were impri-
foned at Carlifle, and afterward obliged to appear perfonally at London, above
two Hundred and fifty Miles from their Habitations, to their great Expence
and Trouble.
John Peacock and JohnStricket Conftabks,- refufing to-execute a Warrant- of
Diftrefs for Tithes, were fined \l. bs. SJ. and for Non-payment committed
to Prifon.
G, Fox im$ri-
foneL,
Sundry others
imprifoneit
T. Stubbs
ibufei.
Jmprifonmem
of P. Head
ani others.
Jmprifonmtnts
for Ju)i.irji
Cauje^.
ill o:
DoKothy
128
CUMBER-
LAND.
1655.
Cruil Vfdge of
iTvo l/yomen.
Beatifg of
two Men.
Imprifon-
mints.
Viflrefs for
Tithes, &c.
Minylmprjfov-
merits for not
StcetTitjg.
Jmprifonmcms
tnl Dijhejfis.
Tithtt reCO'
vereiit aPi-
pift'j Suit.
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Dorothy Waitgh, for Preaching in the Streets of Carlifle, and Anne Robin/on,
who accompanied her, were by the Mayor fent to Prifon, and fome Time after
were led tlirough the Street with each an Iron Inftrument of Torture, called
a Bridle, on their Heads, to prevent their fpeaking to the People ; having been
fo expofcd to the Scorn and Derifion of the Rabble, they were turned out of
the City.
John IVeftray and Thomas Scott were cruelly beaten by the rude People, for
teftifying againft the Doctrine of the Preacher at Seek- Murder Chapel.
ANNO 1657. The following Perfons were imprifoned ^t Car lip for re-
proving the Priefts at feveral Times and Places, viz. John Grave twenty two
Weeks, George Bezcley fourteen Weeks, John Burnyeat twenty three Weeks,
Matthew Robinfon twenty nine Weeks, Anthony Tickle twenty feven Weeks, and
George Wilfon.
ANNO 1660. In this and the feveral foregoing Years had been taken
from Perlbns in this County by Diftrefs, for 156/. 8j. yd. demanded for
Tithes, Goods worth 515/. is- 3d. And for Demands of 3 /. 1 2 j. 3d. for
Steeple-houfe Rates and Clerk's Wages, Goods to the Value of 11/. 13 j. lod.
In this Year alfo Francis Hayton and William Rowland were imprifoned lor
Tithes thirty two Weeks.
John Robin/on, for refuling to take an Oath at Carli/le AlTizes, was fined 40 s.
and had Goods taken from him to that Value.
In the fame Year Thomas Stordy was imprifoned nine Weeks for refufing to
take the Oath of Allegiance ; and for the lame Caufe James Adam/on was kept
clofe Prifoner feveral Weeks, during which Time, his Father, of the fame
Name, coming to vifit him, was way-laid in his Return home, and by a Juftice
of the Peace fent back to Prifon for refufing to Swear. For the fame Caufe
alfo Elizabeth Heath, Anne Bewley., Elizabeth Jackfon, Elizabeth Hazard, IVil-
liam Oglcthorp, Anne his Wile, Ifabel Oglethorp, and Elizabeth Wat fan, futfered
twenty two Weeks Imprifonment : Alio Tlmnas Summers, William Summers,
Htanphry Twiddale, and Tboinas Story, were imprifoned fourteen Weeks, and
* William Lowthwait one and thirty Weeks ; Thomas Watjon, Richard Ribton,
Chrijlopher Manfer, Richard Banks, and Thomas Leathes, nine Days -, John
Matthew of Brough, feveral Weeks ; and Robert Huntington, John Robinfon,
Robert Matthew, and Margaret Martin, twenty two Weeks, which lalt four
were taken up in Carlijle Market, being there about their lawful Occafions,
and fent to Goal by the Mayor for refufing the Oath.
ANNO 1 661. John Nicholfon, Thomas Mark, and John Peacock, on an
Attachment out of the Exchequer, were committed to Carlijle Goal in the
Month called April this Year, and detained there about three Years.
In this Year alfo George Biglamls and John Dobinfon fuffered eight Weeks Im-
prifonment for refufing to Swear-, and for the fame duk Chrijlopher Manjer
had a Cow taken from him worth 2 /. 4 J. and Chrijlopher Birkett a Cow
worth 3/.
ANNO 1662. In this Year Adam Robinjon, William Bond, and John Rkh-
ardfon, fuffered about feven Months Imprifonment, having been arrefted for
Tithes at the Suit of Francis Howard of Corby, a Papijl, who afterward at
the Aflizes obtained Judgment againft them for treble Damages, upon which
were taken from
Adam Robinfon, for a Demand of
William Bond, for a Demand of
John Richardfon, for a Demand ot
/.
I
o
I
s.
5
7
12
o
o
o
For Demands of
four Beafls worth
a Mare and Steer
Cattle worth.
Goods worth
/.
28
3
7
15
10
d.
o
o
o
39
o
In
* r^. Lomh-wnit had offended a Neighbouring Juftice's Servant by reproving him for pro-
le Swearing; whereupon the Jofticc, to avenge his Man's Quarrel, tendred ifHUim the
srh On^ r^nf Kiirt rr*. X^f\Cr\n
fane ^ , ^
Oath, and fent him to Prifon.
Chap. 9. of the People called QL^AKERS.
In this Year alfo, for rcfufing to Swear at the Mannour Courts, were taken from
Richard 'Thompfon, tor a Fine of
Francis Haytoi:, for a tine of
nomas Hunter, tor a Fine of
For Fines of
/.
3
o
3
s.
6
3
d.
8
4
6 16
a Cow worth
Goods worth
Kine worth
Goods worth
/.
3
o
6
J.
o
o
o
o
129
CUMBER-
LAND.
1662.
Fines for wot
SviCiirwg,
1'homas Slordy, being at CarliJIe AfTizes, went to vifit fome of his Friends
there in Priibn, but was ilJegally detained by the Goaler, and the next Day,
he, with Stephen Pearjori, then a Prilbner, was had to tlie Seilions-houfe, where
the Oath of Allegiance was tendred them, which they refufmg, were fent back
to Goal among the Felons : Next Day they were indided on the Statute
of 3 K. James, found ^/«7/j, and had Sentence of Premiinire patTed upon them ;
by which they were adjudged to forjeit all their Lands, Goods, and Chattels, to
be out of the King's Protection, and to fiiffer hnprijonment for Lfe. Soon after
die Sheriff feized their Cattle, Corn, and odier Goods, and proclaimed a pub-
lick Sale ot them ; at which they were fold far beneath the Value, in regard very
few cared to buy them. However they were at length dilpofed of and carried
away, without any Regard to the Prifoners or their Families, nor would the
Sheriff, though earncllly deflred, allow any thing to the poor Labourers, who
had been employed in gathering in the Corn, and whom the Prifoners, thus
plundered, were unable to pay. Under this hard Sentence 'Thomas Stordy and
Stephen Pearfon continued dole Prifoners fevcral Years, enduring their great
Sufferings with exemplary Patience and Conllancy, being fupported by the
Teftimony ot a good Conlcience in their Obedience to the Precept of Chrift,
Scvear not at all. ......
John Grave of "Turpenhcw, Thomas Watfon of Cockermouth, and John Robin-
fon ot Brigham, taken out of their own Houlcs by Soldiers and carried to the
Governour of Carlijle, were by him impriibned, in the Depth of Winter, in a
cold Place over one of the City Gates, where they were denied the Vifits of
their Friends, and had their Food frequently kept from them, nor were they
permitted to go out to eafe themlelves : After about ten Days Confinement
there, the Oath was tendred them at a Meeting of the Juftices, and they were
removed to the County Goal, where they lay thirty five Weeks. In the fame
Year John Slee had two Steers worth 9/. taken from him for a Fine ot 5 /. for
being at a Meeting ; and on the 7th of the Month called Auguft, Richard
Riblon, William Ribton, and Thomas AfJdey, of Great-Broughton, Chriflopher
Shepherd and John Shepherd of Ribton, Chrijtopher Palmer and IVilliajn Hall of
Little-Brougbton, John Parker of Pop-Cajlle, and Launcelot Wiljon of Tallontire,
•were fummoned before the Juftices on an Information againft them for Meeting,
and lent to Prifon till the AlFizes, when they were indicted, and having pleaded
not guilty, were recommitted till anodier Affizes, before which Lancelot Wilfon
died in the Prilon, being a weakly Man, and unable to luftain the Hardfhip
ot his Confinement At the following Aflizes the reflof them were difcharged.
In this Year alfo George Fletcher, a Jullice of the Peace, fignalized himlelf by
a violent Proceiiurc at a Meeting at llo'whill in Soiaerhy Panfh, into which he,
with a Retinue armed with Swords and Piltols, rufhed in after an hoflile Man-
ner, and finding a Pcrfon on his Knees, the Juftice ftruck him over the Head,
and when he continued Praying, ordered him to be pulled down backward, and
then caufed him, together widi John Slee, George Bswley, Mungo Be-wley, An-
thony Fell, John Banks, and others of the AlTembly, to be dragged down the
Hill in a violent and cruel Manner, and afterward fent them to Carlifle Goal.
At the next SefTions John Slee was fined \ol. and the reft 5/. each, tor which
Fines were taken from John Slee, three Kine, one Bull, and an Heifer, worth
13/. from George Bezvley, three Kine worth 8/. and from Mungo Bewley, two
Florfes worth 5 /. 2 j. 6 d. At tlie Time of making thele Di(lrefles George
Bewley was remaining a Prifoner ibr the lame Fine.
Vol. I. K k ANNO
Imfrlfonmeitts
for refufwg
the Oath.
Titlenc! of
the Sufferers.
Hari Impri'
fonmemi.
Himy impri-
fmed for
Miitivg,
Detth of
L. Wilfon.
Violence
•fuflice
Fletcher.
of
Fines,
I30
CUMBER-
LAND.
Longlmfrijoii-
rmnts.
Seizures {or
IlihiS,
Exchequer
Trocefi jor
frivolous Di-
mm.is.
Jtiiprifonmnits
by iVrifs de
Excom. Cap.
Sj.gorous Ex-
adton of
lines.
R. Banks
pied.
7he fufferivg
Cafe of R.
Banks.
^ ColIe<aion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
ANNO 1663. tbomas Bi'xle\\ after frequent Seizures of his Goods for
Titlies, was this Year, on an Exchequer Procefs, committed to Prifon at Car-
lifle, where he lay near three Years. In this Year alfo Seizures were made on
James Stanton oUVejLlak, to theVakie of 27/. and upwards, for a Demand of
but 3 /. for Tithes -, and on T/mnas Bewley the younger, to the Value of 11/.
for a Claim of 2/. i8i. for Tithes. And in the lame Year for Demands of
10/. 4s. id. \d. for Tithes, feveral others had Goods taken by Diftrefs, to
the Value of 30/. is. lid. In this Year alio luffered by Diftrefs, tor re-
fufing to Swear, Richard Fawcett 1 1. 125. Philip Btirnyeat 20 s. Henr'j Allafon
50 s. and M'^illiam Morrijon 40 s. Alfo 'Thomas Fell., John Fell, James Barnes,
and John Tiffin, were Sufferers by Diftrefs on the fame Account,
ANNO 1664. Richard Fawcett., John Gill, Williain Richardfon, and ^ote
Fearon, were profecuted in the Exchequer by George Fletcher, for Tithes •, the
Claim he made from fome of them was but 6d. and from none of them above
I s. for which Trifles fome of them were obliged by the Profecutor to appear
feveral Times at London, two Hundred and fifty Miles from their Habitations :
His Purpofe being not lb much to recover any Thing, as to perplex and har-
ral's the poor Men, who at length were imprifoned at Carli/le for refufing to
Swear to the Anfwers they gave into Court. For the fame Reafon alfo William
Boiu??ian, fVillia?K Morrijon, and John Fell, were fent to Prifon. In tliis Year
likewii'c were imprifoned upon Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, after Profecu-
tion in the Eccleliaftical Court for Tithes, Hugh Tickell, Anthony Tickell, John
Wilfon, Anthony Wood, Chriftopber ScoU, William Longfiake, Thomas Stamper,
TJxnnas Porter, John Pattinjon, Thomas Fell, Thomas Carleton, John Gibfon,
William Adcock, Leonard Whilburne, and John Hetherington.
In this and the foregoing Year, the generality ot the ^takers in this County,
Men, Women, and Children, were fined for Nonconformity to the eftablifhed
WorlTiip, which Fines were rigoroufly exadted by Diftrefles made on Parents
for their Children, Matters for their Servants, and even on fuch as being them-
felves Conformifts, had Servants or others in their Families who were not. The
Sums of Money levied for this Caufe in thefe two Years, amounted to 87/.
\y s. 7 d. We alfo find that within thefe laft four Years, for Demands made
for Steeple-houfe Rates and Clerk's Wages, amounting to 61. i^s. Diftrefles
were made to the Value of 1 8 /. 1 8 j. 3^.
ANNO 1665. Richard Banks, fined for being at a religious Meeting, had
two Cows taken away which coft him 9/. 155.
ANNO 1667. In this Year a remarkable Cafe of the aforefaid iJic/j^;-^
Banks occurring, we have extrafted the fame from a Narrative thereof written
by hinifelf, viz.
*' TN the Year 1667, Law^/o/ 5i;«/yo« having purchafed that Eftate which I
" \_ farmed of him who was then my Landlord, in the firft Place excom-
" municated me, becaufe I would not conform to their Church, he being then,
" and now is, a Procftor, refolving to make me fubmit, or elfe deftroy me
" in the Outward, which he hath very much laboured and endeavoured ever
" fince : So pretending that all I had was too little to fatisfy the Law, he
'<■ one Day, I being from Home, came, and one T7?c?nas Stamper with him,
and nailed up the Garner-door, and went and turned out all my Threfhers,
and nailed up the Barn-door, and afterward came in the Night Seafon, when
the Snow lay thick on the Earth, and we being all in Bed, got into the
Stable and Byer, and turned out all my Horfes, and Cows with their
young Calve?, by reafon whereof fome perilhed, and others hardly efcaped
with Life : He alfo fet his Men to pull down the Hedge from about the
Hayftacks, and to keep his own Beafts at them, and to put mine from
them. Nay farther, I had at that Time nine Score Sheep or thereabouts.
He would lutfcr no Man to buy them, but himftlf pretending a Title, and
hindering others, I was forced to take a third Penny after a long Con-
teft, and the Dcaih of a third Part ot them ; by all which I deeply luffered.
Then
n
Chap. 9. of the People called QUAKERS.
Then I, feeing his Cruelty, was forced to feek another Farm, which I got
about twenty Miles oti'. In a fliort Time after, the laid Lancelot
S'wipfoH arrelled me with an Excommunication Writ, and it being found to be
out of Date, he was at that Time preventeii of his Purpofe -, and ftill his
Cruelty lives againll me and my Wife, bccaule he cannot make us bow, as
is evident by his many Fines againft us, and now laft of all by his appre-
hending both me and my Wite, and carrying us rigidly away from our
Ci'iildrc-rt and Servants, I having at that very Time ten Men at Work,
thefe truol Fellows would fcarce let us fpeak to them. So we being carried
away Frilbners, and llraitly lookt to, as Thieves and Felons, in our Way
to the Prifon met with Lancelot Shnpfon, and after fome Difcourfe before
many Witnefius, I afked him, If 1 o-xved him any thing? If he '-jooidi fay
that I O'lved him id. I would paj him 4.d. But he could not demand a Far-
thing. And one Capt. Leveroak lifting by, alked him. For -what he had ar-
rc/'ked us ? L. S. laid. For Contempts of the Law. The laid Captain afked
hiffl, IVhith tVay we might be freed. He faid. No IVay without conforming
and paiiiig the Contempt s.^ viz. the Fines, Court Charges, and his Fees. When
I defired the Favour of him but two Days to fet my Houfe in order, and
then we would go to Prifon, he laid, he could not give us two Hours : Yet
the Lord cielivered us in fuch a Way, as our Enemies cannot find out to
this Day : Bleircd be his Name for ever. Through all which cruel Dealing
we huve very greatly Iliftered. Belide the Hazard and Danger we are
throutiih the diligent renewing of his Writs again, unlefs fome timely and
in
diligent Care be taken lor the fpeedy preventing thereof.
cumber;
LAND.
1667.
" Richard BanksT
Difirejfes.
Obfervable
At ci isms.
' AfteF this Manner, by repeated Profecutions in the Ecclefiaftical Court, were Confequena
honell Men tirequently molefted, and Excommttmcated, in Confequence of which, ofEcdcfiijli-
Writs de Excoinint^mcato capiendo were ilfued for imprifoning them : This ''*' ^'^ocejs.
appears by the lorcgoing Narrative to have been Richard Banks's Cafe, who
yet dftth not appear to have been aftually imprifoned, though fo violently pur-
itied by one ot' the Officers of that Court ; however fuch repeated Attacks
eould not fail of putting the Profecuted to great Trouble and Expence.
ANNO 1670. In this Year, for Meetings held at jSrow^/.? in diis Coiuity,
Diftrefs of Goods was made on feveral Perfons, to the Amount of 90/. 14 J. 6d.
Aniong thefe was Robert Huntington, from whom four Cows, and twenty five
Sheep were taken, aixl fold : A Concurrence of Difafters, which foon after
happened to the Buyers of them was much obferved : One Sit/ifon of Sowerhy,
who bought two ot thole Cows, died in a little Time, leaving the Cows to his
Father, who alio died loon after him. One IFhite of Coldbeck, bought another
of them through the Perluafion of his Wife, who faid, they might as well have
her as another : In a Ihort Time after, Ihe and her Child were found drowned
in a Pond, where the Water was fcarce deep enough to cover her as flie lay.
We think it but juft to lay before our Readers the Fad: of fuch remarkable
Incidents, and leave them to form fuch a Judgment thereof, as from the
Nature of the Cafe, when maturely confidered, lliall refult.
Remarkable alio in this Year was the Cafe of Thomas Stordy, againft whom Cdfe of T.
a Warrant was granted lor diltraining his Goods and Chattels for 20/. 10 s. for Scordy.
a Meeting at Aloorlmfe, though himfelf was then in Prifon, and had been fo
near eight Years under Sentence of Premtinire for not Swearing, and all his
Eftate had been leized for the King. But it plealcd God to * releafe him from
fo long Captivity, by Means of Charles Howard Earl of Chefter, through whole
Interccilion alio the King granted his Eftate back again to liis Children.
In
Note, Thomns Stordy and Sxtfbin Pcirfon were fet at Liberty after about ten Years Im-
prifoninent by the King's Letteis Patent in 167 2
CUMBER.
LAND.
1670.
Dilirefes for
Meetings.
I.nfiripmment
o/T.Bewlcy,
aged. 79.
Diftrefes.
Many Profectt'
tions for
Tithes.
Imffifonments
on Writs de
Exconi. Cap.
16 Perfons
jent to Prij'on,
Amount of
Viflrejfes for
Tithes.
lines for
Meetings in
their hcufei.
A Cdlleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
In the fame Year, for Meetings at Settura, Goods were taken by Diflrefs, to the
Amount of 2 /. 2 ^. %d. And lor Meetings at Uldaile, to the Value of 8 /, 7 s.
including the wearing Apparel and Bedclothes which were taken from John
Ganlboufe, a very poor labouring Man. About the fame Time John Gtil of
Gray-Soutben, being with others in the Burying-place at Eaglesjieldy read a
Paper of Chrijtian Advice^ written by William Dcwjherry : hor this he was
fined 20/. and being unable to pay it, the lame was partly levied on Richard
Fawcett and John h'earon^ fom whom, and others, for Meetings at Pardfay,
were taken. Corn, Cattle, and other Goods, to the Value of 35/. n j.
ANNO 1673. Taken from feveral Perfons for a Meeting at iuthill in
the Farifh of Coldbeck, Goods worth 43/. 19J. %d.
Thomas Bewley of Haluliff-Hall, a^ed about feventy eight, was profecuted
by Arthur Savage Prieff, for 3 /. Prelcnption Money, and had taken from him
his Feather Bed, Bedclothes, and a Cupboard, worth 5 /. The Hardfhip of the
poor old Man's Cafe lb affeded the Neighbourhood with Compaflion, that
when die BaylifF expofed thole Goods to Sale, no Body would buy them at
any Rate : Whereupon the Priefl fued the Bayliff', and made him pay both his
Demand and his Colts.
ANNO 1674. On the ift of November this Year, the fame Priefl again
profecuted the laid Thovias Bewley for Tithe of Wool, Lambs, ^c. and not-
withftanding his very great Age, fent him to Prifon.
In this and the next preceding Year, were taken in this County for Tithes, in
Corn and other Things, to the Value of 270/. 13 J. p,d.
ANNO 1675. In diis Year were taken from John Howe oi Newtcwn^ and
others, for a Meeting at his Houfe, Goods worth 57/. 16 j.
ANNO 1676. On the 20th of the Month called January this Year, Iho-
7?ias Bewley, Son of old Thomas Bewley aforefaid, and * Alice Nicholfon of IVood-
houfe. Widow, were committed to Prifon on an Exchequer Procefs, at the Suit
of Arthur Savage, Priefl of Coldbeck ; at which Time alfo George Bewley, an
elder Son of the fame ancient Man, was detained in Prifon by the fame Priefl,
where he had then lain about two Years. In the fame Year John Slrickett of
Branlhwait, IVilliam Scott of Greenrigg, and Ijabel Peacock of JVlmlpey, a Wi-
dow, who had fix Fatherlefs Children, were alio committed to Prilbn at the
fame Priefl's Suit : As was likewife Grace Stalker Widow, at the Suit of John
Monkhouje for Tithes.
In this Year alio, for a Meeting held at Pardfey-Cragg^ were taken from
John Steel and others. Goods worth 25/. is.
ANNO 1 677. On the 30th of Septefnber, John Jack/on of Kirklinton, was
imprifoned on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of Robert Priefi-
man for Predial Tithes.
ANNO 1679. In this Year fixteen Perfons were taken by a SefTions War-
rant, and committed to Prifon, lor Abfence from the National Worfhip, viz.
John Jackfon, William Graham, Chrijlopher laylor, Chrijlopher Jackjon, Hum-
phry Tweedal, Fergus Wat/on, Andrew Taylor, Francis Gillefpy, Thomas Vowe,
George Graham of Riggt Andrew Hetherington, Simon Armjlrong, James Clark,
Henry Graham, George Graham of Blackhoufe, and John Scott. And in the fame
Year Willia?n Langcake, T. OJell, William Saul, and John Waite, were impri-
foned for Tithes at the Suit of William Daljton.
ANNO 1680. The Amount of the I'ithes, taken in kind from this People
in this County, in this and the four Years next foregoing, is 777/. 55. ^d.
In this Year alio, for Meetings at their refpeftive Houfes, were taken from
Thomas Drewty of Newland's Row, Goods worth 1 1 /. from Henry Scollick of
Newbiggen, Horfes and Cattle worth 26/. and from Edward Tyfon of Bicker-
thwaite. Goods worth iqs. id.
In
* This Alice Nicholfon was a poor Widow, with fix Fatherlefs Children, whofe Husband
had died in Prifon a: the fame Prieft's Suit.
Chap. 9. of the People called QUAKERS. 133
In the Cime Year "John SauU Thomas Splatt, John Ojlell, and John Barne^ CUMBER.
fufFered Dillrefs of Goods for refufing to Swear when fummoned to fcrve on ^^^^'
Juries at the Mannour Courts : Alfo John Graham and John Bell were fined for ^ °°°-
the fame Caufe. Several others, dwelling at Scothy, were returned into the Ex- 'w/'">/'"N_;
chequer for refufing to Swear, upon Convidions for Recufancy, on Statutes
made againft Papijls^ and fuffered Dillrefs of Goods on that Account, "viz.
I. s. d.
ElizahethBondy to the Value of 5 19 7 Exchequer
Thomas Dobinfon, to the Value of 600 Tmeffes,
John Richard/on, to the Value of 317 8
15 17 3
Some of thofe Goods were fold at low Rates in Carlijle Market, but when
the People underllood that they were the Spoils of Confcience, they refiifed to
buy any more of them.
ANNO 168 1. lnr.\\\^Yt^r John Jglionb'j^ a Juftice of the Peace, was Dljirefs for
perlliaded by Jerem'j Neljon, Prieil of Stanwick, to iffue Warrants of Dillrefs f^^J^"^'^,/""'
on feveral Perlbns for abienting themfelves from the National Worfhip, by \^orfblp!'
which Warrants Goods were taken to the Value of 8 /. 9 J. One of them was ^ari Cafe of
George Gray, a Man very poor, from whom the Spoilers took five Sheep-fkins, a poor Man,
which he had bought to clothe his Children, ot whom he had feveral : One of
the Officers, who made the Seizure, reprefented to the Prieft the Hardfhip of churjijh An-
the poor Man's Cafe, and his great Charge of Children, but the PriefVs Anfwer fvier of a.
to him was. Let the Country maintain them. Priejt,
ANNO 1682. On the 20th of the Month called y//)n7 this Year, the fol- Lovglmprifon-
lowing Pcrfons were continuing Prifoners for Tithe, at the Suit ot Arthur Savage, ^ems for
Prieft of Caldbeck, viz. Thomas Bewley and Alice Nicholfon, who had then been ^"*'*^'
Prifoners five Years and three Months, JVilliam Scott five Years and four
Months, George Stalker four Years and four Months, and Grace Stalker five
Years and ten Months. Alfo John So-juerby, who had been Prifoner three Years
and feven Months at the Suit of Allan Smallwood, Priefl of Grayfiock, and John
Todhunter, who had been imprifoned three Years and two Months, at the Suit
of the fame Prieil. Alfo William Langcake, JVilliatn Said, and John Waite,
imprifoned three Years and three Weeks, at the Suit of Williatn Dal^on
Tithe-farmer. Likewife fVil Ham- Holme, imprifoned above a Year on a Writ w. Holme
dc Excovimunicato capiendo, at the Suit of Williafn Stanley of Dalgarth, Impro- diei Prifoner.
priator, died a Prifoner on the 2d of September this Year. Hugh Tickell and
Thomas Birkhead were Prifoners by Attachments out of the Exchequer, at the
Suit of Richard Lowry, Prieft of Crojphwaite. In this Year were difcharged some reJeafed.
out ot Prifon Randolph Bidman, committed on a Writ de Excornmunicato ca-
piendo, at the Suit of Thomas Blemer, Parmer of the Bifhop's Tithe : Alfo
John Slee, who had been committed at the Suit of Allan Smallwood ; and
George Bewley, who had lain in Prifon more than five Years, at the Suit of
Arthur Savage, Prieft of Caldbeck.
In November this Year, John Holme was committed to Prifon at the Suit of imtrifonm;ms.
Lancelot Simpfon Impropriator : Alfo Thomas Robinjon, Matthew Stordy, and
Thomas Bone, were imprilbned after Excommunication, at the Suit of Jeremy
Nelfon Prieft : Arthur Cordell was alio imprifoned fix \\'eeks, at the Suit of
Rowland Nichols a Prieft.
ANNO 1683. On the 13th of the Month called February this Year, fe-
veral Informers came to a Meeting at Pardfey Cragg, and found Peter Fcaron
preaching : They applied to Juftice Fletcher, who fined him 20/. and ordered
the lame to be levied on himfelf and feveral odiers prefent, akhough the faid
Pf/fr defired him to charge the Whole on himfelf, he being of fufficient Abi-
lity, but the Juftice would not. In a fhort Time after were taken by Dif-
trefs for the faid Pine,
Vol. I. LI From
134
CUMBER.
LAND,
1683.
Fines for
Meeting ac
Pardtey-
Cragg,
and at Crofs-
field.
Pr if Oilers for
Titbest
Death of
T. S'tordy.
Fines for
Meeting.
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
From Peter Feamij Goods worth
Man Peele^ an Horfe worth
John Banks, Goods worth
John Tiffin, two Cows worth
John Fatlowfield, Goods worth
5
3
7
5
7
5
o
4
10
o
d.
o
o
o
o
o
27 19
When thefe Goods were expofed to Sale, and Buyers of them could not be
found, the Juftice ordered his own Servants to purchafe fome of them, which
they did at a very low Price, and the Officers, to fupply the Detedl, made
another Seizure on fome of the Perfons concerned.
For a Meeting at Crojsjield in the Parifh of Cleater, were taken from John
Nicholfon two Oxen worth 8/, and from Thomas Sharp of St. Bee's Parifh, cwo
Oxen worth 61. 6 s.
Cbriliojpeer Story of Ri^head, for permitting a Meeting at his Houfe, had
taken from him by a Warrant granted by Juftice Jglionby, two Horfes worth
5/. 10 s.
ANNO 1684. In the Month called Mry tliis Year, Thomas Stordy, Wil-
liatn Jobnfon, John Robbifon, Jafhet Allafon, Jofeph Steel, John Banks, and John
Bewley of Gatejkail, were Prifoners in Carlijle Goal : And in the lame Year
Richard Ribton, Jonathan Bewman, and Thomas Hall, all of Broii^oton, were
impriibned for refufing to pay fmall Tithes, at the Suit of Richard Tickel, Prieft
of Bridckirk. Alio in the Month called January this Year, Chrifiopher Fearon,
Richard Head, John Robinfon, Thomas Robinfon, and Anne Steel Widow, all of
Mejjer, and Luke Steel of Merfgill, were committed to Carlijle Goal by an
Exchequer Writ tor Tithes, at the Suit of George Fletcher of Hutton. About
the latter End of the Month of December, Tlmnas Stordy died a Prifoner, hav-
ing continued ftedfaft
through manifold
Sufferings
to the End of his
Pilgri-
mage.
Taken this Year for Fines on the Conventicle Aft,
From William Graham of Riggfoot, Corn worth
Chrifiopher Taylor of Hetherfide, Rye worth
Chrifiopher Story of Righcad, Sheep worth
Henry Graham, Oats worth
o
o
I
o
s.
5
15
8
15
d.
6
o
o
o
A Ifi^mrns
Menivg.
Vifireffes for
not Sxusirivg.
W. Adcock
fined.
On the 17th of the Month called February this Year, was a Meeting of
Womeii at Pardfey-Cragg, to which tliree Juftices came, and demanded of
them What they met there for ? One of the Women anfwered, To take Care of
the Poor : Which was indeed the Occafion of tlieir Meeting. One of the Juftices
alked. Whether there were no Beggars among them ? To which they anfwered No.
Ke replied, That is well. Neverthelefs the Juftices turned them out of the
Houfe, and fined fome of them as being at an unlawful AfTembly : F'or which
Fines, Elizabeth Tolfon and Mary Wilfon fuffered Diflrefs of Goods to the Value
of MS.
Thomas Scott of Otifebridge-End, for refufing to take an Oath at the Man-
nour Court, futiered Diftrefs of Brafs and Pewter to the Value of 4/. 8 s. and
John R(gcr of Water-End, had for the liime Caufe his Pewter taken away,
to the Value of 8 s. Alfo John Caipe of Uldall, for not procuring a Perfbn to
fwcar that his Wife was buried in Woolen, though divers were ready to atteft
it, had his Goods taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 2/. 10 s.
ANNO 1685. William Adcock of Sunderland, was fined at a Mannour
Court for refufing to Swear, and had taken from him Goods worth 1 5 s.
■ Chrifiopher
Chap. lo. of the People called QUAKERS.
Cbrijhpher Taylor, Andrew Taylor, IJ^tlliam Graham, Henry Graham, George
Blair, Andrew Graham, Philip Hajfard, Richard Latimer, Andrew Hethering-
ton, Simon Armflrong and Cbrijiopher Story, for being at a Meeting, were in-
difted at tire Affizcs as Rioters, and lor not traverfing that Indiftmcnt, fent
to Prifon.
ANNO 1687. On the Stli of the Month called March this Year, Eliza-
beth Watfm of Highmore, Widow, died a Prifoner for Tithes, at the Suit of
George Fletcher Impropriator.
ANNO i68S. In this Year were remaining Prifoners in Carli/le Goa.\, at
the Suit of George Fletcher Impropriator, Japhet Allafon, Luke Steel, John
Seenhoufe fen. John Seenhotife jun. Jofeph Steel, Chrijlophcr Fearon, Anne Steel,
John Banks, and ^Ftlliam ll^right ; and at the Suit of John Lowther of Low-
ther Impropriator, IhomasOfiel, Mary Saul V^'idow, fVilliam Glaijler, Thomas
Drapp, Anthony Skelton, IVUliatn Bouch, Arthur Skclton, John Biglands, and
Thomas fVilkinfon.
ANNO 1689. The Generality of the People called ^lakers, imprifoned in
this County, were fet at Liberty by Means of an Aft of Grace granted by Kino-
fVilliajn and Queen Mary after their Acccffion to the Crown.
ANNO ibcjo. By the Accounts of Tithes taken from the faid People in
this County, from 1681 to i 690, it appears, that the Value of Corn and other
Things taken in Kind, amounted within thofe ten Years, to the Sum of 221 ^ /.
155. C)d. And that in three of thofe Years the Sums taken from them for
Stceple-houfe Rates and Clerks Wages, amounted to 3/. 13J. 6^.
CUMBER-
LAND.
1685.
1 2 hiiiclei as
I^otsrs.
Diitb of
E. VVatfon.
.Account of
Frifoneri.
Relfafe of Tii-
foners.
Summary of
Tithes taken in
kind-
CHAP. X.
DERBYSHIRE.
Anno 1650. '
ON the 30th of O£iober this Year, many Officers of the Army, and
others of Note, being at a publick Ledlure at Derby, George Fox
took an Opportunity after their Worfhip was over, "^to declare the
Truth among them, and diredl them to the Guidance of the Light
of Chrift in their own Confciences : For this he was apprehended, and after a
long Examination fent to Prifon by the following Minimus, viz.
" To the Majler of the Hoiife of CorreSiion in Derby.
DERBY-
SHIRE.
1650.
G. Fox fern
to the Beuje
of Corrsilion.
WE have fent you herewithal the Bodies of George Fox late of Mans- ^/j Mittimus.
field in the County oi Nottingham, and John Frelwell late of Staines-
by in the County of Derby, Hufbaiximan, brought before us this prefent
Day, and charged with tlie avowed uttering and broaching of divers blaf-
phemous Opinions, contrary to a late Ad of Parliament, which upon their
Examination before us they have confefled. Thefe are therefore to require
you, forthwith upon Sight "hereof, to receive them the laid George Fox and
John Fretwell into your Cullody, and them therein iafely keep during the
S^cxct o{ fix Months, without Bail or Mainprize, or until they fhall find
fufficient Security to be of good Behaviour, or be thence delivered by Order
from our fclves. Hereof you are not to fail. Given under our Hands and
Seals this 30th Day of OHober 1650.
Ger. Bennett^ Nath. Barton,
Bv
13^
DERBY-
SHIRE.
1 6.^0.
Inflibility of
J. f retwell.
G. Fox'i cruel
Confinemait.
His Confliticy.
^ Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I:
By this Mitlmus it appears that John Fret-well was fent to Prifon with George
Fox, but he did not continue there long, for being an unftable Man, and not
able to bear the Storm of Perfecuticn, he obtained his Liberty, while George Fox
was continued in Prifon, though fome of his Relations had offered to bail him,
but he knowing himfelf innocent, would not confent that any fhould be bound
for him. After almoft fix Months Confinement, he was brought before the
CommilTioners of the Army, who offered him a Captain's Place, but he re-
fufing what they called a Favour, and teftifying againft all Wars and Fight-
ing, they grew very angry, and ordered him to be confined in the Dungeon of
the common Goal at Derby, where he was kept almoft half a Year amongft
thirty Felons in a clofe ftinking Place. The Miferies of this clofe Confinement
he endured with a Chriftian Magnanimity, and though he was much grieved
with the wicked Converfition of the Prifoners, yet he abode conftant and
patient, faithfully reproving them for their wicked Words and evil Actions
one towards another. During his Imprifonment he wrote the following Letter
to the Magiftrates of Derby^ viz.
Bti Letter
ji rites.
to
I
Friends,
Defire you to confider whom ye do imprifbn
For the Magiftrate is
_ let for the Punifhment of evil Doers, and for the Praife of them that do
" well : But when the Lord doth fend his Meffengers unto you, to warn you
" of the Woes that will come upon you, except you repent, then you perfe-
" cute them, and put them into Prifon, and fay, IVe have Law, and by our
" Law we may do it : For you indeed juftify your felves before Men, but
" God knoweth your Hearts : He will not be worfhipped with your Forms
" and Profefiions, and Shews of Religion. Therefore confider, ye that talk
" of God, how ye are liibjeft to him, for they are his Children diat do his
" Will. What doth the Lord require of you, but to do Juftice, to love
" and fhew Mercy, to walk humbly with him, and to help the Widows and
*' Fatherlefs to their Right ? But inftead thereof ye opprefs the Poor. Do not
*' you Judges judge for Rewards, and your Priejls teach for Hire ? The Time
»' is coming, that he who feedi all Things will difcover all your Secrets. And
" know this affuredly. The Lord will deliver his Servants out of your Hands,
" and he will recompence all your unjuft Dealings toward his People. I de-
*' fire you to confider of thefe Things, and fearch the Scriptures, and fee
*' whether any of the People of God did ever imprifon any for Religion, but
" were themfelves imprifoned. I defire you to confider how it is written,
" that when the Church is met together, diey may allProphefy one by one, that
*' all may hear, and all may learn, and all may he comforted : And then, if
' ' any T/jing be revealed to another that fitteth by, let the firft hold his Peace.
*' Thus it was in the true Church, and thus it ought to be. But it is not
" fo in your Affemblies, but he that teaches for Hire may fpeak, and
*' none may contradift him. Again, confider this Liberty that was given to
*' the Apoftles, even among the unbelieving Jews ; when after the Reading
»' of the Law and the Prophets, the Rulers of the Synagogue faid unto them,
*' Te Men and Brethren, if ye have any Word of Exhortation for the People, fay
^^ on. I defire you to confider in Stilnefs, and ftrive not againft the Lord,
*' for he is ftronger than you. Though ye hold his People faft for a Time,
*' yet when he cometh he will make known who are his, for his Coming is
*' like the Refi7ier''s Fire, and like Fuller'' s Sope. Then the Stone that is I'et at
*' nought of you Builders, fhall be the Head Stone of the Corner. O Friends,
*' lay thefe Things to Heart, and let them not feem light Things to you, I
»' wrote unto you in Love, to mind the Love of God and your own Souls, and
*' do as the holy Men of God did.
« G, Foxr
In
Chap. io. of the People called QUAKERS.
In like Plainnefs of Stile he wrote fevcral Times to the Jufticcs who com-
mitted him, and to the Mayor of Derby, till at length the Magiftrates began
to be uneafy about him, nor could they agree what to do with him, lor
they clearly faw that their Charge againft him, of holding Blajphcmotis
Opnions, could not be made out, having no other Foundation, dian his de-
claring, that he was fanliijied, and that Chriji bad taken away his Sin. Thus
his Patience and Innocence pleaded his Caufe, till they who at firft called him
a. Deceiver x:\d £!afphemer aJtcTcd thar Sentiments, and declared him to be an
boneji and virtuous Man. They fet him at Liberty, after about a Year's
Imprifonmenc, and without bringing him to any Trial or Hearing of his
Cale.
ANNO 1651. In this Year Elizabeth Hooton, a zealous Woman, andfaid
to be the firft of that Sex who preached publickly among the ^takers, was
caft into Prilon at Derby. She was early convinced by the Miniitry of George
Fox, and began to preach about the Year 1650. The Caufe of her Imprifon-
ment was her fpeaking to one of the Priefts there, who fo refented her Reproof,
that he applied to the Magiftrate to punifli her. for it is common with Men
who molt deferve Reprehenfion, to be moft offended with thofe who admini-
fter it.
ANNO 1654. Several Meetings in this County were broken up, and the
People forcibly haled out of them by Soldiers commanded by a Colonel, who
faid he had Authority from the Proteftor to dillurb all Meetings ; which Au-
thority when one of them defired him to fhew, the Soldiers beat and abufed
the Perfon who alked it. In this Year alfo nomas Towndrow, for exhorting
the People in the Steeple-houfe at Afiover, after the Prieil had ended his Ser-
mon, and leaving a Writing on the Door, was imprifoned three Months ;
and John Lawfon, for reproving Sin in the Streets of Boidfovert was imprifoned
almoft as long.
ANNO 1657. Several Perfons in this County, for Demands of Tithes of
but 14J. Value, fuffered Diftreis of Goods worth il, 18 j. 8 J. Alfo John
Allen, for refufing to pay Tithes, fuflered two Months Imprifonment. John
Frith oi CbeJlerfieUly had an Horle taken away for 55. demanded for Tithes
and Eafier -Offerings. Triftram Ridgway, for a Demand of c,d. had Goods
taken away worth 7 s. John Ridgway alfo fuftered Diftreis, at the Suit of a Prieft
of a new created Chapel in the Peak-Forefi
Laurence Pearfon, Richard Sales, and John 'T'aylor, for teftifying againft Sin
in the Streets of Heighfield, were imprifoned about fix Months -, as was fFilliam
Dewjlerry a confiderable Time for publickly exhorting People to the Pear of
God in the Streets of Derby. Alfo Jane Stones, for declaring the Truth at
Starley, was thrown into the Water by the rude People : And at another Time
and Place for the fame Caufe, fhe was fliamefully abufed, caft into Prifon, and
cruelly whipt. In this Year alfo Thomas Brockjopp and Anthony Wright, for
refufing to put off their Hats at a General SefTions in Derby, were by the
Juflices fent to Prifon, and detained feveral Days.
ANNO 1658. EliTuibeth Arnold yN-3i% fent to Prifon for oppofing the Doc-
trine of a Preacher at Brampton \ and Robert Bakewell, for a like Caufe, was
imprifoned one Month.
ANNO 1659. On the 21ft of the Month called yf«^7(/? this Year, Ralph
Sharply, fVilliam Grinday, Sa?nuel Carrington, and John Allen, going toward
the Meeting at Ajhburn, were, by Order of two Juftices, fet in the Stocks above
an Hour. After they were releafed thence, Ralph Sharply was concerned to preach
to the People, for which he was fent to the Houfe of Correftion. After two
Days Confinement there, he again declared the Truth in the Streets, when an
envious Priefl and a Lawyer charged him with denying the Scriptures to be the
Word of God, to which he anfwered, / don't deny the Scriptures, but own and
witnejs them, but I deny them to be the immortal Word of God which endures
for ever. This ExprefTion they called Blajphemy, and procured two Juftices as
wife as themfclvcs to make his Mittimus to Derby Goal, where he was kept ten
Vol. I. Mm' Days,
^Z7
DERBY-
SHIRE.
1650.
7he Migi-
Jiratet Senfe
of kis Inno-
tiiice.
HiiDifchnrge.
Imprifonment
o/E.Hooton.
Meetings in-
J'ulted bj Sol-
diers.
Several im-
prijoned.
Imprifonmentt
and Vijirejfes
for Tithes.
Nlinylmprifon-
ments.
Imprifon,
ments.
Some fet in
the Stods.
R, Sharply
chjre.ed Twitb
Blifphemjt
DERBY-
SHIRE.
1659.
Sore Ahufes
138 ^ Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Days. Alio Richard Buxton, George Howard, James Smith, Thomas Tomlinfon,
Richard Buj7t, and William Lomas, were imprifoned for going to a Meeting at
Ajhhurn, and fcveral others going thither were ftopt and not fuffered to hold
their Meeting, but were turned forcibly out of the Town.
In this Year alio John Lingard, John Kirk, and many otliers, going to a
Meeting on the Peak-Forejl, were affaulted by Richard Briggs a Prieft, and a
Company of rude People with him. John Kirk was forely beaten by the Prieft
himfelf, and the People following his Example, beat and abufed the reft, vio-
lently driving and pufliing fome, ftoning others, pulling the Hair from their
Heads, and lamentably bruifmg the Bodies of James Harnfon, Ralph Weild,
Edzvard Lingard, John Goddard, Thomas Bowers, Ralph Ridgway, John Lin-
gard fen. John Lingard jun. Mary Lingard, and John Ridgway , fo that they
loft much Blood, and were in great Danger of their Lives : All which un-
chriftian Ufage they bore with an innocent Patience, not lifting up an Hand
againft their Perlecutors.
ANNO 1660. In this Year Richard Canton, as he was returning Home
from a Meeting, was taken up by Order of a Juftice of the Peace, and com-
mitted to Prilon. Alio John Shields, for bearing his Teftimony againft Sin in
/llJjhurn Town, was dragged through the Mire of the Streets, and turned out
of the Town.
On the 3d of the Month called February this Year, George Goodridge of AJJj-
burn, was tLikcn out of his own Houfe, and by a Neighbouring Juftice com-
mitted to Goal at Derby, for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance ; as was
alio, together with him, Thomas Tomlinfon : They were both detained there fix
Weeks.
Simon Evans oi Dronfield, and Anthony Cutlove, were fined ■^os. each, for
refufing to Swear at a Court Leet, for which Fines the former had a Mare
taken from him worth 4 /. and the latter a Mare worth 3 /.
ANNO 1 66 1. John Lynam fuffered nine or ten Weeks Imprifonment for
Tithes at the Suit of the Prieft of South-Wingfield : And in the fame Year
Alice Woolhead and Thomas Morton, profecuted by John Burton Priefl of Clown^
in the Ecclefiaftical Court for Tithes, were excommunicated, and afterward
had taken from them two Beafts worth 5 /. 6 s. Sd. though the greater Part of
their Tithes had been taken in Kind before. Alfo Robert Arundel a very poor
Man, with a great Family of Children, for the Tithe of a few Oats, had a
Mare taken from him to the Value of 48 s,
yiohm dif. On the 20th of the Month called Jmie this Year, a Magiftrate of the
f:rfi>ig of a. Town, with a rude Company, came into a Meeting at Dronfield, and ordered
Meeting. jj^g Affembly to depart, which they not doing, he commanded his Attendants
to pull them out, which was inftantly done with Rudenefs and Violence ; and
being out they continued their Abuii^s, ftriking one with a great Stone, and
cafting another into the Water : Willtam Tardly was fet in the Stocks, and ex-
pofed to the Diverfion of the People. Three Days after this was a Meeting at
Eyain in the. High- Peak, to which came a Conftable with Soldiers, and plucked
down Elizabeth Deane then praying, dragging her out ot Doors, and fhame-
fully tearing her Clothes. With like Violence they drew out the reft, ibme
by the Hair of the Head, others by the Legs with their Heads on the Ground :
After which they were carried to a Juftice of the Peace by thole who had thus
abufed them, and refufing to give Sureties for their good Behaviour, they were
by his Mittimus ordered to Derby Goal ; After which they were kept all Night
in a Barn, and next Day conveyed to Crich, and there kept another Night in a
Room, many of them lying on the Floor, not having fo much as Straw to lie
on. Thus fatigued they were carried the Day after to Derby, being thirty one
41 Sent to Men and ten Women, namely Cornelius Arnold, Anthony Cutlove, "Ihomas Tay-
Trifon, igr^ William Shaw, John Allen, Henry Gibbins, John Lingard, James Metham,
Anthony Waterhmifc, John Wilfon, Robert Scholy, George Shaw, Anthony Bow-
man, George Lamb, IVUliatn Cbarlefworth, Thomas Foulk, John Ridgway, Ralph
Sharply, William Brotigb, John Coope, Richard Furrns, George Brough, Thomas
Lingard
Japrifo/mefit.
Abujes,
Aibitrnrj Pro
teeiivgs.
lines.
Fines and
Diflrefs jor
liihes.
Chap. io. of the People called QUAKERS.
Lingard, l^iUiam I'ardly, Matthew Glegg, Godfrey Beard, Ralph Bent lift, Tho-
?nns Biljlone, Nicholas Sivift, 1bo»ias fVilfon, Sunon Evans, Elizabeth Deane,
Frances Adran, Sarah Slea, Martha Shaw, Ellen Blith, Anne Staley, Margaret
Waterhou[e, Ellen Beard, Anne Johijon, and Margaret Marjloall. They were
kept Prifoners till the iSth of the next Month, when Ralph Sharply, IVilliam
2ardly, and Elizabeth Deane, were fent tor belore a Bench of Jullices, who
committed tlie two Men to the Houfe of Correftion, and ordered the Woman
to be fent with a Pais to Worcrjler, the Place of her Abode : And on the izd
they ordered all the rcll to be fet at Liberty. In the Houfe of Correftion
Ralph Sharply and M'llliam 2a>'dly were inhumanly ufed by the cruel Keeper, who
put them into a clofe Hole where they could not ftand upright, nor had they
Liberty to come out to eafe their Bodies, but were conftrained to do it in the
Place. Their Books ;md Letters were taken away and never reftored. And when
in tlut ftrait ConHnement they were praying to the Lord, the Keeper in a Rage
would ilrike them on the Face, and attempt to ilop their Mouths ; nor were
their Friends permitted either to vifit or relieve them.
In this Year alio Richard Lambert, Robert Martin, Mordecai White, Peter
Anclift, John Kfieeton, and Thomas Martin, were taken out of a Meeting, and
by the Jufticcs at their Qiiarter Seffions committed to Derby Goal, where they
wf.re detained a Month. Alfo Robert Pain, George Wallis, Thomas Barnet,
Thomas Pixly, Thomas Cole, Ellen fVallott, and Anne Rowbotham, were taken
on the Highway as they were going to a Meeting, and by a Juftice of the
Peace fent to Prifon. The Women were freed foon after at Seffions, but the
Men remained Prifoners twenty Weeks.
ANNO 1662. Alice Woolhead, for giving a Chriitian Exhortation to the
People at one of the publick Worfhip-houfes in Derby, was fent to Prifon ;
and Thomas Lingard, tor the lame Caule, was fet in the Stocks. In this Year
alfo George Lingard, for not taking oft his Hat in a Court of Judicature, was
fined 20/. and committed to Prifon, where he was clofe confined among
Felons, and not fufitred to fee his Friends.
ANNO 1663. In this Year Robert Levick, for a Claim of yd. and George
Brough, for Tithes of Wool and Lambs, were profecuted in the Excheqtier,
and caft into Prifon at the Suit of John Coupe, Prieft of Chefierfield : Alfo John
Lynam for i /. 5^. demanded by the Prieft ol Sotith-Wi/igfield, had a Cow taken
from him worth 3/. gj. 4 J. And Richard Furnis, for a Claim of c,d. for
Eafler-Offerings, fuffercd Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value of i/. 6 s. 8 d.
John Frith was imprifoned at the Suit of John Coupe Priefl, for a Claim of 12 J.
for Eajier-Offerings. And tor a like Claim Thomas Allen had his Goods dif-
trained.
On the 5th of the Month called July this Year, Thomas Towndrow, Anthony
Cutlove, Margaret Kella?n, and John Frith, were taken out of a Meeting at
Chejlerjield : Towndrow was fet in the Stocks, and the other three were fent to
the Houfe of Corredion. On the 20th of December, five others, taken at a
Meeting, were alio lent to the Houfe of Correftion, and kept there about nine
Weeks ; and about fix Weeks after that, Jix others from another Meeting were
added to their Number, and detained three Weeks. Alfo on the 13th oi March
following, nineteen Perlbns, taken from a Meeting, were kept two Nights in
the Town-hal!, lodging on the Floor ; after which, [even of them were fent to
the County Goal. In this Year alfo about feventy five of the People called
^takers were on feveral Pretences excommunicated.
ANNO 1665. On the 14th of the Month called May, the Meeting at
Chcftcrfield was broke up by the Mayor's Order, and mofl of the Perfons
prcfent were inftantly forced out of Town ; but John Allen, IFilliam Storrs,
and Elizabeth Holme, were fent to the Houfe of Corrcftion, and detained there
three Months. Alio Siifamia Frith, taken when out of the Meeting, w.\s com-
mitted to the ftme Place. On the 3d of September a Juftice of the Peace came
to a Meeting near North-mngjicld, and took die Names of all prcfent : After
which he and another Juitice iflijed Warrants, ordering their Appearance be-
fore
DERBY
SHIRE.
1661.
Cruelty of
thi Coaler.
More Fri-
fotiers for
Meeting.
Confiiemsnt ,
among Felons.
Exchequer
rrofecutio>;s.
Dijirejfes.
Imfrifon-
mem.
Ftr'tety of
Su§erivgs for
Meeting.
Mjvy Imfri-
foiirnems jor
Nleeiiiigi.
140
Derby-
shir E.
166c;.
Imprifnnmems
ani Fines.
Excpmmiwi-
Citiom.
JmfrifonmeMt
for frmU
Chims of
Tithes.
lAivj Dip
trejfes for
Meeting.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
fore them at ChejicrfM on the 14th of the fame Month •, which being obeyed,
one and thirty of them were fent to the Houfe of Corredion, of whom thirteen,
namely, Edward Curtis, Tbom.is Famfworth, Godfrey Fozvlds, Henry Harvey,
Thomas Taylor, George Brough, IVilliam Brough, Abraham Gundy, John Frith,
John Crojf, Anthony I'^ood-ward, Hercules Harvy, and Thomas Brockfopp, were
kept there till the next Scffions about three Weeks after. On the i8th of the
Month c.illcd January, Anthony Bunting, Anthony IVoodward, and John Crojs,
taken at a Meeting, were by two Juftices committed to Prifon for fix Months.
In the fame Year Thomas Lynam fuffered three Months Imprifonment for being
at a Meeting, and afterward for the lame Caufe had Cattle taken from him
worth J I. Alfo Anthony Ciitlove, fined 5/. for Meeting, fuffered for that Fine
both Imprifonment and Diftrefs of his Cattle.
ANNO 1668. On the 26th of the Month coWedi Augu ft, Richard Fiirnis
and Mary Wiljln were taken up by an AlTize Warrant, and committed to Pri-
fon.
About this Time many in this County were excommunicated for their Ab-
fence from the publick Worlhip, viz. Ralph Hartliff and his Wife, Thomas
Fowkes and his Wife, George AjUey and his Wile, Nicholas Turner and his
Wife, Godfrey Fovskes and his Wife, John Fletcher fen. Katharine Fletcher,
Thomas Linham, IVilliamKirk, John Clay, Eleanor Fletcher, Grace Fletcher, Jane
Brclsford, Francis Farnfivorth, John Curtis, and John Fletcher jun.
Of Derby, IVilliam Hayward, his W^ife and Daughter.
Of Chesterfield, John Frith and his Wife, Nicholas Swift, Robert Le-
vick, Robert IVatkinfon, and George Brough.
Of Alferton, John Kirk, Elizabeth Kirk, Godfrey Kirk and his Wife.
Of Clown, Alice IVoolhead, Tbornas Morton and his Wife.
Of Brimington, Cornelius Arnold and his Wife, John Allen and his Wife,
Cbriftopher Newton and his Wife, Abraham Cundy, Elizabeth Wright, John
Co-icper, George CowlilJoaw.
Of Whittington, Anne fVaterhoufe, Thomas Jolley^ Mary Renjhaw, and
Ellen Beard.
Of Ash BURN, George Goodrich and his Wife, Richard Hunt and his Wife,
Thomas Tomlinfon and his Wife, Elizabeth Bower.
Of DowD RIDGE, Robert Jenkinfon and his Wife, l\^Iary Betram, Thornas
Duce, Elizabeth OJborne, Anne Robotham, John Betram, and Elizabeth
IFoolat.
ANNO 1 670. In this Year John Sykes and his Son Samuel Sykes, were
committed to Prifon at the Suit of Chnftopher Lawfon, Prieft oi' Bakewell, for
Tithes demanded, of the former ^s. and of the latter but 6d.
In this Year alio many underwent the fpoiling of their Goods for frequenting
religious AfTemblies -, for one of thole Meetings, ufually held at the Houfe of
Anthony Bunting, were Goods taken in Value as follows, viz.
From Anthony Bunting
Anthony Woodward
Thomas Fowkes
ffilliam Slorrs
Nathaniel Bingham
I.
1 1
21
12
55
o
5.
o
o
o
13
10
o
o
o
10
o
For Fines of 59 /. 5 i. Value, Taken 100 3 10
For a Meeting at the Houfe of Cornelius Arnold of Loades, was taken
From Cornelius Arnold
Anihotiy Haftam
Henry Harvey
Elizabeth Wright
I.
2
7
o
22
S.
6
o
O
^7
d.
8
4
o
o
Carried over
Chap. io. of the People called QUAKERS. 1,41
From
I.
s.
d.
Brought over
22
17
Robert Hajlam
2
13
4
Abraham Cundy
8
Godfrey Beard
I
18
27
16
4
at the Houfe of John Holmes
near (
Chejierfiek
/.
s.
d.
John Holmes
30
miliatn Black
19
2
Frances Shaw
10
Rofe Milner
5
Anthony Sykes
I
10
Anthony Cutlove
15
Richard Hancock
8
6
Hugh Ma/land
I
Cbrijlopher Birbeck
4
10
Clement fVombell
8
Robert IVatkinfon
8
Widow Frith
13
7
Hercules Harvy
«5
"Thomas Hage
5
Robert Levick
12
DERBY-
SHIRE.
1670.
was taken
55 12 8
Fiom Nicholas Swift, for a Meeting at his Houfe, were Goods taken to the
Value of 7 /.
For Meetings at the Houfe of Hmnas Fowkes, and for other Meetings at
Tupton and Piljley, in the Months called July and Augttft this Year, was taken
From John Rhodes
Thomas Fowkes
Thomas Linham
George Afhley
Jofeph Hiitton
fFilliam IFalker
John Allen
Godfrey Fowkes
ff^illiam Storrs
Anthony Bunting
Francis Lee
Edward Curtis
Matthew Hopkinfon
John Crofs
James Hopworth
John Kirk
John Fletcher
John Fretwell
155 12 10
Thomas Linham, for a Meeting in his Houfe at Pilfley on the i6th of O£?ober, Qrievous
was fined lo/. for which he was deprived of all his Goods as well within Doors i>'ftf(jf(i'
as without : Alfo lVillia?n Cooper, tor being at that Meeting, had not only his
Cow, Corn, Hay, and Houfhold Goods taken away, but alfo his Coat, and
Vol. I. N n ■ the
/.
s.
d.
20
8
26
8
16
5
17
6
15
5
19
12
14
15
5
10
5
2
3
4
12
10
10
15
10
1 4*^
DERBY-
SHIRE.
1670.
impr'ifmmenti
[or Tithes.
Imprifanments
for Tithes, &c.
Diflreges
Meeting,
for
]mprij'onm;»ts
on a ly'rit de
Excom. Cap.
^ Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
the Meat he had provided for his Family, he having a Wife and three fmali
Children : For thofe Spoilers of Houfcs had no Compaflion. From Thomas
Ellis a poor Smith, for lack of other Goods, they took his Bellows., Hammers,
and other working Tools : They alio took away Goods from others at the
lame Meeting, viz.
From Thomas Brockfupp
John Kirke
James Stopworth
John Crofs
Taken alfo for Meetings at Cartop,
From Trijlram Ridgway
William Storrs
Francis Stanfield
Anthony Booden
James Ridgzuay
Richard Warrington
William Clayton
Thomas Boore
I.
s.
d.
12
4
17
3
4
6
3
23
3
4
/.
s.
d.
8
6
9
1
II
ir
6
4
15
24
And on the 26th of the Month called February, for being at a Meeting at
Normanton, Thomas Brockfupp fuftered Dillrefs ot Goods to the Value of 14/.
ANNO 1673. Thomas Brockfupp and Henry Herfey, for fmall Tithes, and.
Thomas Burbeck, for Ealier-OJferings^ were imprilbned at the Suit of John Coupe^
Vtk^ of Che/erf eld. '''^^V'.: :' : ' ';'■''.''.■
ANNO i6'74, 7'^/;;z Z?«^^r(^,. arid his Son' 'oPxhe fame Name, were im-
prifoned at Derby, at the Suit of William White, Prieft of Chappel.
ANNO iGyg.'"' Jofeph Watts oi' B?-ampton was profecuted in the Ecclefi-
aflical Court for ab6ut 2 s. 6d. for Tithes and Eafler-Offerings, at the Suit of
Richard Matkemon Frieft, and imprilbned at Chefterfield twenty two Weeks.
His Profecutor Itriftly charged the Goaler not to fuffer his Prifoner to do any
Work toward his Support. John Bartratn of Compton, was alfo profecuted in
the Ecclefiailical Court, at the Suit of Thomas Godread Vicar there, for Tithes
or Eafler-Offerings, and was committed to Prifon on' a Significavit, by Warrant
from two Juitices of thePeace. '
ANNO 1676. ■' For a Meeting at Tupton oil the izgth of September, Goods
were taken by DifHefs, viz.
From
/;
S.
d.
John Allen, to
the Value
of
5
5
William Kirk
7
Anthony Allen
15
Thomas Linham
5
'George Ellis
0.
. 5
'J '
6
'^7
Thomas Fowkes, -for being at the fame Meeting, had the greateft Part of his
Goods feized, and cxpofcd to Sale at two Markets, but no Body would buy
them, which when the Conftables reported to the Juftices, they . threatned to
fine them : ThUs conflrained, they fold them for 5 /. ftir beneath .their Value.
In this Year Hugh Martin and John Ellis were ke^t under ctofe' Confinement
in, the County Goal at Derby, on a Writ de Excontmnnicaio capitftdo.
ANNO
Chap. io. of the People called QUAKERS.
14:
ANNO 1677. For a Meeting held in the Houfe of Francis Davenport at DE R B Y-
Whittington, on the 17th of the Month called February this Year, Goods were ii H I RE.
taken by a Warrant from Francis Burton Jiiflicc, as follows, liz.
From
I.
s.
d.
Francis Davenport
8
10
fViUiam Storrs
7
6
Thovias Burbeck
II
6
William Miers
:j
Godfrey Beard
I
Anthony Allen
9
Sufanna Frith
10
Hercules Harvy
5
II
18
ANNO 1678. In this Year the fuffering Cafe of Eleanor Robotbam, a
Widow about fixty Years of Age, merited Compafllon ; flie having been then
a Prifoner two Years for fmall Tithes of about is. 6d. Value, at the Suit of
Henry Burden y Prieft of Sleigbton. And in the fame Year Edward Lingard,
after he had been imprifoned above five Months at the Suit of George Lowe, had
taken from him feven Beafts, and two Horfes with their Saddles and Sacks, as
they were going to Marker, to the Value of 29/. In this Year sl^o ll^Uiam
Beard of Stackhall Chapel in the Frith, was profecuted on the Statute'^of -io/.
per Month, as a Popi/h Recufant, for 220/. a pretended Forfeiture for his Ab-
fcnce from the publick Worfhip, and was thereupon committed to Prifon.
ANNO i6b'o. John Gratton of Mony-AjJj, for Abfence from the publick
Worfhip, was profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court, excommunicated, and
committed Prifoner to Derby Goal.
ANNO 1 685. In OHober this Year Thomas Holland of Sleanor, for a Meet-
ing at his Houfe, fuffered Diffrefs of Goods to the Value of 8/.
And for the fame Meeting was taken
From IVilliafn Majkall of Ilfon, Goods worth
"John Hanks
Samuel Row
William Woolley
Richard Maljby
John Linham and Edward Sear/on
Daniel Betteridge
9
o
o
I
o
10
OS.
10
7
5
2
6
o
8
pd,
o
6
o
o
S
o
o
29 i^' ' :2
From John Farnworth
John LtJiham and Edward Searfon
JnhnWagftaffe
Thomas Valens
15 ,0
I
I
o
9 18
Hard Cafe of
an aged IVi-
doro and.
others.
J. Gratton'x
Imprijonment.
Pinreffis for
Meectngs.
Upon Information of a Meeting at the Houfe of Johfi Linham, Juflice Lowe
granted a Warrant, by which was taken
About this Time certain Friends being met together at the Houfe of one
Sajnuel Rowe,^ in order to accompany him to the Burial of his Wife, two In-
formers, viz. John Wilfon a Pricfl:, and John Wagg a Collier, reprefented their
ib meeting to Juflice Lowe as a Conventicle, and procured his Warrant, by
which were taken from .9^;;?;/^/ i?OTOf, Goods worth 30/. John Linham 61. tos.
znd John Blanfion of Ffon 14/. John Hanks w:is fined for himfdf aind Wife's
being at the Burial, and had his Goods taken for the fame,
John
A Buriil
deem'd a Con-
vsniich.
144
DERBY-
SHIRE-
1685.
Fines for
Meeting.
Seizure of
l/orfes, KJtie,
and Skeep.
J^eleafi of
J. Gratton.
J. Gratton'i
Letter to the
Tearlj Meet-
ing.
ui CoUeclioii of the Sufferings Vol. L
"johi Fletcher oi Tupton, was fined 20/. for the Meeting- houfe there, and had
his Goods feized for that Fine, though he had not any particular Property
therein. Alio Nicholas Swift, Thomas Brockjupp, Sufanna Frith, John Clay,
and Richard Clayton, were fined for being at the laid Meeting. Edward Searjon
was fined 20/. for preaching in a Meeting at Clawfon in Leicejlerfinre, and
John Linham 5s. for his Wile's being there ; for which Fines their Goods were
taken to the Value of 24/. 105. Alfo John Gratton and John Rhodes, fined 20/.
each, for being at the fame Meeting, had their Goods diftrained to the Value
of 40/.
In September this Year, John Ward, the under Sheriff's Deputy, and another
Perfon, came armed to Jofeph Frith's Houfe and demanded 120/. of him
for fix Months Abfence from his ParifK Church. They entered his Grounds,
and drove away thirty Sheep, four Kine, two Foals, and three Horfes. The
Sheep and Kine being put by them into bad Pafbure, broke out and came
home again •, but the Horfes they fold for 10 /. though worth : 7 /.
ANNO 16S6. In the Beginning of tliis Year John Gratton was difcharged
from his Imprifonment, of above five Years and an half Continuance, for Ab-
fence from the publick Worfliip. During his Confinement he wrote an Epiftle
to his Friends at their Yearly Meeting in London, as follows, viz.
" Dear Friends and Brethren^
MY fincere Love is to you all in the precious Truth, and for the Truth's
Sake, in which pure Love I dearly fdute you, and embrace you in
my Arms, being with you in Spirit, and could much rejoice to have been
with you in Perfon, being it's long fince I enjoyed that Privilege. But I
am well content, and am glad to feel that ancient Love and Life at this
Time fill my Heart, while I am writing to you ; in which methinks I
even fit and view you in the Prefence of the Lord, whole Glory hath
often been feen to break forth upon you in a plentiful Manner in your
Yearly Meetings : And my Faith in the Lord is, that he will in like Man-
ner attend you ftill, and according to his ancient Manner be with you in all
your Meetings : For his Love, Light, Life, Power, Gcodnefs and Truth,
is the fame ftill, and changes not, that ever it was. And he will be with
his own to the End of the World, and maniteft his Power in our weak
Veflels, by carrying us in his Arms of Strength to do his Will on Earth,
and to ferve, obey, and worfhip him in Spirit and in Truth : Glory, Praife,
Thanks, Obedience and Worfhip be given to him for ever, for he alone is
worthy : Blefled be his Name for ever. Amen.
" Dear Friends, there are no more Prifoners at Derby Goal but myfclf, that
I think it meet to take much Notice of. 'Tis true, there were at the Sel-
fions four Friends brought into Prifon, viz. Jojeph Lee, George Crechlow,
George Berley, and Edward Shackerly, by a covetous Baylifi" widi a SelTions
Procefs, and appeared, being called before the Juftices, who laid little to
them, but afked, if they -would come to Church '^ They anfwering No ; the
Bench bid the Goaler take them : But after the Seffions was done, they did
privately hint their Minds to the Goaler, that they fhould go Home, and if
they were called for they might come ; So they are at Liberty thus far.
Seeing our Juftices are very kind and moderate to us, and have fo been for
fome Years, I think it not meet to take Notice of this fo as to make it
publick. I leave it with you to do in it as you fee good. So with dear Love
to you all, I remain
" 2 m- Friend in the everlajling Truth,
Rfmirki on
tin Letter.
Cf
John Gratton.'
This Letter is an Inftance of that cordial Love and Unity of Spirit which
fubfifted between the Sufferers in Prifon and thofe of the fame Perfuafion who
were at Liberty, It alio fhows how tender they were of the Reputation ol
other
Chap. io. of the People called QUAKERS. 145
other Men, being very cautious of relating or publifhing any Thing to the DERBY*
Difadvantage of their Profccutors, whcnfoever they could perceive them any ^ ^/,^ ^'
Way inclined to good Temper and Moderation. This grateful Difpofition of 1088.
the Writer fivours of a Spirit truly Chriftian, and is worthy of Regard and w^~V"*vj
Commendation.
ANNO 1688. Taken this Year for Tithes, in Corn and other Goods>
Tithit in
i^Jnd, flee.
I.
s.
d.
From Thomas Famfzvorih
I
9
6
Jojeph Frilh.. .
..... 4-
5
Samuel Tomlinfon
1
6
Elizabeth Cundy
12
Richard Hancock
2
6
Robert Harrijon
6
1 1
Thomas Lynam
7
John Gratton ■
ID
John Holmes
2
10
* Jojhua Arnold
17
5
John Bower
2
H
Anthony Allen
6
10
Lady Rhodes
27
15
John Bently
I
2
fVilliam Bunting
4
6
John Frith
3
6
78
2
ANNO 1689. Taken for Tithes,
in Corn and other
Go
/.
s.
d.
From Lady Rhodes
22
Jofeph Lo-joe
2
10
8
John Gratton
10
Francis Bently
2
6
Samuel Johnfon
7
Edward Booth
2
Robert Harrifon
5
16
John Hohnes
5
George Crichlow
4
William Bunting
9
Jofeph Lee
5
6
39 4 8
On the 19th of October this Year, Caleb Lee of Beighton was arrefted for
Tithes at the Suit of Samuel Gardener Prieft, and committed to the County
Goal, twenty Miles from his Wife and Family,
ANNO 1690. In this Year were taken from Francis Ja^nes^ Jofeph Frith,
Jofeph Lee., Anthony Woodward, and others, for Tithes, Corn and other Things,
to the Value of 16/. ly s. 6d.
* This large Sum was taken for an original Demand of 6s, Sd, per Annum for four Years
Tithe.
Vol. I, O o CHAP.
146
A CoUeClioii of th& Sufferings Vol. I.
DEVON-
SHIRE.
1655.
H5 1 .
M. Halhead
tni T. Salc-
houfe p^jjtfi
«i ytgrnnis.
Their P^iturn
to Pliraouth.
Jn avgry
Prieft procures
tkeir Imprifon-
mem.
Jkeir Exami-
inxioti.
Commitmem
to Execcr
Ctjile.
; /l-:jq
rum:.
C H A P. XI.
D E V O N S H I RE.
Anno 1655.
MILES HALHEAD and Thomas Salthoufe, travelling from
their ' i-efpeftive- Habitations in Lancafiire and Wejhnorland^
with Intention to vifit their Friends imprifoned at Corwdjall., in
their Paflage through DevonJInre were apprehended, and after
tourteen Days cloleCorlfihement at Exeter, were by "Warrant from Colonel
Cople(lone, then High Sheriff, ordered to be pafs'd as Vagrants from thence to
their own Dwellings : An illegal Proceeding againft Men of Subftance and Re-
putation, who travelled on Horfeback, lodged at the beil Inns, and paid
punctually for what they had there. In their PaiTage betwixt Taunton and Bridge-
water, the Officer charged with them was fuddenly feized with a kind of Apo-
pleuiick Fit, which dilaWed him from going any farther : They returned to
Taunton, and informed a- Juftice of the Peace of what had happened, defiring
to know his Pleafure concerning them : He thereupon- fufpended any farther
Execution of the Warrant, and fet them at Liberty, wifliing that the Lord
tnight be with thetnP
They went to Briflol, and came back to PFn/ioulh about the Middle of die
Month called Minv, where they had leveral Meetings ; one of which was in
the Garden of Jobw-Harris, his Houfe being too little to contain the numerous
Auditory : Their'"plain and powertlil Preaching reached to the Confciences of
many, and was gencrall-y well accepted. At the Clofe of the Meedng, one
George Brooks, a Prieft, Chaplain of the Nightingale Frigite, fpake to the People
in Commendation of what had been faid, declaring it to be the Eternal Truth :
But Thomas Salthoitfe, a Man of deep difcerning, juftly fufpecting the Chaplain
of Infincerity, toldliimi that he had fpoken many good IVords, but withal afked
him, IVhether he lived -ihe Life of what he /poke, for that it was he who hath
the Wilnefs in hijnfelf thdf can fet to his Seal that God is true. The Prieft angry
at this Reproof, rHeditates Revenge, and two Days after procured a Warrant
from the Mayor, by which they were taken from a Meeting at the Houfe of
Robert Gary, and imprifoned in the Guildhall : NeXt '-Day they were brought
before the Mayor,' 'Magiftrate?, and Commoti-Council, who ordered the Doors
to be fhut during their Examination, which lafted three Hours •, after which
they remained in Cuftody leveral Days, while the Magiftrates, who had de-
termined to fend them to the Connty Goal, were bufied in forming a plaufible
Pretence for their Commitment. At firft they charged' them with denying the
Trinity y of which they fully cleared dtemfelves. Then the Oath of Abjuration
\iifas tcrtdred them, but the ProclamadOn enforcing that Oath giving no Au-
thority to imprifon the-Refufers, it was not thought proper to prccctd there-
upon. At length they made out the following MiHimuSi viz.
"Devon.
- - " -JolMt P'Age hkrchnnt; Mayer -ef the Berongh of Plimouth ia -tJie
•' 'i ^* County aforefaid, and one of his Highncjss Juftices of the Peace
" within the faid Borough, to the Keeper of his Highnefss Goal at
" Exon, or to his /awful Deputy in that Behalf, Greeting.
" T SEND you herewith by the Bearer hereof, the Bodies of TJxtnas
" X ^'f^^o^ifii I'l'^c of Drugglibeck in the County of Lancafler, Hufbandman,
" and Miles Halhead, late of Kenddf in the County of fVeftmorland, lately
" apprehended
Chap. II. of the People called QUAKERS.
147
apprehended here as Difturbcrs of the publick Peace, and for divers other D E V O N-
high Mifdemeanors, againft a late Proclamation prohibiting the difturbing ^'HIRE.
of Minifters, and other Chriftians in their Aflembhes and Meetings, and
agairdOt an
Ordinance of his faid Highnefs tlie Lvrd Prote^or and his Coun-
cil, lately inade ,againft Duels, Challenges, and Provocations thereunto,
who haye refiifed to -give fufficient Security for their perfonal Appearance at
the next General Seifions of the Peace to be held tor the County of Devon^
and in tl\e mean Time to be of good Behaviour towards his Highnefs the
-Lcrd PToteBor, and all his Icigc People.
*:< Thefe are therefore in his faid Highnefs's Name, to will and command
you, that when tlie Bodies of the fiid Thomas Sallboufe and Miles Halhead
{h;ill be unto you brought, you them fafely keep and detain until by due
Courfe ot Law they Ihall be delivered. Hereof fail not at your Peril.
Given under my H.ind and Seal of Plimoiith aforcfiid, the 28th Day of May,
in the Year of our Lord God 1 6^^.
a
JoJra Tage, Mayor."
After fix Weeks Imprifonment they were indifted at the Seflions, for a Indidmem
Breach of the Ordinance againjl Duels, and particularly for divers difgracefid ^^F'o"^'
IVords and Geftures againft George Brooks, Clerk of the Nighlingale Frigate, (s'c.
To prove this Indiftment Witneffes were provided, one of whom was
heard to fay the Day before the Sefiiops, / am going to Exeter to [wear againfi
the Quakers, and if Swearing will do it, I will make them fuffer foundly. But the
Court did not chufc to bring the Matter to a fair Hearing : For though the
Priloners pleaded tipt guilty^ and defired a Trial, yet becaufe they ufed not
the common Form of Words, By God and my Country, their legal Plea was
refufed, and no Trial granted. The Oath of J4bjuration vf^is tendred them in
Court, to which they thus anfwered, " In the Prefence of the Eternal God,
*' and before all this People, we deny, with as much Deteftation as any of
" you, the Pope and his Supremacy, and the Purgatory therein mentioned,
?» and declare Irecly againft it •, and we do not deny to Swear becaufe of any
*' Guilt that is upon us, but in Obedience to the Command ot Chrift, who
" faith, Szaear not at all, and we will not come under the Condemnation of
" an Oath tor the Liberty of the outward Man." Upon diis Refufal the
Court threatned to fend into the North to feize their Eftates according to the
Proclamation •, but they let that drop, and only recorded their Proceeding
thus, " 'Thomas Saltbouje and Miles Halhead, for provoking Words againlt
" * George Brooks Clerk, who refufed to be tried by the Country, fined 5/. a
" piece, committed to Bridewell till Payment, and finding Sureties for their
" good Behaviour."
Purfuant to this Sentence they were removed on the 1 6th of the Month
called July from the County Goal to Bridewell, and a Guard of Soldiers placed
over them, with ftridt Orders, figned by one Captain Joyce, to detain all that
Jioould come to vifit them, efpecially if they fufpc£led them to be Quakers. They
Jay on the Ground in a clofe dark Room many Days ; and were continued
near feven Months under fuch cruel Ufage, as if their Perfecutors defigned to
deftroy them, for they adminiftered not any Thing to their NecefTities, and
ufed their utmoft Endeavours to prevent others from bringing them the com-
mon Nccefliiries of Life, and imprifoned feveral of thofe who came to fee and
relieve them. But this extream Malice of their Enemies rendered the Chriftian
Charity of their Friends the more obfervable, who frequently hazarded the Lofs
of their own Liberty to fupply their Wants. During this Imprifonment Miles
Halhead writ the following Letter to his F"riends, viz.
" Dearly
at
* TtiisPrieft, whom it was fo penal to provoke, had the Charafter of a common. Drun-
kard, and a debauched Fellow, as appeared by Certificates from the Captains of Ships in
which he had been converfant.
148
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
M. HalheadV
Litter ta h'li
Friitids.
S' H I R t.' " Dearly beloved Friends and Brethren,
16^^. <c irjisj thg North of f/??'/'"^':^ even to the South, the Land of our Nativity,
'' I whom the Lord God of Heaven and Earth hath called and chofen in
'' this the Day of his everlarting Love, to ferve him in Truth and in Righ-
'' teoufnefs, who have received the Lord's Truth in the Love of it, not only
'' to believe in his Name, but to fuffer Bonds and Imprifonments, and hard
'' Sentences for the Teftimony of J ejus, and the Word of God. Dear Friends
" and belffved Brethren, my Prayers to the Lord God of Heaven and Earth,
" and my Soul's Dcfire is for you all, that you may all dwell together as Chil-
'= dren of one Father, in the eternal Bond of Love, and Onenefs of the Spirit,
'• that you may all grow in the eternal living Truth of God, to be eftablifhed
" upon the Rock and fure Foundation, that the Gates of Hell and Death
" cannot prevail againft you, that under the Shadow of the Wings of the Al-
" mi'^dity, you may all be kept and preferved in Peace and Reffc, now in the
" Day of Trial and Hour of Darknels, when Hell hath opened her Mouth,
" and the raging Sea caft out her proud Waves, even like to overflow the
" Banks : Glory, Glory, and eternal living Praifes be given to the Lord God,
" and to the Lamb tor evermore, by all the Children of the Light, who hath
" found out a refting Place for all his dear ones. Lambs, and Babes, and Chil-
" dren of Light, to fly unto in the needful Time ol Trouble, where none can
" make them ahaid, nor take away their Peace, as diey abide faithful to him,
' ' who is our Way, our Light, our Lite, our Strength, and eternal Portion
«' for ever. My dear Friends and Brethren, I befeech you in the Bowels of
" dear and tender Love, that you walk as dear Children, faithful to him who
" hath called you with an honourable Calling, and loved you trom the Begin-
" ning with an everlafting Love, that .all your Friends and Neighbours, and
" Men of this World, that fee your Life coupled with Fear, may be made
" to confefsand acknowledge, to the Honour and Glory of the living Lord,
" that the God whom ye ferve and tear is the only true God of Ifrael ; anci
" herein you become a precious Savour unto the living eternal God, and a fweet
" fmelling Savour unto all the Children of Light, and no good Thing will the
" Lord with-hold from you : The Moudi of the Lord God of Hofls hath
" fpoken it, whole Promifes are 2~ea and Jtnen to his own Seed for evermore.
" Given forth the i4.th of the Sixth Month 1655, when I was Prijoner at the
" Prifon-honfe in the City of Exeter in Devonfhire, for the Teftimony of
" Jelus, and the fVord p/'God.
" Miles Halhead."
From the Stile and Import of this Letter, the Reader may obferve the meek
Spirit and Chritlian Temper of this patient Sufti^rer.
We return to Plimouth, where we tind an innocent Woman cruelly ufed by
Peter Ceely Mavor : Her Name was Margaret Kellam, who on tlie 19th of
Decemberthk Year was concerned to go to his Houfe and tell him, fJoe had a
Word from the Lord to him : He bad her come in, heard her, and contelTed, that
zi'hat Ike faid lijas very good and true. Neverthelefs the Truth fhe uttered fo
difpleafed him that he lent her to Priibn, where fhe was about a Week, and
then at the Intcrceflion of her Friends, had Ibme Liberty granted her. But on
the 4th of the next Month, about four in the Morning, a Conftable and Ser-
jeant came to her Chamber, broke open the Door, and refufing to Ihew their
Warrant, took her away by Violence, tied a Rope about her, threw her on
an Horfc's Back, bound her Arms behind her, tied her Feet under the Horle's
Belly, and carried her in that inhuman Manner ten Miles, (a monllrous Barbarity
to a tender Woman of good Education, and a confiderable Fortune :) Then
Itni xeExeCer they loolhed her Cords, and told her they had a Warrant to carry her to Exeter
GmI. Goal. There fhe lay till the Quarter Seflions, when Endeavours were ufed to
get
Crud Vfife
o/M.Kcllam.
Chap. ii. of the Vco^Xq called QVAYiEKS.
get an Indiftment drawn up againft her ; but the Clerk of die SefTions, and
others employed in that Work, could not agree about it, her manifeft Inno-
cence baffling their Attempt. After about two Months Imprifonment fhe was
releafed by Order of the Sheriff.
In this Year alfo, Prifcilla Cotton and Margaret Cole were imprifoncd at
Exeter, for ipeaking to the People in the publick Place of Worfhip, after the
Prieft had done.
ANNO 1656. The Imprifonment of feveral in this County, and others in
ConizvaH, induced many of their Brethren from feveral Parts of the Nation to
vifit them, and it was ufual with fome as they pafled, to declare their own Ex-
perience of the Virtue of true Religion to the People : This alarmed the Juftices,
who made an Order of Sefllons to apprehend, as Vagrants, all ^{akers travel-
ling without a Pafs, in Confequence of which, above twenty Perfons in the
Months called Jtily and j^ugujl this Year, were fent to Exeter Goal, fiamely,
Elizabeth ditland, Jane Bland, John James, James Naylor, Samuel Carter, John
Brown, Lucy Field, Dorcas Erbery, Henry Goochnan, Humphry Smith, Nicholas
Gunniclijfe, Robert Crabb, Mary Erbery, Jofepb Meader, Anns Harrijon, Wil-
liam Bailey, John Bolton, Thotnas Hawkins, Tljomas Rawlinfon, Jane Ingratn,
Mary Howgill, and Katharine Evans. At the Affizes the Men, appearing with>
their Hats on, were indicted for a Contempt, brought in Guilty, fined twenty
Marks, and remanded to Prifon till Payment : The Women were alfo returned
to Prifon till they fhould find Sureties for their good Behaviour. They were
lodged among the Felons, and lay generally on Straw, by Reafon of which, and
the Filth of the Place, many of them fell fick, and one of them, Jane Ingram,
died.
At Tiverton, Richard Waldren, Frances Gater, James Bynon, and Katharine Ball,
alfo William Bale and his Wife, were imprifoned by the Mayor feveral Days, for
not paying i s. each, for Abfence from the publick Worfhip. And at Plimouth,
Katharine Martindale, for fpeaking to the People in the publick AfTembly alter
the Priefl had ended his Sermon, was fent to Exeter Goal, together with Prif-
cilla Cotton who accompanied her. At the AfTizes they were fined 50 /. each.
For the like Caufe Barbara Pattifon and James Myers were imprifoned, as was
Thomas Layton for uttering a Chriftian Exhortation to the People in the Market-
place at Tiverton.
Jofeph Cole, for fpeaking in the Place of publick Worfhip at Exeter thefe
Words, viz. Hear, O ye Prieft s, a?id give Ear, ye Leaders of the People, the
Lord's Hand is againft you, who have caiifed the People to err, 8cc. was com-
mitted to the South-gate Prifon, double Ironed, and lay feveral Nights on the
bare Ground. At the next SefTions he was banifhed the City, and afterwards
grievoufly abufed by the rude People at other Places.
ANNO 1657. On the 29th of the Month called March this Year, Jo/eph
Cole, Roger Brown, William Brown, Thomas Read, and John Boatfil, were let
in the Stocks at Tiverton, for being at a Meeting there : And William Bale, John
Waldron, and Edmund Baker, fufFered Diftrefs of their Goods for being at
the fame Meeting •, as did alio Frances Gater, who, after the Diftrefs, for
cafually faying, that die Conftables had plundered her Houje, and violently taken
away her Goods, was imprifoned fourteen Days.
In this Year Thomas Curtis, a Clothier, or Woolen-draper, of Reading in Berk-
Jhire, being in this County about his trading Affairs, came to Plimouth, and
from thence accompanied by John Martindale, went to Weft-Alvington : Being
in Bed at a Friend's Houfe, a Conftable, and about ten others, came with a
Warrant about Midnight, and next Day carried them before two Juftices, who
after Examination, (though they rendered a very good Account of themfelves and
their Bufinefs) lent them to Exeter Goal : On the 14th of the Month called July,
they were brought to the AfTizes, where nothing being laid to their Charge, the
Judge, taking Occafion from their Hats, fined them 40/. a piece for Con-
tempt, for Non-payment of which they were kept Prifbners above a Year
after : During this Imprifonment, Martindale having Leave of the Goaler to
Vol. I. P p vifir
149
DEVON-
SHIRE.
1655.
z Other Wo»
nun imi'ri'
foned.
Many flit inti)
Prifon f
where they laj
(111 Straw
among Felons,
Terfecution at
Tiverton and
Plimouth.
J. Cole liiil
in Irons.
Some fit in
the Stocks,
Others kid
their Goods
I'ei^id-
rroceedingl
againfl T.
Curtis and
J. Martin-
dale.
I50
DEVON-
SHIRE.
1657.
Mtny t.ilen up
hj the Jipa:t iS
they pajfei to
Meetings.
Cruel Whif-
fing fitiently
enrn.
Cruelty exer-
cifed on m
innocent Wo-
rn tn.
CtufeUri
Sufpicion,
Exceeding
grentPrepidice
agiinfl this
Feofle.
A Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
vifit a Friend at llchejler, went to a Meeting at Cullington, where he, with
Hianphn Sprague and l^homas Dyer lodged at a Friend's Houfe. In the Even-
ing two' Conftables came and required the Strangers to go with them, which,
they having no Warrant, was refufed. Next Morning they returned with a
Warrant, and carried tiiem before the Juftices then at the Quarter Seffions at
Honiton, to whom tiiey gave an Account of tlieir Abodes, being one of them
but two Miles from Home, and another not above five : Howbeit the Juflices
fcntenced them all as Vagrants, to be whipt in the Market-place, and fent with
a Pafs from Tything to Tyching, which was accordingly done. Sprague and
Dser were foon at Home, and Marlindak was condudted by Officers till he
came within a Mile of Exeter, where they left him, and he returned alone to
the Place ot his Imprifonment.
On the I ft of the Month called Augiift, Joan Edmunds, Wife of Edward Ed-
inuiids of T'otnefs, was ftopt on the Road by a drunken Fellow, who took away
her Horfe : She complained to a Juftice of the Peace, being then but about
ten Miles from her own Home, but having no Pafs, the officious Magiftrate
fent her to Exeter Goal, and ordered her Horfe to be fold, and Part of the
Money applied to defray the Charge of carrying her to Prifon : Her Dwel-
ling being in the direft Road to Exeter., they carried her by another Road
fix Milts about, to prevent the Neighbours Obfervation of the Injuftice done
her.
In like Manner, Humphry Smith and Samuel Curtis, riding near Axminfter,,
were ftopt, and carried before a Juftice, who, confulting with a Prieft, ordered
them to be whipt as Vagrants, burnt their Books and Papers, took their Money
from them, and fent them away with a Pafs.
On the 24th of the fame Month, Daniel JVaJlfield a Sope-boiler, and John
Speed a Merchant, both of Brijlol, accompanying Anne Curtis to fee her Huf-
band then in Exeter Prifon, were taken in their Journey, and fent to Goal.
About the fame Time, feveral Perfons from 'Topjhamy went, on the Firft-day
of the Week, to Exeter Meeting, about three Miles -, for which they were re-
puted Sabbath-breakers : The Men, Sijnon Morris and William Elliott, were fee
in the Stocks, and the Women, vi-z. Alice Sbackerly, Judith Holmey Anne
Morris, Elizabeth 'Taylor the Elder, Elizabeth Taylor the Younger, and Sujanna
Taylor, were put into the Back-grate or Cage, and there expofed to the Scorn
and Derifion of the People.
On the 30th /Fz7/w;« Elliot (A Bridport, and his Son, of the fame Name,
going to vifit Thomas Curtis in Prifon, were fent for by the Magiftrates, who
fentenced the Father to be put in the Stocks, and the Son to be whipt with
five Stripes : The Executioner, inftigated by a wicked Conftable, gave him
fix Stripes, which he bearing widi great Patience, the barbarous Whipper faid.
Wilt thou not cry ? I'll make thee cry : And then gave him fix more bloody
Stripes, fo that many Speftators wept to fee fuch Cruelty. The patient Sufferer,
fupported with Chriftian Magnanimity, avenged not himfelf on the wicked
Adors of fuch Barbarity, but committed his Caufe to him who judgeth righ-
teoufly.
The like Inhumanity was exercifed on Barbara Blagdon, who, in O^ober this
Year, was fent to Exeter Goal by the Mayor of Torrington. She was afterward
at Seffions fentenced to be whipt, which Sentence was cruelly executed, but in
the Midft of the Torture fhe rejoiced, and praifed God who had enabled her
to iuftcr for his Name.
About this Time Henr'j Pollexfen of Wejl-Alvington, and Robert Weymouth of
Marlborough, were imprifoned on a pretended Sufpicion of Popery, but at the
next Seffions were difcharged.
So great was the Prejudice of many Magiftrates againft the fakers, that
they extended the Severity of Penal Laws beyond their due Bounds on purpofe
to opprefs them. There was a Law requiring fingle Perfons under forty
Years of Age, having no other vifible Means of Maintenance, to go out to
Service. This Law was extended to the unjuft Oppreffion of feveral fober and
induftrious
151
DEVON-
SHIRE.
1657.
4 U'^omeij put
111 the Stofks.
KiputAblc Men
whifu
Cruel VVhif
pi'ig 0/ John
Evans.
J. Rowett'*
Imprifoiment,
Chap, 11. 0/ the People called QjQAKERS.
induftrious Women, not becaufe they had broke it, but becaufe they were
^takers : On this Pretence Agnes Light, Jam Light, and Elizabeth Light, who
had an Houfe and Land of their own, and maintained themfelves by their In-
duftry, were fent to Bridewell, although two of them were above the Age
mentioned in tlie Law. Under the like Pretence Mary Witheridge was taken
from her a^ed Father, and fent to Prifon -, and Eleanor Roberts^ an induflrious
Maid, was committed to Bridewell, where fhe lay two Nights on the bare
Stones, and at the End of three Days was unmercifully whipt, and detained
there fix Months after.
ANNO 1658. On the 30th of the Month called May, Anne Morris, Alice
Shackerly, Judith Holme, and Elizabeth Taylor, who came three Miles to a
- Meetino- at Exeter, were by the Mayor's Order let in the Stocks many Hours,
under Pretence of Sabbath-breaking.
IVilliam Hengifton o[ fVeJl-Alvington, and Anthony Tucker oWgborotigh, return-
ing Home from Brijlol, ftaid on the Firil-day of the Week, being the 31ft of
Oitoler, at Exeter, where they were taken up, whipt as Vagrants, and fent
away with a Pafs.
On the 4th of November, John Evans, for giving Chriftian Exhortation to
the People in their Worfhip-houfe at Plimouth, after the Priefl had done, was
imprifoned, and two Days after whipt through the Town, they having firft
kept him naked, from the Waill upward, three Quarters of an Hour, in a cold
froily Morning. After a cruel Whipping they fent him out of Town with a
Fafs.
In the fame Month John Rowett of Mevageefy in Corniaall, being at Tiverton,
was concerned to go into the Place of publick Worfhip there, and declare Truth
to the People : His Chriftian Love was requited by Imprifonment for fome
Time : After which he was fined 5 /. and continued in Prifon till Midfummer
in the next Year, when he was ordered to appear before a Comraittee ot Par-
liament at London.
In this Year Edward Braiford was detained in Prifon, for vifiting his Friends
in their Confinement.
About this Time alfo feveral Perfons in this County, refufing to pay i /.
8 r. 6d. demanded of them for Tithes, had their Goods taken by Diftrefs to
the Value of 5/. 14 J. 6d.
ANNO 1660. On the 20th of the 3d Month, a Meeting at Tarleton was
infulted by a rude Rabble, animated by a Prieft : Many of the Perlons prefent
were cruelly beaten and abufed, fo that fome of them were unable for a Time
to turn themfelves on their Beds, they were fo fore, and feveral Weeks paft
before they recovered.
Toward the End of this Year came on a general Imprifonment of this
People, for refufing to take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, which
nothing hindred them from taking, but their Principle of Obedience to Chrift's
Precept, Swear not at all, which they believed exprefsly to prohibit all manner
of Oaths. For this Caufe Nicholas Cole, Anthony Todd, Robert Cary, Arthur
Cotton, Richard Luke, George Crocker, John Light, Edward Dyer, and Anthony
Field, who being taken from a Meeting at Plimouth, had the Oaths tendred
them by the Mayor, and other Commiffioners, and for refufing it were fent to
Prifon there on the 4th of the Month called January this Year, and on the
8 th of die fame were removed to the Fligh Goal at Exon, and agaui on the 18 th
were fent from thence to the Prifon of Bridewell.
On the 13th ot that Month, John Gtinnicliff'e, Mark Parfons, Edward Brai-
ford, John Hancock, and Tljomas Sheers, were taken at a Meeting at John
Gunnicliff^s Houfe, and, for refufing the Oath, fent to the South- gate Prifon in j4t Exeter.
Exon ; as were on the 15th and i8th of the fime Month, Jofefh Hilliar, Nicho-
las Tripe, Gregory Powel, Alexander Richards, and Nicholas PVorth, who were
taken from their lawful Occupations in the City of Exon.
On the 19th, Abd Down, Richard Ould, John Chapell, and Robert Elliott,
all of Cullumpton, were taken from their Employments by Soldiers, who brought
them
niflrefs for
Tithes.
Ahufes bj the
Rabble.
Generil /»i-
prifonment for
refufing to
Srvear.
Jalen at Pll-
mouth.
At Cullump-
ton.
D E V O N.
SHIRE.
1 cue.
v<tOakhamp.
ton.
At di'jcn
other PUccs.
152 -^Collection of i^he Sufferings Vol. 1.
them to Coplejlon Bamfield then Sheriff, who committed them to the Bridewell
afbrefaid ; whicher alfo on the fame Day, Chrijiopher Richards, Giles Brice,
Richard Limn<^ton, John Brice, John Hulchiiis, and Bartholoftiew fVeeks, all
of them Inhabitants of Bradnitch, were committed by the Mayor of that
Place.
On the fame Day Anthony Moral was, by the Mayor of Oakhamptonj com-
mitted to the High Goal near the Caftle of Exon, where were then Prifoners
John Martitidale, Francis Rolle, Ralph Fogg, Peter Row, John JVeJllake, and
Richard Smith, all of Plimoutb, who had been fent thither a few Days before
by the Mayor and other Commiflioners of that Town.
On the 20th, Roger Brown and Sainiiel Doak of Tiverton, vifiting a fick
Neighbour, were taken in his Houfe and carried to the Sheriff, who lent them
to Bridewell : And on the fame Day Tho?nas Carter, Gabriel Morley, and Tho-
7?ias Leighton, all of Cidliunpton, as they were going to a Meeting were ftopt
by a 'Watchman, and had before a Juftice of the Peace, who for refufing the
Oaths, fent them to the High Goal at Exon : To which PriJbn alfo were fent
the lame Day tor the f ime Caufe, 'Thomas Dyer, IFilliam Ferris, Thomas fVilkinSy
Barthohmezv Alford, Edward Townfend, Gideon Daniel, Joftas Linihery, Richard
Newberrv, George Bowditck, Humphry Sprague, l^Filliam IVilkins, Richard Al-
ford, James Kenway, George Fry, Thomas Sprague, Jofias Limbery jun. and
George Clapp, who were taken by one Captain Fry and others, armed with
Swords and Piilols, out of the Houfe of William Robins, where they were met
for the Worfliip ot God. Two others, William Poole and John Grubham, were
taken at Axminjler, as they were going to the fame Meeting, and fent to the
fiime Prifon, whither alfo were committed that Day from Plimoutb by Oliver
Ceely Mayor, Richard Lippincott, Jolm Harris, and Francis Light, who were
taken from a Meeting there, and John Thomas, taken out of his Mother's
Houfe.
On the 23d Richard Jacob oi Sainpford, an Apprentice, was taken from his
Work in his Mafters Shop, and carried before a Juftice, who tendered him the
Oaths, and on Refufal fent him to the High Goal aforefaid.
On the iy th. Jacob Philips, Robert Weymouth, Hugh Weymouth, Edward Ball,
and Stephen Rule, were taken from a Meeting at Flenry Pollexfen\ Houfe, and
carried before a Juftice, who ordered them to come again next Morning, which
they did, when another Juflice being with him, they tendered them the Oaths,
and on Refufal fent them to the faid High Goal.
On the 1 oth of the Month called March, Hercules Fry, and John Perkins,
both of Cullumpton, were taken at Bradnitch, as they were going homeward,
and by the Mayor committed to the Bridewell aforefaid.
The Prifons of the High Goal and Bridewell at Exon were now thronged,
above feventy Perfons having been committed in about two Months Time,
among whom were all the Men Inhabitants of that Perfuafion in Plimouth. The
Women neverthclels conftantly continued their Meetings tor Worfhip, which
the Mayor obferving, fent for them and afked them, why they met contrary to
the Kino's Command f' They aniwered, that they did it not in Contempt of Autho-
rity, but in Difcharge of their Duty to God, in whofe Fear they met to wait upon
and worjhip him in Spirit and in Truth ; that if in fo doing they had broken the Law,
they were ready to fJoow their Submifjion by patient Suffering. The Mayor then pro-
poled to them to be engaged for one amthers good Behaviour, to which they re-
plied, that they had been guilty of no ill Behaviour, as the People of the Town,
who knew their Converfations, could witnefs. Their C'hriftian Courage and Con-
ftancy made fuch an Impreffion on the Mayor, that he difmifl them only with
Threats, that if they were brought before him again, he would fend them to
Pritbn.
In this and the next preceding Year, feveral Perlbns in this County for fmall
Seizures. Demands made on them of Church-Rates and Eafter -Offerings, to the Value of
18 ;. 5</. had their Goods taken from them to the Amount of 5/. o^. 8 d.
ANNO
Prifons
thronged.
Conftancj/ of
Women,
Chap. II. of the People called QUAKERS, 153
ANNO 1661. On tlie 28th of the Month called April, the Conftables of DEVON-
Cullumpton, with one Captain Proinfe, and a rude Rabble attending them, came SHIRE.
to the Meeting there, pulled the Friends from their Seats, direw them on the 1661.
Ground, and dragged them along the Streets, kept Ibme of them at an Inn -'^''V^S^
with a Guard of Soldiers all Night, and wouki not let them have Lodging for plifon" from
their Money. Next Day they carried them before Ibme Juftices, who, for re- Cullumpton
fufing to Swear, lent htteen of them to Prilon, namely, Humphry Sprague., lAstmg.
TbotJias Dyer^ Richard Jacob, Roger Brown, Satnuel Deeke, John Hntchins,
Thomas Biirgoign, John Brice, Cbrijtopher Richards, Bartholotneiv IVceks, Richard
Limaglon, Cbrijtopher Ofmond, George Parnel, 'Thomas Carter, and Alexander
Richards, at whofe Houfe they were met : And at the fame Time the Juftices
ilTued a Warrant to diftrain their Goods for the Charges of conveying them to
Goal,
On the 14th of the Month called July, Jofeph Cole, taken out of a Meeting
at li'illiam Glanjield's in Tnlliton, was kept under a Guard all Night, and next
Day fent to Goal for refufmg the Oaths.
We mentioned before that divers were taken from their lawful Bufinefs in
their own Houfcs, which were ibmetimes fearched very rudely, as appears by
" A Relation oj Jeardmig the Houje of Mark Parsons of'
Topfham.
*' /^N the Day lafl mentioned, near twenty Soldiers came into his Houfe A i{ehtion 0/
" \J with drawn Swords, affrighting the Family, and threatning to run Jeitrcbing the
'■'^ the Man-fervant through if he fpake a Word, I'hey broke open the Lock ^axloas 0^'^'
*' of his Chamber-door, and carried away feveral Letters and Papers to his Toplham.
*' Preiudice, and fufFered all manner of dilbrderly Perlons to go into the
•♦' Houfe, without any Conltable, or Officer of the Peace. They pulled off
*' the Bed-clothes from a Merchant, who lay there fick in Bed, and would
*' have taken him out of the Bed and carried him away, liad not the Mafter
*' of a Vefill, which he had freighted, iatisfied them concerning laim. A
*' Friend from Pliinouth being there about Bufinefs, they put their Swords to
*' his Breaft, prefented their Piftolsj threatned him with Death, and treated
* him very inhumanly."
ANNO 1662. On the 2ifl of the Month c^Wtd Aiigiijl, a Meeting at Severd takei:
Plimoutb was broken up by an Officer with Soldiers, who produced no War- h' Soldiers,
rant, but by \'iolence thruft out thole that were met-, they pulled awny Samuel f"'' ■if^s'iviri
Dyer by the Hair ot his Head, beat him with a great Cane, and tore the '"'f'J"'''^'
Clothes from his Back : After which they carried him with Nicholas Cole,
Francis Light, and Jobft Perrwian, before the Mayor and another Magiftrate,
who ordered them to come again next Day, when they fent them to the County
Goal at Exon, for being at a Conventicle, and holding it unlawful to Swear in
any Cafe.
In like manner, on the 20th of the next Month, two Conftables and a Church- rorcibhbrenh
warden, attended by a Serjeant and armed Soldiers with lighted Matches, came ivg uf a Meet-
to a Meeting at Plimouth, and with Violence haled the Friends, then on their '"g "' P'i-
Knees at Prayer, out of the Place, dragging both Men and Women to the ^^°^^^'
Mayor, who, after many Threats, fined them 12^/. each, fur Ablence from
their Parifh-Church, which refufmg to pay, they were kept Prifoners in the
Town-Hall feveral Days.
Onthe26th oi OJ?oZ'6'r, twenty five Perfons, viz. John Price, Chrijlopher Rich- _y^„j ^^
erds, Bartholomew IVeeks, John Richards, Satnuel Gla/s, Julian Miller, Elijloa plifof
Richards, Mary Potter, Mary Morgan, and Alice Cummings, all of Bradnitcb ;
IVilliam Jacob of Bampton ; Richard Jacob, Cbriflopher Ofmond, Ciphe Roads,
and Ehjha Hunfden, all of Halberton ; Roger Brown, Robert Avery, Clare
Arundell, and Grace George, all of Tiverton, Humphry Sprague of Gittejham,
Sufanna Glanfield of Talliton, Edward Braiford, Anne Seers and Mary Thorn,
of Exeter, and John Hutchins of Holcofnb- Regis, being met for religious Worfhip
in the Houfe of Jtjhn Elliot at Cidlumpton, Conftables came to take them, by
Vol. I. Q_q no
ion.
15+
DEVON-
SHIRE.
1662.
Com)nhments
e/R. Green-
way 11,, ji
others.
Abufcs of the
Go.ikr.
MigilirMes
Se-Jiritjr.
Hiri Vfage of
two Strangers
at tin Inn.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
no other Warrant, than a general Order to apprehend Strangers : This Order
not concerning them who were no Strangers, but all well known, they were
not willincr to go : Upon which the Conftables placed a Watch at the Door,
and kept them Prilbners in the Houfe two Days, when the Juftices came to
Town, and lent them to Prifon for Bnach of the Conventicle AEl. The Con-
ftables, in Order to convey them to Goal, hired Carriages in the Neighbour-
hood, the Owners of which, when they knew tlie life they were for, would
not \tt them go, fo that the Prifoners, having been kept tour Days in the
Room where the Juftices fat, were then fet on Horfeback, and c.irried to Exeter.
In this Year Richard Greenway of London^ travelling in this County, was;
taken up by the Watch, who carried him before two Juftices, and they, after
tendring him the Oath of Allegiance, fent him to Prifon.
In the fame Year alfo John Bellamy and Alary Anderdon were taken out of
a Meeting at the Houfe of iToomas 2'cUand in Oakbampton, and by the Mayor
and another Juftice committed to Prifon.
During the Imprilbnment of the Pcrfons beforementioned, fome who came
to vifit them were much abufed by the Goaler, and kept two Days and two
Nights in the Goal : A Woman who came from IVales to fee her Brother in
Prilon, was cruelly whipt, by the Magiftrate's Order, as a Vagabond, and
fent away with a Pafs. John Chapell and Twenty others, were kept on the
Guard all Night-, nor would they knowingly fuffcr any fakers, not Inhabi-
tants, to lodge in the Town,
ANNO 1663. On the 4th of Otloher^ Arthur Cotton^ Fmncis Rowky
Peter Brown, Prifcilla Tho7nas, George Crocker, Anthony Todd, Nicholas Cole,
Richard Smith, John Light, and Edward Limbery, all of them Inhabitants of
Pl'imoHth, taken by a Conftable out of a Meeting there, were fined 1 2 d. each
by the Mayor and. another Juftice, for Abfence from the publick Worfhip,
and had their Goods taken by Diftrels for the Fines, to near five Times the
Amount of them.
ANNO 1664. On the 17th of the Month called May, Chrijlopher Bacon
and Edward Braiford, lodging at the Houfe of Joajie Edmunds, who kept an
Inn at Totnefs, Ibme Friends came thither to vifit them, and as they fit to-
gether, difcourfing about Matters of Religion, feveral Conftables rufhed into
the Room, feized the two Strangers, and carried them to the Mayor ; another
Friend prefent going with them : The Mayor ient them all three to Prifon,
where they were confined in a Place about four Yards in Length and two in
Breadth, where they lay on the Stones two Nights. There was a Window
to the Place, and lome Perfons came and talked with them, and were pleafed
with their religious Difcourfe : The Mayor, difpleafed at that, fent a Conftable
and others to remove them, who firft rifled their Pockets, and then took Chrij-
lopher Bacon by Violence, and threw him out at the Door, and then dragged
him by the Legs and Arms through the Kennels of the Street toward the Town-
Hall, in a manner fo barbarous as to move Compaffion in fome of their Com-
pany, who cried out, "-They are Chriftians ; for Shame life them like Men. Then
they took him up, carried him through the Town-Hall, and threw him into
a Place called the Dark-hoiije, where they alfo put the faid Edward Braiford
and Michael Lea, and fhut tv/o Doors upon them. One of their Perfecutors
faid. They would foon be fmothered there, for the Place was fo clofe and dark,
that they could fcarce fee one another at Noon, and the Excrements of other
People had been emptied there, which caufed a grievous Stink : In this filthy
Hole they were kept eleven Hours, and none fuftered to come at them (only
one Friend who privately conveyed them a little Meat through an Hole in the
Wall) fo that Chrijlopher Bacon, being bruifed and hot with their ill Ufage,
was very fick, and the other two almoft fpent for lack of Air. At length the
Mayor ordered them the Liberty of the Town-Hall •, whence, after three
Days, they were fent to Exeter Goal ; whither, as the Conftable faid, the Mayor
had ordered them to be carried bound with Cords on an Horfe with Panniers.
The Conftable and his Attendants, before their Removal, rifled their Pockets,
took
Chap. ii. of the People called QUAKERS.
took away 12 j. from one of them, and their Coats off theu- Backs, to defray
the Charge of carrying them to Goal,
ANNO 1665. On the 23d of the Month called A^^ril, eighteen Perfons,
namely, Robert Gary, Nicholas Coie, Ihcmas Lane, Arthur Cotton, John Light,
George Crocker, John lyejlkke, Peter Ro^ive, John I'homas, Edward Dyer,
Edward Limbery, ylnthoftj "Todd, Richard Luke, Francis Rowle, Richard Smith,
Richard Fox, Richard Stephens, and John Harris, taken at a Meeting in Pli-
moutb, and refuling to pay a Fine ot lo.f. each, impofed by the Mayor and
another Juftice, were committed to Bridewell. And on the 30th of the Month
called January, Nicholas Cole was fent to Prifon, and detained there tliirteen
Days, for having opened his Shop on that Day. :; ?rr;.
ANNO 1666. On the 26th of the Month called Jugujl, the firft of the
^^'c■ek, a Serjeant with Soldiers came to the Meeting at Pltmouth, and fenc ibr
the Mayc«r and other Magiftrates, who committed George Crocker, Edward
Dyer, Rthert Gary, John Light, Arthur Cotton, John IFefilake, Francis
Roii'lc, Richard Fox, John Tongs, Anthony Todd, John Harris, John Perri-
man, Richard Luke, Richard Stephens, and Ralph Fogg, to Priibn : After
ten Days they were brought to the Guild-hall, and fined, fome 55. and others
10 J. each, and tor refufmg to pay, fent to Bridewell.
ANNO 1670. In the Month called Mt)) this Year, Arthur Cotton, John
Light, Peter Rowe, John Perrivian, Ralph Fogg, Richard Smith, George Crocker,
Francis Rowle, Edward Limbery, John Shelfon, Richard Stephens, Robert Carey,
Bartbolemew Alger, and Thomas Lane, for affembling in their religious Meet-
ings at Plimouth, fufFered Diftrefs of their Goods to the Value of 14/. "js. 4^.
On the 25th of the Month called July, John Dale was committed to the Bride-
well in Exon, for being abfent from the publick Worfhip, and during his Im-
prifonment was feveral Times pulled out of his Room, and compelled to be
prefent at the Sermons ufually preached to the Priibners, by a Prieft employed
for that Purpofe.
In this Year alfo, Alexander Richards of Cullumpton, was imprlfoned on a
"^ x\i de Excommunicato capiendo for refufing to take the Sacram.ent, and con-
tinued Prifoner near twenty Months. In like manner William Jacob, a poor
labouring Man, for not attending the publick Worfhip, was imprifoned and
detained near two Years.
On the nth of Septembers religious Meeting was held at the Houfe o^ Eli-
zabeth Phillips of Wejl-Alvinglon, Widow, of which Information being given
to John Biere a Juftice of the Peace, he granted feveral Warrants diredted to
the Officers of the feveral Parifhes of We^-Alvington, Marlborough, South-Hui/Ij,
and King/bridge, all of like Tenour and Import, wz.
Devon fs.
*' ^'To the Conftables, Churchwardens, and Overfeers of the Poor of the
" 1'own of Kingfbridge, and to every of them.
IN Purfuance of an Aft of Parliament intituled. An Acl for the providing
farther and more fpeedy Reincdies againji the growing and dangerous Prac-
tices of feditious Seolarics, &c. Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to
will and require you, prelently upon Sighf hereof, to repair to the feveral
Houfes of Nicholas Tnpe the Elder, Stephen Rule the Younger, William
Rule, Mary Randall, and Roger Mtchel Cordwainer, all of the faid Town,
and demand of them the feveral Sums hereafter mentioned, viz. of Nicholas
Tripe 3 /. 55. which 5 s. is his own Penalty, for that it appeared to me by
notorious Circumftances, and Oath of two or more WitnefTes, that the faid
Nicholas Iripe was at a Conventicle and unlawful AfTembly, held in the Houfe
of one Elizabeth Phillips Widow, on Sunday the nth of Septeinber Inftanf,
and the other 3 /. for that it appeared to me by notorious Circumftances,
that there was Teaching among them, which Teacher is unknown or fled :
" And
cc
D E V O K-
SHIRE.
1665.
iS I^ecommix-
ted to Bride-
well.
15 Sent
to
Jjiftrefis for
Mecti>:g.
A Prifoner
compelled to
attend the
ll^orjliip in
the Goal,
Diflrefs on ,
Wilow for
t/ieetings dt
her Heufe.
Form of War-
rants gri'tited.
156 A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
JDevON- " And you are to demand of ^/^//jfw i?/.'/;- the Elder 15.^. 5;. for his own
SHI RE. tc Offence as abovelaid, and 10$. tor tlie Poverty of Joane Pollexfen Widow,
1670. ct ^nd Mary Braiigwin of your Parifli -, and Stephen Rule the Younger 155.
~ 5;. forhimfclf, and 55. for his Wife, and the other 55. for Hiniftoii of your
Town alio : And you are to demand likewife of William Rule i I. 5 s. of
Mary Randall 15 s. and of Roger Mitchell 155. 5;. each of them for their
own Offences, tlie reil for the Poverty of Edward Ball, Tamafine Harris^
Richard Perrott, Grace I'eoman, John PFeymouth and his Wife, Amy Bracking
and Sarah her Daughter, all of the Parifh of Marlborough, found and con-
vidfcd for being at the laid Conventicle abovefaid, and upon Refiifal to pay
the ieveral Sums it fliall and may be lawful, and you are hereby required
to levy the lame upon each- fo refufing by Diflrefs and Sale of their Goods,
and you are required to make a fpeedy Return of this Warrant, and certify
your Doings herein, whereof you may not fail at your Perils. Given under
my Hand and Seal the 17th Day of September i6yo.
({
JoJm Bierey
The Warrant for Weft-Ahington was under-written thus : " Upon Refiifal
" to open the Doors it fhall and may be lawlbl, and you are hereby required
" to break open their Doors, and this fhall be your Difcharge." Accordingly
Owen Edwards and Philip Lome Conftables, with John Biers the Juftice's
Coufin, and Richard 'Tucker the other Informer, who went by the Name of
Leach, with fix other Perfons, came to the Houfe of Elizabeth Phillips, and de-
manded 20/. Biere broke open the Back-door, at which "Tucker entered, and
let in the reft : They took away her Goods, which they Ihared among them-
felves at Pleafure, leaving neither Bedding nor Bed-clothes for her four fmall
Children to lodge in, and her Servants, lor feveral Nights, were obliged to lie
on Peafe-Straw. The Goods levied by Dillrefs for that Meeting were valued
as follows, viz.
-- : :. L s. d.
From Elizabeth Phillips 3 1 1 1 i
Richard March 10 5 o
Nicholas Tripe, MWiam Rule, and Mary Rajidall 9 11 10
Robert Weymeuth andi John Edwards of Marlborough 26 3 9
Roger Jarvis 600
And from Stephen Rule, all his Goods, worth but 200
85 II 8
The Warrants, which authorized thefe Diftreffes, were grofsly erroneous,
having charged 20 1, for a pretended Preacher, though the Meeting was held
in Silence, and having impofed Fines on others for the Poverty of two Perfons,
. one of whom was not diere, and the other had been dead feveral Years :
Wherefore fome of the Sufferers made their Appeal to the Quarter Seflions, as
follows, viz.
" Devon. Weji-Ahington, Marlborough, Sotitb-HuiJI:i, and Kingf-
" bridge Parities. Sept. 29. 1670.
An Affid to " \7i7E whofe Names are under fubfcribed, do hereby certify and declare,
thcPuirter n. y y that the Conftables, Wardens, and Overfeers of theParifties aforefaid,
Sejjient. ^ jjj ^y Warrant from John Biere, one of the King's Juff:ices of the County
" of Devon, diftrain feveral Particulars of Goods from us, for our being (as
" they faid) at a Conventicle, and for a Teacher, the Sum of 21/. 10 s. which
«' Preacher, or Teacher among the People, alTembled together the iith Day
«' of September, in the Houfe of Elizabeth Phillips of IVejl-Alvington aforefaid,
" (as they fiiy) i§ unknown or fled. Therefore according to the Privilege and
i.-^ " Libertv
Chap. ii. of the People called QUAKERS. 157
" and Liberty of the Aft in fuch Cafe provided and allowed, we do make DEVON-
" our Appeals, as Perfons aggrieved, for to be prefented to the Juftices of the SHIR E.
" next Quarter Seflions. And we do demand a Copy of the Depofitions 1070-
againft us.
"e'
Nicholas Tripe JVilliam Rule Roger Jarvis
John Edwards Richard March Robert fVeymoutb.
Hugh Weymouth Mary Randall
A Copy of the Depofitions was obtained, viz.
"Devon.
«' The federal Informations of Richard Leach, Daniel Arnold,
" John Biere, mid John Lucas, taken upon Oath before me
" John Biere, one of the King's Jujiices for the County
" aforefaid^ the i^th of September 1670.
" r I \ H E S E Informers upon Oath fay, that upon Sunday the nth of Sep- Depofniom,
" J[_ te?nber Inflant, coming toward the Houfe of one Elizabeth Phillips of
" Batten in the Parifh of fVeJl-Alvington, they law a Boy running before them
" to the faid Houfe, as thefe Informers believe, to give Notice to the People
" of the Houfe of their Coming, and thefe Informers coming into the faid
" Houfe, found there aflemblcd about fourfcore Perfons (as they fuppofe) fitting
" upon Forms and Seats in the Hall of the faid Houfe : Upon the higher End
" of the Table lay a Bible. Thefe Informers afking the Reafon of their being
« ' there, they told them. It was to worjhip God., and that theirs was the rights
" ours the wrong Way of Worfhip.
<c
Jo. Biere r
At the Seffions in OSiober, Thomas Carey being Chairman, the Appeal was
tried : The Appellants Council infifted, that there was 710 Preaching at the
Meeting, that the Information was erroneous, and the Fines wrongfully levied.
The Informers being called into Court and fworn, the Trial proceeded, viz.
Chairman. John Biere, PFhat can you fay in this Bufinefs ? -j-fj^i of tf,g
Biere. An't like your Worfhip, as I was going towards Mrs. Phillips's A^fea.
Houfe, I faw a Boy running before, and I believe, to give Notice to the People
that we were coming ; fo when we came into the Houfe, I faw about fourfcore
Perfons fitting on Forms and Chairs, and that is as much as I can fay.
Councellor. / defire to know whether this Man be an Informer or a Witnefs ?
Chairman. Why would you know ?
Councellor. If he be a Party concerned., he is not to be taken as a Witnef, ac-
cording to haw.
Chairman. John Biere., W^hat fay you ? You hear what Councellor Yeard
fays, Arc you an Informer, or a Witnefs ?
Biere. No., Sir, I am a Witnefs. Though indeed he had before given in
his Depofuion as an Informer.
Chairman. John Lucas, What can you fay ?
Lucas. An't pleaje your Worjhip, 1 faw a Boy run before into the Houfe.
Chairman. What Houfe ?
Lucas. Mrs. Phillips'j Houfe.
Chairman. What then.?
Lucas, Sir, when we, with the Conjtables, came in, we faw abundance of
People ; fome jat on Forms and Benches, fome on Chairs, andfome round 4he Table :
And I faw a Man fland at the higher End of the Table, and a Bible lay before
hijn, and there were feveral People food up, and leaned their Shoulders toward
that Man, as if they would hide him, and we ajked them. What they did there ?
They aifwered^ To worfhip and ferve God ; and that, theirs was the true Way
Vol. I. R r of
158 u^ Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
DEVON- of Worfhip, and ours the falfe ; a;d that^ if we did worihip God in their
SHIRE. Worfhip, it would be better for us than it was.
1670. xhe next Evidence was 'Tucker.
Chairman. What can you fay ?
Tuclver. ^«'^ like your Worfhip., I being at Alvington Church., after Sermon
the Conftable required me to go with him: Mrs. Phillips'; Boy food in the Church-
yard, and 1 believe the Boy heard iichat lue faid : So the Boy went away, and /,
with the ref, went to the Houfe.
Chairman. What Houfe ?
Tucker. Mrs. Phillips'; Houfe : And when we came on the Green, 1 Jaw a
Boy running down to the Houfe. So we food fill a little while, then we went
down^ but, before we came in, the Boy, as I believe, had given them Notice of
our coming ; and when we came in we faw about three or fourfore Perfons,
fame fitting on Chairs and Forms round the Table, and I faw a Man fand
at the higher End of the Table, and a Bible lay before him, and the People
leaned their Shoulders toward hitn, I fuppofe, to hide him ; fome afked. What
they did there ? They Jaid, To worfhip and ferve God : And this is all that I
can fay.
N. B. The aforefaid Perfons, being both Informers and WitncfTes, feem to
have concerted their Story ; for they agreed in what was notorioufly falfe,
there being no Perfons ftanding up, nor any Bible, or other Book, upon
die Table.
Chairman. Have you any more WitnefTes ?
Anfwer. Tes, Sir, one more.
Then came forth Walter Campion a Black-fmith.
Chairman. What can you fay in this Affair ?
Campion. Sir, I have been among them fever nl Times.
Chairman. Were you with them fince the loth of May ?
Campion. Tes, Sir, on the Green.
Chairman. But were you with them the nth of September?
Campion. No, Sir; but formerly. Sir, I have been among them, and where,
they fay, they had no Preacher or Teacher : Aii't like your Worfhip, Sir, the'j are
all Teachers, for, they Jay, they are moved by the Spiiit. There is Mrs. March,
Mrs. Phillips, Robert Weymouth, John Edwards, he is Recorder of the Mar-
riages, Births, and Burials ; and for their Teachers, 1 know them well enough,
there is Salthoufe and Chrii1:opher Bacon, a>id a Woman called Fell, and George
Fox, Cordwainer.
Chairman. How do you know them ?
Campion. 1 know them very well, for I do fjoe their Horfes.
Juftices. This is a counterfeit ^laker.
Councellor Shapcott. This is an Impudent Fellow, I never fiiw fuch an impu-
dent Fellow in all my Days.
Campion. They have their Fifth-day Meeting, which is their filent Meeting-
day, and their Firft-day Meeting, which is their Preaching- day, and then they do
all preach.
Some of the Juftices. They are no Obfervers of Days, nor do they chulc
one Day to be filcnt, and another to preach.
Another Jujlke. If there had been Preaching among them, they would not
have fled, tor they are of a more noble Spirit than fo. When I was at London^
there was a great Meeting, the Drums beating, with a great Company about
them, yet he that preached kept on preaching. Therefore, I believe there was
no Preaching or Teaching among them, for he would not have fled, as they f;iy.
Then the Witneffes for the Appellants were called, who agreed in their Evi-
dence, that diere was no Preaching at that Meeting, nor any Bible on the Table.
The Perlbn, whom the Informers had feen at the upper End of the Table, ap-
pearing in Court, and teftifying himlelf to be the Man, and tliat he preached not.
A Certificate was alfb produced in Court from one of the Conftables, who
went widi the Informers, being as follows.
THESE
Chap. ii. of the People called QUAKERS.
THESE are to certify, that I, the Conllable of Weft-Alviiigton, do
hereby teflify and declare, that when I came into the Hoiife ot Mrs.
PhiUipSy Widow, in the Parifh of tVeft-Ahington, with the Informers, the
nth Day of September^ I never faw, nor heard Sound of Words, nor
Preaching, nor Teaching, among the People there afiembled together, nor
did I fee a Bible or Book on the Table •, this I fhall teflify on Oath, when
called theramto. Given under my Hand the ift Day of O^oher iG-jo.
DEVON-
SHIRE.
1670.
Witnefs, James Jarvis.
cc
Owen Edwards r
Jppid of M.
Randall.
The Chairman, fumming up the Evidence to the JU17, fliid, I( was i-ery
near an equal Balance. The Jury feemed divided in their Sentiments, and
held a long Debate, before they could agree. But at length the Foreman and
fome others over-ruling the refl, a Verdict was given againfl the Appellants, by Verdifl agaiufl
means of which the Illegality of their Suffering was aggravated by the additional '*^ Jppellanti.
Charge of their Appeal and T'rial.
At the fame Seilion?, next Day, came on the Hearing of a particular Ap-
peal of Alary Randall, who was diftrained by that Warrant, wherein Fines were
laid for one Perfon who was abfent, and another who was dead. This being
clearly proved, the Warrant was judged illegal, and the Court ordered her
Money to be returned, which the conviding Juftice promifed to do, but never
did : Inftead of Reftitution, he fhortly after granted another Warrant againit
her for a pretended Offence of the like Nature.
By thefe Inflances of Appeals may appear the exceeding Hardfhip of the
Sufferers Cafe, who, in the clearefb Caufes of jufl Complaint, were ftill ag-
grieved, either through the Partiality of corrupt Juries, or the Negled: of the
Jufliccs in putting their own Decrees into due Execution, when in favour of the
Appellant.
In this Year, for two feveral Meetings at Batten Green, Diflreffes were made Dijireffes,
on the Goods of Robert tVeyrnouth, IVilliani Hingjlon, Mary Randall, Roger
Mitchell, Stephen Rule, William Rule, and Elizabeth Adams, to the Value of
ig/. 2s. 6d.
In this Year alfb Jonathan Collier died a Prifoner under Sentence of Excom- Death of
munication, for retufing to pay a Churcb-Rate. J- Collier.
ANNO 1671. A Letter dated the 30th of the Sixth Month this Year,
was fent from feveral Prifoners in Stoke-Cannon to the Judges of Affize, held at
the Cartle ot Exon, viz.
Remiris on
thefe JppiilS'
(I
ic
" Friends,
WE whofe Names are fubfcribed have thought fir to lay before you our
Conditions, who are Prifoners in the Sheriff's Prifon for the County
oi Devon, where we have not the Benefit as Prifoners in other Cafes, that
are great Offenders, who have the Liberty of being brought before you,
(you being fent of the King to free the Goal of Prifoners) and though we
are cafl into this Prifon which is for Debtors, yet no Man charges us with
any Thing of that Nature, or if any Thing, we are ready to make Satis-
faction : But for the Lord's and Truth's fake, and for keeping our Con-
fciences clear, and not tor doing the King hurt, or any of his Sulijefts, we
have been excommunicated, and by the Bifhop's Court caft into Prifon, by
which Courle of theirs, fome have been kept Prifoners in this Prifon four.
Jive, and fome fix Years, until they have had but little to help themfelves,
and their Adverfarics no Hope of getting any Thing from them : But
whether fuch Praftices of theirs be conlbnant with the Praftices of the true
Apoftles and Minitlers of Chrifl, or anfwer to that Meeknefs manitefted
by them in intlrufting thofe that did oppofe themfelves, or whether they
would be lo dealt with for worffiipping God as they are perfuaded, let our
Enemies themlclves be Judges. Now, that our Condition may be known,
" and
A Litter to
ths fn.iges ef
^If'x'-
i6o A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
DEVON- " and weighed in an equal Balance by you, and fo come to a Senfe of our
SHIRE, ct Sufterinos, and thereupon raifed up to fliew Mercy (as God is merciful) in
1 67 1. tj removin'c^ thole Yokes and Preffures, which our Families, being great, are
^^/~V"^^ " like to fuffer, by reafon of their Maintenance depending chiefly on our
" Labour, to which ic is well known by many of this City we have not been
" wantino- whilft at Liberty. We have given a fhort Account of our SufFerings,
" hoping you will look thereon, and be found doing the Thing that is jufl,
" and whilft ruling among Men, to rule in the Fear of God, which the Light
«' of Chrifl, the higher Power in all, leads into, as to it the Soul becomes
" fubjeft i which that you may all be, and the Sword turned againfl the Tranf-
" grelTor, and the evil Doer punilhed, and we live a quiet and peaceable Life
" in all Godlinefs and Fionefly, is the Prayer and Defire of us who are Pri-
" foners for the Word of God, and the Teflimony of Jejm.
Thomas Force William Jacobs
Thomai Saunders John Davie, &c.
Houfe broke One of thofe who were thus confined was John Gunnicliff, who by a Writ
"f"'' de Excommunicato capiendo was caft into Prifon, and detained there feventeen
Months. A little before his Commitment he was fined 20/. for permitting a
Meeting at his Houle, and fullered Diflrefs of his Goods ; to feize which, they
broke open his Houfe, and took away more than the Value of the Fine, a
fmall Part of which were returned him again very much damaged.
In this Year alio Nicholas Tripe, for a Meeting at his Houfe in Weft-Jlvington^
fuftered Diftreis of Goods to the Value of 3 5/. And William Hingjlon, for Fines for
himfelf and others, had his Goods taken away to the Amount of 16/. 4.S. 4^.
as had likewife James Coker, to the Value of 4/. 5 J. id.
RtkafeofFri- ANNO 1672. The deplorable Condition of great Numbers of this fuffer-
fotters. ing People, who at tliis Time filled mofl of the Prifons in England, being
repreiented to the King, and their Conftancy and Patience pleading their in-
nocent Caufe, Letters Patent under the great Seal were ifTued for the difcharging
many of them, by Virtue of which, Alexander Richards, William Jacobs, John
Gunnicliff, Sanifon Lark, Roger Roe, John Adams, Francis Hart, William Fa-
cey, Thomas Egberr, and Mary Price, were releafed out of the County Goal,
and John Jennell, Edward Ebden, and Elizabeth Stevens, out of the City Prifon
at Exeter.
Sufferings for ANNO 1 674. Robert Welch o{ Uffculum, v/as committed to Fn{on 2.t the
Tithes, Suit of Ja7fies Holloway an Impropriator, for 7/. demanded for Tithes : After
Ibme Time he was removed by Habeas Corpus to London : During his Impri-
fonment, the Profecutor took away Peafe out of his Field worth 40 s. and at
the AfTizes obtained an Execution, by which he made a Seizure of four Oxen,
a Cow, and an Horfe, to the Value of 34/.
dvd for In this Year James Taylor, and Gawen Taylor, for themfelves and their
Ahje7ice from Wives abfenting from the publick Worfhip, and Sufanna Guernfey, for the fame
ihe publick Caufe, fufiered Diftrefs of their Goods to the Value of i /. 19 j.
•^'"■J'^'f- ANNO 1676. i^oZ'fr/ /rf/f/.7, after Profecution in the Ecclefiaflical Court,
at the Suit of James Holloway, was by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo com-
mitted to Prifon, where he lay feveral Years. In this Year alfo James Taylor
was committed to the Sheriff's Ward at Exon for Tithes. And in the fame
Year two Widows, viz. Joane Pollexfen, and Elizabeth Phillips, were fent to
Goal for Tithes, at the Suit of Satnuel Norcott, Vicar of Wejl-Alvington, where
they remained Priloners tliree Years or upwards, though the Prieli's Demand
from the lormer of them was but about 5 s.
For their religious Meetings at Barlifcoinb, by Warrants granted from the
Juflices, Walrond, Biere, and Sainthill, many DilhefTcs were made, by which
were taken
<^ From
Chap. ii. of the People called QUAKERS.
i6i
From Ja^nes Taylor^ twenty Sheep and two Cows worth
Clement Coleman, Gawen Taylor, and George
Rujel, Goods worth J
Thomas Stampro, Greenvill Teo, Robert Elliott, Abel
Down, Thomas Fry, Richard Old, Richard Leach,
Anthony Hen/on, Robert Gutteridge, Jofeph Paul,
George Smith, John Richard/on, and Robert
Pottle, Cattle and other Goods to the Value of
i6
o
22
lO
II
DEVON-
SHIRE.
1676.
Diftrefii
52
Their Meeting-houfe alio was feized by Direftion of the faid Juftices, and
forcibly kept from them.
On the 27th of the Month called May this Year, lViUia7n Wolcott of Brid-
ford died a Prifoner, on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, for having Meetings
at his Houfe. The chief Promoter of his Imprifonmenc was Bernard Gillard,
Pried of Bridford. And on the 1 9th of the next Month died in the Sheriff's
Ward at Exon, Thomas Burgan of Otterton, imprilbned on a like Writ, for Ab-
fence from the publick Worfliip. They were both patient, innocent, and ex-
emplary Sufferers for their Teftimony.
ANNO 1677. At Plimouth, on the 5th of the Month called April, Andrew
Horjeman Mayor, with three other Juftices, and Conlfables attending them,
forcibly difperfed the Meeting, and fined Richard Samblc 20/. for Preaching.
On the 7th of the lame Month, the firft of the Week, the Mayor and two
other Juftices took the Names of thofe who were met, hal'd them into the
Street, fet a Guard at the Meeting-houfe Door, to keep them out, detained
Richard Samble till Evening, and then fined him 40/. for Preaching. From
that Day forward they were kept out of their Meeting-houfes, and obliged
to meet in the Street till the 29th of September following, when another
Mayor, William Tomes, entered upon his Office : The next Day they met
peaceably in the Houfe, but afterward this Mayor followed the Example
of his PredecefTor, and kept them out, and they aftembled in the open Street
three Times in a Week, enduring the Extremity of Cold, and Inclemency of
the Weather all the Winter, abufed by the Rabble and Scum of the People,
and fometimes by the Officers and Soldiers of the Garrifon, who threw Squibs
of Fire, and hot burning Coals upon them, pufhing them up and down the
Street, and bedaubing them with filthy Excrements, all which and much
more they endured with an unwearied Patience for the Space of more than
twelve Months. Several Warrants alfo were granted for diftraining their Goods,
by one of which the Conftables forcibly entred the Shop of Robert Cary, and
took from him Sugars and Strong Waters to the Value of 24/. all which they
fold for 4 /. 13 s.
For being at a Meeting at Woodhoufe in the Parifh of Wejl-Alvington, the
21ft of Oolober, was taken from William Hingjlon, a large Qiiantity of Timber
and other Wood, which eight Men were employed about eight Hours in
throwing over a Wall, to the Value of 35/. \e,s. And from Michael Lee
znd Samuel Jarvis, Goods worth 2 /. 2s. lod.
• On the 7th of the Month called January this Year, George Crocker of Pli-
imuth was committed to Prifon on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, for Ab-
fence from the publick Worfhip.
ANNO 1678. Elias Tuckett of Chriflow, aged eighty one Years, blind,
.and almoft deaf, was committed to the Sherift''s Ward at Exon, and continued
Prifoner tliere ten Weeks, at the Suit oi'John Davis a Juftice and Impropriator,
for Tithes.
In this Year alio Manajffes Orchard of Tiverton, was committed to Prifon
by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo., after Profecution in the Ecclefiaftical
Court, for opening his Shop on the Day called Chrijhnafs-day : And John
Vol. I. Si Lang,
Meetings in
the open
Street, even
in iVimer.
Vnweiriei
Pitience.
Diftrefs of
Goods,
Imprij'oiment
on I Writ de
Excom. Cap.
Im^rifonmem
fi/E.Tucketr,
xeho TPis Jged,
blind, 2nd.
almolt deaf.
Sufferings fir
divers Ci'ifa-
l62
DEVON-
SHIRE.
1678.
Viftrejis.
Death of
G. Raffell.
in Prifon
Suffering of
J. Taylor.
J. Clark.
R. Styling,
bis Son, itnd
ServMt, im-
frifoned.
Sundry Dif-
trefcs md Im-
prifonments.
Jmprifonment
for lithcs.
Diflrejfes for
Meetingi.
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vql. I.
Lang, Michael Lang, and Katharine Lang, of Coffinfwell, for refufing to pay
Fines of 3^. each, impofed on them tor Abfence from the National Worihip,
were committed to Bridewell, and confined there about fix Weeks.
ANNO 1679. On the 23d of the Month called Jane, JVUUain Leach, for
beino- at a Meeting in Cullumpton, fuffered Diftrefs ot his Goods to the Value
of 4/. 9 J.
ANNO 1680. George RuJJ'elo'i Burlefcotnb, aged eighty tliree, was commit-
ted to the Sheriff's Ward at Exon, on an Exchequer Procels tor 7 s. for Tithes, at
the Suit oi Anne Jones Impropriatrix. He continued in Frifon about nineteen
Weeks, and died there on the 2d Day of the Month called May this Year.
In the fame Year James Taylor of Holcomb-Regis, had Goods taken from
him to the Amount of 35/. for about 5/. demanded for Tithes, for which he
had been before in Prifon about two Years and an Halt, at the Suit of John
Blewett Impropriator.
John Clark of Holcomb-Regis, fuffered Diftrefs of his Cattle for a Fine ot 10/.
impofed upon him by the Jdlices iValrond and Sainthill, for being at a Meeting
in Cullumpton.
Richard Styling, his Son of the fame Name, and James Cheek liis Servant,
of the Parilh of Shoebrook, were fined ^s. each at the County-Seffions, where
they were prefented for not attending the public k Worfliip, and for Refufai to
pay, the Father and Son were committed to the High Goal at Exon, and the
Servant to Bridewell: They continued Prifoners about five Months, and were
then let at Liberty, on a Refblution of the Court to make Diflreis for their
Fines.
nomas Saunders fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 10s. for being
at a Meeting in Cullumpton ; and Mary Naufiter, Joane Harris, Emlyn Bray,
Elizabeth Mead, Sarah Pottel, and Tace Rugg, taken at a Meeting there, were,
committed to Bridewell, and detained there two Weeks ; as were aUo 'Tho-
mas Pearce, and Henry Richards, who had been fent thither by a SclTion's
Warrant, on a Prefentment for not attending the publick Worfhip.
ANNO 1 68 1. On the 3d of the Month called February, John Brice was
committed to Prifon for refufing to pay Tithes.
For attending religious Meetings at Plimonth, DiftrefTes were made on the
Goods
/. s. d.
Of John Shelfon, James Fox, imd Henry Cane, to the Value of 2 18 11^
Williarn Rawlins of Uffculm, and Philip Taylor 640
John Richards of Bradnich, and Joane Naufiter 290
Peter Looman of Honiton, and George Looman 810 o
20
Hi
Imfrifonmems.
Divers Impri-
foiiments.
Peter Looman and George Looman were alfo imprifoned about fifteen Weeks
on an Inditflment for Meetings, as was Willia?n Graven of Exon, about three
Weeks on a SefTions Procels tor the fame Caufe. And Richard Brown, John
Alger, and Nathaniel Elliott, were Priloners about eleven Weeks, and Matthew
Dunsford about three Weeks, for Abfence from the National Worfhip.
ANNO 1682. Robert Sihejler and Robert Elliott were imprifoned as
Rioters, the former three Months, and the latter three Weeks, for being at a
religious Meeting : And for Abfence from the publick Worfhip, John Cafely
and Dorothy his Wife, were imprifoned near two Years •, TJjomas Fry about a
Year : Abel Down and Richard Old about fix Weeks ; and Margery Chickett
and her Daughter of the fame Name, upwards of four Months.
ANNO 1683. In a Letter dated the 26th of the fixth Month this Year,
written by H alter Phillips, is a Lift of the Prifoners then in the feveral Goals
at hxon, which Letter is as follows :
From
Chap. ii. of the People called QUAKERS. 163
" From the County Work-houfe^ the i6th of the Sixth Months i'685. DEVON-
SHIRE.
" Thomas Salt house niid Thomas L. 1685.
" TV /TY dear and well beloved Friends! the Memorial of your Love is »^'''~V~\:^
" XV X fr^ amongft us, and daily invites us to have fome Correfpondency W. Phillip'^-
" with you, that we may know how it is with you, and your Fellow Prilbners, ^''''■''■
" who futfer with us for the Teftimony of a good Confcience, the Confidcra-
" tion of which doth more and more engage us to believe, that whatfoever the
" Lord fuffers to come upon us, will be for the Flonour of his Name, and
" for the Good of all that fuffer patiently the Trial of their Faith in this try-
" ing, fifting, winnowing Day, that God hath fuffered to come upon this
" Nation ; fo that a Separation may be made betwixt them that ferve God,
♦' and them that ferve him not-, fo blefled and happy will all fuch be, who
" are faithfully found waiung with their Lamps trimmed for the Coming of
" the Bridegroom. I fliall forbear to enlarge, becaufe I will give thee an
" Account of all Friends that are Prifoners, in Expeftation of the fome from
«' thee ^fr next. I remain
" Thy ever -loving Friend
" Walter Phillips,"
In the Bridewell, thirty eight.
William Hingejlon, John Brooking, Stephen Rule, James Coker, and Walter N'mes ani
Phillips, under Sentence of Premunire. Thomas Price, John Cajley and his Wife, p'"J?*f^ "•'
Francis Riindell, Gabriel Rundell, John Sheljlon, Henry Cane, James Fox, Richard ^'^^ "
Fox, Thomas Salmon, Richard Doe, John Doe, Robert Watch, Benjamin Way,
John Joye, John Cooke, Robert Honey, Jacob Thomas, Robert Hawkin, Nicholas
Pearfe, Edward Popham, Robert Bray, James Sbattock, Thomas Knight, Thomas
Ferryman, Philip Gill, John Lyde, Richard Gove, George Stidtjon, James Chappie,
Anthony Taylor, John Bowden, and Thomas Bowden.
In South-Gate Prison, three.
George Fry, Richard Tapper, and Thomas Waterman.
In the High-Goal, thirty.
John Colfworthyy John Chappie, Richard Hunt, John Paine, Nicholas Wort,
John Gannicliff, Michael Lee, John Couls, Henry Morle, Hefter Morle, William
Leach, Robert Ford, Tljomas Stampro'sv, Thomas Pearce, Ralph Whitrow, Andrew
Ellicott, John Light, John Light yan. Richard Smith, George Crocker, Thomas Lane,
Theophilus Line, John Harris, William Harris, Nicholas Harris, Fraficis Rawle,
Francis Rawle jun. Samuel Hancock, Francis Light, and Anthony Todd.
In the Sheriff's Ward, one.
John Brijlow.
In all, feventy two.
In this Year were taken by Diftrefs, for being at religious Meetings,
/. s. d.
From John Colfworthy of Topfham, Goods worth 12 7 10
Peter Looynan and John Chappie 2600
Matthew Dunsford, Richard Hunt, Sarah Limbery of O
Thorncomb, Manajfes Orchard of Tiverton, Edmund > 5 6 5
Baker, and John Harford, to the Value of j
43 14 3
ANNO 1684. In this Year James Taylor 0^ Holcomb- Regis, was a Prifoner
for Tithes about fix Months.
And
164
DEVON.
SHIRE.
1684.
A Golle<5lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
And in the fame Year Diftreffes were made, for attending religious Meetings,
on the Goods
Of John Colfworth)\ to die Value of
"John Baylor, Matthew Dunsford^ and John Chappie
John Whitty of Axminjler, and Thomas Force
William Hingejlon oi Kxngjbridge
John Brooking, and Richard Tucker
Augufiine Swa field, and Eleanor For fey
Forms and Chairs out of the Meeting-houfe
And for Abfence from the National Worfhip, taken
FVom Manajfes Orchard, Thomas Fry, Henry Morle, and
Thomas Statnprow, Goods worth
John Porter ot Thorncomb, John Col/worthy of
TopJJjam, and Matthew Dunsford
Matthew Croker of Halburton
Thomas Saunders of JVoodbury, John Taylor^
Richard Hunt, and John Chappie
Irr.frifonments
for Abfence
from the pub-
lick Worjhip.
ChiriBer of
an Informer.
Imprifon.
mems.
Vr'ifonen re-
leafed.
I.
s.
d.
20
15
17
7
4
14
16
II
14
17
I
10
3
6
I
5
1
10
80
14
10
/.
s.
d.
}^
7
} ^
16
8
20
] '
5
10
34
Many were imprifoned this Year, either for going to Meetings, or being ab-
fent from the publick Worfhip, among whom were Arthur Cotton, Samuel Snape,
John Ramjter, John Rugg fen. John Rugg. jun. William Mead, Henry Crofs,
Anthony Bray, Richard Fry, Hannah Parfons, Emlin Bray, Katharine Alfad,
Anthony Bragg, Richard Fiife, Richard Charly, and Richard Hodge.
The moft a6live Iniormer in thefe Parts, was one William Bond, of Bridport
in Dorfeljhire, a Bayliff, and Alehoufe-keeper : This Bond, and Br-^an a wicked
Lad, wliom he had at his Beck, would make Information at all Adventures.
He came to a fiknt Meeting, and went away and fwore that a Preacher was
there. He would fometimes carry Prifoners to his Houfe, and keep them there
a Month together. He had Impudence enough to command and infult the
Conftabks and other Officers, and even the Juftices themfelves. He feized
with his own Hands the Goods of John Newberry of Stockland, to the Value oi
30/. for a Fine of 5/. A Man of a feared Confcience, and infamous Charafter,
debauched in his Morals, and fupported in extravagant Living by honeft Mens
Subftance, whofc Goods he made a Prey of at his Pleafure. But many fuch
Wolves were at that Time permitted to worry the Sheep of Chriji,. On this
Man's Intormation were taken from Jofeph AJhford, John Smith, Nathaniel
Newton, and Jofeph Whitty, Goods and Cattle to the Value of 1 3 /. 13 j .
John Joole of Plympton-Mary was a Prifoner two Months, John Smith of
Membury above eight Months, Matthew Dunsford of Topflmm ten Months, and
Michael Lee of Bury-Pomroy about a Year and tour Months.
John Clark of' Holcomb-Regis, futfered three Months Imprifonment, and Wil-
lia7n Rawlins was detained fix Months in Prifon, for refufing to take the Oatlis.
ANNO 1685. In this Year, by King Jatnes's Proclamation for a general
Pardon, the Prifoners, for Religion in this County, were generally fet at Li-
berry, and permitted to hold their Affemblies for Worfhip, without much
Moleltation.
In this Year alfo William Gravett of Exon, for eleven Months Abfence from
his Parilh Cliurch, had taken from him by an Exchequer Procefs, Goods to
the Value of 22 1. loj.
ANNO 1686. In this and the next preceding Year, James Taylor, Robert
Ford, Matthew Dunsford, Roger Jarvis, and John Harris, had Corn taken out
of their Fields tor Tithes, to the Value of 14/. y s. 6d.
On
D E V O N»
SHIRE.
i686.
Chap. 12. of the People caUed QUAKERS. 165
On tlie 1 3th of December this Year, Dorcas Do'-<;jle and Abigail Smith having
been at Tiverton Meeting, were fcnt for by JVilliam He-jnitt Mayor, and fent to
Prifon for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, but difcharged at the next
SclTions about four Weeks after.
On the 2oth of the next Month, Robert Ford, Jacob 'TJoo7na?, Clememt Lake,
Margery Tucket, and Abigail Smith, were taken by Conftables from a Meet-
ing at the Houfe of Sarah Telland in Oakhampton, and by the Mayor and
another Juftice fent Prifoners to the High Goal at Exoji, whence the faid Abigail
was difcharged about three Weeks after by the King's Warrant, and the reft of
them at the next AfTizes, after about five Weeks Imprifonment.
ANNIS 1687, 1688, 1689, and 1690. In thefe Years we have an Ac- Tuku
count of Corn taken out of the Fields, from Perfons occupying Land in this
County, to the Amount of 48 /. 14J. 6d. The Names of thofe Sufferers were
Robert Ford, James Ta^jlor, IValter Phillips, Ifaac Phillips, Roger Jarvis, Mat-
thezv Dimsford, John Edisjards, Richard Perrot, John Harris, Andrew Stone,
* Robert PFeymoiith, Jacob Phillips, "f" John Smith, John Colfworthy, John Wey-
mouth, Ifaac Brooking, John Brooking, and Thomas Stampro.
Robert Were, profecuted hy John Moyridge, Prieft oi Bio-lifcomb, for Tithes, was
committed to the High Goal at Exon, by Warrant from two Jufticcs grounded
on a Certificate out of the Ecclefiaftical Court on the 1 7th of December , 690.
Walter Phillips of Exon, for refufing to fend out a Soldier in the Trained
Bands, had taken from him in the Year 1690, Goods worth 3/. 55. 3^.
CHAP.
XII.
DORSETSHIRE. "s^hVrT
16^6,
Anno 1656.
ON the 2 ift of the Month called June, George Bailey, being con- imprifonmint
cerned to utter fome Chrillian Exhortation to the People in their of G. Bailey,
publick Worlhip-houfe at Melcomb, was fent to Prifon there, and *'"' j^^'^^'^^o'*^
after three Days removed to Dorche/ler Goal. On the i6th of ^Jj-J." "J' ■
November, Jafper Batt, in the publick Place of Worfliip at Weymoiith-Malcotnb-
Rcgis, afkcd the Prieft after the Sermon, whether he was a Minijler of Chrifl ?
The Prieft anfwered /rtwi, and went his Way : But the People fell violently
upon Jafper, and beat him forely : After which they fent him to Prifon, where
he lay feveral Days. On the 30th of December, John Scaife, Robert Waftfield,
Richard Adams, John Allen, and Jofiab Coale, at the fame Place, met with
like Treatment for their Chriftian Intention of exhorting the People, who
defpitefully ufed them : After which the Mayor fent them to Prifon.- The
aforefiid John Scaife, a few Weeks before, preaching in a Meeting at Everfhot,
had been affaulted by a wicked Fellow named Thomas Hiirlfton, who climbed
upon the Wall, fell upon him, and ftruck him to the Ground. At another
Time this Hurlfton, wrapt up in a Bull's Hide, came among the Rabble to the
Meeting-houfe Door, and threw in an Horn, with which he ftruck off" Part of
Vol. I. T t the
cut
on an Exckqiitr Profe-
* Rflberi Weymouth had been before imprifoned thirteen Weeks, on
cion for Tithes, at the Suit oi Arion Biker, Vicar oUVeji-Alvington.
\ Jofc>»^wi(fc was alio profecuted in the Hundred Court at the Suit of If iUiam Drake I
propriator, who got Execution againft him for i /. ij)i. lod. and took from him a Marc
worth 4/.
i66
DORSET-
SHIRE.
1656.
Sundry Imfri-
fonmcms.
Imprifonmetit
o/A. Rigg,
and of J. Gun-
dry.
Suiden Death
of a Perje-
eutor
Cruel Whif-
fing.
Jmprijon-
mints.
A Colleclion <?/ the Sufferings Vol. I
the Preacher's Lip. But the End of this protline Man was remarkable, who
being fhortly after at a Bull-baiting, the Bull ftruck his Horn through his Chin
up into his Head, fo that his Tongue was torn out of his Mouth, and he in-
ftantly died, having but a Quarter of an Hour before told fome of his Com-
panions, that he defigned to he at Everfliot again that Bay, to make Sport of the
Quakers. This Man's Exit was remarked by many as a fingular Inllance of
the Divine Juftice.
In this Year Humphry Stnith and Anthony Mellidge were taken out of a
Meeting at Corfe, and committed to Dorchejter Goal : To which Priibn were
alio fent Richard Fairman and Matthew I'hotnas., taken up as they were paffing
on their lawful Occafions, the one at IViiidfritb, and the other at Blandfvrd.
ANNO 1657. In or about the Month called April this Year, Ambrofe Rigg
was by the Mayor oi' IVeymouth committed to the County Goal, after he had
been beaten, and had his Clothes torn by the People, for giving them a Chrif-
tian Exhortation after the Pricft had ended his Sermon.
On the 1 6th of the Month called Atiguft, after the Prieft of South- Perrol had
ended his Sermon there, John Giaidry ferioufly exhorted both him and the People
to Repentance : The enraged Prieft ftruck him, and then made Oath before a
Juftice, that Gundry had difturbed him, though he fpake not till the Prieft had
quite done. The Juftice fent him to Dorchefter Goal, where he lay about five
Months, till the SelTions, at which one Edward Ireland a Tithing-man, was
very eager in profccuting Gundry, and exprefled much Joy in his Hopes of
fending die innocent Man to Prilon again ; but in that he was difappointed,
ibr the Court difcharged him. Some Obiervers of this Tithing-man's perfe-
cuting Difpofition, were furprized when they faw him taken out of the World
by fudden Death the next Day.
Barbarous was the Ufage which George Bewley, John Ellis, and Humphry
Spragne, met with at Bridport, in Novefnber, after they had been at a Meeting
there, the Mayor and Bayliffs of the Town caufed them to be whipt as Va-
gabonds, and lent away with Pafles : George Bewley defired Liberty to go to
the Inn for his Horfe and Clothes, but was no: lufFered : When he Lad gone
fome Miles from the Town, the Officer who conducted him gave him his Li-
berty ; whereupon he returned for his Horfe and Clothes, and the BaylifFs
caufed him to be whipt again, and fent away without them : He returned
again, and went to his Inn, paid his Hoft, and was riding out of Town on his
Horfe, when the Bayliffs caufed him to be taken and whipt the third Time.
They then fent him away with his Horfe and Clothes, which they had detained
without any Colour of Law : And thus cruelly tormented the lawful Owner
for claiming his own Property.
The fame Mayor alfo treated Richard Polderuy with like Severity, who going
to a Meeting there, was alfo whipt, and difmift with a Pafs, though known to
be but fix Miles from Home.
In like manner the Mayor of Dorchejler dealt with Bartholomew Ltigg, who
being at a Meeting there, but twelve Miles from his own Dwelling, was whipt
as a Vagrant, and fent away with a Pafs. The like Sentence was cruelly exe-
cuted on Thomas M-^oodrove, who had been at a Meeting there.
At Hawhhurch on the 1 6th of October, Humphry Sjnilh, preaching in the
Meeting there, the Prieft of the Parifh, with Officers and a Warrant, carried
him to a Juftice, who caufed him to be cruelly whipt, and fent with a
Pafs from Tithing to Tithing. The fame Humphry Smith and Samuel Curtis,
being together at Chard Market, were taken up by a Juftice's Warrant, whipt
as Vagabonds, and fent away, tliough Samuel Curtis was well known to be bur
feven Miles from Home, and to be a Clothier of conliderable Trade, Wealth,
and Reputation. Dewens Morry, going to the publick Place of Worfhip at
Hawkchiirch, by the Inftigation of a Prieft, and Order of a Juftice, was bar-
baroufly whipt.
Jofepb Coale, for afking the Prieft a Qiieftion, after his Sermon at Bridport,
was kickt and abuled by the People, and haled by the Flair of his Head to
Prifbn.
Chap, i 2. of the People called QUAKERS.
16'
Prifon, and from thence fent next Day to Dorchejler Goal. Elizabeth Atkins
and Dorothy Saunders were aJfo imprifoned for their religious Exhortation to the
People in their publick Afiemblies for Worfhip.
Ihomas Strickland and Francis Dumberfeld, for not putting off their Hats be-
fore the Juftices, were kept in Prifon above a Year from their Families,
each having a Wife and five Children, depending for Subfiftence on theii-
Labour.
Hannah Guier, being at a Meeting at Soulh-Perrott, but five Miles from her
Dv/elling, was fent Home with a Pafs.
On the 6th of November, Lore Bagg, a Mercer's "Wife in Bridport, with
her Son Thomas Bagg, and her Daughters Sarah and Abigail, having only
w
.liked
to a Meeting in
the BaylifJs with wandring and profane walking
2s. 6d. each, and for rcfufing to pay it were
there feveral Months.
ANNO 1658. We find this Year in Dorchejler Goa.1, Francis fVilliams,
Nicholas Stone, Bartholomew Liigg, and William Elliott jun. they were detained
there about leven Months, for no other Caufe than publickly appearing in the
Street, while IVilliam Bailey, one of their imprifoned Friends, was under the
Examination of the Magiflratcs : At which Time Walter Hallett, offering to
go up into the Town-hall, was ftruck on the Head with many Blows by an
Officer.
In September this Year, George Harris and Peter Mabber, having been at a
Meeting in Sherborne, were ftoned and otherwife inhumanly abuled by the
Rabble. Soon after a Juftice of the P&ice fent for them, pretending Kindnefs,
and that he tiould punijh thofe who had done them hurt. But when they came
before him and another Jutlice with their Hats on, they were for that Offence
only fent to Prifon, and detained there above a Year, without the leaft Notice
of the Injury they had fufftred.
Jdfiab Limbery, George Fry, and Thomas Sprague, for going eight Miles to
Bridport Meeting, were imprifoned, and afterward fet in the Stocks.
Anne Coleman and Winifred fVynzer, for abfenting themfelves from the pub-
lick Worfhip, were imprifoned many Weeks : And for the fame Caufe John
Hide, Rc.ert Hart, John Scott, Abraham Farrant, and Samuel Atkins, fijffered
Imprifonment for fome Time.
Francis Beaton of Overcompton, and Roger Coward of Trenthead, were impri-
foned at Dorchejler ior Tithes, where the latter of them w.is remaining a Prifoner
three Years after.
William Coward of Plujh, was alfo in Pritbn for the fame Caufe.
Nicholas Mafters of Bradford, was alfo committed to Dorchejler Goal, at the
Suit of Elias Harvey Impropri;itor, and died there for his Teftimony.
Thomas Strong, for declaring Truth in the publick Worfhip-houfc at Dor-
chejler, was committted to Prilbn.
ANNO 1655. Humphry Smith was taken out of a Meeting at Poole, and
fent to Prifon.
ANNO 1660. On the 1 7th of the Month called Mjj, a Rabble, raifed
by Beat of Drum, came to the Meeting at Broad Cerne, befet the Houfe,
fired Guns under the Windows, beat thofe that were met with Poles and with
their Guns, floned them through the Streets, and hurt feveral of them, fo that
fome fpat Blood a long Time after, and others were fbrely bniifed, narrowly
efcaping with their Lives. On the 20th a Meeting at Hawkchurch was molefted
by Captain Bragg and others, who pulled them out twice by force ; demanded
\os. of them for riding to the Meeting, and took away fix of their Horfes.
Next Day they were fent for to a Juftice of the Peace, with whom was the Priefl
of Hawkhurfl, who rudely infulted them, calling them ill Names, i^c. The
Juflice told them, the^ 7nu/l meet no more, and faid to the Tithing-man, Tou
knoiv what to do with their Horfes, meaning that he fhould fell them for the
Fines of 10 s. each, which he confirmed. Accordingly they kept three of the
Horfes
DORSET-
SHIRE.
1657.
the fimie Town and Home again, were charged by
on the Sabbath-day, and fined
fent to Prifon, and detained
Vn\itji Impri-
fomnentst
Imprifonment
for Tithss.
N. Mailers
diei Prifoner,
H. Smith im-
prifoned.
Tumuhueus
Infulu.
i68
DORS-ET-
SHIRE.
Jniprifo-iimevtS
for Tithes,
and for Irleet-
iyigs.
Jmprifamne>it
0/ R.King So
Tars of Age.
Imprifonmetits
for -Mt Svoe^r-
'Kg.
Some tiien
from Meet'
Trifoners
abufed by the
felons.
Diftrtfs.
hifrifcn-
mer.ts.
A ColleClion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Horfeswith two Bridles and Saddles, worth about 11 /, On the 17th of the
Month called Jz/w, they were in like manner treated at Lyvie^ as they had been
^t Broad-Cenie : And on the 9ch of" the Month c3ilkdA(gufl, the fame Ufage
was repeated at Hawkchnnh.
On die 2d of the Month called Jugujl, Hercules Tohee and Johi Butler were
committed to Dorcbejler Goal, at the Suit of Edmund Butler, Patron of the
Parfonage of Haytiwre, and John Do?-e, Prieft of the fune, for Tithes. -
About the fame Time Elizabeth Majlers Widow, was committed to the fame
Goal for Tithes, at the Suit of the fame Impropriator, who had before kept her
Hufband in Prifon till he died.
Onihe i6th of Sefiie/nber, Will'ia??i Scott, John Scott, Jo/eph Hopkins, Charles
Noake, George Ryal, Francis Taylor, Richard Phillips, Edmund Bound, and
Thomas Miller, taken at a Meeting in Sherhrrn, were carried before fome Juftices
then fitting there, who, on their refufing to give Sureties for their good Beha-
viour, fent them to Prifon, where they remained about a Year. Thofe Nine,
with John Pitman, Thomas Long fen. Thomas Long jun. John Hopkins, and Ben-
jamin Hopkins, were alfo fined ior Contempt of the Court in not pulling off
their Hats at Seffions.
On the i7thof Ofc7o/'^r, Robert King of GlaJ/ofi-Bradford, about eighty Years
of Age, was committed to Dorchejlcr Goal for Tithes, at the Suit of Elias
Harvey Impropriator.
On the lame Day Edzvard Tucker, James Budd, John Hugginfon, Michael
Drink-water, George fi^hite, and Richard Zebar, were taken from a Meeting at
Ceni Abbies, and for refufing the Oath of Allegiance committed to Dorchefter
Goal ; as was on the 19th George Harris, who was taken by Soldiers out of his
own Iloufe •, and on the 20th John Hide, taken at a Meeting in Sherburn :
This John Hide was an old Royaliil, who had ferved the King at Colchejler
Siege, and had fuftered Imprifonment for his Loyalty ; but was now fent to
Goal as a difaffefted Perfon by one Fitz-J antes, a Military Officer, who in the
Days of Oliver and Richard CromweU, had been very zealous and adtive againft
the King. Anthony Mellidge was the fame Day taken from a Meeting at Poole,
who, with twelve others there met, had the Oath of Allegiance tendred them,
and were fent to the Prilbn in that Town. On the 25th Bartholomew Beere,
Henry Dumberfeld, Alatthew Pitt, John Tucker, and John Holman, had the
Oaths tendred them by the Mayor ofWeymouth, and for refufing them were fent
to Dorchejter Goal ; as were about the lame Time John Elms and IVilliam White,
who were taken from a Meeting at Blandford.
Ezekiel Rujfel, fined at a Court-Leet, for reEifing to Swear, had a Mare
taken from him worth y I. 10 s.
On the 8th of the Month called January, Andrew Sheppard, coming from
Market, was ftopt by two Soldiers, and carried before the Juftices, who, for
refufing the Oaths, fent him to the County Goal ; v^hkher: zlfo Bernard DevniJJj,
taken out of his Shop by Soldiers, was committed the fame Day for the fame
Caule. About the fame Time William Paul, having Ibme Bufinefs at the Quarter
Seffions, the Juftices there tendred him the Oaths, and fent him to Prifon : His
Cafe was hard, being a poor Man, lame with an Ulcer in his Leg, and having
a great Charge of Children.
On the 13th a Troop of Soldiers took Peter Mahher, John Andrews, Andrew
Downton, Samuel Majlers, Obadiah Majlers, John Parker, Henry Wilmington,
John Fivian, Richard Coggin, and Edward Starr, out of a Meeting at Batcomh ;
they were next Day fent to Dorchejler Goal for refufing the Oaths, where they
were put among Felons, who were fuffered to take away tlieir Clothes and Hats,
and abufe iliem at their Pleafure.
ANNO 1661. Robert French ofWeyford, for Abfence from the National
Vorlliip, had Goods taken from him to the Value of ^s. 6d.
ANNO 1662. In this Year Anthony Mellidge, Henry Lock, Jeremy 17jo-
:nas, John Rogers, William Fippard, John Scott, and Williatn Noble, were fent
to prifon on the ACt againft Conventicles.
ANNO
Chap. t2. of the People called QUAKERS.
169
, having
ANNO 1663. On die 27ch of the Month called February this Year, Wil-
liam While and John Gilicll were Prifoners tor I'iihes in this County
then been under Confinement three Years.
In this Year Francii Williams, Bartbolomeiv Lugg, Elizabeth Oshorn^ William
Elliott, Tlhovias Shrimpton, and Riclhvd Baggy for Abfence from the National
Worlhip, fuffered Dillrel's ot Goods to the Value of i /. 10 i. 4^.
ANNO 1665. On the ladi of tlie Month cilkd February, Darnel Taylor,
Thomas Bagg, William Elliott the Elder, Francis Wiilia7ns, Bartholomezo Lnggi^
Lore Bagg, Hannah Nichols, and Elizabeth OJhorn, taken at a Meeting in
Bridport, were committed to the Town Goal for eleven Weeks, on the Att
for Banifhment.
ANNO 1666. On the 1 6zh of November, Chrijhpher Bacon, JohnGillet^
William Wilkins, Daniel Taylor, Thomas Bagg; Francis Williams, ff^'iliiam Elliot
jun, Hannah Nichols, and Mary Bagg, were violently taken out of a Meeting
at Bridport : Next Day in the Evening they were feht for by the Baylifls
of the Town, and fent to Prifon on the Att for Banifliment. When they
would have pleaded for themlelves, Spencer^ one of the BaylifTs, anfwered theni
fhort, 2cu Jhall go to Prifon right or wrong.
In this Year Henry Barnes of Blanford^ and Cbrijlopher Collins and James
Robins ot Thornford, were Prilbners on Significavits of Excommunication, for
not paying toward the Repairing the Steeple-houles of thofe Places : They
had been then in Priibn, the firjl three Years, the Jecond two Years and eight
Months, and the third about two Ye.irs and an Half ; though the Sum de-
manded oi Robins was but 9^. and of Barnes only \6d. for which he was vio-
lently haled from the Market to Prifon, and there clofe confined from his Wife
and four fmall Children, whole Subfiftence depended on his Labour.
ANNO 1667. On the 5th oi Dece?nber, John Pitman was Prilbner in the
County Goal, where he had been Prifoner above four Years under Sentence of
Premunire for refufing to Swear. Which Sentence was alfo pafTed upon James
Atkins at the Affizcs this Year. About this Time the Juflices at their ScfTions ap-
peared arbitrary in tlieir Proceedings againll Johyi Scott and Thomas Gower, who
being indidfed for being at a Meeting, and no Evidence appearing againll
them, they fhould have been difcharged ■, but the Juftices fefolving to detain
them, ordered the Goaler to put on their Hats, oh purpofe to fine them for hot
taking them off, and under that Pretence fent them back to Prifon.
ANNO 1672. William Scott, Angel Smith, Charles Noake, Francis Bound,
Andre-uj Downton, and Williatn Gawler, who had lain in this County Goal, under
Sentence of Premunire, about nine Years for not Swearing, were difcharged by
the King's Letters Patent ; as were alfo Henr^ Weedon, JoJJnia Brook, John
Leach, John Cawley, John Parfons, Robert Angel, William Kite, John Debnam,
John Bennett, and Francis Guy.
ANNO 1673. At the Lent Affizes held in Dorchefler this Year, John
Btidd, Thomas Budd, John Bennett, Ezekiel Rujfel, John Sadler, John Anner fen.
and John Anner ]w:\, were profecuted on the Statute of Queen Elizabeth againft
Popijh Recufants.
ANNO 1 674. Upon die tnforjnations of Thomas Dyker and Ed-ward
Hart, of a Meeting at Batcomb near Cerne-Abbey on the 19th of the Month
called July this Year, by a Warrantt from Nathaniel Highmore of Sherborne,
feveral Perfons had their Goods diftrained : And on thefe and other Informiitions
in this and the preceeding Year, were taken
DORSET'
SHIRE.
1663.
end DifireJ/cU'
Nlmy impri-
fonmenti on
tki Ad for
Bxiiijhmer.t,
From Peter Maber, three Cows worth
Henry Hodges, Goods worth
Richard Fry oi Sherborne, John Gundry,'
Richard Stone^ and William Stone, to
the Value of
/.
II
14
12
o
o
o
o
Cn Excowini'
rtUitions for
trivlilChims,
Premunire.
ArhUriry A^.
Difckir^e of
rrifonc's.
ProJecutioKS
iS Faj^jills.
I>;flref(s for
Meeting.
Vol. I.
Uu
37 2 4 Cai: over
170 A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
DORSET-
SHIRE.
1674.
* Thefe Cows
were fold for
S/.
Cruihy of A
^ttjiice, and
of an Infor-
mer.
l^arrant for
Vifirejfes.
Brought over
* John Brown, three Cows worth
E/ias Howard, in Money and Goods
Edward Kennell and Deborah Coleman of ^
Corfe, fVilliam Kennell, William Pbip- ^
pard, Matthew Doming, and Baijamin}
Collins, Goods worth
Joh?i Carter and Ja^nes TJjomas
I.
37
22
14
d.
4
o
o
21 15
18
91 9 10
A principal Aftor in granting Warrants for thefe Diftrefles was Juftice Culli-
ford, who much tranfgreiled the Bounds of his Office in kicking Deborah Cole-
man, an innocent Woman, on her Belly, and other Parts of her Body, and
ftriking her with his Dog- whip.
The like Fury poffeflTed one of the Informers, who, coming to make Dif-
trefs, cut the Arm of Henry Hodges to the Bone. Another Informer, Clerk to
one of the Juftices, wiflied the ^uikers lockt up in their Meeting-houfe and
Fire fet to it, faying, he believed it doing God good Service to kill them. Such
Wolves as thefe worried die poor Sheep of Cbrift at their Pleafure. We Ihall
next inlert,
A Copy of one of the Warrants for Diftrefs, viz.
«
Dorfet fs.
" Wl H E R E A S John Gtindry and IVilUain Stone, both of Ever/hot m this
" VV County, have been again legally convifted for being at a Conven-
" tide upon Sunday the i6th of Augiift, and again the i8th oi O^lober, and the
" 13th of this Inftant November, in the Houfe of him the faid John Gundry
" in Walco?nb, under Pretence of religious Worfhip, contrary to the Ad: of
" Parliament in that Cafe made and provided ; and that Mary, the Wife of
" the fiiid John Gundry is again convifted for the fame Offence, viz. on the
" 16th of Juguft and on the 1 5th of November, and Richard Stone of the fame
" hath been alfo convitfled of the like Offence, viz. on the 16^ of Juguji
" and the 18th of Oilober ; and Mary, his Wife, hath been convifted for
" being at the Conventicle on the fiid 15th of November Inftant, contrary to
" the Aft aforefaid, by which fhe hath incurred the Penalty of 5;. and the
" reft 10 s. for each of the laid Offences and Conviftions ; and the laid John
" Gundry, for permitting the faid Conventicles to be kept in his Houfe, hath
" forfeited for each Day's Offence, the Sum of 40/. lawful Ejiglijh Money,
" according to the ftid Aft.
" Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to require you forthwith to de-
" mand the laid feveral refpeftive" Penalties and Sums of Money of the faid
" Offenders, viz. of the faid John Gundry 120 1, for his Houfe, and 30 j. for
" his own three faid feveral Conviftions, and 20J. for his Wife, and of the
«' faid IVilliam Stone q,os. from Richard Stone 10 s. for his own Offence, and ^s.
" for his Wife : And if they, any, or cither of them fhall thereupon refufe or
" negleft to pay the fame, you are hereby required to levy it by Diflrels and
" Sale of their refpeftive Goods, rendring the Overplus, and return the faid
" Money, with this Precept, to me at my Houfe in Sherborne by the i2di D..y
" of December next : Hereof fiil not asyourfelves will not incur the Penalty of
"5/. lawful Money for each of your Negleft herein. Given under my Hand
<■'• and Seal the 20th Day of November, Anno mi Caroli Jccundi Angli^r, &c.
" Annoq. Dom. 1674.
To the Conjlables of the Hundred o/Tilles-
ford, and to the Church-wardens atid
OvcT-fcGTSofthe Poor of F.vcrihot., afid
to the Tilhing-man thereof Thefe.
" Nath. Highmore.
So
Chap. 12. of the People called QUAKERS.
So firm and conftant were this People in their rehgious Aflemblies to wor-
fhip God, that by frequent Execution of fuch Warrants many of them were
impoverifted, and their whoJe Subftance made a Prey to mercilefs Informers.
ANNO 1677. Jofeph Cillet vizi'i committed to Dorcbejler Goal on an Ex-
chequer Procels for Tithes, at the Suit of Benjamin Bird a Prieft, whofe De-
mand was but 12 s. for four Years.
In this Year Henry Barn at Blandford, for a Meeting at his Houfe, fufFeretl
Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 8 /. Edward Ware 3 /. and Michael 'Drink-
water 5/. In this Year a Verdicfl was given at the Affizes againft William
Scolt for 100/. on the Statute made againlt Popjh Reculants.
Sarah Bagg of Bridport, for refufing to pay 25. 8 d. for a Soldier in the
Trained Bands, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 20^.
ANNO 1678. Jofepb Gillelt, a Clothier of Wooton near Lyme, was arrefled
in the Month called May, for a Demand of 220/. for eleven Months Abfenct-
from the National Worfhip : He put in an Appearance to the Adion, but iii
the next Term Execution was awarded againft him tor that Sum, wliicli
obliged him to fhur up and leave off his Trade, to the Detriment of many
poor People by him employed. In November he was again committed to Pri-
Ibn at the Suit of Prieft Bird, who himfelf affifted in plucking him out of his
Houfe : He was continued a Prifoner near fix Years after.
In this Year William Kennell, John Brown, "Thomas Strong and Honour his
Wilis, all of the Ifle of Purbeck, were returned as Popijh Reculants at the
Quarter Sefiions : And Tloomas Budd, on an Exchequer Procels for two Thirds
of his Eftate, fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value of 20 s.
James Jenkins, Robert Noble, and John Boyle, poor Men of Warham, taken
from a Meeting at Noble's Houfe, were by Juftice Savage fent to Dorchejler
Goal for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Rebecca Hill was fent to Prilbn on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, dated
the 13 th of July this Year.
ANNO 1 6S0. For Meetings at Bridport, Warrants were ifTued from Jofeph
Bijhop and Thomas Ellis Juftices, and Bailiffs of Bridport, on the Information
of Thomas NoJJlter a Lawyer, and William Bond a BailfF's Follower, by which
were taken
From Tho-mas Bagg, Goods to the Value of
Daniel Taylor, to the Value of
William Smith, Humphry Sprague, and
James Jacobs, to the Value of
S.
10
d.
o
o
12 II
13
DORSET.
SHIRE.
1677.
Conftaruj in
Meeting,
Exchequer
Procejs. ■
Excommuni'
citioiu
Diftrejfas «
Bridport.
/ f'^oni,;-
■A'AK
Meetings In
the Street.
ANNO 1684. On the 2d of the Month called May, the Meeting-houfe
at Bridport being fhut up by the Magiftrates, the Meeting was held in the open
Street, whence fixteen Inhabitants of that Town, or Places adjacent, were
taken and fent to Prifon,'uf2. Daniel Taylor, Humphry Sprague, William Elliott len.
Mary Kenway, Thotnas Bagg, James Beagen, Edward Collier and Sarah his Wife,
Elizabeth Lugg, Robert Hosford, John Nichols, Elias Nichols, William Elliott jw.
William Kenway, Jofeph Kenway, and Bartholofnew Lugg. In the lame Year
the hid DanielTaylor, Humphry Sprague, Thomas Bagg and Jbigail his Wife, and.
others of Bridport, were indided on the Statute for 20/. per Month, for Ab- JnMmems.
fence from the National Worfhip -, as were alio at the Quarter SefTions William
Scott, Richard Fry, and others of Sherborne : Richard Fry was alio prolecuted in
the Ecclefiaftical Court, and imprifoned on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo.
On the 23d of Nove?nber at Bridport, the Informer pulled the Friends out of
their Meeting-houfe one by one ; and William Darby Conftable, pulled Abigail
Bagg along the Room, dragged her out into the Dirt, and there left her. After
which they carried Elias Nichols and Elizabeth Lugg to Bond the Informer's
Houfe, where he kept them Prifoners. At another Time Darby the Conftable
turned
ExeommuHi-
cation.
Abufes bj In-
formi'i.
172
DORSET-
SHIRE.
1684.
Seizures.
M Wey-
mouth.
^ Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
turned the Friends out and nailed up the Meeting-houfe Doors, fending eight
of them to Bond's Houfe, where they were put into a httle nafty ftinking
Chamber, Men and Women together, four Days, not fuffering them to go
out to eal'e themfelves, and when a Bed was fent to one of them, Bo7td and his
Wife took it away ; Bond telling them, they fhoidd have no Law. In fuch
Actions as thefe he fhewed himfelf lawlefs, taking Shelter under the Aft againft
Conventicles, which gave fuch Encouragement to Informers, as they made no
Confcience of ftretching beyond the Bounds either of Reafon or Humanity.
This was apparent in the Cafe of Willia?n Ken-way of Bridport, who being fined
5 /. for liimfelf and others meeting there. Bond and Darhy broke open his
Doors, and kept PofTefTion of his Houfe two Days and two Nights, drank out
his Beer, and burnt up his Wood, denying his Wife fo much as a Faggot to
warm hers and her Childrcns Clothes with : They carried away all they could
find both within Doors and without, even his working Tools (he being a Rope-
maker) to the Value of 13/. threatning withal, that if he brought any more
Goods into the Houfe they would take them. This was done on the 27th of
December, fo that the Man, his Wife and Children, were conftrained in the
Depth of Winter to remove their Habitation out of the Town.
About the fame Time William Ferris, fined 10 s. for Meeting, had his Goods
feized to the Value of 3 /. Alfo George IVbile of ^-Jbhey-Miiton, had his Goods
taken for being abfent from the publick Worflaip.
For a Meeting at Weymouth, Phineas Everett Mayor, granted a Warrant for
Diftrefs, by which were taken
An Overfar
fned.
Diflreges.
Imfrifontnenti
for lithcs.
From John Bennet a Shopkeeper, Stuffs and Serges worth
Samiiel Slanderwick, and William Mocket, Goods worth
Matthew Pitt, John Anner jun. and Erajmus Brown
I.
14
o
o
o
55 16 o
There was at that Meeting one James Budd, an Overfeer of the Poorj whOj
though a Member of the eflablifhed Church, refufed to join with the Officers
in making thefe DiftrefTes, for which Refufal he was fined 5/. and had an
Hogfliead of Molajjes taken from him worth 6 /.
Edward Gunnings
for Fines for Meeting, had their Goods taken away to the Value of q/. i
ANNO 1685.
Willia7n Ferris, and Richard Newlerry,
' s.
Samuel Bedlow and Francis Bound, Prilbners for refufing the Oath of Alle-
giance, were this Year difcharged by King James's, Proclamation.
ANNO 1689. Peter Maber of Batcomb Parifh, about feventy five Years
of Age, was committed to Dor chefler Goxl at the Suit of John Palmer his
Parifh Prieft, for a Demand of about 30^. for one Year's Tithe.
C H A P.
Chap. 13. of the People called QUAKERS.
173
CHAP. XIII.
DURHAM and
NORTHUMBERLAND.
An
NO
1658.
JOHN RICHMOND fufFered Diftrefsof his Cattle to the Value of 40/.
for 8/. demanded for Tithes. Alfo Williain Richmond and TJmnas Rich-
viond had their Cattle diftrained for Tithes to a great Value, About this
Time Margaret Ramjey^ for giving a Godly Exhortation to the People,
aticr the Prieft had ended his Sermon, was imprifoned at Durham ; as was
George Humble^ an aged Man, who, feeing fome of his Friends put in the Stocks,
reproved the Juftice who had commanded it : The Juftice, oftended at the Re-
proof he defcrved, fent the honeft old Man to Goal for giving it, where, after
about ten Months Confinement, he died.
ANNO 1660. Oa the nth of November, a Party of Soldiers, com-
manded by Captain Bellafife, came to a Meeting at Simon 'Town/end's Houfe in
Nortoriy and took thence * Stephen Crijp of Colchejler in Effex, Humphry Nor-
ton oi Newto-ivn, IVilliam Fojler o^ Carleion, George Rrougb oi Norton, Thomas
yackfon of Arjham-Grange in Torkjhire, and Francis Roitndtree of Stockley in the
iiime County : A Juftice of the Peace ordered them to appear at the next
Quarter SefTions, which they did, and, for refufing to take the Oaths of Alle-
giance and Supremacy, were fent to Prifon ; as were alfo at the fame Time for
the fame Caufe, Ifilliam Maddifon of BilUngham, Marmaduke Storr of Torkflnre,
and "John Richmond of Heighington, who had been forcibly taken out of their Inn
at Durham ; and three Days after John Richardfon, George Thompjon, and
Chrifiopher Hodgfon, taken out of a Friend's Houfe ; and on the 24th George
Richard/on, Philip Richard/on, Thomas Redhead, and Ralph Loftis, all of Shotten,
Hufbandmen, Robert Leighton and Thomas Paxton, of Effmgton, Hufbandmen,
who were taken from their Work by an Order of the Juftices, were fent to
Prifon ; as were in the next Month Chrijlopher Crojly, William Jekyl, and John
UJJoam, all of Stockton.
About the fame Time alfo were fent to Prifon for refufing the Oaths, John
Heighington, Robert Fifier, and William Wilfon, all of Durham ; John Langftaff
of Bijfjops-Aukland, and Emanuel Grice of the fime.
In the Month called January, William Hcdgjon and Francis Hodgfen, both of
Cockerton, John Robin/on Weaver, Thomas Ncjhome of Pyborne, and John Robin-
(bn of Ulnaby, Farmer, were taken by Soldiers from a Meeting at the Houfe of
John Rich?nond in Heighington, and by fome Juftices of the Peace committed
to Prifon.
In the next Month, Thomas Spark, Tho?nas Williamjon, Hugh Hutchinfon,
Thomas Shield of Wooley, Francis Shield fen. Francis Shield jun. Hugh Shield, John
Brown, Richard Shield, Tlmnas Roivell, Hugh Rowell, Hugh Rodam, Anlhoiiy
Watfon, Robert Wat/on, Samuel Farlam, Cuthbert Rodam, Thomas Whitfield, Thomas
Williamjon, Thomas Henlyfide, Hugh White, Cuthbert Fetherjlone, John Shield jun.
Vol. I. ' Xx William
Dijlrtfs oj
Coois,
G. Humble
died in Prifon.
S. Crifp a>ti
01 hers iwpri'
foiled.
Profecutioris
a tthePromo-
tloii of Pa-
pifts.
* Stephev Crifp, and Ihomis Turner fent to Prifon about the fame Time, were confined in a
feparate Place from the other Prifoners, who iathe next Month were above an Hundred.
174
DURHAM,
&c.
1660.
ExtuB of a
letter relating
tbe Vftge of
the Prifoners,
Diflrijfes.
jynprifonmeyiti
i»Tinmouth
Caftle.
A Colledllon of the Sufferings Vol, I.
William Lea Yeoman, nnd John Shield Fuller, all of Allendale, were taken
by WUliam Erriagtou and odaers, known Papijisy and carried to Hexome^ where
they were kept feveral Days, feme of them feveral Weeks, in a nafly ftinking
Dungeon, and aftersvard lent to Morpeth Goal. About the fame Time the
faid Errington and other Papifls took out of .1 Meeting at Holeraw, and fent to
Hexoine and Morpeth Goals the tbilowing Perfons, viz. John Hunter of Benfield-
f:de, Ciithhert Hopper of Dikenook, IFilliain Hopper of Ivijlone, Ralph Hopper of
the lame, IVilliam Burr ell, Andrew Raw, Anthony Richard/on, Chrijiopher dickers,
John Brown, John Ellifon, George Ellifon, and Richard Snawball, all oi Derwent,
Hufbandmen, Robert Dickenfon of Ivijlone Labourer, Thomas Layhirne of Der-
went-Coat, Wright, Thomas Baker and Henry Baker of Kjiitchley, Hufband-
men : All thefe were continued Prifoners near five Months. Soon after George
Hornjby and Thomas Hornjhy Yeomen, and Nicholas Pickering Wright, of Len-
chefter, Michael Ornejb^, Gilbert Taylor and Thomas Jack/on of Wilton, Joh?i
Woodnas, Thomas Johnfon and Chrijiopher Johnfon of PFalnnke, were taken from
a Meeting and fent to the Common Goal at Durham, where they continued fix
Months.
The Ufage of fuch of the aforefaid Prifoners, as were in 'Durham Goal, isre-
prefented in a Letter from one of them to his Friends in London, dated the 1 9th
of the Twelfth Month 1660, out of which the following Extraft is taken ver-
batim, viz.
'* Beloved Friends,
OUR refrefhing Lines came to my Hand, which I communicated
_ unto my Fellow-prifoners, whereby the Life of the Righteous was
much cherifhed, and the living tender Plant of God's Renown watered as
with the refrefhing Springs of the former and latter Rain. O, Dear Friends.,
our Hearts are iealed in fweet Fellowfhip with you, in the ever-bleffed Cove-
nant of Peace, Truth, and Righteoulhefs, where the
Bowels of our
" Love and Unity breath toward you in the hidden Life of tlie Lord Jefus.,
" (who is our Head, Judge, and only Law-giver) which cannot be feparated
" lay the TolTings of the Floods, nor fwelling Noife of the raging Tempelt,
" having our Souls anchored upon die unmoveable Rock of Ages and Gene-
" rations, where we find the ftill and fecret Movings of his ever-blelTed Spirit,
«' lifting up a Standard againll Amalek and all his Accomplices,
" Dear Friends, as touching the manner of our Sufterings here at this Place ;
" here are ninety and odd in Prifon, very near an Hundred, moft committed
" tor refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, Ibme being taken out of their
" Meetings, and fome out of their Houles and from their Employments, and
" for refufing to Swear committed to Prifon. We met with a very avaricious
*' inhuman Goaler, who, becaufe we could not agree to his unreafonable De-
" mand in paying 2j. 6d. per Week every Man for our Beds, threw twenty
" of us into a ffinking Dungeon, where we could not all lie down at once;
" and put thirteen of us into another, where we remained five Days ; but
" the High Sheriff" underflanding it, manifefted a large meafure of Chriftiaii
" Compaffion towards us, and caufed us to be removed to the Floufc of
" Correftion, where we have liad moderate Uiage, and tlie refl were all
" removed into a cold Room, where the Grand Jury wonted to fit, where
" the Goaler ftill continued much Harflinefs, in refpett they would not bc-
" come a Prey to his Covetoulnefs, very hardly fuff'ering any to come in to ■
" them, faving twice a Day that his Man unlocked the Doors, and of late
*' would not fuffl-r them to exonerate Nature."
For Abfence from the National Worfhip, John Moore, Hugh Tea/dale, Wil-
liam Vayfey of Aljlone, and Francis Shield of Biirnfoot, had their Goods taken
away by Diftrefs to tlie Value of 3 /. 2 s.
ANNO 1 66 1. On the lOth of the Month called Aiigujl, John Blakeling
of Drawell near Scdberg in Torkjhire, Yeoman ; Thomas Jackj'on, Robert Fowler
of Burlington, Samuel NMell of WJjiiby in Torkjhire, Mariners ; John Stockleyy
Thomas
Chap.
13-
0/ the People called QUAKERS.
175
&c.
1661.
Ihomai Allvifon, Wiiliam Hart, John Dove, and William Dove of IFI^itby, Yeo- DURHAM,
men ; Mary Dove jun. of the liime, Spinfter ; IVilliain Truthwaite of Bowden ;
Robert Linton, 'Thomas Chandler, 'Thomas Merrunan, Lancelot Wardell Merchant,
Thomas .S»ei//6 Labourer, Richard Wilfon and Margaret his Wife, George Carr
SaJt-MerCliant, Sarah KnowleSy Dorothy Daw/on, Joane Sanderfon, Spinftefb,
William Maud Merchant, George Linton, 'John Harrifon, all of Sunderland or
Shields, Sufanna Truthwaite Spinfter, and Laurence Hejlam of Whitby in Tork-
Jhire, Mariner, were taken at a Meeting at Robert Linton's, in South-Shields by-
Major Graham, then Deputy-Governour of Timnouih Caftle, and caft intonafly
Holes there, where they lay a full Month, and then he turned them out, hav-
ing, fo far as appeared to them, neither Order, Authority, nor Warrant for
any Part of his Proccding.
In this Year alfo Thomas Williamfon, cited to a Court, and appearing with liis
Hat on, was fined 5/. and for Non-payment fcnt to Morpeth Goal, where he
lay tliree Montlis.
ANNO 1662. In the Month called June this Year, William Fofier of
Carleton, was fent to Frifon by Order of SelTions, for fuffering Meetings at his
Houfe. On the 3d of the Month called Augu(i, Henry Grainger, Chrijtopher
Pickering, Francis Temple, and George Dickfon, all of Raby, Yeomen ; George
Gundry iMilliner, John Atkin/on Mnion, of Stanethrop, a.nd James White of Hope-
well near Fierce-Bridge, were taken by Soldiers from a Meeting at Henry
Draper's Houfe in HeadUun, and committed by a Juftice to Durham Goal for
nine Weeks. At next Seflions they were indifted, and James White, Henry
Grainger, and Chrijtopher Pickering, were fined 10/. each, for which DiftrefTes
were made on their Goods to the Value of 37/. 3 j. /[.d. John Greenwell, for
Meeting, was fined by the Bifhop of Durham 40 s. and for the fecond Offence
lo/. for which Fines four Kine were taken from him worth 16/, Alfb
Richard Hopper, for 10/. Fine, had Goods feized to the Value of 13/. In
Meetings
the fame Year John Moore of Wellgill, for 1 2 s. demanded for Tithe, fuffered
10 s. In this Year nKo William Mare,
were imprifoned for Tithes ; die two
Diftrefs of Goods to the Amount of 3 /.
JSiicholas Pickering, and Thomas Toole,
former remained Prifoners about eight Years.
ANNO 1663. In this Year Hugh Hutchinfon, Cuthbert Fetherflone,Tlmnas
IPilliiimfon, and John Moore of Hazlewell in Allendale, were committed to
Morpeth Goal on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, for not paying Tithes : The
firfi of them was continued Prifoner ten Years and four Months ; die 7iext two
above ten Years -, and John Moore upwards of fix Years, who, during his Im-
prifbnment, had his Goods taken by Difbefs to the Value of 9;. for being ab-
fent from the publick Worfhip. About the fixme Time William Hodgfon of
Cockerton was fent to Prifon by an Exchequer W^rit for Tithes, and continued
there eight Months. In the fame Year Thomas Toole, then in Prifon, had 40/.
worth of Goods taken from him for a Claim of 7 /. for Tithes, befides Corn
worth 4 /. I o J. His Prolecutor alfo ftopt in a Neighbour's Hand a Debt of
10/. due to the faid Thomas Toole. In Otlober this Year, Chriftopher CroJIjy was
lent to Prifon by an Order of SefTions, on die third Convidion upon the firfl
Statute for Tranfportation ; and Richard Errington, taken from a Meeting at
the Houfe of Shmn To-wnfend in Norton, was committed to Prifon during the
King's Plealiare.
ANNO 1664. William Truthwaite of Weft-Bowden, for a Demand of 3/.
6 s. 8 J. for Tithes, had Goods taken away worth 7/.
On the 26th of the Month called April, Ralph Pattifon, Roger Hudfon, John
Blakejlone, Thomas Chipcbafe, and Simon Townfend, all of Norton, Yeomen ;
George Brough of die lame. Farmer ; Robert Walker and Thomas Toole of Coopan,
Farmers ; Richard Errington of Gretham, John Ufhaw, William Jekyll, and
Mark Wups, of Stockton, and Margaret Adamthwait of Rofendale in Wejt-
morland, Spinfter, were taken at a Meeting in Norton, and ordered to appear
at Seffions, whence they were all fent to Prifon for refufing to take the Oaths.
In
Zottglmprifotl'
nous.
Imfrifonmems
on Writs de
Excom. Cap.
Diflrejfis.
Imprifonm.'nts
for rcjufiiig ta
SToenr.
DURHAM,
&c.
1664.
Vii the All for
Banijhmem.
2 J{ecei'Jitl
Srntevcc of
BaniJIment.
Others corn-
mitted on the
jid for Bi-
176 -^ Colledtion of /he Sufferings Vol. L
111 the Month called Jugiiji this Year, PeUr Mafon^ Rohert Taylor^ Henry
Emerjon, Ralph Ho.igfon, Thomas Johnfon, and Henry Mafon, were committed to
the Houfe ol Correction for fix Montlis, on the Aft for Banifhment ; as were
John Majon and Anne Taylor for three Months. On the fame Aft were com-
mitted in September, Richard Errington and John Rawlin -, in Ooloher, John
Blakejlone and Chrijiopher Crojly ; in November, Willia?n Hutton jun. Richard
Thompfon, Ambrofe Thompfon, and Ihomas Skafe an A pprentice.
ANNO 1 66^. Many were committed to Prifon on the Aft for Banifh-
ment, viz. In the Month called May, Thomas Shield; in the Month called Augnjl,
Roger Hidfon, Thomas Cbipchafe, Ralph Patlifon, Tlxmas Toole, Rohert fValker^
Mark JVaps, George Brougb, Patrick IVallis, arid Rowland Wheldon ; in Sep-
tember, Sarah Brougb, Elizabeth Mjddleton, Thofnas Toole, and John UJhaw.
At the Quarter Seffions in Oufober, Richard Erriiigton and John UJhaw re-
ceived Sentence of Banifliment to Barbadoes, and to continue in the Houfe of
Correftion till an Opportunity of fhipping them. During their clofe Confine-
ment Richard Errington was taken fick, and his Friends were denied the Favour
of removing him, lb that the poor Man, after about two and twenty Months
clofe Reftraint, died a Priibner for worfliipping God according to his Con-
science, John UJJjaw was detained in Prifon about three Years, probably till
the Expiration of that Aft. In this Year alfo were committed to Durham
Goal on the fame Aft, Richard fVJjitehead, George Jack/on, and Hen?y Bowran,
for twenty one Days, and John Bowran for twenty Weeks : Nicholas Pickering,
George Ornejhy, Thomas Ornejhy, Ralph Hopper, IVilliam Hopper, Cuthbcrt Leigb-
ton, Andrew Raw, Anthony Richardfon, John Brown, and fVilliam Green, for fix
Weeks, In the fame Year Anthony IVilkinJon, John Ellifon, and Richard Snaw-
hall, were committed to Morpeth Goal, where they continued feven Years.
Tloomas Rowell of IFeodbead, for fuffcring a Meeting at his Houfe, had three
Cows taken from him worth 61.
Trifoners at In this Year alfb, Thojnas Spark and Elizabeth Shield were committed to
Morpeth. Morpeth Goal, and kept there three Years : During their Imprilonment their
Proiecutor took from him Corn worth 13/. and from her to the Value of 9/.
Ralj)h Fctherftone and John Brown were a!fo imprifoned for not paying Tithes.
Sentenced to ANNO 1666. At a SefTions held on the 20th of the Month called April,
Sinipmcnt. Sarah Brough received Sentence of Banifhment to Jamaica : And at the fame
SefTions Patrick IVilliamfon was committed to Prifon for ten days. At Durham
AfTizes in the Month called Augujt, Thoj?tas Toole and Roger Hudfon were fen-
tenced to be tranfported to Barbadoes. In the fame Month, James White, John
Robinfon, John Trotter, John Wilkinfon, Thomas Robin/on, and IVilliam Robinfon,
taken fi^om a Meeting at the faid John Robinfon''^ Houfe in Alnaby ; and Peter
Mafin, Conjlance Baker, and Tl.wnas Jobnfon, taken at a Meeting in the faid
Peter Mafon's Houfe at Branfpetb, were, by Warrant from the Bifhop of Dur-
ham and other Juftices, fent to Prifon for two Months -, the faid Conjlance Baker
having with her a Sucking-child. At the SefTions in OSIober, Edward Lampfon
of Bijhops-Aiikland, William Heavyjide, Anthony Hodgjon, and Emanuel Grice,
were fentenced for Tranfportation to Baibadoes. About this Time alfo William
Hutton, Williajn Peacock, Edward Alwaine, John Grayjlone, John Robinjon, Tho-
mas Lawjon, John Richmond, Henry Lox, James Hall, John Crawjord, Chriflo-
pher Richmond and Willia?n Trotter, were taken from their Houfes by fome of
the Trained Bands, and by Order of the Bifhop, and Juflice Tempejl, com-
mitted, fome of them to the Marflial's Cultody, and others to the County Goal -,
whither alfo foon after George Biljon was fent from a Meeting at Thomas
WrightJon\ at Norgill : At which Meeting were likewife taken, George Jack-
Jon, Henry Smith, George Appleby, John Bolran, Andrew Appleby, Thomai
Wrightjon, Francis Wrightjon, Chrijiopher Goodfon, George Raine, Tfxjtias Mil-
bourn, Thomas Myers, William Hutton jun. Richard Thompjon, Javies Raine,
Dorothy Kejllop, Jane Wiljon, and George Kipling, who were committed by
Juftice Rchinjon of Barnard's Ca/ile, to the Houfe of Correftion at Richmond.
ANNO
Chap. 13. of the People called QUAKERS. 177
ANNO 1668. Simoyi Townfend was Prifoner for Tithes in O£lober this DURHAM,
Year, having then been confined feven Years at the Suit of Thomas Davifin ^'^'
Yk^r of Norton. 1668.
ANNO 1670. Mark Stones of Slocklon, for a Demand of 5 j. for Tithes, '^"V^^-*
had Goods taken from him worth 15^. In this Year alfo, milia?n Hodgfon S/X'"^"''"
was dole Prifoner for Tithes, at the Suit of JVilliam IVard of Newcaftle, Im- riih's.
propriator. George fVilfon was alio a Prifoner for Tithes four Years and eight
Months.
After tlie Pafling of the Conventicle Ad this Year, many fuffered Diftrefs of
Goods for themfelves and others being at Meetings, viz.
I. s. d.
John Crawford of Blackwell, Yeoman 40 o o Mmy Dif-
James Wajlel of Haughton, Currier 3° 5 o trtjfitt
Thomas Pyborne and Anthony Claxton 660
Pyborne's Cafe was fomewhat Angular, for when Miles
Gerry, Conftable of Nejhain, had the Warrant fent him,
he refufed to execute it, and tor that Refufal his own
Goods were taken away to the Value of Pyborne's Fine,
which was 6 /. Pyborne, unwilling that his Neighbour
fhould lofe fo much by favouring him, paid the Money
and releafed the Conftable's Goods.
At Stockton were taken from
Chri/lopher Crojiy, four Cows worth 1 8 o o
Richard Wat/on^ Richard Tindal, William Gores, Mark 7
Waj)s, Robert Corneyf and TJjotnas Rawlins 5 '
Robert Boulton 20 o o
George Williamfon, Roger Trotter, John Robinfon, 1 ^
George Gundry, and John Langftaff' J ^ * ^
At Norton, from
Thomas Chipchafe, Simon Townjend, and John Blakejlone Z ^9 5
At Wolverstone, from
Robert I'oung, for himfelf and Wife o 14 o
At Carl ETON, from
William Fofter, Yeoman 400
At CovvpAN, from
Thomas Toole and Robert Walker 5^3 4
At Darlington, from
Laurence Jppleby, Edward Fijher and CiithbertThompfon 20 o 6
At Hopewell, from
James White i 15 o
182 14 9
It was obfervable, that one Thomas Dawjon, Overfeer of Norton, having jIn Overfeer's
kept fome Brafs UtenfiJs, Part of thefe Diftrelfes, in his Houfe above a Year, J'''°j*l>i« of
being vifited with Sicknefs, was the Night before he died under fo much
Trouble of Mind, that he could not be fatisiied till the laid Brafs was removed
out of his Houfe. It was alfo remarkable, that when a Warrant for levying 7 /.
on John Langftaff's Goods was brought to John Brown, Conftable of Condon, he A Covjitibh
refufed to ferve the liime, rather fuffering a Diftrefs on his own Goods to the pui.
Value of 3 /.
ANNO 1 67 1. In this Year were taken from William Hodgfon and John ^"*"-
Robinjon of Cockerton, for Tithes, Goods worth 3/. 10 s. The laid William
Hodgfon being then in Prifon.
ANNO 1672, By the King's Letters Patent were releafed out of Durham Rfleafe ofPri-
Goal, John Langjiaffe^ Humphry Norton, Jofeph Hdwg, Francis Temple, John P»«''^«
Vol, I. Y y Hunter,
lyS ^ Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
DURHAM, Hunter, nomas I'oole, John VJhaisj, Roger Hudfon, Edward Lampfon, /Inthony
Hodgfony Thomas Gower, and Emanuel Grice.
ANNO 1673. Taken for Tithes this Year,
Tithes, &c.
From John Robinjbn of Cockerton, and Laurence Applchy
Corn wordi
Jn7nes fVa/iel, to the Value of
Jcbn Laiigftaffe of Whitley, Corn worth
Elizabeth Hopper, for 55. dennanded, a Mare worth
36
4
J.
5
d.
o
o o
o o
o o
76
Thomas Wood of Cleadon, was imprifoned nine Months for 45. 5<i. for repair-
ing the Steeple- houfe there. And Margaret Haddock fullered Diftrefs of Goods
for Wages of the Parifli- Clerk at Sunderkfid.
imfrifonmeiits. ANNO 1674, Anthony Richard/on of Holcrom, was committed to Mor-
peth Goal, at the Suit of IJaac Bajfier, for Tithes. Alio George Kipling of Bal-
derfdale was imprifoned in the Common Goal at Tork, on a Procefs in the Ex-
chequer for Tithes, at the Suit of Peter Ingram Prieft at Ro7nh aid-Kirk.
On the 14th of the Month called February, Complaint being made to Henry
Coverly, a Juftice of the Peace, of a Meeting at Croft-bridge-end in Harivortb
Parifh, he granted a Warrant, by which Dillreffes were made on the Goods
Diflreffis
lAeet'wg.
f,r
Of John Bolron, Robert Wilfon, Robert Trueman, and
Cuthbert Thonipfon, to the Value of
Laurence Appleby, Edward Fifier, Richard Trotter,
and John Robinjon
Thomas Pyborne and Chriftopher Appleby
John Robin/on and Matthew Dent
d.
21
12
27
3
II
o
II
o
o
64
ANNO 1675. 'For zyittim^ Qit Margaret Crawf or d\ m Darlington, on
the 4th of the Month called May, were taken
x>iftrejf:s for From Margaret Crawford and Laurence Appleby, four
M:eting, Cows worth
John Robin/on of JJlnaby, twenty two Sheep worth
Cuthbert Thompfon, William Dob/on, and
Chrijlopher Hodgfon
Edward FiJ]jer, Laurence Appleby, Robert Wilfon,
and Robert Trueman
\
}
22
14
s.
o
o
4
o
o
o
4 19
43
For Meetings, held this Year at Norton, by Warrants granted by George
Morland Juftice, Diftreffes were made on the Goods
mflreft for
Mietings.
Of John Blakeftone, Ambrofe Wright, Robert Cbipchafe, p
Richard Watfon, • loung, and William S»
Fojler, to the Value of J
Thomas I'oole, William Geers, John UJhaw, John ?
Richtnond, William Harrifon, and Patrick Wallis 3
Thomas Cbipchafe, Simon Townfend, John Chipchafe, 1
and Robert Walker 5
William Maddifon, William Jekyll, Mark WapSy
and Chriftopher Crvfhy
I
/. s.
30 8
12 12
9 1
14 2
66 2
ANNO
Chap. 13. of the People called QUAKKRS..
ANNO 1676. For Meetings at the fame Place, were taken
From iToomas Chipchafcy Mark PFaps, John Blakeftone,
John Forjler, Robert Heron, and George Swain-
ton, Goods worth
Chrillophcr Crojh'^, Mark Staines, Williain Fojler,
Robert Hartburn, and Richard Wheldon
I.
22
s. d.
13 10
6 o
1.79
DURHAM,
i6y6.
Dijirejfes far
M.ietini.
45 19 10
Richard Watfon, for Preaching in a Meeting at Darlington, had fix Cows
taken from hini, worth 30/.
ANNO 1678. Fines were this Year impofed on many Perfons for Meet-
ings at Stockton and Norton, and for Ric/jard IVatfou'^ Preaching there, which
when he underftood, he went to George Morland the Jullice, defiring him to
recall thofe Warrants, and grant one againft himfelf only, who had fufficient
Effeits to anfwer the fime ; but the Juftice retufed : And on the 9th of
November Diilrefles were made
On Simon To-wnfend, John Blakefione, Chrijlophcr CroJI)y,
IVUliatn Harrifon, fFilliatn Fojler, Robert Pattijon,
'Thomas Chipchafe, James Peacock, and Cuthbert
Hunter, to the Value of
Edward Fleatham of I'arme in the County of Tork
Merchant, Benjamin Lindley, and John Lang/faff
L
69
d.
10
10
Dilircjfa on
others \o'
R. Watfon's
PrCichin.g
lOI
Thefaid Edward Fleatham was convided in his Abfcnce, without any Sum- convLlion of
mens, by a Certiricate from Jurtice Morland to Ja7nes Pennyman, a Juftice in m abfemTir-
Torkjhire, as Owner of one of the Meeting-houfes -, he appealed to the Quarter /"»•
SefTions, but obtained no Redrefs. In like manner Diftrelfes were made
On James Peacock, William Smith, Robert Heron,
Zachary Heron, Giles Calvert, and Eleanor.
IVbeldon, to die Value of
Daniel Toes, fVilliam Jckyll, Cuthbert Hunter^
IVilliam Harrifon, Richard fVatfon, and Thomas
C/npchafe
William Smith, William Laurence, Robert Hart-
burne, John Ufloaw, James Peacock, and Robert
Corncy.
I.
28 12
Other V/f-
irejj'.'s.
35
12 10
76 4
Thefe laft named eighteeen were convifted in their Abfence, without any
Summons to anlwer their Acaifers, on whofe Information, whether true or
falfe, they were convifted unheard, and generally ignorant ot the Sums
charged, the Officers refufing to lliew their Warrants ; which being com-
plained ot to one ot the Juftices, he confdfed, that he had commanded them
not to fliew their Warrants. Thus the arbitrary Proceedings of inferior Offi-
cers were encouraged by thole who fhould have checked them.
About the fime Time Thomas Gathorne, Robert Fowel, William Wake, and
Richard HalHman, Informers, or fome of them, acquainted Juftice Morland of
a Meeting at Darlington, who ilfued his Warrant, by which were taken
/. s. d.
From Edward Fijher, Margaret Crawford, Robert Trueman, 7
John Trmnan, md Roburt Jpplcby, Goods v.'onh J "' ^^ ^•
Arbitrary
j?TOCieiirg.
Piflrejfes
Misiiag,
for
Carried over 21 i ^
i8o
DURAAM,
&c.
1678.
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Hiri die ef
4 poor IViion.
Commitment
o/R.Hudfon.
Brought over 21
Jojhua Middleton, Michael Collins, Cuthhert nompfon., 5
John Shaw, Thomas Nickjon, lVillia?)i Dob/on^ and > 5
Frances Comfit., to the Value of i
15
9
27 » 3
This Frances Comfit, a poor Widow, near eighty Years of Age, was cruelly
ufed by the diftraining Officers : They turned her out of her Houfe after eight
at Night, and kept her out of her Bed in excream frofly Weather. At ano-
ther Time Fojler, the Conftable of Darlington, with a Watchman, came to her
Houfc about Midnight, calJed to her to let them in to look for Jefuits^
which fhe, fearing that they were drunk and would abufe her, refufed : Upon
which they got Stones, and after about an Hour's Difturbance, broke the
Lock, and burft the Door open, to the grievous Terror of the poor ancient
Woman.
We are next to relate the grievous Cafe of Roger Hud/on, who was committed
to Prifon by the following Mittimus, viz.
cc
(C
(c
(C
'Dunelm fs.
WHEREAS the right Worlhipful Richard Uoyd, Knight and Dr. of
Laws, Vicar general and Official of the right Reverend Father in
God, Nathaniel, by Divine Providence Lord Bifhop of 'Durham, lawfiilly
conftituted, by a Certificate under the Seal of his Office atorcfaid, hath in-
formed us his Majefty's Juflices of the Peace, and Sluorum hereunder named,
that Roger Hudfon, in the County and Diocefe of Durham, Yeoman, was
duly cited to appear before him, to anlwer Thomas Davifon Clerk, Mailer of
Arts, Vicar of the Parifh and Parifli-Church of Norton aforefaid, in a cer-
tain Caufe of Tithes and other Ecclefiaflical Rights, and upon his appear-
ing was judicially required to appear before him as aforefaid, at a certain
Time and Place likewife affigned to him, to take and receive a Libel in
the faid Caufe, at the Suit of the liiid Thomas Davifon Clerk, and for his
Contempt in not appearing accordingly, he, the faid Roger Hudfon, was by
him pronounced contumacious : In fuch Contumacy he yet ftands, not caring
to obey the Procefs, Proceedings, Decrees and Sentences of the Ecclefiafli-
cal Judge : Whereupon the faid Official hath requefted us to fend forth our
Warrants for the attaching of the faid Roger Hudfon, and to proceed againfl
him according to the Power committed to us, by a Statute made to that
Purpole in the 27 th Year of the Reign of Henry the Eighth, late King of
England. Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name, flriftly to charge and •
command you to attach the Body of the faid Roger Hudfon, and bring him
before us to find fufficient Sureties bounden by Recognizance to yield due
Obedience to the Procefs, Proceedings, Decrees, and Sentences of the faid
Official in the Caufe aforeliiid, according to the Tenour of the faid Statute .-
And if the faid Roger Hudjon fhall refufe or negleft fo to do, that then you
convey him to his Majefly's Goal at Durham, there to be kept without Bail
or Mainprize untill he fhall enter into Recognizance as aforeihid. Given at
Durhajn under our Hands and Seals the nth Day of March, Anno mi Ca-
roli fecundi mmc Regis Angha:, &c. Iricefmo, Annoq;Dotn. 1678.
To the Bayltffs, Conftables, and other
his Majejty's Officers in the County
Palatine of Durham, more efpe-
cially to the Conjlahles of Norton,
and to every or any of ther/u
cc
<c
Joseph Stokel.
John Morland."
Thus
Chap. 13. of the People called QUAKERS.
Thus committed, the poor M;in was clofely confined eleven Weeks, in
which Time, for want of Air, he fell lick, and applying to the Goaler for a
little Liberty, he alledged, that he durlb not grant it for lear of the Vicar, who
threatened him with the Lofs of his Place : However, when rhe Goaler faw
him extreamly weak, he, moved with CompalTion, gave him fome Liberty,
and he quickly began to recover. But the Vicar complained againft the Goaler
at the next Afllzes, when he was reprimanded by the Bench, and, as it was re-
ported, fined 20/. After which the Goaler kept him very clofe, and he foon
fell fick again ; upon which, Robert Sdb)\ a PhyHcian of Djirbavi^ applied to
the Under Sheriff, but not prevailing, he wrote to the Vicar, reprefenting the
Prifoner's Cafe, and that it was probable a little frelh Air might prelerve his
Life, but received from him this Anfwer :
181
DURHAM,
1678.
1H O P E I am, and defire to continue a tender-hearted Man : Yet I
would not have you or others judge me a foft Fool, and one eafily to be
wheedled out of his right Realbn and Senfes, by little phantaftick Bugbears.
If Roger Hud/on were not able to pay (though a 7urk) I know what I have
to fay ; but if either you or he pretend Confcier.ce for Non-payment of juft
Debts or Dues, you muft pardon me ir I have as little Credit tor, and give
as little Refpeifl to that Coynage and Cozenage, as to one that picks a Purle,
or cuts a Throat by the fame Pretence."
This Letter fhews the Difpofition of its Writer, and how little he regarded
the Life of his Chriflian Neighbour, whofe Conicience oppofed his Interefb. The
poor Sufl'erer, after above five Months Imprifonment, died a Vicfim to this
Profecutor's Vengeance. Being dead, he was buried in Woolen, as the Law
diredted, but his Sifter having omitted to make Affidavit thereof till a Day or
two after the Time limited by the Ad, the Vicar got a Warrant from the
Juftices to make Diftrefs tor 5/. the Penalty of the Law in that Cafe ; half of
which fell to the Share of the Informer.
ANNO 1680. Upon an Information of a Meeting held at Z)r(rirtffj, War-
rants were granted by John Sudbury Dean, Dennis GreenvU Achdeacon, Cuth-
bert Hutchefon Mayor, John Morland, Ralph Davi/on, and Jfaac Bajfar, Juftices ;
by which were taken
From Robert Fijfxr, at whofe Houfe the Meeting was,
two Mares, fix Oxen, and three Kine, worth
Martin Nicbolfon Grocer, Goods worth
Robert Hetbcrington, IFilliam Hetberiugton, Robert
IVallis^ and IViUiam Hickjon, Goods worth
Richard Hall, Richard Hopper, Ja7nes Hall, and
George Hall, to the Value of
/.
s.
}
32
76
}
19
10
e
}
50
5
^77 15
R. Rudfon
died PrifcTief
77;f t^ieir an
Jiiformer.
Meewig.
for
And for another Meeting at the fame Place, on the 29th of the Month
called June^ were taken from Martin Nicbolfon, George Hall, James Hall, and
Robert Doubleday^ Goods worth 45/.
About the fame Time John Ande and Ja7nes Dick/on, Conftables of Market
jiudland, became Informers, and procured Warrants from Robert Eden and
Cutbbert Caire Juftices, to make Diftrefs for feveral Meetings, by which they
took
/. s. d.
From Zachariah Murthwaite and William Spencely, ^
Goods worth J ' 7 °
Anthony Hodgfon and Edward Tonflall, to the Value of 2 7 10 o
Vol. I.
Zz
Car. over 43 17
l82
DURHAM,
1678.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol, I.
Brought over
John Trotter, James 'Trottery and James White
John Bodfon and Charles Watfon^ Goods worth
43
31
6
81
5.
17
7
5
o
I
o
For a Meeting at Jam Vickers\ in Raby, were taken from George Dickjbny
Henry Grainger^ IVtlliam Grai/iger, fVilliam Pickering., Jane Vickers, and Katha-
rine Temple, Goods to the Value ot 20 /. 5 s.
For a Meeting at Henry Gratnger\ on the 1 7th of Oilober, were taken from
fVilliajn Eljlobb and Ralph Hodgfon, Goods worth 10/.
For a Meeting at Norton, were taken from Richard Wat/on, Williarn Harri-
fon, George Halt, Robert Hartburne, Chriftopher Crojb'^, Cuthbert Hunter^ and
William Smith, Goods worth 109/. 14 J. /s,d.
Vijirefes
for Abfaice
from the fkb-
li(k it'crjhip.
h'ilrd ,Cafi of
E. Tonftall,
and R. Wat-
Ibn.
.:rdcr cf Sef-
(ions for Com-
mitment oj R.
VVatfon.
From
24
F'or a Meeting at Darlington, on the 3 1 ft of OSIober, were taken
/.
JoIm Robin/on, Michael Collins, Edward Fi/her, Robert
Trueman, and Richard Trotter, Goods worth
Eleanor Weldon, Robert Coniey, Robert Hartburne,
Laurence Strickland, Anne King, and Cuthbert
Thornpfon ,
John Trueman, William Harrifon, Giles Calvert, and
William Lauunce,
i.
d.
3 18
1 1
40 3
Many of the before-named Perfons and others had alfo their Goods taken by
Diilrefi, for Fines of 1 2 d. per Day, for Abfence from the National Worlhip,
to the Value of 12/. i^s. 6d. Some ot whom, were Margaret Fojier, George
Burden, Jane RicJyardfon, James Anderfon, Anthony Robin/on, Chrifiopbey King,
Thomas Paxton, Philip Richard fon,. and William Maud.
Hard wiis the Cafe of Edward Tonftall of Bijhops- Aukland, who, with two
others, prefented to the Juftices, at their Quarter SelTions at Durham, an Ac-
count of the Sufferings of their Friends at that Time in that County, but in-
ftead.of obtaining Redrefs, the Juftices, at the Bifliop's Motion, tendred him
the Oi'ilb of Allegiance, and for refufing to take it, he, who Ibllicited for the
Liberty of his Friends, was himfelf lent to Prifon. Nor was the Cafe of
Richard Watfon of Norton lels fevere, who was lent to Goal by an Order
of Seffions, fpecifying no particular Caufe for his, Commitment ; it was as
follows,
*' In plena Scjione pacts tent apiid Dunelm in Com. Dunelm, dccimo
" quiTito die Januarii, Anno mi Caroli fecundi nunc AngUa^
" &c. 30^.
" TT'ORASMUCH as Information is given unto this Court upon Oatii, that
" Jj Richard Watfon, of Norton in this County, Yeoman, hath lately fpoken
" divers Words tending to the Breach of the Peace of this Kingdom, and the
" Difhirbance of the Government. Tliele are therefore in his Majefty's Name
" to will and require you, that forthwith upon Receipt hereof, you appre-
" hend the Body of the faid Richard Watfon, and bring him belore George
" Morland Efq; one of his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace for this County,
<» then and there toanfwer to fuch Matters and Things as on his Majefty's Be-
half fhali be obje<fled againft him : And in the mean Time flrall be of the
good Behaviour toward our Sovereign Lord the King, and all his Liege
g
People. Which if he fhall refufe or neglect
him to the Common Goal at Durham, diere
to do, that then you do carry
to rem lin till he fliall willingly
.1 .." do
Chap. i2-
of the People called QUAKERS.
183
♦ (k) the fame. Herein you are not to fail at your Perils. Given in the open DURHAM,
* SefTions abovefaid.
To the Ba'yliffs, Conjlahles, and other p_ CUR.
' his Majejlfs Officers for this Coun-
ty, and ejpecially to the Con/tables
of Norton.
" Exam. p. Fra. Crolby, Dep. Cler. Pacts. Com. Dtinelm."
After five Weeks Imprifonment he was brought to the Quarter Sefiions, where
the Chairman was faid to blufli at the extrajudicial manner of his Commit-
ment, and, after a Charge not to go to any more JVIeetings, difmiil him with-
out Fees.
ANNO 1681. PFdliam Peart was a Prifoner ■xiDi(rha?n for Tithes, at the
Suit oiLiike Mawburne Prieft, where he had been then confined about two
Years. John Wilkinfin alfo was imprifoned for Tithes, at the Hviitoi Edward
Moorcroft Prieft.
Richard Hall, fined 10/. for Meeting, had eight Beafts taken from him
worth 20/. Patrick Lizmg/lone, preaching at Gate/head Mtain^, was ftruck
violently on the Shoulders with a Stick by George Sim/on, who, without any
Warrant, charged Patrick to go with him, but he refufed. Next Day the
Juflices Bajfire and Moreland, ient him to Prifon till next SefTions.
In the Month called January, JoIm Turnball and nomas fVake, taken from
a Meeting at Emhleton, were, by Order of Henry Ogle and Thomas Collingwood
Juflices, lent to Prifon at Newcaftlc. Alfo John IVatfon and Hannah Davifon,
committed by the fame Juftices, continued in Prifon above three Months.
In October this Year, Michael Collins, Laurence Appleby, Ellinor Tompjon, and
Jojbiia Middleton, fuftered by Diftrefs, for religious Meetings, to the Value
of 32/. 185.
Taken alfo for Meetings,
From John Airey, Mojes Fijher, James White, Lionel Hetber-'
ington, and Cbrijlopher Bickers, Goods worth
Bartholomew Turner, John Car?ieath, Mark Staines, '
George Hall, and Chrijiopher Crojby
IVilliam Harrijon, Cuthbert Hunter, Richard JVatfon,
JViUiam Geers, William Smith, and Thomas Chip-
chafe.
John Wood, William Fenwick, Richard Hall, William ■
■ : Helhennglon, Robert Wallas, Robert Hafwell, Tho- '
mas Hafwell, and Robert Hethcringlon \
s.
10
12
.68
*6i 17
Releafi of
R. Watfon.
Imfrifomncnts
for lithes.
Imprifovment
of P. Living-
ftone.
Morelmprijon-
mems.
238 o 2
In making thefe DiftrefTes it was ufual, with William Adamfon iuid Richard Illegal Ailt
Harperly, Conftables of Stockton, to take away Goods without producing any '>!' f<»»^ Con-
Warrant. When they had taken what themfelves declared fufficient, they ^ ''
would come again for more. They feized a Man's Cow, and wlien he told
them he was not at the Meeting, they look'd in their Lift, and not finding his
Name, left the Cow. Tliey would fometimes make Seizures at Midnight.
Having forcibly entered a Shop, and fome Neighbours ffanding by who ob-
ferved their Doings, they cauled them to be bound over to the SefTions as Ob-
flrufters of Juftice. Thus the Spoilers exceeded the Bounds of Law with Im-
punity, and it was dangerous to contradift them.
In this Year the Officers of Barnard' s-CaJile, by Warrants for twelve Fines,
for Abfence from the National Worflaip, took
From
1 84
^ Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. t
DURHAM,
&c.
i68i.
lint! for
Ab^cnse from
the Nitionil
Worjhip.
Dijhejfts.
Sum of Dif'
trej/is.
Ftifomr,
From Richard Tom/on, Chrijlopher Eyons, Ellinor BoltOfty
Mary Hutton, John Bo'.ron, Peter AUaJon, Ed-
mund RobinJoHi John Walker, George JVilfon,
IViUiam Wiljon, Roger IVilfon, Matthew hutcbe-
fon, Hemy Bowraii, and George Wtlfofi, Goods
worth
For the fame Caufe the Officers of Lartington took
From Francis IVrightJon, Thomas fFrightJbn, John Turner,
Charles Key, Chrijlopher Key, Chrijlopher Good/on,
Michael IFrightfon, and Thomas Smith, Goods
worth
The Officers oi Bowes made Diftrefs on the Goods
Of Henry IFennington, fViUia7n Coats, Thomas Day, and
JVtlUatn Alder, to the Value of
By like Warrants the Officers of Reeby and Stainthorp took
From Cuihbert Brainbridge, Henry Grainger, IVilliani Picker
ing, Jane Fickers, George Dickfcn, Ralph Mafon.
John Heighington jun. John IVilkinfon, Ji'iUiam\
Heighington, and Martin Nicholfon, Goods worth
/.
13
y.
d.
7 13 8
}
12 10
The Sums taken this Year, for Meetings and Abfence
from the National Worfhip, amounted to
]
32 19 10
323 18 o
to
ANNO 1682. Robert Wa His of Durham was imprifoned for refufing
pay a Fine impofed on him for Abfence from the National Worfhip.
In this Year alfo were imprifoned James Halliday, Robert Hill, TJjomas IVil-
kinfon, John Airey, and Patrick Livingjhn, who had been taken out of their re-
ligious AHemblies for Worfhip.
Emanuel Grice, after about C\x Years Imprifonment for Tithes, was releafed
by means of the fudden Death of his Profecutor, Richard Ball an Impro-
priator.
On the 9th of the Month called June, James Wood was committed to Prifon
at the Suit of Thomas Davifon, Priefl of Norton, for 9 ;. 8 J. for Tithes.
Ed-uard Fi/her and Robert Trueman had been clofe confined in Durham Goal
above thirteen Months for Tithe, at the Suit of Elizabeth Marjh, Widow to
the Prieff of Haughton, when Ed-ujard Fijher fell fick and died there on the ^I'k
of the Month called May this Year. His Death being reprefented to the
Widow, fhe relented, and freely difcharged Trueman about four Months after.
There were imprifoned this Year for refufing the Oath of Allegiance, T}}omas
Fearon, Edward Toujlall, Mark Staines, Williatn Gafcoyn, and George Rook :
Alfo Ralph Nicholfon, Martin Nicholfon, Robert Hetherington, John Hetherington,
and Robert IFallis, which lafl five had Sentence of Premunire pafl upon them.
In this Year many DiflrefTes were made for Meetings, viz. taken
From Martin Nicholfon, Anthony Hodgfon, William Spencer,
and John Dodgjon, Goods worth
James Fickers, Zachary Murtlnvaite, Sarah Hickby,
John Dodgfon, James Watfon, Emanuel Grice, Wil-
liam Spenceiy, and James Trotter, to the Value of
Anne Arundel, Sarah Kirkby, Willuim Spencer, Henry J
Trotter, John Allafon, William Appleby, and Rich- C
ard Middleton ^
>
I.
69
81
33
d.
zS2
II
7
For
i682.
8
Chap. 13. of the People called QUAKERS. 185
For Meetings at or near Rahy were taken DURHAM,
/. s. a. ?5-
From Henry Grainger, JVilliam Pickering, Cuthbert Bam- ^
bridge, Jane VickerSy and Thomas Johnforty to the > 63
Value of ^
And for Meetings at Darlington,
From mittam Singleton, William Dobfon, Robert Triieman, -v
Jofeph hijher, Chriftepher Appleby, Frances Co?i- ( ^ ^
ceit, Thomas Hodgfon, and George Williamfon, r ^ '^
Cattle and Goods
^ojhua MiMleton, Laurence Appleby, Ralph Morgan, p
John Robinfon, Cuthberi Hodgfon, John Trueman, (
and William Lynas^ Cattle and other Goods to C
tVip Valiip nf
92 4
the Value of
221
Taken alfo diis Year at or near Newcajlle, for Abfence from the National
Worfliip,
/. s. a.
From lyjomas Rimford, Andrew Neale, Francis Fojler, John ^
Heighin^ton jun. John Wilkinfon^ Ralph MaJon,( . i, 2
Martin Nicholfon, and William Heighington, Goods(
worth
The Sums taken this Year for Meetings and Abfence from?
the National Worfliip, amounted to J -^ ''
In December this Year, fome of the Sufferers prefented to the Juftices a State
of their Cafe, intituled
" A Reprefentation of the Sufferings of the People of God called
" Quakers in Durham. A Copy of which is as Jollows, viz.
" To the Juftices at Q.uarter SefTions, \th arid £th Days of the
" Tenth Month j682.
<* 1TI7E the People of God in Scorn called ^takers, living peaceably in J F^efefen'
*' Y V the Fear of God, have undergone the Severity of the Law made to ""'°? " '^'
*' fupprefs feditious Conventicles, to the Lofs of many Hundred Pounds, ^ '
*' almoft every Year fince the A& took Date, whereby many honeft and in-
" duftrious Families have been cruelly opprefied, and deeply impoverilKed ;
" having the Teftimony of a good Confcience in the Sight of God, that we
" are free from and clear of all feditious Cenventiclcs, which we deny as con-
" trary to the Spirit of Chriji Jejiis, and the Faith we have received of him,
*' neither have the Informers feen any fuch Thing among us. And we are not
" without a Witnefs in the Confciences of Men, among whom we have had
" our Converfation, that we are a People of no dangerous Principles or evil
*' Practices, our Meetings being only to worfhip God according to the Com-
" mand of Chriji Jefus, and Pradlice of the primitive Chrijlians, or to provide
" for the Fathcrlcls, Widows, and Poor, with other Chriftian Duties, which
" the Chriftian Religion requires.
*' We are fenfible that the late Adt extended .againft us (befidc the Encou-
'' nagement of Self-ended Informers to fwear almoft any thing againft us in
♦' our Abfence for their Intereft, whereby many grievous Oppreflions have
" befallen us) in many other Particulars alfo exceeds the Severity of other
»« Laws of this Realm, yet we have fuffered many Extremities beyond the Se-
«' verity of this Aft, whereof the following Account may give Ibme In-
*' ftances, which bccaufe they are frelh, and in your Power to redrefs, we (hall
•« only acquaint you with at prefent. Thofe many which are long fince tranf-
»' afted, not coming fo properly under your Confideration now, farther than
Vol. I. A a a " being
jW
DORffAM,
1 68 2.
lawkfs Aili
ol Injormcrs.
Fives for
Meeting.
A ColleGlion of the Sufferings - Vol. I.
" bein"- certified that many fuch have been thefe. twelve Years, and you hereby
«' imde fcnfiblc thereof may be the more inclinable to redrefs thefe at prefent,
" and in Chriftian Wifdohi to prevent any more for' the future, that Oppref-
" fion mrty ceafc which the Righteous lie under, fbf which the God of Heaven
*' is orieved ; with whom that you may find Mercy in the great D.iy of Ac-
" count, is the Chriftian Defire of
*' Your Peaceful Friends and Neighbours
Emanuel Grice
James Trotter
Zachary Murthwmte
John mifon
Anthony Hodgfon
Jane Pickers
Sarah Kirby.
To this Reprefentation fome particular fuffering Cafes were annexed, of
which the laivlcfs Afts of hungry Informers about this Time afforded many
Inft'ances' : Some of them were fo daring as to feize Goods without any W-ar-
r;int or regular Convidlion : Two of them, Watjon and Rkkerby, took away
two' Horfes in the Night, intending to fell therh to Perfons appointed to meet
thero at Ferry-bill the next Morning, having promifed them two of the beft
Horfes the ^/akers had : The Owner, purfuing the Spoilers, ftopt the Horfes
before they were fold, and the Informers could not produce any Warrant or
Authority for taking rhem. Complaint of this was made to the Bifhop, who
faid, ttey might be profecuted for Felony, and fpake to the Sheriff-" about it, who
examined one of the Informers, and he confelFed their taking the Horfes with-
out any knvful Authority. The Sheriff reproved them, and ordered them to
return the Horfes, which they did, and to afk the Owner's Pardon, which they
liever did, nor did they refrain from repeating their lawlefs Praftices : For at
another Time, two of them, Dickfon and Rickerby came to the Houfe of Jane
Vickers at Raby, where fome of her Friends were eating : She afl^ed the In-
formers to eat with them fome Honey and Butter : They did eat and drink, and
talked V^ry familiarly, but went away and gave Information of a Conventicle
at her Houfe, where they had only feen Perfons eating and drinking what
themfelves partook of: For this the hofpitable Woman was fined 15/. and had
her Cattle and Sheep taken away to the Value of 20/.
After the Informers had levied more than fufficient Diftrefi on the Cattle of
Chrifopher Appleby, they ordered the Conftable to go again to his Houfe with
rhem, where they made a Seizure of his Beef, Cheefe, and Houftiold-Stuff :
While they were thus pillaging the poor Man of his Family's Provifion, Sir
Pf^illiam Clayton, a Juftice of the Peace, coming by, advifed the Conflable to
forbear, and to reprefent to the Juftices, that there was nothing farther to be
levied without depriving the Family of Food and Lodging. By this Means
thofc ravenous Creatures at that Time were difappointed of their Prey.
From Frances Conceit, a poor Widow about eighty Years of Age, who had
been maintained by the Charity of her Friends tor ten Years paft -, Ratcliff
and Koyfe, two Informers, took away moft of her Apparel and Linen, with
the Trunk they were in. When the Informers at another Time had fworn
fxlfly a^ainft Anne Arundell for a Meeting Ihe was not at, fhe appealed to the
^{drtcr SrfTwns, where fhe plainly proved their Information falfe, and recovered
her Goods at an Expence greater than her Fine. But the Jufbces were ufually
tender of the Informer's Reputation, whom they regarded as the King's Evi-
dence, and whofc Miftakes, however carelefs or wilful, they were difpofed as
much as pofTiblc to overlook.
ANNO 1683. For meeting together to worfhip God were taken by Dif-
trefs tbis Year,
^rom Robert Triicnian, Anne King, William Dohfan, Laurence
Appleby, Utfula Fijher, and Ellinor Tompfon, all of
Darlington, Corn and Goods to the Value of
56
s.
Carried over 56 8 8
Chap. 13. of the People called QUAKERS.
^87
^i'.9?P
Brought over
l^oomas Talhtey, Cbrijlopher Applehy, Tlmticu Hodgfo)?,
Anne Robinjon, IVitliam Norton, Robert Hartburne,
James IVood, and Chriftopher Crojby, Goods worth
John Airey, Cbrijlopher Bickers, Francis I-ofler, Alex-
ander Nedle,^ George Lowry^ Lionel Hetherington,
Martin Nicbolfon, PFilliam Hetherington, TJjcmas
Jobnfon^ and Robert Hetherington, to the Value of
SaraJ] Kirby^ Zachary Murib-Maite, Henry Grainger, ")
Robert Hartburne, William Laurence, Margaret^
Walker, and Anne Cbipchaje., Goods to the VaUie of S
I.
56
5.
DURHAM,
&c.
1683,
45 12
190
9
Ahufet nr.X
Imp'-ifon-
men t St '
In this Year, by an Order of Jobn Morland, Ijaac BaJJirc, Jobn Duck, and
Aliles Stapleton Juftices, thirty two Perfons were taken from the Quarterly-
Meeting at Dw^i^w, and committed to Prifon ; but tlirough the favour of
the Bifhop and the High Sheriff were relealed again in a few Days. Alfo An-
thony Rcbiiifon and Margery Fan, taken at a Meeting, were committed to
Prifon by James Burden Mayor of Stockton ; who alfo fent to Goal IVillia'/n
Jekyll and Cbrijlopher Crojby, two elderly Men, after he had fuffered them
to be abufed in his Prefence, and one ot them dragged in the Dirt fifty or
fixty Yards. He alio committed I'bcmns Chipcbafe, Robert Pattifon, and George
Hall, to Prifon from a Meeting at Norton. Hugh White of Berkley was impri-
foned on a Writ de Excommtmicato capiendo.
'■'ANNO 1684. About the Month called 7z/;7£> this Year, Thomas Branting- Denh of
ham died a Prifcner for Tithes in Durham Goal. T. Branting.
For being at religious Meetings Diflrefles were made this Year on the Goods
Of Samuel Freeman, Francis Fojler, Robert Wallis, Henry
Hunter, Lionel Hetherington, Robert A/keiv, Robert
Fletcber, William Hewett, Wtlliain Fenwick, Thomas
Johnfon, Ralph Hodgfon, and William Tejlob, to the
Value of -. ""
Henry Grainger, William Pickering, Martin Nicbolfin. Z
and Thomas Ornejhy, to the Value of ^
John Hunter, twenty Oxen and other Kine, three 9
Horfes and eleven Sheep, worth J
William Geers, Cbrijlopher Crojly, Zachary Miirlh- i
waite, Sarah Kirkby, and Robert Trueman, Goods >
worth J)
William Dob Jon, Tloomas Pyehornc, Cbrijlopher Applehy,^
Laurence Strickland, and Robert Trueman S
/.
36
51
19
s.
^7
10
16
II
d.
167 iS 6
Of thefe Sufferers, though many of them were Men of Subflance, others Ojipreff'ton cf
were poor : One of them, William Hewett, was a poor Labourer, from ^'"'^'
whom the Informers took moft of his wearing Apparel ; after which he ftill
continuing conftant in going to Meetings, the Juftices, Bajfire and Jenkins,
fent hiin to the Houfe of Correftion. Another of them, Thomas Pyborne, was
fo poor, that when the Informers brake into his Houfe, and feized all his
Houfhold Goods, the Conftable, moved with Compaffion to the Man and his
Family of young Children, gave the Informers 20 s. to defift from their At-
tempt. A third, Laurence Strickland, was reduced, for want of Bedding, to
much Hardfhip, having nothing of neceffary Bedclothes left for him and his
Family to cover tliemfelves. A fourth, Robert 'Trueman, having been feveral
Times
i88
OURHAM,
&c.
1684.
A CoUeaion of the Sufferings
Vol
I.
Diflrejfis.
f/trdened In-
fortmrs.
Difirejfes.
Impudevce of
Jnjorm.'rs.
Sum of tbit
Texr's Dif.
trfjfes.
Grofs Abufe
of Authority.
Times diftrained on, at laft had the poor Remainder of his Goods taken away
worth but 20.'. ThefcMcn, though poor in this World, were richm Faith,
patient in Afflicflion, and unmoveable in the Stedfaftnefs of performing their
religious Duties.
On the 3d of November, Ellinor Grainger ., Elizabeth Wilfon, Anne Card,
WilliajH Hcwet!, irdliam Heron, John Riimfordy Henry Middleton, and JVilliam
U-Agfoiiy taken at a Meeting the Day beibre, were by the Juftices, Bajfire and
Jenkins, committed to the Hoiife of Correflion in Durham to be kept to hard
Labour, and were detained there about ten Weeks, till the SelTions, at which
they were difmift with Threats, and charged to come at ho more Conventicles.
George Swallow was alfo imprilbned about the fame Time. There were alfo
about that Time in Prifon, Lionel John/on, Ifaac Robin/on, Sa?nuel Freemartf
Robert AJkciv, and Philip Simfon.
On the 24th of the Month called January^ John Toting and John JVilloughb\\
both of North-Shields, were committed to Morpeth Goal by a Writ- de Excom-
municato cajierdo. ' ',..•.
About the fame Time IFilliam Singleton, Laurence Appleby, and Jojhua Middle-
ten, had their Goods taken by Diftrefs, for their religious affembling to wor-
fliip God, to the Value of 12/. 6s.
Remarkable was the Infolence of Boyfe and Ratcliffe, drwnken Informers,
who coming to the Houfe of Robert True??ian, when only his Wife, Maid, and
a little Child were within, fplit the Door with a Smith's Hammer,' and \yith
one of the Splinters hurt the Maid who was coming to open it, and finding
little in the Houfe (for they had before taken away almoft all the Goods)
abufed the Woman, calling her Wbofe, and affrighted the Child : One of the
Informers, like an hardned Reprobate, fwearing, ihxt he cai^d not what he did,
for, fliid he, 1 am as bad as I can be.
In this. Year were taken by Diftrefs, for Abfence from the National Worfhip,
/. S. d.
From Mary Corn, Chrijlopher Crojby, 1})omas Ornejhy, JVilliam^
Pickering, Martin Nicholfon, Mary Hutton, Geo}-ge> ^o 8 o
Oates, and Francis Fojler, Goods to the Value of j
About this Time James Bickfon, John Hud/path, and Lancelot Rozvel, In-
formers, behaved with an Impudence icarce to be parallell'd. They came to
the Houfe of Thomas Hedly of Hedly-hill, with a Warrant demanding a Fine of
5 /. The Man being weak, and terrified by their Threats, gave them 20 s. and
they blotted his Name out of the Warrant. In like manner they extorted from
Chrijlopher Ftckers 20 s. threatning to diftrain for a Meeting he had not been at.
So arbitrary were thofe Informers, that they fet themfelves above the Juftices,
and aftumed a Power of altering their Warrants by putting in or out whom
they pleafed. They were lb prefumptuous, as to undertake to indemnify Per-
fons, and gave a kind of negative Licence to go to Meetings. They gave a
Bond for a 100/. to one Thomas Hunter, not a ^laker, conditioned for their
not difturbing, but keeping harmlefs feveral of his Relations tor being at any
Meeting in this County. The like Bonds they gave to others who were not
S^iakers, and contracted for Sums of Money to leave People out of their In-
formations.
In this Year were taken from Chriftopher Vickers, a Mare, four young Beafts,
five Sheep, and other Goods, worth 12/. 11;. 6d.
The whole of the Diftrefles this Year, for Meetings and Abfence from the
National Worfliip, amounted to 2 2 2 /. 14 J.
We fhall clofe the Account of this Year with an Inftance of much Paition
and Abufe of Authority exercifed by the Juftices Bajfire and Jenkins, on John
Hedley a Servant to Chrijlopher Bickers a Grocer in Gate/head. Hedley obl'erv-
ing the Officers coming to make a Seizure of his Mafter's Goods, put a Bar
crofs the lower Part of the Shop-door, which was fhut before. The Conftable
feeing this, leapt over the Door, fiying, Sirrah, do you i?!tend to knock fne on
tkr
Chap. 13. 0/ //j^ People called QUAKERS.
the Head loiltthe Bar, though there was not the leaft Colour or Appearance of-
any fuch Defign : However, the Conftable hurried him away to the Juflices
then in Town at a Tavern. They required Hedley to kneel down on his bare
Knees and beg Pardon : He refufed, alledging, thai he had not co?nmitied any
Offence. Upon this one of the Juftices took him faft by the Hair on one Side
ot-" his Head, and the other on the other Side, and lb pulled him up and down
the Room, calling him Dog, Whelp, and fuch like Names as their Anger fug-,
gefted, bidding him kneel do'xn or they would have him fcourged : But he not-
lubmitting to their reafonlefs Requirings, Juftice Jenkins with his own Hands.'
ftript him, and ordered an Officer immediately to whip him through the Street
to his Mailer's Shop : Which was done, the People generally exclaiming againft^
the Illegality and Barbarity of their Doings. No Wonder that Informers ex-
ceeded the Bounds of Law, when the Juftices gave them fuch Examples.
ANNO 1685. IVilliam Peart oi Craik'mTorkJhire, but in the Diocefe of
Biirhatn, was committed to Prifon by Warrant from Marmaduke Allafon.^
Mi\yov of Durham, and another Juftice, grounded on a Certificate of Contu-
macy out of the Ecclefiaftical Court, at the Suit of Luke Mawburne Prieft, who
had formerly kept him a long Time in Goal. While he lay in Prifon the Prieft's
Agents took Hay and Corn oft' his Ground in what Qiiantities they pleafed.
By Warrant from John Alorland of Durha?n, a Juftice of the Peace, upon
the Informations of Richard Noble, John Curry, and others of Bijhop's-Jukland,
feveral Perfons had their Goods taken by Diftrefs, for being prefent at religious
Meetings, viz.
1.89
DURHAM,
&c.
1684.
^&
Edward Tonjlall, * John Walton, und James
White, to the Value of
Zachary Murthivaite, Margaret Spencely, y
James trotter, Einamiel Grice, and >
William Pickering, to the Value of ^
Taken alfo from George Williamfon, Laurence Appleby, and 7
Jojeph Fijher, Cattle and Goods worth i
/.
d.
I 13 9 4 mreffa.
14
22
49 10 :i;4o3
The Informers having a Warrant againft Ralph Hodgfon, the Conftable they
would have given it to refufed to execute it, alledging that the Place was out
of the Verge of his Office. Upon this the Informers got a Warrant againft him
for Negledt of Duty, and made him pay 5 /. which he recovered again upon
Ralph Hodgfon's Goods.
The Sum ot the Diftrefles this Year amounted to 54/. 10 i. 4^.
ANNO 1686. John Walton oi Bifiop's-Jukland had t2iktn irom him, for
Abfence from the National Worfliip, an Horfe worth 61.
At the AfTizes this Year, thofe who remained in Prifon were generally dif-
charged by the King's Proclamation -, among whom was Hjomas Sparks, who
had been imprifoned about thirteen Years on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo :
But Hugh William[on died in Priibn about a Month before.
ANNO 1 6S7. Taken from feveral Perfons in Durham and Northumberland,
Tithes in Kind amounting to I 2 /. ic)j. 8^.
ANNO 16S8. At Sunderland, on the 20th of December between eight and
ten at Night, William Shepherdfon, William Hincks, and Gerrard Sidgewick,
M afters and IVIariners, Edward Robin/on and John Mickfon Fitters, all of that
Town, broke two Locks, entred the Meeting-houlc, the Copyhold Eftate of
William Maud, pulled out a Form and went away. About one ot the Clock
the fame Night they returned with a Rabble of Boys, and the bafer Sort of the
People, and broke open the Houfe again, pulled up and burnt the Floors,
Confiibk
fined.
DtmoViPning
a M.etwig-
kouli.
Vol. I.
Bbb
Doors,
* The faid ^okn Walton was imprifoned, for that he, being Conftable, refufed to aft
making DiftrelTesoti the Goods of his Friends who were fined for their Meetings.
in
190 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
DURHAM, Doors, and Windows, Seats, and Roof of the Houfe, totally demolilliing it
&c. before eio^ht next Morning : About which Time Shepherdfon marched in the
1688. Front of^the Rabble with his Sword by his Side, when they broke the Win-
^-''^*^'''"^-' dows of feveral Houfes of the People called ^takers as they pafled the
Streets.
JVilliam Maud brought an Aftion of Trefpals againft Htncks and others for
Tithes. demolilhing his Houfe, and made legal Proof of 49/. Damages : But the
Jury gave him but 20s. upon which he proceeded no farther, but fat down
Poli'AS. with his Cofts of Law added to the Damage of his Houfe.
ANNO 1689. In this and the next preceding Year, feveral Perfons had
Tithes. Corn taken out of their Fields for Tithe, to the Value of 30/. 6 s. 6d.
ANNO 1690. Robert fFardell, for refufing to pay 20 s. aflefled on him as
a Preacher by the Poll- Aft, fuffered Diftrefs ot Goods to the Value of 1/. Ss. 6d.
In this Year alfo feveral Perfons had their Corn taken for Tithes, to the
Amount of 43 /. 6 s. ^d.
CHAP. XIV.
ESSEX.
1655-
E X.
Sufferiu^i of
J. Parnel.
T
Anno 1655.
H E firft Sufferings in this County which occur to our Notice, were
thofe of Jatnes Parnel, who, when fixteen Years of Age, was con-
vinced of the 'Truth by the Miniflxy of George Fox, then Prifoner in
the Dungeon at Carlifle. He gave early Proofs of his Patience and
Conltancy by fuffering Imprifonment in Cambridgejhire^ of which we have
already made mention in our Account of that County, pag. 86 foregoing.
Being about eighteen Years of Age, he came into EJfex, preaching the Doftrine
of the Gofpel with fuch Efficacy, that many were convinced, and among others
Stephen Crifp, afterward an eminent Teacher of the fame Doftrine. Pa?nel, as
he vras coming out of Nicholas Steeple-houfe in Colchejier, where he had beea
exhorting the People to Repentance, was met by a blind Zealot who ftruck
him a violent Blow with a great Staff, faying, There, take that for ChrijVs Sake :
To whom the innocent Sufferer meekly anfwered. Friend, I do receive it for
Jefus Chrifl's Sake. From thence he went to Coggeflmll, where the Independent
Profeffors had appointed a Faft, on purpofe to pray againft the fpreading of
Error, by which they meant the ^.akers Doftrine. The Prieft, who officiated
on that Occafion, uttered many Inveftives againft that People, fuch as Preju-
dice and Prcpoffeffion had furniffied him with. Jmnes Parnel ftood ftill tiil the
Prieft had done, and was coming down from his Pulpit, when, thinking it his
Duty to undeceive the People, he faid to the Prieft, 1 am ready to prove that
the Quakers are not on a Sandy Foundation, and that thou art a falfe Prophet and
Deceiver. After fome Words had paffed, a Pcrfon ftanding by accufed Parnel,
fiiying, that be owned no Church : He replied. That's falfe. Then being allied.
What Church be owned ? He anfwered. The Church in God. W'hereupon the
Prieft faid. That was Nonfenfe. But Parnel takin.g a Bible out of his Pocket,
fh( wed, tliat it was a Scripture Exprejfton, and charged the Prieft with B!af-
pbemy in ailing k Nofnje. On his coming out of the Steeple-houfe he was
apprehended, : nd, after Examination, coi.,miited to Cohhejler Caftle, by a
"Warrant fignea by tour Juft.c^^, contauiing the fellow ing Charge, 'viz.
THAT
Chap. 14. of the People called QUAKERS.
191
Essex;
THAT the faid Jamei Parnel^ with many other Perfons of his 1655.
gathering together, did in a riotous Manner enter into the Parifli ^^—^^"^^
Church at Great-Coggejhall, and there being a great Number of Chriftians ^irnr.t for
met in the faid Church, to hold and keep a Day of pubiick Humiliation ^"„^°""""*
and feeking of God, and being in order thereunto then excrtifed in the
Divine Worfhip and Service of Almighty God, he the faid James did
then and there ftand up, and told the Minifter he blafphemed and [pake
faljly., and ufed many other reproachful Words againft the faid Minifter,
and afterward he departed the fiid Church, and went into the common
Highway in the faid Town of Greal-Coggejhally with a great Number of
Perlbns his Followers, who kept there unlawtiilly together, and fome of
them gave out menacing and threatning Speeches, tending to the Breach of
the Peace, and againft the Law -, and alfo the faid James cannot give us a
very good Account of himfelf, where he was laft fettled, or of his Life
and Convcrfation, but doth farther appear to us to be an idle and diforderly
Perfon."
To this Minimus J. Parnel afterward publifhed an Anfwer, in a Book called
The Fruits of a Fajl, printed by Giles Calvert, Amw 1 6^c,^ wherein he fnews
the Errors and Inconfiftencies ot the Charge againft him, juftifying the Peace-
ablenefs of his own Demeanour at that Time ; and alfo gives a folid and
Chriftian Account ot the Work of God upon his Soul, and the Necefllty
laid upon him to ttftity againft the Formalities and Pf" ill-lVorJhip of Mar's In-
vention.
Being in Prifon he was clofely confined, and at the Time of the next Af-
fizes, held a few Weeks atter at Chelmsford., he was faftned to a Chain with
Felons and Murderers, and fo led above twenty Miles through the Country,
remaining chained both Night and Day.
At his Trial he was brought to the Bar hand-cuff 'd, but the People ex-
claiming againft that Cruelty, at his next Appearance the Manacles were taken
off. The Judge feemed rcfolved againft him, faying, that the Lord Proteolor
had charged him to punif}} fueh Perfons as fhould contemn either Magifirates or
Minijiers : And in his Charge to the Jury, he directed them to bring him in
Guilty, which they readily did : He was fined 40/. and fent again to Prifon till
Payment. And the Goaler was ordered not to let any giddy-headed People,
by which was meant his Friends, come at him.
The Goaler obferved his Orders, to which the Cruelty of his own Difpofition
alfo inclined him, for he would fufter none to come to him but fuch as abufed
him ; and the Goaler's Wife, equally cruel, not only ordered her Servant to
beat him, but ftruck him with her own Hands, fwearing fhe would have his
Blood. When his Friends fent him Vidluals, ftie ordered the other Prifoners to
take it -, and when a Bed was fent him, ftie refufed to let him have it, but
conftrained him to lodge on the hard damp Stones. After this he was put into
an Hole in the Caftle-Wall, not fo wide as fome Bakers Ovens, which Hole
being a great Heighth from the Ground, and a Ladder, ufed to go up by, be-
ing feveral Feet too fhort, he was obliged to climb up and down by a Rope
to fetch his V idtuals or other Neceftaries : For when his Friends would have
given him a Cord and a Balket to draw up his Food in, the cruel Keeper
would not fuffer it. By lying long in that damp Hole, his Limbs were be-
numbed ; and as he was going up the Ladder with his Food in one Hand,
attempting to lay hold on the Rope with the other, he miffed his Aim, and
fell down on the Stones, by which he was fo wounded in his Head, and bruifed
in his Body, that he was taken up for dead. Then they put him into an Hoi?
underneath the other, there being two Stories of fuch narrow vaulted Holes in
the Wall : Here, when the Door was fhut, was fcarce any Air, there being
no Window or Place befide to let it in. Thus bruifed with the Fall, and fliut
up where he could hardly breath, thefe was little Hope left of his Life.
Whereupon
Brought imong
Fehns to tbt
Affiles.
The ^udge
prejudiced
againji him.
His clofe mi
cruel Confiiie-
msnt.
192
ESSEX.
His Death,
Their Teftimo-
vy te the Light
of Chri/t give
great Offence.
Mitij/Imprij'on-
ei.
Some nUpt. '
Oibers fet in
the Stocks,
Miyy Inhdts
mi Abujes.
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. L
Whereupon two of his Friends, M'lUiam Talcot and Ed'ward Grant, wealthy
Tradelmen of that Town, offered to be bound in fufficient Bonds, and Thomas
Shorthind, another o\' his Friends, offered to lie in Prilon in his Stead, fo that
he might have Liberty to go to fVilliam Talcof^ Houie till he might reCvver
of his Bruifcs, but this was denied. Nor would the Goaler lutter i.nn to walk
fometimes in the Yard, as other Prifoners did. It happened once, that the
Door of his Hole being open, he Wtnt forth into a narrow Yard btcwccn two
high Walls, at which the Keeper in a Rage lockt up the Door and fhut him
out in the Yard all Night, in the cold Time of Winter. His Conititution
being much impaired by cruel Ufage and hard Lnprilbnment, after ten or
eleven Months he fell fick and died. Two of his Friends, Thomas Shortland
and Anne Langley, were prefent at his Departure. When Death approached,
he faid, Here I die innocently : And a little after, Now I mujl go. He had often.
faid, that One Hour's Sleep issoidd cure him of all. The lalt Words he was
heard to fpeak were. Now I go, and then ftretching himfelf out, flept about
an Hour, and breathed his laft. He died a Youth, about nineteen Years of
Age, but approved himfelf a ftrong Man in Chrift, and having an Eye to the
Eternal Recompence of Reward fet before him, perfevered faithful to his End
through manifold Sufferings, with a remarkable Innocence, Patience, and Mag-
nanimity. His Perfecutors, inftead of repenting of their Cruelty, the apparent
Caufe of his Death, railed a llanderous Report of his haftning his own End
by willfully abllaining from Food : But that Report was proved falfe by the
Teftimony of credible Witneffes, who were frequently with him during his
Sicknefs ; and to whom that groundlefs Calumny was a clear Indication of the
deep-rooted Malice of thofe who invented it.
ANNIS 1656, iG^y, 1658, and 1659. Many in this County were zealoully
concerned to publifli the Doftrine of the Light of Chrijl, and the NccefTity of
Obedience thereunto, for which Caufe they frequently went to the publick
Places of Worfhip, waiting for the moft part till the Prieft had ended his Ser-
mon, and then declaring to the People their own Experience of the Work of
Truth, reproving Sin in all, and exhorting to Repentance and Amendment of
Life ; they alfo publickly teftified againft Superftition and Will-Worfhip, and
fpared not to caution Men to beware of being feduced by falfe Teachers, who
regarded more their own Intereft and Promotion, than the Purity of their
Doftrine. This plain and Chriftian Teftimony, however effedual to the Con-
verfion of many, gave great Offence to thofe who hated Reformation, and
particularly incenfed the Priefts, who having no fmall Influence on the Magi-
llrates, excited them to fupprefs the Melfengers of luch Tidings, whom they
mifreprefented as Diflurbers of the publick Peace and Worfhip, under which
Pretence they procured the Imprifonment of IVilliam Monk of Sandon two Years
and four Months ; John Claydon of Hadjlock fixteen Months -, June Langley
at one Time ten Weeks, and at another Time fifteen Weeks -, George Rofe
about five Months •, IVillicim Men of Samjord about a Year i Stephen Huberjly
of Burnham five Weeks -, John Davidge in the Houfe of Corredfion a Month ;
during which Time none of his Friends were fuffered to vifit him ; Martha.
Sinwnds four Months, and two of her Friends, who came to fee her, three
Days. Befide thefe were imprilbned for the £ime Caufe, John Sewel of Ge^-
h>iglhorp, John Child of Feljled, Samuel Skillingham, Mary Cooke, Jonathan Bun-
dock of IVeJl-Bergholt, Thomas Shortland, Stephen Crifp, Edmund Crofs, Anne
Stavmage, John Eve, and Anne Child. Alfo Matthew Hodfon, Joane Dejbo-
row, Edward Grant, and John Hall. Anne Humphry was imprilbned in Bride-
well, y!htrQ.JohnTo?nHn, Margaret Gray, and George Ede, were not only dole
confined, but alfo cruelly whipt. At Saffron-Wnlden, William RoUnfon was
imprifoned, and George IVJnlehead fet in the Stocks. Others there were whofe
Chriftian Advices and Exhortations met with Returns of illegal and barbarous
Abufes from the Populace, the worft of whom, animated by the Priefts, and
unreftrained by the Magiftrates, treated them moft inhumanly: Many and
grievous were the Infults, Stonings, Beatings, Bruifes, Scoffings, and Revilings,
patiently
Chap. 14. of the People called QUAKERS.
patiently endured by John Child, Anne Child, John Chandler, Henry Fell, Roherl
Debnam, Mary Bourne, Zachary Child, and others. At Haljlead, John Ifaac,
having a Concern to warn the f topic, and unwilling to give Oiience, committed
the fame to Writing, which he lett at the Steeple-houle ; for this he was fent to
Prifon, and afterward fined twenty Marks.
The religious Zeal of this People, in frequenting their Affemblies forWor-
fhip, obliged them to travel to the Places where they were held, which being
lometimes at a confiderable Diftance, their going to or coming irom them on
the Firft-day of the Week, was called a Breach of the Sabbaih, and punillied
by Fines, Diftrefs of Goods, or Imprifonment. For this Caufe Samuel Skil-
itiighamixnd Zachary Child going to a Meeting nlVeathersfield, were Itopt by
Wardens in the Street, and foreJy beaten and abufed by a Julticc's Clerk :
And for the fame Caufe Elizabeth Court was lent to the Houle ot Corrcdtion,
where fhe was whipt, and futtered much cruel Ufage, being kept without
Candle or Fire in the cold Winter, when Hie was fick of an Ague. John Child,
for riding to a Meeting, had his Horfe taken away, and kept from him three
Weeks, and then return'd Home without Bridle, Saddle, Pillow, or Cloth, all
which they detained for a pretended Forleiturc. Edmund Crojs, Jchn Pike,
Jeffery Bullock, Richard IFaite, and fVilliam Halley, were taken out of a Meet-
ing at Horjley, and fet in the Stocks fix Hours, for coming thither on the Sab-
bath-day. For the fime Caufe Edward Morrell and Jnne Child, by the Direc-
tion of the Prieft of Stebbing, were taken from a Meeting there, and kept under
Guard in an Alehoufe all Night. And under the like Pretence Richard Potter
and JVilliam Suffall were committed to Prifon. The Wife of one John Chop-
ping being fcen going homeward, on that Day, her Hufband was fined, and
had his Goods diilrained. Zachary Child and Anne Child returning from Col-
chejler, where fhe had been to vifit her Hufband in Prifon, were kept by an
officious Conflable at Braintree, detained all Night in an Inn-yard in cold Wea-
ther, and next Day were fined io.f. each. Some were impriioned on an Ac-
cufation of working on the Firfl-day of the Week, a Pretence with which the
extream Superftition of thofe Times furnifh'd thofe who were addifted to it,
and gave them an Opportunity ot perfecuting Men more religious and righte-
ous than themfelves, and better qualified to difcern the Nature of the true
Cbrijlian-Sabbath, and of that perpetual Re/l from the Bondage of Sin, which
the true Believers in Chriil are entred into : Hence proceeded the Imprifon-
ment of Tljomai Chitham, fhomas Shortland, and John Tomlyn : And under the
fame Pretence 'thomai Lee of Steeple was fined los.
Richard Norton oi Coggejhall, for Fines of 6/. for refufing to Swear, had his
Goods taken away by Diftrefs : And Griffith Perry, for the lame Caufe being
fined 20 i. fuffered the Lofs of two Cows valued at 1 1 /.
In thefe Years we have divers Inflances of exorbitant Seizures for Tithes, viz.
For
ESSE X.
1656, .'9
1659.
7})iirrelieJous
Coniiiwy in
Mi€tivg.
PMiifaed Its
Sibbath-
breiiking.
Niture of the
Cliriftian-
Sabbath.
Diftrefs.
I
s.
d.
I.
s.
d.
5°
Demand, were taken from ")
John Pollard of Steeple, Corn, >
322
Exorbitmt
isfc. to the Value of 3
Seizures for
6
Mofes Davie of Feljled
23
Tithii.
5
John Crofier
2j
10
Robert Adams of Peering
5
10
2
10
Griffith Perry of Linfel
20
2
14
John Adams of Hadftock
27
10
Samuel Warner of Boxted
5
10
17
9
John Choppin
25
15
20
Robert Nichols of Colne
50
10
Jofiah Smith of Little-Sajnford
45
I
«9
John Cakebread of Great- Samford
6
10
For 116 12 o Demanded, Taken to the Value of 558 5 o
Vol. I. C c c The
194
ESSEX.
1656 to
1659.
Inprifomneits
anl Dilirejes
for Tiibss.
For not b;xr-
ing Anns.
For Marrying,
A remarkable
Occu'Tince.
A Meethig at
Harwich.
^ Collet-ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
The above-named John Pollard was alfo imprifoned in Colchejler Caftle four-
teen Months, in the Upper Bench five Months, and in the Fleet fome Years
after.
Sarah Cadney of Much-Braxjled had taken from her, for Tithes, by Diftreis,
two Cows worth ill.
A mono- thofe who were Prifoners for Tithes in Colchefter CzMe, were Jobfi
Crofier and Mojes Davie., who continued there twenty one' Weeks -, John Adams
fix Months ; Robert Abbott of Colne, and Thomas Mumford of Saling, two Years
and four Months -, Henry Smith of Saling three Months ; the Widow Balls and
her Son William Balls twenty Months ; though the Son was not at that Time
the Occupier of any Land : Edward Morel of Thaxted nine Weeks ; James
Potter oi Marks-'Tey was committed in November 1658, and continued feveral
Years ■, 'Thomas Ellam and John Evans, both of Much-Eafton ; alio John E?nfon
and William Crow, botii of Harfield, committed in the Year 1 be^^., remained
there Ibme Years : William Enniver of Broxted was imprifoned for Tithes
twenty two Weeks.
In thcfe Years Robert Ludgater, Thomas Creek, Richard Hortoh, -Richard
A?nes, Samuel Norton, William Boggs, the Widow Balls, and Richard Lack, fe-
venilly fuffered tiie Seizure of their Goods, for refufing to pay the ufual
Afieffinents toward the Repairs of the Parilh Worfhip-houles.
John Furly of Colchejler, for refufing to fend an Horfe and Man, when
fummoned to ferve in the County Militia, fuffered by Diflrefs to the Value of
3/. 5i. Alfo Arthur Condon, tor a Demand of 4J. toward the Charge of the
Trained-Bands, had a Coat taken from him worth 20 s.
Francis Marriage of Stebbing, was imprifoned in Colchejler Caftle for being
Married in another Manner than according to the Form of the Direftory.
We fhall next make mention of a remarkable Incident which occurred at
Haljicd, where one William Si?nfon, under a religious Concern, paffed through
the Streets, with his Body naked, as a Sign to the People, when an ill-minded
Man named John Folks, gave him feveral cruel Strokes with a Whip. IVilliam
bearing it patiently, laid to the Standers by, Mark the End of that Man: It
fo happened that a Ihort Time after. Folks, walking into his Yard feemingly in
good Health, fell dov/n dead immediately.
ANNO 1660, On the i6th of the Month called May was a Meeti-ng at
Harwich, appointed fom.e Days before, it being on the Firft-day of the Week,
to which about forty Perfons were coming over the River in Boats, (a thing
ulual on that Day for People coming to the National Worlhip) but the Mayor
would not fuffer them to come on Shore •, and when Robert Grciffinghun, an
Inhabitant of that Town, and Shipwright to the Admiralty, lent his own
Boat with two Servants to fetch over fome of his Friends, the Officers forbad
it, and by the Mayor's Order put the fiiid Servants in the Stocks^ and kept
them there feveral Hours : However, fuch Friends as were in the Town met,
and the Houfe was foon filled with fober and peaceable People, to whom
George Fox the * Younger was preaching, when a great Company of rude Sea-
men and others came, who being prevented by the Prels of People from coming
near to abufe the Preacher, curfed and fwore moft outragioufly, fome of them
threatning to pull down the Houfe, others crying out. The Kt?!g is now com-
ing, who will hang or banijh you all. George Fox hearing their abominable
Oaths and Imprecations, was much grieved in Spirit thereat, and in a pious
Zeal againft their Wickednefs, uttered thefe Words, Wo, Wo, unto the Teachers
and Rulers of this Nation, who fuffer fuch Ungodlinefs as this, and do not feek to
fupirefs it. Some of tlie People forthwith reported, or perhaps mifreported, this
to the Magiftrates, who prelently fent the High Conftable and others to fetch
George Fox by force out of the Meeting-houle into the Street, where the Mayor
was.
* So called by his Fri nds, to diitinguifh him from the other George Itx who had beeo
longer a Minijter amonj^ ihcm.
Chap. 14. of the People called QUAKliRS,
^95
ESSEX.
i66c.
Prcficmioit of
G. Fox \u)\
and R. Gral-
finahani.
was, who haftily commanded him to Prifon : George defired to know what
Law he had tranfgreired, tor that it was unjuft to imprifon him without legal
Caufe. Tiie IVIayor anlwered, 2'ou Jhail kiio-uu that ajur'iXJdrd, and io he was
hurried away to Prifon unexamined. Robert Grajjingham in brotlierly Love ac-
companied him to the Goal, and when the Rabble, as they palled the Street,
abufed him, faid to the Gonftables, You ought to fee the Peace kept, and not
fuffer the Prifoner to be ahtifed. After he had b.^en fome Time in Prifon, a
Mittimus was fenc figned by the Mayor and two others, wherein they charged
him with caufiHg a Tumult, and dijlurbing the Peace of the Boiough : Thus im-
puting to the innocent Man tlie Guilt of that Difturbance which was railed by
thofe who abufed him. As juftly migii: Lot and the Angels hive been charged
with caufing a Tumult in Sodom, when the Wicked furroundtd Lot's Houfe.
Nor was it the Aim ot the Magiftratcs of Harifich to punifh diforderly Per-
fons, for while George Fox was there in Prifon, it was frequent with Drunkards
both Day and Night to pafs by, and coming to the Grate of the Prifon would
curfe him bitterly, Hammering out Oaths through Drunkennef:, and then cry-
ing out, God fave King Charles, he will hang ail the Quakers and Anabaptifts :
Thefe Perfons went unreproved : But if any fobcr Men came to difcourfe with
him, the Mayor had ordered they jhould not be fuffer ed ; and tlie Goaler's Ser-
vant would throw Water upon, or otherwife abufe them. The Mayor and
other Magiftrates bufied thcmfelves fo much about this innocent Man, that they
fent up fuch an Information to the Parliament, as produced the following Order
of the Houfe of Commons, viz.
" Monday, May 2i{\.. 1660.
TH E Houfe being informed that two fakers, that is to fay, George order of the
fox and Robert Grafftnghatn, have lately made a Difturbance at Har- B^ufe of
wtch, and that the laid George Fox, who pretends to be a Preacher, did Commons,
lately in his Preaching there, fpeak Words much reflefting on the Govern-
ment and Miniftry, to the near caufing of a Mutiny, and is now committed
by the Mayor and Magiftrates there.
" Ordered, that the faid George Fox and Robert Graffmgham be forthwith
brought up in Cuftody, and that the Sheriff ot the County of Effcx do re-
ceive them, and give his AlTiftance for the conveying them up accordingly,
" and delivering them into the Charge of the Serjeant at Arms attending this
" Houfe.
'■'■Ordered, that the Thanks of this Houfe be given to the Mayor and Ma-
«» giftrates of Harwich for their Care in this Bufinefs.
" William Jessop^
" Clerk of the Common's Houfe in Parliament."
The Complaint againft Graffmgham feemed to arife from the Prejudice of the
Mayor, who had betbre faid to him in the Hearing of feveral People, If I
could get you out of Town^ I could eafily deal with the refi of the Quakers.
Tlie ioregoing Order was brought to Harwich by the Sheriff ot Effex, feveral
armed Men attending him ; upon which George Fox was taken out of the
* Hole where he had lain ten Nights, and delivered up to them to conduft to
hondon. On the Road thither they met Robert Graffmgham going homeward,
with an Order from the Commiflioners of the Navy to refit one of the King's
Frigates then in Harwich Port -, notwithftanding which, the Sheriff took hi"m
back to London, and delivered them both into the Cuftody of the Serjeant at
Arms, who committed them the fime Night to Lambeth-Houje, with an Or-
der, that few of their Friends flmdd come at them, and if any did, that Perfons
fhould
G. Fox mi
J. Grairina,-
hani deliver ei
to the CuHodf
of the Ser]eim
if Arms.
* A Place not four Yards in Lergth, and lefs in Breiitb.
fC
ce
196 ^ CoUedlion of fbe Sufferings Vol. I.
ESSEX, /hs/ild he prefent to hear what they /aid, and that all Letters to or from them
1 660. Jhould be read before Delivery ; which was ftridly obferved for fome Time. They
^'^'^^^^/'''^-J v/erc clcle confined to their Cliamber above fix Weeks, from whence they fent
the following Letter, viz.
" ^0 the Speaker of the Houfe of Commons :
neir Letter u Friend,
to tks Sfejiir. ,, ITf/E defire thee to communicate this enclofed to the Houfe o? Commons,
" V V it being a few innocent, juft, and reafonable Words to them, though
" not in the eloquent Language of Man's Wifdom, yet it is in the Truth
" which is honourable. We are Friends to Righteoufnefs and Truth, and to
*' all that are found therein.
Rohert Graffingham.
George FoxT
Enclofed was their Cafe, direfted
" For the Houfe of Commons affembled in Parliament at
" Weftminfler, viz.
" Friends,
thir Cafe " O Y your Order touching us, dated the 21ft of the Third Month called
Die ojeJ. jj j^ May, we underftand you have been falfly informed concerning us, by
" fome who have falfly accufcd us. Therefore this is our juft and reafonable
" Requeft, that we, together with our Accufers, may Face to Face be brought
*•' before you, and if any Thing can be juftly proved againft us, worthy of
" Death or Bonds, we fliall not refiife either. But if there can be nothing
" juftly proved againft us, then ought our Accufers to be afhamed, and we to
" be acquitted.
" Now we do believe it to be unjuft and unreafonable, that a Man fliould
" be haled out of a peaceable Meeting, as one of us was at Harwich in EJfex,
♦' and fent to Prifon without being examined, or a Mittimus, (only for declar-
" ing againft the Curfing and Wickednefs of the rude People, and againft fuch
" as luffer fuch Ungodlinefs, and do not feek to fupprefs it) and there be
" kept ten Nights, and from thence to be tranfported unto this Place, and that
" we ftiould be here confined to our Chamber, as we have been for about
" three Weeks laft paft, feeing nothing is proved againft us, nor we yet brought
" to an Examination, neither did your Order exprefs any fuch Confinement.
" So thefe Things are laid before you in Plainnefs, that Juftice may be herein
" done by you.
" By us who are Sufferers for Righteoufnefs-fake, and we have and
" fhall have Peace in our Suffering, and in writing our felves
" thus, except we were convinced by the Law of God, or
" any juft Law of our Nation to the contrary.
L2mhnh-Hon(e the isth of the ff Q pQX thc YoUim'Cr
i'0«rj/!jiMonifc<.-a/;f(i June 1660. * o
" i?. Grajfmghamr
Uiif Cafe The Speaker not anfwering their Requeft, they publifhed their liiid Cafe in Print,
frimed. and got it delivered to the Members of Parliament ; but no Notice v/ai taken
of it, becaufe it was not drawn in the ufual Form, and infcribed, To the
Right Honourable, &c. a Title which the Prifoners confcientioufly fcrupled to
ufe. After they had been fourteen Weeks in Cuftody without any Examination,
upon a Motion made by a Member of the Houfe, the following Order was
iliued,
" nurjday.
Chap. 14. of the People called QUAKERS.
197
" Thurfday, the loxhoiAuguJl iSSo.
" /^RDERED, that George Fox and Robert Grqffinghain, who, by Virtue
" \^ of a former Order ol this Houfe, were taken into Cuftody by the
" Serjeant at Arms attending this Houfe, for fome Difturbances at Harwich,
'■ be torthwith releafed and let at Liberty, upon Bail firft given to render
" themlelves, when they fliall be in that Behalf required."
" William Jessop,
" Clerk of the Common's Houfe in Parliament.**
Nevertheiefs they were fbill detained for the Serjeant's Fees, who demanded
50 /. befide loj. a Week tor their Chamber Rent, though they were put in the
higheft Room of a lolty Tower, not fit to lodge in, till they had the Windows
repaired at their own Charge. They not complying with thefe unreafonable
Demands, the Day before the Parliament rofe, (notwithftanding an^i5? of Obli-
vion and Indemnity which had palTed that Seffions, and their own Order afore-
faid) they made another Order, viz. " That it fhould be referred to the
" King's Privy Council to confider of them, and to give fuch Order touch-
" ing them, as to their Liberty, or to continue under Reftraint, as they fliould
" find confiftent with the publick Peace, and in the mean Time to re-
*' main in the Serjeant's Cuftody." By this Order they were detained a con-
fiderable Time longer ; all this unneceflary Buftle having been made about two
plain, honeft, and harmlefs Men, to their very great Lofs and Hardfhip, for
no other Offence, than that one of them had ejchorted the People to Truth and
Rightcoufnefs, and exclaimed againft the Abominations of the Times, and the
other had countenanced him in lb doing.
In December this Year, John Furly of Colchejler had the Oath of Allegiance
tcndred him by John Shaw Recorder, and refufing it was fent to Prifon, but
after five Days difcharged till the Seffions, where the fame being again tendred
him and refufed, he was remanded to Prifon, and kept there ten Weeks.
On the 13th of the Month called January, John Harvey, George Court,
John I'Febh, Samuel Peachy, Samuel Read, John Claydon, John Day, Jacob
Baker, Walter Crane, John Simon, John Churchman, Robert Churchman, George
Churchman, Thomas Amy, Edmund Clark, 'Thomas Day, John Stinton, John Ellis,
and Michael Pettitt, were taken out of a Meeting at Hadjlock, and carried to
Saffron IValden, and thence to a Juftice of the Peace at Dunmow, who tendred
them the Oath, and on their retufing to Swear, fent them to the Seffions at
Chelmsford, where the Oath was again tendred them, and for refufing to take
it they were fent to Colchefter Caftle, where tliey remained a confiderable Time.
On the 20th of the fame Month, John Inghill, Jofeph Burnifh, Edward
Grant jun. Nicholas Prigg, Edwin Harrifon, Richard ^uck, 'Thomas Bayles, John
Crumplir, George Wetherly, John Partridge, John Havens, Zachary Welch, John
Defirow, Thojnas Moffe, Michael Thorn, John Crouch, Thomas Shortland, Na-
thanael Phanfled, John BiJhop, William ^ick, Zachary Catchpool, and Thomas
Burgis, were taken out of a Meeting at Colchejler, and by the Recorder and
other Juftices committed to Prifon for refiafing to take the Oaths of Allegiance
and Supremacy, and detained there nine Weeks.
On the fame Day William Williams, Peter Peachy, and Thomas Brewer, taken
out of a Meeting at Eajt-ham, were fent to Colchejler Caftle for refufing the
Oaths. Alio Jojepb Smith, William Bridge, John Harding, George French, John
Knowles, Griffith Perry, Thomas Ellis, Thomas Sewell, William Sewell, William
Adcock, John Turner, and Jcfiah Clark, were taken out of a Meeting at Thax-
ted by the Mayor's Order, and had to the Seffions, whence for retufing the
Oath they were lent to Prifon, where they lay above three Months.
On the 27th, Edwin Morrell, John Potter, TJoomas Eve, John Clark, Richard
Sewell, and Thomas Eltham, being at a Meeting in the lame Town, were fum-
VoL. I D d d moned
ESSEX.
1660.
Ordir for their
^elsafe.
Detainei fot
Fees.
Another Order
of the Houfe,
Oith tenirei
to J. Furly.
19 CommitteX
to Prifott.
22 More fent
to Frifon.
Sandfy otbert
imfrifoned..
More Im^ri-
jonments.
An Occurrence
■worthy o{ No-
lice.
V,-
Otkcri commit-
ted for refitf-
ing theOiths.
Cife of A.
Smith.
Imprifonment
ani others..
Vi'aeH taken
at a Meethig
in Baddow.
Tithes.
Suffering of
R. Levitt 4»i
others.
A Collea;ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
moned to appear before the Mayor next Day, who tendred them the Oath, and
for refufmg it fent them to Pnfon, where they lay eleven Weeks. On the
lame 'Di.y^John Salmon, JViUiam Hiidjon, Thovias Lea, 'John Rave7i, and John
Davidge, taken in a Meeting at Steeple, were carried from Place to Place, and
at length to feme Juftiees at Colchejier, who tendred them the Oaths, and fent
them "to Prifon : At the Time when they were apprehended, fome of thofe
who took diem charged 'Thomas Lea with being a Preacher, and called for a
Bible to hear whether he could read : He opening the Book, without Defign,
at 2 Chron. xx. i i, 12. read to them the Text, vi%. Behold, how they reward
us, to come to caji i!s out of thy PoJJeJJion, which thou haft given us to inherit ? O
ottr God, wilt thou not judge them ? for we have 710 Might againft this great
Company that cometh againft us, neither know we what to do, but our Eyes are
upon thee. A Text very fuitable to the Occafion, and it was remarkable, that
it occurred fo feafonably without looking for ; but whether that happened cafu-
ally or providentially, we prefume not to determine.
In the fame Month Grijfith Perry, and his Son of the fame Name, were
taken out of a Meeting at the Houfe of Edwin Morrell, and cornmitted to
Prifon by an Order of Seffions for refufmg the Oaths : Alh Daniel Deacon of
Colchefter, taken ^rom a Meeting there, was for the fame Caufe fent to Goal,
and continued tliere above ten Weeks. At Harwich about the fame Time,
I'Fillinm Palmer, John Vandewall and Edward Boyce, were taken from their
own Houfes, and, for refufmg to take the Oaths, were by the Mayor and ano-
ther Juftice fent to Prifon. At Tolfbury, John Rolfe fpeaking to the People
by way of Exhortation, in the Grave- Yard, was carried before a Juftice of the
Peace, wlio tendred him the Oaths, and for refufmg them, fent him to Colchefter
Caftle.
About this Time Andrew Smith, for refufmg to pay Tithes, was imprifoned
in Colchefter Caftle feven Months, and after that in the Fleet above four
Month?, and had his Goods taken away to the Value of 16I. There were
alfo Prifoners for Tithes in the fame Caftle, Francis Marriage, John Chop-
ping, Thomas Ames, Thomas Chapman, and fVillia?n Fretton.
ANNO 1 66 1. 5/?/>^«z Crj/^ was apprehended at a Mctnn^ :iX Harwich,
and by a Juftice of the Peace there, who had ordered his Mitti?nus to be writ-
ten belore his Examination, committed to Prifon. On the next Day were
committed for having been at the ftme Meeting, M'^illiam Marloe, Edward
Bo'^ce, and Mar-j Vandewall, who after three Weeks were brought to the Sef-
fions, where a Bill of Indidment was preferred againft them, but the Grand
Jury refufmg to find it, the Oath of Allegiance was tendred them, and they
w«pe fent back to Prifon. During their Confinement, feveral who came to
vifit them, were by the Juftice's Order detained there, viz. Jofeph Burrough, John
Hawes, William Ellis, Jonathan Goddard, Thomas Garnford, and William Skinner.
In the fame Year Robert Conyers, William Fretton, Robert Davidge, Robert
Godfrey, Tlxmas Leage, and John Davidge, were taken at a Meeting at the
Houfc of Tho?ms Fretton in or near Great-Baddow, and by the Juftiees fent to
Colchefter Caftle, with a Mittimus expreffing, that they were met together and
exercifed in Preaching, and other fpiritiial Duties.
In this Year alfo Thomas Fretton was again imprifoned at Colchefter for not
paying Tithes. And the Widow Balls of Horftey, for 9 J. 10^. demanded for
Tidies, fulFered the Lofs of five Cows worth 20/.
ANNO 1662. Robert Levitt of Stebbing, having had Judgment pafTed
againft him for Tithes on the Statute of treble Dam.ages, was committed to
Prifon, and while there was fued in the County Court, and had his Corn
taken away to the Value of 50 /. norwithftanding which he remained a Pri-
fbner about three Years. In this Year alfo John Adams of Hadftock., George
Bacon, Griftitb Perry, John Cakebread of Old-Samford, John Crofter and Sa-
muel Skdlingham, both of Felfted, Thomas Fraling, Thomas Brand, and Edmund
Raven, were imprifoned for Contempts upon Profecutions in the Exchequer for
Tithes. In the fame Year George Barnard of Fincbmgfield, for two Years
i-.-.i-.i Tithe
Chap. 14. of the People called QUAKERS,
Tithe of a Farm of 50/. -per Anmim^ had Goods taken from Iiim which were
fold tor 40/. A)fo Jofiab Smith of Little-Samford, the Rene of whofe Farm
was 78/. per Ammm, had taken from him Barley, Wheat, and Cows, to the
Value ot 661. 15;. 6i.
ANNO 1663. Exceflive were the Seizures made in this Year for Tithes . •
Gc'crfi? 5i7?-«i7r^ had Goods taken from him worth 30/. Jofiah Smith Barley,
Wheats and Oats, fold for 42/. \os. Robert Levitt to the Value ot 20 1 . And
JTmms Cok oi Lexdett, for an original Demand of 20 s. fuftained the Lofs of
eleven Cows and a Bull worth 50/. In the fame Year John Raven was fent
to Prilon for refufmg to ani'wer upon Oath to a Bill exhibited againil him for
Tithes.
In this Year was a grievous Ferfecution of this People for their religious
Meetings at Cokbcjlcr., where William Moore., then Mayor, exerted the utmoil
of his Authority to opprefs them.
On the 2 5th of Octeher he came and forcibly broke up the Meeting, fending
Stephen Crijp and John Pike to Prifon. On the 28th of the lame he came
again, and having difperfed the Meeting, he committed Thomas Bro^Jim and
IhrmasGainford. And on the ill o'i November he fent Prifoners alfo to the
Mooihall, Thomas Bayles and George Wetherly. This Mediod proving ineffeftual,
a Party of the County Troops were employed to go to the Meeting, where
they beat fome, and carried others to Prifon, having firft broke the Forms,
Seats, and Windows of the Meeting-houfe. After this, being kept out of their
Meeting- houfe, they aflembled in the Street, fometimes in the Cold and Rain,
not daring to d(?cline their Duty for thofe Inconveniencies : Thus they continued
conftantly meeting twice a Week, on the Firft and Fourth-days of the Week,
at their appointed Hour, till the 6th of December, when a Troop of Horfe»
who came to Town the Day before, armed with Swords, Piftols, and Carbines,
rode in furioufly among them, crying out, What a Devil do you here ? Some
with their drawn Swords, and others with their Carbines, laying on without
Mercy, both on Old and Young, Men and Women, beat and bruifed many
exceedingly, chafing them to and ti-o in the Streets, after which they broke into
feveial Houfes to the Terror of the People. There were alfo taken by the
Troopers and committed to Prifon, Jolm Havens, Henry Havens, Benjamin
Hall, William ^ick, John Shaft, and Thomas Brunton. And about the fame
Time, William Havens, Thomas Cole, Robert Dedna?n, and Nathanael Gibfon,
were committed to Goal by the Mayor,
On the 13th o'i December the Troopers came again, having added to their
former Weapons great Clubs, one ot which was above four Inches round :
With thefe they knockt down many in the Streets, where fome lay as dead,
and many were fo difabled and bruifed, that they could not get off their
Clothes, nor feed themfelves for feveral Days after. Remarkable was the Pa-
tience and Meeknefs of one of the Sufferers at this Time, who, when a Trooper
was beating him with his Sword, and the Blade fell out of the Hilt, took it up,
and gave it him again, faying, / will give it thee up again : I defire the Lord
may not lay this Dafs Work to thy Charge. After they had difperfed the Meet-
ing, four of the Troopers met a poor fickly Man about a Quarter of a Mile
from the Meeting-place, and- riding up to him, an<ed him whether he ivai a
Quaker ? He not denying it, they beat him fo, that the Speftators thought
he would have died on the Place, and he had probably been killed, but that
he was taken into an Houfe ; howbeit he was diilxbled from getting his Bread,
or providing for his Family a long Time after.
On the 1 6th, the Fourth of the Week, fome of the Troopers came early to
the Meeting, and grievoufiy abufed thofe few that were met, purfuing them
on foot into the Houfes and Yards.
On the 27th of December thirty eight Troopers came riding among tlie
Friends, who were met in the Street, moft defperatcly, and fo cmelly beat
them with Clubs and Carbines as moved CompafTion and Tears in the Standers
by. As the Soldiers forced fome away by Violence, they drove diera upon
others
199
ESSEX.
1662,
Excefftve
Seiiurcs.
Imprifonment
of}. Raven.
Grievous Per'
fecution at
Colciiefter.
Mdvy huifii..
Mtrjy kttecit
doron in tk:
Streets.
A poar fukljf
Man ilmeji
liU'i.
Barbarous
Be :t lings.
200
ESSEX.
1663.
Furious At-
^ici of the
SeliicTt.
All Inflance of
coiijugd Af-
fetiion.
Death of
E. Grant.
G. Bamadif-
LOtU
Jrort Spikes in
the SoLiiert
Clubs,
The Troopers
■netrici.
Vdjfsgts
gutrded.
Fined for
Meeting.
Finn repeat'
ti.
ui Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
others of their Comrades, whom they hat! placed as Centinels in the Paflages,
who with Ckibs beat them afrefh, till the Flefli of fome of them was become
like a Jelly, their Blood for the prefent ftagnated, and their Limbs deprived
of Ufe, which barbarous Treatment was attended with dreadful Oaths, and
horrid Imprecations', to the Grief of the Souls of thole whofe Bodies had been
thus inliumanly ufed.
On the 3d of the Month called Janmry, about fixty of the Friends being
met at the ufual Place, the Soldiers, fome on Foot, and fome on Horfeback,
fell furioufly upon them^ as if they would have flain them all, with Clubs and
Carbines knocking down feveral, and amongft others an old Man, whom
they beat lb unmercifully, that fome of their Abettors perfuaded them to
defift, for they had lb beaten him that he was unable to go Home without
Help. Another, aged fixty five, was followed a great Way by one on Horfe-
back, and three on foot, who beat and abufed him fo, that it was very much
queftioned whether one of his Arms would ever recover its Ule. Solo7)ion Fro-
7Hdntk a Merchant, was fo grievoufly abufed and beaten, that he loft much
Blood, and yet the barbarous Troopers did not defift : His Wife, fearing left
he fhould be killed, fell down upon him to cover and protedl him from their
Blows, many of which fhe received on her own Body. Edward Grant, Father
of FromaKtle's Wife, about feventy Years of Age, was knockt down, and fur-
vived the fatal Stroke but a few Days. Among thefe Sufferers was alfo Giles
Barnadijlon, a Man of Note, brought up in Learning at one of the Univerfities,
and who had been formerly a Colonel. He, convinced of the Truth as held
by this People, willingly bore his Part of diis Storm of Perfecution, in the
hotteft of which he conftandy attended religious Meetings, and undauntedly
hazarded his Life lor his Teftimony.
On the 6th of the fame Month the Soldiers had put into their Clubs Iron
Spikes, fharpened with a File, with which they hurt many, particularly an
ancient Woman of good Repute, whom they wounded in twelve feveral Places,
ibme of the Soldiers being fo cruelly wanton, that they made Sport of running
tJiofe Iron Spikes into Peoples Bodies, fcoffing and jeering them when they
ftarted or flinched at the Pain.
After this the Troopers, finding the Conftancy of the Sufferers invincible, ge-
nerally began to relent, and abate of their former Violence, fo that they inclined
to commiferate thofe whom they could not conquer, and grew afhamed of
fighting againft thofe whom no Abufes could provoke to refift them : So that
there was a Calm or Repofe for two or three Weeks, till the Mayor and Re-
corder, difpleafed at their Backwardnels, pulht them on again to act againft
their Wills ; fo that on the 24th of the Month called January, about twenty
of them on Horfeback went to the Meeting-place with Trumpets founding,
and pufht the Friends away, but with lefs Violence than formerly.
On the 27th of the fame Month they endeavoured to prevent their Meeting,
by guarding the Piiflages thither, flopping and forcing back fuch as they law
coming.
On the 3 ift the Soldiers took Poffeffion of the Ground before the ufual Time
of Meeting, and fo kept them from aflembling that Day.
On the 7th of the Month calkd February, die Soldiers came as ufual, and
carried about fixteen of the Perfons affembled to their Head-Quarters at the
fVhite-Hart, whither the Mayor and Recorder came after Sermon, and fined
them lid. each for being abfent that Day from Divine Sei^ice, as they call'd
it, making a meer Jeft and Sport of their own Proceedings, telling one, they
would have her Scarf, another, her Petticoat, &c.
On the 14th of the fame Month the Troopers came early, and took die
Friends as they came, one or two at a Time, whom the Mayor lent to Prifon for
being at an unlawful Aifembly, although there was none that Day, there being
not five of tliem together, except the Troopers, which the Mayor recollefting,
fined them 1 2 d. eacii lor not hearing Divine Service, and ordered them to be
kept in Prifon till they paid it : But in that alio he" aded extrajudicially,
which
Chap. 14. of the People called QUAKERS. 201
which the more knowing Magiftratcs perceiving, procured the Dil'charge of the
Prifoners after eight or ten Days.
On tlie 2 1 ft they took die Friends, five or fix at a Time, as they came to the
Meeting, and the iVIayor lent fome to Prilon, and tlireatned others.
On the 28th the Friends met together in one of tiieir Grave- Yards, whence
the Soldiers drove them out without much Hurt. But the gende Behaviour
of tlie Soldiers at this Time was owing to their own Humanity, and not to any
Reftraint put upon them by either the IVIayor or other of the Magillrates.
ANNO 1664. At Cokhejlcr the Violence of Perfecution, though much
abated, was not yet wholly ceafed, for on the loth of tiie Month called Aprils
the Soldiers came to the Meeting-place with Trumpets founding, and took
away about twenty Perfons to the IVhUe-Hart., of whom four were fenc to
Prilon.
At the Quarter Seffions on the 2 2d of the fame Month, thiiteen of thofe
who had been in Prilon were indidted for being at an unlawtul Aflembly, and
recommitted. One other, who had been taken in the Street by himfelt, was
acquitted, alter he had been wrongfully imprifoned twenty three Weeks. But
notwicliftanding his Innocence, the Goaler yet detained him for an unreafpnable
Demand of Fees. lO
On the ift of die Month called May, the Soldiers took eight Men, and car-
ried them to the Wbite-Hart, where they were feparately examined before the
Mayor, and upon the Soldiers Evidence committed to Prifon, with a ftrid:
Charge to the Goaler not to give any of them Liberty, on Pain of lofing his Place.
Leaving CoA/'fy/tT let us turn toHalJhd^ where were about twoHundred Soldiers
commanded by Captain Turner, who on the 13th of the Month called March
i 664, let a Guard in the Way to the Meeting-place, and flopped all they fuppofed
to be ^inkers, and carried them to the Market-houfe, where they kept them
about an Hour : Being dilmifled they went direftly to tlie Meeting-houle, and
there lat together in Silence : About an Flour after Captain Turner, with other Of-
ficers and Soldiers, came down, and fet a Guard of Mufquetiers at the Door -,
then the Captain went in and demanded twice, fFhere is your Preacher ? No
Anfwer being given, he laid no more but, 2~e Rogues, get ye out, and inftantly fell
to ftriking violently on Old and Young, Men and Women, without Diftinclion :
In like manner did the reft of the Officers, and as they drove them out, the
Guard of Mufquetiers ftruck them again with their Mufquets, fo that moft of
them were Ibrely bruifed, and the Blood of feveral ran down. After that the
Soldiers brake in pieces the W^iUs and Windows of the Houfe, carried away
the Doors, pulled down the Chimneys, and the main Dorman of the Houfe,
fo that the Floor of the Chamber fell in. Then they gave away, carried off,
and fold what they plealed. The Damage done to the Houfe was computed
to be more than 25/. The Names of fome who were prefent, and fuffered by
thefe Abufes, were Thomas IJaac, Edfnuiid Pryor, James Allen, Richard Biint-
ingy Daniel Pryor, William Bunting, Richard JSlorden, Edmund Manly, IVilliani
Bappon, and William Swan.
In the fame Year Edward Morrell, Jofeph Smith, John Clark, William Bridge,
Margaret Clark, Ihomas Archer, John Wood, and Robert Beard, were impri-
foned by Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, obtained after Procefs againfl them in
the Ecclejiajlical Courts for being abient from the eftabliOied Worfliip.
In this Year alio John Woodward, Mary Cotton, John E^npfon, John Cake-
bread,, and Thomas Chijwell, were feverally committed to Prilon for refufing
to pay Tithes. I'hcre was alfo taken by Diftrefs
From John Chopping for
William hrittoii
Thomas Fritton
I.
II
I
s.
10
o
d.
o Demand, Corn worth
o A Cow worth
o Six Cows worth
27
2
o
o
o
o
o
ESSEX.
1663.
Perficmion nt
Cokheftec
abated.
rcrfecution
at Halfted.
Imfr Ifonmenn
by Writs de
Excom. Cap.
'T^
i'lhi for
Tithes.
Diftreifa for
Tithei.
For Demands of
17 9 o were taken to the Value of 68 2 q
Vol. I.
E e e
From
20 2
ESSEX.
1664.
Trofeentlon of
J. Smith.
fines mi
Imfrifonmeiit
for Meewig.
Tithes-
Exchequer
Proccfs.
Severe
Seizure .
Imprifoa-
moits.
TraiticdBavds.
Execution for
lithes.
Grievous Spoil
of T. Cole'j
Gooit.
Treble
Damages'
A Colled:ioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
From TJMmas Cole of Lexden, nine Cows worth 30/. were taken by Diftrels
for I'ithes : From Robert Levitt^ three Cows and Corn worth 16/. And from
Jofiah Smith, Corn to the Value of 36/. its. 10 J. The fame Jojiah Smith, for
not lendino- a Man to ierve in the Militia, was by die Deputy Lieutenants of
the County fined 5/. for which they took from him an Horfe worth 61. In
this Year alio Tbiirjion Read was impriloned in the Moothall, by IVilliam Moore
Mayor of Colcbejler, for teaching School without Licenfe, and continued there
till he died.
ANNO 1665. The aforelaid Jofiah Smth was again fined 5/. for not
fervino- among the Militia, and had an Horle taken from him worth 12/.
which Horfe the Oificer who made the Diftrefs kept for his own riding. Be-
fides this, the Deputy Lieutenants, Aitham and Lumley, with one Major 'Turner,
and about ten armed Horlcmen, entred the fiid jfofiah's Houfe in his Abfence,
under Pretence of I'earching for Arms, and carried away a Fowling-piece worth
30s. On his coming Home he was taken by diree of the Horfemen, left be-
hind for that Purpoie, and detained Prilbner by Major Turner, who for fome
Time would not let him have a Bed to lie on. This Ufage, as diey told him,
was for being a Friend to the fakers.
On the 2d of the Month called Augufi this Year, Thomas Salthoufe, Thomas
Toakley, IVilliam JVilliams, Edmund Bolt, ^xnA Samuel Hicks, were fined 5/. tor
being at a Meeting in Eajl-Ham, and tor Non-payment were committed to the
Hoiiie of Corredion at Barking for two Mondis.
ANNO 1666. On the 24th ot the Month called April, Jonathan Bundock
was committed to Prilbn, at the Suit of IVilliam Collingwood, tor Tithes.
ANNO 1667. On the ill of the Month called y//)r?/ this Year, IVilliam
Woolfey was committed to Prilon on an Exchequer Frocefs tor Tithes. And in
the next Month Mary Barker, Williain Boggas, and Richard Emerton, were
fcnt to Goal tor the fame Caufe ; as was alio Stephen Holman on the 14th of
the Month called July.
Grievous was the Diftrefs made this Year on Thomas Cole of Lexden, who for
two Year's Tithe valued at 40 s. had taken trom him at the Suit of John Smith
Prieft of Mary^ Pariih in Colcbefier, eleven Seam and three Bulhels of Wheat,
eio-hteen Seam of Barley, and 25 Seam of Oats, in all worth 54/.
In the fame Year Samuel Thornton, John Swinton, John Furly, Edward Mel-
fop, James Parke, George Taylor, Daniel Vandewall, John Goodwin, and others,
were committed to Pnlbn by Order ot Thomas Garrard Mayor of Harwich,
for alTembling together at a religious Meeting in that Town.
John Furly the younger, and George IVetberly, both of Colcbejhr, were fined
for refufing to flirnifh Soldiers for the Trained-Bands : The former of them
fufi^ered Diftrels of Goods to the Value of 18/. and the latter ot 2 /. os. 6d.
Some Time before this Jofiah Smith of Little-Samford, having been fued for
Tithes on the Statute for treble Damages, had taken from him by an Execution
eighteen Cows, three Horfes, a Waggon, fourteen Seams ot Barley, nine Seams
of Wheat, twenty one Seams ot Malt, and other Things to the Value of 140/.
So that within the Space of about five Years the DillrefTes made upon his
Goods for Tithes, amounted to 400 /. being more than the whole Rent of
his Farm lor that Time, which was but 78/. per Annum.
ANNO 1668. Thomas Cole, prolecuted at the Suit of 7o/j« A^<f///^i Prieft
oi Lexden, for two Years Tithe valued at 10/. had taken from him by an
Execution, two Horfes, one Mare, ten Cows and Bullocks, forty four Sheep,
twenty Lambs, and five Seam of Wheat, in all to the Value of 64/. At the
Time of this Seizure the Prieft ftood by, encouraging the Bayliif againft the
Sufferer, by calling out Dijahle him, difible him : By which he difcovered his
own perfecuting Difpofition, and the Bent of his Inclination to ruin his Neigh-
bour.
ANNO 1669, Thomas Fritton was profecuted at the Suit of Robert Sturrel
Prieft of Much Stambndge, on the Statute for treble Damages, and had taken
from
Chap. 14. of the People called QUAKERS.
from him for Tithe of 1 6 /. Value, fixteen Cows and a Bull worth i;)() I. which
the Officer fold for 40/. and threatned to come again for more.
Robert. Levett was profecuted for Titlie in the County Court, at the Suit of
John Sorrel jun. an Impropriator, and had taken from him in this and the next
lucceeding Year, Goods worth 23 /.
ANNO 1670. On the 5th of the Month called 7««f, Henry Wroth Juftice,
being informed of a Meeting at fValtham-zlbbeyy went thither with fome Atten-
dants. He caufed the Names of feveral prefent to be taken, and granted his
Warrant, by which were taken the fame Day from Thomas Bennett, Cloth worth
70/. which the Officers laid up in the Veftry-Room of the Steeple-houfe. And
at the fame Time they alio took Goods from Edward Totnfon, Joftas Levetf,
Mary Bennet Widow, and Richard Priden.
For Meetings at Harwich were taken
203
JJiftrejJes fof
a. Meeting at
Waltham-
Abbey,
From Daniel Vandewall Goods worth
John Vandewall
* IVilliajn Bratnham
Mary Vandewall, Edward Boyfcy Hejler Matthews,
and fVillia?n Mark
William Marlovi
Hannah Mace
George Taylor
}
25
4
5
2
I
3
o
'9
6
13
I
d.
6
o
6
o
4
o
For Meetings at the Houfe of John Churchman in Wendon, were taken
/.
From the laid John Churchnan at feveral Times, Goods worth 13
Matthew Day of Nezoport
Anthony Pennijlone
For Meetings at Chi/well were taken
From Samuel Reader Goods worth
William Winter, James Pettitt, William Pinner, and
Thomas Cornwell
For Meetings at or near Thaxted were taken
From Jofeph Smith, at four feveral Times, Goods worth
Edwin Morrell at feveral Times
Thomas Nottay Timber worth
William Bridge, Sufan Hayward, Rebecca Saward, J
Thomas Ellis, and Rebecca Fann, Goods worth 5
Thomas Jarvis, Willia?n OJborn, and Thomas Jobnfon
John Claydon of Hadjlock
Bridget Bingham^ Mary Woodward^ and Thomas Miller
and for Mseu
ings at Har-
wich.
48
3
II
were
taken
/.
s.
d.
13
23
6
6
and at Weil'
5
don,
iHc.
8
12
45
3
6
/.
s.
d.
4
6
7
3
5
6
7
12
I
/.
s.
d.
50
17
9
51
10
21
5
8
10
1
6
16
26
7
10
, 2
I
6
1 68
ir
For
* ifiUiam Bnmhm had no: a Bed left him, nor was he worth fo much more as was thus
taken away.
204
E S S E X.
1670.
Vol. I.
Senter.ce of
Ptemunire.
px(i upon R.
Richardfon.
Officers of
Coggefhall
fmed.
Poor Mills
Cloths tikcn
Meeting-
houfes Jhut
up.
Releafe of
Prifoners,
tl-'kai bjpp;fifd
to jome voted
hifnrmers.
I.
s.
d.
20
\ '
4
}*
8
}'
J
2
rtis 3
10
I
19
^ Colledion of the Sufferings
For Meetings at Cogge/l)all,
Samuel Cater ^ for Preaching, was fined
Taken alio from Robert Liidgater fen. Robert Ludgater jun.
Widow Guy on, and Robert Clark,
Goods worth
Widow Mootham, John Guyon, William
Sewel, and John Garrett
John Clark, Nathanael Sparrow, and
Robert Adatns _
Robert Evans, John Gage, and Cornelius Curtis 3
Edward Mines and Richard Pemberton
45 3 o
At the Quarter Sefiions at Chelmsford, on the ift of the Month called July^
Richard Richardfon and Chriflopber Taylor, having been bound to appear there
for teaching School without Licenfe, appeared accordingly : But the Juftices
not finding iufficient Caufe to proceed againft them on the Matter they were
charged with, tendred to Richard Richardfon the Oath of Allegiance, and com-
mitted hi;n to Frifon for retufing to take it : At the next Affizes he had Sen-
tence of Premunire paft upon him, and was continued in Prifon about two
Years and a Quarter, where he futfered much through Extremity of Cold and
cruel Ufage, being often fhut up among tiie Felons.
About this Time Hiinwick and Maxie, two Informers, eager of their Prey,
and finding the Officers at CoggefJjall not fo forward to diftrain Mens Goods as
they were to inform againft them, made their Complaint to the Juftices, and
caufed a Churchw.arden, two Conftables, and four Overfeers, to be fined 5/.
each for Negledl: of what was called their Duty. Thefe Informers were fo ra-
pacious, that meeting Robert Clark a poor Man, after a Meeting in the Street,
they ftript his Coat from oft^" his Back, and carried it off. The like they did
sXio, to Nathanael Gage. The Meetings in that Town were for a confiderable
Time held in the Street, the Officers having excluded them from the Ufe of
their Meeting- houfe by nailing up the Doors. •
ANNO 1672. In this Year were dilcharged out of the Common Goal for
this County, Richard Richardfon, Edwin Morrell, Jofeph Smith, John Clark,
Margaret Clark, fVUliam Bridge, Thomas Archer, and Nathanael Plumjled, by
Virtue of a general Amnelly then granted to this People by King Charles the
Second under the Great-Seal of England.
We think proper here to infert fome Remarks which were made by obferv-
ing Perfons concerning fome noted Informers, and others who had fignalized
themfelves by their eager Profecutions and ill Ufage of this People, 'viz,
John Cullington a Fiffierman of Harwich, and a noted Informer againfl Meet-
ings there, was found drowned, whether by Accident, or through Defpair i^
uncertain, but the latter not improbable, for he had exprefs'd himfelf to be
under a grievous Trouble and Concern of Mind for what he had done. His
dead Body was caft on flaore at a common Landing-place near the Sea^fide.
Randal Poole a Taylor of die fame Town, a Man who had been in good
Credit, took up the Buiinefs of an Informer, to follow which he neglefted the
Care of his lawful Vocation. After which he habituated himfelf alio to Gam-
ing and Drinking, flriving by tliat Means to ftifle tlie Checks of Confcience,
which neverthelcls "rcw lo llrong that he was conilrained to acknowledge
- - ■ This
that he was conilrained to acknowledge,
that he was fo troubled in Mind, that he was afraid he flmild be dijt railed.
Trouble produced Repentance, fo that he afterward defifted, and lived quietly.
John Ihnwicks, an Inlurmer of Brainlree, had been a Shopkeeper of good
Reputation there, but Iceking to enricli himfelf by the Spoil of his Neighbours,
he proceeded with mucii Uncafineis. At length, when on his Death-bed, he
lent lor Solomon Skinner, and others whom he had prolecuted, intreating them
to
Chap. 14. of the People called QUAKERS.
to forgive him, and to pray to God for him, telling them he was lb troubled
in Conlcience, that he could not die in Peace.
A certain Soldier, who had been an Informer, when taken fick, declared,
that he was never qidet in his Mind fince he bad meddled with the Quakers, and
that he ivould never do it again.
The Coaler's Wife, who had been inftrumental in many Injuries, Affronts,
and Abufes to Richard Richard/on, and others of this People in Prifon at Chebnf-
ford, in her laft Sicknefs was under much Remorfe of Confcience when fhe re-
fledted on her Cruelty toward them, often crying out, O yon Men! O yon Men.
And under much Trouble on dieir Account flie died. So remarkable was the
Patience and Meekneis witli which thofe Sufferers, for the Caufe of Religion,
endured the Abufes, Revilings, and Contradiftions of Sinners, that it fenfibly
affefled the Confcienccs of their Oppofers, by the convincing Evidence it car-
ried with it of their Innocence and Integrity.
ANNO 1673. James Potter of Marks-Tay, for a Demand of 61. for
Tithes, had taken from him at the Suit of Peter Otger an Impropriator, five
Cows and three other Kine, valued at 22/. tos. and the Bayliff judging that
infufficient, came again and took another Cow worth 3/. loj.
ANNO 1674. John Sbackerly, "Thomas Tyler, Edward Tomfon, Chrifiopher
Taylor, and Thomas Bennet, were indifted at the Seffions for Abfence from the
National Worfhip, by the Procurement oi' Edward Claydon an Informer : And
for the fame CiukJofiasLevett-md. Richard Pridden were indided at the Affizes.
ANNO 1675. Taken for Meetings a.t Saffron-JValden,
From Anthony Pennyjlone, Goods worth
Samuel Reader and fVtlliam Pinnerfon
Thomas Cornall, James Pettitt, and John Petlitt
At Pe DMARSH,
From Katharine Stow, for a Meeting at her Houfe
At SOUTHMINSTER,
From Henry Hajleham, for a Meeting at his Houfe
John Reynolds, Edmund Sewel, and John PP'oodward
IVilliam Freeton of Mundon, an Horfe worth
At Roy DEN,
From John Page and Henry Feafi, three Cows worth
ANNO 1677. Taken for a Meeting at Dedhafn,
From Samuel Groom, at whofe Houfe it was held, Goods worth
Job Spurgeon, Robert Mixer, and Splendine Rand
Abraham Vangover and Samuel Warner
I.
8
7
s
5
12
15
26 12
28
16
10
14
5
o
d.
8
o
o
4
o
o
125
5
^ 13
3
6
2
II
I
I
16 15
205
ESSEX.
1672.
Dsith of the
Goukr'i mff.
Meehiejs of
the SUjftrtrs,
Diflrefi for
Titbsi.
Jndiclmetiti it
Sejfions and
Diflrejfes for
Miemgs.
ANNO 1678. Thomas March vfas profecuted in the Exchequer by William
Seekers Prieft at Leigh, for eight Years Tithe of a Farm of 26/. per Annu?n.
The Prieft obtained a Decree for 53/. 13J. 4 if. being double tlie Value of the
Tithes, and 15/. 10 s. \od. Cofts of Suit, for which his Goods were taken
away to the Value of 100/. He alfo fuffered about two Years Imprifonment
at the Suit of the fame Prieft.
On the 9th of the Month called April this Year, the following Perfons were
Prifuners in Chelmsford Goal for Tithes, viz.
Edmund Raven of CreJJing, at the Suit of Richard Cooke.
John Marjfjall of Finchjield, at the Suit of Samuel Bijfjop Prieft.
Michael Pettitt of Wimbijh, at the Suit of Edward Haward Prieft.
Edward George of Thaxted, at the Suit o{ Robert Raynard Prieft,
William OJheJlon, John Harding, and John Barnard of Aljaftone.
Vol. I. Fff Ifrael
Exchequer
Procijs.
Lift of Prl-
Joners at
ChelrasforJ.
206
ESSEX.
1678.
ImprifoTimiins
on J'rocifi
EcdejhjUcdl,
aytd_ for
Abjence from
the publii-jc
lyorjhip.
miprifddments
by i \yrit lie
lixcom. Cap.
Dijtrefes.
Iir.frifonmems
for Jithes.
Fines for
Meeting.
Oath tendreJt,
I{ef'ufers fern
to i'rijen.
Severe
Diflreft.
Diftfefs for
Meeting at
I'Uiftow,
And for
Abfence from
the Niitiond
iVerfiip.
^ Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Jfrdel Roberts of Bel/ham, at the Suit oi Robert Poole Prieflr, for three Ycirs
Tithe of a fmall Farm of but 11 /. per Annum ; though during his Impriibn-
ment the Pricft Yearly took Corn off liis Ground for Tithes.
Jofhih Smilh of Horftey, at the Suit of Prieft Tillyers.
Thomas Cragg of Bel/ham- Paids^ at the Suit of John 1'bomas Pried.
William Palmer of Gejllintborp^ at the Suit of John Godwin Prieft.
John Bnttell of RabneJ'sy at the Sciit of Ifaac Read Prieft.
At the fame Time alfo were Prifoners there, Katharine Stow the Elder, and
Katharine Stow the Younger, at the Suit of IVilliam Trejfel Prieft of Pedmar/h,
for a Claim of 2 d. each for Eajler-Offerings, for which they had then fuffered
two Years and two Months Imprilbnment, and were ftill continued.
Abraham Bell, and Mary his Sifter, were profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical
Court for 9^. 4 J. each, demanded for their Rate by the Churchwardens of
Feljhd, and upon a Significavit of Contumacy were committed to Cheltnsford
Goal, where they were clofcly confined.
About the fame Time alfo were imprifoned for Abfence from the National
Worftiip, Thomas Bennet and Tloomas Tyler of Waltham- Abbey, who had lain
there eight Months : James Potter of Marks-Tay, John Raven of Peering, and
Marv Cocker ton ot Kelvedon. The faid Thomas Bennet had alfo Two- thirds of
his Eftate feized by a Procefs in the Exchequer, on the Statute made againft
PopiJJj Recufants.
In this Year alfo Thomas Ifaac and James Allen of Haljled, were imprifoned
at Chelmsford, at the Suit oijohn Sewel, for refufing to pay the ufual Affeflrnent
toward the Repairing the Steeple-houfe there.
ANNO 1679. On the 2d of the Month called y^/)n7, Zachariah Child,
Abraham Bell, and Mary BellWidow, were imprifoned by a Writ de Exco?ntnu-
nicato capiendo, at the Suit of JVilliam Surrey, then Churchwarden of Felfted, for
refufing to pay his Rate.
ANNO 1 680. In this Year Samuel Parmentor of Otten-Belfham, and Robert
Poole oi Paid' s-Belffiam, fuffered Diftrels of their Goods for abfenting themfelves
from the publick Worftiip.
ANNO 1 68 1. About the Month called Ji7OT/i7ry this Year, WiUiatn Rey-
nolds oi Great-Chejierford, was imprifoned in the County Goal for refufing to
pay fmall Tithes, at the Suit of the Prieft of S'rettell.
A NNO 1682. In the Beginning of the Month called June this Year, was a
Meeting at Plamfled-End, for which Fines were impofed, and Diftrefs of Goods
made on Thomas Taylor, Tlxmas Abrahatn, John Shackerly, Samnel Stanlridge,
John BiiJh, TccA Thomas Bennet, to the Amount of 9/. 6j. 3^.
On the 4th of December in the fame Year, at Saffron-fFalden, the Friends
being kept out of their Meeting-houfe, held their AfTembly in the Street,
whither the Mugiftrates came, and tendred the Oath of Allegiance to Robert
Freak and Richard Mansfield of Ajhden, and Thomas Trigg of Littlehiry, and for
refufing to take it lent them to Prifon. On the i8th of the fame Month, be-
in ffiut out and afiembled as before, the Magiftrates went and tendred tJie
Oath to Anthony Penny/lone, Humphry Smith, Thomas Simons, Henry Starr, John
Scotcher, John Allen, Samuel Taylor, and Thomas W'aite, and committed them
alfo to Prifon for refufing to take it : And at a SefTions about nine Months
after they were fined 20/. \6s. Sd. and Diftrefles made on the Goods of di-
vers of them ; but Samuel Taylor and John Allen not having whereon to make
Diftrefs, were recommitted to Prifon for three Months longer.
In the Month called January this Year, James Matthews of WeJi-Ham, for
a Meeting in an Houfe adjoining to his Dwelling, and for his Wife's Preaching
there, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 104/. 1 3 j. 3 i.
For a Meeting at Plaijlow, and iorfFilliam Falkners Preaching there. Goods
were taken by Diftrefs from Geage Brown dnd Robert Bailey to the Value of
12/. jgs. gd.
In this Year alfo, Roger Elcock of Much-Baddcw, and Jofepb Parmentor and
Thomas Cragg, both ot Paul's-BelJham, fuffered Diftrefs of their Goods for
being abfent from the National Worfhip.
ANNO
Ch^p. 14. of the People called QUAKERS.
ANNO 1683. IFtli'iam Shepherd of Wickham, for a Demand of eight
Years Tithe, valued at 10 s. per Anmm, was profecuted in the County Court,
at the Suit of Dr. Brownings and fuffered Diftrefs of his Houfhold Goods to the
Vakie of 5/, 55.
John Slaughter of Upminjler, for a Demand of 39 j, for Tithe, had a Cow
and other Things taken away worth 11/.
Richard Reeve of Cokbejler, and Jofiah Smith, were ftill continued Prilbners
for Tithes. And on the 3d of tlie Month called March this Year, Thomas
Wifemaii was committed to Prifon by an Attachment out of the Exchequer^ at
the Suit of Samuel Croxal, Prieft of 'Toljunt -Knights, for Tidies.
On the 2 2d of the Month called July this Year, John Matthews oi Harwichy
Job Spurgeon of Dedham, Stephen Moore and Stephen Arnold of Lawford, taken
at a Meeting, were committed to Chelmsford Goal by Warrant from Juftice
Smith : They were after a few Weeks Ixiiled out till Seflions : But on their
Appearance there on the 3d of Ouiober, they were required to give Sureties
for their good Behaviour, which refufing to do, they were recommitted to
Prifon, where three of them lay upon Straw about fifteen Weeks in the Midll
of a Winter remarkable for Extremity of Cold, but the fourth, Job Spurgeon^
being fo weak that he was unable to lie down, fat up in a Chair the moft Part
of that Time.
About this Time feveral DiftrefTes were made for Abfence from the National
Worfliip, by which were taken
207
ESSEX.
1683.
Vrofccmion in
the County
Court.
Tithes.
PrJfoncrs for
Tithes.
Commitmcntt
from a Mceu
From Samuel Parmentor, Jfrael Roberts, Robert Poole,
and Thomas Miller, Goods worth
Robert Elcock, Jojcph Parmentor, Thomas Cragg,
and Thomas Midlar^ to the Value of
1
}
/.
d.
10
10
Diflrrjfet.
Richard Pritman, John Larking, Thomas Tyler, John Shackerly, and Thomas
Bennett, were convidted before Juftice Fox of Chejhunt in HartfordJInre, for
being at a Meeting at Flaviftcd-End, and by his Certificate of that Conviction,
directed to Juftice Wroth of Layton in EJfex, a Warrant was iiTued to the
Conftables of IValtham- Abbey, by which DiftrefTes were made on the Goods of
the Perlbns convifted to the Amount of 8 /. 1 7 j.
By Virtue of a Warrant granted by John Tendering Juftice, upon Informa-
tion of their being at religious Meetings, DiftrefiTes were made by the Officers
of Hatjield-Peverill, by which were taken
From Philip IVoolridge, Hugh Nichols, Martha Ni-
chols Widow, Katharine Blundall, and John
Spncer, Goods worth
John Smith, Thomas IValford, John Lea, and
Richard Cajl
Paul Gate-wood, John WehF, Elizabeth True, and
Edward Eatney
I.
4 14
4 13
d.
Tines levied
in Effex for
Meeting in
Hartford-
fliire.
Diftre[[es fer
Meeting^.
II
The Conftables, who made thefe DiftrefTes, reported, that the convi6ling
Juftice had direded them to take for 5 s. as many Goods as were worth 5 /. A
Diredion favouring more o^ furious Zeal than an equal Diftribution of Juftice.
John Rand oi Little- Baddow, Phineas Barnard of Mountneffing, Thomas Sewel,
Jofepb Lark, John Silvejler, John Mar/hall, John Cakcbread of Samford, John to' Scffiom,
fVajlell, John Butcher, Francis Eve, fVilliam Sutton, James Warner, and Edward a.ni foit to
Eatney^ were fummoned to appear before die Juftices at the Petty-SefTions, on '"''f'"'-
the 2d of December 1683, for no other apparent Caufe than their religious Dif-
fent
A ^ufi ice's
unjuft DireC'
tian to the
Covjfable.
I 3 Summoned
208
ESSEX.
,683.
}{ehifed it
ths Affiles.
Indidmems
for 20I. per
Month.
Attichmem
ftr Tit his.
Sundry Jmfri-
fotmsnti.
Imprifotimem
by i Writ de
Excoin. Cap.
Triivei-
Bdnds.
Illegal AH of
Colonel Tur-
ner,
JmprifonmiKt
o/M.Cock-
erton.
Tithe of
Com-
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
fent from the Religion eftablilhed by Law : When there, they were required
to find Sureties for their good Behaviour, which they, having given no juft Oc-
cafion of Oftence, retufed to do, and were therefore committed to Chelmsford
Goal, and detained there three Months, till the Affizes, when they were fet at
Liberty by Judge Jones, on Bond given for their Apearance at the Affizes
Ibllowino- : At which Affizes John Child of Felfied, John Bunting of Halfted,
John Cakebread of Samford, and William Swann, and feveral others were in-
difted on the Statute of 20/. per Month, for Abfence from the National Wor-
fhip : Michael PeHitt was alio profecuted for the fame Caufe. „
ANNO 1684. On the 9th of the Month called Ma-y, John Norden and
Nathanael Sparrow were committed to Prifon by an Attachment ifilied out of die
Court of Chancery on a Profecution there for Tithes, at the Sak of John Heath
a Diftiller of London, Executor to Thotnas Cooke late Prieft of Stifled.
In the fame Month, upon an Information of meeting together for religious
Worfhip, John Dunbar, Si?non Jojlin, John Griffin, and John Plu?nb, were
committed to Prifon by Juftice ^rt/Zc*// of Hatfield Broad-Oak, and continued
there till the next Affizes,when they were recommitted by the Judge. The fame
Juffice Ballett caufed Richard Buries of Peering to be taken up, as he was paffing
the Street, and committed him to Prifon.
In this Year Thomas Houchin of Peering, was committed to Prifon by a Writ
de Excommunicato capiendo : And Thomas Turner of Coggejhall, for refufing to
pay toward the Charges of the Trained-Bands, had Goods taken from him to
the Value of 10 s.
We conclude our Account of this Year with an illegal and arbitrary Pro-
ceeding of Colonel Turner, and others at Ihaxted, who lock'd and naild up die
Door of the Meeting-houfe there, which the next Day they opened again,
taking away the Forms, Benches, and Stand, all which, together with the
Window-Shutters of an Apartment, they carried to a Green not far from the
Town and burnt them.
ANNO 1685. Mary Cockerton a Widow, was a Prifoner in Chelmsford
Goal, having been committed thither on a Profecution for Tithes.
ANNO 1 690. In this Year John Mafiall of Fmchingfield, and John Cake-
bread, had Corn taken from them for Tithe, to the Value of 4/. 3^. 6d.
CHAP. XV.
CLOCES.
T E R-
SHIRE.
1656.
1 1 Perjons
profecuted in
the Exche-
quer.
ImprjfonmeKt
0/ W.Simfon,
dJid S. Clift.
GLOCESTERSHIRE.
Anno 1656.
OU R earliefl Account of Sufferings in this County, bearing Date
this Year, relate, that elez'cn Perlons had been then profecuted in
the Exchequer for not paying Tithes : Their Names were, Walter
Clement, Reynold Williams, William Watkins, Walter Summers,
Thotnas Hill, William Woolley, Thomas Dooding, Elizabeth Dorney, Maurice Smithy
John Taylor, and Williatn Box.
ANNO 1657. In this Year William Simfon, attempting to exliort the
People, after the Prieft had ended his Sermon, at Chipping-Camden, was
rudely infultcd and abufed by the Rabble. A few Days after, for the like
Attempt at the fame Place, he was committed to Prifon, and at length fent
away, like a Vagrant, with a Pafs. In this Year alio Samuel Clift, a Clothier of
Aventng, was by a Juflice's Warrant fent to Glocejier Goal : At the next
Quarter
Chap. 15. of the People called QUAKERS.
QLiarter Seffions he was indicted, for that he did by Word, Deed, and Overture^
%'olufitarily ami tnalicioufly tnolejl and interrupt Samuel Hcarn Clerk, in the lime oj
Divine Service, and open Praying and Preaching : But upon his Trial it ap-
peared, that he did neither aft nor fpeak any Thing, but flood llill all the
Time, wherefore the Jury acquitted him. l~he Juftice, who committed him,
enraged at his coming belore him with his Hat on, ftruck him feveral Times ;
and an officious Conftable before that, let him in the Stocks without any War-
rant tor lb doing : The innocent Man patiently bore dicfc lawlels Indignities
without feeking to avenge himfell, but committed his Cauk to him who judgeth
righteoully.
On the 9th of the Month called "July, Richard Atiaood was committed to
Prilbn lor Tithes, where, alter a Year's Confinement, he died.
In the lame Month Edward Biiden and IFiUunn Beafely, for Demands of
Tithe lefs than 20s. each, were fent to Goal, and detained there above fcven-
teen Months. During their Imprilbnment the Profecutor took away thre Cows
from the former, and Jix from the other of them. In this Year alfo Richard
Hollijler, Thomas Beale, and his two Sifters, Alice Beak and Mary Beak, were
imprifoned for Tithes.
On the i3di of September, JVilliam IVebb of Broadway in Worcejlerjhire,
pairing through Chipping-Catnden toward a Meeting, was obferved by a Juftice,
who demanded io.r. of him for travelling on the Sabbath, and for Non-pay-
ment ordered him to be ict in the Stocks. The fame Juftice caufed the like
Punifhment to be inflidied on IVUliam Rujfel, IvIaryDnry, Alice Butcher, Joane
M^iggan, and Thomas La>ie, for going to a Meeting in Broad-Camden, the
Parifh where they dwelt.
ANNO 1658. In this Year Tho7nas fVJjite, Francis Pinnell, Jofeph Tomkins,
and Thomas Hopcott, fuffered Imprilbnment for not paying Tithes : And while
Pinnell was in Prifon feveral Loads of his Corn were taken away by Order of
the Profecutor, one of them in the Night. William fVooley for Tithes had an
Horfe taken from him worth 5/. The fame Man alio was profecuted in the
Exchequer for Tithes of but 6d. Value. Profecutions were likewife commenced
in the Exchequer againft Abraham Atzvood, Elizabeth Dorney, IFilliam Millutt,
iViUiam Cooke, and Jofeph Dorney, Inhabitants of Stoke-Gifford, for Tithes.
Rachel TruemaK v^Tii {[itd m ihe Hundred Court, and for 10 s. demanded for
Tithes, had a Cow taken from her worth 5 /. Richard Roche of Old-Sadbary,
for 32 J. demanded, had his Goods taken away to the Value of 3/. 155. And
John Tyler of Frampton-Cotterell, fued by his Parifh Prieft for Tithe of about
20 J-. Value, was adjudged by die Court to pay 10/. \os. befide 3/. \os. Cofts
he had been put to,
Deborah Hurding, after the Prieft at Dirfly had ended his Sermon, would
have given a Chriftian Exhortation to the People, but they fell into an Uproar,
lome crying Kill her, others Strike her down, others Tear her in pieces : The
Magiftrates, to fecure her from the Rabble, fent her to Prifon : After fome
Time an Uncle of her's interceding on her Behalf, diey would have dilcharged
her by winking at her Efcape through a Back-door, which when fhe refuled
to comply with, they fent her to Glocejler Goal on the 2d of November. Richard
Marfhall was alfo there imprifoned, after he had been beaten, and had his Coat
taken from him.
ANNO 1 6^^. The Names of the Prifoners for Tithes this Year in Glocef-
ter were, Thomas Hopcott, Anne Webb, William Wool'ey, Willuwi Atwood, John
Hathway, Samuel Bampton, Nathanael Hajkins, John Cox, Henry Floyd, Timothy
Greaves, Anthony Care, and Richard Sermon, divers of whom remained there
feveral Years.
About this Time Nathanael Haskins, John Warner, and John Ball, tor De-
mands of 12 J- . 7 J. for Church-Rates, had Goods taken away to the Value of
lis. Alfo William Wooky, John Hathaway, and Thomas Cak, had their Goods
taken away on the l;ime Account.
209
G L O C E S-
T E K-
SHIRE.
1657.
Jr/>pr'iformir.x
of R. At-
wood, ivd.
othen for
Jithes.
W.Webbp.Yt
in the Swih;
and. divers
others.
Troeefes ani
Pilirejfis far
Tithes.
D. Flarding
imprifoned, re-
fufes to efcape.
R. Marlhall
imprifoned,
Frifoners
Vol. I.
ANNO
210
C L O C E S-
T E R-
SHI RE.
1660.
Viith of
J. Welby
i'lifoner for
Tithis.
Ktoktici of
H. lox A
fighting Priejt
Many Abufn
from Soliiers.
Mrt'i fitit to
I'rifon.
5 Had the
Cith tinirci
by the K^b^'s
Commiffioncrs,
A CoUea-ion c^f the Sufferings Vol. I.
ANNO 1660. John IVebly of Brokworth, about eighty feven Years of
Ao-e, was committed to IVomjter Goal for Tithes of about 20s. Value, at the
Suit of Chrijlopber Guy Impropriator, where, after a Year's Imprifonment, he
died. While he was lick, the Brother of the Impropriator his Profecutor, de-
manded Payment of his Wife, which flie refufing, he told her, that if her
Hiijliand died, he Jhould not be buried, hut hung upon the Houfe-Top, to be devoured
by the Fozvls of the Air. This Threat, though beyond his Power to execute,
ihew'd the Malignity of his Difpofition,
■ About the Beginning of this Yeiir, feveral Perfcns were inlulted in their
Houfes by Soldiers of the County Militia, who under Pretence of fearching for
Arms, entred into Houfe-s, eating and drinking what they could find, and car-
rying away what they plealed : By their Means Judith Hope, Thomas Harrifony
Ely Ilollins, Bernard Perks, Joane BeUerh^, and others, fuffered much,
'' William Edwards was forely beaten for exhorting the Prieft ot^ Aufl to fear the
Lord : And Jenkin Hopkins, reproving the Prieft of Staunton tor his Pride,
was by him ftruck in the Face. At this Time one Hopwell Fox, Prieft of
Lidney, was remarkable for the Violence of his Temper : When Stephen Hub-
bcijfy afked him before his Hearers, Whether he -was a Minifer of Cbriji ? He
anfwered, I [corn to tell fiich a Rogue as you are, and prefently laid violent
Hands on him, thruft him out of the Place, and threw him down to the
Ground. At another Time Williatn Hihbs afking him the lame Queftion, he
came out of his Pulpit, and in a Rage laid Llands on William, thruft him into
a Pool of Water and Dirt, and when he came out again, threw his Hat into the
Hime, and with much Violence and Fury kickt him on the Belly, faying, that
if he bad his Rapier, he ivould have run him through. His Servant alio ran a
Pitchfork into Wtllia?n Hibb^s Foot, fo that he was not able to go, nor rife
from the Ground without Help. The fame Prieft and his Servants took Wil-
lia^n Hibbs, John Woodroof, and William Grindall, out of their Houles, and kept
them in an Alehoule, till he fent for an Officer to carry them to Prifon : On
this Occafion Hibbs again aflced him. Whether he was a Minijler of Chrifi ? He
anfwered I am, and ran violently upon him, and ftrove to pull him to the
Ground : After this the Bayliffs carried them all three to Glocejler Goal, where
they were put among Thieves and Malefaftors. After this Joane Hibbs (pro-
bably the laid William^ s Wife) teftitying againft the Deceit and Wickednels of
the faid Hopwell Fox, he came with a Staff in his Hand to beat her, but was
prevented by one of his own Hearers. Another Woman, named Majy Plant,
reproving him, he ftruck her three Blows with his Cane, fo hard that fhe was
not able to lift her Arms to her Head a great while after, and would have
done her moi'e Mifchief, had not his Hearers reftrained him.
On the 8th of the Month called May this Year, John Ready, John Jeyes,
Nicholas Waff eld, and others, being met at Ready*s Hoiife in Naijmore, a De-
puty Conftable, with a drawn Sword, came in and ordered them to be gor.e^
and ftruck Nicholas Wajlfeld many Blows with his Sword : Being afl<ed, By
ivhat Authority he a^ed ? He anfwered, By the Mayor's Order. On the i8th
George Robinfon, Samuel Clift, and Robert Hal>, being at a Meeting in Short-
wood, were taken by armed Men, and carried to the Govemour of G/off/?(?r,
who committed them to the Marf}.mlfea. John Gwyn, as he w. s going to a
Meeting, was forely beaten and abufed by ibme of the Militia.
On tlie 1 ft of the Month called June, John Giles and Samuel Gift, taken at
a Meeting in Glocefter, were fent to Prifon -, as were alfo about the fame Time,
John Roberts, Thomas Ovendall, Philip Gray, William Bozvles, Thomas Bamfieldy
Henry Slacy, Jacob Hewlam, I'I'illiam Henton, and Thomas Eldridge^ who had
been taken at Meetings in Cirencijler and Tedbury.
On the 2cth of December, the Deputy-Lieutenant of the County, with a
Party of Horfc and Foot, entered the Meeting at Cirencefter, with Sword and
Piftol, and carried five Perfons before the King's Commiflioners, who, though
they acknowledged them to be honeft Men^ yet tendred them the Oath of
Allegiance,
211
G L O C L S-
T E R-
S H I R, E.
1660.
Commititmr.t
of mxiiy tr>
I'rijon from a
Meeting at
Cireni-efter.
Somi hurriel
out of their
Beds toVrifon.
Chap. 15. of the People called QUAKERS,
Allegiance, and fcnt them to Prilon lor refufmg it. The Names of three of
them were 'Richard Toivnfend, Roger Sjpark^ and John Roberts.
On the 13 th of the Month called January, Robert Morfe, an Attorney of
Cirencejler, with a Conltable, came to the Meeting there, violently alTaulted
thofe tliax were met, ilriking ibme, and dragging others by the Hair of their
Head •, nay, fo inhuman were they .as to pluck a StatF out of a blind Man's
H.uid and beat him with it : They forced them away to Prifon, and ordered
the Goaler to bind them Neck and Heels. Next Day the CommifTioners ten-
dred them the Oath, and fent them to Goal. The Names of thofe who figned
an Account of this, and who probably were many of them at that Meeting,
were, Nathanael Cripps, John Roberts, Richard ■Town/end, Jacob He-wlings^
John Cripps, Philip Grey, Henry Stacey, Richard Arnold, Thomas Barnjield,
IValter Havukins, Thomas Eldridge, Thomas Knight, Roger Townjend, Thomas
Onion, John Clark, Richard Crowther, Alexander Cornivall, and lVilIia?n Henton.
Two Days after, a Party of Soldiers came to the Houle of Nathanael Cripps
near Tetbury, fearched the Houfe above and below, and took away a Fowling-
piece under Pretence of Arms ; and meeting him coming out of the Fields,
they carried him to Cirencejler, where the Oath was tendred, and he refufing
to take; it was comrnitted to Prilon. The next Day the Under-SherifF and
Baylifis, direfted by two Informers, about ten at Night, took three induftri-
ous honcll Men from tiicir Houib ; the tirll a Cooper, having five Children ;
the other two were IVoolcombers, one ol whole Doors they broke open and
took him out of Bed from his Wife and Child, the other, upon their violent
knocking, rofe and let them in, when they haftily l^ized him, and hurried
him to an Inn, whither the otiier two were alio carried : They were kept there
all that Night, while the Sheriff's Bayliffs and Informers fpcnt the Time in
drinking Healths, playing at Cards, quarrelling, and belching out horrible
Oaths and Curfes, to the Difhonour of God, and Grief of the Prifoners : Next
Morning they carried them to the Commiffioners, who, becaufe they refufed
to take the Oaths, lt;nt them to Prifon.
In this Month a Conftable and others came to the Houfe of John Wood-
7-oofe oi Ailburton, and took from the Meeting there, both Men, Women, and
Children, keeping them two Days and two Nights •, after which they carried
tliem before two Juftices of the Peace, who difmiffed the Women and Chil-
dren, but ufed the Men hardly, one of the Juftices ftriking Willia7n Hibbs on
the Head, and the other bidding the Conftable let him in the Stocks all Night.
On the Morrow they were conducted to the SelTions at Glocefier, and thence
for refufing the Oath were committed. Their Names were, John Edy, Jenkhi
Hopkin, John Gwyn, Henry Stanton, JVilliam Hibbs, John Woodroofe, IVilliam
Grindle, William Howell, John Cox fen. John Cox jun. Henry Lloyd, Edward
C'.'X, Philip Simon, Thomas Alkin, and John IFilUlis. On the fame Day Tho-
mas Hopcott, John Surnam, John Bond, and Richard Marfiall, were put out of
an Houfe where they were met, and for refufing to Swear, lent to the County
Goal, whither had been committed a few Days before, George Sendgrby, George
King, Zachary Phillips, Giles Clifford, Jofeph Bellamy-, John Perkins, Thgmas
Senderby, Thomas Porter, Judith Hope, joane Phillips, Joanc Dod, Katharine
Senderhy, Elizabeth Tyler, Joane Tyler, Sarah OJland, and Sarah Harris, (VVho
being fummoned to appear before the Juftices, and refufing to Swear, vvere
committed till the next Seflions, where tl^e Oath was again tendred then), and
they were recommitted, to their very great Suffering, leveral of them being
very poor, and having no Subfiftence but by their Labour.
On the 13th of the Month called January, Sokliers came to the Meetijig at lAore commit.
Glocefier, and carried all die Men to the MarJIoalfea, where they. .>yere de- '^'^ /"'■ ^^^^i-
tained three Nights, after which they were had before the Mayor and Alder- '"^ " ■^'"^■"'*
men, w!io lent John Ready, Richard }Febb, John PFatkins, Nathanciel HoUo'way,
Henry Riddell, John Jeies, John Edmunds, and Nicholas PFafifeld, m'.fb<i .C'vcy
Goal for relufing the Oaths, and a few Days after they fent Jghn J^ajljield,
RicJjard Holland, and Giles Kendall, to the lame Prilon lor the lame Caufe.
On
IfAprifom/ient
of m.iny from
Ailbuitoit
212
G L O C E S-
T E R-
SHIRE.
1660.
Bird Vfigi.
Trifonen m'lf-
Ufid.
Cummhmmts
to Prij'o/i frum
Tewksbury
Mieting.
Conference be-
troeen the Bf.
of Glocefter,
tnd T. At-
kin.
^ Colledion of //h? Sufferings Vol. I.
On the 17th a Juftice of the Peace, attended by Soldiers, went to Nailf-
ivortb, and took, up feveral Perfons, fome from their Houfes, others from their
Biifinefs, and fomc from a Meeting. After a formal Examination he tendred
them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing it fent eleven of them to Glo-
cellor Goal, namely, Robert Hall, Robert La>!gley, Robert Silvejler, Richard
Smith, fVilliam Beale fen. fFillia?n Beak jun. Johi IVakely, Daniel Brown^
Benjmji!/! Deane, fVillia?n Wilkim^ and William Penly : Some of the Prifoners
being weary in travelling to Glocefier, and one of them near eighty Years of
Age, the Conftable in Civility would have let them lodge at an Inn the firfl
Night after they came thither, but an officious Man, one Captain Powell,
would not fuffer it, but obliged them to go immediately to Prifon.
On the 20th both Men and Women were thruftout of the Meeting-place, at
Brond-Camden, by Soldiers, who delivered them to the Tything-men, and they
next Day had them before Juftice Overbury, who tendred them the Oaths ;
they fignified that they were ready to promife Duty and Allegiance to the
King, but could not Swear for Confcience-fake, as believing it to be contrary
to Chrift's Command. The Jurtice replied, if they believed it evil to Swear,
they ought not to do it, neverthelcfs as he was fworn to execute the Law, he
mult il-nd them to Prifon ; and accordingly he committed Henry Dtiffic, IVil-
liatn RiiJJel, Thomas Cale., Edzvard Warner, Jhofnas Mojely, Thomas Keite, and
William Keite, to the County Goal, where the Felons and other Prifoners abufed
them, taking away their Hats and Clothes.
On the 24th of the Month called February, Francis Jefferies, Nathaniel
Jeines, Samuel Mojfe, John Ward, Jacob Underhill, John Prickett, Williain
Peachy, Samuel Skitfer, Thomas Edwards, and Edward Waters, were taken from
a Meeting at Te-ivkjhiiry, and becaufe they refufed to give Sureties for their
good Behaviour, were committed to Prifon.
ANNO 1662. On the i6th oi September this Year, the Bifhop of Glocefter
held a Vifitation at Durjley, and hearing that Thomas Atkin a ^aker, was come
to dwell there, he fent two Conftables for him, who being brought before him,
the Bifhop was pleafed to interrogate him. The Conference which pafTed be-
tween them was as follows, -viz.
Bp. Are you the Chandler that came lately to this Town ?
T. A. / am.
Bp. Whence did you come ?
T. A. Out of Herefordfhire.
Bp. From whence there ?
T. A. Frojn Rofs.
What brought you hither ?
A. // is fo ordered of the Lord that 1 am come hither.
How can you prove that the Lord did order you to come hither ?
A. / ain in the Hatid of the Lord, and can go no whither but as the
Lord doth order me.
Bp. Do you come to Church ?
A. I am in the Church.
What Church ?
A. In the Church of Cod.
Ay, but do you come to the Congregation ?
A. 1 am in the Congregation.
What Congregation ?
A. In the Congregation of the Faithful.
How many are in your Congregation ?
A. / am not able to number the Faithfid ; neither am 1 to meddle with
fuch Things : It belongs not to me.
Bp. Ay, come on, how many then are in the Congregation that meets at
your Houfe ?
T. A. Sometimes jnore, and fometimes fewer,
Bp, How
Bp.
T.
Bp.
T.
T.
Bp.
T.
Bp.
T.
Bp.
T.
Bp.
T.
Chap. 15. of the People called QUAKERS. 213
Bp. How many are the feweft that you call the Faitliful that you are in, are G L O C E S-
tl\ey four^ or are they five, more or lefs ? T E R-
T. A. Sometimes there are four or five, Jometimes more or lefs-, as the Lord }f^ ''
doth order their Spirits in Freedom to co?ne.
Bp. And what do you do that you call your felves the Faithful ? What do
you do in your Meetings ?
T. A. Sit and wait upon the Lord in Singlenefs of Hearty that we may know
the Lord's ^Vill, and by the fatne Power that has made us willitig to wait upon
him, in Silence of our Spirits, that we may receive Power to do bis If ill only.
Bp. Then you judge not thofc to be of the Faithful. [The two Conftables
Handing by.]
T. A. I judge no Man : I leave the "Judgment of all Men to the Lord, for
he alone is worthy to judge both ^ick and Dead, and will judge every Man ac-
cording to his Works.
Bp. How do you know that all are faithful that come to your Meetings ?
T. A. EveryTree is known by its Fruits. The Apple-tree is known from a
"Thorn or Briar.
Bp. That is true : But how do you know all their Fruits that come to your
Meetings to be good ?
T. A. / have told thee already, that the Tree is known hy its Fruit, whether
it be good or bad.
Bp. What Fruit have thofe that meet with you that is good ?
T. A. A chajl Converfation, walking in the Fear of the Lord ; doing to all
Men as they would be done to ; doing Good for Evil ; not rendring Evil for Evil,
but following Chrifl our Example, zvho is our Head, who taught us to hate no
Man, but to love all Men.
Bp. But how do you know that all are of this Mind that come to your
Meetings ?
T. A. I have told thee ; the Tree is known by its Fruit.
Bp. Ay, but how can you know or diftinguifh the Tafle of the Fruits, one
Fruit being lb like another ?
T. A. The Fruit of the Tljorn is known from the Fruit of another Tree, for
it prickles every Lilly, or tender Flower that grows by it.
Bp. Ay, but how do you know but Hypocrites may come among you ?
T. A. Chrifl Jefus, the Light of the World, who hath enlightened every Man,
be knows the Secrets of all Hearts.
Bp. Ay, but in Chrift's Time there were Pharifees that were honeft Men.
T. A. But yet they perfecuted Cbrift.
Bp. Ay, but many of them did not perfecute him.
T. A. 2'et they did not follow Chrijl, fo they kept the fame Nature of the
Pharifees that perfecuted him, becaufe they believed not the only Son of God.
Bp. Judas followed Chrifl, and yet betrayed him.
T. A. But if Judas had been faithful to his Call, he would never have be-
trayed his Mafter.
Bp. Do you believe that Chrifl Jefus is the only Son of God ?
T. A. lea, I know him to be fo.
Bp. But do you believe he is Son by Adoption, or as a Creature, or do you
believe that he is the Eternal Son of God.
T. A. J know him to be the Eternal Son of God, that was before the World
was, and by him all Things were made that are 7nadi; and without him there is
nothing made that is made.
Bp. That is well, if you believe fo : There are many of your Judgment
that do not confefs to this that you do.
T. A. I know no Man, that is in the Fear of God, that is a Friend of mine,
that will deny this that I have fpoken.
Bp. Do you believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghojl .?
T. A. / do.
Bp. But do you believe the Trinity ?
Vol. I. H h h T. A,
214 ^ Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
G L O C E S- T. A, I know no fuch Scripture that mentions Trinity ; What dojl thou man
T E R- ^i)g,i fjjQii fay>(i Trinity ?
f^^ ^P' ^^^ 'Trinity is three Perfons.
1002. .^ ^^ I bwj; ?io fiu-h Scripture that fiames three Perfons : I know Cod is
~ /lot divided, neither can he he divided according to Men^s Imaginations.
Bp. Come on, I thought where I fhould have you anon : Do you not be-
lieve the Trinity ?
T. A. / have told thee already : I do believe in God the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit ; but as for the JVord Trinity, or three Perfons, / know not any
Scripture that mentions any fuch Thing ; but 1 have read of Chrijl, that in him
dwells the Fulnefs of the Godhead bodily.
Bp. Have you not read that there are three that bear Record in Heaven,
and thefe three are one : And three riiat bear Record in Earth, and thefe three
agree in one ?
T. A. This makes good that God is not divided, but is the one only true God,
in whom I do believe, who made the Heavens and the Earth.
Bp. Well then : I will turn you to a Place where you may find three
Perfons. Have you not read when Chrift was in Jordan, where he was bap-
tized ; when he was in the Water he was one Perfon ; and the Holy Ghoft came
in the Shape of a Dove, which was two Perfons \ and the Voice Ipake from
Heaven, and faid. This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleafed : Was not
that the third Perfon ?
T. A. That Scripture doth not mention Perfons at all, therefore iinlefs I can
fee that Scripture which doth mention Perfons or Trinity, / fhall not believe any
fuch Thing, for I know God is 7iot divided.
A Priefi. My Lord, they deny the Scriptures, and he will not believe un-
lefs you bring the Word punftually three Perfons.
T. A. // is falfe : We own the Scriptures, and witnefs them to be true.
Another Prieft. Two to one is odds.
Tfjen the firft Prieft fpake again.
Prieft. I am fure, one of your Judgment, near Briftol, denied the Scrip-
tures.
T. A. I anfwer for my felf, and not for another Man .
Priefi. Do you own the Scriptures to be the only Word of God ?
T. A. / own Chrift to be the only Word of God, and the Scriptures I own
to be what they declare themfelves to be : And Chrift is and was the only Word of
Cod before ever Scripture was written : Paper and Ink is not the Word of
Cod, but it declares the Words of Cod, and holy Men fpake them as they were
moved of the Holy Ghoft.
Bp. Do you own and believe that the Scriptures were written by the Dic-
tates of the Holy Spirit ?
T. A. / know they were, and no Man can interpret them aright, but by the
fame Spirit by which they were given forth.
Bp. When did you receive the Sacrament ?
T. A. / know no fuch Scripture as fpeaks of a Sacrament.
Bp. Why, it's written fo.
T. A. Men may write what they will or do imagine, hut I never read of a
Sacrament in Scripture.
Bp. Do you not receive the Lord's Supper ?
T. A. What is the Lord's Supper ?
Bp. Bread and Wine.
T. A. The Lord's Supper I do receive, -which is the Body and Blood of
Chri/l, for that is »^ Life : Upon that do I feed, and break it daily with the
Faithful.
Bp. Do not you believe that Bread and Wine is the Body and Blood of
Chrift, which Chrift brake to his Difciples.
T. A. Bread and Wine come to Corruption : But the Body and Blood of
Chrili is Life eternal, and never comes to Corruption.
Bp. Do
Chap. 15. of the Vco^Xq called Q\JAYiRKS. 215
Bp. Do you own Baptijm ? G L O C E S;
T. A. ]ohx\\ Bap!:Jm I own-, and his Commifioii too. s'l^fR^F
Bp. Ay, h\it <\o yon own Water- Baptif?n ? 1662- '
T. A. John'j Baplijm was Water-Baptifin. V*irf-^/-^J
Bp. Ay, but do you own no other Baplijin ?
T. A. Chrijl's Baptifm I do own^ and witnefs according to my Meafure.
Bp. Were you not baptized ?
T. A. I know not what my Parents did with me, when I was a Child.
Bp. How many Children have you ?
T. A. / have none at all.
Bp. You muft be conformable to the Laws of the Nation.
T. A. I am conformable to the Law of God.
Bp. But I will make you conformable to the Law of the Nation too.
T. A. / am made by the Hand and Power of the Lord God already ; and I
hope thou, nor ;;o Man, floall ever make me conformable to that which I know to
be a Sin againft God.
Bp. You are a very ftubbom Fellow, but I will make you fubmit, or
elle I will fend you back from whence you came.
T. A. I afn not Jlubborn, as thou timkejl : I a?n a Man that feareth God,
and I fear mt what Man can do unto me.
Bp. I will make you bow, or I will make you faft enough.
T. A. My Hope is in the Lord, and thou fhalt never make me bow to that
which I know to be a Sin again/l the God of my Life ; and if thou fljoiddft be
permitted to tear this Body in pieces, yet I fear thee not. I defire thee to fjjcw that
Scripture, where thou canjl prove, that any true Cbrifiian that lived in the Fear
of the Eternal God, ever perfecuted any Man for Confcience-fake. Or that any
of the Saints of God ever threatned any, as thou doft fne : If thou canJl, fjew it.
Bp. Thofe whom you call Saints, would perfecute more than any Man,
if they had Power in their Hands.
T. A. Thou canfi not make that appear, neither by Scripture, nor prefent
Example of thofe that live in the fame Life.
Several other threatning Words the Bifhop uttered as he went down Stairs,
and fo pafTed away to the Steeple-houfe.
'then the Prieft who hadfaid before. Two to one is odds, fatd, I own all you have
faid, and no Man can contradict it, neither by Scripture nor Honejty, and Ifhould
own you more than any People, if you would joyn with us.
1. A. Doft rhou believe the Spirit of God is changeable ?
Prieft. No.
T. A. Why turnedft thou thy Coat according to the Powers of Men :
Thou preachedft other Doctrine the other Day than thou doft now, and prayedft
for another Power. I cannot joyn with thee, who art given io much to
Change and Alteration, for I know the Spirit of God changeth not.
So the Priejls alfo went their PFay, and Thomas Atkin returned Home.
On the 6th of 'Noveinher a Meeting at Cirenceller was violently broke up by ,2 Committed
Soldiers, who carried about twelve Friends to the Deputy-Lieutenant, charging to frifon.
them with being at a 7nute Meeting. They were kept fome Time under a
Guard, and afterward fent to Prifon.
On the 9th George Rohinfon, John Hayward, John Cripps, Tljomas Onion, Ro- 27 Sent to
bert Silvefler, Robert Newcomb, Robert Penfon, Roger Sparks, Richard Tow? fend, P'^'fon.
Henry Simons, John Timbrell, Thomas Barnficld, Henry Stacey, Thomas Knight^
Thomas Eldridge, William Hinton, William England, Timothy England, Walter
Hewlings, Elizabeth Hewlings, Thomas Cowley, Tho?nas Bowley a blind Man,
Richard Bowley, John Owncll, Philip Gray, John Clark, and Samuel Clift, were
taken from a Meeting at Cirencejler by Soldiers, and carried to the Marfhall's
Prifon till the 15th, when the Commiffioners returned them back to Prifon for
refufing to take the Oaths. With them was alfo comrnkti^A Nathanael Cj-ipps mrdvfigeof
an aged Man, at that I'ime very fick, which caufed his Wife earneftly to an agci jick
intercede ^"'^
2l6
CLOCES-
T E K-
SillRE.
1662.
John a>7d N i-
chobs Waft-
tiekl imprijon-
ed for Tejufing
to Swe.ir.
An objiryxbls
Incident.
7 Sent to Pri-
fon,
Pijirefs far
Meetings,
S. Eccles ani
others impri-
foned.
A notsble
^Jf-ige be-
tveen S, Ec-
cles and the
Bijhop't Secre-
C. Harris
ir/Jprifonrd,
Jniprifonment
for jvorfhip-
ping God.
Widoiv Ilew-
lings mur'
der'd.
Tlje Coroiier^s
Jwy over.
yl Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
intercede for his Liberty one Week longer, offering to lie in Prifon.herfelf in his
ftead, but the Commiffioners would not grant it.
On the 2 rth of Deceinhci^ John JVaJtfield and Nicholas IVaJlfieU, Blackfmiths,
of Gloctjler, beino- at Work wirii their Shop open, were taken by the Mayor's
Officers and detained till next Day, when fome of the Aldermen tcndred them
the Oath of Allegiance, and lent thein to Prilon, where they were clofe con-
fined feventeen Weeks.
About this Time Henry Howland of Tcivkfbiiry, for refufing to bear Arms,
or to pay toward the Charge ot the Militia^ had an Horfe taken from him
worth 4/. 8 s. The Perlon who took the Horfe acknowledging, that he did it
againjl bis Confcience, Henry Howland told him, he might then cxpcul fo?ne Judg-
ment ivoidd follow ; and it was obferved, that the faid Perfon, having ordered
his Son to fell the Horle, as he was riding, the Horfe ran violently with him
ao-ainft the Arm of a Tree, lb that he died of the Blow immediately.
ANNO 1663. On the ift of November feven Perfons, taken from a
Meeting at Glocejler, were fent to Prifon and detained there many Weeks.
ANNO 1 665. In November this Year, Henry Howland of Tewkjlury, had
three Cows and one Steer taken from him for permitting religious Meetings at
his Houfe.
ANNO 1667. On the 8th of the Month called AfrtrrZ', Solomon Eccles^
Nicholas IVaftfeld, William Monmgton, and Jaines MoretotJ, for refufing to
Swear, were committed to Prifon by the Mayor of Glocejler. While they lay
there a remarkable Encounter happened between the faid Solomon Eccles, and
George Evans the Biihop's Secretary, who came to the Prifon, and in a fcoffing
Manner, pulled off his Hat to Solomon, who thereupon advifed him to he
fiber : This put the Man in a Chafe, and he ftruck Solomon a violent Blow on
the Cheek, upon which Solomon turned to him the other Cheek, and he ftruck
him again on that. Soloinon again turned to him the other, and he fmote him
a third Time. All which Solomon bore patiently, thus literally performing the
Precept of Chrift, Mat. v. 39. and obtaining a Chrijlian Conqiujl over his
Oppofer.
ANNO 1668. C/jrtrfoW«rra was taken out of a Meeting at G/of</?^r, and
fent to Prifon in the Month called June this Year.
ANNO 1670. On the lothof the Month called Jtdy, Thomas Mafters, a
Jufticc, came to the Meeting at Cirencefier^ and addrefed himfelf tooneof the
Perfons prefent, laying, Hayward, what is the Intent of your meeting here .?
He anlwered, fFe meet for no evil End, the Lord knows. The Jultice alked
again, What is the End ? 'Twas anfwered. We meet together in the Fear of the
Lord to wait u_pon him. Then faid the Juftice, Aid to worjhip him, do you not ?
Tes, faid one of theni : that's enough, 'replied the Juflice, we need 110 farther
Evidence. So he called his Clerk, took their Names, and fined them. One
of the P>iends allied, By ijvhat Law are we convioied ? The Juflice an-
fwered, Whv, you have confeffed, that you meet to worjhip God. 'I"he Friend
replied. Is 'that a Cri?ne ? les, that it is, faid the Juftice : Shew us that Law,
laid the Friend : The Juftice replied. Here is a Law, that you mitft not wor-
JJAp above five together, except at the Church ; and as Jor your Suffering, be it
upon us. The Friend anlwered. So faid the Jews, His Blood he upon us ; but
it proved an heavy Burden upon them. With that the Juftice trembled, and in a
Rage laid Hands on feveral of them, and called his Company to help him :
The Meeting being in an upper Room, they brought the Friends to the Top
of the Stairs, where one John Cooke a wicked Fellow, cried, Clear the Stairs^
and Jenkins, faid to be an Hangman, affifting, they threw the Friends down
Stairs : An ancient Widow, named Hewlings, by the Violence of the F'all was
lamentably bruifed, and had her Shoulder diflocated, of which Ihe foon after
died. She was an ufeful Woman in the Neighbourhood, a fkihul Midwife,
and ready to do Good to all. The Coroner was fent for, a Jury called, and
Jenkins apprelunded : But tlie Juftice having an Influence over the Jury,
who were rr.oft of them his Tenants, and the Coroner willing to favour the
Pcrfccutors,
Chap. 15. of the People called QUAKERS. 217
Perfecutors, fmothered the Blood of the Innocent': And the Jury, notwith- GLOCES-
ftandino; the cleureft Evidence of E\e Witnfllh, and the Sight or the bruifed T li Rr
Body, grievous to behold, gave in their Verdift, that Jhe died of God's Vifita- -y k-l^
tion. Thus the Murderer elcaped, and was no more called in Q^ieftion. '^ 7°-
At Glocefler, on the 1 5th ot the Month called May, the Friends who were at ^^J/T^^T^V'
the Meeting were fined upon Intormation made by nomas Langley, one of the Mie'.ivp\,i
Bifhop's Domefticks, and the Chancellor's Son. On the 2 2d the fiiid Langley Infornution
iind one of the Bifhop's Grooms came into the Meeting, and on their Intorma- of the Bilhofs
tion Julf ice ^'cWrtwo;-^ granted a Warrant of Diftrels lor 5 i. each. On the 29th •^«'"''^""-
the Juftices Scudamore and Hodges came perfonally to the Meeting, pluckt out
the Friends by Violence, and took their Names. On the 5th ot the Month
called June, the fame Juftices, with the Mayor and Conitables, proceeded in
the fime Manner. On the 19th Soldiers were ordered to keep them out, but
finding them met, pluckt them into the Street : When there, U^agjlaffe the
Mayor, with William Lamb Clerk to the College, beat them with their Canes,
till the Mayor's Cane was broken, and then he laid on them with another Staff :
When tired with ftriking he lent tor a Sledge, and caufed fcveral Doors to be
broke open, took from Richard Webb Goods worch 10/. and from Godfrey
Fcrj}ies Linen worth i 7/. This was done on the Firft-day of the Week. Next
Day he lent fcveral Officers who made Diftreifes from Houfe to Houfe -, they took
again from Richard Webb Goods worth 2 /. 1 2 j. They feized again at Godfrey
Foivnes' ^Coa.h and other Goods worth 100/, which his Wite, not of his Per-
fuafion, paid \6l. to redeem : From Nicholas Perry they took Goods worth
above 1 o /. And from John Cox to the Value of 2 /. 16^. From Henry Ryddal
Goods worth 20/. F>om John Watkins and Alice Roberts to the Value ot 2 /. 6 s.
From Jacob Cugly a poor Cardmaker, with a great Charge of Children, they
took almoft all his Goods, leaving not a Bed to lie on, nor fcarce the Value of
I .f. in his Houfe : From Daniel Bayly a poor Journeyman Taylor, they took
the Bed on which his Wife at that Time lay fick : From Thomas Aides a
Weaver, they took his Loom : And from Richard Holland a very poor Man,
all his Goods : From John Waftfeld j. Smith, they took his Bellows, Anvil,
Vices, and other working Tools, for want or which he and his Brother
loft their Employment : Which Tools, with his Bed, Bedftead, and other
Things alio taken away, were worth above 10/. From Henry Egly and his
Wife they took Goods worth 3/. and becaufe they fuhered Meetings at their
Houfe, the Mayor and other Juftices fent them both to Bride-well, the Woman j p,ij„ ^„^
being with Child. In fliort, thefe Spoilers fcarce left any ot the Friends a Bed his Wife fent
to lie on, and feveral were fo cruelly beaten, that their F'lefli was ot many '" Bridewell.
Colours. In making thefe Diilrefles they had little Regard to Property : W^hen
they had taken trom Thomas Wimar d iome. Wire belonging to another Man, on A Miyor re-'
his acquainting the Mayor with it, he was anfwered, That he Jimjl bring his gi^^^M^ of
A£lion of Debt againfl the Man from zvhom it was taken. When they had taken ^''op^"J'-
Goods from John Edmunds worth 5/. and he had delivered the reft of his Goods
to one William Blake in Part of a Debt he owed him, the Juftices fent and took
away thofe Goods from the Creditor to the Value of 10/. telling him, that he
tnufl not defraud the King. Their Difregard of Right was yet more evident
in the Cafe of IFilliam Day, who, upon the coming out ot the Conventicle
Aft, forefeeing his Ruin, and that he Ihould in all Probability be difabled to
pay his Creditors, made over to two of them his Effefts for their Security,
before the Aft took place : Neverthelefs the Officers feized thofe Goods for
his going to Meetings, and obliged the Creditors to pay at one Time 30 J. and
at another Time 8/. 10 s. which they did rather than contend at Law, though
the Goods were really their own Property. The Goods thus taken were ufualiy
put into the Steeple-houfe, and when defigned tor Market, a Bell-man was cm-
ployed to cry a Sale, but moft People of Confciencc were unwilling to buy '^"•("'-felii,;^'
them, wherefore they were fold to others much beneath their real Value. "^ Goods.
At Taynton was afmall Meeting of but four befide the F'amily ; the Prieft
of that Pl.ice, a common Drunkard, ftirred up his Companions to moleft them.
Vol. I. I i i Tliey
2l8
G L O C E S-
T E R-
SHIRE.
1670.
Coodi iiniif-
foU at Mir-
kets.
Viftrefes By
the Conven-
ticle Ail.
Warrants for
Diflrefsgri-iu-
ei by Sir John
Guife.
Sir John
Guile ikrext-
ens the Con-
ftMe.
Sir John
Guifc wsund-
ed.
Fierce Pro-
ceedings of
^ujtice Mere-
dith.
u^ Colledion of the Sufferings . Vol. I.
They got a Warrant to levy 4 i. a piece on them for Abfence from the publick
Worfhip, and took from one Goods worth i6j. from ay^fo«^ as much ; and
from a third a Sheep wortli 7 s.
At Ohcflon and V/vtte-rhorn the Meetings were frequently difquieted, and
their Cattle tai<en away by Droves to Briftol Market, and when the Butchers
and People refufed to buy them, they were ufually fent to the Juftices Grounds,
or Ibme other near them, till they could procure Chapmen to buy them at
fometimes lefs than Half their Value.
ANNO 1671. In this and the foregoing Year were taken by Diftrels,
upon the Conventicle Adt, Cattle and Goods in Value as follows, w'z.
From Robert Smith, Maurice Smith, 'Thomas Withers,
James White, Edward Hill, Edward Baker,
Richard Hawk/worth, John IVInte, and Tljomas
Thwjlone
Jofeph Cannings, John Small, Nathanael Tlnirjlone,
Edward Budding, William IVatkins, John Hitch'
ins, — Reynold, and Thomas Ferryman, a Con-
ftable of 'Aufi, who had been fined 5 /. for re-
fufing to fcrve a Warrant for Diftrels
Thomas Hill, Mary Walker, John Tvler, John
Prigg, William Cox, Henry Pontin, John Wick-
ham, Mary Collins, Samuel Sitnons, and William
Maynard
Richard Haines, Henry Bonding, Anthony Creed,
Francis Finnelj Walter Summers, and Samuel
Tovy
s.
I.
70
54 10
149
d.
56
330 ,0 o :■
Several others had their Goods taken by Diftrefs for Meetings about this
Time, viz. Sa7niiel Summers, William Pea fely, Thomas Doudtngy Hezekiah Cole,
John Curtis, John James, John Webb, and Nehemiah Champion. Alfo the fol-
lowing Perlbns in Dean Foreft had their Goods taken by Warrant from Juftice
Morgan, viz. Henry Floyd, William Hibbs, Henry Stanton, John Millet t, John
Swinn, Jeffery Hopkins, John Hibbs, William Howell., Katharine Cox, Jape Cox,
and Edward Cox.
ANNO 1675. For Meetings at or nea.r Cirencejler in the Month called
May this Year, Sir John Guife, a Juftice of the Peace, ifllied his Warrants for
Dilirels againft John Timbrel, Richard Bowly, Richard Cork, Amy Cork, Mary
Edwards, Philip Gray, William Drezvett, Richard Town/end, William Petty,
Amariah Drewett, William Briant, Elizabeth Clethero, Roughton Sparrow, and
William Bowly : And on the 1 6th of the fame Month, John Cripps and Jacob
Hewlings were fined for the like pretended Offence. The Conftable to whom
thefe Warrants were direcfted, was not forward to execute them, whereupon Sir
John Guife, on the 3d of the next Month, lent for him, and threatned him,
that if he did not levy the Fines by the lOth of that Month, he would pro-
ceed againft him for Negledl of Duty. But the Juftice's Purpofe was prevent-
ed, for in returning Home that Day from Cirenceller he quarrell'd with another
Man, and was run through the Body with a Rapier : By means of this defpe-
rate Wound, the neceffary Care for his own Lite diverted him from purfuing
other Men's Ruin.
ANNO 1677. In this Year John Meredith, a Juftice of the Peace, figna-
lized himlelf by fiercely profecutmg the Slitakers : He caufed 27 of them to
be indiftcd at Glocefter SelTions, for Ablence from the National Worfhip,
though he knew that moft of them had deeply luftered before by the Adt
againlt Conventicles : He arbitrarily required of He?;ry Pontin and Nathanael
Hejkins Sureties for their good Behaviour, when no Complaint was made againft
them.
Chap. 15. of the People called QUAKER^.
them, and kept them in Prifon three Months, after which he indidled them
at the Scffions for Meetings, and had them fined 40/. each, and continued
in Prifon : He beat IVllliam Bennet and William Wad^ unmerciflilly with his
own Hands : He took ''John Selcoik by the Hair of the Head, and pkickt him
out of tht; Meeting-houle, at Frefu-h'bay^ into the Yard, then drew his Knife
and fiid be would mark himt but was prevented by the Interpofuion of his Clerk
and others : Pie drew his Knife at George Peace, and probably had done him
Mifchief, had not one of his own Servants retfrained him : He pluckt Job;:
Bawn oyt of a Meeting by the Hair of his Head, and alter that finding him
in the Highway, he fell upon him and beat him barbaroufly : Pie alio beat
John Frxcr and Jofepb Glover two Officers, becaufe they would not abufe Peo-
ple fo much as he would have them : When Samttel Simo/is, being wrongfully
fined, appealed to him for Juftice, he fell furioufly upon hiip, and beat him
inhumanly : He alfo caufed the Forms and Benches of the Mceting-hpufe to
be cut iy pieces ; and with his Staff broke live Glals Windows to pieces, not
leaving one whole Qiiarf y.
Another Juftice, Gabriel Lozv, excited the diflraining Officers to take all
they could find, aqd to burn or break what was not worth carrying away,
infomuch that 'Tbo7nas Holbrow an old blind Man, having his Bed taken away,
was conflrained to lie on Straw for eleven Months together : By this Juftice's
Means the fime blind Man and Henry AJhhy were indided for not going to the
pubjick Worfliip, and proceeded againft at Scffions, and fent to Goal. Thus
fierce were the Juftices, and as cruel were the Informers, three of whom, Ser-
vants to the Marquefs of Worcefler, ufually came to the Meetings at the faid
blind Man's Houfe in Little-Badinanton^ their Names were Thomas Goo.k the
Marquefs's Butcher^ Robert Long his Baker, and John Newman his Keeper :
One of them, Thomas Cook, Ihamefully punched, beat, and abufed Sarah AJhby,
fo that fhe fell fick by the Abufes fhe received ; and he had been heard to fay.
It was no more Sin to kill one of the Quakers than to kill a Dog. The laid In-
formers coming to the Meeting, and finding but three Perfons there befide the
Family, ' threw theip againfl the Walls and the Door-pofts, and one of them
feveral Times over a Gate, to the Hazard of his Life : They threw Benjamin
Poijper over a Wall, and beat him inhumanly : They threw John Boy over a
Galg ap.d Stjle feveral Times, dragged him through the Street in the Dirt, and
drove him in a Wheelbarrow, and threw Water upon him ; they lifted him
high from the Ground, and let him fall on his Back : They ftruck John Taxlor
feveral defperate Blows, and threw him over a Wall : Cook the Informer beat
Nehemiab Stinchcomb till his Flefh was black, and he lay ill of the Bruifcs feveral
Days : They took John Beard by the Hair, and beat his Head againfl a Poft,
and fwore they would cut off his Ears ; they followed him half a Mile, beat-
ing, kicking, pinching, and nipping his Ears in a barbarous M.uiner : M ano-
ther Time they put a Rope about his Neck, and fo led him up the Street :
They took John Peace^ about fixty four Years of Age, and dragged him into
the Street, threw him upon his Bagk, then took him up by the^Girdle from
the Ground, and let him fall lb that he was much bruifed. Thus proceeded
thelc wicked Informers in abufing the Innocent, apprehending themfelves fecure
in Cafe of being profecuted for their lawlefs and uiiwarran table Adioiis, and
would fometimes fay, in the Midft of their Barbarities, If we kill one of you,
we believe we Jhall not be hanged for it. Hard was the Cafe of honeft Men
fubjefted to the barbarous Pleafure of fuch inhuman Wretches.
^ In this^ Year were taken by Diftrefs for Meetings, by Warrants from Sir
Francis Fane Juftice,
From Jofeph Cannings, lVillia?n Prichard, Samuel Tbur-
jlon, Richard Adams, Wtlliam Rogers, Thomas
Stiirgc, Chrifiopher 2mng, Walter Summers, Ed-
ward Withers, ^d Edward Budding, Goods
worth
/.
loS
d.
o
319
GLQCES-
T E R-
S H I R, L,
i677._
Fhlent Pro-
ceedhigs of
^ujtics Low.
CrlielPrd&tcet
ol informers.
Impuhnce of
Informirt.
Viflre/is for
Meeti7igs.
Camed over joS 4 o
220
GLOCES-
T E R.
SHIRE.
. 1677.
Diflrejfes j»r
Meetings.
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Brought over
From John Cookfey, Edward Parker, Philip Man/ell,
JVilliatn Watkim, Maurice Smith, William
Smith, Jonathan Rtijfel, TIpomas Perritnan^ John
Grinning, and Jofeph Sturge, Goods to the
Value of
108
71 16
d.
o
180 o
For Meetings at French-hay, by Warrant from Juftice Meredith,
I. s.
From nmnas Hill znA Richard Tipper, Goods worth 88 11
And for Meetings at Bodmanton,
From John Boy and John Jones, to the Value of 184
Margery Collins, Henry AJJjby, Nehemiah Stinch- ")(
co77ib, John Pearce, and Thomas Holbrow, Goods S>
worth
^
12
116
d.
o
o
6
ANNO 1 678. In this Year were taken for Meetings at Ohejion, by War-
rants granted by Sir Francis Fane,
From JValter Sumtners, Francis Pinnell, Thonias Withers,
Richard Ada7ns, William Peajly, Williatn Culli-
ford, and John Packer, Cattle and Horfes
worth ' X'''' '
Si^muel Thurfion, Edward Hill, John Wejl, Jona-
than Ruffel, John Hollijler, and John Orchard, (
in Cattle, Horfes, and other Goods, to the (
Value of ■
Nathanael Thurfion and John Edmonds, Corn worth
/.
104
s.
d.
57 ::tO,-/!,.p,
20
]8i
ji compif-
fionati Ex-
frejjion.
Exchequer
ProceJ's,
Denh of
R. Weft-
more.
Taken alfo for the lame Caufe, by Warrants granted "by Sir Ba-^nhain Throg-
morton, for Meetings at Colford,
I. s. d.
From John Gwyn, William Hibhs, Henry Lloyd, and
Henry Howel, Goods to the Value of j
38
For being at the fame Meetings, Jenkin Hopkins of Colford was fined for
himfelf and others 14/. To levy this the Officers took out of his Shop, Cloth
and other Goods ; and at another Time rifled both his Shop and Houfe, not
leaving him fo much as Bedclothes to cover himfelf, his Wife and Children.
His Neighbours feeing the Cruelty of the Spoilers, wept for Grief, faying,
they feared the Judgments of God would overtake them for Juch Doings.
John Reynolds of Berry-hill, had alfo many of his Goods taken away for a
Fine of 10/. 5 J. impofed on him for being at one of thofe Meetings,
On the 6th of November this Year, Robert Wall of Hatfield, had taken from
him on an Exchequer Procefs, for Ablence from the National Worfhip, a Mare
and Colt worth 6/. \os.
In this Year alfo were imprifoned on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, for not
coming to Church, fo called, Matthew Andrews, Nathanael Cripps, John
Witha?n, John Packer, Robert Tilly, Robert Neale, Nathanael Ogburne, Jenkin
Hopkin, and Richard Wcjbnore, which hft died about a Week after his Com-
mitment.
Mary
Chap. 15. of the People called QUAKERS.
Mar'^ Langlcy, Agiia Hall, Anne Pearce, and Margery Elliott, were com-
mitted to Prilbii on a Seflions Frocefs as Poptfi Reculants : And under the fame
Pretence an Indiftment was laid againft Zachary Philips, 'Thomas Dole, Giles
Clifford, and Edward Cox. At this Time feveral Conllables who had made
Diitrellts, could not Icll the Goods taken, for which Reafon diey could not
make Return of the Fines ; and the Informers, being hungry for their Share of
the Spoil, complained to the Juftices, who fined the Conftables for not return-
ing the Money before they had railed it. The Names of thofe Conftables were
John Senger, Thomas Stephens, Robert Hancock, William Richards, William Hol-
lijhr, and John Hancock.
In this Year James Pounfell was fent to Prifon by the Chancellor of the Dio-
cefe of Bnjiol, for dwelling with his own Wife, being married four Years be-
iore, but not according to the Form prefcribed in the Liturgy.
ANNO 1 68 1. John Roberts oi Sidington, hid. Cattle, Malt, Goods, and
Money taken from him for Tithes, at feveral Times, to the Value of 76 /. The
fame Perfon was alfo committed to Cirencejter Goal, at the Suit of George
Bull Pricit ; but the Lady Dunck, of pure Charity and Compaffion, paid the
Prieft about 4 /. and alio the Coaler's Fees, and fo fet him at Liberty, lay-
ing, that JJje could not be at Peace tUl Jhe had done it. Thus Providence Ibme-
times unexpcftedly raifes up Friends to fuccour tlie Diftrefled.
In this. Year were alfo imprilbned for not paying Tithes, George White, Let-
tice Gufl.i, Wdliam Wade, and Wdliam Wilkins.
In this Year John Boy, Nehemiah Stinchcomh, Daniel Wimball, Paul Sanders,
and John Pearce, were committed to Prifon for being at a Meeting, and the
faid John Pearce, an honeft old labouring Man, died there.
ThcophiL Tozvnfcnd was lent to Prifon by Juftice George, for Preaching, and
flie afking him. Whether it was a Crime to direol People to turn from Ungodli-
nefs ? He replied, I'es, that's enough. Some were committed to Prifon, when,
being taken at Meeting?, they refufed to give Sureties for their good Beha-
viour, viz. Williatn Bowley, Richard Bowley, Amariah Drewett, Thomas Perri-
man, Thomas tVickham, Thomas Jefferies, and William Brelton. Alfo Robert
Neale, Nathanael Ogburne, and Matthew Andover, were imprifoned on Writs
de Excommunicato capiendo.
Taken this Year by Diftrefs for Meetings,
221
GLOCEb-
T E K-
SHIRE.
1678.
ConfiabUfmci
on Complair.t
of Informers.
Impr'tfonment
c; J.PounfdI.
Suffering of
J. Roberts.
C bur try of
Ladj Dunck.
Titkr.
Imprjfotmeitt
for Meeting,
Loofe Anfxoir
of ■fujiice
George. *
Commitment!
of feverul.
From Richard Pritchard, John Dooding, Samuel Bijhop,
Levi Ware, John Curtis, George Bingham,
Lydia Thurjlon, Nathanael Ogburne, and Sa-
?nuel Edney, Goods worth
Samuel Bijhop, Alice Curtis, Thomas Hill, Jona-
than Ruffel, John Bolton, Francis Pinnell, Rich-
ard Adams, Thomas Wlnte, IVilliam Peajely,
and George Motley, Goods worth
/.
14 19
ion
d.
Diflrejfss
120
Tljomas Chorneck of Tewkjlury was excommunicated for Abfence from the
National Worfhip.
The Juftices at their ScfTions in the Month called January this Year, fent
for Roger Cook, John Beard, and Francis Boy, tendred them the Oadi of Alle-
giance, and fent them to Prifon for refufing it. And for the fame Caufe,
Henry Engley, Tho?nas Monington, Nicholas Waftfield, Thornas Freeman, John
Edmunds, John Elliott, Jofeph Blink, John Webb, Daniel Bayley, Richard Green,
Henry Biddcll, Jane Elliott, Alice Cox, Anne Wajhburne, Anne Holland, Hannah
Moninglon, Emma Fry, Elizabeth Langley, Anne Calice, Anne Edmunds, Joane
Wager, Mary Arnold, Anne Green, and Jane James, were committed to Prilbn :
Some of the Women had Children fucking at their Breafts, and others of them
were with Child, and the Prifon being out of Repair, they were much incom-
VOL. I.
Kkk
Excommuni-
cation.
Mxni impri-
foned for rs-
i"fi"g to
Swenr.
Hiri Impri-
fonment.
moded
222
GLOGES-
T E R-
SHIRE.
1681.
Preraunired.
Diftrtffes for
Meetin/^s and
Ahfevce from
the National
I
s.
d.
29 16 o
^ CoUeaioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
mockd for want of Room. The Men were afterward indifted at Seffions, for
refafmg the Oath, and brought in Guilty, and were faid to be Premunired,
though Sentence was not pubhckly read : Both Men and Women were recom-
mitted to Prilbn. Soon after this H^ry Pontin, Henry Ajhhy, and Ralfh
LaHgley, were alfo fcnt to Goal for refiifing to Swear,
ANNO 1682. Taken from Samuel fVhite of Morton, by Guy Laurence
Prieft, for Tithes, Goods worth 1 7 /. 5 j.
At a Meeting at Cirencejler, James George a Juftice of the Peace, and others,
put 'Thomas Loveday out of the Meeting, after which Richard Bowley pray'd,
and the Juftice fin'd him 20 /. Half ot which he laid on Loveday, though not
then in the Meeting, and the Conftables feized his Goods to the Value
trf 16/. 4J.
For a Meeting at William Loveday's in Painfwick, were taken
/.
From WilliatH Loveday, John Loveday^ and Thotnas
Loveday, Goods worth
For Meetings at French-Hay,
From Tl^tnas Hill, Walter Grimer, Abraham Ativood,
Nehemiab Champion, Ifaac James, Ifaac Hatha-
iva-j, Robert Rich, Richard 'tipper, Chriflopher
Holder, John James, J^aihanael Hajkins, and
Richard Bickham, Goods worth
For Abfcnce from the National Worfhip were taken
From Thomas Chorneck, a Cheft of Linen, with Brals,
Pewter, Bedding, Apparel, (Jc. to the Value of
Abraham Atwood, Francis Shipley, Anthony Sturge,
John James, Thomas Hill, Richard Tipper,
William Ward, Thotnas Prigg, John Ames, and
Mary Millett, Goods worth
Thomas Cox, Jane Hathaway, John Belt, Ro-
bert Rich, William Butcher, Richard Bick-
ham, Robert Heidon, and Francis Boy
For another Meeting at French-Hay, taken
From John Cannings, Thomas Morrisy and George
Pearce, Goods worth
112 10
30
}
13
15 18
33 12
244 17
mckednefs of At a Meeting at Nailfworth, Knowles an Apparitor, finding Olinjer Sanfom
*n Appirltor. praying, cried out Come down Rogue. About three Weeks after. Warrants
were iffued by Richard Parfons, Clmncellor of Glocefter, by which were taken
From Richard Smith, Robert Perkins, and Robert Lang-
ley, Goods worth
For Meetings at Sadbury,
From Thomas Curtis, John Deeding, Samuel Bijhop, and
Elizabeth White, who was then in Prifon for
the fame Caufe, Goods worth
For Meetings at Stow,
From Anthony Roberts, William Tidmarjh, and John
Hialt, Goods worth
For Meetings at King^s-Wejlon,
From Samuel Robins, William Maynard, and Wtiliam
Stringer, to the Value of
}
25
10
}
28
16
}
8
18
73
4
EJiber
Chap. 15. of the People called QUAKERS.
EJiher Boy o^ Lackinton, occafionally vifiting a Woman, one of her Friends
at Badmantoii, as they were fitting together, the Earl of IVoneJier's Clerk,
fufpedting a Meetiiig, went in, and finding only thofe two, was fo enraged at
the Difappointment, that he tore the faid tfther's Neckloth, bruis'd her Neck,
pull'd her away, and threw her over the Cell of the Door. Thus the hungry
Informer, miffing his Prey, gave Vent to his Fury, by an unmanly Abufe of
an innocent Woman.
ANNO 1683. On the nth of the Month called May this Year, the
Friends, who were Prifpners in Clocejler Caltle, met together for the Exercife
of religious Worlhip in the Prifon, for which they were all fined by Richard
Parfons a Juftice of the Peace : But moll of their Hoiifes had been fo rifled
before, that the Officers fought in vain to, make Diftrefs : At length finding
two Cows, the Property of PVilliam tVake, one ot the Prilbners, they made
Seizure of them, being worth 61. About this Time Thomas Loveduj, .iged fixty
eight Years, was impriibned eight Months for Abfence from the National
Worlhip : And Thomas May, Sarah AJIjbey, Margery Collins, Mary Boy, and
Elizabeth Holborow, had been Prifoners as long tor meeting together at Bad-
manton.
Taken for Meetings at Olvejlon by Officers and Informers, without pro-
ducing any Warrant,
From John Bolton, Francis Pinnell, Richard Adams,
John ff^hile, Nathanael Thurjlony "Thomas
Sturge, and John Adams, Timber, Cattle,
Sheep, and Goods, to the Value of
They alfo took and carried away the Seats of the
Meeting-houfe, worth
?
I
113
223
G I. O C li S-
T E R-
SHIRE.
16S2.
f^iohnce of a
difappointiJ.
Informer,
DiftreJJes
mde for
meeting in
the trifov.
Piflre/fes for
Meetiiig.
10
114 15
For Meetings at French-Hay^
From John James, Robert Rich, Nehemiab Champion,
Hezekiah Cole, Ihomas Atkins, John King, IJaac
James, Jane Hathaway, and John Webb, Goods
worth
For Meetings at Stoke-Orchard,
From Edward Edwards, Richard Allen, Humphry
Overton, Cornelius Graffftock, and Margaret
Edgington, Goods worth
39 19 o
34 15 o
74 14 o
On the 1 8th of the Month called yfag-a/, Richard Parjom, Chancellor of Meeting-houft
Clocejler, came to the Meeting-houfe at Camden, when the Doors were Ihut ^"""^^ "f"'*
and no Perfon there : He, with fuch as attended him, burft open the Doors,
and brake the Windows and Seats all to pieces, and departed with many
Threats : Upon fome Information of a Meeting there, he flxortly after iiTued
a Warrant, by which were taken
From William Heyders of Stanway, Goods and Tim-
ber, worth
Gervas Harris of Willerjhy, five Cows and an
Horfe, worth
Paul Heron, a Cow worth
/.
}
30
}
20
3
53
For
VlJireffiS.
224
GLOCES-
T E R-
SHIRE.
1683.
Mittimus of
G. Harris to
rrifon.
On Sejpons
Frocefs.
Some infuair'd
it the Triiil of
tkeir Erieytis.
Shop-ieepers
'uiiied.
Two reeom-
mitted.
T. Townf-
ctli's Account
e} iheProceed-
itigs agiinjl
her.
<c
<(
Cf
ec
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. L
For Abfence from the National Worfhip, were taken from Vaul Heron,
Margaret Edgington, John Edgington, and Anthony Roberts, Goods worth 2/. 5^.
Gervas Harris was committed to Prifon by the following Mittimus, viz.
*' To the Keeper of his Majejlfs Goal at the Cajik of G\ocett.er.
" 17^7 E fend you herewith the Body of Gervas Harris of IVillerJhy, in the
" YV laid County, being charged before us for refufing to find Security
" for his Perfonal Appearance at the next general Quarter Seffions of the
Peace, to be holden for the laid County, to anfwer fuch Matters whereof he
Hands indifted. Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to command
you to receive him into your Cullody, and him fafely to keep till he be
thence legally difcharged. Given under our Hands and Seals tliis 27th of
September 1683.
" William Juxon,
Da-xid JVarren,
Richard Tarjons"
The Caufe of his Indiftment, not exprefs'd in the Mittimus, wis his Ab-
fence from the National Worlhip, lor which Caufe alfo many others were im-
prifoned this Year by Seffions- Procels, viz. William Bowley, Richard Bowley,
Philip Gray, John Drewett, Thomas Hill, Jonathan Blanch., Ihomas Meeks,
John Meeks, Thomas Upton, Francis Pinnell, Jofeph Tomkins., Richard P-ritchard,
Giles Clifford, Edward Dndge, Anne Mawfon, and Hugh JVallington : And by
Writ de ExcoTmnunicalo capiendo, Richard Holland. About this Time alfo Roger
Cook, John Beard, and Francis Boy, coming into the Hall at Seffions to hear
the Trial of one of their Friends, were forced into the Court, had the Oath
tendred them, and were fent to Prifon, where they lay fourteen Months : Alfo
Nathanael Roberts and Daniel Roberts, Brothers and Partners in Shop-keeping,
after their Shop had been broken open, and much Goods taken away for Meet-
ings, had the Oath tendred them, and were fent Prifoners to the Caftle. : Their
Houfe was left empty, and their Trade loft, to the very great Detriment of
thofe confcientious young Men.
At the Seffions on the 17th of the Month called January, -John Beard and
Henry AJIoby were recommitted to Prifon for refufing the Oath then again
tendred them in Court. Alfo Theophila Townfend was at the fame Seffions dif-
charged from her long Imprifonment : But afterward, before the Seffions ended,
the Oath of Allegiance was tendred her by the Juftices, and tor refufing it flie
was fent again to Prifon ; from whence in a Letter dated the 29th of the fame
Month, fhe defcribed the Proceedings of that Seffiions in Manner following, viz.
TH E Perfecutors wax worfe and worfe, and would make Friends
their own Accufers ; becaufe they cannot clear themfelves of what
they charge them, they make them Tranfgreffiors. Several are indifted for
not going to the Parifh-Church, fo called •, and afking for tiieir Accufers,
the Clerk, Benjamin Hyett, faid, I accufe you for the King and Papers do
accuje you, (holding fome Prefentmcnts up!^) And the Juflices faid, 'Tis not
poffible for the King to prove you Guilty, but you Jimjl prove your felvcs Not
guilty. So the Jury found Friends Guilty, when no Evidence came in
againft them, and one Part or Half of Friends were abfent, and not in the
Sight or Hearing ot the Jury, and one fick and not at all in the Court, yet
they proceeded to fine about twenty two of them 20/. a piece. They take no
Notice of the Law, but their Wills. Juftice Powel faid, 1 broke the King's
Law by Preaching. I fiid, / had been Prifoner two Years, and was never
convicted of the Breach of any Law. Powel, being Chairman, laid. The Court
was not willing to difcharge me without Sureties. I fiid, / was difcharged of
that twelve Months fmce. Cutler faid, I wo.s a dangerous Pcrfon, and the
" Court
Chap. 15. of the People c^//^^ QUAKERS.
•' Court ivas afraid to trv.ft vie without Sureties. I faid, // is a poor Bujinefs for
' ' a Court of Juftices to Jay they are afraid of fucb a poor weak Woman as /,
that have been like to die fever al Times fince I came into the Prifon ; fo I was
within thefe four Days, but the Lord hath raifed me up, and made me able to ap-
pear before you, to fee whether you will do me Juftice or no. How do you
look upon me to be a dangerous Pcrfon ? Do ■joii fuppofe me likely to raife an
Army to fubvert the Government } The Law fays, no Perfon fhall be deprived
of his Libert'^ unconvi5ied, and that I was never, for you have no Proof. They
made me be taken away from fpeaking. The Goaler fpeaks of a clofer
Confinement to Friends, who leveral of them have been ill : One is
gone Home fick ot a Fever. The Juftices, Cutler, Pozvel, Dormant,
George, Juxon, Player, PFinter, the Chancellor Parfons, and others, were on
the Bench : Powel i'pake of difcharging me, but Ciitler laid. If the-j did, I
would be in again in a Month, and went on to fine Friends." —
225
GLOCES-
T E R.
SHIRE,'
,683.
Thus far Theophila Townfend's Letter, who was a virtuous Woman, and of
great Underflanding, but through the Rigour of the Laws, and the Severity of
the Juftices, fhe underwent an hard and clofe Imprilbnment leveral Years to-
gether, for the Caule of Religion and a good Confcience.
In this Year died Prifoners, Thoinas May, Ralph Langley, and Tlxmas Holhorow.
ANNO 1684. On the lothof the Month called 7z«?f this Year, Samuel
Robins was taken at a Meeting, and committed to Prifon, where he lay four
Mondis. At the fame Time were alfo Prifoners, John Stevens, JValter Grimer,
William Burton, Henry Pontin, Robert Rich, and John Bett.
On the 26th ot September, John King was fent to Prifon, and on the 29th,
William Ward and Nathanael Hofkins.
On the 7th of OElober, Thomas Mafon, Richard Philpot, Daniel Hayward,
Thomas Allen, Richard Rogers, Margaret Skinner, Ellinor Jefferies, and Eliza-
beth Shepherd, were taken from a Meeting and fent to Prifon. Alfo William
Bale, William Moore, John Webb, William Butcher, and John James, were com-
mitted to Prifon on an Indictment for a Month's Abfence from the National
Worfhip : And for the fame Caufe Richard Bowley fuffered Diftrefs of his Vlflreff on
Goods to the Value of 20 s.
On the ift of the Month called February, the fiid Richard Bowley beincr
a-fleep in Bed about nine at Night, Officers broke the Door open, and two of
them ftaid in the Houfe all Night, and the next Day carried away Barley and
5 Died pri-
foners.
Prijo/iers,
Others alfo
eonmiitei.
R. Bowley.
Malt to the Value of 30/.
At another Time they broke open his Houfc, and ?
took away Malt worth 5 ^
From John Stevens and Philip Gray, Goods worth 2
Taken alfo for Meetings,
From Giles Clifford, Zachary Phillips, Nathanael Cripps,
Grace Chejler, Daniel Hayward, Tloomas Baker,
Elizabeth Samford, and Richard Skinner, Oxen,
Cows, Sheep, Calves, Pigs, Hay, Goods
and Money, to the Value of
Oj-.
o^.
ANNO 1685. In this Year was taken for Tithes,
From Thomas Hill of Winterborn, Corn worth
John Trueman, John James, Robert Rich, William
Atwood, William Ball, Daniel Packer, and Jofeph
Cannings ^
Francis Boy, Chriflopher Toung, Thomas Perryman, 1
John Adamst Francis Pinnell, ^nd John Bolton, S 32 14
Corn worth \
176
18
10
Vijlrejfes for
Meetings.
217
18
10
47
2
Diftrefs for
Tithes.
S'?
I';
Vol. L
Lll
Car. over 105 11
226 A CoUedtion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
GLOCES- I- s. d.
T E K- Brought over 105 11 o
SHIRE. Pj.^j^ Andrew miliams, Nalhanael Thurpn, Jenkin t
i°^5- i^gpj^i^^ Richard Bowley,TVilliam Rowley^ John i> 43 18 o
^■^'""""^''^'^ Lyfellers, and fhomas Edwards^ to the Value of j
149 9 o
T. Ruffell im- I" ^he fame Year Jonathan Rujfel of Littleton, fufFered Imprifonment for re-
prifoned. fufing to pay Tithes.
For a Meeting at Thornbury, on the 5th of the Month called July, were taken
/. s. d.
Piflrejfcs for prom Edward Parker, Thomas Farr, John Clark, JVtl- p
Meetinis. Uatn Pitcher, Edward Hill, John Thurfton, S> 26 19 o .
and John Gainer, Goods worth J>
For a Meeting at the Houfe of Thomas Daniel in Stinch- ? ^ ^
co7nb, they took from him Corn, Hay, and Goods, worth S
And from Robert White, Thomas Alway, Edward Parker, o
John Coxley, and Jacob HewlingSy to the S> 38 5 4
Value of J
95
13
86 8
Taken for Abfence from the National Worfhip,
DiU'-efes for From the aforefaid Thomas Daniel, Malt, Houlhold ? ^g
Abfence from Goods, and Money, worth ^
the National ^^d from Matthew Freeman of Stone, for his Wife's -j
iror/»p. Abfence, 100/. worth ot Goods, which he, being i. 26
no ^aker, redeemed by compounding with the r
Sheriff, for J
From Thomas Loveday ]un. Goods worth 60 19
which the Officers fold for 10/.
John Mafon, IVilliain Loveday, Roger Town/end,
and Thomas Stinchcomb,
Richard fVilkins Goods worth 120/. which they p
fold for 30/. They took alfo out of his S 126 o
Wife's Pocket by Force in Money 61. I3
Richard Morril, Amariah Drewett, John Stevens, ^
Richard Bowley, and William Hibbs, Goods > 90 10
worth J
Jenkin Hopkin, Jojeph Heathcot, and Charles Allen 42 15
461 5 o
X)?;j(# ExtoT' When the BaylifFs feized Charles Alerts Goods, a Servant of his luving
tion. Money in his Breeches, which hung in one of the Rooms, he went to take it
out, which one of the Baylifts obferving, and threatning to flioot him, extorted
it from him by force.
Taken for Abfence from the National Worfhip,
I. s. i.
From Richard Bowley, Richard Skinner, Thomas Mafon, \ 2 17 o
Giles King, and Samuel Sheers, Goods worth 5 '
H. RidJall About this Time Elizabeth Parker and Elizabeth Sanford were imprifoned by
diei a. Prt- a SefTions Procefs, and Henry Riddall, an ancient Man, of Glocejler, died a Prifoner.
foncr. Taken more, on the Conventicle Ad:,
/. s. d.
From Daniel Parker, Daniel Ware, Jofeph Cannings, 7 8 2 8
Jofeph Glover, and John Grining^ Goods worth j"
Carried over 18 2 8
Chap. 15. of the People called QUAKERS.
227
Brought over
From Edward Parker^ John Gainer, John Simonds, Tho-
mas Davis, Thomas Soley, and Paul Heron,
Goods to tlie Value of
••I
18
65
d.
GLOCES.
T E R-
SHIRE.
83 7
Many others were imprifoned for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance,
viz. Hezekiah Cole, John Triieman, John Cookfey, Tlmnas Farr, John Jburjlon,
Edward Parker, Daniel Parker, IViiliam Pitcher, John Black, Thomas Mabbett,
Jofeph Cannings, Edward Hill, Charles Rujfel, Thomas Rujfel, Jofeph Glover,
John Gainer, Jofeph Player, Jonathan Blanch, John PFhite, John Toiuig, John
Mabbett, John Merrick, Thomas Daniel, Thomas Alway, and Robert White.
Richard Bowley and Amariah Drewett, for refufing to contribute toward the
Charge of the County Militia, had IVIalt and Hay taken from them to the
Value of 4/.
ANNO 1686. A Lift of the Prifoners called fakers, who were dif-
charged out of Prifon in this County, at the Quarter Seffions held in. the Month
called April this Year, by Virtue of King Ja)}ies the Second's Proclamation, is
as follows, viz.
Out of the County Goal fifty fix, namely.
Many fint ta
Prifon.
Militia,
Theophila Townjend
Thomas Hill
Thomas Upton
John Clifford
Anne Mavjfon
JVilliam Burton
Robert Rich
JVilliam Ward
Richard Philpot
Thomas Allen
Elizabeth Shepherd
William Moore
John Cookfey
Thomas Mabbett
John Mabbett
Thomas Alway
Elizabeth Ford
Robert Neale
Henry Afljby
Richard Holland
Thomas Meekes
John Beard
Zachary Phillips
Nathanael Deane
John Bolton
John Bett
Nathanael Hajkins
Daniel Hay ward
Margaret Skinner
William Ball
John James
John Thurflon
Jofeph Player
John Merrick
Robert White
Jonathan Ruffel
Nathanael Ogburne
Thomas Loveday len.
Hugh Wallington
John Mceks
Jofeph Tomlins
Edward Dodge
Walter Grimer
Henry Pontin
John King
Thomas Mafon
Richard Rogers
Ellinor Jefferies
William Butcher
John Webb
Edward Parker
John White
Thomas Daniel
Elizabeth Baker
Matthew Andrews
George White
J lift of Pr!'
foncrs r^ieifed
by ^. Jj.raes
the id. his
Proclamation.
And out of the City Prifon fifteen, viz.
John Edmunds
And Anne his Wife
Richard Green
Henry Engley
And Elizabeth hisWife
Thomas Monington
And Hannah his Wife
Jane James
Daniel Bailey
Joane Wager
Tlxmas Freeman
Alice Cox
Emma Fry
Ellinor Calice
Anne Holland
ANNO 1689. After the Acceffion of King William and Queen Mar'^ to Poll-Tax.
the Throne, a Poll-Tax was levied by Aft of Parliament, wherein Preachers
were charged for their Stipends or Pay. Several of the People called
fakers were aflefTed as Preachers upon that Aft, but as they received no
Stipend or Pay, they thought it a Dilhonour to their Profeffion of a free
Miniftry,
228 A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
G L O C E S- Miniftry, to make fuch Payments, which for that Reafon they reflifed ; and
c-Tf^D^^ feveral luftered Diftrefs of their Goods for fuch Refufal, viz.
i68q ^' ^•
"* Ihomas Hill, John Cookfey, Jofeph Cannings, John
^ni^relTiion Curtis, John Dooding^ Thomas Morris, and c 8 12 o
the PoU-Tas Walter Grimer J
A^.
Having thus related the Sufferings in this County, we proceed to Hampjhire
and the Ifle of Wight.
H A M p.
SHIRE.
1653.
CHAP. XVI.
HAMPSHIRE
and ISLE of WIGHT.
T
Anno 1653.
A K E N for Tithes, from
/. s. d. I. s. d.
Tithes. John Day of thelde of Wight, (or ^ o o demanded, Goods worth 12 o o
Robert Biddell, for 140 40
o
John Page of Berriton, for 300 1600
Robert Reeves of Swanmore, for 950 15150
For 16 9 o Taken 47 15 o
Terj(cunon of ANNO 1655. On the i8th of the Month called July, Thomas Robertfon
T. Robertfon and Ambrofe Rigg, being at Bafmgftoke, were told, that the Priefl of that Parifh
and. A. Rigg. had uttered feveral invedive Speeches againfh them ; they, defirous to clear
themfejves, fent to the Prieft to come to them, but received this fhort Anfwer,
I will not Come : Tou may expe£i to be JJjortly in Prifon. They neverthelels held
a Meeting in a Friend's Yard, to which many of the Town reforted. As one
of them was Preaching, the Prieft, with a Juflice of the Peace, and fome others,
came, and in much Anger demanded. What a Tumult is here ? By what Au-
thority do you /peak here ? The Friends anfwered. Our Authority is from the
Lord. The Juftice anfwered, / have Authority to try you ; and fo tcndred them
the Oath of Abjuration, and for refufing to Swear, fent them to Prifon, where
they were kept afunder : After which they examined them feparately, and took
away their Money, Bible, Inkhorns, Knives, and Papers, but next Morning
return'd their Money : On the third Day the JufUce, with Officers, came to the
Prifon, and afk'd them, whether they were not whipt in Kent ? for, faid he
fcoffingly, I know you will not he. They anfwered him No. Neverthelefs he
caufed them to be tfript, that he might fee their Shoulders. This Ufage feem'd
on purpofe to afiront and deride them. After this he again tendred them the
Oath, and continued them in Prifon, flriftly charging that none of their
Friends fhould come near them. After fifteen Weeks they were fct at Liberty
Alfo of R. by an Order of SefTions. Robert Hodgfon coming to vifit them, was not fuffered.
Hodgfon. He then went to a Meeting at the Houfe of William Knight, and there preached.
As he was fpeaking, a Juftice of the Peace came in, and called out, Hher^s
the
Chap. i6. of the People called QL'AKERS.
the Preacher ? The Woman of the Houfe anfwered. Here is a Friend of mine.
The Juftice then faid to Robert, Whence come 'jou ? He anlwered, Froin Reading.
The Juftice faid, What do you here ? He anfwered, / came to vifit my Friends
in Prifon. The Juftice rephed, Ton Jhall go and fee them : And thereupon
tendred him the Oath, and fent him inftantly to Goal, havftig firft rifled his
Pockets, and taken away his Letters. He was detained there fixteen Weeks.
ANNO 1656. Humphry Smith having been at a Meeting in John Read's
Houfe near Ringivood, William Bayly and Anthony Mellidge, Travellers, tarried
there with him : They were fent for by a Juftice, who lent them to Goal :
Their Mittimus was thus, viz.
229
H A M p.
SHIRE,
&c.
1655.
cc
A. Mellidge,
ani W. Bay-
ly, to Prifon,
Southampton^ fs.
Is E N D you herewith the Bodies ot Humphry Smith, of Cotvhcrne in the Mittimus cj
County of Hartford ; Anthony MeUidge, of Li7ne in the County oi Dorfet ; H- Smuh,
and William Bayly of for that they have been charged beiore
me with feveral Mifdemeanours by them committed at Poidnar in the Parifh
oi' Rifigzi'ood, and for that they refufed to find Sureties for tlieir Appearance
at the next general Affizes to be held for this County, and in the mean
Time to be of the good Behaviour.
" Thefe are therefore to require you to receive them the faid Humphry
Smith, Anthony MeUidge, and William Bayly, into your Cuftody, and them
fafely keep in your Common Goal, until they ftiall be delivered by due
Courfe of Law, and hereof fail you not. Given under my Hand and Seal the
2 7th Day of February 1 6^y.
John BulkleyT
cc
The Place of William Bayly's Refidence was left out of the Warrant, be-
caufe he was born in the Parifh where he then was : Nor was the Mittimus true
in faying, they iiaere charged with Mifdemeanours, for no Body had accufed them
of any. At the next Affizes they were fent to the Houfe of Correc'tion, and
kept there fourteen Weeks, till difcharged by Order of a Committee ot' Par-
liament.
In this Year Ambrofe Rigg, for uttering a Chriftian Exhortation to the People
in the Place of publick Worihip at Southampton, was lent to Prifon. For the
fame Caufe Ellen Emhree and Anne Herjent were fined 5 /. each, and for Non-
payment were kept in the Houfe of Correction icven W^eeks ; where John
Cannon for the like Fine was alfo detained five Months. Adary Spier lutfered
ten Months Imprifonment for reproving the Prieft of Bafingfoke : Stephen
Bevis, for exhorting the People at Sotithivick to Repentance, was imprifoned in
the Houfe of Correction at Winchefter thirteen Weeks.
James Potter of Baghurji, for reading a Paper of Chriftian Advice to the
People, after Sermon, in the Steeple-houfe there, was committed to JFincheJhr
Goal till the AfTizes •, where the Caufe of his Commitment appearing infuf-
ficient, he ought to have been releafed ; but the Court took Occafion againft
him for appearing with his Plat on, fined him 5/. and fent him again to Pri-
fon, where he lay two Years and two Months longer.
John Wigg of Preflon-Candover, and Richard Wigg, for not paying Tithes,
were imprifoned at Bafingfloke.
Thomas Murford and Katharine Evans, for meeting with their Friends in the
l^toHVight, after many Abufes from the rude People there, were baniflied
the Ifland. And for Meetings in the lame liland, John Day and Winifred
Newton were imprifoned in Winchefter Goal, and at the next Seffions the Ibrmer
was fent to the Houfe of Correftion, and the latter acquitted.
ANNO 1658. William Baker and Richard Baker, for fpcaking againft the
Prieft of BrainflMt, refpedting an exorbitant Seizure ot Tlxmas Biddle's Goods
for Tithe, were imprifoned twenty four Weeks, during which Time two
ScfTions were held, and nothing laid to their Charge. At length they were
Vol. L M m m rcleaied
A. Rigg ani
others per fc'
cuted jar
Vrejchiv.f,
J. Potter im-
prijon'il
Find for his
Ji.it.
Tithes.
Binijhnnm.
Imfrifonntint.
Sundry Imprl-
fotmients and
their Caufei.
230
HAMP-
SHIRE,
&c.
1658.
Burhjrous
Treat rnoit of
A. Rigg ant
othirs-.
Titki.
Diftrefs for
Tithes.
A Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
releafed by order of a Committee of Parliiiment : As was alfo Elizabeth Streater,
who had been twenty one Weeks in I-Vinchejter Goal for fome Words flie had
fpoken to a Prieft on the Highway. Edith Tizard fufFered nine Weeks Impri-
fonment for Ibeaking to the People in the Place of publick Worfhip at Sonth-
amMoii. Darnel Baker, for the like Caiife, was fent to JVinchefler Goal, and
at the SefTions was removed to the Houle of Correftion, where he was de-
tain'd nine Weeks. At the fame Time George Header/on was alfo imprifoned
there.
ffilliam Knight of Bafingjloke, for vifiting his Friends in Prifon there, was
confined in the lame Goal thirteen Weeks.
Avibrofe Rigg, as he was going to vifit his Friends in Prifon at SouthamptOKy
was feized on by a Conflable and other Officers, who pull'd him down Stairs,
took him by the Throat, fet him on a Cowle-StafF, from which they let him
fall, then dragg'd him by the Feet, with his Back on the Ground, to the Cage,
pulling the Hair off his Head, and tearing his Clothes. After this he was by
the Mayor's Order whipt in the Market-place, then was he thrown down back-
ward into a Wheelbarrow, carried fo up a Part of the Street, then thrown into
a Dung-Cart, and fo fent away from Tithing to Tithing, and threatned, that
it he came again, he fhould be whipt twice as much, burnt on the Shoulder,
and banilhed the Land. Moft barbarous was this Ufage of an innocent Man,
for no other Offence than performing the Chriftian Duty of vifiting thofe that
were in Prifon. The fame Perfon at another Time, vifiting a fick Friend, was
taken and carried before two Juftices, who, becaufe he refufed to pull off his
Hat at their Command, fent him to Prifon, where he lay five Weeks.
Philip Bence and his Brother were put into the Gatehoufe at IPlnchefler, and
kept there all Night, for vifiting their Friends in Prifon. Alfo Edward Jejfop,
for carrying a Letter from one of his Friends in IVincbeJler Goal to a Jullice
of the Peace, was forely beaten, kickt and abufed by the Juftice's Servants.
Anne Potter of Baghiirjl was imprifoned at Cheney Court Prifon near fVin-
chejler twenty eight Weeks, for Tithes ; and her Brother Richard Potter, for
the fame Tithes of 5/. Value, had his Goods taken by Diflrefs to the Value
of 17/. Richard T>eane and William Pace were alfo this Year imprifoned for
not paying Tithes.
ANNO 1659. ^ho7nasWelfied,{o-c -xXitmiXidi of ^ I. for Tithes, had his
Goods taken away to the Value of 12/. io:f. And in this Year feveral Per-
ibns for Claims of i /. gs. ^d. for Steeple-houfe Rates, fuffered Diftrefs of
Goods to the Value of 1 1 /. 12 s.
ANNO 1660. In this Year were taken
From Henry Streater for 4/. demanded for Tithes, three
Mares and two Cows worth
Robert Biddle, for a Demand of 1 6 s. two Horfcs
and two Cows worth
1
42
15
s.
57
Imprjfon-
muns.
Perjecution of
J. Pigeon an.l
his Brother.
John Bifhop of Gateomb in the lOe onVight, a poor labouring Man, having
a large Family dependent on his Labour, was imprifoned in JVinchefler Goal for
Tithes, twenty Weeks.
On the I oth of OElober, John Pigeon of Crazpley, on an Information of a
Meeting at his Houfe, was brought before the Juftices, who required Bond that
no more fuch Meetings fhould be held there : This he refufed, but told them,
if any were he would give them timely Notice, that they might hear and fee
what was faid and done : This not fatisfying them, they tendred him the Oath
of Allegiance, and upon his Refufal to take if, committed him to the County
Goal. About a Month after, Samuel Pigeon, his Brother, who direfted his Af-
fairs in his Abfence, was alfo fent to Prifon for the fame Caufe ; and the Care of
his Houfe being then left to his Wife, twc Lads, and .1 Labourer, the
Informers
Chap. i6. of the People called QUAKERS.
Informers beat one of the Lads unmercifully, which fo terrified the others that
they lett the Houfe •, which the Inter mers plunder'd, carried away in Carts and
on their Backs the Huulliold Goods, burnt many Loads of his Fuel and Tim-
ber, making great Fires near the Houfe, and exercifing Revelling^ Dn-.^k-
enncjs., and other wicked Practices, a Crew of diforderly Fellows reforting
thither for that Purpofe: They utterly fpoiled a new-planted Orchard, pluck-
ing up the young Apple-Trees, and other Plants by the Roots, and made fuch
Havock of the poor Man's Eftate, that his Damage was computed to be at
leaft 500/. All this was done without any Colour of Law ; and when the In-
formers were afked, How they could juftify juch A£liom ? they immediately
anfwered. We have him fnjl in Pnfon^ and Jfjall take care to keep him there fe-
cure from profecuting us : And, it feems, the Jultices, who knew of and con-
niv'd at thefc Aftions, were of the ftme Mind, for they fin'd the Goaler 5/.
only for giving die Prifoner the Liberty of a little irefli Air, an Indulgence
commonly granted to others in his Cuftody.
On the I ith ot the Month called January^ Ambrofe Rigg, travelling on Horfe-
back, was carried before the Lieutenant of the County, who ordered him to
be ftript and fearch'd, fent away his Mare by a Soldier, kept him on the Guard
that Night, and next Day fent him to JFinchejler, where, after four Days Con-
finement in the Marfhal's Houfe, the Oath of Allegiance was tendred him by
fome Juftices, who, upon his refufing it, committed him to the County Goal,
where he lay abbve four Months.
On the 1 3th Henry Slreater, Robert Biddle, Williain Fuller, Edmmid Heath,
Henry IFake, Nicholas Eedes, JVilliam BlanjlMtt, Robert Terry, Henry Elliott,
Nicholas Lamy, John Lack, John Pl^tgg, John Page, John Marfhall, Ja7nes
Complin, John Howard, and James Collier, were feized at a Meeting in Alton,
dragg'd by Force through the Streets to an Inn, kept there by Soldiers three Days
and Nights, then put into a Waggon, and carried to Alresford, where they
were kept at an Inn all Night, and not fuffered to have any Beds : Next Morn-
ing they were conduced to IFinchejler, and committed to the Mariliai's Cuf-
tody, by whom they were carried before fome Juftices of the Peace, and they,
after tendring them the Oath, committed them to Prifon.
On the 1 7th Williayn Buckland, going to vifit his Sifter, was taken by a Con-
ftable, and carried before the Juftices at JFinchejler, who, more like wanton
Boys than grave Magiftrates, made the innocent Man a Subjeft of their Scorn
and Derifion, telling him, if he would pidl off his Hat they would fet him at
Liberty : At length they tendred him the Oath, and fent him to Goal.
On the 17th of the Month called February, IFilliam Rulter, taken at a Meet-
ing in Portfimuth, was committed by die Mayor to a clofe flinking Prifon, in
which through Coldnefs of the Place, and want of Air, he fell fick and died
within a Month.
About this Time William Gill, William Faller, and Elizabeth Streater, for
refufing to pay toward the Charge of the County Militia, were imprifbned at
Winchejler fifteen Days, and afterward had their Goods taken by Ditlrefs to the
Value of 8/. 5 J.
ANNO 1 661. In this Year were taken for Tithes,
From William Faller of HeathU, for 8/. demanded,
twenty feven Head of Cattle worth
William Gill of the fame, for 2 /. demanded.
Cattle, Horles, and Hogs, worth
Edmund Heath of the fame, for 2/. 10 J. de-
manded. Cattle to the Value of
}
I
/.
.231
H A M p.
SHIR E.
tf:c.
1660.
TL'ir Sub-
jtance fpollii
bj Ir.jonr.iT:.
100
27
21
A. Rigs
jelled, Mid
imprijoved
for refufing
to Srviur.
Ill Vfige ani
JinpriJoi:inetit
of 1 7 others.
Derifion ani
Impnfoiiment
o/\V.Buck.
land.
Death of
W. R utter
in Prifon.
Militia.
DifUeffis for
Tithes,
For Demands of 12/. 10 s.
Taken 148 o
Henry Streater of Bramjhott, was taken from a Meeting at his Brother's /j^^,/, of
Houfe in Alton, and committed to Winchejler Goal, where he died on the ift H. Streater.
of
232
HAMP-
SHIRE,
&c.
1662.
Ifeatb of
T. Willis.
Iranferjpt of
i Letter from
the Prijoners
to the Juf-
tices.
:A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
of the Month called April this Year. A faithful Man, who, after a long Courfe
of manifold Sutferings for his religious Tcftimony, laid down his Head in
Peace.
ANNO 1662. On the 14th of Septemher^ Tfoomas IVilUs of Cotton, taken
at a Meeting, was by the Mayor of Southarnpton committed to Prifon, where
he died after about leven Months Confinement, contentedly laying down his
Life for his Conftancy in Religion.
That our Readers may form a jufl Idea of the Suffering of this People in
this County, let them perufe the following
* ' 'Tranfcript of a Letter y "written by fome of the Prifoners to the
" J^fti^^^ ^f ^-^^ Peace at Winchefter Sejfions, dated the i%th of
" the Month called January 1662.
" IXT E are Men that do fear the Lord, and do alio truly defire Peace
*' V y with and amongfh all Men, amongft whom we have likewife behaved
*' our lelves in Peace and Quietnefs, labouring with our Hands in the Things
" that are honefl, whereby to provide tor our felves and Families, continuing
" alfo in Carefulnefs therein, that though we fuifer in Body and Eltate, -that
" neither we nor they might be chargeable to any ; neither have we wilfully
*' provoked the Officers and Rulers againft us, but in Humility, in that we
" dare not but obey the Lord that made us, in waiting upon him, for the which
*' only, and for no other Caufe on our Parts, we have already fuffered before
*' this Imprifonment, fo much Cruelty and inhuman Ufiige, that feveral Sheets of
" Paper might be filled therewith, though it would not be eafily to be believed,
" that Englijhmen Ihould lb unmereitully be abufed by Soldiers and other Men
* ' ot their own Nation, as hath been daily inflidled upon us in the Town of Portf-
" mouthy the Place of our Abode and Habitations, where, for the Space of one
" Year and an Half, fewFirft-days therein but we were by the rudeft Soldiers
" that they could chufe for that Purpofe, and fuch like Officers, either haled
*' out of our Meetings, before the Law was made againil it, or beat forth
" with much Violence, or thruft or beat with Mufkets along the Streets, or
" punched or knocked with the great End of Mufkets, and ib with Violence
" drove forth at the Gates, from our own Hahitations, and then were hindred
" from coming again to our Employments, or molt if not all of thefe Things
" were daily inflicted on us, with many more cruel Beatings and bruifmg of our
" Bodies than is here written, and our Goods have been fpoiled, and fome
" carried away, and our Windows battered down, even after we were beat
** and turned out as aforefaid ; and fuch Firft-days as we efcaped thefe Things,
*' we were fhut up together in our own Houfe, and armed Men fet on every
" Side to keep us in, both Men and Women, in a molt evil and unleemly
" Manner, and Food denied to be brought in unto us, and fometimes our
" Food that was fent us taken away by the Soldiers, and at other Times we
•' were fome of us kept in feveral nalty Holes, which is fo bad, that mofl
" People efteem it an hard Thing for the worlt Felons or Ofl^enders to be
" kept there a few Days, where we were conftrained to lie feveral Weeks,
*' having alfo both Friends and our own Wives and Relations, yea, and Food
•' it felf, and needful Things then kept alfo from us : And in Feltonh Flole the
♦' Waves of the Sea have lb beat in on one of us in Winter Seafon, that he
♦' has Hood in Water up to the Ankles, for die which Things the Lord God
" hath and will vifit them that were the A<ftors thereof.
" And when we had, for the Space of one Year and an Half, in much Pa-
" tience fulfered many fuch Things as aforefaid, then did the Rulers of the
" Nation add Affliction to our long grieved Souls, by making a Law, that
" not above five might depart from their Habitations, and aflemble together
" under Pretence of Worfhip ; the which, though our Meetings were not in
" Pretence, but really intended, and .ibfolutcly for, the Worfhip of God, yet
«' notwithftanding
Chap. i6. of the People c^//<?^ QUAKERS. 233
*' notwitliftanding, though we were not this Time (for which we yet fufFer) H A M F-
•' the Number oi five that departed from our Habitations, and fo not Tranl- SHIRE,
" greflbrs of the Law, as we made it appear unto the Mayor and Rulers that ^'^'
" committed us ; neither could they themlelves affirm and prove diat we had i^iOz:
" therein tranfgrefled that Law ; yet notwithftanding they impofed the utmofl: * "^
" Penalty upon us, which in the faid Law is mentioned againft them that
" tranfgrefs it, and fo kept us full three Months in Prifon in that Town, and
" three Weeks more over than the diree Months. And then in om Mittimus
" they did not fo much as deal juftly with us, but writ therein, that we were
" lately taken at a Meeting, as though it had been very lately indeed, and
" thereby have fought to conceal the long Lnprifonment we had then fuffered
" for the faid Meeting dierein fignified, and concerning which we have alfo
»' fuffered three Weeks more in this Prifon o{ IVincheflcr this 13th of the
*' Eleventh Month 1662.
" And thefe our Hardfliips, and unreafonable Sufferings, and grievous
*' Abufes, do even caufc a Cry for Mercy, and may claim Compaffion in
" Equity, as well as Juftice, from you, who in Juftice ought to flicw Mercy
" in relieving the Oppreffed, who have fuffered all thefe Things, only on Ac-
" count of lome Diderence in Opinion in Matters of Religion, or Matter in
" us of Confcience to God, wherein alfo the King's late Declaration offereth
" us Relief, the Benefit whereof we fhall gladly receive ; but if otherwife,
" then we lay, the J Fill of the Lord be done, whom we dare not but follow,
" though it Ihould be to the Lofs of all.
-•D'
John Auftin Jonas Goff
William Buckland Thomas Cozens
Nicholas Co?nJ)lin JVilliain Jennings.
At the fame Time was a Prifoner alfo together with them in JVincheJler Goal,
Humphry Smith, fent thither by the following Mittimus, viz.
' Soutliton fs.
" To the Keeper of his Majejlfs Goal at Winton, or to his
fiifficient Deputy, Greeting.
YO U fhall herewithal receive the Body of Humphry Smith, who was Mittimus of
taken at an unlawful Meeting at Alton, being a Ringleader and one of H. Smith t»
the Chief of the fakers, who travelleth the Country to feduce the People, ^''f""'
and diflurb his Majefty's Peace, contrary to the Law in that Behalf made
and provided. Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to will and re-
quire you forthwith, that you receive the Body of him the faid Humphry
Smith into your Cuftody, and him to detain in your faid Goal until he fhall
be delivered from thence by due Order of Law. Given under our Hands
"and Seals at Alton, the 1 4th Day of OSlober, m the thirteenth Year of his
Majefty's Reign, Anno Bom. i66i.'
"John Notion,
ce
Humph? J Bennett r
He was kept under clofe Confinement, and never called to anfwer at any Accnm ef
AfTizc or Seffions, nor fuffered to go out at any Time, and his Friends were H. Smith's
frequently denied the Liberty of vifiting him, until at length he died "there on ^«'■"^•
the 4th Day of the Month called May 1663. This good Man had a Fore-
fight of his Death, and faid to fome of his Friends, that he had a narrow
Path to pafs through : And more than once fignified, he faw he Jhculd be im-
prifined, and that it might cojl kirn his Life. In the Time of his Sicknefs he ex-
preffed himfclf thus, My Heart is filled -with the Poiier of God : It is good for a
Vol. I. N n n 'Man
234
H A M P-
S H I R E,
&c.
1662.
12 Priimiers
at Souchamp-
ton.
Others at
Winchefter.
Women in
Bridewell.
Tithes.
Many impri-
i'oned for n
Juppojcd Meet-
ing.
Diitb of
N. Complin.
Profecutio}}s
!«' Tiibes.
A Colii^lioii of
riofc-Hiio'is.
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Man at fttch a Time as this, to know the Lord to be his Friend. And at another
Time, Lord., thou hajl fent me forth to do thy M^ill, and I have been faithful
unto thee in my fmall Meafure, which thou hajl committed to me ; but if thou
wilt yet try me farther, thy M^ill he done. Alfo he faid, / am the Lord's, let
him do what he will. And when near his Departure, he pray'd thus, O Lord,
hear the i/iward Sighs and Groans of thine Oppreffed, and deliver my Soul from the
Oppreffor. Hear me, O Lord, uphold and prejerve ?ne. I know that my Re-
deemer liveth. "Thou art flrong and mighty, O Lord. He alfo prayed, that
God would deliver his People from their Oppreffors. And for thofe that had been
convinced by his Miniftry, that God would be their Teacher. He continued
fwcetly ftill and lenfible unto the End, and died in perfeft Peace,
There had been committed to Southampton Goal in this and the two preceeding
Years, George Embree, Tho7nas Jacob, John Cannons, John Dornfield, Leonard PVil-
lia?ns, PFilliam Portfmouth, Thomas May, Thomas Cleverly, John Tugwell, John
Prangnell, Tho7nas Willis, Richard Blandy, George Jachnan, Henry Poynter, Jona-
than Hopkins, Michael Fojter, Roger Curtis, Thomas Cowdry, Robert M^ajlfeld,
Alexander Pyotl, IVilliamBoddicoat, and IVilliamPafmore : Of whom, fixteen were
indifled at the Seflions, on the i ith of the Month called January 1662, for being
at an unlawful Afiembly. But the Court having Realon to think that Indift-
ment infufficient, refufed to proceed upon it : But, inftead of that, fined the
Prifoners for a pretended Contempt ot the Court in appearing with their Hats
on, and fo fent them back to Priibn, where they lay long after. There had
been alfo imprifoned in Winlon Goal, Thomas Ham, Stephen Glafs, Henry Mul-
lins, William Knight, and John BiJJjop.
In this Year alfo, James Potter was profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes ;
And Ellen Embree, Elizabeth Cole, Honour Antram, Avice Ford, Urfula Tug-
well, Rebecca Cidverden, Mary Pyott, and Thomafin BUnflon, were committed
to Bridewell for refufing to take the Oaths.
ANNO 1663. William Gill oi Hedley, for Tithe of nine Acres of Land,
had taken from him three Cows worth 17/.
On the laft Day of the Month called May, George Jachnan, John Bifloop,
Philip Bence, Robert Mercer, James Miller, Thomas Miinner, Martin Bence,
Edward Pritchett, John Hodder, Nicholas Co?nplin, John Rogers, James Pucker-
idge, and James Hide, being fome of them on the Road, fome in a Friend's
Houfe, others in an Orchard, and fome in other Places near Ringwood, were
taken up by an officious Conftable, with an Officer and Soldiers, without any
Warrant, and being carried before two Juftices of the Peace, were by them
committed to Prifon, the Juftices alledging, that though they had not met,
there was reafon to believe they intended to meet : Thus they ftretched the Law
to the Punilhment of Mens fuppofed Intentions who had not aftually tranf-
grefled : At the next Affizes they were fined 10/. each, and continued under
clofe Confinement above half a Year after, when, by the Coaler's Favour, they
obtained fome Liberty, but were Prifoners at large feveral Years, in which
State Nicholas Co?nplin died, and others of them continued till releafed by the
King's Letters Patent in 1672.
On the loth of the Month called Auguft, John Hounfam was committed to
Prifon, and while there had his Goods taken away to the Value of 20/. for
the Tithe of one Year for a Farm of but 12/. Yearly Rent. Two Days
after Jofiah Wickham for 30J. demanded for Tithes, was fent to Prifon, where
he continued feveral Years.
ANNO 1664. Tl:omas Walter of Waltham, and Thomas Penford a poor
Blackfmith, having a Wife and three Children, whofe Support depended on his
Labour, for refufing to pay a Church-Rate, fo called, were by a Writ de Ex-
commtmicato capiendo committed to Winchefter Goal on the 3d of O^ober, where,
after three Years and an Half Imprifonment, Thomas Penford died ; the De-
mand on him was but ^d. and the other continued much longer in Prifon.
For the fime Caufe alfo the faid Thomas Walter, Mary Lnnn, and John Bi~
fjop, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods for fmall Sums demanded. In the flime Year
alfo.
Chap. i6. of the People called QUAKERS.
alfo, the iixme Thomas Waller, for a Demand of 3 1, for Tithes, had taken from
him four Cows, two Horfes, feveral Hogs, Boards, Wood, and other Goods,
to the Value of 50 /. William Valler, for a Claim of 6/. for Tithe, had nine-
teen head of Cattle taken from him worth 90/. And William Gill, for Tithe of
biit 20i. Value, fullered Diftrefs of four Cows worth 12/. Exorbitant were
tiiefe Seizures, whereby they took 152/. for only 10/. demanded.
In this and the next preceding Year were imprifoned at Southampton, for their
attending religious Meetings, George Emhree, Thomas May, Thomas Cowdry,
Richard Blandy, jilexander Pyott, Henry Po'jnter, Peter Shaply, John Martin,
John Pragnell, Peter Barger, Elizabeth Cole, Ellen Embree, Grace Fletcher,
Joyce Maimers, John Dornford, Thomas Jacob, and Richard Crowder : Alfo
James Hunt, and Richard Crowder.
ANNO 1665. On the 19th of October this Year, Elizabeth Streater was
profccuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, and committed to Winchefter Goal.
ANNO 1667. On the 30th of the Month called 4»n/ this Year, John
Bijhop oi Gatcomb in the Ifle of Wight, having been profecuted to an Outlawry
for Tithes, at the Suit of Thomas Pettis Prielt, was committed to Prifon, and
continued diere near fix Years.
ANNO 1668. Richard Potter o^ Baghurft, for a Demand of 61. 19 J. for
Tithes, had Goods taken from him worth 20/. In this Year alfo Nicholas Eedes
of Froyk, was committed to the County Goal on a Writ de Excommunicato
capiendo.
ANNO 1670. William Jennings o( Rujnfey, was committed to the Com-
mon Goal of this County, on the 20th of the Month called July, on a Writ
de Excoinmunicato capiendo. On the 3d of the fame Month Nicholas Gates was
much abufed by the Servants of a Juftice, who came to a Meeting at the
Houfe of Nicholas Eedes of Froyle, and caufed the Friends to be pull'd out
of the Place, and then proceeded to fine them ; DiflrelTes were
made, by which were taken
235
HAMP-
SHIRE,
&c.
1664.
ExoTbiwn
Seizures,
Imprjfonment;
for Mesting,
Tithes.
Zovglmprijon-
ments.
Imprifovments
by a. '.y'rit de
Excom. Cap.
W. Jennings
by D, like Writ.
foon after
/.
From Nicholas Gates, Thomas Bullock, Roger Gates,
John Marjhall, Robert Terry, Richard Chand-
ler, and Andrezv Ru.Jfel, Goods worth
Joane Sley, Joane Carrell, Richard Hall, George
Vilder, John Invjood, Tlmnas Stridwick, and
Peter Bayly, Goods worth
12 15
12
Fines for
lAetting.
15
On the loth of the fame Month was a Meeting at Mofes Neaveh in Jlton,
for which his Goods were diftrained to the Value of 30/. For fome Months
after the Meetings in that Town were molefted by Order of the Juffices, and
thofe who met were not fuffered to afTemble in the Meeting-houfe, but con-
flrained to keep without Doors in all Weathers, which they did, through many
Abufes, with finguiar Patience and Conftancy.
On the 28th oi Septe?nber, the Mayor of Southampton fent Conflables to a
Meeting at tiie Houfe of George Embree , they took eleven Men and feveral
Women, whom they brought before him and another Juftice : They took
Occafion againll the Men about their Hats, and fent them to a nafty ftinking
Prifon, where they were kept fix Days. They fin'd John Ford for himfelf, his
W^ife, and nine others : They alfo fin'd George Embree 20 1, for his Houfe, and
granted Warrants, by which their Goods were taken away to the Value
of 36/. 10s.
On the 29th of November, the Wife of Samuel Burgis of Brimpton in Berk-
Jhire, was buried in a Burying-Ground of the People called ^takers, at Bag-
hur/i. The Priefl of that Parifh, whofe Name was Woodward, informed a
Juftice, procured a Warrant, came with feveral Attendants, and took an Ac-
count of their Names. A Woman fpake a few Words at the Grave, whom he
charged his Attendants to take into Cuftody, which they refufed : This angred
him,
M. Neav«
diftrdnd.
Confirained te
meet viithout
Ji>oors.
Imprifonments
and Fines.
A Bur til
deem'd a
Convsntidi.
:236
H A M P-
SHIRE,
&c.
1670.
An hitri An'
fiver of i
perfecuting
Trhfl.
Didrefs for
tfce Militia.
^ Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
him, and he gave them many Threats. Upon his Report to the Juftices, they
laid a Fine on feveral of the Friends for being at a Conventicle, and Ihortly
after they fuftered Diftrefs of their Goods, viz. Richard Potter^ ThoJnas May,
and Samuel Burgh, to the Value of 25/. 6s.
Tlie laid Samuel Burgu dwelling in Berk/hire, the Juftices fent a Certificate to
Juftice KingfmiU in that County, who gave his Warrant for Diftrefs, which
Thomas Worral Prieft of Brimpon, where Satnuel dwelt, was very officious to
execute, and fent his Man to fee it delivered to the Conftable : And when
the Conftable pleaded with the Prieft, alledging that Burgis was in Prifon, for
he had been Prifoner a Year and an Half at Reading, and only obtained
Leave to go to his Wife's Burial, and that his Wife being dead, if they took
away his Goods, his Children might become a Charge to the Parifh, telling him,
that he who was Mrafier of the Farifi, ought to be a good Exainple of Meebiefs
and Forbearance. The Prieft replied, he did not care for that, he would make
it cofl them ^l. a Man, if they did not f/iake Diftrefs, which was done very rigo-
roufly, for they took away all his Cows, and feiz'd a Mare of his coming
laden from Market, nor would they fufFcr his Servants to go Home with her,
but forced them to unload, and hired another in her ftead. Thus this perfe-
cuting Prieft promoted the Ruin of his Neighbour.
About this Time, for refufing to pay toward the Charge
were taken.
of the Militia,
I.
From Elizabeth Streater of Bratnfhott, Cattle worth
fVillia?n Valler of Heathly, Cattle to the Value of
7
9
o
o
d.
o
o
Trifoners re-
leafed..
Exchequer
Prsiefs.
DiHreft for
Ttilen,
Excejjivc
Spoil.
Imfrij'onment.
Jnhumniriutt-
der.
The fame Perfons in this and the next Year, for Tithes of 3 1 /. 8 s. Value,
had Goods taken from them worth 219/. 2 j.
ANNO 1672, In this Year Philip Bence, Robert Meffer, Martin Bence,
Thomas Manner, John Rogers, James Puckeridge, Edward Pntchet, John Bifljop,
and Ja}7ies Miller, were releafed out of Prifon in this County by the King's
Letters Patent for the general difcharging of the faid People.
ANNO 1674. Nicholas Eedes and fVilliam Newman, both of Froyle, were
profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit oi Richard Farrer Prieft of
Fro\le.
Taken alfo in this Year for Tithes,
/. s. d.
From William Valler, for 8 4 o
John Hounfon, for o 10 o
Edward Heath, for 7 o o
/. s. d.
Demand, Cattle worth 124 15 o
Demand, Goods worth 700
Demand, Goods worth 14 o o
For 15 14
Taken
145 15
Joane Tribe of Bramjhott, for Tithe of a Farm of 30/. pr Annum, had
taken from her. Cattle and other Goods worth 119/. \\ s.
John Miles and his Wife, Jonathan Miles, Anthony Parde, Anne Mies, and
Gilbert Neale, fuffered Diftrefs of their Goods for Abfence from the National
Worlhip.
ANNO 1 675. John Biffjop of Gatcomb, at the Suit of John JVoodnot Prieft
of that Parifh, tor a Demand of 61. for Tithes, was committed to the Ser-
jeants Ward at Newport in the Ifle of Wight, on the 1 7th of September this
Year, where he remained clofe Prifoner above two Years and an Half.
For a Meeting held at Newport on the 24th of September this Year, Frederick
Perdue, a poor Boatman, having a Wife and fix fmall Children, had taken
from him by the Mayor's Order, two great Boats with all their Tackle, and
alfb his Houfhold Goods, the Town Scijeant charging the Officers to leave
neither Bed, Difh, nor Spoon : And it was with much Difficulty they were
diffwaded
Chap. i6. of the People called QUAKERS.
diflvvaded from taking away the Bed his Wife then lay on, being at that Time
near her Delivery of a Child, and having Women attending her. A Cale,
which with Men of ordinary Humanity, could have needed no Advocate.
ANNO 1676. Taken for Tithes,
HAMP-
SHIRE,
1676;
From John P'aller, for 6 /. demanded by William Simfon
Priefl: of Heathly, Cattle, Calves, and Sheep,
worth
Joane tribe of Bramjhotty for Tithes ufually va-
lued at 3/. 8 J. Cattle and Horfes worth
Thomas Dowries^ Richard FuUher, Jofias IVickham,
and Nicholas IFoolfon, Corn and Hay worth
/.
37
43
15
d.
10
10
Diftrefi fgr
Tithes.
96
About this Time John Trimmer of Holyhottrne, and nine others, had com- mri Cafe of
pounded with //fw^ 5«^/c'r Priefl: o^ Altoti, for 12/. per Annum tor all their J. Trimmer.
Tithes. Triminer \i2& afterward convinced of the S^uakers Principles, and the
Parfon prolecuted him fingly for the whole Claim from himfelf and all the
Refl; : Some of the others evaded Payment, and left the poor ^laker to bear
the whole Burden : The Prieft got an Execution, and took away his Cattle and
Corn to the Value of 74/. 6 s. -jd.
ANNO 1677. Taken
From John Valler, for a Year's Tithe of 61, Value, by
an Execution, at the Suit of William Clear
Tithe-farmer, Catde and Sheep worth
Jofias Wtckham, Nicholas Wool/on, Richard Fletcher,
and Thomas Downes, Hay, Corn, and Wool,
worth
/.
39 10 O Difirejfeu
45 18
Sufferifigs of
viriousi^init.
ANNO 1678. Stephen Whitknd, was twice committed to Prifon, in this
and the next Year, by the Mayor of Winchejler, for refufing to Swear.
Robert Reeves oi Droxford, had his Lands of 13/. loj. per Annum feized,
by Force of the Statute againfl; Popi/h Reculants.
In this or the preceding Year Mofes Neave, Nicholas Gates, and Joane Sly,
after a Profecution in the Ecclefiafl:ical Court for Abfence from the National
Worlhip, were by Writs de Excommunicato capiendo committed to Wincbejler
Goal : After feveral Weeks Confinement there, they were releafed by the
Bifhop's Order.
Among the Records of this County, we find a Paper fuppofed to be writ by
Richard Hubberthorn, which, containing a lively Defcription of this relio-ious
People, at their firfl Appearance in England, we think worthy the Reader's
Perufal, viz.
A JJiort and true Relation of the People called Quakers, in their
" Jirjl arifmg to bear Teftimony in England.
THEY were a People that from their Infancy or Childhood (many of A Rehthn of
them; had earneft breathing Defires after the Living God, and to *'-« ^^''^ ^^f-
know him, fparing no Labour, neither omitting any Opportunity, in which """"y*"''^''*
they expefted their Defires might be anfwered, being very tender in their fZi,
Way, and alfo zealous for Religion, but ftill according to the Gift of their
Knowledge : Never of a bitter
(C
Spirit, nor defirous to perfecute any for
Matters of Religion, but of a gentle, teachable Qualification and Difpofitior,
being willing to learn any Thing of the Knowledge of God, from any that
Vol. I. O o o - had
238
HAMP-
SHIRE,
&c.
1678.
. A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vox. I.
had learned it of the Father, and alfo willing to teach others any Thing
which they had received, their Minds being wholly devoted to God's Ser-
vice, and the Knowledge of his Ways ; they having paffed through many
Profefllons of Religion, following that Rule of the Apoftk to try all'^ngs,
.and hold faft that which is good, and being not willing to deny any Ordinance
or Worlhip, till they had a certain Evidence from the Spirit of God, that
his Spirit, Power, Life, and Prefence, was not in it. They thus walking in
the Sincerity of their Hearts, in their honeft Converfation before the Lord,
he anfwered their Defires, and did reveal the Myfteries of his Kingdom to
them, and did caufe his Light to fliine in their Hearts, whereby they law
the Darknefs that had covered the Earth, and the grofs Darknefs that had
covered the People, and by his Light they were led through Darknefs, as
the Prophet Joel witnefled.
U The firft Time that the Name ^inkers was given them, was in the Year
1650, by one that was envious againft them, and in Derifion gave them that
Name."
Extejfive
Seizures for
TithiJ.
Imprifinmsms
for not Swear-
vig.
Ssvertl put in
the Stocks.
Imfrifanmims
for Jithet,
j>d for not
Swenring.
Ssvcrd from
1 Meeting fent
xo Prijon for
"nt Swearing.
Cruel Vftge.
Having laid before the Reader this genuine Defcription of >Ae iaid People,
we proceed in relating their Sufferings in this County.
ANNO 1679. John Valler, for 9/. xos. demanded for Tithes, had taken
from him by an Execution, at the Suit of fFilliam Sim/on Prieft, feven Cows and
fifty two Ewes and Lambs, worth 42 /. igs. This Seizure was^/ery exorbitant,
but exceeded by that on Henry Streater, from whom John Hook Prieft of Bram-
Jhott, for three Years Tithe valued at 13/. 6 j. %d. took Cattle and Sheep to
the Value of (i^^. 15J. There was alfo taken in this Year from Jamgs PoUer
and Richard Potter, Corn and Hay to the Value of 11 1.
On the 9th of the Month called June this Year, Thomas Atifiin of Soulh-
Warrenhorough, was fent to Prilbn for refufing to take the Oath of a Conftable
when chofen to that Office. He continued in Prifon about ten Months.
On the 28th of December^ Nicholas Gates, Btnjafnin Whitaker, and Jona-
than Sly of Alton, John Kilburne of Holyhorne, and John Strong of Newbury
in BerkJIoire^ were put in the Stocks at Alresford, for travelling on the Firfl-
day of the Week, they having been at a Meeting, and vifiting a Perfon
on his Death-bed.
ANNO 1680. William Baldwin of Portchefier, at the Suit of IPllliani
Seas a Priefl, for Tithes of 18 J. Value, was committed to the County Goal at
Winchefter on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, where he lay above three
Years. In this Year alfo Jatnes Potter and Richard Potter had taken from
them for Tithes, Corn worth 11/. 95.
William Jennings, elefted Beadle of Southampton, and refufing to take an
Oath at his entring upon that Office, was fent to Barragate Prifon in that Town,
and confined there about three Months.
ANNO 1 68 1. On the 7th of the Month called May, upon the Informa-
tion of Benjamin Culme a Prieft, the Bayliff and Town-Clerk of Andover
came to a Meeting there, took feveral Names, pull'd out thofe that were met,
and locktup the Meeting-houfe Doors. On the 14th they came again to the
Meeting, together with Robert Noije a Juftice, and dragged out Edward Wal-
dren, Richard Mountain, Daniel Smith, Thomas Downes, Robert Hopkins, John
Brown, Nicholas Bidl, and George Laniden : The Oath of Abjuration being ten-
dred them, they refufed to Swear, and were fent to the Town-Prifon : Tiie
rude Rabble threw fome of them down, and dragged them in the Dirt. In
Prifon they lay three Nights on the Floor, not being futfered to have Straw to
lodge on when brought them. Five of their Friends, coming to vifit diem in
Goal, were fhut up with them, and two of them detained all Night. They
were obliged to draw up their Meat and Drink by a Line at the Prifon Win-
dow, the Goalcr and his Wife abufing thofe who brought them any, and not
fuffcring them to come in. On the 18th of the Month called June, five Men-
taken at a Meeting, were put into the Cage, two of them having been tliro^vn
down-
Chap. i6. of the People called QUAKERS.
■down and dragg'd »n the Mire and Dirt. On the 25th the Conftables took
Thomas Hopper -by the Head and Heels, and threw him down, pitching him on
his Head and Shoulders, fo that he fwooned away : At length recovering, he
got out of the Dirt, and took his Child (that iiood crying) into his Lap •, the
Conftable fnatcht the Child from him and threw it on the Ground, fo that the
Spedtators were grieved at his Barbarity. Seven were that Day fent to Prifon,
among whom w.is Abraham Elton, whom, in his Way thither, they kickt,
abus'd, and dragg'd in the Dirt.
In the Month called July., at Andover Seffions, thofe eight already mentioned
to have been taken at the Meeting on the 14th of the Month called Mar,
together with Samuel Pitman, John Faithful, John Goodenotigh, and Benjamin
Worrell, were indiiled for a Riot, but the Grand Jury, though menaced and
frown'd at -by the Court, would not find the Bill. The Court then adjourn'd
for a Week, but the Jury could not be prevailed with, either by Threats or
Intreaties, to find the Bill. But the Court, predetermined againfl the Priforters,
tendred tiiem the Oath of Allegiance, and fent them back to Prifon, where
they lay on Straw in a cold damp Room. On the 26th of the fame Month,
at the Aflizes they were brought before Judge Raymond, who again cauled the
Oath to be tend red them, and for refufing it, pafled the heavy Sentence of Pre-
munire upon them.
In tTiis Year John Vo/Uer, at the Suit of li^lliam Simfon Prieft of Heathly,
for two Years Tithe, valued at 4 /. per Anmm, had taken from him by Exe«
cution, Catde worth 45/. Taken alfo ivom James Potter, Richard Potter., and
Henry Sir eater. Corn, Hay, and other Things, to the Value of 19/. 91.
ANNO 1682. Taken in this and the next Year following from the four
Perfons laft mentioned for Tithes, Corn and Hay worth 94/. y s. And from
Robert Biddle to the Value of 4 /.
About the Month called May this Year, James Potter was committed to
the County Goal, and afterward at Seffions fined 10/. and for refufing to pay
it, lay in Prifon twelve Months.
At Southampton the Friends were frequendy pulled by force out of their
Meetings, and feveraJ jof them prefented in the Ecclefiaftical Court.
ANNO 1683. In this Year John Burroughs of Teatly was kept eight
Weeks among Felons in JVinchefter Goal ; whither were alfo committed for
Abfence from the National Worfliip, John Woods, Juftinian Turner, Anne Miles,
Brake Miles, and Jofeph Jones : And for the fame Caufe William Chandler
and Willia?n Potter had their Goods taken by Diftrefs to the Value of i /. 165.
Alfo Francis Job/on of Southampton, for being at a Meeting, had his Door broke
open, and his Goods taken away to the Value of 2/. 155. Abraham Jones
alfo fuffered Diflrels of Goods for the fame Caufe. Alfo Jofeph Jones was im-
prifoned for a pretended Debt of 220/. for eleven Months Abfence from-the
National Worihip.
ANNO 1684. Taken for Tithes, from John Valler and James Potter,
Hay and Corn to the Value of 18/. 14^. i /.
In the Month called June this Year, John Kilburne, for Preaching in a
Meeting at Reading in Berkjhire, was fined 20/. by John Blake Mayor, who
fent a Certificate thereof to Richard BiJhop, a Jufl:ice in Hampjhire, by whole
Warrant Kilburn's Goods were taken and carried to the Juftice's Houfe, to
the Value of 23/. 10;.
About the fame Time Henry Stridwick, Thomas Preflon, Robert South, John
Spire, John La fl. ford, and John Prince, were imprifoned 2X Southampton for Ab-
fence from the National Worfhip. Alfo John Shutt, chofen a Beadle, and re-
fufing to take an Oath, was imprifoned there ten Weeks.
ANNO 1685. Taken for Tithes hom Henry Streater and John Valler,
Corn and H.iy to the Value of 16/. 18 i. 6^.
ANNO 1687. Taken for Tithes from the fame Perfons, Corn, Hay, fc?r.
worth 22/. 2..-. And from John Bond, John Lanjdale, and John Aldridge, to
the Value of 2/. \Zs. 6d.
-Roger
H A M Pa
SHIRE,
&c.
1681.
Proceedings at
Andover Sef-
pons.
Seizures for
Tithes.
Tithes,
Several Com-
mitmems and
Seizures.
Diflrejfes
Tithes.
f,f
Imprifon'
merits.
Dijlrcges for
Tithes.
240
H A M p.
SHIRE,
&c.
1687.
Sufferhigt for
Tithes.
Cafe of W.
Jennings.
^ Colle6tion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Roger Smith of Mapk-Derwell, at the Suit of Thomas OJborne Tithe-farmer,
was imprifoned twelve Days at Bafingjlqke, and then carried to JVincheJier Goal,
whence he was removed by Habeas Corpus to London.
John Harding of Elfon was arrefted for Tithes, and at a fubfequent Affizes
was caft in an Action for treble Damages near 40 /.
ANNO 1688. Jane Harding, Mother of the faid John, wasfent to Prifon
at JVincheJier for Tithes, and lay there feveral Months.
In the fame Year were taken for Tithes,
From John Faller, Henry Streater, James Potter,
Richard Potter, Thotnas Pritchett, and John
Aldridge, Corn and Hay worth
ANNO 1689. Taken in this Year for Tithes,
From John Bond, James Potter, Henry Str eater, John
Valler, and William Gill, Hay, Corn, :i^c.
to the Value of
/.
31
d.
6
}
40 10
We fliall clofe the Account of this County with the Sufferings of William
Jennings, the Time of which is not fpecified : But it is certain that he was
twice imprifoned at Southa7npton, having been profecuted in the Ecclefiaflical
Court for teaching School without the Bilhop's Licenfe, the latter of which
Imprifonments was by the Procurement of Dr. Speed..
We proceed next to the Sufferings in //arZ/ar^frif.
CHAP. XVII.
HART-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1656.
Vtrieus Suf-
f4Tings
Diftrtfes,
Perfecutions,
ani Imprifort'
tnents for
litbet.
HARTFORDSHIRE.
Anno 1656.
RALPH CHARLES of Rifdon fuffered twelve Weeks Impri-
fonment for refufing to contribute toward Repairing the Steeple-
houfe there : And in the fame Year, for Demands of ii s. ^d. for
the fame Purpofe, feveral had their Goods diftrained to the Value
ot 1/. 13 J. And John Brejhone, for going to a Meeting, had an Horfe,
Bridle and Saddle, taken away worth 5 /.
ANNO 1657. In this Year Elizabeth Maynard, a poor Widow, for Tithe
of about 2 s. Value, had a Cow taken from her by Diftrefs : Alfo Richard
North of lardly, for Tithe of an Acre of Wheat valued at 5 /. had his Houfe
ranfack'd by a BaylifF, when only two little Children were at Home : He took
away befide his Houfhold Goods, the Wearing-Apparel of himielf and Chil-
dren, and the Covering of their Beds, for want of which they were much
prejudiced in their Health, the Weather being cold. The BaylifF had been
heard to boafl, that now he had to do with the Quakers he Jhould grow rich, but
Death deprived him of his Expeftation foon after. In the fame Year Edward
Brockett, for not paying Tithe, was imprifoned nine Weeks ; and George
Huckle of Hitchin, for reflifing to pay the Prieft's Demands for Eajier-Offer-
ings, and Smoke-penny, was profecuted in the Exchequer, and committed to
Prifon, where he continued about two Years. In this Year alfo Goods were
taken from feveral Perlbns to the Valne of 3/. 14 j. 3^. for Demands of
I /. 8 s. id. for Repairing the Steeple-houfes.
ANNO
Chap. 17. r>f the Pcopk cr^//^^ QUAKERS;
2411
ANNO 1658. John Fmcb o^ Sandoi:, a very poor Man, for refufing to
pay the ufiial Afieffment for the Parifli- Clerk's Wages, had his Working-Tools
taken from him. And about the fame Time Henry Stout oi PFa7-e, for refufing
to Swear when fummoned on a Jury, was fined 5/. and for Non-payment im-
prifoned fcventeen W^eeks. Alio Nicholas Lucas, for 3 j.- demanded for Tithes,
was imprifoned feven Months.
In this Year alio Goods were taken by Diftrefs for Tithes,-
From John RobinSy John Exto7i, Henry Sweeting, Ricimrd V
North; Elizazeth Wood, and William Joyce, to V 4 -
the Value of )
11 KX"^-
F QR:D-
SHI'Rlv,
r658.
Sujfirtgs for
fe-JcrdCaufiS'
•ACjO*^ 131;.
ANNO 1659. Henry Pavit of Sabridgeworih, for refufing to pay '9 j/^,^. Ji'iprifontmnti.
toward the Repairs of the Steeple- houfe, was committed toPrifon : Alio Mi-
chael IVatts was imprifoned in Hartford Goal for a very fmall Dennand of
Tithes, and lay there many Months. In this Year alfo tlizabelb PFood, John Vijircjef.
Weft, J. Siggins, John Manfield, and John Exton, fuftered by Diftrefs ot Goods
^-3,1. IS. 10 d. for Tithes not worth a third Part of that Sum. And in the
fame Year a religious Meeting at Standborne was infulted by rude Fellows, w4io" Meetirgs
threw human Dung and rotten Eggs on thofe that were met, and btherwile ^'icUily in'
abufed them in a fhameful and inhuman Manner. With like Barbarity did the Z"'"^''-
Rabble ini'ult this innocent People aficmbling at 5rt^n'^PTOcr/'y?', ftriking them ag
they came thither, throwing them off their Horfes, and wallowing them, in the
Mire, daubing their Faces and Clothes, filling their Hats with Dirt, and fo
putting them on their Heads : When this Cruelty could not deter themfrorri
Meeting, a rude Multitude furrounded the Place, and aflfaulted them, breakifi^
down the Tiles, Boards, Windows, and Walls of the Meefing-hpufe, artd
throwing in fuch Showers of Stones, Dirt, rotten Eggs, . human Dung, and
Urine, that tew or none of the Afl^embly efcaped unhurt : ' They tore their
Clothes in pieces, laid fome as dead, forely bruiled others, and thus continued
abuiing them for the Space of three Hours, the whole Time of the Meeting,
and at their Departure repeated the like Abufes, purfuingTome of them with
Stones and Dirt about two Miles. Some of the Peribns who' partook of thefe
Abufes were Robert Beard, John Brejbon, John Reynolds, Darnel Halden, Abel
Walfton, Jeremiah Plummer, Henry Stout, Samuel Rudd, John IVlnchefter, John
Paine, John Mighel, and Thomas Everard.
ANNO 1660. Taken in this Year
From Williatn Joyce, John Robins, Edward Bardolf,'
Ralph Charles, -md John Roberts, for De-,
mands of 18/. lOi. 9^. for Tithes, Cattle,
Florfes, Sheep, and other Goods, worth
And from John Hurft, fVillinm Hut chins, 'Thomas ThreJJoer,
Edward IVclch, and IVilliam Brown, for
Demands of 21/. 35. u^. for Tithes, Cattle
and Goods to the Value of
/.
64
82 10
d.
Diftrejjcs for
Tithes.
For Demands of 39/. 14^. 8
Taken
H7
John Roberts alfo fuftered eighteen Months Imprilbnment for the fame Caufe, Imfifinmcui.
for which his Goods were dillrained. Together with him were alfo Prifoners
for not paying Tithes, Thomas Wood, JohnBarfoot, Sa?nuel Rudd, and William
Statey.
In this Year the Oath of Allegiance was tendred to many of this People, Mm impri-
who being taken at their Meetings, and confcientioufly refufing to Swear, were Z*''^'' /"r r^-
fenLto Prifon. On the 13th of the Month called January, a Conftable, with- -^"^'^^ '"
many rude Attendants, rufh'd into the Meeting at Baldock, and after many
Blows and Abulias, forcibly dragged out Thomas Burr., William Burr jun.
Vol. I. P p p Richard
24-2 A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
H A R T- Kichari Laiaidy, John Izard, Jeremy Lauiidy, Thomas Baldock, Thomas Scales^
FORD- Edward Crouch, John Bennett, Thotnas Pelchetty Anthony Bennett, Thomas Mojfe^
S H I R E. jifi^ipaci Phillips., James Caudell fen. Daniel Kirk, James Caitdell jun. and John
1660. Paffel, whom they kept all Night at an Inn without Beds, and next Day car-
'^"'""^^^"^'^ ried them to Hartford, where they were permitted to have Lodging, but about
Midnicrht were taken out of their Beds, and by Warrant from two Juftices
committed to the County Goal for refufing to Swear : And William Burr fen.
was fent thither next Day by another Juftice tor the fame Caufe. Three Days
after John Brejbon^ John Reynolds, John Blindell, John Siggens, John IVoolmer^
Edward Welch, Samuel Trahern, George Scott, and Ralph Smart, were taken out
of their Meeting at Hartford, and for retufing the Oath fent to Prifon. About
the fame Time William Nafh paffing through Hartford, and vifuing his Friends
in Prilbn there, was enfnared with the Oath, and detained : Richard Layng was
alfo committed for the fame Caufe, having been taken out of his Brother's
Houfe in Ware, and carried before the Commiflioners. On the 20th of the
fame Month Robert Dawjon, Jeremy Deane, Henty Panck, William Crook,
Jofeph Goodman, Edward Fordbam, Richard Pattifofi, Michael Day, George
Richards, John Wooljion, James Odell, JVilUain Brown, and Richard Pattifon,
taken out of a Meeting at Ware ; alfo Robert Fairman, Gravely V/hittenftall,
Frances Field Widow, Anne Brocket, Dorothy Gurney^ and Frances Huckle, taken
from a Meeting at Hitchin ; likewile John Payne, William Saul, Jeremiah Heme,
Henry Pavett, John Winchefter, John Hutt, Reginald Ramjey, John Broad, John
Read, John Ayres, and William Wright, taken as they were returning trom a
Meeting at Hadham j all thefe, together with Hemy Feaft, Jere7niah IVood^
Robert Prior, Richard Rumball, John Wytham, and William Wytham, were the
next Day committed to Prifon for refufing the Oaths, as was on the Day fol-
lowing William Worby, who had been taken from a Meeting at Royflon. In
the fame Month Gregory Tingay, Philip Williatnjon, Mary Whitehead, Eleanor
Harwoody Sarah Sijer, Ihomas Thurgood, Francis Dockwra, Thomas Dockwra^
George Gray^ George ^ilton, and Michael Dennis, being aflembled in their
Meeting-houle at Royfton, were fhut up and kept there all Night, and next
Day fent to the County Goal for refufing to give Sureties for their good Beha-
viour. In the fame Month, for the (iime Caufe, George Weflwood, John King,
Richard Thomas, Williatn Fairman, Henry Sweeting, Francis Prior, Humble
Thatcher, Henry Stout, Thomas Grigfon, Thomas Prior, William Brown, William
Markwell, Robert James, Nicholas Brown, Thomas Scott, John Simonds, William
Woodfield, Jofeph Shepherdfon, Tho?nas Hill, and Williatn Harwood, were taken
out of their Meetings in Hartford, and fent to Prifon. So that the Number of
thofe who were taken out ot their religious Meetings and committed to Goal in
this Month only was ninety four Perfons. Befides whom, Richard Martin,
Thomas Sallett, Edward Fage, and John Hurfi, were committed for retufing the
Oath when tendred them at a Quarter Seflions, and Abraham Rutt, when teiidred
to him by two Juftices.
ANNO 1 66 1 . Taken by Diftrefs for Tithes in this Year,
/. s. o.
Diftreffis for From John Hurft then in Prifon, John Robins, Edward '\
Tithes. Bardolf, John Exton, John Izard, Thomas /
Baldock, Thomas Randall, and Elizabeth Paitie, S 132 11 S
Cattle, Sheep, Horfes, Houfhold and other (
Goods, to the Value of J
whereas the Demand of Tithes from all of them was but 52 /. 4s. lod.
A miUchus In this Year alfo, George Huckle of Hitchin, was committed to Prifon, whei-e
Profecmion, ^g ]ay feveral Years, at the Suit of Thomas Kidner Prieft, who had profecuted
him in the Exchequer out of meer Malice, exhibiting in his Bill a pretended
Claim for Tithes of a Cow and Calf, Geefe, Hens, Ducks, and other Pullen,
though the Man held no Land, nor had any Thing titliable •, but the Prieft,
refolv'd to imprifon his Neighbour, charged what he pleafed, knowing diat
he could not diijprove any Thing, nor be admitted to anfwer but upon Oath.
Taken
Chap. 17. of the People called QUAKERS, 24.3
ANNO 1662. Taken Uy Diftrefs for Demands of Tithes amounting H A R T-
to 18 /. 19;. dd.
From Jaba Blindelly William Prior, Mary Godfrey,
John Odell, William Hutchin, and Thomai
Threjher, Cows, Corn, and other Goods, to
the Value of
/.
92
d.
FORD-
SHIRE.
1662.
Dijirefs for
Tithes.
Imprifonmnu
Froceedings at
Sejpons.
26 rskafed*
22 recommit-
tii.
Duth of
T. Harris <«»i
J. Winchcf-
ter.
Jt QuiTiet
Seffions the
Oath tendrei
to fevenl.
In this Year Jobn Kinfey of Hadhain was imprifoned by an Attachment out
of the Exchequer for Tithes. ;■
At Midfummer Seffions, held the 14th of the Month called July, many of
the Prifoners, for Meetings, were brought before the Juftices, ol whom twenty
fix were releafed, and twenty two, for retufing the Oaths then tendred them,
were recommitted ; thofe releafed were William HuUhi?is, John Goodman, Robert
Burrdl, Edward Kemp, George Kemp, Jatnes Gray, Edward Gray, John Exton,
Richard North, Robert Dimjdale, Simon Rutland, John Paine, Richard Day,
Thomas Rv.Jh, Samuel Traherne, Thomas Traherne, Henry Welch, William Brown
jun. John Siinonds, Thomas Grigfon, Robert Cox, Robert Runnington, James Bar-
net, the Widow Pennington, John Goodal, and John Packer, Thofe fent back
to Prifon were Thornas Weft, Thomas Harris, Henry Pavett, William Saul,
Jeremiah Heme, Richard Pattifon, Thotnas Tates, Ebenezer Gollage, Roger Cooper,
'Thomas larrow., John Weft, Ame Gold, Michael Day, Thomas Lamb, John Wm-
chefter, Willia/n Wright, John Hutt, John Read^ John Fordham, Abel Walfton,
Edward Goodman, and Thomas Threjher : Oi thefe, Thomas Harris and John
Winchefter died Prifoners.
At the Quarter Seffions at Hartford in 05tober this Year, John King, Richard
'Thomas, Abraham Rutt, and Henry Sweeting;, appeared to anfwer a Procefs
againft them for Abfence from the National Worfhip, when one of tlie Juftices,
a Councellor, made an inventive Speech againft the fakers, and their Meetr
ings, as dangerous and formidable, whereupon the Bench let the firft Procefs
ftop, and tendred them the Oath of Allegiance on the firft Day of the Seffions,
giving them Time till next Morning to confider whether they would take it
or not, telling them, that if they retlifed, they would incur a Premunire. Next
Morning they appeared again, and refufing to take it, they were immediately
indidted, found guilty, and had Sentence pafted upon them the fame Day, viz.
*■<■ That they were put out of the King's Protedlion, and rendred uncapable of and Sentence
*' the Benefit of any Law : That their Lands, Tenements, Goods, and Chat- of Premunire
" tels, were forfeited to the King, and their Bodies to be imprifoned during his P''f"^'
*' Pleafure." Under this doleful Sentence they were returned to Prifon, and
clofe confined during a fharp Winter, whereby their Health was much im-
paired. At the fame Seffions the following Order was made, viz.
Harts fs.
" ./^pud General Sejpon. pac. Com. pradiSt. tent. Sexto & Septimo
" die OBobris Anno Regni Car. 2. nunc Regis Anglice, &c. 14°.
WHEREAS John King, Henry Sweeting, Abraham Rutt, and
Richard Thomas, all of the Town of Hartford in the County of
Hartford, at this prefent Seffions have been indided, and ftand feverally con-
viftcd by their own Confeffions, for refufing to take tiie Oath of Allegiance
to them feverally then and there tendred, according to the Form of the Sta-
tute in that Cafe made and provided, by reafon whereof their, and every of
their fevcral Goods and Chattels, Lands and Tenements, are become for-
feited to tlie King's Majelly. It is therefore ordered by the Court, tiiat the
Sheriffs of this County of Hartford do immediately upon Sight hereof feize,
and take into his Hands and Cuftody .for his Majefty's Ufe, all and fingular
the Lands jnd Tenements, Goods and Chattels "of the faid feveral Offenders,
" and
<c
Jn Order of
Sectors.
4C
H
244
Jf A R T-
FORD-
SHIR E.
1662.
The ^Mg^s
U'irram.
Imprifonments.
MoreJmpriJon-
ments.
Vifirefs for
Tithes.
A PtyficiM
excommuni-
cated.
Dexth of
W. Prate and.
T. Leavens.
Several in-
dialed on the
Bixnilhment
Aa.
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" and die fame in his Hands to detain and keep, as by the Law in fuch Cafe
" is requifite."
The Execution of tliis Order was prevented by a timely Application to the
King, and the Prifoners, after one and thirty Weeks Confinement, w^ere releafed
by the following Warrant, vi%. ;
*^^ Charles R.
" \?S 7 H E R E A S humble Suit has been made unto us on the Behalf of
't W John King, Abraham Rutt, Henry Sweeting, and Richard 'Thomas, Pri-
" foners in the Common Goal oi Hartford, and convifted of a Premunire, that
" we would be gracioufly pleafed to grant them their Liberties : Our Will
" and Pleafure is, that forthwith upon Sight hereof you releafe and fet at Li-
" berty, or give efFeftual Order for the Difcharge of them the fiid John King,
" Ahraha^n Rutt, Henry Siveeting, and Richard Tho7ms, and every of them,
" and for your.fo doing this fhall be your Warrant.
" Given at our Court at JVhitehall the 5th Day oi May 1660,, in the
" fourteenth Year of our Reign.
" To our Trufly and Well- beloved
«' the High Sheriff of the faid
" County, Juftices of the Peace,-.
" Under Sheriff, or whom elfe it
" may concern.
By His Majefly's Command,
" IVilliam MorrisT
At a Quarter SefTions in the Month called January this Year, John Shinn and
Jeremiah Deane were committed to Prilbn for Abfence from the National
Worfhip.
ANNO 1663. On the nth of the Month called 4&r//, William Baily,
who had been taken from a Meeting at King's-La7!gley, was lent to Hartford
Goal ; and at the Quarter SefTions on the 27th of the fame Month, for refufing
the Oath of Allegiance, was recommitted, and continued Priioner fome Years
after. At the fame SefTions the Oath was alfo tendred to John Kinfey and Ed-
ward Dobbins, taken out of a Meeting at Widford, but the Court deferred the
Proceeding againft them till another SefTions, before which they were difcharged
by an Order from the King, but fome of the Juflices, bearing Ill-will to the
faid John Kinfey, procured his Imprilbnment again before the Year's End, and
when in Prifon he was firther charged with a Capias upon a Significavit of Ex-
communication.
In this Year for Demands of Tithe amounting to 37/. 6 s. 6d. were taken
from Willia7n Ship?nan, Elizabeth Jones, John Robins, Ralph Charles, and John
Exton, Corn, Cattle, and other Goods, to the Vakie of 75/. 16 s. In this
Year alfo, Robert Bimfdale, for praftifing Phyfick without the Bifhop's Liccnfc,
was excommunicated, and fent to Prifon, where he lay feveral Years. Alfo
Edward Camp was fent to Prifon on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo.
ANNO 1664. Robert Pryor, Thomas Chalkky, Thomas Hill, JVHiiamPratl,
and Tlmnas Leavens, taken at a Meeting in Pryor's, Houfe, were fent to Prifon,
and at the AiTizes foon after, for refufing the Oadi, ordered to continue there.
They lay a long Time in Goal, and two of them, Pratt and Leavens, died
during their Imprifonment.
At the fame AfTizes, held on the 12th and 13th of the Month called Augufl,
Francis Pryor, Nicholas Lucas, Henry Feafl, Henry Marfljall, Jeremiah Heme,
Thomas IVood, John Blindell, Samuel Traherne, and John Reynolds, were indifted
for the third Offence upon the Conventicle Afl;, the Penalty of which was
Banifhment. The WitncfTcs depofcd, that they found thofe Perfons at certain
Times and Places, affembkd above five together, but added, that they neither
heard
Chap. 17. of the People called QUAKERS. 245
heard any of them /peak, nor faw them do any Thing. Whereupon the Grand H A R T-
Jury, who expcftcd Proof of fomewhat laid or done, after a long Debate, J^^A^r
returned the Bill j^«o/w««i. At which the Judge, Orlando Bridginan, feemed ^^^^ '
angry, and faid. My Majfers, fVhat do jon mean ? Will you make a Nofe of . ^--v/^ .
Wax of the Law ? Will you fuffer the Law to be baffled ? iJjofe that think to ^^ ^ ^^
deceive the Law, the Law will deceive them. With this Reproof and frefli In-
ftrudtions he fent them out again, who then found the Bill, at which the Court
feemed well pleafed. Then were four of the Prifoners called to the Bar, to
whom, having pleaded A'i?/ ^?«7()', and faying, they bad tranfgreffed 7io jujl Law, Their ImT,
the Judge replied. But you have tranfgreffed this Law (holding the Conventicle
Act in his Hand) and you have been twice conviuled already. If you be 7iow
again found Guilty, I mujl pafs the Sentence of 1'ranfportation upon you : But if
you will promife to have no more fucb Meetings I will acquit you for what is pafi.
This Favour you 7nay receive, before the Jury be charged with you : What Jay
you. Will you meet no more ? They anfwcred with one Accord, W^e can make
no fttcb Promife. The Jury was fworn, and the Witnefs gave Evidence as be-
fore, which when the Judge fumm'd up, he fiiid to the Jury, Tou are not to The Ridge's
expeol a plain punctual Evidence of any Thing faid or done ; a bare Proof of their charge to tbi
being met is fufficient for their Convi51ion. "Tis not your Bufinefs to enter into the 3^"'^'
Meaning of the Law, but fmgly to determine the Fa£l of Meeting. Thus taught,
the Jury went out, and foon brought them in Guilty, and the Judge pafs'd Sen-
tence forthwith, viz. Tou fljall be tranjported beyond the Seas, to the Ifland of Semence of
Barbadoes, there to remain /even Tears. Then the other five were brought to ^'■•"!/P<'i-w-
the Bar, four of whom were convifted on the fame Evidence, and fentenced
lo be tranjported beyond the Seas, to the Ifland of Jamaica, for feven Tears. And
the fifth, John Reynolds, whom the Witnefles faid they had not Jeeen in the Meeting- One arquitteii
houfe, but within a Tard of the Door, with his Face from it, was acquitted.
The eight Perfons convifted were informed, by the Judge, of that Claufe in
the Aft which provides, that upon Payment of lOo/. each, before the Rifing
of the Court, they might be difcharged : The Court then adjourned for a fliort
Time, and returning, fent to the Prifoners to know whether they would pay
the loo/. to which they unanimoufly anfwering No, the Court broke up.
Purfuant to the Sentence, the Goaler, by the Sheriff's Order, as he faid. Proceedings
applied to one Thomas May, Mafter of the Ship called the Anne, of London, "! "p'^f!" '"
and contrafted with him to carry feven Perfons, thofe to Barbadoes at 5 /. per Travfporu-^
Head, and thofe to Jamaica at 6 /. telling him that they were free Men, and tio>i.
that fix of diem would carry Goods. On the ift of Septe?nber the Prifoners were
brought to the Bull Inn in Bifhopfgate-Street ; the Shipmafter came and afkt
them, whether they were willing to go with him? They anfwered, that they were
compeWd to go againfl their Wills by the ASl. He replied, I agreed to carry free
Men, and will carry no others ; and fo went away, and after him the Goaler,
leaving the Prifoners lockt up, with an Under- Keeper, that Night.
Next Morning they were put into two Coaches, and carried to Eillingjgate,
hurried into Boats, and rowed to the Ship's Side ; the Mafter not being on
board, the Mate faid, he had exprefi Orders not to receive them. The Goaler,
enraged at this Difappointment, carries them back to the Dark-houfe near Bil-
lingfgate, and leaves them lockt up in a Room, with two Keepers, while him-
fclf hurries to a Secretary of State, and makes Oath that he had contrafted
with Thomas May for the Prifoners Pafllige, as Perfons convifted by the Aft:
May, being fent for, took with him WitneiTes of his Contraft, but the Secre-
tary told him, that Oath having been already made for the King, his Witneffes
could be of no Ufe ; he miifl carry the Prifoners. At Night they were carried
back to the Inn, and kept clofe there, till the 14th of the fame Month, and
but few of their Friends admitted to fee them.
On the 1 4th they were again put into two Coaches, which were ordered to
drive the privateft Way to Ratcliff ; but fome of their Friends took Coaches
alfb, and followed, the angry Goaler threatning to piftol the Coachmen for
following fo clofe. At Art/t/j/f Perfons were appointed to drag them into an
Vol. I. Q..q q Houfc,
246 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
HART- Houfe, and then into a dark Cellar, whence they forced them down a Ladder
F O R 1^- into Boats, rowed them to the Ship, and put them on Board in the Mafter's
66^ Abfence ; where one Mannings an officious Perfon on Board, received them,
" defigning, as it was thouglit, to make a Market of them beyond Sea. The
""-""'^^^'"'"^ Mafter coming, ordered them to go on Shore again, himfelf afiifting to row
them, and giving them the following Certificate, viz.
shhrntfter's " ^If^ H E S E are to give Notice to whom it may concern, tliat whereas
feiiijicitc. " J^ feven Men were delivered on board my Ship called the yf'/Ki:', of Lon-
" dofi, to be tranfported, i;iz. Nicholas Lucas, Henry Feaft, Henry Mar (holly
" Fraticis Pryor, Jeremy Heme, John Blendall, and Saimtel Traherne, that by
" my Permifllon and Leave they have Liberty to go on Shore, and to come
" again when I fliall require them. Given under my Hand,
Witnefs John Clements « ThomUS May.''
tViUiam Wilfon -^
William Looker
Ship driven On the i ft of Oolober the Mafter fent for them to come on Board, which they
bj.ck mxny jj^^ ^y^^ ^y^^ g]-iip (t^J'j down the River as far as the Red-Houfe near Deptford,
when a Hidden Turn of Wind drove her back to Limehoufe, where the Prifoners
were again fet on Shore. On the 6th the Ship again weighed Anchor, with
Wind and Tide fliir, fo that many other VefTels pafs'd by them down the River,
yet could not the Seamen, with their utmoft Application, make this Ship fail,
but they were obliged to anchor again about a Stone's Caft from the Place they
Jay at before, fo that fome of the Mariners were amazed, and faid. We Jhall
never get out of England while theje Men are on Board. So they fet them on
Shore the third Time. On the 8 th they failed again, and went down to Green-
wich, when a fudden Storm obliged them to caft Anchor again to fecure the
Ship, and the Prifoners were fet on Shore the fourth Time. On the loth
they were ordered on Board a fifth Time, and failed again, when the Ship was
with much ado kept from running on Ground, nor could the Seamen fteer her
aright, till they hud fet the Prifoners on Shore again at Blackwall, after which
fhe went down well the fame Tide to Gravefend : Thither the Prifoners fol-
lowed, and by the Mafter's Order, fbme tarried there, and others came back
to London, till the 28th, when they were ordered on Board a fixth Time, and
the Ship filled that Night to Lee Road, where they caft Anchor, but before
the Morning the Wind turned ftrong againft them, fo that they lay there two
Days and three Nights. On the 3 ift they failed to the North-Foreland, and
call Anchor again till the next Day. At Night the Mafter fet them on Shore,
and direfted them to Deal, where he met them all together, and before feveral
WitnefTes declared, that though they had followed the Ship fo long, yet he was
refolvednot to carry them, and gave them a Certificate in Writing as follows, viz.
Tie Mafter's « TTTHEREAS there were feven Men, called fakers, brought on
£'/£fI/l " ^^ ^^^'■'^ "^y ^'^'P' ^^'^^'^ ^^^ ■^"'"''' "^ ^""^""^ by William Edmonds
urrythem/" " Goakr oi' Hartford, to wit, Nicholas Lucas, Henry Feaji, Henry Marfloall,
" Francis Pry or, John Blendall, Jeremiah Heme, and Samuel Traherne, all
«' which have continued waiting upon my Ship from London to Deal, from the
" 14th Day of September laft till this Day : And I feeing Providence hath
" much crofTed me hitherto, whereby I perceive that the Hand of the Lord
" is againft me, that I dare not proceed on my Voyage to carry them, they
" being innocent Perfons, and no Crime fignified againft them worthy of Ba-
" nifhmcnt -, and that there is a Law in force, that no Engliflmian fhall be car-
♦' ried out of his native Country againft his Will ; and alio my Men refufe to
" go the Voyage if I carry them, which will be much to my Hindrance,
*' Men being very fcarce by reafon of the long Prefs. For thefe Reafons there-
*' tore, and many more, I will not carry them. Thcfe are therefore to certify
«' any
Chap. 17. of the People called QUAKERS.
" any Perfon or Perfons that fliall queflion them, that they did not make an
" Elcape, but I put them on Shore again to go whither they pleafe. All
" this is certified under my own Hand this loth Day of November 1664.
Witnefs hereunto,
John Banckes, Humphry Btgleftone,
John Clements, Thomas Hollyman.
a
Thomas MajT
247
HART-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1664.
7he Maflur
agmi declares
that he rveuli
not carry them-
Being thus difmift by the Mafler of the VefTel, Manning, who, as we men-
tioned before, thought to make a Gain of them, was difpleafed, and com-
plained to the Deputy, or principal Officer, at Deal, that the Prifoners
had left the Ship and made an Efcape ; but they producing the Matter's
Certificate, the Deputy would not concern himfelf with them : Neverthelefs,
by Mannhig'^ Sollicitation, the Deputy and Mafler came to them that After-
noon, and the Mafter appointed the Prifoners to meet him again next Morn-
ing at the Sea-fide, which they did : Being there, the Mafter again declared
that he iz:02{ld not carry them : Yet Manning, with two others to help him,
forced four of them into a Boat then on the Beach, where they fat till the Tide
came up, and the Boat was in Danger of running a-drift, for none of the Peo-
ple, nor Owner of the Boat, would touch an Oar to row them on Board : So
they came out again and walked by the Sea-fide, where m.eeting the Mafter,
they afked him, whether he had any Thing more to fay to them ? He replied. If
I have, I will come to you again. But they faw him no more, for he went on
Board that Night, and next Morning they faw the Ship under Sail, the Deputy
being prefent, and fiiying, he could witnejs that the Ship went away from them,
not they from it. Then they laid to the Deputy, If thou, as a Magiftrate, haft
any Thing to fay or do with us, thou mayft. He anfwered, he bad not, but
wifhed them well. This Relation of the Manner how the Ship left them, was
afterward figned by eleven Perfons who were Eye-witnefTes of thefe, Tranfac-
tions.
Being thus fet at Liberty they returned to London, and then to their own
Houfes, fending the following Letter to the King and Council.
*' "DE it known unto the King, or whom elfe it may concern, that whereas
" |J we, whofe Names are hereafter mentioned, were fentenced at Hart-
" ford for Tranfportation to the King's foreign Plantations, in order unto
which we were brought by the Goaler of Hartford unto London, and there
embarked in the Ship called the Anne, of London, Thomas May Commander,
who brought us down into the Downs, and there fet us on Shore, giving
us a Certificate, fignifying the Caufe and Reafon why he could not carry us,
and the Ship being failed and gone, and left us behind, we came back in
order to go Home to our Wives and Families : And thus we thought it
*' expedient to inform the King thereof, and herewith alfo do infert a Copy
" of the Certificate."
Then followed the Copy of the Shipmafter's Certificate as before.
They alfo added this Pojlfcript.
*' And if it be the King's Pleafure to be farther informed in this Matter by Poflftript.
" us or any ot us, we may be found or heard of at our refpeftive Dwel-
" lings. Z.o«^o« the 4th of the Tenth Month 1664."
This Letter being read at the Council-Board, produced the following
Order, viz.
Tlie bxmfliei
Perfons re-
turn.
their Letter
to the iQing
and Council.
At
248
HART.
FORD-
SHIRE.
1664,
Order of
Council for
their Recom-
mitment.
21 Others
l/ivijbed.
S'jitence,
j4 Colle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" At the Court at Wlntehall the 7th oi December 1664,
"PRESENT,
" The King's Moft Excellent Majefly,
«
ti.
it
.<(
His Royal Highnefs the Duke of York
Lo}-d Archbijhop of Canterbury
Lord Treafurer
Lord Privy Seal
Duke of Albemarle
Marquefs of Dorchefter
Lord Chamberlain
Earl of Berkfhire
Earl of St. Albans
Mr. Chancellor of the Dutchy
Earl of Anglefea
Earl of Bath
Earl of Lauderdale
Lord Berkley
Mr. treafurer
Mr. Vice-Chamberlain
Mr. Secretary Morris
Mr. Secretary Bennett
Sir Edward Nicholas
((
<c
<c
cc
(C
(C
<(
c<
(C
WHEREAS Nicholas Lucas, Henry Feafl, Henry Marflmll, Francis
Pryor, John Blendall, Jeremiah Heme, and Samuel Traherne, Per-
fons convifted at the laft AlTizes held at Hartford in the County of Hartford^
and fentenced to be tranfported to feme of his Majefty's Plantations in the
JVeJl-Indies, and who accordingly were put on^ board the Ship called the
Anne, of London, whereof one Ihotnas May was Mafter, and who undertook
and engaged himfelf for their Tranfportation, yet fet them on Shore in or
about the Downs, leaving them at Liberty to go whither they pleafed ; and
it appearing to be Matter of Contrivance and Defign between the faid Mafter
and Perfons before mentioned.
" It was this Day ordered (his Majefty prefent in Council) that the High-
Sheriff of the County of Hartford now being, do caufe the faid Nicholas
Lucas, Henry Feaft, Henry Marfhall, Francis Pryor, John Blendall, Jere-
miah Heme, and Samuel I'raherne, to be apprehended and fecured until
Means of tranfporting them can be made by fome Shipping bound unto
thofe Parts,"
By this Order of Council they were again committed to Prifon, and conti-
nued there till releafed by the King's Letters Patent more than feven Years after.
Being thus returned to Prifon, they found there lying under the fame Sen-
tence, one and twenty others of their Friends, who at the Quarter Seflions held
at Hartford on the 3d, 4th, and 5th of October this Year, were convifted, and
fentenced to Banifhment, namely.
For Barbadoes,
Richard Thomas, Satmiel Wollaflon, John Brefbone, Thomas Craissley, Robert
Fair?7ian, John Reynolds, JVillia7n Brown, John fVitbam, Francis Haddon, and
Robert Crook.
For Jamaica,
Lewis Laundy, William Burr, Thomas Burr, Thomas Moffe, Michael Day,
Robert Hart, William Adams, John Thurgood, Henry Sweeting, Jcrcfniah Deane,
and Henry Stout.
In pronouncing Sentence againft thefe laft, which ran thus, " It is awarded,
*' and the Court doth award, that you and every of you Hiall be tranfported
*' beyond the Seas to the Ifland of Jamaica, one of his Majefty's Plantations
" foreign, there to remain feven Years ;" the Judge or Chairman of the Sef-
fions, whole Name was Chancy, was obferv'd to change Countenance and
faulter in his Speech, which Lewis Laundy, one of the Prifoners, obferving,
fpake to him thus, Alas for thee, 'poor Chancy, it had been well for thee if thou
hadfl not done this Dafs Work. Alter a little Space the Chairman recovering
himfelf, faid. If you or every of you will fay 100 1, into tNs Court, you maybe
difcharged
Chap. 17. of the People called QUAKERS.
difcharged from this Sentence^ and the Court Jhall not he difmiji till To-Morrow
Morning. Next Morning they were called again, and feverally afkt, whetber
they would pay the lool. To which Lewis Laundy aniwered thus, " It is ior
" the TeftimonyoF my Confcience towards God that I am fentenced, and it"
" 1 had an Hundred Lives, and could redeem them all with an Hundred
" Pence, I fliould not give- them in this Call'." Richard Toomas alio Ipake
thus, " Be it known unto you, that the Service we are call'd unto is more
" honourable dian to be puachafed off for Money, and therefore if the tenth
" Part ot a Farthing would do it, I fhould not give it you. The Religion
" we profels, we are neither afraid nor afhamed to fuifer tor : It is the Truth,
«' and ihail Hand over the Heads ot all fuch tranigrtfling Wretches as you
♦' are." The reft alio unanimoufly refufed to pay any Thing. So the Court
broke up, and they were fent back to Prilbn, where moft of them lay till re-
leafed by the King's Letters Patent in 1672.
In this Year 1664, for 26/. demanded for Tithes, John Blindell, William
Brown, Samuel Kudd, and Edward Bardol/\ fuftcred DiltrefTes to the Value of
46/. Alfo John Exton, John Harrifon, William Joyce, and John Fijher, for De-
mands of 14/. 13 J. yd. ^d. fuffered DiftrelTes to tlie Value of 37/.
In taking thefe DiftrelTes, John Blindell, then in Prilbn, fufTered much by a
Seizure of his Horfes in Harveft Time, when through bad Weather, and lack
of his Horfes to get his Corn in, he fuffered great Damage. About this Time
alfo John Goodman, fued in the County Court for Tithes worth but 13J, 4 J.
had his Goods taken by an Execution to a great Value, The Sentences of
that Court were fometimes very fevere. It happened fome Time before this,
that Michael Watts having Judgment pafTed againll him in that Court ■ for
Tithes, had two Cows taken away worth 14/. Some Months after the Cows
came Home again of their own Accord, and he fed them with his other Cattle :
For this the Court fined him five Marks, and made an Order to take away his
Cows again, and for the Fine made a Seizure of an Horfe worth 5/. About
tliis Time alfo John Puddepbait fuffered fifteen Months Imprifonment for Tithes,
though the Prieft at the fame Time took his Corn out of the Field. Likewife
John Harlow and John Smith fuffered Imprifonment for the fiime Caufe.
ANNO 1670. On the 12th of the Month called May this Year, a Meet-
ing was held at William Burr\ Houle in Baldock, for which he, then in Prifon,
was fined 20/. When Robinfcn, an Informer, came to make Ditbefs, he
found the Malt-houfe fhut up, of which he complained to the Jufticcs Ratcliff
and Wilmot, who under a Pretence of fearching for a Conventicle, granted a
Warrant to break open the Doors, which the Officers being backward to do,
the Juftices came in Perfon, and threatned the chief Conftable to fine him 500/.
if he did not break open the Doors of the Malt-Loft : At length the In-
former burft open the Doors, and they took away twenty fix Qi_iarters of Malt.
Part of which was put in the Market-houfe, becaufe no Perfon in the Town
would receive it. On the i7ch of the next Month Thomas Burr was again
fined 80/. for four feveral Meetings at his FIoulc, for which they again broke
open his Malt-houfe, and carried away one Hundred and four Quarters of Malt.
Thus, while clofe confined in Prifon, he fuffered the Spoiling of his Goods to
the Value of 130/.
Several others of Baldock had Goods taken from them by Diftrefs for Meet-
ings, viz. John Izard, John Burr, Jofeph Burr, Edward Crouch, Simon Mil-
lard, Lewis Laundy, Thomas Alojfc, Michael Mojfe, and Richard Shepherd, to
the Value of 7 /. 1 9 j.
On the 1 9th of the Month called June, Jufticc Ratcliff came to the Meeting
at Hitchin, and faid, / hope you will not deity that this is a Religious Jjfembly,
repeating the fame Words feveral Times : One prefent anfwcred. It is a reli-
gious Meeting : He replied, That's enough, and gave his Warrant to diftrain for
20/. to levy which, the Officers broke open the Doors of Frances Field Widow,
and took away Goods worth 10/. which they fold lor 40 s. They alio took for
Part of the fame Fine from William Turner, Goods to the Value of 14/. And
Vol. I. R r r on
249
HART-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1664.
Stout Anfmer
of L.Laundy.
Diflrefis fof
Tiihsi.
Various Occur-
reiices in mak-
ing thefi Dif-
trsjjes.
Pjgorous rif'
trefs Oil W.
Burr.
others.
on
Sufferings for
M^etiiie, at
Hitchin,
250
M A R T-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1670.
Dlflrefs on
T. Green for
Freiching.
Viflrefs for
Meeting it
Hartford.
^ Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
on the next Day, from Samuel Crouch, John Barker^ John Mansfield^ and Wil-
Uam Marjhall, Goods worth il. i^s. About the fame Time they took, from
the Wife of Henry Stout, a Quarter of Malt for going to a Meeting, her Huf-
band being then in Prifon.
nomas Green being on his Knees in Prayer at a Meeting m Sahridgwortb, was
drao-ged out and fined by two Juftices 10/. for which his Goods were taken
by Diflrefe to the Value of 50 /. At another Time the fame Thomas Green,
having preached at a Meeting in EJfex, and a Certificate thereof being fenC
fi-om two Juftices there, had a Seizure made of his Goods worth about 20/.
For Meetings at Hartford, were taken
From Richard Martin, Edward Plumfted, Francis Had-
don, William Fairinan, and Abraham Rutt,
Goods worth
Richard Thomas's Wife, he being in Prifon
Nathanael Garret, Robert "James, Thomas Smart,
William Bitnkey, and William Ruffel, to the
Value of
/.
4 15
d.
16
21 II
DiJireJJes On
T. Burr.
ether Dif-
trejfes.
Rfhife of
thofe fko Ijy
under Sen-
tence of Bt-
nilhrnent, and
many others.
Lommttment
of T. Robin,
lun.
Imfrifonments
for Tithes.
Thomas Pryor, for being at a Meeting at Waltham-Abbey, had Goods taken
from him worth 5/. 10 j.
TJjotnas Burr, to whom a Leafe of the Meeting-houfe at Ware was con-
veyed, was, for feveral Meetings there, fined 20 /. each Time, and had his
Goods taken by feveral Diftrefles within this Year, to the Value of loi/. 14^.
Taken alfo from Henry Panck, Gregory Tijtgay, William Wright, John Bref-
bone, Elizabeth Reynolds, and William Adams, for their religious Meetings, Goods
worth 43/. ys. One of the Officers who made thefe Diftrefles, being a Bra-
fier, valued the Pewter taken at 9 d. per Pound, but one of the Juftices told
him it muft not be valued at above c,d. or 6 d. and that they muft take the
more, faying. We are at great Expences, and muji be paid : And ordered them
io be fare to take enough.
For Meetings at Widford were taken from Thomas Wood, T7jo7?ms Gates, and
Abel Woolfton, a Cow and other Goods worth 3/. i6s.
ANNO 1672. In this Year Nicholas Lucas, Samuel Traherne, Jeremiah
Heme, Henry Feali, Henry Marjhall, John Witham, Richard Thomas, Francis
Haddon, Thomas Crawley, Robert Fairman, Samuel Wollafton, Robert Crook,
John Thurgood, Henry Sweeting, Henry Stout, Jeremiah Deane, William Burr,
Thomas Burr, Lewis Laundy, Thomas Moffe, and William Brown, after eight
Years Confinement under Sentence of Tranfportation, were by the King's Letters
Patent at length difcharged from their long Captivity in the County Goal at
Hartford, where John Holmfied, John Pudival, Richard Puttenam, Edward
Ca?np, John Hurft, James Bawnett, and Robert Dimfdale, were ftill continued
Prifoners on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo. There were alfo difcharged by
the faid Letters Patent, William Fairman, Mary Wittonbury, John Piggott, Ed-
ward Parkin, William Larking, Thomas Wood, Prifcilla Grapes, Sarah Grapes,
Roger Cooper, Ebenezer Gollidge, Thomas Archer, William Archer, Thomas Kirby,
Thomas Vance, Thomas Hill, Robert Pryor, and Thomas Chalkley. Two others
had died in Prifon there, viz. Jofeph Goodman and John Bradwell.
ANNO 1673. On the 24th ot OSiober, Thomas Robins, an Huftiandman,
of Hemcl-Hempfled, was committed to Hartford Goal on an Exchequer Procefs,
for a Demand of 8 s. for Tithes, at the Suit of Jofeph Jones.
ANNO 1674. In this Y tier John Bowman oi Wljetflone, for refufing to pay
Tithes, was committed to Prifon : Alfo Grace Tinkle of Barley, who had been
at a Meeting in Royfion, was fined for herfelt and others 9/. 5 J. To levy which,
the Officers broke open her Houfe, and feized her Goods to the Value of 1 6 /.
In like Manner Samuel Rudd of Wadefmill in the Parifli of Standon, convidled
of
Chap. 17. of the People called QUAKERS. 25 \
of being at a Meeting at Royhn in EJfex^ had his Doors broke open, and his H A R T-
Goods leized to the Value of 40/. And John Parker of Tardly, for Preaching J,?t^^"
in a Meeting ^i BuiUingford, had his Cattle and Sheep taken away to the Value ^
of 32/. In this Year alio, were taken in Cattle and Goods from Thomas ^—7
Edridge, George Edridge, Sufan Edridge, and Edward Sutton, to the Value poorsbrtke^
of 89 /. 9 s. In December tliis Year John MoJJe was committed to Prifon on c^zn.
a Significavit out of the Ecclefiaftical Court, tor not paying toward the Re- J- Moffe im-
pairs of the Steeple-houfe. prifoned.
ANNO 1675. In this Year die Conftables of 5?/«/i«^/orJ, authorized by Dijirefs en
Warrant from Juftice Guljton, and terrified by a bluftring Informer's Threats, G. Gates.
that if they did not take enough they Jhould pay the reft them/elves, entred the
Houle of George Gates, broke open Locks and Doors, and for a Fine of 20 1.
laid on him for a Meeting-houfe, of which he was neither Owner nor Occupier,
took away his Goods to the Value of 46/.
ANNO 1676. Robert Cooper Q^ Che/hunt, was imprifoned for Tithes, at R. Cooped
the Suit of Robert Wincheftly Prieft, a Profecutor fo rigid, that he gave fpecial iwf""'^'
Orders to the Goaler to keep him clofe, and not kt him go into the Town for
any Refrelhment : To fome of his Friends pleading for him, that he was a
poor Man, had a Wife and many Children, the Prieft returned this Anfwer, If Cruel Avfvaet
his Children ftarve, 'tis none of my Concern : He Jhall lie there and rot : I will 'f "■ P^'fi'vt^
have no more Mercy on him than on a Thief : If the Law would hang him I '"'^ '^ '
would : Tithe is my Due, and I will have it. A Reply unbecoming a Proteftant^
and favouring of the bitter Spirit of Romifh Perfecution.
ANNO 1677. George Gates oi Buntingford, was arrefted on the Statute of
20 1, per Month, for Abfence from the National Worfhip, and committed to
Prifon, where he continued till he died on the 5th Day of the Month called
May ]68o, a conftant and faithful Sufferer for his religious Perfeverance in
worfhipping God according to his Confcience.
ANNO 1678. Elizabeth Eldridge Widow, was profecuted on the Statute
of 20/. per Month, for not conforming to the National Way of Worfhip,
and had taken out of her Shop at feveral Times, Cloth, Stuffs, and other
Goods, to the Value of 300/. and upwards.
ANNO 1679. In this Ytd^x Nathanael Nafh and Henry Pavett were Pri- Trofecutioni
foners in Hartford Goal for Tithes : And in the fame Year John Huckle, a poor /*"■ ^"*"*
Man of IVotton, at the Profecution of Samuel Bendy Prieft, for 7 s. Tithes,
fuffered Diflrds of Goods to the Value of 4/. Alfo John Blindell, at the fame
Prieft's Suit, fuftained a Seizure of his Timber and Houfhold Goods to the
Value of 42/. 5 J. And Grace Finkle of Berkley, at the Suit of Henry Green-
hill Prieft, had two Milcht Cows taken from her worth 8 /. About the fame
Time fVillia7n Bunkey, James Brown, and Robert Cooper, were committed to
Prifon by Writs de Excommunicato capiendo -, as was George Hagger of Barley, by
an Order of Seffions, all of them for abfenting themfelves from the Parochial
Way of Worfhip.
ANNO 1682. In this Year two Juftices of the Peace, MrtJioc/^i and i^^*-,
were very aftive in molefting religious Meetings, then ufually held on the Firft-
day of the Week at Flamfted-End : By their Warrants many Fines were im-
pofed, and DiftrefTes made on the Goods and Chattels of fuch as frequented
thofe Meetings, viz.
Nicholas King, Nathanael Tomfon, John Roberts,
I.
icaoias Jiing, i\aivanael uomjon, jobn Kot?erts, ■\
John Blinden^ and Richard Saunders, to the V. 33 o o vifireffes fo
Value of \ McaLs. '
William Bilton, William Wild, Thomas Watjon, g
John Bowman, and the Widow Runington S ° °
252
H A R T-
f ORD-
SHl RE.
1682.
Breahi»g
dorvn a tHeet-
'ing-houj'i.
Chimney 'piste
J^ifolttie ylv-
J'wer of a poor
yl Colletlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
To one of thofe Meetings the Juftices came, attended with Wilixam Morfon,
who was both Conftable and Intormer ; after a fhort Paufe, one of the Juftices,
viz. Maddocks, iays to the Conftable, Mr. Fox and I cofirmafid you to break
the Forms, &c. Whereupon the Conftable charging others to aflift him, they
broke the Forms, Benches, Galleries, Windows, and Doors, all in pieces -, and
be'^an to demolilh the Walls. On the Firft-day of the next Week they came
ae-ain, and ordered the Doors, which in the Interval had been repaired, to be
broken again and burnt •, in doing which they fet Fire to the Chimney-piece of
the Houfe, to the Confternation of the Neighbourhood ; and one of the Juf-
tices was heard to declare, that if he could be fiire it would hum twthing but the
Meeting-houfe., it Jhould not be extingm/hed. Among thofe whom the Conftable
charged to allift him was Jobn Parfons, a poor Man, whom the Juftice com-
manded to help break the Forms, &c. Pdrfons replied. No, Sir, I don't life to
zvork on Sundays. The Juftice infifting upon his doing it, the Man anfwered.
If am Body moleji the Con/table, I fhnll offjl him to keep the Peace, but for
breaking the Forms, Fwill not do it. The Juftice threatned to fend him to Pri-
fon,' but he ftedtaftly perfifting in his Refolution, and laying, / am contented^
Sir, if I mufi go to Goal for 7iot working on Sundays, the Juftice's rafh Command
prov'd inelie(;:tual, and his Threats abortive, for want of Law to enforce them.
Vijlrejfes. In Oolober this Year, Henry Nichols and Richard Saun-
ders, for Meetings at Scuth-Mims, fuftered Diftrefs of
Goods to the Value of
And for other Meetings, Goods were taken from ff''on-
derful Warwick, Thomas Roberts, and Gawen Lawry, to
.tKe Value of
/.
19
31
d.
50
Death of
N. Na(h.
Sonencs of
Premunirc
p4i on J.
Fi(her.
M(!vy impri-
joiiei for not
Swearing.
Extrajudicial
Mis.
Jmliilmerit!
for yibfe-iice
from- the Ni-
ihnul H'orjl)ip,
In this Year Natbanael Nafh, after long Confinement, died in Hartford Goal,
a faithful Witnefsagainft the antichriftian Yoak and OpprefTion of Tithes.
In this Year alio, John Fifher, upon an Information, that he, being Conftable,
had refufed to aft in breaking up a Diflenter's Meeting, had the Oath of Al-
legiance tendred him by the Juftices, and upon his Retufal ot it at a fecond
Tender, had Sentence of Premunire pafs'd upon him, under which Sentence
he lay long in Prilbn. About the lame Time a Complaint was made at Sef-
fions againft George Keith rbr Preaching, and teaching School without Licenfe -,
the Iflbe of which was, that the Juftices tendred him the Oath of Allegiance,
and lent him to Goal tor refufing it ; for which Caufe alfo, Lewis Laundy,
Thomas Moffe, Stephen Felherftone, John Eaton, Robert Goodes, and Samuel Dun,
were alfo committed to Prilon : As were likewife, John Rallet, PPilUam Special,
Samuel Special, Clement Shin, Henry Freeman, John Thorn, John Read, Edward
Haridge, Reynold Ramfey, John Perien, and John Griffith, who were taken from
a Meeting at Hartford, where they were aflembled about Church-Atfairs, and
to take Care of their Poor : They were detained fome Hours at an Inn, and
then carried away fix or fevcn Miles in a Cart -, when queftioning the Authority
of the Conftable who took them, he and his Companions went in the Night for
a Warrant, and next Morning carried them before Juftice Field, who tendred
them the Oath, and fign'd a Warrant for their Commitment to Prifon, which
Wajrant he lent to Juftice Harrifon, who likewife fign'd and feal'd the fame
before he had feen the Prifoners ; After he had thus fign'd their Commitment
tor refufing the Oath, he examined them whether they would take it or net.
About the lame Time alfo, John Parker and John Clements were imprifoned
for refufing to Swear.
ANNO 1683. At a Quarter SefTions in the Month called May this Year,
Bilk of Indiftment were preferred againft Henry Hodge, IVilliam Wild, Richard
Saunders, Henry Nichols, and Thomas Watfon, and their Wives, on the Statute
of lol. per Month, for Abfence from the National Worfhip. The Grand
Jury,
Chap. 17. of the People called QUAKERS.
253
Jury, three feveral Times, being fo often turned back by the Court, brought m H A R T-
their Veidict I^^mranms ; but the Court ftill refufuig to accept that Verdift, ^j?A^'
the Jury at lall found the Bilj, out of meer Compliance to the Authority of the ^ "^ '
Bench. About the fame Time were taken by Warrants grounded on the Adl ''
againft Conventicles, from IVjlliam IVildi., Samuel Hodge, Henry Hqdge^ ,and ^-^'v^^^-'
Henry Nichols, Goocls worth 3/. 105.,;,-] ;-- ^' ;;-•: .ir:.,:;
At Midfummer Seffions this Year, John Robins, Edward IVood, and Edward Imprifonmevts
Sutton, were committed to Frifon tor refufing to pay Fines irapofed on them for """^ Diflrejis,
Abfence from the National Worfliip ; and tor the fame Caufe Robert Cock of
Berkhamjicd, fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value of 16/. 195. Samuel
Goodacre., for being at feveral Meetings, had his Doors broke open under Pre-
tence of fearching for Arms, and his Goods taken away worth 25/. 16 s. \d.
Thomas Burr ot Ware, tor being at two Meetings, had '
taken from him twenty fix Quarters of Malt worth
From Sarah Warner, Anne Rajh, Elizabeth Rajh^ -y ,,,.,iy^\_
Richard Mahoe, Abrahaju Home, md Thomas Crawley, > 12 > 10 8
Goods were taken to the Value of >',f j>
26 18
65 5 o
In this Year Thomas Smart and Samuel Prior were imprifoned upon Writs de
Excommunicato capiendo^ _.,.., - .—..
ANNO 1684. On the 4th of the Month ca.]kd April this Year, George
Hagger, having been profecuted on the Statute of 20/. per Month, for Ab-
fence from the National Worfhip, had taken from him by the Sheriff's
Officers, two Cows* and two Bullocks worth 8/. o^. od.
And in the next Month twenty Quarters of Malt worth 2r o o
Taken alfo from Henry EJfex and Jonas Pearce, Goods worth 2 15 i;_ o
Diftrefs on
G.Hagger.
31 15 O
On the faid Statute of 20/. per Month, aftd other Fines for Meetings,
were taken ,.,;.•
•irh ,-, '• -J- d.
From Thomas Baldock, Anthony Page, John Reed, William \
Special, Reginald Ramjey, and Robert Tarnel, C 74 8 9 ^jftreffes f»i
Goods worth i
lines.
And from William Voke of Hunfdon, feventy Quarters of Malt, three Horfes,
and mofl of his Houfliold Goods.
And from Thomas Godfrey of the fame Place, the greatefl ? „ t , . ,
Part of his Houfhold Goods to the Value of ^000
Edward Wood of Tlmrfield, was committed to Prifon by Juflice Wtlmot, for Imprifinmem.
refiifing to take the Oath of Allegiance : And tor the fame Caufe were alfo
imprifoned in Hartford Goal, Henry Hulet and Thomas Ga?ne,
ANNO 1685. For their religious Meetings, Thomas Burr of Ware, and
William Swijon of Amwell, fufFered Diftreffcs to the Value of 4 1 /. 3 j.
On the ifl of Ot^ober this Year, a Baylitf, named Shelf ord, came with a
Warrant to the Houfe of Edward Sutton, demanded 40 /. for two Months Ab-
fence from the National Worfhip, feized his Goods, and threatned any Perfon
that fhould offer to take any Accout of them. He carried away Shop Goods,
Linen, Silk, and other Goods, till the Sheriff faid he had enough. Upon the
fame Statute of 20/. per Month, He7iry Sweeting, Edward Plumfled, Abraham
Rutt, and Henry Stout, were imprifoned and indided for Abfence from the Pa-
rochial Worfhip.
Vol. I. S f f ANNO
Difirejfes.
Bidrefi on
E. Sutton.
254
HART-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1689.
Imprifotmems
for Tithes.
Diflrejfes
Tithet.
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
ANNO 1689. About the i oth of the Month called Ma'j this Year, 'tbomu
Burr and Robert Dawjon, both of IVare, were committed to Hartford Goal by
an Attachment out of the Exchequer, at the Suit of the Prieft of that Parifh,
named Wey, for a Claim of fmall Tithes.
ANNO 1 6go. Richard 'Tloomas was committed to Prifon on an Attach-
ment, at the Suit of Thomas Daniel, Prieft of the Parifli called St, Atidrews in
Hartford, for a Claim of fmall Tithes for fifteen Years paft. Alfo John Perry
was imprifoned for Tithes, at the Suit of the Prieft of Harloe.
In this and the preceeding Year, was taken
fer From Daniel Mardell, Stephen Fetherjlone, and John
Siggins, Corn worth
fVillia?n Martin, for a Demand of i/. 15^:
Goods worth
Richard Millard, John Kilbey, Thomas Burr, and
Richard Thomas, Corn, Grafe, Houfhold Goods,
and other Things, worth
24
J.
o
II
36 15 5
. . ; / llu-
\y:C\ i'^iVK
-Pj .-C. 'x .'. V. -l. L;." .^j-oNC
G H A P. XVIII.
HERE.
FORD-
SHIRE.
1656.
At a, Meeting
in a. Fieli at
Leominftcr
the Preatker
fullid domi,
end fent t»
Priftn.
Meetings
grievwfly
diftuTbed,
HEREFORDSHIRE.
Anno 1656.
AT a religious Meeting, held the 27th of the Month called May, in
the Houfe of Henry Bedford at Leo7)iinfler, the Auditory, being
more than the Houfe could contain, went out into a Field ad-
joyning, where a Friend was preaching to them, when the Bayliff
of the Town, a Juftice of the Peace, and John Tombs, an eminent Baptifi,
then Vicar there, came to the Meeting : They commanded the Preacher to
defift, and becaufe he obeyed them not, pulled him down by force, and kept
him Prifoner, Tombs ftepping up, and preaching in his Place : But another
Friend at a fmall Diftance beginning to fpeak, the People withdrew from
Tombs to hear him : The Bayliif, Juftice, and Vicar, ordered him to be filent,
but he perfifting, they caufed him to be pulled down with Violence, and fent
ro Prifon, where for fome Time they would not fuffer any of his Friends to
come near him.
ANNO 1657. On the lOth of the Month called May this Year, Giles
Milton, IVilliam Ftfher, James Merrick, TJjomas Merrick, Walter Merrick,
Richard Ingram, John Brigg, and others, going from Rojs to a Meeting at
King's Chapell, vftrs arrefted by two Conftables in the Prote8or's Na?ne, and
one of them was fet in the Stocks : After fome Time being difcharged, they
went to their Meeting- place, where one of them was preaching, when a rude
Rabble, with Dogs and Staves, came in, whooping, halloeing, pufhing their
Staves in at the Windows, and throwing in Sticks and Dirt : They continued
thefe Abufes, belching out wicked and obfcene Language, during the whole
Time of the Meeting, which being ended, they purfued the innocent People
homeward, repeating their Infults, and ftriking one of them, Giles Milton, fo
violently that he became lame on one of his Arms. At another Meeting in the
fame Place, they ftruck Edward Edwards on the Head as he was preaching :
And
Chap. i8. of the People called QUAKERS.
And at other Times attempted to interrupt them by founding an Horn, ring-
ing a Bell, and other Noiies. In all which wicked and lawlefs Proceedings, the
wild and ungoverned People were animated by their Priefts and Magiltrates
who fhould have reftrained them. Thus when Rice Morgan had offended the
Prieft of Wehly\ by afking him to prove his Do^rine by Scripture ; he excited his
Hearers to deride and abufe him, which they did by plucking the Hair off his
Head, and knocking him down. Thus alio when Richard Bruce had angred
a Baptift Teacher at We^on under Pernard, by ftanding before him with his
Hat on, he caufed him to be fet in the Stocks four Hours, and after that ille-
gal Ufage procured his Imprifonment. Likewife when John Moon was preach-
ing in a Meeting at Lyntaldine^ two Priefts came in and oppofed him, and
one of them ftruck him fuch a Blow on the Face, as made his Lips fwell much.
ANNO 1658. Henry Bedford of Leominjler, Attorney at Law, having Bu-
fmefs to tranfift in the Court at that Town, was commanded by the Bayliff"
.and Juftice of the Peace, who prefided there, to pull off his Hat, for refufing
which they fent him to Prifon. This Proceeding, however illegal, was palli-
ated under Pretence of a Contempt of the Court. But there were fome Men
then in Power, whom Hidden Exaltation had fo fwelled with Pride, that they
expedted a perfonal Homage on all Occafions, and could not forbear avenging
themfelvcs on thofe who with-held it : Hence it was that John Merrick, meet-
ing one Roger Bonner on the Road, and not putting off his Hat, was beaten
by him with many Blows : And at another Time for the fame Caufe one Roger
Kine beat him unmercifully near half an Hour together with a Staff ; And at
a third Time the fame John Merrick was forely beaten and abufed by a Servant
of John Ktrky whole Mafter he had affronted by not faluting him in the cufto-
mary Manner. All which Abufes the Sufferer underwent with Chriftian Pa-
tience, from Perfons whofe Aftions evidently denoted them altogether unworthy
of the Honour they fo vainly expefted.
About this Time James Merrick, Walter Merrick, and Thomas Merrick,
having buried their Mother Joajje Merrick, in a Piece of Ground ufed for that
Purpofe at King's-Chapell, were fummoned by the Coroner to anfwer his En-
quiries about her Death, becaufe fhe was not buried at the Church, as he
called it. A Jury was impanelled, and feveral Witnefles were fworn, who
concurred in their Evidence of her dying a natural Death. This though folly
lufficient to anfwer the Coroner's Enquiry, would not anfwer his Purpofe of
enfnaring the ^mkers ; wherefore he tendred them the Oath, which he knew
they could not take, and for refufing to Swear fined them, and bound them
over to the Quarter Seffions.
ANNO 1660. At a Meeting at Hinton, many rude People and Soldiers
rufhing in, pulled out thofe that were met, and finding in the Street William
Gib/on, juft then come to Town on Horfeback, thronged about him. He
told them, that he ca?ne in Love to their Souls, and as he rode along, ex-
horted them to Repentance, when a wicked Fellow beat him and his Horfe
moft unmercifolly, after which they dragged him about in the Dirt, and kept
him with the Reft, whom they took out of the Meeting, under a Guard all
Night, .and next Day fent two Men to conduct them to Juftice Blagny,
charging them with holding an unlawful Ajjemhly , and breaking the King's Peace.
But the Juftice, a prudent Man, replied. That it was not probable they could
be dangerous Perfons or Peace-breakers, who being twenty three in Nu}>iber, were
brought to him with only two Men to guard tbetn : And fo with much Civility
he difmift them.
Toward the latter End of this Year many were committed to Prifon, for
refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, viz.
Evan Jones, Richard Varnely Francis Whiller, John Hill, and John Barker,
taken from their Houfes and Employments, and Walter Merrick out of the
Market, were lent to Prifon by the Mayor of Hereford.
At Ross, James Merrick, Tlmnas Atkins, John Merrick, William Beale^
William FiJIjer, Thomas Brown, Giles Milton, John Taylor, Richard Ingrain,
Richard
HERE-
FORD-
SHIRE,
1657.
An Attorney
fern to Prison
fomot putting
cffhis Hdt.
J. Merrick
beaten feveral
Jimss.
Tie Coroner
after neeilefs
"Trouble given
fome Qua-
kers tendered
them the O^th.
At Hinton
W. Gibfon
much abufed'
prudent Ohjer*
vation cf Juf-
tice Blagny.
i^a7iji impri-
foneJi. for re-
fiifwg te
Sfvear.
256
H E R E-
I O R D-
S f n R E.
1 660.
jit Leoniin-
fter m-i'iy im-
prijnncd for
not Svoearbig.
Clofe Confi>ie-
ment.
DeatB of
T, LanguL'lI.
/Jis inhmm
tnd iniiciin
Buri.il.
Deaths of
J. Smith u>:d
(I. Jones.
Manj com'
mittsi to He-
reford Goil.
A Collection <?/ //^^ Sufferings Vol. I.
Richard Ingram jun. Henry Po-ivel, Thomas Merrick, John Turner, Robert Tur-
ner, and Roger Turner, were taken, Ibme from the Meeting, others in the Street,
and Ibme irom their own Houfes, and committed to the Marfliall's Cuftody :
Next Day the Oatli of Allegiance was tendred them by a Juftice of the Peace,
who fent them to Frifon lor refufing it. Six of thefe were very poor Men,
havincT Families dependent on their Labour, for one of whom, when five Per-
fons in Compairion offered to be bound, the Juftice refufed it. Elizabeth
Smith, as Ihe was going to a Meeting, was apprehended, and Titus Meredith was
taken out of his Houle, and both of them, for refufing to take the Oath of
Allegiance, fent to Goal.
At Leominster, James Cor yen, Thomas Langueil, Richard Matthews,
John Shooter, and Charles Barnard, were taken out of a Meeting, and carried
before the Baylift' of the Town, who tendred them the Oath, and fent them to
Prifon. Alio Thomas Holt, Tljomas Baches, and Roger Price, were taken out
of their own Houfes there, and for refufing the Oath fent to Goal, and with
them David Edwards., taken out ot his Bed where he lay fick. In Prifon fome
of them with their Wives and Children being found by the Keeper fitting to-
gether in Silence to wait upon God, were by him caft into the Dungeon.
About the fame Time John Jones, * Charles Jones, William Jones, Richard Jen-
kwy John Davis, John Smith, and Rice Morgan, were taken, fome out of their
Houks, others as they were travelling on the Highway, and for refufing to
lake the Oath committed to Hereford Go.\\ ; as' was John Giles, a Farmer's
Scrv.ixit, taken from his Mafter's Team, which he was driving on the Road.
Alio John Ballard, Peter Wiche,' Daniel Prince, and John Robin/on, dwelling
at or near Upton, were taken from their Houfes and Employments, and com-
mitted to /^«v/wvfGo.al, where they and others were fometimes kept lo clofe,
that their Wives were not permitted to vifit them, and they were conftrained
to draw up their Food with a Rope.
ANNO 1 66 1. In the Month called Jpril this Year, Thomas Langueil died
in Prifon at Leominjler : When dead, his Friends defired to have his Body to
bury it, but were refufed, unlefs they would pay th? Coroner's Fees. About
two Days after, the Goaler had him buried, without the Coroner's Inlpedlion,
in a moil: indecent Manner, the Coffin being tied by the Hangman to a Lad-
der, and carried by four Felons, the Hangman going before, and the Keeper
following; When they put him into the Grave, the Hangman laid. He died
like an Hog, and Jhoiild be buried like a Dog, adding, that Had not the Wea-
ther been wet, they would have made a Grave under the Gallows, and have buried
him there. Thus contumelioufly they interr'd a Man who laid down his Life
for his faithful Obedience to the Precept of Chrift, Swear not at all. He died in
a fweet P'rame of Mind, and left a good Savour behind him, both among thofe
of his own Perfuafion, and many others. In the fame Month alfo, 7o/j;; 5;«z;^
and Charles Jones ended their Days in the common Goal at Hereford, for their
ftedfaft Obfervation of the fame Command of Chriil : They alio made a pious
and Godly End, and finifhed their Teftimony with Joy.
On the 22d of the Month called Mz)', an Officer of the Army, with Sol-
diers, ruflied into a Meeting where Tlmnas Briggs was on his Knees praying :
They pulled him out with Violence, and carried him with Nathanael Smith,
Tho?nas Baches, Peter Wiche, John Ballard, Nicholas Dins, John Shooter, Ed-
ward Simons, Thojnas Stevens, John Davis, Titus Meredith, and Thomas Reeves,
before a Juftice of the Peace, who committed them all to Hereford Goal, where
they were clofe confined, and fuffered many Abufes from the Wickednefs of the
Goaler and his Wife.
On the 3 ift of OElober the Mayor, Aldermen, and ibme other Officers, came
into the Meeting at Hereford, where the Aflembly fitting in Silence, the Mayor
fcornfully faid, 1 will roufe you from your Dream ; and one of them anfwering, //jix/
they
* The raid Chdrki Joves continued in Prifon till he died on the 20th of the Second
Month 1661.
Chap. i8. of the People called QUAKERS. 257
they were met in the Fear of the Lord to worjhip him, the Mayor replied, / II E R E-
w/// have no more Meetings in the Fear of the Lord, and fo fent both Men and F O R D-
Women to Prifon. ^ " ^ ^ ^•
In November, John Hill and Richard Vernall, peaceable and inoftenfive Men, , 1^1^
were taken from a Meeting at Hereford, and ient to Prifon : After fome Time profaiie ^^
they were taken out of their Beds at Midnight by the Command of one Cap- spt-ecb cf the
tain Bruinton, wh.o took them to the Guard, and caufed them to be tied Neck ^■tp''^ of
and Heels, anil afterwards to terrify them, ordered lighted Matches to be tied ^"^'y^*^,'
between the faid VcrnaU'% Fingers, pretending he would make him confefs -ujige of
fomething of a Plot, but the poor Men, flanding ftedtafl: in their Innocence, psaceabh nn.i
were carried next Day before the Mayor, who tendred them the Oath, and' ko"'ft ^-"•
fent them again to Prifon, where they were kept from the reft of their Friends,
with Irons on their Legs, about five Months.
ANNO 1662. In the Months of September and OeJober this Year, the Cmmimmt
Meetings at Leominfler were frequently broken up by Order of the Bayliffand' {'"J" ,\sr^e\r.
other Magiftrates : At the Sefiions feveral had the Oath of Allegiance tendred jig.
them, and for refufing to take it were committed to Prilon. It was ufual to fliut
up thofe whom they took out ot the Meetings there in a little dole nafby Hole, Clofe and un-
where they were forced to lie on Straw, and fometimes fo crouded that they l^sdUhy Con-
had not Room to lie down all at once : Befides, they were conftrained to eafe f"^^^"^'
their Bodies in the fame Place, which tor want of cleaning was become fo
loatlifom, that thofe who came to fpeak to them through the Hole of the
Door could hardly endure the Stench for a few Minutes : Here they were
fometimes kept twelve or fifteen together feveral Days and Nights to the great
endangering of their Health, it being a Place in the Judgment of the mofb
mercilefs ot Men unfit for any Creature -, for when one of the Coaler's Turn-
keys was fent to let a Woman out, a Perfon who met him fiying, // was 7iot
a Place fit to -put a Dog in, the protiine Man replied. No, nor yet to put a
Devil in. Yet was this difmal Place the Lodging of the faithful Servants of
Chrift, whom no earthly Hardfhip could deter from a ftrift Conformity to
his Commands.
In tills Year John Cater, Elizabeth his Wife, Elizabeth Cater his Sifler, Excommum.
James Merrick, Thomas Brown, Elizabeth Cowles, Hannah Griffith, William '*"°"''
Fifher, Elizabeth Milton, Margaret Chapman, John Taylor, Roger Turner, John
Merrick, and Thomas Merrick, were excommunicated for Abfence from the
National Worfhip. Several of them alfo fuffered Diftrefs of their Goods for
the fame Caufe : But the Cafes of two poor Widows, Frances Thomas and Hiridjejf
Katharine Pritchard were peculiarly hard and moving ; the former of thefe had ^^^^j^^'"' ^^^'
five Children, all under twelve Years of Age, to provide for by the Labour
of her Hands, and had very little either of Clothing or Hoiifliold Stuff, having
been necefl'itated to fell what fhe could toward her own and Children's Support -,
yet out of the poor Remains of her Goods the cruel Perfecutors took a Kettle
worth 5 s. and a Boliter worth 8 s. From the other Widow, feventy Years
of Age, and having Icarce any Goods, they took a Gown valued at i^s.
which fhe ufed to cover her with tor want ot Bedclothes, and for lack of it the
fuffered much by Cold in her extrcam old Age. From thefe Inftanceswe may
obfervc, that a furious ignorant Zeal for the Church, is apt to trajifport fuperjlitious
Bigots into Adions not only void ot Chriftian Charity, but even Lx-neath the
Diftates of common Humanity.
ANKO 1670. Charles Baniet, a Bixker of LeojtiinJIer, was fined 20/. for ^'"^ for
Preaching, and afterward for a fecond Offence 40/. For which Sums all the ^''^"^'""S-
Goods in his Houfc, and all the Wood in his Yard, were taken away. After
which W^irrants were iffued againft him tor being at Meetings, but his Goods
being already taken, the Officer reported to Juftice Booth, that There was
noticing left but Bread, which would fpoil before it could be fold : To which the
Juftice's Antwer was. If you can't fell it, you tnay bring it me to give my Horfes. ^^rd Saying.
In the Month called July this Year, Nicholas Day of Eardfand, for a Meeting Diftrefs.
at his Houte, had eight Oxen taken away worth 32 /.
Vol. I. T 1 1 And
258 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
HERE- And "thomai Holt of JVicktony fpr a Meeting at his Houfe, a Yoke of Oxen
/h'A?* ^"'^ ^ Mi.rt worth 22 /.
^ On the 2 yrh of September were taken by Diftrefs for Meetings, from the faid
^ 70- nomas Holt, 'Titus Meredith, John Bache, Rice Morgan, Nathanael Stnith, and
"j^^r^^T"^ Thomas Gwyll-^m, Goods worth 11/. 10 J. lo^i.
■' ■^"' And from Richard Dolphin tour Oxen worth 24/. Which Oxen the Officers
knew to be another Man's Property, yet, regardlefs of Right, they took them,
though at the fame Time they had in View other Goods of the faid Richard
DolplAn's, which they might have taken.
From Peter 7'oiuig o'i Ljixton, they took two Oxen worth 10/. one of which,
after he had been driven to Leominfter Market, and no Body would buy him,
returned Home to his Owner.
From Sihyl Good, Morgan Watkins, David Edward, John Ballard, Thomas
Merrick, Richard Ingram, John Cater, Robert 'Turner, and Henry Powel, Cattle
and other Goods worth 29/. 8i. 6d.
FVom James Merrick, Thomas Turner, William FiJJjer, John Hill, and Franfis
Wheeler, Goods worth 12/. 1 9 j.
From John Barber, John Ca>-ver, Morgan TJjomas, and Katharine Pritchardy
Goods to the Value of 27 /. os. lod.
fujlif!s Pur. Although many of the Fines for which thefe Diftrefles were made, were
ziiiiij. either illegally impofed, or unreafonably levied, yet had the Sufferers no Re-
drefs, the Partiality of the Juftices having made their Appeals to the Quarter
Seffions, the only Method of Rehef, altogether ufelefs : When Nathatmel
Sjnith, as advifed by Council, brought his Appeal, his Cafe being argued, the
Jury went out, and returned with a Verdid: for the Appellant ; the Court re-
tufed to accept that Verdift, and fent them out again : They repeated the fame
Verdict fix Times fuccefTively, and were as often repulfed by the Court : But
the Jurors continuing ftedfafl in their Opinion, the Verdift was at length re-
corded •, but the Court at the fame Time direded the Officers to empanel!
another Jury for the next Trial. They alio fent an Officer to Prifon for pro-
curing the Jury a Copy of the King's Proclamation, at their Requeft. But
though the Verdid had been recorded, yet afterward the Juflices knowing one
of the Jury to be of a timorous Difpofition, prevailed on him to fay, he had
not confented to it, and on that Pretence fent out the Jury again with fuch
Threats as produced a contrary Verdid, the Men being overawed by the Court
to ad againfl their Confcienccs. Thus the Verdid fix Times given for the
^lakers was annulled, and he obliged to acquiefce under the Charges of the
Appeal added to the Injuftice of his firft Suffering. In like Manner at the
lame Seffions, the Appeal of William Owen was alfo fruftrated, the Jullices
telling the Jury, that the Cafe was like Smith's, peremptorily direded them to
find for the King, which was done accordingly, one of the Jury being heard to
fay. The Court is Lord of our Confciences. So exceeding weak and ignorant
were fome Jurymen, and thole of more Judgment were often perverted by the
falfe Evidence of Informers, who would lightly Swear to what they did not
Sdlje Evi- know, for fome of them feeing certain Perlbns walking in the Garden of Mor-
dence. gan Watkins, and fome others fitting in his Arbour, made Oath that diere was
a Meeting at his Houfe, and upon their Evidence of what they faw not, he
v/as convided and fined 20/.
profecutiont ANNO 1674. Roger Pritchard, Willia?n Collier, and Thomas Pembridgey
jer lithes. all oi Jmely, were profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, and imprifoned
about two Months, at the Suit of Samuel Matthews Vicar : Alfo Thomas Holt
of Wickton, was profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court, at the Suit of Thomas
Woolon Prieft of Leominfter, and committed to Prifon for a Demand of about
eight Groats for Tithe of Milk, and for Eafter-Offermgs. Likewife Ja7nes
yV/^rnV^ was profecuted in the Town- Court ui' Rofs for 365. demanded for
Tithes, at the Suit of John Nr^ton Prieff, and had a Mare taken from him
worth 5 1,
ANNO
Chap. i8. of the People called QJJAKERS.
259
HERE-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1676.
Infutts a>hi
AbufiS of tki
Popukce, Mi-
nitsi byxht
miyerojHs-
reford.
ANNO 1676. On the 20th of the Month called Ju^i/fl this Year, Henry
Caldicott Mayor of Hereford, with his Officers, came to the Meeting there, and
warned the Affembly not to meet any more, telling them. If they did, let it be
at their Peril. This Threat of the Mayor was followed for many Weeks alter,
with outragious Infults and Abufes from the Populace, for
On the 27th many Boys of the City threw Stones and Dirt into the
Meeting.
On the 3d of September, a rude Rabble, with confufed Noife and Shouting,
befet the Meeting-houfe ; fome broke the Glafs Windows ; others with Staves
beat the Hats off the Men's Heads, threw Stones among them, and ftuck
Burrs in their Hiir -, and one of them, laid to be the Mayor's Son, broke the
Head of John Rea with a Stone.
On the loth they fired Squibs, and threw them into the Meeting -, they
alfo caft Stones through the Glafs Windows, and ftruck a Woman on the Head
with a Stone. When Complaint of this was made to the Magiftrates, the Com-
plainants were difmift with Threats.
On the 1 7th the outragious Mobb, Part of which were Cborijlers, or finging
Boys of the Cathedral, encouraged by their Superiors, broke in pieces the
Remainder of the Glafs Windows with the Window Frames, and fome of the
Walls of the Houfe : After Meeting they purlued the Country Friends, pelt-
ing them with Stones about a Quarter of a Mile.
On the next Day a Meeting was held in their fhattered Houfe for Church-
Affairs, fuch as relieving the Poor, helping the Widows and Fatherlefs, and
other Afts of pure and undefiled Religion : Hither alfo came the Rabble, Grievous lit',
founding an Horn, and throwing in Dirt and Stones, which hurt feveral. Some fuhs.
of them threw filthy Excrements upon the Clothes of fuch as were met, others
got upon the Houfe and until'd Part of it, tumbling down Stones on the Head
of one that was going in. In the Midft of thefe Diforders Edzvard King and
Robert Simonds, Juftices, and Abraham Seward Mayor eledl, came, not to
quell the Fury of the Rabble, but to fend the Abufed to Prifon : To effe6t
which, after they had threatned the Women and Children, they tendred the
Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy to Roger Pritchard, Henry Price, William SiyeriX im-
Oven, Morgan fVatkins, Charles Barnet, Conflantine Yottng, James Eaton., and f'J""^'^-
Robert JVoodliff, and for refijfmg to Swear lent them to Goal.
A Day or two after this, Walter Rogers, a Prebend, paffing by the Meetino-- Jhi lAihb ap-
houfe, and obferving the Ruins of it, laid, that they who did it -were very good P^""'^'^ ''^'^
Boys, and had done their Work better than he thought for. This may ferve to ^hfchulJ.
fhew under what kind of Influence the Mobb adted.
On the 24th the Rabble repeated the like Abufes, with many reproachfiil
and wicked Speeches.
On the I ft of O^ober, many rude People caft Stones through the Windows
broken before, one of which ftruck a Woman on the Head ; others threw
Urine on the Heads of thofe that were met ; another filled a Man's Hat with
Excrements, and threw it in amongft them, with an hideous Noife and
Shouting.
On the 2 2d the Conftables and other OlBcers took the Friends out of their
Meeting by force, and confined them till the Time of their publick Worlhip
was over.
On the 29th they took James Exton and John Carver out of the Meeting,
and carried them before the Mayor and other Juftices, who, for refuling the
Oaths, fent them to Prifon, telling them they Jhould lie on Straw, and com-
manding the Goaler to keep them afunder.
On the 12th o'i November, the Meeting-houfe being by that Time repaired,
and inhabited, a rude Company befet the Houfe, and threw Stones againft it :
And it was laid that the Mayor's Officers had directed the Rabble, to knock
out the Quakers Brains if they did not depart. They alfo threatned the In-
habitant to pidl the Houfe down over his Head.
On
26o
H E R E-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1676.
Jmprifonme>it,
Seizures for
two Thirdi of
Ejiites,
A Colleaion of the Sufferings A/'ol. I.
On tlie 3d of December^ the Officers took John Barber out of the Meeting,
and carried him before tlie Mayor and other Juflices, who, for refufing to
Swear, fent liim to Prifon : Four Days after, his Goods were feized to the Value
of 26/. for a Fine of jo/, impofed on him for the Houfe where the Meeting
was.
On tlie 20th of the Month called Jamiary, the Mayor's Officers forced out
thofe that were met, and would not fuffer them to abide near the Place in the
Street : And one of them threatned, that they would fire the Meeting-houfe,
and broil them in it.
In this Year John Haines and Tlmnas Robins, both of Bodenham, were com-
mitted to the County Goal by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo. , Alfb Natha-
nael S?nith of Leominjler, who, refufing at the Quarter Seffions to take the Oath
of a Conflable, had the Oath of Alkgiance tendred him by the Juftices.
ANNO 1677. Several of the People called fakers in this County, be-
ing profecutcd in the Exchequer on old Statutes made againfl Popilh Recufants,
fuffered much by DiftrefTes made for pretended Forfeitures of two Thirds of
the Yearly Value of their Eftates, viz.
Taken from Richard Dolphin of Erdifland, Cattle worth
John Haines of Bodeuhajn, two Oxen worth ■
Peter Toung of Luxton, eight Oxen worth
Roger Pritchard and Wdliam Collier, both n
of Amely, an Horic, two Oxen, and S>
other Cattle, worth j
James Eccles of Manfel-Lacy, two Cows worth
f'FilUajn Fijloer, James Merrick, John Cater,
Thomas Merrick, fVilliain Sparry, and
Henry Powel, all of Rofs, Goods to the
Value of
/.
s.
d.
48
9
40
24
22
19
10
150 19 , 10
Diftreffes.
ANNO 1678. Taken by Diflrefs for Meetings, ,
From Ja7nes Exton, John Barber, John Pivers, John
Carver, and Robert IVoodliJf, Goods worth
II
Seizures on
Exchequer
Vreciji.
ANNO 1679. In this Year alfo were taken by Exchequer Procefs,
From
From
Richard Dolphin aforefaid. Oxen worth
The aforefaid William FiJIxr, John Cater, Thomas
Merrick, William Sparry, and Henry
Powel, of /?oy5, Goods to theValue of
Philip OJhorne of the fame, Plate worth
Tho?nas Turner of Linton, Goods worth
Thomas Merrick of fVefton, to the Value of
/.
s.
d.
54
14
IS
6
I
15
13
6
I
10
72 14
Finet levied.
Tithes of
ffopt.
Dijirejfes.
John Barber, fined 28 J. for Abfence from the National Worfhip, had
Goods taken from him worth i /. 19J. And John Carver, for a Fine of 4 5.
for the fame Caufe, fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods worth 7 s.
ANNO 1682. J. Valton of Leominjier, having been profecuted in the Ec-
clefiaftical Court for Tithes of Hops, at the Suit of Michael Stevens Vicar, was
on a Certificate of Contumacy committed to Prifon by Warrant from two
Juftices of the Peace.
Edward Pritchard, by Excheqiier Procefs, for Abfence from the National
Worfhip, had a Yoke of Oxen and a Marc taken away, to the Value of 15/. •] s.
Taken
Chap. 19. of the People called QUAKERS. 261
Taken alfo from feveral Perfons, for ds. \\d. demanded of them for Steeple-
houfe Rates, Goods to the Value of il. \os. gd.
ANNO 1683. On or about die 6th of the Month called Jiily this Year,
Jobn Nourfe, and two other Juftices of the Peace came to the Meeting at Rofs^
turned out the Perfons, lockt up the Houfe, and took away the Key, fo that
they were obliged afterwards to meet in the Street ; They alfo fined many of
them, for which Fines were taken
From Henry Powel, Thomas Merrick, IVilUam Grindall,
John Cater, and JVilliam Sparry, Goods worth
Thomas Taylor, "James Morgan, Robert Turner,
William 'Beale, William Ftjher, Richard Ingram,
and Margery Botven, Goods to the Value of
6
HERE-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1685.
Diflreffcs for
Meeting c.
Rols.
12
10
CHAP. XIX.
HUNTINGTONSHIRE.
Anno 1655,
TH E carlieft Sufferers in this County were John Cran'ivell ^nd Tho7nas
Purcas, who, for their confcientious Refijfal to pay Tithes, were
committed to Prifon : And while there, the former for a Demand
of 12/. for Tithes, fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value
of 2 1 /. and the latter for a Claim of i /. 7 s. fuftained a Lois of 4 /. Befides
which, the Priefts who profecuted them, or their Agents, took out of their
Fields in Harveft, what Quantities of Corn they pleafed. In like Manner the
Claimers of Tithes entred into the Grounds of Ephany Taylor Widow, Thomas
Golding, and William Nixon, and took, under Pretence of Tithes, what they
thought fir, without rendring any Account of their Doings.
ANNO 1657. On the 19th of the Month called January this Year, Simon
Sanford was profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes under 5 s. Value, and com-
mitted to Huntington Goal, where he lay feventeen Months, till dilcharged by
Order of a Committee of Parliament. In this and the preceding Year, feveral
Perfons for Demands of 2 /. 10 s. 6d. for Steeple- houfe Rates, lliffered by
Diftrefs of their Goods to the Value of 9 /. gs.
ANNO 165S. John ylptborp v/as im-pr'iihntid dt Huntington hr Tkhc, and
thence removed to the Fleet in London, where having lome Liberty to walk
abroad, a malicious Informer reprefented him as a dangerous Perfon, and
caufed him to be taken by a Party of Soldiers and committed to Ne-wgate. As
foon as he was difcharged thence, he returned again to the Fleet, where he
continued Prifoner about a Year. Thomas Parnell alfo fuffered many Mondis
Imprifonment for Tithes under 20 s. in Value, for which he had been profecuted
in the Exchequer.
ANNO 1659. Daniel Maddy was by fome Juftices of the Peace com-
mitted to Prifon tor refufing to Swear, but at the next Affizes was relealed by
Judge Hales. About the fame Time Richard Jobjon and Thomas Johjon were
taken out of their Beds, and kept under Guard at the Crown Inn at Hunting-
ton twenty four Hours ; After which, though they refuled to Swear, they
were difmift, but their Houfes, as alio that of Robert Raby, were fcarched for
Vol. I. U u u Arms,
HUNT-
ington:-
SHIRE.
Impr'tfovmem s
mi Difirejfes
for Tiikes.
Imprifoimcnti,
Diflrejfes.
Perficmion of
J. Apthorp
uni T. Pai-
nell.
f^ariety of
rrofieutions.
262
HUNT-
INGTON.
SHIRE.
1659.
tAi'[y Impri-
foiimirits for
not Swearing,
Deaths of
S. Sanford
Afi F. Lam-
'ftead.
Tlree detihiei
as dr/i^erotts
Pcrfons.
Sufferings jor
Tithes '
Imprifonmems
{or Mistingi.
Abufci for
*f<-nii!g Shop.
v^ CoUeaion of ^be Sufferings Vol. I.
Arms, on a groimdlefs Sufpicion of rl\eir Dilaffedion to the Government. In
this Year alio Leonard Ellington was committed to Hmiiingt on Goal, for coming
in with his Hat on' into the Court of the Mannour of Warboii, of which he
was a cuitomary Tenant. About this Time alfo, Richard Pierpoint and Richard
Chatteris, of Erith, tor appearing before a Juftice of the Peace with their Hats
on, were fent to Prifon : At the next SefTions they were fined los. each, and
for Non-payment continued in Prifon fcventeen Weeks. Thomas Swan was
ahb committed to Prifon on the 26th of Septemher this Year for Tithes, and
continued there above two Years In this Year for Demands of i/. 15 j. for
Titlies, were taken from feveral Perfons in this County, Goods to the Value
of 3/.
ANNO 1660. On the 12th of the Month called January this Year, Robert
Ingram and John Parnel were taken by a Party of Horfe from their own
Hotifes, and carried before the Commiffioners at Huntington, who fent them
to the Common Goal there for refufing the Oath of Allegiance. Next Day
fome of their Friends vifited them in Prifon ; of which. Notice being given,
a Party of Horfe furrounded the Goal, crying out, A Meeting, a Meeting, and
thofe who came to vifit the Prifoners were imprifoned with them : But the Day
following were difcharged by the Magiftrates, faying. We Jhall foon have them
again, for they had heard of a Meeting appointed at Southo on the Morrow.
Accordingly Ibme armed Men on Horfeback were fent thither, who appre-
hended John Crook, Benjamin Thornly, Thomas Bunby, Richard Jobfon, John
Deare, Anthony Chandler, Daniel Maddy, Thomas Marjhall, Giles Fifier, Wil-
liam Bings, Henry Maddy, and Richard How, who being carried before • the
Juftices, and refufing to take the Oaths, were fent Prifoners to Huntington,
where they found others of their Friends imprifoned for the lame Caufe, two of
whom, Simon Sanford and Francis La/njled, died Prifoners fliortly after, the
Former on the i8th of the Month called February this Year, and the Latter
on the 7th of the next Month : In which Month alfo, William Marlow, Samuel
Nottinghajn, and Robert Cray, v/ere fent to Prifon for the like Teftyjiony
againft Swearing. At the Aflizes in the fame Month, called March, iiiofl of
the aforelaid Prifoners, for reflifing the Oath, were let at Liberty by Jjitige
Hales ', but * John Crook, Benjajuin Thornly, and Robert Ingram, were ordered
to continue till another AfTize, they being cauflefsly reprefented as Ringleaders
and more dangerous than the reft : John Parnel, though dilcharged as to the
Oath, w.as by an Aftion laid againil him for fmall Tithes, detained above fivd
Years longer in Prifon, at the Suit oijohn Heath, Prieft of Hemingford- Abbot.
ANNO 1 66 1. Tho>nas Golding, of Colne, was committed to Huntington
Goaf for Tithes, at the Suit of Dr. Gunning, (afterward Bifhop of'£/jy) and
continued Prifoner more than three Years. He had alfo taken from him a
Mare worth 40 s. for pretended Dues for Tithes of Wool and Lambs. About
the fame Time Ellen Ingram, a poor Widow of Colne, had an Horfe taken
away worth 40 j. for a Demand of 3J. ^d. for Tithe of one Rood of Corn.
John Ainfloc, Philip Taylor, Thomas Jobfon, and Thomas Rivers, as they were
going to a Meeting, were apprehended at Godmanchejler, and by an officious
Juftice fent to Prifon : As were alio in the Month of October this Year, John
Samms, Richard Jobfon, William Sterling, Robert Smith, and Robert Raby, who
had been taken in a Meeting at the f;iid Raby's Houle in Huntington. In this
Year alio Robert Raby, Richard Jobfon, and Katharine Lanford, lufFered many
Abules for having opened their Shops on the 30th of the Month called January.
Richard Jobfon was alfo profecuted in the Ecclefiaifical Court for Marriage-
Fees, by a Prieft who had not been concerned in Marrying him, he having
taken his Wife in a publick AfTembly before many WitnefTes, without em-
ploying any Perfon of that Fundtion.
ANNO
i-i 31JO
* ^ohn Crool; who hJrt been a Juftice of the Peace in Bedfordjhire, was convinced, by
the Preaching of Geer^e Fox in 1 654, and foon after was left out of the Commiirjonr ■
Chap. 19. of the People c^///^^ QUAKERS.
ANNO 1663. 'John Parnel, for rerufing to pay Tithes, had feven Loads
of Hay taken from him worth 7 /.
In this Year Anne ll/bite, and JVilHa7n White lier Son, were taken from their
own Houfe at Ellbi by Conftables, who conveyed them to a Juitice ot the
Peace, and by him they were fent to Huntington Goal for refufing to take the
Oath of Allegiance.
ANNO 1664. On the 28th of the Month called y^^^z^T?, of twenty Pcr-
fons who were taken out of a Meeting at John CraH-vjeUh of Eritb, eighteen
were committed to Prifon. In this Year alio nomas Purcas of BluntJJMm, and
William Sterling of Godjnancheftery for Abience from the National Worfhip,
fuffered Diftrels of Goods to the Vaule ot i /. 3 j. 8 d.
In this or the preceding Year, Robert Falbier and Thomas Bell were met
on the Highway by Nicholas Johnfon a Juftice of the Peace, who forced them
to his Houk, and thence fent them to Prifon till next SefTions, when appearing
before the Juftices with their Hats on, they were fent back to Prifon, where
they lay till the Aflizes, at which Judge Twijden feemed inclinable to difcharge
them, but laid, he could not, hecaufe they were not legally before him. At an en-
iliiiig SclFions they were relealed by a private Order irom the Juftices, after
twenty Weeks Imprifonment without any legal Caufe. And in this Year John
Peacock was excommunicated for not paying pretended Dues to the Prieft.
ANNO 1667. John Parnel, at the Suit ot Griffith Lloyd an Impropriator,
was imprifoned in Huntington Goal, and thence removed to London. On Trial
a Verdict was given againft him for 9/. 12 s. Tithe upon the Statute for treble
Damages, for which his Goods were taken by Diftrels to the Value of 30/.
ANNO 1668. In this Year Roger Chafnberlain, of Offord-Cluny, fuffered
Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value of 4/. for refufing to pay Tithe.
ANNO 1669. The faid Roger Chafnberlain had taken from himforTithe,
Corn to the Value. of 20/.
In this Year Leonard Barringer, JVilliam Lamb, Thotnas Cooke, Cbrijlopher
Lindfey, and Robert Ingram, were taken from a Meeting at Somerjham, and
fent to Prifon, whisre diey lay five Weeks. On the loth of the Month called
ylugufl, John Croo}\ Thomas Parnel, and John Peacock, taken at a Meeting in
the Houfc oi Leonard Ellington AtlVarbois, were committed to Prifon till the
AfTizes, where an Indiftment was preferred againft them on die Statute of '
25 E:iz. but Judge Hales declaring the Indjdment to be invalid, they were fet
at Liberty. In the f^ime Year Samuel Nottingham, Richard Snazdale, Edward
Lambert, Richard .^Proud, Richard Taylor, Thofnas Lorimer, JVilliam Moll,
HenpyAvelyn, and JVilliam Mitchel, were taken from a Meeting at the faid
Samuel Nottingham'^ Houfe in Ramfey, and being carried before Elenry JVilliams
Juftice, he tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing it fent them
to Prifon till next Sefilons, when they were ordered to appear at the following
AfTizes, where they were indided, and fined 5/. each, for which Fines ^i^ic^i/v/
Lambert and Richard. jTayhr fuffered Diftrefs of their Goods ; and Thomas Lo-
rimer, JJ^illiain Moll, and Henry Avelin, were continued Prifoners three Months
longer.
ANNO 1670. John Parnel -W'^.^ again catl into. Prifon for Tithes, at the tithis.
Suit of Griffith Lloyd Impropriator. He had aJfo tal^gen from him Corn, for
Tithes, to the \^ilue of 46 /.
On the 15th of the. Month called July,, the following Perfons, taken at a
Meeting in the Houfe. of Thomas Abbott of Ives, fuffered Diftreffes of their
Goods by Warrants from the Juftices, viz.
263
HUNT-
INGTON-
SHIRE.
Imfrifonmiiiti
for refufi>,g 19
Snetr.
1 8 Sent to
Prifon.
DiiheffcT.
Imfrifonmnits]
ExcommuTH-
cution.
Vrofecmion
for Tithes.
DifirefS'
Titks.
Jmprifonmcmsi
T'obias Hardmeat, JJ^illiam Martin, David Tifdale,
Robert Raby, John Apthorp, Robert Ingram, Richard
Jobfon, and Samuel Nottingham, to the Value of
John Parnel, Daniel Abbott, Jt^illiam Gray, Reuben
Eldredy Widow Abbott^ JVilliam Fields and Thomas
Parnel.
I.
J.
}
Vijlreffis for
Ulietitig.
27
In
264
HUNT-
INGTON-
SHIRt.
1670.
IJorfts fitted.
^ ColleClion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
In the next Month William Starling of Godmanchefter^ for a Meeting at his
Houfc, had his Goods taken away worth 24/. 12 j. dd. And for the fame
Mcctincr were taken from Thomas Lifter, an Horfe and a Cow worth 8/.
wliich Horlei valued at 61. was fold to Juftice Williams, one of thofe who
iffued the Warrant, for 45 s. And the Cow, worth 40 J. was fold to his Clerk
for i6i. 6d. From John Fiiil/ter, for the fame Meeting, they took a Cart
and Wheels worth 3/; 10s.
For another Meeting at William Starling's, the Informers went to the Inns,
and feized feveral of the Friends Hories before Convidtion.
For other Meetings in this County were taken
}
}
Diftrcgss for From Robert Lifter, John Lifter, Tobias Hardmeat, John
Mfetiiigs. Parnel, Robert Stow, and John Whitehead,
Goods worth
Tobias Hardmeat at another Time, a Cow and an
Horfe worth
which were fold to the Brodier of Jufl:ice Heron for 455.
From Tobias Hardmeat at a third Time, Goods worth
which were fold by Inch of Candle for 2 /. 55.
From Chriftopher Maidftone, for himfelf and his Wife, S
though fhe was not at the Meeting, Goods \
worth )
Thomas Parnel, for a Meeting at his Houfe in 7
King-Rippon, were taken Goods to the Value of J
which were fold to Juflice Johnfon's Servant, for his
Mafter, for 9 /. y s.
Robert Falkner, for a Meeting at his Houfe in 7
So)nerJ}ja?)t, Goods worth 3
Roje Pont Widow, Richard Snazdale, Thomas
Golding, Jafper Robins, John Offly, Samuel
Nottingham, and John Blake, Goods to the
Value of
Richard Jobfon, for a Meeting at his Houfe
John Cra?iwell of Erith, for a Meeting at his Houfe
Thofnas Peel, Robert Raby, Jafper Lifter, John \
I
25 10
12
19
From
Craitwell, William Triftram, Richard Laxton,
and William Field, Goods to the Value of
5
29 10
19 12
8 10
25 o
19 19
o
o
172
Many of the fame Perfons being prefent at the Meetings in feveral Places,
had repeated Informations againfl them, and were often diftrained on, fo that
befide the Seizures already mentioned, there were alfo taken this Year
From David Tifdale, Thomas Purcas, Thomas Cooks,
William Wright, Tobias Hardmeat, DanielAbbott,
Francis Rogers, Elizabeth Gray, William Star-
ling, Jafper Robins, and Rofe Pont, Goods worth
Richard Taylor, Thomas Burgis, Richard Snazdale,
Stephen Clark/on, Leonard Ellington, * Blanch
Peacock, Reuben Eldred, Henry Gilings, John
Lifter, Md Simon Jack/on, to the Value of
/.
44
33
II
77 16 10
Taken
* Wife of ^ohn PeAco.k who was then in Prifon.
Chap. 19. of the People called QLTAKERS.
Taken alio for a Meeting at B^lhonie^
I. s.
From Nicholas Tomfou, John Arthur, Thomas Robins, y
John Leighto,:, IVilliam Fozvlcr, Wilham Bingt S 3 - ^
unti Leonard Baker, Goods woith )
For a Meeting at William Starling's in Godmanchefler,
From the faid Wdliam Starling, Samuel Nottingham,
Richard Snazdale, Rcfe Pont, and IVil-
liam IVright, to the Value ot"
d.
6
were Goods taken
/. s. d.
S 26 o o
Many of thefe DiftrefTes were very rigorous and levere : Wlicn Jajper Lijler
had all the Goods in his Iloufe taken away, he being very poor, and lame,
going on Crutches, and having three fmall Children, delired of Juftice He-
ron that a Blanket might be returned him to cover his Children, but that
lavour was denied him. Alfo when IFilliam Foivler and Leonard Baker had
all their Goods feized, except a few old Forms and Stools of little Value, the
Jufticcs ordered the Officers to take all worth carrying away, and to burn the
reft. And when John Tomfon, a very poor Man, was returned by the Officers
as infolvcnt, the jufticcs ordered, that 7/" he had two Coati, they Jhoidd take one
of them. A\{oviViCx\ Robert Sto-w, di Ellington, had his Houfhold Goods all
taken from him, the Officers faid they mujl diftrain his Bees. Thefe Inftances
flicw how unmercifully the Warrants on thefe Occafions were executed, and
how void the Breafts of Perfecutors were of common Charity and Compaffion,
ANNO 1 67 1. In this Year feveral of this County fuffered Imprifonment
for not paying Tithes, viz. Thomas Afldon, who continued in Prifbn eighteen
Months : William Newberry nine Months : Jafper Lijler and Robert Lifter
thirty four Weeks, for a Demand of 25. 6d. each: Tobias Hardmeat thirty
Weeks : Reuben Eldred twenty Weeks : And William Starling feventeen Weeks.
And in this Year Roger Chamberlain had taken from him for Tithes, Corn
worth 4/. §s.
ANNO 1672. Richard Johnfon and Robert Raby, being eledled Aldermen
of Huntington, for refufing to take the Oath required on their Admittance into
that Office, were fined twenty Marks each, and committed to Prifon, where
tliey continued fifteen Weeks, and were afterward fued to an Outlawry.
John T'omfon and John Peacock were excommunicated for Abfence from the
National Worfhip : And for tlie fiime Caufe Samuel Nottinghain, Williajn Ham-
viond and Edward Lambert, fuffcred Diflrefs of Goods to the \^ilue of 16;. 6d.
In this Year John Peacock, Robert Ingrain, Francis Penn, Robert Whitehead,
Elizabeth Tbrojlle, and John King, were dilcharged from their Imprifonment in
the Common Goal at Huntington by the King's Letters Patent, generally ex-
tended to the People called i^takers then uncler Confinement.
ANNO 1674. Taken by Diftrels for religious Meetings,
'rom
Tobias Hardmeat, William Gray, Roger Chamber-
lain, and Robert Alfop, Goods to the Value of
1
/.
265
HUNT-
INGTON-
SHIRE.
1670.
Wamms rl-
gorcufly exf«
Imprifonmevts
for Jithes-
Fines [or
not Sxaearing,
Exeommmii'
(utions.
I(eleafe of
J. Peacock
and others.
S.
G 8 Difirejfis.
For Fines impofed for Abfence from the National Worfliip, Goods were
taken by Diftrels,
/. s. d.
From Thomas Cook, Edward Chrijlenthwnite, William
Bavin, Tho?nas Bundy, William Gill, William
Hawkins, John Seaborn, James Fern^ and John
Purcas, to the Value of
3 14
Before thefe Diftreffes were made, feveral of them had fuffered thirteen Days
Imprifonment for refufing to pay thefe Fines. For the like Caufe Wdliain
Vol. I. X X X Wright,
266
HUNT-
INGTON-
SHIRE.
^67 5-
Fines and
Viflrejfes.
A Burhl
deemel i
Convanide.
DiJirefiS.
A Colle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Wright^ Edward Abbott, Robert Alfip, and John Stevenfon, were alfo ina-
prifoned.
ANNO 1675. On the 28th of the Month called March, John Parnel,
John Peacock, Richard Taylor, Thomas Peek, Richard Jennings, John Fills,
IVilliam Gills, TVilliam Hawkins, Thomas Cooke, Edward Chriflenthwaite, John
Barringer, and Leonard Barringer, were fined for being at a Meeting at Erith,
and feveral of them fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 2 /. 14J.
On the 14th of the Month called June, feveral Perfons, who attended the
Interment of Robert Falbier in the Burying-ground at Somerjham, were fined
on the Evidence of two Informers who fwore it to be a Conventicle : The
Amount of the Sums taken by Diftrefs on that Occafion was 87/. 7 s.
On the 19 th of Ociober, for a Meeting at the Houfe of Thomas Blundy of
Blunljham, were taken
From Tobias Hardmeat, Richard Taylor, Thomas Poole,
John Barringer, Thomas Seaborn, IVilliam
Bofvin, John Nttnn, and Benjamin Thornly,
Goods worth
/.
31 14
And for a Meeting held in the Barn cH Amy Peacock o^ Erith, were taken
lines for
Meeting.
Imprifonmeiits
on IVrits de
Excom. Cap.
Im^rifonm;nts
for 16 d.
ZonglmpriJofJ'
mints.
From Amy Peacock, Laurence Dunk, Richard BaJJe,
Sarah Green, Benjamin Thornly, and Samuel
Nottingham, Goods worth
And for being at feveral other Meetings,
Edward Chrijlentbwaite, Richard Triplo, Thomas
Peek, Thomas Burgefs, Richard Taylor, and
Leonard Barringer, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods
to the Value of
/.
12
27
d.
o
39
ANNO 1676. On the 23d of the Month called April, for a Meeting at
Amy Peacock's in Erith, where George Whitehead preached, Tobias Hardmeat
and Thomas Parnel were fined i o /. each : And Richard Bajfe, Benjamin Thornly,
Edward Chriflenthwaite and William Bavin, had Goods taken irom them
worth 2 /. S s. William Pryor, a young Man of Somer/hatn was fined 5 j. The
Officers came when he was in Bed, and took away all his Clothes except one
Stocking. He, being poor, was obliged to borrow Clothes to wear, till by
his Induftry he could repair the Lofs.
On the 7th of the Month called February, George Clapham was committed
to Prifoa by a Writ de Excomniunicato capiendo, having been profecuted by Dr.
Pocklington in the Ecclefiaftical Court for not going to his Par ifh- Church, and
for not receiving the Sacrament. For the fame Caufes alfo, William Poole,
James Paris, Richard Chamberlain, Benjamin Bennett, and Nathanael Cawthorne,
were feverally imprifoned on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Promo-
tion of Duellm Salmon, a Regifter of the Commifliiry Court of the Bifhop of
Lincoln.
ANNO 167S. John P«/v<^^ was imprifoned by a Writ de Exc07mnunicato
capiendo, at the Suit of William Drnry, for a Claim of Tithes of but 1 6 d. Value.
On the 6th of the Month called March this Year, Thotfias Ajhton and Wil-
liam Newberry, were remaining Prifoners in Huntington Goal, where the Former
of them had been three Years and ten Months, and the Latter three Years and
five Months, both of them for Tithes, at the Suit of William Sweep/on Im-
propriator.
In this Year alfo, the following DiftrefTes were made by Warrants ifTued
out of the Exchequer, for Seizure of two Thirds of the Yearly Value of their
I'.ftates, viz.
Froin
Chap. 19. of the People called QUAKERS.
267
From Samuel Nottingham, Cattle worth
John Ellis, Kine and Bedding worth
Richard Taylor, Corn worth
Tho)na5 Golding, a Gelding worth
And three Cows from one of his Tenants, worth
Richard Proud, Goods worth
36
8
30
3
6
3
s.
5
10
o
10
13
>9
d.
o
o
o
o
4
2
HUNT-
INGTON.
SHIRE.
1678.
Diftrefei f$f
two Thirds of
Efiites.
88 17
ANNO 1679. Taken by Exchequer Procefs for Abfence from the Na-
tional Worfliip,
I. s. d.
From Nathaniel Nurfe, John Offly, Samuel Nottingham, \
Richard Proud, and 'Thomas Golding, Goods > 48 2 o Dijireffes,
worth )
ANNO 1680. James Fenn, chofen Conftable, and refufing to take the
ufual Oath to qualify him for that Office, was committed to Prilbn.
At the Aflizes at Huntington on the 12th of the Month called Auguft this
Year, eleven Perfons were profecuted as PopiJJj Recuiants, and the Grand Jury
found Bills of Indidlment againft them, viz. William Starling, Jafper Robins,
William Wright, Robert Lifter, John Lifter, nomas Lifter, nomas Robins^
Richard Laxon, William Martin, John Apthorp, and William Nokes.
The Accounts ot Corn taken out of the Field for Tithe from Perfons of this
Perfuafion in this County, from the Year 1673 to the Year i6So inclufive,
amounted to 436/. 14 j. ?i d.
ANNO 1 68 1. In this Year on ProceflTes out of the Exchequer, and on Pre-
fentments at the AfTizes and SelTions, Goods were taken by Dillrels to the Value
of 58/. 10 s. lod. And for Fines upon the Conventicle ASc, to the Value
of 5 /. I ^.
ANNO 1682. For Abfence from the National Worfhip feveral Perfons
had their Goods taken by Diftrefs to the Amount of 28 /. 14^. 6d.
ANNO 1683. Reuben Eldred, a Miller m Fen-Stanton, had been profe-
cuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court for Tithes of a Windmill, at the Suit of
Robert Blennel Prieft of that Parifh. During the Profecution Eldred died,
leaving Tobias Hardmeat his Executor. A few Weeks alter his Death, the Par-
fon cited Tobias for the liime Tithes, which he, reflifing to pay, was about two
Years alter, on a Certificate of Contumacy, committed by two Juftices to
Prifon without Bail or Mainprize, till he fhould comply with the Ecclefiaftical
Injundliions. His Commitment was in December 1683, a Winter remarkable
for Extremity of Cold. The fame Prieft alfo profecuted Elizabeth Gray in the
Ecclefiaftical Court for Tithes : She was a poor Widow of about eighty Years
of Age, and lo infirm that flie could fcarce go out of her Houle : Yet the
Profecutor was lo hard-hearted, as to apply to the Juftices to fend her to Prifon,
the Ecclefiaftical Court having certified her to be contumacious. But the
Juftices refufed in regard of her Age, fiying, PFhat do you bring this Woman to
us for ? Jhe is fitter for her Grave than to be brought hither. So they would
not fend her to Prifon. Thus the Companion of the Juftices fmftrated the cruel
Intent of the Parlon. But he, difappointed of his Dcfign againft the ancient
"Woman, cited her Fon William Gray into the Court for the fame Claim of
Tithes, and procured a Certificate of Contumacy againft him ; but upon Ex-
amination before the Juftices, he appearing to be only as a Servant to his
Mother, they difchargcd him, though the Prieft's Advocates, viz. Salmon a
Regifter, and Nevuman a Proftor of the Ecclefiaftical Court, ftrenuoufly urged
the Juftices to fend him to Prifon. Thus both Mother and Son were preferved
by the Moderation of the Civil Magiftrate, from being facrificed to the arbitrary
ImprifoKment
for refufing to
Srve-ir.
IniiSmems,
Tnhe of Cory},
Vi'iny of
lines levieit
Diftreffes.
Tithes of a
Winimill'
Cafe of a poor
ancient ^Ki-
dow, prgje-
cuied by in
hird-hartei
Priejt.
Proceedings of Ecclefiaftical Power.
In
268
HUNT-
INGTON-
SHIRL,
1683.
X>cnk of
N'. Caw-
thjtne,
Imprifon-
mtnts.
SxcommMiici-
tion.
Vijinjfes.
Trifovcrs re-
Tiihes ill kind.
A CoUe^^ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
In the Month called June this Year, Nathamel Cawthorne was committed
to the Fleet Prilbn in London^ at the Suit of Robert Purchafe Tithe-farmer of
the Parifli of //';// w/. In which Prifon he died on the 31ft of December.
During Ills Sickncfs, fome of his Friends, confidering the extream Rigour of
the Sculbn, applied to the Profecutor to grant the poor Man a little Liberty,
but could not prevail with him. Thus he laid down his Life in Confirmation
of the Teftimony he bore againff the Antichriflian Yoke and OpprefTion of
Tithes.
ANNO 16S4. About the 2d of December, Richard Job/on and Elijah
Lovel of Huntington, were accuied before the Mayor and other Juftices of the
Peace, for being at three feveral Meetings in the faid Richard Jobfon's Houfe :
Upon their refufing to find Sureties they were fent to Prifon. At another
Meeting in the fame Place, IVilliam Starling, John Steven/on, JVUliatn Triftramy
John Lifter, Jafpcr Robins, Caleb Walker, and Thomas Robins, were likewife
taken and committed to Goal. They were confined in an open Chamber, the
Windows unglazed, and no Chimney in it, in a cold Winter Seafon, where
they remained Prifoners about four Months. For the fame Caufe alfo, Jofeph
Fozvler, Thomas Ajloton, and Abigail Loeke, were fent to Prifon. Several of the
Perfons fb committed, were afterward indidled and fined as Guilty of a Riot ;
though nothing could be more peaceable than their religious AfTemblies.
ANNO 1685. In this Year were remaining Prifoners on Writs de Excom-
vmnicalo capiendo, in the County Goal at Huntington, William Poole, James
Paris, Benjamin Bennett, Roger Chamberlain, John Purcas, David Tea/dale, and
Daniel Abbott, which two lafl had lain there about two Years, having been
profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court for a fmall Sum demanded toward repair-
ing the Steeple-houfe at Ives.
Richard Snazdale, for abfenting himfelf from his Parifh-Church, fufTered
Diflrefs of eleven Oxen worth 72/. though they were fold but for 1 5 /. For
the fame Caufe were taken from John Barnes, Gabriel Hampjhire, Richard
Taylor, Thomas Smith, Tobias Hardmeat, Samuel Nottingham, and Richard Proudy
Goods worth 45/. 17 J. ()d.
At the AfTizes this Year, George Clapham, James Paris, William Pooh,
Roger Cha?>iberlain, and Benjamin Bennett, were difcharged from their Impri-
fonment by Virtue of King ^i^'^^-J (he 5ffo«ifs Proclamation for a free and general
P.ardon.
ANNO 1690. The Accounts of Tithes taken in kind, viz. in Corn and
other tithable Matters in this County, from the faid People, between the
Years i6Sc and 1690, amounted to 1006/. gs. 4^.
CHAP.
Chap. 20. of the People called QUAKERS. , 269
CHAP. XX.
I S L E 0/
MAN.
1656.
I S L E 0/ M A N.
Anno 1656.
TH E Magiftrates of this Place, being early prepoffefled with an
Averfion to the ^takers and their Doftrine, which the Preachers of
thofe Times, whole Intereft it thwarted, had induftrioufly mifrepre-
fented, made Laws againft them at their firft coming thither, one
of which was for banilhing all of that Perfwafion, whether Natives or others :
Accordingly Katharine Evans was taken out of her Bed by Night, and fent away.
James Lancafter was alio expelled the Ifland, for no other Reafon than his
being a ^aker. Peter Cofmck, his Son, and feveral others, were clapt up in
Prifon at Cajlle-Peel, by Order of William Chrijlen a Magiftrate there ; from
thence they were removed to Douglas and banifhed. They applied to the
Lord Fairfax, Governour of the Ifland, for Leave to return, but he would
not grant it, though feme of them were born there. At length, upon Appli-
cation to the Parliament, fuch as were Inhabitants of the Place were permitted
to go Home again.
ANNO 1657. William Callow was detained eight Weeks in Prifon, for
publickly reproving a Prieft, whom he heard abufing the fakers in his Sermon
to the People. The fame William Callow and his Wife fuffered a Month's Im-
prifonment, for admitting a Meeting at their Houfe. Several Perfons were
taken out of a Meeting on the Firll-day of the Week, and kt in the Stocks
four Hours in the Market-place : Others were fined, of whom were William
Callow, John Chrijlen, and Evan KeruJIj •, from the two Former ten Bufliels of
Oats were taken by Diftrefs, which were laid in * William Chrifienh Barn : On
the next Firft-day, after Sermon, the Prieft gave publick Notice for the Poor
of the Parifh to go to the Barn and take fome Corn which the Governour had
ordered to be given them : Some poor People of his own Hearers anfwered,
^hat it had been more Charity to have given his own Goods to the Poor than other
Mens, and that they would receive 7wne of it. However fome of the Poor went
to the Place with the Prieft and Soldiers, and W. Callow went alfo. The
Prieft feveral Times called to the Poor to hold their Bags, but none of them
would. At this the Prieft grew angry, and lookingly fternly on W. Callow,
calls to the People, Why don't you take the Corn ? Is there any one here that has
ought to do with this Corn, or jaith, that it may not he given to the Poor ? This
he did on purpofe to provoke William to fay fomething, but could not. The
Poor ftood ftill a while, and then withdrew one by one, leaving the Corn
with the Prieft and Soldiers. On the following Firft-day the Parfon again
publillied the Diftribution of the Corn as before ; fignifying how much the
Governour was difpleafed that they had not taken it ; for Fear of the Gover-
nour and the Prieft, fome poor People went again to the Place, but only one
among them (named Cook) would take any, and he vauntingly faid to the
Reft, Tou are Jo proud you will not take it : I have got this, and there will be
more of his Goods taken before this be eaten, and then I'll get more. But fo it was.
Vol. I. Y y y that
B^mjhmem of
divers from
the Jjland,
Some impri'
[oneL
Others fet in
the Stocks.
The Toot re-
fiijd to tuie
Corn of W.
Callow 'i.
* This VV. Chriflen was a Deputy under the Lord Fairfax, but falling; afterward under his
DifpleaCure for fome Mifdemeanour, was (hot to Death on the Ifland. Inhislaft Speech he
mentioned with much Regret what he had done to the Suiiert,
270
I S L E of
M A N.
1^57-
Obfervtt:o>!.
lmfTtfo;mim
of W. Cal-
low mi
others.
RemirHbU
Draught of
Fijhes.
Iinprifonment
fdr frivolous
CUims of
Tithes.
Difmal Con-
fiuemeet of
W.Callow,
and. E. Chrif-
ten in a
Dungeon.
8 Confined in
lit high Timer.
jKipriftn-
Order of two
Priefis for
imprifoning
Quakers.
^ Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. L
that before he had eaten wliat he took, he was taken away by Death. His
fudden Exit was interpreted by the other Poor as a Judgment upon him ; and
they rejoiced that they had kept themfelves clear. The reft of the Corn lay
till it was fpoiled, tor no Body would take it, and then it was faid to be caft
into the Streets to the Horfes and Swine. From this Inftance we may juftly
obferve, that the Innocence and Patience of Sufferers in the Caufe of Religion,
carries with it a Force of Conviftion on the Confciences of the People, which
the Arts of defigning and interefted Men cannot eafily eradicate.
Anno 1659. fVHUam Callow and feveral others, for id. each, demanded
by the Prieft for Bread and Wine, which it was well known they had not
received, were imprifoned by a \y arrant itoxn* James Challoner the Governour ;
from whom alfo in Septemher diis Year the Prieft procured another Warrant for
the Imprifonment of Williajn Callow and Evan Cbriften for refufing to pay
Tithes. One Morning early, as foon as they came on Shore, having been all
Night in the Wet and Cold at Sea, (for they were Fifhermen) they were
hurried to Prifon in their wet Clotlies, and detained feveral Days in the Midft
of their Herring- Fifhery, the moft advantageous Seafon for their Bufinefs :
This, however defigned by their Adverfary, was not prejudicial to them, for
the next Night after they were releafed, they caught as many Fifh as they were
able to bring on Shore -, fo that they could do no lefs than gratefully acknow-
ledge a peculiar Providence attending them.
ANNO 1660. IVilliajn Calloiv, Evan Chrijieu, and others, were again fent
to Prifon by the Prieft's Procurement, fome for Tithes of Corn, fome for id.
each for Bread and Wine, others for Tithe of Fifh, not worth i d. for which
trivial Demands they were kept in Prifon fixteen Days,
ANNO 1662. The faid William Callow and Evan Cbriften, for refufing
to pay, the Former i6d. and the Latter zd. demanded by the Prieft for Bt-ead
and PFine for the Sacrament, were committed to a Prifon called St. Germain's
in Ca[ile-Peel, and were clofe lockt up in a Dungeon (under a Yard where
dead Corps were buried) without Fire, Candle, or Bedding, having only Straw
to he on, and a Stone for their Pillow : Here they lay fixteen Days, till fome
of their Neighbours, of mere Pity, unknown to them, paid the Money, other-
wife they might have perifhed there, their rigid Perfecutors, two Priefts, of
whom one was the Complainant, and the other, being a Judge of the Bifhop's
Court, granted the Warrant for their Commitment, appearing by their Adtions
to value the Lives of two honeft innocent Men at lefs than 1 8 ^. In the Month
called July, the fame Perfons, and fome others, were imprifoned ten Days for
Abfence from the publick Worfhip : And in September, they two, and fix
others, were taken out of a Meeting and carried to Cafile-RnJJien, where they
were confined in an high Tower, without Fire or Candle, in the cold Wifiter,
fifteen Weeks •, on]y ivilliam Callow, after a Month's Imprifonment, appealing
to the Earl of Derby, was permitted to go to London, wliere he at length ob-
tained the Earl's Warrant for the Difcharge of himfelf and the Reft.
ANNO 1663. The fmd fVilliam Callow and Evan Cbriften, with the faid
Evan's Father, eighty Years of Age, were committed to Peel-Caftle for Ab-
fence from the Parifh-Church, but after about fixteen Days Confinement
were releafed by Order of the Bifhop, who then came to the Ifiand to be fvvorn.
ANNO 1664. In this Year two Priefts, Judges of the Bifhop's Court,
ifllied an Order for imprifoning the fakers, viz.
" XliJ E have received late Orders from our reverend Ordinary to admonifh
" VY the Sluakers to conform and come to Cliurch, or be committed
" until they fubmit to Law ; and forafmuch as they refufe, after feveral Charges
and
* This Governour Challoner had been one of the Long Parliament, and upon the King's
Return was Lnt for to Z.ow.iow, in order, as it was thought, to be tried among the Regi-
cides : The Day he (hould have gone, he took fomething called Phyljck, which killed him ia
alhorcTime. He had been a violent Perfecucor, and was heard to fiiy a little before his
t/c-ath, that/;!; v>»M quicHj rid the Jjl*nd of Quakers.
Chap. 20. of the People called QUAKERS.
271
•*' and Publications in the Parifli-Church, but continue their Meetings and Refrac- I S L E 0/
*' torinefs to all Government of the Church, and are therefore cenfured to be MAN.
*' committed into St. Germain's Prifon, and there let them remain till Orders 1664,
»« given to the contrary, and for fo doing this fliall be your Difcharge.
" Robert Tarrr
" John Harrifony
*' p. S. If they refufe to be committed by you, call for the Afiiftance of a
•' Soldier from Captain Ajcoiigh. Let the Sumner put this in Execution
" immediately."
By this Order the faid William Callow, Evan Chrijlen, and fome others, were
again committed to Prifon on the 2 2d of the Month called May this Year.
A tew Days after their Commitment fVilliam Callow's Wife fell fick ot a Fever,
and was thought to be at the point of Death. Interceffion was made by fome
Neighbours to die Bifhop, that he, then Prifoner fixteen Miles from Home,
mignt have Leave to go vifit his Wife, which Liberty was with much Diffi-
culty granted him tor two Days only.
She was Icarce well recovered, when, on the i8th of O£lober, the Apparitor
or Sumner, came to her, and the reft of the Women called ^takers on the
Ifland, with an Order from the Bilhop to carry them all to Prifon, they being,
as he faid, all of them, both Men and Women, excommunicated j ot which
Excommunication they knew nothing till he told them. As he was conveying
tliem to Prifon, William Callow's, Wife was found unable either to walk or ride,
wherefore the Sumner, having reprefented her Cafe to the Bifhop, was ordered
to let her be carried Home again. The other five, namely, Jane Chrijlen,
Jane Kennell, Anne Chriften, Mary Callow, and Mary Cbrijlen, {one of whom
was fc-venty four, and another fixty feven Years of Age •, a third was a poor
ferving Man's Wife, having three Children, one of whom, fucking at her
Breaft, flie took with her to Prifon ; -x f mirth was the Wife of one not called a
■Quaker, having a large Family and many Children ; and the fifth was a Ser-
vant of W'dllam Callow, whom they took away from her fick Miftrefs) were
carried to Caftle-Pecl, to the Place called St. Ger?nain's Prifon, and put into the
aforefaid difmal Dungeon under the Burying-Ground, where the Men alfo were :
When the Sumner had brought them to the deepeft Part of the Dungeon, he
took off his Hat, and formally pronounced what he called the Bifhop's Curfe,
to tliis Effed, viz. " I do here before the Standers by, deliver you up into
•' St. Germain's Prifon by the Law of my Lord the Bifhop and his Clergy,
" you being caft out of the Church by Excommunication, and I do take Wit-
*' nefs that I do deliver you over from the Power of the Bifhop and his Law,
" to be and continue the Earl of Derby's Prifoners." What he meant by diis
the Prifoners knew not, there being none prefent but himfelf and them : Hav-
ing fo faid he left them, and they lay there many Months, enduring the Hard-
fhips ot a clofe and unhealthy Confinement, the cruel Mercies of the Bijhop and
liis Clergy.
ANNO 1665. On the 15th of the Month called Jaw, Henry Nowell, the
Dcputy-Governour, came to the Caftle, and read to the Prifoners an Order from
the Earl ot Derby, that they muft be forthwith tranjported into fome other Land.
On the 29th of the fame Month Thomas Harrifon and John Woods, two Priefts,
came to the Prifoners and told them, they were come by the Deputy-Gover-
nour's Order, to admomfJj them to confortn to the Church, otherwife they mujl be
banifJjed forthwith.
On the 5th of September the Commander of the Caftle received an Order to
fend all his ^laker Prifoners to Douglas, which was done on the 7th ; they
were kept there guarded by Soldiers till the 14th, and then put on board a Ship,
whereof Thomas Brittain was Mafter. As the Prifoners entred on one Side the
Ship,
Sumnir's Of
dtr to carry
all the iVomtn
to Prijon,
5 WomeTt com'
mitted to Sh
Gerqiaia'j
Prifon.
The Sumner's
Speech in tb:
Dungeon.
prifoners put
on Shif-beard.
272
I S L E o/
MAN.
1665.
Seimen refufe
to Ciirry them.
A Colledlion of ihe Sufferings Vol. I.
Ship, the Seamen went out on the other into the Boat, telling the Mafter, that
they were not hired to carry People out of their native Country againjl their Wills.,
neither would they go with him if he carried them, and fo went on Shore, leaving
him only a Boy' or two. The Mafter feeing his Men refolute, and himfelf
unable to proceed on his Voyage without them, conferred with the Soldiers,
and fet the Priibners on Shore again, which being done, the Seamen returned
to the Ship, and fet Sail.
About three Days after, feveral Veflels came into the Road, but all refufed
to carry the Prifoners. The Soldiers would have forced them on board the
Ship of Anthony Nicbolfon, a JVhitehaven Man, but he ftoutly oppofed it, fay-
ing, he would carry no Prifoners, except they would fend a Guard cf Soldiers,
and Money to mai>itain both the Prijoners and them, and alfo fignify in Writing
the Crime laid to their Charge ; adding, that if they were juch dangerous Perjons
as were unworthy to live in their own Country, he would not trufl than on Board,
lejl perhaps they fhould overpower him and take away his Vejfel. This he fpoke
ironically. However, on the 1 8th of September about Midnight, four of the
Prifoners, viz. William Callow, Evan Chriftcn, Jane Chrijlen, and Mary Cal-
low, were * hurried out of their Beds (not having Time allowed them to put
on their Clothes, fome of which were left behind) and by Force two of them
were put on board Nicholjon's Ship, and the other two on board Willia?n Croff-
thzvaite's, another Man of Whitehaven, againft the Will of the Mafters, from
one of whom the Officer detained his Sails, and would not let him go off
without the Priloners. So they failed to Dublin in Ireland, where neither Pri-
foners nor Seamen were fuffered to land, till one of the Mafters, William Crojf-
Ihwaite, was examined by the Mayor, who demanded his Order or Warrant
for bringing the Prifoners without their Confent, to which he anfwered, that he
had no Warrant, hut was compelled to take them on Board by one Qiiail, an Officer,
who took away his Sails, and would not let him fut off without them, and that
his Veffel was in Danger of breaking. Upon which the Mayor gave him the
following Order, viz.
" Sir,
O U are hereby required to take back in your own Veflel, the four
Prifoners called fakers, which you brought againft their voluntary
Confent out of the Jfle oi Man, and them to put on Shore on the faid Ifland,
there to follow their neceflary Occafions, of which you may not fail at
your Peril. Dated the 27th of September 1665.
Tb William CrofTthwaite, Mafter of the
Ship Elizabeth of Whitehaven.
lanied at Purfuant to this Order he brought them back, but either being, or pretend-
Whitehaven. ing to be, put by the Ifland through contrary Winds, he carried them to
Whitehaven in Cutnberland, and there put them on Shore with this Certificate, viz.
4 Prifoners St
Midnight put
on boiiri two
y^P/ds agdfiji
the irm of
the Mj.jhfs,
Carried to
Dublin.
Order of the
Mayor of
Dublin for
arryhig ihetn
buck.
The Niifier's
CertificKte.
TH E S E are to certify whom it may concern, but efpecially the
Officers of the J/le oi Man, that I William Croffthwaite, Mafter ot the
Ship called the Elizabeth, of Wlntehaven, was, by Order of the Mayor of
the City of Dublin, ordered to carry back the under-named Perfons into
the Ifle of Man, at my own proper Cofts and Charges, they being lent
out of the faid Ifland againft their voluntary Confent, and that the faid
Perfons were ordered to return into my Veflel, or elfe to be imprifoned :
Furthermore, my Sails were taken from my Yards, until I would promife
" to
* They purpofcd alR) to have fcnt away another Woman of feventy four Years of Age,
bur left her, being coo weak to remove, lying, as they thought, at the point of Dtath, on a
Bed of Straw.
Chap. 20. of the People called QUAKERS. 273
" to bring them back again, to wit, William Callow, Evan Chrijleft, Jane I ^^ J^ "/
" Chripn^ md Mary Callow. 166^
" William Crossthwaite."
Whitehaven, the -th of
Oaober KJ65.
Attefted by Robert Greafotis, George Rohinfon, 7
William Stockdell, John Rodery. J
Mariners.
te
The Prifoners having given Information to a Juftice of the Peace of their
prefent Condition and Circumftances, he made the following Order, viz.
Cumberland fs.
" John Lamplugh Efq; one of hisMajeJlfs Jujlices of the Peace
' ' and Quorum for the faid Comity : To the Conjiables of
" Prefton, and others of the Officers o/"Whitehaven, Greeting.
tc
tc
FORASMUCH as Information is given unto me, that William Crojf-
thwaite of Whitehaven, Mafter of the Ship called the Elizabeth, hath
lately brought over out of the IJle of Man, William Callow, Evan Chriften,
Jane Chriften, and Mary Callow, Inhabitants of the faid Ifland, who are
fold to be fakers, without any Order or legal Proceedings appearing for
his fo bringing them into this County ; and fince it may endanger the Peace
of the faid County, to permit the faid Perfons to continue here. Thefe
are therefore in his Majefty's Name to command you, that you caufe the
faid ff^illiam Callow, Evan Chriften, Jane Chriften, and Mary Callow, to
be put on board the faid Ship of the faid William CroJJthwaite, and he to
carry them, upon the next Opportunity back again to the faid Ifle of Man.
«' And hereof you are not to fail. Given under my Hand and Seal the 4th
*' Day of November, Anno regni Regis Caroli fecundi 17° Annoq; Dom. 1665.
" John Lamplugh."
On the 1 2th of 'December, Croffthwaite took them on Board again, but in-
ftead of carrying them to the Ifland, carried them again to Dublin ; but was
not fuffered to land there, till he had given Security to convey them to the
Ifland on his Return : After which Security given they landed, and on the
25th of the fame Month came on Board again : But he, contrary to his En-
gagement, returned with them to Whitehaven. Thus were thefe innocent People
harrafled and tofl"ed up and down in the cold Winter Seafon. Being landed
again in England, the two Men went to the Earl of Derby, and while they were
employed in fruitlcfs Sollicitations to him and the Bifhop, Croffthwaite carried
the two Women back to the Ifland, where they were again fhut up in Priibn.
A few Days after his Vefl"el was driven on Shore by a violent Storm, and fome
Pafliengers, with almoft all his Goods, were loft.
ANNO 1666. William Callow and Evan Chriften, after long Attendance
on the Earl of Derby, were by Mefl"age from him directed to attend the
Bifliop, then at Windfor, when he fhould come down to Knowl fey-Hall in Lan-
cajhire : He went thither fome Time after, and there they got Admittance
both to the Bi/hoj> and the Dean of the Ifland, on the ift of the Month called
June this Year, and had a long Conference with each of them in the Prefence
of the Countefs of Derby and others, which Conferences we here fubjoin, viz.
I. A Discourse between the Bifhop of the Ifle of Man, and William
Callow and Evan Chriften, two banifhed ^takers.
Order of a
juftice for
arryivg them
back to the
Iflnr.i.
Bifliop. What have you to fay to me ?
Vol. I. ZzT
They ire «r-
ried. again t»
Dublin.
Theme back
agiin to
Whitehaven,
Fruitlefs At-
tendance of
the two Men
on the Earl
and Bilhop.
Women car-
ried back to
the Ifland.
Croffthwait's
yegel caft
away.
Ihey are dl-
relied by the
Earl to th:
Bilfiop.
A Difcourfe
between the
Bilhop and
bunijhei lAsn.
Anfw. We
274 -^ CoUeclion of the Sufferings Vol. 1.
S L E »/ //'//:c'. We have to lay to thee to let thee know, that we are perfecuted
M A N. ;ind banifhed Irorn Place to Place for Confcience-fake, and moft of it is long
^^66. of thee.
Biihop. / cM ml banijh you : I left you fajl enough when I came cut of the
If.and.
Aifv). Yet notwithftanding we know that our Banifliment halh heen long of
thee, or elfe the EaH would be loth to ufe us there worfe than his Tenants in
this Country.
Billiop. I'oii are not hanifht, but you haniflo your felves.
Arfd!. Nay, we do not banifli our felves, neither have we done any Thing
worthy of Banifhment, but are by you contrary to Law perfecuted.
Bifliop. / have no 7nore to do with you, nor to fa-^ to you, hut what I told you
before, that if I can ferfuade m-^ hard to the contrary^ you fhall not go again to the
Ifland.
Anjvj. Indeed we do expeft no better from the Spirit of Perfecution in any
whomfoever : But thou art contrary to the Spirit of Chrift, who faid, Do unto
all Men as you would he done unto, and love thy Enemies, and not to perfecute any.
Bifhop. Tou are not at all perfecuted, hut you perfecute your felves, and you
are the Caufes of the Ruin of your own Families, and their Blood fhall be upon
ycur own Heads.
Ailfw. We are not guilty of our own Blood, nor yet of the Blood of our
Families, but our Blood and theirs too fhall be upon your Heads by whom we
are perfecuted.
Bifhop. 2'ou are not perfecuted, hut hanifhed hecaufe you do not come to the
Church.
Anfw. When did Chrift or his Apoftlesbanifh any for not coming to hear
them, as you do.
Bifhop. Tes, many.
Anfw. Prove it, for I cannot remember that I ever read of any.
Bifhop. Did not Paul caji them cut that were diforderly in the Church ?
■ Anfw. But he did not bar.ilh or imprifon them that were without, if they
did not come in, as thou haft caufed to be done to us.
Bifhop. I did not banifh you neither, but exco?nrnunicate you, as he did ; and
I have no more to fay to you.
- 'Aiftv.- But neither Chrift, nor his Apoftles, did force them that were with-
out to come in, or elfe be banifhed or compelled, as thou haft done to us.
Bifhop. Tea, Chrift bade his Servants go and compell them to come in.
Aiko. That was a Parable concerning a certain Man that had bidden many
to a Feaft, who began to make their Excufes, one of his Land, another of his
Wife, another of his Oxen : Mark what he laid. They fJjall not tafte of my
Supper. He did not fay, Banifh them and perfecute them.
Biihop. 2'bu are not perfecuted, but punifhed hecaufe you do not come to the
Church, nor obey the Law, but are in Rebellion.
Anfw. We are not in Rebellion, but they that aft againft the Spirit of
Chrift in their Confciences are in the Rebellion.
Bifhop. But why will "not you come to the Church ?
Anfw. We do not own your Church to be the true Church.
Bifhop. Why, what have you to Jay againfl it ?
Anjw. It is but an Houfe of Lime, Wood, and Stone, and therefore not
a true Church, for the Church is in God.
Biihop. IVe matter -not what you call the Place ; the Congregation that meet
in it is tlje Church.
Anfw. They that meet in the Name of the Lord, and in his Power to
worfliip him in Spirit and in Truth, v/e own : But they that meet to worfhip
with the Body, and to make a ConlefTion with their Lips of other Men's Lines
made ready to their Hands ; and as loon as they have done, they fight and
quarrel, cheat and deceive one another, thefe are not the true Church of Chrift.
Biihop. How fhall I know that you have the Spirit of Ced ?
Anfw. Thou
Chap. 20. of the People called QUAKERS. 275
Anjw. Thou inayfl: try us ; for every Tree is known by its Fruits, and an ISLE of
evil Tree cannot bear good Fruits, nor a good Tree evil Fruits. ^J^I^'
Bifliop. Lei me fee the Spirit of God. ^°^
Anfw. Blefied are the Pure in Heart, they fhall fee God : But they that
are not led by the Spirit of God, they are none of his.
Bifhop. All Men have not the Spirit of God.
Arfw. Yes, the Grace of God hath appeared unto all Men to profit withal,
by which Salvation is witncflTcd.
Bifhop. Then Thieves may fay^ they have the Spirit of God, ajid cry out for
Liberty of Confciencc, as you do.
Anfw. That which reproves the Thief for ftealing other Men's Goods is
of God ; but diat which leads them to fteal other Men's Goods, (contrary to
that of God in their Confcicnces) is of the Devil, which Spirit we deny, and
is in the Perfecutor.
Bifhop. Had Simon Magus the Spirit of God ?
Anfw. What was that in Simon Magus which did let him fee his Errors,
when he dcfired the Apoftles to pray to the Lord, that what he had faid might
not be laid to his Charge ?
Bifhop. Had Judas the Spirit of God ?
A»f^- The Meafure of God's Spirit, which was in Judas, condemned him
for betraying innocent Blood, or elfe he had not brought back again the thirty
Pieces of Silver.
Bifliop. Let me have the Liberty of my Confcience.
Anfw. We do not iiiy any Thing againfl the Liberty of any Man's Con-
fcience, while they do not aft againft that of God in their Confciences, which
reproves them for Sin and Evil in them.
Bifliop. nen my Confciejice tells me, that I mufi puniffj you, atid that I da
well in punifhing you.
AnfiV. Then the Scripture is fulfilled upon thee, which faith. He that killeth
you fhall think he doth God good Service -, for that which would perlccute Men
for Confcience-fake is not of God, but an evil Spirit, which rules in the evil
Confciences of the Children of Difobedience. And Chrifl laid, The D.^vil
/hall cajl fame of you into Prifon : And therefore the perlLcuting Spirit ought
not to have its Liberty, for Chrifl came not to deflroy MerCs Lives, but to five
them : And therefore he ought to be fet at Liberty in every Man's Confcience,
to lead them from Sin and TranfgrefTion into Righteoufnefs, whereby they
may be faved.
Bifhop. / thought fo : Tou would have the Liberty of your own, hut you.
would not that I fhould have the Liberty of my Confcience.
Anfw. Yea, we would that all Men might have the Liberty of a tender
Confcience, to obey that of God in a pure Confcience, which makes manifeft
Sin, and reproves Evil, but that which would perfecute Men for Confcience^
fake tov/ards God, ought not to have its Liberty.
Bifhop. But if you might have your Liberty, you would corrupt all your
Neighbours about you.
Anfd}. Nay, we would not coriiipt them, they are corrupted enough :
Swearers, Liars, Whoremongers, are all corrupted.
Bifliop. But you would be bad Examples to them to follow your Ways.
Anfw. They have feventeen Priefl:s among them to be Examples to them,
if they be good and as they ought to be ; and what need they fear us, who
are but two Men, if we had been as thou hafl: fiid. The People are their
Hearers, and ought to follow the befl Examples, whether it be as or them,
or at leafl; that of God in their Confciences, which reproves them for Sin and
Evil, which we would have all Men to be guided by.
Bifhop. The Devil is cunning : He will not appear in hii own Shape to deceive
People.
An/w. He appears in the Sheep's Clothing, which is the Words of the
Prophets, Chrifl:, and the ApoflJes, to deceive People while they put into
their
276
I
S L E 0/
M A N.
1 666.
A Difcourfe
beiviiin the
Dean avd
banilhed
Men.
^ Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
their Mouths
but if any will not put into their Mouths, then the Wolve's
Nature appears in them, and they will bite with their Teeth at them, and
call them into Prilbn, and perfecute or banlfli them.
Bifhop. / thought you would have been better for the Pmijhment, but you
are rather worfe. . , „ , 1 • 1 ,v *■• >
Jnfiu. We did think, that thcu mightit have been in a better Mind, to
confider what thou hadft done to us, and to our Families and Children, and to
have o-iven us thy Order to return to the Ifland again to them ; but it feems
thou art worfc indeed.
Biflaop. nis is all your Difcourfe, both in the I/land and here, but you will
neither give Reafon nor take Reafon : 1 have nothing to fay to you, 7ior to do with
you, neither will I confent that you fhall go to the Ifland again, if I can help it.
Anfw. We know our Duty.
Bilhop. IVlMt is that ?
Anfw. The Lord God of Heaven and Earth preferve and keep our Fami-
lies in his Fear and Wifdom, and if we lliould not fee their Faces as in the
Outward Appearance, it is for our faithful Teftimony to the Lord. There-
fore we can freely give them up into liis Hands : And the Lord God of his
Mercy forgive you our Perfecutors.
Bifhop. Pray not for us, pray for your fives.
Anfw. We are bound in Confcience to pray for our Perfecutors, and to
blefs them that curfe us, and though thou wouldft have curled us in thy Ex-
communication, we pray for thee, and deny thy Curfe.
Bifhop. I fee you neither give Reafon, nor take Reafon, I have nothing to Jay
to you : Go your Ways to Mr. Fletcher, and fee what he will [ay to you.
Anfw. Thou art the Man we have waited fo long for, and feeing thou art
refolved to perfuade the Earl againft us, what fhould we go to him for ?
Bifhop. He is the Dean of the Ifland, and it concerns him as well as me,
if you can [atisfy him. Til be fatisfied.
Then the Bifhop's Man direfted him to the Dean in his Chamber.
and
2. A Discourse between the Dean of the
faid bani/hed Perfons.
Ifle of Man, and the
Dean. Come in. Friends, what would you have from me ?
■ Bi/bop's Man. They would have their Liberty.
Dean. So I fee they have, and much more they might have if they would be
obedient to the Law.
Anfw. We are obedient to the Law, and for oui" Obedience to the Law,
we are here perfecuted.
Dean, // you are obedient to the Law, what are you here for ?
Anfw. We are perfecuted for Confcience-fake by the Priefls, and now
banifhed (contrary to the Law of the Nation) from our Wives, Children,
Families, and Eftates.
Dean. Why fo ?
Anfw. Becaufe for Confcience-fake we cannot bow to their Way of Worfhip.
Dean. Oh, then you are not perfecuted, but punifhed becauje you are not
obedient to the Law.
Anfw. We are not difobedient to the Law, but are obedient to the Law of
God and Man for the Lord's Sake.
Dean. Then your Peace is made. Til affure you.
Anjw. Yea, we know that our Peace is made with God in Chrifl.
Dean. But you mujl obey the Laiv of the Land where you live.
Anfw. Whether we muft obey the Law of God, or the Law of the Land,
judge thou.
Dean. Is not our Law the Law of God ?
Anfw. I deny that.
Dean, 77v« go your Ways : If you deny that, I have no more to fay to you.
Anfw. The
Chap. 20. of the People called (QUAKERS, 277
Anjw. The Law of God is highly and teaches People to love Enemies, ISLE of
and to do unto all Men as they would be done unto ; but your Law is cruel, ^^ AJ^'
by which you perlecute the innocent People of God, who have not done you, ' ^""*
nor any Body elfe any Harm, quite contrary to the Law of God, which faith, '^
Love Enemies.
Dean. You are not perfecitted, but punijhed hecaufe ■jou do net obey the Law.
Anfw. We do obey the Law, and contrary to any jull Law are we perfe-
cuted by you for Conlcience-fake.
]>an. Tou are not perfecuted for Conjcience-Jake^ hut punijhed for your Dif-
obedience to the outward Law.
Anfw. How far hath the outward Law Power over a Man ?
Dean. 'The outward Law hath not Power hut over the outward Man.
Anfw. Then you ought not to perfecute us by your outward Law, for our
Obedience to the Law ot the inward Man, the Light of Chrift in a pure Con-
fcience, which the outward Law hath nothing to do with, as thy felf haft faid.
Dean. No more it has not.
Anfw. Then we ought to be free ; for when we were fent for to Prifon,
we obeyed and went, and we were banifhed ; fo we cannot be accufcd of dif-
obeying the outward Law : Notwithftanding all this we are fUll Sufferers, and
that for our Confcience towards God.
Dean. IVe meddle not with your Confcience at all : God forbid we fhould :
But you muji obey the outward Law., and you may keep your Confcience to your
felves.
Anfw. Haft thou not read, that a Candle is not lighted to be put under a
Bufhel -, and what befel to him that hid his Talent in the Earth.
Dean. IVe do not defire you to put your felves under any Thing : Keep your
Confcience to your felves ; but you mufl obey the higher Power.
Anfw. The higher Power we own, and for our Obedience to the higher
Power, who is the Light and Life of Men, we are periecuted.
Dean. I tell you it is not Perfecution, therefore call tt not Jo ; but you are
punijhed hecaufe you will not be obedient to the outward Law, as the Apoflle com-
manded.
Anfw. The Apoftle himfelf withftood the Powers that then were in the
World, as much as any of the Apoftlesdid, that is to fay, in what they com-
manded that was contrary to God's Law.
Dean. The Apoflle did not reji(i the outward Law.
Anfw. For what then was he perfecuted ?
Dean. Becaufe he was a Chriflian.
Anfw. So are we perfecuted, becaufe we are Chriftians, who witnefs Chrift
the Light to be lufKcient to be our Teacher now, as he did then, for if he would
have denied Chrift to be the Light of the World, he fhould not have been
perfecuted, neither flKjuld we, if we would deny him to be our Light, which
we intend not to do.
Dean. Im know not what you fay., nor what Perfecution is, therefore call
it not fo. ,
AnfiV. Then you ought to let us alone, if you think that we know not what
we fay, and pray to the Lord for the Converfion of us, for Perfecution hard-
cneth the Llearts of fuch People.
Dean. But we would have you fubmit to the higher Power, as the Apoflle
comtnanded.
Anfw. The Apoftle faid. Let every Soul he fubje^l to the higher Power, for
Confcience-fake, and that we own, and for our Obedience to the higher Power,
which is the Power of God, we are perfecuted, as the Apoftle was tor his Obe-
dience to tlie lame Power.
Dean. The Apoflle was 7iot perfecuted for his difobeying the outward Law or
Power, neither did he reftfl the outward Law as you do, but hecaife he was a
Chriflian, was he perfecuted.
Vol. \. 4 A Anfw. So
278 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
ISLE 0/ Anjw. So are we by you perfecuted becaufe we are Chriftians, 'u'lz. we con-
M A N. fcls Chrift manifeft in us now, as he did confefs in him then ; and it was be-
1666. LMufe the Aportle would not conform to the Jews Way of Worlhip, who were
\.,y^~\n^ liis Perfccutors, that he was perfecuted.
Dean. But they "Joere dark, ivicked, and Unbelievers.
Anfuj. So are all Ferfecutors in Darknefs now, as they were then : We are
now perfecuted by you who pretend your felves to be Chriftians : So both they
and you are found in one Spirit, perfecuting the Innocent for their good Con-
Icience, and their Obedience to the higher Power.
Dean. Ton do not obey the higher Power in Church and State ; the Law
cvbich we have here in England, and you have in the Ifle of Man.
Anjw. Yea, we are obedient to the higher Power both of Church and
State, for the Church is in God, who is the Power, State, and Stay of all
the true Churches built upon Chrift, the Corner Stone, whom the wife Builders
ol the World did reject, who daubed with untempered Mortar, as you do
now, who were the Perfecutors in all Ages, and upon which Stone the Perfe-
cutors in all Ages have been broken to pieces, that ever fought againft it.
A'. B. Toward the End of the Conference, the Couniefs and alfo the
Bijhop came into the Dean''?, Apartment.
Countefs of Derby. What is it then that jou do hold to he the higher Power.
xinjw. The Power of God, which crucified Paul to the World, and the
World to him.
Countefs. // is true.
Bijhop. What will you lay of St. James, who fays, JVe mtijl obey the King.
Will you make the King God.
Anfw. We do own the King's Power, over the outward Man, but I hope you
will allow the Power of God, who is King of Kings, to be above the King's Power.
.. Countefs. It is true : The Power of God is above the King's Power.
Anfw. We oivn both, and for our Obedience to the Power of God, tijs higher
Power, we are perfecuted, and do ft and here this Day under Perfecution, defiring
an Order for our Return to our native Country.
Ihty return to Thus the Conferences ended, but the Sufferers obtained no Redrefs, nor
fee thdr Fj.- coujd the Bifliop be prevailed upon to admit their Return, and through his
nihes, but j,-,flj,ef,ce the Earl alfo was hardened againft them. So they went into Cumber-
fereTtol'li'd. ^•^■"'■h 'in'-l "^^en being determined at any Rifque to vifit their diftreffed Families,
they took Shipping again for the Ifland, but before they could get on Shore,
the Mafter of the Veifcl, Pickering, was ordered not to lulTer them to land,
fo they were detained on board till the ift of September, when the Mafter fent
a Petition to the Bifhop, requefting that they might go on Shore till he was
ready to return, and then, if required, he would carry them back to England^
whereunto the Bifhop anfwered thus,
" T AM content that the ^^mkers mentioned be fecured on Shore, till the
" Y. Return of the VefTel, upon Security given by the Owner of theVefTel,
" and by the ^.akers, lor their Return upon his Departure from the Ifland.
" Isaac Soder and Man!'
Sa OH Shore Upon this they were fet on Shore, and continued at Home about a Month,
by the Bijhop's till the Veifel being ready to fail, a Soldier was fent to fetch them to Ramfey,
leave. where they were kept till the iftot OBober, and then put on Board by two
BoJd!^'^ "" Soldiers, Willia}n Callow's Wife and Relations taking their Leave of him with
Tears. The Mafter of the Vefl^el alfo wept, compafTionating their Condition,
and faid to IFiUiam's Wife, Fear not, your Hufhand is an honejl Man : We will
live and die together, and he fhall want for nothing that 1 have or caw do for
Privn hck ^■'"" ' So he put to Sen, but the Wind proving contrary, brought them back
to Doii^la"-. to Douglas in the Ifland, where tliey lay two or three Days, during which
Ikeir E/l.nei Time one ^laltrop an Attorney took PoflefTion of their Eftates, and made an
fiiZ!:i- Inventory
Chap. 20. of the People c^//^^ QUAKERS. 279
Inventory of all they had, both real and perlbnal, by Virtue of the following ISLE c/
Order, vi%.
The ijih of ]\i\y, 1666.
IN Purluance of my Honourable Lord's Order, that the Eftates, as well
real as perfonal, of the feveral Perfons within this Ifle, who ftand con-
victed for embracing and following the Heretical Dotlrine of the Sed com-
monly called fakers, are forfeited, and do accrue and belong to his Lord-
fhip : You are according to your laid Order to repair to the faid refpedlive
Perfons, now in Poflefllon of any fuch Eftate, Goods, or Chattels, and take
Security from them for the tnie Payment of the Yearly Rent referved upon
every fuch Eftate, and alfo to take good Security to render a true and
perfecT: Account to his Lordfhip, his Heirs and Afiigns, of the Yearly
Profits of fuch Eftate or Eftates, at any Time or Times, when the fame
fhall be required.
" Isaac Soder and Man;.
" Henry Nowell •'■
*' Richard Stevenson
" John Christen ^^
*' Richard Tylelerly'.
To Air. Qualtrop his Lord/Lip's
jittorney.
M A N.
1 666.
Or ier for fuch
Seiiun.
On the 5 th of 05!oher they fet fail again, and next Day arrived at New-
haven, from whence W. Callow went into Lancajhire, and made Application
again to the Earl, but found no Relief; wherefore he reprefented his Cafe to the
Duke of 7'ork, and to Prince Rupert^ and obtained from the Prince his Letter
to the Earl of Derby, viz.
Whitehall, the 1 ith of December, 1 ^66. , .
*' My Lord,
THERE is one William Callow, an ancient Tenant of your Lordlhip,
in the IJle of Man, is now, it feems, turned ^ifker, and for that
Reulbn banifht the Country: I am defired by another of that Prpfeffion,
whom I knew to be a faithful and Loyal Subjeft to his Majefty in the Tipie of
the late War, to intreat with you for the faid Callow i he afturing me, that
he is a quiet, inofFenfive Perfon in every Thing, fave in the Matter of his
Religion, and though I would not be an Advocate for any dangerous un-
peaceable Perfon, yet in Tjch an Inftance I am induced to give your Lord-
fhip this Trouble, the Man himfelf appearing to me not likely to be dan-
gerous, and alfo expreffing with as much Refpecfl and Reverence toward
your Lordfhip, as his ProfefCon will give him leave : If there be no more
in it than being a i^iaker, I do prefume your Lordfhip may be inclined to
reftore him and his Family to their ancient PofTefTions, and that you may
pleafe to do fo, is the Reafon I give your Lordfhip this Trouble, who am
" lour Lordjhip's faithful Friend and Servant
" RuPEaajJi '
: ,1 :.;>.;, Ij,';!.ni •-
To this Letter of the Pmf ^ the Earl returned this Anfwer^ .^zs.;! -'
" May it pleafe your Highnefs, '\ ■■
IH A D the Honour to receive a Letter from your Highnefs, by the
Hands of a Manh ^laker, wherein your Highnefs is pleafed to inti-
mate your Command to me, that he fhould be permitted to return to the
IJle of Man, from whence he ftands banifhed (with others becaufe they are
fakers) by the Lavvs of that Place : I make bold to inform ybuf High-
" neis,
4(
Luniei at
Newhaven.
W. Callow
re turns to
London.
A Letter from
Prince Ru-
pert to the
Eirl of Der«
by.
.vci
The Earfi
Anfvier,
I S" L E
M A N,
1666.
280 ^ Collcd:ioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
0/ " nefs, that there is now in die Ifland not one * S^uaker or diflenting Perfon
" of any Perluafion trom the Church of England, and I humbly conceive your
" Highnefs, ior that one Man's Concern, would not have that Place endan-
" gered to be infedled with Schifin or Herejy, which it might be liable to, if
" ^takers lliould be permitted to refide there. Having given your Highnefs
" this Account, I Ihall now detain your Highnefs no longer from your more
" lerious Affairs. I fliall only add that I am
". Tour Highnefs' s moji humble Servant
" D E R B Y."
The impri-
foned Women
bibig -with
Child peti-
tion th- Bi-
jbdp for Leive
logo Nome,
Jk- Bifhop'i
loitgb Atijner,
t:
While PFilliam Callozu was thus bufied at London in folliciting for Liberty
to return Home, he received a Letter from his Wife, dated the 19th of the
Eleventh Month 1 666, relating that fhe, and her Sifter Jane Chriften, Mary
Callow, and his Daughter Anne Callow, were Prifoners in Caftle-Peel, where
they had been five or fix Weeks, and that all their Eftates, real and perfonal,
were feized ; that JVilliam\ Father laid, he ivoidd fell the Land, and that the
Servants were about to go away and leave the Houfe, and that, flie heard,
the Attorney would fliortly come and take away the Goods ; that both
fhe and Jane Chriften were with Child, and that they had writ to the Bifhop
for Leave to return to their Houfes till the Spring, and then return to Prifon,
they not having wherewith to fubfift there in Winter,' nor NeceiTiiries for Per-
fons in their Condition, but that the Bifhop had returned a fhort and rough
Anfwer thus,
Caftle-Town, the 15th of December 1666.
F upon Relcalement they put in Security to promife to come to the Ser-
vice, and conform to the Order of the Church, and all fuch as are
excommunicated to acknowledge their Schiims, and receive Abfolution, I
" .fliall fo far prefume upon my -f Lord's Favour as to grant them Liberty,
i\ othefwife I have no Power to meddle with them, they being my Lord's
*' Prifoners, and if they mifcarry in their Health or Lives, it is wholly im-
.(*' putable to their own wilful Difobedience, and they muft be accounted Mur-
'«' deters of themfelv-es, and this isall-tc-an lay to them.
^^'^'io "''■ " Isaac Soder and ManJ'
■ -nrr pvo'l r. \.
ANNO. 1667. • Both the Earl and Bi/hop continuing thus inflexible, JVilUam
Cafld'u)', moved with the hard Eftate of his Wife and Family, refolved to go
agairl^to
W. Callow'f
Letter to the
Earl ,f Der-
r
the Ifland. ' His Motives for fo doing, and his Ufage there, are ex-
prefled'iri the following Paper of his own writing, directed
-J iJJiUlJ
rij; Oii'rV
.u.i Ul.
^«' To'' /i^/^ Earl of Derby.
HAVING formerly fliewed unto thee my Condition of Imprifonment
and Banifhiment from thy Ifland (about three Years and three Months
at 'limes) from my Wife and fniall Children, for Confcience-fake, and
though often with thee, could not have thy Order for my Return into the
Ifland again : Therefore being in the North of England, and hearing that
my Wife was in Prifon, and had been a long Time in the Winter Seafbn of
Frofl and Snow, and by Reafon of the Cold, and flie being with Child and
likely to die, I was perfuaded to adventure to fee her, although it fhould
coft me my Life, and the fame Day that I came Home, (when I found my
Wife in a weak Condition) I was lent for to Prilbn by Order from the
rft sd j. . " Bifhop,
'*" 1"hls was a Miltake, there being three Wemen Puakers then in Prifon on the Ifland.
+ The Earl of Dab/.
Chap. 20. of the People called QUAKERS.
" Bifhop, and after feven Days was put on board a Scotch VefTel, and fent to
*' EnglcDid. And now I appeal unto that of God in thee, who will let thee fee
and know the Eftate of my weak Family, who by Reafon of my Banifh-
ment, and my Wife's Imprifonment, (our Eftates being feized on for thee)
are much deftroyed, and fhe and the Children likely to luffer for Want,
well knowing that it is in thy Power to relieve us, and to reftore me to
them, that I may be helpful for their Relief; for if I have done any Thing
worthy of Bonds or Imprifonment, let me fufter in my own Country, that
we may fufter Want all together, if it mufl be fo, I with them, and they
with me, but rather that I might be helpful to them. Thele Things being
but rcafonable, and it being in thy Power to grant thefe my Requefts, I
hope thou wilt not always harden thy Heart, as Pharaoh did againfl the
Children of Ifrael, and would not let them go to their own Land, which
the Lord had given them, until the Lord by his Plagues and Judgments did
force him to let them go : Though (for all my hard Ufage) I do not defire
that that fhould come upon thee, but knowing that the Lord is jull, and
will in his own Time hear the Cry of his Eleft, and of the Widows,
Fatherlefs, and Orphans ; And if that be the Faft which the Lord hath
cholen, to looie the Bands of Wickednefs, to undo the heavy Burdens, and
let the Oppreffed go free, and to break every Yoke : And if it be ac-
ceptable to the Lord to vifit the Widows in their Diftrefs, furely he will
not take it well from thee, or thofc who make them Widows and Father-
lefs. So left any Thing otherwife than what is good fliouid come upon
thee, thou mayft in Time before it be too late prevent it, by granting our
realonable Requefl, by eafing us that are oppreffed under thee : So no more
but that I wait for thy Anfwer, who am a Well-wilher to thee in Soul and
Body, even thy everlafting Welfare.
281
ISLE of
M A N.
1667.
The 9ih of the Seventh
Momh 1667.
" William Callow.'
The Scotch Veffel in which he was fent away fet him on Shore at Liverpool 7he Earl re-
in LaiK a/hire, whence he went to the Earl of Derby's, Houfe, and laid his Cafe Vp^ *"» "'"^
before him, but the Earl turned the deaf Ear to his Requefts, and told him, ■^«"f'''
If he would not conform, he /hould not go to poifon his Ifland. He would at the
lame Time have given to the Earl the aforelaid Paper of his State, but he
refufed to receive it.
ANNO 1668. The cruel Ufage and Banifhment of the four Women iFomen's^Bd^z
fakers, who were remaining on the Ifland, is expreffed in the following vijhment agMn
Letter written by Evan Chriften to William Callow ^ who was then at London, viz, exprej[e(i.in:^'\
" My dear Brother,
IN the Covenant of Light and Life doth my Soul entirely falute thee, and
thefe are to inform thee of the fad Paffages that our Friends have been
put to in the Ifle of Alan, and what Perfecution they have fuffered by the
Bifhop and Soldiers there. Firjl, Thy Wife being fick, and lying in Bed,
Hugh Cloven and Mungo Hatley, two Soldiers, came with an Order from the
Bifliop to thy Houfe, to bring thy Wife to Prifon, and all the reft pf wur
Friends, and if in cafe they would not willingly go at their Demands, to
call to Captain Afcoiigh, being the Captain of the Parifh, that he (hould
raife the Parifh to affift the Soldiers to bring two fickly Wqmen out of their
Beds, with two more, to Prifon, and they alfo fiid, that' their Order "was
from the Bifhop to take them with them to Prifon, though they fliould die
by the Way : And coming firft to thy Houfe, thy Wife being in Bed,
fweating and very weak, Hugh Cloven took hold of her by the Arm, and
Mango Hatley took her by the other Arm, and attempted to pull her out
of the Bed, whereupon the Children all cried out, and feveral Parifhioners,
that came with the Soldiers to afTift them, alfo wept exceedingly to behold
their Cruelty towards her, however at that Time they were ftopt jn the
Vol, I. 4 B " Proceedings,
Evan Chrif-
ten's Letter
to William
Callow.
^^.\.
282 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
ISLE c/ " Proceedings, and fo went to Ramfey, and the next Day came again to thy
MAN. ct Houfe, and took thy Wife inhumanly from thy Houfe to Prifon, and my
1668. .4 Mother alfo, who is between feventy and eighty Years of Age, who was
" not able to 00 two Miles from her Houfe this two Years or more, and
*' they had taken all the Goods that flie had long fince. Then the faid
*« Soldiers came to Jane Omfieifs Houfe, although her Hufband be a con-
*' formable Man, and did the like to her, and Ihe faid to them, mat /hall
*■'■ I do with my fucking Child ? The Soldiers anfwered, M^e care not if the
*' Bogs eat him. So they took my Mother and thy Wile, and her youngeft
«' Child about ten Months old, and Mary Callow, all thefe they carried to
" Ramfey that Day, and the next Day to Kirk-Michael, and the third Day to
*' Peel-Caftle Prifon, which was, as we account it, fixteen Miles. So bting
*' there one Night, the Conftable of the Caftle came next Day with an Order
*' from the Bifhop to lend them back again to Ra^nfey, which accordingly was
*' done by the fame Soldiers, who delivered them to Captain Afcov.gh, where
" they were detained feveral Weeks, till George Pickerings Veflel was ready,
" and Alice Coward being there before them to be banilhed with them, although
*' her Hufband was and is a conformable Man, the faid Afcoiigh fearched her,
" and took from her 40 i. in Money, and gave her loj. back : And when
" the Veflel was ready, Captain Afcough brought them to the Boat, and the
** Children being with them weeping, thy Wife would have taken her Children
*' with her, but the laid Captain took them by Violence from her, and alfo
" faid, that the Bifhop had given Orders to take their Clothes from them if
" they would not pay their Fees ; and fo the Boat being alhore, he forced
*' them all on Board, and put to Sea, and fo left the four Children weeping
*' and mourning on the Sea-lhore, only let thy Wife take her youngeft
" Child with her, and left the other four without Father or Mother ; and
" alfo banilhed Jane Chriften and her youngeft Child, and left her other
" five Children behind her -, alfo banilhed my Mother of the Age aforefaid,
" and Mary Callow, and on the 1 3th of the Second Month (called Afril) 1 668,
** they landed at Whitehaven, and fo with the Remembrance of our dear Love
*' to thee in that which changes not, I reft
" 77j_y truly loving Brother
" Evan Christen."
Sde of tbeir
EliitKs pulr
Jijbed.
Wirnnt for
fending xhe
Banijbed
again to thi
Ijhni.
Soon after the Banifliment of thefe Women, the Billiop caufed a Publication
to be made in every Steeple-houfe in Garfefden, three feveral Firft-days, that
whofoever would come and compound for William Callow''s Eftate, he and his
Commiffioners would give them an Aflurance of it for ever.
The banifhed Perfons having continued a confiderable Time in England, the
juftices of the Peace in Ctwtberland ifiued a Warrant for fending them back to
the Ifle of Man, a Copy of which is as follows, viz.
C(
c<
«
<c
cc
((
(C
cc
<c
(C
cc
Cumberland fs.
WHEREAS Information is given unto us, that William Callow and
Anne his Wife, and Margaret his Daughter, Jane Chriften and Evan
her Son, Alice Coward and Katl:Kirine her Daughter, and Alary Callow, all
Inhabitants of the Ifte of Man, have been lately brought over into this
County, whereby they being brought over from their Eftates, they may
be a Charge to the fame, and it not appearing, that there hath been
any legal Proceeding againft them or any of them to prohibit them from
their faid Habitations : Thele are in his Majefty's Name therefore to require
you and every of you, that you fee the Parties above-named put on Board
and fliipped, to be reconveyed to the faid Ifland, where their Habitations
are as abovefaid, in fome Manks Veflel or other by the firft Opportunity, and
alfo that you give Notice to the Mafters and Owners of the Veflcls be-
longing
Chap. 20. of the People called QUAKERS.
♦* longing to the Port of Newhaven^ that they for the future forbear to bring
" any luch PalTcngers over, for which they cannot give a good Account of
*' their legal Pafllige into the faid County, and hereof you are not to fail, as
*' you and every of you will anfwer the Contrary at your Peril. Given under
" our Hands and Seals the 15th of March, in the 21ft Year of the Reign of
" our Sovereign Lord King Charles the Second, &c. 1668.
283
ISLE of
M A N.
1668.
3o all and every the Conftables
of the Parijh of St. Bees,
and efpecially the Conftables
«/■ Whiteluven. Tbefe.
ce
John Lamplugh.
" Edward Standly.
ANNO 1669. Purfuant to the aforefaid Warrant, on the 13th of the Landed again
Month called May, WUliain Callow and his Wife, with Jane Chriften, and their it Douglas.
two young Children returned, and were landed about ten next Morning at
Dougkfs in the Ifland. Soon after their Landing a Cuftom-houfe Officer,
with a Soldier, came and fearched them for Letters and Books, and then
taking the Owner of the Veffel with them, went to the Governour about fix
Miles diftanr, and returned in the Night with the following Order, viz.
FORASMUCH as there hath been a legal Proceeding againft Order to th
miliam Callow and Jlice his Wife, and Jane Chriften, all of the fac- f £^f 7,^„c
tious Seft called fakers, for their Continuance beyond the Seas out of this J^^, j^jj^^^ "''
Ifland, according to my Honourable Lord's Order, which for a Seafon
hath been efFefted, but lately being given to underftand, that one John
Cbriftian of Ramjey hath brought the faid Perfons into this Ifle : I do
therefore fbiftly require you that the faid Perfons be put on Board by you,
and the Affiftance of Conftable ^ail, in the Boat or Ship of the faid John
Chriftian, and there to continue until he doth again tranfport the faid Per-
fons out of this Ifle again to fome other Country, according to former
Order made to that End. Mr. Water-Bayliff Cannel and his Cuftomers,
are to take great Care that they fuffer no fuch Perfons to be landed for the
future : Alfo while thefe Perfons do re fide in the Ifle, no Perfon or Perfons
is to be admitted to talk with them, or in any wife to come in their CompMiy.
To JVater-Bayliff Cannell, and
all Officers and Soldiers to
give Affiftance to fee this Or-
der put in Execution.
" Henry Nowell."
In Confequence of this Order, they took JVilliam Callow, his Wife, and
Siflier, out of their Beds, and put them on board the Ship again in fuch an
Hurry, that the Women were obliged to take their Children naked in their
Aprons, crying through the Streets in the Night : Being put on Board, a
Watch was appointed to keep them there, and when Jane Chriften's Hufband,
and other of their Relations, came next Day to fee them, they were driven
away and not fufFered to fpeak to them. About Sun-fet the Vefl"el fet fail, and
arrived on the 1 8th of the fame Month at Dublin, where they continued till
the 24th, when the Lord-Mayor of that City made the following Order, viz.
WHEREAS Complaint is made before and by fome of the Al-
dermen of this City, and others Inhabitants of this City, that there
hath been landed here feveral Perfons brought into this City out of the
Ifte of Man, viz. miliam Callow and An/ie his Wife, and Jane Chriften, all
Inhabitants of the laid Ifland, without their own Confents, contrary to the
Law and the Privilege of the Subjefts, without any legal Proceeding
againfl: them ; and forafmuch as the faid Perfons ought rather to live in
the faid Ifland upon dieir own Eflates than to be burthenfome to his
Majefliy's
(C
II
c<
tc
<c
(C
Taken out of
their Beds ani
hurried on
Shipboard,
Arrived it
Dublin.
Order of the
M0or of
Dublin to
carry them
again to the
Ifland.
i<
.284-
ISLE of
MAN.
1669.
'^ CoUeClion of the Sufferings Vol. I,
" Majefty's Subjedts here, and that if they committed Crimes worthy of Ba-
" nifhment, they ought not to be continued here in this Kingdom, unlefe by
" legal and fpecial Order. Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to will
" and require you forthwith to put on Board all and every the laid Ferfons back
'« for the aforclaid Ifland, either on board the Ship called the l!rmty di Ram-
" fey, or fome other Veflel bound for the foid Idand, the Mafter whereof is
" hereby required to carry them over, and not to bring them back into this
" Kingdom without their own Confents as atorefaid, and hereof you may not
" fail. Dated in the City oi Dublin the 24th Day of May 1669.
I'd all or any of the Conjlables in
the City of Dublin, or the
Liberties thereof.
ce
John Forrest,
" Mayor of Dublin."
7ki Ship-
nnfler's Com-
p.iffwn, and
The Bip>op's
Crushj.
:. According to this Order, on the 13 th of the Month called June, they took
r/ard Papge. Shipping again for the Ifland on board a Veffcl preft to carry them, whereof
John Chrijlian was Mafter. The Wind being contrary they were live Days at
Sea, during which Time the Women fuffered much for Want of Provifions
and NecefTaries, TFilliam Callo''ju's Wife being with Child, and near the Time
'A-. ' of her Delivery : At length being come near the Ifland, the Mafter put the
Women on Shore in his Boat, and the VefTel put in the next Day, being the
18th, a.t Ramfey. The Biftiop and Governour being informed of their Arri-
val, ordered a Watch to prevent Williatn Callow''^ landing, and on the 25th
lent Soldiers to carry the Women again on Board. Accordingly the Soldiers
.that Night took Jane Chriflen by Violence from her Hulband and Cnildren,
and put her on Board, and then, taking the Mafter of the VelTel with them',
went to the Governour at Caflle-Peel. The Mafter reprefented to die Gover--
.nour and the Bifliop, the weak Condition of the Women, and what they had
•fuffered at Sea, and the Danger which the hurryirg tnem or; Board again muft
needs expofe them to •, but the Bifhop, unmoved at their diitrelfed Cafe, lent
by a Melfenger an Order to raife the Parifh People, to cxrcy ■ M^iiiian! Catlov/s
Wife to Ramfey, and put her on Shipboard : Th'.; MeHenger returning told
llie Bifliop, that he found her in a weak Condition, and lor ought they knew
in Labour : The Bifhop neverthelefs repeated his Oraer, and fent Soldiers
again to the Houfe with a ftrifb Charge to take and put her oh Shipboard :
The Soldiers took nine or ten Peribns, Men and Women, with them, left
fhe fhould be delivered, or mifcarry by the Way, and coming to the Bedfide,
the Soldiers bade her get up and go with them, fwearing that they had Orders
from the Bifhop, if flie would not go to carry her in a Cart, or crofs an
Horfe's Back, adding, that if fhe would fay fhe was in Labour, the Bifhop
ir:. v. . . ... • ordered diem to leave her at Home a Day or two, and then put her on Board.
Vtiihrifliin'- The Woman anfwered. She was not well, and knew not her Hour. So they
Bjrburity. jook her Children out of Bed from her, and then fcarce giving her Time to
put her Clothes on, hurried her away to Ramfey. Three of the Neighbours,
who refufed to afTift in this Inhumanity, were by the Bifhop's Order fent to
Prifon. The Soldiers having put her on Board, returned to the Houfe (after
they had rifled her Pocket of four Shillings) where they found a Box of Clothes
and Linen, which they took, leaving the poor Woman not one Rag of Linen
of any Thing elfe but what fhe had on, faying, they had feized her Goods by
Shift in an thp Bifiop's VVummt. They were detained on Board in an open Boat, half-
opiii ytjjd. ' decl-cr, ;ind that fo badly, that when it rained they could not fit dry. On the
uUei in ^'■^^ °^" ^^ Month called July they pur to Sea, and next Day landed at Peel in
Lafcaihire. LhncaJ/jirc : Upon Notice of their Landing, two Juftices of the Peace made an
.;.-.;> Order to fend them back again in the following Form, viz.
V3 IS
" Lancafhire
Chap. 20. of the People called QUAKERS.
a
hancajlj'tre fs.
cc
- (C
WHEREAS Complaint is made to us whofe Names are fubfcribed,
two of his Majefty's Jufticcs of the Peace for this County of Lan-
cafter, that there hath lately been landed at Peel within the Parifh of Dalton
in this County, feveral Perfons late Inhabitants within the Ifle of iVi}z;z, that
is to fay, IVill'uun Callow and Anne his Wife, and Jane Chriflen, who have
all Eftates within the faid Ifland whereon to fubfift, but have none elfewhere,
and are likely to be burdenfome to his Majefty's Subjeds in thefe Parts, it
they ihall be permitted to fettle, and have been banifhed out of the faid
Ifland, the Place of their Habitations, without any legal Proceedings, as is
by them alledged, or doth any Way appear to us, and not ient or con-
fined to any certain Place ot Banifliment, by any legal Authority, but
turned out as Vagabonds to the wide World, to the Scandal of the Laws
and his Majefty's Government. Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name
to require you and every of you, that you put them on board the Ship called
the Trinity of Ramfey, which Velfel brought them hither, and is now at Peel
aforeliiid, the Mailer whereof is hereby required to receive them, and to
convey them over to the fiid Ifland, which if he retufe to do, then you are
to ftay the Ship, and bring the faid Mafter before us forthwith to anfwer
his Contempt, and farther to do and receive as to Juftice appertaineth.
Fail nothereol at your Peril. Given under our Hands and Seals the loth
Day of July, in the 2 ift Year of the Reign of our fovereign Lord Charles
the Second over England, &c. 1 66^.
To the Confiahles within the
Hundred of L,equefd:\\e, and
efpecially to the Conjlable of
Dalton, and to every of
them.
" Matth. Richardson.
" William Kirby."
285
ISLE of
MAN.
1669.
Order of two
fu.fi ices for
fending them
bizck agiin.
Purfuant to this Order, on the 6th of the Month called Augufi, William Cal-
low and Jane Chriflen were put on Board : (Anne Callow, then in Childbed,
being lett behind) At the lame Time Evan Chriflen and Alice Coward were
put into another Veflel : And on the 8th they all arrived at Ramjey on the
Ifland, but were not fuftered to land, but kept Prifoners on Shipboard under a
Guard ot two Men, Day and Night till the ift of September.
While they lay on Board they were informed that George Pickering, who had
been aftive and forward in tranfporting fome of them, had loft his Lading and
Money, and had his Ship much damaged in Ramfey Haven ; and that Richard
Bell the Owner, who had joined with the Biftiop in tranfporting Alice Coward,
had been caft away on the Coaft of Wales, and that the Vefl"el, Men, and
Lading, had been all loft. Thefe Difafters adminiftred Occafion to the Suf-
ferers, confcious of their own Innocence, to make fuch Obfervations refpeding
the Divine Juftice on Perfecutors and their Agents, as probably any other Per-
fons in their Circumftances would have made.
On the ift of September the Governour fent a Letter to Captain Afcough, to
fend William Callow to him by a Soldier. In their PaflTage thither they came
to Ramif}} Way, where Nowel the Deputy-Govei-nour dwelt : There lay a
London Ship at Anchor, called the Tangier- Merchant, bound for Virginia ; of
which Ralph Harwood was Mafter. This Harwood, meeting Callow, told him,
that he had Orders to tran/port him to Ykginh : Willia?n replied, that it was
contrary to Law fo to do ; and advifed him to do as he would be done by, aflcing
him, whether he would be willing to be taken from his Wife and Children, and
Eflate, without Law, and banifht to another Country . The Captain replied, that
he would not ?neddle with him till he had been before the Governour. So he was
had to the Governour's Houfe, and being brought into his Parlour, the follow-
ing Conference paft between them, viz.
Vol. I. 4 C Governour.
Returned to
the Ifland, but
not fuffered to
hni.
Vfeful Obfer-
vations.
Order to tranf'
pott W. Cal-
low to Vir-
ginia.
286
I S L E
M A N,
1669.
Conference
btfwixt W.
Callow iMi
the Cover.
of
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Governour. How dojl thou ?
W. C. I am pretty well.
Gov. Art thou ivilling to go to Virginia ?
tV. C. I have no Bufinefs there.
Gov. But ive will fend thee thither.
TV. C. That is a Queftion.
Gov. But we will fend thee.
W. C. I defire to know by what Law,
Gov. By my Lord's Order.
W. C. I defire to be tried according to the Laws of this Place.
Gov. Thou haft been tried.
i.-lV. C. I deny it: I was not.
'Gov. "Thou haft been banijht often., and fill comeft to trouble us and others, and
thou art too long unpimifht., but we will fend thee far enough now.
W. C. Send me as far as thou canft : Thou canft not fend me from my God.
Gov. Upon my Credit thou fhalt go to Virginia with Captain Harwood.
W. C. He has nothing to do with me until I be legally convidled, and
proceeded with according to Law.
Gov. nou haft been tried according to Law., and thou wouldfi not conform,
W. C. I deny it : I was never tried by Law, nor never came into any
Court to be convifted by Law.
Gov. JVhat I do I will anfwer it, and I have written an Order for Captain
Harwood to take thee away to Virginia, and thee fhalt go, upon my Credit.
W. C. I do appeal to the Law of this Place to be tried by.
Gov. 'ihou fjalt go, and thy Appeal I deny ; and then read the Order he
had written.
fy. C. I deny it : Thou haft no Power to do it.
Gov. What I do, I will anfiver it, and 1 will warrant hi?n.
tV. C. Thy Warrant will ftand him in little Stead out of this Place.
Gov. If thou wilt confor?n to the Law thou mayft be cleared.
W. C. The Benefit of the Law I defire, and if not of the Laws of this
Place, I defire the Benefit of the Laws of England.
Gov. T^hou fjjalt not.
IV. C. I make my Appeal to the higheft Court in England, to the King
and his Council, and if there had been a Parliament now fitting, I would have
made it to them alfo.
Gov. / den^ thy Appeal.
W. C. I do call thele Men to witnels, that I do make my Appeal to
the King and his Council, and my Caufe is already before them, and I wait
for their Anfwer.
Gov. / deny it : 1 will not accept of it.
tV. C. If thou wilt not accept of it, but deny the King's Law to me :
TIic Captain is a Subjeft -, I think he will not deny it, and tranfport me out
of my Country, and from my Wife and Children, without legal Proceedings
againlt me.
Captain. Friend, I would have you fuhnit to the Governour, for I have a
long Voyage to go, no lefs than a Thoifand Leagues.
W. C. Hall thou but a Thoufand Leagues to go? That's not fo far as
David experienced, who laid, that if he fJjould take the JVings of the Morning,
and fiy to the nttermoft Parts of the Earth, the Lord's Hand would find him out.
And doft thou think that lie will not overtake thee, and find thee out at the
■End of a Thoufand Leagues ; yea he will, and reward thee according to thy
Works, and the Cry of my Wife and fix fmall Children will be heard.
CjOv. Thou threatncfl the Captain.
W. C. I do not threaten him : There is one that will reward him accord-
ing to his Works, as he has in his juft Judgmerjts done to others before him ;
for, Curjed is he that parts Man and fVife.
Gov. Ta kc him nway. Soldiers, and put hj/n on Shipboard.
Two
CuAV. 20. of itbe People called QUAKERS. 287
Two Soldiers took cither of them an Arm, and haled him to the Boat, and ISLE of
then lifted him up on Shipboard -, when on Board, the Mafter and feveral of tl.e ^I A N.
Sailors were very kind to him, the Sailors refufing to go the Voyage it they 1669.
carried him, faying, they never heard of a Ship that carried Qi_iakers againjt ''^rf^y^~\^
their M^'ill, that ever p-ofpered : Upon which the Mafter promilcd them, that 'forte\J on
he would carry him no farther than Ireland; and accordingly on the 2d ot shipboard.
September he let him on Shore about torty Miles North «i Dublin. Williavi Stm;n rgfuje
•went diredlly to Dublin, took Shipping, and was landed next Day at White- '" ^^ "'^
htPOen. About the lame Tune Evan Chnlien with his .iged Mother, and Jliee ^^^Yim "on
^Conenrd alio, arrived in England from the Ifle ot Whitehorn in Scotland, shore inlve-
^Whitlier they had been -carried in a Filhing-Boat, after long Conhneir.ent on land,
board the Veflel which brought them back out of Lancajhire to the Ifland, as
is' before mentioned, where they were not fullered to land.
Thus have we traverfed an almoft unparallel'd Scries of Perfecution, carried
ion many Years together, by the arbitrary Power of an inexorable Prelate,
againft a Chriftian and harmlels People, for no other Caufe than the Exercife
ot ; pure Religion, and keeping ot a Confcience void of Offence both toward
God and Man.
The next Account we find of Sufferings in this Ifland, b^^ars Date
■ANNO r682. in this Year Eleanor Stockdale, being concerned to ex- Suftrivgs of
hort the Inhabitants of Douglas to repent of the Evil of their Ways, was put E. Srocl:dale,
into the Stocks, and after many Abules call into a Dungeon, and kept Frifoner ""^ ^' ^^^'''
eight Days : At the End of which, by Order ol Thomas Robinjon a Magiftrate,
and Prieftof that Town, fhe, with Jane Elall her Companion, were carried by
two Soldiers of the Garrifon to a Veliel then lying there, to be tranfported -, bur
ftheiMafter ot the 'Veftel, a Scotchman, refuled to receive them. Whereupon
the Soldiers arretted the Ship, and the Mafter and Mariners left it : But
the Soldiers dfter fome Time departing, the Seamen returned and let Sail,
leaving the Women on Shore. The Soldiers took away from the faid ^Eleanor
an Apron worth 5^. '6d.
AiNNO 1683. Robert Callow, and theifaid Eleanor, then his Wife, 'were More Su^er.
profecuted in the Bifhop's Court for being married without a Prieft, and On '".?^ "' ^°-
the 17th of the Month called Jidy the faid Eleanor was committed Prifoner to ''.^j'^ij^''^'"'
the I'oxt oi Douglas, and on the 21ft of the fame, the faid Robert was fent to hismTe^^
■Peei^CtjJHe, -where he remained eighteen -Days in Time of Harveft, to his
great Prejudice, his Corn and Hay being in Danger of fpoiling. His Wife A Serh-s of
Eleanor remained in the P^ort five Weeks, and then by Order ot Bifhop Leake '''■««' '^/■'^'^
was removed to Peel-Cajlle, where fhe was kept Priloner eleven Weeks, and "^ ""'"'"<>'
on the 8 th of November, by Order of Robert Heywood Governour of the Ifland, '^'"
was fent to Ratnfey to be banifhed. She was pulled by Force out of her Huf-
band's Arms at the Market- Crofe in Ramjey, and thence dragged with Violence
to the Boat (the Spectators much commiferating her Cafe) in order to be put
on board a Scotch Veffel then in the Harbour -, but the Shipmen hoifted Sail and
left her : So fire was carried back to Ramjey, and kept Pnfoner about fourteen
Months longer. On the 3a of the Month called March following, in the
Night, ftie was taken out of her Bed, and carried by Ed-ward Curfe^ a Cap-
itain, and fome ot his Company, to the Ship oi Martin Coltrup then at Anchor
iin the Bay, and bound for JVarkinton in England, but the Owner of the VefiTel
-refufed to take her in, fb that between the Captain's Men pulhing her into the
Ship, and the Seamen thrufting her oft', ftie was much hurt : However ar
■length they left her on Board, and the Ship failed.; but a contrary V\'ind
bringing the Ship back to Ramfex, flie was again let on Shore. Three Days
after flie was carried on Board by Night, but the Ship was again driven back
to the Harbour : The next Day and Night fhe was kept on Board with 11
■Guard, and the Day following brought again on Shore ; and at Midnight
■carried on Board again, but the Wind being contrary was again fet on Shore:
On the 17th fhe was put on Board again, and carried io England. On her
landing there, Richard Lamplugh,a. Juftice of the Peace in Cumberland, taking
Notice
288
ISLE of
M A N-
1684.
Eleanor Cal-
low, grett
with Child,
impriforied by
procurement
of three
Priefts.
Friejts mere
cruel thin Sol-
diers,
Their Cruelty
over-ruled by
the Gover-
7iour.
Sent again to
Trifon with
her fick Child.
The Cover'
nour's angry
Anjvoer to a.
Confiuble.
Imprifotmtem
and Diflrefs
for Tithes.
Imprifoif
metits.
A Colle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Notice of the Illegality of the Proceeding againft her, obliged the faid Coltrup,
at the next Return of his Veffel, to carry her back to the Ifland, where fhe
continued at Home with her Hufband twelve Weeks : After which
ANNO 1684. By the Procurement of three Priefts, who bore great Sway-
in the Ifland, fhe was again committed to Peel-Caftle, being then great with
Child. She petitioned the Priefts for Liberty to ftay at Home while in that
Condition, but was denied, and continued feveral Months in Prifon till the
Time of her Delivery drew nigh, when the Priefts were again follicited on
her Behalf, but they rigidly anfwered, that Jhe tnigbt take a Bed in the Town
for one Night, and return next Day to the Caftle. But the Soldiers of the
Caftle, more merciful than the Priefts, reprefenting to the Governour the
Weaknefs of her Condition, and her Petition on that Occafion, he inter-
poled his Authority, over-ruled the Cruelty of thofe rigorous Ecclefiafticks,
and fent her Home to her Hufband.
About half a Year after this, the Governour fent both for her and her
Hufband, and committed her again to Peel-Cafile. She had at that Time
her Child, about fix Months old, fick of the Small-Pox : This was repre-
fented by the Conftable to the Governour, but he anfwered, that She and
her Friends had procured her Return to the Ifland contrary to Ins Order,
and therefore he would not fpare her, hit fhe fhoidd either leave the Ifle, or live
and die in Prifon. Accordingly fhe was fent fixteen Miles to Prifon, and
obliged to take her fick Child with her.
About this Time alfo, Anne Callow was committed to Prifon at Ramfey,
and continued there about fix Weeks for Tithes, and had afterward a Cow
taken from her by Diftrefs worth 19J. Likewife Robert Callow and his
Mother, for 20s, demanded for Tithes, had Wheat and Hay taken from
them to the Value of 2/. os. gd.
ANNO 1685. Robert Callow and John Callow were imprifoned in Peel-
Cafile for Tithes, at the Suit of John Allen Prieft.
Having gone through the Account of Sufferings in this Ifland, we re-
turn to England, and proceed to relate the Occurrences of like Sort in the
County of Kent.
CHAP. XXL
KENT.
1655.
Opfofifion to
the Preathing
of J. Scubbs
and W. Caton
at Dover.
I
KEN
Anno 1655.
N the Month called May this Year, John Siiibbs and William Caton
preached in the Baptifis Meeting-houfe at Dover, and many embraced
their Dodtrine. The Magiftrates fent for them, and though they had
tranfgrefl'ed no Law, impofed a Penalty on any Perfon that fhould en-
tertain them, upon which they were turned out of their Lodging. Luke
Howard received them into his Houfe, and heard them gladly : The Mayor
fent four Conftables with an Order to take them thence and turn them out of
Town : But Luke infifted on it, that the Mayor had 7io lawful Authority to
take them out of his Houfe, who were no MalefaElors, nor accufed of any Crime.
They tarried with him fome Days, and fo confirmed him in the Belief of their
Doftrine, that he publickly declared himfelf to be of their Perfwafion, and
had Meetings afterward frequently at his Houfe. On the 27th of the fame
Month Stubbs and Caten came to MaidftOne ; the Former went to the Meeting
of
Chap. 21. of the People called QUAKERS.
of the Me pendents there, and the Latter to that of the PreJJjyteriam held in
the Steeple- houfe : After the refpedive Preachers had done, they attempted to
exhort the People •, upon which Stubbs was put in the blocks, and aftervvard ex-
amined by , the Recorder, to whom he rendred a good Account of himfelf, and
of his Fftate, fufficicnt to fupport himfelf and his Family. Caton wasfent for
to his Lodging, and the Recorder afkt him IFIocnce he came ? hs anfwered,
Frow London. The Recorder afking, WJmI he did at London ? he replied.
That he fpent his Time in making known the everlajling Truth, as he was moved
of the Lord, turning People from Darknefs to Light, that with the Light they
might fee themfehes, and he brought to Repentance. The Recorder feeking Oc-
cafion againft them, trumped up an old Statute Law, by which he pretended
they were obliged to go to Service at Yearly Wages, and faid He had provided
them Majlers : But they infilling on the Illegality of his Pretenfions, and re-
fufing to fubmit thereto, were fhortly after fent to Bridewell, where they were
ib cruelly whipt with Cords, that the Spedators wept to behold their Ufage.
After which they had Irons, with great Clogs of Wood, put upon them. At
the End of four Days they were fent away with a Pals by the Officers, from
one Parifh to another as Vagabonds ; their Letters and Papers being firft taken
from them and burnt.
Geofge Rofe, after the Pried had ended his Sermon at Hithe, began to exhort
the People to turn their Minds from Darhiefs to Light, Sec. but was haled away
by the Mayor's Command, and by the rude Multitude kickt and beaten in
the Mayor's Prefence, and thrown down an high Place of Stone-ftairs fo vio-
lently, that his Life was endangered, and one of his Legs much bruifed.
Henry Clarke fuffered three Montlis Imprifonment in Maidjhne Goal, for
afking the Prieft a Queflion in the Steeple-houle at Cranhrook.
ANNO 1656. Taken from Thomas Jioufegoe, Jolm Bennet, znd Edward
Coucbman, for Demands of i/. 6 s. ^d, for Steeple-houfe Rates, Clerk's
Wages, i^c. Goods to the Value of 5 /. PFilliam Beane alfo fuffered by Dif-
trefs tor the fame Caufe.
ANNO 1657. Thomas Crawley o^ Elinftone, being concerned in Chriftian
Love to fpeak Ibmething by way of Exhortation to the People afTembled in a
publick Worfhip-houfe in the Ifle of Thanet, was barbaroudy abufed by ftriking,
pinching, and kicking ; infomuch that through their inhuman Ufage he fell
fick and languifbed four or five Months till he died, leaving a Wife and fix
Children unprovided for.
John Higgins, after the Prieft had ended both his Sermon and Prayer at
Dover, fpake to the People, directing them to the JVitnefs of God in their own
Confciences, was violently dragged away to the Mayor's Houfe, and charged
with interrupting the Minifler, by fpeaking before he had done ; For it feems
they had a Child to Iprinkle afterward, of which he knew nothing. That
Circumftance was improved againft him, and the Mayor fent him to Prifon,
where he continued above thirty Weeks.
ANNO 1658. Henry Rogers oi Canterbury, for refufing to pay 6d. to-
ward the Wages of the Parifli-Clerk, fuffered eleven Weeks Imprifonment.
And Thomas Pcllard, for exhorting the People in the Cathedral there, was
imprifoned in that City and at Alaidjlone nine Months. For Caufes of the like
Nature, IVilliajn IVatcker and Elizabeth Fowler were imprifoned ; and Samuel
Fifher was very much abuled.
On the 4th of the Month called June this Year, Robert Minter of Elming-
ftone luifered Diflrefs of his Iloufhold Goods, Cattle, Corn, and other Things,
to the Value of 93/. i6j, 8<^. for Tithe, at the Suit of Alexander Bradley,
Prieft of that Panfh. In this or the preceding Year Bartholomew Boyking, of
Wingham, was committed to the Biihop's Prifon -^'xinovixWefl-Gate in Canter-
bury for Tithes, and there detained forty Weeks, though his Profecutor took
the Corn out of his Field in Harveft, as ulual.
ANNO 1659. Edward Noakes of H'ord near Sandwich., after he had fuf-
fered Imprifonment at Canterbury^ at the Suit of Paul Pettitt an Impropriator,
Vol. I. 4 D " for
289
KENT.
1655-
Their cruel
Whiffing it
Maidftone.
Sent-avay as
Vagabonds.
G. Rofe much
hurt.
Irofrifoiimem
of H. Clarke.
Dijtreffes,
Death of ,
T. Crawley ^
by criid Vjige,
Imprifonment
of}. Higgins,
Several In.'
frijoned.
Profecutior,
for Tithes,
Grieveiis
Suljerirgt far
Thhfs.
290
KENT.
1659.
Eliz. Adams
imfriftnei-
Vneafintfs of
her Proj'ecu-
tors.
More Sufer-
ing of Lliz.
Adams.
A remiriable
Jncidefit,
L. Howard'i
Clothes torn.
V:ilreff:s for
'litbti.
A Colledtion of the Sufferings Vol. I
for Tithes, was removed to the Upper-Bench at London. At the next Affizes
.1 Judc^ment w;is obtained againft him, and in the Term following an Execu-
tion, by which for Tithes valued by the Jury at 20/. he fuffered Diftrefs of
Horfes Cows, and Cattle, to the Value of 99 /. Moreover, this poor Man
was kept Prifoner in the Upper-Bench above two Years, in which Time his
Wife died, and his Family fuffered much by his Abfence. He was alfo fued
by the Priell of tlie Parilh in the Exclxquer for fmall Tithes at the fame Time.
In this Year alfo, William Beane^ for Tithes valued at 5/. 10;. had taken
from him two Oxen and an Horfe worth 17/. And James IVickin, for Tithes
valued at 20/. fuffered the Lofs of two Heifers wonh 4/.
About this Time Elizabeth Adams, for fome religious Admonition given to
the Prieil and People at Longden near Dover, was committed to Canterbury
Goal : One Thomas Marjh, a principal Man of the Parifh, and his Son-in-Law,
who were her Profecutors^ and upon whofe Evidence fhe was fent to Prifon,
were obferved not to profper after it. The Son-in-Law fell into a Confump-
tion, pined away and died : The old Man five Years after came to the Woman,
then in Prifon for Tithes, and told her he had not Jlept half an Hour together in
all that Time for Vexation of Mind, and in a fhort Time after he ended his Life
by hanging himfelf with his Jack-Line.
ANNO 1660. Th.e .i'tori:.i^\d Elizabeth Adams, under a great Concern of
Mind, went into one of the publick Places for Worfhip called St. Margarefs,
and warned the Priefl, in the Dread of the Lord, to ceafe preaching for Money,
and deceiving the People's Souls : One fVillia?n Allen dragged her out of the
Place very rudely ; but his Countenance, while he was fo doing, inftantly
changed, which a Stander by took Notice of, and he anfwered, If (be come
there a "Thoufand Times, I fhall not touch her again. Some Time after, having
been drinking with his Companions, he rofe up and took his Staff, intending
to go Home, but fuddenly fell down dead. Some obferving Perfons at that
Time, who efleemed this Woman as a virtuous and religious Perfon, thought
thefe Incidents which happened to her Oppofers worthy of Remembrance.
Luke Hoiuard oi Dover went into the Steeple- houfe there, and fat filent, but
the Priefl, uneafy at his Prefence, ordered him to be taken away, which fome
of his Hearers performed fo rudely, that they tore the Clothes off his Back.
In this Year were taken for Tithes,
hXir.y imp'i-
jened for not
Snaring,
From John Philiy of Dover, for 1 5 s. Demand, Goods
worth
Mark Tedman of Folkjlone, for 20/. Demand, fix
Cows and four Mares worth
Edward Couchman, for 4.S. Demand, two Cows
worth
John Colvil, for 155. Demand, twenty five
Sheep worth
]
3
}
}
/.
60
12
For Demands of 21I. 14.'. were taken to the Value of 87 o o
In the Month called January this Year, John Bennet, John Martin, Peter
White, Robert Couchman, George Martin, Edward Couchman, Thomas Nafh,
IVilliam Watcher, Nathanael Row, Thomas Skilton, Alexander Rimington, William
Green, William Alchin, Richard Wood, T/jomas Lavemiall, and Jatnes Alley,
were taken out of a Meeting at Cranbrook, and for refufing to take the Oaths
committed to Maidjlone Goal -, as were in the fame Month, Richard Wallis of
Alh, who was apprehended on the Highway returning Home from his Labour -,
Roger Ellis, Thomas Ever, and Ralph i'oung, all of Rochefter •, Robert Day,
and Thomas Day of Gravefend, William Ockenden, and John Church of Rochefter,
who were taken from their Houfes and Employments •, as was George Girdler
of Tenterden : Alfo John Grinfled, John Asford, Chrijiopher Brunger, Tho?/ias
Scounds, Thomas Turner, John Crimhaiv, Robert Binns, James Spice, Thomas
Watkins.
Chap. 21. of the People called QUAKERS.
291
Watkim, and W'tUhm Shelley, who were taken out of a Meeting at Staplehurjl ;
and Thomas Fox\ Norman Clements, William Scidlo, John Weft, and Ibomas Weft,
taken out of a Meeting at Deptford by armed Men. Thele laft five fuffered
much in Prifon, being put into a Place expoled to the rude and infolent Rabble,
who grievoufly abufcd them by frequent throwing in Dirt, Water, and Stones,
at the Prifon Grates,
At FoLKSTONE, 'Tho7nas Nicholas, Mark Teddiman, William Hunt, Thomas
Hedgecock, Laurence Squire, and Stephen Goden, were taken out of a peaceable
Meeting, and by the Mayor lent to Prifon tor refufing to Swear, where they
lay twelve Weeks.
At tliTHE, feveral were taken from their Meetings, and committed to Pri-
fon tor not taking the Oaths.
At Dover, Luke Howard, John Harrift}n, Francis Hawks, John Marjlj,
Thomas Holliman, Thomas Flintftone, Robert Letch, John Huvierdine, William.
Bently, Thomas Chapin, Edward Warty, John Policy, Nicholas Delamain, John
Hubbard, Richard Chandler, Thomas Collier, Richard Lunn, and Edward Lee,
were taken by Violence from a religious Meeting, by Order of the Mayor
and other Magiftrates, who were met at a publick Collation, and by them
committed to Prifon, and there detained twelve Weeks.
At Lid D, Thomas Terry, John Edwards, James Hall, Robert Wyatt, Jeremy
Everd'en, Richard Marden, Abel Burroughs, and Edward Humphry, were taken
at a Meeting and fent to Goal.
In the Isle of Thanet, Jeremy Bartlett, Tho?nas Wood, Francis Bradley,
John Moulden, James Andrews, Richard Marbrook, Abiezer Boykin, and Wil-
liam Teoinans, being aflembled to worlhip God, were taken by armed Men,
and carried to a Juftice of the Peace at Canterbury, who fent them to Prifon,
■where they lay feveral Weeks.
At Deal, feveral armed Men and others rufhed into a religious Meeting,
and took thence Jojepb Face, Edward Salijhiiry, Thomas Ward, Silve/ier Gray,
Richard Marbrook, Matthew Holty, Richard Every, James Pijfey, Abiezer Boy-
kin, Williatn Hopper, William Tcomans, Thomas ^Piitock, John Morris, Jofeph
StoneiMtfe, Thomas Read, John Moulden, James Andrews, Samuel Safferay, Ed-
ward Sim'onds, Thomas Friehd, Thomas Philpot, Thomas Kingfnod, Francis Stiff,
and James Crayden : They were all committed to Sandown Caftle, and there
kept feveral Days atid Nights, their Friends not being fuffered to bring them
either Food to eat, or Straw to lie on. At length Jofeph Fuce and Edward
Saltjlury were carried to Dover Caftle, and there detained without any legal
Examination or Mittimus. At the fame Time were Prifoners there, Thomas
Tioibridge and Laurence Knbtt, the Former for not paying Tithes, and the Latter
had betn taken from his own Houfe and carried to the Governour, who
though he confefled he found nothing againft him either in Word or Deed,
yet committed him to clofe Prifon. A few Days after, Francis Rav and
Henry Thrume of Sandwich, for refufing to bear Arms and to take the Oaths,
were brought to the fame Prifon, and foon after them Jofeph Nicholfon, who
was then jull landed at Deal from New-England, was imprifoned there for
refufing to Swear. The Ufage of thefe feven Prilbners was barbarous : They
were kept lockt up within two or three Doors in one Room, and not fuffered
to come out to eafe Nature, but obliged to do it in the Room, and wafh it
away through an Hole in the Wall, for which they fometimes wanted Water,
being denied the Liberty of fetching it from the Well in the Yard, nor were
their Friends fuffered to bring them either that or other NecefTaries, for the
Marflial had flridly charged his Servant, that he (hould permit no Body to
come near them -, and becaufe the Man fhewed them fome little Favour, he was
turned out of his Place, and another put in, who was fo cruel, that when one
of their Wives came fix Miles to bring her Hufband fome Neceflliries, he
would not fuffcr her to come near him. When Jofeph Fuce fpoke to the Mar-
flial concerning his Cruelty, the Marfhall fell to Curfing and Swearing, for
which, when Jojepb fcrioufly reproved him, he fent for Soldiers and caufed him
to
KENT.
1660.
Abujji in
Frifon.
Mor^Im^rifoni
nsr,u>
Imprifonmtms
in Sandwich
tni Dovec
Cijiks.
Birbaroui
VJage.
J. Fuce almoft
292 A CoUeftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
KENT, to be dragged headlong on the Ground down many Stone-Stairs into a Dun-
1660. gcon-like°Hole under the Bell-Tower, a Place very filthy, with much Man's
L^~V"V^ Dung in it, over-run with Maggots and other Infcfts, having no Windows for
Light, only fome Holes cut through the Door. There he was kept two Days
and two Nights, without tire, Candle, Straw, or any Thing to lie on, but an
old Blanket, nor was the Dung removed in all that Time : Afterward he had
Ibme Straw to lodge on, but tor want of Air, and through the Dampnefs and
Stench of the Place he fell fick, and after nine Days was thought to be at the
Point of Death -, when the Fear of being queftioned for murdering him, in-
duced the cRiel Marflial to let him out, and fuffer him to return to his fellow
Prifoners, who with him continued there feveral Months, till releafed by the
King's Proclamation.
^ udcrs con- ANNO 1 66 1. Ltike Howard, Thomas Cowel, and John Harrifon, all of
pnei i;i a J)over, were committed to the Marlhal's Cuftody by the Governour, and
c oji Rpoiii. confined with others in a clofe Room, where they were obliged to draw up
their NecelTaries for Subfiftence with a Rope.
t"pi'm'^/ "/ About this Time John Phillj, who had been a Common-Council-Man of
J. f 11 y. J)over, but turned out of that Office for being a ^laker, dwelt at Lidd in the
Marfh : He, having heard of the cruel Ufage of Thojnas Tunbridge in Dover
Caftle, writ a Letter to the Govemour, defiring him to permit the Prifoner's
"Wife to bring her Hufband Neceliaries. The Plainnefs of Style ufed in that
Letter offended the Governour, and expofed the innocent Man to his Refent-
raent, who fent a Serjeant with a Warrant twenty Miles to apprehend Pbilly.
The Serjeant came to Lidd, and took with him a Captain of the Trained-
Bands, with fix Mujquetiers, to guard the poor Man, whom a Boy might have
conduced, and bring him to the Caftle to the Deputy-Governour (for the
Governour himfelf was gone to London) who, when the Prifoner defired to
know what he had againft him, frankly anfwered, / have nothing againfi you,
but feeing the Governour has committed others of your Friends, I can do no lefs
than comtnit you ; and fo fent him to Prifon without any Examination, Charge,
or Mittimus. The cruel Marllial put him into the nafty Hole aforefaid under
the Bell-Tower, where he was kept above twelve Weeks, lying on Straw, and
when being almoft fuffocated, he interceded for a little Air, it was not granted
him : However, at laft, when it was thought he muft otherwife have died
prefently, he was let out and difcharged. His Ufage was barbarous and ar-
bitrary, having no Crime laid to his Charge, nor any Caufe afligned for his
Imprifonment, only the Serjeant told him. He had written a fauc-j Letter to the
Governour.
Trifonen it At CANTERBURY, on the 28th of the Month called Auguft, John Perrot,
Canterbury, i^^kg Howard, Robert Letch, Thomas Pollard, Henry Rogers, Thomas Everden,
Robert Criton, Thomas Nohbs, and Elizabeth Pollard, where taken by the City-
Sheriff out of a Meeting, and by the Recorder fent to Prifon (except the
Woman) and kept there feveral Days without any Mittimus.
Exctfftvs Pij- About this Time Edward Noakes, who had before fuffered much at the Suit
v/LJ." ^' ^'^ P^"^ ^ettit Impropriator, had a Demand made upon him by the fame Per-
fon of 90/. for two Years I'ithe ot his Farm, the Yearly Rent of which was
but 39/. IS. And for that exorbitant Claim fuffered Diftrefs of his Horfes,
Cattle, Corn, i£c. to the Value of 141/. 10 i. In this Year alfo was taken
for Tithes,
Noakes.
/.
s.
20 10
jyiflrejfes for From James Spire of Sutton, for 2 s. Demand, a Cow 7
litki. worth S
Thomas Tunbridge, for 7/. Demand, an Horfe 1
and three Kine worth j
For Demands of 7/. zs. were taken to. the Value of 23 10 o
James
Chap. 21. of the People called QUAKERS.
James Wicking of 5«//(?«, for a very fmall Demand of Tithes, had a Cow
taken from him worth 5/. and afterwards five Sheep were taken for the Charges
of diftraining the Cow.
In September this Year Matthew Franklin was a Prifoner for Tithes at Can-
terbury, and during liis Confinement, his Landlord, a rafh inconfiderate
young Man, to whom he owed no Rent, turned his Cattle and carried his
Stock oft' the Ground, and took Pofi"effion of liis Farm, and would not fufFer
him to hold it any longer : For which illegal Procedure the only Caufe affigned
was, that Franklin was a ^laker, and would not pay Tithes to the Minifter.
In this Year alio were Prifoners for Tithes, Elizabeth Adams, 'Thomas Friend,
Robert Minter, "Thomas Tioibridge, Bartholomew Boykit;, and William Beane.
In Oilober this Year, John Hogbin was imprifoned feveral Months for not
ferving among die Trained-Bands, when fummoned. Nathanael O-wen of Seven-
Oaks W.IS alfo fined and fent to Prifon for refufing to bear Arms ; for which
Caufe alfo IVilliam Brown, Nicholas Homwood, and John Sladen were com-
mitted to Prifon at Canterbury.
About this Time William Watcher, an honeft and zealous Man, died in
Maidjione Goal : He dwelt at Cranbrook, and having obferved feveral Perfons
there, who for their temporal Intereft had conformed to the eftabliflied Way
of Worfhip againfl their own Judgments, by way of Reproof to them placed
on the Steeple-houfe-Door a Paper written thus,
O U that are called Prejbyterians, if you join with to read or hear
read the Common- Prayer- Book in Way of Worfhip, then will you
" be found Hypocrites and Diffembkrs, as well as the Epifcopal Men and
*' Women were in joining to you and your Worfliip : So that if you turn as
" they did, then we conclude that all that go in at this Mafs-houfe to worfhip
" are Hypocrites or nothing."
An occafional Conformifl, of fome Figure and Sway in that Town, whom
this Reproof touched to the quick, complained to two Juftices, who having
examined William, could find nothing in the Paper punilhable by Law, yet to
pleafe the Profecuror, they requiredof^//M7« Sureties for his good Behaviour,
but he infilling on his own Innocence, and refufing to give any fuch Security,
they fent him to Goal, where he lay about a Month till the AfTizes, when the
Judge difcharged him. Soon after this, he, and Mary his Wife, being toge-
ther at the Burial of a Kinfman, while the Priefl was reading the ufual Form
of Prayer on that Occafion, Mary fpake thefe Words, The Blind lead the
Blind till they both fall into the Ditch. This incenfed the Prieff , and he excited
the Magiflratcs to require Sureties both of the Man and his Wife (though fhe
<jnly had offended) for their good Behaviour ; for refufing which they were
fent to Maidjione Goal, where, after ten Weeks, he died. At the next Afllzes
his Wife was tlifcharged againfl the Will of the Priefl, who had fiid. That Jhe
jhoiild lie there till J}je died, as her Hujband had done. A Speech denoting a Dif-
pofition to Revenge, unworthy the Character he pretended to bear, viz. that of
a Almijler of the Gofpel of Peace.
On the 14th of the Month called January, Jofeph Templeman, John Adams,
and Jane Gore, fitdng quietly together to wait on the Lord, were much abufed
by the rude People, who broke the Glafs Windows, and threw in Stones, Dirt,
and Filth upon them, and fhot in Arrows with a barbarous Noife and Shouting,
fo that it was thought a peculiar Providence wiiicli preferved them from
being killed or wounded.
ANNO 1663. On the 6th of Septe?nber, feven Perfons v/ere taken out of
a Meeting at Rochejler, and fent to Prifon ; among whom was Katharine Evans,
who after .^our or five Days was releafed, but the Refl continued longer. On
the 17 th of December, J ohn Mugwell, Richard Mugwell, Thomas Pollard, John
Dunk, irdluim Wood, John Barrington, and Richard Gcldbatch, were taken
from a Meeting and committed to Prifon : After three Weeks they were
KENT.
1661.
Illegal Profe-
cution of J.
Wicking.
Prifoner for
Titkci.
Prifoners for
not betrivg
Arms.
Death of
W. Watcher
in Prifon,
Caufe of his
Imprifonment.
A cruel Ex-
prejfw).
Great Abufss
/mprifor.mevt:
fir lAcesiv^s.
Vol. I.
4E
fined
Seizes of
Corn.
Illegd Ails.
Diflrejfes.
Itnprifonmems
on Procejs
Eccleftaftical.
Terfecution at
Folkftone.
294 ^ Colle6lIon 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I
KENT, fined at the SefTions in Canterhtry 5/. each, and for Non-payment recommitted
1663. by the Recorder, who ordered them to be fliut up in leveral Rooms, and
threatned Ibme of them, that tbey JJmdd not come out as long as he lived. At
the iame SelTions Henry Rogers, and Robert Tritton, his Apprentice, were fined
for Abfence from the National Worfhip, and the Lad having no Effefts to
make Diftrefs on, was lent to Prifon. For the fame Caufe Thomas Everden,
Anne Toung, Elizabeth Cox, and John Dunk, were excommunicated. In this
Year ahb Richard Greenland of the Ifle of Oxney, and James Wicking of Sutton,
fuffered Imprifonment for refufing to pay Tithes.
ANNO 1664. The faid Ja77ies Wicking was afterward committed to Can-
terbury Goal by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo for not paying Church-Scot,
fo called, and was thence removed to Maidjlone Goal, where he lay nine
Years. Alio Henry Wicking his Brother, for the fime Caufe died in Prifon
on the 13 th of the Month called 7^w/rt;j this Year.
ANNO 1668. Robert Latch, of Cherinton, had his Corn feized and taken
off his Waggon, as he was bringing it Home, by a Perlon employed by an
Impropriator, who had before taken his Tithe off the Land. This Proceed-
ing was without any Colour of Law, and was fo rudely adVed, that the faid
Robert's Wife, being with Child, was inhumanly abufed, thrown into a Ditch
among the Bullies, and ftampt upon.
John Grinjled of Staplehurjl, after Profecution in the Exchequer for Tithes of
about 5/. Value, had his Goods taken from him to the Amount of 40/.
ANNO 1669. Nathanael Owen and John Court were committed to Maid-
jlone Goal, the one on a Signijicavit of Contumacy out of the Exclefiaftical
Court, and the other by a Writ de Excomfnunicato capiendo, in Confequence of
a Profecution for abfenting themfelves from the National Way of Worlhip.
ANNO 1670. On the 15th of the Month called June, the Mayor of
Folkjlone fent a Serjeant to the Meeting there, who took from thence 'Thornas
Tunbridge, whom he found preaching, Nicholas Lad, Nicholas Horn-wood, Samuel
Bambrobk, Henry S?mth, and Thoj/ias Nichols at whofe Houfe they met. The
Mayor tendred to them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing to Swear
fent them to Prifon. He then went down to the Meeting, and took the Names
of thofe who remained there; fining them 5 s. each : For which Fines he caufed
the Horfes of William Virgin, Andrew Hills, Thomas Friend, and Thomas Wat-
fon, to be feized as they were going out of Town. The Horfes were kept
from their Owners about a Month, dufing which Time they were let out to
hire in order to raife Money for the Fines, and fo grievoufly abufed, that one
of them died foon after. Thomas Tunbridge was alfo fined 20/. for Preaching,
for which they took away twenty three Quarters of Barley : And for other Meet-
iiigs.at the fame Place Goods were taken by Diftrefs from Henry Smith, Thomas
Sjuith, Thomas Breet, Nicholas Lad, Thomas Haycock, Nicholas Homvjood, and
'Anftin Hobdy, to the Value of i /. 13 J, 6 J.
■ On the 14th of the Month called yz/Zy', the Mayor of Canterbury fent his
Warrant to fetch all the Men from the Meeting before himfelf and other
Juftices, who tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and upon their refufing to
take it, committed Andrew Weare, Thomas Pollard, Tho7nas Adams, Henry
Afton, Richard Mugwell, Jajper Smith, , Jofeph Vngly, John Scanficld, and
Richard Nell to Prifon ; whither ?lio Thomas Everden and John Denn, taken
a few Days after at a Meeting, were fent, and both they and the others, kept
under clofe Confinement. ''■' ^:j '
Diftreffes for For Meetings held at the Houfes of Saimiel Bates at Cranbrook, aiid ^hhtias
(Acew'gi. Avard at Goodhurft, Goods were taken by Diftrefs from James Henbury of'
Goodhurft, to the Value of 30/. which were fold but tor 5/. i^s. And from
the faid -TZjoOTrtj- Avard, a very poor Man, Goods worth il. 10 s. which v\^ere
fold to Tomkins the Informer for 13 J. he himfelf having fo appraifed them.
Alfo ti-om 7oZ)« Hawkins, William Tretidl'ey, and Richard Bates, they took Goods
to the Value of 2 /. 10 s. Samuel Bates, for fuffering the Meeting at his Houfe,
was fined 31/. 10. f. for which they took aw.ay all his Goods, which did not
amount
Chap. 2 1. of tJoe People called QUAKERS.
amount to that Sum : A While after, when he had got a few more Houfhold
Goods, fome of which were lent him in his Diftrefs, one Culpepper a Juftice
of the Peace, got in at a Window, and with an Axe broke open the Doors and
kt in R. Webb a Conftable, whom he charged to clear the Houfe of all that
was in it. But the Conftable, pitying the poor Man's Cafe, did not execute
the Juftice's Order, but delayed making any Return of the Warrant, till the
Time of his being in Office was expired. The Conftable for this Negleft was
afterward fined 5/. and for tliat Fine had two Oxen taken from him worth \^L
In this Year John Colvil and Robert Coarthope wtve committed to Maid-
Jlo'.e Goal by an Attachment out of the Exchequer, at the Suit of Richard
Hope and JobnHayward Impropriators: Robert Courthope after twenty Weeks
Imprifonment was releafed, but John Colvil remained Prifoner about two Years
and an Half.
About this Time alfo, Richard Kingsford, Henry Start, and Nicholas Hom-
wood, were Prifoners at Maidjtone tor Tithes ; and Thomas Tunbridge, Richard
RuJJely and John Churchy in Dover Caftle : Whither alfo John Philly and John
Guinian, were committed for teaching School without Licenfe from the Bifhop.
They were afterward brought before the Juftices, had the Oath of Allegiance
tendred them, and for refufing to take it, were recommitted.
ANNO 1672. In this Year Richard Perry, James Gimmond, Jofeph
JVright, George Hammond, James Wicking, JViUiam Whitley, Robert ^tejiedy
Naibanael Owen, Giles Brown, and William Maddock, Prifoners in the County
Goal, were releafed by the King's Letters Patent, granting a general Amnefty
to the fakers then in Prifon.
In October the lame Year, Tljomas Friend and Andrew Hill, having been pro-
fecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit of Herbert Richards, Prieft of
Jllington, the faid Andrew Hill was committed Prifoner to Canterbury Goal.
This Herbert Richards, while Andrew Hill lay in Prifon at his Suit, went into
his Fields, demanding 3 /. for Charges of cafting him into Goal, and took
away about one fixth Part of his Wheat, and what Quantity of other Corn
he pleafed, fliying, If he did not take from the Quakers they would get the biggeji
Farms in the Parifh, but he would do his Endeavour to keep them under. In like
Manner he went into the Ground of Thotnas Friend, and took thence what he
pleafed, for 40 s. Charge, which he faid he was put to in proceeding at Law
againft him. The lame Prieft alfo took from Thomas Pickle, a poor Man, who
held lome Common Land which had not before paid any Tithe, near Half
his Corn. He alfo entred the Barn of John Effex, another Occupier of Com-
mon Land, and took away his Corn. All thefe Proceedings of his were void
either of Law or Reafon ; byt the Sufferers bore all with Chriftian Patience,
not avenging themfelves, but comniitting their Caufe to him that judgeth
righteoufly.
ANNO 1673. In the Month called May this Year, John Court, of Stone
in the I/le of Oxley, who had been fued for a Demand of 40 .j. for Tithes, by
Richard Shipton Impropriator, had taken from him, by an Execution, four
Bullocks and eight Sheep worth 10/.
In the iame Year Sifanna Friend, of Woodchurch, had her Cprn worth 12 s.
taken by Stephen Munn Prieft. ,;'
ANNO 1675. On the 29th of the Month called ^«j-a7? this Year, Hoch-
hain and Kilfhaw, Informers, came with Thomas Lambert, a Juftice of the Peace,
to a Meeting at Nathanael Owen's Houfe in Seven-Oaks : The Informers, by
the Juftice's Order, pulled down John Abraham then preaching, and took him
away with fome others to an Inn, and foon after difmift them : But die faid
Juftice LaTnbert, in Conjundion with Francis Farnaby another Juftice, ordered
the Conftable to feize John Abraham's Hprfe, with two others belonging to
Samuel Green a poor Man, which Horfes worth about 1 2 /. were ordered to
be fold. They alfo fined Nathanael Owen 20 1, for his Houfe, and yL for the
pretended Poverty of John Abraham, though he had told them where he
dwelt, and tkit he lud an Eftate of his own at Manchefler. For thofe Fines
the
KENT.
1670.
Imprifen-
mint-st
HeJeafe of
Prifoners.
Exchequer
trocefu
Dijireffss
Proceedings of
^ujiice Lam-
bert and two
Jnformert,
KENT.
1675.
Jmfrifmiments
ani Dijirejfss.
296 y4 Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
the faid Nathanael Owen fuffered Diftrefs of Linen and Woolen Cloth and other
Goods out of his Houfe and Warehoufe, to the Value of 77 /. 8i. 3 J.
In this Year alio, Jolm Denn, George White, Thomas fVatfon, and John
Woodland, were imprifoned for Tithes. And in the fame Year for refufing
to bear Arms, John Baker, JohnHarvy, Thomai Elgar, George Girdler, Richard
Ruffel, Abel Burroughs, John Mainard, and Luke Howard, for Fines amount-
ing to 9/. ys. 6d. had their Goods taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 46/.
Aho 'Thomas Clarenbole and Richard Terry were imprifoned on Writs de Excom-
municato capiendo tor refufing to pay to the Repairs of their Parilh-Church, fo
called.
loiprifonmm. ANNO 1676. Jo/^p/j Ow^/^jV was committed to Prifon for Tithes, at the
Suit of Williarn Jordan Prieft. Alfo Jeremy Warner was imprifoned for refofing
to pay Tithes, at the Suit of Richard Aujlin Impropriator. His Cafe was
fomewhat peculiar, he being fued for the Tithe of a Crop of Corn, the Whole
of which was lefs than the Seed from which it fprang. The Oppreffion of
Tithes is great when it fweeps away, as it very often does, the Farmer's
whole Profit : But that Oppreffion is aggravated when added to the Lofs fuf-
tained without it. On the 19th oi September this Year Nicholas Horn-wood died
in Maidftone Goal, after eleven Years Imprifonment for Tithes.
ANNO 1678. In this Year Henry Tiddeman had his Corn taken away for
Tithes to the Value of 20/. Alfo Abel Burrows, for a Claim of 16 s. for
Tithes, fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value of i /. igs.
Tho!?ias Friend o{ Allington, for refufing to pay Tithes, was imprifoned, at
the Suit of one Slaiton, Prieft of Steventon, in the Common Goal in Dunjhin's
near Canterbury, on the 14th oi O^ober this Year, and died there on the 5th of
December following. He was cruelly ufed by the Goaler and his Wife, who
put him among Felons and Murderers, would not let him have any Fire, and
Ibmetimes refufed his Friends Accefs to him. The Day on which he died the
Goaler's Wife would not let him have Fire to warm Something to be given
him, though fhe was told how exceeding weak he was.
Nathanael Owen of Seven-Oaks, having been fubpoena'd into Chancery for
Tithes by the Prieft of that Parifh, who foon after died, his Widow in Eajier-
Term this Year renewed the Profecution, and Nathanael for not anfwering on
Oath was committed to the Fleet Prifon in London. In Michaehnas-Term a
Sequeftration was ilTued for 83/. 35. though the original Demand for Tithes
and Offerings was but 16 1, for which he had taken from him in Cloth and
other Goods to theValue of 140/.
About this Time Edward Warry, Daniel Lopdall, Valentine Bowks, George
Loveday, and Robert Stead, for Fines impofed on them for refufing to bear
Arms, amounting to 61. 55. fuffered by Diftrefs of Goods to the Value
of 10/. 6 s. Alio Henry Rogers, for 10^. Fine, had his Goods taken away
to the Amount of 2 /. 5 j.
hnprlConmctitt. ^" ^^^ Year alfo, .Abel Burrows, John Gregfon, Henry Roberts, and James
Wicking, were imprifoned for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
ANNO 1680. In an Account of the Sufferings of the People called fa-
kers, printed this Year, and prefented to the King, Lords, and Commons,
in Parliament affembled, we find Mention made of Jofeph Stonehoufe, John
Day, Mark Fielder, John Purdy, and Rebecca Elkington, who all died in Prifon
for their Teftimony to the Truth, fince the Year 1661, in this County.
Viflreffis and ANNO 1681. In this Ye^r Samuel Ehx, for praying in a religious Meet-
Imprifonmems ing at Maidftone, had his Goods taken away to the Value of 30/. And John
far divers Gregfon, Benjamin Chatnbers, Henry Roberts, and Henry Green, for being pre-
Ciujcs. fer,f aj. t|^.^(. ^^jj other Meetings, llifTered Diftrefs of Goods to the Amount
of 32/. Thomas Day of Grave/end, convifted at ^tarter Seffions for a Month's
Abfence from his Parifh-Church, fo called, was committed to Prifon. Alfo
Henry Rogers, Thomas Everden the Younger, Ifaac Crawley, Richard Knell,
and Richard Philcutt, having been taicen at a Meeting at Canterbury, were
carried before the Mayor, who tendred them the O.uh of Allegiance, and for
refufing
l{emirl,
Deith of
N. Horn-
wood.
Viltrefs for
Tithss.
Death of
T. Friend in
Prifon.
Cruel Oppref-
Jwii.
Great Suffer-
ing of N.
Owen.
Chap. 21. of the People called QUAKERS.
refufing it committed them to Prifon, where they lay nine Weeks. In this Year
alio IMark Fiddeman, Pl^'illiam Mar/h, Richard Elgar, and Thomas El^^ar,
fined 40 y. each tor refufing to bear. Arms, had their Goods taken by Diftrefs to
the Value of 15/. 13 j. 1 1 ^. In the fime Year John Rogers, of Pli<?njled near
If^'oolwich, was impril'oned for Tithes at the Suit of Richard Saunders Vicar.
ANNO 1682. Andrew Hill, of S telling, had one Fourth of all the Barley grow-
ing in his Fields that Year taken away by Thomas Hardrejs Prieft, and his Affift-
ants, under Pretence of Tithe. On the i6th of the Month called 7«/>', the Bof-
holder came to the Meeting at Canterbury, put out thofe that were met, and
fhut up the Door. Soon after came Captain Roberts and two Conftables,
and carried feveral of them before the Recorder, who committed John Sims znd
William Upton to Prifon, becaufe they refufed to find Sureties for their good
Behaviour till the next Seffions.
At jVIaidstone, John Gregfon,' Henry Green, and Henry Roberts, for their
religious aflembling together, fuffered Diftrefles to the Value of 2 1 /. 195.
On the nth of the Month called February, Henry Rogers, Thomas Everden,
John Sims, Robert Pope, IVilliam Upton, Richard Bullocky and Henry Methurft,
taken at a Meeting in Canterbury, were by the Mayor committed to Prifon,
where they continued above three Months.
In this Year John Tritton, John Woodland, Jofeph Tempkman, Thomas Breets,
John Colvill, John Asjord, and George Courthope., tor Fines tor Abfence from the
National Worthip, had their Goods taken away by Diftrefs to the Value
of 5 /. 12;.
ANNO 1683. On the 25th of the Month called y/yn/, John Gregory,
having been fined \ol. for bc:ing at a Meeting in Maid/lone, and for Joane
Fokins's preaching there, had all his Houfhold Goods taken away, fo that he
had neither Bed left to lie on, nor Chair to fit on.
Bartholomew Boykin, of fVingham, was committed to Prifon upon two In-
dictments againft him at SefTions, one for Abfence from Church, and the other
for a Conventicle in his Houfe : Alfo William Mott, for refufing to traverfe an
Indidtment laid againft him tor Abfence from the National Worthip, was fent
to Priibn : As were alfo Michiel Michaelmas and Edward Bothen, whom the
Recorder of Canterbury caufed to be imprilbned on the Statute tor 20/. per
Month.
On the loth of the Month called July, Johnjenner, di Milton near Gravef-
end. Inn-keeper, was fent for by Arthur White Mayor, a Man of the fame
Occupation, and John Heath Deputy-Steward, who tendred him the Oath of
Allegiance, and for reiufing to Swear, committed him to Prifon : And at
the lame Time took from him his Licenfe to keep a Publick-houfe. At the
Aflizes foon after, the Oath was again tendred him in Court by Judge Atkins,
and for rctufing it. Sentence of Premunire was paft upon him.
Robert Steed, oi AJhford, was fent to Prifon by Order of the Quarter SefTions,
on an Indiiftment for Abfence from the National Worfliip.
At Dover, on the 9th of the Month called March, the Conftables and In-
formers came to the Meeting, and fent thofe whom they found there to Prilon :
They feized the Meeting-houfe for the King, and put a Lock on the Door:
They alfo took, by the Conventicle Act, from Luke Howard, Edward Caxere,
Edward Warry, John Broowjhne, and James Ginnion, Goods worth 5 /. i 2 s. ^d.
In this Year alfo the following Diftrefles were made, either tor attending reli-
gious Meetings, or being abfent from the National Worfhip,
Taken from John Pilcher of Wey, Horfes, Cows, and
Sheep, worth
Richard Ower, Horfes worth
Philip Settatree, fix Sheep, three Cows,
a Steer, i£c. worth
Jeremy Warner of Frittenden, Goods worth
]
]
VIZ.
I.
40
12
s.
d.
3
6
6
297
KENT.
1682.
Ferficution
for jeverxl
Caufes.
Hiri Cufe of
J. Gregory.
Imprifon-
mints.
Commitment
0/ J. Jenner.
Premunired.
R. Steed im-
prifofied.
Dover Meet-
hifl-houfi
feized.
Diftnjfes.
Vol. I.
4F
Carried over 64 8 o
298
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
KENT.
1683.
Brought over
Taken from John Whiting., a Cow, an Hog, Houlhold
Goods, and other Things, to the Value of
Augnfiine Hobdy of Waltham, all his Goods
within Doors and without, redeemed for
Samuel Fox and his Son John Moore ^ Goods worth 29
Richard Kingsford, feven Horfes, a Waggon,
and all his Goods, to the Value of
Nicholas JVright of Winjborow, Goods worth
thomas Breets of Bunnington, eleven Head
of Cattle, a Calf, and a Mare, worth
Walter Higgins, a poor Labourer, a Cow worth
Andrew Hill was imprifoned fix Months^ by Order of Seffions, for not
coming to Church.
On the 23d of the Month called Marchy Thotnas Bridge, Luke Howard,
Commitments Edward Caxere, Edmttnd Beane, James Ginnion, Edward Warry fen. Edward
for refufitig to Wdrry jim. John Broomjione, and William Robin/on, were taken at a Meeting
^''"'' in Dover, and carried before the Commiffioners at the Town-hall, who tendred
them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing to Swear fent them to Prifon.
Taken this Year by Diftrefs for Abfence from the publick Worfhip,
/. s d.
From James Hunt, Andrew Hill, John tritton, Nicholas p
Diflrejfes. Lad, and Robert Steed, Cattle and Goods to > 14 9 o
the Value of S
/.
s.
d.
o ^^
8
} -
10
} 3^
I
10
orth 29
8
} ^^^
50
> 40
10
4
386
17
10
Infoknce of
an Informer.
Mpr'tfonmems
tnd Diftre/fes.
Vniufl Sei-
zure.
ANNO 1684. On the ift of the Month called June, a Meeting was
held in the Street at Folkjlone, near the Meeting-houfe, which was long
lockt up by Order of the Mayor and Jurates. One James Fojler, an infolent
Informer, complained to, and even commanded the Mayor to go to the Meet-
ing-place and take the Names of thofe that were met. After which he com-
mitted feven of them to Prifon, where they continued four Months, namely,
Thomas Tunbridge, Richard Kimber, Stephen Goden, Thomas Elgar, John Mid-
dlemas, Sajmiel Hambrook, and Jojias Swaffer. The Mayor alfo granted a
Warrant for Diftrefs on others, by which. Goods were taken from them to the
Value of 9/. 2 J. 7.d. On the 29th of Z)^f««^^r, upon Information of two
Meetings at Folkftone, the Mayor committed to Prifon Stephen Goden, Richard
Spaine, Richard Kimbcr, John Baker, William Hall, Thomas Tunbridge, John
Middlemas, William Marjh, John Harvy, and Laurence Squire, feveral of whom,
having fuffered four Months Imprifonment, returned to their Chriftian Duty of
afTembling for the Worfhip of God, from which nothing could deter them. The
Mayor alio again ifTued his Warrant for Diftrefs, by which were taken
/. s. d-
From William MarJJj, Thomas Tunbridge, Thomas Hall,
Richard Spain, Jofias Swaffer, Widow LuJJj-
ington, Richard Kimber, and John Middlemas, * ^
Goods to the Value of
In this Year the Conftable of Cranhrook, and others, came to the Houfe of
Jf'^w /fj/o?"^ a Shop-keeper there, demanding Entrance to levy 10/. 5 j. for a
Meeting at that Town, and for the Poverty of John Fox, who preached there.
John Asford told them, that his Goods were already feized by the Sheriff for the
King's UJe, and that the Sheriff had fold them to Nicholas Bijhop, producing
both the Inventory and Bill of Sale. Neverthelefs the Informers and Officers
forced into the Houfe, and carried away forty fourPieces and Remnants of Cloth,
to
Chap. 2t. of the People called QlJAKERSk
299
to the Phtcnix Inn, where it was meafured and found to contain four Hundred KENT.
1684.
and nine Ells, worth
Tbovias Lilly, of the fame Place, had his Door broke
open, when from Home, and a Bed and Bolder, with
its Furniture, taken away, to the Value of
Thomas Najh of Cranbrook, Clothier, had Wool and
Cloth taken away worth
30/. OS. od.
40
Thomas Hedgcock, for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, was com-
mitted to Prifon by the Mayor of Folkjlone : And for the fame Caufe Valetitine
Bowles, Daniel Lopdall, John Knot, Henry Meders, and Thomas Pcllard, were
impriJoned by the Mayor ot Sandwich : At the Seflions, near five Months after,
they were fined 4/. 10 s. each, and difcharged ; but Diftreffes were made for
theii" Fines, for which was taken
/.
Daniel Lopdall, an Hogfliead of Wine worth 5
Valentine Bowles, Butter and Soap worth 5
Henry Meders, Stuff worth _ 5
From
Thomas Pollard, five Firkins of Butter worth
s.
o
5
9
o
d.
o
o
o
o
21 14
John Moore of Rochejler, for not fending a Soldier to the Mufter, fuffered
Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 5/. Alfo Robert Claringbout was diftrained
on for the fame Caufe.
In this Year alfo Abel Burrows, for Non-payment of Tithes, was committed
to Dover Caftle : And James St07ie and William Rogers were imprifoned at
Maidjlone for the fame Caufe : For which alfo William Gibbins and Alice Sjnith
were then Prifoners at Canterbury, where the Former of them had been abov?
ten Years, and the Latter about fix Years.
ANNO 1685. Nicholas Lad, profecuted for Tithes at the Suit of Nicholas
MarJJ] Impropriator, for 12/. original Demand, had taken from hint by a
Sequeftration on his Eftate, Goods worth 58 /. 8x. 10 d.
In the Month called July this Year, the Meetings at Cranbrook were feveral
Times difturbed, and thofe who were met turned out by Hoiry Courthope
Lieutenant of the Trained-Bands, and his Soldiers, who threatned to profecute
the Ofiicers of the Town for their Negleft of Duty. About this Time alfo
were taken by Diftreffes, on the Conventicle A6t,
From Edward JVarry, John Broomflone, and George
White, Cattle and other Goods to the Value of
}
/.
10
Diflrejfes for
Fines.
Triinei'
Bunds, , ■•
Jmprifonmtnts
for Tithes.
Lovglmprifon-
ments.
Severe Sei-
zure.
Meetings mo'
hjied it Cran-
brook.
:.I J!f!n;-i;
DiflreJJes.
Taken alfo this Year fOr Abfence from the National Worlhip,
/. s. d.
From George Courtbope and John Woodland, to the Value of 5 5 o
ANNO 1690. In this Year, by Diftreffes made for Abfence from the
National Way of Worlhip, Goods were taken
I. s. ^^i^-^
rrom John Sims, Luke Howard, John Tritton, John -)
Woodland, George White, and Thomas Kitigha??!, ^ 54 6 4
to die Value ot" 5
In the fame Year James Stone, having been profecuted for Tithes of
about 15/. Value, at the Suit of Giles Hinton, Reftor of Biddenden, had taken
from him by a Sequeftration, at feveral Times, fix Cows, fix Oxen, and four
Bullocks, worth 47/.
In
500 A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
KEN T.; In this and the preceding Year, Tithes were taken in kind out of the Field,
1690. ' /, s. d.
^..yW"--^ From ya?nes Stone, John Woodland^ and Abraham Bur- p
Tithes in kin i. rows, to the Value of 5 ^ 5 o
Robert PFright, George White>, Michael Pay, p
Philip Settatree, Henry Chapnan, and Nicho- S 16 9 6
las Lad jun. J*
Daniel Sharp, John Tritton, ^nd Thomas Settatree 450
32 19 6
We fhall clofe our Account of this County with the following Paffage, to
which no Date is affixed, viz.
IVilliam Roberts, Ihomas Kingham, and Robert Poolin, all poor Men of A/h-
ford, were fined for opening their Shops on a Faft-day, and at two feveral
Seffions committed to Prifon, upon the Prefentment of Hetiry Lounds a BaylifF.
And Ihall next proceed to Lancajhire.
LANCA-
SHIRE.
1652.
CHAP. XXII.
LANCASHIRE.
Anno 1652.
•i"^'.;
Mitty Abufss ^^^^|EORGE FOX, preaching in this County ^ met with a Multitude
0/ G. Eox. g^ • of Abufes from the ignorant People, animated by defigning Priefts,
■ -^gv" whofe Intereft his Doftrine oppofed. He endured the Infults, Beat-
^^^_^J. ings, Stonings, Kickings, Railings, Revilings, and Contradidlions
of Sinners with Chriftian Patience and Magnanimity. The Tendency of hia
■ ■-,■ Preaching was to direft Men to the Guidance of the Z>if^/ of Chrift in them-
felves, lae univerlal Teacher, which would prevent their being milled by thofe
who then aflumed the Office of MiniflerSi and whom he boldly teftified againft
as Hirelings and Deceivers. The Priefts, alarmed at fo daring an Attempt
againft their Power and Profit, cried out with one Voice, like the Jews againft
Paul, Away with fuch a Fellow from the Earth, for it is not fit that he fjould
live •, and, as if they had imitated the Perfecutors of the Protomarryr Stephen,
when they were not able to refifi the Wifdom and the Spirit by which he /pake,
then they Juborned Men which faid. We have heard himfpeak blafphemous JVords.
Hii Tr'ul it To anfwer this Charge, George Fox appeared at Lancafier Seffions, and forty
Lancafter, Priefts all combined againft him. The Wimefles were a young Prieft, and two
Seffioiii. Priefts Sons ; theie agreed in the general Acculation of Blajphetny, but in their
Evidence of the fpecial Matter, and of the Words fpoken, they were con-
fufed, and fo palpably contradided by die Teftimony of many ferjous and
fubftantial Perfons who were prefent. at the Meeting, where they pretended the
Blafphemy was uttered, that his Oppofers were utterly foiled and went away
Mini con- affiamed : While George Fox, having Liberty given him by the Juftices, de-
'jincei it his clared the Teftimony of Truth with fuch Power and Efficacy, that many pre-
law/, fent were convinced, among whom were Juftice Benfon and the Mayor of Lan-
cafter ; aifo Thomas Briggs, who became a faithful and zealous Minifter and
Preacher of the Doctrine of Truth all his Life after. ■ ' ,
The Priefts, thus difappointed, were very uneafy, and ufed their Endeavours
to have perluaded lome of the Juftices, and other Gentlemen of the County,
to fign the following Petition, viz.
" Ts
SHIRE.
1652;
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS. 301
" To the Right Hon'" the Council of State. l anc a-
'' T:he humble Petition of feveral Gentlemen, Juftices of the Peace^
" Minifters of the Gofpel, and People, "within the County oj Lancafter,
" 'u/hoje Names are fublcribed,
" Sh EWET Hj
" r 1 1 HAT George Fox and James Naylor are Perfons difaffefted to Religion, -A Taition
" JL and the wholfome Laws of this Nation, and that, fince their coming ^'''"',, '^^ . ^
*' into this Country, they have broached Opinions tending to the Deftruftion of g7 Fox^awT
*' the Relation of Subjefts to their Magiftrates, Wives to their Hufbands, j.Naylor.
*' Children to their Parents, Servants to their Mafters, Congregations to their
*' Minifters, and of a People to their God, and have drawn much People after
*' them ; many whereof (Men, Women, and litde Children) at their Meetings
*' are ftrangely wrought upon in their Bodies, and brought to fall, foam at the
" Mouth, roar, and fwell in their Bellies : And that fome of them affirmed
*' themfelves to be equal with God, contrary to the late Aft, as hath been
*' attefted at a large Quarter SelTions holden at Lancafter in October laft paft,
" and fince that Time acknowledged before many WitnelTes ; befides many
" other dangerous Opinions, and damnable Herefies, as appears by a Schedule
*' hereunto annexed, with the Names of the Witnefles fubfcribed.
" May it therefore pleafe your Honours, upon the Confi deration of the
*' PremilTes, to provide, (as your Wifdom fhall think fit) that fome fpeedy
" Courfe may be taken for the fpeedy fuppreffing of thefe Evils.
" And your Petitioners JJjall ever pray, as in Duty bound."
To this Petition an Anlwer was written by George Fox, intituled,. 5^z^''s An Anfwcr
Errand to Da7nafcus, to which is a Preface, wherein the Cafe of this People at tl^ento.
that Time feems impartially related, viz.
*' To the Chrillian Reader.
*' fTp H E S E are to let tliee know, that the only wife God at this Time Ihc rreface to
*' J^ hath lb by his Providence ordered it, in the North Parts of Lanca- ''''^t Anfwr.
*' /jzr^,that many precious Chriftians (and fo for many Years accounted before
*' the Nick-Name ^laker was heard of) have for fome Time paft forborn to
*' concorporare in parochial AlTemblies, wherein they profefs themfelves to
" have gained little of the Knowledge of Jefiis Chriji : And it is, and hath
*' been upon their Hearts to meet often (and on the Lord's Day continually) at
*' convenient Places, to leek the Lord their Redeemer, and to worfliip him in
*' Spirit and in Truth, and to fpeak of fuch Things tending to mutual Edifi-
*' cation, as the good Spirit of the Lord fhall teach them, demeaning them-
*' felves without any Offence given to any that truly fear the Lord.
" But true it is, that fome Men, and Interefts, of thofe Parts, do take great
" Offence at them, and their Chriftian peaceable Exercifcs -, fome, becaufe they
*' have witneffed againft Pride and luxuriant Fulnefs, have therefore come
*« armed with Swords and Piftols (Men that never drew a Sword for the Intercft
*' of the Commonwealth oi England, perhaps againft it) into their AlTemblies
*' in Time of their Chriftian Performances, and have taken him whom the
" Lord at that Inftant had moved to fpeak to the Reft, and others of their
*' Alfembly, after they had haled and beaten them, and carried them bound
" Hand and Feet into the open Fields, in the Cold of the Night, and there
" left them to the Hazard of their Lives, had not the Lord of Lite owned
" them, which he did in much Mercy. Others have had their Houfcs broken
" in the Night, and entred by Men armed as aforefaid, and difguifed, when
Vol. I. 4 G " they
302
L A N C A-
SJilRE.
1652.
7le Fervour of
rhtir Zetk
fmprijonmems
und grievous
jibufes of
man) of this
Teople for
their publick
Te/Hmonj,
A Colleaioii of the Suffertngs Vol. I.
" they have been peaceably waiting upon God with their own and Neighbours
" Families ; and yet theie humble periecuted Chriftians would not (even in
" thele Cafes of grols and intolerable Affronts, afted equally againll the Peace of
" the Nation as againll: them) complain, but expreffed how much, in^'Ieafure,
" of their Mailer's Patience was given them, in breathing out their Mailer's
" crentle Words, Father, forgive tbetn, they know nol what they do. Who have
" at any Time born fuch an unheard of Perfecution with fo mild Spirits?
" Only they in whom perfecuted Chrift dwells : Thefe poor Creatures know
" how their Mailer iared, and rejoice to fuffer with him, by whom alone they
" hope to be glorified, and arc as well content to fuffer, as to reign with
" Chrift ; and yet a Neceffity lies upon us (if we will be the Lord's Difciples)
«' to take up our Crcfs daily ^ and follow him : How is it then, that the Crown
" of Pride is fo long upon the Head of Perfecutors ? How is it that fuch Men
*' Ihould dare to divide the People of England, to trouble the Council of State,
" (in the Throng of Bufinefs concerning the Management and Improvement of
" the mighty Series of glorious Providence made out to this Infant Common-
" wealth) with fuch abominable Mifreprefentations of honell, pious, peaceable
" Men, who defire nothing more than to glorify their God in their Genera-
" tion, and are and have been more faithful to the Intereil of God's People
♦' in the Nation, than any of the Contrivers of the Petition, as will eafily be
" made appear, if we may take for Evidence what thty themfelves have often
" faid of the Parliament and Army, and their PViends and Servants, pub-
" lickly and privately ; and it is well known their Judgments are the fame,
" but that the Publication thereof will not fafely conhtl with the Enjoyment
*' of their large Vicarages, Parfonages, and Augmentations, whereby they are
*' lifted up above iheir Brethren, and exalt themfelves above all that are called
«' God's People in thefe Parts.
" However, Reader, we need not fear, we hope the Lord will never fuffer
" that Monfler Perfecution again to enter within tlie Gates of England's White-
" hall. They that fit in Council there know well enough, who it was that
«' fo often affembled to confult how they might take Jefns by Subtilty and kill
" him. They were Men of no lower Condition than Chief Priefts, Scribes,
" and Elders of the People, and if ever thefe Petitioners fhould but appear
" before them to whom they have diretled their Petition, my Heart deceives
" me if they be not accounted fuch.
" Reader, I would not Preface thee into a good Opinion of thefe fuffering
" Obje£ls of fuch Men's Wrath ; but read their Paper here put into thy
" Hand, by them written upon the Occafion of tliis Petition, and feveral
*« Snares and Temptations laid before them on purpofe to entrap them :
" And if by them thou canft find Caufe to pity thefe oppreffed little Ones,
" have them in thy Remembrance when thou goeft to the Throne of Grace,
" where my Prayers Ihall meet thine for them."
The fervent Zeal and earneft Concern many called ^takers in thofe Times
were under to declare the Truth they had received, conllrained them to feek
Opportunities for that Purpofe, either at the Clofe of the publick Worlhip,
before the People were difperfed, or at their coming out from thence : This
greatly offended the eftabliflied Teachers, who excited the worft of their
Hearers, on whom tliey have often the greatcff Influence, to receive thofe
MefTengers with all Manner of defpiteful Ufage, as by the following Inftances
appears.
ANNIS 1654, 1655, 1656. John Lawfin of Lancaffer, for preaching
to the People in the Steeple-houfe Yard at Malpas was let in the Stocks four
Hours, and afterward lent to rlie County Goal, where he was. imprifoncd
twenty three Weeks. At another IMme for exhorting the People in the Steeple-
houfe at Lancafier, he was fent to Prilbn till the Affizes, where he w.is fined 20 /.
and for Non-payment of that Fine was continued in I'riibn above a Year after.
Edivard
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS, 303
Edward Htdley, attempting to cxiiorj: the People aflemblal in tlie publick L A N C A-
Worlhip-hoiire at Palfly-Briggs, was dragged out of the Place, and lo cruelly SHIRE.
kickt on the Head and belly, that it was thought they had killed him. id545
Henry Wood^ tor afking a Prielt, IVhelher he did witnefi the Truth of what he ^^55-^ ^"»
taught ? was beaten backward by the rude People, one of whom ilruck him ' ^5"-
juch a Blow on the Face, that the Blood came out at his Eye : Alter which ^-y'''^/"""^
he was lent to Prifon and lay there thirteen Weeks.
June Kcntiehie, lor fpeakiiig a few Words to the People in their publick Af-
iembly at Liverpool, was lent to Prilon. The Pried ot that Place went to the
Prilon CO fee and deride her, while others with him beat and abufed her.
Pl^iUiam Swifon and Leonard Addijon, fpeaking to the Prielt at Blackburne
after Sermon, the People tell upon them, pluckt them by the Hair, and beat
them cruelly.
tor the like Caufes, Jeremiah Tomlinfon, George Cowfon, John Moone, Ed-ward
Moone, Richard Cv.hham^ Thomas Hill, Benjamin Boult, Agnes Mackreath, Sinion
IVhitehead, Peter Leatherbead, James Fletcher, William GiSjon, ff illia?n Dew/lerry,
Thomas Hutton, Thomas Ciirwen, Mealier Myers, Mary Clayton, Anne Clayton^
Alary HoKxjgill, Jane AJhburner, John Driver, James Simonjon, Thomas Ra-jolin-
jon, Richard Roper, Richard Waller, Thomas Salthoiife, and Leonard Fell, were
at feveral Times committed to Prilon in this County •, for as they efteemed it
their Chrillian Duty to exhort both .Priefts and People to Repentance and
Amendment of Lilc, they dilcharged that Duty through many Affliiffions,
knowing that as the Sujferings of Chrijl abounded in them, lo their Con/olation
alio abounded in him. 2 Cor. i. 5.
The Superltition ot thofe Times made it penal to travel but a few Miles
on the Firlt-day ot the Week, though to a religous Meeting, for which Caufe
John Tompfon, Williatn Tompfon, Eleanour Parknifon, John Laisjfon, and Thomas
Bond, had their Horfes feized and taken from them to the Value of 20/. Alfo
Peter Lawford, tor permitting a Meeting at his Houle, was committed to Pri-
lon. Richard Weaver, riding to a Meeting, had his Mare taken from him,
and for complaining of tlie Injury done him to the Mayor of Prefion, was by
him fent to Prifon.
Richard Hubbertborn and others were taken out of a Meeting, bound Hand
and Foot, and lb carried and laid in the open Fields in a cold Winter Night,
to the Hazard of their Lives. Ralpls Barnes and John Barnes were taken from
a Meeting at Warrington Heath, and committed to Lancafter Goal.
The dillinguifhing Plainnefs of this People in Habit and Deportment ex- Muny other
pofed them to many Abufes from the Malice of the Priefts, xht Ignorance of Abilfcs xhro'
the People, ^nd the Pride of fome in Authority, of which the followins Inftances ^'^'^'"' '*"'^
are obfervable : :. Ignorance.
James Smith/on, going to a Meeting, met his Landlord, formerly High-
Sheriff, who, becaufe James did not pay him the ufual Homage of the Hat,
rode turioufly to him, Itruck him till his Staff broke, and afterward beat him
with his Hands. At another Time as they occafionally met, he afked James,
Whether no Honour ivas due to a Landlord? He replied, / do- honour thee isjtth
viy Rent ivhen due. Upon which he pluckt oS his Hat, and ftruck him about
rhe Plead and Face till the Blood ran. v .vT ;
Edzi-ard Hulley, and others, palling from a Meeting, the' ufual Footway
through the Grounds of Henry Muglroydt, he ftopt them, and when they al-
Icdged, that // vaas an Highiioay, he anlwered, 'Tis Jo to others, but JImll not
he JO to you, and forced them to go back. He alio knockr down the faid Ed-
ward, and gave him many Blows over his Head and F'ace.
Anne Beck was ftruck to the Ground by the faid Henry Mugtroyde and his
Son ; and at another Time, as flie pafled the Streets exhorting the People, the
was laid violent Hands on, put into the Stocks, let in the Dnt, and there left.
As feveral of (his People were returning from the interring of a Child
of John Sagar of Marjden, they were aflaulted and beaten with a Hedge-
Itake by one Edivard Kij>per, who in his Fury threatned /o kill the firft
of
304
LANCA-
SHIRE.
1654,
1655, and
16^6.
I{ife of thefe
Abufes.
Murder of
R. Barnes.
Bruijing of
J. Barnes.
^ Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
of them he met. In like Manner John LicMell, pafllng on the Highway, was
knockt down by a barbarous Ruffian who met him. Allb Oliver Atherton was
ufed with Hke Barbarity as he was quietly travelling on the Road.
At a Meeting near Zancby, where Elizabeth Leavens was preaching, a rude
Company, headed by an Elder of their Church, pulled her down and abufed
her much. As fhe and others were going Home the People fell upon them,
and grievoufly beat ffilliam Binhall, James Cballoner, Laurence Johiifon^ and
James Lajfal.
Thcfe Injuries and Abufes were the EfFeft of a falfe and ignorant Zeal for
Religion^ which when it enters into Men of ill Morah, inftead of mending,
makes them worfe, and increafes their Prejudice and Malice againft thofe who
fincerely worfhip God in Spirit and in Truth. Another Inftance of the la-
mentable Confequences of fuch a blind Zeal next follows, viz.
ANNO 1658. Rebecca Barnes, Elizabeth Holme, and others, coming from
a Meeting near Ormjkirky met with David Ellijon a Prieft, to whom Rebecca
fpake fome difpleafing Words. The Perfons, who accompanied the Prieft,
fell to abufing her, while he animated them, crying our, Do'-^vn with her, dozen
with her, which his cruel Comrades effedtually performed, for they beat, bruifed,
and ftruck her on the Breaft lb cruelly, that within feven Days after flie died.
The Men and Women, who were in her Company, endeavouring what they
could to keep the Blows off her, were forely bruifed with Hedgeftakes, and
had much of their Blood fhed, they making no Refiftance, and one of them,
John Bar>ies, was forced to keep his Bed, through Weaknefs, fome Time after.
In the Month called yfz/g-zr/? this Year, John Latvjon, with about nineteen others,
going to a Meeting, were apprehended by a Watch purpofely appointed by
the Mayor of Prejlon, and detained Prifoners twenty four Hours without any
Caufe affigned.
ANNO 1659. In this and the preceding Years were taken by Diftrefs
for Tithes,
I. s. d.
Diflreffes f>
or From Richard AJhburnery for
•234
ritbct.
Oliver Atherton
100
Samuel Barrow
023
Thomas Barrow
100
Richard Britton
I 10
James Chambers
170
Edmund Clayton
036
Thomas Ciirwen
12
Thomas Earle
012
ftho?nas Fell
140
IVilliam Greenbank
600
Richard Hargreaves
12
Edward Harrifon
a 13
Laurence Hay
016
Thomas Leaper
740
Roger Leatherbarrow
350
Richard Miers
300
John Minjhall
020
Edward Moon
10
Thomas Moon
10
George Pye
240
Thomas Pier/on
I 13 4
John Pierfon
020
fVtlliam Simpfon
17
John Town/end
I 5
Robert fValker
3 17 4
Alice IVoolhead
I I
/. s.
demanded, Goods worth 617
6 o
o 10
3 o
4 II
4 o
6 o
2 10
o 5
4 o
22 o
5 o
10 17
o 3
23 o
20 o
15 o
12
1 3
3 9
8 o
4 o
9
4 o
1 10
10 18
5 o
o
o
o
o
S
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
6
Q
O
O
O
4
o
o
o
a
o
o
4
o
For 41 18 6 demanded, Taken
172 15 10
Several
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS.
-. Several of the Perfons laft named alfo fuffered Imprifonment for Tithes,
namely, Richard AJhhiirner^ Richard Miers, "Tfjomas Leapery Oliver Atherton,
and Thomas Curiven ; befide whom, Robert Stout for the fame Caufe fuffered
cigliteen Months Confinement, TJjomas Atkinfon five Months, and Richard Cub-
ham a confiderable Time. Robert JVidders was fued to an Outlawry for Tithes,
and was imprifoned in Lancajler Caftle two Years and an Half. Richard
Apener^ for the fame Chriftian Tellimony aguinft the Payment of Tithes, alfo
fuftered Imprifonment till Death.
From John Barrow, Thomas Atkinfon^ James Taylor, and Richard Fell, Goods
were taken by Diftrefles for Tithes to the Value of 27/. 13^. zd. Thomas
Hill alfo endured the fpoiling of his Goods for the fame Caufe.
For refufing to take an Oadi on feveral Occafions, the following Perfons were
fined and fuffered Diftrefs, viz.
George Barrow, Tl}Omas Ctimmn, John Har'
greaves, Thomas Leaper, and John Minjhally
to the Value of
Thomas Green, Richard Hargreaves, John Sagar,
Robert Walker, George Stythe, and John Smith
IVilliam Seaman, John Smith., Richard Weaver^
Peter Sbarltotty and John Townfon
I. s. d.
10 II
12
12 15
L A N C A.
SHIRE.
1659.
Imfrifonmems
for Tithes.
R. Apener
died Frifaner^
tines sni
Viflrejfts.
Hii Exmina*
tion.
25 9 4-
Taken alfo from feveral Perfons for refufing Payments impofed for repair-
ing the Steeple-houfes, Wages of the Parifh-Clerks, and the like Claims, for
1 /. 6 s. demanded, Goods worth 4/. 16 s.
ANNO 1 660. In the Month called June this Year, four Conftables came Apprehenfion
with a Warrant to the Houfe of Margaret Fell at Swarthmore, where they ap- "/ ^' ^ °^*
prehended George Fox, and carried him before Henry Porter, Mayor of Imh-
cajhr, who examined him as follows, viz.
Mayor. fVhy came you into the Country this troublefome Time ?
G. F. To vifit my Brethren.
Mayor. But you have great Meetings up and down.
G. F. Though we have fo, our Meetings are known throughout the Na-
tion to be peaceable, and we are a peaceable People.
Mayor. Tou fee the Devil in People* s Faces.
G. F. If I fee a Drunkard, a Swearer, or a peevifh heady Man, I cannot
fay, I fee the Spirit of God in him.
Mayor. Tou cry againft our Minijlers.
G. F. Whilft we were as Saul fitting under the Priefls, and running up and
down with their Packets of Letters, we were never called peftilent Fellows,
nor Makers of Sefts ; but when we came to exercife our Confciences towards
God and Man, we were called pejlilent Fellows, as Paul was.
Mayor. 7'ou can exprefs your felves well enough : 1 worit difpute with you,
hut I will rejlrain you.
G. F. By whofe Order didfl thou fend a Warrant for me ?
Mayor. / have an Order, but will not reveal the King's Secrets : A Prlfoner
is not to fee for what he is co?ntnitted.
G. F. That is not Reafon ; how then fhall he make his Defence ? I ought
to have a Copy of it.
Mayor. There was a Judge that fined one for letting a Prifoner have a Copy
tj his Mittimus. I have an old Clerk, though I am a you?ig Jujlice.
Then he called to the Clerk, Is it not ready yet ? meaning the Mittimus.
Mayor. Tou are a Dijlurber of the Nation.
G. F. I have been a Bleffing to the Nation in and through the Lord's Power
and Truth, and the Spirit of God in all Confciences will anlV/er it.
Vol. I. 4 H Mayor.
^6
LA N C.A-
S.y.IRE,
G.Fox jiut
to Pr^ap,
Habeas Cor-
pus.
l{eturn.
Wirrxnt for
his DifchiTge,
A Colkaion of the.. Sufferijtqs -Vol. I.
.-Miyory You &ve an Enemy to the King : Tou enduvoUr to raifethiTew War,
afulimbnie the Nation in Blood again.
I Q. F. I have neyer learned the Poftures of War, but 3m clear and inno-
cent ^>is a Child concerning tliefc Things, and therefore am bold.
V Then tlic Mitfimui was brought, the Goaler called, and commanded to
put hin:i, intp the Dark-houfe, and let none come at him.
' Bail was offered lor his Appearance, but refufed : After a confideraWe Time
of dole Confinement an Habeas Corpus was procurec^ CO remove him to London^
and the. Sheriff, well jfatisfied of his Innocence, permitted him to go up with
Jbmeofhis Friends, without any Guard, on his'Promife to appeal before the
Judges at fVeftminfter, on a certain Day, if the Lord permitted. He appeared
accordingly, accompanied with Robert Widders, Rirbard Hubberthdrn,- and
Efquire Marfi of the King's Bedchamber. The. Charge agajnft him was read
in Court,, but .ho Accufer appearing, Efquire Marjh fignified to the Judges,
that it was the King^s Pleafure George Fox Jhould be fet at Liberty. Where-
upon the Court orck|-ed the Sheriff's, Return of the Habeas Corpus to be laid
before the King, bqing as follows, viz. ' .
yry Y Virtue of his Majefty's Writ to me dired:ed» and hereunto annexed,
13 I certify, th^it before tiie Receipt of the faid Writ, George Fox.^ in the
laid Writ mentic|ned, was committed to his Majefty's Goal at the Caftle of
Lancajler, in-my'Cuftody, by a Warrant kom Henry Porter Efq-, one of
his JMajefty's Juftices of the Peace within the County Palatine aforefaid,
bearing Date tlie 5th Day of June now laft paft, for that he the faid George
Fox was genm^iy. fufpeiled to be a comnwn Difturber of the J'eace 6f this
Nation, an Enemy to our fiver eign Lord the King^ and a chief Upholder ef
the Quakers Se^, and that he, together with others of his fanatick ■. Opinion^
'banje of late endeavoured to make InJurreSions in thefe Parts of the. Country,
and to embroU the whole Kingdom in Blood: And this is the Cauft pf his
Taking and De^tajning. Neverthelefs, the Body of the faid George Fox I
have ready before Francis Mallet Knight, one of his Majefty's Juftices al^
figned to hold Pleas before his faid Majefty, at his Chamber, in Serjeant's,
" Inn in Fleet-fireet, to do and receive thofe l^hings which his Majefty !s faid
*' Juftice fhall determine concerning him in this Behalf, as by thq aforefaid
" Writ is required. , ' ,YJ:r' l// i.u'vvi l" .^
" GEbR(iE Chetham E%.' Siieriff."
': Upon ConfideratioA of the whole Matter and Circumffances, the King being
iiitisfied of George's, Innocence, gave Direftion for his Releafe, which was done
by the following Warrant from a Secretary of State, viz.
'J T'lT is his Majefty's Pleafure that you give Order for the releafmg and
" \ fetting at full Liberty the Perfon of George Fox, late a Prifoner in Lan-
♦ ' cdjlcr Goal, and commanded hither by Habeas Corpus. And this Signification
M of his Majefty's Pleafure ihall be your fufRcientWarrant. Dated at IVbite-
^^ ball the 2/[.th of OSiober 1660.
a
<c
Tie fudge's
Order.
-V *^ To Sir Francis Mallet Knight, .
one of the Juftices of the
" Edward Nicholas."
*' King's Bench.
V Upon which Judge Mallett iffutd the following Order,
*V1X
B
Y Virtue of a Warrant which this Morning I have received from the
Right Honourable Sir Edward Nicholas Knight, one of his Majefty's
'* principal Secretaries, for the releafmg and fetting at Liberty George Fox, late
" a Prifoner in Lancafter Goal, and from thence brought hither by Habeas
" Corpus, and committed unto your Cuftody. I do hereby require you
«* accordingly
Chap, 2.2. of. the People called QUAKERS, 307,
•* accordingly to releafe and fet the faid Prifoner George Fox at Liberty ; for I, A N C A-
" wliich tills Ihall beypiir Warrant and Difcliarge. Given under my Hand SHIRE.
*' the 25th Day of Ofiober, in the- Year of our Lord God 1660. 1660.^
'^f5Jw",^'Ut . : " FeanciiMallett:"
or bis Deputy.
Purfuant to this Order George Fox was fet - at Liberty after twenty Weeks His peaceful
Impriionment : Some ot his Friends wolild have perfuaded George to have Temper of
tilcen tlie Advantage of tlig Law againft the Juftice and others who had pro- ^'"'^'
ceeded fo illegally againft him, and been the Authors cif his unjuft Confine-
ment -, but he, like a meek and patient Ghriftian replied, I Jh'all leave them
to the Lord : If the Lord forgive thenk, Lfloall not trouble my felf about them.
r About -the Month called January this Year, a general Profecution of this Many Impri-
People^ifori^efufing to take the Oath of 'Allegiance, was fet on foot : On the fonments for
9ch of that Month, Robert iAlJlon and Thomas Bond were taken from their own ""' Swearing-
Hoiifes at Chipping by SoI4i«rs, and without any Warrant or Mittimus carried
to Prifon at Lancajler. *'On "t?ie 13th a Conftable with armed Soldiers took
tsventyfix Perfons from a Meeting at 2>//«»^, kept thern under a Guard till
next Day, and then carried them unexaniined to LAncafter QsMq. On the 20th
they took from the time Place all that were met, and carried them to a neigh-
bouring Juftice, who fent one Man, twelve Women, and 'a, Boy to Prifon :
The Names of thofe who were apprehended at thefe two Meetings, with two
others, were as follows, viz. John Backhoufe,-Ji.ichard Barrow, Thomas Barrow,
Chrijlopher Bijhrown, Chrijtopher Bijhrown jun. John Bijbrown, John Bijbrown
yan. Job}iBeakbean,.Tho?nasCamm, Tlxmas.Chorley, Edward Cumjjiing, Thomas
Dowethwell., Robert Hadwen, William Hugginjon, Robert Hubberjiy, James Hut-'
ton, VVilliam Johnfon, Thomas Leaper, ,Thonias Prejion, fVillia?n Slith, William
WeftoH, James IVeathman^ WiUiam Weathfnan, William Weathman jun. Robert
Widders, Thomas Widders, Aliee Barrow, Anne Beakbmn, Mary Athwenwheat.,
Mary Bijhrown^ Anne Cumming, Martha Croft, Elizabeth Fell, Frances Flem-
ming, Margaret Hadwin, Jane Hubberthorn, Margaret Lucas, Frances Prejlon,
Anne 'Stout, Anne Weathman, and Jane Wtdder. To thefe add Robert Drink-
well, who was taken fhortly after by Soldiers ; alfo the following fixteen, taken
out of their own Houfes at Wra'j and Places adjacent, vix. Robert Batefon, John
Crofier, Richard Fletcher, Chriflopher Glover, Robert Glover, PFilliam Edmon-
fon, William Lamb, John Myers, Chriflopher Neljon, John Prieflly, Chriflopher
Skirrah, Giles Skirrah, Thmnas Skirrah, Thomas Skirrab jun, Mar?)iaduke Ta-
tham, and Tho?nas Wilfon. Alfo on the 20th Thomas Crofby, Jeremiah Lion,
Ifaac Afhton, Henry Fofier, Henry Mariland, John Bijpham, John Witherby, John
Afhton, Richard J ohnfon, Godfrey Atherton, Peter Wefthead, George Pye, Peter
Leadbealer, Roger Leatberbarrow, John Underwood, and John Sfnallfhaw, were
forcibly taken out of a religious Meeting at Biceurfith by Soldiers (who faid
they had Orders from the Earl of Derby) arid fent to the SelTions at Wigan,
where the Jufticts tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and committed them
to Lanca/ler Goal for refufing it. On the fame Day, at'Knowlfey, Peter Laith-
waite, Henry Hulgreave, JVilliam Bootle, Richard Beefly, Thomas Tarbock, Robert
Heyes, William Harrifon, and Thomas Rofe, being met together to worfhip
God, were apprehended by a Conftable, and by Warrant from a Juftice of the
Peace, before whom they had refiifed to take the Oaths, were fent to the fame
Goal. Alio on the fame Day, at Lamafler, a Party of Soldiers, fame with
Swords drawn and Piftols cockt, others with Mufkets and lighted Matches,
came to the Meeting and took away all the Men they found, and carried them
to the Caftle. On the 27th, the Meeting confifting of Women, only one Man,
they took them alio, and fent them to the fame Prifon with Ibme others whom
they had taken from their own Houfes. The Names of the Men fo commit-
ted were, John Lawfon, Peter Catbery, Thmnas Hindi, Rohrt Mawr, Mau/^e-w
Jepfon,
3o8 A Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LAN C.A- Jepfon, Matthew Babies, John Fowler^ miliam Gunfon, John Jenkinfon, miliam
SHIRE. Marjhally John Walker, Robert Willfin, Williavi Harrifony Timothy Taylor, Robert
1660. Thornton, Francis Shire/on, Richard Hinde, George Caivfon, Henry Crofsfield,
^^'^'V^^ Williatn Greenbank, Thomas Hodgfin, Robert Proofor, fVilliam Majher, John
Birloiv, Chrijlopher Barrow, Robert Taylor, Robert Bruce, IFilliam Baines, and
Thomas Green. And of the Women, Mary Bruce, Dorothy Batnesy Ellen
Hodgkinfon, Anne Stubbs, Jennet Tenant, and Jane Dickenfon,
On the iame Day John Abraham, Ifaac Mojfe, Abraham Garfide, Jonathan
^\ BradJIjaw, John Burgejs, Mary Ridgway, Mary Poole, Elizabeth Owen, and
V Elizabeth Fletcher, were taken out of their Meeting at Manchefier, and by Or-
der of one Juftice detained till tlie next Day, when, upon refufing to Swear,
they were committed to Prifon.
On the 24th, at Swarthmore, forty three Perfons were taken, fome out of
their Houfes, others from the Market, and fome from their Labour and
Employments, by a Party of Horlemen, and without any Warrant, Mittitnusy
or Examination before a Magiftrate, committed to Lancafter Caftle, namely,
Tijomas Htitton, Tobias Wiljon, John Chatnbers, Thomas Fell, Thomas Goady
Richard Fell, Richard AJhburner, Thomas Barwick, James Miner, Thomas Cur-
'joen, Richard Myers, Francis Pear/on, William Si'mpjiny Thomas Myers, Thomas
Fell, Francis Pearfon jun. Thojnas Haverigg, Paul Pennington, Edward Cowpery
Leonard AJhburner, James Chambers, John Goade, William Hawthornthwaitey
William Dodgfon, Thomas Wilfon, William Strickland, George Fell, Jajper Sharpy
Robert Pennington, John JGrkby, Robert Salthoufe, William Saltlxuje, James Parkey
Thomas Rawlinfon, Daniel Thwaite, Nicholas Birkett, Thomas Ben/on, John HolmCy
William Towers, Willmn Alkinfony Thomas Fijher, Edward Cowper, and Thomas
Wtlfon jun.
On the 27th twenty Perfons, viz. four of them for refufing the Oaths, and
the Reft for not giving Sureties for their good Behaviour, were committed to
the fame Prifon, namely, Ralph BarneSy Samuel Barnes, TJmnas Barnes, John
Barrow, Samuel Barrow, James Barton, Thomas Earle, Samuel Dunbabitiy
Richard Gooje, Gilbert Hoult, Richard Houlden, Henry Holbrook, John Minjhally
Samuel Minjhall, Savage Mafony John Mercery John Johnjon, John Seddon,
Richard Tarbock, and Thomas Taylor.
On the fame Day, at Downham, James Whip, Thomas Tatham, Elizabeth Eaf-
ton, Mary Tatham, Elizabeth Lorrimer, Anne Driver, and Edward Hulley, at whofe
Houfe they were met, were apprehended by a Conftable, kept all Night, and
next Day by a Juftice of Peace committed to Prifon for reflifing the Oaths. The
Conftable alfo took by Diftrefs from Edward Hulley an Heifer worth 2 /, 12 s.
for pretended Charges of carrying them to Goal, he alfo extorted by Arrefts
and other vexatious Methods from the faid Edward's Relations 3/. 19 x. 6^. on
the fime Pretence, although all the Prifoners did bear their own Expences,
On the I oth of the Month called February, Richard Madder, Edward Daw-
fon, Nehejniah Poole, Arthur Walker, Hannah Taylor, Mary MoJfe, and Ellen
Aired, were taken out of a religious Meeting, and for refufing to Swear, com-
mitted to Lancafter Goal, And on the 1 7th of the fame Month, at Haflindeny
Abraham Hayworih, Henry Birtwijle, Richard Ratcliff, John Grime, Laurence
Taylor, James Ratcliff, Henry Wood, John Cowper, Ijabel Wood, Mary Roy-
fteroH, Alice Royfteron, Agnes Robin/on, Katharine Doe, Ifabel Ratcliff, Elizabeth
Birtwijle, Margaret Birtwijle, Mary Hayworth, and Elizabeth Hayworth, being
met together, were taken by a Conftable, and kept with a Guard all Night :
Among them was the Wife of Henry Wood, who coming to fee her, was alfo
detained, and committed to Prifon with the Reft for refufing the Oaths.
On the fame Day the following Perfons were taken out of the Houfe of
John Hartley at Trawden, where they were affembled to worfhip God, by the
High Conftable and Soldiers, and, tor refufing to take the Oaths, committed
to Lancatier Goal, where they lay above five Weeks, namely, John Hartley,
Peter Shackleton, James Smith/on, Robert Atkinfon, Williatn Wloaley, Nicholas
WhitacrCy John Sfniihy Samuel Dr'ivery John Hargreaves, Joj'eph Catherhy
William
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS. 309
IVilUam Heape, JoJm Sagar, Siephen Sagar, Ellen Pollard, Richard Mitchel,
Richard Hargreanes, Elizabeth Hartley, Mary mikinfon. Jennet Swaine, Jane
' Clayton, Anne Pollard, Jane IVregles, Mary Mitchel, Anne Parker, and Alice
Heape.
On the 13 th of the Month called March, John Weft, ChriftopherWeft, Wil-
liam Hanfon, nomas Ackringly, Robert Ardington, Elizabeth Driver, and Anne
Driver, with 7'homas Patefield, a poor labouring Man, at whofe Houfe they
were met, were taken thence by Conftables, and by two Juftices, for refiifing
the Oaths, committed to Lancafter Caftle. About this Time alfo, Margaret
Alkinfon was fent to Prifon for reproving a Prieft, Alice Amhrofe and Mary
lomkins for declaring Truth in the Market-place, and John La-wfon was com-
mitted, by an Order of Seflions, for refufing the Oath when tendred him in
Court.
Bcfide the great Numbers already mentioned, we find that John Whit evizs, taken
from his own Houfe,and fent to Prifon, as were William 1'cmpfon, John lomplon^
John Mooney Henry Eccles, and Chriftopher Parkin/on, who had been taken at a
Meeting, and Willia^n Gib/on, who was committed for refufing the Oath of
Alleojance. Alfo James Smith of Poulton, who after five Months Imprifonment,
by means of an envious Prieft, who had fworn the Peace againft him, was
brought to the SelTions, where the Prieft, being called upon to fhew the Caufe
of his pretended Fear, had nothing to fay, but inftead of affigning a Reafon
for what he had done, after fome Paufe moved the Court, that James might
have- the Oath of Allegiance tendred him, which the Juftices complied with,
and fo inftead of releafing the injured Man from his unjuft Imprifonment, fent
him back to Goal for refufing to Swear. About this Time alfo William Brewer
and John Thorne were imprilbned, alfo Henry Hales oi. In/kip, and Robert Biggs
of Hollofivmire.
So that about the End of this Year, two Hundred and feventy Perfons of this
People were Prilbners together at Lancafter, moftly for refufing to take the
Oaths, a Snare which few of them efcaped, becaufe by their conftant and pub-
Jick Manner of aflembling for Worfhip, they ftood always expofed to the
Malice of thofe who fought Occafion againft them.
ANNO 1 66 1. On the i6th of the Month called June, Edward Lord,
Ralph Ridgeway, Nehemiah Poole, Edward Daw/on, Richard Madder, James
Bold, John Aired, John Blinkhorne, Henry Wood, John Wood, John Abraham,
Jfaac MoJJe, and Abraham Garftde, as they were coming out of a Meeting
found the PafTages befet with armed Men, who would not fuffer them to de-
part till fome Juftices of the Peace came, who tendred them the Oath of Al-
legiance, laying, that the Law had appointed that as a Means to difcover Papifts,
and upon their Refufal to take it fent them to Lancafter Goal.
At the Seffions and AfTizes held this Summer, many of thofe who had been
committed to Prifon in the foregoing Year were fet at Liberty, yet there re-
mained about fifty Prilbners, which Number was foon after increafed; for on
the I ft of S.eptember a Warrant was ilTued from three of the Deputy-Lieute-
rants of the County and other Magiftrates, directed to the Mayor of Lancafter,
for apprehending all fakers that fhould be found met together, by which
Means the following Perlbns were fent to Prifon, viz. Thomas Ctanming, Robert
Wilfon, Henry Cro/sfteld, Thomas Harrifon, William Ma/Jjter, Robert Taylor,
George Efcridge, Robert Walker, Thoinas Hodgfon, William Gunfon, John Fowler,
Timothy Taylor, Robert Bruce, Willidin Taylor, Matthew Jepfton, Robert Thornton,
Bryan Hodgfon, Willia?n Weaver, George Cawfon, Willia?n Harrifon, Robert
Mayor, William Cozvard, and Richard Hinde. Several others alfo, of thofe
lately difcharged, being taken again at a Meeting at Cardmell, were recom-
mitted, and with them Williarn Pull, Philip Braitbwaite, and Richard Simpfon.
At the Quarter Seflaons held in the Month called January this Year, the
following Remonftrance from the Prilbners in Lancafter Caftle was prefented,
wid read by the Clerk in open Court, viz.
L A N C A;
S.H I R E,
1660.
Morelmprifott'
ments for vet
Svnaring.
Vol. I,
I
<c ep^
3IO
X A N C il-
SHIRE.
if Kemon-
Jirnvce to th:
^ufiiccs at
Quinsr Sef'
(ions.
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
■f* To the Juftices in the Commijion for the Peace hi this County^ and
" jWiV in the Town of Lancafter, or to any others ivhom this may
" concern, to read and conjider in the Spirit of Meeknefs.
" S H E w E T H,
*f>..TT^ HAT we the Subfcribers, with others our fellaw Prifoners, were by
«,' j^ Order fronx fome of you, or your fellow Juftices of the Peace, ap-
" prehended ;md fent to Prifon, where we have innocently and patiently fuf-
*' tered Bonds for the Space of fourteen Weeks (and fome more) this Winter
" Seaibn, although nothing can be juftly laid to our Charge, as Matter
«' of Fact, deferving fuch an Imprifonment, both to the Prejudice of our
" Health, tlae Ruin of our Eftates, and tl^e Expence of our Time, in our
," Separation from our Wives, Children, and Families, and from our La-
.*' bour in our lawful Callings in the Creation, whereby we might be in a
»^ Capacity to help others, and not to be burdenfome to any, being, as you
^' well know, Huibandmen and Tradefmen, upon whofe Diligence and daily
^' Labour, die Subfiftence of our Families, as to the outward, confifts, the
?'• Neglect whereof may in all likelihood impoverifh them and us, and fo
brines an unneceffary Charge and Burden upon others, which if it fhould be
incurred upon this Account, and by this Imprifonrnent, could not be laid
to the Charge of the Gppreffed, whofe Suffering is but upon Sufpicion, and
not for any aftual Tranfgreflion, but only for Confcience-fake, not for any
Wrono-, Injury, ex Offence, either intended or afted againft any Perfon or
power appointed of God for the punifhing of evil Doers, and for the Praiie
of them that do well, for unto fuch our Souls are fubjeft for Confcience-
fake, and we defire nothing from you but that we may live
peaceably in our own Houfes, eat our own Bread, and
own Callings in the Fear of God, for the Good of all, and
ferve and worfhip our God, according as he requires of
will not grant thefe Things unto us, then fhall
of our God, and patiently fuffer under you, as
f*
»f
«>
us :
quietly and
follow our
to meet to
And if you
we lie down in the Peace
we have done under thofe
Powers whom the Lord God hath overturned by his Power ; and remember
you are in his H;ind, and if you trouble and afflift us for fo doing, then
will the Lord our God trouble and affli£t you, (mind that) they are die
Words of Truth to you. 2 IheJ. i. 6, 7. Now you knowing that our
Commitment was only upon Sufpicion, and nothing can juftly be laid to
our Charge wordiy of thefe our Bonds : We therefore put you in Mind
hereby, to confider of our prefent Condition, and compare it with the
Caufe, and do unto us as you would be dealt with in Cafe of Confcience,
and as you are Minifters of the Law, look into the prfe£i Laia of Liberty^
which faith, IVhatJoever ye would that Men Jhculd do vnta yoti, do ye even
fo to them, wido the heavy Burdens, atid let the Oppreffed go free, for the
Lord requires it of you, to do juflly, and to love Mercy ; and wc do expcdt
from you Juftice and Equity, our Right and Privilege to labour in our
Callings, that as becometh Saints we may ferve our God, and as Subje£fs we
may ferve our King and Country in all juft Requirings ; and this we leave
to your Confideration, expecting to receive fome Anlwer from you, tending
to the Enlargement of us who are Prifoners.
«' Subfcribed in the Behalf of our felves, and the reft of our fellow Pri-
*' foners, who are in Number about fifty, which fuffer upon this Ac-
«' count."
Lancafter dfile, the i^th of
the Eltvemh Month 1661.
The
Chap. 2 2. of the Vi^q^lc called QUAKERS.
The Juftices at that SelTioas took tlicir Caufe into Confidcration, and hiving
their lyiind^ flilpoled to CompalTion and Mercy, ordered aJl the Prilbners to be
indicled, fined iuch a^ ^tx& convided in very Imall Spins, and then caufed them
to be let at Liberty, . •• ,,,; ,
ANIV^P 1662, In t\\^X&3,r "Thom/is ^oony William Br^vjcr, John TFhite,
-'y.obii$o<ipnfeiid, and Johi^A^ft, for DemandJ'of 2/. 14^ ^^., for Tithes, had
Cattle and Goods take^n from them by Diflrefs to die Value of 15/. jgs,
/^llb Gilberi IVIntefide for a Claim of i /. 10 s. for Tithe, was committed tg
fjfncflfter Caftle, where l^e fuffered twenty three Months Imprilonment. Taken
aifo from George Ly^i^^(y Roger Leathe?-ba)T0zv, and Richard fobii/on, for 19J. ^d.
dema,ndcd fpr Steeple-t^pufe Rates, Goods to the Value of 3 /. Ss. 2d.
Ill tlvs^^ar George Braiihwaile and Geprge Hobne yveji;e jmprifoned, and 7o/;«
?^H^i died'a PrifoneFf(jH:,r;efufing to Swear. .
ANNO 1^663. Taken i^om. Roger Hartley^ Siejpke^i Sagar^ "John Sagar,
znd KifJMrA Hargreflves^ Ipr Demands of 3/. 55. for Tithes, Goods worth
\\l. J Of- ^4f T^l^re wer? alio Prifonens this Year in Lancafier Caftle for
Tidies-, , fhomas Curwen, Richard Cuhhaii,. Jfaac Afljion, Thomas Cbaddock, Heniy
Woods, Richard Johifoii, John Smalljhaw^ and Henry Hulgreave.
Jn this? Year OUver Aihertotu, who had been in Prifon about two Years and
an Half at the Suit of the Countefs of Derby for Tithes, being a Man of a
>veak|y .Cpnfticution, through ^ong Imprilonment in a cold damp unwhol-
fomc Place, _was brpuglat fo low and weak in Body, that there appqapecjl
no Hope of; his Life,, i^rrle^ he mi^ be removed , from thenpe : His
weak Condition was reprefented to the Countefs in a Letter fent her by
liis Son: The yopng Man returned to his Father on his dying Bed, and
told Ijim that the Cpuntefs; denjed him , any Liberty, to iwhich the dying
Man faintly replied, Shi; bath been the Caufe of fhedding much Blood, buf
this '•jjill be the heavicfl Blood that ever floe fpilt : Arfl loon after died. Hi?
Body was delivered to his Priends to be interred at Ormfkirk, where he had
dwelt. In their Way thither they fixed on the publick Places at Garflang,^
Frejhn, and Qther Towns,- a Paper with this Inlcription, " This is Oliver
*' Jiherton of Ormjkirk Eaf ifh, perfecuted to Death by the Countefs of Derby
*' for good popfcien/;e tpy/ard God and Chrifl;, becaufe lie could not give her
*« Tithes,. ISc" At ,the fiime Time three others of this People were confined
in the fame frilbn at the Suit of the laid Countefs, one of whom writ a Letter
QH Behalf of himfelf and his fello>y, Prifoners, fhcwing ihflt it was not of Wil-
fulnefx, Stubbornnefs, or Covetoi{f^efs, that they refufed to fay her Tithes, but
pirely in good Conjcience toivard God and Chn(i j and letting her know, that if
/h? pMuld be Juffered to keep thein there alfo till Death, yet they could not yield to
fay her : And therefore defired her to confider their Cafe in a Chriftian Spirit,
and -not bring their Blood upon her alfo : But flie continued inexorable toward
them, who had already fuft'ered thirty Months Imprilonment at her Suit : She
alfb threatned to complain to the King and Council againft the Towi>' of
Garjiang^ for fuffering the Paper concerning Oliver Atherton's Death to be put
upon their Crofs. Her Anger on that Occafion caufed the People there to be
more obfen'anr of what fpUowed, and to make fuch Refleftions as to them
occun"ed, whep they took jSfotice that, On that Day three Weeks when Oliver
Atherton'i Body wqs carried through Ormfkirk to he buried, the Countel's died,
e/id h(fr(iead Body wa^ carried that Day feven Week^ through the lame Town to
ber Burying-place.
In the fame Year alfo, John Satterthwait and Samuel Sandys died Prifoners for
their Teftimony againft Tithes. And Thomas Chorley, Thomas Waters, William
Greavfi, John Sjubbs, Thomfls Davenport, James Brown, WUliam Wilfov, Edward
Satterthwaite, and George Holme, were comniitted to Prifon for refufing thy
Oath of Allegiance when tendred by the Magiftrates.
In tiiis Year George Fox was again imprilbned in Lancafier Caillc, and
Margaret Fell foon after, cf which take her own Accpupt as publifhed in the
Cojleiftion of her Works, pag. 7, 8. lyk. «* Gforge fox went into Wepncrland
" and
L A N G A*
SHIR E.-
1661,
for litka-
Death of
J. Sands.
for Titks.
Sufferixg anX
Death of
O. Atherton.
G. Fox igi
iriprifimi.
312
L A N C A-
SHIRE.
1663.
M. Fell'j Ac
cotiyii of G.
lox'f and her
own ImfrifoH'
menu
A Colleftlon of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Ai/?r.<5 0/"
xhe Trial of
M. Fell.
and Cumberland, and had fome Meetings
among
Friends, and came to
<(
SwartJmore, and they (the Juftices) fent out Warrants for him and took
him, and lent him to Z-rt?/crt/?w Caftle. About a Month after, the fame
Juftices fent for roe to Uherjlo)ie, where they were fitting, and when I came
there they afked mefeveral Queftions, and feemed to be offended at me for
keeping a Meeting at my Houfe, and faid. They would, tender me the Oath of
Allegiance. I anfwered, Ihey knsw I could not Swear, and why Jhould they
fend frr me from my own Houfe, when I was about my lawful Occafions, to
enfiuire me, what had I done ? They faid. If I would not keep Meetings at my
«' Houfe, they would mt tender me the Oath, I told them, I flmild mt deny my
" Faith and Principles for any Thing they could do againfl me, and while it
** pUafeth the Lord to let vie have an Houfe, I would endeavour to worfhip him in
'« it. So they caufed the Oath to be read, and tendred it to me, and when \
*' refufed it, telling them, / could not Swear for Confcience-fake, Chriji Jefus
*«, havittg forbid it, they made a Mittimus, and committed me Prifoner to Lan-
"*^^ cajter Caftle, and there George Fox and I remained Prifoners until next
'*-'■ Aflizes, and they indidted us upon the Statute for denying the Oath of
•' Allegiance, for they tendred it to both of us again- at the Affizes, and the
*'■ Indiftments were found agamft us." But their Trial was put off till another
Affizes, and they continued Prifoners.
ANNO 1664. An AbflraB of the Trial of Margaret Fell at the Affizes
holden a.t Lancajler the 29th Day of the Month called y-Zw^///? 1664,
Margaret Fell was brought to the Bar, and her Indidtment read.
Judge. Co7>te, will you take the Oath ?
M. F. There is a Claufe in the Indidment, that the Churchwardens in-
formed of Something, which feemeth, that Ihould be the Ground or Caufe of this
Indiftment : I defire to know what that Information was, • and what the Tranf-
greflion was, by which I came under the Law.
Judge. Mijlrefs, we are not to difpute that : Tou are here indited, and you
are here to anfwer, and to plead to your IndiSlment.
M. F. I am firft to feek the Ground and Caufe wherefore I am indicfled.
For being that the Churchwardens did inform, my Queftion is. What Matter
of Fad they did inform of, for I was fent for from my own Houfe, from
amongft my Children and Family, when I was about my outward Occafions,
when 1 was in no Meeting, neither was it a Meeting-day -, therefore I defire
to know what this Foundiition or Matter of Fa<5t was, for there is no Law
againft the Innocent and Righteous, and if I be a Tranfgreffor, let me know
wherein.
Judge. Tou fay ivell ; the Law is made for Tranfgreffors : But Mifirefs, do
you go to Church ?
I
do go to Church.
- J,
JVlMt Church
The Church of Chrift.
But do you go to Church among other People ? Tou know what 1
M. F.
Judge.
M. F.
Judge.
mean.
M. F. What doft thou call a Church, the Houfe or- the People ? The Houfe
you all know is Wood and Stone, but if thou calleft the People a Church, to that
I anfwer. As for the Church of England that now is, I was gathered unto the
Lord's Truth, unto which I now ftand a Witnefs, before this Church was a
Church. I was feparated from the general Worfliip of the Nation, when there was
anoriier fet up than that which is now, and was perfecuted by that Power that
then was, and fuffered much Hardfliip •, and would you now have us deny our
Faith and our Principles, which we have fuffered for fo many Years, and turn
to your Church contrary to our Confcience.
Judge. JVe fpcnd Time about thefe Things ; come to the Matter in Hand :
What fay you to the Oath, and to the IndiSlment ?
M. F. I fay to the Oadi, as I have faid in this Place before now : Chrift
Jefus hath commanded me not to Swear at all^ and that is the only Caufe, and
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS. 313
no other, the righteous Judge of Heaven and Earth knoweth, before whofe L A N C A-
Tlirone and Juitice we iliall all appear one Day, and his Eye fees and beholds SHIRE.
us all at this Prefent, and he fees and hears all our Actions, for the Place of 1 664.
Judgment is weighty : And this I do teflify unto you here, where the Lord's *»-'"V"\Jt
Eye beholds us all, that for the Matter or Subftance of the Oath, and for the
End for which it is intended, I do own one Part, and deny the other, that
is to %, I do own Truth, Faithfulnefs, and Obedience to the King, and all
his juft and lawful Commands and Demands. And I alfo deny all Plottings,
Contrivings againft the King, and all Popijh Supremacy and Confpiracy, and I
can no more tranfgrefs againft King^ Charles in thefe Things, than I can dif-
obey Cbrijl Jefui's Commands : And by the fame Power and Virtue of the fame
Word which hath commanded me Not to Smear at all, the fame doth bind me
in my Confcience, that I can neither plot nor contrive againft the King, nor
do him nor any Man upon Earth any Wrong. And I do not deny this Oath,
becaufe it is the Oath of Allegiance, but I deny it becaufe it is an Oath, becaufe
Clu-ift Jefus hath faid I fhall not Swear at all, neither by Heaven, nor by
Ea-rth, nor any other Oath. If I might gain the whole World for fwearing
an Oath, I could not, and whatever I have to lofe this Day for not fwearing
of an Oath, I am willing to offer it up.
, Judge, li^at Jay you to the Indictment ?
M. F. What flaould I fay ? I am clear and innocent of wronging any Man
upon the Earth, as my little Child that ftands by me ; and if any here have
any Thing to lay to my Charge, let them come down and teftify it before you
allj and it I be clear and innocent, you have no Law againft me.
Then Colonel Ktrly and the Sheriff whifpered to the Judge, whereupon
flie dius fpake to the Colonel.
M. F. Let us have no Whifpering : If thou haft any Thing to lay to my
Cliarge, or to fpeak againft ine, come down here, and teftify againft me.
Judge. Jury, take Notice flje doth itot take the Oath.
M. F. This Matter is weighty to me, whatever it be to you, on many
Accounts, and I would have the Jury take Notice of it, and to confider fe-
rioufly what they are going to do : I ftand here before you upon Account of
the Lofs of my Liberty and my Eftate : Secondly, I ftand here in obeying
Chrift's Commands, and fo keeping my Confcience clear, which if I obey this
Law, and King Charles's Commands, I defile my Confcience, and tranfgrefs
againft J ejus Chrijl, who is the King of my Confcience ; and the Caufe and
Controverfy in this Matter, that you are all here to judge of this Day is
betwixt Chrijl Jefus and King Charles, and I am his Servant and Witnefs this
Day, and diis is his Caufe, and whatfoever I fuffer it is for him, and fo let him
plead my Caufe when he pleafeth.
. Judge to the Jury. _ Are you agreed ? Have you found it ?
Jury. For the King.
M. F. I have Council to plead to my Indiftment.
The Court adjourned till after Dinner, when being met again, they
proceeded.
* M. F. I defu-e we may have Time till to Morrow Morning to bring in
our Arreft of Judgment.
Judge. Tou fhall have it.- • Mrs. Fell, you wrote to me concerning the
Badnefs of your Prifotis, that it rains in, and that they are not fit for People
to lie in,
M. F. The Sheriff knows, and has been told of it feveral Times, and now
it is raining, if you will fend, you may fee whether they be fit for People
10 lie in or not.
Tfoen Colonel Kirby Jlanding up to excufe the Sheriff, and to extenuate the
Badnejs oj the Place.
M. F. faid. If you were to be in it your felves, you would think it hard,
but your Mind is only in Cruelty to commit odiers, as fVillia?n Kirby here has
done, who hath committed ten of our Friends, and put them into a cold
Vol. I. 4 K Room,
14
XANCA-
SHIRE.
1664.
Sentence of
Premunire
p^Jpd upon
her.
G. Fox'i /«.
didment
quijli'd.
The Oath again
tenirei him.
Sis Jrii%
Sentence of
Premunire
fiffei upon
him in his
Abjencc'
A Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. L
Room, where there was nothing but bare Boards to lie on, where they have
Jain feveral Nights, feme of them above threcfcore Years of Age, and known
to be honeft Men in the Countiy where they live •, and when William Krby
was aflied, IVby (hey miglot not have Liberty to Jhift for themfehes for Beds ?
He anfwered, the-^ were to commit them to Prifon, but mt to provide Prifons for
them. And being afked, Who Jhould do it then ? He anfwered. The King.
Judge. Toil Jhould not do fo : They ought to have Prifons fit for Men.
Next Morning her Council pleaded in Arreft of Judgment, and found
feveral Errors in the Indiftment, which yet the Judge would not admit of j
but paffed Sentence of Premunire upon her.
M. F. The Lord forgive thee for what thou haft done. This Law was
made for Popjh Recufants, but you pafs Sentence but on few of them.
In her own Account of the Sentence pafied upon her, which,^ Ihe fays, was.
That Jhe Jhould be cut of the King's Proteiliony and forfeit all her EJtatey real
and perfonal, to the King, and fuffer Imprijonment during Life. She adds,
*' But the great God of Heaven and Earth fiipported my Spirit under this
*' fevere Sentence, that I was not terrified, but gave this Anfwer to Judge
*' Turner, who gave the Sentence, Although I am out of the King's ProteSlio}!^
*■'• yet I am not out of the Proteolion of Almighty Cod. So then I remained in
*' Prifon twenty Months before I could get fo mucli Favour of the Sheriff, as to
♦' go to my own Houfe, which then I had for a little Time, and returned to
*' Prifon again." Where Ihe continued about four Years, till relcafed by
an Order of the King and Council.
At the fame AlTizes George Fox was alfo called, and his IndiStment read, but
he ftrenuoufly infifting upon many material Errors in the Indidment, and
making the fame plainly appear to the Judge and Court, they acknowledged
the fame to be fufficient to quafh the Indidlment, which accordingly was fet
afide : And he thereupon demanding his Liberty, and afking Whether he was
free from the Matter of that IndiSlment ? The Judge anfwered Tes : But at the
fame Time tendred him the Oath again, and recommitted him to Prifon
till the next AfTizes, which were held on the 1 6th of die Month called March
J 664-5, when he was tried on another Indidtment; An Abflra£l of his Trial
was as follows.
The Indidbment was read, and the Jury called over.
Clerk. Mr. Fox, Have you any Thing againji any of the Jury.
C. F. I know none of them.
Then three Witnefles were fworn, who teftified, that the Oath was
tendred him laft Aflizes.
Judge. Come, come, this Thifig was not done in a Corner, did you take the
Oath the lafi Affixes ?
G. F. They gave me the Book to Swear on, and the Book faith. Swear
not at all : But I told them. If they could prove that after Chriji Jefus and his
Apoftles had forbidden Men to Swear, they had allowed it, I would Swear : Thus
I fiid, and my Allegiance lies in Truth and Faithfulnefs, not in Swearing, and
fo fliould all your Allegiance lie, if you did well. I do not deny Swearing
upon fome Account, and own it upon others, but I deny it> becaufe Chriff
and the Apoftle have faid, I fliould not Swear at all.
Judge. I JImU not difpute with you, but in point of Law.
G. F. I have fomething to fpeak to the Jury concerning the Indidment.
But the Judge would not admit it.
G. F. Is die Oath only to be tendred to tlie xCing's Subjefts ?
Judge. Tes.
G. F. Ther» look, and you will fee the Word Subjeii is left out of the
Indiftment.
Judge. Take him away, take him away.
So the Goaler took him away, and when he was gone, the Jury brought in
a Verdidfor the King, and George was called no more, but Sentence oT Pre-
munire was paffed upon him in his Ablence.
Thus
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS. 315
Thus was he returned to his Place of clofe Confinement, where he had lain L A N C A*
all the Winter before, viz. a fmoky Tower, fometimes fo thick with Smoke ^ ^X^ ^'
diat he could fcarce fee' the Candle, when burning, where he was at Times 1004.
almofl: Ihiothered : Befides, it rained in upon his Bed, and his Shirt was fome- "^^^OO^
times wet as Dung in attempting to ftop out the Rain. In Ihort, he was fo cruilCon^t'
ftarved with Cold and Wet, that his Body was much fwelled and benummed. metit.
In this Year George Pye of L'jdiatty for a Demand of 3 /. {offered Diftrefs of Sufferings f^
fix Cows wordi 20 L Alfo Robert Bruce of Hatluck^ for a Claim of 40 i. had 1"bes.
his Goods taken away to the Value of 8 1. And John Mmjhall ot Safikey, for
305. claimed for Tithe, had a Steer, a Cow, and other Things taken from him
worth 9 /. and for the fame Claim alfo fuftered eight Months Imprifonment.
Of thofe, who this Year had their Goods diftrained for Steeple-houfe Rates,
were Williafn fVireJiile, Mary Soult, and Gilbert fVljitefide.
In tliis Year alfo, or the next preceding, Goods were taken by Diftrefs for
meeting together to worfhip God,
/. s, d.
From Robert Wales, Robert Eriggs, T. Crofsfield, James •>'
Lancajier, Richard Cleaton, and Richard Fellt > 21 14 o Diflreffis fo^
to the Value of 3, eiectwit,
Richard Walker, GUes Walker, Thomas Charley, "^
Robert Widders, and Thomas Leaper, to the > 21 10 o
Value of \
43 4 o
Mexander Rigby had taken from hinm two Horfes worth 5/. and Jatnei
Gregory a Cow worth 3/. Thefe two laft named, as alfo Jonathan Rigby,
George BradflMW, Ralph Wood, Alice Pemberton, and Margaret Bradley, were
committed to the Houfe of Correftion for three Months. There were alfo
imprifoned for their religious Meetings, Thomas Warriner, James Hadwen,
Robert Clark, Richard Borough, and William Jackjon.
ANNO 1665, Taken by Diftrefs for Tithes,
/. S' d. ■ I. s. tt.
From Thomas Moone, for 1 6 o demanded. Goods wdrth 14 00 i^'jfrejfai
John Min/hall^ 0140 3134
For- Demands of 2 o o Taken 17 13 4
* On the 2©th Day of the fixth Month 1665, there having been a 'Meeting Proceedings at
at the Houfe of Thomas Sale near Bury, which Meeting being ended, and fome * ^'"'ig iv.
Friends walking not far from the Houfe, there came two Conflables of Bury, and ^' f ^'^''
two Churchwardens, fo called, of the fame, with a Company of Men with them, ^
who widiout any Warrant, violently took feven of us to Bkry, before onl
called a Juftice, who demanded on what Account we were at Thomas Sak'^
We faid, Ifi the Fear of God, to worjhip him in Spirit and in Truth : And
the next Day two Juflices, fo called, examined us apart, labouring to enfnare
us, yet neverthelefs, being guided by one Spirit, we anfwered one and the fxme
Thing in Efieft ; and although they could prove nothing againfl us, but only
being met together in the Name and Fear of God, they fent feven of us to
Lancafter Gail, viz. Thomas Sale, James Sikes, John Ajhton, Arthur Walker,
Thomas lates, Richard Mather, and John Wood, who left behind us thirty five
Children, befides our Wives and the reft of our Families, all which we have
given up into the Hands of God, having Hope in him, who in his tender Love
and fatherly Pity hath called us, and made known unto us the Riches of his
Goodneii
This Article ijinferced in the very Words of one of the SufFcrers.
3i6
t A N C A-
S.H I R E.
1665.
DiHrefs for
(or refuftng to
Eafter-Offer-
Jmprifonments
and Abujis of
W. Clayton.
G. Fox re-
moved to
Scarborough
Cafilf.
A Colkaion 0/ /;&^ Sufferings Vol. I.
Gqodnefs through Jefus Chrift our Lord and Saviour, for whofe Sake we arc
freely o-iven up to bear our Teftimony aniongft this ungodliice Generation,
rejoicing greatly that we are thought worthy to fuffer for his Name's Sake,
whole Name we blefs, and to whom be fung Praifes, over the Heads of our
Perfecutors, for ever and ever.
John Berky of Lancajter for 1 1 s. and 8 d. Fine, for refufing to Swear when
fummoned on a Jury, had fifteen Sheep taken away which coft him 3 /. 5^. ^d.
John Town/on, chofen Conftable, and refuling to take the ufual Oath tor that
Office, had a Cow taken from him worth 4/.
PPIlliatn Satterlhwaiie, Robert Pennington^ Thomas Pennington., George Benfotty
Thotnas Docwrdy and Michael fVilfon, were taken from a Meeting at Haivk-
Jhead, and by the Juftices lent to Prilbn for refufing the Oaths : And for the
lame Caufe jatfies Hartley and John Brenser alfo luffered Imprifonment v and
William Hiitton and John Greenwood had their Goods taken by Diftrels.
Francis Ben/on, for being at a Meeting, had his Coat and Hat taken from
him, and his Daughter her Petticoat. There were alfo imprifoned this Year
for Meetings, James Fell, Leonard Fell, Chrijiopher Milner, William Holme,
Bejrnard Ben/on, William Rigg, Tfjo?nas Sale, James Sikes, and Thomas Tales.
Reginald Walker, Elizabeth Wtlfon, and Michael Wiljon, for Demands of 2 d.
each for Eafier-Offerings, luffered Diftrels of their Clothes and other Tilings to
more dun twenty Times that Value. d'x\ 'zv
As WilUam Clayton was preaching in a Meeting at Padijbam, the Prieft of
that Parifh, attended by a Conftable with a Warrant, came into the Meeting,
pulled William out into the Street, and tore his Coat. The Conftable then
carried him before the Juftices, who tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, and
upon liis Refijfal to uke it, committed him to Prifon till the next Sefiions,
when the Juftices fined him 5 /. for being at an unlawful Aflembly, and com-
rnitted him to the Houfe of Correction tor three Months, The Officers, for
pretended Fees and Charges of carrying him thither, took his Coat oft' his
Back. The Keeper put him into die Dungeon five Days and Nights, till
fome moderate People of the Town procured him the common Liberty of
the Houfe for the rtft of the Time. *' " -^ ^s- - ^
James Sikes, oi Heyftde, for abfcnting himfelf from the National Worfhip,
had a- Cow and a Calf taken from him worth 4/. -
We return to George Fox, whom we left laft Year under . Sentence of Pre-
. fnuiiire in Lancajler Caftle. About the Month called May this Year, he was
removed to Scarborough Caftle, and there confined in a Room next the Sea-fide,
io open that the Wind and Rain came in, without Chimney or Fire-place, lb
that his Clothes were wet, and his Fingers fwelled as big again as ufual, nor
eould he, though he was at fome Expcnce about it, keep out the Weather :
pThey fuftered few or no Friends to come at him, Io that he was, as to them, like
a Man buried alive. The Deputy-Governour told him, that the King, knowing
he had a great Intereft in the People, had fent him tlnther, that if there jhouli
he any Stirring in the Nation, they Jhould hang him ever the Wall, to keep the
People down. To which he anfwered. If that be defired and permitted you, I am
ready, for I never feared Death nor Sufferings, but am known to be an innocent,
peaceable Man, free f ran all Stirrings and Plottings, and am one that feeks the Good
of all Men. At length, his Patience having ftirmountcd their Cruelty, and his
Innocence pleading for him, the Keepers became more favourable and relpeftful
to him, fo that he wanted not the common Accommodations of a Prifoner, and
when the Officers and Soldiers had Occafion to Ipeak of him, they would lay.
He was as fliff as a Tree, and as pure as a Bell, for we could never bow him.
He remained a Prifoner feventeen Months.
. ANNO 1666, In this Year Gt'w;^e Fox was releafed from his Imprifonment
by Order of the King and Council. And the Governour of the Caftle gave
him the following Pailport,
PERMIT
Chap. 22. of the People called QITAKERS. ^17
" "O E R M I T the Bearer hereof, George Fox, late a Prifoner here, and L A N C A<-
«' 17 now dilcharged by his M.ijefty's Order, quietly to pals about his law- ^"^.J^*
*' hil Occafions without any Mokftation. Given under my Hand at Scar- looo.
« borough Caftle the ill Day of September 1666. GF^lST^-
Cf
[on.
Jordan Crosslands^
" Governour of Scarborough Cajile.'']
In this Year George Beiifon, Richard Walker, and IFillkm Sntterthwaite, Su^erhgt foi
weh; committed to Prilbn for refuting to pay Tithes •, as were Richard Johnfon Tnhih
and John SinallJIjaiv, the Former for 2 j. and the Other for il. 10 s. demanded
by Edward Morion Prieft, at whofe Suit they remained Prifoners near two
Years. Six others for Demands of 4/. 16 s. 4^. for Tithes, fuflered Diftrefs of
Cattle and other Goods to the Value of 15/. i2s. Sd.
James Fell, Cbrijlopher M'dner, William Holme, William Salthoufe, and Thoinas avd for M^et"
Fijher, were taken from a Meeting at Szvarthmore, and fent to Prifon ; as were '"^ •
George Benfon, Reginald Holme, John Dixon, Michael Wiljht, Edivard Hird, and
Reginald Walker, who had been taken at a Meeting in the Houfe of GUes
Walker of Walker-Ground.
ANNO 1667. Thomas Keckwick, of Bold, was fued to an Outlawry at
the Suit of Orlando Bridgman Impropriator, for Tithes, and after eleven Weeks
Imprilbnment had four Horfes and Cows taken from him to the Value of
26 /. 8 J, 8 d. And at another Time for a Demand of 8 s. fuffered Diftrefs of
Goods worth \l. 6 s. Taken alfo fromfcveral others for il. 8s.6d. demanded.
Goods to the Value of 4/. 195. 4^.
On the 6th of Ociober this Year, Leonard Fell was caft into Prifon for
Tithes, at the Suit of the Prieil of Aldingbam, but was dilcharged about a
Fortnight after by the Death of his Profecutor.
John Toivn/on and John White were imprifoned in Lancajler Caftle on Writs
de Excommunicate capiendo for a Demand ot 6 d. from the Former, and 8 d. from
the Latter, toward the Repairs of the Steeple-houfe.
ANNO 1668. John Sagar, profecuted in the Fxclefiaftical Court for Cmdlmpr'i
Tithes, was excommunicated for not appearing there at a Time when he was fonmem of
dofe fhut up in Goal, and in Confequence of that Exco7nmunication was detained J' If^^'.
in Prifon four Years and an Half, His Wife, afflifted at the Lois of her "i-'^""--
Hufband, and the Difficulty of fupporting four Children in his Abfence, became
diftratted : The Profecutor would not permit him the Liberty of fo much as
once vifiting his Wife in that doleful Condition. James Whip, of T'vuijden, was
alfo excommunicated and fent to Goal.
In this Year James "Taylor, Thomas Barrow, Thomas Atkinfon, and Laurence Didrefs fot
Newton, had Cattle and Sheep taken from them by Diftrefs for Tithes, to the lithci.
Value of 28/. 5 J. Several others alfo for Demands of 4/. 14 j. 2d. for Tithes,
fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Amount of 17/. 165. 10 il.
On die 5th of the Month called April 1668, John AJfjton, John Haydock,
Thomas Lorimer, Hugh Taylor, Henry Wood, and Thomas Sale, were committed
to Lancajler Goal from a Meeting at the laid John Ajhton^ Houfe. One of
them, Hugh Taylor, died in Prifon^ and the Reft continued there fifteen Weeks. Dn/ith of
On the 3d of the next Month, thofe who would have met again at the fame H. Taylor.
Place were kept out by Force, and when met in the Street, were beaten,
dragged away on the Ground, pulhed into the Mire and Hedges, and ufcd
inhumanly. On the iSth of Septeinber, a Lieutenant with Soldiers and others
came to a Meeting at Henry Robmfon's Houfe in Padijham, and furioufly
dragged away Williain Clayton then preaching ; whom, with the liiid Hcmy
Robinjon, Francis Dunn, and Jmnes Whipp, they carried before a Juftice of the
Peace, who fent them to Prilbn till next Seffions, where Dmm and Clayton
were fined 5/. each, and the other two 3/. 6 s. 8 d. each, and for Non-payment
were committed to the Houfe of Corrcftion, where they lay ten Weeks. On
Vol. I. 4 L the
3i8 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LANCA- the 22d of JViwfwZ'^?' twenty two Perfons, taken at a Meeting in the fame
SHIRE. Place, were fent to the Houfe of Correftion, and detained there feven Weeks.
1668. Leonard Fell and I^Jwrnas Briggs, after a Meeting at Swarthmore, were taken, by
an Officer widi Soldiers, from their own Dwellings, and fent to Prifon. At
the next Seffions they were fined and recommitted.
ANNO 1669. Taken by Diftrefs for Tithes,
Dilirifc: for from Abraham Hayivorth for 105. demanded. Goods
Tnbis. worth
Henry Birtwijley for the like Demand, an Heifer
worth
Abraham Flay worth, for 15 j. demanded, a Cow
worth
Thomas and Alice Beakbain, for 3 /. 14.S. §d.
demanded, a Cow and Horfe worth
}
}
1
}
/.
s.
10
10
15
d.
o
4
O
12
Imprifonrmms
itii DijireJJis.
Sit^erh'gs for
Tnkis.
Tre\u.Uie of
Magijtratei,
Diftrefs fot
Mdrriage.
Pijirejfs.
in this Year Reginald tValker, for 165. demanded for Tithe of Wool, was
imprifoned in Dalton Caflle eighteen Weeks.
Roger Langworth, Anthony Shaw, Alexander HaUon, and Hejki'n Fell, were
fent to Prifon for meeting together to worfhip God, and Hejkin Fell, while
in Prifon, was fined 20/. for fiiffering a Meeting at his Houfe. Others alfo
fuffered by Diftrefs for Meetings to the Value of 45 /, 9J. 6d.
ANNO 1670. Taken by Diftrefs for Tithes from feveral Perfons, for 2/.
5 J. 8^/. demanded. Goods worth 13/. 95. 4^.
In this Year Reginald Walker was again imprifoned feven Weeks at Kendal^
at the Suit of John Ambrofe, Prieft of GraJJmore.
On the 31ft of the Month called July this Year, the Friends alTembled at
John AJhion\ Houfe were taken without Warrant, and put into a Court-houfe
all Night, and next Day carried before Laurence Rawthorn of Newhall, a
Juftice of the Peace, who fent Thomas Larimer, Roger Longworth, James
Tomjon, Hejkin Fell, James Radcliff, Abraham Crofsly, Anthony Shaw, Charles
Dawjon, and Alexander Hatton, to the Houfe of Corredtion in Manchefter.
About the fame Time certain Informers meeting fome Friends going homeward
from Rojendale, took their Names, and gave Information upon Oath that thofe
Perlbns were met at a Meeting at Henry Birtwijle's Houfe, of which the In-
formers, who had not been there, could not be legal Evidences. Neverthelefs,
upon that Information their Goods to the Value of above 35 /. were talcen
away. They .appealed to the Quarter Seffions, but were for fome Time de-
nied a Copy of the Information, lb that two Seffions paft before they could
obtain an Hearing : At the third Seffions, though it was fully proved that the
Witnefles had Iworn againft three Perfons, as being at the Meeting, when
they had only feen them, one at two Miles, another at Haifa Mile, and the
third at a Quarter of a Mile, Diftance from thence, yet they found no Re-
drefs, one of the Juftices declaring, diat feeing the ^/akers had Meetings at
certain Houfes, if WitnelTes fiw them coming from any of thofe Houfes it
fhould be fufficient to convidl them. This Inftance may ferve to fhew the Pre-
judice and Partiality of fome Magiftrates, and what flight Prefumptions would
pafs for Proofs with thofe whofe Minds were inclinable to Severity and Rigour
againft the Profecuted on thefe Occalions.
Thomas Beakbean, for a pretended Marriage Fee, had Goods taken from him
worth 7 s. though the Prieft who claimed it had no Concern in marrying him :
But he and liis Wife took each other in Marriage before Witnefles in a publick
AlTembiy of the ir^mkers.
ANNO 1 671. Taken from Mary Hargreaves and John Hardiman, for
Demands of i /. yj s. for Tithes, Goods worth 5 /. 7 j. And from Edward
Dawfon^ to the Value of 45 s.
Many
Ch-ap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS.
Many Diftrefles were made for Meetings in this and the next precedino-
Year, by which Goods and Chattels were taken away to the Amount of 274°
i^, 3^/. ^d. Befide which, when one of the Informers made Complaint to
die Qurrter ScfTions of 3/. Charges lie had been put to, they granted him a
Warrant by which they took from feveral Perfons Goods worth 16/. 8 j. 8 d.
John Minjhall, Samuel Barrow, George Birch, Thotnas Barnes, Thomas Taylor,
and Robert Barton, were committed to Prifon for refufing to pay toward the
Repairing of Farnwortb Chapel. Three of them lay in Prifon above eighteen
Months, though the Demand on fome of them was but 3 d. and on none of
ciiem above 18 J.
ANNO 1672. John SmallJlMiv, for fmall Tithes of but Gs. Value, was
fent to Prifon, where he lay near two Years, and for the fame 1 ithe had a
Mare taken from him worth 40 s.
Robert Athnfon, Elizabeth Barrozu, Richard Brittain^ Laurence Newton, and
Tlmnas Atkinfon, fu&red by Diftrcls of Cattle and Goods to the Value of 1 1 /.
135. 6d. Ancl from feveral others for Claims of 16/. 13 j. 4^. for Tithes
Goods were taken away to the Value of 49/. 10 s. 6d.
John Ciir-wen, impriloned on a Significavit, at the Suit of TheophilusAimes Prieft
of Beacliff, was detained feven Weeks, and had his Cattle and Goods taken
away to the Value of 30/. Leofiard Fell was alio impriloned at the Suit of the
fame Priefl for a frivolous Demand of Tithe-hay ; but 'twas obferved that
witliin about three Weeks after his Commitment his Profecutor died.
In this Year Sufanna Rofe, Widow, was profecuted by Thomas Marfden,Y ic:iT
of Walton, for a Demand of i s. ^.d. for a Marriage-Fee, fhe ha'/ino- been
married after the fakers Method, to her deceafed Hufband. For refuiing to
comply with this unrighteous Demand fhe fuffercd feventeen Weeks Imprilon-
ment in Lancajier Caitle.
Elizabeth Hirt, of IVeJl-Houghton, was committed to the Houfe of Correflion
at Manchejler by the Procurement ot John Anger a Prieft, wiio dwelt at Deane
near Boulton, upon a Charge of having two Children unlawfully begotten. She
was detained there about ten Weeks, till the Quarter Sdlions, and then re-
leafed upon producing a Certificate ligned by feveral Witnefles prefent at her
Marriage.
In this Year Richard Clayton and Francis Dunn were difcharged out of Prifon
by the King's Letters Patent.
ANNO 1674. Roger Haydock was profecuted in the Fcclefiaftical Court at
Chejler ior Tithe?, of about 30 J. Value, and was committed to Lancajter Goal
on the 3d of the Month called May this Ye.ir, where he continued Prifoner
about eight Months. But on an Appeal, appearing to have bten only a
Servant to his Brother, he was difcharged at that Time : But was foon after,
together with He/iin Fell, recommitted by two Juftices : The Form of their
Mittimus was as follows.
ce
Lancajier fs.
FORASMUCH as Roger Haydock, Ucjkin Fell of Coppull, and
* Thomas Cotterill of Sherington Gent, within the Parifh or Standiflj
widiin the County aforefaid and Diocefc of Chefler, have difobcycd and con-
tcmnecl the Procefs of the Eccleliaflical Court, tor not appearing at Days
and Times appointed, to aniwer in a Caule depending in the faid Court.
Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name ftridly to charge and command
you forthwith upon Receipt hereof to ap{)rehend the Bodie.s of them the faid
Roger Haydock, Hejkin Fell, and Thomas Cotterill, and bring them forthwith
before us or one of us, or any other of his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace
within this County, to find fufficient Sureties tor their and every of their cK'ic
Obedience to the Procels, Proceedings, Decrees or Sentences of the Eccle-
" ftafticaJ
LANCA-
SHIRE.
1671.
Imprifonmem
and Diftrefs
for Ihhes.
Fees.
F.iIJe Jcnift-
tioti agiinfi i
mirried \fo-
mm.
t{;hife of
Prifo/iers.
.nmt
Mittimus of
R. Haydock
ar.d others.
* Ihomxs Cotterill was not a pinker, and was Hot lent to Prifon : 'Tis probable he com-
plied witii the Profecutor.
320
LANCA-
SHIRE.
1674.
Profictttion
for Tiiks.
Excommiini-
cisions for
itseple-houfe
Kf pairs.
Viftreffes for
Mecth'gs,
Sufferivgs for
Tithis.
'Tk Bijliop's
Severity.
Jmprifovmem
for Tithes, a>id
DiftrelfiS for
Mictings.
hnfrifovmcnt
jar not Srveur'
i?ig.
\A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
*' fiaftical Court : And if any of them Ihall reflife fo to do, that then you
" fliall forthwith convey him or them fo refufing to the common Goal, there
*' to remain until he or they fliall willingly do the fame. See you fail not
" herein at your Peril. Given under our Hands and Seals at Ecclejton the 21 ft
" Day of March 1674.
" Christopher Bannister.
^' Henry Houghton.''
The Caufe for which tlejkin Fell was profecuted, was a Claim of n.td. fo?
Tithe of Hens, Hay, i£c. for three Years.
Richard Cubham, Edward LioH, and George Shaw, all of Bickerjlath, were
profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit of the Lady Katharine Pye^
and were committed to Prifon at Lancajler in the Month called March 1674.
Durino- their Imprifonment the Profecutor's Agents broke their Gates and
Hedo-es, entred their Lands, and carried away their Corn at Pleafure. In this
Year alfo Roger Harfnep, George Py, and Roger Leatherbarrow, were profe-
cuted for Tithes, the Firfl: at the Suit of Alexander Baggerly, Prleft of Aighton,
and the two laft at the Suit ot Dr. Smallwood.
Ifaac JJhton and Hannah Kennedy, for refufing to pay 5.?. 5 d. each, and *Ann8
Atherton, for refufing to pay 6s. id. toward the Repairing the Steeple-houfe
at Orm/kirk, were profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court and excommunicated.
Richard John/on v/as alfo profecuted in that Court, excommunicated, and im-
prifoned, for not paying i2J, 6d. toward tlie Repairs of the Steeple-houfe at
Sephton. But after a few Weeks was releafed by the Judge of Aflize. Some Time
before this, John Fowler and George Cawfon had fuffered four Months Imprifon-
ment at Lancajler for a fmall Demand for Steeple-houfe Repairs.
Robert Saltboufe and James Harrifon fuffered Diffrefs of Goods for Meetings
held at their Houfes, the Former to the Value of 6/. and the Latter of 1 1 /, 6^^.
For a Meeting zt James Smithfon's in Marfden, on the 30th of the Month
called AitgKJl 1674, Goods were taken from feveral Perfons by Diftrefs to the
Amount of 45 /. 18 s. Alio Richard Colburne of Clitheroe-, for being at a re-
ligious Meeting, fuffered Diftrefs of a Cow worth 4 /. 5 5.
ANNO 1675. ^mnas Bond, John Walker, zvA William Babies, were Prl-
foners for Tithes in Lancajler Caftle in the Month called March, and continued
there about nine Weeks, one of them for a Demand of 3 s. and another but
of 9^.
In September, Roger liarfncp, after a Profecution in the Bifhop's Court for
Tithes, at the Suit of Alexander Baggarly, Prieft of Aughlon, was committed
to Lancajler Goal, where he lay about fixteen Months. In the lame Montii
Roger Haydock was committed to the fame Prifon, at the Suit of Ralph Brid-
dock, Bifliop of Chejler, by Warrant from two Juftices grounded on a Signiji-
cavit out of the Ecclefiaftical Court. The Billiop writ a Letter to the Goaler,
charging him not to let the feid Roger have any Liberty : The Judge of AlTize
alio, at the Bifhop's Importunity, gave the Goaler the like Charge concerning him.
In the Montli called January, Robert Hubberjly, Francis Flemming, Williar,t
Waithman, and James Waithman, were committed to Lancajler Goal on an £x-
chequer Profecution, at the Suit of Hugh Phillips, Tithe-farmer under the Dean
of Worcejier. In this Year alfo, John Grime had an Horfe-load of Meal worth
about 20 s. taken from him without any Warrant or legal Proceeding, by Lau-
rence Ormond Tiche-firmer. And in the fame Year, the Diftrefles made for
Fines upon the Act againft Conventicles amounted to 34/. is. id.
Hcjkin Fell, for refufing to take an Oath in the Bifhop's Court at Chejler,
when cited thither for Eajler -Offerings, was pronounced Contumacious, and by
Warrant from two Tultices committed to the Common Goal at Lancajler.
ANNO
* She was the Widow of Clivtr A%hr\ov, whofe Death and Burial is before relate**
F§
:ii.
Chap. 22, of the People called QUAKERS, 321
ANNO 1676, Alice Haydock, Widow, was profecuted for Tithes by Ralph L A N C A-
Briddock, Bifliop of Cbcjler, and was imprilbned at Lancafter in the Month ■'' HI R E.
called Jw/y. ^^76-
On the 3d of the Month called April, Elizabeth Wildman oi'Tatbam, Widow, ^^T^^<~^
about fixty Years ot Age, was committed to Lancafter Goal by a Writ de forThhe's'"
excom7>iunicato capiepido, at the Suit of 2"^(J?/»flj 6'/ji^r/i, Prieft oi Tatham. After
about nine Months Confinement fhe died there on the 3d of the Month called
January following. . ,
Robert JValker, after three Years and an Half Imprifonment for Tithes, be- Death of
ing kept very clofe by his Profecutor's Order, in the Winter Seafon, contracted ^" Walker,
much Cold, and being of a tender Body, fell fick and died. He was impri-
ioned on a Signifcavil from the, Ecclefiaftical Court, at the Suit of Edward
Carihford, Prielf of Lancafter, for a Demand of 10 s. for fmall Tithes.
Henry Birtwiftlc, for a Claim of 10 s. for Tithes, had an Heifer taken from Dijlrifs.
him worth 3/. 6 s. Sd.
John Moone, of the Parifli of Garfta^ig, was imprlfoned in Lancafter Goal ^'ST-'''
an whole Winter, at the Suit of T/jowM J Z^K//i?/-, for a Demand of 61. os. \d. "" '-^ "*"
for Tithes, for which he had alfo his Goods taken from him to the Value
of 20/. and upwards. The laid John Moone., in his own Account of his Impri-
fonment, exprelTes himielf thus, " Ibe Lord was with me in the Prifon, and
*' made me ?n-ore to rejoice than thofe that have Abundance of Riches., of Cornt
" of Wi>}e, and Oil." , , ,
In this Year, for Claims of 9 /. 11^. 3 li. \d. for Tithes, were Cattle, Vifirejfesi
Sheep, and other Things taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 30 /. 1 9 5. 8 d. From
:John Vipon was taken a Piece of Kerfey worth i /. 10 s. And from feveral
(Others Corn out of the Field worth § I. 6s. 10 d.
Mary IValker, for a Meeting at her Houfe, was fined 20/. and IVilliam tVilfon Fine for
was fined the like Sum for preaching there, alfd feveral others prefcnt had their ^'^t'^i'
Goods taken away to the Value of 3 /.
On the 13 th of December, James Dilworlh of Thornly, for a Meeting at his
Houfe, had two Oxen taken from him worth 9/. Leonard Fell, for preaching
'in. a Meeting at JVindermere, fulfered Diflrefs of Malt to the Value of 20/.
And IFilliain Rigg> John Bownas, and Ihojnas Pennington, for being there, had
Goods taken from them worth 1 /. 10 s. S d.
William Heape, for a Meeting held at his Houfe in Marfden, had five Beafts
taken from him worth 14/. And feveral others, for being at the fame Meeting,
Goods to the Value of 2 /. os. 6d.
For a Meeting at Freckleton, 'Thomas Tomlinfon, Henry Tomlinjon, and John
'Townfuu, fuffered Diflrefs of Cattle and Goods to the Value of 22/. ioj. Thefe
Diflrelfcs were taken by Warrant granted by Edward Rigby of Prefton, a per-
fecuting Juftice, who in the Excels of a mifguided Zeal, threatned, that he
would root the Q^iakers out of the Hundred where he dwelt : And farther faid,
that all the Laws yet made agaiiift the Quakers were too fhort, and that he
would he of the firft that fhould move for a Law to have them tied to, and drag-
ged at either an Haft's or Carl's Tail. Such a virulent Temper, added to the
Rigour of the Laws, made the Sufferers Cafe fometimes very grievous.
In OFlober this Year, Charles Lee of Clitheroe, a labouring Man, for
a Meeting at his Houfe, had taken from him four Horfes with their Ac-
coutrements, one Heifer, a Cow, and four Calves, worth 26/. 11 j. 8 J. And
in the next Month Alexander Salflmry, for preaching at a Meeting in the Houfe
of Thomas Garner, was fined 20/, and had his Cattle taken away at feveral
Times to the Value of 60/.
ANNO 1677. For a Meeting at Franky on the 24th of the Month Troftanions
called Ju7ie, were taken from Thomas Crofhy, Jrfeph Coppuck, and John John- "f fe-'-'^ril
Jon, Goods worth 8 /, 5 j. KjnJ.s.
John Veepan, William Wbaley, Richard Hargreaves, John Bordman, and John
Grime, after a Profecution in the Wapentake Court for 3 j. 6 d. demanded for
Vol. I. 4 M Tithes,
322
LANCA-
SHIRE.
1677.
Grisvoui Suf-
ferings.
f'iljhoaJ of
Itformers.
Exchequer.
R. Long-
worth'i Mit-
umus.
A Colleaioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Tithes, had taken from them Cattle, and other Goods, to the Value
of 15/. 7 J. \d-
George P)e, for 5/. 13^- 4^- demanded for Tithes, had Judgment given
ao-ainft him on the Statute for treble Damages, upon which he had taken from
hfm four Cows and other Goods worth 2 1 /.
Robert I-Vubers-, of Overkellel, was fued by James Greenwood Tithe-farmer,
for five Years Tithe of Hay, for which he obtained a Judgment for treble
Damages 61. 1 5 J. and for five Years Tithe of Corn, for which Judgment was
given for 6^1. 15 s. being treble the Demand and Cofts : For ail which Dif-
trefs was made, and his Cattle, Sheep, and Corn taken away to the Value
of 98 /. 2S. lod.
In O^ober, George Rigg and Edward Stones^ Informers, gave Intelligence of
a Meeting at Height to Miles Dolding Juftice, who upon their Oaths convifted
thirty five Perfons, and granted his Warrant tor Diftrefs, by which Goods were
taken from ten of them to the Value of 35/. 17J. 10^. Of the Perfons at
that Time convifted, two were at a great Diftance in another County, a third
was two Miles from the Place, and a fourth was at Home with her Child,
havino- lately lain in : But it was common with the Informers to Swear at all
Adventures, againft thofe who ufually Were at the Meetings, whether prefent
at that Time or not. And fuch Miftakcs as thefe were eafily overlookt by the
Juftices, who fcreened the Offenders under the plaufible Charadter of ttjeful Men,
and the King's Wituejfes. In this Year alfo feveral were profecuted in the Ex-
chequer on old Statutes made againft Popijti Recufants, to the Forfeiture of two
Thirds of their real Eftates, the Rent of which was feized by the Sheriff for
the King's Ule. The Sums fo taken amounted to 60 /. 4 5. 3 d.
ANNO 1678. Roger Longworth, of Bolton^ occafionally travelling into
Chejhire^ was by two officious Juftices fent to Prilbn. A Copy of his Mittimus
follows, viz.
<c
Com. Chcller fs.
((
<c
cc
(>
t(
<(
(I
FORASMUCH as by Reafon of feveral ExprelTions which we have
this Day, at Holme in the County of Chefler, heard from a ftrange Per-
ion, who calls himfelf Roger Longworth, of Bolton in the County of Lancafter,
we do fufpedt that the faid Roger Longworth is a Papifl, and thereupon ac-
cordino- to his Majefty's Commiffion, under the great Seal of England, to us
and others direfted, we have this Day tendred unto him the faid Roger Long-
worth the Oath of Obedience, and the Oath of Supremacy, both which
Oaths the faid Roger Longworth, being above the Age of eighteen Years,
h.lth this Day refufed to take. Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to
require and command you forthwith upon Sight hereof to receive into your
Cuftody the Perfon of the faid Roger Longworth, whom we have herewith
fent you, and him there fafely keep until the next general Quarter SelTions
of the Peace, to be held in and for this County of Chefter, without Bail or
Mainprize. For fo doing this Ihall be your Warrant. Given under our
Hantls and Seals at Holme this 28th Day of February, Anno nti CaroUfeanidi
Dei Gra. AngUcTy i^c. I'ricefmo, Annoq; Dom. 1678-9.
To the Keeper of
Chefter Cajlle.
" Tho. Manvvaring Bart.
" Jeffery Shackerly KntJ*
was
fet at
Suf (rings for
lithcs.
After he had been detained in Prifon above two Months, he
Liberty by a private Order fi-om the faid Juftice Ma7!waring.
In this Year Andrezv Lund, Henry "Townfon, and John fownfo?!, for trivial
Demands of Tithes, were imprifoned in the Fleet at London, where they had
been above two Years, and continued about two Years tfter, till the Death of
their Profecutor.
7hemas
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS.
'Tf:}Oinas Skerray, of fVfea, Hufbandman, and Agnes Skerray of the fame.
Widow, were imprifoned on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo at the Suit of
Lord Morley, oi Hornby, for Tithes. A ho Charles Lee, of Clitberoe, Hufband-
man, for 3 J. 4.d. Tithe, at the Suit of Sir Ralph Ajhton^ of Whaley. They
both remained Prifoners about two Years.
In or about this Year aHb, Seizures were made on Exchequer Procefs for
two Thirds of the real Eftates of many Perfons in this County, to the Amount
of 74/. 175. \d. Some of thofe Seizures were very exorbitant, amounting
to five or fix Times the Sums demanded.
At a Wapentake Court, held for the Hundred o^ Lonfdale, feveral Judgments
were obtained, and Dillreffes thereupon made next Day, by which were taken
LANG A.
SHIRE.
1678,
From
}
7bo?nas Atkinfon, for 1/. 135. 4^. Cattle and
other Goods worth
Richard Brttton, tor 1 /. 9 5. 3 ^. a Gelding worth
John Barro-x, tor 5 i. id. an Heifer worth
'Thomas Barrow, for i /. 18 j. 6d. two Cows worth
Ellen BraithwaiiCi for 6s. yd. a Cow and Calf worth
Elizaktb BarroWf Widow, for 1 8 .f. a Cow worth
/.
3
I
5
I
3
s.
6
10
10
15
10
d.
S
o
o
o
o
/■««:
For Demands of 6/. loj, ^d.
Taken
19 II
8
All tliefe Goods and Cattle were taken and fold by the BaylifFs, without
producing any Warrant or Writ authorizing them either to levy or fell the fame.
ANNO 1679. Taken by Diftrefs for Tithes,
From IVilliam Whaley, for 2 1. 2s. a Cow worth
Stephen Sagar, for 1 o s. Flannel worth
Peter Shackleton, for i
IVtlliam Hat ton, for i .
Jafnes Fletcher, for 6 s. 3 J. Goods worth
'. I 5. a Cow worth
05. id. a Stack of Hay worth
4
o
5
I
I
s.
o
18
o
10
5
o
6
o
o
o
For Demands of 4/. igs. 11 d.
Taken
12 13
Clofe Confine*
menu
Death of
G. Holt.
'Thornas Leaper, of Copenwray, was profecuted by "Jaynes Greenwood Tithe-
farmer, for eight Years Tithe, on the Statute for Treble Damages, and had
Cattle and Corn taken from him to the Value of 41 /. \6s. \d.
James Smith, of Cotdton, was committed to Lancajler Caftle by a Writ de Iinpnfonrmm'.
Excom7mmicato capiendo, for a Demand of il. 10 s. for Tithe, at the Suit of
Henry Rowe, of I'Figan, Tithe-farmer.
Richard Tearwood, Gilbert Holt, and Thomas Barnjall., were committed to
Lancafter Caflle by Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of Edward
Gooddl, Vicar of Prefect t, whofe Demand upon all the three did not amount
to 20 s. After their Commitment the Prieft feveral Times directed the Goaler,
both by Word of Mouth and Writing, to keep them under a clofe Confine-
ment. The faid Gilbert Holt died a Prifoner tha'e about four Years after.
On the 3 1 ft of the Month cilled March this Year was a Meeting at Mac-
clesfield in Che/hire, to which the Mayor and two other Juftices came, and
took what Names they pleafed. After a fhort Time, the Meeting ftili con-
tinuing, they came again. At their firft Coming they found Jaynes Harrifov,
of Bolton in Lancafiire, preaching, for which they fined liim 20/. and at their
coming again, he ftill preaching, they called that a fecond Offence, and fined
him 40/. which Convidtions and Fines they certified to John Hartley, a Juftice
near Alanchejler in Lancajhire, who illued his Warrant to the Conftables of
Bolton to levy the Fines. They made Difh-efs of the faid Harrifon's Houfhold
Goods of about 40 /. Value, taking all they could find, not leaving lb much
as a Skillet to boil the Children's Milk in : But before they proceeded to any
farther Seizure, an Appeal was entred on his Behalf to the Quarter SelTions,
where
J. Harrifon
twice con-
viSed for
once Trench'
irg.
324
llA N CA-
S H I R E.
1679.:
tines for
Meeiings,
fiuflhig of
'^HJiices and
ethers.
A Bayliff's
fiidden Veatb.
Pijirejfes.
Jmprifontnents
on If 'ties tie
Excoiu. Cap.
miirefes.
]mfnfonms;ns
for Jithes.
A Colkaidn of the Sufferings Vol. I.
where the Convidion was adjudged illegal, for that they had made two Of-
fences of opce Preaching. But though the Conviftion was itt afide, yet he
could not obtain the Kcltitution of his Goods.
Ini the. Month called A/fl}', Richard Ciihhan^ for a Meeting at his Houfe in
Bukerjlaff-, was fined 20/. and John Bifpham was alfo fined 20/. for preaching
there. Roger Harfnep and Richard Beejly, for being at the fame Meeting, were
fined- 8 J. each. . On the 9th of November, as Jatnes Harrifon was preaching at-
a Meeting in his own Houfe, the Conftables came and pluckt him away.
They caufcd him to be fined, and by a Warrant from Thomas Laver and yoh7i
Kenyan Juftices, made a Seizure of Leather and other Goods to the Value of
10/. 1 9 J. Pbineas Pemberlon, for himfelf and Wife being at the faid Meet-
ing, had. Goods taken from him to the Value of 4/. jgs. 4^. In order to
convict the Perfons met at Bolton, the Juflices, Informers, and WitnelTes, wkh
the Attendants, ate and drank in one Afternoon as much as cofl 50s. which
the Conftable engaged to pay for. Thomas Rujfel, an Under-Baylilf, was fo
drank, that he was found in the Street wallowing in his Vomit about three
in the Morning, and fome Time after died fuddenly.
Many Perfons in this County were fined this Year
National Worfhip, and had their Goods taken by
of 9 /. 12 s. id.
ANNO 1680. Taken this Year for Tithes from feveral Perfons, Corn and
other Things to the Value of 15/. 16 s. 2d.
Thomas Crojhie and JoJInta Crojbie were taken by an Apparitor and a BaylifF,
iind committed to Lancafter Prifon on a Writ de Excommiinicalo capiendo.
Maltbcw Read, of Heighton, for a Meeting at his Houfe, had taken from hirrl
two Ox^n, an Heifer, and fifteen Loads of Corn, worth 20/. \os. And
William U'haley, of Marfden, for Preaching, fuffered Diflrefs of his Cattle to
the Value of 49 /. 1 s.
ANNO 1681. Henry Birtwijlle and George Hajworth, were imprifoned by
aWritde Exco?nmi{nicaio capiendo, at the Suit of John Duckworth, Prieft of
Hqflingtoii, for Imall Tithes.
Alio Henry IVood was fent to Prifon, and detained about two Years, at the
Suit of the Prieft o'i Bramble, for a pretended Claim often Years Tithe, feven
of which the Prieft's Servants had long before taken for his Ufe.
We fhall next infert the Copies of two Warrants, by the Former of which
Goods were taken to the Value of 1 5 /. 1 1 j. "} d. and by the Latter to the
Amount of 25/. 13J. 6d.
for Abfence from the
Diflrefs to the Value
Wirnm for
diihiiimig she
Cooii of G.
llargreaves.
((
I. A Copy of the Warrant for diftraining the Goods oi George Hargreavcs,
" Com. Lancafter.
WHEREAS it appeareth unto us, as well by WitnefTes upon
Oath, as by notorious Evidence and Circumftance of the Faft,
that upon the i6th Day oi O£fober laft paft, htrng Sunday, there was a
numerous Meeting or Conventicle, under Colour or Pretence of religious
Worfhip, in other Manner than according to the Liturgy or Prattice of the
Church of England, at the Houfe of George Hargr eaves, in Pendle within
this County, Clothier, and by and with his Confent, at which laid Meeting
or Conventicle were many more than five Perfons above the Age of fixteen
Years, Subjeds of this Realm, befides thofeof the Family, when and where
George Hargreaves afbrefaid did wittingly and wilfully fuffer Ifaac Afiton, of
Clhheroe, to pray, preach or teach within his Houfe, but did not read the
Book of Common-prayer, contrary to a late Aft of Parliament intituled.
An Atl for preventing and fapprejjing /editions Meeiings and Conventicles, for
which Offence George Hargreaves atorefaid hath forftited the Sum of 20/.
according to the Acl aforefaid. Theie are therefore, in the Name of our
Sovereign Lord the King, ftridly to charge and command you forthwith after
" your
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS.
*♦ your Receipt hereof to demand of the faid George Hargreavn the Sum of
" 20/. forfeited by him as atorefaid, and if he fhall refufe to pay the fame,
you are forthwith to levy it upon his Goods and Chattels by Diflrefs and
Sale thereof, rendring to him the Overplus, if any be •, and the Money
fo levied you are to pay unto us, or one of us, as the A61 aforefaid doth
diredl : And you are not to fail of the Execution and Return hereof within
ten Days, as you will anfwer the Contrary at your Perils. Dated the 15th
Day of November, Anno Dom. 168 1.
" NiCHO. TOWNLY.
To the Conftables, &c.
ee
Tho. Braddyle."
325
L ANC A,
SHIRE.
i68r.
ce
2. A Copy of a IVarrant for Diftrefs on Ifaac AflAon and others.
Burg, de Clitheroe in Com. Lancafter.
Cc
It
cc
<c
<l
cc
FORASMUCH as we have this Day received a Certificate under
the Hands and Seals of Nicholas 'Townly and Thomas Braddyle Efquires,
two of his Majefly's Juflices of the Peace for the County Palatine of La)i-
caJUry That whereas Ifaac Ajhton, of Clitheroe aforefaid, Diftiller of Strong-
Waters, flands convifted before them the faid Juflices, for that he, upon
Sunday the 1 6th Day of October now lafl pafl, did take upon him to teach
and preach in a Conventicle holden at the Houfe of George Hargreaves, in
the Foretl or Chafe of Pendle and County aforefiiid. Clothier, contrary to
the late A 61 of Parliament intituled. An A^ to -prevent fedilious Conventicles,
for wluch he hath forfeited the Sum of 20/. it being the firfl Offence of
this Nature by him committed, for what appears before the faid Juflices,
And whereas John Fijh, of the fame Town and County, Glazier, flands
convidted before the faid Juflices for being prefent at the faid Conventicle,
whereby he hath forfeited the Sum of 10^. it being the fecond Time of his
Conviction for an Offence of this Nature. And whereas alfo John Spencer
of the fame Town and County, Labourer, flands convifted before the faid
Juflices only 5J. it being the firfl Offence of that Nature that hath appeared
before the faid Juflices. And therefore they do impofe the feveral Fines
abovementioned, viz. upon Ifaac Ajhton 20/. upon John Fijh \os. and upon
John Spencer 55. according to the faid Aft of Parliament. Thefe are there-
fore in his Majefty's Name to will and require you, and every of you,
immediately upon Receipt hereof to demand of them the faid Ifaac Affjton,
John Fifh, and John Spencer, thefe feveral Sums impofed upon them : And
if they or any of them fhall refufe to pay the fame, that then you levy the
fiiid feveral Sums by Diflrefs and Sale of the Goods of him or them fo re-
fufing, returning the Overplus if any fhall remain, and you are to give an
Account of your Proceedings herein to us, whereof fliil not at your Peril.
Given under our Hands and Seal of the Borough this 2 1 ft Day of November,
Anno Dom. 1 68 1 .
" William AppletoNj
^'ctS,i%:^ " Edward Robinson,
" Bayliffs of the faid Borough."
ANNO 1 68 2. John Afpinal, o^ CaJfel, was committed to Zrt«r(7/?d'r Caftle Trofecutiam
on the 5ch of the Month called April, by Juftices Warrant, grounded on a t"^ lithe i.
Significavit out of the Ecclefiaflical Court, at the Suit of the aforefaid John
Vnchworth, Priefl of Haflington, for Tithes.
John Fell, John Curwcn, John Csivel, fFillia?n Salthoufe, James Geldcrt,
TJxmas FiJher, and fVUliam Towers, after a Profecution in the Exchequer for
Tithes, at the Suit of Mary JVoodburn Tithe-farmer, had Corn, Cattle, and
odicr Goods taken from them by Sequeftration, to the Value of 64/. 16 s. 3 d.
.Vol. I. 4 N AUo
cc
C(
t(
*<
«c
*c
(C
«(
(C
(I
((
((
(C
(C
«c
«c
((
«(
326
I. A N C A-
SHIRE.
1682.
Diflrefi for
Mietings.
Jmpr ifonmem
c/R. Bar-
row.
Didrefi on
-M. lox.
lines for
Meetings,
jin h.tri
Heanei Pre-
fecuior.
More Trofecu-
iions for
liihis.
For Clerk's
For Tiihes'
A Collea:ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Alio 'John Walker, Alice Bakehean, Chr'yhpher JViddo-jJy and John Lees, for
Demands of 10/. ij s. 6d. for Tithes, fuffered by Diftrefs to the Amount
of 27/. 7 J.
Thomas Turbuck, of Sutton, for being at a religious Meeting, had his Bedding
taken away to the Value of 1/. 13 J. 4^. Alfo William Holgate, for a Meeting
at his Houfe, fuffered the Lofs of his Houfhold Goods worth 9 /. 8 J. 6d. And
for a Meeting held in No^emher this Year, at the Houfe of James Strettell in
Manchefter, Goods were taken from feveral Perfons to the Amount of 29/. i8i.
ANNO 1683. On the 12th of the Month called January, Robert Barrow
was taken preaching in a Meeting at Lancofler, and by the Mayor committed
to Prifon.
Margaret Fox, for fuffering Meetings at her Houfe in Swarth7nore, was fined
by the Name of Margaret Fell, Widow, and had taken from her, at one
Time, Cattle worth 30/. oj pd.
And at another Time, to the Value of 40 o o
Tor rcftijiiig to
Swejr.
70 O O
When Thomas Lozver, on her Behalf, demanded a Copy of the Warrant
in order to an Appeal, the Officers laid. They durji not give it, the Jujiices
having charged them to the contrary. So they fold her Cattle, and rendred no
Account thereof. Taken alfo this Year from Robert Saltboufe and others, for
Fines for Meeting, Goods worth 7 /. 9 j. 6 d,
John Leigh and William Wilde were profecuted at the Suit of William Richard-
fcn Tithe-farmer, and committed to Prifon by Juftices Warrant, grounded on
a Sigr.ificavit from the Ecclefiaftical Court. The Profecutor was fo rigid, that
he got the Goaler bound in 40/. Penalty not to fuffer them to come down
to the Gate of the Caftle. He alfo got a Warrant and took Goods worth
22 s. for his Charges of carrying them to Prifon.
John Moon, of Carhouje near Garjlang, Hufbandman, was profecuted at the
Suit oi Thomas Butler oi Kirklands, for Tithes, and on the 21ft of the Month
called Augu(l, at Lam after AfTizes had a Verdidb given againft him for 4/. -js.
on the Statute for treble Damages amounting to 13 /. \ s. for which the Bay-
liff took, by an Execution, his Corn in the Bam and on his Ground, with all
his Houfhold Goods, not leaving him a Bed to lie on, the Whole amounting
to 35^-
In November, Alice Bakebean was profecuted in Hornby Court, at the Suit of
Anthony ProP.or, Priell o\ Arch-holm, and, for 25 J. demanded for Tithes, had
her Goods dillrained to the Value of 5 /.
ANNO 1684. Alice Bakebean was profecuted by John Colts Parifli-CIerk,
for 4^/. per Annum, for his Wages for five Years, and had her Goods uken away
to the Value of lOi.
Robert Withers was profecuted on the Statute of treble Damages for Tithes,
at the Suit of Jatnes Greenwood, of Bolton, Tithe-farmer > the Tithe proved
was 7/. II J. bd. for the treble of which, being 22/. 14 J. 6d. he had taken
from him live Beafls worth 27/. 15 J. He had alfo taken from him on ano-
ther Profecution lor 4/. 18 i. Tithe, Goods worth 20/. Alfo Chriftopher Buck-
uorth, for Tithe of 4/. Value, had his Goods taken away to the Value of
18/. 3 s. ^d. And Michael Crabtree 3.nd William Crabtree, for a Demand of
I s. 3<r/. for Tithe, had Pewter and wearing Apparel taken away to the Value
of 2 /. 2S. 6 d.
John Vipon, John Ecroyd, Roger Hartly, John Hardman, Stephen Sagar, Wd-
Ham Kippax, Edmund Pilling, Peter Shackleton, Anne Whaley, James Ruftoti,
John Hargreaves, and Ja7nes Wbitaker, were committed to Prifon on Writs de
Exsommunicato capiendo for refufing to anfwer upon Oath, when profecuted in
the Ecclefiaftical Court for Tithes, at the Suit of Edmund AJIjton, of fFhaley,
Impropriator.
In this Year Corn was taken out of the Field for Tithes from feveral Per-
to the Amount of 22/. 17^. 5^.
In
Ions,
ChaP. 2 2. of the People called QUAKERS.
327
LANCA-
SHIRE.
1684.
Difir/(fes for
Meeting,
Dlftre/fes for
Meetings.
ProceedinfTs
at the AJfizes.
In this and the preceding Year, the Diftreffes made on the Conventicle
Act, and otherwiic, for reh'gious Meetings, amounted to 304/. y s. 10 d. befide
the feveral particular Cales herein after mentioned, vizt On the 5th of O£lobey,
at the Intermant of the Wife of Henry Tcinlinfon, John Hayton ipake a few
Words by Way of Exhortation to the People ; certain Informers, appointed by
Jiiftice Z-rtw^'-zforZ/j to be there, brought him to the Juftice, who fent him to
thcHoiifcofCorre(5tion,anda]fo fined him 20/. for Preacing, and the Owners of ^'^"^f", ^"^
the Burying- ground ^o/. for the Place ; for which, and other Fines impofed
tor being at the laid Burial, Goods were taken by Diftrefs to the Amount of
dot. y s. id. One of the Perfons diftrained on at that Time v/as Henry Tonilin-
fon, who, when his Cat?tle were expofed to Sale in the Market, publickly ac-
knowledged them to be his, and was thought thereby to hinder their Sale.
For this the afbreiaid Juftice committed the laid Henry to Prifon. On the 9th
of the fimie Month Jc/hn 'T(Kvnfo7i, for a Meeting at his Houfe, fufFered Diftrefs
of his Cattle to the Value of 2,^ I. 105. And Henry Hov.lden, Thomas Tomlin-
fon, and Henry Tomth^fon, had their Goods taken away, for being at that Meet-
ing, to the Amount of 5/. 16s. 8 d. About the fame Time the faid Tho7nas
Tomlir.fon^ for a Meeting at his Houfe, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value
of 9 /. I 2 i. '
At the Summer Aflizes this Year, Richard Cubhan, Godfrey Atherton, John
Minjhall, William Cro'ifjdfon, John Bifphaju, Daniel Bijpham^ Richard BuJJjy^
Alexander Roylance^ James Frodjham, Thomas Hiccock^ ff^illiam Griffith, Gilbert
Potter, Eleanor Billings-^ Hehry Fofter, Jofeph Coppiick, JoJIoua Crcjlie, and Henry
Walton, then Prifohers for being at a Meeting, having been indifted at the
Quarter Seffions for a Riot, were brought to Trial before Judge Jejferies, who
fined them 20/. a piece : They were recommitted to Prilbn, where the laid
Henry Fofier ended his Days on the iSth of IS ov ember.
In Septefnber, Daniel Abrahatn, James Goddard, and Leonard Fell, were fent
to Goal for Abfencc fi'om the National Worfhip. The two Former continued
there about a Month, and the Other longer. In the fame Month William Raw-
linfon, Abraham Rawlvifon, Elizabeth Saunders, Mary Benfon, Henry Stones, and
Edward Robinfon, were committed to Prifon, and in the next Month Barbara
Satterthwait, and Ifabel Foreft. In this Year alio, Nathanael Dijborow, John
Barnes, Gilbert Potter, Matthias Fofier, John Dunbabin, John Cihfon, John
Charley, Samuel Dunbabin, Stifan Wright, Mary Cocker, Mary South-juorth, Pa-
tience Sixfmiih, Hugh Crojhy, Richard Holcroft, Efther Holcroft, Elizabeth Gib/on^
Elizabeth Barnes, Martha Coofnbs, Robert Burton, Thomas Kechivick, Daniel
Keckwick, Gerge Birch, John Barrow, Savage Mafon, and Matthew Majon,
having been taken in religious Meetings at the Houfe of James Wright in
Warrington, were comtnitted to Prifon ; where fome of them were detained
ten Months.
The pious Difpofition, and fweet Frame of Mind wherein thefe Chriftian
Sufferers endured their Confinement, is excellently exprelfed by one of them,
•viz. Mary Southworth, a religious Maiden, afterward married to Henry Mol-
lineuxj in the following Poem, which we recommend to our Readers Perufil,
Meditations concerning our Imprifonment, only for Confcience-
flike, 1684, in Lancajler Caftle.
THO* the Eternal Wifdom, Sion'i King,
Be pleas'd to try his Babes by Suffering ;
Tho' Ibme departing from the Sinners Way,
And walking 6'io«-ward become a Prey ;
Yea, though through Tribulation Jfrael muft
Enter the promis'd Land, yet Heaven is juft.
And tenderly fupports his patient Ones,
Altho' he chaftens his beloved Sons :
AncJ
DeiXth of
H. Fofter.
Imprifonment
for Abfence
from the N'a-
tional IVorJhipf
arid for
Menings.
328 A CoUeaion of the Sufferings Vol. I,
LANCA- And tho' in Frifons outwardly they be ^
SHIRE. Confin'd, the Son of Love doth fet them free, S»
^"°+- And leads in verdant ■ Plains of Liberty ; j^
^'-/"VXJ The frefli fat Valleys where fweet Shtloh flows.
Upon whole fertile Banks the Lilly grows ;
"Where though he by fome Exercifes prove.
He folaceth with Flagons of his Love.
Then why Ihould any murmur ? Jejus thus
Extended fignal Favours unto us.
Here are we with the hidden Manna fed,
Tho' with Tranfgreflbrs we be numbred :
Here can we Profpedts from our Tow'r furvey
"With much more innocent Delight than they
That range at large -, yea here we may defcry
The pleafant Path, hid from the Vult'rous Eye.
Wherein the Righteous follow Chrifl their King *>'
And tender Shepherd, to the living Spring S>
Of Joy, and to his Name high Praifes fing. j
Nor can the proudeft Walls (tho' ne'er fo high
The Monuments of grave Antiquity)
Be terrible to fpotlefs Innocence,
That knows the Rock of Ages a Defence.
Tho' fome be from their Families remov'd,
Here Mary'i Choice may better be improv'd.
And Chrifl takes Care of his, altho' they fit
As unconcern'd, weeping at 'Jefui Feet.
He'll be a Father to the Family O
Of fuch as for his Name in Prifon lie, >
And fill their Hearts with everlafting Joy. ^j
Thefe rugged Walls lefs grievous are to me.
Than thofe bedeckt with curious Arras be ;
T' a guilty Confcience, to a wounded Heart,
A Palace cannot palliate that Smart :
Tho' drunk with Pleafure, dull with Opiates, ^
Some feem as fenfelefs of their fad Eltates, ^
Till on their dying Beds Confcience awakes. j
But tho' the Righteous be in Bonds confin'd.
They inwardly fweet Satisfaction find.
Neither can ftately Roofs, Gates, Bars, nor all
The Art of Man fupprefs the Cries and Call,
Or Supplication, or the pooreft Sigh,
Of Ifraef^ Seed, for his Redeemer's nigh.
Who will regard the Cries, and hear the Groans
Of his afiiifted tribulated Ones -,
And will in his appointed Time arife
Utterly to confound his Enemies :
Altho' by them he for a Seafon prove
His Children dear, he'll yet in Time remove
The Scourge, and call the challning Rod afide.
When i/r'f/'s Faith and Patience he hath try'd.
Now, though fome rage becaule we cannot bow
Unto their vain Traditions, fince we know
I'hc bleffed Truth, which hath engag'd to give.
Our Hearts to him, in whom alone we live.
Yea, tho' for this fome fret, and ftorm and rage,
And ftudy to afflid God's Heritage :
Their Wrath's reftrain'd by one, that if he picafe
Can curb the furious, rolling, raging Seas,
As
Chap. 22. of the People called QUAKERS.
As in a Moment, and upon the "Wave
Teach his to walk, and by his Prefence Eive
From finking, as of old, his Arm's the fame.
Eternal Praifcs to his holy Name.
He is our Shield, our Sun that penetrates
Our clofeft Rooms, and fweetly coniblates
Our waiting Souls, and with his quickning Ray
Changes black Nights of Sorrow into joyful Day.
So that 'tis not the Terrors of the Night,
Nor Darts that fly by Day, that can affright
The righteous Souls, who walk in holy Fear -,
They know tlieir Captain of Salvation's near.
The bleffed Prince of Peace, their Joy, their King,
The only Fountain whence true faving Comforts fpring.
Si%xh Month 1684.
Such pious Meditations as thefe indicated a Freedom of Spirit, not to be
reflrained by outward Bondage, and Bodily Confinement.
On the 19th of the Month called January^ James Ratcliff, Nicholas Raw-
thornt\ John Rawthorne^ John Hargreaves^ Alice Hargreaves, Abraham Hay-
worth, Richard Mather, William Jack/on, Henry Crook, and Henry Hargreaves,
were in Prifon for meeting together. A few Days after, they were indifted
at Manchejler Seffions, and recommitted to Prifon. About the fame Time
Francis tlemviing was fent to Prifon for Abfence from his Parifh Church, fo
called. In this Year alfo William Satterthwait and Edward Satterlhwaite were
fent to Prilbn by a Commiffion of Rebellion, for refufing to anfwer upon Oath
in the Trial of a Title to an Eftate. And Thomas Skirrow was imprifoned for
retufing to anfwer upon Oath in the Court of Exchequer, Some Time before
this, two bold Informers came to the Houfe oi Abraham Haywortb oi Rofindale,
when the Meeting there' was breaking up : They went and made Informa-
tion that James Ratcliff preached there, who was not at that Meeting -, how-
ever the Juflices upon this Evidence fined him 20/. for which the Officers
broke open five Doors, and took away twelve Kine and an Horfe worth 39/.
Jonathan Rigby, of Blackrod, for a Fine of zcl. had taken from him four
Cows, an Horfe, Hay, and Houfliold Goods, worth 27/. John Rofth'u:jait a
Cow worth 2/. 15 J. and Alice Ratcliff, her Bedding, Pewter, &c. worth 155,
Great Numbers were fined for abfenting themfelves from the National ^'orfliip,
fo that the Sums taken by Diftrefs for that Caufe amounted to 118/. 5>. - fi d.
And tor the fime Caule Da7iiel Abraham and his Wife, and Margaret Fox, were
Prifoners at Lancajler about fixteen Day?, and Leonard Fell about two Months.
ANNO 1685. Richard Britton, George Barrow, John Guniall, Miles Bir-
kett, and Jennet Dixon, were profccuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit
of Thomas Prejlon, oV Holcar, Efq-, and by a falfe Return of Non eft Inventus
(though they were fo far from abfconding, that they offered themfelves to the
BayliSs} a Sequeftratjon wp.s obtained againft them, by which their Cattle and
Goods were carried away to the Value of S2I. i s. 8d.
Henry Mi' chf I Wis fent to Prifon by Juftice's Warrant, on 3. Signifcavit from
the Ecclcfia'ftical Court ; and George Hayworth and Henry Birtwijle were com-
mitted by Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of Sir Edmund Ajhlon
Impropriator. John Backhoit/e was profccuted on the Statute for treble Damages,
and for §h.ys. ^d. Tithe, had Cattle taken from him worth 21/. And
Richard Lancajler, for 61. 2 s. id. demanded, luffered by Diftrefs the Lofs of
Cattle to the Value'of 26 1. Several others had Corn and Cattle taken awav,
for Tithes, to the Amount of gl. ^s. lod.
IVilliam Alkinfon and Nathan Kenerdy, for nine Weeks Abfence from the
National Worfliip, had Goods taken away from diem to the Value of
3 /. 5 .f. 6 d. And Richard John/on, Richard Prophet, and John Fletcher, were
Vol. I. 4 O fent
L A N C A-
SHIRE.
1684.
..a
Imprlfo>msvts
for Meeting,
Indiclment At
Sejfwni.
Falfe Informn-
ttons.
Exchequer
Proj editions,^-
Ecdefufilcsl
Procefs.
33^
LANCA-
SHIRE.
1685.
Treble
DoMges.
Imfrifonmsnts
o'l Writs de
Excom. Cap*
Titks,
A Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
fent to Prifon from a Meeting at Hartjhaw, but after three Months Confine-
ment were releaied at the Summer Aflizes this Year, when mofl of the other
Prifoners in this County were alfo difchafged by Virtue of KingJ^w^j's Procla-
mation for a general Pardon.
ANNO 1 68 6. T-iktn ixom Mary Simpfon, of Caftmellf by a Profecution
for treble Damages for Tithe, Goods worth 1 1 /. Taken alfo this Year, for
Tithe of Corn in kind, to the Value of 44/. 18 j. 9 d.
ANNO 1687. In the Month called O^^o^fr, Richard HargreaveSy John
Sagar, John Hudfon^ Roger Hartley, Nicholas Holgate, Jeffery Shackerly, John
Horabin, Robert Atkinfon, George Birch, and Peter Barnes, were committed to
Prilbn on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of Sir Edmund AJhton
Impropriator, for Tithes.
ANNO 1689. Taken from fundry Perfons this Year, out of the Fields
for Tithes, Corn, iSc to the Amount of 79/. 145. 10 d.
ANNO 1690. The Tithe of Corn taken in kind this Year from the
People called ^takers in this County, amounted to 134/. 14/. 5^.
We now proceed to the Sufferings of this People in Leicejlerjlnre.
C H A P. XXIII.
LEICES-
TER-
SHIRE.
1652.
LEICESTERSHIRE.
and RUTLAND.
Suftr!>!gt of
E. Muggle-
flon,
o
Anno 1652.
N E of the firft Sufferers in this County was Edward Miigglejlon,
an ancient Man of Swanington, who was twice obliged to ap-
pear at London, ninety Miles from his Dwelling, before a Com-
mittee of Parliament appointed to enquire into the State of fuch
Preachers as had been plundered during the Civil Wars : While he was
attending on them, at that Diftance, a Seizure was made of his Goods at
Home to the Value of 8/. \os. for a Claim of 2/. 15;. Gd. for Tithes.
</;.iC. Lewis. In the fame Year Chri/lapher Lewis, of Harby, was cited before a Jultice by
the Priefl of that Parifh (who had before taken out of his Fields what Corn
he pleafed) for 1 8 j. 2d. pretended to be yet due for Tithe : The Juflice granted
a Warrant, by which the Officers took from him a Cow worth 3/. 10 s.
ANNO 1653. Richard Farmer, of Twycrofs, after the Parifh Priefl had
ended his Sermon there, attempted to read a Paper of Chriflian Exhortation
to the People •, for which Office of Love he was committed to Prifon, and
lay there till the next Affizes, where leveral of the principal Inhabitants certi-
fying that he had not dillurbed them in their Worlhip, he was fet at Liberty,
without any Notice taken of the Injuftice done him. In the fame Year JVilliam
Simpfon, for propofing a Qiieftion to the Priefl of Brampton, after his Sermon,
was fent to the Houfe of Corredion at Leicefter, and detained there five
Weeks. About the fame Time Grace Swan and Annejuxon, after the publick
Worfliip was cixled at Leicejler, where the faid Anne would have read a Paper
of Chriflian Advice to the People, were both confined in the Town-hall
fome Hours, and then Anne was lent to Leiccjicr Goal, whare flie lay about
five Weeks in a very cold Winter.
• ANNO
Sever il Impri
fonmeiits.
Chap. 23. of the People called QUAKERS. 331
ANNO 1654. In the Month of 6■£?/)^f»^^fr, William 'Dewjberry was im- LEICES-
prilbned at L«V<?/?f/-, but relcafed again the next Day. On the 24th o( De- <;^?J^p
cember, John IVbitebead was ahb put into Prifon there, but difcharged two Days ^^ '
after. On the 25th of the lame, John Carr was committed to the Dungeon i6c,a..
there, but fet at Liberty again at the next Seflions. The Imprifonment of '— vr-s^
thefe Men was merely arbitrary, no Breach of any Law being charged againil several impri-
them ; but their preaching to the People was very difpleafing to the eftabliflied lonrmnu.
Teachers of thofe Times, who monopolized that Office, purely for the Sake
of the Profits annexed to it by Law. About this Time alfo, John Boyer and
Thomas Cave, having fpread fome religious Books at Leicejler, were impri-
foned by the Mayor's Order : At the next Seffions they were difcharged :
But though it appeared that the Mayor had taken away from them and others
of their Friends about 500 Sheets of printed Books, they could not obtain
the Reftitution of them, nor any Recompence for that illegal Seizure of their /
Property.
ANNO 1656. Edward Muggk/lon, after a Profecution in the * Exchequer E- Maggie.
for Tithes, was committed to Prifon at Leice[ter. While he lay there his Son ^^^^f''
was profecuted for the fame Tithe, though known to be but a Sci-yant to his '* "
Father.
ANNO 165S. Zachary GUby, of Thiftkton, was imprifoned in Oakham '"'P^f««"'f««
Goal by an Attachment out of the Exchequer : He was confined there about •'"'^ *
fixteen Weeks amongft Felons in a cold nafty Place. John Riddijh was alfo
imprifoned there, on an Attachment, about the fame Time, for Tithe of ten
Groats Value, he being a poor labouring Man, and having a Wife and five
fmall Children : The Woman in her Diftrefs applied to the Prieft his Profe-
cutor to intercede for his Liberty, and took one of her little Children with
her, judging that might be a Means to move his Compaffion : But the Prieif,
void of Pity, thruft them out of Doors, and churlifhly told her. She m\ght get
her Hiijhand out again how J}je could.
ANNO 1659. For refufing to pay the ufual Rates made for the Repair- ■^'!/^''^P /"''
ing of the Steeple-houfes, Edward Mugglejlon, for a Demand of 6 s. Sd. had •^'"/''^-'■"'«/*
Goods taken irom him worth i /. 35. And Thomas Orton and his Son, for a
Claim of i /. os. \d. fufi^ered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 2 /. ijj. 4 J.
MatlJxw Rudkin, becaufe his Confcience reftrained him from taking an Oath, TomotSvictt',
was fined, and had his Goods taken away to the Value of 1/. 3 s. 6d. '"&'
ANNO 1 660. The Sufferings of this People in the prefent Year are well
exprelTed in
" A Copy of a Letter written from Leicefler Goal, dated the
2cth of the Twelfth Month 1660.
*' Friends,
" TT lieth upon us to give an Account of our Sufferings, we being in Num- ^ ^"PJ' // *
" _£. tier twenty five, which are imprifoned becaufe we cannot Swear, we ^".'^Y'"'""
" expeding that more will be brought to Prifon. We be under the Oppreffion ^'^^ *^'
" of a cruel Goaler, who retlifeth to let us have neceffary Provifion brought to us,
*' and one who is a Friend, which we have employed for that Purpofe, when
*' Ihe hath made Provifion ready for us, and brought it to the Door,
" the Goaler hath feveral Times turned it back with cruel threatning Words,
*' faying. He would break her Neck if he took her coining in at the Door. And
" many of us, being very poor Men in the Outward, frarce able to provide
" for our Families, when at Liberty, and fome of us being fifteen or fixteen
*' Miles from our outward Beings, and fo unable to buy ourfelves Provifions
♦' .u the Coaler's exceffive Rates. Some ot us have been imprifoned five
*' Weeks : One, his Wife being near the Time of her Delivery of Child, his
friends
The Prieft, who profecuted Eiv^nrd. Mus^kfion, among other extravagant Charges,
fwore that Edwarl ftruck him, and that he ducft not go to gather his Dues for fear of hira.
In which he cxpoled his Malice, and was believed by no Body.
332 A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
L E I C E S- " Friends defifing but a fliort Time for him to go and fpeak to his Wife, his Bro-
T E R- Li. ther offering to ftay in his Room the Time, was denied : Another was brought
Jicc " ^° Prilon from his Wife, llie being delivered of a Child but two Days be-
x66o. " ^ore. And fome of our Friends, being brought to Prifon, had their Coats
^^^--sy^ " taken off their Backs by the Soldiers, and not reftored again: Another
^"^ " Friend's Wife being very weak, and not likely to continue long, ffie defiring
" much to fee her Hufband, who defired upon Security, fo much Liberty of
" the Goaler to go and fee her, but he denied it ; It lying much upon the
" Friend to go and fee his Wife in that Condition, he acquainted one of the
" Commiffioners with it, whofent his Warrant to the Goaler to fet the Friend
« at Liberty, and that fhould be his Difcharge, but the Goaler kept the
" Warrant and refufed to let him go, except he would pay him a Mark Fees.
" We are forced to hire Rooms at exceffive Rates, by reafon that we cannot
f;^. have a free Prifon to hold us, fo as that we might lie down, there beino-
" fo many Debtors and Felons in it. Three of the Friends who are im-
" prifbned are Northampton/hire Men : One, whofe Name is JViiliam Fmce7ity
" who had been imprifoned at Northampto7t near fourteen Months, it being
" but two Weeks after he was put out, but he was brought to Prifon here,
" he being a Man in much bodily Weaknefs, with many running Sores upon
i- " him, and by outward Appearance is not likely to continue long, his Wife
" alio being in the Town, and bringing him fome warm Food, which fhe
" had provided for him, was turned back, and not fuffered to bring it him.
" Likewife the Goaler denies to let him have a Candle at his own Charge,
:*' whereby he might drefs his Sores, it being a dark Place, where he is lockt
.«f up by Daylight -, likewife not fulfering a tew Boards, which were their own,
" to hold the Straw up, but did take them from them.
" Subfcribed by
Edward Mugglejlon Robert Bakewell Robert Day
John Evatt William Perkins Richard Fanner
John Elliott Peter Hincks Roger Sturgis
Richard Read Samuel Ward ^Ijomas Falhur
George Power Robert Cliffe William Gregory
nomas Orion John Swann William Horton
William Smith William Vincent William 1'omfon.
7homas Marjhall William Line
Robert Pimm George Almon
ANNO 1 66 1. Richard Poole w;is taken at a religious Meeting, and fent
xMtfwy Imprt- to Prifon, where he lay feveral Montlis. On the 23d of Sepie/nber this Year,
jonmot\s for Thcri/tas Taylor, go'ng towards Swanington, was met by a Company of Soldiers,
not Sweifing. who paffing fimply by them, without pulling off his Hat, fome of them cried
out, A Fanatick, and rode after him, brought him back, kept him Prifoner
that Night, and next Day hurried him to and fro, till at length two Country
Jufticcs committed him to Leicejier Goal for refufing the Oath of Allegiance :
For which Caufe alio William Dracutt, Daniel Smith, Robert Day, Robert Cliffe^
John Doubleday, Nicholas Juxon, Humphry Woolrich, George Brown, Thomas
Palmer, TSmnas Goodman, and James Smith, were this Year committed to Pri-
fon. On the 4th of November, Edward Mugglejlon the Elder, after two or
Deith of three Weeks Sickncfs, died a Prifoner, having been under clofe Confinement
1-,. Muggle- about five Years. He laid down his Life in fwect Peace with the Lord, to the
fton. TeJIimony of whofe Truth he had been faithful and obedient.
On the 30th of December, Roger Sturgis and Alice his Wife, with four other
Some ttier Friends, went to vifit William Fellows, then fick in Bed, and as they fat by
vifnivg tke him, a Conftable, with Soldiers and others armed with Swords and Staves,
■f''"*- came in, dragged them out of the Houfe, kept them Prifoners all Niglit at
an
Chap. 23. of the People called QUAKERS,
an Alchoufe, and next Day carried them feven Miles to a Juftice's Houfe,
who, hearing the Cafe, that they were only vifiting the Sick, fet them at Li-
berty, except one Woman, whom he ordered the Officers to carry to tlie
High Conftable : Three of her Friends went with her, and the High Conftable,
whofe Name was James Oliver^ fent them all to Leicefter Goal by a Mittimus^
fo apparently illegal, and out of Form, that the Goaler refufed to receive
them. Thus after much ill Uiage, and hurrying to and fro feveral Days,
they v/ere kt at Liberty.
About this Time John Boyer, of Leicejler, for no other Caufe that he
knew of, but that he did not pull off his Hat to the Earl of Gray, was
beaten by one of his Servants with a great Cudgel about the Head, till he
was very bloody, and then ftruck down among the Willows into the Water,
and there left for dead. After fome Time, recovering a little, he got Home
with much Difficulty, but from that Time quite loft his Eyefight, and fhortly
died of the Bruifes he had received.
ANNO 1662. In this Ye^r John Swann, William Smith the Elder, William
Smith the Younger, and William Perkins, were imprifoned in the County Goal
at Leicefter for Tithes. In the lame Year John Edinborough and Robert Day,
for 14^/. demanded for Steeple- houfe-Rates, had Goods taken from them
worth 1 2 s. Edward Marriott, lor the fame Caufe, alio fuffered Diftrefs of
his Goods.
William Bramfton was imprifoned five Weeks for refufing to Swear, and for
the fame Caufe was fined 5 /.
In the Month called Auguft, at Leicefter Affizes, Richard Church, George
Barford, William Caunt, Richard Read, and others, were fent to Prilbn tbr re-
fufing to Swear.
On the 2d of September, the Lord Bchmen, alias Swords, having received In-
formation of an intended Meeting at Swanington, came thither with armed
Men, before the Meeting was begun •, and caufed nine Perfons there to be
apprehended and fecured that Night, and next Day fent them to Goal by the
iollowing Mittimus, viz.
*' To the Keeper of his Majejlfs Goal for the County of Leicefter.
E R E A S upon Complaint made, that feveral ^.akers and dif-
af?e<5ted Perfons were to meet at Swanington, at an unfealbnable
Time, to the Difturbance of his Majefty's good Subjefts, and contrary to
an A(ft in that Cafe provided : Thefe are therefore to command you in
his Majefty's Name to receive into your faid Goal, and there fafe to keep
the Bodies of the Perlbns underwritten, until fuch Time as they be thence
delivered by due Courfe of Law. Hereof fail not at your utmoft Peril.
Given under my Hand and Seal the 3d of September 1662.
:W?H
333
LEICES-
TER-
SHIRE,
&c.
1661.
lUegil Im^ri-
jonmints.
Cruel Beating
of J. Boyer.
ffis Death'
Tithes ivi
Stiipk-houfs
Elites.
Imprij'onment
for not Srvexr'
ing.
For Meeting.
Mittimus of
9 Perfons to
Leicefter
Cotl.
ec
T. Swords.
*' George Fox
" William Smith
*' Margaret Bayly
Suftinna Frith
Joane Brockeftjy
Henry Walker
Edward Miigglefton
Thomas Fowkes
Joane Roe."
Upon this Mittimus they were kept in Prifon about a Month till the Seffions,
when no fufficient Caufe appearing to juftify their Confinement, they were fet
at Liberty.
At the fame Time alfo Leonard Fell, Samuel Hooton, and Willia?n Sly, were
Prilbners in the fame Goal : Many others were taken out of their religious
Meetings and committed to Prifon, viz. Thomas Alen, John Allen, WiUia?n
Timfon, John Carter, John Warren, John Trefter, William Line, William Green,
Samuel Wilfon, Obadiah Wilkins, Nicholas Pawley, Thomas Palmer, Joane Wilkins,
Anne Line, Mary Wood, Anne Cane, Anne Smith, and Sarah Lea : Some of thefe
Vol. I. 4 P vicre
Otker
jotters.
Pri-
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
were detained in Prifon {tvzn Weeks, and others three Months. Several others,
for their Conftancy in aflembling together, were fined, and for Non-payment,
both fuffered Imprifonment and Diftrefs of Goods, of which Number were.
LEICES-
TER-
SHIRE,
&c,
1662.
Impiiomitm Samuel Hooton, who for
aniDijirejfis, William Marfljally
Richard Leake,
Matthew Riidkin^
Mcholas Juxon,
Edward Mugglejlon.,
For
Fines,
/. s.
o
6
6
o
6
o
fuffered Diftrefs of Goods worth
Sums levied.
/.
s.
d.
h II
6
6
10
8
4
5
19
Taken 40 10 o
Imprifin-
ments.
Vnhe,ihhy
Confifiement.
For refufnig
to Srveur.
JiTiprifoKments
for feveral
Ciufes.
Cruel Vfjge.
I>'JireJfes for
Tithis.
John Sbilcock, for Meeting, had a Cow taken From him worth 4/.
ANNO 1663. Richard Jarvis, a poor labouring Man, fuffered twelve
Weeks Imprifonment for Titlies of fmall Value. And Robert Day of Clawfon,
who had been in Prifon a confiderable Time, was this Year difcharged.
Elizabeth Doubleday, taken at a Meeting at Silby^ was fent to Prifon at Lei-
cejier, where fhe was confined among Felons in a very unhealthy Manner,
feventeen Women being lliut up in one Room but four Yards long, and two
Yards broad.
iJjofnas Saunderfon was fined for refding to Swear, and had his Goods taken
away to the Value of i/. 10 s. Alio Richard Church, after five Weeks Im-
fonment tor a Fine of five Marks for refufing to take an Oath, had two Cows
taken from him worth 5/. 10 s.
ANNO 1664. In this Year Nathanael Newton^ Henry Sidons, William
Medcalf, Francis Allen, John Pahner, William Bodycoaty and William Sibly,
having been taken at a Meeting, were committed to Prifon. John Evans, of
Wigjhn, was alfo imprifoned for rehifing to pay Tithes : He was cruelly ufed,
being fometimes clofe Ihut up in a filthy ftinking Dungeon, and at other
Times in a Room over a Common Jakes or Houle of Office. He continued
in Prifon about eighteen Months.
ANNO 1666. Taken this Year by Diftrefs for Tithes,
Demand. Sums
From Ihoiuas Fellows, for
Roger Sturgis,
Richard Church,
For
/.
i
o
I
s.
12
12
6
d.
o
o
o
Goods worth
/.
12
5
3
s.
o
o
o
taken
d.
o
o
o
10
Taken 20
Extent.
Other Suffer-
ivgs.
Spoil.
lovglmprifoii-
mevt /or
Jiihes.
The foid Thomas Fellows and Roger Sturgis, had alfo an Extent taken out to
feize their Land, and were committed to Prifon, Robert being an infirm old
Man, and almott blind.
Francis Child, of Harborough, for being prefent at religious Meetings, was
fined 20/. and lent to Prifon for Non-payment.
PVilliam Sly, William Hooton, William Wells, Thomas Herrick, John Evans,
Francis Brawlon, and Samuel Pawley, being taken at a Meeting and carried
before a Juftice of the Peace, he tendred them the Oaths, anil committed
them to Prifon.
ANNO 1667. From Edward Hallian, of the Vale of Bevoir, the Claimers
of Tithe took one Fifth of his Barley, and one Sixth of his Beans : From
John Doublcday they took whole Fit-kls of his Corn ; And from John Evans
twice as much as the Tithe came to.
William S?nith, of Croxton, being fubpcienaVi into the Exchequer for Tithes
of 6 s. Value, appeared there in Perfon, but not .anfwering in Form by an
Attorney, nor upon Oath, the Procefs went on, and at his Return Home he
was
Chap. 23. of the People called QUAKERS.
was taken from his Wife and feven Children, and committed to Prifon, where
he lay above fix Years, to the exceeding great Oppreffion of himfelf and
Family, he being poor. Robert Day was alio imprifoned on an Exchequer
Procefs tor Tithes. IVilliam fVillozvs and Thomas Walker, of Rodly, the Former
for a Demand of 20 s. and the Latter for ^d. for Tithes, were fubpoena'd
into the Exchequer, where they perfonally appeared, but not anfwering upon
Oath, were fcnt to Prifon for Contempt, as if they had not appeared, Richard
Cibfon was alio committed to Prifon, and detained there fevcral Years, at the
Suit of Matlheiv Honeywood, Dean of Lincoln.
On the 2 2d of the Month called March, a religious Meeting was held at
Syfou, to which an Officer with Soldiers, and many rude People, came, and
without any Warrant dragged the AfTembly out of their Meeting-place. They
took William Horton and fet him in the Stocks : After which they drew him,
with his Head on the Ground, over a Stone Bridge, and then threw him into
a Wheelbarrow, to the bruifing of his Body : Two Shepherds, whom they
charged to affill them, refufed, faying. They knew not hut the Man might die
i>y the Abufes given him, and that they might come into Trouble as accej/dry to
his Death. After this they tied him on Horfeback, lome crying, ^hrow him
vito the Mill-pond, and others. Stick a Knife in him. As they were carrying
him to Juflice Babmgtonh, they were informed that he was not at Home,
wherefore they brought their Priloner tied on the Horfe to Syfon again, to an
Alehoufe, where they laid him on the Floor, and made their Sport of him.
At length they took him before Juftice Patchin, a Magilfrate of Clemency
and Moderation, who ordered him, and the reft of his Friends informed againft,
to appear at the next Monthly Meeting of the Juftices •, they accordingly ap-
peared at the Time and Place appointed, but the Juftices were not there, only
their Clerks, fo that no Procefs was made againft them. Neverthelefs Juftice
Bahinglon afterward lent for leveral of them, and fined ibme of them 30 j.
and others 40 s. for refufing to Swear,
ANNO 1668. On the 19th of the Month called Jpril, Matthew IVJiatoff,
Thomas Burbridge, Richard Frank, William Pollard, John Whatof, and William
Fawkes, taken at a Meeting, were fined five Marks each. In this Year alfo,
Patrick Levingjlon, a Scotchman, taken out of a Meeting at Sxjon, was com-
mitted to the County Bridewell at Leicejler for fjx Months."^ John Wdford,
Thomas Hanfon, Conjlance Blanchly, and Anne Ford,, were taken at a Meeting
in Harby, and committed to Prifon. JohnWilford was again imprifoned four-
teen Days for a Meeting at his Houfe : This was done by the Procurement
of the Priefl of Nether- Broughton, who was heard to fay, that Wilford would
fion be vnprifoned the third Time, and, then hanijhed. And to a Perfon who aflced
him. What mujl become of the poor Man's Wife and Children ? the hard-hearted
Prieft replied. Let them all periflo tegcther.
Michael^ Woodcock, of Gihnourn, was taken from his Wife and Children,
and imprifoned upwards of three Years, though while he was in Prifon
the Tithe-mongers took away his Corn oft" the Land in what Quantities they
plcafcd, from fome Fields half the Crop, and from others the Whole.
ANNO 1670. On the 25th of the Month called January, a Meeting was
held for Church- Affairs, and to relieve the NecefTities' of the Poor, at the
Houfe of John Penford of Kirby-Mucklow. Thither came the Informers, and
found them confulting together about Works of Charity. John Paiford defne^i
them to look into the Books of Account, then lying open, that fo they mighq
not mifreprcfc-nt iheCaufe of their Meeting. The Informers went and got a
W^arrant to bring John Penford, William Wells, John Carr, and Richard Wood-
land, before the Juftices at Market-Bofdoorth. They appeared accordingly,
and were charged with being at a feditious Conventicle ; they defircd that°the
Informers might give in their Depofitions in their Hearing, but the Juftices
would not grant it ; for indeed they were fo partially dilpoled, that one of
them, the Lord Beaumont, told John Penford, whom he knew to have a con-
fiderableEftate, that he would bring him to Poverty. They fined John Penford 20/.
for
335
LEICES-
TER-
SHIRE,
&c.
1667.
BirB.VOttS
Ahiifs of
\V. Horton.
Fhies for not
Swearing.
Sufferings for
Misting.
Imnrifen.
mentst
Frsficiitiops f^
for a Meeting
aLcutCh'un-h-
A^.iirs.
Threats of
Lord Beau-
mont.
n ^ ft
LEICES-
T E R-
SIURE,
&c.
1670.
J'bhriry
Proceedings,
A movivg
Cije of J.
Wilt'ord, ^
foor Miiu
mlirefii for
Meetings.
J{ekife of
Trifoners.
J. Penford
imprifmiel by
a J/Vrit de
Excom. Cap.
Miny impri-
fonments.
T. Follows'i
Minimus.
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
forhisHoule, and 10/. for a Preacher though no Preacher was there ; they alfo
fined feveral others 3 /. 6 i. 8 ^. each, fo that the whole amounted to 50 /. Penford
and PVooMand appealed to the Qiiarter Seffions, and retained Council to plead their
Caufe there : But fo arbitrary were the Juftices, that they refufed to try the
Appeal, unlefs the Appellants would firft take the Oaths of Allegiance and
Supremacy, which they refufing to do, the Court awarded treble Damages
ao-ainft the Plaintiffs, as if they had been caft upon Trial, though it was ap-
parent, that they had both Law and Equity on their Side.
In this Year many were fined for their religious Meetings by the Conventicle
Ad, and had their Goods taken away by Diifrefs to the Amount of 107 /. 195.
4^/. Among thefe was John JVtlford, who was fined 20/. for Preaching.-
When the Officers came to feize what he had, for he was very poor, they
heard his Children crying. Father, will they take the Loaf ? This moved them
to CompafTion, infomuch diat they trembled and wept, and departed tor that
Time : But fhortly after returned and took away his Cow, the only One he
had, by which the poor Children were deprived of Milk, though not of Bread :
In Ihort, all the Goods he had being infufficient to fatisty the Fine, the Officers
made Return of the Warrant, declaring upon Oath, that they had not left him
worth any Thing.
ANNIS 1 67 1 and 1672. In thefe Years the Sufferings of this People, for
their religious AlTemblies, were general : And the Goods and Chattels which
were taken from them by Diflrefs, in this County, for their Conftancy in this
particular Point, amounted to 3^3/. 13^. 8^.
In the Year 1672, Laurence Farmer and fVilliam Chrijlian, then Prifoners in
Leicefler Goal, were fet at Liberty by the King's Letters Patent. In the fame
Year John Penford, of Kirby, for refufing to pay toward the Repairs of the
Steeple-houfe, was excommunicated, and by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo
committed to Prifon, where he continued two Years.
ANNO 1 674. On the 9th of the Month called April, Samuel Wilfon was
fent to Prifon on a Writ de Excommiimcato capiendo, at the Suit of Jofiab Bond^
Vicar of Mary\ Parilh in Leicefler, for 405. demanded for nine Years Tithe,
though he occupied nothing titheable, but the Vicar pretended a cuftomary
Claim upon the Houfe he dwelt in. In the latter Part of the fame Month,
Sarah Liiherland, a W^idow, having fix fmall Children, was committed to Pri-
fon on a Profecution in the Bilhop's Court, for 7^. claimed for Tithes, at the
Suit oi Robert Hill, Vicar of JVhitwich. In this Year alfo, Thomas Dajh, of
Hinckly, Labourer, for refufing to pay fmall Tithes, was imprifoned on a Writ
de Excomymmicato capiendo, at the Suit of George Na-jlor Priefl. Likewifc Tho-
vias Follows, of Whetftone, Hufbandman, was committed to Prifon by the fol-
lowing Mittimus^ viz.
Cf
Leicefterfliire fs.
(c
'To the Keeper of his Majejtys Goal at Leicefler in the
J'aid County.
WE fend you herewithal the Body of Thomas Follows, of J^'loetfione
in the faid County, Hufbandman, for refufing to become bound
with fufficient Sureties before us in Recognizance, to the Ufe of our Sove-
reign Lord the King, to give due Obedience to the Procefs of the Judge
of his Majeffy's Ecclefiaflical Court of the Arch-Deaconry of Leicefler, in a
Caufe of Subftraftion of Tithes there commenced againfl him by Mr. Thomas
Robinfon, Clerk of Enderby and Whelflone afbrelaid, requiring you to keep
him in your faid Goal, widiout Bail or Mainprize, until he fhall become
bound with fufficient Sureties to give due Obedience to the faid Procefs,
according to the Statute in that Cafe made in the 27th Year of King Heyiry
the Eighth, Cap. 20. And hereof you are not to fail. Given under our
Hands and Seals the 27th of Ftbrt^ary 1674,
" Tho. Beaumont.
" Tho. Stavely."
Chap. 23. of the People called QUAKERS.- 337
By like Warrants, granted by the Juftices upon Significavits out of the L E I C E S-
Ecclefiaftical Court, John Marriott znd fVilliam Parker were iinprifoncd at the oTi^J*','..
Suit of John Ray oi Long-Cla-Lvfon, the Former of them for a Demand oi 6s. g '
and the Latter of 3^. for one Year's Tithe. In this Year alfo, Thomas Poole, '_y^V~VJ
of Eventon, was fent to Prifon for Tithes. Si^ificavits.
ANNO 1675. In this Year a Book was pubHfhed, and prefented to the
Ring and Parliament, intitled. The continued Cry of the Opprejfed for Juftice,
from which we have taken the following Certificate, viz.
*' T71 O R a Meeting at Long-Claxton or Clawfon, four Perfons were fent to Cruel Ferfe-
" Jt/ Prifon, and fo much Goods at divers Times taken from fome of the; ^""^0^'
" laid Meeting, that they had not a Cow left to give the young Children ^^^^
" Milk : Their very Bedclothes, working Tools, and wearing Clothes, efcaped
" not the Violence or Avarice of the Perfecutors •, the total Sum amounted
" to above 2^6/. Nor did this fatisfy our Perfecutors, for they cruelly drag-
" ged fome Women in the Streets by the Necks, till they were near ftifled,
*' tearing the Clo'thes off their Heads and Backs. One Woman that gave
" fuck was fo beaten and bruifed on her Bread, that it feftered and broke,
*' with which Ihe hath endured many Weeks Milery aad Tormre : Another
" Woman of fcventy five Years of Age was violently thrown down upon the
" Ground by one IV. Guy Conftable ; the Men were iorely beaten, drawn and
" dragged out of the Meeting, fome by the Heels, Ibmc by the Hair of the
" Head, and fome fo bruifed, that they were not able to follow their Day-
" Labour. Others they whipt in the Face till the Blood ran down. There
" was one they furioufly trod upon, till the Blood gufhed out of his
*' Mouth and Nofe. To complete the Matter, the Informers took away from
" one of the Prifoners his Purfe and Money, as if he had not been a quiet
" Neighbour, but a Prifoner of War : Nor was this accidental, but Defign :
" No fhort Fit of Cruelty upon an extraordinary Provocation, for at this
*' bitter Rate have they treated them for feveral Months.
" Edward Hallum
" William Marriott
Witnejfesy " John Wilford
" William Smith
" Richard Parker."
Hence the Reader may form a jufl Idea of the violent Manner in which
the Informers ufually proceeded in breaking up and diiperfing thofe Meetings,
the Particulars of which Abufes it would be fcarce pofTible to enumerate.
ANNO 1676. In this Year George Power., of Swanington, was committed %'''7o"»'.'"«
to Prifon tor fmall Tithes, at the Suit of Job?i Brintnal Prieft : Alfo mUiam ^'"' ''"*'•'•
Timings, of Sileby., Shepherd, was fubpcena'd into the Exchequer., and afterward
impriloned, at the Suit of Richard Saunders Impropriator.
ANNO 1679. In x)ci\5Ytz.T, John Smith, a notorious Informer, who had T-riaias of
Jong followed that fcandalous Employment in Nottingba7nJJnre, to the Ruin of J* ^™^^^ "^'^
many honeft Families there, removed into this County. His firft Attempt ^"■^'"'"^'''
was on the 2 2d of the Month called June, at a Meeting in the Houfe of
Edward Erbery of Broughton, where he found about fixteen Perfons fitting in
Silence : He uttered feveral provoking Expreffions on purpofe to induce one
or other of them to fay fomething, that he might have a Pretence to Swear
there was a Speaker •, but this ftale Policy of his fiiled him, for they all
continued filent. Upon this he, with his Companion, a Fellow who had been
in Goal for Felony, took the Names of fuch Perfons as the Conftable, who
was with them, knew •, and carried the Reft before Juftice Cole, who fined E. Erbery'x
Edward Erbery for his Houfe 20/. The Informer with Officers, having got ■^""Z* ^"'*-«
the Juftice's Warrant, broke open Edward'^ Houfe, and took away his Houfe- "f'"'
Vol. I. 4 Q_ hold
338
LEICES-
TER-
SHIRE,
&c.
1679.
Aprrehfnjion
o/T. Pitftow
iiii others.
lins for vot
aiiifig the
Ojfiars.
j4 CoUeaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
hold Goods, above the Value of the Fine, not leaving his Wife, an ancient
fickly Woman, fo much as a Bed to lie on. The faid Edward Erbery was
then in Prifon ; for he, with Thomas Pitftow of Soutbwark, and John Swan of
Little- Pealting, liad been taken fome Time before after a Meeting at Brough-
ton, where IVilliam Cotton, Prieft of that Place, apprehended Thomas Pitftov)
under Pretence of ,his being a Jefiiit, and carried him before his Brother Cottony
a Juftice of the Peace, who tcndred the Oath of Allegiance to all three of
tnem, and upon their Refufal to take it fent them to Prifon, where they lay
near two Years after. It happened while the Informer and Officers were feiz-
ing Edward's Goodsj One James Packer, of Dun ton, riding that Way, was
by them charged to affifl them, which he refufed to dp, where|pre upon- their
Complaint to the Juftices he was fined 5/. .1 -.••,.; t . •,>,;
■ On the 29th of the feme Month, for a Meeting held at the Widow Townf-
e>id's, in Brottghton, upon the Information of the faid John Sinith, by Warrant
frotn. Juftice Cole, were taken
Dllireffes for
Meeting.
Ffpni
,o>!o-r;
the faid Widow, Houfehold Goods, and her
Daughter's wearing Apparel, to the Value of
JVilliam Brooks, Goods worth
Richard Bailey, (even Heifers worth
Sarah Hilton, Goods worth
}
/.
00
12
4
s.
19
o
o
o
o
o
39 19
Lord Bfau-"
raont'f opprej,
five Order.
Tmih officers
fined.
Viflreps for
cAeeunis.
■,„{Nicholas Pawley, of fVlietftonc, by the foid 5wf/,^'s Information, was fined
J©/. 5i. for being at a Meeting on the 6th of the Month called July. Next
Morning the faid Informer, with a Conftable, took from him a Cow which
they fold for 20 j. they alfo employed Men to threfli out all the Corn and
Peafe the poor Man had, which they fold for 10/.
I'Filliam Allen, of JVbetJlone, was alfo fined 10/. 55. through 5»2z///s Infor-
mation, which a Kinfman, not of his Perfuafion, paid.
Thomas Shenton, of Cojhy, was fined for himfelf and his Wife 5/. 10 s. for
being at Broughton Meeting,, and, by Warrant from the aforefaid Juftice Colcj
the Officers took two Cows, and five Ewes and Lambs, which the Conftable
could not prtfently fell, wherefore the Juftice fined him 5/. for Negleft of his
Office, which he was obliged to pay ; and then the Juftice granted his War-
rant to other Officers, who broke open Sbenton's Doors, and took all the
Goods in his Houfe, and upon his Grounds : But fome of his Neighbours, to
prevent his Ruin, laid down the Money, and took Part of the Goods for their
Satisladion.
John Evatt, a very poor Man, for a Meeting at his Houfe, was fined 10/. gs.
for which the Officers feized his Goods of little Worth : But the Lord Beau-
mont, one of the Juftices, commanded the Officers to fell them if it were
but for the thirtieth Part of their Value ; whereupon they fold all they had
taken for 7 s. William Howett was fined 5 s. for being at the lame Meeting,
and 10/. for the Poverty of £t;rt//, for which his Goods were diftrained, and
lome of them fold : But the Informer complaining againft the Parifli Officers,
viz. John Brad/haw Churchwarden, Henry Pirn Overfeer, John Gettly Third-
burrow, and Michael Pirn Conftable, tlie Juftice fined them 5 /. each for Negleft
of their Office : But they afterward proving the hiformer''s Complaint to be
falfe, after much Trouble and Coft, liad their Fines remitted.
Wdliam Marjhall, of Wimjwciild, for two Meetings at his Houfe, was fined
20/. and had a Cow taken from him worth 2/. 13.?. 4^. which was fold to
Smith the Informer for 1 /. 6s. 8d. At the fame Meeting, John Fcx had Goods
taken from him to the Value of 23/. i§s. his Houfe being broke open to
come at them. Moll of diofe Goods were bouglit by Smith the Informer
for 7 /. Wherefore, under a Pretence of a Deficiency, they returned and took
away more to the \''alue of 30 i'. I-'rom Elizabeth Shepherd they took an Hog
\vo^th
Chap. 23. of the People called QUAKERS.
being unwilling to make thefe Diftrefies, the
diredled to the High Conftables, who
worth 10 J. Some of the Officers
Informers got Warrants againft them,
made Dilbcfs of the Officers Goods, fo tliat they were forced to pay above
20 if. to have their Goods again : After which the Informer, Smith, caufed them
to be fent to Goal, and to be bound over to the next Seffions to execute their
Warrants ; By luch Means this impudent Informer, fupported by the Authority
of the Juftices, kept the Parilh-Officers in Fear of him, againft whofe Oath
it was difficult to defend themfelves.
ANNO 16S0. On the 28th of the Month called March, Smith the In-
former came to the Houfe of John Evans, of ^^t^fton, - when the Meeting was
difperfing, and feveral ot the People gone, and no Preaching had been there :
Neverthelefs Juitice Co/c fined John Evans 20 1, for which the Officers dif-
trained his Cows, and fold three of them. On the 4th ot the next Month
the faid John Evans was fined by the fame Jullice 30J. for being at a
Meeting at Knighton. And for a Meeting at his own Houfe on the nth
of the lame Month, Juftice Beaumont fined him 5 /. For thefe Fines the Offi-
cers made feveral Diitrefles, taking at one Time five Beafts and two Swine,
and they were fold at Leicejler ; -at another Time they took twenty five
Slieep out of his Field, and fold . them ; and at a third Time they carried
away two of his bell: Horfes and feme Hay out ot his Yard. Befide all which,
tor a Meeting at Knighton on the 13 th of the Month called Ju7ie, for Fines for
himfelf and Family, and the Poverty of others, they took away two Cows
worth 3/.
Taken alfo for Meetings, ;
339
LEICES-
TER-
SHIRE,
&c.
1679.
Tines for
From Francis Broughton and Samuel Pa'ioley, Goods worth
Richard Chamberlain, fcven Beafts worth
John Vittal, five Beafts and a three Years old ColtO
worth j
Samuel Wilfon, of Leicejler, a Mare, two Cows, and 7
an Heifer, worth J
John Penford, of Branfton-Gate, three Cows worth
Godfrey Smith, of Burton, feven Beafts worth
Elizabeth Wale, John Evans, Margaret Townfend,!
Richard Bayly, and JVillia?n Brooks, Goods worth J"
John Ward the Younger, of Kjiighion, a Copper?
and his working Tools to the Value of 3
Anne Wells Widow, four Mares, three Heifers, eight ">
Cows, a Call, feven Swine, feven Quarters of>
Malt, and fix Strike of Wheat, valued at j
Richard Read, of Syleby, Bedding, Looms, and other
/.
I
12
14
II
14
20
20
49
o
o
o
o
10
10
o
o
Goods, worth
I
10
DiftrefiS for
Mistings.
160 8
From Tho?nas Poole, a poor Man, they took his Bed and other Goods worth
about 7/. In making which Diftrefs they took even the Cradles his Children
lay in -, they alio took a Child out of the Bed and laid it on the Floor, and
made the Bed a Part of their Spoil.
In this Year John Penford was again fined 20/. for a Meeting held at his
Houfe in Kirby-Mucklow, for fupplying the Neceffities of the Poor, and other
Works of Charity. John Dixon, Prieft of the Parifli, hearing ot the Meeting,
informed Wenlock Stanley, of Branjlon, thereof by Letter, who fent three of
his Servants to be at the Meeting ■, and diough they heard neither Praying
nor Preaching there, yet the Lord Beaumont and Juftice Roberts fined John
Penford not only for the Houfe, but alfo 10/. for a Preacher, though no
Preacher was there. He appealed again to the Quarter Seffions, but the Juftices
there refufed to hear his lawtul Plea, and gave treble Damages againft him.
There
Fines for a.
Meetive, at
J. Penford'j
Houjs to pro-
vide for xhc
yoor.
340
LEICES-
TER-
SHIRE,
&c
1680,
Ciofe Pri-
foners x lovg
Time.
Viftrtfs and
Imprifonmenu
Proc^eiings of
J. Smith the
Iiijormcr,
Sirbirom
Ailions it
£toug}itoa
Meetwg-
Invincible
Cenftt>}cy in
Meeting.
Cuhi tenireX.
A Colkdion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
There lay at this Time clolelyimprilbned in Leicefter GozS.^ Samuel Harper
of Harhorough^ Daniel Fox of 1'hrujfinglon^ John Wilsford of Femy-Stanton in
Huntingtonjhve, Samuel Brown ot Leicejler Apothecary, John Elliott of Nor-
hhvorth Hufbandman, and John Johnjon of the fame Place Shepherd : The
five laft mentioned had been Prifoners about four Years in November 1680, on
Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, having been profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical
Courts for not going to the publick Worfhip. For which Caufe alfo Michael
Woodcock, Elizabeth Hill, William Bromjlon, John Stevenjon, Henry Brown, John
Brooks, and William Webjler, fuffered Imprifonment.
Richard Chamberlain, lor frequenting religious Aflemblies, had three Cows
taken from him worth 10 /. And Richard Bayley fuftered about three Years and
an Half Impriibnment for refufing to Swear.
ANNO 168 I. On the 15th of the Month called May, the Informer John
Smith, and his Servant, came to Thorp in the Parifli of Broitghton, where a
Meeting had been, but was over, and the Friends gone homeward before he
came : He rode after them, and by Violence forced fome of them back again
to an Alehoufe, and took their Names. Then he went to Juftice Cole, and
informed of a Meeting which he had not feen ; whereupon the Juftice fined
^omas Follows 10 1. 5 s. William Brooks 61. 10 s. and Edward Erbery 3/. for
which Diftrefles were forthwith made, by which they took from W. Brooks
upwards of 15/. They had alitde before taken all Edward Erberfs Goods,
but he having bought fome few Neceffaries fince that Seizure, they took them
away to the Value of 3 /. 10^.
In November, Endeavours were ufed by perfonal Cruelties, and barba-
rous Treatment, to diflblve the Meedng at Bronghton. The principal Agents
therein were William Cotton Prieft of diat Parifh, William Read Churchwarden,
Robert Bent Overfeer, and Richard Moore Conftable : Thefe Parifh-Ofiicers firft
declared, Ihat they had a Warrant empowering them to break up the Meeting
after what Manner they pleajed. The Method they chofi", was to animate certain
rude young Fellows to inllilt and abufe the Perfons afiembled : Thefe Young-
fters being afkt for their Warrant, anfwered that they were fet on by the Parijh.
They rufht into the Meeting, laid violent Hands on the Perfons affembled,
pluckt them out of the Meeting, and dragg'd them to and fro in the Dirt,
the Officers ftanding by and reproaching the Sufferers, telling them, they might
have fiaid at Home. On the 4th of December, thefe young Ruffians came early
to the Meeting, pull'd down the Fire and threw it about the Houfe ; Then
they dragged out Elizabeth Hill through the Dirt, till fhe was almoft dead.
Some of the Neighbours afking. Whether they 7?ieant to kill the Woman ? They
anfwered. What care we, Mr. Cotton bid us. When fhe feemed near expiring,
one of them faid. Let us jee if her Teeth be fet : Another putting his Finger into
her Mouth, and perceiving her to breathe, faid. Let us at her again ; the Devil
is in her, and we will Jqiieeze him out. Then one of them went to the Con-
ftable, and returned, faying. The Conftable bid them proceed, and if any took her
Part, to ferve them in like Manner. At length, leaving her tor dead, they
alTaulted the Reft, flinging Dirt upon them, and tearing their Clothes : They
fell violently upon John Brooks, dragg'd him backwards over an high Door-
Cell, and tore his Clothes : They alfo dragg'd out William Brooks and others,
throwing them one upon another, fo that the Speftators thought they would
have murdered them. But all thele horrid Abules could not deter this People
from the Performance of their Chriftian Duty. On the nth of the fxme Month
they came again at their ufual Hour, but found the Door of the Mceting-
houfe lockt, and the Gate nail'd up : Wherefore they met in the Yard, whither
the Officers came, and took the Men into Cuftody, and furioufly dragg'd
away the Women. Next Day John Brooks and IF'tiliain IVebftcr were carried
before Juftice Cotton, the Prieit's Brother, ;uid another Magiftrate, who tendred
them the Oaths, and lent them to Prilon. By this Time moft of the Men be-
longing to tlie Meeting being fhut up in Goal, the Women yet continued ftedfaft,
iuid
Chap. 23. of the People called QUAKERS. 341
axid being deprived of their Meeting-hoiife, provided another to affemble in, L E I C E S-
bciiig in the lame ParilTi^ • ' "^ E R-
On the 18th of the fame Mondi tJie Women rhet, v'lx. Elizabeth Hiho7!y ^^ '
Jdih' HiUo>iy Anne Gritjith^ cilice Griffith, Elizabeth Hilly and others, whofe 1680.
bufferings at tint Time are related by themfelves in tlie following Words, "ciz.
" Friends being come to the other Meeting-houfe, where they were per-
*' mitned to go, and quickly thefe rude Youths came in again, and fell to
*' drawing- us and throwing us on Heaps on the Floor, then dragged out fonie
*' by the Head and Heels, and went and fetch Dirt and rubbed on our
*' Faces •, and the Prielt's Man, whofe Name is Thomas Amhrofc, came into
*' the Houfe, and faid to the .Youths, Daub them foiindly, for it is no Matter
*' if they were all put into the Mill- Dam. So the Youths going on with their
" cruel pulling and haling, while the Prieft's Man was there, pulling of us
" by the Heads, as if they would have ftrangled us, and by our Arms, as if
" they would have pulled our Joints alunder. And thus they continued, (as
*' Friends fuppofed) about kUf an Hour : And the Prieft'yMan faid. His Mafter
" -^<as one of the bejl Men in England, for if every one would ferVe them fo, this
*' Flereiy would be rooted out. So when we were off from the Meeting-
*' Ground, and in the Street coming homeward, one of the Youths fell to
"gathering up Dirt, and threw in the Face of Elizabeth Hilton, and took an
" Handtiil-of Dirt, and following of her, caught her by the Hood, and
" holding her behind the Head with one Hand, crammed the Dirt in her
*• Mouth widi the other. So Elizabeth being near Ipent, and leaning on a
'' Gate, he caught her by the Head and daubed her lb, that her Lite being
" in Danger, two Friends (as foon as they could get to her) came and led
" her tov/ards an Houfe •, but before flie could get to the Houfe, the Youths
" came on again, and threw Elizabeth Hilton and Elizabeth Hill down in the
*' Street, and faid. That before they fhould go into the Houfe they would fpend
" their Blood; And with much rtriving Elizabeth Hilton got near the Door to
*' go to an Houfe, but one of the Youths caught her by the Hood, and
*' held her by the Hood till flie was near ftrangled, and when his Hands
*' were looi'ed, Elizabeth Hilton had a fore Fall over the Door- Cell to her great
*' Hurt. So the Neighbours came in, and they being affrighted, and Friends
" much fpent by their barbarous Cruelties, the Conftable was fent for, but
♦' he came not ; but one ot the Youths came in, and feeing how it was, faid,
»' I think Jhe is dying indeed, but if fhe do, fhe is fitter for the Devil. Never-
*' theleis all nccelTary Means for her Recovery were ufed, yet fhe lay at
" Broughton where fhe had the Hurt, near three Weeks, before Ihe got Home,
*' being near two Miles from the Place of her outward Abode, and then
" they brought her Home, though weak. There was but one young Man, a
*' Friend, at this laft Meeting, they having (before thefe Cruelties were afted)
*' been by a wicked Informer, John Smith, very much ruinated by fpoiling of
♦* their Good?, and fince, (by the Inftigation of this vile and wicked Priefl
" Cotton) fenr moft of our Men Friends to Prifon, and have now ftruck at
*' the Lives of thofc that are left, by his wicked Agents.
" Before thefe Tranliiclions were thus atled, Thomas Ambrofe, the Prieft's
*' Man, faid, T^hat nothing would drive them away, but either Fire or Water,
*' and if the Houfe was his he would burn it on their Heads : And faid to the
»' Officers, ihat Elizabeth Hilton would be put i^to the Well : And they
♦« afked, Who fhould do it ? And he faid. He would."
As the Sufferings inflidted on thefe innocent and religious Women were re-
markably cruel and unjuft, fo their Chriftian Patience under fuch barbarous
Ulage was the mcjre confpicuous, by which they were fupported and enabled to
abide ftedfuft through lb great a Torrent of Oppofition.
ANNO 1682. On the 10th of the Month called May, fop a Meeting at
the Houfe of John Adams in Great-Botvden, were taken.
Vol. I. 4 R From
34 2
LEICES-
T E R.
SHIRE,
&c.
1682.
Sufirings for
Misting,
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol, I.
tor bihlg at
t Fimerul.
From the Hiid John Adams, two Cows, two Heifers,
and fome Houfhold Goods, to the Value of
Hannah FiJIj, twenty nine Lambs, Hogs, a Wag-
gon, two Calves, a Sow and Pigs, worth
Francis Broughton, a poor Weaver, his Loom,
, and Houlhold Goods, worth
William Smith, Houfhold Goods to the Value of
}
}
}
In the fixme Year, for Meetings at Leicejier, were taken,
From Samuel JVilfon, Goods worth above
Elizabeth Wall, almoft all fhe had, valued at
Samuel Brown, Goods worth
Richard Smith, his own and his Wife's Apparel, p
their Childfens Bedding, and other I'hings, >
to the Value of ^
'Thomas Poole, Goods worth
Thomas Hall, Money and Goods to the Value of
Sarah Davis, Goods worth
For being prefent at the Burial of the Wife of one
Edzvard Eajlerton, the faid Edward himfelf was fined
5/. 5 J. and had his Goods taken away to the Value of
Thomas Pitjlow, for preaching there, was convicfled by
the Oaths of two Informers, who neither faw nor heard
him, and had his Doors broke open, and his Goods taken
away to the Value of
Richard Crowley, for being at the fame Burial, had
Timber taken from him worth
Thomas Marjhall, for being at the fame Funeral,
5.
II
16
10 10
22
16
54
2
10
5
4
3
2
I
10
3
4
8
17
27 13
John Webjler^ three Cows valued at
10
6
10
o
14 10
5
10
o
o
Tiilfe Infer-
mathn.
Meeting at
the Houfe of
J. lox.
Certificate of
executing a
Warrant.
46 15 o
, Richard Read, on a falfe Information of his being at the fiiid Burial, was
fined 1 o s. though he was at that Time fick in Bed. Several alfo of the Neigh-
bours, not ^takers, were fined for being at the lame Funeral, and paid their
Fines,
ANNO 1683, On the 15th of the Month called July was a Meeting at
the Houfe of John Fox, of Wimjwould, to whicli Stnith the Informer came with
a Conftable and Headborough. The Informer coming in lockt the Door, and
took out the Key. Then they took down the Names of thofe that were met.
On the 23d, S7nith brought a Warrant figned by Richard Lifter, of Thorp-
Arnold, a Juftice of the Peace, direfted to the Conftable, Headborough,
Churciiwardens, and Overfeers of Wimjwoidd, of the Execution of whicii they
gave the following Certificate :
w
H E R E A S we the Officers of Wimfwould in the County of
Leicejier, with John Smith of Holon in the fame County, whofe
" Names are under-written, by Virtue of a Warrant to us direfted from Juf-
" fice Lifter of Thorp- Arnold in the laid County, to levy 21 /. on the Goods
*' and Chattels oi John Fox oi' fVim/would in the County atbrefiid, we the iaid
" Officers, with John Smith ahovtilik], upon the 23d Dj.y oi' July i68q, by
*' Virtue of die faid Warrant did enter into the faid Floule of John Fox] and
" other
Chap. 23. of the People called QUAKERS.
" other Ground, ami did miike Seizure of all the Goods and Chattels of the
" faid 'John FoXy and did make S;\le of the lame to Jofepb Fox, of tVimfivould
" aforchiid, for 21 /. Which Sum of 21 /. we do acknowledge the receiving
" of, and do acquit him of the lame. Witnefs our Hands,
Thomas Warner^ Conjlable.
Thomas ConstablEj O^verfier!'
ff
cc
The Juftice and the Informer in this Cafe, having received two Thirds of the
Money, would not truft the Overfeer with the Poor's Part, but ordered it to
be paid to, the Conftabk, with a Charge tor him to diftribute it among fuch
Poor as were of the National Church only, and that no Diffenters fliould par-
,take of it : A Caution as to the f^iakers unneceflary, for the pooreft ot them
would not have accepted any Part of the Gain of fuch OpprefTion.
On the 26th of the Month called January, JVilliajii Purdy, of Daulby, for
being at two Meetings, was fined ill. 10 s. by the faid ]ui\\cc Lij?er upon
Smilb's Information, and had taken from him Goods to the Value of 50 /.
but fold to a Neighbour upon Payment of the Fine for 11/. 10 s. Alfo
Vakn.iine Gregory oi Slathorn.-, for being ai; a Meeting, had Goods taken from
him worth 9/. 18 j. . ,
About the lame Time the faid John Smith came to a Meeting at Claxtou,
and haying charged the Conftables to keep the Doors, he took the Names of
the Friends affembled, and about two Weeks after, by Warrants from Juftice
Lijler, made a Seizure of the Goods of fVtlliam Hawley, Thomas Doubleday,
John PVehfier, John Merrioil jun. Richard Jarvis, and Henry Brow7i, to the
Value of 15/. wliich the Officers paid into the Hands of Juftice Lijler. At
another Meeting at Claxton, about a Fortnight after the Former, Smith came
again and took Names, and procured a Warr:uu, by which Diftreftes were
made on the Goods of Ed-vard Merriott, William JDoubkday, John IVebJler, and
fVilliam Parker, to the Value of 4/.
The Informers, Smith, and another whofe Name was Warner, were exceed-
ing bold, and would fomeumes make Informations upon mere Conjectures,
which being, given in upon Oath, were efteemed by the Juftices a fufficient
Ground for Conviclion. A remarkable Inftance of this Kind happened in the
Cafe of Jojeph Holt and Ai<iuJHn Allen, both o\ Rutlandjhire, who, on the 13th
of the. Month called February 1683, being feen by the Informers in a Yard
near the Houfe of Willi.am Chapman in Somcrby, where a Meeting was fome-
times held, they at all Adventures made Information to Juftice Lijler of the
iiiid Perfons being at a Meeting there. The Juftice, as forward to convi6l as
the others to intorm, acccepted their Evidence, and laid a Fine of 61. on
Jofepb Holt, and 5 /. 10 s. on Aus;ijli>i Allen, and becaufe they dwelt in another
County, the Juftice lent a Certificate of their Conviiftion to Sir Edward Noel
of PVbitwell in that County -, antl the faid AugujTm Allen had four Cows taken
by Diftrefs worth 9/. which his Wife, not of his Perfuafion, redeemed by
paving his Fine ; though indeed the Perlbns had not been at the Meeting lor
which they were convidted.
About the fame Time, Smith meeting John Richards on the Highway, fiip-
pofed him to be coming from a Meeting : and went to Juftice Lijler and
pofitively Iwore what he only iinagined. The Juftice prelently granted his
Warrant againft Richards as lawluUy convidled before him of being that Day
at a Conventicle at JVilliam Chapman's Floufe ; which, though true, Smith,
who fwore it, did not know. Upon this Convic5lion Richards had four Cows
taken from him worth 14/.
ANNO 1684. On the 22d of the Month called June, John Fox was again
fined 20/. JO J. for fuft'ering a Meeting at his Houfe, upon Smith's Intonna-
tioii, who on the 24th at four in the Morning, while the faid John Fox v/.i^
in Bed, came with Officers and fearched the Yard and Outhouies, but finding
little
343
L E I C E S-
T E R-
SHIRE,
&c.
1683.
Divlfton of
the Peon
Varc.
Fives for
Meetings,
More Vrojs'
cmions jur
Mcetiyig.
Irfo>m.tt!0!ts
on Conjeilure,
Forward Con-
vidioiis of
fome ^ujiicest
Hfpeated Dif-
tr^(fes on J.
344
lines for it
filevt Meet-
ing.
1-
i
ji Meeting-
houfe plun-
da'd. ■
Other Dif-
XteJJiS.
If^ided Behi-
viour of
Smith tie hi'
f'ormci:
More Spoil on
the GovJs of
J. Fox.
Cooi! fold to
the Jnfo'mer
much under
raluc.
tnformiitiou
agitii'fi T.
fciifonV and
others for
Matirg.
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. L
little there, urged the Officers to break open the Houfe, which they were un-
willing to do, but to pacify the Informer promifed to pay the Fine. On the
laft Day of the fame Month the Officers came again and entred the Houfe,
and carried away in two Carts, Goods to the Value of 20/. but fold them for
10/. Edward Belton^ IVtlliam White, Elizabeth Shepherd, ^nd Mary Marjhall,
were conviifted, and fined for being at the fame Meeting.
On the 8th of tlie Month called Jw/y, the Mayor of Leicejler, and two
otiier Juftices, came to the Meeting there, which was held in Silence : They
caui'ed the Perfons aflembled to be taken out of the Place, and fined Alary
Wood 20 1, for the Houfe, Elizabeth Wall los. Richard Smith for his Wife ios.
and 'Thomas JJlin for his "Wife 5 s.
On the 28 th of September, Smith came to a Quarterly Meeting, and took
Names, and made Information, upon which Mary Wood, Elizabeth Wall, and
John Penford, were fined ; and in confequence ol thefe and the former Fines,
the Officers Ihortly after took all the Forms and a Bedftead out of the Meeting-
houfe •, and from the laid Mary Wood her Bedding, Bedfted, and other Things,
leaving her nothing to lie on, nor fcarce to fit on. From Elizabeth Wally
Richard Smith, Thomas JJliii, John Penford, and Richard Crowly, they took
Goods and Apparel worth 11/. i ^. And from Sumiiel Brotvn, lor himfelf and
his Wife being at Meetings, Goods to the Value of upwards of 15/. Thomas
Alar/hall was alio fined 4/. tor being at the fame Meetings.
On the 1 6th of November, Information was again made of a Meeting at
John Fox's Houfe, and Juftice Lifter again fined him 20/. And on the 2d
of December, the Informers, Smith and Warner, came to Fox's Houfe. Smith
tarried there till Warner fetcht the Officers : John Fox defiring to fee the War-
rant, Smith let him read it, which he did, till he came to a Claufe mentioning
more than five Perfons befide the Family, which Fox laid was not true.
Then Smith fnatcht the Warrant out of his Hand, kicking him, and calling
him Son of a Whore : Such rugged Behaviour was uilial with that Kind of Men.
Warner foon returned with the Officers, and a Cart and Horfe, and Thomas
Stiibbs, a Carpenter, whom they employed to take down the Bedfteds, while
the Informers and Officers loaded away the other Goods. So they left very
little of any Value, except the Bed which his Wife lay fick on. They took
away even their Meat and Drink, and the Cafks their Beer was in. They alio
took the Matting that was nail'd to the Floor, and a Bench that was faftned
to the Houfe : They pickt up a Copper which was faftned in a Furnace, and
carried it away. They alfo took away a Cow and Hay out of his Yard. The
Value of the Goods taken at this Time was about 14/. 35.
On the 29th of the fiime Month, Smith and Warner having heard that the
poor Man had in the mean Time got fome Bedding again, and other Necef-
faries into his Houfe for his Family, fome of whom, for want of Beds, had been
obliged to lodge elfewhere ; they came again with Officers, and S?nith, to
fhew his Authority, threatned the Officers, that if they left any Thing in the
Houfe worth a Penny, he would make it coft them 5 1, a Man ; upon which they
fwept away all they could find. They continued ranfacking the Houfe till
about eight in the Evening, when, the Weather being very cold, the faid Johu
Fox and his whole b\\m\\y,viz. his Wife, fburfmall Children, the eldeft not four
Years old, and two Maid-Servants, were conftrained to lodge at other Houfes,
having neither Bed nor Bedclothes left, by which they and the Children con-
tracted much Cold. The Goods taken at that Time were valued at 8 /. 11 s. ^d.
but fold to Warner the Informer for 2 /. 2 ;. 6d.
Mary Marfjall, a poor ancient Woman, for being at a Meeting in the faid
John Fox's Houfe, had fourteen Pounds of Linen Yarn and her Bedclothes taken
from her, to the Value of i /. 12 j.
On the 23d of Decejnber, Smith and Warner gave Information to Thomas
Liidlam, Mayor of Leicefler, againll Thomas Penford, whom the Mayor fined
10/. for the Poverty of the Owner of the Meecing-houfc, and 10 s. for his
own being there, for which the Officers feized leven Quarters of Wheat worth
about
Chap. 2 3- 6f the People called QUAKERS. 345
about 17 /. 10 /. Samuel Watfon for himfelf and Wife' being at the fimc Meet- L E I C E s-
ing, had taken from him Wheat wortii 9/. And John Eviuis, for a Meet- jj^j^j^^'
ing at his Houfe mlVigfton, was fined 20/. and had an hundred and thirty ^^_ ''
Sheep taken troni him valued at 30/. i684.'
For a Meeting at the Houfe of Dorothy EvatU, were taken v^—v^^^
/. J. d.
From the faid Dorothy., Goods worth o 18 o More Fines
Thomas Glover, Goods wortii 500/'*'' basing.
Richard Ncwcomb, of Caftle-Diinnington, all his -^
Goods, not a Bed, Difli, nor Spoon, left, but C ,,q q o
he, his Wife, and Children, were obliged to r ^
lodge at a Neighbour's Houfe /
Ifaac Gijhurne, oi Kegworth, Qood'i.^Qnh. 6 00
4118 o
The laid IJaac was fined 1 5 /. upon a falfe Information, for Preaching, but
not having Goods enough to latisfy that Fine, the Officers gave the Informers
Money out of their Pockets.
PViUmm Launder, of Long-Hotori, . had Goods taken away, and among other ^^'orhvg Toels
Things his Loom, wherewith he, being a Weaver, wrought for the Support ^'J*'^""^-'-
of himfelf, and his aged Mother, to the Value of 5/. George Beruford, of
Lockhigton, had working Tools and other Goods taken from him to the Value
of 10 s. 6d. William Hewett alfo had his Goods ibid for a Fine of 3 /. 10 j.
but they proving too little, the Officers agreed with the Informers as well as
they could. Edward Halliim^ of Hofe, had Goods taken from him to the Value
of 20/. 10 s.
ANNO 1685. In this Year our Accounts make mention of thirty three 53Pr//c)«e'\f
Perfons remaining Prifoners at Leicefter, viz. atLeicefter.
I. On Wv'izs de Excommunicato capiendo, thirteen, namely.
Thomas: Dafi, who had been Prilbner above eleven Years ; Richard Bayley, ^"^'^^/'''^''J"'"'
about fix Years ; William Bramjhn and John Stevenfon, about three Years •,
John Johnfon, John Elliott, and Daniel Fox, about eight Years. Elizabeth Hill,
about five Years. Alfo Benjamin Smart, Richard Chamberlain, John Vital,
fVilliam Smith, and Michael Woodcock.
2. For Abfence from the National Worfhip, two, namely,
Richard Sharp and John Webjler.
3. For retufing to Swear, eighteen, namely,
Thoinas Pitjlow, Edtvard Erbery, and John Szvann, who had continued Pri-
foners about fix Years. Alio Thomas Corby, Margaret Burton, Jane Ireland,
Anne Clark, Hannah Smith, Wiliiajn Smith, Francis Child, Samuel Heyrick, Wil-
liam Sibley, Judab Carter, Thomas Maekernejs, Mary Ward, Mary Webb,
Thomas Underwood, and John PFarren ; who had been fent to Prilon by an
Order of Seffions.
ANNO 1606. The before-mentioned Prifoners were generally fct at Li- -p'M-"'gf "/
berty upon the Proclamation iiTued by King James the Second for a tree Pardon.
Their religious AlTemblies were held with Icls Intemiption, and Informations
againft them dilcouraged. Smith, the old Informer, was curbed in his At-
tempts by the King's Direftion, as appears by the following Letter, direfted
" To the Right Honourable the Earl of Huntington, ojte of his
" Majejly's moji Honourable Privy Council, Chief Recorder
" 0/' Leicefter, Cull:os Rotulorum of the County o/"Leiceflcr.
" My Lord, Whitehall, Dec. 7. 1686.
" r-p>HE King being informed that John Smith, a common Informer, DuleofKew
" X doth very vexatioully prolecute the Sluakers in the County of Lei- ^aftk-'i Lei-
" cejter, and in the Town and County of Notlwghain, and his Majtily being *"'^'
Vol. I. 4 S " pleafed
346
L E I C E S-
T E R-
SH I RE,
&.C.
1686.
^ Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
pleafed to extend his Favour to thofe of that Perfuafion, his Majefty would
have your Grace direft the Juftices of Peace to give no Sort of Countenance
to the faid John Smith, and his Profecution againft the ^takers. Mv Lord,
I am for his Grace the Duke of Newcaftle, one of his Majefty's moft Honour-
able Privy Council, t?f.
" 7'our Grace's fnoji faithful hiimUe Servant^
<c
Sunderland, P."
Upon this Difcoiiragement which the Juftices were direfted to give the Ifl-
formers, and liich as made a Trade of Preying on confcientious Subje>5ls, the
Perfecution in diis County abated ; Wherefore we take our Leave of Leicefler-
fjire, and proceed to Lincoln/hire.
CHAP. XXIV.
^^[Si^- LINCOLNSHIRE
1654,
Firfi Sufferer
E. Ilooton.
Sufferings for
feveral dujes.
Imprlfonment
of T. Brom-
ley for not
Smejiing.
Uii Dtith in
Trifon.
Perfecution of
W. Willows
and T. Ed-
wards for not
Svaring.
Cloih tiken
For not tiling
•S bis Hit.
T
Anno 1654.
H E firft Sufferer among this People in this County was Elizabetb
Hooion, who for bearing her Teftimony to the Truth in the Place of
publick Worfhip at Beckingham was imprifoned five Months.
ANNC3 1655. The faid Elizabeth Hooton was again imprifoned twelve
Weeks for exhorting the People to Repentance : Which Williain Teff alfo at-
tempting to do in the Steeple- houfe at Raifon, was dragged out thence by the
Head and Feet. In this Year alfo, Edmund Woolfe^, being chofen Conlfable,
and refufing to take the ufual Oath to qualify for that Office, was fined 5 /.
And in the fame Year, John Pidd, of Beckingham^ for refufing to pay Tithe,
fuffered ten Weeks Imprifonment.
ANNO 1657. Thomas Bromley, fummoned to fcrve on a Jury, and re-
fufing to Swear, was fined 4^. and fuftered Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value
of 8 s. He was afterward imprifoned in Lincoln Caftle, at the Suit of the
Prieft of Fillingbam, where, after four Months, he died, being old and infirm,
and fometimes wanting NecefTaries. The Woman, who kept the Goal, pitying
his Age and Poverty, gave him Leave now and then to go into the Town to
earn fomewhat toward his Support -, but for her Lenity, Ralph Hotling-zvorth, his
Profecutor, petitioned the Judge to have her fined. He laid down his Head
in Peace, as a faithful Witneis againit the Antichriflian OpprefTion of Tithes.
John Harvey, of Spalding, fined 105. for refufing to Swear, had his Goods
taken away to the Value of 2 i s.
William Willows and Thomas Ed-icards, becaufe they could not take an Oath,
were rcllifed tlieir Freedom of Boflon Corporation, to v\hich they had a Right,
and IVilliam Willows was fo excefTively fined by the Mayor tor opening his
Shop, that he was obliged to remove his Habitation.
William Wallace, a Scotchman, flanding to fell Cloth in Boflon Marker, had
fome of ills Goods taken away by the Mayor's Order, under Pretence that he
had no Right to fell any there, but in Reality for being j. f^iaker, fince that
Privilege w.is not denied to other Foreigners.
George Reeve, of Spalding, being fummoned to the Quarter SefTions, appeared
there with his Hat on, for which he was fent to the Houfe of Correii^^tion as
a Dillurber of the Peace.
Edmund
Chap. 24. of the People called QUAKERS.
Edmund Woolfey^ riding tlirougli Bofton to a Meeting, was fined for travx-lling
on the Sabbath^ and had liis Mare taken from him by the Mayor's Order.
He was fhortly after committed to Linco'tn Goal, at the Suit of Francis Bull,
:in Impropriator, or Farmer of Tithes : After about a Year's Imprifonment lie
died : A faithful and conlcientious Man, and acknowledged to be lb even by
his Profccutor, who laid. He believed Edmund -ujoidd have paid him his "Tilbe,
bad he thought them his Right.
ANNO 1658. A-Hold Truellood was committed to Lincoln Goal for Tithes,
and after many Weeks Confinement died there.
In the lame Year John Fidd, of Beckingbam, was again imprifoned fix
Months : Alio John Seeky of Liverton, a poor Labourer, was committed to
Prifon for a fmall Demand for Tithes : And Robert Angle/haw, for a Claim
of 4/. was imprifoned till an Acquaintance of his paid the Profecutor 9/. 16 J.
Alio Richard Pidd and Jofepb Stokes were detained feveral Weeks in Lincoln
Caftle for Tithes, till difcharged by Order of a Committee of Parliament.
Hezekiah Croft y of Egle, for a Demand of 6 /. 135. 4 li. for Tithes, was
imprilbned feventeen Weeks, and after his Relealc thence, had his Cattle taken
away to the Value of 40/. Alfo John Wrejfely James Hutchenjon^ and John
JohnfoH, were kept in Prifon till fome of their Relations, for Demands of i /.
15 J. 10^/. for Tithes, paid their Profecutors 61. 10 s.
Edward Edwards, of Ancots on the I fie of Jxholme, was profecuted for
Tithes to an Execution, when, to prevent the Seizure of his Bed and Goods, his
Mother paid the Profecutor 20/.
John Whitehead, Robert Fowler, and George Reeve, for uttering fome Clirif-
tian Exhortation to the People afTembled in their Place of Worfhip at Bojton,
were clapt up in Prifon, and the laid George Reeve had Irons put upon
him as if he were a Felon, and was kept in that Manner in a cold PLice in
Winter. JViUiajn Tejf, for reproving Ibme People in the Street at Murket-
Raifon for their Swearing and Prophanenefs, was barbaroufly ufed, and both he
and his Wife were beaten and ftoncd out of the Town. Alio Edmimd Wool-
fey, for publickly tellifying againfb their Ule of vain Sports and Gaming, was
by the rude People at Heapham forely beaten and abufed, and had much of his
Blood fpik.
ANNO 1659. Robert Whitman, oi Dunnington, and Vincent Frotheringham,
and his Son, were imprilbned lor Tithes in the Caftle at Lincoln. Richard
Parnell, of Epworlh, for 3 ^. ^d. demanded by the Priefl tor Smoke-penny,
had taken from him about Midfinnmer this Year, Goods worth 13;. Several
others in this and the two preceding Years, for Demands of i /, 1 7 j. 2d. for
Steeple-houfe Rates, had Goods taken from them to the Value of 7/. os. ^.d.
ANNO 1660. In die Month called 4fn7, Willuim Teff, Edzuard Willcy,
and John Capes, were committed to Priion for Tithes. And Thomas Hamp-
Jled, of Wigkjlone, for a Demand of i /. 19 j. for Tithes, had his Goods taken
away to the Value of 10/. Robert Parker, for a Claim of 2/. 15.?. Goods
worth 10/. 3^. 4(i. zivl James Watfon, for 7 /. Goods to the Value of 21/.
In the fame Year Alexander Cheejman, Robert Peckover, Thomas Graves, Wil-
liam Berrier, and George Reeve, for Demands of 4/. 13^. 6d. for Tithes, had
Goods taken from them to the AmcLint of 9/. 3 s. Alfo JViUiam Phillips, for
the fame Caufe lufFered Dillirefs of Goods to the Value of 5/. 5.?. And Richard
Robinfon had three Sheep and two Lambs taken away for a Claim of 1 1 s.
for Tithes.
On the 8th of the Month called May, John Smith md Robert Harrifon, both
of Sixbill, being cited to appear belore the Juftices for not paying toward
the Repairs of the Steeple-houfe, and appearing v/ith their Hats on, the Caule
for which they were fummoned was let drop, and the Juftices fent them to Goal
for a pretended Contempt of Authority in ftanding covered before them.
ANNO i66i. Tbo?nas Richardfon was committed to the County Goal on
an Attachment out of the Exchequer for Tithes.
On
347
LINCOLN-
SHIRE.
16^7.
Death of
E. WooKey
in Prifcm.
his CluTitirr,
Death of A.
Trueblood.
Other Impri-
Joimans for
Tiihii-
Trnfccut'wvs
for Tithet.
G. Reeve
iron'd.
Cruel Vfigt.
Pro ft' cut ions
for jevirul
Ciufei.
Imprifovment
and Dijirejj'es
for Tiihss,
an.i for
SieepU-houfe
J{aift.
rretendiJL
Comemft.
Imjiriforment
ot T. Rich-
ai'dlun.
348
LINCOLN-
SHIRE.
1661.
Imprifonmeiit
of J. White-
head.
Second Impri-
fonmem of
J. White-
head.
^ Colle6lion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. 1,
On the 13 th of November this Year, John WJnteheady taken at the Houfe
of Humphry Cod at BinbroKgh, was by the Juftices fent Prifoner to Lincoln
Caftle, where he lay three Months.
ANNO 1662. John Whitehead was again committed to Prifon by the
following Mittimus, viz. >
" To the Keeper of his Majejlfs Goal at the Cajlk of Lincoln,
" or to his Deputy or Deputies there.
'' Lincoln-Lindfev.
£'/j Mittimus.
Commitmoits
of mxiiy for
not Swearing.
1.1
6i
MMy other
Imprifonments.
FORASMUCH as John Whitehead, of Owfwick in the County of Jlrk,
was, upon Complaint brought before us this Day, by Warrant, for uphold-
ing private Meetings, contrary to an Adt of Parliament made and provided ;
and being tendred tlie Oath of Allegiance by us, being two of his Majefty's
Juftices of the Peace for the fiiid Parts and County, according to the Sta-
tute in that Cafe made and provided, did rehife to take the faid Oath.
Thefe are therefore in the King's Majefty's Name to charge and command
you, immediately upon Receipt hereof, to receive him the faid John White-
bead into your faid Goal, and him there lafely keep without Bail or Main-
prize until the next general Goal-Delivery, to be holden at the faid Caftk:
of Lincoln, for the laid County : And hereof you are not to fail, as you
will anfwer the Contrary at your Perils. Given under our Hands and Seals
this 9th Day of July, in the fourteenth Year of his Majefty's Reign, Annof,
Dom. 1662.
*^ Martin Lister,
John Boswell."
«
About the fime Time William Morris, William Bancroft, and John CleaJhyy
wtrc committed to the lame Prifon for refufing to Swear. At the AfTizes on
the 19th of the Month called Jidy, they were ordered to remain in Prifon till
the next Quarter SefTions ; but the Juftices relealed Wiliiafn Bancroft fooner, in
Compaffion to his old Age and Infirmities ; William Morris was alfo dif-
charged at a petty SefTions intervening. At the Quarter SefTions on the 7th
of OSiober, John Whitehead and John Cleafliy were indided for refijfing the
Oath of Allegiance, fined 5 /. each, and recommitted till Payment. On the
1 4th of December, Vincent Barrow, John Tbetting, Thomas Torkfey, Robert Kelfey,
Peter Moody, Thomas Barrow, Charles Tate, John Clark, William Clark, Rich-
ard Parnell, John Spicer, and Thomas Halifax, were taken at a Meeting, and
for refufing to Swear, committed to Prifon. At a general SefTions on the
15th of the next Month they were fined 305. each, and let at Liberty.
On the 5th of Oclohir, Samuel Davy, Henry Wilfon, Gregory Sherwin, Wil-
liam Carnall, John Thompfon, Stephen Willoiighby, George Reeve, John May,
Sufan Thomas , Margaret Stnith, Rebecca Prejlon, and Ellen Wilfon, were com-
mitted to Spalding Prifon, but after five Days were all let at Liberty, except
Samuel Davy, to whom the Juftices tendred the Oath of Allegiance, and upon
his Refulal to take it fent him to Lincoln Caftle, where he continued Prifoner
about twenty two Weeks. On tlie 12th of the lame Month, Thomas Summers,
Chrijiopher Clark, John Scotney, Edward FifJ^er, John Sandby, and Thomas Ma-
thers, were apprehended at a religious Meeting, and committed to Spalding
Prifon, where they continued about a Qiiarter of a Year.
At a SefTions held at Caflor on the 14th of the Month called January,
Thomas Markham, Robert Rockhill, William Wiiliamfon, John Rockkill, and
Thomas Benfon, were fined 20 J. each, having been taken at a Meeting, and
detained in the Cuftody of tlie Conftable till that SefTions. 7\.bout the 5th of
the next Montii, James Taylor, Thomas Norton, ami Robert Walker, three poor
Men,
Chap. 24. of the People called QUAKERS.
Men, were committed to Lincoln Caftle for Tithes. And at the AfTizes on the
19th of the Month called March, John CleaJIiy, after eight Months Imprifon-
ment, for refufing to Swear, w^is let at Liberty.
AIsTNO 1663. At a Quarter SefTions on the 28th of the Month called
April, John Whtteljead, after more than nine Months Imprifonment for refufing
to take an Oath, was difcharged by the Juftices, upon the IntercelTion ot
Captain Fojler, a compafTionate Man, and one who bore fome Authority under
the Earl of Lindjey. During his Imprifonment, John Titman, Ed-zvardTij.inle,
and George Billers, were committed to the fame Goal, and lay there three
Months, for abfenting themfelves from the publick Worfiiip.
On the 2 2d of Dece?nber, Charles Hotvett, of Graiithtim, Raker, after a
Profecution in the Ecclefiallical Court, for not coming to his Panfli Ghurch^
and not hearing Divine Service there, was Excommunicated, and by a 'Writ
de Excomfnunicalo capiendo cpmrnktci.] to Lincoln Cziile. • ''
. ANNO 1664. Robert Boguly, of Croyland^ profecuted for Abfence from
the publick Worfhip, was committed to i'rifon by a Writ de Excnmiminicato
capiendo on the 30th of the Month called May. And bya like Writ, for the
fame Caufe, William Hayvjorlhingham^ of Somercotes, was alfo fent to Goal on
the 25th of the Month called /lugnjl in the fime Year ; -and' about the fime
Time ff'llliam Brown, of Croyland, and William Parnell, of- Epvjorth.
ANNO 1665. On the 28th of the Month called March, Roger Williams]
of Lincoln^ Sadler, and on the loth of ^ September, Wdltam Berrier^ Roberl
Scott., John AJhion, and William Potvton-, and on the 27 th of Dechnber,
William Anthony, of /?^^w, :H-ufbandman, were committed to Prifon on Writs
de Excommunicato capiendo,- in Confequence of Profccutions in the Spiritual
Courts for Non- Attendance at the publick Worfiiip.
ANNO 1666. In the Month called July, Robert Richardjon was imprii
foned in Lincoln Goal .by the Sheriffs Warrant, upon an Attachment out of
the Exchequer .ox\ a Profecution there for Tithes.
ANNO 1667. In September, IVUliam Clark ^md Rohert Freeman-, aridirt
the Month called January, William Garland, of GainJliOrongh, having been
profecuted in the £Ar^^j«f;--for Tithes, were committed to Prifon by Attach-
ments out of that Court.
In this Year, for refufing to takean-Oath vvhen tendred them at a Court-Leet,
<--^'r^--\ I. s. d.
Ihomas Parnell fulTered Diftrefs of Goods worth 8 o
William Majfey of Sutton, to the Value of 23
John Morley of Adlin-Fleet, to the Value of ^ Z
o
o
o
349
LINCOLN"
SHIRE.
1663.
D'fchirge 0^
J. Whice-
head.
Jm^rifovme'rit '
en a. Writ de
Excom. Cap,
ImprjfQnments
071 U'rits de
Excom. Cap.
0)7 ytttach'
ment.
Exchequer
Profe^unons.
Difrr?lfes for
not Swiiirh:g,
II
6
_ Alfo Chrippher Wilfon, of Adlin-Fleet, had fix Bufiiels of Barley taken from
him for the fame Caufe.
ANNO 1668. Vincent Frotheringham, of Ilykeham, was committed to Tmfintthvs
Prifon in the Month called January, on an Atta'chment out of the Excheqiier ■t"'' ■'"'•"^^'>
for Tithes. And about this Time Jofeph Pope, of Irby, after he had fuffered
Diflrefs of Corn, Wool, Sheep, Hogs, Hay, and other Things, to the Value
of 18/. 12 s. 10 d. for Tithes claimed by John Harnefs, Priefl: of that Parifli,'
was by the Priefli's Influence on the Bayliff of the Town, and his Application :
to the Steward of the Lady Hollis, and their Mifrcprcfentations to her, turned
out of his Earm.
ANNO 1669. On the 19th of the Month called y^/(o-7//7, George Craggs, v^mfml B^r.
Prieft of Anderby, with three Servants, came to IViUiam Cliff, of that Town, ^."■'"' »/ '^'«
as he was lading his Corn, and demanded Tithes, which, bccaufe WiUi.im re- l'yj\^ "f ^"'
fufed to give him, the Prielf ordered his Serv.ants to ftnke the faid Willie. ' "'
and Katharine his Wife, faying, ^hey are excomimmicated Perfons, and if ym
knock them on the Head, there is no Law againjl you : 1 ivilf be vour Warrant :
The Way is clear. This Priefl: called himfclt a Protejlant, but was eager to
Vol. I. 4 T put
derby /w ahu-
am jfyjg ^ i^^ji ^,.^
his U'lje
350
LINCOLN-
SHIRE.
1669.
ihrowhig her
down, fo that
Jhe mifarried.
jifter which
be imprijOTici
the Niiti.
Path of
iLut rruii,
tnd Riinurks,
thereon.
Exchequer
Profectifions.
I>'flre[fes for
iieetinis.
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
put in Praftice the worft Part of Popery : His Servants not anfwering his Pur-
pofe, he himfelf ftriick the faid Katharine with a Fork, and her Hulband de-
firino- him to forbear and not abufe his Wife, who was then widi Child, the
Priell enrao-ed took up another Fork, and puflit her violently on the Body
feveral Times, and threw her down ; he alfo faid to his Servants in his Fury,
Fetch my Sword, I will be revenged of them. In fhort, the poor Woman was
forely affrighted, much hurt and bruifed, fo that fhe foon after mifcarried of
two Children, one of which had plain Marks of the Blows received, and flic
her felf was in great Danger of her Life. Within a few Days after this Bar-
barity to the Woman and her unborn Babes, the Prieft alfo caft her Hufband
into Prifon by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, by that Means burying the
Man alive, whom he could not excite his Servants to kill. It happened
within a few Weeks after that the Prieft himfelf alfo died : Upon whofe Death,
obferving People made fuch Reflections as naturally did rife from the recent
Notice they had taken of the Man's Imprifonment, the Injury done to his Wife,
and the Death of her two Children, as aforefaid.
In this Year alfo, Satnuel Trouting, Robert Smith, John Potter, and Robert
Alkinfon, were imprilbned by Attachments on Profecutions in the Court of
Exchequer for Tithes.
ANNO 1670. On the 5th of the Month called June, Thomas Richardfo»t
of Mumby-Chapel, for a Meeting at his Houfe, fuffered Dill:refs of Goods to
the Value of 29/. 6 s. Sd. Alio William Pidd, John Belts, George Waters,
John Waters, Thomas Atkin, and Thomas Swajh, for being at the fame Meet-
ing, had Goods taken from them worth 3 /. 1 8 /. 1 o ^. In the fame Year the
faid John Waters, for a Meeting held at his Houfe, had Goods taken from
him worth 29/. And from Thomas Richard fon and William Cliff, for being at
that Meeting, Goods were taken worth iSs.
For Meetings at Gedney in Holland, Goods were taken
}
From Robert Binks, for a Meeting at his Houfe, to
the Value of
J^alhanael Gregg, for a Meeting at his Houfe
Richard Kitton, for his * Wife
Natbanael Gregg, Thomas Johnjbn, Tlxmas Sotvter, ?
Richard Wilfon, George Reeve, and Henry Wilfon 5
Edward Tijdell, for a Meeting at his Houle
Alice Prejion, James Fiddill, and Stephen Willoughby
George Sherwin and William Clark
Ralph Anthony, of Wejlon, for a Meeting at his Houfe
JohnScotney, fbr being at that Meeting
John Titimus, of Moulton, for a Meeting at his Houfe
Samuel Waters, Thomas Mathers, and John Speck
I.
20
15
I
4
5
II
z
»3
10
2
14
I
18
12
2
9
5
H
2
7
82
Sudden Deith
of t perfecu-
ting Prieft,
tnd of an In-
former,
A bufy Informer at this Time, named John Hunleby, was warned by one
Lancelot Mar/hall of the Judgments of God upon Pcrfecutors, and put in Mind
of the fudden Death of one William Carter, Prieft of Honington, a Promoter
of Perfecution there, and very aftive in caufing DiftrefTes to be made, who, .is
he was coming from the High Conftable's Houfe, was ftruck with Sicknefs,
and loon after found dead in his Bed, unknown to the People where he lodged.
Hunleby took this Friendly Monition amifs, and was very angry, and threat-
ncd the Friends at the Meeting where it was given, warning them to appe:ir
before the Juftice next Morning. But fo it happened that Hunleby was iiid-
denlv
* The Informers fwore fhe was at a Meeting when fhe was ten Miles diflant.
Chap. 24. of the People called QUAKERS. 351
denly ftruck with a mortal Difeafe that Night, fo that he died a lingering LINCOLN-
Death J and liis own Sifter reported, that jhe never faw any Perjon die fo ftrangely. SHIRE.
/. s. d. iOJO.
Tiktn iiom* Thomas Everett, oi Honingtonjovyitttmo^ i 4.0 o o ^SCVr
at his Houlc, Goods worth J ^ Meetivgi,
John Peachel, of Carleton, to the Value of 14 18 o
Charles Howett, Henry Howett, Chrifiopher / 2 11
Smith, John Kiilingley, and John Ricbardfmi 5 ^
Jofeph and Benjamin Roper, Goods worth i o o
i" Tlxmas Summers and John Wilkinfon 3 1 1 o
Taken from Richard Pidd, of Beckingham^ for Meetings
at his Houfe, Goods worth
Richard Biirdett, JVillia?n Btirdett, and Mar'j
Parker
John Green., George Lucas, and John Trueblood
3
62
4
17
3
6
2
12
4
2
17
22 12 10
For Meetings in the Ifle of Axholme, and at Gainjheronghj and Places ad-
jacent, were taken
From John JJrry, Goods to the Value of
Chriftopber Edwards
John Pilfworth and Richard Parnel
William Edlington, Alice Tate, and John Clark
Robert Everett, Peter Naylor, and Thofnas Taylor
Adam Fojler, George Boulder, and Thomas Tee
Tliomas Peek and Henry Simpfon
Henry Garland
Taken alfo for other Meetings,
From John fValcott, of Helperingham, Goods worth 2 o
John Pidd, Henry Carlton, Mary Sharpy John ?
Mower, and Margery Carnell 5 2 lo
/.
J.
^.
18
3.^
10
I
16
9
9
I
4
i6
4
6
8
14
10
37
3
125
5
I
4 10 o
There had been taken, fome Time before, for abfenting themfelves from
the National Worfhip,
/. s. d.
From Henry Wilfon, of Gedney, for himfelf and Wife 213 4
Robert AJhton, Richard Pitman, and Thomas Birks 318 o tor Ahfencs
5 J I . tionul H-'oiJljif.
ANNO 167 1. On the 25th of the Month called July, for a Meeting at
the Houfe of John JVilloughby, of Wigtoft, on a pretended Information of a
Preacher's
* Several Perfons, who had purchafed fome of Jhomtts Everett's Goods, were fo troubled
in Mind that they could not reft till they had reftored them to the Owner.
+ The faid Uorrns Sumrmrs, for telling the Perfons who made the Diftrefs, that they did
rot aft according to Law when they took Goods, which he told them wer« not his, was
ptolecutcd at the Quarter S'eiTions, and committed to Prifon.
3.52
LINCOLN.
SHIRE.
1671.
JPiJtreJj'es on
Jlend(r Infor-
mniofu
Mprifonments
for J I this.
D'lftrefei for
not Swearing.
Jielenfe of
rrifofiers.
Swiiry Trofe-
cutiom.
Impr'ifnvmems
jor Jithis,
Imprifonmems
for irivid
Cliimt for
Tithes.
Eafter-Of-
feriii^s dvd
TitbeSf &c.
j4 Colledioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Preacher's being there, of which the only Evidence was, that one of the In-
formers heard a Man lay, Lord ; Goods were taken bv Diftrefs
' /. 5. d.
From PFilliavi Dixon and JViUiam Barro'i^-s^ to the Value of iq lo o
Robert JVIfi^eman, John Fotherby, and IVilliam Sawyer
'Judith Birks^ John IVilloughby, and Richard Patman
Mary Mitchell, fVillmm Bladefmith., and fFiUiam Birks
Taken alfo irom Robert Grimbally Goods worth
5
10
8
10
5.
10
7
iS
13
o
o
o
o
, , .48 8 6
ANNO 1672. In Seflember, Robert Reader, o\ Gar thorp, was committed
to.Priibn for Tithes, at the Suit oi Robert Barnard Impropriator : In the Month
called January, William Bladefmith^ oi SwineJIiead, was alfo impriibned for
Tithes at the- Suit of John Newton : And in the fame Year Hen>y Wilfon, of
Gedtiey, was committed on a Common-Pleas Writ, at the Suit of Peregrine
Moore Prieft : A \fo John Potter and Willia?n Garland were fhut up in Lincoln
Caftle by an Exchequer 'Pvocth for Tithes, at the Suit of John Coop a Prieft.
Thomas Scott, and Robert AJJoton, of Crowle, for refufing to take an Oatli,
when funimoned on a Jury, were fined, the Former 40 j. and the Latter 5/,
and Tiad taken from them, the Former an Horfe worth 6/. and the Latter
Goods to the Value of 7 /. 10 s. ' rs. •^.r;'.^.<',>l-. 'to t-PI • '
In this Year King Charles the Second ifTued his Letters Patent for difcharging
out of Prifon the ^takers then confined at the King's Suit, by which Ralph
Hqrbottle, John V/illiamfon, Charles Hoivett, Richard Parnel, William Ha^ivortb-
ingham, Roger Williams, William Cliff, William Phillips, and John Bayley, were
releafed from their Imprifonment in Lincoln Caftle. .
ANNO 1673. In the Month called Mz)', Chriftopher Edwards, Thomas
Halifax, and John Rohinfon, all of Epworth, and Rkhard Parnel, of Haxjey, for
refufing to pay Eajler-Offerings, were fent to Prifon at the.Suit of James Car-
diner i.^n^A. Thomas Parnel had taken from him, . for Tithes, an Horfe, a
Colt, four Cows, and two Steers worth 20 /. at the Profecution of M^'illiam
Dorner, .Prieft of Willingham. Alfo Robert Grimboll, for the lame Caufc, had
four Steers taken away worth i o /.
Thomas Scott was this Year again fummoned on a Jury, and for refufing to
Swear, again fined 5/, for which Goods were taken from him to the Value
of 10/. Thomas Pickance and Thomas Humphry had alio their Goods taken by
Diftrefs for refufing to Swear ; and Thomas JFaddington, becaufe he would not
take the Oath of a Churchwarden, was excommunicated.
ANNO 1674. On the 15th of the Month called Ma\, Robert Reader was
impriibned for Tidies, at the Suit of Robert Barnard. In the fame Month
William Edlington, of Crofand in the Ifle ot Haxjey, and in the Month called
July following, Robert Berrier, of Crowle, were conimitted to Lincoln Caftle,
by Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, at die Suit of Edward Coggin and Thomas
Poynter Impropriators.
On the 1 7th of the Month called June, Chriflopher Edwards, John Robin-
fon, and Thomas Halifax, after above a Year's Confinement at Lincoln, were
carried up to London, and there committed to the Fleet Prifon, at the Suit of
James Gardiner Prieft of Epworth, whole Demand on all three of them did
not amount to more than four Shillings. On the 3d ot the Month called
Augujl, Thomas Wrefsle was lent to Prilon by an Attachment out of tlie £.v-
cheqi'.er, and in September, Jajnes Dixon, of Crowle, was brought , Prifoner to
Lincoln Caftle by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of Solomon
AfJjburn Prieft ; as was alfo Thomas Ei-erett by the fame Writ. On the 8th of
OSiober, John Clark, of Garthorp, Matthew Ganmore, and Joane MatJJjall, of
Ludington, Witiow, were imprifoned for not paying Eafter-Offerivgs, at the
Suit of Thomas Pindcr Prieft. Taken alfo about this Time from Edward
Cheefmany for Tithes, Goods worth 16/. 19 j. %d. at the Suit of Robert
Barnard
Chap. 24. of the People called QUAKERS. 353
5rt>-»«rJ Impropriator : And from Thomas Everett^ by 'John Towne Impropriator LINCOLN-
of Sudbrook, Goods to the Value of i o /. ^^f:^ ^'
Taken alfo this Year, for refufing to pay Steeple-houfe Rates, from miliam ^jf 74-
Molls, Samuel Trotting, and Herbert Ingram, for 12 s. demanded, Goods wortii *<-♦ vV>
1 1, ^s. And from Qlmftopher Bavin Goods worth 2 i. ^ d.
Taken likewife for Abfence from the National Worfhip,
/. s. d.
From Richard Burdett, James Roper, and John Killingley, Z r iq 6 X>//?r#T for
Goods worth 5 i> y ^bjeyice from
John Richard/on, fVilliam Majfey, 3.nd Daniel Brittain 800 the NMoml
13 19 6
George ff^aters, for attending religious Meetings, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods
to the Value of 23 /. And Thomas Richard/on and PFdliam Pidd to the Value
of i/. 4^.
ANNO 1675. For a Meeting at the Houfe of Alice Bunbce, of Potter-
Hanvjorth, Widow, were taken by Diftrefs, .
/. s. d.
From the faid Widow Bunbee, Cattle worth 20 o o D'fir^a for
Ptter Bunbee and Nicholas John/on, to the Value of 800 Menwg.
28 o o
.Sraham Morris, of Lincoln, Mercer, for being at the fame Meeting, was
fined 10/. for a Preacher, and 5/. for himfelf, for which they took Stuff
out of his Shop which coft him 19/. 7;. 8^. He appealed to the Quarter
SelTions, but got no Relief. w r- 1 a
In this Year rhomas Everett, for not paying Tithes, had four Draught- gfte/.offer-
Bullocks taken from him worth 20/. And John Bafdock, of JVainJleet, for re- jngj,
fufing to pay toward the Repairing of the Steeple-houfe, was committed to
Prilon on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo.
ANNO 1676. On the 26th of the Month called March, Katharine Cliffy Imprifommms
was committed to Prifon for Tithe, at the Suit of John O-jjberry, Prieft of i'"' J'tl-^'-
j^nderbx. On the 8th of the Month called June, Thomas Brown was fent to
Prifon for Tithes, at the Suit of John Hackley, Prieft of Partney, and on the
5th of the Month called July, James Watkins and John Watkins, of IVading-
ton, were imprifoned at Lincoln on a Writ of Rebellion for not paying Tithes^
at the Suit of John Barnard their Parifh Prieft.
In this and the preceding Year, feveral Perfons in this County had Corn taken
out of their Fields to the Value of ly I. y s. 6d.
ANNO 1677. About this Time fVilliam Broivn and Robert Man, both of
Belton, were committed to Lincoln Caftle, at the Suit of the Churchwardens,
fo called, on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo. Thomas Everett had his Hay
taken by one Wharton, Prieft of Carlton, to the Value of 3 /. and from feveral '
others was Corn taken to the Amount of 13/. o j. 8 ^.
ANNO 1678. On the loth of the Month called Auguft, Alice Belloivs, of Jrnprifonmenu,
Lincoln, was committed to the Caftle there, at the Suit ot John Thomas, Prieft Ji'fll.''^JI "fg^
oiJVapload. And on the 22d oi November, Tl.wnas Robin/on, of Brant-Brough- juha .r-'J '
ton, and Samuel Hall, were fent to the fame Prifon at the Suit of John Chappie other Caufis.
Prieft. The laid Thomas Robinfin had alfo his Cattle taken . by Execution to
the Value of 15/. 15 s. In this and the preceding Year, Corn was taken troni
Thomas Everett to the Value of lyl. 10s. And in this Year feveral other
Perfons had alfo their Corn taken away to the Amount of 117/. 3^. id.
Taken alfo for Demands of 1/. 15J. c;d. ^d. for Steeple-Jioufe Rates, irom
(everal Perfons, Sheep, Hogs, and other Things, Vv'orth 8 /. AHb Thomas Par-
net, for refilling to pay the Parifli Clerk's Wages, had an Hori'e taken Irom
him worth 2/. 19 J.
Vol. I. 4 U From
54
LINCOLN-
SHIRE.
1678.
Priefls Letter
to a Confiibk.
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
From 'Thomas Robinfon, of Brant-Broughton, for being at a Meeting at Beck-
i«^y?)fl;« on the 24th of the Firft Month 1677-8, were taken four fat Bullocks
worth 34/. 10 s. hy 'Wamnt from Chriftopher Nevil, oi Hannjlon, a Juftice
the Peace. And by another Warrant from the fame Juflice, for a Fine of
40/. for .inotlier Meeting at the lame Place, on the 31ft of the Firit Month
1678, he had taken from him eighteen of his befl young Sheep, one Pair of
Steers, four Draught-Bullocks, and four fat Bullocks, worth 44/. us. The four
fat Bullocks were fold by Thomas Kdfey the Conilable to John Cupp a Butcher,
who hearing on what Account they were taken, declined his Bargain. Then
all the ten Steers and Bullocks were drove to Grantham Market, but no Body
would buy them -, thence they were driven to Sleeford, where one Parker
bought the four fat Bullocks for 27/. but when he underftood that they had
been taken by the Aft, he alfo threw up his Bargain. Then they drove the
Beafts to Lincohi, but could find no Chapman, for the People looking on them
as the Spoil of Confcience, would not buy them. At length the Conflable
drove them all to Sir Chrijlophcr Nevil the Juftice, by whofe Warrant they
had been taken, but he, after keeping them fourteen Days, and finding no Pur-
chafer, and being unwilling to take them himlclf, reftored them to the right
Owner, on Confideration that the fame or others of like Value would probably be
upon the Land at any Time : For he, though willing to execute the Law ac-
cording to his Office, was of a more generous Difpofition than to feek Ad-
vantage to himfelf by the Lofs of his Neighbours. The eighteen Sheep worth
about 14/. were fold privately out of the Market to a poor Man of Grantham
for 10/. 75. The chief Promoter of this Profecution was John Chappie.,
Prieft of Brant-Broughton, who perceiving the Conflable not forward in making
DiflrefTes, and breaking up Meetings, lent him a menacing Letter, viz.
" Brant-Broiighton., April (^xh^ 1678.
" Thomas Kelsey,
I CANNOT but wonder that any King's Officer fhould be fo b.ick-
ward in executing the King's Laws, as I find you to be : Methinks you
fhould have gone to Sir Chrijlopher Ncvil, had you had no other Inducement
thereto fave only Civility to Sir Francis Fa7ie, who defired you fo to do :
You cannot now, as you did then, pretend the Want of an Horfe. I have
fent my Man on purpofe to join with you in giving Information to the
Juftices concerning the late Conventicle held at Broughton, and if you refufe
to adt, I have ordered my Man to make his Complaint to the Bench. If
your Landlord, Mr. Pierpoint, be informed how you and others have be-
haved your felves in this Bufinefs, I know that he will not thank you for
your Remifnefs ; for whatever his Tenants at Broiigbton may be, lure I am,
he is a Perfon more zealous for the Church. No more at prefent, from
" l^our Friend,
Triefls excite
^ujiices to
frojecute.
tithes.
cc
John Chapple."
By fuch Means as this the Parilh Officers were fometimes prompted to
aft againft their own Inclinations, the Priefts exciting the Juftices to punifh
by Fines and Imprifonment for Negleft of Duty fuch of them whofe Chriftian
Moderation made them unwilling to profccute their confcientious Neighbours.
ANNO 1679. In this Year fundry Perlbns had Corn taken out of their
Grounds for Tithe to the Value of 1 6^ !. 1 3 j. 5 J.
On the 1 3th of the Month called Auguft, fVilljavi Brcwn, of the Ifle of Hax-
fey., was carried Priloner to the Caftle at Lincoln, at the Suit of Robert Bar-
nard Tithe-farmer. On the i6th of September, Thomas Ciilforth, of Epitorth,
was committed to the fime Prifbn, at the Suit of Richard Horrin, Prieft of
Haxfey. On the 19th of November, PFilliam Smith, oi FiJJjtrft, was n.lfo fent
to the fame Goal, at the Suit of Jofeph Tridell Tithe-farmer, and on the 27th
of
Steeph-houfi'
]{ites md
Clerk's Wages.
Chap. 24. of the People called QUAKERS. 355
of the Month called January^ Robert JQllm^ley was committed thither at the LINCOLN'
Suit of Michael Miubel, Wicii oi' Fincbbeck. SHIRE.
Taken this Year, for not paying Stceple-hqufe Rates, from Euftace More- ^^79'
croft, and others at Sepfey, Goods worth 4/, 16s, 2d. ^nVVVJ
At the AfTizcs at Lincoln., in the Month called April this Year, 'thomas
Swajh w;is convifted on the Statute of 20/. per Month for one Month's Ab-
fence from the National Worfliip. And Thomas Billi?jg was profecuted on the
fame Statute, and committed to Lincoln Caftle.
ANNO 16S0. In the Month called May, John Hopkins, of Wefion, and
Jonah minus, oi Marton, for not paying toward the Repairs of the Steeple-
houfe there, were imprifoned by Writs d^ Excomtnunicato capiendo. And on
the iSth of the next Month, Robert AJhton, Robert Berrier, James Dixon, and
Francis Brown, all of the Parifh of Crowle in the Ifle of Haxfey, were com-
mitted to Lincoln Caftle for refufing to pay feveral Sums demanded of them
for Wages of the Parifh- Clerk, and were continued Prifoners there till the next
Aflizes, In this Year alfo John Ayftrope was Prifoner in this County on a
Writ de Excommunicato capiendo.
ANNO 168 r. Taken, for Tithe of Corn and Pulfe, out of their Fields
from feveral Perfons in this County, to the Value of 88 /. 4 J.
ANNO 1682. In Nove?nber was a Meeting at a Place called St. Martin's
belonging to the Town of Stamford ; to which came an Informer, named Hankins,
of Market-Deeping, and another Perfon whom he had hired to afllfl him.
Thefe brought with them fome Parifh-OfEcers, and without producing any
Warrant carried thofe that were met before a Juftice, and made Oath, that
William Collviglon, of Stamford, preached in that Meeting, when indeed he had
not, but the Meeting was held throughout in Silence : However the Juftice
certified the Mayor of Stamford according to the Information fworn before
him, whereupon the Goods of the faid JVilliam CoUingion were feized to the
Value of 20/.
John JVhitehead was committed to Prifon at Lincoln on the 2 2d of the third
Month. 1682, for preaching at an AlTembly at the Houfe of Thomas So'H'tors
in Sutton : At the AfTizes on the 31ft of the Fifth Month then next following,
thf Oath of Allegiance was tendred him by the Judge, and he recommitted
till the next Aftizes, which was on the 5th of the Month alkd March 16S2-3,
at which he was indided, and committed to Prifon again under Sentence of
Premunire.
Taken this Year from fundry Perfons, for Tithe of Corn and otjier Tiuag%
out of the Fields, to the Value of 7,6/. 12 s. ,,r;i or arr; ■
ANNO 1683. In this Year the Amount of Corn, Pulfe, &c. taken out Tithes.
of the Field from feveral Perfons in this County, was 42/. lys. 4^.
Taken irom William Hobman, of Phijerton, for y.s. 4d. demanded for re- suepls.houf:'
pairing the Steeple-houfe there, Goods worth 2 1, is. 6d. Rentes.
Jane Redfmitb, a poor Widow, for a Meeting at her Hqufe in Stamford, load
Tithes.
AfilentMc:s\
trig.
all her Goods taken from her to the Value of
Taken alio from William Colling fen and Elizabeth Moll,
for being at the fame Meeting, Goods worth
Taken by Diftrefs, for a Meeting at the Houfe of
Francis Brown, of Crowle, a Mare, two Cows with Calves,
ten Quarters of Malt, and other Corn, to the Value of
lol. OS. od. ViJlrepSi
15
16
10
Taken alfo for Abfence from the National Worfliip, from William Brown,
Jane Davis, Edward Cheefman, and John Pilfd;ortb, Goods worth 2 /. os. 6d.
And from Jofeph Medly, Willmm AJhby, William 2ai,es, and John El^ridge, to
the Value of j I. i^s. 6d.
Thomas Heads, of ThuHby, had his Goods feized feveral Times for frequent-
ing religious Meetings : At length for a Meeting at his Houfe on the 24th of
the
Su§eri;,gs of
T. Heads <!«i
others.
356
LINCOLN-
SHIRE.
1683.
tor tithes.
I«r Sunday
Shillings, jo
called.
tcdefiilUcd
Procejs.
At a Meeting
for Care of
thi Poor.
J. White-
head fined
for Preachi/ig.
Dijireffes for
the f.ime
Meeting'
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. 1
the Month called June^ the Officers took all the Houlhold Goods he had kfr#
worth about 30J. and lo exceedingly rigid were they in the Seizure, that they
pulled the Bedclothes away from under his Wife then lying in with Child.
They came leveral Times after to fearch for more Goods, but finding none, went
their Way diffitisfied, muttering to themfelves the old Proverb, Where 7iothing
is to he bad, the King niujt lofe his Right. Taken alfo ior Meetings at feveral
Times, from Jofeph Lee, ot Boven, Goods worth i /. 1 8 j. 6d. From John
Milner, of South-fVitham, a Cow, Sheep, and other Things, to the Value of
7/. 10 J. And from William Rant, of Swinejhead, fevcn Bealb worth 14/.
ANNO 1684. Taken this Year, for Tithe, out of the Fields from feveral
Perfons, Corn, Pulfe, ^c. to the Value of 51 /. os. 6d.
On the igrh of the Month called /Ipril, Samuel Everett, William Brown,
Robert Killingley, Thomas Wrefslc, and Thomas Robin/on, were Pri loners in Lin-
coln Caflle for not paying Tithes ; alfo John Baldock, "James Dixon, Edward
Cheefman, Joht Ayjlrope, Robert Everett, and Willia?n Turner, imprifoned on
Writs de Excommmiicato capiendo, for refufing to pay Tithes and Steeple-houfe
Rates : And Thomas Atkins, Polyxena Hicks, Thomas Stubs, Edward Hairby.,
Richard Page, and Daniel Page, who having been taken at their religious
Meetings, were fent to Prifon by an Order of SelTions. John Toohit was at the
fame Time a Prifoner on the Statute of 20/. per Month for loo/. for five
Months Abfence from the National Worfhip.
In this Year alfo, for Weekly Fines of i s. called Sunday Shillings, ImpofeJ
for Abfence from the PariJJj-Church, were taken from Thomas Heads, John
Milner, John Simfin, Robert Parkinfoji, and Elizabeth Sugden, Goods and Ap-
parel worth 4/. 95. 6d. This Elizabeth Sugden was a poor Servant, from
whom they took her bell Clothes worth 1 6 s.
On the 15th of the Month called June, Richard Darking, Tlxmas Clifton.,
and Richard Grantha?n, all of Gedney, were cited into the Ecclefiaftical Court,
at the Suit of Augujlin Finch, Prieft of Gedney, and they not appearing, the
Court certified Sir John Oldjield and Walter Johnfon Juftices, of their Contempt,
who thereupon committed them to the Houfe of Correftion at Spalding.
On the 3d of the Month called July was a Meeting for Church- Affairs,
fuch as providing for the Poor, and the like good Offices, at the Houfe of
Joane Wray, of Fulbeck, Widow : Intelligence was given of this Meeting to
Juftice Thorold, of Granthain, by a rambling Woman, who ufed to ftroU about
the Country begging, and blowing an Horn. Upon this Beldam's Information
the faid Juftice Thorold and Chriftopher Berisford, of Lednam, another Juftice,
came to the Meeting and found John Whitehead exhorting his Friends xo
Charity and Liberality, fuitable to the Occafion of their Meeting. The Juftices
took the Names of moft that were prefent, and fined them, for wliich Fines
Juftice Thorold granted Warrants of Diftrefs, by which the Officers took
From Joane Wray, ten Beafts and thirty eight Sheep worth
Thomas Robinjon, of Brant- Broughton, two Steers
John Richardfon, of Hough, Corn worth
John Wljaley, of Normington, a Pair of Oxen
Henry Pickworth, of Sleeford, Goods worth
Thomas Everett, of Haverholm, Pewter
Thomas Everett, Anne Frotheringbavi, Jofeph FrOther-
ingham, William Bunby, and William Hobman
John Killingley, John Green, and William Gabilas
I.
41
9
5
7
6
}
s.
o
o
5
o
o
15
d.
o
o
o
o
o
o
72 J3
The Beafts and Sheep taken from Joane Wray were driven from Market to
Market, but no Body would buy them : At length one Edward Wright
redeemed diem by paying the Fine of 20/. without her Knowledge.
Jahu
Chap. 24. of the People called QUAKERS.
Procefs agaiiift
John Frother'mgham was committed to Piifon by a Seflions
^^m, for Abfence from the National Worlhip.
< ' On the 19th of the Month called April this Year, 'john Whitehead was im-
prifoncd under Sentence of Premiinire tor refufing to take the Oath of Alle-
giance, and Thomas Hooton was for the fame Caufe fent to Prifon by an Order
of Seflions.
Tmmas Heads, for refufing to Swear that his Mother was buried in Woolen,
though he offered to have affirmed the lame, was fined, and had taken from him
a Cow and other Things to the Value of 3/. 10 s.
On the 1 9th of the Month called July, Mary Waterman, o^ Stepiefs, Widow,
was taken Prifoner by an Attachment for Tithes, ac the Suit of Thomas Tom-
foH Priefl:, and on the 1 7th of October following was removed to Lincoln Caftle.
On the 4th of the Month called January, John Ingram, of Cubet in Holland,
was taken by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, and committed to Lincoln
Caftle for refufing to pay ^d. toward the Repairs of the Steeple-houfc at
Wejlon : And Thomas Orjlin was alfo committed at the fame Time for ^d. de-
manded for the fame Ufe. Likewife William Turner, who was then in Prifon,
had four Beafts taken from him by the Wardens of Anderh, valued at 7 /.
ANNO 1685. About the 1 2th of the Month called y^'^f/, Thomas Toinby
and Jojeph Frotheringham, with William Hohman, were taken at a religious
Meeting, and fent to Prifon by the Mayor and Recorder of Waddington. Alfo
Richard Stanly, Robert Stanly, James Watkins, and Thomas Archer, for being
at the flime Meeting, had their Names given in to the Mayor, who fent Sol-
diers for them, and committed them to Prifon. At the Seflions not long after
they were indicted for a Riot, fined and fent back to Prifon. But William
Hohman and Thomas Toinby were fet at Liberty upon fome of their Relations
paying their Fines.
On the 20th of September, Henry Clip/on, a Juftice's Clerk, came to the
Meeting-houfe at Tanby-Woodfide, when the Meeting was ended, fome of the
AflTembly being on the Road homeward, and others with their Horfes in their
Hands ready to depart ; CUpJon finding no Body in the Houfe was in a Rage,
calling them Rogues and Whores, and defperately fwore that there had been a
Conventicle, and that he would make Oath of it before his Malter, and ac-
cordingly did fo : His Mafter, John Bond, a Jultice, lately'put into CommifTion,
took his Clerk's Oath of what he had not feen, and thereupon convicted feveral
Perfons, and granted Warrants for Diftrefs, which he charged the Officers to
return in three or four Days at fartheft : By thofe Warrants were taken,
/.
Thomas Brown, of Partney, thirty one Sheep worth
John Burton, an Ewe worth
George Bajlington, of Spiljly, Wool worth
Thomas Stubbs, Houlhold Goods, ^c. worth
Abraham Screm, two Horfes, a Swine, and Pewter
Robert Brown, for 5^. Fine, an Horfe wortli
357
LINCOLN"-
S H I R li.
1684.
J. Whitehead
premuttired.
For refufing to
Sive^r.
Attichmenu
Imprifovment
on a il'rit de
Excom. Cap.
Profectitions
for Meeting.
/{jndom In-
Jormacion of
a ^itjiici's
From
J7
o
o
6
6
5
s.
o
I
o
5
o
d.
o
o
4
o
o
o
Dijirejfis^
38
Upon the Information of the aforefaid Clip/on, and one Jofeph Harrifon his Curfivg ani
AfTociate, of another Meeting at the fame Place, whither they came curfino- •^."'"■''"'g /«-
and fwearing, the faid Juftice granted another Warrant on the iStli oi O^ober, J"'"'^'^-
by which were taken,
/. s. d.
From Thomas Stubbs, a Cow, an Hog, Glaziers Tools, 7 D-flreffes
and other Things, to the Value of i" '^ ^
William Stanley, a Mare worth '800
Thomas Brown, a Mare worth 500
Vol. I.
Car. over 32 3 8
358
Seizure of
working Tools.
The Ferteet of
a Buryirg-
grottni ,ic.
meljjhei.
Dijirejfes on
Tiniom Evi-
dence.
Jmprifon-
merits.
Tithes.
Commitment
oj T. Brown.
His Wirrnnt.
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LINCOLN-
SHIRE.
1685.
Brought over
From Abraham Screm, Goods worth
Robert Brown, a Bed, Bedding, Tables, Pewter,
and other Goods, worth
}
/.
s.
d.
32
3
S
10
5
10
47 13 8
A Neighbour of Thomas Stuhbsy feeing him deprived of his working Tools,
to prevent his total Ruin, after the Officer had fold many of his Goods, pur-
chafed the Remainder for 2/. 10 s. and returned to 5/«^^ his working Tools,
bidding him make Ufe of them. For fuch was the Inhumanity of his Profecutors,
that they would have bereft him of the Means of getting his Bread.
About this Time alfo, tht Parijh-Officers, ofTanby, came to the Burying-
ground adjoining to the Meeting-houfe there, and, by an Order from the faid
Juftice Bo?id, fold the Pales and Pofts, which fenced in the Ground, to one
Jmbrofe Etherington, who, with his Servant and a Carpenter, carried them away,
to the Lofs of 12 I. which they coft : So they left the Burying-ground open
and expofed to the Beafts, or to the Rudenefs of Perfons more inhuman, ufually
attending on fuch mifchievous Occafions. They alfo took from a poor Wo-
man, who dwelt in the Meeting-houfe, and was maintained by Charity, all the
Goods flie had, worth about 15 j. So that upon the Oaths of thofe two wicked
Informers, Clip/on and Harrifon, fwearing there were Meetings where they faw
none, and that there was Preaching v/here they did not hear any, Juftice Bond
caufed to be taken away as many Cattle and Goods as were computed to be
worth no/. 14 J.
In this Year alfo, Benjamin Coggan, of Epii'orth, was committed to Lincoln
Caftle, being arretted by a ^dlam Writ, at the King's Suit, for 200/. for ten
Months Abfence from the Parifh-Church. Alfo Thomas Richard/on, John Rich-
ard/on, Edward Willey, Ralph Buchiell, and John Leeman, were imprifoned by
Order of Seffions, for Abfence from the publick Worfliip, but at a fubfequenc
Seffions that Order was annulled. In this Year Edward Cheefman died a Pri-
foner, having been long confined by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo.
ANNO 1686. In this and the next preceding Year, were taken, for
Tithes, out of the Fields from feveral Perfons, Corn, Pulfe, ^c. to the Value
of i2g/. 19J.
At a Quarter Seffions at Spalding, on the 14th of the Month called January,
Stephen IVilloughby, John Winkley, John Ingram, Thomas OrJIin, Thomas Smnmers,
Robert Kdlingley, and Ifaac Langfta^, were committed to Prifon upon Prefent-
ments, for Abfence from their Parifh-Chiirch.
ANNO 1687. Taken in this Year, for Tithes of Corn, Hay, i£c. out of
the Fields of feveral Perfons, to the Value of 55/. 4J.
On the 26th of the Month called April this Year, Tioomas Brown, oi Hartney,
was committed to Lincoln Caftle by the following Warrant, liz.
" To the Conjiables of Hartney, &c.
cc
Lincoln-Lindfey.
" 1717 E Samuel Fuller Dr. of Divinity, and Nicholas Smith Efq; two of his
'' VV Majefty's Juftices of the Peace for the laid Parts and County,
*' whereof one is of the ^torum, having received Information from the Wor-
" fliipfiil IVilHam Fojler Dr. of Laws, and Vicar-general, and Official Principal
»' of the Right Reverend Fatiier in God Thotnas, by divine Permiffion Lord
*' Biihop of Lincoln, a competent Judge in chat Behalf lawfully conftituted,
" by a certain Inftrument or Writing under the Seal of his Office, That Tho-
*' mas B?-own, of Hartney zfore{:\\d, in the fxid Parts and County, Miller, hath
" been duly I'ummoned to appear before him tlie faid IVilliam Fofler, or his
lawful
Chap. 24. of the People called QUAKERS.
«' lawful Surrogate, in the Confiftory Court of tlie blefied Virgin Mar\\ of
«' Lincoln^ upon a certain Day to tlie laid Thomas Brown affigned, and long
*' fince paft, to anfwer Francis Garthfide Clerk, Redtor of the Reftory and
*' Parifh-Church of Hartney aforefaid, in a certain Caufe of Subftradion of
" Tithes and Offerings, and other Duties of Holy-Church, which Summons
*' he out of Contumacy and Obftinacy hath not obeyed ; but in fuch his
" Difobedience and Contumacy doth hitherto perfift, in maniteft Contempt
«' of his Majcffy's Ecclefiaftical Laws : And Requeft being made to us to alTift
« and aid the Vicar-general, and Official Principal, and his Surrogate, to order
*' and reform the fxid Thomas Brown in the Caufe before rehearfed, according
«' to the Power and Authority to us given by Virtue of an Aft of Parliament
" in that Behalf; We his Majefty's Juftices, whereof one is of the S^uonm as
«' aiorelaid, do hereby charge and command you, and every of you, to attach,
" or caufe to be attached the Taid Thomas Brown, againft whom fuch Infor-
mation hath been given and Requert made : And that you convey the laid
Thomas Brown to his Majefty's Goal at the Caftle of Lincoln, there to remain
without Bail or Mainprize, until he the faid Thomas Brown Ihall have found
fufficicnt Sureties to be bound before fome of the King's moft honourable
Privy- Council, or fome Jullice of the Peace for the laid Parts and County,
to the Ufe of our Sovereign Lord the King, to give due Obedience to the
Procefs, Proceedings, and Sentences of the faid Ecclefiaftical Court, wherein
the faid Suit or Matter for the Premifes doth depend and is. And the
Goaler of his Majefty's faid Goal at the Caftle of Lincoln is hereby required
to receive the faid Thomas Brown into his faid Prifon, and him there fately
to keep accordingly. Given under our Hands and Seals at Lincoln the firlt
Day of y4p?-il, in the third Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord James
the Second, K^mg over England, &c. 1687.
" Samuel Fuller,
" Nicholas Smith."
(C
cc
<c
359
LINCOLN.
SHIRE.
1687.
Thus was Thomas Brown become a Prifoner without any Profpedl of being
difcharged, the original Caufe of his Profecution in the Ecclefiaftical Court
being for Tithes, with the Payment of which he could not in Confcicnce
comply. About the fame Time JVtlliam Bkdefmith and fVilliam Birks were
committed to the fame Prifon by Attachments out of the Exchequer for Tithes, Attxchrmntu
at the Suit of John Flejk, Bayliff" to Sir John Newton : And in the fime Year
Samuel Everett was alio imprifoned there for the fame Caufe, at the Suit of
JohnTownc, of Sudbrook, Impropriator.
We mentioned before, in the Year 1684, the Imprifonment of Mary Water-
man, and her Removal afterward to Lincoln Caftle : We fliall next infert a
Paper written this Year, being as follows, viz.
*' A True Relation of the Sufferings and Death ofM^ivy Water-
" man, of Stegnefs in the County of Lincoln, Widow, ivho died
in Prifon at Lincoln the jgth Day of the Second Month called
April 1687, for her TeJlimo7iy again^ tithes.
<c
(C
AFTER fome vexatious Proceedings in the County Court, by Thomas
Tomfon, Prieft of Stegnefs, againft the faid Mary JVaterman, and Peter
Waterman her eldeft Son, who was joined Executor to her Hufband's laft
Will, becaufe for Confcience-lake they could not give him Tithes : The
faid Prieft caufed to be taken away from tlicm Goods to the Value of
about 20/. by a Diftringas, but this Proceeding being contrary to Law, they
got thole Goods again wich much Charge : After which, Peter her eldeft Son
" died.
A >T,trr.it'ive
of the Deitb
o/M.VVarcr-
man, and the
Caufi of it.
360 A CoUeclion of the Sufferings Vol. L
LINCOLN-
SHIR E.
J 687.
istter o/"J.
Whitehead
to the Vrii\\
of Stegnefs.
cc
(C
<c
cc
died, whilft the abovefaid Prieft profecuted the faid Peter and Mary Water-
man in the Exchequer for the lame Caulc, and after his Death, the faid Majy,
by an Attachment, was taken Prifoner, at the faid Prieft's Suit, the 19th
Day of the Fifth Month 1684, by John Chambers and fVillia?n Richard/on
Baylifts, and by them kept Prifoner at Orby and at JIford till the 1 7th
Day of the eighth Month in the fame Year, and then brought to Lincoln
Callle by die fame Warrant, by the Procurement of the laid Prieft, where
fhe was detained till the Goaler was encouraged to give her fome Liberty
by the King's Proclamation. But the Prieft by his Attorney threatning the
Sheriff and Goaler, Ihe was remanded to Prifon again, and then by a le-
cond Attachment, bearing Date the 19th Day of the Fifth Month 1686,
which was delivered to the Goaler by John Chambers Bayliff, fhe being in
Cuftody upon the Former, which it feems they found was weakned by
Contempts being pardoned, and from that Time fhe was kept more clofe
by the Procurement of the laid Prieft : So being in a fmoaky Room fhe
grew weaker and weaker, till fhe died the 19th of the Second Month 1687,
often in her Sicknefs thanking God, who ftrengthened her to give up her
Life for her Teftimony againft Tithes.
" And that the aforefaid Prieft might totally ruin her and her Family, he
alfo profecuted Robert Waterman, her fecond Son, who was with her as a
Servant, and managed her Bufinefs, and by an Attachment out of the Ex-
chequer upon the 1 6th of the Sixth Month 1 686, the faid Robert was arrefted,
and brought Prifoner to his Mother in Lincoln Caftle the 1 7th of the fame
Month, though he was not joint Executor with her, and therefore not
concerned to pay the Prieft Tithes. But through the Mercy of the Sheriff
and the Goaler he had fome Liberty to go Flome and order his Bufinefe."
The hard Ufage and Death of the faid Mar-j Waterman induced John Wlnte-
head, fome Time her Fellow-prifoner, to write to her Profecutor, the Prieft of
Stegnefs, as follows, viz.
(C
»e
cc
<(
<c
(C
(c
<c
(c
<(
(c
<c
(C
(C
<c
cc
it
" Friend Thomas Tomson,
ITHOUGFIT good hereby to let thee know that Mary Waterman,
that defolate Widow, whom thou haft been long purfuing with one
vexatious Suit after another, died the 19th Day of this Month, being kept
clofe at thy Suit. Therefore fearch and fee, whether in thy Skirts will not
be found her Blood, when the Lord Ihall make Inquifition, and give that
heavy Doom mentioned in Mat. xxv. 41. to the End of the Chapter, on
thofe that have not vifited his Servants in Prifon. O ! where wilt thou ap-
pear in that Day, who didft keep that innocent Woman in Prifon for Tithes,
or to which of the Saints wilt thou turn, to find an Example for thy horrid
Aftions. None of the Priefts under the Law, except thofe two wicked
Sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, which both fell in one Day, did ever
force their Maintenance. And among the Minifters of the Gofpel, which
Chrift fent forth, and laid. Freely you have received, freely give. Tithes nor
forced Maintenance was not fo much as mentioned to be received for feveral
Ages. Therefore be alhamed of thy Wickednefs and Hardnefs of Heart,
and repent whilft the Lord gives thee Time and Space, that this thine Lii-
quity may be blotted out, which is the Defire of
" Thy Soul's Friend,
Written the z6th Day of fe
the Second Month 16 87.
' P. S. And let thy Repentance be manifeft
♦' by difcharging her Son Robert, who hath
«' been wrongfully detained by thee, though
" not joined Executor with his Mother."
John Whitehead.
Our
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 361
Our Records do not mention how long the faid Robert Waterman continued LINCOLN-
in Prilbn :ifter his Mother's Deceafe. S H I R E.
In this Year were taken, for not paying Steeple-houfe Rates, from Thomas 1687.
Brczvtj, TJjomas Richardm, and John Richard/on his Son, Goods to the Value v-^''~VpsJ
CIO Steeple- houje
of 4/. 1 8 J. „^,;j
ANNO 1688. Taken this Year out of the Fields for Tithes of Grain, riihei
Hav, and other Things, from fundry Perlons, to the Value of 89/. 2s. 11 d.
Anno 1689. On the 16th of the Month called July, John Milner, of J. Milner
Soulb-Witham^ as he was fetching Home his Hay, was met by Francis Whiting, beiun by 4
Pricft of that Place, who, not having got fo much for his Tithe as he intended, ^''"^^ ' ^'^'^^
did beat the laid John Milner witii a Stick very cruelly : On the 31ft of the ,fe„f//'^ 1%
lame Month, as he was binding his Hay, the Prieft came to him again, and ftell-ng Re-
beat him unmercifully : He did alfo beat the fiid John Altlner at feveral other venge.
Times with much Cruelty, fo that he was difabled to go about his Bufinels,
and obliged to lie by it a Quarter of a Year together, by which he fuftained
great Lofs and Damage : After all thefe Abufes, which the innocent Man
bore with Patience, and avenged not himlelf, but committed his Caufe to him
who judo-es ri^hteoufly, the Prieft cited him into the Ecclefiaftical Court,
where he appeared feveral Times, and as olten complained to them of the
Abufes he had fufrered, but to no Purpofe,
We find that in this Year the Corn taken from feveral Perfons in this County 7ithes.
for Tithes, amounted to lool. ^s. ^d. ■■.
anno 1690. In the Month called May, John Clark was committed to Imprifonmem
Lincoln Cafde by a Common-Pleas Writ for Tithes of Hemp, Flax, Pigs, Hens, "I J* Clark.
Jpples, &c. at the Suit oi Thojnas Finder, Merchant in.Londoriy Son and
Executor to a Prieft of the fame Name. -L Vr ^■' i- -
In this Year alfo, the Tithe of Grain, taken frOhi this People in this Tithes.
County, amounted to the Sum of 103/. 13J". ^.d.
Having thus defcribed the Sufferings in this County within the Years pro-
pofed ; we proceed to the City ot London and County of Middle/ex..
■■ f'V^O!' • ■
CHAP. XXV.
L O N D O N ^/7^
MIDDLESEX.
LONDON,
&c.
Anno 1655.
On E of the earlieft Sufferers in the City of London v^T&Anne Downer, suffering of
a Maiden about thirty Years of Age, the firft Perfon of that Sex A. Downer,
who preached publickly in that City : She, for fome Expreffions
againft the Preacher who officiated at the Steeple-houfe in Stepney^
was committed to the Ploufe of Correftion, and detained there ten Weeks, and
becaufe flie refufed to work, was beaten with a Rope's End. She was a
Woman of excellent Endowments, and became exceeding ferviceable in reli-
gious Society, a Mother in the Church, fitly qualified to exhort others, and
remark.ibly exemplary in her Chriftian Care over Perfons in Sicknefs and
Poverty.
In the lame Year George Bayly, for fpeaking to the People in the Steeple- Imprifonmint
houfe of the Parifh called St. Giles's in the Fields, after the Prieft had ended «/ G. Baylj
Vol. I. 4 Y his "'"' »'^*"'
362
LONDON,
&c.
1655.
-\
f-M-
Bjgorous Sen-
tence a^iiinjt
J. Nay loir.
Bis remxr]:-
able Pttioice,
iv-
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
his Sermon and Prayer, was fent to New-Prifon, and tliree Days after removed
to Newgate, where he lay three Weeks till the Seflions, when no Acculer ap-
peared againft him, and the Court feemed willing to difcharge him, but
demanded ot him a Submijfion and Acknowledgement of his Offence. He an-
fwered, that he cotdd not do fo without HypocriJ-j, hecatife his Conjcience did noi
accufe him of any Offence. This innocent Boldnefs they called Objlinacy, and
thereupon required Sureties of his good Behaviour, for refufing which, they fent
him to Bridewell, where he was above ten Weeks. About the fame Time
Ruth Hill, William Markfwell, and William Robinfon, were alfo committed to
the Houfe of Correction, for their Chriffian Concern to exhort the People
when aflembled in the Places of publick Worfhip.
ANNO 1656. In this Year a moft rigorous Sentence was pronounced
againft James Naylor by Authority of Parliament, and moft feverely executed,
the Particulars ot which we forbear to mention, in regard that Naylor was, in
refped: to the Caufe of thole Sufferings, cenfured by the Generality of thofe of
his own Perfwafion, and it is credibly reported, was warned by George Fox
himfelf of the Danger of his Condition : Howbeit, it was very obfervable,
that Naylor endured his extreme Punifhment with a Patience aftonifhing to
the Beholders : And many were of Opinion, that had not the Blindnefs of their
Zeal who condemned him, been at leaft equal to the Blacknefs ot his Guilt, a
Punifhment much more moderate might have fufficed. In Juftice to that un-
happy Sufferer, and to fhew the Motives upon which he was, as a fincere
Penitent, afterward reconciled again to his Friends, we infert the Copy of
" " A Paper of James Naylor, •writteti by Way of Recantation
" after his Fall and Sufferi?igs.
Uis RecxnU' " f~^ LORY to God Almighty who ruleth in the Heavens, and in whofe
tion. " VJ Hands are all the Kingdoms of the Earth, who raifeth up and cafteth
" down at his Will, who hath Ways to confound the Exaltation of Man, and
" to chaftife his Children, and to make Man know himfelf to be as Grals
" before him, whofe Judgments are above the higheft of Men, and his Pity
" reaches the deepeft Mifery : And the Arm of his Mercy is underneath, to
" lift up the Prifoner out of the Pit, and to fave fuch as truft in him from
*' the great Deftruftion, which vain Man through his Folly brings on himfelf,
" who hath delivered my Soul out of Darknefs, and made Way for my Free-
*' dom out of the Prifon-houfe, and ranfomed me from the great Captivity ;
*' who divides the Sea before him, and removes the Mountains out of his Way,
•« in the Day when he takes upon him to deliver the Oppreffed out of the
" Hand of him that is too mighty for him in the Earth : Let his Name be
exalted for ever, and let all Flelh fear before him, whofe Breath is Life to
his own, but a confuming P'ire to the Adverfary.
" And to the Lord Jefus Chrift be everlafting Dominion upon Earth, and
his Kingdom above all the Powers of Darknefs, even that Chrift of whom
the Scriptures declare, which was, and is, and is to come, the Light of the
World to all Generations, of whofe Coming I tcftify, with the reft of the
Children of Light, begotten of the immortal Seed, whofe Truth and Virtue
now fhine in the World, unto the Righteoufnefs of eternal Life, and is the
Saviour ot all that believe therein, who hath been the Rock of my S.Jva-
tion, and his Spirit hadi given Quietnefs and Patience to my Soul in deep
AfRidtion, even for his Name's bake. Praifes for ever.
*' But condemned tor ever be all thofe falfe Worfhips with which any Live
idolized my Perfbn in the Night of my Temptation, when the Power ot
Darknefs was above ; all their cafting off their Clothes in the Way, their
Bowings, and Singings, and all the reft of thofe wild Aftions, which did
any Way tend to difhonour the Lord, or draw the Mind of any from the
Meafure of Chrift Jefus in themfeives, to look at Flelli, which is Grafs,
or
it
(C
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 363
" or to aicribe that to the Vifible wliicli belongs to Chrifl Jefus. All that I LONDON,
" condemn, by which the pure Name of the Lord hath been any Way blal- ^c.
*' phemed through me in that Time of Temptation, or the Spirits of any 1650.
*' People grieved that truly love the Lord Jefus throughout die whole World, ~ ~
*' of what Sort foever.
*' This Offence I confcfs, which hath been Sorrow of Heart, that the Enemy
*' of Man's Peace in Chrill fliould get this Advantage in the Night of my
*' Trial, to ftir up Wrath and Offences in the Creation of God, a Thing tlie
*' Simplicity of my Heart did not intend, the Lord knows, who in his
*' endlefs Love hath given me Power over it to condemn it : And alio that
*' Letter fent me to Exeter, by John Stranger, when I was in Prifon, witl\
*' thefe Words, Thy Name Jhall he no more James Naylor, hut Jdus. This I
" judge to be written from the Imaginations, and a Fear ftruck me when I
" firft faw it ; and fo I put it into my Pocket, clofe, and not intending any
" fhould fee it •, which they finding on me, fpread it abroad, which the Sim-
*' plicity of my Heart never owned : So this I deny alio, that the Name of
*' Chrijl Jefus is received inftead of the Name James Naylor, or be alcribed
*' to him •, for the Name is to die promifed Seed to all Generations, and he
*' that hath the Son, hath the Name, which is Life and Power, the Salvation
" and the Undtion, into which Name all the Children of the Light are bap-
*' tized : So the Name of Chnft: I confefs before Men, but not according to
*' Men ; which Name to me hath been a flrong Tower in the Night and in
" the Day.
*' And this is the Name of Jefus Chrift, which I confefs, the Son and the
*' Lamb, the promifed Seed, where he Ipeaks, in Male or Female •, but who
*' hath not this in himfelf hath not Life, neither can have by idolizing any
•' Perfon, or the Perlbn of any Flefh ; but in whom the Heir is born, and
hath Ipoken or doth fpeak, there he muft not be denied the Mouth to
*' Ipeak by, who is Head over all, and in all his own, God blellcd for ever.
" And all thofe ranting wild Spirits, which then gathered about me in the
*' Time of Darknefs, and all their wild Aftions and wicked Words againfb
*' the Honour of God, and his pure Spirit and People, I deny the Spirit, the
" Power, the Works diereof, and as far as I gave Advantage through v,'ant of"
" Judgment, for that evil Spirit in any to arife, I rake Shame to my idi
" jufbly, having formerly had Power over that Spirit in Judgment anti Dif-
" cerning where ever it was ; which Darknefs came over me through want of
" Watchfulnels and Obedience to the pure Eye of God, and diligent minding
" the Reproof of Life, which condemns the adulterous Spirit : So the Adver-
*' f^xry got Advantage, who ceafes not to feek to devour, and being taken
*' Captive from the true Light, I was walking in the Night where none can
*' work, as a wandring Bird fit for the Prey. And if the Lord of all my
*' Mercies had not refcued me, I had pcrifhed ; for I was as one appointed to
" Death and Dcftrudlion, and there was none could deliver me.
" And this I confefs, that God may be juftified in his Judgment, and
*' magnified in his Mercies without End, who did not forfake his Captive in
*' the Night, even when his Spirit was daily provoked and grieved, but hath
*' brought me forth to give Glory to his Name tor ever. And it is in my
" Heart to confefs to God, and before Men, my Folly and Of^L-nce in that
*' Day. Yet was there many Things formed againfl: me at that Day, to take
*' away my Life, of which 1 am not guilty at all, as if I had committed
" Adultery with fome of thofe Women who came with me from Exeter Prifon,
*' and alfo thofe who were with me at Brifhl the Night before I fliffered there :
*' Of both which Accufations I am clear before God, who kept me in diat
*' Day, both in Thought and Deed, clear as to all Women as a little Child,
" God is my Record. And this I mention in particular, (hearing of fbme
" who ftill ceafe not to reproach therewith God's Truth and People) that the
*' Mouth of Enmity may be Ihut from evil Speaking, though this touch not
*' my Confcience.
" Alio
364
LONDON,
&c.
1656.
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" Alio that Report, as though I had raifed Dorcas Erhur-j from Death :
This I deny alio, and condemn that Teftimony to be out of the Truth,
thoucrh that Power that quickens the Dead I deny not, which is the Word
ot Eternal Life.
" And this I give forth, that it may go as far as the Offence agairifb the
Spirit of Truth hath gone abroad, that all Burtlens may be taken off with
the Truth, and the Truth cleared thereby, and the true Light and all that
walk therein, and the Deeds of Darknefs condemned, and that all that are
in Darknefs may not a6t in the Night, but ftay upon God who dwells in
the Light, who with the Workers of Iniquity hath no Fellowfhip, which had
I done, when firft Darknefs came upon me, and not been led by others,
I had not run againft that Rock to be broken, which lo long had borne me,
and of whom 1 had fo largely drunken, and of which 1 now drink in
Meafure, to whom be the Glory ot all, and to him mull every Tongue
confefs, as Judge and Saviour, God over all, bleffed for ever.
" And this farther is given me to foy to every particular Perfon, to whom
this Writing fhall come : Whatever is thy Condition, wait in the Light
which lets thee fee it, there is thy Counfel, and thy Strength to be received,
to ftay thee, and to recover thee. Art thou tempted to lin '^. Abide in that
which lets thee fee it, that there thou mayft come to feed on the right Body,
and not on the Temptation ; for it thou mindcft the Temptation, it will
overcome thee, but in the Light is Salvation. Or having linned, art thou
tempted to defpair, or to deltroy thy felt ? Mind not the Temptation, for
'tis Death that Sin hath brought forth -, feed not on it nor mind it, left diou
cateft Condemnation, for that's the wrong Body.
" The Body of Chrift is felt in the Light, in which is Life from Death,
Grace and Truth to feed on, which will overcome for thee, being followed ;
but if thou followeft the Temptation, Fear and Condemnation will Iwallow
thee up. If there appear unto thee Voices, Vifions, and Revelations, feed
not thereon, but abide in the Light, and feel the Body of Chrift, and there
wilt thou receive Faith and Power to judge of every Appearance and
Spirits, the Good to hold faft and obey, and the Bad to relift. Art thou
in Darknefs? Mind it not, for if thou doft, it will fill thee more; but
ftand ftill and adl not, and wait in Patience till Light arife oirt of Darknefs
to lead thee. Art thou wounded in Confcience .'' Feed not there, but abide
in the Light, which leads to the Grace and Truth, which teaches to deny
and put off the Weight, and removes the Caufe, and brings faving Health
to Light : Yea, this I fay to thee in the Name of Jejus Chrijl, that though
thou haft made thy Grave as deep as the Nethermoft Hell, or were thy
Affliflions as great as Joh'^, and thy Darlcnefs as the Depth of the Sea, yet if
thou wdlt not run to vain Helps as I have done, but ftay upon the Lord,
till he give thee Light by his Word (who commanded Light to fliine out
of Darknefs) from thence will he bring thee forth, and his Eye fhall
guide thee, and thou fhalt praife his Name, as I do this Day : Glory for
evermore. And this Word is nigh thee, which muft give thee Light,
though Darknefs comprehends it not. And hadfl: thou Gifts, Revelations,
Knowledge, Widloms, or whatever thou canft read of in the Scriptures of
Truth, and dofl not abide in the Light, and feed on the Body of Chrift,
whence the Gifts fpring, but feed on the Gift, thou mayft be up for a
while in thy own Sight, but certainly thou wilt wither and die to God, and
Darknefs will come upon thee, and thy Food will turn to thy Condemnation
in the Sight of God.
" And this I have learned in the Deeps and in Secret, when I was alone,
and now declare openly in the Day of my Mercy, Glory to the Highcft for
evermore, who hath thus far fet me free to praife his Righteoulnefs and
his Mercy : And to the Eternal, Invifible, Pure God, over all, be Fear,.
Obedience and Glory, evermore. Amen.
(C
James Naylor."
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 365
Thus Naylor, after his lamentable Fall, whence his Advcrfliries took Ad- LONDON^
vantage againll him, was by the Mercy of God prelerved through terrible Afflic- ^c.
tions, and rellored to a true Senfe ot Religion, wherein he continued the Re- 1*^5 S;
mainder of his Days. ^n/'-'vj
ANNO 1658. In this Year the following Perfonsj; for refuCng to pay Prifover, in
Tithes, were Prifoners in the Fleet at London^ viz. f'-^ H^er.
Alexander Heblethivaite, James Corney, and Richard Rohinfon^ who had then
continued there two Years : Gerard Roberts four Montlis : David Hid! tv/eiity
one Months : William Clater twenty tliree Montlis : Henry, Gill fix Months :
ff^dliafn Glidtvell and. Andrew Sinith leven Months : John Adams four Months :
Alfo Giles Shurjner and Stephen Hart.
John AJkew was profecuted in Chancery for not paying Tithes, and becaufe ^^"."'^^ " "^J
he fcrupled to employ an Attorney in his Caufe, was committed to Prifon. „^„
Elizabeth Peacock, being under a religious Concern of Mind, went into the Jmprifotmat'
Savoy Steeple-houfe in the Strand, and there began to teflify to die People, <>( £• P^"*-
that their Prayers and Jolemn AJpmblies were difpleafing to God ; but a broken *-°''''*
and contrite Spirit he would not defpife : She was prefently interrupted, and not
fuffered to proceed, for they drew her out, and had her before a Juftice, who
committed her to the Gate-hotife : After ten Days fhe was indiftcd at the
SefTions, found guilty, and fentenced to Bridewell for two Months. That Time
being expired, flie went again to the fame Place, and teftified as before, and
was again fent by the fume Juftice to the Gate-hoiife, where fhe lay leven
Weeks till the SefTions, when no Evidence appearing againft her, fhe was dif-
charged. Not long after this fhe went to Whitehall Chappel, where Richard
Cromwell then was, but attempting to fpeak, flie was carried to the Guard, and
from thence to the Gate-hoiife, where fiie continued a Prilbner fix Weeks.
ANNO 1659. On the 8th of the Month called Af«>', John "tyfoe, being J. TvPoeV
at a Meeting in Brentford^ fell under a great Concern of Mind to go to the Cowmirmft
Steeple-houfc there, where he began to exhort the People to Repentance, and the '" ^^"'S-i-'
Fear of the Lord, but met with undeferved Returns for his Chrif^iaii Couiifel.;
they falling furioufly upon him, pulled him about, thruft him, and rent his
Clothes, flopping his Mouth with their Hands, and dragging hini by the I^air
of his Head, cried Kill him, kill him : After which they put Jiis Legs into the
Stocks, and left him lying there with his Head and Shoulders on the Ground j- "
and at laft had him before a Juftice, who committed hini to Nezvgate.
Daniel Baker, for fpeaking fome of the Prophets Words, and reproving t;he Imprifovmrnt
Pride and Vanity of the People on the Day of the Lord Mayor's Show, at the "f ^- '^^^'^^t
Mayor's Gate, was lent Prifoner to the Poultry-Counter. ■"■'^' ^■^'^^
About this Time alfo, John Gould, Matthew Thomas, Ltike Hotuard, Richard
Creenway, Humphry Woolrich, Luke Herbert, Benjamin IVallis, Thomas Miir-
ford, John Birftow, Hefter Buldle, Anne Auftin, Elizabeth Baker, Sufan Kendall,
Agnes Poole, Mary Thrift, Mary Erbury, Ijabel Buttery, Dorcas Erlmry, and
Margaret Freebedy, fuffered Imprifbnment for preaching and declaring the
Truth to the People in the publick Places of Relort and Concourfe, a Duty -
which they efteemed themfelves under an indifpenfible NccefTity of performing.
On the 14th of the fame Month, John Woolrich, going toward his Houte ^ '"/"''/"'"'«''"«
S.X. Brentford, which he had hired for a Meeting-houfe, and many Friends with "fJ-^^""^^"
him, was ftopt at the End of the Town by Wardens with Halberts, who de-
tained him four Hours, and thofe who were with him fix Hours : He was
fhortly after taken out of his own Houfe by Conflables, without producing
any Warrant, and by a Juftice of the Peace there was fent to New-Prijon.
On the 7th of the Month called June was a Meeting at the Houfe of ^'>'-'««/«/'''j
William Mullins in Vine-flreet, Holboni, when one Atkins, BaylifF to the Karl ^,' Uo^'ovi^
of Soulha?npton, came to the Window, fwearing defperately that he would Quake
them ; and gathered a Mob, whom he heated with Strong-drink, till they
threw Dirt and Stones in at the Window, and fiiamefully abufed many there
afTembled, he pufliing his Sword in at the Window, and threatning to ftrike
his Dagger into the Preacher's Face, calling him reproachful Names, and
Vol. I. 4. Z belching
LONDON,
&c.
1659.
Innocent Men
enjmrei.
Meetings
rudely hrohe
up by Siildiers.
Jmprifoiiment
oj J. Ellon.
S^ivg Charles
the 2d. his
VicUmtioii.
366 ^ Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
belching out all Manner of Evil-fpcaking, till the Meeting was ended. When
the Man of the Houle reproved him, and warned him of his Infolence, he
replied, 7ake Notice I 'ivill rob thee : This he fpake in the Hearing of many
WitnelTes, and upon Evidence given thereof, a Jiiftice granted his Warrant to
apprehend him. A fliort Time after, there being another Meeting at the fame
Place, Jlkins repeated his former Wickednefs, and MuUins gave the Warrant
againft him to an Officer, which when Atkins perceived, before the Warrant
was ferved, he got the laid IVilliam MuUins, and one Edivard Brook, a Friend
of his, arretted in a Sham Adlion of Debt, (for neither of them ow'd him
any Thing) by two Bayliffs, who violently feized and threw them headlong
into a Coach, and hurried them away to Newgate : Thus the innocent Men
were trepann'd, and the wicked Rioter efcaped the jufb Execution of the
Warrant againft him.
On the 7th of the Month called February, about feventy Perfons were pulled
by force out of a Meeting at fFeJitnifi/ie?; were beaten, bruifed, and had their
Clothes torn by Soldiers and others, dragged by the Hair of the Head, and
fome of them knockt down, among whom were Rebecca Poole, Stef^ben Hart,
Samuel Fifier, and Ellis Hookes. It was cuftomary with the Soldiers to break
up the Meetings there alter this Manner, and lome of them faid, they had
Orders from General Monk fo to do.
■ John Elfin was fined 4 /. tor refafing to take an Oath, and for Non-payment
fuffered five Weeks Imprifonment.
ANNO 1 660. The Meetings of this People in the City of London were
generally undifturbed during the firft fix Months after the Rcftoration of
King Charles the Second, who in his Declaration from Breda had thus exprefled
himfelf, " We declare a Liberty to tender Confciences, and that no Man
" fliall be difquieted or called in Queftion for Differences of Opinion in
«« Matters of Religion, which do not difturb the Peace of the Kingdom.'*
Purfuant to which he feemed at firft inclinable to aft ; for upon the Interceffion
of Margaret Fell and others, about feven Hundred of that People, who had
been imprifoned under the Government of Oliver and Richard Crojnwell, were
fet at Liberty. But this Calm was fucceeded by a violent Storm, occafioned
by an Infurreftion of thofe c^W^A Fifth-Monarchy-Men, upon which a Procla-^
mation was iffued againft the Meetings ol all Dillenters, including aifo thofe of
the ^takers, though they were entirely peaceable, and had not the leaft
Hand in any Commotion. Richard Brown, then Lord-Mayor, a fierce and
virulent Man, purfued this innocent People with the utmott Violence and
Rigour. Many of them were taken from their own Houfes and Employments,
others pluckt out of their Beds, and many taken from their religious Meetings,
where their Enemies were lure to find them, and committed to Neugate in
fuch Numbers, that they had not Room to fit or lie down, nor fcarce to ftand.
one by another. There were at one Time in that Goal, of the Mayor's own
Committing, three Hundred and forty fix Perfons, of whom about an Hundred
were crouded together in one Room, and divers of them fell fick through the
Stench and Clofenefs of the Place. Within the Space of three Months, viz.
In the Months called December, January, and February, he fcnt thither two
Hundred and eighty Perfons, whofe Names are diftinguifhcd in the Index
hereto annexed ; befide many others whom the Officers and Soldiers carried to
Prifon without any legal or regular Warrant for that Purpofe. This Mayor alfo
fent John Laurence, Richard Crane, and Richard Davis to Newgate, lor opening
their Shops on the Day called Chrijhnafs-day.
Tafflon and. ANNO 1661. The Lord-Mayor continued his Severity, and fent fifty
Trideof the feven more to Prifon ; for llich was his Pride and Pafllon, that he could not
lord t/lij/or. endure the Sight of a S^taker without Wrath and Refentment. It happened
on the 31ft of the Month called March this Year, he cipied Edivard Collifiy
a pretty Way from him, in the Guild-hall, with his Hat on, inofl'enfivcly dif-
eourfing with fome Perlbns met' there about Bufinefs, whereupon the Mayor
ordered him to be fent to Newgate: Another Time, as he was going to the
» - ■ liime
^bout -co
Frifoners dif-
fhirged.
Frocliimition
dgiinfl Meet-
ings.
54(J at one
Time in New-
gate.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
■67
fame Place, he faw two Men in the Yard near Blach-x ell-hall with their Caps on, LONDON,
whereupon he fent tor tliem, and committed them to the Counter by the ^'y
following Mil tiffins, 1 6 6 1 .
*^ London Is.
((
THESE are to require you to receive into your Cuilody tlie Bodies Co-mnmow
oi Walter Heivlings and John Cripps, herewith fcnt you, who this
prelent Day {landing in the Way, as I was paffing to tl;e Gtiihl-hall, with
*' their Hats on their Heads in a bold and irreverent Manner, and being aflced
*< why tiiey did fo, and were required to take off their Hats, yet tliey would
*' not, and afterward being brought into GmVJ-Zij//, were commanded again to
** put off their Hats, yet they did in a contemptuous Manner keep on their Hats,
*' which being by my Command taken off, they put them on their Heads
*' again before me and the Court of Aldermen, and for other Mifdemeanours,
*' and them fafely keep till they fliall find fufHcient Sureties to appear at next
*' Sefllons of die Peace, to anfwer the fame, and in the mean Time to be of
" good Behaviour, or otherwife be difcharged by due Courfe of Law, and
*' this fliall be your Warrant. Dated the 17th of O£lober 1661.
o/W. Ikw-
lings dni J.
Ciipps.
5o the Keeper of the
Poultry- Counter.
fC
Richard Brown, Mayorr
Upon this Commitment they were detained in the Ccimter till the Ex-
piration of his Mayoralty about twelve Days after : On the 31 ft of Offober they
fent a Reprefentation of their Cafe to the fucceeding Lord- Mayor, John Fre-
derick, in a Letter as follow?,
" Friend,
WE thought good to lay the Caufc of our Suffering before thee, that
we may not fuffer, and thou be ignorant of it.
*' We being in the Yard near Blackwell-ball on the 1 7th of this Inffant Their letter
Month, about our lawful Occafions in the open Market, we having re- to the juaeed.'
ceived fome Goods, and ftanding by them, the Mayor riding by towards '''^ ^^y"''
Guild-hall, and we having our Caps on our Heads, and becaufe our Heads
were not bare, we were fent to the Poultry-Counter, and our Mittimus
chargeth us with ftanding in the Mayor's Way, with our Hats on our
Heads, which are both falfe, we being neither in his Way, nor having our
Hats on our Heads, we having but only two Caps.
" And fo we remain Prifoners, contrary to all Law and Equity-, 'we being
Country-men, and are about threcfcore and ten Miles from our Habitations.
C(
From the Poultry- Counter the 317?
cf the Eighth Month 1661.
'•^ Walter Hew lings,
'^ John Cripps."
After this Reprefentation of their Cafe they were foon fet at Liberty.
Another Inftance of the faid Richard Brotv/t's Pride occurred during his yfvotler In-
Mayoralty. As one Philip Harwood was coming up Fojler-Lane, the Mayor ft-^'i" oj
riding by ftopt his Horfe, and afked Philip, whether he -ivas not a Qiiaker. He ^^"^"^^'"'^
anfwered, I am fo called : Upon which the Mayor, without any more Words,
ordered him to Newgate, where he lay about three Montlis. He alfo gave
many Proofs of the Cruelty of his Difpofition, one of which was, that when
the Wife of Nicholas Ridley had been fent by him to Bridewell, and fell fick
there, her Hufband came to the Mayor, interceding for her Liberty -, to whom
he gave this churlifli Anfwer, Let her die there and rot, thee viayfl gef another
Wife the fooner ; and inllead of ftiewing Mercy to tlie fick Woman, lent her
Hufband to Newgate for aflcing it,
ANNO
r,iie,
avd of
Crudty.
his
368
LONDON*
&c.
1662.
Firji Ad
igah'fi Con-
vemicks.
Commhmtvt
of 5 to New-
gate.
9 Sent IS
Newgate.
2 J Sem to
Newgate by
a verbil Or-
der.
Sevenl taien
in privite
Houfcs.
Death of
W. Ames.
9 Sent from
Bull and
Mouth to
Newgate.
More Com-
rnimenu.
R_etruir);ible
Confluncj ef
JW9 Liil'
A Colleclion of the Sufferings A^ol. I.
ANNO 1662. In the Beginning of this Year the firft Aft againft Con-
venticles came in force, by which it was enadled, that if any Perfon fliould
refufe to take an Oath, when by Law required, or fhould maintain the taking
any Oath unlawful, or if the Perfons called ^lakers fhoukl meet for religious
Exercife atter the 24th oi March 1661, being thereof convicted, fliould forfeit
for the firft Oftence 5 /. for the fecond Offence 10/. to be levied by Diftrels ;
and tor want of fuch Diftrefs to be imprifoned for the firfl: Offence three Montlis,
and for the fecond fix Months : And upon Convidion for the third Offence,
he or Ihefhould abjure the Realm, or otherwile the King and Council migiic
caufe him or them to be tranfported to any of the King's Plantations beyond
the Seas. In Confequence of this Aft, on the i ith of the Month called May,
five Perfons were taken from a Meeting in John's Street by one Philip Mil/e?;
and a Rabble attending him, without any Warrant, and by a Juftice of the
Peace committed to Newgate. On the 1 3th the faid Miller^ with a Conftable,
entred the Meeting, and becaufe the Perfons aflembled would not depart at
his Command, he beat them with a Cane, and carried ibme of them before
a Juftice, who took their Words to come again next Morning, which they
did, when he ordered them to go to the Juftices then met at Hicks's-halL,
who committed nine of them to Newgate. On the 25th a Captain with Sol-
diers dragged thirty nine Perfons by force out of the Bull and Month Meeting
to Paul's Church-yard, fo called, where they were kept fome Time with a
Guard, and then carried them to Alderman Richard Brown, who laid violent
Hands on an aged Man, and pulled him down, and without any Examination
fent him and three others to Newgate, where they were kept feveral Days fo clofe,
that their Friends and Relations were not fuftered to fpeak with them. On the
fame Day twenty one Perfons, taken by Soldiers from a Meeting at the Snail ia
Tower-Jlreet, were by the faid Richard Brozvn's verbal Order fent to Newgate,
whither alfo were committed the fame Day by Sir John RoUiiJon, Lieutenant of
the Tower, fix others taken from a Meeting in IVheeler-Jireet. On the 21 ft
of this Month feveral Mufqueteers with drawn Swords came into fome private
Houfes, and took Samuel Fijher., Samuel Goodacre, Henry Green, and Johi
Gri^njhar, without fhewing any Warrant but their Swords, and carried them
to Paul's Yard, where they were derided and abuled by the Soldiers ; from
thence they took them through Cheapfide to the Old-Exchange, and thence
back through Newgate-Jlreet to Richard Brown's' Houfe in Ivy-lane^ who lent
them with a Mittimus to Bridewell, to be kept to hard Labour ; but that
Mitti7?ius was next Morning changed for another, wherein they were charged
with an unlawful Meeting, and ordered to be detained till SefTions. Widi
them fFillia?n A7nes was alio fent to Bridewell, where he was taken fick, and fome
Time after difcharged. He returned to Amflerdam, where he dwelt, in a
weak and unhealthy Condition, and never recovered, but died that Year. ,
On the I ft of the Month called June, a Company of Soldiers, with Swords
drawn and Matches lighted, rufhed into the Bull and Mouth Meeting, feized
the Preacher, and carried him to the Guard at Paul's ; then returning^ they
fetcht two others, and carried them all three to Newgate ; whence after fome
Hours they were brought before the Mayor, who recommitted them. On tlie
fame Day twelve Perfons, taken out of a Meeting at Milc-End-Grcen, were
committed to Newgate by the Lieutenant of the Tower. On the 8th, five
Perfons from the Bull and Mouth Meeting, and fix from that in Jlderjgate-
Jlreet, were carried to Newgate by Soldiers witliout any Mittimus in Writing.
On the fame Day the Lieutenant of the Tower committed five Perfons from
Mile-End Meeting, he alfo at the fame Time fend two Boys, one of thirteen,
the other about fixteen Years of Age, to Bridewell : The Conftancy of thole
young Lads was remarkable, who having their Arms put into the Stocks, and
there fo pinched for the Space of two Hours, that their Wrifts were very much
Iwelled, yet continued undaunted, nor could the Keepers force them to work,
they afTerting their Innocence, and refufing to eat but at their own Charge.
They writ alfo during their Imprilonment an Epiftle of Exhortation to Friends
ChildrcQ
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 369
Children to fland fliithful in their Ttftimony againft all Unrighteoufnefs. On LONDON,
the 2 2d, at the Bull and Mouth, a Party of Soldiers came and pulled down &c«
him that was fpeaking, and carried him to Prifon, beating and abufing many 1662.
others in a moll violent Manner. We fhall next prefent the Reader with ^Abuf^fb^
SoUiert.
An Account of the Trial of John Crook, of London, Gentleman, John
Bolton, Goldfmith, and Ifaac Grey, a Phyfician, at the Seffions begun at the
Old-Baily, in London, on the 25th of the Month called June 1662, before
the Lord-Mayor of the City of London, and the Recorder of the fame.
Chief Juftice Forfler, and divers other Judges and Justices cf the Peace.
SILENCE being made, the chief Judge commanded the Crier of the
Court to call one of the Prifoncrs to the Bar, who was brought thither J. Crook's
accordingly out of the Baledock from amongft the Felons and Murderers. Triil.
Chief Judge. What Meeting was that you were at ?
Prifoner. I defire to be heard : Where is mine Accufer ? For I expeft the
llTue will be brought forth, having been thus long in Prifon.
Judge. Tour Tongue is your own : And you mujt not have Liberty to [peak
what you liji.
Prifoner. I fpeak in the Prefence and Fear of* the Everlafting God, that
my Tongue is not my own, for it is the Lord's, and to be difpofed of accord-
ing to his Pleafure, and not to fpeak my own Words, and therefore I defire to
be heard. I have been fo long in Prifon — Then he was interrupted by the Judge.
Judge. Leave your Canting. Then he commanded the Goaler to take
away the Prifoner, which he did accordingly.
This was the Subffance of what the Prifoner aforefaid fpake at that Time.
Judge. Call John Crook to the Bar : Which the Crier did, he alfo being
among the Felons.
Judge. fVhen did you take the Oath of Allegiance ?
J. Crook. I defire to be heard.
Judge. Anfover to the ^leftion, and you fhall he heard.
J. Crook. I have been about fix Weeks in Prifon, and am I now called-
to accuie my felf, which you ought not to put upon me, for Nemo debet fe-
ipfum prodere. I am an Englifhman, and by the Law of England, I ought'
not to be taken, nor imprifoned, nor difl"cized of my Freehold, nor called in
Queftion, nor put to anfwer, but according to the Law of the Land, which f'
challenge as my Birthright on my own Behalf, and all that hear me this Day
(or Words to this purpofe.) I ftand here at this Bar as a Delinquent, and do'
defire that my Accufer may be brought forth to accufe me for my Delinquencyj-
and then I fhall anfwer to my Charge, if any I be guilty of.
Judge. Tou are here demanded to take the Oath of Allegiance, and when
you have done that, then you fljall be heard about the other, for we have Power
to tender it to any Man.
J. Crook. Not to me upon this Occafion in this Place ; for I am brought
hither as an Of}ender already, and not to be made an Offender here, or to
accufe my felf ; lor I am an EnglifJj7nan, as I have faid to you, and challenge
tlie Benefit of the Laws of England, for by them is a better Inheritance derived
to me as an Engli/hman, than what I receive from my Parents, for by the
Former the latter is preferved •, and this the 29th Chapter of Magna Cbarta,
and the Petition of Right, mentioned in the 3d of Charles the Eirji, and in
other good Laws of £»^/rtW confirm, and therefore I defire the Benefit and
Obfervance of them. And you that are Judges on the Bench ought to be my
Council, and not my Accufers, but to inform me of the Benefit of the Laws,
and wherein I am ignorant you ought to inform me, that I may not fuffer
through my own Ignorance of thoie Advantages which the Laws of England
afford me as an Englijhfnan. . :
Judge. IVe fit here to do Jujiice, and are upon cur Oaths, and we are to
tell you what is Law, and not you us : Therefore, Sirrah, you are too bold.
Vol. I. 5 A J. Crook.
370 yi CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. i.
LONDON, 7. Crook. Sirrah is not a Word becoming a Judge. I am no Felon,
^'p' neidier ouglit you to menace the Prifoner at the Bar : For I ftand here arraigned
^^^^- as for my Life and Liberty, and the Prefervation of my Wife, and Children,
^'"W^^ and outward Eltate (they being now at the Stake.) Therefore you ought to
hear me what I can lay to the full in my own Defence, according to Law, and
that in its Seafon, as it is given me to fpeak : Therefore I hope the Court
will bear with me, if I am bold to affert my Liberty as an Englijhman^ and as
a Chriftian : And if I fpeak loud, it is my Zeal for the Truth, and for the
J^aine of the Lord, and my Innocence makes me bold.
Judge. It is an evil Zeal.
J. Crook. No : I am bold in the Name of the Lord God Almighty, the
Everlafting Jehovah, to afiert the Truth, and ftand as a W^itnefs for it : Let
my Accufer be brought forth, and I am ready to anfwer any Court of Juflice.
Then the Judge interrupted him, laying Sirrah, and fome other Words
not remembred.
J. Crook. You are not to threaten me, neither are thofe Menaces fit for
the Mouth of a Judge, for the Safety of the Prifoners ftands in the Indifferency
of the Court ; and you ought not to behave your felves as Parties, feeking al!
Advantages againft the Prifoner, but not heeding any Thing that may make
for his Clearing or Advantage.
The Judge again interrupted bifu.
Judge. Sirrah, you are to take the Oath, and -we a?-e to tender it you, bidding
Read it.
J. Crook. Let me fee mine Accufer, that I may know for what Caufe I
have been fix Weeks imprilbned, and do not put me to accufe my felf by
afking me Queftions, but either let my Accufer come forth, or otherwife lee
me be difcharged by Proclamation, as you ought to do.
Here he was interrupted again.
Judge Tijcifden. We take no Notice of your being here, otherwije than of a
Slragler, or as of any other Pctfon, or of the People that are here this Day ;
for 'we may tender the Oath to any Man. And another Judge fpake to the like
Purpofe.
. J. Crook. I am here at your Bar, reftrained of my Liberty, and do queftion
•whether you ought in Juftice to tender me the Oath on the Account I am
now brought before you, becaufe I am fuppofed to be an Offender, or elfe
■why have I been fix Weeks in Prifon already : Let me be cleared of my Im-
prifonment, and then I fhall anfwer to what is charged againft me, and to the
Qiieftion now propounded ■, for I am a Lover of Juftice with all my Soul,
^nd am well known by my Neiglibours where I have lived, to keep a Con-
fcience void of Offence both toivards. God and towards Man.
Judge. Sirrali, Leave your Canting,
J. Crook. Is tliis Canting to fpeak the Words of the Scripture ?
Judge. It's Canting in your Mouth, though they are Paul's Words.
y. Crook. I fpeak but the Words of Scripture, and it is not Canting,
though I fpeak them, but they are Words of Truth and Sobernefs in my
Mouth, they being witnefTed by me, and fulfilled in me.
Judge. We do ajk you again, whether ycu will take the Oath of Allegiance ?
It IS hut a (Jjort ^tejtion, you may anfiver if you will.
J. Crook. By what Law have you Power to tender it ?
Then after fome Confiiltation together by Whifpering, they called for
the Statute Book, and turned over the Leaves.
Judge. By the 3<i of King James.
J. Crook. I defire that Statute may be read, fpr I have confulted it, and
do not underftand that you have Power by that Statute to tender me die Oath,
being before you in this Place upon this Occafion as a Delinquent already :
And therefore 1 defire the Judgment of the Court in this Cafe, and that the
Statute may be read.
Tlien they took the Statute Book, and confulted together upon it.
Judge.
Chap. 25- ^ /Z>^ People c^//^^ QUAKERS. 371
Judge. We are Judges of ibis Land, a?id do better underjland our Povjer LONDON",
than you do, and ive do judge we 7nay lawfully do it. ^^«
J. Crook. Is this the Judgment of the Court ? i£^
Judge. Tes. ^
J. Crook. I defire the Statute may be read that empowers you to tender
me the Oath upon this Occafion in this Place ; for Vox audita peril, Jed Utera
[cripta mancbit. Therefore let me hear it read.
Judge. Hear me.
J. Crook. I am as willing to hear as to fpeak.
Judge. Then hear me. Tou are here required to take the Oath by the Court j
end I will inform you what the Penalty will be in cafe you refufe : For your firjt
Denial fhall be recorded, and then it fijall be tendred you again at the End of
the SeffioHi, and upon the jecond Refufal you run a Premunire, which is the For-
feiture of all your E(late, if you have any, and Imprifonment during Life.
J. Crook. It is juftice I ftand for, let me have Juftice in bringing my Ac-
cufer Face to Face, as by Law you ought to do, I Handing at your Bar as a
Delinquent, and when that is done, I will anfwer to what can be charged
againft me, as alfo to the Queftion : Until then I fliall give no other Anfwer
than that I have already done.
Then there was a great Cry in the Court, Take him away, which
occafioned a great Interruption.
y. Crook. Mind the Fear of the Lord God, that you may come to the
Knowledge of his Will, and do Juftice, and take heed of opprefTing the Inno-
cent, for the Lord God of Heaven and Earth will alTuredly plead their Caufe,
and for my Part I defire not the Hurt of one of the Hairs of your Heads ; but
let God's Wifdom guide you. Thefe Words he fpake at the Bar, and as be was
carrying away.
The next Day in the Forenoon, the Court being fat, he was called
again to the Bar.
Judge. Friend Crook, we have given yon Time to confider of whaP was faid
Tefierday to you by the Courty hoping you may have better confidered of it by this
T'ime, therefore without any more Words, will you take the Oath ?
J. Crook. I did not, neither do I deny Allegiance, but do defire to know
the Caufe of my fo long Imprifonment, for, as I laid, I Hand at your Bar as
a Delinquent, and am brought hither by Force contrary to the Law -, there-
fore let me fee my Accufer, or elfe free me by Proclamation, as I ought to
be, if none can accufe me. For the Law is grounded upon right Reafon,
and whatfoever is contrary to right Reafon is contrary to Law ■■, and therefore
if no Accufer appear, you ought to acquit me firft, and then I fhall anfwer, as
I have faid : If any new Matter appear otherwife, it is of Force, and that
our Law abhors, and you ought not to take Notice of my fo being before
you, for what is not legally fo, is not fo ; and therefore I am in the Condition as
if I was nor before you. And therefore it cannot be fuppofed in right Reajon,
that you have now Power at this Time, and in this Place, legally to tender
me the Oath.
Judge. Read the Oath to him. And fo the Clerk began to read.
J. Crook. I defire Juftice according to the Laws of England, for you
ought firft to convi£t me concerning the Caufe of my fo long Imprifonment :
For you are to proceed according to Laws already made, and not to make
Laws ; for you ought to be M inilters of the Law.
Judge. Tou are a Jaucy and an impudent Fellow : Will you tell us what is
Law, or our Duties. Then fiid he to the Clerk, Read on. And when the
Clerk had done reading,
J. Croo^ laid, Read the Preface to the A£f ; I fliy again, Read the Title and
Preamble to the ASi ; for Titles to Laws, are Claves Legum, as Keys to open
the Laws •, for by their Titles Laws arc underftood and known, as Men by
tlieir Faces.
Then the Judge interrupted him, but he faid as follows,
7- Crci?^,
\
372 A Collection of the Sufferings A^ol. I.
LONDON, J. Crook. If you will not hear me nor do me Juftice, I muft appeal to
&c. the Lord of Heaven and Earth, who is Judge of Quick and Dead, before
1662. whom we fhall all appear to give an Account for the Deeds done in the
Body ; for he will judge between you and me this Day, whether you have
done me Juflice or not. And as he was going from the Bar he alfo /aid. Mind
the Fear of the Lord God, that you may do Juflice, left you perifh in his
Wrath.
Sometimes the Court cried. Pull him away, and then. Bring htm again :
And thus they did feverul Times, like Men in Diforder and Cgn-
fufion.
The fame Day in the Afternoon Silence being made, John Crook was called
to the Bar before the Judges and Juflices aforefaid. The Indiftment being
read, was as follows, viz.
" ^URATORES fro Domino Rege fuper Sacramentum Jtmm prefentant,
*' T quod apiid Generalem ^tarterialem Selfionetn pads Domini Regis tentam
" pro Civitate London apud Guild-hall ejufdem Civilatis, die Mercurii,
*' fcilicet, vicefwio quint die Junii, Anno regm Dojnini nvftri Carol i fecundi
" Dt'i Gra/i« Angli3=, Scotise, Francise, &" Flibernis, Regis, Fidei Defeaforis,
" &CC. quarto Decimo, coram Johanne Frederick Milite Majore Civitatis Lon-
♦' don, Thoma Adams Milite & Baronet, Richardo Brown Miiite ^ Baronet,
" U" Thoma Aleyn Milite £5? Baronet, Aldermannis dii^a Civitatis, ac .aliis
" fociis fuis Jujliciariis dicii Domini Regis ad pace?n in Civitate pnediSd ccH'
'■'■ Je>-vandum : Nee non ad diverfa feloma, tranfgrejfwnes U alia 7nalefd£la infra
" eandem Civitatem perpetrata audiendum &' terminandum aj/ignatis, SeJJio ijla
' ' pads adjctirnata fuit per prcefatos Jujliciarios di£fi Domini Regis ibidem, ufque
'' diem Jovis, fcilictt, vicefimum fextum diem ejufde7n Men/is Junii Anno jiipra-
*' diSlo ad horam Septimam ante Meridiem ejujdem diei apud Juflice-hall in le
' ' Old-Bailey in Parochid San^i Sepulchri in War da de Farringdon extra London
*' pra:diLtam tenenda coram pmfatis Jujliciariis & aliis fociis Juis ad faciendum
*' idterius prout curia ccnf.deraverit, 6i.c. Ac ad eundem diem Jovis vicefimum
" fcxtufn diem Junii Anno quarto Decimo fupradiSo, Ceneralis ^arterialis Seffo
*' ifla pads tenta fuit pro Civitate London prmdibia per adjournatnentum apud
" Juflice-hall prcdi"am in parochid ^ IVardd prcedi^is coram prcefatis Johanne
" Frederick Milite Majore Civitatis L^ondon, Thoma Adams Milite & Baronet,
" Richardo Brown Jidilite & Baronet, ^ Thoma Aleyn Milite & Baronet,
" Aldermannis diSlce Civitatis, ac Willielmo Wylde Milite & Baronet, una Ser-
' ' vientium di^i Domini Regis ad Legem, ac Recordatore Civitatis prcediSlcc, ac
" aliis fociis juis Jufticiarns ditli Domini Regis ad pacem in Civitate pradi^d
" confervandum, nee non ad diverja Feloma, Tranfgrejfwnes & alia Malefa^a
" infra eandetn Civitatem perpetrata audiendurn ^ terminandum ajfignatis. Ac
" ad tunc £5? ibidem prcediola Ceneralis ^arterialis SeJjio pads Pnediiics ulterius
«' adjournata fuit per prcefatos Julliciarics ufque dietn P'eneris, fcilicet, Vicefimum.
" j'eptimiim diem dihi Menfis Junii Anno quarto decimo fupradiBo ad horam Septi-
" mam ante Meridiem ejufietn Did apud Jullice-hall pra'di5Iam in Parochid
*' Cs? PVardd pmdi£iis tenenda coram prafatis Jujliciariis i£ aliis fociis juis ad
" faciendum ulterius prout curia confideraverit. Ac fuper inde ad iflam eandem
♦' Generaletn §uartenalem SeJJionetn pads tentam pro Civitate London /tr Ad-
'■^ journametitum prcedi£lum apud Jullice-hall /'r^<^//t7rt;« in Parochid i^ Wardd
" prccdiElis di3o die Veneris vicefimo Septimo die Junii Anno quarto decimo fupra-
•' di5ic, coram prafatis Johanne Frederick Milite Majore Civitatis London,
" Thoma Adams Milite & Baronet, Richardo Brown. Milite £5? Baronet,
" * Richardo Chiverton Armigero, £? Thoma Aleyn Milite i£ Baronet, Alder-
♦' mannis diHe Civitatis, ac Willielmo Wyldc Milite ^ Baronet, uno Servien-
*♦ tium dim Domini Regis ad legem, £? Recordatore ejufdem Civitatis ac aliis
" fodis
* This is Error, for J^ichard Chiverton was not named b.'fore.
X
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 37 j
' ficih fids Jtijliciariis diili Domhu Regis ad pacem in Civitate prcediifd confer- LONDON,
' vandum, nee non ad diverfa Fclonia, Tranfgrejfmies i^ alia Malefatia infra ^c.
' eandem Civitatem perpelrata audiendiaii Q terminandum aj/ignatis, apertd 1662.
' Generali Sluarteriali SJ/fone pradiild, prcrfati Juflieiarii pacis ultimo twminati
' exijJentes Major Pars Jujiiciariorum pacis ipfms Domini Regis infra diolam
' Civitatem London ad tunc, fcilicet, ditto vicefimo feptimo die Junii Anno quarto
' decimo fupradioto apud diulain Parochiam Santii Sepulchri in IVardd de Far-
' ringdon extra London praditfam prafentes exijleiitium ohtulerant, (Anglice
* did tender) Johanni Crook nuper de London Generofo, Johanni Bolton tiuper
' de London Aurfabro, is^ Ifaaco Grey nuper de London Generojo, & eorufn
' cuiltbet jeparatim per fe, ad tunc exiftentibus, ^ eorum cuilibet exijlenti
' ultra Mlatem oBodecim Annorum * 'furamentum ccntentum in quodam At^o
' in parliamento Domini Jacobi imper Regis Angliae tento per -f proroga-
' tionem apud Weflmonafterium in Comitatu Middlelexise quinto die Novembris
' Anno regni Jui Angliae, Francise, tf Hibernix, tertio, id Scotise tricefimo
' nono, nuper edito ij} provifo his Anglicinis verbis fequentibus. 1 do truly
' and fincerely acknowledge, protels, teftify, and declare, in my Confcience
' before God and the World, that our Sovereign Lord King || Charles the
' Second is lawful and rightful King of this Realm, and of all other his
' Majdty's Dominions and Countries. And that the Pope, neither of himfelf,
' nor by any Authority of the Church or See of Rome, or by any other
' Means with any other, hath any Power or Authority to depofe the King,
' or to difpofe of any of his Majefty's Kingdoms or Dominions, or to au-
' thorize any foreign Prince, to invade or annoy him or his Countries, or to
' difcharge any of his Subjects of their Allegiance or Obedience to his Majefty,
' or to give Licence or Leave to any of them to bear Arms, raiie Tumults,
' or to offer any Violence or Hurt to his Majefty's royal Perfon, State, or
' Government, or to any of his Majefty's Subjects within his Dominions. Alio
' I do fwear from my Heart, that notwithftanding any Declaration or Sentence
of Excommunication or Deprivation made or granted, or to be made or
granted by the Pope or his Succeffors, or by any Authority derived or
pretended to be derived from him or his See, againft the faid King, his
Heirs, or Succeffors, or any Abfolution of the laid Subjects from their
Obedience, I will bear Faith and true Allegiance to his Majefty, his Heirs
and Succeffors, and him and them will defend to the utmoft ot my Power
againft all Confpiracies and Attempts whatfoever, which fliall be made
againft his or their Perfons, their Crown and Dignity, by Reafon or Colour
of any fuch Sentence or Declaration, or otherwife, and will do my bcft
Endeavours to dilclofe and make known unto his Majefty, his Heirs and
Succeffors, all Treafons and traiterous Confpiracies which I fhall know or
hear of to be againft him or any of them. And I do farther Swear that I
do from my Heart abhor, deteft, and abjure, as impious and Heretical,
this damnable Doftrine and Pofition, that Princes which be excommunicated
and deprived by the Pope, may be depofed or murthered by their Subjects,
or any other whatfoever. And I do believe, and in my Confcience am
refolved, that neither the Pope, nor any Perfon whatfoever, hath Power to
abfolve me of this Oath or any Part thereof, which I acknowledge by good
and full Authority to be lawfully miniftred unto me, and do renounce all
Pardons and Dilpenlations to the contrary. And all thefe Things I do
plainly and fincerely acknowledge and Swear according to thcfc exprefs
Vol, I. 5 B " Words
* This is Error, becaufe it is not faid, Et fubiitis Domini I{e§,ii. + This (l^oulcl be Pro-
rogitiones, tor there was more than one Prorogation. 1| Ic oug,ht to be with lome txprejTion
of Nlutxiii mutmiis of the Name of King Charles the Hecsnd inftead of King fama, who is
only named in the Att. This is Error, ic is not agreeable to the A£f, tor thac faith only
King fxniSy and certainly the Statute is intended no otherwife, for ic is laid, jor the
Trial of kit Mujeji/s Siibjeils how xhey jUnd ai'disd, &C, and not the Subjeas of his Majefty'i
ileirs and SucceiTorsi
\
374 ^ Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LOiNDON, " Words by me fpoken, and according to the plain and common Senfe and
&c. «' Underflanding of the fame Words without any Equivocation, Evafion or
1662. (c fecret Refervation whatfoever. And I do make this Recognition and Ac-
knowledgement heartily, willingly, and truly, upon the true Faith of a
Chriftian. So help me God. Ac quod 'prcefali Juftkiarii pads ultimo nominati
*'■ * ad tunc ■^ Jcilicet, diiio vicefimo Septimo die Anno quarto deciino fupradiilo
" apud Parochiam i^ Warda7n pmdioJas in diold ^larteriali SeJJione pacts prcB-
'« di5i(E eofdem Johannem Crook, Johannem Bolton, & \\ Ifaacum Grey, (iff
" eorum quemlihet feparatim pier Je requifiverunt ad Juramentutn illud Jxper
" Sacrojan£ia Dei Evangelia capiendum. l^odque iidem Johannes Crook, Johan-
" nes Bolton, £3" Ifaacus Grey, Juramentum pradiHuin fie per prius nominator
" Jufliciarios pads eifdetn Jonanni Crook, Johanni Bolton, if Ifaaco Grey, ut
" prefertur, ohlatum i^ requifitum, ad tunc &* ibidem ol>Jti>iate & pertinaciter
" caper e recujaverunt & quilibet eorujn recufavit %. In malum exetnplutn omniian
" aliorum diols regis nunc fidelium fiibditorum., £5? in contemptum di^i Domini
" Regis nunc legumque fuarum^ contra formam Statuti pradi^i, ac contra pac em
' ' diiii Domini Regis nunc, Coromnn £2* Dignitatem fiias.
" Wild."
Judge. Mr. Crook, you have heard your IndiSlment., what fay you, are you
Guilty or Not guilty ?
y. Crook. I defire to fpeak a few Words in Humilty and Sobernefs, in
regard my Eftate and Liberty lies at (lake : And I am like to be a Precedent
for many more, therefore I hope the Court will not deny me the Right and
Benefit of the Law, as being an Englijhman : I have fome Reafon, before I
Ipeak any Thing to the Indidment, to demand and tell you, that I defire to
know mine Accufers : I have been kept thefe fix Weeks in Prifon, and know
not, nor have feen, the Faces of them.
Judge. We /hall afford you the Right of the Law as an Englifliman, God
forbid you fhoidd be denied ; but you mufi anfwer firft Guilty or Not guilty, that
p) in your Trial you may have a fair Hearing and Pleading ; but if you go on
as you doy (and will not anfuuer Guilty or Not guilty) you will run your felf
into a Prsemunire, and then you lofe the Benefit of the Law, and expofe your
felf. Body and Eftate, to great Hazards, and whatever Viole?ice is offered to your
Perfon or Eftate, you are out of the Kiug's Prote£iion, and lofe the Benefit of
the Law, and all this by your not anfwering Guilty or Not guilty. If you
plead Not guilty you may be heard.
J. Crook. I do defire in Humility and Meeknefs to fay, I fhall not, I dare
not betray the Honefty of my Caufe, and the honefl Ones of this Nation,
whofe Liberty I ftand for as well as my own, as I have Caufe to think I Ihall,
if I plead to the prefent Indidlment before I fee the Face of mine Accufers ;
for truly I am not fatisfied in my Judgment and Confcience that I ought to
plead to a created Offence before you, before I be firft acquitted of the Caufe
of my being brought Prifoner to your Bar, and therefore it fticks with me to
urge this farther, viz. That I may fee mine At7//^ri.——— Interrupted.
Judge. Tlie erranteft T'hief may fay, he is mt fatisfied in his Confcience.
J. Crook. My Cafe is not theirs, yet they have their Accufers, and may
not I call for mine ?
Judge. Tour IndiSlment is your Accifer, and the Grand Jury hath found you
Guilty becaufe you did not Swear. What fay you Mr. Crook, are you Guilty or
are you Not guilty ? If you will not anjwer, or what you have faid be taken
>:"•<■ AA piccm cartfervtndum nee non, &c. are left out,
■; + Et ibidem left out.
jl Immediately after the Tender they (hould be termed Subiitos di3i Domini Regis.
^ Contru debitam quoti libet eorum legeiHciam lliould be here iaferted, for if he be not a
natural born itubjal, cheO<ith iiiiot to be tendred to him.
A
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 375
for your Aiifwer^ as I have told you before, you lofe the Benefit of the Law, and LONDON,
what I tell you is for your Good. &c.
y. Crook. What is for Good, I hope I fhall take it fo, 1662,
Judge. If you will not anfwer you run your felf into a Prxmunire, and you
will lofe the Benefit of the LaWt and of the King's ProteBion, unlefs you ;plead
Guilty or Not guilty.
J. Crook. I ftand as brought forcibly and violently hither, neither had I
been here but by a violent Action, and that you fhould take no Notice of it,
feems ftrange to me, and not only fo, but that you fhould haften me fo fall
into a Ccurfe that I flioiUd not be able any Ways to help my felf, by Reafon
of your fo hafly. and fafl: Proceedings againfl me to put me out of the King's
Protedion, and the Benefit of all Law : I'l^as ever the like known or heard of
in a Court of Jufiice ?
Judge. This is not here the ^leftion, JVJjether you are unjujlly brought here
or not : Do you quefiion that by Law, but not difable your felf to take Advantage
by the Law : If brought by a wrong Hand you have a Plea againji them, but you
mufi firft anfwer Guilty or Not guilty.
J. C?'ook. How can I help my felf when you have outlaw'd me ? There-
fore let Proclamation be made in the Court, that I was brought by Force
hither, and let me fland cleared by Proclamation, as you ought to do, for
you are difcernere per legem quid fit jujlum, and not to do what feems good in
your own Eyes.
Judge. fFhat if no Man tendered the Oath to you when you were committed,
as you f ly, yet it now being tender' d to you, from the Time you refufe it being
tendred by lawful Authority, you refufing are indiEled. JVe look not upon you what
you are here for, but here finding you, we tender you the Oath, and you refufing
it, your hnprijonment is now juft:, and according to Law.
J. Crook. How came 1 here, if you know not I have told you, it is by
Force and Violence, which our Law altogether condemns, and therefore I being
not legally before, am not before you -, for what is tiot legally fo, is not fo : An4
I not being legally brought to your Bar, you ought not to take Notice of my
being here.
Judge. No, no, you are miftaken : So you may fay of all the People gazing
here, they not being legally here, are not here. I tell you a Man being brought
by Force hither, we may tender him the Oath, and if he take it not, he may be
committed to Prifon. Authority has given us the Power, and the Statute Law
has given us Authority to tender the Oath to any Perfon, and fo have we tendred
it to you, and for your not taking it you are indited by the Grand Jury : Anfwer
the Accufation, or confute the Indictment. Tou mufi do the One or the Other,
Ajifwer Guilty or Not guilty.
J. Crook. The Law is built upon right Reafon, or right Reafon is the Law,
and whatever is contrary to right Reafon, is contrary to Law, the Reafon of
the Law being the Law it felf. I am no Lawyer, and my Knowledge of it
is but little, yet I have had a Love to it, for that Reafon I have fpent fomc
kifurable Hours in the Hearing thereof : And the Law is that which I honour,
and is good in its Place, many Laws being juft and good (not all) but I
fity, a great Part of it, or much of it, and it is not my Intention in the leaft
to difparage or derogate from it.
Judge. Mr. Crook, you have been told you mufi plead. Guilty or Not
guilty, or elfe you will run your felf into a Praemunire : Be not your own
Enemy ; nor be not fo obfiinate.
J. Crook. I would not ftand obftinately before you, neither am I lb. If
you underfland it otherwife, it is a Miftake indeed.
Judge. PVill you fpeak to the LuMment ? And then you may plead. If yon
will not a)fwer Guilty or Not guilty, we will record it, and Judgment fhall go
againfi you. Clerl;, enter him.
Recorder, Mr. Crook, if you will anfwer, you may plead for your felf.
Will you take the Oath ? The Qourt takes no Notice how you came hither. IVhat
Jay
y
376 A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, fay you? Will you anfwer ? For a Man inay he brought out of Smithfield hy
&c. "Head and Shoulders, and the Oath tendred to him, and may he committed without
1662. taking any Notice how he came here.
*»-''"V""VJ J, Crook. That kind of Proceeding is not only un'juft, but unreafonable
alio, and againft the Laws aforeiiiid, which fay. No Man Jhall he taken or
imprifoned hut hy Warrant or due Procefs of Law. This kind of Practice to
take Men hy Force, and imprifon them, and then ajk them ^teflions, the anfwer-
vig of which makes them Guilty, is not only unrighteous in it felf, hut alfo
againft Law, and makes one evil ASl, the Ground of another, and one Injury
^ered, to he the Foundation of another. And this is my Cafe this Day.
Judge. Mr. Crook, yon tnuji not he your own Judge : We are your Judges,
hut for our Parts we will not wrong you. Will you anjwer Guiky or Not
guiky ? If not, you will run your Jelf into a Prjemunire itmnediately, and then you
know what I told you will follow : For we take no Notice how you came hither,
hut finding you here, we tender you the Oath.
J. Crook. Then it feems you make the Law a Trepan to cnfnare me, or
as a Nofe of Wax, or what you pleafe. Well, I fhall leave my Caufe with
the Lord, who will plead for me in Righteouihefs. But fuppofe I do take
the Oath now at this Time, you may call me again To-morrow and make
a new Tender, or others may call me before them.
Judge. 2~es, if there he new Matter, or if there fall out an emergent Occa-
fion, whereby you minifler on your Part new Occafion. Mr. Crook, will you
Swear ?
J. Crook. If I do take it To-day, it may be tender'd to me again To-mor-
row, and fo next Day ad infinitum, whereby a great Part of my Time may be
fpent in taking the Oath and Swearing.
Judge. Whe7i you have once [worn, you may not he put upon it again,
except you minifier Occafion on your Part.
J. Crook. Is this the Judgment ot the Court, that the Oath once taken by
me is fufficient, and ought not to be tendred a fecond Time, without new
Matter miniftered on my Part ?
Judge, Tes, you making it appear that you have once taken it.
J. Crook. Is this the Judgment ot the whole Court, for I would not do
any Thing rafhly ?
Judge. 2~es, it is the Judgment of the Court, To which they all ftanding up,
faid Yes.
J. Crook. Then it feems there mull be fome new Occafion miniftred by
me after I have once taken it, or it ought not to be tender'd to me a fecond
Time.
Judge. Tes.
J, Crook. Then by the Judgment of this Court, if I make it appear that
I have taken the Oath once, and I have miniftred no new Matter on my Part,
whereby I can juftly be charged with the Breach of it, then it ought not to
be tendred me the fecond Time : But I am the Man that have taken it once,
being a Freeman of the City of London, when I was made tree, witnefs the
Records in Guild-hall, which I may produce, and no new Matter appearing to
you on my Part, if there do let me know it, if not, you ought not by your
own Judgment to tender it me the fecond Time, for de non apparenlibus & non
exifieiitibus eadem eji ratio.
Judge. Mr. Crook, you are mifiaken, you mufi not think to furprize the
Court with CriliciJmSi nor draw falje Conclufwns from our Judgments.
J. Crook. II this be not a natural Conclufion from the Judgment of the
Court, let right Reafon judge ; and if you recede from your own Judgment
in the fame Breath given, as it were, even now, what Juftice can I expccT: from
you ? For if you will not be juft to your felvcs and your own Judgments,
how can I expect you fhould be juft to me.
Judge. Mr. Crook, If you have taken it, if there he a new Emergency,
you are to take it again, as for Injlance, The King hnth been out of England,
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 377
and n(KV hatb come in again. Tlxre be many thai have taken it iiveyity, thirty, LOMDONj
or forty I'ears fince, yet this new Emergency requires it again ; and althotigh you <^'^-
have taken it, yet you mujt not make it appear before you anfwer Guilty or Not ^^^-
guilty. Therefore do not wrong your felf, and prejudice your felf and Fa?nily.
Do you think that every Fellow that comes hither Jhall argue as you do ? We
have no more to do hit to know of you whether you will anfwer Guilty or Not
guilty. Take the Onth, and then you fball be freed from the Inditlment. If
you will not plead. Clerk record it. What fay yon. Are you Guilty, or Not
guilty ?
J. Crook. Will you not ftand to your own Judgments ? Did you not fay
even now, that if I had but once taken the Oath, it ought not to be tender'd to
me the fecond Time, except I adminillred new Matter on my Part that I have
not kept it, fcfr. But no fuch Matter appearing, you ought not to tender it to
me the lecond Time by your own Confeffion, much Icis to indi(il me tor a
Refufal.
Judge. If you will not plead, we will record it, and Judgment fhall be given
againft you. Therefore fay. Guilty or Not guilty ; or elje we will record it.
The Clerk begins to record it.
J. Crook. Before I anfwer, I demand a Copy of mine Indiftment ; for I
have heard it affirmed by Council, that if I plead before I have a Copy, or
have made my Exceptions, my Exceptions al'terwards againft the Indictment
will be made void. Therefore I delire a Copy of the Indidlment.
Judge. He that fiid fo deferved 7wt the l^ame of a Council ; for the Law is,
Tou mnfl firjl anfwer, and then you Jhall have a Copy, will you plead Guilty or
Not guilty.
J. Crook. If my pleading Guilty or Not guilty will not deprive me of the
Benefit oi qiiafhing the Indi^ment lor Iniufficiency, or the Exceptions that I may
make againft it, I ftiall fpeak to it.
Judge. No, it will not : Will you anfvjer Guilty or Not guilty ? If you plead
not, the Indictment will be found againjl you. Will you anjwer i" Ik'e will Jiay
no longer.
J. Crook. I am upon the Point. Will not my Pleading deprive me of the
Benefit of the Law ? For I am tender in that Relpedi, becaule it is aot my
own Cafe only, but may be the Cafe of Thoufands more ; therefore I would
do nothing that might prejudice others, or my felf, as a Chnjlian, or as an
EngHJhman.
Judge. Underjland your felf {but we will not make a Bargain with you, faid
another Judge) you Jhall have Right done you as an Englilhman, the Way is to
anfwer Gmhy or Not guilty. If you plead and find the Inditlment not good,
you may have your Remedy. Anjwer Guilty or Not guilty.
7. Crook. As to the Indiclment it is very large, and feems to be confufed,
and made up of fome Things true, and fome Things falfe : My Anfwer there-
fore is, What is true in the Indidment I will not de?iy, becaufe I make a Con-
Icicnce of what I fay -, and therefore of what is true I contefs my felf Guilty,
but what is falfe, I am Not guilty of that.
Judge. That is not fujficient : Either anfwer Guilty or Not guilty, or Judg-
ment will be given againjl you.
J. Crook. I will fpeak the Truth as before the Lord, as all along I have
endeavoured to do : I am Not guilty of that which is falfe contained in the
Indiftment, which is the Subftance thereof.
Judge. No more ado : The Form is Jiothing : Guilty or Not.
J. Crook. I muft not wrong my Conlcience, I am Not guilty of what is
falfe, as I laid betbre. What is true I am Guilty of. What is iiot true 1 am
Not guilty of that, which is the Subftance thereof, as I laid before.
Recorder. // is enough, and fijall ferve Turn : Enter that. Clerk.
On the 28th, being the Day called Saturday.
Silence being made, John Crook was called to the Bar. The Clerk of the
ScfTions rea.l fomething concerning the Jury, which was empanelled, as was
Vol. I, 5 C laid
378 A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. L
LONDON, faid on purpofe -, the Jury who were Eye-witneffes of what had paffed between
&C- the Court and the Priloners being difmiffed : And the Jury, appointed to try
if)62, xh&xvi were feme of them Soldiers, who by Violence and Force had pulled
'^'^"^^^"^^ Ibme of them out of their Meetings, and others out of their Houfes. Could
an upright Judginent be expefted trom Men in this Cafe ?
The Jndiament was read.
7. Crook. I defire to be heard a few Words, which are thefe. That ccv^ may
have Liberty till the i:ext garter Se£wm to traxerfe the IndiSiment. It being long
and in Latin^ and like to be a Precedent. And I hope I need not prels it ;
becaufe I underftood that you promifed (and efpecially the Recorder, who
anlwered when it was defired. Ton Jhall) that we fhould have Council alfo, the
which we cannot be expefted to have had the Benefit of, as yet, the Time
being fo Ihort, and we kept Prifoners, that we could not go forth to advife
with Council, neither could we tell how to get them to us : We having no
Copy of the Indiftment before this Morning ; and becauie lb fuddenly hurried
down to the Seffions, we cannot reafonably be fuppofed to be provided, as to
Matter of Law, to make our Defence.
Judoe. We have given you lime enough, and you Jhall have no more ; for
ive zvill try you at this Ti?ne, therefore Swear the Jury.
y. Crook. I defire we may have Juftice, and that we may not be furprifed
in our Trial, but that we may have Time tDl the next ^tarter Sejfions, our
Indidfment being in Latin, and fo brge as it is : And this is but that which
is reafonable, and is the Practice of other Courts : If it be but an AtUon
above 40;. it is not ordinarily ended under two or three Terms. And in the
^larter Seffwns, if one be indided for a Trefpafs, if it be but to the Value
of 5 s. he fliall have Liberty to enter his Travcrfe, and upon Security given
to profecute, he fliall have Liberty till the next SefTions, which is the ordinary
Praftice ; which Liberty we defire, and we hope it is lb reafonable it will
not be denied, efpecially upon this Occafion, we being like to be made a
Precedent ; and Courts of Juflice have ufed to be efpecially careful in making
of Precedents : We are not provided, according to Law, to make our De-
fence at this Time, and theretore if we be put upon it, it will be a Surprifal.
Judge. There is nc great Matter of Law tn the Caje : It is only Matter of
Fa£t : Whether you have refufed to take the Oath or not ? That is the Point in
Jffue ", and what Law can anje here ?
Recorder. Mr. Crook, the Keeper of the Prifon -was fpoke to to tell you, that
we intended to try you this Day, and therefore ordered him that Council niigbt come
to jou, if you would, and aljo that the Clerk fhonld give you a Copy of the In-
dictment, fins is fair, therefore we will go on to fwear the Jury : For the Matter
is. Whether you refuje the Oath or not s' And that is the Jingle Point, and there
needs neither Law nor Council in the Cafe, and therefore we confuiered of it lajl
Night, when we fent you Word, and did determine to try you, and therefore it
is in vain to fay any Thing, for the Court is rejolved to try you now.
J. Crook. I hope you will not furprize us ?
Here feveral others of the Priloners called out for Juftice, and defired
to be heard, before the Jury was fworn ; and one of them fpeaking
pretty earneftly, the txecutioner was ordered to jhp his Mouth,
which he did accordingly. A Proceeding the Court thought expe-
dient, the chief Judge having faid, that if the ^takers had Liberty
to fpcak, they would make themfclves /d>«w/j, and the Judges
odious.
J. Crook. Will you condemn us without Hearing ? This is to deal worfe
with us than Pilate dealt with Christ, who though he condemned him without
a Caufe, yet not without hearing iiim fpeak for himfelf ; but you deny us that.
Judge. • Let Mr. Grey ccme to the Bar.
Room being made, he was conveyed to the inner Bar, where he fpake.
Grey. / defire to know, whether according to Law, and the PracJice of this
Court, my felf and my fellow Prfoners may have Liberty to put in Bail to pro-
fecute, or travcrfe, at the next Seffions ?
Court.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 379
Court. No, we will try you prefently. LONDON,
Judge. Stop their Moulbsy ExLtutioiier. And this was the Cry of many &c.
tpon the Bench. 1662.
J. Crook. You miglit as well have ordered us to be murdcr'd before we ^^^''^^
came hither, as to bruig us hither under Pretence to try us, and nor give us
Leave to make our Defence, You had as good take away our Lives at the
Bar, as to command us thus to be abufed, and to have our Moutlis ftopt.
Was ever the like known ? Let the Righteous God judge between us. Will
you hear me ? You have often promiled tluit you would.
Judge. Hear me, and we will hear you. We may give you Liberty till the
next SeJ/ions j hut we may chufe^ and therefore we will try you now. ^je Law
cf England is not only jufl but merciful, and therefore you fJjall not be Jurprized,
but f}jall have the Jujiicc the Law allows.
J. Crook. I remember what the Judge faid even now, that tiie Law of i
England was a merciful LaWy and that the Court had iliid before, they might
if they would, give us Liberty till the next Seffwns, but they would not. And
the Maxim of the Law is, Summum jus ejl Summa injuria, therefore I hope your
Pradcice will make it good, that it is a merciful Law, and not to excrcife
Summum jus, &c. uppn us, and thereby condemn ypur felves out of your
own Mouths. jliv/'''
Judge. Jury, give in your Verdicl. For the Jury had been direfted not
to ftir from the Bar, bvit told by the Judge that they had nothing to find,
but whether the Priibners had taken the Oath or not, and tliat having been
fworn to, they had no niore to do but to bring them in Guilty.
J. Crook. Let me have Liberty firft to fpeak : It is but a few Words,
and I hope I fhall do it with that Brevity and Pertinency my Underftanding
will give me leave, and the Occafion requires. It is to the Point, on thelc
two Heads, viz. Matter ef -Law, and Matter of Confcience. To Matter- of
L>aw, I have this to fay, Firft, as to the Statute it felf, it was made againft
the Papijls, occafioncd by the Gunpowder-plot, and is intituled. For belter Dtf
covery and Suppreffion of Popifh Recufants. But they have Liberty, .and we
arc deftroyed what in you lies. As to Confcience, I have fomething to fay,
and that is, it is a tender 'thing, and \ye have known what it is to oHend it,
and therefore we dare not break Chrift's Commands, who hath fiid. Swear nqf
at all. And the Apoflle Jatnes faid, Jbove all Things, my Brethren, Swear not.
Here he was interrupted again by the Court, calling to the Executioner
to flop his Mouth, which he did with a dirty Cloth, and a Gag in
his Hand.
Judge. Hear the Jury : Who f^id fomething to him, which was fupppfed ,-..» .a
to give in their Verdict according to his Order.
Judge. Crier, inaJie Sile/ue in the Court. siUnce.
Then the Recorder taking a Paper in his i^and, read to this Pur-
pofe, viz.
The Jury for the King clo find, that John Crook, Jolin Bolton, and Ifaac
Grey, are guilty of refufing to lake the Oath of Allegiance, for which you da
incur a, PrEemunire, which is the Forfeiture of all your Real EJlates during Life,
and your Perfonal EJlates for ever, and you to be out of the King's Protection,
and to he imprifoned during his Pleafure. And this is your Sentence.
J. Crook, But we are flill under God's Protection.
Recorder. Adjourn the Court. Which was done accordingly. And the
Prifoners reinanded back to Newgate.
By the foregoing Trial it is apparent, how ftrenuous the Endeavours of Men is'otei on- the
in Authority at that Time were to extirpate tl:^ ^takers, not giving them ^''"'•
any Opportunity of defending themfelves after the Indidlment was read, but
running them inftantly on a Trial whom they were predetermined to convift.
During the Trial of the aforefaid Perfons, about fifty others were brought
from Nczc'gdte to the SelTions-houfe by the Keepers, but the Bench in a paf-
Honate Manner ordered them back again. About an Hour after, the Keepers
hurried
3 So
A Collei^ion of the Sufferings Vol. l\
LONDON, hurried them again to the Court, whither being come, the Judges looking
^<^' angry, cried out, Away -with thariy carry them back again ; lock them up^
away with them. Thus were they hurried to and fro, but no Procedure had
againft them that Day.
On the ill of the Month called July, being the Day called TuefcJay, about
eighty Perlbns were brought from Newgate to the Seflions-houle, and many of
tliem called to anfwer by two, Six, and Ibmetimes ten together, as the Clerk
had feen fit to joyn them in one fliort Indidment, there being Indiftments pre-
pared againft about an Hundred of them in the following Form, viz.
"• London fs.
1662.
Irtiictmems
Jgiw]t -near
an hundred.
Form of tks
Jvdiil«ie>its.
JtUJs defer-
red, till mo-
ther Sejfmts.
iC
I H E Jurors for our Lord the King do prefent upon rhcir Oath, that
A. B. late ot London, &c. together with divers other Perfons to the
liiid Jurors unknown, to the Number of an Hundred Perfons, ' Day
of JunCy in the fourteenth Year of our Sovereign Lord King Charles the
Second, of England, Scotland, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, ^c. with
Force of Arms, i^c. in London, Sec. to wit, in the Parifli of St. Anne and
Agnes in the Ward of Alder/gate, London, aforefaid, under Pretence of per-
forming religious Worfhip, otherwife than by the Laws of this Kingdom
of England in this Kingdom is eftablifhed, unlawfully and tumultuoufly did
gather and aflemble themfelves, to the great Terror of his Majefty's People,
and to the Difturbance of the Peace of our now Lord the King, in Con-
tempt of our faid Lord the King and his Laws, to the evil Example of all
others in the like Cafes offending, and againft the Peace of our faid Lord
the King, his Crown and Dignity."
Moft of the Prifoners pleaded Not guilty, and defired a prefent Trial, but
were told by the Court, that they fhould not be tried till next SefTions. Thofe
who pleaded not in Form, had their Indiftments taken pro confejfo, and were
fined fome an Hundred Pounds, others an Hundred Marks. Several others,
irregularly committed by Soldiers, without Warrant or Mittiinus, and having no
Indittment or Charge againft them, the Court either enfnared by tendring them
the Oath of Allegiance, or requiring Bail, which they could not give. So that
all who appeared at that SelTions were recommitted to clofe Prilbn, where they
fuffered much, as appears by the following Account written by one of them,
.An Account
vritien by
ent of the
rrifoners.
" TT T E are now about feven-fcore of us Prifoners in this Place, remaining
<c
upon the Accounts before mentioned, and divers of our Friends,
when they were firft brought into Newgate, were put into a very nafty
ftinking Place called the Hole, where they always put the condemned Per-
lbns, between their Sentence and Execution, and fome Friends have been
put there twenty four Hours, and then put up into the Chapel fo many
together that they could not all lie upon the Floor, but were crouded and
thronged in a pitiful Manner, fome lying in Hammocks, and fome no
Lodging at all, but divers have been necefTitated to lie upon the Leads
all Night without Doors, and fo thronged have we been within, that we
were near ftifled with extraordinary Hear, infomuch that it hath been dan-
gerous to caufc Sicknefs and Dileafes, but the Mercy of the Lord hath
preferved us generally in Health, except fome few, who have been vifited
with Sicknefs for a Time, and only two are departed this Life, one of
which was a frefh lively young Man, and being put into the dark noifome
Hole before mentioned, where condemned Prifoners are put, he took his
Sicknefs there, and on his Death-bed he would cry out often of the noifome
ftinking Prifon, as the Occafion of his Diftemper, and alfo it was the
Judgment of both the Juries, that pafTed on each of the dead Bodies (for
any of the Priibncrs dying, a Jurv muft pafs upon them ro find out the Caufc
" of
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
381
CI
tc
C(
of their Death) tint though they died of a Natural Sicknefs, yet the LONDON,
Occafion of their Sicknefs might pofiibly be their itrait Imprifonment in &c«
fuch noifome Prilons, and fo many put together. Yet are not all thefe 1662.
Things regarded, but we are ftill thronged up and detained in cruel Bonds, ^-'"WJ
being a great many poor Men among us, wjiofe poor Families are expofed
to Ruin thereby, their poor Wives and Children crying out daily for Want
of Hufbands and Fathers, their Trades ruined, and their Cuftomers com-
plaining, and thus the Ruin of many is threatned by Reafon of this hard
*' Imprifonment, yet little Notice at all can be taken of this by any in Au-
" thoricy, but all Hearts fliut up, and Compaffion fled away, and the Inno-
«' cent ililTering under the Oppreffion of Men, and no Man regards it."
Their Cafe was fo exceeding hard and moving, as to induce about thirty
Pcribns of their Brethren, then at Liberty, to fign and preient the following
Petition,
" To the Mayor and Sheriffs of London.
FORASMUCH as it hath fo come to pafs, that matiy of our
Friends, to the Number of feven-fcore, are now clofe Prifoners in
Newgate^ being violently taken and haled by rude Soldiers, and armed
Men, out of our peaceable Meetings, which we hold only for the Worfhip
of God ; and whereas divers of the laid Prifoners are very poor Men, fome
of them being poor Houfe-keepers, and others among them poor Servants
in and about this City, and by Reafon of their clofe Imprilonment, not
being permitted of their Keepers to go about any of their Occafions, though
their Neceffity often required ; and forafmuch as the Families of the
faid poor Prifoners are expoied to utter Ruin by Reafon of the faid Im-
prifonment, and alfo being kept fo many together in clofe noifome
Rooms in this Summer Sealon, it hath occafioned Difeafes and Sickneis,
infomuch that two ot them are d^arted this Life, and others are fick at
this prefent, and more liable to the fame Danger, if not timely prevented ;
Therefore we their P'riends and Brethren, who are one with them in their
Sufferings, and afflifted with them, and do own the fame Caufe for which
they fuffer, do defire that you would take into Confideration their fad
Eftate, and find fome Way how they may be relieved, that their Families
may not be utterly ruined, nor their Perfons expofed to Death : And if no
other Way can be found tor their Relief, if they may not have the Liberty
to follow their Occafions for fome Weeks, or until fuch Time as you fhall
call for them, which we defire on their Behalfs, and are here ready to give
our Word?, that they Ihall become Prifoners again as you fhall appoint
" them : And if no other Way can be found, then we, a certain Number of
" us, do prefent our Bodies to you, offering them freely to relieve our afflidted
" and opprcffcd Brethren, and are ready to go into their Places, and to fuffer,
*' as Prifoners in their Room, for your Security, that fo many of the poorefl
" of them, as we are here, may have their Liberty to go about their needful
" Occafions, whether it be for fome Weeks, or until you fhall call for them,
" as you fee meet in your Wifdom. All which we do in Humility of Heart,
" and Sincerity of our Minds, and in the Fear of God, and Love to our
" Brethren, that they may not perifh in Prifon, and in Love to you, that in-
" nocent Blood and Oppreffion may not come upon you, but be prevented
♦' from ever being charged againfl you."
An egregious Inflance of Chriflian Charity, which though not fo ftridly legal
as to be accepted, yet fhews on the Part of thofe who offered it, the fer-
vent Love they bore to their Brethren, who were thus willing to hazard their
own Lives tor the Prefervation of the Sufferers.
In the Time of the Seffions, Charki Bailey, and two other Friends, came to
an Houfe not far off, to hear how Matters went with their perfecuted Friends :
Vol. I. 5 D The
c<
It,
<(
t(
Cc
t(
((
((
i(
((
4(
i(
it,
iC
It,
(C
cc
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it
cc
Petition,
]{e marks on
that Petition.
382
LONDON,
' &C.
1662.
fte Ojith ten-
deri to C.
Bailey, unl
others.
Piverfe
beiten,
1 5 Others im.
J'ifonci,
A Monthly
Intelligence.
j4 Colkclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
The Court being informed where they were, fent for them, tendred them the
Oath, and committed them to Prifon.
Among the Prifoners feveral had been grievoufly beaten and abufed, fome
by Order of Alderman Brown^ and in his Prefence, others by his own Hands,
viz. IJaac Merritt^ John Brown, Ihomas Spire, William Hill, John Cooke, Ar-
thur Baker, George Abelfon, Nicholas Blilhold, and Thomas Lacey.
On tlie 1 3 th of the Month called July were added to the Number of Prifoners in
Newgate, John Shields, Robert Pate, Anthony Skillington, and ten others, taken in a
Meeting at the Bull and Mouth, from whence alfo two others were fent toBridewelL
The Occurrences of the next Month are related in a printed Sheet, written
by an Eye-witneft thereof, which we fhall tranfcribe, viz.
" A Monthly Intelligence, relating the Affairs of the People called
" Quakers in and near about the City of London, concerning th
" Violence and Perfecution daily brought forth againfi them, frotn
" the I ft Day of the Sixth Month called Auguft, until the ifl Day
" of the Seventh Month f^//*?^ September 1662.
I
u
T is not unknown that they have been a perfecuted, and afflidcd, and
fuffering People for many Years, even by all the Powers that have ruled
in thefe Kingdoms. And though many Overturns the Lord hath fuffered to
be, and Men of diverfe and different Principles have borne Rule in the
Land, even fuch as have been contrary minded one to another, and fome of
one Sort have been pulled down, and others contrary to them have been
let up in the Nation, yet notwithftanding they have always felt the Wrath
of the Wicked upon them, and all Sorts have perfecuted them, and tliis
only hath been their Portion in the Land, from all that haVe had Power-
However they have di&greed amongft themfelves in Points of Government
" in Church and State, and fought the Deftruftion one Sort of anodier, yet
*',inthis they have agreed, and been of one Heart and Mind, to perfecute,
♦' imprifon, and deal violently with this People, as if they were a People
" only tor the Wrath of ungodly Men, and this is not unknown to the
'♦' World, though all Men fhould be filent, and they have Patience, yet Pru-
"" dence teacheth at this Time to make known and publick fome of thofe
"" hacd Dealings and Perfecutions they have lately met withal in and about
*' this City.
' " Firji, fo it was, on the 3d Day of the Month aforefaid, being the Firft-
"" day of the Week, there was a Meeting at the Bull and Mouth (the iifual
Place and Time of dieir Meeting) and the People being peaceably fitting
together, and waiting upon the Lord to feel the Virtue of his Life and
Power, and Prefence among them, as at other Times, while fo waiting,
between the Hours of ten and eleven in the Morning, came violently rufh-
ing into the Meeting a Party of Soldiers, cornmanded by a Perfon vvhofe
Qualities the Neighbours can tell you of, and his Name may be mentioned
in fealbnable Time, he came ihto the Meeting with his Sword drawn, and
his Party fome of them in like Manner, who fell on to beat and abufe
the poor innocent People, in a very violent and fliametul Way, with their
Canes in one Hand, and Swords drawn in the Other, neither fparing Age
nor Sex, but laid on with what Force and Strength they could, marching
up the Meeting on this wife, and making themfelves Way by beating, and
kicking, and hurling the People on Heaps, and pufhing them with the
Ends of their Mufkets and Weapons ; and a certain Peribn being declaring
In the F'ear of the Lord among the People to the edifying of their Souk,
the Soldiers fan violently upon him, and widi much Force pulled him
down, and cried. Secure him ; and alfo continued to beat and hale the People,
cc
r.
Ci
crying. Be gone, be gone^
Nick-naming, and Icorning, and thrcatning, and
" fwcaring.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 383
«« fwearing, and crying. Fire at them : And thus they continued for about two LONDOJT,
*' Hours in the moll cruel iwid abufive Manner as may be named, laying on &c.
*' upon the Heads, and Shoulders, and Faces of the People, with their Swords, 1662.
*' Staves, and Butts of iVluflcets, and haling them out of Doors, and many LyV^VJ
*' went away fore bruifed, never refifting them, nor ufing many Words to-
'' wards them, only one Perfon afked the Soldiers in thefe Words, Do ye
" know, faid he, ivhofe PFork ye are doing ? and one of tlic Soldiers anfwered
" in thefe Words, with an Oath, /, for my Fart, ferve the Devil, and his
*' Works I will do. So when they had wearied themfelves with Itriking, and
•' haling, and kicking, in Manner as declared, they took iiway one Man, and
•« four Women, and guarded them away to Newgate, where the Goaler
*' received them without either Warrant or Mitttjmts, and there they ftaid fome
«' Hours, and then were led away before Major-General Brown, whofc Ex-
" amination was much like that of the others, of whom you have formerly
*' heard : And the young Man, (bring a good Servant, and well beloved of
" his Mafter, who was not a ^mker) was fent to Bridewell, where lie was
*' cruelly tormented for divers Days, being forced to ftand in the Manacles
*' to his grievous Pain : (At that Time alfo there were two more of his
" Friends in the Hime Place, put there only for being at a Meeting, who had
" been forced to ftand in the fame Manner for many Days, till fuch Time as
" they were both taken with Sicknels, and one of them, at that very Time,
* ' was near Death in Appearance) and his Mafter, who loved his good and
*' honeft Servant well, and was no i^taker, made Application to Sir Richard
*' Brown to have his Servant relealed, ufing his Sicknefs as an Argument
" thereunto •, to which the inercilefs Man replied. Let bi?n die like a Rogue as
*' he is, and fuch like Words : And after fome Examination, the four "Women
" alfo were fent back to Newgate, where they remained till the Seflions •, and
" there were indifled for being at an unlawful tumultuous Aflembly, is'c. and
*' they were tried, and fined each One a certain Suin.
" The Firft-day following the People kept their Meeting at the fame Place,
*' according as they ufed to do, and when they were gathered together,
*' and a Perfon being moved to fpeak to them in the Fear of the Lord, in
*'- comes a Party of Soldiers, rufhing and rioting with a Noife of Swords and
" Armour, and crying to the People, Be gone, what do you here ? And
*' went up to the Place where the Perfon that was fpeak ing ftood, and pulled
*' him down, and haled him with Violence, and took him away to Newgate
*' with a Guard of Soldiers, where he remained fome Weeks. The 12th,
*' 13th, and J 4th Days of the Month, the Seflions were held at the Old-Bailey,
*' to which Place, divers Companies of the Shtakers, fometimes twelve, and
*' fometimes twenty together, were led and haled as great Malcfiftors belore
*' their B;nch, and as they pafled, the People cried. Ah, what wofid Days
*' are thefe, that fu€h honefi People with fuch good Countenances, fhould be haled
" up nnd do^tvn to Courts and Prifons ! U^jat Pity it is ! cried they. Well,
*' being fet to the Bar, like Thieves and Robbers, a Jury was called (lurh
s'- Perfons, you muft know, as would well lute the Time, and do their in-
'*' tended Bufinefs, and deal hardly wrh the poor People, as indeed it proved
'' in the Refuk of the Matter) and the Indictments being read, and the Wit-
" nefles heard ; then the Prifoners were aftced, What they bad to fay for their
*' Defence ? To which many of the Prifoners anfwered, and pleaded both with
*' Law and Reafon, and made fome Exceptions againft the Witnefles, who
" were the very Men that had themfelves illegally apprehended the Perfon^,
" and were the very Parties againft the Prifoners, and yet were called to be
*' Witnefles too •, and there was fuch Stammering and Contradiftion in their
*' own Mouths, as made the Beholders hifs at them, fometimes eight, fome-
•' times ten of the Priloners called in a Company, and for the moft Part it
*' was the Man that commanded the Party of Soldiers, that beat them and
" abufed them, and apprehended- them, as you have heard, who was called
" to fwear and evidence againft the very fame Peribns, whom he had (b-uck
" and
384
LONDON,
&c.
1662.
A Colledion oj the Sufferings Vol, I.
and haled with his Party of Soldiers in Manner as aforefaid, and though the
Frifoners did juftly except againft the Witneffes, as being Parties, and the
Perlbns that had violated the Law themlelves, and fuch like, yet no Notice
of this would be taken by the Court, nay, though one Witnels faid one
Thino-, and faid contrary to the fame Thing in one Breath, yet no Notice
would be taken, but all pafled as right Evidence, and when the Judge
afked one Witnefs (that was the only Witnefs, for there was only he againft
ten Perfons) Are 'jou certain, fays the Judge, that thefe are the Perjom that
you took at that Meeting ? The Witnels replied, My Lord, faid he, / do?i't
know the Faces of the Men, but thefe Men's Names I have in a Note here.
Well, all this paffed as Currant, both with the Court and Jury : Judge then
what Men the Jury were made up of) and all was taken as Verity, and
moil of the Priibners were taken from the Bar, and not fuifered to fpeak
their Minds in Defence of their Caufe, but haled rudely away by the Goalers.
And by fuch kind of Proceedings the Prifoners were brought in Guilty, and
fentenced by the Court fo much Fine, fome an Hundred Marks, and fome
twenty Pounds, and fome lefs, and all committed to Prifon till Payment,
and divers of the Prifoners were not tried at all, for no Man would appear
to accufe them, nor wimefs againft them, yet were they not difchargcd by
the Court, as in Juftice they ought to have been, but were fcnt back to
Prifon again.
" All this Month, and for two Months before, the Prifons about the City,
efpecially Newgate, have been full of thefe Prifoners, for all this Summer-
time, and many together thronged up in narrow ftinking Holes, and not
permitted to have Air, but fo Itraitned for Room, that many great Incon-
veniencies have befallen them, and dangerous Sickneftes and Difeafes have
come upon many, infomuch that divers have fallen fick of dangerous Fevers,
and fome been reftored again, and eight or ten Prifoners have laid down the
Body, even for a Teftimony againft their Perfecutors, whofe Blood will be
accounted one Day in the Number of Innocents, and according to the
Judgment of many, even fome of the Jury-men, that fat upon the dead
Bodies, were of that Judgment, that the very Occafion of that Sicknels was
the Straitnefs and Narrownels of the Prifons, being fo hot, and in fuch
Throngs, that they had not Room to lie down all at once, which hath oc-
cafioned the Death of divers honeft Men, and ior fome Time every Day
iome fell fick, and two and two were carried to their Graves together from
Newgate, which made the People cry out of the Cruelty of fuch Proceed-
ings, that honeft Men ftiould lofe their Lives in Prifons, and be borne away
by two and two together in one Week, which made the Beholders
aftonifhed ; and this is obfervable, that moft of the Perfons that died,
upon their Death-beds cried out of the Cruelty of the Rulers, and that a
terrible Day is at hand upon them, a Day of Vengeance upon the IP'icked, and
defired all their Friends to be faithful, and fuch like Words were in their
Mouths at the Time of their Departure, who we believe gave up their
Lives for the Truth and Teftimony of the Lord Jefus Chrift, and their
Reward is with them for ever, and their Memories Ihall live for ever, and
never die, nor be blotted out of the Record of the faithful Martyrs.
" About the 19th and 20th Days of the Month, the SelTions were held
again at the Old-Bailey, to which Place it was llippofed that more of the
Prifoners would have been brought in order to a Trial, for many remained
ftill untried, but nothing was laid to their Charge as yet -, tor fome of
them were never before any Magiftrate, but taken out of Meetings by
ru(.ie Soldiers, as you have heard, and guarded away to Newgate, and never
had to Examination, nor committed by any Civil Officer, but not one of
tlie Prifoners were called that Seflions.
" About this Time there was a Seffions at Hicks's-hall, for the County of
Middlejex, where divers of the People called Shtakers were brought, for there
was in the Ncw-Prfon, the Goal tor that County, about tifty Perfons of the
" faid
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS, 385
*' faid People, who at divers Times had been taken out of feveral Meetings ifi LONDON,
*' the County, and moft of them committed by the Lieutenant of the Tower, &c-
*' and fome ot them had lain in that Prifon three Months, and never called 1662.
*' to any Trial before this Time, and divers Perfons were then called and
" indittcd for being at unlawful Meetings, iSc. and only feven of them were
*' fined, two of them 5/. apiece, and one Man 10/. and fent 10 Newgatey
*' there to continue till Payment.
" And the 27th of the fame Month, the Seffions were kept again at Hicks' s-
*' ImU^ to which Place all the whole Company of Prifoners were called before
•' the Bench, above forty in Number, and only called over, and fome Quef-
**• tions afked them, and all dilcharged by the Court, only five excepted*
*' who were fent to Newgate as excepted Perfons, and the difcharged Perlons
" fent back to Prifon again, and kept there tor Fees about five Days, and
" then all let go forth at their Liberty.
" The Occafion of their Releafe w.is on this wife, there being about two
•' Hundred of the laid People at divers Times taken out of their Meetings,
*' and committed into the Goals of London and Middlefex, as you have heard,
*' and the King having Information and Knowledge of the fame (as it is fup-
*' pofed by fome of the Magiftrates of the City) he was pjeafed (whether upon
*' any Application made to him by fome of them, or for what End I know
" not) upon the Occafion of the ^een's firft Coming to Whitehall^ being a
" Day and Time of Rejoicing for that Reafon, to fend a Letter to the Mayor
*' and Magiilrates, fignitying, T'bat whereas divers Perfons going under the
*' Name 0/" Quakers, and others of Separation, were imprifoned for being at
*' unlawful Meetings, yet did prof efs all Obedience to him, and it was hoped that
*' for the Time to come, fome of the faid People would conform themfelves ; and
" upon the Occafion of his Rojal ConforCs frji Coming to his Palace at White-
" hall, he would have them difcharge and enlarge ail the faid People cut of the
*' Goals of London and Middlefex, excepting Juch as had been indited for re-
*' fufing the Oaths of Allegiance, or were Ringleaders or Preachers among them.
" This was the very Purport of the Letter, according to which all, lave a
*' few Perfons excepted, were difcharged in a few Days after : Only by the
*' Goaler of Newgate, thole that were in his Prifon were kept by him about
*' five Days for Fees, as before is laid concerning the Goaler of New- Prifon,
*' till at kfl the Sheriff went in Perfon to Netvgate, the 28th Day of the
*' Month, and what Difcourfe fell out between him and the Goaler I know
*' not, only I heard fome Words of CrolTnefs was between them about the
*' Bufinefs, the Goaler denied to let them forth till they had paid their Fees,
*' but the Sherift' would have them forth, accordingly he caufed the Doors tb
*' be opened, and the Prifoners were called over, and all that were committed
•' by Sir Richard Brown he let at free Liberty, except only about fix that
*' were excepted by the Mayor and the Court, according to the King's Letter,
* ' fo that at this Time the Goals of London and Middlcfx, are almoft clear of
*' the ^takers, faving about twelve remaining;
" But the Envy ol fome Men, againfl: this People, was not at an End,
*« though the King's Clemency and Favour was extended toward them in
*' releafing them, for on the 23d Day of the Month, the very Day of thfc
" Publication of the King's Letter, John Bolton, Ifaac Grey, and John Crook,
" the three Perfons that were indicted and fentenced with 'a Prcetnunire, and
" had their Eftates feized upon immediately alter Sentence, as ye have heard
" heretotbre, were fet free by the Goaler^ and went out of the Prifon, all
«' looking upon themfelves as difcharged Perfons, and were aftually delivered
" by the Goaler himielf -, notwithfl:anding, two Days after, the Goalei-'s Ser-
•« vant fetched two of them into Prifon again, only J. Crook was gone into
»' the Country, and could not be lound, the Bottom of which Bufinefs, nor
*« the Reafon of it cannot yet be lound out, but many do cry out at the In-
" juflice of it, that Men lliould be delivered out of Prifon by the Goaler
«• himfelf, and within two D.iys to fend his Servants to take up Men again
Vol. I. 5 E «♦ legidly
386 A Colled:ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, " legally delivered, and hurry them into Prifon, where they are yet de-
^c. " tained.
1662. .c y^jj-Q ji^g 24th Day of the Month, the very next Day after the Publica-
tion of the King's Letter, being the Firft-day of the Week, there was a
" Meeting, according as it ufed to be in JVheeler-jlreet, into whicli Meetino-,
" when the People were quietly waiting upon the Lord, came rufliing forne
" Officers, and violently abufed fome, and took away about nine Perfons,
" and brought them before a Juftice of the Peace, and they were committed
" to New- Prifon, and kept twelve Days, and then fet at Liberty. Alio the
«' fame Day, in the Evening, Sir Richard Broivn (fome of his Military Offi-
" cers being in Company with him) met a Perfon in the Street, going about
" his lawful Occafions, who had been let iorth of Nevsgate the Day before,
*' difcharged by the King's Letter: Said Sir Richard Bro-x- 11, wlien he faw
" him, There's a Quaker, take him up afid carry him lo the Counter, and
" witliout more ado, the Perfon was carried by fome Military Officers, and
" had away to IVcod-ftreet-Counter, where he remains to this Day.
" Now we draw near to the End of the Month, which ends in the lame
" Manner as it beg.ui, in Cruelty and Wickedneis ; for on the laft Day of the
" Month, being the Firft-day of the Week, the People were peaceably met
♦' together at the Bidl and Mouth, and for two Hours kept their Meeting,
" and were ready to difmifs their Meeting, and after the eleventh Hour, came
*' rulhing and roaring into the Meeting Major-General Bro-^n, with a Party
*' of Men with their Swords drawn, in the rudefl Manner as may be exprelfcd,
*' and as foon as they were entred within the Houfe an:iong the People, they
*' cried, Shut the Door, make it faft ; which w;is done by fome of them :
*' Many of the People wonder'd at their Intentions, thinking their Purpofe
" had been to have murder'd them, but the Officer and his Party fell on to
" beat, and ftrike, and wound the People in a fearful Manner, knocking
" down diverle to the very Ground, where lay fix or eight Perfons all at once
" without Doors, dragged forth by Head and Shoulders, and caft down upon
" the Pavement and in Kennels, half dead by fore Blows and inhuman Strokes,
" the Officer having in one Hand a Club about a Yard long, which feemed
" to be as much as he could well handle for Bignefs and Weight, with which
" he laid on about him without Mercy or Manhood, as did the moft of his
" Party, in the moft unmerciful Manner that ever any beheld in this City
" in Time of Peace, for they neither regarded Age nor Sex, Man nor
" Woman, Young nor Old, but cut and bruifed on the one Side and on t!:e
" Other, and haled them into the Streets, and there beat lome down to the
*' Ground again. One Perfon was knockt down five Times, and fuch was the
♦* Cry of the Lookers on, for there were Abundance in the Street, that were
" no ^takers, that many of them got grievous Blows for their pitiful Words,
" who cried out. Shame, Jfjame, that ever thefe Things fhould be feen in
*' London, that one Neighbour fiiould dius fall upon another, like Maflacre
" and Butchery, in fuch inhuman Sort •, for the Blood lay vifible in the Streets,
" and running down their Faces and Shoulders. Thus they continued in a
" vile Manner, abufing the poor People, for about the Space of two Hours,
" infomuch that one Man was wounded on his Head, and his Scull cut, fo
" that his Brains were feen, as fome fay, who was forthwith had to a Surgeon,
" and he is now very weak of ifis Wound, by fome thought irrecoverable.
" Alfo another Perfon, lying weak and at the Point of Death about x.i:.n
" Days, is now * dead, by Reafon of Blows and Bruifes received, which is
" fettled
o
" * His Name was J»{in TroTOtf//. His dead Body was conveyed to the Btt// and AfoHt/>
Meeting-Room, where he received the Wounds and liruiles that occalioned his Death.
Upon View and Lnquiry made by the Coroner and his Inqueft, wich the Surgeons at-
tending them, it was evident that the Man was abfoiatcly murdered, and that ic was done
by Ibme or other of the Trained-Bands who came to that Aleeting ; but it did aot app.ar
♦'' *ho
cc
((
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS, 387
«« fettled upon him inwardly, for he was feen knockt down in the Street, and LONDON^
•' then the Man that did it violently trampled with his Feet upon his Heart.
" One Woman was wounded, and many fore bruifed, the Marks to be leen
«« upon their Heads and Shoulders to this tioiir, and it is thought fome will
•' never be found Pcrlons again, and divers went bleeding away, who had like
*' to have fainted e'er they got Home, by Realon of Bruifes and Wounds,
*' and when it was alked lome of the Soldiers, JVIo-^ they v.mld be jo cruel to
" their Neighbours ? One ol them anfwered. Nay, we are more merciful than
" we ought to be, for we have Orders to kill, and his Mufket was double
«' charged with Bullets, as molt of the Parties were to his Knowledge, and
«* fome were fcen to chew their Bullets when they loaded their Mufkets, and
*' one Hanger and one Weapon were bodi feen broken by force of Blows over
*' Men's Heads : And as if this were not enough, that the Soldiers could do,
it was obferved, that fome wicked Perfons, not under Command, fell in with
the Soldiers, and drew their Swords, one or two Papi^s, as will be proved,
if need require, and they were feen to lay about them, and ftrike and wound
with their Swords ; and one that knew one of them, fpake to him, and
faid, Is it not a Shame for you to be here at this Work, that are a fuffering
People your fives r For Sbajiie, for Shame leave ojf. So then he flunk away.
Another, a Footman, being an Irijhman and a Papifl, who had a Kinfwoman
there called a S^uaker, told her, that he law divers there of their Church,
which did beat, cut, and lay about them in a violent Manner, and one in
particular, who is generally reputed a Papift, a great OfHccr in the Yellow
Regiment of the Trained-Bands, and not pertaining to the Red Regiment,
who was that Day on the Duty, and by lome is laid to be Apothecary to
the Queen, was there, fell in with the Soldiers, and leen by many that
*' knew him well, (whole Place and Name is well known, though fliall not
*' now be mentioned) to lay about with a naked Sword in a violent Manner.
*' And when they had continued thus without ceafing lor about two Hours,
" they went away for new fiecruits, and in lefs than an Hour came again,
*' and many more ot them, and the People were coming together again for the
*' Afternoon Meeting, and the Soldiers fell on again in the fame Manner as
'' before, and continued till five in the Evening, and one Man was committed
" for only pointing with his Hand to a Perlon that lay in the Street : Thus
*' the laft Day ot the Month was fpent. Let all honeft and fober People
*' judge of thefc Things. Moreover the next Day fome of the lame Soldiers
*' were heard to fay, That the next Day they would cut the Throats of fome, if
" they were hanged for it. Diverfe Perfons this Month have been committed,
»' becaufe they could not fend out Soldiers in the Trained-Bands, who have
»' refufed in Confcience to fend out Men to deal thus by themfelves and their
" Friends, as you have heard, for this kind of Dealing is moft of the Work
*' which the Trained-Bands in London have done for this laft three Months,"
For about fix Weeks after this, the Meetings in the City were generally A f-r.rt
quiet, the Death of the murdered Man, and the Apprehenfion of Trouble. Afj}''^'
which might have followed, having probably ftruck lome Damp upon the
pcrfecuting Magiftratcs, for the prelent, who neverthelefs foon returned to the
lame Practice.
On
•' who was the particular Man that killed him, though the Inqueft did their Endeavour to
" difccver the Murderer ; for vthole Lfcape the City had been liable to a Fine, if the Jury
" had brought in a Verdict of wiijtU Murier ; to avoid vihich it was thought they lulpeuded
" the Matter, and at length let it drop. An Account ot that Day's barbarity, and this
" Perfon's Murder in particular, was printed and prelented to the King by one of thoft'
" called il^ittlcrs, to whom the King replied, / jffure j/ou it wjs not by my Advice thit dvy of
«' your Friends jihouli hejlai>i. Ton mufl tell the M.igijtrutes of the City of ii, and frojecute tbi
" Liw agdr.ji them. But }{idurd Brown hearing ot the laid Paper's being (iircad, committed
" the Author, who had put hisName to it, tu Nevgnte, for difperlin^ Icandalous Papers,
" as he was pleated to call them.''
388
LONDON,
&c.
1662.
Numbers com-
mitted from
the fe-JirJ
Meeting!.
3 Touyrg^ Mi7i
feiii to New-
gate.
violence of
R. Brown.
R. Crane /«-
prijoiied for
t«riti>!g a.
Book called.
The Cry of
Newgite.
A Lifl of
ihofe who died
in Newgate,
or of Siibiefs
concritlei
ther;.
ji Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. L
On the 7th of September two Women were committed to Bridewell for an
Adtion, which though extraordinary, has fome Refemblance to what on par-
ticular Occafions holy Men and Prophets have been moved to : Thefe Women
entred Pr7///'s Cathedral in Time of Worfhip, one of them having her Face
blackt, and her Hair let down with Blood poured upon it, which ran down
upon Sackcloth fhe had on, Ihe alio poured Ibme Blood upon the Altar, and
uttered fome Words as fhe did it. This fecms to have been done as a pro-
phetick Warning of deferved Vengeance for the innocent Blood fo lately Ipilt
in the City.
On the 28 th of OBober the Meetings were again violently broke up by
Soldiers, and that Day were committed to Newgaie, from the Meeting at the
Bull ;ind Mouth, eighty Perfons : From the Peel in John's-Jlreetj one Hundred
and twenty eight : From Alderfgate-ftreet, eight Perlons, befide the Woman of
the Houfe : From U'Lieeler-jIreet, fix : And feveral from JFeJlminfier : Alio
thirty two who were driven from the Bull and Mouth to Bridewell by ths
Soldiers.
On the 2d of November were committed from Wloeeler-Jireet, feven ; one cf
whom they took in the Street, not at the Meeting : On the fame Day one
from Mile-end-Green was lent to Prifon : Alio three young Men, going toward
Hanmerfmith, were feized by fome Soldiers of die Guard, and kept Prifoners
that Day and all next Night, lodging on the Boards. Next Day a Corporal
told them, If they would give Money to the Officers they might be releafed : But
retufing that, they were carried before two Juftices, who tendred them the
Oath of Allegiance, and fent thtm to Newgate. On the 9th were committed
from Wheel er-Jireet^ two : On the 12th trom the Bull and Mouth, fix : On
the 1 6th from IVheeler-Jlreet, fix. On the 23d, fVilliajn Bayley and five others,
Handing quietly in the Street, near the Bull and Mouth Meeting-place, were
taken by Soldiers and carried to Richard Brown, who cauied their Hats to be
pulled oft with much Violence and Wrath, and fmote William Bayley with his
pift feveral Times, and when William'^ Wife reproved him for abufing her
Hufband, he ftruck her on the Mouth, and threw her on the Floor, and
though William caudoned him to beware what he did, llie being with Child,
he neverthelefs ftruck her and tlirew her down again, and at length ordered his
Man and other rude Fellows to carry William to Newgate. On the 28 th,
Richard Crane, a Diftiller in Jlderjgate-Jireet, was taken by one of the King's
Mefl'engers, and committed to Newgate for writing a little Book, intituled.
The Cry of Newgate and other Prifons in and about London. It was direfted to
the Magiftrates, Priefts and People of the City of London, and contained fome
lliarp and zealous Remonftrances againft the raging Spirit ol Perfecunon.
Another Friend was the lame Day imprifoned on Sufpicion of printing the
fame Book, though Crane acknowledged himfelf to be the Author.
On the 2d of the Month called January, two Perfons from the Bull and
Mouth were committed to Newgate : And on the 4th ot the fame, a Man and
a Woman to BridewclL
We fliall clofe our Account of this Year with a Lift of the Perfons who
died Prifoners in Newgate, or loon after their Difcharge, by Sicknefs contraifted
therci namely,
1. John Stanton, who died on the 21ft of the Month called June, leaving a
Widow and five fmall Children.
2. Thomas Kirbv, a young Man, znHaherdafl:)er, lately out of his Apprentice-
ftiip, v/ho died on the ift of the Month called July.
3. Richard Hubberthorn, a faithful Miniftcr of the Gofpel, of a moft humble
and inoftenfive Convcrfition, departed this Liie, in pertcdl Peace, on the j 7th
of the Month called Auguf., alter feven Weeks Imprifonment.
4. Anthony Skillington, who with ten others was kept
condemned Hole, and then put into a ftinki
1-eJoRs. The Jury that viewed his Body laid. The Stench 0/ the
Want if Air had Jurfeited him, and occafioned his Death in the Heat of Summer.
- 5. John
two Nights in the
Place among the common
Place and
7-
8.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
5. John Giles, a faithful Labourer in the Gofpel, who was taken out of a
Meeecing as he was preaching, and fent to Newgatei where he died on the
2gth of tlie Month called Auguft.
6. IVilliain Walfon, of White'cbapel, who died on the 25th of the fame Month.
Tim- 17/] J ? Committed at one Time for Meetine;, were taken
Sl'/.f r'"^ and died about the End of the Month called
J ■' "> J Augujl, and were carried from Newgate to be buried.
9. Richard Bradley, who laid down his Life in Newgate on the ift of Sep-
tember this Year.
10. Henry Boreman died a Prifdner there on the 17 th oi O^oberi having
been committed for felling religious Books : He left a Wife with three Chil-
dren then living, and with Child of a fourth.
1 r . T^homas Anjlee, 1 Both committed to Newgate by Richard Brown,
12, fFiliiam Hawkes, ^ died there.
13. Tho?nas Rogers, a young Man, fell fick about the Tenth Month, and
died foon after.
14-
16.
18.
the
All died Prifoners
December.
in Newgale about the End
cc
389
LONDON,
&c.
1662.
Murk Cloje,
Gabriel Sballer,
John Cooper,
Thomas Hancler.
William Pryor, a working Man, who left a Wife and Children deftitute
of their Subfiftence, which depended on his Labour,
ig. Samuel Petchet, a young Man, lately come out of the Country. Thefe
three laft mentioned, died about the 6th and 7th of the Month called
January 1662.
20. Edzvard Burroughs, a zealous, couragious, and faithful Preacher. In
the Time of Sicknefs he was often fervent in Prayer to the Lord, and exprefled
feveral Times to thole about him, his comfortable Enjoyment of the Prefence
of God, and a very little Time before his Death uttered thefe Words, Now
viy Soul and Spirit is center'd into its own Being with God, and this Form of
Perfon mujl return from whence it was taken. He died on the 14th of the
Month called February 1662-3, after near nine Months Imprifonment, being
about twenty eight Years of Age, ten of which he had devoted to the Work
of the Gofpcl-Miniftry. About three Months before his Death he writ the
following-Letter to fome of his Friends in the Country, viz,
*' Dear and beloved Friends !
TH E lively Remembrance of you dwells always with me, praying for
the Increafe of Peace and BlcfTing to you from the Father. I know
ye- have learned Chrift, and are acquainted with the Teachings of his
Grace and Spirit which leads you into all Truth, and is a Comforter unto
you in all Conditions, which is prefent with you and in you in all Times and
Places, even the Spirit of the Holy God, which is given you, becaufe you
are Children of him, who is God blefTed over all.
*' Dearly Beloved, my Heart is filled with fervent Love towards you at this
Time, and the lively Senfe of the Lord's fuffering People refls upon my
Spirit, with the dear Embraces and Salutations in the fame Love with
wiiich I am loved of Chrif Jefus my Loi-d, whom I hope ye have fo
learned as never to deny his Name and Truth. I am perfuaded concerning
you, that the greateft of Tribulations, Affliftions, and Sufferings, can never
move or fhake your Hope or Confidence in God, nor feparate you from his
Love, Life, and Peace, which many of you have had large Manifeftations
of, and ibme the allured Poffeflion of for evermore, and I hope nothing
can feparate you from that Love which is of God, or divide you from it
into the Abfence of the Father's Prefence which is full of Joy and Peace :
Nothing, I fay, can be able to break our Fellowfhip with the Lord, but
that he is ours, and we are his, whatfoever Tranladtions or Tribulations may
pafs upon our outward Man. I write unto the Faithful, and I need not fay
unto you, /Cww the Lord, but I may fay, Stand faji, faithful and valiant
Vol. I. 5 F »« unto
E. Burroughs
kis Letter to
bis friends.
'390
LONDON,
&c.
1662.
A CoUecTiioii of the Sufferings Vol. I,
*' unto Heath, for the Knowledge of God which ye have received, and
" o-ive your felves to be deftroyed, rather than to renounce or deny Chrift
'« before Men, or to ceafe from the Exercife of your Confciences in what
" his Holy Spirit perfuades your Hearts in the Verity of.
" Friends here are generally well in the inward and outward Man, and
«« the Prefence of the Lord is manifeft with us through great Trials, and
•' fore Afflictions, and grievous Perfecutions, which we have met withal this
«» laft half Year. It would be too large to relate, and piercing of your
'« Hearts to hear the Violence and Cruelty which Friends have fuftered in this
" City in their Meetings, and in Prifons, it hath been very hard to bear the
" Perfecution inflifted every Way, though the Lord hath given Strength and
••' Boldnefs, and his Power alone hath carried through, elfe many would
" have fainted, and not have been able to ftand. Many have given up their
" Lives in Faithfulneis in this Place, and their Faithfiilnefs in keeping Meet-
" in<D-s, and in patiently enduring many Tribulations and cruel Exercifes, is a
" Crown upon FViends in this City : Here is now near two Hundred and fifty
" of us Prilbners in Newgate, Bridewell, Southwark, and New-Prifon. In
" Newgate we are extremely thronged, that if the Mercy of the Lord had
" not preferved us we could not have endured ; there is near an Hundred in
" one Room on the common Side amongft the Felons, and their Sufferings are
greatj but the Lord fupports. For about fix Weeks Time the Meetings
" were generally quiet in the City, but thefe three lafl Weeks they have fallen
«' on more violently than ever, and imprifoned many Friends ; but througii
*' all this Truth is of good Report, and the Nobility of it gains Place in
" many Hearts, which are opened in Pity and CompafTion toward innocent
" Sufferers, and Truth is increafed through all Trials. Our Truft is in the
" Lord and not in Man ; and we deflre the fame Spirit may dwell and abide
" in you alfo, that ye may be like-minded with us, and we all of the Mind
" of Chrifl, who feeks Men's Salvation, and not their Deftruftion.
" Edward Burroughs."
CC
Chtrii[ltr of
E. Burroughs
comunei tn
G. White-
head'! Jejti-
mony conceni-
iiig kim.
Thus died this faithful Martyr and Wimefs to the Truth, an eminent Ex-
ample of the Chriftian Conflancy and Patience he recommended unto others,
and as he remained ftedfaft in the Faith unto Death, we doubt not but he has
received the Crown of Life, and an Admittance into the Refl prepared for the
People of God. His juft Charadter is contained in
" The Teftimony 0/ George Whitehead conceming him.
« A S for Edward Bmroughs, our dear Brother and Companion in Travel,
«« x\. Suffering, and Conlolation, for the Everlafling Gofpel's Sake in his
« Day, his Teftimony lives with us. He was a Preacher of Righteoufnefs, and
*' one who travelled for the Redemption of the Creamre from under the Bon-
*' dage of Corruption, and proclaimed Liberty to the Captives in the Power
« and Audiority of God : And therein was a true Witnefs againft Oppreflion,
« and all the antichriftian Yokes impofed in the Night of Apoflacy upon the
" Perfons and Confciences of People -, and truly and valiantly he held forth
« the Liberty of Confcience, and vindicated it to the great Men of the Earth,
*' in Things appertaining to God in Matters of Religion and Worfhip,
" againfl the Perfecution and Compulfion, (which had its Original and Rife
*' from the Power of the Beafl, which hath made War againft the Righteous
*' Seed) that Men might be left free to the Guidance of the infallible Spirit
« of God, which is not to be limited in thefe Matters, and not to be com-
" pel led, nor brought under the corrupt Wills of Men, nor their fallible
" Judgment, nor invented Forms in thefe Cafes : And the Name of this
'' Minifler of Righteoufnefs is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and all
*' the Enemies of his Life can never be able to blot it out, nor extinguifh his,
" Memorial. O the Remembrance of his Integrity, Uprighrriefs, and Sincerity,
" hath
Chap. 25. df ^be Vco^Iq ca//ed QXJAKERS, r^^i
'' hath deep ImprefTions upon my Heart, and that tender Love and AffeAion LO!VD0?I,
*' in God's Truth, which he was filled with towards all the Upright (wht) ^c-
*' were Lovers of Peace and Unity in the Lord) is never to be forgotten by ^^^z
*' us who are remaining in the Work ot the Lord, and the Everlafting Gofpef, *-"'"V
" for which he hath left a glorious Teftimony, the Glory of which Ihall rtever
*' be extinguifhr, but Thouf.mds fhall praife the Lord our God becaufe thereof j
*' yea, even the Seed that's in die lower Parts of the Earth, where Darknefs
*' covers it, and the Child that's yet unborn in many, that's curioufly framed
*' in the Mother's Womb, whole Members are written in the Book of Gorf,
*' fhall glorify the Lord on his Behalf And this Teftimony many have already
*' concerning him, that though his Body be dead, his Spirit hveth in the Im-
*' mortality of that Life that is immutable, and that never dies nor waxes
*' old, and is felt among the Righteous, who walk in their Integrity and
*' Conftancy to the Lord.
" And this faithful Servant of the Lord, and vaKane Soldier of -the Lamb,
*' (as in his Day was evidently apparent) to live to hitn was Chrift, and to
*' die was Gain. And though in his Time many were the Sufferings and
*' Affliflions which his Life went under, and his upright Spirit fufferedt both
*' from his open Enemies and Perfecutors in the World, becaufe of liis Va.loui'
*' and Courage for the Truth of God, and from deceitful and transforming
*' exalted Spirits, which burden the holy Seed, but now his Lite is caught- up
" above them all, and is out of their Reach, in the tranfcendent and un-
*' ipeakable Glory in the everlafting Habitation and Firmament of God's
*' Power, where he hath fhined, and doth fhine among the Stars, that have kept
*' their Habitations, as one that hath turned many to Righteoiifnefs, and that
" hath overcome by the Blood of the Lamb, and the Word of his Teffimony,
with thofe holy Prophets and Martyrs who rejoyce over Babylon, and hef
Abominations (in whom their Blood is found) and againft whom he was at
faithflil Witnefs and valiant Warriour, whole Living and abfolute Tefti-
mony therein God hath blelTed and made profperous, and will fulfil to the
uttermoft : And though he be ceafed from his Labours, his Works do follow
him, which will be had in living Remembrance and precious Efteem among
the Upright, when his Perfecutors fhall be broken and laid low in the
Defolation and Ruin of Bahyloti, and all that continue in Enmity and Deceit,
*♦ and all the deceitful Spirits that have burdened his riglit-eous Soul, fhall faJl^
*' and their BlofTom wither and come to nought. ■uini.'-i ;;.:;. .; ,•, j/jji
" And if any of his Perfecutors or OpprefTors be yet fo imptenirent'ariJ
*' obdurate as to triumph, and be elevated in an exalted or prejudiced
** Spirit becaufe of his Death, and in tl«;ir Exaltation and Pride of Heart
*' fay. He ivns taken away in Judgment, or in Wrath. To fuch in God's Feaii
*' I anfwer, that Thoufands of the Servants of the Lord are of anotlier Per-i '*-^'*'.^''*,"'
" fuafion, not queftioning but it was in God's tender Love (as to his owrv
" Particular) that he was removed out of the Earthen Veflel, in which lia
** (though a Man in the Prime of his Years) endured great Travails in his
*' Time for the Truth's Sake, and the Gathering of many into the Way of
*' the Lord, and in which his Travail was the greater, when the Time of
*' his Dijfoktion drew near, becaufe of his Sufferings, and the Extremity off
♦' his Sicknefs occafioned thereby, which many others were Partakers of, '
*' who fuffered Perfecution and Imprifonment by unreafonable Men in this
'' City of London, for the Caufe of God and of a good Confcience, and
*' chiefly for their meeting together fingly in the Worfhip of God. But this
*' I teflity in the Lord, as in him I have felt, that his being reinoved was in
*' Judgment from the Lord againft his Perfecutors, who dcfired and fought
" his Deftruction, and what they have done againft him hath greatly added
»' to the fulfilling of their Iniquities, and the Blood of the Righteous
** cries for Vengeance againft them, who would not fuffer the Righteous to
" have a Being amongft Men, nor lay to Heart their being taken away from
*' the Evil to come.
" And
(C
tc
(C
i«
LONDON,
&c.
1662.
392 A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" And they who in a byalTed or prejudiced Spirit of Enmity are lifted
,»* up becaul'e of his Deceal'e, they were not worthy of him, nor of his Tefti-
'* mony, and they have Gaufe to mourn and lament amongft thofe that have
,*' pierced the Jurt, and flighted and defpifed the Meffengers of Truth and
*'. Righteoufnefs, whom God hath therein honoured, and God will debafe fuch
*' and their Vain-glory unto the Duft, and exalt the Teftimony and Lite of his
.V.ifaithful Witnelles over all their Heads.
h -*' But we who have been well acquainted with the deep Suffering of the
." Righteous Seed, and with the Worth of true Unity in the weighty Body
♦* and Spirit of Chrift, and therein do behold the Glory and Compleatnels
♦* of the City of God, which is at Peace within it fell, cannot but prize the
." Minifhers of Righteoufneis, and every Member of the fame Body: And,
f: .0 how bleffed and precious isthe Memorial of the Righteous in our Eyes,
♦* and how deeply is my Soul affefted with the comfortable Communion, and
*' thofe many and living Refreflimenta that we have enjoyed one with another,
I*' even with him and others who have finilhed their Courfe, Well, however
*' in this I am fatisfied, that though we be left in Travail, and our Days have
'' been Days of Afflidion and Suffering for Chrift and the Gofpel's Sake (as
*' in this World) yet in him, whom the Prince of this World hath nothing
** in, we have Peace, being come into Communion with the Spirits of juft
" Men, who are the Family of God, written in Heaven, and called by one
-"..Name both in Heaven and Earth, and the God of Life is their Portion,
«». and his Glory is the Reward of his called, and chofen, and faithful Ones,
". who have dealt their Bread to the Hungry, and brought the Poor to their
*» Houfes, even to the Habitation of the Righteous, where the living Bread
" is received, and the Heavenly Manfions lived in and enjoyed by all who
*' abide in the Truth, and retain their firft Love and Habitation therein, in
<' which true Fellowfhip is enjoyed, and the Profpcrity of the Eledl Seed
** Jcnbwn. Bleffed be the Name of our God for ever and ever.
London, xhe \zxh Day of
the Fird Month 1665.
^' George Whitehead.'*
■ Others died
foon after
their Dif-
chirge.
Sir John Ro-
binfon Ltrd-
Mijor,
Shut out of
their S/ieetivg-
phci, they met
in the Street.
Their rugged
Vfige.
The Mayor in
tuempting to
ride over them
is throivil from
hii h»tfe.
This Teftimony carries with it a divine Relifli of that inward and fwcet
Communion and Fellowfhip, which Brethren united by the Love of Chrift
have a mutual Participation of, and which, furmounting all the Powers of
Death and Darknefs, centers in the Fruition of everlafting Blifs and a glorious
Immortality.
Befide the before-mentioned twenty who died in Prifon, feven others, viz.
Humphry Bache, Humphry Brewfter, Richard Davis, Humphry Leaver, Robert
Crofs, Thomas ff^tngreen, and John Ratcliff, had their Bodies fo weakened and
corrupted through Sicknefs contracted there, that they died foon after their
Difcharge.
ANNO 1663. In this Year Sir John Robinfo7i, Lieutenant of the Tower^
was Lord-Mayor : He ordered a Guard to be placed at the Entrance of the Bidl
and Mouth Meeting-houfe to prevent any Perlons going in : Thus ffiut out,
they met as near the Door in die Street as poffible, and there tarried their ulual
Meeting-Time : When any among them did preach or pray, they were pre-
fently haled away to Prifon. This continued many Weeks. It happened one
Ftrji-day, that the Mayor, with his Officers and the two Sheriffs, came from
Paul's thither, and when the People difperied not at his Command, he
ordered his Officers to ftrike, who with their Canes and Sticks laid on moft
unmercifully on the Heads both of Men and Women •, the Mayor himfelf
aflb ftruck feveral, and fpurred his prancing Horfe in order to ride over
them, but the Horfe, to avoid that, rofe up lb ftrait on his Hind-legs, that
the Mayor tell off backward into the Kennel, and, being htlpt up again,
would have repeated his Abufes, had not the Sheriffs, who were more moderate,
and indeed aflumed ol his Adions, pcrkiadcd him to depart.
. . About
Chap. 25. of the People called dUAKERS.
About this Time Meetings were held at 'Tlmnas Lacef^ Houfe in the Parifh
called St. Katherines near the Tower, from one of which the AlTembly was
dragged out by the Officers of the Militia, and the fliid Thomas Lacey, and
three others, by the Mayor's Order, fent to Newgate.
On the 24th of the Month called May this Year, at a Meeting at Turner's-
End- near Edmonton, a ConftaWe came in with a Company of Debauchees
curfing and fwearing, and faid to Solomon Eccles then preaching, Come, you
vnijl go along with me. Solomon replied, Hajl thou a Warrant ? So he pro-
duced an old Warrant of no Force as to him or others there, who therefore
refufed to go : Whereupon the Conftable's rude Affiftants fell violcndy to
haling, pulling, and dragging them out by the Legs and Arms, and threw
them one upon another into the Highway-fide ; then die Conftable got a Cart,
and caufed them to be thrown by Force into it ; but they came out again,
and then they threw them up with more Violence than before, to the bruifing
of their Bodies : One of them they faftened to the Cart with a Rope, and tied
the Legs of feveral others, and fo drove them away to Henry JVroth, a Juftice
at Enfield, who ftanding at his Gate, fiid. Bring than in, bring them in, I'll
tender them the Oath of Allegiance : I know they will not take it. Fie did fo,
and after many Scoffs and Abufes from himfelf, his Son, and others in his
Prefence, committed them to Newgate. The Names of feme ot them were,
Solomon Eccles, Clement Webb, John Goodwin, William Gttppy, Jofeph Bryan,
Laurence Aplin, and David Stiiilh. The faid Solo/non Eccles, at the Time of
Bartholo?new Fair, paiTed through Smithfield with his Body naked, and a Pan of
Fire and Brimftone burning on his Head, calling to the People to Repent, and
remember Sodom : One Thomas Taunton accompanied him, carrying his Clothes.
This well meant Zeal of his met with ill Reception, the common Lot of pro-
phetick Monitors from the Defpifers of Inftrudion, Eccles was committed to
Bridewell, and his Companion to Newgate.
On the 22d of the Month called March, John Higgins, preaching at the
Peel Meeting, was violently taken away by Conftables : A Stander by, Tlxmas
Archer, afking, by what Authority they did Jo, they took him away alfo, and
his Brother John Archer, and carried them all to the Seffions-houfe, where the
Juftices then fit, who tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and fent them to
Newgate.
A few Days after, Percival Towle, a Baker of Ratcltff, was alfo committed
to Newgate for not pulling off his Hat as he pafled by the Lord-Mayor and
Richard Brown in the Street.
ANNO ,1664. A new Law was now put in force, intituled. An A51 to
frevent and fupprefs feditious Conventicles, by which the Penalty for the firll
Offence in Meeting was a Fine at the Pleafure of the Jufl;ices not exceeding 5 /.
or Imprifonment not exceeding three Months -, for the fecond Offence a Fine
not exceeding 10/. or Imprifonment nor exceeding fix Months i and for the
third Offence, Tranfportation, or to pay 100/. Efcape, or Return from
Tranfportation, was made Felony without Benefit of the Clergy. All Officers
of Militia, as well as Civil Magifl;rates, were empowered to difpcrfe all fuch
Meetings, and take the Perfons aflTembled into Cuftody. This A(5t was to
commence the iff: of July, and to continue in force three Years.
Hereupon Multitudes were foon imprifoned for the firfl and fecond Offence,
which was ufually in a few Days, not in Favour to them, but to bring them
the fooner under the Penalty of Tranfportation for the third Offence ; tor their
long approved Conftancy gave their Adverliiries an Aflxirance of finding them
again at their religious Aflemblies as foon as at Liberty.
On the 17th of the Month cilled July, two Juftices, with Conff:ables and
armed Soldiers, came to the Meeting at Mile-end-Green, and placed a Guard
at each Gate : After fome Time Alexander Parker ff:ood up to fpeak, beginning
with thefe Words, In the Name of the Lord, upon which one of the Juftices
rufhed into the Meeting, profanely crying out. In the Name of the Dr.-il pluck
that Fellow down, which was prefently done. Then the Juftices took the
Vol. I. 5 G Names
393
LONDON,
&c.
1663.
T. Lacey md.
eikers fent to
Newgate.
TrMfiilions at
a Meeting
veir Edmon-
ton.
Obfohte WiT.
Tint-
Severd fent
to Newa,ate.
ExtraoriiiLiry
M of S. Ec-
cles.
Imprifonmen
of J- Higgins
and others.
Commitment
of P. Towlci
jitl for Bi-
nijhmcm. ,,
Multitudes
imprijoned.
Vrcfiine
Speech of
u Jujiiti,
-:i-.
394 A Colle^lion of the Sufferings Vol. I,
LONDON, Names of all the Men Friends prefent, being thirty two, and fent them te
^'c. Newgate by the following Mittimus, viz.
1664.
" Midd'^- fs.
<* T'o the Keeper of his Majejlys Goal of Newgate, or hk
" Efficient Deputy. Thefe
Mittimus of " lA/E ^£"*^ yo^ herewith the Bodies of the feveral Perfons hereunder
;2 to New- «' y f named, for being taken this Day at an unlawful Meeting, contrary
S*'^« "to the Aft intituled, An AEl to ■prevent and Jripprefs feditious Conventickst
" made in the fixteenth Year of his Majefty's Reign, and for refuflng to pay
" their feveral and refpeftive Sums of Money by us impofed upon them, upon
" their Convidtion for their feveral Contempts, according to the Intent of
*' the laid Aft. You are therefore to have them in fate Cullody, and there to
«' detain without Bail or Mainprize, for the Space of three Montlis, it being
" for their firft Offence. Hereof fail not, and this fhall be your fufBcient
" Warrant. Given under our Hands and Seals this 17th Day of 7^;/^'> Anno
•' Dom. 1664.
" William Ryder,
" George Marsh."
a? Sent to On the 24th of the fame Month, a Captain with Soldiers, Conftables, and
Newgate for others, came to the Meeting at tfloeeler-ftreet : The Captain went in and
three Days. brought out one by one twenty feven Perfons to the Conftables and their
Guard : Prefently after two Juftices came, laid feveral fmall Fines upon them,
and fent them to Neivgate for three Days.
2 2 {or fix On the fame Day at Mile-end-Green a Conftable came to the Meeting with
^'^y'' Soldiers and Watchmen, who by his Command feized every one a Man, and
fo led twenty two of them to the "Toiver, whence they were fent by two
Juftices to Newgate for fix Days.
15 For fve On the 31ft at the fame Place they took away fifteen Perfons to an Inn,
jy^jis. where fome Juftices were met, who ordered them to Newgate for five Days.
52 For four O" ^^^ 7^^ °^ ^he Month called Auguft, twenty Perfons were fent irom
Days. fVheeler-ftreet Meeting to Newgate, and thirty two from Mile-end-Green for
•^^'■'"/f /'« tour Days, with this Claufe at the End of their Mittimus, " You are alfo
hereby required to take Notice, that if any of the Perfons herein mentioned
have been with you committed for the firft and fecond Offence, that then
" you are to detain fuch Perfons luitil they fhall be from you enlarged by his
" Majefty's Laws." Eighteen others, who were not tree to tell their Names,
were committed by a Defcription of their Perfons.
\<>SeHt to On the 14th, nineteen were fent to Newgate tor two Days, and two others
Newgate for for the third Offence.
two Vays. q^^ ^j^^ ^^^^^ -Qaj, the Sheriffs, with many Officers and others armed, entred
yit Bull Mi the Meeting-houfe at the 5«// and Mouth in the Forenoon, and commanded
Mouth Meet- hj^i that was preaching to come down : After which two of the Officers ftept
'f/nlv/Ne^v^. up on a F'orm near him, drew their Swords, and ftruck him and another
gate at Mid- Friend, fo that one of tiieir Swords was broken : Then they laid hold both
ttiyht, uni put on Men and Women, and haling out near "* two Hundred, drove them to
dmottg Felons. Guild-hall, where they were kept clofe Prilbners till about Midnight, and then by
the Mayor's Order conduded with lighted Torches by a Guard of Halberdiers
to
•^ ' — ^^^aW^— ■■!■ ■■■ .^^^M I ^— ■■■■■ ■ ■ I I !■ ■ 11 »^^^— ■ ■ .pill I . I
* Among tfiefe was yilbertus Otto Faier, a Gtrnun Phyiici.tn, whom ^h ]{oger L' Ejlriv^t
informed againft, as a fefiiit, bur upon txnminaticn could prove nothing ; [a they fin'U
him 5/. and fent him to the PeM/t)7-Co«?;ter for three Months. They toolt at the fame Tims:
Hfigei^ FUis in the Street, who had not been a tl»c Ateeting, yet was fent lo Prifon, and coiv
liiUiL'd 'there for not linjmjj Sureties.
thsir Micti-
BlUS.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
to J^ewgatey where they were thruft up among the Felons. On the 1 5th in the
Afternoon, about twenty oi them were fined by the Mayor and recommitted,
as were twelve more on the 17th, and about fixty others on the 19th, fome
for fourteen and others for nine Days : Henry Day for one Month) and Hilkiab
Bedford tor three.
While thele Prilbners lay in Newgate^ which from a Den of Tlneves was
row become an Hotfe of PrayeVy they frequently met together there to wait
upon God and worlliip him. At one of thole Meetings on the i6th of the
Month called yhgiijl, one of the Keepers took the Preacher away into the
condemned Hole -, and on the i8th, when the Keeper could not eafily come
at the Preacher, becaufe of many others {landing about him, he llruck both
Men and Women with a great Staff, and encouraged Ibme of the Felons to
beat them with their Fills ; and one Woman, a Thief, ran in among them
with a Knife, attempting to ftab them, but was prevented. At length the
Preacher was taken away and put into another Part of the Prifon.
On the 2 1 ft were committed to Newgate from Mile-end-Green eleven Per-
fons for two Days, and from the Peel twenty nine Perfons for four Days. On
the fame Day, about nine in the Morning, the City Marflial and odier Officers,
with Conllables and their Alfiftants, came to the Bull and Mouth Meeting,
and haled out by Force all or mofl prefent, and then withdrew into the
Street, where the AfTembly continued, and foon after, the Doors being open'd,
returned into the Houle, where one began to preach, but was inftantly haled
out and lent to Guild-lMll. The Meeting ftill continuing, the Lord-Mayor,
with the Sheriffs, and Alderman Brown, came in •, Brown, with his wonted
Fury, kickt fome, pulled others by the Hair, and pinched the Women's Arms
till they were black -, and thus with his own Hands fhameflilly abufed many.
The Mayor, caufing the Door to be fhut, fent about one Hundred and fifty
nine of them to Newgate for four Days, where they had not Room to fit
down, nor fcarce to ftand, being clofe fhut up, without refpect to Age or Sex,
among Felons and Murderers. The reft of them, about twenty feven, were
fent to Bridewell.
On the 28th, fix from the Peel, thirty four from Mile-end-Green, and thirty
three from Wheeler-Street, were lent to Newgate. The fame Day were com-
mitted by the Mayor and Alderman Brown, from the Bull and Mouth, one
Hundred and two Perfons, moft of them to Newgate, the Reft to Brideivell,
being carried thither through Back-ways and Alleys, as privately as might be.
On the 4th of September, forty fix Perfons from the Peel, one Hundred and
thirty nine from the Bull and Mouth, thirty one from fVbeeler-flreet, and fix-
teen from Mile-end-Green, were committed to Newgate ; and on the fitme
Day fourteen from the Bull and Mouth, were alfo committed by the following
Warrant, viz.
^' London Is.
395
LONDOi>f,
&c.
1664.
Newgate
from a Den
ot Thieves
become an
houfe of
Fnyer.
Violence of
the Kjefer,
40 More com-
mitted to
Newgate.
159 Sent t»
Newgate.
1 : 5 Sent t»
Newsate.
Newgate.
W'E whofe Names are hereunder written, two of his Majefty's Juftices,
afljgned for Prefcrvation of his Majefty's Peace, within the City
of London and Liberties thereof, have herewith lent you the Bodies of the
feveral Perfons following, ziz. John Alderton, of the Parilh of St. Botolph
without Aldgate, London, Weaver -, Laurence Aplin, of Snow-hill, London,
Plateworkcr ; Tlxvias Davis, of the Parifli of St. Olaves, Southwark,
Glover ; Mary Davis, Wife of Thomas Davis, of the Maze in Southwark,
Glover ; Chrijlian Ford, Spinfter, Daughter of Edward Ford of Chick-lane,
London, Trumpeter ; George HoUingworth, of the Parifh of St. Septdcher's,
London, Carpenter ; Rachel Jackfon, Spinfter, lodging at William Wood-
ward'?, Houle in Chrijl-Cbtrcb Parilh, London ; John Lewes of Paul's,
Wharf, London, Porter ; John Mafon, Servant of Henry North, of Eaft-
Cheap, London -, Richard Poulton, of Broad-ftreet, London,'^Si\vcrfm'nh ; Tho-
mas Parker, lodging at John Welch's Houfe in Horjhdown, Barber -, HannaJj
<■<■ Pukety
Wirrsnt fw
Commitment
of 14 others.
39^
LONDON,
*.-c.
1664.
ir, Sent to
Newgate,
tr.d (oms to
Bridewell.
^udge Keel-
ing'^ S\iieeh
to thi Grand
Jury.
^ Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Picket^ Spinfter, at Richard Greenwafs Houfe in Black-Fryars^ London,
Taylor ; Thomas Robins^ Servant to Thomas Beadle, of the Old-Exchange,
Loudon, Shoemaker ; and Sarah Willoughly, Wife of John fVillougbby, of
Sboreditch in the County of MiMif/^A-, Shoemaker -, every of them being
apprehended this 4th Day of September 1664, being the Lord's Day, in an
unlawful Affembly, at a Place called the Bull and Mouth, fituate in the
Parifh of St. Anne and Jgnes, in the Ward of Jlderjgate, London, under Colour
of Exercife of Religion, contrary to an Aft of Parliament, intituled, Jn A£i
to prevent and fupprefs Jeditious Conventicles, and they, and every of them,
having been heretofore convided of a firft and fecond Offence contrary to
the faid Aft. And we do in his Majefty's Name hereby require you,
in Purfuance of the faid Aft, to keep them, and every of them, without
Bail or Mainprize, until they Ihall be difcharged by due Courfe of Law,
and this fhall be your Warrant therein. This 4th Day of September 1 664.
"To the Keeper of his
Majtjly's Goal at
Newgate.
" Anthony Bateman Maj/or^
'' Richard Brown.
" Vera Copia Exam, per Thomam Witton Ct' Newgate."
On the 'ji\\ of September, the fourth of the Week, the City Mnrlhal, with
Conftables and others, came to the Bull and Mouth Meeting, and carried many
from thence to the Lodge at Newgate, where the Goaler required their Names,
which they refilled to give him, as having no Authority to examine them ;
wliereupon one of the Keepers thrull: fome of them into the Dungeon, and
kept others on the Mailer's Side, till the Jullices, then fitting at the Old-Bailey,
were acquainted of the Matter, who fent for them, and committed twenty to
Newgate, and fome to Bridewell.
On the lame Day at the Sefllons in the Old-Bailey, Judge Keeling made a
Speech to the Grand Jury againft the fakers, as follows, viz.
BECAUSE this Day was appointed for the Trial of thefe People,
and inafmuch as many are come hither, expefting what will be done,
1 Ihall fay fomcthing concerning them and their Principles, that they might
not be thought worthy of Pity, as fuffering more than they deferve ; for
they are a itubborn Seft, and the King has been very merciful to them. It
was hoped that the Purity of the Church of England would e'er this have
convinced them, but they will not be reclaimed.
'' They teach dangerous Principles, this for one, That it is not lawful to
take an Oath. You muft not think their Leaders believe this Doftrine,
only they perfuade thefe poor ignorant Souls lb -, but they have an Intereft
to carry on againft the Government, and therefore they will not fwear Sub-
jeftion to it, and tlieir End is Rebellion and Blood. You may eufily
know, that they do not believe themfelves what they fliy, wlien they lay it
is not lawful to take an Oath, if you look into tlie Scriptures -, that Text,
(Mat. v.) where our Saviour faith, Swear not at all, will clear it felf from
luch a Meaning as forbids Swearing, if you look but into the next Words,
where it is faid, Let •jour Co7n?nunicatioH be yea, yea, nay, nay ; and it is
faid, Jn Oath is an End of all Strife ; this tor the New-Tejlament : And the
Old is pofitive for Swearing : And they that deny Swearing, deny God a
fpecial Part of his Worfhip.
" Now you lliall lee how this Principle of Not Swearing tends to the
Subverfion of the Government ; firft. It denies the King the Security he
ought to have of his Subjefts for their Allegiance, which Oath tiiey deny,
and Security by Bond is not fo good ; for thereby they are not engaged in
Conlcience, and they will only wait for a convenient Seafon to forfeit their
Bonds without Hazard, and make fure Work in overthrowing the prefent
" Government,
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
*' Government, and fecure their own Securities ; but an Oatli binds tlie Con-
•♦ fcience at all limes, and that they cannot abide. Again, This Principle
*' tends to Tubverc the Government, becaufe without Swearing we can have
*' no Juftice done, no Law executed, you may be robbed, your Houl'es^
*' broke open, your Goods taken away, and be injured in your Peribns,
*' and no Juftice or Recompence can be had, becaui'e the Fadl cannot be
•' proved : The Truth is, no Government can ftand without Swearing -, and
*' were thefe People to liave a Government among themfclves, they could not
** live without an Oath.
" Whereas they pretend in their Scribbles, that diis A61 againft Conven-
*' tides doth not concern them, but fuch, as under Pretence of wbrfliipping
" God, do at their Meetings conlpire againft the Government. This is a
** Mifbike ; for if they ftiould confpire, they would then be guilty of Treafon,
*' and we fhould try them by other Laws : But this Aft is againft Meetings,
*' to prevent them of fuch Confpiracy ; for they meet to confult to know
♦* their Numbers, and to hold Correfpondency, that they may in a fhort
»' Time be up in Arms.
" I had the Honour to fcrve the King at York, upon the Trial of thofe
*' wicked Plotters, and we found thofe Plots were hatched and carried on in
«' thefe Meetings, and we hanged up four or five of the * Speakers or Praters,
*' whom we found to be chief Leaders in that Rebellion. I warrant you
*' their Leaders will keep themfelves from the third OtFence, we ftiall not
** take them ; If we could catch their Leaders, we fhould try them by fome
«' other Law, which, if executed, will take away their Lives. This is a mer-
*' ciful Law, it takes not away their Eftates, it leaves them entire, only
*t banifhes them for feven Years, if they will not pay an Hundred Pounds :
*' And this is not for worfhipping God according to their Confciences, for
«' that they may do in their Families, but forfooth they cannot do that, but
*< they muft have thirty, forty, or an hundred others to contrive their De-
** figns withal."
When the Judge made this Speech, he intended to have proceeded that
SelTions to the Trial of fome of that People, but did not i for one only, whom
he purpofed to begin with, was brought from iSh-wgate, a young Lad, whom
he afked, if he were not at the Bull and Mouth jitch a Day. The Youth
anfwered, I was not : Then the Judge took Occafion to reproach the ^takers,
faying, That for all their Pretenjions to 'Truth and Plainnefsy they could lie for
Intereft and to avoid Suffering. Then he afked the Lad the fame Queftion
again, and he anfwered as before ; for indeed he was not there that Day.
Then faid the Judge, We Jhall prove that you were there, -will you Jland to your
ProfeJ/ion ? 2es, replied the Lad, and feal it with ?ny Blood. Then were Wit-
nelTes called to prove that he was at the Bidl and Mouth fuch a Day, but none
appeared. Then the Judge, perceiving that no WitnelTes could be found
fuificient to convift this Lad and the Reft, faid, There is a Difappointrnent,
and threatned fome fhould fuffer for it, and fodifmift the Jury. But tiiis Difap-
pointment was only for want of Evidence to anfwer the Purpofe of the Court.
After which it was ordered that the Goalers of Newgate, and the Marfhal and
his Men, fhould be at Meetings, and prepare themfelves to give Evidence
againft the next Seflions.
On the loth of the fame Month, the Bodies of two deceafed Perfons, lately
Prifoners, were brought to the Bull and Mouth Meeting- houfe, in order to be
buried tium thence the next Day. Upon Information of which the following
Warrant was iffued, viz.
397
LONDON,
1664.
difippoimel
of his Pur- -
poje.
Notable Cort'
jtancy oj i
young Liii^
The Goiters,
MarP^al, jnj.
their Mew, or-
dei'd to he
Evidences,
Vol. I.
H
London
* AT. B. This Speech was replied to in Print, and his fjlfe Affertions fet forth, in the
Year 1664.
39
g
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
tONDON,
1664.
Wirrnni for
rsmevwg treo
icii Corps.
lord-Nlxyor's
Speech it en-
tr'wg Bull iinl
Month Meet-
ing.
105 Sent to
Newgate.
9- Sent to
Newgate.
24 Sent to
Frifon.
38 Sent to
Newgate,
dnd two Boys
19 Bridewell.
-■^
" London f^.
H E R E A S we are informed, and find it to be lb, that a certain
Corps or dead Body of a ^aker, who lived in Cloth-Fair, hath'
been this Day brought out of the Parifh of St. Banholomew^Sy to the'
Bull arid Mouth in the City of London, fituate in the Parifh of St- Am^e and'
Aenes, with Intent from thence to be buried, and accompanied with by
thofe People the ^inkers in way of Triumph. And whereas we are alfo'
informed that another Corps or fome dead Body is alfo this Day brought
from fome other Place to the faid Bull and Mouth in the faid Parifh. Thefe
are therefore in his Majefty's Name ftraitly to will and require you the
Church-Wardens, and other Officers of the Parifh of St. Anne and Agnes,
forthwith upon Sight hereof, to caufe both the laid Bodies to be forthwith
lawfully buried in the Cliurch-yard of the faid Parifh this Night, without
fail, as you will anfwer the contrary at your Perils. Given under our
Hands and Seals this tenth Day of September 1664.
To the ChiD-ch-Wardeus
and other Officers of
St. Anne and Agnes
London.
ff
cc
<c
(C
Anthony Bateman M^'or,
Thomas Adams, '""V"
Richard Brown,
John Frederick."
nun)
1 ■
Purfuant to this Warrant, the City-Marlhal, with two Beadles, and feveral
Men with Halberts, knockt at the Door of the Meeting-houfe about Midnight,
to the Surprize of thofe who dwelt there, who afking, Why they came at that
Time of the Night ? were anfwered. To fearcb for a Meeting. The Doors being
opened, they went in, took away the two Coffins with the dead Bodies, and
carried them to the Place appointed by the Warrant.
On the I ith of the lame Month, the Lord-Mayor, Alderman Brown, the
Sheriffs, and feveral Officers and Watchmen, came to the Bull and Mouth
Meeting -, the Mayor at his Entrance expreffed himfelf thus, ' ' You have been
" warned feveral Times not to meet here, but if it pleafe God, I will try
" whether your Obftinacy or the Law fhall take place." Then he ordered
his Officers to bring the Perfons affembled feverally before him, and he com-
mitted eighty three of them to Newgaie for the frji and fecond, and twenty
two for the third Offence. Among thefe was Mary Boreman, who being afked
by Alderman Brown, fVhat -was her Name ? anfwered, Tou may, injlead of my
Name, write thus, Affiid not the Widow and the Farherlefs, and then when
you look over the Roll you may fee your Duty. Upon this he ftruck her with his
double Fill on the Mouth, kickt her, and abufed her grievoufly. On the
fime Day twenty from Mile-end-Green, and fifteen from If'^ieekr-ftreet, were
fent to the fame Prilbn.
On the 1 8 th were fent to Newgate from Mile-end-Green orie and twenty
Perfons, and from the Bidl arid Mouth fixry two for the/?-/? snA fecond Offence,
and fourteen for the third.
On the 25th, twelve Perfons from the Peel were fent to Newgate, and two
to Clerkenwell- Bridewell : And die fame Day ten were committed to Prilbn
from Mile-end-Green.
On the 2d of OElober, thirteen Perfons from the Peel, and twenty five from
Mile-end-Green, were fent to Newgate, and two Boys to Bridewell. On the
fame Day the City-Marflial, with a Company of Halberdiers, entred the Bull
•and Mouth Meeting, took away one who was preaching, and lent him to the
Counter : Another ftanding up to preach was pulled down, and afterwnrd the
fame. Perlbn kneeling down to Prayer was knockt down backward with a
long Staff. At the Conclufion of their Meeting, they were detained by Force,
■^ind afterward conveyed to IVood-Jlree! -Counter, where the Keeper received them
widiout
CbAP. 25. of the. Fco^Iq. ca/Iecl QUAKERS.
without any Warrant. After two Days and two Nights Confinement ther^, in
a Room too little tor them to lie down in, they were had before the Lord-
Mayor, who fent thirty three of them to Newgate^ of whom four were ordered
to be detained for the third Offence-,
On the 9th, fifty five>Perfons from the Bull and M3«//& Were, committed to
TJewgate for the frji and fecoud Offences, and fifteen for xht^Tbird. And from
Mile-end-Green fixteen were. lent to Ne-xjjg.atCy and from theace to Br'uUwell.
On the lOth the SdTions began at Hick's-hall., and on the 13th a Bill: of In-
diftment was laid againil fixteen .^rt^^rj for tlie third O^enee, about which
the Grand Jury could not agree diat Night, bat next Morning, at, .the Im-
portunity of the Juftices, found the Bill by a fmall Majority. They, were
tried, and convifted at the fame Time, and twelYe.of them, viz. Peler Pen-
inglofiy Roger Roberts, Henry "Taylor, Edward Baycote, Thomas HiMard, Av{hnr'
Baker, Edward Lee, Dowglas Tempter^ Margaret J ad fen, Patien.ce Wilfini, . ^d-
Hamah Trigg, received Sentence of Tranlportation. XhcIJlud H»»mk!Ti'iiggf
in Arreft of Judgment, produced the following Certificare, viz. .-.i^: ,,■,,;
:i;ij;;'.
oF
HANNAH TRIGO, Dan^itr. of Timothy. zni]^atharine:'^mgg:
l-Vhitechapel, was born the 20 th Day oi Augttji in the Yeai- 1649
((
.-A', -I'J/.r^
aaaiiTi*! ej.
■•<v
E^iZAB.^TH !E,:(Elby, her Mark. E."
((
•/iaw Wji:
Midd''- fs.
*' J'o the Sheriffs of f Be /Gbunty <^ Middlefex.
til
■'V.inrij
4 vr!
399,
LONDON, I
&c.
1664. .
S6 Sent to
Prijon.
1 6 hidiiled at
Hicks's-hall.
le Semenced
to Trrnjporta-
tion.
Certificate of
H. Trigg.
I'hele are to certify all whom it may concern, that the aboveCiid is a jufb
and true Account of the Age of Hannah Trigg, Liwfiil Daughter of Timothy
and Katharine Trigg, of Whitechapel: And we whodfr. Names are hereunto
fubfcribed do teftify the fame, and are ready to dcpofe. it if required, we
being tlien and there prefent at the Del^ivery and JBaxtbiof die iAid Hatmab
Trigg. .a^^.-jh ;•.''( HvyiM {j;,.i -*
Kjwi <f Margery Sot^THERN,, her Mark, Itl.
This Certificate, a liianifeft Proof of 'hefbeiiig under fixteen Years of Age,
was rejefted by the Juftices,' who told'hy, fie lied. In a fhort Time after
her Sentence of Banifhment, flie died in Newgate : When dead, her Relations
were not fuffered to bury her ; but fhe was carried to the Burying-pl^ce where
they ufuaily interr Felons, and others who die in the Goal.; . Whep ^he Bearers
came to the Burying-ground, finding /no; Grave made, ; they .left; tji? Corps
iinburied, faying. They would make. a. Grave next Monimg. The poor Giirl's
Mother, who was prefent, . was extremdy'gueved at this inl^iimarj Ufag^ 5 but
found no Remedy.
The other four, convided at the flime Time, being married Women, namely,
J oane Nichols, Hannah Garnifi, Elizabetb^rFord, ^mf-liM^ry-JtweJli !vrere"Jlen-
tenced to Bfidewcll for eleven Months. . Ci ... : .■■■■, r ; r- *
Onthe next Day the fblbwing Warrant was ilTuedi .w'^- krtwcloij ml.}^oo -'^
" T x tHEREAS Edward Lea, Cordwainer, Hanntih Trigg, Spinfter, Ed^tvard
*' V V Boycott, Chandler, Arthur Bahr, Taylorj Dowglas Templer, Spinfter,
*' Willuim Roberts, Shoemaker, and Margaret y<7iri/o?/,;S"pinfter, according to the
«« late Ad: of Parliament, intituled, An Act to jupprefs fi^litiQUs Coffva/tieles, ftand
*' duly and lawfully indidled and coiivicStcd, at this Qqofiral-Quarter-Scirions of
" the Peace of our Sovereign Lord the King, holden foj:..the County ^forqfaid,
" by Adjournment at Hicks's-hall in St. John's-Jlreet in the f^iid County, this
*' prefent Day of Oilob^r, in the fixteenth Year of his fxid Majelly's Reign,
«' before us, Sir Joh?! Robin/on Xnt. Lieutenant of his Majefty's Tower of
" London, Sir Hugh St/iithfon Knt..a.ndBitonQt, S\v Thomas Allen yi.nt. George
*' March, Richard Proffer, Edwiu Rich, Natban/if! Suape^ Cb^irles Pitjield,
John
S^ycled.
Death of
H.T.rigs,;d»^
rul. .-N"
Ax 111 l.b\iik
.Y5!i/.a-W0
4 Uiinied
M'omev fent
to Bri,deweUa
Warrant for
tranjp'tivg aj
7 of them.
itr..l
4'oo
LONDON,
&c.
1 664.
?\.
.:
\« v.- ,Tr.
it
tc
((
I(
((
(I
<(
yd Colledion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. f.
John Smithy and miUam Bowles Efqrs ; Juftices, affigned to keep the Peace
of our Sovereign Lord the King, within the County of Middle/ex aforefaid,
and alfo to hear and determine diverfe Felonies, Trefpaffes, and other
Mifdemeanours, done and committed within the faid County of Middlejext
for that the faid Edward- Lea, Hajinab Trigg, Arthur Baker, Dowglas Templer^
Edward Bovcolt, William Roberts, Margaret Jack/on, and every of them,
beino- of the Age of fixteen Years and upwards, and Subjects of this Realm ;
after two fcveral former Convidtions againft them and every of them in this
Behalf had, were, and every of them was prefent at an unlawful AfTembly
and Meeting together in this County, with diverfe other difobedient Per-
fons, to the Number of twenty Perfor.s, over and above the Perfons
inhabiting in the feveral Places of their feveral Meetings, under Colour
and Pretence of fome Exercife of Religion, in other Manner than is allowed
by the Liturgy or Praftice of the Church of Efigland, contrary to the
Form of the laid late Ad of Parliament. And thereupon Judgment is
now given and entred againft the before-named Perfons and every of them,
for their faid Offences. Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to will
and command you to convey the faid Edward Lea, Hannah Trigg, Arthur
Baker, Dowglas Tempter, Edward Boycott, IVilliam Roberts, and Margaret
Jackfon, to the Port of Loudon, and thence to embark them, and every of
them, to be fafely tranfported to the Ifland of Barbadoes, being one of his
Majefty's foreign Plantations, there to remain for feven Years, and hereof
you- may not fail at your Peril. Given under our Hands and Seals at
Hicks' s-hall the aforefaid loth Day of OSober, in the fixteenth Year of his
faid Majefty's Reign.
^ - " John Robinson Edwin Rich
*' Hugh Smithson Nathanael Snape
" Thomas Allen Charles Pitfield
/ " George March John Smith
"' " Richard Prosser William Bowles.".
S'miltr War.
tints for the
Above 40 in-
diiiei at the
Old-Bajlcy.
forw a/ the
Jndiciment.
Similar Warrants were alfo iffued for the Tranfportation of the other Perfons
fentenced as aforelaid. >
On the 1 5th of OSiober, above forty Prifoners, fakers, were brought to
the Sefnon's-hoiife in the Old-Bailey, and called to the Bar by one, two, three,^
or fair at a Time, as they were included in one Indidment, the Subftance cf
which was,
" rriHAT iV.J*?".^ being a Subjeft oi this Realm, and above the Age of
" X fixteen Years, on luch a Day, and at fuch a Place, was prefent at a
" certain unlawful Aflembly, under Colour or Pretence of Exercife of Re-
" ligion, in other Manner than is allowed by the Praftice of the Church of
England, at which Meetings there were twenty Perfons or above aflembled
too-ether over and above thofe of the fame Houfliold, and that the fiid
Pr'ifoner was of the Offence aforefaid lawfully convifted before two Juftices
of the Peace, and committed to Prifon tor the Space of three Days, except
he would pay to the faid Juftices the Sum of one Shilling ; likewife
that he was lawfully convided a fecond Time inManner aforefaid •, and that
notwithftanding the two Convidions aforefaid, he the faid Prifoner, in Con-
tempt of the Law in that Cafe provided, and contrary to the Peace of our
Lord the King, did meet a third Time in Manner aforefaid, whereof he
ftands indided, i^c"
Somi fkddei
Not guilty.
iC
tc
C(
About fixteen of the Prifoners, confidering the Indidment as a Charge of
contemning the Law, and aifing contrary to the King's Peace, of which they
knew themfelves clear, pleaded Not guilty. Others, confidering it merely as
an Accufation of being at tjieir religious Meetings, could not deny it, and
therefore
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
401
therefore gave only general Aiifivers, fucli as, / have wronged no Man. I am
innocent. I have no Evil in my Heart againft any Man. I am not guilty of the
Breach of any jiifl Law. I think the Meetings at the Bull atid Mouth to he
lawful and peaceable. If the Laws be fuch that the Innocent mufl be banifJ:>ed,
the IVill of the Lord he done. Ail thefe latter were let by as mute, and the Fatt
taken pro confeffo by the Court, who proceeded to try the other fixteen : The
WitnelTes againil them were the Under-Kcepers of Newgate, and the Marfhal\
Men. The firft, was * Dawfon, a Turnkey, whofe Behaviour and Contra-
didlion in giving Evidence was lurprifing to the Jury, for having fworn that
be took the Prifoner, John Hope, at the Bull and Mouth laft Sunday, and being
checkt for that, he faid. The Sunday before, both which were notorioufly falfe,
the Prifoner having been in Goal three Weeks. Afterward he laid, that the
Prifoner was brought out to him, and that he did not fee him in the Meeting.
Upon this one of the Jury fpake thus to the Judge, My Lord, I befeech you,
let us be troubled no more with fuch Evidence, fuch IVitneJJes will make us
tedious PFork, and we fJjall not cajl Men upon fuch Evidence. But the Judge,
named Hide, endeavoured to palliate the Evidence, and reproved the Juryman
for being too fcrupulous.
Another Evidence was William Turner, a Turnkey too, who being afked,
mether the Perfon at the Bar was at the Bull and Mouth fuch a Day, anfwered.
He was there that Day, he came with the Conflable. The Jury had good Reafon
to fcruplc his Teftimony, who was lb hardy as to fwear. The Prifoner was at
the Bull and Mouth, though he faw him not till he was brought to Newgate.
When one of the Jury objefted to this Evidence, the Judge was angry, and
thrcatned him for undervaluing the King^s JVitnefs, faying. He fJjould know the
Court had Pciver to punifh him, and would do it. After fome Time the Jury
was fent out, and the Court adjourned till five in the Afternoon, About fix,
the Jury brought in their Verdict, vi-z. That four of the Prifoners were not
guilty, and the Refl they could not agree on. The Judge hereat feeemed much
difplcafed, and having given them farther Inftruttions fent them out again.
About an Hour after they returned with this Verdift in Writing, Guilty of
Meeting, but not of Facl. The Judge afked, IVhat do you mean by Not guilty
of Fad ? The Jury replied. Here is Evidence, that they ?net at 'the Bull and
Mouth, therefore we fay Guilty of Meeting ; but no Evidence to prove what
they did there •, therefore we fay. Not guilty of meeting contrary to the
Liturgy cif the Church of England.
The Judge afked fome of the Jury, fVJjether they did jtot believe in their
Covfciences, that they were there tinder Colour and Pretence of JVorf].np ? To
which one of them replied, / do believe in my Confcience, that they were met
to worflnp in Deed and in Truth. Another of them faid. My Lord, I have
that venerable RefpeEl for the Liturgy of the Church of England, as to believe
that it is according to the Scriptures, which allow of the JVof-floip of Cod in Spirit
and in Truth, and if any Man in the World worfJAp God in the Spirit, he doth
not worfhip contrary to the Liturgy, it being according to tloe Scriptures, if not,
I Jhall abate my RefpeEl for it. In fliort, neither Perlijafions, nor Threats,
could induce the Jury to bring in any other Verdift, for though fix of them
leemed at laft inclinable to comply with the Court, the Others would nor.
Then Judge Hide, after more Threats, took the Names of thofe fix wlio ftood
out, and told them. They fJjould be bound to anjwer for their Mifdemeanonr at
the King's Bench Bar, the firfl Day of the next Term. One of them feemetl
unwilling to be bound, but the Judge told him, he muft and fhould. Then Hiid
he, My Lord, I am content, any wounding, but the wounding of my Confcience.
So they were bound in an Hundred Pounds each, to appear at the King's-Bcnch-
Bar the firft Day of the next Term.
Vol.. I. 5 I Then
LONDO^T,
&c.
1664.
Othen fit by
as mute, mi
the Fj.i} taken
pro conftflb.
Vncertjin
Evidetict,
The 'fury
ftrufUiig the
Eviience art
threaded bj
the 'fudge.
rerdicl.
The fury fent
bick.
ycrdicl in
iVritivg.
The fury
jiind to the
Verditl given.
Stout At'fner
oj a fu'imin.
* TKxsDixofon was obfcrved by fome never to thrive after he had given this Evidence,
but became mela.ncholy, could eat little, pined away, and died about ten Weeks after.
402
LONDON,
1664.
Sttitence
ptjfed on four
mtnlci Ifo-
tn:n to bt fivt
to Bridewell
for trvelve
lAontbi, or to
ftj 40/.
Women's
Ktptf.
19 Otbirt
brought t9
the Bxr,
jlmofig them
s Boy under
fixteen.
Sentenced to
Jrivjforw
lion,
JboKt fo fent
f* Newgate.
. ji More fent
'to Newgate.
<fo More fent
tbitbtr.
D. Doorc'*
Mittimus,
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Then the Court adjourned to the 17th, when thofe who had been fet by,
and the Fad taken pro Confejfo^ were brought to the Bar to receive Sentence.
Firft, four married Women, namely, Sitfan Alleriy Ellen Edmonds^ Alice Aldridgc^
and Ifabel Trevilian, to whom the Recorder faid, Tou have been twice comiiSied
upon Record for being at an unlawful Meetings and now you fland conviiled the
third Time : Tou fhall be committed to the Houfe of CorreBion for the Space of
twelve Mo7ith$y unlefs your Hufbands will pay forty Pounds for each of yoti.
After feme Paufe, he faid. The Court is willing to fJjew you Favour, atid ta
abate of the forty Pounds, and take twenty Pounds. To which the Women
replied. If you would take forty or twenty Farthings, we would not give it.
Then the Reft, namely, John Pechell, Thomas Kent, John Ranee, Thomas
Hodge, Thomas Robins, John Johnfon, Thomas Parker, Robert Allen, Richard
Poulton, Deborah Harding, Elizabeth Fifher, Rachel Jackfon, Jane Powel, Rofe
Atkins, Anne Horniblow, Chrijiian Ford, Anne Mercer, Elizabeth Ivers, and
Mary Middleton, were brought to the Bar. One of them, Richard Poulton,
was a Boy about fifteen Years of Age, to whom the Recorder liiid. Little Boyy
will you promife to go to Church, and hear Common Prayer ? A Turnkey ftand-
ing by, faid. My Lord, I believe he will, if he were away from the Rejl. Then
the Boy was brought up to the Clerk's Table, where he fhewed a Certificate
that he was not fixteen Years of Age. The Recorder afked him. Whether he
would Swear, that Certificate came from the Pari/h where he was born ? Ano-
ther aflced him, Whether he would Swear he was not fixteeen 7'ears cf Age ?
The Boy anfwered, / was not brought up to Swearing. And being aflced again.
Whether he would promife to go to Church ? He replied, 1 fjall promije ho
fuch Thing. So the Recorder pafled Sentence on him with the other eighteen,
thus, Tou and every of you fhall be tranjported beyond the Seas, the Men to Bar-
badoes, and the Women to Jamaica, being two of his Majeflfs Plantations, there
to remain feven Tears.
On the 1 6th oi Oilober, at the Bull and Mouth, George Whitehead preaching,
a Company armed with Halberts came in, Ihut the Doors, and kept others
out, yet themfclves ftood quiet and heard, near an Hour, till the Mayor and
Alderman Richard Brown came, who committed George and forty four others to
Newgate, befide fifteen more, whom they charged by a particular Warrant for
the third Offence.
On the 23d, twenty four Perfons from Wheeler-ftreet were fent to Newgate,
and on the 30th, from Mile-end-Green nineteen, and from Wheeler-flreet eight.
On the 4th of November, were committed from Wheeler-flreet fourteen ; on
the 6th, from Mile-end-Green nine ; and from the Bull and Mouth thirteen ;
on the 13th, from the Bull and Mouth twenty four. On the 20th, Dorethf
Doore was imprifoned by the following Mittifnus, viz.
" ¥X7E fend you herewith the Body of Dorothy Doore, being taken preach-
" V V ing in the Street, among a Company of People unlawfully gathered
" together about her, contrary to the Laws of tliis Realm made for the Pro-
*' hibition of unlawful Affemblies, encouraging People to perftfl in their im-
*' lawful Affemblies, and not to fear any Man ; requiring you in his Majefty's
*' Name, to receive her the laid Dorothy Doore, and detain and keep her in
" your fafe Cuftody, until flie be delivered by due Courfe of Law, and this
" fhall be your fufficient Warrant. Dated this 20th Day of November 1 664,
to the Keeper of
Newgate.
" Thomas Byde,
" Charles Pitfield."
About in IOC ^" *^^ ^^^^ I^^y> R^lpb Toung and another were fent to Newgate for re-
fent n New- fufing to take the Oath of Allegiance ; alfo eighteen Perfons from the Meeting
jite. at Mile-end-Green, and forty two from that at the Bull and Mouth. On tlte
27th, from Mile-end-Green feven, and from the Bull and Aloutk thirty one.
On
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
On the I ft o^ Bcxemhcr, feven Perfons were Tent to Ne'ic;gate from tlie Bull
and Mouth, and on the 4th, twenty four.
At a Seffions at Hick's-hall, on the 6th of December ^ Edward Berkley, Dcgory
Marjhall, John Noble, Edward Maletrat, pyjlliam Mallhew, William Brend,
Nathanael Harding, Francis Tarcy, "John Terry, John Godwin, Vincent Gerard,
and Martin Grojhe, were tried and lentenced to be tranfported to Jamaica :
Their Trials were fhort, the Judges feeming determin'd, and the Jury ready
to ad by their Dired:ion. When one of the Prifoners aflced, IVhether it were
a Crime worthy of Banijhment to meet to feri'e the Lord ? Judge Hide anfwered,
It's Crime enough : It's Crime enough : Set him by. To another, aiking, If we
meet really to worjhip God, rnuft we fiiffer for that ? He anfwered, Tes, that you
mull. To a third, who fiiid, 1 underjland that God is a Spirit, and I met to
worjhip the Eternal God in Spirit, as he perfuades my Heart and Confcience, and
miift 1 be coitdemned to Banifhvicnt for that !' He repHed, Tes, yes, jor the Law
is againji it. At that Seffions a Perfon ftanding by to hear the Trials, (though
not in the Face of the Court, left he fhould give Offence) the Officers haled
him out. Judge Hide perceiving the Man was a ^aker, ordered him to be
brought to the Bar, which was done, with his Hat taken off : The Judge
ordered it to be put on again, and then fined him for Contempt in not pulling
it off ; thus creating an Offence, and then punifliing it. He alfo lent the fame
Man to Newgate for not finding Sureties for his good Behaviour.
On the 1 1 th, Richard Greenway was fent to Newgate for preaching to the
People as he ftood in the Porch oi one Peter Biirdett in Weftburyflreet. The
iame Day were committed to the fame Prifon, from the Meeting at Mile- end-
Green, eight Perfons -, and from the Bull and Mouth nineteen ; and on the 14th,
from the Bull and Mouth, feven.
On the 14th, at the Seffions in the Old-Bailey, IVilliam Newman, John Claus,
James Carter, IVilliam Parker, Thomas Cox, Mabell fVheeler, Benjamin Green-
well, John Chaplin, ManaJfeh Howard, Laurence Fullove, Edmund Overed,
Elizabeth Pike, Ifabel Hacker, James Pearne, Tho?nas Vojfe, Laurence Aplin,
Rebecca Trump, Anne Royley, Elizabeth Harding, and Anne Priejl, were tried
and convifted, and fcntenced alio to be traniported to the Ifland of Jamaica
for feven Years. John Claus pleaded that he was a Foreigner, and therefore not
within the Reach of the ASi i but this Plea, however juft, was over ruled by
the Court.
On the I ft of the Month called January, thirty four Perfons from the Btdl
and Mouth were fent to Newgate. At the fame Time two Women, one of
them above fixty, and an aged Man, were fent to Bridewell, and ordered to
be whipt. On the 8th, nineteen fi-om the Bull and Mouth were fent to
Newgate i and on the 1 5th, both Men and Women, affembled at the Bull and
Mouth, were drove by the City-Marfhal from thence to the Counter, diere de-
tained two Days and two Nights, and afterwards lent to Newgate. It happen'd
at one of thofe Commitments, a Prifoner, named Thomas IVhite, told Alder-
man Brown, that he thought he had filled up the Meafure of his Wickednefs ; at
■which the Alderman incenfed, ftruck him on the Face and kickt him.
At the next Seffions, held At Hick's- hall on xhe. 12th, and at the Old Bailey
on the 1 6th of the Month called January, thirty fix more received Sentence of
Banifhment, namely, Robert Hayes, Robert Pate, John Fox, John Tilby, Edward
Walker, John Tifdell, William Garrald, John Crane, Matthias Gardener, George
Taylor, Richard Lambert, Evan Jones, William Ttlby, William Tillett, Ifaac How,
Edward Bull, James Harding, George Evan, John Mafon, Jofiah Clare, Chrifio-
fhcr Dickinfon, Ifaac Warner, Edward BruJh, Richard Smith, Mary Pozvell,
Anne Dance, Elizabeth Dixon, Katharine Charles, Sufanna Horn, Dorothy Hall,
Alice Richardfon, Margaret UJher, Thomas Stokes, Thomas Clark, Thomas Barbuke,
and Bartholomew Hearne. One of the Jury, named Thomas Leader, was afterward
much troubled in Confcience for confenting to a Verdidl againft thefe Perfons,
infomuch that he publifhed a Paper in Print under the Title of Tlje wounded
Heart, or the Juryman's Offences declared. By which publick Acknowledgment
he
LONDON,
&c.
1664.
J 1 More roffi-
mitted.
Jriil of 12
Others.
Sniifnced
to Tranjforti-
riew.
Abrupt An-
jrver of fudge
Hide.
An Ofence
viiie on pur'
poj'e to be p«-
tiijhed'
About ; 5 fent
{» Prifon,
20 Others tried
and Jemencedf
to Irivfpotti'
A juji Tki
over-ruled.
55 Sen tf
prifon.
56 More fen-
tencid to Bi.
vljhmevt.
A furyntdv
beivg troubled
in Mind ex-
preffcd hii
Pifiitince.
404
LONDON,
&c.
1664.
•J9 Sentenced
to Tr/mfporti-
tion,
Singulxr Cife
^ More im-
prijoned.
.i.
jihout 110
jent (9 Prifo'tU
1 1 Imprjfoned.
24 More fen-
tcncei to Bi'
nijbment.
4 Sentenced to
JJridewell.
16 Sent to
Newgate.
Wnmon J'tfor-
miti»n of A
Vintner,
:; Sent to
Newgate.
10 Sentenced
to TrafiJ'porti'
tion.
A ferrn Covert
{« Bridewell.
Penth of
25 Terfons in
Ncwgite.
^ Colle^ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
he found fome Eafe in his own Mind, and fhewed himfelf truly penitent for
the Wrong done to his innocent Neighbours.
There were now in Newgate, under Sentence of Tranfportation, ninety nine
Perfons -, one of whom, John Otter, a Shoemaker, taken at a Meeting at
Mile-end, and being afked by the Juftices, ll^^ere be dwelt ? anfwered, I have
a Dwelling, where neither Thief, Murderer, nor Perfecutor can come : Being
attain afked. If here that was ? He anfwered. In God. Upon which the Juftices
fent liim to Bridewell as a Vagabond. At the Seffions he was brought to the
Bar, and the Judge afked him, IVhere was his Dwelling-place ? To which he
anJwered as before. Upon this the Judge, after a Ihort Confultation with
the other Juftices, pronounced Sentence of Tranfportation againft him : And
Jie was afterward tranfported, with tliree Malefaftors, to Virginia, there to be
fold as a Slave for feven Years.
On the 2 2d of the Month called JanMar'j, John Tyfoe was taken preaching
at Wloeeler-flreet Meeting, and fent to Newgate, whither twenty four others
were alio fent the liime Day from a Meeting at the Peel : On that Day alfo
fixteen Perfons were carried from the Bull and Mouth Meeting to fVood-Jlreet-
Counter, where they lay two Niglits on the bare Boards, and afterwards were
fent to Newgate. On the 29th, forty eight Perfons from the Peel were com-
mitted to the lame Prifon.
On the 1 2 th of the Month called February, fifty Perfons were fent from
IVheeler-Jlreet Meeting to Newgate ; and at the fame Time, the Doors and
outer Gate of the Meeting-houfe there were broken down : On the fame Day
alfo twelve were committed from the Bull and Mouth, and above forty from
the Peel. On the 19th, feveral from die Meeting at Mle-end-Green were fent
to Prifon. On the 26th, five from the Bull and Mouth, and thirteen from the
Peel.
On tlie 1 2th of the Month called March, Morgan fVatkins, preaching at the
Bull and Mouth, was fent to Prifon with five others •, and as many the fame
Day from the Peel.
On the 1 8th, at the Seffions at Hicks' s-ball, twenty four more received Sen-
tence of Banilhment, viz. John Somerfield, Hugh Carter, Bathia Marloe, Mat-
thew Jackfon, John Rojfe, Henry Cummings, John Smith, Thomas Hicks, John
Harding, Henry Wooding, Sarah Halves, John fVeft, John Frith, Thomas Hemfie,
Elizabeth Mortimore, JVilliam Cauderwood, James Kendall, John Pricket, John
Gabh, James Kirton, Bridget Dickjon, Charles Rogers, Elizabeth Collins, and
John Tyfoe. At the fame Time four married Women, viz, Sarah IVilley, Mary
Cokes, Efiher Prune, and Sarah Martin, were fentenced to Bridewell for eleven
Months.
On the 19th, eight Perfons from the Peel, and the like Number from the
Bull and Mouth, were fent to Newgate.
On the 2 1 ft, about thirty Perfons, taken at the Peel Meeting, were carried
before the Juftices •, the principal Evidence was a Vintner in Smithfeld, who
had marked many of them on the Back with Red-Oker, as they came out of
the Meeting-houfe, by which Mark he fwore againft them, though he knew
not their Faces : He afted this with much Levity and Derifion. Upon his
Evidence the Juftices fent twenty three of them to Newgate.
On the 2 2d, at the Seffions at the OUl-Bailey, ten of the laid People received
Sentence of Tranfportation to Jamaica, namely, Francis Ji'lAte, John Bates,
Robert Thomas, John Gibfon, George Pryor, Nicholas Bly, George Tiirkington,
Anne Blow, Amy Walker, and Chrijlopher Todd. And at the fame Seffions,
Dorothy Adderton, a feme Covert, was fentenceil to Bridewell.
In this Year died in Newgate, or by Sicknefs contradted there, twenty five
Perfons, namely, John Clark, John IVilkiiiJon, John Lewis, JFi'liam To?nkins,
John Hales, Robert Twynn, Henry Hnfer, John Palmer, John Cooke, Edvjard
Baker, Jofeph Sto7iehoufe, Mary Draper, ylndrew Andrews, John JVildbo?y,
Richard Twynn, Mary Davis, George Hide, Hannah Cooke, Mary Mile, Henry
Woodward, Richard Audley, M^f] 7r.ners, Roger Evaiis, Hannah Drury, and
Benla7niH,
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS,
Benjamin Greenwell. When the Relations of fome of the Deceafcd defired their
Bodies in order to bury them, it was not granted ; but they were privately
interr'd in the Ground belonging to the Goal, that their Deaths might be
concealed as much as polTible from the Oblcrvation of the People.
This Year concludes with the acftual Tranfportation of three of the Prifoners,
viz, Edward Briijh, Robert Hayes, and James Harding, who on the 24th ot
the Month called March, very early in the Morning were hurried out of
Neivgale by fome of the Turnkeys to Black-Friars, and thence to Grave/end,
where they were forced on Shipboard : Robert Hays, being fickly and under a
Courfe of Phyfick, died foon alter he was put on board. The other two were
carried to Jamaica, where it pleafed God to profper them, {q that they lived
there in good Circumftanccs, and Edward Brujh, though a Grey-hair'd old Man
when he went from England, lived to come back again.
Soon after this the Peftilence broke out in the City, which was diought by
many to be a Punifhment inflifted by the Hand of God on a perfccuting
Nation, and was plainly foretold by fome of the People called ^takers, par-
ticularly by George Bijhop, of Brijlol, who feverai Months before had publiflied
the following Warning, viz.
" 'To the King, and both Houfes of Parliament,
" TJjus faith the Lord !
*' TV/TEDDLE not with my People, becaufe of dieir Confcience to me, G. Bifhop'i
'' iVX and banifli them not out of the Nation becaufe of their Confcience ; Pxfdiciioa,
*' tor If you do, I will fend my Plagues upon you, and you fhall know that
*' I am the Lord.
405
LONDON,
&c.
1664.
I^ehuom not
Jufferei 10
bury thim.
Three put on
Shipboiinl.
Death of
R. Hayes.
PefiUence
bre.iki out
111 London.
Written in Obedience to the Lord^ by his Servant
Briftol, the i <)th of the
Ninth Month 1664.
" Geo. Bishop.
It was alfo taken Notice of by many, that the Sicknefs broke out firfl next
Door 10 the Houfe where Edward BruJJj, one of the baniflied Perfons had
dwelt, in Bear-binder-lane.
ANNO 1665. At a SefTions at Hicks' s-hall, on the 4th and 6th Days of
the Month called April, * John Francis Tryponet, Anne Haley, Margaret
Waljhy, Francis Marloe, and John Horfe-j, were fentenced to Tranfportation ;
and on the 8th, at the Old-Bailey, feven others, viz. Thomas Taylor, Thomas
Davis, Edward Pattifon, John Fitzgerrard, John Salmon, Hannah Camack, and
Anne Standridge, had the lame Sentence pronounced againll them.
On the 1 8 th of the fame Month, Thomas Gibjon, John Tyfoe, f John Hard-
ing, John Terry, Edward Maletrat, John Goodwin, and Edward Boycote, under
Sentence of Tranfportation, were carried down to Grave/end, and put on
Shipboard. A few Days after their Embarkation, Judge Hide, an aftive Man
in I'entencing many to Baniflimcnt, died iliddenly, being in Health at IVejlminller
in the Morning, and dead in his Clofet the fame Day at Noon.
On the 1 2th of the Month calld May, Robert mha7n was fentenced to
Banifhmcnt at the SefTions in the Old-Bailey ; and on the 26th, eight others of
the Prifuners, viz. Robert Allen, Tljomas Kent, John Raimce, Thomas Hodge,
Thomas Robins, John Johnfon, Thomas Parker, and Richard Potdton, were put
into a Barge at Black-Friars, carried to Gravefend, and put on Shipboard.
Vol. I. 5 K On
An Obfervi-
tioti.
5 At HicksV
hall, inJ. 7 at
the Old-Bai-
ley, jhitou'el
to Tranjforii'
tion.
7 lAore put en
Shipboard.
Death of
^ui^e Hide.
R. Witham
fintencci to
Btniimem.
8 Others put
on ShiDboard.
* Trypontt was a German, and no Subjeft of this Realm, and therefore was not legally
convifted.
+ He was the Father of ^mts Hnrdh'i, before mentioned to be tranfported to famaica.
4o6
LONDON,
1665.
120 Tit re-
mihih'g under
Hciuemi of
Jrji»jporcji-
tion.
Mifleri ef
Ships refufe
to carry ihcrn.
M length O'le
Fudge, an
hi'i-heartci
Ma»,i:o>nratls
to carry them.
5< rut on
pnjrd his
Ship.
The Mariners
refufe to take
them in,
^eturnei to
Newgate.
Soldiers fent
to kelp to put
tbitn on
Bjird,
Ch'iftian
lave.
7ke Solaisrs
by Fores put
them onBoa'd.
A Colledion of the SuIfferings Vol. I.
On the 22d of the Month called Jme^ at the Seflions in the OU-Bai!ey,
Jofeph Haiigh, Richard Tbomfon, fVilliarn Stevenfon^ and Mary Bale, v/erc
Icncenced to Tranlportation, under which Sentence there yet remained in New-
gate more than one Hundred and twenty Perfons, whom the Sheriffs knew
not how to get rid of ; for the Mafters of Ships, confcious ot the Men's In-
nocence, "enerally refufed to carry them, and the increafing Peftilence confirmed
them in that Retufal, that Sicknefs being efteemed by them and many others
as a Judgment on the Nation for its perfecuting Laws. But at length they
found a Man for their Purpofe ; his Name was Fudge, a Perfon fo hardened as
to lay. That he would not Jlick to tranfport even his nearejt Relations : With him
the Sheriffs agreed to carry the Prifoners to Ja7nmca, and accordingly on the
20th of the Month called "Jidy, five and fifty of them were taken out of A'^c:;-
gate, put into a Barge nt Black- Friars, and carried down the River to his Ship,
called the Black-Spread- Eagle, lying in Bugby's Hole. When they came to the
Ship's Side, the Mafter being abfent, the Seamen refufed to aflift in forcing
them on Board, and the Priloners were not willing to be active in their own
Tranfportation. The Turnkeys and Officers ufed high Words to the Seamen,
infifting on the Prifoners being the King's Goods, and that they ought to be
afllftant in getting them on Board, but the Mariners were inflexible, and would
not move a Finger in that Work. At length with much Difficulty they got
only four of the Priloners on Board, and being weary, returned with the Reft
to Newgate, where they continued till the 4th of the Month called Aiiguft^
and then were again carried to the Barge. As they went down the Rjver,
Soldiers were fent in Boats from the T'cwer to affift in putting them on Board.
Many of their Friends in other Boats accompanied them, though the Soldiers
threatned to fink them, if they would not be gone: But Chriftian Love cafteth
out the Fear of Man. The Commander of the Soldiers called to the Seamen
to afilft him, but few of them would ftir. Then the Soldiers in the Barge
laid hold on the Prifoners, dragged fome, kickt and puncht others, heaved up
many by the Legs and Arms, and fo tumbled them into the Ship, and in
about an Hour's Time got them all on Board. They were thirty feven Men
and eighteen Women, their Names being as follows, viz.
Names of 57
JAen.
jvjiji^j of s8
Woineit.
The Ship re-
tarded.
1- Died
Board.
on
The rejfil
taken by the
Durch, and
the rrifoneri
Jent home
*gai^..
MEN.
* Peter Pennington, * Henry Taylor, * Edmund Berkley, * JVilliam Mat-
thews, * Vincent Gerrard, * John Noble, * Nithanael Harding, * Laurence
ylplin, * John Chaplin, * PVillia7n Newman, * Chrijlopker Dickefon, * John Fox,
* Thomas Stokes, * Thomas Clark, * Bartholomew Hall, * Richard Tbo?nfon,
* Edward Walker, * John Gabb, * John Horjey, * Matthew Jackfon, * Edward
Lee, * Arthur Baker, Thomas Eubhert, Roger Roberts, Degory Mar/hall, Wil-
liam Parker, Thomas Rofe, Francis Ter/ey, Thomas Cox, ManaJJeh Floward, John
Clans, Robert Pate, Laurence Fullove, James Pierce, William Tillett, Jame:
JQrton, and William Roberts.
WOMEN.
* Deborah Harding, Anm Horniblow, Anne Priefl, Rofe Atkins, Elizabeth
Ivers, Elizabeth Fijher, Anne Mercer, * Jane Powel, Elizabeth Harding, Re-
becca Trump, Mary Middleton, * Anne Royley, * Rachel Jack/on, * Dorothy
Hall, Cbrijiian Ford, Patience Wilfon, * Elizabeth Pike, and Margaret Jackfon.
Being on Board, all the Men were thronged together between Decks, where
they could not fl:and upright ; and the Peftilence coming into the Ship, which
was long retarded in the River, Fudge the Captain being arrefted and impri-
foned for Debt, fo that it was about feven Months before Ihe got to the
Land's End, in which Time twenty feven of the Prifoners on Boiu-d died,
whole Names are diftinguiftied by AJlerifms in tlie foregoing Lift. On tlie
23d of the Month called February, the Vcftel failed from Plymouth, and wai
next Day taken by a Dutch Privateer, and carried to FIo7-n in North-Holland,
from whence, when the DuUhmen perceived that they were not likely to be
exchanged
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
exchanged as Prifoners of War, they fent them Home again with a PalTport
and Certificate.
We return to Lon(\on, wliere, in the fame Week the aforefaid fifty five
Perfons were put on Shipboard, the Bills of Mortality amounted to 3014, and
in the next Week to 4030. As this dcftruftive Peftilence was a fore and
heavy Judgment on a wicked, profane, and perfecuting Generation, who had
long fportcd themfelves with oppreffing the Innocent, fo was it a merciftil
Vifitation to the faithful and confcientious Prifoners, in releafing many of
them from a Life worlc than Death in the nafty Holes of Neiugate^ where
two and fifty of them died, nimely,
Edmund IVard, Nicholas Ely, Richard Lambert, George Pryor, Ihomas fVkks,
Margaret Weljl'j, George Evaris, John fVeJl, John Somerfield, Edward Bully
Thomas Kemfey, fchn Frith, John Smith, John Crane, Matthias Gardener, John
Salmon, Jojhiia Clare, Hugh Carter, George "Taylor, John Tejdak, Thomas Davis,
and Bathia Marloe, all which lay under Sentence of Banifhment.
John fFiggins, Benjamin Laurence, Cuthbert Heale, John Rotten, Hugh JVefty
George Hollingfworth, Edward Harvey, James IVdliams, James Portsmouth, Francis
White, John Coiudry, Jofeph Hangh, Augttjtin Tborowgood, John Fitzgerrard,
Richard Sparkman, James Sweet, John Bates, Mark Beecroft, Robert Thomas,
Malachi Dudley, Martin Grojhe, John Howard, Daniel Reede, Daniel Hawkins,
Ambrofe Cooke, John Francis, Henry Wilkinfon, Mary Powel, Cbrijio^her Nicholas,
and Sarah Lee.
Some of thcfe had been committed to Newgate in the Heighth of the Con-
tagion, on the 9th of the Month called Augiijl, from the Peel Meeting, by
Soldiers fent thither by Sir John Robinfon, Lieutenant of the Tower, who came
in an hoftile Manner, and fiid. They were all their Prifoners : John Eldridge
afking. By what Authority they came, was anfwered by a Blow on his Head
with a Muflcet ; and another for afl<.ing the lame Quettion was knockr down.
The Soldiers carried away thirty two of them to Newgate as Sheep for the
Slaughter, there being no human Probability of their coming out alive.
In the fame Month eighteen odiers were committed to the Gatehoufe at
Wejlminjler by the following Warrants from the Duke of Albemarle, Viz.
407
LONDON,
&c.
1665.
Weekly Bill
cj Mortalitj
4030.
52 Of the Pri-
foners died in
Newgate.
Some cemmtt'
ted in the
h'eighth of
ihe Covti-
gi»n, viz.
3 2 To New-
gate.
18 to thi
Gatehoufe.
WHEREAS the Perfons hereafter named, to wit, IVilliam Watjbn,
Morgan Watkins, Hezekiab Carter, Francis Dove, Stephen Wlnte, Ben-
jamin Griffith, Wdliam Avelin, Andrew Carter, Samuel Stonfon, and Richard
Butcher, were Yefterday at an unlawful Meeting in St. John'?,, contrary to
an Aft of Porliament. Thefe are to require you to receive the faid Perfons
into the Prifon of the Gatehoufe, and to fecure them till fardier Order.
And you are to certify to me the Names of fuch of them as have been
before apprehended for unlawful Meetings, and committed to your Cuftody,
and how often they have been in Prifon. Given under my Hand this 9 th
Day of Aiigujl 1 66^.
To the Keeper of the Gate-
houfe, or his Deputy.
" Albemarle.
A Serjeant, and four Files."
YO U are on Sight hereof to take into your Cuftody Solomon Eccles,
Robert Towerland, Thomas Portland, John Bolfover, Humble Thatcher,
William Crouch, John Pierce, and Chriflopher Cooke, who are guilty of being
at an unlawful Meeting, and refufing to pay the Fines. Given under my
Hand this z^d oi' Auguji 1665.
To the Keeper of the Gate-
houfe, or his Deputy.
Albemarle.
" The Oilicer of theGuards is to fend a Serjeant and four Files with them.
Duke of A\-
bemarle'i
Wtrraniu
Qi
4o8
LONDON,
&c.
1665.
4 Died of the
Co/itagion.
A new All
igiiift Can-
ventn-les en-
forced by Sir
S. Starling
Lord-MajO).
G. Fox t.iken
fretcbivg.
A Popifh In-
former de-
tested and
gUd to cfcaf.:
G. Fox dif-
mijs'd.
J. Burnyeatt
fined.
Meeting at
WeftiTiinfter
difiurbed, and
mu'ij ahujei.
A. Parker
/ml others
fined.
^ Colle<^ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Of the eighteen Perfons committed by thefe Warrants, four, viz. IVUliam
Avelyn, Stephen Mobile, Samuel Slonfofi, and Robert 'towerland, died of the
Contagion in the Prifon.
After this the Fury of Per(ccution in this City was reftrained for feme Years
by the righteous Judgments of God, the devouring Peftilence, by which Mul-
titudes of its Inhabitants were cut off in this Year, and in the next, the terrible
Fire which laid wafte the City it felf : So that we have no forchcr Inftances of
Proiecutions of this People for their religious Meetings there, till
ANNO 1670. On tlie icth of the Month called May this Year, a new
A6b agairill feditious Conventicles began to be in Force, which Sir Samuel Star-
ling, then Lord-Mayor of London, immediately exerted his Authority to put in
Execution, appointing a Guard of Watchmen widi Halberts to ftand the next
Day at the Meeting-houfe in JVlnlchart-Court in Grace-cbu?rh-[ireet, and to fuffer
none to enter : Wherefore tiie Meeting was held in the Court.
On the 1 5th of the fame Month, the Firft-day of the Week, the Guard
appointed, kept them not only out of the Meeting-houle, but alio out of the
Court in the open Street, where George Fox began to preach, but was prefently
pulled down : After him another was ferved in like Manner, and both of them
were carried before the Lord-Mayor by a Conrtable and an Informer, with Soldiers
attending them : As they were pafTing the Street, the Informer laid, if ct'z//
never be a good World till all People coine to the good old Religion that was two
Hundred 7'ears ago. G. Fox hearing this, faid, (Vhat ! a Papift Informer, for
two Hundred Tears ago, there was no other piUick Profeffwn of Religion in this
I^ation, but that of the Papifts. When they came into the Court before the
Lord-Major'% Houfe, fome of the People afkt G. Fox, Why he was brought
thither ? He replied, AJk that Informer, and ajk him his Name. Upon this
one of the Mayor's Officers looking out at a Window, laid. He fhould tell his
Nanie before he went away, for, faid he, the Lord-Mayor will know by what
Authority you intrude yourfelf with Soldiers into the Execution of thofe Laws which
belong to the Civil Magi/Irate to execute, and not to the Military. The Informer,
unwilling to abide fuch an Examination, got out of the Court, into the Street,
where the People received him with a loud Shout oi A Papill 7;//or;;/«-, a
Papift Informer, and would probably have handled him roughly, had not G. Fox
perfuaded the Conftable and Soldiers to keep him out of the Hands of the
common People. So he went into an Houi'e, where he changed his Periwig,
and made his Efcape. The Informer being gone, and no Body appearing la
that Quality, the Lord- Mayor, after fome Dilcourfe with George Fes and his
Friend, itt them both at Liberty.
On the fime Day, at Devonfhire-boufe, before the Meeting was flilly gathered,
Conftables and Watchmen came, and kept fome in the Street, among whom
was Stephen Hubberjly, who began to i'peak, but was foon taken away. Johu
Burnyeatt alfo, being in the Houfe, began to fpeak, but was quickly pulled
down, and had before the Mayor, who fined him 20/.
On the fame Day, William Simpfon, preaching at Wejlminfler Meeting, was
pulled down by Soldiers, and after him, John Songhurft preaching, was ufed in
like Manner. Several others were grievoufly abuled. Some had their Clothes
taken off their Backs, as Coats, Cloaks, Hoods, Scarves, i^c. One of them
was ftript to his Shirr, and fome of them were kept Prifoners feveral Hours ;
after which they were had before two Juftices, who fined them, both Men
and Women.
On the 1 8th, the City Marlhal came to the Meeting in Grace-churcfj-flreet,
and pulled down Alexander Parker then preaching, and carried him, together
with George IFhitehead and John Roulton, who were fitting by him, before the
Lord-Mayor, who fined Alexander 20 1, and the other two 5;. each.
On the 2 2d, a File of Mifqueticrs and Pikemen rufhed rudely into the
Meeting at the fame Place, and took away the Preacher, whom the Lord-
Ma'^or fined 20/.
On
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
On the 29th, a Conftablc, with Watchmen and fome Soldiers, took Samuel
^oriiton preaching there, who, being brought before the Lord-Mayor, was by
him committed to Newgale.
On the iame Day, at Devonjhire-houfe, the Conftables kept all out in the Street,
where fViUiam Simpjon preaching was taken away by Soldiers. John Burnyeatt
alio atcempLing to preach, met with like Ufage. The Mayor lent them both
to Newgale. In the Afternoon, at the fame Place, they were again kept out
by Conftables and Halberdiers : This caufed a great Concourfe ol People, who
flood quietly to hear, till a Company of Soldiers, with Drums beating, dif-
turbed diem ; the Officers fell violently upon the Friends, beating them with
Swords and Staves, and Sir Jofeph Sheldon, their Colonel, ftruck John Fordbam
fevv^rai Hlows on the Head with a Stick : He alio ftruck leveral others in a
violent and furious Manner. This was the ufual Treatment they met with,
but they were fupported through all in Chriltian Patience.
On the fame Day, at IVeJiminJlery a Lieutenant with about thirty Soldiers
violently dragged the AlTembly out of their Meeting- houfe there.
On the 5Ch of the Month called June, Charles Harris preaching at fVejlmin-
jler Meeting, was pulled down, and, with feveral others, carried before Juftice
Ne-wmaii, who fined them. The Meeting continuing, the Soldiers returned
and took away fome others, and by Force difperfed the Reft.
On the fame Day, at Graee-church-ftreel, George PFhilehead Y>ra.y\ng'wa.5 laid
hold on by Soldiers, and haled out of the Meeting, as was alio John Boullon,
who exalted the People to Sobriety. After fix Hours Detention at the Ex^
change, they were conveyed to Guild-hall before Sir John Sheldon and others.
The Soldiers who took them were called for Evidence ; and George fVhilehead
exhorted them to take heed what they fwore : He alfo cautioned the Magi-
ftrates to do nothing but what they would anfwer before the great God, who
judgeth righteoully ; For, faid he, we apprehend ihal we are taken conlrary lo
Law, even lo ihe prejent A£i, viz. by Soldiers, where there was no Rejilfance
made by any of us ; we defire lo be heard.
Sir Jofeph Sheldon. It you be illegally convifted, you may make your Ap-
peal.
G. W. I defire lo be heard : But being feveral Times interrupted, he faid,
I require you in point of Juftice to hear me, being a free-born Englifhman. IVe
would not have you who are our Judges, to prejudice your own Conjciences by an ille-
gal Conviction, nor to do any Thing, but as you will anfwer it to the great God ; for
we have a Tendernefs to your Confciences.
Sir Jofeph Sheldon. Well, we mufl anfwer for what we do ; take you no
Care for that.
The WitnefTes being fworn : One of them faid, that George Whitehead was
preaching when they took him.
Sir Jofeph Sheldon ordering the WitnefTes to depart, George Whitehead faid,
1 defire the Witneffes ma-j flay till I have aifwered, they have already fotfworn
themfelves, for I was not preaching or teaclnng when they look me.
A Stander-by, faid. You were praying when they took you.
G. W. Take Notice : This Man has fpoken Truth : But the Witnefs has
forfworn himfelf in faying, I was preaching.
Neverthelefs, the Clerk wrote down G. Whitehead as a Perfon convifted : But
what Judgment was given, either againft him or John Boullon, they did not hear.
It was luppofed that the grofs Error of the WitnefTes might prevent any far-
ther Proceedings againfl them.
On the 1 2th of the lame Month, the AfTembiy at Grace-church-flreet was
held in the Court, the Doors of the Meeeting-houfe having been nail'd up,
and a Padlock put upon them the Day before by the Surveyor-General, and
one of the Sheriffs, by an Order from the King and Council. A Conftable
and fome Soldiers came, but the Concourfe of People was fo great that they
could not prefs through them. At length, as the Meeting was breaking up.
409
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
S. Thornton
fenx r» New-
gate.
A\po W.
S'impibn iv.i
J. Burnyeatt.
J. Fordhain
tni others
bettsn.
G. White-
head iini
J.Boulcon
tiien.
Their Exxmi-
mtion.
iileitivg keti
in tks Court
it Grace-
Church-
i'ticct.
Vol. I.
5I-
the
410
tONDONs
1670*
8 sein fo
N-ew-Prifon.
Sfvtnl com-
mittei to Bi-
(hop'i-gate
Go^I, a >ujij/
Flice.
Their Commit-
ment to New-
gate.
Cruihy of the
SoliierSj avi-
mitel by J'ome
iwoiPwPapilh.
W, Simpfon
fined.
A Prieft
feich'wg
at Grace-
Church-ftrect
Meeting-
boufe-
G. White.
head carried,
to the Lord-
Mayor.
^ Colleclion of fhe Sufferings Vol. I.
the Sheriff came, made a Proclamation, and carried four of them to the
Counter. -
On the lame Day at the Peel, they were kept out by Soldiers, who took
Rebecca Travers preaching in the Street, and carried her with John Gold, John
Barker, Tlxmas Jones, John Ship, Jojeph Scott, and two others to their Guard,
and from thence to Afec-Pri/o;/. After three Hours they were had before the
Juftices, who fined them 5 s. each, and diicharged them.
And on tjie lame Day at IVejlmiufter; George Whitehead preaching was pulled
down by Force, and carried before Jutlice Newmati., and the Meeting broke
up by Violence. : su^ihU .i
On the ipth, at Grace-chioch-Jlreet,. being kept otit of their Meeting- houfe,
and met in the Court, the two SheriHs came with Soldiers, and took away
Francis Moore, ^ Richard Mayjield, Rkbard Meiv, Richard Knoivlman, and G?'/-
bert Hiitton, whom they committed to the Cuftody of one (■Fhiting, Beadle of
the Bridge-ward, and his Watchmen, who, by the Sheriff's Order, carried them
to Bijljop's-gate Goal, a filthy Place, where they were kept all Night, and then
had before the Lieutenancy at Guild-hall, who lent them to the Coiinier till the
Day following, wlieji they were lent to Newgate by the following Warrant of
the Lord-Mayor, viz.
" London is.
" D" E C E I V E into your Cuftody the Bodies of Francis Moore, Richard
" J^ Mew, Richard Mayfield, Richard Kjiowlman, and Gilbert Hiitton, here-
" with lent you, being apprehended and brought before me, and charged to
" have made, and to have been prelent the laft Lord's Day, at an unlawful
" AlTembly, Riot and Rout in WlAte-hart-yard in Grace-church-Jlreet, London,
*' and for want of Sureties for their good Behaviour and perfonal Appearance
*' at the next Seflions of Goal-Delivery for the laid City and Liberties : And
" them iafely keep in your Cuftody until they fhall be thence legally dif-
*' charged, and this fhall be your Warrant.
To the Keeper of his Majejlfs
Goal of Newgate.
Dated the 2 ift D.-iy of June 16 jo.''
On the faid 19th Day of the Month called June, at Wejlminjler, they were
kept out of the Meeting-houfe by Soldiers, and obliged to meet in the Street.
Two Juftices came, and ordered the Soldiers to difperfe them ; in order to
which they laid on with their Mufkets, and ftruck one of the Friends fo
violently that he thought his Ribs had been broken. Several known Papijh
were there animating the Soldiers, one of whom Handing behind a Soldier who
was lifting up his Mufket to ftrike at a Friend, received fuch a Blow as made
his Mouth bleed, whereby a feafonable Check was given to his malicious
Purpofe.
On the fame Day, at Ratcliff, Wdliam Simpjon preaching in the Street, was
taken and carried to Juftice Rycroft, who fined him 20/.
On the 26th, at the Meeting-houfe in Grace-cburch-jlreet, the Lord-Mayor
and others had ordered a Prieft to attend, who read the Common- Prayer, and
preached a Sermon in the Gallery ; exhorting to the Exercile of Chriftian Love
and Charity ; but his Conduft was not correlpondent to his Dilcourfe, for when
the Soldiers, who guarded him, abulcd feveral of the Friends in his Prefence,
he did not reprove them, nor fliew any Diflike. The Novelty of the Thing
drew many People thither ; and after the Prieil had done, George Whitehead
ftood up and preached the Gofpel of Peace and Lx)vc, fliewing how contrary
thereto all Perfccution for Religion was : The People hrard him wirii Qiiietnels
and Attention, tih two rude Fellows, with Soldiers following them, violently
pulled him down, and carried liim ict the Lord- Mayor's, and kept him a while
in-the Yard. His Name, and the lolormation againft him being given in to
rhc
Ghap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
die Mayor, he quickly fent out a Warrant to commit him to the Counter^
which was tlien in the Gate-houfe at Btjhop's-gate^ for making a Difturbance,
until he fliould find Sureties, or be delivered by Law. This w;is done without
calling in or hearing G. IVbitehead in his own Defence. But he getting a Sight
of the Warrant, defired he might fpeak to the Mayor, which being granted,
he told him, there was a Miftake in the Warrant, for that he bad not made
any Dillurbance, but on the Contrary quieted the People by feafonable Advice
and Counfcl. To whicii the Mayor laid. He ixjoiild enq:<ire farther into it after
Eveiiiiig-Prayery but in the mean Time ordered him to the Counter : In the
Evening, the Mayor lent for him again, and heard the Evidence againft him,
viz. the Gonftable and another Perfon, who witnefTed, That be jiood up and
peached^ after their Minifter had ended, but what be preached they could not tell.
The Mayor laid. If the Alimjler had done, it wai a Coni:enticle, and Imttft fine
you 20/. and afterward he laid 40/.
G. /K Hiid, If I had preached Sedition or Dilcord, either againft the
Government or the Peace of the Nation, I might juilly i'uffer by this Law, being
intituled,, jiit AB to pre'vcnt and fupprefs feditious Conventicles, but feeing the
"Witnefics cannot tell what I did preach, I may fignify the Subftance and Ten-
dency thereof, viz. A Necejftty being laid upon me. Wo had been unto me if I
had not preached the Gofpel, and it was no other but the Gofpel of Peace and
Salvation by Jefus Chrill that I preached, to exalt the Power of Godlineis,
diredling People thereunto in Chrift, that they, might not remain under empty,
or litelels and dead Forms of Proleffion, i£c.
. . The Mayor laid, IVell, I mufl fine you 40 /. this bebig the fecond Offence,
you liMre convioled before Sir Jofeph Sheldon once before.
Gi W. Muft I fufftr for preaching the Goljael of Peace, as if I had preached
Sedition ? This is ftrange : Doth the Law make no Difference ? Befidcs, I was
not com'i<Sted according to this Law or Adl before Juftice Sheldon, for it was
there made appear that the Witnefs forfwore himfelf againft me, as fome there
that ftood by teftified, for he fwore, that he took me preaching, when many
could tcftify, as lome there did affirm, chat I was praying, imd not at that
Time, preaching. 1 iriJ
Mayor. But was you not on your Knees, with your Hat off, whe» they took
you ?
G. IV. Yea, I was : And the Meeting was in a reverent Pofture of
Prayer, the Men with their Hats off" ; and the Soldiers pulled me down when
I wi.% praying.
Mayor. However you were in a religious Exercife.
G. IV. If Prayer to God muft be accounted a religious Exercife not allowed
by the Liturgy -, yet I do not underftand that praying is included in that Claufe
that mentions Preaching or Teaching, &c. As where it is faid. That every Per-
fon who fhall take upon hitn to preach or teach in any Jnch Meeting, Affemhly,
or Conventicle, and fhall thereof be convi^fed as aforefiid, fhall forfeit for every
juch fifft Offence the Sum of twenty Pounds. Now here is no Prayer mentioned,
dieretore I defire thy Judgment, whether hy preaching or teachmg can be meant
praying ?
Mayor. No. Praying is not there mentioned. However your Conviction is
recorded : Tou tnay make your Appeal.
G. W. To whom Ihall I make ray Appeal, but to thofe that wronged me ?
. Mayor. / muft do according to Law, I mull fine you forty Pounds.
C. IV. Then I muft be fined for preaching the Gofpel of Peace, as if I
had preaclicd Sedition : By this it is all a Cafe, to preach Sedition, or die
Gofpel of Peace. But fuch a Law as makes no DilFerence between preaching
Sedidon, and preaching the Gofpel of Peace, I muft deny as being both againft
Reafon, and againft God: And God, who judgeth righteoufly, and by whom
Adions are weighed, will judge between thee and us in this Thing.
Concerning the Fine at this Time impofed, the faid G. IVbitehead, in his
Book called his Chriftian Progrefsy fays, *' I do nor remember that the Fine
" threatncd
411
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
Committii to
the Counter.
Ifis Exami-
Tiatig/i.
Fivii 4r>.'.
412
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
A Prieji's
Courage fail-
ing.
W. Bayley
feachhig is
fent te New-
gate.
V/tngers at
Wettminfter
bj driving
toicbcs.
A Prie/i offi-
ciates in
Grace-
church-
Itreet Meet'
ing-houfe.
Meeting in
the Street
diflurbed by
Drums,
J. Tyfoe
ibufei.
Hi i'nd abiut
ICO others
ye«UoNew.
frilbn.
Abufes bj the
Mjffir,
ViQrefs on
ii. Brooks.
Fury conquer' i
by ymence.
At Grace-
church-
ttreet.
u4 Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" threatned upon this pretended Convidtion was ever levied upon my Goods,
" though diverfe others were to great Excefs."
On the 3d of the Month called July, in the Time of the Meeting at Grace-
church-jlreet, a Prieft, guarded by Soldiers, came out of an adjacent Alehoufe,
but as they came toward the Meeting-houfe, the Prieft flunk away into the
Street ■, the Serjeant followed him, and perfuaded him to come back, again,
which he did, with a double Guard, to the Door ; but then his Heart again
failed him, and he turned away, with the Derifion of the People. William Bayley
was then preaching, whom the Soldiers took and carried before the Lord-Mayor,
who committed him to Newgale for abufing the Prieft, and difturbing him in
his Office, though he had faid nothing to the Prieft, for he withdrew as afore-
faid. When W. Bnjley came before the Mayor with his Hat on, the Mayor
pluckt it off, faying, Tou give no Homur to Govermurs. William afked. Doth
thy Honour confift in taking off the Hat ? The Mayor anfwered TeSy and palTion-
ately trod the Hat under his Feet. William replied, Then thou treadefi thy
Honour under Foot.
On the 10th of the fame Month, at Wejlminjler, a new Method was put
in praftice, to difperfe the Meeting in the Street : One of the Juftice's
Coachmen drove his Coach and Hories to and fro among the Friends ; by
which feveral were in much Danger. Another Coachman, praftifing the like,
crufht the Leg of a Woman with Child between the Coach-Wheel and a Poft,
fo that {he received much Hurt.
On the fame Day, at Grace-church-Jlreety a Company of Soldiers came
about four in the Morning, and as foon as the Gates were open, drew out a
Party into the Court •, and after Ibme Time the City-Marfhal came with a
Prieft and others ; they knockt at an Houfe next the Meeting, and the Door
being opened, rufhed in, and broke open a Door, and forced their Way into
the Meeting-houfe. Being afked. By what Authority they did fo ? The Marlhal
anfwered, that He had a verbal Order. After this the Prieft read Prayers and
preached, and the Friends were kept out by a Guard at each Door : Howbeit
they maintained their Teftimony by meeting in the Street, where if any began
to fpeak by way of Exhortation, the Drums were beaten to drown his Voice,
and he was quickly haled away.
On the fame Day alfo, at the Peel, the Meeting being near ended, and
John Tyfoe at Prayer, a Party of the King's Life-Guards came, and tlieir
Commander took John by the Collar, and drew him into the Street, where
he, exhorting the Soldiers and People to fear God, was much abufed : The
Soldiers carried him and about an Hundred others to New-Prifon, where they
were detained without any Mittimus till Evening, when the Women were
turned out, but the Men kept till next Morning, and then being had before the
Juftices were fined ^s. each. In the Time of their Confinement, as they fat
lilently and religioufly together, John Tyfoe prayed, upon which the Keeper
pluckt him violently from amongft them, and put him into a nafty dark
ftinking Hole, where he was kept four Days. One Robert Bridges, a Coach-
maker in Hofer-lane, who came to fee the Prifoners, reproved the Keeper for
ufing John Tvjoe after that Manner, and afked. How he could anfiver the detain-
ing him without any Mittimus ? Upon which the Keeper fwore the Peace againft
him, and procured a Warrant, by which he alfo was committed to Prifon.
On the 15th, Edward Brooks, a Grocer, of Giles's in the Fields, had his Shop-
Goods taken away to the Value of 7/. for Fines impofed on himfelf and others
for Meeting at Weftjninjier, where the Soldiers continued to keep Friends out
of their Meeting-houfe, but they met conftantly at their ufual Times in the
Street, and by their Chrifl:ian Patience gradually overcame the Fury of their
Oppofcrs.
On the 17th, at Grace-church (Ireet, a Company of Trained-Bands having
kept Guard in the Street all Night, one of them in the Morning climbed over
the Gate, and through a Window got into the Meeting-houfe, broke off the
J.ock from the Door, and fo made Way for a Prieft, and a Rabble attending
him.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 413
him, for few Pcrfons of Credit appeared to countenance their Proceedings. The LONDON,
Prieft performed his Office as ufual : And a Friend praying in the Street,
Drums were b^at to prevent his being heard.
On the iamc Day, at the Peel^ they were kept out by Red-coat Soldiers
and a Conftable, and wlien two Women fpake a tew Words, the Soldiers •^' **'
violently pulled them away ; others pulht down both Men and Women with
their Mulkets, and tore Mary Wich\ Scarf and Apron, and pincht her, and
bruifed fome with their Mufkets ; whereupon one of the Friends called to the
Conflable to keep the Peace. Toward the Conclufion of the Meeting, George
Whitehead was moved in much Brokennefs and Tendernefs of Spirit to call
upon the Lord by Prayer : Soon after he began, the Soldiers with Violence
pulled him away into the Entry ; George Whitehead then told them of their
"Wickednefs and Incivility toward the Women, and how much below the
manly Spirit of Soldiers they ad:ed in abufing peaceable Men and Women as
they had done. Prefently after, they pulled John Scott and Samuel Richardfon
into their Gentry or Guard-Room, and detained thofe three in their Cullody
near three Hours •, and then a great Company of Soldiers conduded them to
an Alehoufe near Clerkenwell, where two Juftices, Fojler and Bowles, were,
with a great many of the King's Horfe-guards before the Door. As George ^r^'^"°"
Whitehead and his Friends were brought to tiie Door, he called out for Juftice, ^ead' avd '^^*
faying, / atn glad we are come before the Civil Magijlrate : We defire Jujlice of others h the
you againjl the Soldiers, who have kept us out of our Meeting in the Street, and fultiies.
taken us contrary to Law, even contrary to the prefent AS of Parliament, which
requires not them to tneddle with Meetings, but where Refijlance is made, and upon
Certificate thereof, as the ASt mentions : Bejides jome of theje Soldiers behaved
tbemjelves rudely, and abujed feveral of our Friends^ and punched fome of the
Women with their Mufkets and hurt them. In the next Place, we except againjt thefe
Soldiers being Witneffes, looking upon them as not fit, 7wr ought they to be accepted
as Witneffes againjl us, having broken the Law thetnfelves.
G. f^ hitebead feveral Times called for Juftice, as they would anfwer to the
great God of Heaven and Earth, who would judge righteoufly between them.
The Juftice laid, Tou fhall have Juftice. Whereupon a Major on Horfeback
faid to the Juftices, Sirs, he will preach till Night, if you will hear him. The
Juftices bowed with their Hats oft" to the Major, lliewing him much Reve-
rence, and difcovering a great Readinefs to convift the Prifoners. The Major,
Captain, and others, alighted, and came in to fee the Juftices proceed againft
the Prifoners ; and many of the Red-coats were called in for Witneffes, but
G. W. repeated his Exceptions againft them as before. Howbeit, contrary both
to Law and Equity, they were fworn to witnefs againft the Prifoners whom
they had abufed and illegally apprehended -, the Juftices not at all cautioning
them to take heed what they fwore, but the Major did. The Subftance of their
Depofitions was, "Jhat there were about three Hundred met in the Street, and
that they took George Whitehead preaching, flanding upon a Bulk or Stall.
G. W. That is not true ; I was praying, ftandiiig on tlie Ground, but
leaning on a Bulk.
Soldier. We took him praying, but leaning on a Bulk.
G. W. See how confufed and contradiftory they are in their Evidence, for
preaching and praying are two Things, neither is praying mentioned in that
Clauie of the Aft that is made againll fuch as take upon them to preach or
teach.
Juftice Fofter. Tou conjur'd them together to the Meeting.
G. W. That is not true i for they were gathered together before I came
to the Meeting,
Major, He doth as much as tell the Juftice he lies.
G. W. I do not tell him he lies ; but I fay again, // is falfe that I conjured
the People together.
The Major reproved the Soldiers for afting beyond his Order, in going into
the Street to take the Friends, faying, / gave you Order only to keep them out
in the Street, and you to keep Gentry at the Boor.
Voi*. I. 5 M Jiiilice
414
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
to
Commttei
Ncw-Prifon.
u4 Colle6tioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Jufiice Bowles. Sir, but after you were gone^ I ordered them to take thofe that
preached, and I thank them.
"Jufiice Fofter. What a Devil did you come there to pray for ?
G. W. Do thofe Words become a Magiftrate ? "We did not meet to hear
or fing Ballads in the Street, nor do we meet at Play-Jmfes, nor at Bau>dy-
houjes, nor fVhore-houfes, nor at Drinking-hoifes, to be drunk, where the Devil
is ferved : But we meet fingly to worlhip and ferve the Living God, for which
we fuffer.
The Major, and fome others with him, fecmed highly dilpleafed at the
Words about going to Bawdy-houfes, calling out, IVIm do you accufe ? fVho do
you accufe for going to Bawdy-houfes ? Whereupon fome of the Company
prefent fmiled upon one another.
G. W. I accufe none, but tell you what Meetings we do not come at,
nor own, and for what End we do not meet.
Major. They were wont to call Rome the Whore, and faid fhe fhould he
defiroyed in j666, hut, I trow, it came upon London, for London was then
burnt, and not Rome, "This he fpake fomewhat vaunlingly, or with a Sort of
Fleafure.
G. W. Is not Rome a WJoore then ?
Major. No, not the Place, but there are Whores there.
And in other Places, faid another, which was but an Evafion.
The Information the Soldiers gave againft John Scott was, that they took
him preaching, which was becaule when they came furioufly, he advifed them to
be moderate. This they termed f reaching.
Their Information againft Samuel Richardfon was, that he laid violent Hands en
one of their Mujkets ; but this was utterly falfe, and denied by him, for he
was ftanding peaceably, as he faid, with his Hands in his Pockets.
Then the Juftices feemed inclinable to convift them on the Aft againft
Conventicles : G. W. had a few Words with them about it, pleading to pre-
vent their Severity. But Juftice Fofter urging to have them convifted, two
Warrants were made, and the three Prifoners were carried to New-Prijon by
the Conftable and Soldiers : The Troopers all the Time of their Examination
ftanding before the Door.
It was obfervable, that in their Mittimus, tiiey mift putting down George
Whitehead's Name, and inftead thereof fee down Arthur Cotton, who was a
Soldier that helped to take them.
The next Day after their Commitment, about fix in the Evening, the afore-
faid two Juftices came to the Prifon, and called George Whitehead into a Room,
and afked him his Name and Place of Abode, which he told them : And then
they faid, 'They had feveral haws which they could proceed by againft him, and
particularly the Oxford Aif., the Oath, &c. The Clerk having the Oath of
Allegiance in his Hand with Blanks left for the Names, and a Law-Book lay
before them.
G. W. I defire you would not go about to enfnare us, for the Law was not
made to make Men Tranfgreflbrs, but to punifli them, where it finds fuch.
We are apprehended and accufed as Breakers of the late Aft againft Con-
venticles, let us firft be tried upon that Aft and cleared, and not have new
Snares laid for us.
Juftice Fofter. We will not lay Snares for you : If you will pay your 20 1,
you fhall be dijcharged,
G. W. anfwered fomething about the faid Aft ; but they caufed him to
withdraw, and called in John Scott, who had a long Difcourfe with them, they
accufing him for having been an old Soldier, and tendred him the Oath ac-
cording to the Oxford Aft made againft Non-Conformift Minifters, ^c. which
he refufing to take, they threatned to detain him in Prifon fix Months. After
wliich they again called George Whitehead, and Samuel Richardfon, and afked
G. Whitehead, WJjcther he would pay his 20/. Fine, and if he wowld frcnnfc to
come no more to the Meeting at the Peel ?
G. W.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
G. W. anfwered, I cannot pay any Fine or Money for praying to God, or
wor(hi]3ping him -, neither can I promife any fuch Thin^, as to forbear coming
to worlhip or pray to God.
One ot" them afked S. Richardfon, fFill you frontife to come no more
Meeting ?
S. R. I can promife no fuch Thing.
Juftice. fFill you pay your 5 s. ?
Richard/on. I do not know that I owe thee 5 s.
So having fined G. IVhitebcad 20 1, and 6\ Richardfon 55. they difcharged
them -, but ordered John Scott to be detained by the following Mitti?nUs, viz.
" Mtddlejex fs.
WHEREAS it hath been proved before us, tv/o of his Majefty's
Juftices of the Peace for this County, by the Oaths of James
Howard^ Soldier to Capt. Winter^ and John Hayle, Soldier to the faid
Captain : That John Scott, lodging at the Pewter Platter in St. Johi'i
Street, in the Parilh of St. Sepulchers, in the County of Middle/ex, did tike
upon him to preach in an unlawful AfTembly or Meeting, under Colour and
Pretence of exercifing Religion, contrary to the Laws and Statures of this
Realm : And that the faid John Scott did, in Manner aforefaid, preach or
fpeak upon Sunday the i yh of this Inflant Jtdy 1 670, in the Pariih of Se-
pulcher's, contrary to an Aft of Parliament made in the 17th Year of his
Majefly's Reign that now is-. And whereas we have, upon the Day of the
Date hereof, caufed the faid John Scott to be brought before us at the JPariHl
of St. Jatnes's, Clerkenwell, in the County of Middle/ex aforefaid, and de-
manded of him then and there, whether he had taken and fubfcribed, in
Manner as by the faid Aft is direfted, the Oath thereby appointed ; and
he the faid John Scott anfwered thereto that he had not : And vtc having
then and there tendred the faid Oath to be by him taken and fubfcribed,
he the faid John Scott refufed to take the faid Oath, and fubfcribe the faid
Declaration, as by the faid Aft is required; We therifbre fend ybu hete-
withal the Body of the faid John Scott, requiring ybUj in his Majefty's
Name, him fafely to keep in your Prifon for the Space of fix Months, or
until he fhall be thence difcharged by due Courfe of Law. And ne'reof
you are not to fail. Given under our Hands and Seals this prefent 1 7th
Day of July 1670, ^nno regni Regis nunc, &c. 22".
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
(I
G. White'
head ani
J. Richard-
fon ^ntfi 20/.
J.Scott'jM/f
timns to New-
Pril'ou.
t(
To the Keeper of New-Prifon,
or his Deputy there.
'' Reginald Ft3sT:fik,
" William Bowles.'
Thus was John Scott imprifoned fix Months under Colour of an Aft, which
bdeed had no Relation to his Cafe, for he was no Preacher, but the Soldiers
called his Advijing them to Sobriety by the Name of preaching.
On the 24th, at Grace-church-ftreet, the City-Marlhal came early in the
Morning, and broke open the Window of the Meeting-houfe. The Soldiers
guarded the Pricfl to read Common-Prayer, and kept Friends in the Street,
beating a Drum when any attempted to fpeak.
On the 3 iff, at the fame Place, the Marflial broke open the Window with
an Iron Sledge, furioufly flriking on the Heads of fuch as ftood in his Way,
and kept Friends out of their Meeting as before.
It happened alfo in this Month, that theophilm Green, preaching in a Meet-
ing at Vxbridge, was taken by Officers, who detained him till a Juftice of the
Peace came. He fined him 20/. for preaching, and, under Pretence that he had
uttered feditious Words in his Sermon, fent him to Newgate. The Words
charged upon him in the Mittimus vitxt. Keep your Meetings in the Name of
Jefus, notwithjinding the Laws of Men to the Contrctry. For this and other
Fines
Kjpt eut'of
tbi tAinivg.
Commitme/n
ofT. Gree.i
to Newi;ate.
4i6
LONDON,
tie.
1670.
Jits Goods
fe't\cL
At Ratcliff.
M tbt Peel
24 fent to
Prijon.
Commitment
ef W. Penn
and W. Mead
to Newgate.
tof^ept all
Night, and
fame of tbem
fined.
60 Committed'
About 50 com-
mitted, and
fined.
Oath tendrei
tt 3 of them.
Contefl bf
twixt Power
tnd Liberty.
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I
Fines for Meeting, Warrants of Diftrefs were iffued againft the faid Theophlui
for 100/. for which they took away all his Houfhold Goods.
On the 1 2 th of the Month called Augujl, fome Officers of the tower Liberty,
with Soldiers, came to the Meeting-houle at Ratcliff^ and took away fixty one
Forms and two Tables. They fold one of the Tables for 6 d. and carried the
Reft to the Tower. And on the 14th, Juftice Rycrofi, with a Conftable and
Soldiers, took the Names of the Perfons prel'ent, and fined them. On the fame
Day, about twenty four Perfons were carried from the Peel Meeting to Pri-
ibn, and detained till two Juftices came and took their Names.
Alfo on the 14th, at Grace-church-ftreet, William Penn was taken preaching,
and together with William Mead, prefent at the fame Meeting, committed to
Newgate.
On the 2 ] ft, about eighty Perfons were carried from the Peel Meeting to
New-Prifofii and kept all Night in a nafty ftinking Hole. Next Day, in the
Afternoon, two Juftices, Fojler and Sabhs, came and took their Names, fining
them as they pleafcd, and difcharged them all, except one, who afked for
his Accufers, as thinking the Convidlion irregular ; the Juftices took Oftence.
thereat, and ordered him to be detained until SefTions.
On the 25th, from the fame Place, about fixty Men and Women were com-
mitted, and detained all Night, among whom were John Maliheivs, Ellen
DtindaSt Alexander Hobhs, and Robert White ; and on the 2 8 th, about fifty
were committed to New-Prifon, and detained all Night, and next Day fined
by the Juflices. On the fame Day, three Juftices came to the Meeting at
Ratcliff, and took the Friends Names, and fined them : They alfo tendred
the Oath of Allegiance to John Graham., Francis Barnes, and Williain Jarvtl,
and upon their Refufal to take it, fent them to New-Prifon.
In the Beginning of September, diis Year, was a remarkable Struggle between
the Efforts of arbitrary Power in the Magiff rates of this City, and the juft and
ancient Liberties of the People of England, notably defended in the following
Trial, viz.
TriaJ of W.
Penn, and
W. Mead,
tt the Old-
Bailey.
^ufliee's
Names.
'The Trial of William Penn, and William Mead, at the SeJJions-
houfe in the Old-Bailey, London, the ift, 3d, 4th, and 5th of Sep-
tember 1670.
Prefent on the Bench as Juftices.
Samuel Starling Mayor,
John Howel Recorder,
Thomas Bludworth Alderman,
William Peak. Aldertnan,
Richard Ford Alderman,
Joseph Sheldon Alderman,
John Robinson Alderman,
Richard Brown Alderman,
John Smith 1 ^^ .^_
James Ldwards j ■"
Juror's
Namest
The Jurors impanelled and fworn, being Citizens of London, were.
Thomas Veer,
Charles Milfon,
William Plumfted,
Henry Mitchel,
Edward Bujhel,
Gregory Walklett,
Henry Henly,
Willia?n Lever,
John Hatnmond,
John Brightman,
James Damajk,
John Baily.
The Form of the Oath.
Oath. ^"^ J^^^^ ^^^^ ^"d ^f^h 'O'' ^''^ ^^^^ Deliverance make between our Sovereign
Lord the King, and the Prijoners at the Bar, according to your Evidence. So
help you God.
The Indictment.
Indidmenu That William Penn, Gent, and Willia?n Mead, late of London, Linen-draper,
with diverfe other Perfons to the Jurors unknown, to the Number of ihret
Hundred,
Ghap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 417
Hundred, on the 14th Day of Auguft, in the 2 2d Year of the King, alxiut LONIX)iV,
eleven of the Clock in the Forenoon of the fame Day, with Force and Arms &c.
in the Pr-rifli of St. Bennet-Grace-cbiircb, in Bridge-JVard, London, in the 1670.
Street called Crace-church-Jlreet, unlawfully and tumultuoufly did affemble and ^^-'^V'^VJ
congregate themlclves together to the Difturbance of the Peace of the faid
Lord the King : And the aforefaid IVilliatn Penn and fFilliam Mead, together
with other Perfons to the Jurors aforediid unknown, then and there fo alTembled
and congregated together, the aforefaid WtUiam Penn, by Agreement between
him and Williatn Mead before made, and by Abetment of the aforefaid JVjI-
liam Mead, then and there in the open Street did take upon himfelf to preach
and fpeak, and then and there did preach and fpeak unto the aforefaid lyUltam
Mead, and other Perfons there in the Street aforefaid being affembled and
congregated together, by Reafon whereof a great Concourfe and Tumult of
People in the Street aforefaid, then and there a long Time did remain and
continue, in Contempt of the laid Lord the King, and of his Law, to the
great Difturbance of his Peace, to the great Terror and Dill^urbance of many
of his Liege People and Subjefts, to the ill Example of all others in the like
Cafe offending, and againft the Peace of the laid Lord the King, his Crown and
Dignity.
Clerk, T^ HA I" fay you, William "Ptunand William Mead, are you Guilty
as you Jiand indi£led in Manner and Form as aforefaid, or Not guilty ?
Penn. It is impofTible that we fliould be able to remember the Indift-
ment verbatim, and therefore we defire a Copy of it, as is cuftomary on the
like Occafions.
Recorder. Tou muft frft plead to the IndiBment, before you can have a Copy of it.
Penn. I am unacquainted with the Formality of the Law, and therefore,
before I IKall anfwer diredly, I requefl two Things of the Court. Firft, that
no Advantage may be taken againll me, nor 1 deprived of any Benefit
which I might otherwife have received. Secondly, that you will promife me
a fair Hearing, and Liberty of making my Defence.
Court. No Advantage fhall be taken againfl you : Tou Jhall have Liberty :
Tou fhall be heard.
Penn. Then I plead Not guilty in Manner and Form.
Clerk. What fayft thou, William Mead, art thou Guilty in Manner and
Form as thou ftandeft indited, or Not guilty ?
Mead. I fhall defire the fame Liberty as is promifed to William Penn.
Court. Tou floall have it.
Mead. Then I plead Not guilty in Manner and Form.
The Court adjourned till the Afiiernoon.
Crier. O Tes, &c.
Clerk. Bring William Penn and William Mead to the Bar.
Note. The faid Prifoners were brought, but fet afide, and other
Bufinefs profecuted : Where it . is obfervable, tf-jat the Court made
them wait on the Trials of Felons and Murderers, defigning, in all
Probability, both to affront and tire them.
After five Hours Attendance, the Court broke up, and adjourned
to the 3d Inftant.
The 3d of September i6yo, the Court fat.
Crier. O Tes, &c.
Clerk. Bring William Penn and William Mead to the Bar.
Mayor. Sirrah, who btd you put off their Hats ? Put on their Hats again.
Obferv. Whereupon one of the Officers putting the Prifoners Hats upon
their Heads (purfuant to the Order of die Court) brought them to
the Bar. v
Recorder. Do you know where you are ?
Penn. Yes.
Recorder. Bo you know it is the King's Court ?
Penn. I know it to be a Court ; and I fuppofe ic to be the King's Court.
Vol. L /: N Recorder,
Jhc Trial.
41 3 A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, Recorder. Bo you not know there is RefpeSl due to the Court ?
I'c. Pemi. Yes.
1670. Recorder. IFby do you not pay it then ?
~ ~ Penn. I do fo.
Recorder. IVhy do you not put off your Hat then ?
Penn. Becaufe I do not believe that to be any Refpecl:.
Recorder. Well, the Court fets forty Marks a piece upon your Heads, as a
Fine, for your Contempt of the Court.
Penn. I defire it might be obierved, that we came into the Court with
our Hats ofF, (that is, taken off) and if they have been put on fince, it was
by Order from the Bench, and therefore not we, but the Bench, fhould be
fined.
Mead. I have a Queftion to afk the Recorder -, Am I fined alfo ?
Recorder. Tes.
Mead. I defire the Jury and all People to take Notice of the Injuftice
of the Recorder, who fpake not to me to pull off my Hat, and yet hath put
a Fine upon my Head. O fear the Lord, and dread his Power, and yield
to the Guidance of his holy Spirit, for he is not for from every one of
you.
The Jury [worn again.
Note. J. Rohinfon, Lieutenant of the To^er, difingenuoufly objefted againft
Edward Biifhel, as if he had not kill the Book -, though indeed it was on pur-
pofe to have made Ufe of his Tendernefs of Confcience in avoiding reiterated
Oaths, to have put him by his being a Juryman, apprehending him to be a
Perfon not fit to anfwer their arbitrary Ends.
The Clerk read the Indidlment as aforefaid.
Clerk. Call James Cook into the Court. Give lAm his Oath.
Crier. James Cook, lay your Hand upon the Book. The Evidence you /hall
give to the Court, betwixt our Sovereign Lord the King, and the Prtfoners at the
Bar, (hall be the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth. So help you God.
Cook. I was fent for from //&i? Exchange to go and difperfe a Meeting in
Gracious-Street, where I faw Mr. Penn jpeaking to the People, hut I could mi
hear what he Jaid, becaufe of the Noije. I endeavoured to make Way to take him^
but could not gel to him for the Croud of People ; upon which Captain Mead came
to me, about the Kennel of the Street, and defired me to lei him go on, for when
he had done, he would bring Mr. Penn to me.
Court. What Number do you think might he there ?
Cook. About three or four Hundred People.
Court. Call Richard Read. Give him his Oath.
Read being fworn, was afkt. What do you know concerning the Prifoners at
the Bar ?
Read. My Lord, I went to Gracious-ftreet, where I found a great Croud of
People, and I heard Mr. Penn preach to them, and I faw Captain Mead fpeak
to Lieutenant Cook, but what he faid, I could not tell.
Mead. What did W. Penn fay ?
Read. TJjere was fucb a great NoiJe that 1 could not tell what he faid.
Mead. Jury, obferve this Evidence, he ftith, he heard him preach, and
yet doth not know what he faid. Jury, take Notice, he fwears now a clean
contrary Thing to what he fwore before die Mayor when we were committed,
for now he fwears that he faw me in Gracious-ftreet, and yet fwore before the
Mayor, when I was committed, that he did no! fee me there. I appeal to the
Mayor himfelf, if this be not true. But no Anfwer was given.
Court. What Number do you think might be there ?
Read. About four or five Hundred.
Penn. I defire to know of him what Day it was ?
Read. Tljc i j^th Day of Auguft.
Penn. Did he fpeak to me, or let me know he was there, for I am very
fure I never faw him.
Clerk.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 419
Clerk. Crier ^ call i . i n into the Court. LONDON,
■ My Lordy I faw a great Number of People., and Mr. Penn, I fuppofe ^c.
was /peaking. I faw him inake a Motion with his Hands, and heard fome Noi/e, lojo.
hit could not under/land what he Jaid ; but for Captain bAfxd, I did ?wt fee him ~
there.
Recorder. What fay you Mr. Mead, were you there ?
Mead. It is a Maxim in your own Law, Nemo tenetur accufare feipfufn^
which if it be not true Latin, I am lure it is true Englifh, That no Man is bound
to accufe himfelf. And why doll diou offer to enfnare me with fuch a Queftion ?
Doth not this fliew thy MaHce ? Is this like unto a Judge that ought to be
Council for the Prifoner at the Bar ?
Recorder. Sir, hold your Tongue ; I did not go about to enfnare you.
Penn. I defire we may come more clofe to tlie Point, and that Silence may
be commanded in the Court.
Crier. O 2'es ! All Manner of Perfons, keep Silence upon Pain of hnprifon-
ment. Silence in the Court.
Penn. We contefs our felves to be fo tar from recanting, or declining to
vindicate the afiembling our felves, to preach, pray, or worfliip the eternal,
holy, jull God, that we declare to all the W orld, that we believe it to be
our indifpenfible Duty to meet inceflantly upon fo good an Account, nor Ihall
all the Powers upon Earth be able to divert us from reverencing and adoring
our God who made us.
Brown. Tou are not here for worfhipping God, but for breaking the Law :
Tou do your felves a great deal of fVrong in going on in that Difcoiirfe.
Penn. I affirm I have broken no Law, nor am guilty ot the Indiftment
that is laid to my Charge, and to the End the Bench, the Jury, and my felf,
with thole that hear us, may have a more direfi: Underftanding of this Proce-
dure, I defire you would let me know, by what Law it is you proiecute me,
and uix)n what Law you ground my Iiidicltnent.
Recorder. Upon the common Law.
Penn. Where is that common Law ?
Recorder. 2ou muft not think that I am able to run up fo many Years, and
over fo many adjudged Cafes, which we call Common Law, to anfwer your
Curiofity.
Penn. This Anfwer, I am fure, is very fhort of my Queftion, for if it be
common, it fhould not be fo hard to produce.
Recorder. Sir, will you plead to your Indiulment ?
Penn. Shall I plead to an Indidment that hath no Foundation in Law .-' If
it contain the Law you lay I have broken, why Ihould you decline to produce
that Law, fince it will be impofllble for the Jury to determine, or to agree to
bring in their \'erdift, who have not the Law produced by which they Ihould
mealure the Truth of this Indiftment, and the Guilt, or Contrary, of my Fad;.
Recorder. Tou are a fancy Fellow : Speak to the IndiSiment.
Penn. I fay it is my Place to fpeak to Matter of Law : I am arraigned a
Prifoner : My Liberty which is next to Life it felf, is now concerned : You
are many Mouths and Ears againlt me, and if I muft not be allowed to malce
the beft of my Cafe, it is hard : I fay again, unlefs you fhew me and the
People tlie Law you ground your Indidment upon, I fliall take it for gr.inted
your Proceedings are merely arbitrary.
Recorder. 7he ^tejlion is, whether you are guilty of this IndtcJment ?
Penn. The Queftion is not, whether I am guilty of this Indidment, but,
whether this Indidment be legal. It is too general an Anfwer to fay, // is
the common Law, unlefs we know both when, where, and what it is. Fof
•where there is no Law, there is no Tranfgrcjfwn ; and that Law which is npt
in Being, is fo far from being common, that it is no Law at all.
Recorder. 7ou are an Impertinent Fellow. IFill you teach the Court what
Law is ? It's Lex non Scripta, that which many have fiudied thirty or forty
Tears to know, and would you have me tell you in a Moment '^
Penn,
420 j^ Colledion oj the Sufferings Vol. I,
LONDON, Penn. Certainly if the ccwwow L^zcy be fo hard to be underftood, it's far
^f^- from beincr very common ; but it the Lord Coke, in his Injiitutes, be of any
1670. Confideration, he telJs us that common Law is common Right, and that common
■^ Right is the great Charter-Privileges, confirmed, 9 Hen. 3, 29. 25 Edw. 1. i.
2 Edw. 3, 8. Coke's Injiitutes 2. p. 56.
Recorder. Sir, you are a troublefome Fellow, and 'tis not for the Honour of
the Court to let you go on.
Penn. I have afked you but one Queftion, and you have notanfwered me,
though the Rights and Privileges of every tnglijhman be concerned in it.
Recorder. If I fljouUl fuffer you to ajk ^ejtions till 'To-morrow Morning,
you would be never the wifer.
Penn. That's according as the Anfwers are.
Recorder. Sir, we niufi not jlniid to hear you talk all Night.
Penn. I defign no Affront to tiie Court, but to be heard in my jufl; Plea,
and I mufl plainly tell you, that if you will deny me Oyer of that Law, which
you fuggeft I have broken, you do at once deny me an acknowledged Right,
and evidence to the whole World your Refolution to facrifice the Privileges
Cii Englifhmen to your finifl:er and arbitrary Defigns.
Recorder. Take him away. My Lord, if you take not fome Courje with this
fefiilent Fellow, to flop his Mouth, we /hall not be able to do any Thing To-night.
Mayor. Take him away : Take Mm away : Turn him into the Baledock.
Penn. Thefc are but fo many vain Exclamations. Is this Juftice or true
Judgment ? Muft I therefore be taken away, becaufe I plead for the fiinda-
viental Laws of England. However, this I leave upon your Conlciences, who
are of the Jury (and my fole Judges) that if thefe ancient fundamental Laws,
which relate to Liberty and Property (and are not limited to particular Per-
fuafions in Matters of Religion) mufl not be indifpenfibly maintained and
oblerved : Who can fay he hath Right to the Coat upon his Back ? Certainly
our Liberties are openly to be invaded, our Wives to be ravifhed, our Chil-
dren enflaved, our Families ruined, and our Eftates led away in Triumph
by every fturdy Beggar and malicious Informer as their Trophies, but our
(pretended) Forfeit for Confcience-fake. The Lord of Heaven and Earth will
be Judge between us in this Matter.
Recorder. Be filent there.
Penn. I am not to be filent in a Cafe wherein I am fo much concerned, and
not only my fell, but many Ten-thoufmd Families befide.
Obfervation. They having mdely haled him into the Baledock, fFiUiam
Mead they left in Court, who fpake as followeth,
Mead. You Men of the Jury, here I dc now fland to anfwer to ar> Tn-
didment againfl me, which is a Bundle of Stuff full of Lies and Falfhood -,
for therein I am accufed that I met vi fe? armis, illicite & tuffiultuose. Time \\:xs,
when I had Freedom to ufe a carnal Weapon, and then I thought I feared no
Man, but now I fear the Living God, and dare not make Ufe thereof, nor
hurt any Man ; nor do I know I demeaned my felf as a tumultuous Peribn.
I fay, I am a peaceable Man, therefore it is a very proper Queftion, what
fVilliam Penn demanded in diis Cafe, an Oyer of the Law on which our In-
didfment is grounded.
Recorder. / have made Anfwer to that already.
Mead, turning his Face to the Jury, faid. You Men of the Jury, who are
my Judges, if the Recorder will not tell you what makes a Riot, a Rout, or
an unlawful AfTembly ; Cook, he diat once they called the Lord Cook, tells us
what makes a Riot, a Rout, or an unlawful Affembly. A Riot is when
three or more are met together to beat a Man, or to enter forcibly into another
Man's Land, to cut down his Grafs, his IFood, or break down his Pales.
Obferv. Here the Recorder interrupted him, and faid, I thank you. Sir,
that you will tell me what Law is, fcornlully putting off his Hat.
Mead. Thou mayft pur on thy Hat ; I have never a Jr'ee f(jr thee now.
,.:u... -Brown.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 421
Brown. He talks at Random : One while an Independent ; a/wthjr while LONDON",
/ome other Religion ; and now a Quaker ; and next a Papift. , &c.
Mead. Turpe eft Doftori cilni culpa rcdarguit ipfum. 1070.
Mayor. loit dtferve to have your Tongue cut out. vVv^J
Recorder. If you difcourfi on this manner, I Jhall take Occafion againjl you.
Mead. Thou didft promilc me I fhould have Liberty to be heard. Why
may I not have the Privilege of an Euglijhman ? I am an EngUJhman, and you
may be alhamed of this Dealing.
Recorder. / look upon yon to be an Enemy to the Laws of England, which
ought to be obferued and kept, nor are you worthy of fitch Privileges as others
have.
Mead. The Lord is Judge between me and thee in this Matter. ,
Obferv. Upon this they took him away into the Bakdock, .and the
Recorder proceeded to give the Jury their Charge, as follows,
Recorder. Tou have heard what the IndiElment is ; , it is for preaching to the charge to the
People^ and drawing a tumultuous Company after them, and Mr. Penn was ^'■^''J-
fpeaking : There are three or four Wttneffes that have proved this, that he did
preach there, and that Mr. Mead did allow of it. After this you have heard by
fuhflantial Witneffes what is faid againft them. Now we are upon the Matter of
FaSf, which you are to keep to and ohferve, as what hath been fully fworn to,
at your Peril.
Obferv. The Prifoners were put out of the Court, and the Charge
given to the Jury in their Abfence, at which IVilliam Penn, with a very
raifed Voice, it being a confiderable Diftance from the Bench, - fpake,
Penn. I appeal to the Jury who are my Judges, and this great Affcmbly,
whether the Proceedings ot the Court are not moft arbitrary, and void of all
Law, in offering to give the Jury their Charge in the Abfence of the Pri-
foners : I fay it is diredlly oppofite to, and deftmdtive of .the undoubted Right
of every Englifi Priioner, as Coke in the 2 Injiitute, 29. on tiic Chap, of
Magna Charta fpeaks.
Obferv. The Recorder being thus unexpetftedly laflit for his extraju-
dicial Procedure, faid with an enraged Smile,
Recorder, fi^hy you are prefent ; you do bear, do you not ?
Penn. No Thanks to the Court, that commanded me into the Baledock,
and you of the Jury take Notice, that I have not been heard, neither can you
legally depart the Court before I have been fully heard, having at ieaft ten or
twelve material Points to offer, to invalid their IndicStment.
Recorder. Pidl that Fellow down : Pull him down.
Mead. Are thefe according to the Rights and Privileges oi Engli/Jjmen, that
we fhould not be heard, but turned into the Baledock tor making our Defence,
and the Jury to have the Charge given them in our Abfence : I fay, thefe are
barbarous and unjuft Proceedings.
Recorder. Take them away into the Hole : To hear them talk all Night, as
they would, that, I think, does not become the Honour of the Court, and, I think,
you ( i. e. the Jury) your felves would be tired out, and not have Patience to hear
them.
Obferv. The Jury were commanded up to agree upon thejr Verdift, the
Prifoners remaining in the ftinking Hole. After an Hour and an
Half's Time, eight came down agreed, but four remained above :
The Court fent an Officer for them, and they accordingly came
down. The Bench ufed many unworthy Threats to the four that
dilTented ; and the Recorder addrefTing himfelf to Bufljel, faid, Sir,
you are the Caufe of this Diflurbance, and manifeftly Jhew your jelf art'
Abettor of Fa5lion, I flmll fet a Mark upon you. Sir.
J. Robinfon. Mr. Bulhel, / have known you near this fourteen Tears : Tou
have thruft your felf upon this Jury, becaufe you think there is jome Service for
you. I tell you, you deferve to be indited more than any Man that hath been
brought to the Bar this Day.
Vol. I. 5 O Bu&cl.
422
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
FerM.
^ury mtnuid.
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Bujhel. No, Sir John, there were three-fcore before me, and I would
willingly have got oft", but could nor.
Bloodworth. I fatd., when 1 faw Mr. Bufliel, what I fee is come topafs, for
I knew he would never yield. Mr. Bufhel, we know what you are.
Mayor. Sirrah, you are an impudent Fellow : I will put a Mark upon you.
Obferv. They ufed much menacing Language, and behaved themfelves
very imperioufly to the Jury, as Perfons not more void of Juftice,
than fober Education. After this barbarous Ufage, they fent them
to confider of bringing in their Verdid: ; and after fome confiderable
Time they returned to the Court. Silence was called for, and the
Jury called by their Names.
Clerk. Are -joii agreed upon your Ferdiof ?
Jury. Yes.
Clerk. Who Jhall fpeak for you ?
Jury. Our Foreman.
Clerk. Look upon the Prifoners at the Bar. How fay you ? Is William
Penn Guilty of the Matter whereof he flands indicfed in Manner and Form, or
Not guilty ?
Foreman. Guilty of fpeak ing in Gracious-Jlreet.
Court. Is that all ?
Foreman. That is all I have in Commiffion.
Recorder. Tou had as good fay nothing.
Mayor. Was it not an unlawful Affemhly ? Tou jneaa he was peaking to a
"Tumult of People there.
Foreman. My Lord, this was all I had in Commiffion.
Obferv. Here fome of the Jury feemed to buckle to the Queftion of
the Court, upon which Bufhel, Hammond, and fome others, oppofed
themfelves, and faid, They allowed of no fnch Words, as an unlawful
Affembly, in their VerdiSl : At which the Recorder, Mayor, Robin-
fon, and Bloodworth, took great Occafion to vilify them with moft
opprobrious Language ; and this Verdift not ferving their Turns, the
Recorder expreffed himfelf thus.
Recorder. The Law of England will not admit you to depart, till yote have
given in your Verdi£f.
Jury. We have given in our Verdift, and we can give in no other.
Recorder. Gentlemen, you have not given in your Ferdiff, and ycu had as
good fay nothing : Therefore go and confider it once more, that we may make an
End of this troublefome Buftnefs.
Jury. We defire we may have Pen, Ink, and Paper.
Obferv. The Court adjourned for half an Hour, which being expir'd,
the Court return'd, and the Jury not long after. Tlie Prifoners
were brought to the Bar, and the Juries Names called over.
Are you agreed of your Verdi5l ?
Yes.
Who fhall fpeak for you ?
Our Foreman.
Clerk.
Jury.
Clerk.
Jury,
Clerk.
What fay you ? Look upon the Prifoners. Is William Penn Guilty
Veriicl in
Writ'mi.
in Manner and Form as he flands indited, or Not guilty.
Foreman. Here is our Verdidt, holding forth a Piece of Paper to the
Clerk of the Peace, which follows,
" We the Jurors hereafter-named, do find William Penn to be Guilty of
" fpeaking or preaching to an Affembly, met together in Gracimis-ftreet, the
" 14th of Auguft laft 1670, and that William Mead is Not Guilty of the faid
" Indiclment.
" Thomas Veer Foreman,
" Edward Buffjel,
*' John Ha?n7nondy
" Henry Henly,
Henry Mitchel,
John Brightman,
Charles Milfon,
Gregory Walklett,
John Bailey,
William Lever,
James DamaJk,
William Plumjled."
Obferv.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
Obferv. This both Mayor and Recorder refented at fo high a rate, that
they exceeded the Bounds of all Reafon and Civilrty.
Mayor. H^jat ! IVill you be led by fnch a filly Fellow as Bufliel ? An im-
pudent canting Fellow. I warrant you, you JJmll come no more upon Juries in
hajte. ToH are a Foreman indeed, (addrefling himfelf to the Foreman:) I thought
you Bad known your Place better.
Recorder, l^ou flmll not be difmijl, till we have a Verdi£l that the Coiir't will
accept, and you Jhall be lockt wp without Meat, Drink, Fire, and Tobacco :
Tou Jhall not think to abufe the Court : We will have a VerdiB by the Help
cf God, or you Jhall Jlarve for it.
Penn. My Jury, who are my Judges, ought not to be thus menaced ;
their Verdift fhould be free, and not compelled : The Bench ought to wait
upon them, but not foreftall them : I do defire that Juftice may be done me,
and that the arbitrary Refolves of the Bench may not be made the Meafure of
my Juries Verdict.
Recorder. Stop that prating Fellow's Mouth, or put him out of the Court.
Mayor. Tou have heard that he preached, that he gathered a Company of
tu?nultuous People, and that they do not only dijobey the Martial Power, but the
Civil aljo.
Penn. It is a great Miftake : We did not make the Tumult, but they that
interrupted us. The Jury cannot be fo ignorant, as to think that we met
there with a Defign to difturb the Civil Peace ; fince firjl. We were by Force
of Arms kept out of our lawful Houfe, and met as near it in the Street as
their Soldiers would give us Leave : And fecondly, Becaufe it was no new
Thing, nor with the Circumftances expreffed in the Indiftment, but what
was ufual and cufbomary with m : 'Tis very well known, that we are a
peaceable People, and cannot offer Violence to any Man.
Obferv. The Court being ready to break up, and willing to huddle
the Prilbners to the Goal, and the Jury to their Chamber, Penn
fpake as follows,
Penn. The Agreement of twelve Men is a Verdift in Law, and foch an
One being given by the Jury, / require the Clerk of the Peace to record it, as
will anjwer it at his Peril. And if the Jury bring another Verdift contradiftory
to this, I affirm, they are perjured Men in Law ; and looking upon the Jury,
faid, Icz^ ^r^ Englifhmen ; mind your Privilege -, give not away your Right,
Btijhel, &c. Nor will we ever do it.
Obferv. One of the Jurymen pleaded Indifpofition of Body, and
therefore defired to be difmift.
Mayor. Tou are as ftrong as any of thek : Starve then, and hold your
Principles.
Recorder. Gentlemen, you mujl be content ibith your hafd Fate % let your
Patience overcome it, for the Court is refolved to have a Verdi^, and that before
you can be difmijl.
Jury. We are agreed : We are agreed : We are agreed.
Obferv. The Court fwore feveral Perfbns to keep the Jury all Night,
without Meat, Drink, Fire, or any Accommodation j they had not
fo much as a Chamberpot, though defired.
Crier. O Tes, &c.
Obferv. The Court adjour/fd till jeven of the Clock next Morning (being
the 4th Inflant, vulgarly called Sunday) at v/hich Time the Prifoners
were brought to the Bar, the Court fat, and the Jury was called
to bring in their Verdift.
Crier. O Tes, &c. Silence in the Court upon Pain of Imprifontnent.
The Juries Names called over.
Clerk. Are you agreed upon your Verdict ?
Jury. Yes.
Clerk. IVho jhall fpeak for you ?
Jury. Our Foreman.
Clerk.
423
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
424 v^ Collection ^ /^^ Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, Clerk. What Jay you ? Look upon the Prijoners at the Ear : Is William
l"^* Penn Guilty of the Matter whereof he Jtands indited, in Manner and Form, or
•1670. Not guilty?
^"'^"'^V''-^ Foreman. William Penn is Guilty of fpeaking in Gracious-Jlreet.
Mayor. To an unlawful Affemhly.
Bujhel. No, my Lord, we give no other Verdicl than what was given
laft Night : We have no other Verdicl to give.
Mayor. Tou are a fa£lious Fellow : I'll take a Courfe with you.
Bloodworth. / knew Mr. Bufhel woidd not yield.
Bufhel. Sir Thomas., I have done according to my Confcience.
Mayor. That Confcience of yours would cut my Throat.
Bujhel. No, my Lord, it never fhall.
Mayor. But I will cut yours, fo foon as I can.
Recorder. He has infpired the Jury : He has the Spirit of Divination in
hitn, I will have a pofttive Verdi^, or you- Jhall ftarve for it.
Penn. I defire to afk the Recorder one Queftion, Do you allow of the Verditi
given of William Mead.
Recorder. // cannot he a VerdiSl, hecaufe you are indited of a Confpiracj,
and One being found Guilty, and not the Other, it could 7Jot be a Verdiol.
Penn. If Not guilty be not a Verdidf, then you make of the Jury, and
Magna Charta, a meer Nofe of Wax.
Mead. How ! Is Not guilty no Verdid: ?
Recorder. No, 'lis )io Verdid.
Penn. I affirm, that the Confent of a Jury is a Verdidi in Law ; and if
William Mead be Not guilty, it confequently follows that I am clear, fince you
have indifted us of a Confpiracy, and I could not poffibly confpire alone.
Obferv. There were many PafTages, that could not be taken, which
paft between the Jury and the Court : The Jury Avent up again,
having received a frefh Charge from the Bench, if poffible, to extort
an unjuft Verdidl.
Crier. O Tes, &c. Silence in the Court.
Court. Call over the Jury. Which was done.
Clerk. What fay you ? Is William Penn Guilty of the Matter whereof he
Jiands indiSled in Manner and Form aforefaid, or Not guilty.
Foreman. Guilty of fpeaking in Gracious Jireet.
Recorder. fFhat is this to the Purpofe ? 1 fay 1 will have a Verdiil : And
Ipeaking to E. Bujhel, faid, 2^ou are a fiBious Fellow : 1 will fit a Mark upon
you : And whiljl I have any Thing to do in the City, I %vill have an Eye upon you.
Mayor. Have you no more Wit than lo be led by fuch a pitiful Fellow ? 1
mil cut his Nofe.
Penn. It is intolerable that my Jury fhould be thus menaced. Is this
according to the fljndamental Laws \ Are not they my proper Judges by the
great Charter of England ? What Hope is there of ever having Juftice done,
when Juries are threatened, and their Verdicts rejecled ? I am concerned to
Ipeak, and grieved to fee fuch arbitrary Proceedings. Did not the Lieutenant
of the Tower render one of them worfe than a Felon .? And do you not plainly
feem to condemn fuch for factious Fellows, who anfwer not your Ends ?
Unhappy are thofe Juries who are threatned to be fined .and ftarved, if they
give not in Verdifts contrary to their Confciences.
Recorder. My Lord, you mufl take a Courfe with that fame Fellow.
Mayor. Stop his Mouth, Goaler. Bring Fetters, and flake him lo the Ground.
Penn. Do your Pleafure •, I matter not your fetters.
Spanidi /wg«i- Recorder. Till now I never underflood the Reajon of the Policy and Prudence
jition. of the Spaniards in fuffering the Inquifition among them : And certainly it will
never be well with us, till fomelhing like the Spanilh Iniuifition be in England.
Obferv. The Jury being required to go together to find another Ver-
didt, and fledfaftly refufing it, faying, They could give no other Verdicl
than what was already given ; the Recorder was running off the
Bench with thefe Words in his Mouth, / protrjl I will In here no
longer
Ghap. 25. of the People cailed QUAKERS,
longer to hear thefe Things : At which the Mayor calling, ftay, ftay,
he returned, and directed himfelf to the Jury, and fpake as follows,
Recorder. Ge>itle?ne>!, we Jhall not be at this fafs with you always : Tou
will find next SeJJions of Parliament there will be a Law made, that thoje who
will not conform^ Jhall not have the ProteElion of the Law, Mr, Lee, draw
up another Verdiol, that they may bring it in fpecial.
Lee. / cannot tell how to do it.
Jury. We ought not to be return'd, having all agreed, and fet our Hands
to the Verdidt.
Recorder. Tour FerdiSi is nothing : 7~ou play upon the Court : I Jay , you Jhall
go together and bring in another Ferdiil, or you JJmU ftarve : And I will have
you carted about the City, as in Edward the Third'j Time.
Foreman. We have given in our Verdift, and all agreed to it ; and if we
give in another, it will be a Force upon us to fave our Lives,
Mayor. Take them up.
Officer. My Lord, they will not go up.
Obferv. The Mayor fpoke to the Sheriff, and he came off his Seat,
and faid.
Sheriff. Come, Gentlemen, you muft go up : Tou fee I am commanded to make
you go.
Obferv. Upon which the Jury went up, and feveral were fworn to
keep them without any Accommodation, as aforefaid, till they
brought in their Verdift.
Crier. O Tes, &c. The Court adjourns till To-morrow Morning at feven of the
Clock.
Obferv. The Prifoners were remanded to Newgate, where they re-
mained till next Morning, and then were brought into the Court,
which being fat, they proceeded as followeth,
Clerk. O Tes ! Silence in the Court upon Pain of Imprifonment.
Clerk. Set William Penn and William Mead to the Bar. Gentlemen of the
Jury, anfwer to your Names, Thomas Veer, Charles Milfon, Edward Bulhel,
Gregory Walklett, John Hammond, John Bailey, Henry Henly, William
Lever, Henry Mitchel, James Damafk, John Brightman, William Plumfted.
Are "^ou all agreed of your VerdiSl ?
Jury. Yes.
Clerk. Who fhall fpeak for you ?
Jury. Our Foreman.
Clerk. Look upon the Prijoners : What fay you ? Is William Penn Guilty
of the Matter whereof he flands indicted in Manner and Form, or Not guilty ?
Foreman. You have there read in Writing already our Verdid, and our
Hands fubfcribed.
Obferv. The Clerk had the Paper, but was ftopt by the Recorder from
reading it -, and he commanded to aflc for a pofuive Verdift.
Foreman. If you will not accept of it, I defire to have it back again.
Court. That Paper was no Verdift, and there Jfjall be no Advantage taken
againfl you by it.
Clerk. How Jay you ? Is William Penn Guilty, or Not guilty ?
Foreman. Not guilty.
Clerk. How fay you ? Is William Mead Guilty, l£c. or Not guilty ?
Foreman. Not guilty.
Clerk. Then hearken to your VerdiEl. Tou Jay, that William Penn is Not
guilty /// Manner and Form as he ftands indited : Tou Jay, that William Mead
is Not guilty in Manner and lorm as he Jlands indiiled, and fo you Jay all.
Jury. Yes ; We do fo.
Obferv. The Bench, being unfatisfied with the Verdift, commanded
that every Perfon fhould diftinftly anfwer to their Names, and give
in their Verdift, which they unanimoufly did in faying Net guilty, to
the great Satisfaftion of the Affembly.
Vol. I. 5 P Recorder,
4.25
LONDON,
&c
1670.
Fi»al VerdiS.
426
LONDON,
1664.
^UrJ filled.
trial of T.
Moore ««i
tthsrs.
7he Mijor
V'gry.
A Colled:ioii of the SuFFERiN<is Vol. I.
Recorder. / am Jorry, Gentlemen^ you have followed your own Judgments
and Opinions rather than the good and wholfome Advice that was given you : God
keep m-j Life out of your Hands. But for this the Court fines you forty Marks a
Man., and Imprifonment till paid.
Penn. I demand my Liberty, being freed by the Jury,
Mayor. No : You are in for your Fines.
Penn. Fines, for what ?
Mayor. For Contempt of the Court.
Penn. I afk if it be according to the fundamental Laws of England, that
any Englifhman fliould be fined or amerced, but by the Judgment of his Peers
or Jury, fince it exprefly contradi<5ls the 14th and 29th Chapter of the great
Charter oi England., which fays, " No Freeman ought to be amerced, but by
" the Oath of good and lawful Men of the Vicinage."
Recorder. Take him away : Take him away : Take him out of the Court.
Penn. I can never urge the fundamental Laws of England, but you cry.
Take him away : Take him away : But it is no Wonder fince the Spanijh In-
quifition hath fo great a Place in the Recorder's Heart.
Obfe}-v. They haled the Prifoners into the Baledock, and from thence
they were fent to Newgate for Non-payment of their Fines, and fo
were their Jury.
Thus ended that memorable Trial, wherein the ancient and juft Liberties
of the People were notably afl'erted againft the arbitrary Proceedings of Men
m Power, who would have made their Wills a Law, according to that
Saying of Juvenal,
Sic volo, fic jubeo, fiat pro Ratione •voluntas.
_ At the fame Sefllons, Francis Moore, Richard Mayfield, -Richard MeWy
Richard Knowlman, and Gilbert Hutton, whom we before mentioned to have
been taken from a Meeting at Grace-church-fireet ; Richard Thornton, Charles
Ranifler, Job Bolton, Exekiel Archer, Margery Fann, and Samuel Slaughter,
who had been taken by the Sheriffs from a Meeting near Bifl.wp' s-gate ; John
Bolton, an ancient Citizen, and Thomas Rudyard, a Man fkilful in the Law
of the Land, and zealous for the Liberties of the People, were brought to
Trial upon like Indidlments, for meeting in a riotous Manner. The fame
Jury, who acquitted Penn and Mead, had been alfo fworn in Court to try thefe
other ^takers, but were prevented by that extraordinay Proceeding of the
Court in fining and imprifoning them.
Upon the Appearance of the thirteen laft mentioned in Court, and their
not paying the ufual Hat-honour which the Bench expeded, the Mayor, with
great Indignation, called out to the Officers of the Court, faying, Pox en them :
Knock them all down : But the Marfhals and Coalers having more Humanity,
offered no other Violence to the Prifoners than pulling off their Hats, for
which the Mayor rebuked them, and ordered them to put the Prifoners Hats
upon their Heads again, which was no fooncr done at his Command, but pre-
fently the Clerk of the Peace required every of the Prifoners, in Obedience
.and Reverence to the Court, to pull off their own Hats : The Prifoners not
complying with fuch ridiculous and whimfical Commands, the Recorder gave
Orders to the Officers to pull off all their Hats a fecondTime, and fined them,
fome twenty Marks, and others twenty Nobles, ufing many frothy Expreffions,
and reproaching the Prifoners whom he fo illegally fined. This was on the
3d of September, when the firft Jury was impanelled and fworn to try them,
but that Jury being imprifoned, a new Pannel was fummoned by the Sheriffs
to appear on the 5th of the fame Month, when, in the Afternoon, the Prifoners
were called, and the Recorder perufing the Pannel of the laft fummoned
Jury, gave Direftions to the Clerk to call them over, who, it was obfer\xd,
Afickt fury, pickt here and there fuch Pcrfons who were moft likely to anfvvcr the Dcfians
prifoners fined
for their fitts.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
not calling
over the Pannel in diredt Courfe and Order as
of the Bench,
ufua].
The Prifoners unanimoufly protefted againfl: this fecond Jury, defiring to
know by what Law or Precedent two Juries could be fworn to try one and
the fame Fa6t ? The Recorder anfwered, T^hat the firft Jury was imprifoned for a
Mi/demeanour, (meaning the Acquitting of Penn and Mead) and that the Pri'
foners mujl take that for an.Jnfwer. The Prifoners ftill infilting to know. By
what Law or Cuftom fuch Proceedings could be juftified ? were anlWered,
^at the Court had over-ruled them. Tliey yet urging, that the Law ought
to be the Rule and Guide of all Courts of Juftice, and that fuch arbitrary
Anfwers, as Tl^je Court over-rules you, were not fufficient to f.itisfy their rea-
fonable Demands ;fthe Recorder in a great Rage told one of the Prifoners,
'That he Jhould be gagged, and deferved to have his 'Tovgue hor''d through "with a
red-hot Iron ; with many other opprobrious Expreffions ; telling them. It jhould
fitffice that the Court was of Opinion againft them, and did over-rule them. To
which the Mayor joined his Authority, faying alfo, We will over-rule you.
The Clerk of the Peace proceeded to fwear the fecond Jury ; and the Pri-
foners objefted againft feveral of them, but their lawful Challenges were rejefted
by the Bench, ftill crying out. The Court over-rules you. The Names of this
fecond Jury were.
Henry Stead, Foreman,
Edward Dormer,
Edward Hanney
Robert Twiford,
Thomas Mojfe,
John JfJjborne,
IValter Hungerford,
Rohert Cooper,
Edward Langton,
Henry Offly,
Thomas Pendleton,
Daniel Walton.
427
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
furors
The Jury being fworn, the Clerk of the Peace read the Indictment againft
Francis Moore, Richard Mew, Richard Mayfield, Richard Knowlman, and Gil-
bert Hiitton \ as alfo that againft Richard Thornton, Charles Banker, and Job
Bolton, and their Indiftments for Matter and Form being alike, they were tried
together: The Witnefles were one Whiting, a Beadle ot the Bridge-Ward, and
fbme of the Sheriffs Officers. The Subftance of their Evidence was. That they
faw the Prifoners in Grace-church-ftreet atnong the AJfembly of People, and that
ihey Jlaid there till after Proclamation was made for all Perfons to depart.
The Prifoners being afkt. What they could jay for tbemfelves ? anfwered.
That they owned they were at Gracious-ftreet, met together to worfhip the
Living God in Spirit and in Truth, againft which there is no Law : And far-
ther laid, That the Indiftmept confifted of much Matter, as meeting with
Force and Arms to.difturb the Peace, and continuing there riotoufly and
tumultuoufly in Contempt of the King and his Laws, and againft the King's
Crown and Dignity, which none of the Witnefles had fworn, and therefore
they defired to know, upon what Law they were indifted, and that the Law
might be produced and read to the Jury, that thereby they might know
whether they -had made a Breach of any juft Law. The Recorder anfwered.
That be was not bound to produce the Law, for it was Lex non Scripta. Then
replied the Prifoners, How fhall the Jury know whether we are guilty of the
Breach thereof ? The Recorder replied, // is the common Law, which you have
broken in your tumultuous Ajfemblies, and flaying there after Proclamations were
made to depart. The Prifoners alledged, That the Indiftment fet forth, that
three feveral Proclamations were made, whcnas but one was made that
Day. Whereupon the Witnefles were again examined. Whether there were
not three Proclamations made ? Upon which the Mayor demanded of one of
the Witnefles, Whether O Yes was not faid thrice. The Witnefs anfwered.
That T/je Ojjicer, who made Proclamation, jaid O Yes three Times. Then
faid the Mayor, That was three Proclamations. A forced Conflxu<5tion, but
fuch as fliewed the Mayor's Partiality, and his Inclination to convi(5b the
Prifoners. The Prifoners farther urged. That they were alway.s peaceable and
quiet in their Aflemblies : That the Law againft Riots was never intended
againft
428
LONDON,
&G.
1670.
Sentenced to
be fined.
Ordered to be
put into an
injeiled
Jioufe.
RatdifF
Meetirg-
keufe detnt'
lijhed.
A Colleftion oj the Sufferings Vol. I,
againft them, but againft Poplfi, and fuch like, Difturbers of the Peace.
To which the Recorder aniwered, 'That the Papifts were better Subje^s to the King
than they^ and that they -were a Jlubborn and dangerous People^ and muft either
be brought under, or there were no fafe Living by them.
The Prifoners offered to vindicate themfelves from the Afperfions of th*
Recorder, teUing him. That they had broken no juft Law to their Knowledge,
and that they never had been Guilty of being Rioters, or Routers, ns pretended ;
of which they defired the Jury to take Notice, and that the Witnefles had
not proved any fuch Thing againft them.
Upon this the Mayor and Recorder commanded the Goaler to thruft tlie
Prifoners into the Baledock, and in their Abfence the Recorder gave the Charge
to the Jury, not fo much fumming up the Evidence, (which indeed proved
not one tenth Part of the Indiftment) as giving Accufations of his own, telling
the Jury, That they were a refraSlory People, delighting in Deeds of Darknejs,
and that they muft be fupprejfed, and that upon the IndiSiment they Jimft bruig
them in Guilty : Which the Jury, prepared for the Purpofe, readily did.
The next that were called to their Trial were Ezekiel Archer and Margery
Fann, who having been indifted as Rioters the Sefllons before, and the Evi-
dence being infufficient to convift them, the Court had ordered them to be
detained on an Indiftment of Felony, which was drawn up againft them : But
the Attempt againft them in that Cafe was fo apparently unjuft and malicious,
that even this Jury (how partial foever in others Cafes) brought them in Not
Guilty.
At the Clofe of the SelTions, all the Prifoners, convifted by this fecond Jury,
were called down to the SefTions-houfe ; where they all Day expefted to be
called into the Court to receive Judgment, having prepared Exceptions in
Arreft of Judgment to be delivered to the Recorder in Writing. But of the
expedled Defence they were prevented, the Bench pafTing their Sentences without
any of their hearing them, the Tenour of which, as appeared by the Newgate
Book, was,
j^o^w 5o//o« fined forty Marks, William Bayly fined 31/. 13.1. ^d. William
Penn forty Marks, Francis Moore twenty Marks, Richard Mew, Richard May-
field, Richard Knowles, GiR>ert Hutton, Richard Thornton, Chatles Banijler, Job
Bolton, and TJxmas Rudyard, every of them, twenty Marks a piece -, and Ezekiel
Archer forty Marks, for diverfe evil Carriages and Contempts in Words and
Deeds by them feverally, openly, voluntarily, and obftinately, committed in
and towards the Court. And the Court gave farther Judgment or Cenfure, inz.
Francis Moore, Richard Mew, Richard Mayfield, Richard Knowlman, Gilbert
Hutton, Richard Thornton, Charles Bani/ier, Job Bolton, Katharine Everett,
John Bolton, and William Bayley, fined every of them twenty Marks a piece,
and Thomas Rudyard fined 1 00 /. being convifl of feveral TrefpafTes and Con-
tempts, and to be committed to Prifon until every of them pay their refpt dtive
Fines.
The Court, underftanding that their Goal of Newgate was fo full of Pri-
foners that there could be no tolerable Entertainment tor thefe new Convid;s,
difcourfed with the Keepers where to imprifon them ; and the Bench being
informed that, during that SelTions, two Perfons, one the Mafter of the Houfe,
the other a Prifoner, had died of the Spotted-Fever, or Peftilence, out of the
Dog by Newgate, ordered thefe fakers to be imprifoned there, and a Keeper
was appointed to prevent their going out on any Occafion : But through the
Goodnefs of God, they were preferved in Health, beyond the Elxpeftation of
their Friends, or Hope of their Enemies, who it was thought fhut them up,
in that infedled Houfe, with an evil Defign againft them.
Having related the Tranfaftions at this Seffions, we return to the Meetings
in and about the City : On tlie 2d oi September, Sir John Rohinfon, Lieutenant
of the Tower, with one Captain Taylor, and a Company of Soldiers belonging
to the King's Regiment, demolifhed and pulled down the Meeting-houle at
Ratclijf, and carried away, that D;iy and the Night following, twelve Cart-
Loadi
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
Loads of Doors, Window-s and Floors, with other Materials, as Glafs
Cal'ements, and Lead, all the Tiles being broken in pieces. Some of the
Materials they fold upon the Place for Money and Strong-drink.
On the 8th of the lame Month, the following Order of the Lord- May or'' s-
Court was iffued, and affixed to the Door of the Meeting-houfe in Grace-
church-jireety viz.
'• Jovis, Oi57^w ^zV Septembris 1670,
" Anno Regui Regis Caroli fecundi 22*.
" Starling^ Major.
*» 1 1 P O N Complaint made to this Court, of an Houfe in Gradous-Jlf^et,
*' \J^ called the ^takers Meeting-houfe, that the fimc is in it felt' an irre-
*' gulai- Building, againft the Form directed by the late Att of Parliament
" tor building of the City of London, and ufed or employed for afeditious
*' Meeting or Conventicle, contrary to another late Acl of Parliament for
" the preventing and fupprelTing leditious Conventicles, and to the great
" Danger and Dillurbance of the Peace and good Government ot the City.
«' This Court doth ftraitly require and prohibit all Perfons for the future for
" to meet or aflemble in the faid Houfe for any Exercife of Religion,
other than according to the Liturgy or Pradice of the Church of England^
and doth declare and order, that if any Perfons fhall at any Time from
henceforth prefume to meet or affemble in the faid Houfe to the faid un-
lawful Purpofe ; this Court will thereupon forthwith proceed for the Re-
ducing or demolifliing of the faid Houfe, according to the faid Aft of
Parliament in this Behalf, unlefs the Owner or Owners thereof fhall the next
Day after fuch next unlawful Conventicle or Meeting there, appear, and
fhew their Right and Title to the faid Houfe, and give Satistaftion and
AfTurance for the reforming, and lawful ufing and employing the fame for
the future."
tC
IC
«
429
LONDON,
&c.
1670.
Drier of
the Lord-
Mayor's
Court eon-
cirnivg
Grace-
church-
ftreet Meet-
ing-hufi.
On the 1 1 th of September, the Friends of Ratdiff'^ attempting to meet on fAeetir^ on
the Ruins of their demolifhed Meeting-houfe there, were kept out by .i jhiK^i^^'it
Conflable and other Officers, and five of them, viz. Edward Goodivin, Be)i- J^*"^"^^'"-
jarnin Whitehead, Thomas Lacey, John Yarnton, and John Panilin, were lent to
Priibn by Order of Juftice Rycroft. On the 17th, John Se.'wood, for himfelt,
and feventeen others, meeting at the fame Place, was fined 4/. 10;. for
which his Goods were taken away by Diflrefs. On the iSch, the Friends
there being met as near the Ruins of their demolifhed Houfe as the Conltable
woukl permit, fix of them, viz. fVilliam Ward, Francis Creake, William Dick-
Jon, Daniel Harrifon, Matthew Draper, and Tlmnas Dojwin, were committed
to New- Prifon. On the 19th, Richard Knozvbnan, then a Prifoner in Newgate,
had a Quantity of Yarn taken from him for a Fine of 5^. for being at a
Meeting in Ratcliff : And for the fame Caufe, Jofeph Dennis had two Books
taken from him worth 14J.
On the 25th of the fame Month, John Wrenn, Thomas Paid, Francis Cooley,
Richard Cock, Richard Guy, John Smith, Jojhua Sparrow, and George Tipping,
were taken from a Meeting in Wheeler-Jlrect, and by Sir John Robitijbn, Lieu-
tenant of the Tower, committed to Newgate as Rioters.
On the 28 th, William Bevan, Roger Peddrick, and Stephen Fojler, for fre-
quenting religious Meetings, fullered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of it. lys.
On the 6th of Oifober, Theophilus Green, with thofe eight lafl mentioned to Odth unirei
have been taken at Wheeler-jlreet Meeting, were brought to the Scffions at '* ^- ^reen
Hicks's-bally where the Court waved all Proceeding on the Caufes for which *^"
they were committed, as deeming them infufficient, and tendred to them all,
and alfo to one John Maddocks, who was cafually in the Court, the Oath of
Allegiance, and upon their Refufal to take it, recommitted them to Newgate
till the next Quarter Seffions ; at which, being about three Months after, they
were all indifted for rcfufing the Oath, found Guilty, and received Sentence of
Vol. I. 5 Q. Premunire,
430 A Colle^lion of the ^uf^erIngs Vol. I»
LONDON,
1670.
Didreffis.
M the Peel
Meeting t
yomi Mm
tlmojt kiUcd.
L. Cades
fined.
Commitmem
of 41 PerfoHS
to New-Pri-
fon.
Pymnmre, under which tliey lay Prifoners in the King's-Beuch till difcharged
by the King's Letters Patent about twenty Months after.
Several others in the County of Middle/ex^ about this Time, were fined, and
fuffered. Diflrefs of their Goods for Meeting, viz. Richard Heale, and Ednvard
Swift, of Uxhridge-, who were fined at feveral Times to the Value of near 70/.
each -, and Robert Roberts, of Wind for. Alfo Robert Demet, of Co{ebrook,hAd
Goods taken from him, for the fame Caufe, to the Value of 14/. From
y^ane Elkington, a blind Widow, for a Meeting at Colebrook, Goods were taken
worth 12/. And at another Time, the Remainder of her Goods were fwept
away, fo that they left her not a Pot to boil Meat in for her Guefts, flie being
an Inn-keeper. And from Bridget Atley\ a Widow at Hattrton, they, tocrtc away
Goods to the Value of 14/,
On the 9th of the fame Month, about thirty Perfons, taken at the Fed
Meeting, were committed to Prifon, among whom were Nicholas Ccoper'.,
fVilliam Parker, and 'Thomas Jnderfon. On the 25th, at Ralcliff, were taken
for Fines for Meeting, from Jofeph Cadle, Cloth worth y s 6d. Thomas Daviii
Goods worth 8 s. and from Edward Harmer, to the Value of 16 s.
On the 6th of November, at the Peel, the Friends were kept out of their
Meeting-houfe by Soldiers, one of whom, with a great Staff, llruck many of
them violently on the Head ; another, with his Mufker, knockt down a young
Man, named John Tljorpe, lb that his Mufket was broke with the Blow : The
Wound was very deep, and bled much ; he alio bled greatly at the Nofe, and
when lifted up was unable to ftand : Being kid to Bed, he became Itiff, and
rutlcd in the Throat, fo that it was thought he would have died : Lydia Oades,
who for fpeaking a few Words at the fame Meeting, was carried before Jufbice-
Smith in Gojwell-ftreet, acquainted him of the young Man's Cafe : He lent
for the Soldiers, and examining who ftruck the Blow, one of them anlwered,
J, Sir: And being alkt the Caufe, faid, TJjey forc'd upon us, which was not
true -, however he pafl without farther Examination -, but the Soldiers fwearing
that Lydia Oades had preached at the Meeting, fhe was fined 20 /. and fo
difmifl.
On the 13 th of the fame Month, forty one Perfons, taken at a Meeting in
Wejlbtiry-Jlreet, near fVheeler-Jlreett were committed to New-Prifon by the
following Miltitni'.Sy viz.
" Midd^- fs.
" To the Keeper of New-Prifon for the /aid County^ or
" his Deputy there.
" TJ E C E I V E into your Cuftody the feveral and refpective Perfons
" Jt\. here under-named, who were here this Day taken at an unlawful Af^
" fembly in the King's Highway, in or near Spittlefields, in the Parilh of
" Stepney in the County aforefaid, to the great Diflurbance • of his Majefty's
«' Peace, the which Aflembly might have proved of very dangerous Conle-
«f quence if it had not been timely prevented and fuppreffed. And being .
defired and required by a certain Ward, who attended to preferve his
Majefty's Peace, as alfo by his Majefty's Soldiers, who were likewife ap-
pointed for the fuppreffing fuch unlawful AlTemblies, to depart out of his
Majefty's Highway. And forafmuch as the faid feveral and refpcctive Per-
fons have been by me required to find Sureties for their feveral and refpedive
good Behaviours, and their perlbnal Appearances at the next Seffions of the •'
Peace to be holden for the faid County, then and there to anfwer to their
feveral and refpeftive Faults, and they have retufed fo to do. You Ihall
therefore receive the faid Perfons whom I lend you herewith into your
Cuftody, and them fafely keep until they fliall be enlarged by due Order
and Courfc of his Majefty's Laws •, for which this fhall be your Warrant.
Given under my Hand and Seal at Stepney this 1 3th Day QlNtvember 1670.
" John
(6
cc
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
*• 'John Price^
«' John Bidd,
*' Thomas Livvfg,
*' Thomas Miles,
'^ Geoi-ge Bevis,
*' Henry Worley^
*' Henry Holmer,
" IFilliam Bakery ,
*' Thomas H'owgiU,
*' Thomas Bayly,
*' Maurice Brown,
Peter PFaher^
Richard Stubbs,
Edward Dallon,
Henry Salter,
Tijomas Minks,
John Day,
Thomas Love,
Thomas Burbank,
Thomas Spire,
John Heywood,
Tlmnas Scott,
Simon MarjhalU
Jofeph li'llkinfony
Ifaac Burdett,
Ezekiel Wooiey,
Anthony Ellwoody
Ifaac Kirton,
Richard Smith,
Thomas Sprigg
William Rnjjell,
Richard Baker,
George Fowler,
Samuel Thornton,
Samuel Coles,
Alexander Green,
Hu7nphry Hull, and
George Barr."
LONDON,
1670.
^ewj'-J votei
for iki Rf-
corder.
By this Warrant, ifllied from one of the Juflices of Middlefex, they were
conveyed to New-Prifon, and received by Jofeph Green, the Keeper, a Man
of a nigged Difpofition, from whom they met, with very hard Ufage, for ,he
would not fuffcr them to Woric at their Trades, which they had prepared to
do, being many of tliem poor Men -, he alfo caufed their Hammocks, which
they had provided to lodge in, to be thrown into the Yard, and obliged,
them to lie on the bare Bricks. Three other of his Prifoners, viz, Robert
How, John Tarnton, and }FiUiam Dickfm, were by him put into' the Dungeon,
after he had grievouHy beaten arid abufed them^ lb that tlie Blood of two of
them ran down, arid the Dog came and licked it up. Add to this inhumane
and barbarous Treatment, that he would not fuffer their Friends to relieve
or vilit them.
We muft go back' a little in point of Time to relate, that at a Court of
Aldermen, held in the former Part of the laft Month at Cuild-hall, it was
propofed to give the Recorder a Gratuity for his extraordinary Pains in the laft
Scflions at the Old-Bailey, in trying the ^takers, and an Order was made,
dated the 8th of Oclober 1670, to pay him for that Service an hundred Pounds,
which Order was entred in the Chamberlain's Office for him to pay it. Thus
his eager ' Prolecution of this People was adjudged meritorious, and amply
rewarded.
On the '^fh of Decemher, Patrick Levingflone, and twelve others, taken at a
Meeting in Ratcliff, were carried before Sir John Robinfon, Lieutenant of the
Tower, who committed him to Newgate for fix Months on the Osford Ad. He
alfo tendred the Oath of Allegiance to John Ellis, and committed him to the
fame Prifori, and fined the reft of them.
On the nth, at the fame Place, JohnTyJoe, preaching, w.is pulled down by
a Serjeant and Soldiers, who carried him before Sir John Robinfon, and he
committed him to Newgate ior fix Mondis on the Oxford Aft. On the .27th. Difinjjis,
were taken from Francis Collins, of Ratcliff, for Fines for Meetings, Goods
worth 6 /. And on the 30th, for the fa'me Caufe, from Percival Toole, a Baker,
Fread worth 1 3 r. And from John Fry, Pewter weighing eight Pounds.
On the 2 2d of the Month called January, two Servants of the Prielt of
Stepney came to the Meeting at Ratcliff^, and dragged away the Preacher ; and
one of them ftruck feveral Friends with a Cane, till he broke it : A Woman
attempting to fave lier Head by holding up her Arm, he ftruck her fuch a
Blow on the Arm that the Blood ran down.
On the 2 6th, irt the fiime Place, they were kept out by Soldiers ; one of
whom ftruck a Friend a fore Blow on the Forehead with the Barrel of lus
Mufket i and another Friend kneeling down to Prayer, the Soldiers pulled him
away by Force, and led lum to the Tower.
On the 1 2th of the Month called February, Stephen Smith, preaching in the
Meeting there, was taken by Soldiers, and carried before a Juftice, who fent
him to Newgaie for fix Months.
On
Commitment
of P. Lcving-
ftone md J.
Lllis.
J. Tyfoe m-
prifoneJ..
Abufes.
432
LONDON,
1670.
W. Penn ar-
ried from
Wheeler,
ftreet Meet'
ing to the
Tower.
Uh Eximi-
ration.
A Colledion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
On the 5 th of the Month called February^ William Pam being at a Meeting
in Wheeler-ftreety a Serjeant with Soldiers came and planted themfelves at the
Door, where they waited till he ftood up and preached, and then the Serjeant
pulled him down, and led him into the Street, where a Conftable and his
Affiftants being read)i to join them, they carried him away to the Toii;er^ having
Orders from the Lieutemint for that Purpofe. A Guard was there clapt upon
him, and a Meflenger difpatcht to the Lieutenant, then at IFhiteball, to inform
him of the Succefs : After about three Hours, at Evening, he came Home,
and William Penn was fent for from the Guard by a File of Mufquetiers. There
were, together with Sir John Robin/on the Lieutenant, Sir Samuel Starling, Sir
John Sheldon, Lieutenant Colonel Rjo-oft, and others ; before whom he paft
the following Examination, viz.
Sir John Robinfon. TVhat is this Perfon's Name ?
Note. The Afittimtts was already made, and his Name put in.
Conftable. Mr. Penn, Sir,
J. R. Is your Name Penn }
W. P. Doft thou not know me ? Haft thou forgot me ?
'-'J. R. J doi^t know yon : I don^t defire to know fucb as yon are.
W. P. If not, why didft thou fend for me hither ?
J. R. Is that your Name, Sir F
W. P. Yes, yes, my Name is Penn, thou know'ft it is : I am not
afham'd of my Name.
J. R. Con fable, where did you find him ?
t' Conftable. At Wheeler-ftreet, at a Meeting, fpeaking to the People.
■-'J. R. You mean he was fpeaking to an unlawful Affembly.
Conftable. I don't know indeed, Sir ; he was there, and he was fpeaking.
J. R. Give them their Oaths.
W. P. Hold : Don't fwear the Men, there is no Need of it : I freely
acknowledge I was at Wbeeler-ftreet, and that I fpake to an Affembly of People
there.
J. R. and feveral others. He confeffes it.
IV. P. I do fo. I am not afhamed of my Teftimony.
J. R. No matter : Give them their Oaths. ,
Note. They were fworn to anfwer fuch Queftions as fhould be afked,
upon which they gave the Evidence before given by the Conftable.
J. R. Mr. Penn, you know the Law better than I can tell you, and you
know thefe 'Things are coyUrar-j to Law.
W. P. If thou believeft me to be better known in the Law than thy felf,
hear me ; for I know no Law I have tranfgrefled. All Laws are to be con-
fidered, ftridly and literally, or more explanatorily and lenitively. In the /r/?
Senfe the Execution of many Laws may be extrema Injuria, the greateft Wrong.
In the Latter, Wifdom and Moderation. I would have thee make that Part
thy Choice. Now whereas I am probably to be try'd by the late Aft againft
Conventicles, I conceive it doth not reach me.
J. R. No, Sir, I /hall not proceed upon that Law.
fV. P. What Law then .? I am fure that was intended for the Standard on
thefe Occafions.
J. R. The Oxford A^ of fix Months.
fV. P. That of all Laws can't concern me, for, firft, J w.is never in
Orders, neither Epifcopally, nor Ciafllcally, and one of them is intended by
the Preamble of the Aft.
J. R. No, 710 : Any that fpeak in unlawful Affemblies ; and you fpoke in an
unlawful Affembly.
W. P. Two Things are to be confidered. Firft, that the Words, fuch as
fpeak in unlawful Affemblies, alter the Cafe much -, for luch is relative of the
Preamble, and cannot concern Pcribns in any other Qualification than under
fome Ordination or Mark of Priefthood. I am perfuaded thou know'ft i
am no fuch Perfon ; I was never ordain'd, nor have I any particular Charge or
Stipend
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 43;^
Stipend that may intitle me to fuch a Function, and therefore I am wholly LONDON}
unconcerned in the Word fuch. Secmuliy, An milavafid AJfemhly is too general a
"Word, the Aft does not define what is meant by an unlawful AJfufnUy.
J. R. But other A^: do.
W. P. That's not to the Purpofe ; for that may be an untaivful Affembly in
one Aft, that may by Circumftances not be fo adjudged in another : And its
hard that you will not ftick to ibme one Aft or Law ; but to accomplifli your
Ends, borrow a Piece out of one Aft to fupply the Defefts of another, and
of a diftl-rcnt Nature from it.
J. R. Wdl you Szvcar ? Will "jou take the Oath that the A^ requires of you ?
W, P. This is not to the Purpofe.
J. R. Read khn the Oath.
"The Oath.
" I IV. P. do fwear that it is not lawful, upon any Pretence whatfoever,
'' to take Arms againft the King, and that I do abhor tlut traitercus Pofition
" of taking Arms by his Authority againlt his Perfon, or againft thole that
" are commiffionated by him^ in Purfuance of fuch Commiffions ; and that
*' I will not at any Time endeavour any Alteration of Government either in
»' Church or State."
J. R. JVill you take it, or no ? -s
IV. P. What need I take an Oath not to do that it is my Faith not to do»
fo far as concerns the King >
Lieutenant Price, ^en Swear it.
W. P. The Oath in that Refpeft is already anfwered to all Intents and
Purpofes -, for if I can't fight againft any Man, (much lefs againft the King)
-what need I take an Oath not to do it ? Should I Swear not to do what is
already againft my Conference to do ?
J. R. 7m wojft take the Oath then. ■.... .v
PV. P. What if I refule the Oath, not bccaufe of the "Matter contained in
it) (which only can criminate in the Senfe of the Aft) but of fcrupling any
Oath ? Shall I therefore be committed to Prilbn ? 'Twas about Fighting, the
Oath and Aft were defigned, and not raking of Oaths. Therefore the Deny-
ing to Swear, where there is a Denial to fight or plot, is no equit.ible Ground tor
Commitment.
J. R. Do yon rrfufe to Sivear ?
IV. P. Yes, and that upon better Grounds than thofe for which thoa
\/vouldft have me Swear, if thou wilt pleafe to hear me. ..,. ,
J. R. I ain forry you fhould put ine upon this Severity : It is ho pleafant
Work to me.
IF. P. Thefe are but Words. It h manifeft that this is a prepenfe Malice ;
thou haft feveral Times laid the Meetings for me, and this Day particularly.
J. R. iVo, 1 profefs I could not tell -^ou tvould be thei-e.
W, P. Thine own Corporal told me, that you had Intelligence at the
lower, that I would be at Wheeler-flreet To-day, almoft as foon as I knew it
myfelf. It is difmgenuous and partial. I never gave thee Occafion for fuch
Unkindnefs.
J. R. / knew no Juch 'Thing : But if I had, I cotifefs I fljould have fcnt for
IV. P. That might have been fpar'd : I do heartily believe it.
J. R. I vow, Mr. Penn, / am forry for you : 2ou are an ingenious Gentle-
man, all the World jhuJI allow you, and does allow you thit ; and you have a
■pientful Eft-ate : Why fhoidd yon render your fdf unhappy by affociating with
fuch a fimple People ?
W. P. I confefs I have made it my Choice, to relinquifti the Company of
thofc that are ingenioufly wicked, to convcrfe with thofe that are more honeftly
fimple.
J. R. / wifJj you wifrr.
W. P. And I wifh thee better.
Vol. I. 5 R J. R.
434 ^ CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, J. R. 7'ou have heen as had as other Folks.
,;•:. ice. ff/^ p^ When and where ? I charge thee to tell the Company to my Face.
^^7°- J. R. Abroad, and at Home too.
"^ Sir John Sbeldoti, as Is fuppofed. No, Sir John, that's too much, or "Words
to that Purpofe.
f^. P. I make this bold Challenge to all Men, Women, and Children,
upon Earth, juftly to accufe me with ever having feen me drunk, hear me
Jwear, utter a Curfe, or fpeak one obfcene JVord, (much lels that I have made
it my Praftice.) I Ipeak this to God's Glory, that has ever preferved me from
the Power of thofe Pollutions, and that from a Child begot an Hatred in me
towards them. But there is nothing more common, than that when Men are o{
a more fevere Life than ordinary, for loofe Perfons to comfort thenilejves
with the Conceit, that they were once .as they are -, and as if there was no
Collateral or Oblique Line of the Compafs, or Globe, Men may be laid to came
from to the Ar5lick-Pole, but diredtly and immediately from the .Antariick.
Thy Words fhall be thy Burden, and I trample thy Slander under my Feet.
J. R. IVell, Mr. Penn, / have no Ill-ivUl towards you : lour Father was
my Friend, and I have a great deal of Kindnefs for you.
W. P. But thou haft an ill Way of expreffing it. You are grown too
high to confider the Plea of thofe you call your Fore-lathers, tor Liberty of
Confcience againft the Papijls, Cramner, Latimer, Ridley, Bradford, Sec. 'Twas
then Plea good enough. My Confcience won't let me go to Mafs, and my Con-
fcience -wills that I fhould have an Englifh Teflameut : But that fingle Plea for
Separation, then reafonable, is now by you, that pretend to fucceed them, ad-
judged unreafonable and faftious : I lay, fince the only Caufe ot the firft
Revolt from Rome was a Diflatisfa<ftion in point of Confcience,; you cannot
reafonably perfecute others who have Right to the fame Plea, and allow that
to be warrantable. ^ . / [ .
J. R. But you do nothing hut fiir up the People to Sedition, and there was
one of your Friends that told me, that you preached Sedition, and meddled with
the Government.
IV. P. We have the Unhappinefs to be mifreprefented, and I am not the
leaft concerned therein. Bring me the Man that will dare to juftify this Ac-
cufation to my Face, and if I am not able to make it appear, that it is both
my Practice, and all my Friends, to inftill Principles of Peace and Moderation,
and only to war againft fpiritual Wickednefs, that all Men may be brought
to fear God and work Righteoufnefs, I fhall contentedly undergo the feverelt
Punifhment all your Laws can expofe me to. And as for the King, i make
this Offer, that if any living can make appear, direftly or indircdlly, from
the Time I have been called a ^laker, (fince from thence you date me fedi-
tious) I have contrived or afted any Thing injurious to his Perlbn, or the
Englifh Government, I fhall fubmit my Perlbn to your utmoft Cruelties, and
efteem them all but a due Recompence. 'Tis hard that I, being innocent,
Ihould be reputed Gidlty, but the Will of God he done : I accept of bad Report
as well as good.
J. R. Well, I mufi fend you to Newgate for fix Months, and when they
are expir'd, you ivill come out.
W. P. Is that all ? Thou well know'ft, a * larger Imprifonment has not
daunted me. I accept it at the Hand of the Lord, and am content to fufi'er his
Will. Alas! you miftakeyour Intereft : You'll mifs your Aim : This is not
the Way to compafs your Ends.
J. R. Tou bring your jelf into Trouble : 7ou ivill he heading Pat ties,, and
drawing People after you.
W. P.
" I - - .
* This probably refers to a former Imprifonraent of his in the Tower o( Londm, Avno i66S,
mentioned in his Preface to that excc-lknt Treatilc, intituleil NoCrnJi, ^iCmv*):, which
was writ during that Imprifonment,
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 435
IV. p. Thou miftakeft : There is no fuch Way as this to render Men LONDON,
remarkable : You Are angry that I am confiderable, and yet you take the &c.
very Way to make me lb, by making this Buftle and Stir about one peaceable 1670.
Perfon.
J. R. / laijh your adhering to tbefe things do not convert y6u to fomethbig
at la[i.
W. P. I would have thee and all Men to know, that I fcorn that Re-
ligion which is not worth Suffering for, anti able to iuftain them that are
afflided for it. Mine is : And whatever may be my Lot for my coiittant
Profeffion of it, I am no ways careful, but refigned to anfwer the Will of
God, by the Lofs of Goods, Liberty, and Life it felf : When you have all,
you can have no more, and then perhaps you will be contented, and by that
you will be better informed of our InnocenCy. Thy Religion perfecutes, and
mine forgives : And I defire my God to forgive yoii all that are concerned in
my Commitment, and I leave you all in perfeft Charity, wifhing your evcr-
lailing Salvation.
J. R. Send a Corporal ivith a File of Mujqueliers along ■with him.
IV. P. No, no : Send thy Lacquey : I know riie Way to Newgale.
His Mittimus was as follows, viz.
" Midd''' fs.
«« \/\7 H E R E A S WiWum Pemiy Efq-, (lands duly cOrt\^ia:dd'!)etore 'us,
" V V whofe Names are fubfcribed, two of his Majefty's Juftices of the
" Peace for the laid County, upon the Oaths of fouf credible WitnelTes, for
'' afluming and taking upon him to preach in a certain unlawful Aflembly,
»' Conventicle, or Meeting, holden upon this Day, beihg the fifth Day of
" this Intlant Month of February , under Colour or Pretence of Exercife of
" Religion, contrary to the Laws and Statutes of this Realm, within the
" Parifli of Stepney in the County of Middle/ex, which Parifli is within five
«' Miles and lefs of the City of London. And hereupon we tend red unto
«« him the laid IVilliam Penn the Oath prcfcribed in and by an Aft of this
*' prdent Parliament, intituled. An Aa for reflrai>lin£ 'Avn-conforimjls'frot/f
" inhabiting in Corporations ; which Oath he hath rcfuftd to take and fubfcribe..
*' Thefe are therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to will and require you, forth-
" with upon Sight hereof, to receive into your Cuftody the Body of the fiid
*' IVilliam Penn, whom we fend you herewith, and him there fu'ely to keep,
*' without Bail or Mainprize, for the Space of fix Months, for which this fliall
*' be your Warrant. Given under our Hands and Seals the fifth Day of
*' February, Anno Ddmini 1670.
J. Robinson, Lieutenant of the Tower.
JOSIAH RlCROFT.
" Vera Copia, p. Rob^' Warner, Clerk of Newgate,"
ANNO 1 67 1. During this Imprifonment of Williajn Penn in Ne-ug.ite, he
•writ the followins letter
a
" To the High Court oj Parliament.
" XP O ^ -^ S M U C H as it hath pleafed you to make an Aft, infitul?d,
" XT ^'^" -^^ /"'" preventing feditimts Conventicles, the' dmgerous Praftices
*' of feditious Sectaries, tec. And that under Pretence of Authority frorii it,
*' many have taken the ungodly Liberty of plundering, pillaging, and btok-
♦' ing into Houfes, to the Ruin and Detriment of whole Families, not regard-
" ing the Poor, the Widow, and the Fatherlefs, be)'ond all Precedent or
Excufe,
436 A CoUeclioii oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, " Excufe, and that we are informed it is your Purpole, inftead of relaxing
&c. ct your Hand, to fupply the Defects of that Act by fuch explanatory Clatrfcs,
" as will inevitably expofe us to the Fury and Intereft of our feveral Adver-
> " (ixries, that under Pretence of anfwering the Intents of the faid Aft, will
" only gratify their private Humours, and doubtlefs extend it beyond its
" original Purpofe, to the utter Deilruftion of us and our fuffcring Friends.
" We therefore efteem our felves obliged in Chriftian Duty to remonftrate,
" Firjit That we own Civil Government or Magiftracy, as God's Ordinance
<* for the Punifhment of evil Doers, and the Praife ot them that do well,
" and though we cannot comply with thofe Laws that prohibit us to worlhip
" God according to our Confciences, as believing it to be his alone Preroga-
" tive to prefide in Matters of Truth and Worfhip, yet we both own, and
" are ready to yield Obedience to every Ordinance of Man relating to human
" Affairs, and that for Confcience-fake.
" Secondly, That we deny and renounce, as an horrible Impiety, all Plots
»' and Conspiracies, or to promote our Intercll or Religion by the Blood of
*' fuch as dilfent from us, or yet thofe that periecute us.
" TJ.nrdly, That in all Revolutions we kive demeaned our felves with much
" Peace and Patience (difowning all contrary Adtingsj notwithitanding the
♦' numerous Provocations of cruel and ungodly Men, which is a Dcmonilra-
" tion of our harmlefs Behaviour, that ought nor to be of little Moment with
" you.
'' Fourthly, That as we have ever lived moft peaceably under all the various
*' Forms of Government that have been fince our firft Appearance, (notwithftand-
" ing we have been as their Anvil to fmite upon) fo we do hereby fignify, that it
\i': is our full Refolution to continue the fame, that where we cannot aftually
■*• obey, we patiently fliall fuffer, (leaving our innocent Caufe with God, noc
*' d.aring to love our Lives unto the Death, for our blefled Teftimony's Sake)
" thereby manifefting to the whole World, that we love Cod aho've all, and
" our Neighbours as our felves,
*' If this prevail not with you to fufpend your Thoughts of reinforcing your
* ' Aft, we do defire, that we, or fome of our Friends, may receive a free
" Hearing from you, (as feveral of us had upon the firft Act for Uniformity)
" having many great and weighty Reafons to offer againft all luch fevere Pro-
" ceeedings, to the End all wrong Meafures, of us and our Principles, may
*' be reftified, and that you being better inform'd ot both, niay remove our
" heavy Burdens, and let the OppreiTed go free, for fuch Moderation will be
** well-pleafing both to God and good Men.
*' From us, who are now Prifoners at Nezvgate, for Confcicnce-fakc,
*' on the Behalf of our felves, and all our fuffering Fi lends, in
" England., &c.
Newgate, .y«o»i " WjLLiAM PENN, and feveral Others:"
Month, 16-1. 'J
About the Month called Augtfi this Year, the violent Procedings againft the
Meetings of thk People began to abate, their Perlecutors being tired, and
having proved their Patience and Conflancy to be invincible, became more
moderate -, And, toward the End of this Year, die King, and his Council,
thought proper to take other Meafures, and thereupon a Declaration, for fitf-
■pending the Execution of the penal Laws in Matters Ecckfiajlical, was publifhed,
and the Profccution of Di£enters, tor their religious Meetings, cealed for a
Time, fo that
Somt Keff'ite ANNO 1672, The Affcmblies of this People, in and about the City,
frem Perjecu- Were generally held undillurbed. It was alio ordered, by the King and Council,
tion, tt That a Lift of the Names of the fakers, in the- feveral Prilons, ihould be
" fent to the Attorney-General, who was rtquircd to prepare a Bill tor the
" King's Royal Signature, containing a Pardon, • to pafs the Great-Seal of
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
437
*' England^ for all fuch of them to whom the King might legally grant the
*♦ fame." Accordingly the laid Pardon was granted, bearing Date the 13th
of September this Year ; by which were difcharged at London,
From Newgate: Edward PatHjhi, John Ellis, Arthur Cooke, and Richard
Cannon.
From the Fleet : IViUiarn Adams, Robert Hart, John Bolt, and William
Welch.
From the King's Bench : John Griffith, Jonathan Jennings, John Alway,
Abraham Dickjon, Matthew Perrin, Thomas Naylor, IVilliain Gihjon, Theophilus
Green, John lJ''renn, nomas Paul, Francis Cooky, Richard Cocke, Richard Guy,
John Smith, Jojlnia Sparrow, John Maddocks, George Tipping, Henry Forty,
Samuel Hart, Jofeph Fielder, and Robert Hodgfon.
There were alio, at that Time, in the Fleet Prifon, for not paying Tithes,
and other Branches of their religious Teftimony, not comprehended in the
King's Pardon, James Balknett, Thomas Beech, John Brejlone, Ephraim Carter,
Thomas Fuller, John Keinfey, Anne Morris, Chrijlopher JVard, Abel Burroughs,
and John Kennett.
In the fame Year, Tho7?ias Cox Vintner, Mary Fuller Widow, George
Mayes Shoemaker, Robert Eajl Diftiller, John Baker Tobacconift, and Timothy
Trigg Pipemaker, all of IVhitechapel, Henry Poulton, of Stepney, Cowkeeperi
and Henry Parker Dyer, were committed to Newgate for Non-payment of
Tithes.
About the fame Time, John Cartwright, Robert Bridges, John Sekoood,
Jofeph Cadle, Elizabeth Baines, Robert Couchman, and Robert Eafi, for refufing
to bear Arms, fuffered Diilrefs of their Goods to the Value of i6/. 15. id.
Alfo Richard Guy, and John Staploe, fuffered Diflrcfs of Goods on the fame
Account. And, for refufing to pay Church-Rates, fo called, John Vaughton,
and Thomas Taunton, both of ClemenCs Danes, were fent to Nnvgate by Writs
de Excommunicato capiendo. Alfo, George Bave, of Stepney, and Philip Cooke,
were committed to the fame Goal for Demands for Eajler-Offerings, from the
• Former 18^. and from the Latter but bd. About this Time alfo, Michael
Fidfall, of George-T'ard, JVeJlminJler, and John IVright, of Martins in the Fields,
had their Windows broke, their Goods thrown into the Street, and much
damaged, and their Perions grievoufly infulted and abufed by the rude Rabble,
animated thereto by Soldiers of the King's Life-Guard, for opening their
Shops on the Day called Chrijltnafs-day, in a confcientious Oppofiuon to the
fuperftitious Obfervation of that Time.
ANNO 1673. After the Rebuilding of the City oi' London, an Afb of
Parliament was made, whereby the Annual Stipends of Parochial Preachers
there were fettled, and the Lord-Mayor, tor the Time being, was authorized
to grant Warrants for Diflrefs againit the Refufers of Payment ; accordingly,
in the Month called July this Year, George Waterman, Mayor, iflued his War-
rant to Samuel Freeman, Pritfh of the Parifli of Anne Alder/gate, by which,
for Claims of 4 /. 2 s. Goods were taken from Richard Butcher, John Tifoe,
and John Vaughton, to the Value of 6 /. 17;. 8 J. And for a Demand of i /. 5^. ^d.
made by Thomas White, Prieft of Alhalhws the Great, were taken, from John
Light, twelve Pieces of Calicoe worth 2/. 2 s. And by a Warrant granted in
September, at the Inftance of David Barton, Priefl of MargareCs Ncw-Fijh-
Jireet, were taken, from William Chandler, and Thomas Saxton, for Demands
of 2 /. 4 J. yd. Fifh to the Value of 3/. 55. i\d. In this Year alfo, for re-
flifing to bear Arms, Edmund Caryl, and James Brown, of Gi/f j's in the Fields,
fuffered Diilrefs of Goods to the Amount of 5/. 11 .f. 6 J.
ANNO 1674. Robert Hanfon,'Miyor . By Warrant, granted to the afore-
faid Samuel Freeman, Prieft, for Claims of i /. 3 s. from Richard Butcher, and
Thomas Cobb, their Goods were taken away to the Value of 2 1. 6 s. And by a
like Warrant, the aforefaid David Barton, Priefl, for a Demand of 6 s, took.
LONDON,
&c.
1672.
DifckMge of
Vr'ifor.eri.
Cornmhmenti
for not pijing
Tiiksi
Di(ire(fti for
fc'jerjl
Caujist
Abufes.
Di[i'.'Jf;s rn
the vcrv Build-
ings at Lon-
don.
Dift'ejfes in
London.
from Williafn Chandler
Vol. I.
Fifh worth 1 2 s.
5S
Alfo Thomas
Neajl, Priefl of
Coleman-Jlrcet,
438
tONDdiSi,
&c.
1674.
A Colkc1:lGti of the Sufferings
Vol. L
Jirejjes in
London.
Coleman-ftreetj for 7 5. demanded of Richard Thornton, made Diftrefs of Goods
to the Vafue of 23^.
In the lame Year, by Warrant from William Hooker, Mayor, Dr. Bradford,
Prieft of Edfnund's Lombard-ffreet, for Claims of 2 /. 5 s. from Thomas Rud-
yard, and Job Bollon, took Goods worth 3/. 15 j. And in this Year alfo,
John Hewelt, Thomas Conchmaii, and Jeremiah Clarke, for refufing to pay to-
wards the Charges of the Militia, had Goods taken from them to the Value
of 8 /. 10 J.
ANNO 1675. William Hooker, Mayor. William Crouch, for 1/. 195. de-
manded by John Cliff, Prieft of Beimel's Grace-church, had two Pieces of
Serge taken away wotth 3 /. 10 s. Alfo Thomas Baker, for 14J. 4^. claimed,
by Elk'mgton Downs, Priefl of Leonard's Eajicheap, lufFercd Diftrefs to
the Value of i /. ly s. 10 d. Richard Butcher, and Thomas Cobb, for De-
mands 6f I /. 3 s. made by Samuel Freeman, Prieft of Ame Jlderfgale, had
Goods taken from them worth 2 /. 14 s. And for i /. 16 s. claimed by George
Maji Prieft of Fcn-church-Jlreet, and Dionis- Back-church, were taken from
TJpomas Robin/on Goods worth 4/. 10 s. Alfo for i^s. 6d, claimed by Samuel
Freeman, Prieft of J/ine Alderfgate, from William Wigan, three Saddles were
taken worth i /. 12 s. And for a Demand of 40 s. made by John Archer,
Prieft of Alhallows Ldmbard-Jlreet, upon Gerard Roberts, Goods were taken
from Mary Fojler Wido^v, an Under-tenant of his, to the Value 0^4/. 19;. 3^.
ANNIS 1675 and 1676. Robert Vyner, Mayor. For a Demand of 95. 4^.
made by William Sherlock, Prieft of the Parilh called St. George Buitolph-lane,
from John Hodgkins, Goods were taken worth 1 1, gs And for Claims, made by
Dr. Bradford, of Ed7nund's Lombard-fireet, of 2 /. ^s. from Thomas Ritdyard,
and Job Bolton, was taken to the Value of 3 /. 195. 6d. In the Year 1676,
on Complaint of John Williams, Prieft of the Parifhes of Mary-Cole-church and
Mildred in the Fotdtry, againft the faid Job Bolton, for 3 /. 9 i. the Mayor
granted a Warrant, by which they took away his Show-Glais, (he being a
Silverfmith) with about 150/. worth of Goods in it. This being reprefented to
the Mayor, he ordered the Glafs to be opened in his Prefence, and Goods to
be taken out, the ^^alue of which Bolton knew not, and then returned the
Glafs open by his Officers. From Tloomas Baker, oi EaJlchcap, for 14 J. ^d:
demanded by the Prieft, was taken to the Value Of il. o.f. 3 <f . And by
Warrants granted to John Stoning, Prieft of Black-Fridrs, for Claims of i /.
1 1 J. 2d. were taken from Simon Mar/hall, Thomas Hcolav, Mark Materham,
William Tileby, John Vaughton, Henry Daggett, and William Walker, feveral Sorts
of Goods to the V.alue of 6 /. i8j. 9^. From Thomas Witcbel, for a Claim
of 1 1 J. id. made by Thomas Neajl, Vicar of Stephen's Coleman-Jlreet, were taken
Goods worth i /. 1 3 j. And from Job Bolton, for i /. ij s. 6d. demanded
by Dr. Bradford, oi Edmund's Lombard-Jlreet, Goods worth 2/. j s. yd. Alfo
upon Complaint of Edward Shenin, Prieft of FoJler-lane, for a Demand of 10^.
Were taken from Robert Powel, Goods worth 135. 10^. And from Richard
Butcher, for 15^. claimed hy Samuel Freeman, Prieft, Goods worth i/. 4.S.
And from Thomas Cobb, for a Claim of 8 i. to the Value of 15^. 47/. Alfo
by Warrant, granted on Complaint of John Aiicher, Prieft of Alhallow's Lom-
bard-jlreet, for Demands of 61. \gs. 2d. Goods were taken away from Jolm
Ofgood and Jofeph Scott, to the Value of 10/. 3 ^. yd.
ANNIS 1676 and 1677. Jofeph Sheldon, Mayor. By this Mayor's W.ir-
r.ants, granted upon Application of the Priefts of their refpe(ftiv'e Parifhes,
were taken
From Simon MarfJjall, John Vaughton, William Walker,
and Richard Aid/worth, of Anne's Blackfriars,
for Demands of iS s. Sd. Goods worth
Tljomas Robinfon and William Gibfon, of Fen-
chiirch-Jlreti, for Demands of 1 /. 5 ;. 6 d.
Goods worth
/.
d.
1 1
U
Carried over
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
From
Brought I
'Tljomas Harding, of Friday-Jlreet, for Demands
of 2 /. 2s. 6 d. Goods worth
Thomas Riid^ard, of Lombard-Jlreety for Demands
of 3 /. y s. 6d'. Goods wortli
John Bolton, of Aider/gate Parilli, for Demands
of 7/. Goods worth.
Chrijlopher Cbeefman, of Ludgaie Pariih, for De-
mands of 7 J. Goods worth
Fhilip Ford, of Mary Le Bow, fas Demands
of 2/. 4 J. 2d. Goods worth
Richard Halls, of St. Mary-Hill, for Demands
of 1 /. 8 s. Goods worth
Francis Moore, of the lame, for Demands
of I /, \Qs. Goods worth
Gerard Roberts, of Lombard-Jlred, fox Demands
of 1 3 J. 4 ^. Goods worth
Thomas Cobb, of Ann's, Alder/gate Pariih, for
Demands of 8 J. Goods worth
Richard Hawkes, IVilliam Tileby, Henry Doggett,
Simon Marjhall, and John Vaughton, of Black-
■ friars, for Demands of i/. \2s. ^d. Goods
worth
Richard Butcher, of Alder/gate Parilli, for Demands
of 1 4 J. 10^. Goods worth
Elizabeth Scott, of Lombard-Jireet, for Demands
of 10 s. Goods worth
iver
I. s.
B 5
d.
8
}
2
5
7 12
6
}
10
}
I II
}
5 7
6
i
2 16
s
9 5
4
}
2 5
}
18
IQ
10
12
For 23 /. II s. ^d.
Taken 55 9 3
John OJgood, of Lotnbard-Jireet, liad all his Goods feized, by Diftrefs, for
only one Year's Tithe.
From Walter Hoare, of Mary-Woolnoth in Lombard-Jtreet, for 2/. 16;. de-
manded, were taken Goods worth 3/. i^s. And fxom Samuel Bolton, for a
Claim of 2 I. 6 s. made by J oJm IVilliams, Priefl of the Parilhes of Mary-
Cole-churcb, and Mildred- Back-church, were Goods taken to the Value of 3 /. gs.
ANNIS 1677 and 1678. Francis C/Mplin, Mayor. By Warrants, granted
to the Incumbents of their relpeftive Parifhes, were taken
From John Day, of Nicholas-Cole-Abbey, for Demands
of I /. Goods worth
Thotnas Rudyard, of Lotnbard-fireet, for Demands
of 1 1. 10 s. Goods worth
William Crouch, of Grace- church-ftr set, for De-
mands of 5 /. 175. Goods worth
Thomas Mar din, of Crooked-lane, for Demands
of I /. 1 3 J. <^d. Goods worth
John Hubbock and Matthew Roper, of Grace-
church-Jtreet, for Demands of 2 /. 16 s. 3 d.
Goods worth
James S?nith, of Dionis Back-church, for Demands
of I /. 5 s. Goods worth
T/Mmas Robinjon, of the lame, for Demands
of 5 J. 4^/. Goods worth
/.
J7
10
d.
II
10
7 18
14
For 14/. 7;. 4^.
Taken 31 13 4
From
439
LONDON,
1676 flWi
1677.
440
LONDON,
&c.
1677 and
1678.
-^ Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
From Richard Butcher, thomas Cobb, and John Tyfoe, of Amh, Alderfgaie
Paf-ilh, for Demands of 2 /. were Goods taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 5 /,
Dtith of
R. Alhfidd.
An Account of
him written
bj bis Wife.
And from Samuel Streater, of Broad-Jireet, for Demands
of igs. 6d. Goods worth
John Newton, of Martin's Organ, for De-
mands of i6j-. 10 d. Goods worth
Francis Moore, of Mary-hill, for Demands
of I /. Goc^s worth
Jafper Robins, of Dunjlatfs in the Weft, for
Demands of il. 16s. Sd. Goods worth
Job Bolton, of Lombard-fireet, for Demands
of 1 /. 10 s. Goods worth
}
}
10
1 14
II
I 1
For 61. 3 j-.
Taken 9 12 6
In the Year 1677 died in Newgate, Richard Ajhfield, of Stanes in the County
of Middle/ex, concerning whom the following Account, penn'd by his Widow
Patience AJhfteld, is worthy the Attention of the Reader, viz.
" After my dear Hufband Richard JJhJield was convinced of the bleffed
" Truth, as it is in Jefus, he was often profecuted, by Excommunications and
" Seffions Procefs, for Non-conformity to the Church oi England ; and in Obe-
" dience to the Command of Chrift, refufing to take theOatl^, was feveral Times
'' imprifoned, particularly in the Year 1 665 he fuffered a Year's Imprifon-
'' ment on that Account ■, but he keeping faithful, the Lord found a Way
" gracioufly to deliver him. In the Year 1676 he was again excommuni-
" cated for Non-conformity to the Church of Etiglaiid, and refufing to pay for
" the Repair of the Steeple-houle, Font, Surplice, and other fuch like
" Things, the Charge of his own and others Prefentment on that Account.
*' By the vehement Inftigation of Edward Kempjhall a Writ of Capias was
*' ferved on him, and he carried to Newgate in the Eleventh Month 1676,
" to the gfeat Grief and Trouble of many honeft People, who wept when
" they took their Leaves of him, it being then a very cold Seafon, and he
" aged about fixty five Years, and much troubled with a Cough and Ptifick,
" The Clofenefs and Dampnefs of tlie Place did much increafe his Diltemper,
" and to ufe his own Words on his dybg Bed, was the Occafwn of jhorming
" his Days. On the nth of the Tenth Month 1677, he laid down his
" Head, and refigned his Soul and Spirit, in perfeft Peace and Joy of the
" Lord, into the Hands of his fliithful Creator."
After his Death, his faid JVidow, continuing ftedfaft in the Faith, was enabled
alio to fuffer for her Conftancy in attending religious Meetings, of which Ihe
alio left an Account in the following Words, viz.
" fVilliatn Field, Conftable, came to my Houfe at Stanes, the Doors being
'' Ihut, he demanded Entrance, which being denied, he fetched an Iron
'' Crow, and attempted to break open the Street-door, but that being too
" flrongfor him, having no Body to help him, he at laft remember'd aBack-
" door not fo ftrong, which he breaking, and coming in, neither making
*' any Demand of the Money, nor letting me fee the Warrants, prel'ently
" fell upon my Goods, laying them in Bundles to carry away. I being very
♦' weak, and upon my Bed, at length gained Strength to rife and go to him,
" and demanded of him. By what Warrant he fo feized my Goods f' He laid,
*' for 20 1. I defired to fee the Warrants, which he refufed, nor would let any
*' of my Family read them, which he could not do himfelf At laft I pre-
" vailed with him to let a Neighbour read Part of one of them, being for 10/.
*' laid on me for two Meetings at Longford, and for an unknown Preacher,
*' figned by Peter Sabbs only, whereby to break open the Doors. The Value
*' of the Goods, meafured, taken from me, came to 26/. or 28/."
Thus
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
Thus the confciendous Widow patiently endured the Spoiling of her Goods
for the fame religious Teftimony for which her Hulband had before cheerfully
fuffered the Lofs both of his Liberty and Life.
Some Time before thefe Occurrences, one Ruth Shelley was fent to Prifon by
Order of the Prerogative Court, for retufing to take an Oath in relation to the
proving a Will there. Alfo Jeremiah Clark, for refufing to take an Oath when
cited into the Confiftory Court of Peter's^ Wejlminjler, was committed to ]^ew-
gate by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo. Likewife John Fly, a Diftiller of
Ratcliff, was committed to New-Prifon for refufing to take the Oath of a Jury-
man at Hicki's-hall. Alfo Richard IVorgau, refufing to Swear when cited on a
Jury at IVhitechapel-Court, was fined, and had his Goods diftrained to the
Value of 20s.
About this Time an Attempt was made to prevent the faid People from
interring the dead Bodies of their Friends after their own Manner, for wliich
Purpofe they had a Piece of Ground near Bunhill- Fields, at which one Richard
Carter ufually officiated as Gravemaker : Againft him, at a SefTions at Hicks's-
ball, the following Prefentment was laid, viz.
MEMORANDUM, That at the SefTions of our Lord the King,
held for the County of Middlefex^ and at Hicks's-hall in St. John^s-
*■*■ Jtreet, in the County aforefaid, on IVednefday, that is to fay, the nth Day
♦' of July, in the Year of the Reign of our Lord Charles the Second over
England, &c. the 29th, before Charles Lee, Knt. William Bowles, Knt. John
Phelps, one of the Auditors of the Exchequer of our faid Lord the King,
and other Juftices of our faid Lord the King, by Letters Patent to them,
or any four of them, under the Seal of England, made to enquire, upon the
Oath of good and lawful Men of the faid County, as well within the Liberty
as without, of Treacheries, Treafons, Mifprifions, InfurrecSbions, £sff. accord-
ing to the Law and Cuftom of England appointed to hear and determine.
By the Oaths of Hugh Owen, Walter Searl, David Waine, Peter Jackfon,
Henry Lloyd, John Cart, David Tucker, Ezekiel "Taylor, Valentine tverard,
l^'lUiam Edwards, Samuel Granger, William Collett, Henry Prent'j, William
Leek, and John Ogleby, good and lawful Men of the faid County, fworn,
and charged to enquire for our faid Lord the King and Body of the faid
County, there was prelented, in Manner and Form following, that is to fay.
cc
((
c<
<1
• (
<c
cc
cc
Middle/ex fs.
<(
<c
C(
<c
C(
441
LONDON',
&c.
1677 and
1678.
Imprifonmenjs
for refufirg to
Srvnur.
An Anerr.fi
to prevent
i»terring the
Detd.
Prefetrtment
at Sejjioni.
TH E Jurors, for our Lord the King, upon their Oaths prefent ; That
whereas by the Laws, Cufloms, good Rule, and Government, of our
faid Lord the King and his PredecefTors, ufed hitherto and approved by
the fame, that the dead Bodies of every Perfon inhabiting within this King-
dom of England, not being Felo de fed.t the Time of his Death, or uncapable
of Chriftian Burial, it was ufed or accuftomed openly and publickly to be
buried in the Church or Church-yard of fome Parifh-Church or Chapel
ufual, or in fome other Place or Ground by lawful Authority conftituted,
appointed and licenfed, or permitted for the burying of dead Bodies of all
Perfons not incapable of Chriftian Burial to be buried there -, and that Mary
Knight, late of the Parifh of St. Leonard, Shoreditch, in the County of Mid-
dlefex aforefaid, Spinfter, otherwife called Mary Knight, Wife of George
Knight, of the fame Place, Yeoman, the 28th Day of June, in the Year
of our Lord Charles the Second over England, &c. the 29th, and being
l,ong before refiding and inhabiting within the Pariih of St. Leonard,
Shoreditch in the faid County, afterwards, that is to fay, the 28th Day of
June, in the 29th Year as aforefaid, in the faid Parifh, naturally, and by the
Vifitation of God, died ; and that not being a FeLo de fe, nor incapable of
Chriftian Burial. And that although there was then, and ftill is a Place ufual
within the faid Parifti, by lawful Authority cgnftituted and appointed for die
Vol. L 5 T " burying
' '4^ ^'MMSnTne'^it^^tQs Vol. i.
LONDON, V hyrying of dead .'Bodies of all dying wiriiin th? faid Parilh, wherein the
^- . &c. "cc [^[^ (^g^rl Body of the faid Mary Knight could conveniently be buried :
i67jr and u Norv^ithftanding.one i?u/^^jr(^.Cdr/c'r, late of the f'arifh of St. Gi/^i's without
._. 1678. \t. Crippfegdley iii Middlefex aforduci^ not ignorant of the Premifes, but being
^V!J»''^'^*Np T*;'a Pejdbn ill affedted to\ward the Authority of our Lord the King as afore-
> i^ •."*,=' " •; « -fi^y^ and contriving and intendiqg the Laws and ancient Cuftoms, and good
" Rule, and Government, of our Lord the King as aforefaid, to violate and
" pervert, and the Authority ot our faid Lord the King, in that Behalf, to dimi-
.«"' nilh iand extinguiih, afterwards, that is tp fay, the 29thDay of the faid Month of
' ^ft y»nit in the 29th Year aforefaid, by Force and Arms at the Parifh of St.
*' Giles's, Cripplegate, aforefiid, in the County aforefaid, in a certain unufual
•-"^ '- ■ ..V. dnd' unlawful Pkce there, commonly called the fakers Burying-ground,
• " lying. and being in the Parilh of St, Gi/fj''s, without Cnpplegate, aibrefaid,
*■•' " being not then, nor as yet, a Church or Church-yard of the Parochial Church
ct of St^,Gi/^i*s, vi'ithout Crippkgate, aforefaid, nor a Church or Church yard
" of a Parifh Church, of any other Church or Chapel, or any ufual, Place
" or Ground by any lawflil Authority conilituted, appointed, or licehted, or
'" " perrrtitted, for the burying of dead Bodies of any Perfons there to be buried,
^' the dead Body of the laid Marj K/iight then and there unlawfully ap'd un-
-.^•'guftly buried. And that the ii^idi Richard^ Carter, the dead Bodies of very
.**■, many other Perfons j at leafl one Hundred dead Bodies of certain Perfons,
" iately inhabiting within thp Parifh of St. Leonard, Sboreditch, within the
" County aforefaid, and ejfewherein the faid County, the Names whereof the
^" faid Jurors are ignorant of, who at the Times of their Death, naturally, and
■■^, through the Vifitation of God, died lately, not being Felons, nor any of
/f : thiem being a Felon of himfelf, or incapable of Chriftian Burial, before the
i'. faid 29th Day of JuHe, in the zpth Year aforefaid, by Force and Arms, in
.*f: the Parifh of St. Giles's, without Cripplegate, in the faid County, in an unufual
,^'-and unlawhil Place -commonly called the ^a^fn Burying-ground, lying
,«,OTd being in the Parifli of St.. Q7«*s, without Cn/'^/i"^.'z/(f, aforefaid, unlaw-
.»f .folly and unjuftly hath buried in the laid Place, being not then, nor as yet,
.ftVjior at any Time, the Parilh-Church of St. Giles's, without Cripplegale, afore-
i.S,?;faid, or the Church-yard of the faid Parifh-Church, or any Church, or
.^V: Church-yard of any other Church or Chapel, or uiUal Place or Ground by
*' any lawfol Authority conftituted, appointed, licenfed,'or permitted for Burial
" of any dead Bodies of any Perfon there to be buried, againft the Laws and
" ancient Cuftom aforefaid of this Kingdom of EngLwd, and the' good Rule
:;«.Vlind Government of our laid Lord the King aforefaid, to the manifeft Con-
-J' tempt of the Authority of our faid Lord the ICing, to the ill Exainple of
" others in the like Cafe tranfgreffing, and againft the Peace of our laid Lord
ISithe^ King,; that fV3W:i?4i his :Oowjn and Dignity."
Jiimirts on ..: This Prefentment ihews, that aperfecUting Difpofition wis fo prevalent at this
thit PrefchU Time, that it extended not only to the grievous Moleftation of this People
ment. while living, but would have prevented their being buried among their Friends
and Relations when dead: An Attempt equally unchriftian' and inhuman,
which, though it ilTued only in fome prefent Troubje and Charge to the poor
Gravgmaker, plainly difcovers to what a Pitch of Malice and Mifchief the
blind and furious Zeal of fuperftitious Ignorance can hurry Men. '
Ter\Hrei In- On the 13th of the Month called January 1677, John' Pye, Hugh Lci>ni>y
formtr, tb- Daniel Duke, Jamet Beech, and Jdvi'Sppice, were indidtcd ipr being at a Meet-
/'*"•• ing laWeftminfter, and convifted by the Oaths of 7o/.)« Coodtvin and Scarlet
Rsfe, Informers: But, upon a Re-hearing, they proved, by fubftantial Evi-
dence, tliat ehey were atdiftant Places at the Time the Meeting, tor which
they had been .conv-i<fted, was heki, ^ind the Informers manifcftly appeared to
be perjured, and tlie Jufticcs granted an Order for ajiprehending thc:n, lor
fear of which they ablconded or fled.
; ...;„. , : In
Chap. 25. . c/ /^ People Ci3;i!^^ QUAKERS. 443
In the next Year John Held, of the Parifh of Amie and Agnes Jlderjgate,
"was profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Cout t for teaching School without a Licenfe
from the Bifhop, and becaule after Admonition he defifted not, was for his
Contumacy committed to Litdgate Prifon on the 19th of December 1678, where
he was clofe confined twenty nine Weeks : And though fick, could not obtain
Leave either to go Home, or to a Friend's Houfe near the Prifon, for the
Recovery of his Health : The Severity of Ecclefiaftical Cenfure not admitting
any fuch Mixture of Mercy.
About the fame Time William Warren, of Shadwell, Grocer, was committed
to New-'Prifon by Juftice Rycroft, for opening his Shop on a Faft-day, and
was there clofe confined about three Weeks. Several others fuffered Diftrefs
of Goods for refufing to pay to the Charges of the Militia, viz. Philip Ford,,
who for a Fine of 4/. 1 3 j. 4^. had his Goods taken away to the Value
of 24/. 2s. And Thomas fVitchel, who for 4.0 s. Fine, fuffered by Diftrefs to
the Value' of 3/. 13J. Al[o Thomas Lacey, oi Martin' s-lane, who being fined
4/. 1 3 J. 4.^. had Tobacco taken from him worth 61. ly s. For the fame
.Caufe Thomas Cobb, of Martin's- le-GrOnd, had Goods taken away to the Value
of 4/. 2J. 8rf. |J. And William Ellis, into whofe Houfe the Officers coming
when his Doors were ftiur, made a forcible Entrance by breaking an Hatch,
and opening the Door with a Sledge, had Pewter taken away worth 4/. 13 r. 4^.
ANNIS 1678 and 1679. James Edwards, Mayor. By this Mayor's 'VVar-
rant were taken for the Maintenance of the Parochial Pritfts in London,
I.
From William Chandler, of New-FiJh-ftreet, for 2/. 17;. 8 J.
Goods worth
Williatn Gibfon, of Edmund's l^mhard-ftreet, for 12 s.
Goods worth
Thomas Paxton,of New-Fr/h-Jlreet; for 4/. ojr. '8t/.
Goods worth '..'.,
Jojiah Bacon, of Swithins, for 3/;'''^*j''.^(566dlk'' Worth
George Bradford, of the fame, for i /. 7 ;. Goods worth
Daniel ^tare, of y^derjgate Panfh, for 2 1. 12, 6d.
Goods worth
David Lloyd, for i /. 55. Goods worth
Thomas Wejt, for loi. Goods worth
John Day, of Nicholas- Cole -Abbey, for
Goods worth
LONDON,
&c.
1677 and
1678.
Jmprifonment
of J. Field in
Ludgate.
Commitment
0/ W.War-
ren to New-
Prifon.
./.
\os.
}
}
}
}
}
d.
Diftrejfes in
Londo.n.
15
5 14
4 1
1 18
o
o
»3
7
10
For 18/. OS. 10 d.
Taken 31 2 7
'From Samuel Streatcr, of Alhallew's Bread-Jlreet, were taken Goods worth
2l.'5,'s.'6-d. And trom Tho?nas Hooton, Simon Marjhall, William Walker, Henry
Dagget^md Willia?n Tileby, for Demands of 4/. 6 s. Sd. were taken leveral Sorts
of Goods to the Value of 61. i&d. yd. for the Ufe of the Prieft of Black-
friars. Alfo from John Beckley, of Alderfgate Parifli, for a Demand of 20i.
wete taken Goods worth i /. I9i. 4^. And from John Aires, of the fame
Parlfti, for 2 /. 12s. 6 d. Goods worth 61. jys.Sd. From Elizabeth KeviboUy
William Ellis, and Tho?nas Lacey, of Laurence Pountney, for Demands of 4/. 3;, 4^.
were taken to the Value of 8 /. 6 s. yd. And from Phtlip Ford, of Mavy-le-
£cty, f6r a Claim of i /. 10 s. 11^. Goods worth 5/. \2s. lod.
ANNO 1679. An Account of the Sufferings in the new Buildings Lon-
don, before that Time, was printed, fhewing that tor Demands of 116/. 9;. 6d.
there had been taken by DiftrefTes 427/. y s. 6d. of which had been returned
to the Owners 1 8 1 /. 9 j. i ^. So that the Lofs borne by the Sufferers over
and above the Prieft's Demands was 129 /. 8 i. 11 d.
In a Poftfcript to that Account, it is obferved, that " The cuftomary Manner a Pcflfript
*' of the Priefls was, when they have a Warrant for Diftrefs, they or their toun^ccwit
" Agents take and carry away, out of our Houfes, Goods and Wares, two, of Siij}iny!gs.
'' three.
444 ^ Colledlion ^ the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, " three, four, five, fix, and fometimes ten Times the Value of the Money
&c. " demanded, and this without making any Appraifment before they carry
1679. tt \!n.fm thence, contrary to the Die and Cuftom of all legal Execu-
" tions and Diitreffes whatfoever. And the Conftable, who is afllftant, not
" one of the Farifh Precinft, or Ward, but commonly fome unknown
" foreign Deputy-Conftablc. The Goods are generally carried into fome
«' Alehoufe, or fuch like Place, and there have been appraifed at Half or a
«' third Part of the Value. Sometimes they return their Overplus, but with
** Deduftions of Charges equal to a Trial in Guild-hall ; and very often
*« neither make Reftoration of Overplus, nor give Account to the Party how
*' they have appraifed or difpofcd of his Goods.
«* 'Twas therefore propofed to the Magiftrates, as Matter of Equity and
" equal Juftice, that when Warrants of Diftrefs were granted, a Claufe might
" be inferted, or Caution and Diredion given,
'' I. That the Prieff, or his Colleftor, have with him, when he makes Dif-
" trefs, one of the Parifh, Precinft, or at leaft Ward-Conftables, where the
" diftrelTed Party inhabits.
" 2. That the Goods diftrained be not taken out of the Houfe or Shop
*« before Appraifement made, as is ufual in all other Cafes.
*' 3. That an Account of the Goods, Charges, Expences, to whom, and
" for what paid, be rendred to the Party diftreined within ten Days after
" Diftrefs.
" So that as the Law has made a plenary Provifion for their pretended
" Right, the Magiftrate may have an equal Regard, that no one be opprefl"ed
♦* under Colour of Law beyond the Intent of the Law."
The faid Poftfcript concludes thus, " Yet notwithftanding, in cafe the
*' Spoilers are fuffered to fpoil without Limitation or Controul, we are (and
" do hope Ihall be) content, and truft, that in the Power and Strength of the
♦' Mofl High, we Ihall be enabled patiently to fufFer whatever may or can
" be our Portion as to this Matter, leaving it at their Door who have Power
" to relieve us in this Cafe, and yet do not, and commit our Caufe to him that
" will judge righteoufly without Refpedl of Perfons."
In this Year alfo were taken for Fines impofed for refufing to defray the
Charges of the Militia,
ViMit for From
tkc Militia,
Daniel ^are, two Clocks and two Watches wordi
Thomas M^efty Goods worth
John DeWy of Paul's, Joyner, to the Value of
Satnuel Atlee, PevTter worth
Jofeph WilkinfoHy of Silver -Jlreet, Looking-glafTes worth
Thomas Lacey^ Tobacco worth
/.
1 1
«3
13
7
24
J.
5
4
2.
10
2
d.
9
6
o
6
II
83 9
mi for Tro-
fbj tAotiij.
Jmfrifonmtmi
jer ofening
Ships 6» the
^oth of the
Month called
January.
Taken alfo for Claims of Trophy Money,
From Samuel Atleey of Bread Jireet, Pewter worth
jfohn Lighty of Dowgatey Pewter worth
Henry Doggett, Goods worth
o
o
o
3
2
4
6
By Warrant from the Bench of Juflices, fitting at Mle-end-Green on the 6th
of the Month called February 1679, the Conftables of Ratcliff brought before
them Edward Hoare, Robert Winne, John Trivery John Conftantiney Thomas
Seatergoody and Benjamin Rutland, whom they fent to Clerkenwell Prifon as
Offenders for opening their Shops on the 30th of the Month called January y
contrary to an Ail of Parliament made for the Obfervation of that EXiy. They
were detained in Prifon till the next garter Seffwns at Hick's-hall, and then
difcharged.
ANNO
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 445
ANNO 1680. Taken by Diftrefs for Priefts Maintenance in the new LONDON,
From
gs of London,
&c.
Demand
Goods worth
1680.
/.
J.
d.
/.
J.
rf.
Diftregis i„
London,
William Braine, for
5
8
Francis Tracey,
4
8
6
Richard Worgan,
5
10
George Bradford,
j6
5
John OJgood,
I
13
4
I
14
8
Richard IVhitpaine,
I
7
6
I
17
lO
John Beckly,
7
10
7
Richard Town/end,
15
I
5
JVilliam Crouch,
3
18
4
14
lVillia7n Baker,
I
2
6
I
11
8
John TyfoCf
2
16
10
5
15
For
13
10
2
Taken 23
15
3
Taken alio from Daniel ^are, for a Demand of 5 j. 6d. for Trophy Money,
a Watch-Cafe worth gs. ^d.
In Trimty-Term this Year, Sir //«_§•/:> fVindham, one of the Juftices of the Com- liforrmtthm
mon Pleas, brought into that Court at fFeftminfter feveral Informations in the Name "" '^^ ^titute
oi lljomas Moore, as Informer, a.g^.mG: Thomas Farmborow, of London, Chair- ^omh tor
maker, Henry Waddy, John Edge of St. Andrews, Holborne, in the County of >,ot hetrivg
Middlefex, and John Jones ol St. Andrews Holborne, Glover, tor 260/. each of them. Common-
alledged to be forfeited for their not coming to hear Comnwn-prayer for thirteen ^'ay^r.
Months next preceding the Information, on the Statute of 23d El:x. made
againft PopiJJj Recufants. The like Information, for the like Sum, and for the
lame Caufe, was exhibited by the laid Sir Hugh Windham in the Name of
Ihomas Awton as Informer, againft James Beech Sen. of Margarets Wiflmin-
fter ; and another againft William Beech, of the fame Parifh ; another alfo
againft James Beech Jun. of the fame ; and likewifc againft Mufgrcve Bceby, of
the Strand, Vintner, upon the fame Statute ; though all thefe Perfons were well
known to be Protejlants, and no Popip Recufants, nor Popijhly affected. On
thefe Informations, and other Profecutions of this People, the following State
of their Cafe was publilhed, and prefented to the King and Parliament, viz.
*' Tie CASE of the Teople called Quakers, in Relation to the
" Statutes upon which they are profeciited, Jl^ewing the Intent and
" Meaning thereof.
»' r^ HEIR Complaint is againft the late Profecutions in the Exchiqiier C4f of the
*' _£_ for two Thirds of their Eftates, which for two Years laft paft have -fc"?'? w^t^i^
" been feized into the King's Hands upon old Statutes made againft PopiJJj Quakers.
« Recufants ; and Levies daily made thereupon by the Sheriffs throughout
*' many Counties in England ; and the Unreafonablenefs of fuch Profecutions
*' will appear,
*' ift. In (hewing, the Statutes, upon which the Perfons are profecuted, were
«« defigned againft Popery and PopiJJj Recufants only, however now extended
«' againft us and other Protejiant Diffenters.
" To which is added, a Tejl or Protefi, to diftinguilh us from Popijh
«' Recufants.
" Firjt. The Statutes upon which we, and other Protejiant Diffenters, are
«' of late convifted, and returned into the Exchequer, and two Thirds of their
*' Eftates feized into the King's Hands, and levied by Diftrefs, are three, Z'rz.
" 23d and 28th of Q^ Eliz. and 3d of K. James.
*' As to that of 23d Eliz. it's intituled. An AH to maintain the ^een's
«' Maje/lfs Subjects in their due Obedience. And what Subjects they were who
Vol. I. 5 U "in
446 A CoUeaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, «' in thofe Days were difobedient, and ftood in Need of this Ad, Hiftory
^^' " and Tradition can well inform : And befidcs this, the very Preamble lo
J 680. <( ^ ^£1- ^J2j plainly evidence, which runs thus,
'*>-^~^^^'^^ t* Wloere fithence the Statute maie in the iph Tear of the Reign of the ^een
" ctir Sovereign Lady, intituled. An Aft againft tlie bringing and putting in
" Execution of Bulls, Writings, and Inftruments, and otlier iuperftitious
" Things from the See ot Rome, diverfe evil affected Perfom have pra£lifed
" contrary to the Meaning of the faid Statute, by other Means than by Bulls or
" Inflruments written or printed, to withdraw the ^een^s Majefty''s Subje5ls from
" their natural Obedience to her Majejly, to obey the Jaid ufurped Authority of
" Rome, and in Refpe£f of the fame, to perfuade great Numbers to withdraw
" their due Obedience from her Majejlfs Laws, &c. For Reformation whereof,
" and to declare the true Meaning of the faid Law, be it declared and enalied
" by the Authority of this prefent Parliament, that all Perfons, &c.
*' By thefe Words, for the Reformation whereof, and tg declare the true
" Meaning of the jaid Law, we may obferve two Things, or a double End
" for which this Statute was made and provided.
" 17?. For Reformation of fuch who withdrew the Queen's Subjefts from
f their Obedience to the ufurpcd Authority of the See of Rome, as the pre-
" ceding W^ords are.
'. ♦' idly. To declare the true Meaning of the feid Law of the 13th of the
" Queen, which the faid Statute recites, which faid Law was provided againft
♦' the Bringing in Bulls, Writings, Inftruments, and other fuperftitious Things
" from the See oi Rome.
. " And if we read the faid Statute, it gives Account that thofe Bulls were
*' brought from Rome to abfolve and reconcile fuch who forfook their Obe-
*' dience, to yield and fubjeft themfelves to the Pope's ufurped Authority.
" So the Defign of the faid Statute was to prohibit fuch Bulls on Pain of
" High-Treafon, and to prohibit bringing into the Realm Tokens or Things
" called Agnus Dei, Piftures, Beads, and fuch like vain and fuperftitious
" Things, which being confecrated by the Pope, i3c. divers Immunities and
" Exemptions were faid to be granted.
" So that this Statute of 23d Eliz. appears to be a fupplemental Aft, and
" explanatory of the 1 3th of the faid Queen, againft the bringing in of Bulls,
" Agnus Dei, CroITes, i^c. and therein alfo provides againft withdrawing any
" of the Queen's Subjefts to the Romijij Religion, which the Aft conceived
" fo dangerous.
.,• >' So that they, firft, make it Treafon to withdraw any from • the Qiieen's
'' Obedience, or Religion then cftabliihed, to the Romijb Religion, or to obey
" the Authority of the See oi Rome, or any other Prince.
" They, Jecondly, make it Treajon to be reconciled or drawn to the Remifh
" Religion.
" They, thirdly, make it Mifprifion of 'Treafon to be Aiders, Maintainers,
*' or Counfellors of fuch as perfuade others to withdraw themfelves.
" And, fourthly, they provide the Penalty of two Hundred Marks, and
*' a Year's Imprifonment, for fuch as fhall fay or fing Mafs, and then enaft
*' generally,
" That all Perfons, above the Age of fifteen Years, who fJjall not repair to
" Church once a Month, fJoall forfeit for every Month twenty Pounds. Upon
" which is the prefent Profecution againft us.
*' Now it is very evident by the Statute of the i 3th of the Queen, and by
*' this of the 23d of the Queen, that,
*' Firft. The Offences provided againft by thefe Statutes were the bringing
*' in of Bidls, Agnus Dei, Crojfes, Pictures, Beads, .ind luch like.
" Secondly. The Perfons offending were the Importers or Spreaders
.*' thereof.
"• Thirdly. Perfons perfuading, or withdrawing others, or themfclvef;, to the
" Romifh Religion or See of Rome.
•' And, Fourthly. Sayers or Singers of Mafs, and Aiders or Maintainers of
« fuch. '* So
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 44-
" So we conceive the Execution thereof was never intended, and hope (by LONDON
*' fuch Provilion as tlie King and Parliament fliali fee meet) will not be ex- i68o.
*' tended to Protefiant DifTenters. &c.
" And that thcfc Words, All Perfons, fliall be fuch only whom the Statute
*' in cxprels Words and Terms complains of as dangerous, and by luch Pains
*' and Penalties tlicreby intended to be reformed.
" As ior tiic Statute of the * 28th of the Queen, being the fecond Statute
*' upon which we are profecuted, the Title befpeaks what it is, viz. An ASi
'■'■ fur Lbe inore fpeedy Execution of ceriain Branches inade in the 23 J Tear of
*' the ^leen -, which is An Aol lo retain the ^leeifs Majejly's Snbje£li in their
" due Obedience. The fmic which is before repeated, and provides againft the
" Iraudulent Conveyances which might be made to defraud the Queen of the
*' 20/. per Menfein, and orders the Convidions to be returned into the E»-
*' chequer, and Procels to be made from thence to colled it, or for Non-
*' payment, two Thirds ol their re.al Eftate to be leized into the Queen's
»' Hands, i^c.
" So that until the 3d of King James (a Time memorable to all Protejlants
*' for the great Deliverance trom the Gunpowder-plot) the former Laws conti-
»' nued without Alteration or Supplement : And in the 3d of that King's
" Reign was made a Statute, intituled, An Aoi for the better difcovering and
*' f'fpP^''JJ'"S rf Popi^ Recufants.
" By the whole Series of which Statute it will appear, that Protefiant Dif-
*• fenters were never intended for Profecution by it : And we may repeat the
*' Preamble of the Statute (which is generally counted the Key to unlock the
'' Intent and Defign of a Statute) and make fome brief Obfervations thereon,
*' and leave it to your Confideration. It runs thus,
*' Forafmuch as it is found by daily Experience, that many fifhis Majefty^s Subje£ls,
*' that adhere in their Hearts to the Popifh Religion, by the Infection drawn from
»' thence, and by the wicked and devilifj Counfels ^ Jeliiits, Seminaries, a7id other
" like Perfons dangerous to the Church and State, are fo far perverted in the Point
*' of their Loyalty and due Allegiance to the Kin£s Majefty, and the Crown of
" England, as that they are ready to entertain and execute any treafonable Con-
*' [piracies, as evidently appeareth by that more than barbarous and horrible At-
*' tempt to have blown up with Gunpowder the King, ^ieen. Prince, Lords,
" and Commons, in the Hoife of Parliament affembled, tending to the utter Sub-
*' verfion of the whole State, lately undertaken by the Inftigation o/"Jefuits and
*' Seminaries, and in Advancement of their Religion, by their Scholars taught and
*' inflru£led by them for that Purpofe, which Attempt by the only Goodnefs of
*' Almighty God was dijcovered and defeated. And whereas diverje Perfons Popifhly
*' affetled do neverthelefs {the better lo cover and hide their filfe Hearts, and
*' with more Safety to attend the Opportunity lo execute their mifchievous Defigns)
»' repair fometimes to Church, to efcape the Penalties of the Law in that Behalf
" provided.
" For the better difcovering therefore of fuch Perfons, and their evil Affe^ions
*' lo the King's Mafjiy, and the State of this his Realm, to the End, that
" {being known) their evil Purpofe may be the better prevented. Be it enacted, &c.
*' That every Popiili Recufant convitied, or hereafter to be convi£fed, &c.
" Obferve, There is no Mention of other than Popifh Kecufants : Not
" one Word of other Diffenter or Recufant.
" And, firft, in this Statute is provided, that Popifli Recufants conformed,
»' or afterward to be conformed, fJ.wuld once a Month take the Sacrament of the
*' Lord's Supper in their Parijh-Church, as in Stat. 2.
»' Secondly. It inflids the Penalties of 20/. the firjl Tear, 40/. the fecond
*» Tear, 60 /. the third Tear, for Juch Popifh Recufants not receiving the Sacra-
*' ment, as in Stat. 3.
" Thirdly.
* So quoted in the Records, but 29 H//^. i. in the late Statute Books, which jllb refers
totheTenour, true iMeaning, and Intent of the faid Statute of i^ £/»«, i. which ejcprelly
intends Popi//; Kecurants.
44^ -^ Collcclion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, ^^ nirdly. It enads, ih^t the Church- wardens and Conjlahks of every Town,
^'^ " &c. for the Time being, or if none, the Chief Conjlables of the Hundred, &c.
1680. t, jfj^ii p-ffg„t the Names of all Popilh Recufants, and the Children of the [aid
^'^^'"^^'^^ " Recufants, as in Stat. 4.
" Obferve, there is no Mention made of Proteflant Diflenters or Re-
" cufants in general, or any other than Popiffj Recufants. But dill
" the Statute all along refers to Pofiflj Recufants only.
" Fourthly. The Statute of 3d James recites the aforefaid Statute
'* of 23d Eliz. by which the faid Recufants forfeit 20/. per Menfem, as in
" Stat. 10.
" Fifthly. And alfo recites the aforefaid Statute of 28 th Eliz. diredling
*' how the Queen fhould recover the 20/. per Menfem by feizing of two Thirds
" of the real Efiatts of fuch convicted Recufants.
*' After which Recital it is therein alledged, that 20 1, per Menfem is a
" Burden to the Poor, and an Eaje to the Rich who keep large EJlates in their
<■* own Hands, which Cas fays the Statute) they do for the mofl Part employ,
♦' {as Experience hath taught) to the Maintenance of Superflition and Popifh
" Religion, and to the Relief of Jefuits, Seminaries, and other dangerous Perfons
*« to the State.
" And obferve, that after the Delineation or Explanation of Offenders
" and Offences, it is thereby enaded,
" That the King may refufe the 20/. per Menfem, although tendred, and take
*' and feize into his Hands two Thirds of the faid Recufants real Eliate, &c. to
" hold during the RecufanCs Life.
" This is the third Statute by which we, and other Proteflant Dif-
" fenters, are profecuted.
" By all which, we hope, it clearly appears, that thefe Statutes were intended
" againfl Popifh Recufants only, and not againfl Proteflant Diffenters, nor any
" other than Popijh ; and hope, that the Profecution of Proteflant Dilfenters
*♦ (as they have been of late) is an extending the Senfe of thofe Statutes beyond
" right Reafon, and the Intent of the Law-makers : All which is lubmitted
•' to your Confiderations.
" And our next Bufinefs is to prove, that fuch Convidlions, Seizures, and
" Levies, have been made upon our Eftates, which will be made out by the
" Exchequer Records, which we have here ready.
" Then, fecondly, to evidence that the Perfons fo convicted, fcized, and
*' their Eflates levied, are not Popifh Recufants, but fuch as are diftinguifhed
«' by the Name of fakers, and Proteflant Diffenters, which we fhall do by
" Witnefs.
" Then, lafily, we fhall offer unto your Confideration a Tefl or Proteft for
«' a Diflinftion between us and Popijh Recufants, which we have alfo here
" ready."
Copies of the aforefaid Cafe were alfo delivered to the Members of a
Committee of Parliament appointed to enquire into the fuffering Cafes of
Protejlant Diffenters upon the faid Statutes, and the Report made thereupon
was probably one of the Motives or Inducements upon which
ANNO 1 68 1. The Houfe of Commons came to the following Refolu-
tion, viz.
Refilutio-'i of " Refolved. That it is the Opinion of this Houfe, that Profecution of Pro-
the Houli: of «' teftant Diffenters upon the Penal Laws is at this Time grievous to the
Commons. k Subjefts, a weakening of the Protejlant Intereft, an Encouragement to
•' Popery, and dangerous to the Peace of the Kingdom."
This Refolution, however jufl and reafbnable, was not permitted to pafs into
a Law : For the Parliament was dilfolved before they had Time and Oppor-
tunity to apply any Remedy for the Cure of fo great a Grievance.
Dijireffes on In this Year Robert Pate, of George's Parifh in Southwark, was fined for
R. Pate. being at a Meeting in IFandfworth : One Juflice Fo/ler, of Stepney, came with
the Conftable to his Houfe, and made a Demand of 50 s. and ievcral Times
ordered
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 449
ordered the Conftable to be Jure to take enough : So his Goods were taken away LONDON
to the Value of 4/. 6;.
On the 1 5th of the Month called j^pril this Year, Richard Kirton, of King-
fton, was arrefted at the Suit of pyUUmn fViggan, Prieft of that Parilh, for
about 1 3 /. demanded for Tithes, and the next Day was carried to Newgate.
On the 25th of the fime Month he was conveyed to fVepti'wfter-hall, and
thence committed to the Fleet, where he lay fix Weeks, and during that Im-
prifonment had taken from him fix Cows and two Horfes worth 4 1 1.
In the next Month, Thomas Petchet, of Paul's Shadwell, luffered Diftrefs for
Tithes to the Value of i /. 6 j. 8 d.
In this Year alio, the following Diftrefies were made for the Maintenance of
the Pricfts in the new Buildings, London, by the Lord-Mayor's Warrant, viz.
1681.
R. Kirtou
imprifonedfoT
Tithes,
Demand
Goods worth
From John OJgood Linendraper, for
Richard fVhitpaine
John Beckly Perfumer
Richard Townfend
William Crouch
William Baker
"John Tyfoe Shoemaker
'John Day Carpenter
Williatn Tdeby
Walter Hoare
7ho7nas Witchel Threadman
Tlxmas Cooke Brazier
For
/.
o
o
4
I
2
I
o
3
I
I
20
s.
13
7
7
15
9
2
16
5
16
8
2
4
d.
4
6
o
o
o
6
o
3
o
o
6
/.
I
2
o
I
4
I
5
2
I
4
I
2
14
o
10
5
14
12
5
17
o
15
15
8
d.
8
2
7
o
o
o
2
I
o
3
6
10
Diflreffts ill
Londorit
6 iii- Taken 29 18 3
for refuftng
to Sweir,
In Ooloher this Year, Gabriel Tarwood, of Horjlydown, being fummoned to
ferve on the Coroner's Inqueft, for refufing to Swear, had his Goods taken by
Diftrefs to the Value of 2 /. 12 s. And for the fame Caufe were taken from
Gabriel Rich, James Braine, and John Broadgate, Goods worth 9 /. 11^. gd.
In the fame Year, for refufing to bear Arms, were t^iken, by Warrants
granted by fome of the Lieutenancy,
From Chrijlopher Sibthorp Brazier, Goods worth
Henry Ford Carpenter
John Beckly Perfumer
John Dew Joyner
Cletnent Taylor, of Wapping, Mealman
John Selwood, of Mile-end, Brewer
William Crouch, Upholder"
Thomas ^nderfon, ot Clerkenwell
John Staploe, of Buttolph's, Alderfgate
Richard Townfend^ of Martins le-Gr and
33 9 4-
ANNO 1682. In this Year, George Whitehead ha.d his Goods taken away
to the Value of 14/. 6 s. 10 d. by the following Warrant, viz.
'^ London Is.
" 1 Tl 7" H E R E A S George Whitehead, of Hound fditch, in the Parilh of if-'arnm fot
" VY St. /?«//o//)^, f within £//7^o/)'s-^rt/^, Zo?;^o«, was upon the 13th Day R'^l^^'""
»< of Augufi laft paft, in the 34th Year of his Majefty's Reign, legally con- he'a.i. "^'
Vol. I. 5 X " vifted
* This Diftrefs was made by the Ttieli, and an Alehoure-iteeper who was his Chn>
without any Conftable.
f It ihouUl hare been witkoitt.
I.
s.
d.
7
For refujing
10
7
tt) bar Arms.
5
9
8
4
I
3
4
'3
I
5
I
3
I
J 5
9
8
45-^
LONDON,
&c
1682.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" vidcd before me Sir John Moore^ Knr. Lord-Mayor of the City oi Londotiy
" by tlie Oatlis of two fufficient Witnefles, for that he upon the faid 13th
" E>ay of Atiguff, did take upon him to teach and preach in an unlawlul
'< Aflcmbly, Conventicle, or Meeting, fituate in the Parifh oi Alhallows
" Lombard-Jli'eeet, London, under Colour or Pretence of Exercife of Religion
" in other Manner than according to the Liturgy and Praftice of the Church
" of England, at which Conventicle, Affembly, or Meeting, there were more
*' than five Perfons, all of the Age of fixteen Years and upwards, Subjefts
" of this Realm, unlawfully aflembled contrary to the late A&. of Parliament
" intituled. An Aol to Jupprefs and prevent feditioiis Conventicles : For which
" Caufe I have impoled upon him a Fine of 20/. by him the faid George
" fF/ntehead forfeited for his firft Offence by which he flands convicled before
" me according to the Statute in that Cafe made and provided. Thefe are
" therefore in his Majefty's Name, and by Virtue of the faid A&., to com-
" mand you or fome of you to levy the faid Sum of 20/. by way of Diftreft
" and Sale of the Goods and Chattels of him the faid George IVbitehiad, and
" that you return the faid Sum of ao/. or fuch Part of it as you fhall fo
" levy to me, to be diftributed according to the faitl Adl. And for your fo
" doing this fhall be your Warrant. Given under my Hand and Seal this
" loth Day oi September, Anno Regis Caroli fecundi 34°. Annoq; Dom. 1682.
To the Conllables, and other
■ his Majejlfs Officers of
the Peace within the faid
City^ whmi it may concefn.
ce
John Moore^ MayorT
CmiviSioii on
jlender Evi'
dence.
Another If'ar-
Tint agiinlt
G. White.
h«ad.
The Witnefles upon whofe Evidence the Mayor granted this Warrant were,
one of them an Officer of the Trained Bands, and the other a Conilable, of
whom the Former teftified,. that be favj G. Wlutehead'j- Lips move ; and the
Other, that he heard his Voice, but knew 7iot what he faid, except that be
Jitentioned Jefus Chrift and the Spirit. Upon this (lender Evidence the Mayor
convided him, and about a Month after ifllied the aforefaid Warrant.
About four Months after, fFilUa7n Pritchard, being then Lord-Mayor,
granted another Warrant for Diftrefs on George Whitehead's Goods in the
following Form, viz.
" London fs.
" To all Cofijlabks, and all other his Majejly's Officers of th Peace,
" of the faid City, whom thefe may concern.
E R E A S I have received a Certificate, under the Hand and
Seal of Sir Clement Arminger, Knt. one of his Majefty's Juftices of
for the faid County of Middlefex, that George IVhitehead, of
" tioundfditch, in the Parifli of St. Biittolph, without Bifhopfgate, was legally
" convifted before him the faid Sir Clonent Arminger on the 23d Day of July
" laft paft, for that he the faid George Whitehead did on the aforefaid Day take
" lipon him to teach and preach in a certain Houfe, in the Parifli of St. Mary-
*' le-Savoy in the Strand^ where were aflembled and met together more than five
" Perfons over and above thofe of the faid Houfe, all of them Subjects of this
" Realm, and of fixteen Years of Age and upwards, underColour and Pretence of
" Exercife of Religion in other Manner than according to the Liturgy and
" Praftice of the Church oi England, and contrary to an Ad of Parliament,
" intituled. An AH to prevent unlaUfiil a,nd feditious Couveniicles : By Reafon
*' wiiereof the fiid George Wl:)ilebead hath forfeited the Sum of 20 /. for fuch
*' his faid Offence, and ftands convided on Record for the ftime. Thefe are
" therefore in his Majefty's Name, and by Virtue of the faid Ad, to com-
" mand you, or fome of you, on Sight hereof, to levy tlie laid Sum of 20/.
" bv
the Peace
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
«' by way of Diftrefs and Sale of the Goods and Chattels of him the (aid
«' George Whitehead^ and that you return the faid Sum of 20/. to me, to be
" by me diftributed according to the faid Adt. And for your fo doing this
*' fliall be your fufficicnt Warrant. Given under my Hand and Seal the loth
" Day of February 1682.
" W. PritcharDj Major!'
451
LONDON,
&c.
1682.
By Force of this Warrant the- faid George fVJjitchead had Goods taken from
him to the Value of 26 1.
On the next Day after the Date of that Warrant, G. Whitehead was again
taken at Prayer in a Meeting in JVhite-hart-Coiirt, Lombard-Jlreet, and carried to
the Conflable's Houfe, whither Alderman Daniel came, and civilly required him
to appear before the Mayor next Day, which he did \ and was again recorded
as convidted on the Conventicle- All .
On the iiime Day, Benjamin Freeman was committed to Prifon by the follow-
ing Mittimus, viz.
cc
London fs.
THESE are to require you to receive into your Cuftody the Body
of -6^»/iWzz;z iv-t'««fl« herewith fent you, being this Day taken in the
Streets of this City, in the Time of Divine Service, making Tumults and
Difturbances, and caufed great Numbers of People to afTemble together to
the Breach of his Majefty's Peace ; and for want of Sureties for his perfonal
Appearance at the next SefTions of the Peace to be held for this City, to
anlwer the ftmc, and him there fafely keep until he fliall be dilcharged by
due Courfe of Law. Dated and fealed this nth Day of February 1682-3.
To the Keeper o/Wood-
ftreet Counter.
Cf
W. PritcharDj Major r
Commitment
of B. Free-
man to Prifon,
The Difturbance and Breach of the Peace mentioned in this Mittimus, was
only his preaching to an AlTembly who were fhut out of their Meeting-houfe
at Martin' s-le-gr and.
On the 24th of Oolober this Year, by two Warrants, granted by the Juftices
Richard/on and Galliard, were taken from IVilliam Balden, a Mealman of Bar-
net, for being at religious Meetings, thirty Sacks of Meal worth 34/. and
a Copper, Brewing VelTels, i^c. worth 14/. 17^. making together 48/. ij s.
. About the fame Time John Oakley, for being at a Meeting at IVinchmore-bill,
was fined 10^. for himfelf and Wife, and 8/. for an unknown Preacher, for
which Fines his Goods were taken away to the Value of ill.
For being at the lame Meeting, James Lowry, of Edmonton, had two Doors
broke open, and two Quarters of Malt and two Horfes taken away, to the
Value of 14/. 10;. And for the fame Meeting alfo, Richard Chare, of
Winchmore-hill , had Goods taken from him worth 10/.
In this Year alio, were taken for Meetings in the Savoy,
From George Green, of Clement'' s-Danes, Goods worth
Timothy Emerfon, Brandy and other Goods worth
John Ingrajn, Goods worth
Benjamin Freeman, Apothecaiy, all his Shop- 7
Goods, being eight Porters Loads, valued at 5'
Jofiah Ellis, Cloth, Serges, and other Goods worth
William Odes, Leather worth
Richard Collet, a Silver Tankard worth
Gregory Tingy, Perfpeftive and other Glaffes worth
I
27
46
7
5
o
10
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Diflrefs on
\V. Balden.
J. Oakley
fim.i.
Mi James
Lowry.
Dlirefis for
Mt'ei'mgs at
the Savoy.
Carried over 145 5
452 A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON
&.
1682.
Diflrejfes in
London.
Execution for
lithes.
Tines for
FreAcbivg.
Others fined
tni Jxnt to
rrijtn.
More Fines
for Prcichivg.
Brought over
From John Jones, o^ Andrew's Holborne, Glovefeller, 7
Goods out of his Shop at feveral Times worth j
Elias Sims, of Wych-fireet, Upholftery Goods worth
J 45
s.
5
32
10
50
2
6
227
In this Year likewife, were taken by the Lord-Mayor's Warrants for the
Maintenance of the Priefts m the new Buildings of ZWwz, as follows, viz.
From
John JVebJler, of Edmund's Lomhard-jlreet, for
10 J. demanded. Goods worth
IVilliam Gibfon, for 24 s. demanded. Goods worth
Gerard Roberts, for i o s. demanded, Goods worth
fVilliam JViggan, for 13 j. demanded. Goods worth
John Beckly, for 6 s. demanded. Goods worth
Thomas Cobb, for \os. demanded. Goods worth
John Tyfoe, for 1 7 j. 6d. demanded. Goods worth
}
/.
I
I
o
o
1
I
s.
^0
4
15
I
13
d.
6|
6
2
o
I
6
4
For 4/. los. 6d.
Taken
S
li
Taken alfo for 155, demanded by the Prieft of Paul's Shadwell, from
Elizabeth Clarke, John Eaves, and lVillia7n Braine, Goods worth 2 /. 45. And
for Demands of 2 /. 8 s. made by Simon Patrick, Prieft of Covent-garden, Goods
were taken from Francis Dove, Thomas Furloe, and John Keltjall, to the Value
of 3 /. 35. 8 d.
On the 29 th of December this Year, Richard Kirton, oi Ketifingten, for
6 /. 4^. claimed for Tithes by William Wiggan Prieft, had taken from him,
by an Execution, two Horfes and two Cows worth 23/. Alfo his Brother
William Kirtojt, for 4/. 13J. 3^. \d. claimed by the lame Prieft, had three
Horfes taken from him, by an Execution, worth 1 8 /, Part of the Ground,
for which this Tithe was claimed, had been overflowed, and the Crop fpoiled ;
yet the Parfon infifted upon and recovered his whole Tithe,
ANNO 1683. On the 30th of the Month called March, at the Ball and
Mouth, Joane Cooke being at Prayer, and feveral other Women, had their
Hoods, Clothes, and Scarves burnt with Squibs thrown in ; and were other-
wife grievoufly abufed by the rude People.
On the 4th of the Month called Jpril, Peter Daniel, Alderman of the
Bridge- Ward, came to the Meeting at Grace-church-Jlreet, and commanded a
Conftabje to dilperfe the Meeting, and to pull down John Vaughton then
preaching. The Conftable anfwered, that he was no Porter, and could not carry
thetn on his Back : He bad deftred them to depart, and that he had no IV arrant to
uje any Force with them, his Office being only to keep the Peace. This made tJie
Alderman angry, and calling other Affiftance, he went up into the Gallery,
pulled down John Vaughton, and carried him into an Houfe in the Yard, got
two Men to fwear againft him, and fined him 20/. After which he entred the
Meeting again, and found Richard y^lmond prea.ching, whom he alfo carried out,
and fined him 20/.
the fame Place, being fhut out of the
On the 8 th of the fame Month, at
Meeting-houfe, Thotnas Gilpin, James Claypool, and James Martin, preached
one after another in the Street : They were taken by Conrtables, and carried
to the Exchange, where, William Brig«ins fpeaking to them, they were all four
carried before the Lord-Mayor, and a Riot was fworn ag.iiiift them ; whereupon
they were bound to appear at the next Seffions, and then were fined 40 j. each,
and imprilbned leventeen Days.
On the 15th, at the fiime Place, Benja!>iin Freeman preaching, was taken by
the City-Marflwl, and carried before Alderman Peake, who fined him 20/.
On
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
On the 25th, the faid Alderman Feake and a Conftable, took John Tyfoe,
Ja7nes Beech, and Robert Bridgman, from a Meeting in the fame Court, and
the Alderman fined John Tyfue 15/. and the other two 10/. each.
At a Meeting at Devon'/hire-boufe, on the ift of the fame Month, a Party of
Soldiers, headed by a Lieutenant, came in ; and as the Friends were fitting
in Silence, the Lieutenant violently ftruck feveral of them with a large knotted
Stick ; one of whom, John Sparefieldy received fo fore a Blow on his Head,
that he went home very ill, and unable to work : He fpat much Blood, lan-
guiflied about fourteen Days, and then died.
On the 7th of the Month called May, Benjamin Freeman^ who had been
taken at the Bidl and Mouth Meeting, was a Prifoner in Newgate.
On the 13th of the fame Month, Theophilus Green, preaching in a Meeting
at Haimnerfinith, was carried before a Juftice, who ordered him to be fet in the
Stocks for travelling on that Day, being the Firft of the Week.
About the fame Time, for being at feveral Meetings in this County, were
taken by Dilbrefs
/. s. d. ■
From John French, of Edmonton, Goods worth 3
John Rohim, of IValtham, Cattle worth g
Jonas Pearce, of Hodjdon, Shoes worth o
Henry EJfex, of the fame. Pewter worth 1
Martha Banks, of Broxburne, Goods worth j
tVilliatn Bates, of Chejhunt, two Cows worth
s.
o
JO
10
10
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
453
LONDON,
&c.
1683.
J. Sparefield
rf/es 0/ a Bloxe
on the Beai.
T. Green fet
in the Stocki.
Difirejfet for
Meeting.
22
IVtIliam Tanner, of Uxbridge, taken at a Meeting at Wooburn in Buckingham-
jhire, was fent to Ailjhury Goal.
On the ifl of the Month called Jidy, John Brown and Tfjomas Curwin were
imprifoned by the following Mittimus, viz.
Midd''- fs.
" To the Governours of the Houfe of CorreSllon at Whitechapel.
(C
cc
E C E I V E into your Cuflody the Bodies of John Brown and Hoomas Mittimus of
Cur-win herewith lent you, being brought before us, and charged with J; Brown ani
•• ■ - - -^ -■- ■ • - - ^^^ T.Curtis.
R
being with other Perfons making a Riot and Difturbance in the Street,
them fafely keep till farther Examination, and let them not be difcharged
but by due Courfe of Law. Given under our Hands the ifl Day of July,
Anno Dom. 1683.
<e Air,-.-. SmitHj
cc
Wm.
Ro. Hasting.'
Thus they who met together peaceably were charged as Authors of the
Diflurbances that were made by thofe who molefted them.
On the 3d, Robert Sandilands was fent to Newgate : His Mittimus was as
follows,
'*^ London fs.
" T7 ORASMUCH as Robert Sandilands was, upon the firfl Day of July Mittimus of_
" X^ ^^^> brought before us Sir James Edwards and Sir Henry Tulfe, Knts.
'' two of his Majefty's Juflices of the Peace for this City, and charged upon
*' Oath before us, that the faid Robert Sandilands hath, within the Space of
*' one Yearlaflpaft, taken upon him to teach and preach, and hath preached,
" that is to fay, on the ift Day of July Inflant, in a certain Place called
R. Sandilands
on the Oxford
Act.
Vol. I.
mite-
454 ^ Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, «' Wh\te-hart-Court, in the Parilh of AUhallow's Lomhard-ftreet, in the City
" of London, in an unlawful Aflembly, Conventicle, or Meeting, under Colour
" or Pretence of Exercife of Religion, contrary to the Laws of this King-
" dom, where there were ten Perfons, Subjedfs of this Realm, and each of
" them above the Age of fixteen Years, befides thofe of the fame Houfhold,
" met together under Colour or Pretence of Exercife of Religion, in other
" Manner than according to the Liturgy or Pradlice of the Church of En^and.
" Notwithftanding which, the faid Robert Sandilands, not having taken or
*' fubfcribed the Oadi contained in the Statute, made in the 17th Year of his
«« Majefty's Reign that now is, intituled. An A£l for reftraimng Non-conformifts
" from mhahiling in Corporations, hath by the Space of two Days after fuch
" his preaching in fuch unlawful Aflemblies as aforefaid, fettled himfelf, and
*' been inhabiting, and not palTing upon the Road, nor I'erved with any Writ,
" Subpcna, Warrant, or other Procefs whatfoever, within five Miles of the
•' faid Place called White-bar t-Coiirt, where he fo preached as aforefaid, within
" the City and Liberties of London, which faid City doth, and Time out ot
'♦ Mind hath, fent Burgefles to ferve in Parliament, hereby taking Occafion
" to diftill the poifonous Principles of Schifm and Rebellion into the Hearts of
" his Majefty's Subjects, to the great Danger of Church and State,, and in
" Contempt of the Statute aforefaid. Which Offence being proved againlt
" the faid Robert Sandilands, we did the Day aforefaid tender the faid Robert
" Sandilands the Oath contained in the Statute aforefaid by him to be taken,
" and required the faid Robert Sandilands to fwear the fame, which he volun-
«' tarily and obftinately refufed to do, as alfo to fubfcribe the Declaration
" mentioned in the faid A61, by us to him likewife tendred. We do therefore
" fend you herewithal, by Virtue of the faid Act, the Body of the faid
" Robert Sandilands, and ftridtly charge and command you in his Majefty's
" Name to receive him into your Goal, and him fafely keep there without
" either Bale or Mainprize for the Space of fix Months next enfuing the Date
" hereof. Herein fail nor, as you will anfwer the Contrary at your utmoft
*' Perils. Given under our Hands and Seals the 3d D:iy oi' July, Anno Regni
" Regis Caroli fecundi Dei Gratia nunc Angli^e, i^c. 31°. Annoq; Dom. 1683,
To the Keeper of Newgate,
■ or his Deputy there.
" James Edwards^
" Henry Tulse."
p. Living-
ftone impri-
fofied.
At EbU mi
Mouth lAiet-
ing.
Commitment
•f W. Bing-
ley to the
Marfhalfea.
A. Tomkini
tnd othcrt
pnci.
A few Weeks before this, Patrick Livijigjlone, having been taken at the
faine Place, kneeling in Prayer, was carried before Sir l-Villiam Pritchard,
Lord- Mayor, who fent him to fVood-ftreet-Counter. At the next SefTions,
held the 9th of the Month called Jtdy, he was tried for a Riot, and convifbed,
and fined 30J. and for Non-payment committed to Nezvgate.
On the 5th of the Month called Augufl, at a Meeting at the Btdl and
Mouth, James Morton, having a Warrant from the Lord-Mayor, came with
two Files of Mufquetiers of the Yellow Regiment of the City Militia, made
Proclamation, turned the AfTembly out of the Meeting-houfe, and placed four
Centinels at the Doors, whom he ordered to fire upon the Friends if they
did not keep clear of their Arms. The Meeting however continued in the
Street, and Job Netherivood afterward had his Goods diftrained for being there
to the Value of 15/.
On the fame Day, at the Park in SoutJjwark, TJ-'illiam Bingley, preaching,
was pulled down by Soldiers ; alio Richard Needha?n, praying, was dragged
away, and they two, with about forty others, were carried to the Guard at
Horflydoivn, where their Names were taken by Juftice Pierce, who committed
lyiiiiajn Bingley to the Marfhalfea.
On the 1 2th of the fame Month, Anthony Tomkins, preaching at the fame
Place, was pulled out of the Gallery, and with feveral others carried before
the Jufticesatthe King's-Bencby who fined him 20/. and die otters -^s. each.
On
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
On the 19th, Richard Needham, Peter Davis^ Edward Littleton^ Thnmas
Wttham, IVilliatn Tenguy, Jofeph Tomfon., Daniel Rofier, John Danfon^ JVilliam Care,
George 'Tipping, Thomas Grove, lVillia7n Charles, JVilliain Darhy, Thomas Chamber-
lain, Thomas Scabrook, John Pike, Nathanael Eajl, Thomas Ciirzvin, William
Wehh, John Paulby, and Jojeph fVilkinfon, were taken from a Meeting at De-
vonfhire-boufe, and committed by the Lord-Mayor to the Poultry-Counter till
Seffions, when they were all convifted of a Riot, fined 5J. each, and fent to
l^eivgate.
About the fame Time, the following Perfons, having been returned into the
Exchequer for Abfence from their Panfh-Church, had their Goods taken by
Procefs out of that Court ; thofe who made the Diftrefs taking all they could
find. They took
From JVilliam Townjend, of Olaves Southwark, Goods worth
John Ferris, of Mary Overies
Henry Parker, of the fame
Robert Pate, of George's SoutJjzvark
Edwoi-d Brooks, of Olaves Southwark
Henry Snook, of die fame
Richard Haines, of the Parifh of Chrift-church
52 13 6
Some Time before this, Robert Mafon, Richard Spot, arxl William Brice, were
committed to New-Prifon for refufing to Swear. Robert Coale alfo was fent to
Newgate by the following Mittimus, viz.
" London fs.
455
London;
&c.
1683.
21 Sent to
Prifon,
I.
5.
d.
5
Difirejjfes by
18
i^
6
Exchequer
6
10
6
Prccefs.
5
10
5
6
5
18
6
5
13
<c
Cc
cc
(C
cc
<(
<(
C(
C(
ii
t(
<(
I(
«c
<c
WHEREAS Robert Coale, of the Parifh of Stepney, alias Stebbon-
bealh, in the County of Middlefex, Needlemaker, being above the
Age of eighteen Years, came this Day before us Sir William Pntchard, KnE,
Lord-Mayor of the City oH London, and Sir James Smith, one of the Alder-
men of this City, two of his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace within this City
and Liberties, I the faid Mayor being one of the ^wruvi ; and was by. us
now required to take upon the holy Evangelifls of Almighty God the c3ath
of Obedience mentioned in the Statute made in the 3d Year of our Sovereio-n
Lord King James, the fame Oath being read to him, and before us now
newly tendred to him, which Oath the laid Robert Coale now did abfolutely
refufe to take. Thefe are therefore, according to the Authority by the Laws
in this Behalf made given to us, to require, and in his Majefty's Name, to
command you, forthwith upon Sight hereof, to take into your Cuflody the
Body of the faid Robert Coale, committed by us to the common Goal of
Newgate for this City, and to keep him there to remain, without Bail or
Mainprize, till the next General Quarter SefTions of the Peace to be holden
for die faid City of London, to be then and there dealt with according to
Law. And this fhall be your Warrant. Dated and given under our Hamis
and Seals this firft Day o\' April 1683, and in the 35th Year of his Majefty's
Reign over England, &c.
To the Keeper of his Majeftfs
Coal of Newgate, being the
common Goal for the City
of London.
" William Pritchard, Mayor,
" James Smith."
Mittimus of
R, Coale to
Newgate.
On the 19th of the Month called Auguft, George Whitehead was again taken
at a Meeting in Weftminjler, preaching, of which he was foon after convidcd
before Sir Cletnent Arminger, A Copy of which Conviftion is as follows, vix.
Middlefex
45^
LONDON,
J683.
Coiviflion of
G. White-
head.
ff
((
(<
^ Colle6lion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I,
Middle fex fs.
" TV/TEMORANDUM, That on the 4th Day of ^f/i/e/w^^r, in the
t. I\/I 35th Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, George Ji'i:nte-
" head., of the Parifh of St. Buttolpb^s, without Bifiopfgate, Londoti, Grocer,
** as well by the Oath of Peter Burdett, oi the Parifli of St. Buttolpb''i, without
" Bijhopfgate, Weaver, and Robert Ball, of the Parifh of Bridget London,
Weaver, two credible Witneffes, as by the notorious Circumftance of the
Faft, before me Clement Armmger, Knt. one of the Juftices of our faid Lord
the King, afTigned for the keeping of the Peace in the County aforefaid, in
" due Manner and according to the Form of the Statute in that Cafe made and
*' provided, ftands convifted, for that he the faid George JVhitehcad then
" being of the Age of fixteen Years and upwards, and a Subjefl; of our fiid
" Lord the King, hath been prefent at a certain unlawful AfTembly, Conven-
" tide, and Meeting, held the 19th Day oi Jtigiifi in the Year abovefaid,
" in the Parifh of St. Margaret's IVeJhninJler, in the County aforefaid, in the
'' Houfe of a certain Perlbn unknown there fituate, under Colour and Pre-
" tence of religious Exercife, in other Manner than according to the Liturgy
*' and Praftice of the Church of England : And alfo that the faid George
" IVhit'ehead then and there took upon him to teach or preach in the afore-
" faid unlawful AfTembly, Conventicle, or Meeting, and then and there did
" preach and teach, &c. againft the Peace of our fiid Lord the King that
" now is, his Crown and Dignity, and againfl the Form of the Statute in
" that Cafe made and provided : Whereby the ftid George Whitehead hath
" forfeited the Sum of forty Pounds, according to the Form of the Statute, for
" his fecond Offence aforefaid. In Teflimony whereof I the aforefaid Juftice
" to this prefent Record, my Fland and Seal have put, the Day and Year
'* firft abovefaid.
" Clement Arminger."
The fame Juftice on the next Day figned the following Certificate of the
aforefaid Conviflion, viz.
Ceniftcite of
that Convic-
tion'
To the Right Honourable Sir William Pritchard, Knt. Lord-
" Mayor of the City of London, a7id to the Right IVorpipful the
*' Alder iuen of the Jaid City, and to every of them ivbom it ?nay
cojicern.
(C
ti
THESE are to certify, that George Whitehead, of Hoiaidfditcb in the
Liberty oi London, Grocer, flands convidied by the Oaths of two
credible WitnefTes upon Record before me Sir Clefnent Arminger, Knt. one
of his Majcfty's Juftices of the Peace for the County o( Middlejex, for taking
upon him to preach and teach in other Manner and Form than according to
the Liturgy and Praftice of the Church oi' England, on the 19 th Day of
Augiift laft, in the Afternoon, in a certain unlawful AfTembly, Conventicle,
or Meeting, in the Parifh of St. Margaret Weftminjler, in the County afore-
faid, in Contempt of an Aft of Parliament made in the 2 2d Year of his
Majefty's Reign, intituled, An Ait to prevent and fupprefs /editions Conven-
ticles, by Virtue of which Ad I have impofed a Fine of forty Pounds upon
" him the laid George Whitehead, this being the fecond Offence of which he
" ftands convifted before me upon Record. Given under my Hand this 5th
" Day of September, Anno regni Caroli fecundi 71U7K Anglias 35". Annoq;
" Dotn. 1683.
" Clement Arminger."
Upon this Certificate of the aforefaid Conviftion, which had been made
without any Summons, Citation, or Hearing of the faid George Whitehead before
the
cc
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
tlie faid Juftice, a Warrant for Diftrefs was granted by Alderman James Smith,
purfuant to which, on the 13 th oi' September, John Manbj; of Broad-Jireet,
Conftable, Joh>i Elliot, a Taylor in Scalding- Alley, and one Gardiner, a Razor-
grinder near the Exchange, came with much Fury and Violence, and broke
open the Shop, Back-door, and feveral other Doors belonging to the Chambers
ot George fVhitehead, and feized all his Beds and Bedclothes, a large Loolcing-
Glafs, a Scrutore, Cane-Chairs, and other Houfhold Goods, alfo Currants and
Sugar out of his Shop, moderately valued by the Owner at 32/. but were taken
and carried away without fuhcring any Inventory, Weighing, or Appraife-
ment. It happened, during the Time of this Seizure, that tv/o cf George
JVhitehead's Friends, John Edge and Jofeph Peckovcr, being accidentally Spec-
tators of the breaking open his Doors, fpoke civilly to the Conftables to keep
the Peace, and defired that an Inventory of the Goods might be taken, for
which the Conftables of meer Malice fwore a Riot againlt them, and caufed
them to be bound over to appear at the next Seffions -, at which they were
fined, and committed to Newgate, and there ftriclly detained ten Weeks, to their
great Lofs, being Men of confiderable Trade and Bufinefs, and the faid Jofe]:h
Peckover above eighty Miles from Home.
In the lame Month, Marlibella Farmborough, for preaching in the Street near
the Bullznd Mouth, was fent to the Counter, and confined there about a Week.
About the fame Time, Timothy Emerfon, oi Gerard-fireet in Martin's Parifh,
had all his Goods in his Shop and Chambers feized and fold for 1 1 /. 9 j. His
Wife, a weakly Woman, had then lately lain in, yet the Officers feized and
fold even the Bed fhe lay on.
On the 7 th of OHober, Thomas Robin fan was taken by the City-Marflial from
a Msetingin fVhite-hart-Court, and fined by the Lord-Mayor 20/.
On the loth of the fame, John Elfin, oi: Sepdcher'^ Parifh, for a Fine of 20/.
for the Peel Meeting-houie, and 10/. for an unknown Preacher, was diftrained
on by one 2''ates, Headborough of Clerkenzuell, and Gabriel Shad, Informers,
with two Soldiers and fome other Perfons, upon two Warrants granted by Peter
Sabbs, Juftice. They broke open his Doors after feven at Night, he being
from Home, and feized his Goods, kept Poffcfrion of his Houle all Nishr,
eating, drinking, and caroufing to Excefs, of what they found in the Houfe,
viz. Wine, Brandy, Ale, Syrups, Bread and Cheefe, i^c. fiying. It was all the
King's. They would not fuffer any Neighbour to come into the Houfe, though
defired by feveral, but one of the Soldiers fwore. He would run his Sword into
fitme of their Guts. The Woman of the Houfe, Mary Elfin, was obliged to
fit up all Night. Next Morning they loaded away four Loads of Houfliold
Stuff, with a Cheft belonging to a Lodger, wherein were Writings of much
Concern ; they alfo took away the Servants wearing Apparel, and feveral
Things belonging to two Widows, which Mary Elfion told them were none of
hers ; alfo eight Loads of Timber and Boards out ot the Yard. The Meetino--
houfc, for which this Seizure was made, not being the Property of the find
John Elfon, he made his Appeal, and had his Goods again upon Payment of
30/. into the Hands of the faid Juftice Peter Sabbs, m order to traverfe it.
But before the Time for trying his Appeal, the Juftice abfconded, withtirew
from his Creditors into a priviledged Place, and the Money was loft. In like
Manner, Anthony Ellwocd loft by the fame Juftice 5 /. depofited in his Hands
in order to an Appeal, from a falfe Information of his being at a Meeting.
Tljomas Green, fined 20/. for preaching at a Meeting in IVhite-hart-Court,
had taken from him a Quantity ot Silk which coft him 27/. 19^. And William
Warren, for the fame Caufe, had Serge taken away worth jo/.
On the 28th of the fame Month, the Firft of the Week, one Major Price,
of the blue Regiment, with a Lieutenant, and Serjeant Hoare, of Lotnbard-
ftreet, came to the Meeting at the Bull and Mouth with Files of Mufquetiers,
faying. What's here to do '<' I command you all in the King's Name to depart everv
Man to his Habitation, if not it is a Riot, and we will break all your Things to
Pieces. Francis Stamper, being in the Gallery, fud. Friends, be ftiH, and keep
Vol. I. 5 Z , your
45
/
LONDOX,
&c.
16S3.
U^arrjnt for
Diftrijs, by
which his
Doors were
broki Open.
A milicioHs
Projeiiution.
Imprifoiiment.
Diflrefs.
tine.
Diftrtfs on the
Goods of J.
Elfon.
Dijlrefcs {or
Fretichmg.
Violent pro-
ceeditis. .u Hull
an.i Mouth.
458 ^ Colleaion (?/ //^<:' Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, your Places : Whereupon they caufed him and others in the Gallery to be
^c. pulled down, and having turned all out of the Meeting, the Major and Soldiers
^^^'3- fell to breaking the Windows, not leaving in fome of them one Piece of Glafs
^-^""^"^ ^ or Lead. They alio broke feveral of the Forms in Pieces : After which they
went into the Street, where the Meeting continued, and took away John Brooks^
Jeremy Snow, Francis Stamper, and Ja7nes IVhitaker, whom they carried before
the Lord-Mayor, who engaged them to appear at the Seflions ; and Ibme of
the Soldiers, who had made all the Difturbance, were bound to profecute them.
Iniiclmm of At xhc General Quarter Sefiions of the Peace held at the Old-Baily, on the
i'. Stamper joth of the Month called January, Francis Sta7}iper, Jeremiah Snow, James
and others. J,{/hitaker, and John Brooks, before mentioned to have been taken at the Bull
and Mouth in O£fober, and engaged to appear at the next Seffions, appeared
accordingly. They were indicted tor a Riot in the ufual Form. The Pro-
ceedings were as follows,
J'I'i' Recorder. Are 'jou Guilty or Not ?
Stamper. Of what ?
Recorder. Of the IndiiJmeni laid againft you.
Stamper. Read it.
The Clerk read it.
Recorder. fVell, Stamper, now what fay you, are you Guilty, or Not ?
Stamper. Not Guilty in Manner and Form of that Indi<5lment, and I hope
there's no Body that will or dare fwear that we ftaid there a Quarter ot an
Hour after making any Proclamation, if there be any Evidence it was made :
Neither did I ever meet with Force and Arms to difturb the Peace, in my
Life, for I never met with outward Armour.
Recorder. fVell, you plead Not Guilty : Where's your Sureties to appear at
next Sejfions.
Snow. We defire our Words may be taken as before.
Recorder, Your Words : iVo, he hound one for another.
Whitaker. We hope our Words may be taken.
Recorder. We mu(t have fome bound : Think not that we will make new Laws
for you.
Whitaker. Our Words are as well as our Bonds, and we hope they may be
taken.
Recorder. That's your Prefumption and Pride to conceit your fives fo much
better than other Men, that your Words niujl be as good as their Bonds. That's
your great Haughtinefs of Mind.
Whitaker. No, it's the Fear of God that makes us do as we fay.
Recorder. No, it's your great Pride and Prefumption.
Stamper. He did not fay, as good as other Mens Bonds, but as good as
our own Bonds.
Recorder. Well, you may have a Copy : We will do you all the Juflice we can.
Tttif trial. On the 14th their Trial came on.
The Charge from the Bench to the Jury was very fevere, but particularly
fharp upon the Prefbyterians, becaufe of fome Tickets when to meet being found
among them : But as to the fakers the chief Objeftion was, that their Way
of oppofmg the Government was by {landing ffill.
Recorder. Why did you thus meet ?
Stamper. Where are our Accufers .''
Recorder. Call Mr. Pierce.
Richard Pierce. My Lord, I commanded a Party, and at Bull and Mouth
thcfe Perfons were met, with three or four Hundred more, I believe.
Recorder. Ay, look jr Gentlemen, there was a Conventicle.
R. Pierce. I made Proclamation to depart, which immediately they did,
but thefe Perfons being within the Rail, where they ufe to hold forth, I took them
into Cuftody, and brought them to my Major, who bound them over to
SefTions.
Recorder.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 459
Recorder. What "were they ioing there ? LONDON,
R. Pierce. They were fiiying nor doing nothing. ^^^
A Counfellor. 'then it appears not that they ft aid a garter of an Hour 1683.
after Proclamation made.
Another Counfellor. Are you for the King, and do you undertake to open
the Caufe ?
Recorder. PFere they not met tinder Pretence of religious Worflnp ?
JVhitakcr. No : We were met under no Pretence, but on purpofe to wor-
fliip God.
Stamper. The Evidence clears us from the Fad charged, viz. A Riot with
Force and Arms to difturb the King's Peace, and tells you, we were all in Peace,
viz. Not faying nor doing any Thing, and all quiet.
Recorder. But you were met there under Pretence of Religion.
Sta?nper. No, in Reality.
Recorder. For what f
Stamper. On purpofe to worfhip God.
Recorder. fVell fiid : And fo you fay all. James W^iifsktr^ what fay you?
PVhitaker. We were met to worfhip God in Spirit.
Recorder. What fay you, Jeremy Snow ?
Snow. We were met for no other End, but to worfhip God in Spirit and
in Truth.
Recorder. And what fay you^ John Brooks .^
Brooks, What ! Is it become a Crime now a-Days for People to be found
tvorfhipping God ?
Recoi'der. No : But what you call Worflnp is no Worfhip ; and that Religion.,
no Religion, for all Colours and Pretences of Religion, 7iot according to the Religion
now by Law eftablifhed is null, and no Religion at all, for it muft be either accor-
ding to, or oppofite to the Law, and Religion eftablifhed by it : But yours is
not according to, therefore oppofite.
Stamper. 'I'is not apparent by the Evidence, that we have done contrary to
the Liturgy and the Law, and the Ait againft Conventicles punifhes not as
Rioters, nor for leaving undone any Part of the Liturgy, but for committing
fomething contrary to it: So if you profecute us by that Aft, we ought not
to be taken Notice of by a SefTions, but by a Juff ice fined, as the 2 2d of the
King direfts.
Recorder. Well^ by that AB we have enough againft you, for every unlawful
Afjembly is a Riot.
Stamper. I fuppofe that cannot be proved. The Law that treats of Riots
was made before. But this Statute exprefTes, that the Perfons taken [hall he
proceeded againft according to the AH, and not as Rioters.
Recorder. We have Law enough againft you.
Stamper. What Law ?
Recorder. The 35 Eliz. that worthy ^een, in the T'ime of her gracious and
bleffed Reign, troubled with this Sort of Conventicles, and feditious riotous Affemblies.
Stamper. It is well known our Meetings are not riotous, nor feditious, but
praceable, and in good Will, as many can witnefs, and you have had Expe-
rience of us long.
Recorder. Read the 35 Eliz.
Which was read.
Recorder. Here, you. Gentlemen, may fee, that an Affembly fo met is con-
trary to Law, and their Meeting being iinlawfid is a Riut. If a Company of
People flmdd come into an Houfe, and fet up an Image and worflnp it, it is an
unlawful AB, yet here is no Force and Arms, and yet it may be counted a Riot.
Stamper. This is ftrained to hurt our Caufe, for here is no Word mentioned
in the Adt of a Riot, that I know, and has not Relation to our Indiftment.
Recorder. Has it not ? But the Court is of another Opinion. And we muft
over-rule you when you go on fo contrary to Law.
Stamper, turning to tiie Jury, faid. Neighbours and Jurymen, we are in-
dited fbr;^ Riot, and the Law fays, thert can be no Riot hut when there are
Forct
460
LONDON,
&c.
1683.
lii Confine-
finemenu
T'iul of fevcn
others, and.
their Convic-
tion.
Levgth of Int-
frijonmenx.
Meetings in
■ the Street in
extreme cold
Weather.
mftrefs for
Meetings.
A Colleftion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
Force and Anns in meeting to the Terror of the People, and to commit fome violent
A51 on the Perfon or Property of another, as may be lecn in the fcveral Writers
of the Law. See Cooke, Dalton, Lambert, Keeble, who all treat of this Matter.
Some of the Bench faid, Speak to the Court.
Stamper. I Ipeak to the Court and Jury, and the Lord diredt their Hearts
to do according to Equity and Truth.
Recorder. Summing up the Matter, grounded it on the 35th of Eliz. and
faid, that Peace-Officers ought to take Care to Jupprefs that Meeting, and if they
would live among us, faid he, they mufl he fubjeli to our Laws. 'Tis m new
Thing to make thefe AJfemblies Riots : It has been done in other Parts of England,
as well as at lajl Sejfons. If we fuffer them to go on thus, what fignify our Laws
made againft fuch unlawful Affemblies. We may as well fet them over us, and
give up Laws and every Thing. So, I hope. Gentlemen, you will take Care of it.
The Jury brought them in Guilty.
Then they were turned into the Baledock, and kept there till eleven at Night,
■without Fire, in that remarkable Froft, when Streets of Booths were built on
the Thames : After five Hours Confinement they were had back to Newgate,
and not admitted to hear what Fines were laid upon them. In Newgate feven-
teen of them were thronged into one Room, fo clofe, that they have fometimes
gone into the Houfe of Eafement for the fweetefl Air they could have, the
Smoke and Stench of the Place being ready to ftifle them, being unaccuftomed
to luch Living. Their Fines were afterward fixt at 3 /. 6 s. 8 d. each. Jeremiah
Snow, after five Weeks Imprifonment, was difcharged by the Sheriff, but the
reft continued longer, in that extreme cold Seafon : And one of them, James
IVbitaker, remained there above four Months.
At the fame ScITions, Samuel JValdenfield, William Bingley, Robert Cary,
Ralph Johnjon, Chrijhpher Williams, Richard Baldwin, and John Horner, who
had been taken at a Meeting in W/.vte-hart-Court, were alfo tried for a Riot,
brought in Guilty, fined 5/. each, and for Non-payment committed to Prifon,
where William Bingley continued four Months, three Weeks, and two Days ;
Richard Baldwin three Months, three Weeks, and four Days ; Ralph Johnjon
three Months, and three Weeks ; John Horner one Month, three Weeks, and
five Days ; ChriJlopher Williams (till he died) three Weeks, and fix Days ;
Robert Cary, two Months, one Week, and five Days ; and William Philips one
Month, one Week, and one Day.
In tfiis extreme hard Winter the Meetings in and about London were ufually
guarded by Conflables, or Soldiers, who kept the Friends out, and obliged
them to meet in the Streets, which they conllantly did through the utmoft In-
clemency of the Weather. The Peace Officers would frequently permit them
to a:bide quietly in the Street, till Informers came, who were ufually fo infolent
as to conftrain the Conftables to carry the Preachers and others before the
Magiftrates, who were obliged under a Penalty to fine them, which the In-
formers infilled upon being done, that they might have their Part of the Prey. Yet
thofe Devourers were encouraged by fome Men of Eminence : And 'tis worthy
Obfervation, that when George Whitehead and William Crouch had an occafional
Conference with Dr. Sancroft, Archbifhop of Canterbury, at his Palace in Lain-
beth, they told him of the Wickednefs of Informers, and how frequently fome
of them had forfwom themfelves, and deferved to be indifted for Perjury,
adding, that it w.as a Difhonour to the Church to employ fuch Agents. The
Archbifliop's Anlwer was, that jome crooked Timber was neceffary for the Build-
ing nf a Ship ; thence inferring, that thofe vile Wretches might be ufeful to the
Support and Service of the Church. ^
Befides what we have already mentioned, were taken by Diftrefs, in this and
the preceding Year,
For Meetings at Wejlminjler and the Savoy,
From John Lockwood, Anne Webfler, Laurence Fullove,
and Samuel Bolton, at feveral Times, Goods to
the Value of
Carried
\
I.
92
over
93
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
461
>
Brought over
For Meetings in IVhite-hart-Court,
From Daniel ^lare, John Dew, Samuel Bolton, Ralph ^
Johnj'on, Job Bolton, and John Heywood, Goods
to the the Value of
For Meetings at the Bull and Mouth,
From Richard Butcher, Goods worth
For Meetings at Ratcliff,
From * Edward Withendge, Richard Richardfin, and
Degory Marfiall, Goods worth
For Meetings at Devon/Ijire-houJe,
From John Barmrd, William Crouch, John Barber,
Thomas Green, Timothy Green, and fVilliam
Carter, Goods amounting to
For Meetings at the Peel,
From Jacob Marriott, John Matthews, John Reading,
and Job Netherwood, Goods worth
For Meetings in Southwark,
From Walter Phillips, John Potter, and Richard Scoryer,
Goods to the Value of
For Meetings at Longford,
From William Bennett, and Richard Heale, Goods
valued at
93
d.
o
LONDON,
&c.
1683.
14:
17 6
50 10
23 12
68
80
SS 17
520 15
Imprifonntents
for Tiihss.
In this Year alfo, Thomas Barker, Emanuel Low, Samuel RuJJel, and John Fines and Im
Broddgate, fuffered by Fines and Imprifonment for their religious Meetings : Ppfo'^memi
And John Heywood, preaching at a Meeting in the Park, Southwark, was fined ■' ""^ '^^ ''^'
20/. by Jultice G/otvr ; and five others at the fame Meeting were fined §s.
each. About this Time ajfo, Chrijiopher Sibthorp, John Greenway, Thomas
Thackery, John Tyfoe, Thomas Scott, Benjamin Antrobus, William Chandler, and
Thomas Wilchel, were Prifoners in IVood-jireet-Counter on Writs de Excommu-
nicato capiendo, as was alfo Tlxmas Thach, of Bullolph^s Alderfgate, Grocer, who
after nineteen Months clofe Confinement died a Prifoner.
Diverfe others alfo were imprifoned this Year, of whom were Thomas Lavet,
Stephen Hubberfly, Thomas Ktrton, William Kirton, and Ralph Trumper, who
were confined in Newgate tor refufing to pay Tithe. There were alfo for the
like Caufe Prifoners in the Fleet, fome of whom had been there feveral Years,
the following Perfons, Z'iz.
Williafn Goodridge, of Somerfetfhire ; William Slovey, of Eilperton in Yorkjhire ;
Arthur Jcfferies, of Southbrent in Somerfetflnre -, John Bowater, of Bromefgrovt
in Worceflerjhire ; Charles Marjfmll, ol Tetherington in WiltJIAre ; George Watts,
oi Audley m Ejjex ; Chriflopher Halliday, of Strenfell in I'orkjhire ; William
Banbury, ot Blackwell in WorceflerJInre -, alfo Amy Rojham, at the Suit of Daniel
Banks ; and Nathanael Cawthorne, of Wilton in Huntingtonjhire.
At the lame Time were Prifoners in the Poultry-Counter, Sufanna Laurence,
alias Milner, and Laurence Fullove, committed by an Exchequer Writ at the
Suit of Edward Waring, Prieft ot Alphage Parifh, for not paying Tithes.
We Ihall alfo fubjoin the Names of many others fent from their religious
Meetings to Prifons in and about the City, namely, Jofeph Rogers, Daniel Baker,
Richard Seaton, Daniel Cooper, Samuel Goodacre, Thomas Mvuks, Robert Mafon,
Vol. I. 6 A William
Nimes of
others impri-
foneii.
* Note. They let a Watch on the Huure of Eirojri fr/tkr/i^f for two Days together,
and with Iron Crows broke open four Doors, and carried away Goods worth 40/. for a
Fine of 10 /. for hinifelf and thirty nine others being at a Meeting ia Sihoelboiifi-hne. But
a Perfon afterwards redeemed the Goods by paying the Fine.
462
LONDON,
&c.
1683.
Viith of
H. Chandler.
For net bear-
ing Arms»
A CoUeclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
VAll'uvn Harper\ John Dajijon, John Mill, John Berry, Thojnas Grove, Epbraim
Silvejler, George Elliot, William Fijher, Dennis Dodman, John Hornfmah, Richard
Love, John Crojne, Samuel Chairman, Jofeph Willis, John Fourboulter, Peter
Ken, William Garland, Samuel Everton, Edward Ellis, Thof?ms Barker, John
Jobjon, John SeJJions, Jonathan Evans, and Willinm Widow/on.
Robert Mildred, of Guilford in Surry, was a Prifoner in the Fleet for fmali
Titlies at the Suit of John Reynolds, at whofe Suit alfo Henry Chandler died a
Prifoner there, on the 22d of the Month called February 1683.
Taken more in this Year, by Warrants granted by feme of the Lieutenancy,
for relufing to bear Arms,
From Richard Richardpn, James Conyers, John Kelfall,
Edward Hoare, and John Fly, Goods worth
George Heathcote, Degory Marjhall, Tbo?nas
Cooper, and ChriJiopher Neivham, Goods worth
Roger Bird, Thomas Fenn, John Conftantine,
Robert Winne, Richard Hawkes, and James
Strutt, Goods to the Value of
Richard Butcher, John Edge, ChriJiopher Sihthorp,
Anthony Ellwood, and John Denton, Goods
amounting to
/.
d.
2t
9 15
Commitmentt
from Horfly-
dovvn flteet-
VJg.
line! and Im-
prijotiments
[or Prcading.
Lord -Major's
Wtrnat,
54 16 8
On the 4th of the Month called March 1683, at Horjlydown, the Friends,
being kept out of their Meeting-houfe, were afTembled after their ufual Manner
in the Street, when the Conftables came and took away William Sheivin, Anlho?iy
Tomkins, Jofeph Wafe, Edmund Tiddeman, Richard Pojl, Thomas Lurting, Jofeph
Raivbone, John Bridges, John Holliday, George Bradford, Edmund Curie, and
Percival Parfons, whom they carried before Willia?n Spiers, a Juftice at the
Bridge-houfe, who committed them all to the Coufiter in Tooly-Jlreet as Rioters.
Having now gone thro' the Occurrences of this Year, we proceed to the next.
ANNO 1684. On the 4th of the Month called M7V, Richard Needhajn hein^
kept out of the Meeting at the Park in Sout/jwark, and preaching in the Street,
was fined by Juftice Fojler 20 /. for which his Goods were afterwards taken by
Diftrefs to the Value of 25/. 10 s. On the i ith of the fame Month John Field,
for preaching at the fame Place, was fined 20 /. and three others prefent jo/.
each. And on the fame Day Mariabella Farmborough, Edward Edwards, and
John Taylor, taken at a Meeting in Wnte-hart-Court, were fent to Newgate.
On the 18 th about an Hundred Perfons, met at the fame Place, were fined,
and thirty feven fent to Prifon by the Lord-Mayor's Warrant, which was as
follows, firft reciting their Names, viz.
" Jofeph Gilpin,
" Thomas Cockely
'' James Jupe,
" John Morris,
" Peter Ken,
*' John Clarke,
" Samuel Blackham,
" George Hardman,
" Edward Burr,
" Richard Tacey,
^^ London 11
John Frumbulo,
Thomas Hill,
John Frank,
Richard Owen,
Robert Hafely,
Jethro Sheaf,
Edward Crifp,
William PFtdowfon,
Job Bland,
Abraba7n Herbert,
James Martin,
William Warder,
iPilliam Nafh,
James Haimnond,
Edward Blake,
Nathaniel Ward,
Henry Manion,
Robert Brafier,
John Ball,
Norman Clam,
Nathanael Pajke,
Maurice Brown^
Emanuel Hutton,
William Creek,
Nathanael Cock,
John Holbin,
Edward Tiinjlall.
<.(.
"n E C E I V F.
into your Cuftody the Bodies alTove-mentioncd herewith
fent you, being all of tlum this Day taken in a riotous and unlawful
" Meeting in White-hart-Court in Grace-church-Jlreet, and for Want of Sureties
" for
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
463
«* ior their feveral Appearances and good Behaviour : And tiiem Hifely keep in LONDON,
** your Cuftody until they be difchargcd by due Courfc of Law. Dated the &c.
« 18th of May 1684. 1684.
fo the Keeper of PFood-
Jlreet-Counkr.
fC
Henry Tulsf^ Major."
On the I ft of the Month called June were committed by Juftice Piers to the
Borough Counter, from Horjlydown Meeting, Edmund Curie Jun. Jofej^h Raw-
ionc, and Richard fVeft : On the 3d, John Potter, Richard Fowler, Martin
Cray, and IVilliam Bennett : And on the 8th, JohnDowden, Peter Rofe, Thomas
Poor, Thomas Haines, John Hatton, William Ebitrne, Stephen Cooke, Thomas
Manton, Robert Pike, John Bloiner, William Poole, Alexander Richards, and
^omas Life : They were at tlie Bridge-houfe SefTions convifted of a Riot, and
continued in Prifon about fix Weeks.
On the 2d of the Month called Jid'j, Thomas Rohinfon, taken at a Meeting
in IVhite-hart-Court, was by Alderman Peake committed to the Poultry-Counter.
On the 6th of the fame, Juftice Glover fent thirteen Perfons, taken at the
Park Meeting, to the Marfhalfea. On the 1 6th, at JVhite-hart -Court, the City-
Marfhal was very furious, and caufed thirteen Men to be fent thence to Prifon.
About the fame Time, Warrants being granted by Thomas Jenner, Recorder
of London, upon Information of Meetings at Uxhridge, DiftreiTes were made
on Richard Heale to the Value of 10/. Richard Richardfon to near the fim.e
Value •, and Edward Swift about 30 .f. The Officers who made thefe DiftreiTes
gave publick Notice by a Crier, and alfo by a Note on the Market-place, that
the Goods were in their Hands to be lold, if any would buy them : Yet
Jenner the Recorder caufed them to be indicted for Neglcft of tlieir OfHce in
not executing the Warrant. About this Time alfo James Martin, praying in
a Meeting in Alderfgate-ftreet^ was interrupted by a Conftable, carried before
a Juftice, and committed to PFood-Jl reet-Ccunter.
On the 17th of the Month called Augufl; George Whitehead was taken
preaching at the Park in Southwark, for which he was fined by Juftice Glover
20/. On the 27th of the fame Month, the faid George Whitehead being on his
Knees at Prayer at a Meeting in White-hart-Conrt, John Levens Conftable, at
the Inftigation of Collingwood's Wife, the Informer, came in an angry Manner
and apprehended him, commanding him in the King's Name to go along with
him, but produced no Warrant, though feveral Times defired. He was car-
ried before die Lord-Mayor, where the Woman appeared to profecute, urging
the Mayor to fine him for a Con\renticle, and for Preaching. Whereupon
George Whitehead obferving her Confidence, laid. This Woman dilates to the
Ijord-Mayor, which is not her Place to do, to direct him, or any other Jiifiice,
tvhat Law to proceed upon. Then tjie Lord-Mayor told her. It was at bis
Difcretion what Law to proceed by : ii.nd then allied George Whitehead, whether
be had Sureties for his Appearance tjjt the next SeJ/ions ? who anfwered. No, I
have none. The Woman being firgent and troublefome, the Lord-Mayor
afked her, whether /he would take her Oath that George Whitehead was preach-
ing ? She anfwered, that He was either preaching or praying. G. IK replied,
that Her Evidence was uncertain, an Ignoramus Evidence, of fhe knows not
what, therefore not fitffcient for ConviElion. Then the Mayor aflccd G. IV.
himfelf. If he did not preach ? He anfwered, No, not at that Time, I was
only praying : And die Conftable declared, that He took him at Prayer. The
Mayor afking for fome Body to be bound for his Appearance, one of the
Mayor's own Servants or Officers voknitarily offered to be his Bail, and was
accepted. Accordingly he appeared
h'iiry coir.'
muted jrom
Meetit:gs at
Horflydown.
Kiriety cf
Vofecutiens
for Meetings.
G. VVhite-
head'^ Ap-
pearance be-
fore the Lori'
tlii}Qr.
At
/(t Guild-hall.
464 ^ Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol; I.
LONDON, At the Sejfwns at Guild-hall for the City of London, on the \fi of September*
&c. where were
1 684. Prefent on the B e n c h.
Henry Tulse, Knt. Lord - Mayor.
Peter Daniel, Knt. 1 ot a-
c T^ r Sheriffs.
oamuelDashwood, J
James Smith, Knt. Alderman.
Thomas Jenner, Knt. and Recorder.
An Indidtment for an unlawful AffeMy., routoufly, and with Force of Arms^ &c.
was read againft him.
G. White- Recorder, /l//^. Whitehead, you tnufl plead Guilty or Not Guily, in the
G. W. Will not my Pleading debar me from being heard in my own
Defence after the Evidence is given ?
Recorder. No : Tou fhall he heard.
G. IV. Then I plead. Not Guilty.
Clerk. Will you traverfe, or put your felf upon Trial now ?
G. JV. I think not to enter Traverfe, but to put it to a Trial now.
Then the Conftable that took him, was called.
Conflable. I took George Whitehead at Prayer in the Meeting-houfe in White-
hart -Court in Lombard-ftreet.
Recorder. In what Poflure did you take him praying ?
Conftable. Upon his Knees. One in the Court faid, / thought the Quakers
had not kneeled in Prayer.
Recorder to G. W. What fay you to the Evidence ? Do you deny it or not ?
G. W. I Ihall not deny that I was taken upon my Knees at Prayer to God,
but that can be no Rout. When I was on my Kpees at Prayer, this could be
no moving forwards to commit a Riot.
Recorder. But did you do nothing elfe before Prayer ?
G. W. No, I did not.
Recorder. Did no Body preach ?
G. W. Excufe m.e there.
Recorder. Call Mrs. Collingfwood : W^ho prefently appearing was fwom.
What fay you^ Mrs, Collingfwood, was there no preaching before G. Whitehead
prayed ?
Collingfwood. Yes, there was two others that preached before he prayed.
Com. Serjeant. Preaching and praying are both oncy their K}jd of preaching
and praying.
G. W. No, but they are not, there's a Diftindtion in common Acceptation :
Preaching or Teaching is done to Men, but Prayer and Supplication is made tp
God : Men do not preach to God, nor teach God, but pray to God.
Com. Serjeant. 2hu preach to deceive the People.
G. W. That's a Refleftion, I teach for no fuch End.
Recorder. Gentlemen of the Jury : Tou hear the Evidence, that there was
Preaching and Praying ; 'twas therefore a Conventicle, an unlawfid Meeting.
G. W. I am not indiiflable upon the Conventicle-A^ ; there lies no Indift-
ment upon ic. The Convenlicle-A£l allows oi four to meet befides the Family,
whereas the Law allows not three to meet riotoufly, &c. 'Tis for a Rout I am
indifted at Co?mnon Law (as I conceive) though fome Words of the Conventicle-
An are in the Indiftment, that's but an Aggravation, the Matter is a Routous
Aflembly that I am charged with : Wherefore I intreat the Court to fufFer the
Lork Cooke's Definition of a Rout, &c. to be read in Court. (G. W. calling
for Cooke's Iiiftitutes, which one handed to him, opened it at the Place in the
third Part, Cap. 79. Fol. 176.)
Com. Serjeant. My Lord Cooke was mifiaken.
C. W.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 465
G. W. Pray hear him, hear his Definition of a iio«/ and K«/rt'Z£^«/y^»;/'/);. LONDON,
Com. Serjeant. / tell you., my Lord ivai tniflaken. &c.
G. py. Is that the Senfe of the Cour.t ? The Lord Cooke and other learned 1684.
"Writers agree in the Definition. v»x''^V''"NJ
Recorder. Gentlemen cf the Jiiry^ we have heard G. Whitehead with a great
deal of Patience, he is itfed to long fpeaking, you have heard the Evidence^ and
what he fays, &c.
G. .W. Pray hear the Lord Cooke in the Cafe.
Court. The King's Council has done : Take him away. Upon which G. IF.
was diawn out of Court.
The Jury brought him in Guilty.
At the flime SelTions came on alfo,
The Trial of Richard IVlAtpain., Thomas Barker, John Patteretn, John Edge,
Peter Lockworth, Jofeph Andrews, William Briggins, John Field, Richard
Baker, Anthony Ellwood, Francis Clark, Robert Southworth, Benjamin Freeman,
James Goodwin, William Morton, and William Wood.
The Proceeding was as follows, viz.
The Indiiiment was read, importing, that the Perfons aforefaid, on the 20th
of July, were at Wjite-hart- Court in Lombard-ftreet, with Force and Arms,
7-outouf.y, tumultuoufly, and unlawfully afiembled to the Breach of the Peace, &fc.
And under Colour and Pretence of religious Exercife in other Manner than
according to the Liturgy and Practice of the Church of England, Sec.
Clerk. /fRE y^i Guilty, or Not Guilty ? afking them the Queftion Tmu of 16
•^^ fever ally. others.
R. Whit pain. Not Guilty in Manner and Form.
J. Field. It's inconfiftent with my Principle and Praftice to be Guilty of
what is contained in that Indictment.
T. Barker. The Indiftment confifting of diverfe Parts, I cannot remember
at once reading : I defire to know whether I may not have a Copy ?
Com. Serjeant. Tes, if youH traverfe.
Recorder. Tou jnujl plead firft : And if I miflake not, you have been here
once or twice already, and therefore are not a Stranger to thefc Things.
T. Barker. I confefs I have been here before, yet know not fo much, but I
may learn more.
All the reft pleaded Not Guilty, except Peter Lockworth, who being %
Dutchman, and tor Want of an Interpreter was fet by.
The Evidence being fworn, declared, That they were tnet in the Honfe.
Court. What did they there ?
Evidence. They neither did nor faid any Thing that we faw or heard. But
Proclamation was made by the Conflable, and they did not depart.
T. Barker. That Man hindred me and many others from going out.
Evidence. I did, when Jome were fent away, keep the others till thofe that
carried them returned.
Recorder. Co7ne, Mr. Barker, you are not wjacquainted with thefe Tloings :
Are you minded to traverfe ?
T. Barker. No, I have no mind to traverfe.
J. Field. I defire to be heard : I am a young Man, and was never before
concerned on this wife in a Court of Judicature.
Recorder. Say on.
J. Field. I defire to know upon what Law or Statute our Indiftmcnt is
grounded.
Recorder. 2~ou are indited for an unlawful Meeting, which the Law is
againjl.
Vol. I. 6 B J. Field.
466 j4 Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, 7. Field. Is it upon the Aft againft Meetings of the 22d of the King ?
&c. Recorder. Yes.
16S4. J pjgi^^ Doth any Indiftment lie upon that Statute ?
Council for the King. 2h.
y. Field. I do not underftand that ; for it requires a- Fine, ^c. 17}en he
was interrupted.
Recorder. IVIjat more have you to fay ?
J. Field. I defire an Anlwer to what I have faid firft.
Recorder. Say on what you have to fay : I know you 7nufl fpeak while the
Spirit moves you.
J. Field. I defire that thou, who art Judge of the Court, wouldft not
refleifl upon me.
Recorder. / donU refleSi upon you : Don^t you pretend to be led by the Spirit ?
J. Field. By no other than that Spirit which leads into PeaceableneS and
Holinefs.
JV. Briggins. Have a Care how you mock at the Spirit of God ?
T. Barker. 'Tis a ftanding Rule and Doftrine among almoft all Sorts of
People, that he who hath not the Spirit of Chriji is none of his ; and by this
Spirit every true Chriftian ought to be led.
Recorder. That's true, Mr. Barker.
Recorder. John Field, have you any more to fay ?
J. Field. I do not underftand that the Evidence proves the Indiftment,
for they fwear they neither heard nor Jaw anj llAng Jpoke or done : And the In-
diftment fays, we were tnet with Force and Arms to the Breach of the Peace, &c.
routoufly, tumultuoujly, and unlawfully. Now how could this be, if ?wlhi?ig waf
faid or done ? For though I be no Lawyer, neither have much Knowledge
thereof, I thought meet to inform my felf wiiat the Law-Books fay in this
Cafe, that I might make the beft Defence for my Liberty, which is next to
my Life, that I can, and have therefore read Cooke's Inftitutes, the third Part,
pag. 176, where I find that a Rout is where three or 7?w?-e Perjons are 7net
together to do an unlawful Act for their own or common parrel.
Com. Serjeant. Yours is the common ^larrel.
J. Field. We are peaceable, and fo is our Principle, and fo hath been our
Pradlice.
Com. Serjeant. Whatever your Principles are, /'?« fure your PraHice is not.
And then he reflefted on a Perfon not there.
J. Edge. We defire that Refleftions may be forborn, efpecially againft
Perfons, when they are not prefent to make Anfwer.
Com. Serjeant. You defire : I tell you, I will fpeak for all you.
y. Edge. I defire thee not to refleft.
Com. Serjeant. Sir, with your Leave, I will, I will reflet.
y. Edge. Then we cannot help it.
Com. Serjeant. What ! was 7Wt * One tried here for printing a Book, which
Jaith, that they are all Deceivers that tell People the Scriptures are the Word
of God.
y. Edge. There might be pretty much faid to that, if it were a convertient
Time and Place.
Recorder. Come, Mr. Serjeant, let's have no Difputing here.
Com. Serjeant. What are you but the Spawn of them that came out of
Germany ?
y. Field. It's an eafy Matter to accufe, but not fo eafy to prove. Art tliou
an Evidence againft us ?
Recorder to lohn Field. Where can you fhew your Law ?
y. Field
■ ■ ■ . ,1 - ' I
* This wa» fohn Brivglurji, who had been iniprifoned a long Time in Nengtte foe
printing a little Book, called George fox's Primer ; in which was a Paflage lialile to Mifcon-
llrurtion. He being proved the Printer, was fined one Shilling, and fentencfd to ftand two
Houri on the miorj on the zcth oi Sep ember 1684.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS,
467
but the Perfon that had it to hold was
Kirenarcha^ and would have read in
LONDON,
1684. _
J. Field called for Cookers Inftitutes,
out of the Way •, fo he got Lambert's
176. but was prevented.
The Recorder began to fum up the Evidence, but John Field dill infifting on
his Plea, the Recorder called for the Book, and found the Place ; and read
thus : An unlawful Affemhly is of the Company of three or more Perfons diforderly
co7ning together, and then left out the next Words, viz. forcibly to commit an
unlawful A£ly as to beat a 'h'lan, or enter upon his Poffeffton or fuch like.
J. Field. Read on : 'Tis to do an unlawful Ail, but the Evidence fays,
we neither did nor faid any Thing.
Court. Take him away. And as they were haling him away, S>\\tr\& Daniel
whifpered to the Recorder.
Recorder. Do you hear ? You with the Book in your Hand : What is your Name?
y. F. John Field.
Recorder. JVhere do you live ?
J. Field. In the Parilh of Anne .and Agnes near Alderfgate:
Recorder. What Trade are you ?
y. field. I teach to write and caft Accounts.
L.ord-Mayor. Then you are guilty of the Breach of another * Law.
Com. Serjeant. Take Notice of that.
Recorder. Have you the Common- Prayer in your Pocket ?
y. Field. No, but I hope it would be no Offence to have that in my Pocket.'
Recorder. No.
y. Field. I am able to prove, that the Common-Prayer allows of praying to,
and worfliipping Almighty God without Limitation of Time or Place.
Court. Take him away.
y. Field. I think it hard, that I cannot have Leave to make my Defence
for my Liberty, for I have been lately ill, and cannot tell how prejudicial a
clofe Confinement may be to me.
Court. Tdke him away.
y. Goodwin. God Almighty is with us and for us. Had not the Lord been on
our Side when Men rofe up againd us, they had fwallowed us up quick. Pfal. cxxiv.
Court. Take him away.
So they were taken out, and after fome Time called in again, when
the Jury brought in their Verdidl Guilty.
The Prifbners heard not their Sentences : But the Court confulted about their
Fines privately. The Ifliie of which Confultation was, that Thomas Barker and
Richard JFhitpain Wiive fined 61. i^s. ^.d. yohn Field '2,1. 6 s. Sd. and the
reft 1 1. 6 s. 2d. each. So they, together with George Whitehead, were com-
mitted to Newgate ; except only Benjamin Freeman, who was diicharged in Court.
After about ten Days Imprifonment George Whitehead was releafed by a.
Liberate from one of the Sheriffs in the Form following, viz.
" To the Keeper or Under-Keeper of Newgate, London.
WHEREAS you have in your Cuftody the Body of George WJiite- Liberate for
head for Payment of a Fine, being convifted of an unlawflil Af- G. White-
" fembly. Thefe are to defire you to difcharge the faid Gtw;^^ /^'f/t'/j^/jj from l^^^d.
" his Imprifonment. And for your fo doing this fliall be your Warrant. This
" 1 2 th of September 1684.
" Samuel Dashwood."
We fhall next relate the Cafe of Francis Plimfled, an Ironmonger in the Tht cifi of
Minories, who was fworn againft by Richard Foot and Thomas Bradfhaw, In- F. Piumfted.
formers, for preaching at a Meeting in Devonfhire-Buildings on the 25th of
November 16^'^, and tor being at another Meeting there on the 15th of the
fame
(C
Meaning that he had taught School without » Licence from the Bidiop.
468, A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, fame Month, whereupon DvJley North, Juftice, had iffued Warrants of Diftrefs
*^c. for 30/, He depofited that Sum in the Hands of the Conflable who came
1 6^4- to make Diftrefs, and appealed. His Appeal was profecutcd from Seffions to
>-/^ — V^-* SefTions : At length, on the nth of the Month called Atigujl 1684, Affidavit
Wiis made, that the laid two Informers, within a Month after the Warrant
was granted, came to a Neighbour's Houfe, and lent for the faid Francis
Phimjied, and before Witneflts confefted, they had been drawn into that wicked
Aft, afked him Forgivenefs, and offered to kneel down and beg his Pardon,
owning then, and feveral Times after, that they had done hm W^ong, and.
Jworn faljly againft him. He al(b proved by two WitnefTes, prelent at the
Meeting, that he did not preach there. Neverthelefs, and though no Evidence
appeared in Court againfl him, die Recorder endeavoured to invalidate the
Teftimony of his V>'itnefres, and fo wrought upon the Jury, that they brought
him in Ctdlty of being at the other Meeting, for which he was fined 10/.
By which Fine, and the Charges of his Appeal, he computed the Damage by
him fuftained, to be at leafl 40 /.
/. s. d.
About this Time alfo,
Diflrcffes for IFtlliatn Kent Cheefemonger, in BiJJjopjgate-Jlreet, being ~>
lAtaivg. fined on a falfe Information, appealed, but was cafl on > 29 16 o
his Appeal to the Lois of j
tpilliam Ford, of Moorjields, for being at a Meeting p
at Devonjhire-houje, had his Goods taken by Diftrefs to S> 10 o o
tjie Value of j
John Deane, of Shoreditch, Goods worth 18 5 o
Thomas Gray, of Spittlejields, Goods worth 9^5 o
John Barnard, of Bijhopfgate-Jlreet 17 o o
Ma?garet Drinkall, of the fame, Widow, all her 7
Houfhold Goods worth J
John Fergus, of Whitechapel, Cheefemonger 800
John Marjhall, of Petticoat- lane. Smith 10 o o
Robert Chalkley, Crape-weaver, Goods worth 10 o o
123 16 o
On the 7 th of September, John Hey^ood, Benjami/i Hilton, Thomas tVitham,
Emanuel Low, John Harrifon, John Betters, John Hubbock, James Good-win,
and Mariabella Farmborough, were taken from a Meeting in PVhite-hart-Court
by a Guard of Soldiers, and conduced to the Exchange, were they, together
with William Darby, Peter Langle'j, George Knight, Willia7n Bennet, and Tho/nas
Barker jun, who came to fee them, were detained about feven Hours. After
which they were all carried before the Lord-Mayor, who difcharged Thoinas
Barker, being under fixteen Years of Age. Ten others of them gave Security
to appear at Seffions, and IVilliam Darby, Benjamin Hilton, and Thomas Witham,
were fent to IVood-ftreet-Counter. At the Seffions, on the 6th of OSlober, thefe
thirteen appeared, and were indided for a Riot. Thole four who came to fee
their Friends in the Exchange, were acquitted by the Jury, but the other nine
were brought in Gidlly. James Goodwin was fined a Noble, Mariabella Farin-
horough ten Groats, and all the reft four Nobles each. John Bellers and John
Hubbock had their Fines paid in Court, and were difcharged •, but the other
feven were fent to Newgate, and continued there, viz. IVilliam Darby one
Month, two Weeks, and fix Days ; Emanuel Low five Months, and one
Week i Thomas Witham feven Months, and one Week ; Benuwiin Hilton feven
Months, one Week, and five Days ; John Harrifon feven Months, diree Weeks,
and five Days ; Mariabella Farmborough, four Months, three Weeks, and one
Day •, and John He^wood longer than any other of tlicm.
Di(lrcjfis. About the fame Time IVilliam Chamberlain, having been fined 5 /. 5 s. for
being at a Meeting at IVe/iminJler, had Goods taken from him to the Value
of
Chap. 25. of the People called QLrAKERS.
.of 9/. AMo John Vattghton, who was fined 40/. for Preaching, had taken
from him by Warrant of nomas Jenner, Recorder oi London, dated the 30th
of Sep'.imbt'r, Goods of above 40 /. Value. The Officer, Ralph Lificb, a IVeJl-
minjier Conftable, kept fix Men in Faughton's Houfe all Night, and next Day-
loaded two Carts and two Carriages away to his own Houfe, leaving not a
Bed, Bolfl:er, Pillow, Rugg, Blanket, Dilh, nor Pot to drink in. Part of
thofe Goods had been before feized for a former Fine of 20 1, for Preaching,
by one Jo^m FiJ/jer, a Conftable, who had fold them to John Sumner, but he
had not taken them away. Sumner reprefented his Cafe to the Recorder, and
obtained Reftitution of the Goods which he had bought : He alfo purchafed
the reft of them for 8 /. 12 s. 6 d. After which he fold fo much of the Goods
as to reimburfe himfelf all he had dift)urfed, and returned tlie reft to the faid
yohn Vangbton.
Edward Swift, for preaching in a Meeting at Uxhrulgc, was fined 20 1, and
Mkhael Biddle, for being at Meetings there, had his Goods taken by Diftrefs
to the Value of i /. 1 5 5.
On the 23d oi November this Year, William Gihfon, a zealous and couragious
Sufferer in the Caufe of Religion, was buried from a Meeting in IVhite-hart-
Coiirty and it was thought, that at leaft a Thoufand of his Friends attended his
Corps from thence to the Burying-ground, where it was interr'd with this
Remark, 'That it had been often beaten and imprfoned for Chriji's Sake.
On the 30th of the fame, the Conftables of the Bridge-zvard came to the
Meeting in fVhile-hart-Court, antl took John Brown, Thomas Sutton, Wi/liam
Warder, Jofeph Smallbrook, Jacob Franklin, Matthew Edwards, Benjamin Wright,
a.nd Geo>ge White, whom they carried to Sir y«7;;« £,'/-K;^r^j, one of the City
Juftices, who committed them to Newgate. At the next Adjournment of the
Quarter Sefllons, they were indicted for a Riot, all of them fined, and fent
back to Newgate.
At a Seffionsfor the City of London, held at Guild-hall on the 8 th Day of
December 1 684, came on
469
LONDON,
&c.
1684.
Cafe of J.
Vaughton.
W. Gibfon'j
Buriul,
Severxl fer.t
to Newgate.
Proceedine.! it
Guild-hall.
The Trial of Willia?n Briggins, William Ingram, William Ellis, Williatn Darby, Triil of 24
William Moore, Walter Hoare, Edward Blake, Maurice Brown, Jofeph Wright, ^'''"''-
Jofeph Walker, Jonathan Clark, John Harris, John Sellers, John Tyzack,
Edward Ellis, Sarah Plumley, John Newton, John Clayton, Thotnas Walker,
Baker.
Thomas Terry, Daniel Dale, Edward Billing, and Richard
The Indi£iment was for a riotous Affembly with Force and Arms, &c.
They pleaded Not Guilty.
The Evidence witnefled, that they took them in Angel-Court, whereas the
Indidf ment faid, in White-hart-Court.
The Prijoners urged, that they were not in White-hart- Court that Day :
which put the Court to a Stand.
But the Recorder faid, If they were met in the fame Ward, 'tis fv.fficient.
The Prifoners urged, that their Meeting in Angel-Court was not intentionally,
but accidentally, being ftopt there, when their Intention was to pafs through.
One of the Prifoners alked. What Sort of Anns they had ?
The Recorder faid. The Words Force and Arms were but Matter of Form,
and that if a Neighbour's Bullock broke into another Man's Ground, the IndiHrnent
for the Trefpafs mufl be laid, with Force and Arms.
The Prifoners defired that the Law might be produced, which explained
what a Rout or Riot was, that the Jury might the better underftand the Aftiiir,
and be the better able to bring in a jujt Verdi£i.
The Recorder promifed to do fo, but did not : But proceeded to fum up ths
Evidence, telling the Jur-^, that the hdi^ment was not vicious, though no
Overt Ad had been proved againll the Prifoners. Agaijift whom nothing indeed
Vol. I. 6 C was
470
LONDON,
&c.
1684.
length of
Jnformatioiit.
Mitny others
tadiiled and
fined.
C»mmitrnems
of many to
New-Prifon.
Sei\uve on
J. Elfon.
At Horlly.
down.
^ Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
was proved, but that they were in a Place ufually a Thoroughfare, where 3,
Woman fpake the Evidence knew not what.
The Jury however brought them all in Guilty of the Indiftment.
One of the Prifoners faid. We defire you would not fend us to a bad Prifon,
where feme of our Friends have been furfocated.
The Recorder anfwered. / can't build Prifons for you. Tou need nst go to
Prijon unlejs you will. The Court has been moderate as to your Fines. >;.) jioM
The Prifoners faid. Whatever the Fines are, we cannot pay them, knowbg
we have injured no Man.
So they were committed to Newgate, being generally fined four Nobles
each, and one of them, Jofeph Wright, 5 /.
Several of them lay long in Newgate, viz. Thomas Walker one Month, and
four Days •, Edward Billings three Weeks •, William Ellis three Weeks, and
one Day ; Richard Baker three Weeks ; Jofeph Walker three Months, three
Weeks, and fix Days ; Sarah Plianley one Month, three Weeks, and three
Days ; Thomas Terry two Months, one Week, and three Days ; Maurice
Brown three Months, and five Days ; Edward Ellis, John Harrifon, , John
Tyzack, John Newton, and John Clayton, two Weeks, and fix Days. ^I'i.r?.
At the fame Seffions alfo, George Phillips, Thomas Allifon, William Guill,
Lafcels Metcalfe, Thomas Priffick, Edward Temple, William Jackfon, John
Tanner, Chriflopher Beale, Roger Livinz, Richard Graham, Jonathan Parfons,
Thomas Bowles, Robert Southworth, John Potterem, Walter Hoare, Robert Brigg,
Edward Pember, John Peacock, Ralph Johnfon, Thomas Stivers, John Hornfmithy
Thomas Hollingfworth, John Harman, John Hodgkins, Jacob Fuller, Anthony
Pattifon, John Clark, Francis Clark, Samuel Vafs, and Samuel Blackhajn^
were alfo indidled for being at an unlawful, tumultuous, and riotous Af-
fembly, in White-hart-Court aforefaid, on the 12th of O^o^^r then lafl: paft:
They were brought in Guilty, and fined four Nobles each. Some of them had
their Fines paid in Court, and were difcharged, but thofe fourteen firft above-
named were committed to Newgate, of whom the firft twelve continued
Prifoners there more than two Months, Thomas Bowles above three Months,
and Robert Southworth more than five Months.
Francis Stamper was fined by the Recorder 20/. on an Information of
preaching at a Meeting in Weflbury-Jlreet, otherwife Wheeler-^reet, on the
28th ot December ; for which his Goods were taken worth 3c/. He entred
his Appeal, but with fo little Succefs, that his Lofs for Fine and Charges
amounted to 29/. gs. 2d.
On the 9th of December two Juftices, Perry and Nightingale, at the Inftigation
of EJiher Collingwood, a noted Informer, came off the Bench at Hick's-hall, went
dircdly to the Peel Meeting, and took the Names of all or moft of the Men that
were met, and a great Part of the Women, and after two or three Hours Con-
finement in the Meeting-houfe, fent the following Perfons to New-Prifon, viz.
Samuel Goodacre, John Plummer, Henry Dunbarr, William Leach, Samuel Bofs,
Peter Stnith, Henry Groves, Peter Vincent, John Bell, Thomas Simms, Benjamin
Goddard, RichardGoddard, James Jupe, Jofeph Jones, John Tomfon, Edward Bunn^
Thomas Cobb, Samuel Everton, Daniel Eaves, John Padley, David J ones, Jofeph
Heaton, Giles Greenway, G. Jachnan, Robert Haley, William Squire, William Rich-
ardfon, TlpomasHill, Richard Jordan, Anthony Ellwood, John Aires, JamesWhitaker,
John Bowles, and Matthew Warren ; where moft of them lay on the Stones
and Boards about five Days, and then, without any legal Procefs difcharged
by the Authority of thofe who committed them.
A few Days before the Imprifonment of thefe Perfons, John Eljon, who
dwelt in Part of the Peel Meeting-houfe, had a Seizure made of his Goods for
three Meetings there, and the Profecutors had brought Carts to load them
away, when a Neighbour, in Compaflion to him, bought them for 12 /. 14J.
and the Officers made to him a Bill of Sale of the fame.
At Horflydown, on the 12th of the Month called Jainiary, Anthony Tomkins,
for a Fine of 20 /. for Preaching, fuffcred Diftrefs of his Goods to the Value
of
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
471
of 38 /. Alfo Robert Hajle^ a poor Man, rtear eighty Years of Age, who fold LONDON,
Roots and Apples for his Living, was fined i o /. and by Warrant from Sir ^'^•
Thomas J enner. Recorder, had his Goods feized, inventoried, and appraifed, 1084.
even to his Turnips, Carrots, Gingerbread, i£c. the Whole amounting but '^-»V'"VJ
to 2/. 12 J. 6d. The Conftables reported his Cafe to the Recorder, in Hopes
of moving him to Compaflion ; but he peremptorily ordered the Conftable
either to bring him that Money, or take away all the Goods. So the Conftable
paid down the 2 /, j2s. 6d. and took the poor Man's little Stock upon himfelf.
On the 25th of the fame Month, a Juftice and Bayliff came to Horjlydown
Meeting, and took thence John Dodfoji^ Philip Dunn, William Eben, John Webb,
Job Bland, and Jojhua Sparroisj, and fent them to 'Tooley-ftreet-Coiinter,
About the fame Timttbomas Griffin^ forgoing to Meetings at die Pafk in
Smlhivark, had his Goods taken away by Diftrds, to the Value of 1 1 /. 7^. £^d.
At Ratcliff Meeting during this Winter, the Friends were frequently kept out At RatcliiF.
in the Cold by a Guard of Soldiers, neverthelefs they conftantly held their
Meetings in the Yard or Street, and for fo doing feveral of them were fined,
and liad their Goods taken by Diftrels, viz.
From John Selwood, Peter Haiky James Braine^ and
John Be/i, to the Value of
Thomas Em/on, Chrijlian Indife, William Beafely,
and Mary Henlyy to the Value of
}
33
d.
35 12
Diftrefles were alfo made, for the fame Meetings, on John Wickjield, Mar-
garet Wynn., Robert Beardy John Sheffield, Thomas Femi, Clement Taylor, Charity
Nutt, Mary Whitemarjh, Daniel Chaplm, John Tricker, and Roger Hatikin.
It happened about this Time that one John Lockwood, pafiing the Street, was
apprehended by a Conftable, and carried to a Tavern in the Borough of South-
wark, where EJlher Collingwood, and another Woman, made an Information
before Juftice Fofter of his being at a Meeting ; upon which the Juftice fent
him to Prifon : But this not anfwering their Purpofe, they went to the Re-
corder, and laid another Information before him againft the fame Perfon for the
fame Offence : He prefently fined Lockwood 10 1, and granted his Warrant to
break open his Doors and make Diftrefs. Shortly after it chanced that Lock-
•wood and his Wife met the faid two informing Women in the Street, and
fpake to them about this Affair : Whereupon the Women went to the Recorder,
and fwore that he affaulted them ; for which the Recorder fined him ten Marks,
though two WitnefTes attcfted upon Oath, that his Behaviour toward them was
civil and peaceable. The faid Informers alfo indifted him at Hick's-hall as a
common Barrettor. Thus, being countenanced by fome Magiftrates, thefe In-
formers proceeded to prey upon honeft and peaceable People, without any
Regard to Truth or Juftice.
Hard was the Cafe of Henry Kendon, of Bafinghall-jlreet, London, who had a
Diftrefs made on his Goods for 50 /. being the Contents of five feveral Warrants
granted againft him in one Day (viz. the 18th of the Month called February)
by the Recorder. Kendon appealed, and was caft on three of thofe Convic-
tions by the Evidence of a Woman, named Anne Smith, (alias Bowles) who was
afterward proved to be perjured, for he had three fubftantial WitnefTes to teftify
the Contrary to what fhe fwore. The other two Appeals he gained ; but the
Whole of his Lofs and Charges amounted to 72 /. But Appeals in thefe Cafes
availed little -, for when Willia?n Tilly had Diftrefs made on his Goods for 20/.
on an Information of his being at a Meeting at BevonJInre-houje, where he was
not : He appealed ; and the Informers, who had acknowledged themfelves
miftaken, would not appear ; Neverthelefs, through the Influence of the Re-
corder, he was caft on his Appeal, and loft his 20/. with additional Charges
of 6/, 135. ifd.
Nor
C4e of J.
Lockwood.
//ird Cafe of
II. Kendon.
472
LONDON,
&C.
1684.
Migiflrjtes
Connivinee.
M. Robinfon .
W. Collard.
fi»ci and
Imprijtn'
mcmst
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Nor was it unufual with the Magiflrates to connive at or negled fome
grofs Errors in proceeding againft the Perfons profecuted, as appears by the
following Inftances, vi-z.
Michael Rohinfon, of Michael' s-lane, had two Warrants granted againft him
by the Recorder, under the Name of John Robitifon, to which Name the Wit-
neffes had fworn. The Conftable and Informer entring the Houfe, and finding
the Name to be wrong, went again, and got two Warrants for the fame Offence,
with the Name altered, and then came again and took what they could find in
his Houfe.
William Collard, of George's Parifh Southwark, Cheefemonger, had his
Goods feized by a Warrant with a wrong Name, and thereupon appealed, but
the Jury, on Trial, though inclined to acquit him, being fent out three Times
with threatning Words from the Bench, at laft faid, 'They thought it jnuji be for
the King ; fo that he loft his Caufe with the additional Charges to the Value of
about 17/.
At a SefTions on the 1 4th of the Month called January, Charles Banijler,
Aaron Underlich, Thomas Fidoe, Elizabeth Fullove, Elizabeth Grice, Elizabeth
Lockivorth, and Sarah Groom, convifted of meeting together, were fined four
Nobles each : And the faid Charles Batujler and Aaron Underlich were com-
mitted to Netvgate.
About this Time alfo were taken /.'•>- A d.
From Thomas Ewers, of Rotherhith, Chandler, for being 7 So 6
at religious Meetings, Goods worth J
Thomas Poor, of Mary Magdalen Bermondfey, 1
Grocer, to the Value of j
Walter Phillips, of the Park in Sout/jwark, on a i
falfe Information of his being at a Meeting > 20
where he was not. Goods worth j
John Goodwin, of Saviour's Parifh 5
James Braithwaite, of Olaves Parifh 10
'Thomas Griffin, Goods worth 6
Henry Wiljon, of Saviour's Parifh, Chandler 5
»9
IS
o
ID
10
55
18
Taken alfo by Diftrels of Goods, for Fines for abfenting themfelves from
the publick Worfhip,
mr.ga for F
Ahfence from
the publiik
tforjhip.
Anthony Tomkins and Thomas Haines, Hatmakers "7
in Southwark J
Gabriel Tarwood and John Broadgate, of Hor/Iydown
Robert Pate, of George's Parifh Sonthwark
David Saunders, James Braithwaite, Jeremy How- 7
ard, lVillia?n Burtwell and John Horten, of th« r
Parifh of Olaves, Southwark
I. s.
23 u
5
3
50
o
10
o
6
2S.
O
o
By the Recorder's Warrant, dated the 1 6th of February 1 684, James Beech^
for a Meeting in his Houfe at IVepmnJler, had his Goods taken away to
the Value of 14/. ' "
William Oyles, Gooods worth 20
John Skelton, for a Meeting in the Savoy 10
Henry Aires, of Old-fireet, for being at two Meetings 7
at the Peel, had his Goods taken, worth J
John Edge, oi Andrew's Holborn, Goods worth 30
William Cooper, of Giles's, CrippUgate 1 o
Edward Swift 3
6 14
o
o
6d.
o
o
o
o
19 10
In
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
In this Year alfo, Thomas Zachary was imprifoned in fVood-ftreet-Countcr on
two Executions for Tithes, at the Suit of Dr. Fowler^ Prieft of Gtla^s, Cripple-
gatCy and his Widow.
Richard Kirton, ot Kenfington, on two Executions for Tithe, at the Suit of
fVilliam JViggan Prieft, had fourteen Cows and an Horfe taken from him
worth 53/.
There were alfb this Year committed to the Fleet Prifon for Tithes,
"Jereiniah Rujh, of HorJIoam in SuJJex^ at the Suit of Thomas Thurlo. And
Michael Petlit and John Pettit, ot WimhiJJj in Effex, at the Suit of Edmund
Heywood.
Talten alfb in this Year, for refuting to defray the Charges of the Militia^
From Richard Jordan, William Chamberlain, John
Vaugbton, and Thomas Frith, Goods to the
Value of
John MarJJjall, Philip Oylcs, and IVilliam Hol-
land, of Limehoufe, Goods worth
John Eaves, of Shadwell, Goods worth
John Marlow, of Katharine''s, Mariner
Ralph John/on, of Ludgate-Jlreet, and John Cooke,
of Grace-church-Jlreet, for Trophy Money, Goods
worth
/.
s.
15 15
7
J7
13
6
o
27 18 I
473
LONDON,
&c.
1684.
Imprifonment
of Thomas
Zachary.
Commitmems
for Tithes.
Difirejfes for
th: Militia.
George Keith and Daniel Mimro fufTered five Months Imprifonment this Year ^"^ ''^''/'''i
in Newgate for refufing to Swear. '" •^"'^'"■*
Toward the Conclufion of this Year, Jeremiah Waring was taken out of a
Meeting at the Peel, and by Juflice Stnilh, of Clerkenwel, committed to New-
Prifon as a Rioter. Alfo Mariahella Farmhorough and Lydia Oades^ for preach-
ing at the flime Place, were committed to the fame Prifon.
The lafl Inflance of this Year's Perfecution is very fevere : Martha Haljey^
a Widow of Je-wen-flreet, by a Warrant from the Recorder for i o /. had her
Houfe entred by Chriflopher Smith, Informer, and one Plait, a Conflable, who
fet a Watchman at the Doors of her Shop and Chamber, took all they found
in her Houfe, fpoiled moft of her Shop- Goods, throwing them under their
Feet, drank fome, gave away fome, and fold the reft, the Informer pocketing
the Money. They kept feven Perfons in PoffefTion two Days together, faying.
They were glad of the Work. They pulled down her Grates and Copper, and
broke her Ciftern, faying. They mattered not if they pulled down her Houfe. In
the Warrant her Name was written Margaret, which being objefted to the
Dtflrainers, their Anfwer was. No matter what was her Name : She was the
Perjon convicted. And the Conflable after he had made Diftrefs, iaid. That
be had fent the Warrant to the Recorder, and had the Name Margaret turned
into Martha : Thus were the moft loofe and profane Perfons abetted by thofe
in Authority, and encouraged, beyond the Bounds both of Law and Reafon,
to confume and deflroy the Subftance of the Religious and Confcientious, and
to devour the Widow and the Fatherlefs.
ANNO 1685. After the Tifi.i\\diYM\^ Charles the Second, and the Ac- Perfautions t
cefTion of his Brother James to the Throne, the Profecution of this People for ''"'' nbuni.
their religious DifTent, though carried on with lefs Vehemency, did not ceafe,
for in the Month called April this Year, He^iry Dogget, of the Parifh of Cle-
ments-Danes, was fined \6l. i8j. 4^. for Meeting, and fufFered by Diftrefs
of Goods to the Value of 20/. j s. 10 d. Alfo Jafnes Strutt the Younger, of Vifirejptr,
Ratcliff, fined 10/. for the fame Caufe, had his Houfhold Goods taken away
worth 20/. And Thomas Scott, o{ Long-lane, for a Fine of 10/. laid on him
for being at the Peel Meeting, had taken from him by the Lord-Mayor's
Warrant, Goods worth 17/.
Vol. I. 6 D At
474
LONDON,
&c.
1685,
Several irt-
difted at
Guild-hall,
dliA fined.
Vdrions ether
Sufferings.
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
At a Seflions at Guild-hall, on the 27th of the fame Month, the following
Pcrfons, who had been taken fome Time before at Devon/Jitrc-houfe Meeting,
were indifted for a Riot, brought in Gitilty, and fined, viz.
Robert Barrow, John Dan/on, and Robert Ruddle, each 2 /. J^s. 4 d. Richard
Cook, Edward Ellis, and l^athatmel Eajl, i /. 6 s. 8 d. each. Johft Barnard 5/.
Elizabeth Sta^nper i^s. 4 d. John Marfljall, Thomas Pantling, William Tilly.,
IVilliam Phillip, Samuel Howel, Ifaac Jennings, Edward Pattejon, Tobias Coliety
Thomas Barber, Robert Co/iard, John Airey, John Cawdry, and William Cammy
6 s. 8d. each.
In the next Month John Conjlantine, o'i Ratcliff-Crofs, for 20/. demanded on
two Warrants for Meetings there, had Goods taken from him worth 28/.
1 1 J. \d. And on the laft Day of the fome Month fixteen Perfons were taken
from i)evonJ}.nre-houfe Meeting, and carried to the Exchange, and thence to
James .Smith, Lord-Mayor, who obliged them to appear next Day at Seffions,
where they were tried for unlawfully afTembling together, and fined as follows, viz.
lives impofed. Natbanael Brajfey, 3 /. Nathanael Eaft, Nathanael Bland, John Obee, Wil-
liam Camm, Lajcels Metcalfe, Samuel Blackham, Thomas Clark, Benjamin God-
dard, George Bowles, and William Najh, 13. v. ^d. each. Elizabeth Fullovey
Sufanna Harris, Elizabeth Collet, Mary Liider, and Mary Burbank 6s. Sd. each.
On the 14th of the Month called June, Roger Longworth was taken by
Conftables from a Meeting at Grace-church-Jlreet, and committed by the Lord-
Mayor to Netvgate. At the SelTions on the 13 th of the next Month he was
tried for a Riot, fined 6 s. 8d. and fent back to the fime Prifon, where he lay
about fifteen Weeks, and then was difcharged by the Sheriffs. At the fame
Time John Majon was imprifoned in Ltidgate on a Writ de Exco7n7nunicato
capiendo for not going to Church, and not receiving the Sacrament.
On the 14th of the Month called July, a Seizure was made ot the Shop-
Goods of Jofeph Toovey, a Cheefemonger in Alderfgate-flreet, for a Fine of 10/.
for being at a Meeting in Devonjhire-houfe : And from Thomas Cobb, a Shoe-
maker in Charter-houfe-Lane, for a like Fine, were taken Goods worth 26/. los.
On the 15th, at the Peel, the AfTembly, kept out of their Meeting-houfe by
Officers, was held in the Street : Of which EJlher Collingwood, an audacious
Informer, acquainted the Juflices then fitting at Hick's-hall. The Jullices fent
a Conflable to fetch fome of the Men, which he did ; but the Woman confi-
dently called out to the Bench, and told them, There were a great many more.
So they ordered the Conflables to go again, and they brought about twenty of
them, whom the Juflices fined 5 s. each.
On the 17th of September, John Williams, of Gofwell-jlrcet, being then in
Torkfljire, had his Goods feized, upon an Information of his having been at a
Meeting. The Neighbours, who knew the Cafe, and that the Information
could not be true, paid his Fine, and entred an Appeal on his Behalf, but he
not returning within the Time limited, his Appeal was rejeded.
About the fame Time, at Ratcliff, John Lambert, John Bull, Thomas Cooper,
and John Martin, had their Goods diflrained for Fines of lol. each ; And
John Mar/hall, of Limehoiife, had his Goods diftrained to the Value of 61. 10 s.
On the 1 2 th of OSlober, John Brainton, John Price, John Bcckly, John Haley,
Jofeph Elderkin, Elias Paine, and Williajn Lane, who had been taken at a Meeting
fome Time before, were indided at Seffions for a Riot, found Guilty, fined 6s. 8d.
each, and committed to Newgate. Some of them had their Fines pakf next
Day, and were difcharged, but John Price, William Lane, and Ehas Painey
continued there about eleven Days, when the Sheriffs, on Reprefentation of
their Poverty, difmiffed them. Richard Perkins alio fuffered by Diftrels 10/.
for being at a Meeting.
On the 2 5th of OSiober, at a Meeting in the Park, Southwark, Samuel Fox
and William Binglex -were ta.\<.cn preaching ; of whofe Apprehenfion and Ufage,
and of die Dillrefs made on their Goods, an Account, given by themlclves,
is as follows, viz.
*' Samuel
Irr,prifonment
of R. Long-
worth and
J. Mafon.
Dijirejfes.
Boldnefs 0/ <:
U'oriidn hf
former.
Jppeal of
J. Williams
rejeded.
niftrrjfes at
RatclitF.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 475
*' ^Amuel Fox and JVilliam Bingley were taken from a peaceable Meeting LONDON",
" of the People of God, met together in the Street near their Meeting-houle &:c.
•' in the Park, Hou/bwark, to worlliip and fcrve Almighty God, the 25th of 1685.
♦' the Eighth Month 16S5, by a Corporal and fome other Soldiers under the ^-^"^O^
" Command of Captain Manwaring, who carried us away into our Meeting- f'^T^r"^ *K
*' boiife, which then they had made a Guard- boiife, and there kept us upon S^'^Fox ^/wi
" the Guard about feven Hours, without any Peace-Officer, or having any W.Bingley.
*' Certificate from any Juftice of Peace, and for fome Time they refufed to
" let any Perfon come to us except the Soldiers, fo much as to bring us a little
" Viftuals or Drink. And when it began to be dark, the Corporal beftowed
*' a great deal ot Pains to feck after a Conftable, and after fome Time brought
*' a Conlfable and the Beadle, who with the Corporal and fome of the Sol-
"■ diers, had us to Juftice Reading's Houle, but he not being within, they had
♦' us to Juftice Glover's, but he being ablent alio, the Conftable and the Soldiers
♦' agreed to let us go Home, upon Condition v/e would meet them another
" 1 ime before the Juftices, which we condefcended to, not having done any
♦' thing we were aihamed or afraid to ftand by : Which accordingly was
" done ; and the Corporal gave Information againft us to Juftice Reading
*' and Juftice Lee, that we, with other Perlbns to above the Number of forty,
" were met in other Manner than according to the Liturgy of the Church
*' of England, and had two Soldiers to Swear to his Information, who did
*' Swear, and the Juftices convicted each of us 20/. tor no other Crime than
•' declaring Chrift Jefus, and exhorting People to live in the Fear of God, as
" becomes Cbrijiians, and to be mindtul of the Teachings of the Grace of
" God, which taicheth to deny all Ungodlincfs and Worldly Lults, and to
" live rigbteonjly, foberly, and godly in this prefent evil World. And the
" i'aid Juftices impofed a Fine ot 20/. upon each of us : And a Certificate
*' from Juftice Reading was fent to Alderman Turner of London, who iflued
" out a Warrant to diftrain of our Goods and Chattels for the abovefaid
*' Sums, and the Warrant was given into the Hands of a Conftable near
*' Ludgate, a Goltlfmith, whole Name was Duncomb Norris. And the gth
" of November 1685, Duncomb Norris Conftable, and the Beadle of the Ward,
*' came to U'illiam Bingley's Door with a fhort Staff" under his Coat, and his
♦' Hatch being fhut, Duncomb Norris leapt over it (giving his Fob-Staif to
" the Beadle to hold the While) without either declaring his Bufinefs, or
*' demanding Entrance, and when he was come into the Shop, he commanded
" me [viz. f-Filliafn Bingley] to open my Hatch. I told him, / would know
" for what firft : And he him felt opened the Hatch to let the Beadle in, and
" then he told me, he bad a IVarrant to diflrain of my Goods for 20/. unlefs I
♦♦ would pay the Money : I told him that I fhoidd not pay the Money, not being
»' coufcious to my felf of having done any Thing to deferve fuch a Fine. And
♦* after Ibme Dilcourfe he laid. He would take 50/, worth of Goods for the 20 1.
" and laid farther. He would not leave us worth three Pence in the Hoitfi ;
«' .nnd he did not fall much fhort of doing what he fiiid. And after fome
♦' Time he leized of my Goods, fo much as my Coal and Candles, and my
" Wife's wearing Clothes, having five or fix in Company with him to his
*' AfTiftance, and when he had lockt them up, he left two Watchmen in the
«■' Houfe all Night, whofe Names were Samuel Green and fValkup Tlm'n, and
*' the next Day tetcht one of the City-Appraifers, whofe Name is Wicks,
'' living m JFarwick-lane, and, as he fxid, apprailed them to 23/. though
" really worth about 40/. But I could never have a Copy of the Inventory
«« of my Goods, nor of the Appraifement, to this Day, and notwithftanding
*' he had thus feized, he keeps Poileflion ot my Houfe, having given the Key
of the Street Door to tlie Watchmen's keeping, who let whom they pleafed
into my Houfe Night and Day, rude Fellows, who fat fmoking and drink-
ing by my Fire, almoft at all Times of the Night, which might be a
great Hurt to my Wife being big with Child, had not the Lord by his
Power preferved her. And one of the Watchmen, a fhabhy Fellow, who
formerly was a broken Fiflimonger, and is now an Hanger-on to Newgate
" and
c<
476 A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. L
LONDON, " andL«^^a/f, carried the Key ofmyStreet-Door abroad with him, andwhatUfc
*«<:• " he made of it abroad I know not : He might, for ought I know, get another
1685. ti made by it, the Confequence of which may be of great Detriment to me.
" The Conftable brought feveral Perfons into my Houfe to buy my Goods,
♦' ftill keeping PolTcffion of my Houfe, and faid to fome that watcht in the
" Houfe, he could turn us out of the Houfe. And the i2th Inftant he com-
" manded a Company of Porters, and began to carry away my Goods, ;and
*' tore down my Bedfted and Curtains, and took away my Bed and Bedding,
" lodging them in the Lord St. Jobn'sy or Earl oi Bolvighrooke's Houfe, having
" Leave given them by one 'Tyfoe, who has the Care of the Houfe ; and came
" down to the Kitchen, where we had a Shoulder of Mutton at the Fire for
" our Dinner, and they would fcarce fuffer the Meat to be roafted for Eager-
" nefs of taking away the Spit and the Dripping-pan under it, and took away
" all the Difhes, that we were forced to fend to a Neighbour's Houfe to
♦' borrow to put our Meat in -, neither did they leave us either Chair or Stool
' ' to fit on, nor Table to kt our Meat on : And before our Servants had done
♦' their Dinner, they took away the Knives from them with which they Ihould
" have cut their Meat, and tore down the Range, throwing the P ire about, and
♦' took it away, with all the Materials belonging to it, and alfo took away
" Goods which were neither in the Inventory, nor appraifed at all, to the
»' \'alue of 8 or 9/. and carried fome of them to the Conltable's Houfe, and fold
" my Coals, near five Chaldron, to one Captain Simmons, who keeps the Dog-
" Tavern near Ludgate for 4/. He came into my Houfe to buy them before
" they were removed. And though the Conftable thus cleared my Houfe,
" and carried away my Goods, yet did he keep Poffeffion of it, and Watch-
'' men in it, till the 13th Day at Night; and I, finding my felf aggreived,
" have entred my * Appeal before Jufbce Reading, which is yet depending.
" Samuel Fox, living in the fame Houfe with Williatn Bingley, for the Fine
" of 20/. impofed on him as aforefaid, and by Warrant from Alderman
" Turner, had his Goods taken out of his Chamber, and the Door broken
*' open by the aforefaid Duncomb Norris, Conftable, in his Abfence, the 12 th
" Day of November 1685. And the faid Duncomb appraifed them at 13/. is.
*' and the next Day fold them for 13/.
" William Bingley.
" Samuel Fox."
*fji'i]i Mary
UKite.
The foregoing Account gives a juft Defcription of the Violence and Op-
prefTion, which the Officers, and thofe whom they employed on thefe Occa-
lions, too frequently exercifed without Controul, And when the Sufferers
complained to the Magiftrates of thefe grofs Abufes, they feldom found any
Redrels.
On the 1 ft of November, Thomas IVebb, for being at a Meeting in JVe/ibary-
flreet alias IVheeler-Jlreet, fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods.
In the fame Month Mary JVlnte, of Spittlefields, was much opprefled by the
Execution of the following Warrant, viz.
'' Middlefex fs.
" To all Churchwardens, Overfeers of the Poor, Con ft able s. He ad-
" boroughs, and all other his Maje fly's Officers of the Peace
" within the Jaid County, and all others whom tbefe Prefents
" may concern.
»' \\J H E R E A S it appeareth to me by the Oaths of two credible
«' W Witneffes, that on the 13th Day of this Inftant November, there was
" an unlawful Aftembly, Meeting, and Conventicle, held at a certain Houfe
" in
* VVc do not find that he obtained any Relief by his Appealing i But w» the groaies
Sufferer by the additional Charge he was put to thereby.
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
477
in ^takers-ftreet in the Parifli of Stepney^ in the County aforefaid, wherein LONDON,
were above five Perlbns befides thoie of the Family, all above the Age of ^'^*
fixceen Years, and Subjefts of this Realm, amongft whom was Mary ^Phile, J^^^S-
of the Parifli and County aforefaid : And an unknown Perfon did then and s-^^V^^^
there take upon himfelf to preach and teach to the laid unlawful AlTembly,
there gathered together under Colour and Pretence of Exercile of Religion,
in other Manner than according to the Liturgy and Praftice of the Church
of England, contrary to an AtTt of Parliament in that Cafe made and pro-
vided, by which Offence the laid unknown Preacher hath forfeited the
Penalty of twenty Pounds, who being unknown as aforefaid, the Penalty by
him forfeited ought of Confequence to be levied by the laid A&. upon the
Hearers and Perlons then prefent, fo that not above ten Pounds be levied
upon any one Perfon, for any one Offence. For which Caufe I have im-
pofed the Sum of five Shillings upon the laid Mary White for her own Offence,
and the farther Sum of nine Pounds fifteen Shillings for Part of the unknown
Preacher's Offence, as the faid Aft doth diredl,
"• Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name ftridly to charge and com-
mand you, and every of you, lorthwith upon Sight hereof, to levy the
feveral Sums of five Shillings, and nine Pounds fifteen Shillings, in all ten
Pounds, of lawful Money of England, or fo much as can be found on the
Goods and Chattels of the faid Mary fVhite^ by Way of Diftrefs and Sale
thereof, rendring the Overplus to the faid Mary White^ if any lliall be.
And if you are refufed Entrance into the faid Houfe, Shop, Cellar, Chamber,
or any Room or Rooms in the PoffefTion of the faid Mary White, that then
after you have declared your Bufinefs, you may by Virtue of the faid Adl
break open and enter the fame lor the better levying the aforefaid Penalties :
And the Money fo levied you are forthwith to bring to me, to be diftributed
or otherwife difpofed of as the faid Ad doth dired; : And for your fo doing
this fliall be your Warrant. Hereof fail not at your Peril. Given under
my Hand and Seal this 23d Day of Nove?nber^ Anno Regni Jacob! fecundi
nunc Anglias ^n'wo. Amwq; Dom. 1685.
" Wm. Cleave."
We fhall next tranfcribe
'' A Copy of an Information againft William Chandler, and others,
'* as follows, viz.
THIS Information is at the Profecution of Capt. George Hilton. Copy 0/ an
Eleanor Sbaftoe and Frances Scolthorp make Oath, that on the 29th of •'»/<"■'«•"'<'«•
November 1685, in the Forenoon of the fame Day, there was an unlawful
Affcmbly and Conventicle, held in a certain Meeting-houfe, fituate in the
Parilh of St. Bennet Gracc-church, in the City of London, wherein were more
than ten Perlons, all above the Age of fixteen Years, befides thofe of the
fame Family, and Subjeds of this Realm, under Colour and Pretence of
Excrcife of Religion in other Manner than according to the Liturgy of the
Church ot England, in which Conventicle or unlawful AfTembly there were
five feveral Perlbns, all unknown, who did then and there take upon them-
lelves to teach and preach to the laid unlawful Affembly, and nomas Farm-
borough, a Cane- Chair-maker in St. Paul'^ Church-yard, * Andrew Anthorpos,
Linen-draper in Cheapfide,. IVilliam Chandler, and Jojhua Kinch, both Fifh-
mongers of New-Fijh-Jlreet- Hill, and Abraham Godwin, Broad-weaver in
Spittlefields in Middlejex, were prefent at the faid unlawful AfTembly.
" Ellinor Shaftoe, ber Mark.
" Frances Scolthorp, ber Mark.''
Vol. I.
6 E
What
* A Miftake, which Ihould have been Binjmin Annobus.
478
LONDON,
&c.
1685.
Commitment
of miiiy to
Prifon.
Wxtrmt for
diftriining
the Goods of
a Conjtabk.
(C
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I
What farther Prccefs was made on this Information doth not appear •, for fuch
Kind of Frofecutions began now to be difcountenanced at Court, and the Juftices
became far more moderate than formerly, as appears by the following Inllance:
On the 6th of December, the following Perfons, being at a Meeting in Long-
Acre, wereconvi^ed by two Juftices of the Peace, and fent toNew-Prifon, but
were difcharged the next Day by the Bench of" Juftices at Hkk's-hall, namely,
Thomas Firth, Elizabeth Pebedy, Robert Halley and his Wife, no?nas Cobb,
William Vaughm, John Clark, Elizabeth Parker, William Flcwcr, Elizabeth
Taylor, Ruth Studder, George Welch, William Hullfide, William Elliott, Jeremy
Waring, Jane Smith, Daniel Sands, Silvefter Mar/hall, Mary Graham, Thomas
Zachary, Sarah Harris, A^ine Beere, Siijanna Hawkes, Elizabeth Gibfvn, Htim-phr-j
Coajl, Elizabeth Hanfon, Margery Green, Thomas Parkins, Benjamin Ltinne,
Martha Fifloer, Elizabeth Peacock, Anne Duke, Elizabeth Smith, William Jacob,
Sarah Lipington, Margaret Rofindale, Sitjanna Emerfon, and Katharine Wood-
ivard.
But notwithftanding the Purpofe of the King, and the general Difpofition of
the Juftices, yet the Laws being not repealed, fome Magiftrates continued for-
ward to execute them, particularly William Cleave, a Mddlefex Juftice, who
having iilued his Warrant for diftraining the Goods of one Tljomas Mincks for
being at Meetings, and the Conftable not fpeedily executing the fame, he
trranted another Warrant to diftrain the Conftabie's Goods for Negled: of his
Duty, a Copy of which here follows, viz.
Middlefex fs.
To all Chiirchwardeits, Overfeers of the Poor, Conftables, Head-
" boroughs, and all other his Majejiy's Officers of the Peace within
*' the County 0} Middlefex, and all others whom it may co?icern.
FORASMUCH as Edward Beaumont, one of the Headboroughs of
Stebbonheath, alias Stepney, in the County of Middlefex, ftands legally
convifted upon Oath before me, for that he having a Warrant of Diltreis
by me granted for levying the Sum of ten Pounds on the Goods and Chattels
of Thomas Mincks, for tlie Offence therein mentioned againft an Aft of
Parliament made in the 2 2d Year of his late Majefty King Charles the
Second, hath refufed and negledled to execute the faid Warrant, and to do
his Duty therein, having connived with the faid Thomas Mir.cks, by giving
him or his Family Notice there was a Warrant againft him, whereby he hatli
forfeited the Sum of five Pounds according to the iaid Ad. Thefe are
therefore in his Majefty's Name ftridtly to charge and command you, and
every of you, forthwith upon Sight hereof, to levy the Sum of live Pounds,
of lawful Money of England, on the Goods and Chattels of the fiid Ed-
ward Beaumont, rendring the Overplus if any fliall ■ be, reaibnable Charges
firft deduced, which faid Money \'o levied you are forthwith to bring to
me,, to be diftributcd, or otherwife difpofed of, as the faid Aft doth direft.
And for your fo doing this fliall be your Warrant. Given under my Hand
and Seal this 2 2d Day of Janmrj, Anno mi. Dni. Jiri. Jacobi Secundi nuric
Regis Anglias, (^c. primo,
Wm. Cleave."
((
((
<c
Not long before this, by a Warrant from the fame Juftice, for a Fine of lol.
one Nelfony Churchwarden of Ratcliff, with a kind of Vagabond Informer
named Ljupton, came to the Houfe of Jahn Sellwoed, a Brewer, to make Diflrefs,
but he being from Home, his Wife and Maid defired them to ftay till he
might be fent for, but they refufed. The Churchwarden ordered tlie Beadle to
fetch a Sledge, with Screws, and an Iron Crow, with which the Infc«:nier
broke open the Door, and entred the Houfe, to die terrifying the Woman and
her
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS. 479
her Children : After which they took an Inventory of what was in the Houfe, LONDON,
which they appraifed at 7/. 10 j. there being but little Goods kft, for this was
the I'eventh Time that the fame Perfon's Goods had been feized for his Con-
ftancy in meeting to worlliip God according to his Confcience, for which his ■■■
Cliriftian Tcffimony he cheerfully fulfered the Lofs of that which by honeft In-
dulVry and hard Labour, through the Bleffing of God, he had acquired.
On the I ith of the Month called February, Thomas Scotton, John Hedges.,
U'tlliam Teaguy, PeUr Kin, Rkbard Harris., Maty Knighi, John Clark, John
WIntebead, Edward Bruflj, and John Hellers, were taken from Devonjbire- houfe
Meeting by Conftablcs, and carried before Sir Robert Jefferies, Lord-Mayor,
wliere lomc of them were bailed, and others fent to the Poultry-Counter. At
the next Seflions they were indided for a Riot, and fined 13J. 4 J. each.
Sarah Cafmire and John Jones v/erc alfo tried for the fame Caufe ; the Former
was acquitted, and the Latter fined 135. 4 J.
On the 15th of the Month called March, after many Reprefen rations of the
Sufferings of this People to him made, the King was pleafcd to iflue his Royal
Mandate as follows, viz.
cC
«c
ic
(C
cc
cC
C(
CI
WHEREAS we are given to underftand that feveral of our Sub-
jedts, commonly called ^takers, in the Schedules hereunto annexed,
are either convifted, or upon Procels in Order to their Conviftion of Pretnu^
nire for Not Swearing, or indifted, or prefented for not coming to Church,
or convicted for the fame, and feveral of them have been returned into our
Exchequer, and in Charge for 20/. per Men/em, according to the Statutes in
that Cafe provided •, and fome of them lie in Prifon upon Writs de Ex-
communicato capiendo, and other Procefies for the Caufes aforefaid, iind we
being willing that our faid Subjefts, and other of our Subjedfs commonly
called fakers, who are or have been profecuted, indicSted, convicted, or
imprifoned for any the Caufes aforefaid, fhould receive the lull Benefit of our
General Pardon, which we have been pleafed to grant to our loving Sub-
jedls by our Royal Proclamation, with all poffible Eafe to them : Our Will
and Pleafure is, and we do hereby authorize, will, and require you to caufe
fuch of our Subjefts commonly called ^takers, who are in Prifon for any the
Caufes aforefaid, to be forthwith difcharged out of Prifon, and forthwith
to flop and difcharge, or caufe to be difcharged, by giving your Confent on
our Behalf, all Fines, Forfeitures, or Sums of Money charged upon any of
our Subjefts, commonly called fakers, for not coming to Church, or fet
upon them upon any Procefs for the fame, as alfo all Proceires, Indictments,
Prefentments, and Conviftions, for any of the faid Caufes, by entring Noli
Profequi, or odierwile as you fliall judge necefTary, for rendring that our
Pardon mofl cffedlual and beneficial tor our faid Subjefts. And for your fb
doing this fhall be you r Warrant.
The Kjvg's
Mandate.
♦« Given at our Court at Whitehall i\i& 15th Day oi March 1685-6, in
'' the fecond Year of our Reign.
" By his Majefty's Command.
To our trujly and Well-Moved « SuNDERLAND, P."
cur Attorney-General.
In Obedience to the King's Mandate the Attorney-General ifTued his
Warrant, viz.
" lAT" H E R E A S the Perfons hereafter named, viz. Benjamin Antrobus,
" V V Thomas Harlow, John Reading, Thomas Scott, John Tyjoe, John Thorp,
«' Thomas Thackery, and Thomas Witchel, who are commonly called fakers,
*' are now detained in your Cuflody upon Writs de Excommunicato capiendo;
** And whereas his Majefty has fignified his Pleafure by Warrant under his
" Royal
The Attorney.-
Cenerars
IFarriint,
480 A Colkdion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON, " Royal Sign Manual, and Privy Signet, dated the 15th of March 1685-6,
^c. «' to me direded : That his Subjefts commonly called ^mken, profecuted,
16S5. n indifted, convitbed, or imprifoned upon Frocefs of Premunire tor notSwear-
■' " ing, or not coming to Church, and Ibme of them imprifoned upon Writs
" de Excommunicato capiendo^ Ihould have the full Benefit of his Majefty's
" General Pardon, dated the loth oi March 1685. And by the fame VV arrant
" his Majefty hath authorized and required me to caufe, that fucli of his Sub-
" jecis commonly called i^iakers, who are imprifoned upon any the Caufes
" aforefaid, Ihould be forthwith difcharged out of Prifon. I'hefe are there-
" fore to will and require you upon Sight hereof, to difcharge the Perfons
" above-named out of your Cuftody, and permit them to go at large, and
" for lb doing this fhall be your Warrant. Given under my Hand this 20th
" Day of March 1685.
^ekife of
T'ifovers.
r>i(ir.:lfet for
Priefi'i Ve-
maiidi.
To the Sheriff's of London, or
their refpettive Deputies.
cc
R. Sawyer.
Accordingly thofe Perfons were fet at Liberty from a long Confinement,
for Benja/nin Jntrobus had been in Prifon two Years, fix Months, one Week, and
five Days •, John Reading one Year, eight Months, two Weeks, and five Days •,
Thomas Scott two Years, nine Months, and two Weeks •, John Tyfoe two Years,
nine Months, two Weeks, and fix Days -, John Thorp two Years, and five
Days ; Thomas Witchell two Years, five Months, one Week, and fix Days ;
and Thomas Thackery three Years, and three Weeks.
By fimilar Warrants from the Attorney-General were alfo difcharged out of
the King's Bench, Samuel Bayly, William Butcher, tVilliam PhillipSy Robert
Bridgman, Nathanael Bland, Nathanael Brajfey, Richard Butcher, George Barr,
John Beachly, Richard Cripps, Francis Ca?nfield, William Ingram, Richard Camion,
Robert Dyer, John Dew, Daniel Deale, John Field, Thomas Fuller, John Green-
way, John Harrifon, John Heywood, Henry Honour, Richard Howard, Walter
Hoare, Walter Myers, Thomas Lounds, William Macket, John Moore, Cornelius
Majon, John Mafon, Thomas Oades, John Ofgood, Alexander Parker, Clement
Plumjled, Dennis Skinner, Zachary Shepherd, Walter Shaller, Jonas Smith, Thomas
Tibby, William Ttllett, Samuel Vaufe, Jojeph Wright, George Watt, and Johx
Wejt. Alfo William Itbell ot Brijiol, and William Phillips. And out ol the
Marshalsea, JohnWithall.
In this Year were taken by Diftrefs for Tithes and Maintenance of the
Parifh Priefts,
From Thomas Lounds, of 5a// and Mouth-ftreet, Goods worth
John Stichbury, of Saviour's, Southwark
Henry Wilfon, of the fame
Ralph John/on, of Ludgate-Jlreet, Joyner
John Cook, of Grace-church-Jlreety Brafier
/.
s.
d.
I
18
8
5
4f
I
19
I
18
7
II
2
13 12
24-
G. Bradford'^
^(xjoas for
not fjying
liihet.
George Bradford, of Bujh-lane, Glazier, at the Su\t of William Bajjet, Prieft
of Swithin's Parifh, for a Demand of 1 6 ;. had his Floufhold Goods taken away
to a much greater Value, of which the Diftrainers rendred no Account. When
the fud George Bradford was cited to appear before the Lord- Mayor, James
Smith, he delivered to him a Paper in Writing, which being pithy and concife
we here infert, viz.
" Reasons given by George Bradford for not paying Tithes.
CANNOT pay them as Tithes, becaufe they belonged only to
the Jews, not C.hrijtians ; Chrift having put an End to that Prieft-
For which I refer to the Apoftle Paul'^ t.piftle to the Hebrews.
«' 2. Not
1
(t
hood
Chap. 25. of the People called QUAKERS.
481
" 2. Not as Miiiijlers Maintenance : For Chrift gave no fuch Commiffion
" to his Miniilers, to compel Maintenance, or to make Bargains with the
*' People tor Preaching. His Commiffion was, Freely ye have received, freely
" give. Therefore thofe that force Maintenance from People, do quite con-
" trary to Chrift's Command ; therefore are not his Difciples, much lefs his
" Miniilers. But to force Maintenance from thofe who have not hired them,
" nor own their Doflrine, is much more an unrighteous Thing : And fliould
" I pay it, I fhould make my felf an Hypocrite : And I am certain I cannot
" be a Chrijiian and an Hypocrite at the fame Time.
*' For thefe Reafons, and many more which at prefent I omit, I cannot pay
*' their Demands, and not out of any finifter Ends, as to fave my Money ;
" for the beft Way to fiive my Money would be to pay it at the firfl: De-
" mand, and not fulTer Diftrefs, which makes it, as Matters have been ordered,
" five Times the Charge of the Demand.
" Wherefore I defire thee, as thou tendereft thy Peace with God, not to
" grant Warrants for People's Houfes to be entred, and Families ruined, as
" many have been, and will quickly be my Lot, it fuch Profecutions, or ra-
*' ther Perfecutions, do continue."
With this plain Man's honeft Reafons for his 'Tefiimony againft compulfive
Maintenance of Men called Miniilers, we conclude our Narrative of the pre-
fent Year 1685, and proceed to the next, viz.
ANNO 1586. In the Month called April this Year, Tloomas Barker,
William Smith, Thomas Lovett, and William Chandler, who had been a long
Time Prilbners in Newgate on Writs de Excomnnviicato capiendo., were dii-
charged thence by the Attorney-General's Warrant ; alfo John Mafon by the
fame Means w.as releafed from Ludgate.
On the 1 8 th of the fame Month, certain Informers, with two Conilables,
Fice and Taylor, came to a Meeting at Devonjhire-houfe : Diverfe Pcribns who
were there, not ^takers, upon their Coming, would have gone our, but the
Conilables and Informers fliut the Doors. Some of the People prell forward
and got out, and the Informers ilruck feveral of them, and lome of them re-
filled. In the Scuffle Chrijhpher Smith, one of the Informers, had his Head
broke. This, though done by they knew not whom, was imputed to the
Friends there alTembled, who had no hand in it, but continued all of them
quietly within. However, the Informers, under pretext of R efiilance, fent for
Soldiers to the Exchange, who brought away Thomas Robin/on, whom the In-
formers had before pulled down from Preaching, and feveral other?, and car-
ried them before the Lord-Mayor, who lent them to Prifon by the following
Mittimus, viz,
" London fs.
" TTJ E C E I V E into your Cuflody the Bodies o^ Thomas Robin fan, David
♦' JA. Shepherd, Thomas Zachary, James Kent, John Mar he, John Horner,
" Thomas Holli'igworth, Walter Shawler, John Webb, Adam Holt, Roger Scar-
*' borough, and Henry Bradley, herewith lent you, being charged by Chriftopher
" Smith and Arthur Clayton, to have this Day made a riotous and unlawful
" AKzmhXy \x\ DcvonJhire-hottfe-Sqtiare, London, in the fuppreffing whereof the
" laid Chrijtopber Smith was dangeroufly wounded : And for Want of Sureties for
" their Behaviour and perlbnal Appearance at next SelTions of the Peace to be
'' held for the City of London and Liberties : And them lafely keep until they
*' fliall be from thence legally difcharged. And for fo doing this fhall be
" your Warrant. Given under my Hand and Seal the 1 8th Day of yf/)n7,
•' Anno Domini 1686,
LONDON,
&c.
1685.
DlfchiTge of
Prifoners.
Mittimus of
1 2 Perfitis to
the Poultry -
Counter.
To the Keeper of the
Poultry-Counter.
Vol. I.
fC
Robert Jeffery, Major^
6 F Ac
482
LONDON,
&c.
1686.
Jndided for
a Hiou
Vefencct
Jletnirks on
the Recor-
der'j Chirac
to the Jury.
9 Terjotn re-
hifeii from
Newgate.
I7mei of ,
ruivy under
profecutions
in the Ec-
clefiaftical
Courts dif-
churged by
i^.JamesV
Commijfion,
A Colleiaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
At a Seffions at Guild-hall, on the 17th of the next Month, they were in-
difted for a Riot, i^c. wherein Chrijlopher Smith was dangeroufly wounded, &c.
Thomas Robwfon, in his Delence, fhewed, that he was aiJ the Time of the
Difturbance under Confinement, wliere the Conftable had put him, and con-
fequently could have no Hand therein. It was alfo proved by the Informer's
own Confeffion, that his Head was broke out of Doors in the Yard, and there-
fore it was infilled on, that thofe who were holding tlieir Meeting within
the Houfe could not do it. The Recorder, in fumming up the Evidence,
endeavoured to incenfe the Jury againft the iVIeeting, telling them. That if fix
Men catne into an Houje and made a Riot, all Perfons in the tiouj'e were guilty of
that Riot. Upon which Thomas Robinfon craving Leave to fpeak a few Words,
the Recorder granted it ; and Robinfon fpake thus. If fix Men come to my Houfe,
and po to the Door, arid beat one another, am I guilty of that Riot ? At which
one of the Counfellors began to laugh, and fo did the Court round, looking
upon the Recorder. The Jury however brought them in Guilty ; and Thomas
Robinfon was fined 5/. and the reft il. 6 s. ^d. each ; and moft of them were
lent back to Prifon for Non-payment.
On the 2d of the Month called June were dilcharged from their Imprifon-
ment in Newgate, for Fines, by Warrant from the Attorney-General, Francis
Stamper, who had been Prifoner two Years, four Months, two Weeks, and
three Days -, Richard fVhitpain one Year, nine Months, and one Day ; Thomas
Mincks two Years, two Months, and one Day -, JVilliam Teagiiy, Peter Kin,
Richard Harris, John. Clark, iind John Whitehead, one Month, two Weeks, and
five Days ; alfo John James one Month, one Week, and four Days.
By the King's Commiffion to the Atnorney-General, not only many in
Prifon were difcharged, but the Imprifonment of many others was timely pre-
vented, who had been under Profecutions in the Ecclefiaftical Courts for not
repairing to their refpeftive Parifti- Churches, and other like Caufes tending to
Excommunications and Imprifonment. To mention all the particular Inftances
of this Kind would be too tedious, wherefore we ftiall content our felvcs with
only reciting the Names of fuch Perfons, as in the City of London, and County
of Middlefex, were relieved from the apparent Danger attending fuch vexatious
Proceffes commenced againft them, viz.
In L O N D O N :
Richard Aldworth, John Barnard, Thomas Baker, George Bradford, Thomas
Braine, George Barr, Edward Brufh, Robert Bridgman, fVilliam Brookbank,
Job Bolton, John Beckly, Samuel Bolton, Tobias Collet, Hezekiah Carter, Thomas
Cobb, Thomas Dry, Walter Enoch, John Ellis, Robert Eafl, John Edridge, Henry
Ford, Edward Goodwin, John Harwood, Richard Han/on, John Hall and his
Wife, John Harrifon, James Humphreys, Ifaac Hemmings, John Light, John
Marjh, Nathanael Marks, John Newton, John Obey, Edward Pierce, John
Peacock, Daniel Skinner, Walter Shaller, Francis Stamper, John Thompfon,
William Vafion, William Walker, Mofes Weft, Thomas Walker, and Richard
Wbitpalne.
In MIDDLESEX.
Patience Aflofeld, Thomas Adams, William Banifter, John Brooman, John
Bocket, James Brown, Edward Biddle, Edward Brook, John Bowater, tVdliam
Brice, Richard Chair and his Wife, DaJiiel Cooke and Sarah his Wife, Jonathan
Cooke, Stephen Cater, Thomas Chandler, Francis Dove, Giles Elcner, Thmas
Flake, John French and his Wife, Thomas Harlow, Samuel Eifo, Anne GoU,
William Gatley, Elizabeth Groojn, George Gihb, Jofeph Guppy, John HalUfidd,
Stephen Hubcrfly, Samuel Hodge, Mary Henler, Richard Hazvkes, Richcird
Heale and Mary his Wife, John Hudfon and Ame his Wife, John Hidcr, Jojepb
Heale, James Lowry and his Wife, William Lodinglon, Thomas Lovett, Dcgory
Marfhall, Thomas "Moulder, Hugh Mofely, Jofeph North, Cbriftopher Newham,
James Nelkam, Thomas Pocock, ^Peter Prince, Francis Plum/led, Gerard Roberts
and his Wife, Wdliam Ricbardfon and Hannah his Wife, Jolm Richards,
Richard
Chap. 2 5. of the People called QUAKERS.
Richard Spot and his Wife, John Sheffield, James Strittt, Robert Scotting, Edward
Sivifl and Anne his Wife, Henry Saul and Elizabeth his Wife, IViUi.vn Smith,
Fraiuis Smith, Jofeph Taylor, Thomas Farmhorougb, John Vaughton, Mary IVhite,
Ezekid Wooley, Thomas Somerfield, John Winter, Nathamel fFells, fVilliam Wejl,
Chriftopher Ward, and Jojeph Yates.
Befide the Peribns before-named, feveral others were by the Attorney-General
relieved from Profecutions depending againft them in the Exchequer and Crown-
Office, on the Statute for 20/. per Month, namely, William Chamberlain,
Richard Collett, Thomas Underwood, William Lowtbwaite, Samuel Hallifield,
Thomas Prigg, and Samuel Waldenfield.
On tlie I ft oi Decetnber this Year, George Whitehead and Gilbert Latey, being
admitted to die King, reprefented to him the Hardfliips which had befallen
their Friends, in regard to their Meeting-houfes at the Park in Southwark, and
at die Savoy in the Strand.
The Cafe of the Park Meeting-houfe was thus :
About the Month called May 1685, the Soldiers came to the Meeting-houfe,
and inadc Part of it a Guard-houfe : They did great Spoil and Damage by
pulling down Pales, digging up and cutting down Trees, carrying away and
burning them, with the Wainfcoting and Benches : They carried away one of
the outer Doors, and many of the Cafements. Afterward, when they were
drawn out to the Camp, they lek the Houfc open to any Body : Upon which
John Potter., the Owner of it, cntred again, and made up the outer Door, and
did fome other Repairs, and had a Survey of the Damages done, which
amounted to above 40 i.
The Soldiers, returning again from Camp, poflcfled themfelves of the Place
in the following Manner, viz.
On the 2 2d of OHober 1686, a Quarter- Mafter belonging to Colonel
HaiUs's Regiment, came to die Chambers of the faid John Potter's Tenants,
and demanded Entrance, which being denied, the Quarter- Mafter, with the
Help of Soldiers, broke in, handed away their Goods, and turned out three aged
Women to another Houfe •, and when they had taken Pofleftion of the Meet-
ing-houfe, and Rooms below, they pulled down the Galleries, and made a
Brick-Wall crofs the lower Rooms, with many other Alterations, as if they
intended to have the fole and perpetual PoiTeffion to themfelves, having made
a Place for Prayers, (or a Mafs-houfe) at one End inclofed from the reft by
the laid Wall. John Potter, the Owner, feveral Times fhewed to the Colonel
his Leafe of, and Title to the Place : But it availed nothing ; he and his
Soldiers, regarding neither Law nor Equity, kept PolTeflion, and flill con-
tinued there.
The Damage fuftained by their long Detention of his Property, the Spoil
done to the Place, and the Wafte and Deftrudtion they had made, was com-
puted to amount to about 150/.
At the Savoy alfo. Friends were kept out of their Meeting-houfe many
Weeks by Guards of Soldiers who had taken PofTcfTion of the Place.
The Reprefentation made by George Whitehead and Gilbert Latey of theie
Matters to the King, and of the Unreafonablenefs and Illegality of the Pro-
ceedings, took fuch Effcdf, that within a few Weeks after he caufed both thofe
Meeting-houfes to be reftored.
In this Year William Chandler, oi Fi/Jj-ftrect-hill, for a Claim of 3/. 10 s. yd.
for Dr. Ivory, Prieft of Magnes and Margarets, had his Goods taken by Dii-
trefs to the Value of 10/. And Ralph Johnjbn, oi' Martin's Ludgate, for 25 i.
demanded by Dr. Felling, fuftered by Diftreis to the Amount of 2/. 125.
In the fame Year Richard Kirton, of Kenjington, for a Demand of 22/. 3?. 6d.
for Tithe, had taken from him by an Execution at the Suit of William Wiggan
Prieft, three Horfes and two Cows worth 30/. lOi. lie had alfo taken from
him by Tithe-farmers, in Corn and Grain, to the Value of 31/. 10 s.
Likewife William Kirton, of Kenjington, for a Demand of 18/. for two Years
Tithe, had taken from him by an Execution, at the Suit of the fame Prieft,
three Horfes and three Cows worth 23 /. 5 j.
Tiken
483
LONDON,
&c.
1686.
Ifi th: Ex-
chequer ani
Crown.
OfHce.
Cafe of the
Park JHeit-
ing-boufe.
ani of the
Savoy Mf«f-
vig.
Meeting'
houfes re-
flared.
Diflreffes.
Profecutiins
of R. Kirton,
and of W.
Kirton.
484
LONDON,
&c.
1686.
Freedom re-
fufed for lick
of Smearing.
Meetings held
in Pence'
Karnes of
fonts worthy
aid valiant
Sufferers and
Tejiimori)-
Bearers.
ViJhe/fiS for
Pricjh Main-
temnce.
A Colleaioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Taken 3.\[o from fVilliam Pbillips, of Pudding-lane, for 4/. 10 s. demanded
by the Parifh-Prieft, Goods worth 61. 14.S. 9 J. From Henry Doggett, of
Black-Friars, tor 12 s. Sd. demanded, Goods valued at 1/. ys. 6d. Alio
Hannah Perry, oi Hoio!d/diuh, was imprilbned in JVood-Jlreet-Counter for Tithes,
at the Suit of an Impropriator of the Tithes of Bijhopfgate Parifh.
In this Year alio, leveral DiftrefTes were made by Warrants from fome of the
Lieutenancy for retufing to contribute to tiie Charges of the Militia, by which
were taken from Chrifiopber Jacobs, Thomas Mincks, John Stokes, Tlooinas Barkery
"Thoinas IFitham, Simon Marjhall, and John Robinfon, Goods to the Value
of J I. 6 s.
Peculiar was the Cafe of Jojeph lutnjon and Richard Eiters, who having
ferved an Apprenticelhip, and being legally intitled to their Freedom of the
City, becaule they could not take an Oath, were denied their rightful Privilege
of Admiflion, though they offered to give Bond for performing the Contents of
what was ufually fworn to.
Before the Conclufion of this Year, the Fury of Perfecution, as to religious
AlTemblies, was much abated, and the Meetings were generally held in Peace.
The Storm had continued many Years with little Intermiflion, and the Courage
and Conftancy of thofe who pafTed through it was very remarkable, particu-
larly thofe who frequently expofed themfelves, at the Hazard of their Eftates,
Liberties, and Lives, for the Sake of their publick Teftimony to the Tnith,
by preaching in the Aflemblies for Worfhip at London, efteeming no Worldly
Intereft too near or dear to part with, that they might be found in the faith-
ful Difcharge of their Duty in that Refpedf. Wherefore in Juftice to their
Memory we fhall clofe this Year with a Lift of the Names of fuch ot them,
both Men and Women, as at prefent occur to our Notice, viz.
MEN.
Richard Almond, Benjamin Antrobt4s, John Brown, John Butcher, Nathanael
Ball, IVilliam Bingley, Jajper Batt, Samuel Bolton, Ihomas Btidd, Nathanael
BrajTey, Robert Barclay, James Claypoole, Stephen Crijp, Jofeph Cadle, Nathanael
Ducket, John Edridge, Benjamin Freeman, Samuel Fox, John Field, 'Thomas
Floyd, Robert Langborne, Robert Lodge, Satnuel Goodacre, George Fox, IVilliam
Gibfon, James Goodwin, Roger Langworth, Thomas Green, Nicholas Gates,
Theophilus Green, Thomas Gilpin, Edmund Harrijon, Charles Harris, Patrick
Livingftone, Ralph Johnfon, Richard James, Jonathan Johnfon, John I(:lborne,
Daniel Monro, James Martin, Gilbert Latey, John Miles, Richard Needham,
John Newton, John Heywood, IVilliatn Penn, Cletnent Phanjied, James Parke,
Tbo7nas Robinjon, John Rallett, Jofeph Rogers, JVillia?n Stovy, Ambrofe Rigg,
Richard Steaton, Francis Sta?nper, Anthony Tomkins, John Tyjbe, Thomas Sandi-
lands, John Taylor, John Vaughton, George PFbitehead, IVilliam Tileby, Samuel
fValdenfield, Robert T'ore, and George PVatt.
WOMEN.
Elizabeth Bathurft, EJiher Biddle, Elizabeth BraJJey, Lucretia Cooke, Joane
Cooke, Sujanna Dew, ]\/lary Edwards, Mariabella Farmborough, Elizabeth Fuller,
Anne Gold, Hannah Marjhall, Anne North, Lydia Oades, Elizabeth Ollive, Mary
Plumjled, Mary Peacock, Elizabeth Stamper, Rebecca Travers, Joane Vokins,
Ifabel Teaman, and Mary Wheeler.
Thefe Women were of excellent Endowments, adorned with all the Virtues
of that Sex, and very ferviceable to tjie Church in the Office of the Miniilry,
for which they were peculiarly gifted, being elfeemed by their Bretliren as
Fellow-helpers in the Work of the Gofpel of Chrift, and not unlike the Dea-
coneffes in the firft Ages of Chriflianity.
ANNO 1687. Taken for Prielts Maintenance, by Warrant of John Pea-
cock Lord-Mayor, from Edward Harijlwell, for 1 /. is. demanded. Goods
worth I /. 1 7 J. 6d. And from John Edridge, tor 2 /. 5 ;, demandeti. Goods
worth 3 /. lis. 6d.
Takea,
Chap. 25- ^ /^^ People c^//^^ QUAKERS, 485
Taken alfo from Richard Ktrton, of Keri/ington, forTithe, 7 ^^i
Com and Hay worth J • :33 9 .o.,-., 1687,
And from fVilliam Kirion, of the fame Place, Corn 7 „^ ^X^T^'^^^-
and Hay, to the Value ot j.. ^ '^^ o ^^ ,^^
55 19 o
And for refufing to pay toward the Charges of the Militia^ were taken
/. s. d.
■from Samuel Wilkinfon^ of Pelham-Jireeij Goods worth i , 1.5;, jq
.J Robert Chalkley, oi Rooth-ftreet, ;., :„ . i. , »|,fi(,- -ftj^
^ ^yf.JphnPantling undi Thomas Powel ■^ iS - 9,Hi
.■■■' ' ■ J'Ji
7 2 11
..ANNO 1688. Takea-ia this Year, for. Titlie, from .the aforefaid Richard
Kirton and William Kirtoti, Corn and Hay worth 52/. 3;. cd.
From John Starr, oi Brides Parifh, for 6j. 4^^. de- 7 o i
anded. Goods worth/'/ / c, / 1 ! ^j" o ^ 7t
And from John Clark, of the fame," for ^s. 6d. Goods worth o 11 10
Taken alfo for the Trained- Bands by Warrants from die Lieutenancy,
I I, s. d.
From John Horner, John Stokes, John Robert fon, "Thomas \ f. (:
Mincks, and TJjomas Baker, Goods worth J- I {^^"ms-"^ -•(•''• 1
Thomas Witham, Simon Mar/hall, Jonatloan Statu- 7 ,■!■; ,, y.-"^ S :i'".H^''^»
wor^, Robert Pate, -xvid William Collar d .• Xjir-.^/j^ fiP .riorfjiai
John Haddon, Thotnas Baker, Thomas Mincks, John <■ fi^i^ ^1 .^ , ^ m
'U;i".,, 'Lee, and Si?nonmrJhall > ^a"; " •y.aaX'y-r^ 'r;^*F--,
■ Willia7n Robin/on, Thornas, Witbam^r^jia^h Culfittfi, -{ij. -■ . - -jab^
.s-jii-jj- . t^Jiioiiui/-. to jqmaJuo'J y. )i?iv7 mirl 3;'" '1 ',: ',"'i %H
•jmiT ••;;:(•! r; vii 3d stmIw jnoHil oj ff35 i )j3fnfi2o-ji
^ -ib^i'^'c r u r '-^^ '7' ■ i J* V-^^»'XUtTi^ iTcr: :=rb;o i.: / ALvdi nl.
iVof^, Some ot thefe Perfons had; tnejr Gpods feized.atfeveral. Times jn.
this Year. ' • • r
On the 17th of the Month called May this Year, Dii»iie(\Wharky /^a.s-id\t~
charged from Prifon, where he had been feveral Years 'for 'refufirig to'^anfwer
upon Oath in CAa«ffn'« ' , ,, , , •., . . (ii,— -, , .j • ••,••«
ANNO 1689. Taken for Tithes, andPrieft's Maintenance, .v.'.-i.'l jT » -SSa
From Daniel ^are, oT Exchange- Jlley, 'Plutc worth ,,',!;?,,, 3;,". j"o,^,'f]i;i^j. •*»%*
William Sprofon, oi Saviour'' s, Southi/vark, Goods vfonh o ;..]^2;j.,/j^ ;.
Richard Needham yjt.M ■, i\ ...o,.-' 7'''ulA "
Richard Baker, oi Bkck-friarY,]^. .'\ .i [Pjv i^'lIivS- •'
Ralph Johnfon, oi Martin's Ludgaie >i v-^wxts^l^. H. -J"^ ■'
George Barr y ^ ^
Richard Kirton and William Kirton,, oi Ken/ingtotty, "J j ^■^ •.; v:\4^ .^
Com and Hay worth ' ; ,,, Uoi> J*^ / '?. V
64 10 'of
vf, « yd ,T<,. .'.^^^n<J', 'I03 ode ?rv/ mirl /fiiW
Vol. I. 6V ANNO
486
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
LONDON,
&c.
1690.
Mve Dip-
trejfet m
London.
ANNO 1690. Taken for the Priefts of their refpeftive Pariflies,
From LafceU Metcalf, of Grace-church-ftrett^ Goods worth
Michael Lovel, of the fame
Daniel Dale, of the Old-Change
Elizabeth Caftmire^ oi Nag/head-Court
William Bingley^ of Cheapfide
I.
I
4
t
5
I
s.
18
7
»4
12
5
a.
o
3
7
o
14 17 4t
Having thus gone through the great Variety of Sufferings undergone in thi«
City and County, within the Period of Time afljgned us, we proceed to relate
the Occurrences of like Nature, which the fame People were exercifed with in
the County of Norfolk.
CHAP. XXVI.
Imprisonment
ef R. Hub-
kerthom.
T
Ififtimas tf
J. Lancafler
$t Norwich
GtO.
Anno 1654.
H E firft fuffering Cafe which occurs to our Notice in this County,
was that of Richard Hubberthorn, who for his Chriftian Concern to
exhort the People alTembled in the Stceple-houfe at Wymotidbam,
after the Prieft had ended his Sermon, was committed to Bridewell,
and from thence the next Day fent to Norwich Caftle, and kept there till
Seflions. On his Appearance there, the Caufe of his Commitment was dropt,
and the Juftices took Occafion from his prefent Appearing before them with his
Hat on, to charge him with a Contempt of Authority, and under that Pretence
recommitted him to Prifon, where he lay a long Time after.
In the Winter of the fame Year, James Lancajler^ for warning the People in
the Streets of Norwich^ was committed to Prifon by the following Mittimus,
-liicf JSLorwich fs,
*' npHESE are to require you to take into your Coftody James tancajler
" X herewith fent, who lately came to this City from North-Seal in the
*' Ifland offValney in Lane a/hire, and can fhew no lawful Caufe for his Coming
»' hither, but only to declare the Truth, as he calls it, and did in the publick
•« Market-place in this City gather together a great Company of rude and idle
" People, to the Difturbancc of the Peace of this City, and him fafely keep
•♦ untill he fhall be delivered thence according to i^?w : And hereof tail not.
•' The 9th oiDectmber 1654. •^"^*" '^ "
^0 Mr. Edward Shent, Keeper
of the Common Goal in the
faid City.
tc
Thomas ToIcTE, Majfor.'*
With him was alfo committed Chrifiopher Atkinfon, by a Mittimus of the
fame Date and Dire<5tion as fellows, vix.
Nfrwich
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS,
« JSiorwicb fs.
487
*(
«
THESE are to require you to take into your Cuftody the Body of
Chrijlopher Atkinfon herewith fent, who lately came into this City from
Kendal in IVeJlmorlandy and can give no Account of his Livelihood, nor
fliew any lawful Caufe oi his Coming hither, but only to declare the Truth,
as he calls it.
" Thomas Tofte, Mayors
About the fame Time George Whitehead^ for uttering a Chriftian Exhortation
to the People in Peter''% Steeple-houfe in Norwich, after the Prieft had done,
was fent to the fame Prifon, where not complying with the Coaler's extrava-
gant Demands for Lodging, they * lay in their Clothes on the Floor : At the
next Seffions for that City, James Lancajler and George fFhilehead were dif-
charged by the Court, but ftill detained by the Coaler, under Pretence of Fees,
fcveral Weeks longer, till the Coaler died ; and his Widow, of a more merci-
ful Difpofition, fet them at Liberty. Thus they, by their Patience and Meek-
nels, gave approved Tokens of their Innocence : While Atkinfon, being of a
more rough Temper, for uttering fome bitter Expreflions againft his Oppofers,
was detained longer in Prifon by Adlions laid againft him by a Prieft and an
Attorney, and he giving way to Heat and Anger, fell from the Tendernefs ot
his firft Convincement, and miniftred Occafion to the Adverfaries to fpeak
reproachfully.
Not long after this, nomas Simonds, for afking a Prieft, after his Sermon,
a ferious Queftion refpefting his DoSlrine, was committed to Norwich Caftle :
And George fVhiiehead, going to vifit him and another of his Friends under
Confinement, was by Order of the Mayor detained there about three Weeks,
without any Caufe, but the arbitrary Will and Pleafure of that Magiftrate.
About the fame Time Dorothy IVaugh, for teftifying againft Sin in the Market-
place at Norwich, was kept Prifoner in the City Goal near a Quarter of a Year.
ANNO 1655. nomas Bond, being at an Independent Meeting in Great-
Tarmouth, after their Preacher had done, found a Ncceffity upon him of fpeak-
ing to the Aflembly, which he began to do, when one of their Elders, or Dea-
cons, interrupted him, by thrufting him down over an high Seat, to the pn-
dangering of his Life, and after that dragged him into the Yard v when
attempting again to fpeak to the People, he was taken and fent to Prifon,
where he lay among Felons, and the Goaler would feldom admit any of his
Friends either to vifit or relieve him.
Richard Clayton and Elizabeth Court, being under the like Concern, and en-
deavouring to difcharge their Duty, by exhorting the People in the Steeple-
houfe at IVymondham, after the Prieft had concluded his Service, were, for their
Good-will, ill requited with Impnfonment. Alio Edward fVarne, for attempt-
ing the fame good Office to a Congregation met at JVaJlJield, was committed
to Norwich Caftle, and at the next Seifions fined 5/. Likewife Alice Day, for
the fame Caufe, fuffered a long Imprifonment at Norwich.
ANNO 1656. Robert Jacob, of IVymondham, was chofen Conftable when
he was fo old and infirm, that in Reafon and Juftice he Ihould have been ex-
cufed from that Office, neverchelefs he was fummoned before the Juftices, and
becaufe he would not Swear to execute an Office he was not fit for, was com-
mitted to Prifon. The fame Perfon fhortly after was again committed to Prilbn
for refiifing to pay Tithes, and died in Prifon for luch his confcientious Refufal,
when he was eighty Years of Age. In this Year alfo John Goddard, of Rock-
land, being fummoned to ferve on a Jury at the garter SeJ/ions, appeared there,
but refufing to be fworn, was fined 5/. and for not paying it was fent to Prifon.
IVillum
/
NORFOLK.
1654.
Mittimus of
C. Atkinfon.
G. White-
head jent to
Prifon.
J^mnrlit on
ihe different
Tempers of the
Su§erers.
Commimetit
of mnj to
Trifon.
Jmprifornmnt
and other
Abufei of
T. Bond.
A
Diverfe other
Imprifon-
ments.
£>eath of
R.Jacol) in
Prijon, I'ein^
So 7eiri of
Jige.
Imprifonment
of Others.
* This was no fmall Hardfhip, erpecially to Gcorg^e Whitebetd, then a Youth of about
eighteen Years of Age, and tenderly educated.
488
NORFOLK.
1656.
A charitable
injiiiice.
Other Impri-
jonmnti.
Diflr(Jf:s.
Pifirejfes and
Jmprij'o>ime»t
for Tithes.
^ Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.;
William King, on the fanie Occafion, alfo refufing to Swear, was fined -40 J.
Thomas Dormer, of 'tajlingham, refufing to take an Oath when required at
SefTions, was by the Juftices fined gs. One of the Bench, who knew, the Man's
Converfation and Integrity, declared his Diflike of what they had done, agd to-
prevent his Neighbour's Imprifonment paid the Fine in Court.
. John Clifton and Henry Lone, were uken out of a religious Meeting,; and
committed to Prifon without any Breach of Law affigned. About the lame-
Time John Jllen, of Lammis, for having a Meeting at his Houfe, was com-
mitted to Prifon, and when at Seffions that Caufe of his Commitment appeared
infufficient, the Juftices, from his appearing before them with his Hat on, took
Occafion againfl him, and required Sureties for his good Behaviour, which he
refufing to comply with, was continued in Prifon.
In - this Year alfo feveral Perfons, for frivolous Demands of Tithes, amount-
ing but to lis. had their Goods taken away to the Value of 4/.
ANNO 1657. In this Year, for Tithes demanded of feveral Perfons
amounting to 1 9 /. 9 J. 5 J. Goods were taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 51/.
1 6 J. 6d. Willimn Barber was profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, and in
September committed to Norwich Caftlcj where he continued a long Time.
Henry Ward, of Helgay, had Goods taken from him for Tithes, to the Value
of 13/. And Chrijiopher Good, of Markham, to the Value of 5/.
ANNO 1658. Taken from feveral Perfons in this County, for 18/. 19^.
claimed for Tithes, Goods to the Value of 42 /. 1 3 ^. 6 f/.
ANNO 1659. Abraham Howes, John Goddard, and Henry Gpddard, y/erc
imprifoned in Norwich Caftle, on an Exchequer Procefs, though the Prielt, their
Profecutor, had entred the Lands of the two Latter, and taken what Corn he
pleafed -, and for a Claim of 5/. for Tithes, had taken from the firft of them
two Cows worth 11/.
. ANNO 1660. The barbarous and inhuman Treatment which this People
uiually met with at their religious Meetings in Norwich, is exprefied in the
following Letter fent to the Mayer and AIderme?i of that City, bearing Date»
A Letter re*
litjng the bar-
barous Vfage
ef the People
at Norwich.
(.(
u
tl
n
" The 2d of the Fourth Month called June 1660. , ■ ■
Friends, • . .
PON the Firfl'-day of the Week, we being n\et.in our ufual Meeting-
place, together with other Friends, to worihip the Lord in Spirit and
1 ruth, and to wait for Refreshment to our Souls from his Prefence, there
came into.our Meeting-place one Chrijiopher fiennet y Apprentice to Zachary
Mahew in Aujlin'i Parifh, John Sadler in Pauh Parifh» and John Salmon, Ser-
vant to theBrewhoufe without Pickthorp-Gate ; thefe Perfons being chief Setters
on of others, came amongft us, and with much Cruelty fmiting, punching,
and pulling fome of us by the Arms to hale us out of the Meeting, with fuch
Violence as if they would have torn our Limbs from off our Bodies, and with
Rigour pufhing us from one to another, dragging about, and affronting us
with many unbecoming Adtions, and with cruel Mockings •, and by thefe
Perfons we have long fuffered much Cruelty, and by others whom they
animate and encourage, whofe Names are unknown to us, who -ngither
fearing the Law nor the Magiftrates, have broke open the Gate of Jofepb
Whit lock, and have broke a new Bar and two Locks from off it, one after
another, and have broken a Lock of an inner Gate, and the P'irfi:-day of
this Week broke open one of his Doors, and threw another off the Hjnges,
their ufual Cuftom being to difturb our Meetings, with throwing of Stones,
breaking the Windows, which is to the Value of forty Foot of Glals, thump-
ing us on the Back and Breaft without Mercy, dragging fome moft inhunianly-
by theHair of the Head, and fpitting in our Faces, abufing both Men and Wo-
men, with other violent and unleemly Aftions unfit to be mentioned, alio with
throwing of Fire, and drawing Blood Icveral Tmics, and feveral of them
getting upon the Table, have violently thrown themlelves down upon the
Heads ot Men and Women, and ha.ve taken the, Mir? .out of the Streets,
. • , / " and
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS.
489
and have thrown it at the Friends, fome of them holding the Maid of the NORFOLK.
Houle, whilft others daubed her Face with Gore and Dung, fo as the Skin 1 660.
of her Face could hardly be feen. We doubt not but fome of you, to whofe
Ear the Cry of thefe Cruelties are come, are grieved that fuch Wickednefs
fhould be committed, and the Evil-doers not terrified, nor the Peaceable and
Harmlefs protefted in this City, but that the Authority and Magiftracy
thereof fhould be flighted as it is, and difregarded by a Company of wicked
lewd Fellows of the bafer Sort, fuch as alTauked the Houfe of "Jafon^ for fo
they behave themfelves as fuch, whofe prefumptuous lawlels Minds (if they
fhould have an Opportunity) would not Itick to aft the like Cruelty even upon
your felves ; therefore we thought meet to give in thefe Perfons Names
as lome of the chief Diflurbers, and are ready upon their Examination to
give Teflimony concerning their Carriages, that they may be dealt with as
you in Juftice fhall fee fit for fuch Offenders, we have fufl'ered much long
by them and others they encourage, who have fundry Times drew the Blood,
and rent the Garments of feveral, fmote and much abufed us, who, if we
were Offenders, we know are not to fuffer by them, but by you who are
over the People to do them Juftice, before whom it hath been offered
them by feveral of our Friends to appear, if they had any ELvil to lay to
their Charge. Many more Abufes we have fuffered which we could mention,
but that they be too tedious, thefe being fufficient to let you underftand the
Cruelty and Wickednefs by which thefe People were afted, that fo they
may be reftrained, the Parliament having Ihewed their Moderation in re-
ftraining thofe in fome Meafure, which are thus rude in London.
" Signed by John Fuller, Edward Monk,
" John Backhouse, Isaac Marriott,
" Tobias Roe, Thomas Buddery,
" Robert Green, Edward Mason,
" William Massam, Samuel Duncomb."
The foregoing Letter was prcfented and read to the Magiftrates as direfted,
but. they werefo far from regarding the juft Complaints therein contained, that
they fent the Bearer of it to Prifon, though under another Pretence, viz. his
having put up ibme Papers, giving Notice of a Meeting appointed, and in-
viting the People to it : Under this Colour they required Sureties for his good
Behaviour, and for refufing to be fo bound, committed him to Goal.
On the 1 5th of the Month called January this Year, the Conftables of
Emnelh, without producing any Warrant, took Thotnas Laycock and Richard
Saunders out of their Beds by Night, and next Day carried them before a
Juftice, who tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing to take it
ient them to Prifon at Lyn, where they were kept ten Days till SefTions, and
*-'ien removed to Norwich Caftle, whither one Robert "Turner accompanied
them, in order to bring back their Horfes ; but he going to vifit his Friends
confined in the Caftle, the Mayor fent an Officer for him, and becaufe he
would not take the Oaths, fent him to the City Goal. On the fame Day Sr. John
Buck was taken out of his own Houfe by a Conftable and Watchmen, and
carried before the Mayor oi Norwich, who, though there appeared no reafonable
Caufe to fufpeft his being difafFefted to the Government, yet becaufe he would
not Swear, committed him to Prifon.
On the 17th, at the Quarter Seflions, Thomas Bayly and John Rack were
fined 40 j. each for refufing to Swear, and for not paying that Fine were fent to
Prifon. On the 20th, a Juftice of the Peace, with armed Attendants, came to
a Meeting at Erpingham, and took from thence John Jllen, John Soame, and
Henry Miller, whom he committed to Prifon. At the fame Time he ordered
the Women to be dragged out of the Meeting by Force, with tliis Threat,
Toil were warned once before ; this is the fecond Time, and if you meet the third
Time, we are for killing and faying. On the fame Day John IVaifon,
Vol. I. 6 H 1 Bartholomew
fern to I'rifon.
SevCd iinprl-
fmed for rt-
fufive. to
Swear.
Many Impri-
fonmenii, jtid
Oibir Abufe$,
Threats of a
^uflice tcrkf
490
NORFOLK.
1660.
Sundry tmfri-
foned [for re-
fufing ' to
Svusr.
Otberi fer not
piying Tithes.
liidiBments.
Imprifonmems
dnd Dijireffes
for Tithes.
Vnhfdthy
Confinement
tf many at
Vannoutb.
A Colledlioii of the Sufferings Vol. L
Bartholomew Flegg, and William Sherwood, taken out of a Meeting at U^y7id-
ham, were ient to Goal for refufing the Oath ; as were aJfo Michael Shipp and
Edward Fmeyard, whom they took out of the Meeting. And on the fame
Day the High-Conftable, with Horfemen and Footmen armed with Halberts,
Piftols, Swords, Pitchforks, Clubs, and Hedgeftakes, came to the Meeting at
Pulham, and in Time of Prayer rudely dragged out John Laurence, Jofepb
Laurence, William Barber, George Whitehead, and others, whom they carried
next Day before a Juftice, who lent them to Prifon. And on that Day alfo,
Henry Kettle jun. Anne Kettle, Elizabeth Winter, Mary Goddard, John Cockeril,
Edward Rack, Siifan 'Taylor, Robert Elding, Margaret Elding, Elizabeth Day^
Jofeph Whitlock, Edmund Garnham, and Andrew Bucknam, moft of whom were
taken, by a Captain and ten armed Men with Swords drawn, out of their
Meeting at Kilverjlone, were committed to Thetford Goal.
On the fame Day, the Mayor and Recorder of Norwich tendred the Oath
■ of Allegiance to Edward Monk, Thomas Buddery, John Fuller, William Majfafn,
Edward Mafon, John Ruft, David Read, William May, Samuel Duncomb, and
Robert Turner, and for refufing to take it committed them to Prifon, though
feveral of them were poor Men, whole "Wives and Children futfered at Home
for Want of Neceffaries, which they ufed to be fupplied with by their Labour.
On the 2 5th, Henry Ward, of Helgay, was taken out of his Bed early in
the Morning, and Peter Gill from his Labour, and both of them, for refufing
to Swear, fent to Prifon. And on the 26th, John Wymer, of Machtim, going
homeward from Yarmouth Market, was taken by the Watch, kept Prifoner
that Night, and next Day had the Oath of Allegiance tendred him by two
Juftices, who alfo tendred the fame to his Wife who came to vifit him,
and fent them together to Norwich Caflle. And on the fame Day William
Farmer, for the fame Caufe, was fent to the fame Prifon, having been taken
from his own Houfe at Cripplejha?n.
On the 27th, John Hewett, William King, Thomas King, Robert King, John
Parding, Henry Peed, Thomas Barrett, John Wat/on, and Matthew Bacon, being
met at the Houfe of James King in North-Wal/ham, the High-Conftable, at-
tended by Perfons armed with Swords, Halberts, and other Weapons, rufhed
violently in, dragged them out, and carried them before Juftice Rant, who
refufed to aft againft them ; fo they were kept that Night in an Alehoufe, and
next Morning carried before two other Juftices, who committed them to the
Caftle at Norwich.
In this Year alfo, Matthew King o{ North-WalJIiam, WiUia..i Tilney of Ayl~
Jham, Henry Halls the Elder, of AJhbee, Benjamin Lines of Coulton, and Robert
Tillet of Harlyn, were committed to Prifon in Norwich Caftle for refufing to
pay Tithes.
ANNO 1661. At a Sefllons at King's-Ljn, in October, Bills of Indicftmenc
were preferred againft Bartholomew Hewlet, Chriftopher Goad, and Edward
Cafe, for not repairing to their refpcdlive Parilh-Churches to hear divine
Service, and for not finding Sureties to appear to anfwer thofe Indiftments,
they were committed to Prifon. And in the fame Year, Anthony Oakley of
Ellingha?n, Thomas Tubbin of Claxton, and John Wynne of Markham, for re-
fufing to pay Tithes, were imprifoned in the Caftle at Norwich. And Robert
Tdlet of Harlyn, for the fiime Caufe, fuffered Diftrefs of two Cows worth 6 /. lox.
ANNO 1662. William Hadkins, William Thirton, John Hajlings, William
Mead, Jfaac Mils, Robert Camplin, George Bragg, Thomas Lawes, William
Bennett, William Ward, Henry Downing, Joane Heard, Sarah Meade, Joane
Caftell, Margaret Haylett, Magdalen Fuller, Anne Stubbs, and Elizabeth Clements,
were taken out of a Meeting at Yarmouth, and fent to Prifon, where they were
kept in a Dungeon without convenient Food, Lodging, or other Neceflaries,
nor had they any Place of Eafemenr, except a Tub ftanding in the Room, tlic
Smell of which was very ofl^enfive, nor were they permitted to empty it, till
by fpecial Application to the Bayliffs of the Town, that Favour was granted
them : After which they were removed into an upper Room, and on the 1 7th
of
491
NORFOLK.
1662.
Several im-
prifoned in
Norwich
Caflle.
3 rut into the
£>u>!geon.
Imprifommnti
for Jitkes.
Hiri. Imprh
fonment 4;
Lyn.
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS.
of September, at the Seflions, the Women were fet at Liberrj', and not long
after the Recorder difcharged the Men alfo, there having been no regular Pro-
cx'fs againft them. The Bayliffs difpleafcd at their Relealc, prefently committed
them again by a new Minimus^ ot which when they defired a Copy, it was
denied them.
On the 9th of Nove>nbei; Jofeph Wbitlock^ Edward Monk, and Bavid Read,
were taken at a Meeting in Jofeph fVhitlockh Houfe by an Officer with Soldiers,
and a fhort Time after, Robert Green, Tobias Roe, H^illiam May, and Samuel
Duncomb, coming thither with the fame Intent of Meeting, were alfo appre-
hended, .and prefently after them, Ifaac Merritt, 'Thomas Buddery, DariielDay,
"John Dey, and Ed-ward Ma/on ; they were all carried before the Deputy- Lieute-
nants, who committed them to Norwich Caftle, where three of them were lockt
down all Night, in a very frofty Seafon, in the loweft and worft Dungeon in the
Prifon : After fourteen Days Confinement they were brought to Trial at the
Seflions, but it not appearing to the Jury that they were a Number lufBcient
to make their Affembly unlawful when the Soldiers took the iirft of them, they
were acquitted.
In the fame Year, Abraham Hewes of Hockham, and William King of Sufficld,
fuffered Imprifonment for their Teftimony againft paying Tithes.
ANNO 1663. On the 7th of the Month called February, Edward Shooter,
Robert Turner, John Taxley, Tlwjnas Waller, Jofeph li'hitwoi-th, John Haflewood,
Jofeph Townfend, Anthon-j PreJloti, and Benjatmn Townfend, were taken out of a
Meeting at Lyn by Soldiers, who after they had expofed them for feme Hours to
the Derifion of the Rabble, carried them before the Mayor, who, for their
refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, fcnt them to Prifon, where they were
kept a long Time, lodging on tiie bare Boards without any Fire, and when
Straw was brought them to lie on, it was taken away and given to the Felons.
Of thefe Perfons, fo ufed, the firll: named fix were Inhabitants of that Town,
and the other three. Traders who came to the Mart, one of wliom had a Family
at Lincoln, another dwelt beyond Northampton, and the third, Benjamin Townf-
end, was a Man of large Dealings, who fufibred much in his Trade by tliis
Confinement, having fix Pack-horfes ftanding at great Charges at an Inn, and
much Goods, fome of which were greatly damaged. Under this cruel Confine-
ment they continued above five Montlis, and then
ANNO 1664. At a SefTions held on the 27th of the Month called July,
the Oath was again tendred them in open Court, and upon their Refulal to
take it, an Indidtment was drawn up againll them, but their Trial put off, and
they were again committed to Prifon, where leaving them to ftruggle with the
Hardfhips of their Captivity, we proceed to relate the very hard Cafe of eight
others of their Brethren, Sufferers at Tarmouth, as written and figned by them-
felves, vix.
" WJ ^ whofe Names are underwritten, comin^x.o Greit-Tarmoutb'm Nor- ■^•"'^ C^fi "f
*' VV folk, about our lawful Occafions, (and one being put into that Har- ^/"/"'"'''^ «'
'* bour by contrary Wind, when he was returning to his Habitation in Holland)
'' we were upon the Firft-day of the Week met together in a peaceable Manner,
*' and not in the leaft to the Terror of the People, or to the Difturbance of
*' the Peace of the Town or Kingdom ■, and having enjoyed our Meeting
*' peaceably, and being in a Readinefs to depart, at the very Inltant of Time
'* came in a Lieutenant with a Conftable, together with diverfe Soldiers
*' and others that accompanied them, and they took the Names of moft of the
*' Men and Women that were prefent, but as for us that were Strangers, they
*' carried us to the Main-Guard, where they kept us that Night, and the next
*' Day we were carried before the Baylifl's of the Town, to whom we gave a good
" Account of the Occafion of our Coming to Town, and of our Determina-
** tion of departing out of the Town fo foon as our Bufinefs was dilpatched,
*< and that the Wind ferved (for five of us belonged to one Veffel that was
." coins
Jieccmmittei
at Sejfionst
492 A CoUeftion oj the Sufferings Vol. I
NORFOLK. " come to the Town to take in Red- Herrings for the ^trails) but whatfoever
1664. " we faid in our Defence, itfeemed to be little regarded by them.
'* And when they had examined us a little they produced their grand Snare,
" to wit, the Oath of Allegiance, which for Confcience-fake we could not
" take, nor any other Oath whatfoever, whereupon they committed us to the
*« Common Goal, with a ftrift Order (as we were told ieveral Times) that
'' none of our Friends fhould be permitted to come at us, nor that no Manner
" of Provifion fliould be brought in unto us, and the Goaler being ready to
*' obferve their Order, we were kept near upon eight Weeks fo clofe, that in
" all that Time the Door was not once opened by the Coaler's Order (that
" we know of) to let in any Provifion to us, and we being fhut up in an high
" Chamber, were therefore fo much the more ftraitned. And when the Baylifi^
«' were fpoken to concerning the Coaler's fevere Dealing with us, they or one
of them replied, that Tlx-j would carry him out in what he did, and that we
Jhould not have any 'Thing but what we had of the Goaler. Howbeit, after-
ward we had fo much Privilege as to have our Vidhials handed in at the
Door. We have now remained here above twenty three Weeks, and have
not yet been brought to any farther Trial. And we could fay much of their
Cruelty towards us fince we have been committed, but the Lord hath given
us Patience to bear the fame for his Truth's Sake, in which we
innocent Sufferers.
' Robert Raine,
' James Crow,
' John Rent
' William Caton,
<c
remain
Yarmouth, the 14th of thi
Seventh Month i66f^.
Edward Andrews,
Stephen Nichols,
Edward Coxere,
John Hobson."
Sentence of
Prjemunire
pdffed. on 8
Ferfons at
Dsith of
E. Shooter.
Suiien Dtitb
»f a Godir.
16 Imprifomi
at Norwich.
4 Sentencid
to Tranfforti-
Leaving them in Prifon, where the farther Time of their Continuance is
uncertain, we return to thofe nine Perfons, already mentioned in this and the
preceding Year to be continued Prifbners at Lyn, where,
ANNO 1665. They were brought to Trial at the SefTions, held on the 2d
of the Month called Jpril, upon an Indiftment for refufing the Oath of Alle-
giance, when after a fhort Examination their Anfwers were recorded /iro ConfeJJby
and tlie dreadful Sentence of Pramunire was pronounced againfl them, under
which they, cheerfully fulfering for their Chriftian Teflimony, returned to
Prifon, where the cruel Coaler debarred them of the ufual Liberty of Pri-
foners, for he clofed up the Windows of their Room with Boards, fo depriving
them of Light to work by, and in a great Meafure, of Air, infomuch that
one of them, Edward Shooter, through the Hardfhip of that clofe Confine-
ment, died there. This Goaler, Ralph Emerton, was a Perfon of a rugged,
morole, and mifchievous Difpofition, of which the following Inftance is re-
corded, viz. As Anthony Preflon, one of the Prifoners, was flanding behind the
heavy thick Door of the Coal, the Coaler came and threw the Door with
\'ioleiice againft him, intending to have crufhed him between that and a Stone
Wall, againft which he ftood ; but was providentially prevented by his fudden
perceiving it, and breaking with his Hands the Force of a Blow which might
have deflroyed him. To thofe who faw the malicious Purpofe of the Coaler
therein, it was very obfervable, and made a deep ImprefTion on their Minds,
whenj but a few Hours after, they faw the Contriver of fo much Harm to an
innocent Man, fiiddenly taken ill, and dead in his Chair.
About this Time 'Thomas Buddery, Edward Ma/on, tViUiajn May, fVillia?n
fFaymer, John Defrance, Samuel Duncomb, Edward MoJtk, Peter Hewett, Tobias
Roe, Robert Green, PFilliam Rennet, David Read, Edmund Seivel, PP'illiam Fal-
lowfield, Peter Gill, and John Ruft, were impriibned at Norwich, having been
taken at their religious Meetings in that City, and fent to Coal for refufing
to Swear.
At the Quarter ScfTions, held at Norwich Caftle on the 20th of the
Montli called February 1665, Henry Kettle jun. and Robert Eden, both of
Thel/ord,
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS.
netford, Richard Cockerill of Snares-hill^ and Edmund Rack of Kiherjion, con-
vicled of the third Offence in meeting together, were fentenced to be carried
Iroin thence to Tannouth, and from tliat Port to be tranfported to Barhadoes lor
Icven Years.
ANNO 1666. Hcnr'j Walker c\ Afl:ihee^ imprifoned on an Execution for
Tithes, died diis Year a Prilbner for his Teftimony : And in the fime Year,
nomas fVatfoHy a poor Man of Fakenham, was fined 60/. tor three Months Ab-
kncc trom the National Worfhip on the Statute of Queen Elizabeth, and
though utterly unable to pay that Fine, was taken from his Wife and three
Children, and committed to Norwich Caltle : As was John Heath, of Sparl,
fined in the like Sum for the fame Caufe. And for the lame Caufe of abfcnt-
ing themfclves from the National Worfhip, John Booty, a blind Man of Strat-
ton-Myles, and Elizabeth his Wife, futfered Imprifonment in Norwich Caftle ;
as did alio Samuel King of Barfer.
ANNO 1667. Jofeph Harrijon, Edmund Peckcver, William HetnpJloH, Samuel
Tubby, and Alice Williamfon, having been prolecuted on Indidments for negleft-
ing the publick Worfhip in their refpeftive Parilli-Churches, fo called, were
committed to Prifon. And in this Year Hilary James, oi Snethm'on, was pro-
lecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, and by an Attachment out of that Court,
committed to Norwich Caftle. And to the lame Prifon were alio committed
about the fame Time, James Fulcher of Lammis, Peter Gill^ ami Nicholas
Phillips, upon Profecutions for Tithes. . ,
ANNO 1668. Thomas Berrier and Robert Berrier, both of Upwell, and
Simon Gee, having been profecuted in the Ecclefuftical Court tor Tithes, were
by Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, dated the 1 8 th of Jidy this Year, com-
mitted to Prifon •, as was about the fame Time, Francis Gardener,' tor the
like confcientious Refufal to pay Tithes. And in the fame Year, William Monk
and his Wife, both very aged, were fent to Prifon for their Nonconformity to
the Manner of Worfhip by Law eftabliflied. ". ■ry^'■^\
ANNO 1670. On the 29th of the Month called y^n7, John Hubbard the
Elder, of Stoke, had his Goods taken by Diftrefs, for his own and his Wile's
Abfence from the publick Way of Worfhip, to the Value of 80/.
After the coming out of the Conventicle- Aft in this Year, great Spoil was
made in this County, fcveral bale Fellows taking up the Trade of Informing,
and the Juflices readily complying with their avaricious Purpofe by granting
their Warrants for Diftrefs, by which were taken as follows, viz.
493
From Robert Allen, of Buxton, Goods worth
Henry Appleyard, ot SaxUngham
Matthew Bacon, of Norlh-lValJham, and Andrew
Banfam, of Banningham
William Barber, of Gejfing
William BiJIjop, of PVymondham
John Brown, of Fritten, and Elizabeth BidweU,_
ot Taxham
* John Booty, of Stratton-Myles
Thomas Dormer, of Saxlinghatn
Lewis Geedy, of Hempenhall
Robert Goodwin, of Saxlingham
Jofeph Harrifon, of Fakenham
John Halls, of Shotijhain
Elizabeth Halls, of Saxlingham
John Wade, of Twyford
Robert Southgate, of Twyford
}
f
I.
o
40
o
21
I
7
31
8
27
32
29
s.
13
15
^..
II
■8
o
10
o
10
I
o
o
13
2
d.
NORFOLK.
1666.
Death of
H. Walker in
Trifon for
Tnhis.
Commitment
of Otbirs.
Others impri'
fined.
Severul im-
prjjonei by
IVriis dc
Excom. Cap.
Di[irejfiS,
Diftrejfef By
the Coyiven-
tiik-M.
. o .(
o
o
o
o
6
o
o
6
o
Vol. I.
6 I
Carr. over
272
* ^obn Booty had been blind about twenty Years.
494
NORFOLK.
1670.
L/^VXJ From
A Colled:ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Brought
over
-.t^^
B^y in-
formers.
Ciptm Crop,
ley's Cruelty.
Hugh Shelterhatn, of Twyford
Richard Pulling, of Saxlingham
William IVafey^ oi Bardfwelly John Goodwin, of ">
Tafeborough, 'Dmnas Tyrrell, ot Hardwick, and >
Mary Johnjon j
* Luke Lindoe, of Seaming
Edward Pearfe and Thornas True, of Eaft-Dereham
William Stonnuckf of Cranworth
Robert Lafi and Samuel Pike, of Ellingham
Peter Gill and John Soams, of Aylfham
William Seaming and John Hewett, of Banni7igha7n
William King, of North-Walfiatn
Robert Peartree, of Edgefield
William Hempftoll and Edmund Peckover, of Fakenham
Henry Miller, of Wickmore
Jeremy Lucas, Grace Palmer, and yf»«^ Palmer
Edward King, of Wymondham
Frances Pulbam, of Runball, and William Free- T
?«rt«, of Altleburgh j
-}■ 7o^« y^//(?;z, of Lammis, and 7o/j;i Reeve, of Ayljham
John Laurence, of Wramplingham
Elizabeth Roufe, of Ayljham, Abraham Houfe, of
Rujhford, and Robert King, of Sivafield
Edmund Rack, of Kilverjion
William Garnham, Mary Town/end, and Robert
Spurgin, of Thetford
Henry Kettle, of RuJJoford
Henry Goddard, of Hockham
Thomas Money and Francis Gardener, both of TivetJJjall
}
}
272
4
I
23
3
155
47
16
26
15
3
40
2
40
14
26
10
9
3
J.
2
5
12
12 II
I
o
I
o
13
2
I
O
5
o
13
10
12
6
o
7
o
8
6
4
o
o
o
o
6
o
o
o
6
o
o
6
o
2
O
17 o
4 O
o o
762 lO II
About this Time William Barber, of Gejfing, w;\s committed to Prifon on %
Significavit of Excommunication procured by the Priefl of that Parifh, who alfo
afted the Part of an Informer againft him for being at the Meeting, for which
he was fined as is before mentioned. Of thofe who were aftive in molefting
rehgious Meetings, about Thetford, was one Captain Crapley, who without War-
rant from the Civil Magiftrate, would attempt to difperfe the AlTemblies by
Force of Arms : And when they afked for his Commiflion fo to do, he fhewed
them his Rapier : And one of them not going at his Command, he beat him
on
* Luke Lindce had all his Beds taken away, with other Goods, lb that himfelf, his Wife
and Children, were conftrained to lodge on Straw in the cold Winter Seafon.
•f The dud^ohn Allen was airo fant to Goal by the following Mmmzi/, viz.
" Norfolk is.
•' 1 herewith fend you the Body of fobn AUm, of Lammis, wh6 refufeth to take the Oath
" of Allegiance, and hath feveral Meetings and unlawful Affein biles at his Houfe, under
«' Pretence of divine Worlhip, contrary to his Majefty's late Proclamation. Thefe are
" therefore to will and require you in his Majefly's Name, hini fafely to keep as yourPri-
" foner, to ani'wer this his Contempt at the next Affizes and General-Goal-Delivery, holden
" for thi^ County at the Caftie of Norwich : And hereof fail not. Given under my Hand
" and Seal this 5th Day of •?«?;« 16; 1.
7o the i^eeper o[ the IQvg's Goil
it the Caftie of Norwich, er t*
leis JDeputj in his Abjeme.
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS, 495
on the Head with his Stick, and kickt him on the Back, to the endangering of NORFOLK.
his Life, i'o tlut he was fick tor a confiderable Time after. 1670.
On the lodi of die Montli called July this Year, two drunken Informers,
Wright and Spendlove, (one of whom in his Cups had faid, We -will eat of the
Fat, and drink of the Sweet, and the Rogues [the ^takers] Jhall pay for all.)
came to the Meeting at Norwich, and having procured a Warrant, caufed
William Wa^^mer, Thomas Buddery, Anthony Alexander, John Riijl, Edward
Monk, Anne M^itlock, Thomas Plu7n(ied, Ifaac Gofs, and Robert Miles, to go
with tliem before the iMayor. As they paffed tlie Street, the People afked.
Who were the Informers ? Some oi tlie Friends anfwered, Thefe are the In-
formers, pointing to them. Upon which die PeopJe exprefled lome Diflike of
their Practice. Hence thofe Informers took Occafion, and complained to
AugujJin Briggs, IVTayor, and Francis Bacon, Steward, that they were in Danger,
and afraid of the People. Whereupon tlie Mayor lent five ot the Friends to
Prifon by the following Mittimus, viz.
" Norwich fs.
WE fend you herewith the Bodies of Thomas Buddery Woolcomber, Mittimus 0/
John Rujl Sawyer, Edward Monk Woolcomber, William Waymer 5 ^fy<"'i '»
BodcUcc-maker, and Anthony Alexander Tanner. Thefe are therefore in his ^'"'J''''"
Majcfty's Name, to will and require you to receive and keep them in your
Cultody, till they fhall feverally find fufficient Sureties for their feveral
Appearances at the next General Seffions of die Peace, to be holden for this
City aforefitid, or be otherwile lawfully difcharged. And hereof fail not
at your Peril. Given under our Hands and Seals the loth of July, in the
2 2d Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King Charles the Second,
Annoq; Dom. 1670.
T'o the Conflablcs of St. Peter'i of
Mancraft, in the Citv afore- ^^ , -p -.^
Jaui, to convey to the Keeper of ^ l^'GT. iJRIGGSj Maj'Or,
the Common Goal, to receive *^ Fra. BaCON."
the faid Perfons according to
this Warrant.
Although this Mittimus expreffed no fuch Caufe of Commitment, yet a Bill
of Indidlment was drawn up againfl: them for a Riot, and prefented to the
Grand Jury, but they refufed to find it. As for Amie Wbillock, at whofe
Houfe the Meeting was, they fined her 20/. btit her Goods not being worth fo
much. Part of that Sum was levied on others, according to the Diredtion of the
Warrant, which was as follows, viz.
" Norwich fs.
«' \717 HERE AS Anne Whit lock, of the Parlfli of St. Edmund in this iVdnm for
" VV City aforefiiid. Widow, doth fland duly convided before us y^/(g-f//?i« Diftrejs.
" Briggs and Francis Bacon, two of his Majefty's Juflices of this City afore-
*' liiid, for wittingly and willingly fuffering an unlawful Afiembly and Con-
" vcnticle to be holden in her Houle upon Sunday the joth of this Inffant July,
♦' contrary to the Statute in that Behalf lately made and provided, and there-
" upon flands fined by us the Sum of twenty Pounds for this her firfl Offence
" againft the fiiid Aft.
" Thefe are therefore in his Majefty's Name to will and require you, and every
" of you, forthwith to levy the iiiid Sum of twenty Pounds by Diftrefs and Sale
" of the Goods and Chattels of the fiiid Anne Whitlock, rendring to her the
" Overplus. And if flie fliall not have fufficient Goods and Chattels, whereby
*' the faid twenty Pounds may be levied, then to certify the fame unto us, that
" the
496 A CoUeaion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
NORFOLK. " the fame may be elfewhere levied.- And for your fo doing this fhall be your
1670. " Warrant. Given under our Hands and Seals this 20th of July 1670.
" AuGT. Briggs, MajoVy
" Fra. Bacon."
To the Conjlabks of Feybridge
PFard, and to either of them.
Soon after were taken by Diftrefs for Meetings in the iaid City, as follows, viz.
Vifirers for From John Defrance, Goods worth
Meetivgi. Anthony Alexander
IVllliain Waymer
Samuel Dmicomb
'Thomas Buddery
Anne IVhitlock
60
/.
s.
d.
I
6
28
2
19
20
18
6
I
8
Letter of
S. Duncomb
and A. Alex-
ander.
Samuel Duncoifib and Anthony Alexander appealed to the Quarter Seffions, but
found no Redrefs, the Mayor and Steward not fuft'ering the Witneffes againft
them to be produced to their Faces, but the Records of the Court, which had
been fworn to in their Abfence, were taken for Evidence againft them ; nor
were they allowed any Copy of thofe Records before their Trial. They appre-
hended themfelves to be very unjuftly ufed, and reprefented the Hardfhip of
their Cafe in the following Letter to the Mayor, Steward, and Court oi Alder-
men, viz.
o
Friends,
, U R Oppreffion is more than we ought always to bear in Silence :
_ You cannot be ignorant how fome of us have fuffered feveral Ways,
fometimes in our AlTemblies by the rude Multitude, Ibmetimes by Impri-
fonment, and fometimes by thofe called Ecclefiajlical Courts.
" And now we are upon the Brink of Ruin by the Lofs of our Goods, ^c.
whereby we are made harbourlefs in our own Houfes, and the Widow and
the Fatherlefs have been forced to wander from Place to Place for a Night's
Lodging, which caufed Tears to trickle down the Cheeks of the Fatherlefs
Children, which has even melted our Bowels to behold. And what would
you have us to do ? Do you think we are only wilful, and refolve lo to be ?
Do you think thefe Things are pleafing to our own Wills (as we are Creatures
compafTed with Flefh and Blood, as you alfo are) thus to fuffer ? The Lord
be Witnefs in this Cafe whether it be fo, (as fometimes fome of you upbraid
us) or whether it be not, becaufe that Impulfe he has upon our Souls and
Confciences conftrains us to wait upon him, (according to his Light made
manifefl in us) to regulate, reform, and lead into the Life of his Son. And
for our thus Waiting upon him in the Spirit of our Minds, have we deeply
fuffered.
" And Ibme upon the late A&. have made themfelves Inform.ers and Wit-
neffes againft us, (Parties and Witneffes both) who would Swear upon
* Suppofition, and falfely for their Advantage : And yet their Oaths were
allowed in our Abfence : And when fome of us addreisM our fclves to the
Mayor, this was his Anfwer, He could not help us, but advifed us to make
our Appeal -, and when it was anfwered, // 7nay be he would take Offence againft
us fur it, he aniwered, TVo, he wijht it might take Effe£t. But when it came
" to
* The Infortrers had fworn that Jmhonji Akxtin.Ur was at a Meeting, though they had not
Icen him there.
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS. 497
*' to Trial, he and the Steward appeur'd rcfolv'd Men that it fhould never go NORFOLK!
" on our Sides, and hinder'd the Procedure of our Appeal : And becaufe you 1670.
" might iee the Jury could not have brought it in againft us by the Witneffes
" Face to Face, being bat one, and the Act laid t'-jjo, (and he a Party) you
" made the Records, which were fworn to in our Ablence, to be the F>i-
" dence againft us, and preft it upon the Jury, that if we were there it was
" enough, whether we committed Facl againft the Law or no. Or is that the
" Fact, being at an Houle above five ? Does the Aft forbid that ? O you unjuft
" Judges, would you be thus dealt with your felves ? Think you it not enough
" tor us to lutfer the Penalty of the Aft when we do an Exercife that it forbids,
" but you will make us fufTer before, fuppofing we intended it? Do you deal
" thus by Felons ? If they be taken in a Place where they have ftolen, and you
" fuppofe they intended to have done it again, do you punifla them upon Sup-
" pofition of their Intentions ? Surely no. But do you not punifh us becaufe
" you fuppofe we intended to wait upon God (which is not Evil) though we
" did not fpeak one Word ? Is there not a Complaint upon Record againft
" thofe who made Men Offenders for a Word .'' And you make us lb for none
" at all. Did you think with your felves, we muft have fullered from others
" if we had not from you, and that we had as good from you ? It it muft
'' have been fo, we had rather it had been fo for your Sakes, for furcly the
" Hand of the Lord will be fhortly ftretched forth againft you for thefe unjuft
" Proceedings. The Severity of the Law pretended againft us, you would
" have executed, but you would not let us enjoy the Mercy of it, or what Re-
'' lief it affords. Would you be willing to be dealt fo by in the fame Cafe ?
'' The Rod that the Lord fufters to lie upon our Backs now, it will be but juft
" you fhould feel it upon yours. Think upon that : And then who will you
" have to plead for you .'' For we have done you no Wrong, nor never in-
" tended it, the Lord knows. So we have not given you juft Caufe thus to
" proceed againft us. And your pretending there is a Law againft us, and you
'' were forced to proceed thereby, will not hide your Enmity by which you
" have afted againft us ; for you go contrary thereunto by punifhing us when
" there is no Exercife committed or pretended contrary to the Aft. And you
*' carried it fo highly againft us, that thofe we employed to plead in the
" Caufe, we perceive, were afraid of your Diipleafure, and fo were fubordinate
" to your Wills, and thereby would not plead it fully according to their Judg-
" ments. And we were ignorant we might fpeak in our Cafe our lelves,
" (according to Law) having retained them to plead it for us. So we have fuf-
" tered on every Hand : Well, we do fee there is none to plead our Caufe in
" this Matter but the Lord, who will certainly do it in his own Time : And
" when he utters his Voice by his Judgments upon you, then flaall you know,
" it's a fearful Thing to fall into the Hands of the Living God, with whom it is
" a righteous Thing to recompenfe Tribulation to them that trouble fuch as do
" them no Wrong. And have not you gone about to take the Staff out of the
" Lord's Hand, and prefumed to intrench upon his Prerogative, viz. to punifh
" People for the Meditation of their Hearts and Spirits, by Pretence of your
*' outward Law, when they do no outward Exercife in Words or Aftions ? And
" do you not think the Lord will arife againft you for it, and be terrible to you in
" the End, it you do not repent ? You have been Prefidents in this Cafe, which
♦' tends to the Ruin of many, and fo you have the more to anfwer ; but we
" wifh you may find Mercy from the great Judge of all the Earth, though
♦' we did not from you. But you muft alfo expeft Judgment, and that with
" Severity, if you do not fpeedily repent, and give Teftimony thereof in
" Words and Deeds. And therefore be not high-minded, but fear ; for the
** Lord can quickly blaft your Honour, and difperfe your Riches. And Woe
«' to them that fpoil when they were not fpoiled, (or encourage them that leek
*' fo to do) liirely the Lord's Hand you will feel heavy tor thefe Things. Wc
Vol. I. 6 K " " cannot
498
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
NORFOLK. « cannot fow Pillows under your Arm-holes, but wifh you well as we
1670. "do our felves,
*->"V"VJ " Samuel Duncomb^
'^ Anthony Alexander.
Mittimus of
S. Duncomb
tni A. Alex-
ander.
letter 0/
S. Duncomb
to xhe Magif-
trues.
" p. S. You have always faid to us, (by your Proceedings againft us) Bow
* ' down your Souls that we may go over you. But the Lord will not always
»* fufFer you fo to do."
The Mayor fo highly refented this Letter, that he fent them to Prifon tor
fcandalous Expreffions, by the following Mittimus y viz.
(C
Norwich fs.
THESE are in his Majefty's Name to will and require you to take
into your Cuftody Samuel Duncomb and Anthony Alexander, and them
fxtely keep, until they fliall find good Sureties for their Appearar.ce at the
next Seffions, for fcandalous Expreffions againft Mr. Mayor, and Mr. Stew-
ard, and the Court of Aldermen, and that they in the mean Time be of the
good Behaviour: And hereof fail not. This nth of January 1670.
To the Keeper of the Common
Prifon in the faid City.
cc
AuGT. Briggs, Mayor"
Samuel Duncoj?ib, being in Prifon, fent a fecond Letter to the Magiftrates,
being as follows, viz.
*' Magiftrates !
A S I know I ought not tu feign a
Love with Diffimulation to Ihun
_ _ Sufferings, fo I know I ought not to let Sufferings cxtinguifh that
which is without, as it hath not, though I cannot write to you ib as to pleafe
you : I confefs, I wifh I could lay llsu are far from OppreJJion : And it
grieves me that I muft on the Contrary fay, Tou Tnanifefted your Forwardnejs
to flretigthen the Oppreffors, rather than to relieve the Oppreffed, when, (ac-
cording to legal Proceedings) you could not have done any otherwife, it you
had given us thole Advantages the Law doth allow : But you put us by
having the Evidence viva voce, according to the ancient Trial of Juries, and
put us upon difproving that which was fworn in our Abfence, and would not
grant us a Copy of it before our Trial, that we might know thereby what
we had to defend, but at our Trial we mufl difprove that we knew not
what before, or lofe our Goods, fo juft furprized us : As it you had in-
tended it on purpofe to be a Snare for us. And for complaining tliereof to
be unjuft, our Liberties are taken from us, our Trades and Credits expofed
to utter Ruin, whereby you have added OpprefTion to Oppreffion.
" If it be hard to you to bear the laying thefe Things before you, you may
confider what it is to bear the Suffering of them, viz. Lojs of Goods, whereby
we have been forced to lodge in Straw ; LoJs of Liberty, Spoil of Trade, Spoil
of Credits, and the Detriment that you know accrues to young Tradefmen
thereby. So that we are unable to maintain our aged Parents, and Relations,
and Others, as we did help to do when we enjoyed them. Is it not flrange
that the Steward fliould appear fo tender-hearted toward Felons, as to de-
clare openly, // is better to err in Mercy than in Judgment ; and be fo hard
to us as to err in Judgment thus to the ruinating of us. I remember I have
read, that King Charles the Firfl, in his Sufferings exprefV, that he was fcnfible
there was nothing worfe than legal Tyranny, that is, Oppreffion under Pretence
of the Execution of a Law, for you know Tyranny is not legal. And it
may be judged how averfe he was to it, by liis Judges Proceeding (no doubt
" by
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS,
by his Diredions) in the Trial of John Lilburne (at Oxford I think it was)
who was adlive againll the King in hoftile Arms : Yet the Judges gave him
all the Advantages he could take for the Prticrvation of his Life, whereby he
did obtain his Deliverance : By which the King was more honoured, than it his
Judges had taken away Lilbunte's Life, by hindering him ot his Advantages.
And we are not feditious Seclarics, or difloyal Perfons to the King, nor ever
were, nor can be lb proved, whofe Praftices only the late Aft takes hold of,
and not the Practices of any other Perfons, as you may clearly underftand, if
you pleafe to perufe the Preamble of it. So leaving thefe Things to your
tender Confideration, I remain
" Tour Prijoner
499
NORFOLK.
1670.
cc
Samuel Duncomb.
'■'■ p. S. I believe fome of the Juftices, that fit in Court at our Trial, were
" not iatisfied with the Proceedings therein, yet inafmuch as they were filenr,
" they cannot be excluded."
ANNO 1672. The following Perfons, being comprehended in tlie King's K^U^h of
Letters Patent under the great Seal of England, were this Year difchargec} out ^''^'i'^''^"^-
of Prifon in this County, viz. Edward Sconce, Nicholas Rujlon, Henry Kettle,
Edmund Rack, Thomas Cocherili, Robert Elden, Thomas Munford, Robert Gozv-
fell, Edward Beatley, Jofeph Harrifon, Edmund Fattefon, Mar-j drake, Anne
Holloway, Lewis Gedge, Thomas PFatfon, and lViUia?n Heinpficll. ■ .
ANNO 1 674. Remarkable in this Year were the Sufferings oi Jojeph Suff^irings of,
Harrifon, a Butcher, dwelling in or near Fakenbam : This Man, notwithlUnd- J- Harrifon.
ing the Severity of the Law, and its rigorous Execution, ceafed not to admit
religious Meetings to be held in his Houfe, and endured with Chriftian Patience
the Penalties ot his fo doing, though often repeated •, tor on the 3 i ft of the
Month called Auguft, the Parochial Officers, with a Warrant from Sir Cbrijlopher
Calthorpe, a Juftice of the Peace, took from him a Bullock, and five Sheep,
worth 5 /. and about three Days after, they took from his Stall in the Market,
Beef worth il. 12 s. On the 1 6th of September they took out of his Orckird
three fat Bullocks worth 9/. And on the 23d, a fat Bullock worth 3/.. 10 f.
On the 1 4th of Ot?o/'^r, two Bullocks worth 61. And on the 28th, a Milch
Cow worth 50 J. And foon after that, an Horfe and a Mare worth 4/. And in
the Months called Jayiucwy and February the fame Year, they feized at three
feveral Times his Meat in the Marker, to the Value of 3 /. 7;. 6d.
In this Year alio, Edward Pickling, of Trunk, was committed to Prifon for
rcfufing to pay Tithes, at the Suit of Robert Thick/ion^ Prieft of the fame Parilh.
ANNO 1675. Thomas Murford was ^reknicd at the Quarter SdBons i a
Copy of which Prefentment is as follows.
Imfrifonmer.t
ej Ei EitJw
liflg.; ,. .-',-;.
'' City of Norwich, and County "i ^
" of the fame, ity^. J"
(C
CI
((
BE it remembred, that Jofepk Tenifon, Gent, as well for our Lord, the prefe>um;m
King, as lor the Poor of the Parifh of St. Peter's of Mancraft in the of T. Mur
City aforcfaid, as for himfelf in this Behalf, in his proper Perfon cometh ^°'^'-'*
here in Court of our Lord the King, of the General SclTions of the Peace
and Oyer and Terminer, holden at Guild-hall, in the City atbrefaid, on Mon-
day being the 12th Day of July, in the 27th Year ot our Sovereign Lord
Charles the Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France', and
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, ^c. before John Manfer^ Mayor,
and Francis Bacon, Efq-, Steward of the fame City, and other his AfTociittes,
afligned Juftices of the Peace of the City aforeiaid, and County of the fame
City, to be kept -, and alio to hear and determine diverfc Felonies and Tref-
palTcs, and other evil Deeds perpetrated in the Ciry aiorelaid, and County
" of
•.^olA
.nciiinrfi
500
NORFOLK.
1675.
Jnfrifontnents
and. Profetu-
tions for
Tithes.
i/lore Suffer-
ings 0/ Jofeph
Harrifon.
Difirefs on
W, Barber.
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
of the fame. And as well for our Lord the King, and the Poor aforefaid,
as for himfelf, giveth the Court here to underftand, and be informed, that
Thomas Miirford, late of the aforefaid Parifh of St. Peter, of Mancraft,
in the City aforefaid, and County of the lame City, Yeoman, who for
one Year laft paft, before the Day of the exhibiting this Information, w;is
an Inhabitant within the Paifh aforelaid, and by the whole Time aforefaid
was of the Age of fixteen Years and above : And that the faid nomas
Murford, from the firft Day oi/lpril, in the abovefaid 27th Year of the Reign
of our now faid Lord the King, until the fecond Day of July in the Year afore-
faid, viz. by three Months next tbllowing after the atbrefaid firft Day of
Aprilf did not repair to his Parifli- Church in the Parifh aforefiid, nor to any
other Church, Chapel, nor ufual Place of Common-prayer, and divine Service,
on any Lord's Days, or other Days, ordained and ufed to be kept as Holi-
days, happening between the aforelaid firft Day of April and the aforefaid
fecond Day of Jidy, but voluntarily and obftinately hath forborn the lame by
the Space of three Months, the aforefaid 'Thomas Miirford not having a lawful
or reafonable Excufe or Impediment for his Abfence, contrary to the Form
of the Statutes in the Parliament at Wepnbijier, in the County of Middlejex,
holden in the Years of the Reign of our late Sovereign Lady Elizabeth, late
Queen o{ Etiglandy &c. the ill and 23d in that Cafe made and provided,
by which the laid Thomas Miirford, by Virtue of the Statute aforefaid, made
in the 23d Year of the Reign of the laid Queen, hath forfeited to our now
faid Lord the King, to the Poor of the Parilh of St. Peter, of Mancraft
aforefaid, and to the aforefaid Jojepb Tenifon, fixty Pounds of lawful Money
of England, viz. twenty Pounds for every Month of the aforefaid three
Months : Upon which the faid Jofiph Temfon requireth of the faid Tboma?
Miirford, for our faid Lord the King, for the Poor of the Parilh of St Peter'i
of Maytcraft aforefaid, and for himlelf, the aforefiid fixty Pounds by the
fiid Thomas Miirford fo as aforelaid forfeited. Whereupon the faid Jofeph
Tenifon^ who as well prayeth a third Part, according to the Form of the
Statute made in the faid 23d Year, as well for our laid Lord the King,
and the Poor afcH-efaid, as for himfelf, prayeth the Advice of the Court here
in the Premifes, and due Procefs of Law to be made againft the faid Thoiuas
Murford, &c.
" The faid Jofeph Tenifm was fworn here in full Court, according to
" the Statute.
t. n/ ; ^ ^ r X ^ John Doe,
Fledges to profecute | ^^^^^^^ r^^ »
Thus commenced a vexatious Profccution ; of the Iflfue of which we have not
a particular Account.
In like Manner alio Samuel Buncomh was profecuted for abfenting himfelf
from the publick Worfhip.
In this Year John Norris and Henry Peede, di North-Waljham, were imprifoned
for Tithes, at the Suit of Efq; Beecher. Aifo John Hart and Matthew Bacon
were committed to Prifon for Demands of fmall Tithes and Eafler-Offerings,
at the Suit of Thomas Clendon, Prieft of North-Walfham, whole Demand from
one of them amounted to no more than 5 d. per Annum. Alio Francis Gardener^
of Tivetjhall, was profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit of Chrifto-
pher Burrill, Prieft, and committed to Noj-wich Caftle.
Jojeph Harrijon, who fuffered ib much Spoil of his Goods in the laft Year,
had taken from him alfo in this Year, by eighteen feveral Seizures of Beef in
the Market, to the Value of 18/. 19^. ^ d. He alfb fuffered Diftrefs of an
Horfe, Hay, and Houlhold Goods, to the Value of 7 /. 5 i.
In Oolober this Year, upon the Information of John Gihbs, Prieft of CeJJing,
William Barber of that Place was convided for a Meeting at his Houfe, and
fined 20/. for which he had his Goods feized to the Value of 50/. though him-
lelf was then in Prifon at the lame Prieft's Suit lor Tithes.
ANNO
((
(C
il.
ti
(C
((
t(
cc
cc
t(
(C
(C
i(
II
«c
tc
n
it
Chap. 26, of the People called QUAKERS.
ANNO 1676. About this Time many Warrants, upon Informations given
of religious Meetings, were granted by the Juftices, Calthorj), Bedmpjield, Crow,
and others, by which were taken, at or near Fakenbam^
From the Widow Hemfterly, thirty five Sheep worth
Francis Hill, feven Cows, a Mare, two Horfes,
Cloth, and Money, to the Value of
Robert Southgate, of Tw^ford, two Cows, a Mare,
and other Goods, worth
Nathanael Uring, of M^ alfingham, two Marcs,
Yam, Tobacco, and other Goods, worth
Robert Kir by, of Holt, Goods worth
Robert Barwick, tVilliam IVood, Anne Bee, Rofe
Cambridge, John Bee, William Bullard, "James
Bunting, and Clenience Simons, Goods worth
}
}
}
L
10
26
d.
o
16
501
NORFOLK.
1676.
Diftrejfei for
Mietings.
12
16 12
13 5
10 iS
7
Grievous Cafe
oj F. Laaler.
Some of the Perfons lafi: named were poor, and the DiftrefTes made oti
them, though of no great Value, yet extended to deprive them of their necef-
fary Houfhold Utenfils, and fuch other Things as in their low Circumftancc?,
were not eafy to be recovered. But peculiarly grievous were the following
Cafes, -viz. .:^;.i,. 1 . .- «•<
The Wife of Francis Larder, frequented th6 Meetings of the Pedple called
fakers, though he himfelf was not of that Perfuafion : But for her Offence he
was fined, and the Officers took away a Rugg, Blanket, and Bolder, worth igs.
She ftill perfifting fn her religious Courle, her Hufband ■ was again fined ; but
when the Officers came th^ fecond Time to diftrain, they found his Wife fick
in Bed, and little Goods in the Houfe, whereupon they reported to the Juftice
accordingly, and that the Woman was likely to die. But the Juftice, whom
no Circumftance could move to Compaffion, ordered them to go and take the
Bed from under her, which Command was prevented from being put in Exe-
cution by the poor Woman's Death that Night. ' She was, with her Hufband's
Confent, at her D^-fire, buried in the Burying-Ground of her Friends, the ^^-
kers : The Parifh-Priefl and his Clerk, not being paid their cuftomary Fees,
expreft their Indignation by an unufual Piece of Inhumanity •, for alter the
Corps had been interred ieveral Days, one Thomas Bretland and his Wife were
induced to caufe their Servant Richard Teiidrick, and another Perfon, whofe
Name was Robert Bloom, to take up the Corps out of the Grave -, in doing Miman
which they broke the Coffin, which they tied together, and then carried to the doings.
Market-place at Fakenham, and fet it down near Edmund Peckcver's Door, to
the Amazement of the People, who were grieved to fee fo inhuman an Adion :
For which no Caufe was affigned, but the OmiJ/ion of paying Fees, pretended to
be due where nothing had been done.
Tljotnas IVatfon, a very poor Man, who by hard Labour fupported his Wife Hard Cafe of
and five fmall Children, was fined for being at a Meeting. The Officers, T. Watron
pitying his Circumftances, reported to the Juftice that the Man had little in ""-^ '^'^ '* '7i^'
the Houfe, except the Bed he and his Family lay on. The hard-hearted
Magiftrate ordered them to take his Bed, which they did the next Day, and
left him and his Family to lodge on Straw. His induftrious Wife, after this,
endeavouring to help maintain her Children, by baking a little Bread and felling it
in the Market, the Officers made a Seizure even of that, at one Time to the Value
of 19^. and at another Time to the Value of i^-d. Thcle Inftances fliew, that
nothing is more deftrucflive of Humanity than a furious and ignorant Zeal :
This was farther exemplified in the Cafe of Peter fVynne, a Man io very poor,
that the Goods they took from him, worth but 8 s. were the principal Part of
the Furniture of his Houfe.
Vol. I. 6 L fFdliam
NORIOLK.
1676.
An imflacdble
frofccutvr.
Veitb of
T. Mathew-
man in Pri-
fori.
Dettb of
his mfc.
yifning 1 fid
Mm deemed <t
Convemkle,
50^ ^ Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
William Barber, of Cefing, was continued in Prifon for Tithes, where he had
lain fevcn Years at the Suit of John Gibbs his Parifh-Prieft, a Profecutor fo im-
placable as to fay, that he had taken Care^ in Caje of his own Death, that Barber
Jhmdd ml he releajed. An Expreflion denoting a fixed Malice, as contrary to
Chri^lian Charity, as Darknefi to Light.
Jonathan Booty, after a Profecution in the County Court for Tithes, at the
Suit of Chrijiopber Reeve, Prieft ot Stratton-Mary, had ta,ken from him for
Tithes four Cows worth 1 8 /.
Thomas Matthewman, of Eajl-Dereham, was imprifoned for Tithes in Norwich
Caftle at the Suit of Richard King, an Impropriator, in ^hich Imprifonment
he died on the 7th of November this Year : His Wife, who affedlionately
attended him in the cold unhealthy Prilbn, contrafted thereby a Fit of Sick-
nefs, of which fhe alfo died on the 17th of the next Month,
There dwelt at Buckenham, in this County, one Robert Tillet, an ancient
Man, very weak and confumptive, whom fome of his Friends came to vifit
in his Sicknefs : Two Informers, obferving this, crept into their Company ;
and while they were fitting together, the fick Man fpake a tew Words to his
Friends concerning his own Experience of the Work of Religion. This the
Informers fwore to be a Conventicle, and the fick Mar) was fined 20 1, for
which they took away fix of his Cows. About the fame Time they took from
Robert Peartree, whom they had impoverifjied by former Seizures, the Re-
mainder of his Houfhold Goods, and after that, the very Tools and Utenfiis
belonging to his Trade.
For Meetings at Tivetfloall, were taken
Diflreffes for From John Money, a Mare, Cow, and Bedding, worth
Mumg). 'Thomas Money, fix Cows, a Mare, an Heifer,
and Wood, worth
Margaret Money, Widow, her Bedding, and two
Cows, worth
John Hunt, two Mares, and a Cart, worth
Mary Satterthwait, Pewter worth
Robert Mills, Yarn, Cloth, Looms, fjff. worth
Robert Goodwin, two Cows and a Bull, worth
}Filliam Tilney, two Cows worth
And from William Caftamew, a poor Man,
whom it would have been Charity to have
relieved, a Table worth
For a Meeting at Snare's-Hill, taken
From Edward Rack, of Rujhford, a Cow worth
Richard Hewesy of Gaythorp, three Cows worth
/.
s.
d.
12
10
P
}
31
}
10
6
3
6
2
5
5
4
9
3
lo
10
o
o
o
97 14 4
For Meetings at the Houfe of John Paterjon, of Cockly-Clay near Swaffljam,
were taken
From the faid John Paterfon, two Hundred Sheep,
and other Goods, worth
From John Hubbard, Cloth and Bays worth
Zachary Moniman, Goods worth
no
19
o
s.
o
o
12
d.
o
o
o
129 12
rioUnt Tro- Violent in this Year were the Proceedings at Norwich, as appears by the
feedings if following Inftances,
Norwich. When the Officers came to Anthony Alexand^rh Houle to m^ke Diftrefs, and
took away Good^ worth 17/. 19;. One of them, Erafmus Cooper, laid to
Alexander'g
Chap. 26. of the People called (QUAKERS. 503
yilexander's Wife, that He- was coiiu to fnze all they bad, ami -woulJ ml icai'^ KORFOLK.
them a Bed to lie Of!. They brake the Doors with a Pickax, and behaved lo 1676.
defperatcly, that lome Neighbours wept at the Sight ot it. They charged ,•■">»■ "^^^
Alexander's Man to lielp them, and being told how unreaibnabie it was to re-
quire a Servant to take away his Maftcr's Gooiis ; one of them chiirliflily
anfwered. They are our Goods.
In like Manner, the Officers making Diflreis on the Goods of Samuel Diiu-
comby brought with them to his Houle one Tcnnifun, an impudent Informer,
and the common Hangman. They tarried there ieveral Days and Nights, and
kept Samuel's Wife, then big with Child, a Prifoner, ilitfcring her to I'peak to
no Body, and admitting none ot the Neighbours to come near her. One of the
Informers was lb infolent as to fiy, /'// make the Mayor wait upon us as often as
I pleafe. The Goods they took at that Time from Samuel Duncomb were
valued at 4.2 I. ig s.
With like Severity they entred into the Houfe of Thomas Murford, m his
Abfence, and took away four Pieces of Broad-cloth, and twelve Pieces of Linen,
worth about 40/. At his coming Home, he appealed to the Qiiarter Seflions,
but the Recorder, his Adverfary, carried the Caufe againft him, and aliii com-
mitted him to Prifon. When he enquired the Caufe of his Commitment, the
Recorder anfwered, Tou Jhall know that afterward. Thus arbitrarily committed,
he remained clofe Prifoner about eighteen Weeks. The laid Thomas Murford
and Samuel Duncomb, within the Space of three Months, had Goo£]s taken
from them, for their religious Meetings, to the Value of 220/. 19.1. About
the fame Time were taken, for the fame Caufe, from Robert HutJju/fofi, 'John
Sharper, John Fiddeman, and Jo/jw Defrance, Goods worth i /. 10 s. 2d.
On the 17th of the Month called July tijis Year, Thomas Atkins was taken
out of a Meeting at Norwich, and carried l)etore the Mayor, who tendrn.! him
the Oath of Allegiance, and for retufuig to Swear, cpmniittcd him to Priloii.
ANNO 1677. Henry Goddard, tor refullng to pay Tithes, was prolecuted rmfecntigm
in the County Court by Chrijlopher Reeve, Priell ot Strallon-Mary, and had /<"■ I^'il'-^^
three Cows taken from him worth 9 /. In the lame Year Ibomas 'Tyrrell was
profecuted to an Outlawry for 6/. demanded tor Tithes, at the Suit of Thomas
Crabb, Prieil:, and was imprifoned at Norwich feventcen Weeks : His Cattle
alfo were difbrained to the Value ot about 30/. and afterward, on an Execution
for the fame Tithe, were taken from him eight Cows, four Hogs, two Mares,
a Colt, and Linen- Yarn, to the farther Value of 48/. So that for Tithes
claimed worth but 6 /. he fuftained the Lofs of his Goods to thirteen Times
that Value, and alfo the Imprifonment of his Perfon. Hardfliips inluppoi table,
had they not been alleviated by the Tcftimony of a good Conlcience, fiipport-
ing the Sufferer under the Weight of fuch Oppreffion.
For a Meeting at the Houfe of Edward Mills, in Runhall, were taken
From John Parker ^ a Mare, Colt, Hay, and Wood, worth
John Aggs, two Milch Cows, .in Horfe, an'J
Mare, worth
Stephen Gooch, two Cows ami a Calf, worth
fniliam Stonack, two Cows and a Calf, worth
\
I.
1
9
ior
o
o
o
35
ANNO 1678, Daniel Phillips, oi Stoak-Ferr^, was committed to Prifun
for refiifing to pay fmall Tithes, at the Suit of Jeremiah Co-wel and Rubert
Cowel, Tithe-farmers. And Nicholas Phillips was yet continuing m Prifnn,
where he had been above ten Years, at the Suit of Edward Barnard of Dis.
There were alio remaining in Prifun, for their Tellimony againfl Tithes, Mat-
thew IGngt Stephen IVicks, fVilliam King, and Richard Roufe, of whom the former
two had then been Prifbners about feventeen Years, tiie Third about fifteen
Years, and the Latter almoft nine Years. Alio Francis Gardener, after about
tiuvc
i"''? fiitprifon-
mnits jo
liitti.
5^4
NORFOLK.
1678.
Death of
F. Gardener
in prifon.
More Suffer-
ings of Jofeph
Harrifon.
Sufferings oj
E. Peckover.
Wirmnt for
Viflrefs on
E, Peckover.
^ Colledioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
three Years Confinement for Tithes, at the Suit of Chrijlopher Burre!, Prieft
of Tivetjhall, was taken with a violent Fit of Sicknefs, and when his Lite was
in apparent Danger, Application was made to his Proftcutor to grant him a
little Liberty, but he refufed it :, fo that he died under clofe Confinement on
the 7th of December this Year.
In this Year alio Jojeph Harrifon, feveral I'imes before mentioned, fufFered,
for Meetings, nine feveral Seizures of Beef, and Hides in the Market, to the
Value of 7/. 1 8 J. And in the fame Year, the Officers alfo went three feveral
Times to his Houfe, broke open his Shop-doors, and took thence Beef, Tallow,
and Hides, worth 9/. lOJ. The Officers, who made thefe Seizures, rendered
neither Account nor Overplus to the Sufferer -, they ufually fold the Meat
among themfelves, and fome of them would fit tipling with Watt the Ip-
former moft Part of the Night. Some of the Juftices alfo would convift upon a
flender Information ; for Inftance, Juftice Calthorp granted a Warrant for Dif-
trefs, for a Meeting at Jofeph Harrifoii's, Houfe, upon the Oaths of IVatt and his
Wife, who fwore that they faw certain Perfons come out of the Gate.
It happened in this Year, that Edmund Peckover, a Shopkeeper of Fakenha^,
an ancient Man, was chofen Ovcrfeer of the Poor of that Parifh. Now it was
ufual with the Juftices when they granted Warrants for Diftrefs, to direft them
to the Conftables, Overfeers, and Churchwardens, of the Place. Accordingly
Edmund was called on to affift in felling fome Goods, taken by Diftrefs from a
Neighbour of his own Perfuafion, which he refufed to do, alledging, that he
was lame, and not able to fell his own Goods. This he fpoke in the Hearing of
Watt the Informer's Wife, and another Woman who had been twice whipt for
Theft. Thefe Women reported to Juftice Hilliard, that Edmund had faid, He
would not Jell fiolen Goods : Upon this the Juftice ient his Warrant for him,
and after fome Conference told him. That in regard of bis Jge he ivould difmifs
him, if he would profnife to execute the next Warrant of that Kind. To which
he anfwered, I may not do my Neighbour fuch an Injury : Wherefore the Juftice
fined him 5 /. and ilTued a Warrant for Diftrefs, by which his Goods were taken
away to the Value of 24 /. 3 J. 6 d. The Form of which Warrant was as
follows, viz.
(C
Norfolk fs.
W
(C
((
H E R E A S it ftands conviAed before me, one of his Majefty's
Juftices of the Peace in this County, by the Oath of two Witnefles,
as well as by the Notoriety of the Thing it felf, that Edmund Peckover, of the
Parifti of Fakenha?n in the County atorefaid, hath wittingly and willingly
omitted, and peremptorily refufed to execute or affift in the Execution of a
Warrant upon the Goods of Jojeph Harrifon, of the Parifh and County
aforefaid, tor that the fiid Jojeph Harrifon did llifter an unlawful Meeting or
Conventicle in his Dwelling-houfe, in Fakenha?n aforefaid, he the faid Ed-
mund being Overfeer for the Poor in the faid Parifh, and hath for his
OmifTion forfeited 5/. according to the Statute, intituled. An AB for pre-
venting and fupprejjing of Conventicles. Thefe are in his Majcfty's Name to
•will and require you forthwith to levy upon the Goods and Chattels of the
faid Edmund Peckover the Sum of five Pounds by Diftrefs and Sale, ren-
dring the Overplus to the faid Edmund, and to return the faid five Pounds
to me, to be difpofed of as the Law dire&s. Given under my Hand and
Seal at Carjlon this 19th of February, in the 30th Year of his' Majeft:y's
Reign. 1678.
To Francis Page and Thomas Jarret,
Conjlables ; Mr. Robert Sheldrake
and Thomas Bretland, Churchwar-
dens ; Robert Borlton and Henry
Gogney, Ovc> Jeers,
Th<-
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS, 505
The faid Edmund Peckover was a clofe Attender of religious Meetings during NORFOLK,
the Heat of Perfccution, and had his Goods often diltrained by Warrants 1678.
grounded on the Aft againit Conventicles, by which upon feveral Informations v.^'^V'"""^-'
againft himfelf, his Wite, and Son, he had taken from him at feveral Times,
in Goods and Money out of his Shop, to the Value of 70/. and upwards.
In this Year alio, for Meetings at Yarmouth^ were taken from Thomas Fuller^
his Bed, and Bed-clothes, worth 12/. And from William IVaymer, Goods
worth 10/. 9 J.
In the fame Year John Hubbard, Elizabeth his Wife, and John Hubbard their
Son, were profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court, and excommunicated, for
Abfence from die National Worfhip •, as were alfo for the lame Cauie, Damd
PInllips and Elizabelh his Wife, oi Stoak-ferry ; John Pater/on and Elizabeth his
Wife, of Cockly-Clay •, Bartholomew Hewling and Margery his Wife, o{ Shipdain..
John Laurence and John High, of IVramplingham, were profecuted on the
23d of Q^Eliz. for not going to their Parifh-Church, and fuffered a long
Imprifonment for the lame. And for the like Caule, John Norns was impri-
Ibned on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, and continued Prifoner till he died.
ANNO 1679. Thomas Fojler and John Spoil, both of Mulbortoii, were jmprifon-
jmprifoned for Tithes on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of metm.
David Scargill, Priell of that Paridi.
Edmund Peckover, profecuted on an old Statute for 1 2 d. each Sunday, for jjiarefs,
Abfence from his Parifli- Church, had taken trom him on that Account, Goods
worth 6/. 5 J.
ANNO 1680. The aforefaid Edmund Peckover was profecuted on the Acco^im of
Statute, made againft Popifi Recufunts, for 20/. per Month, tor not going to E.PeckoverV
the publick Worlhip, concerning which the following Account was given in a ^''"1^"'"^"'
Letter from his Son Jofeph Peckover, bearing Date, October the 19th, : 680, viz.
*' Our Adverfaries are wholly bent to ruin us ; they have dillramed tor 120/.
" for the King's Ufe, as they lay, upon the Statute of 20/. a Month, and
*' have taken above forty Pieces of Serges and Stutis, Ibme whole, and Ibme
" cut -, alfo leventeen Pieces of Linen Cloth, Calicoes, and Scotch Cloth, but
*' would not let us meafure any, that wc know not what they amount to, fo
»* we have fhut up Shop to fecure our Creditors, and if there be no Likelihood
•' of a Stop to their Proceedings, we intend to keep open Shop no more, but
*' to pay where it is owing. One Samuel Fcrden, the Lnder-Sheriff, with three
" of his Baylitis have done it. They alfo lay. They will have ?ny Father to
*' Prifon, though he be very weak." >
About the fame Time, James Denton, John Reeve, and others, were profe- Seizure.
cuted on the fame Statute ; and James Denton's Malt-houie was feized on tor
the Sum of 200/. pretended to be due from him to the King.
Toward the Conclufion of the laft Year, viz. on the 21ft of the Month G. White-
called March, George mitehead and Thomas Burr were taken at a Meeting in ^'^^■'' ''''-^ r.
Norwich : The Manner of their being apprehended was rude and uncivil -, tor ^"'^J ''Pt"'^'
one Chrijlopher Nobs, Clerk of Gregory's Parifh, came into the Meeting, pufh-
ing on each Side with his Elbows, and ilruck Rofe Gedney llich a Blow on her
Breaft, as made it fore for feveral Days after ; alio Charles Alden, a Vintner,
and one of the Singing- Men at the Cathedral, rulhed in, calling out, Here's f""' ^m-
Sons of Whores : Here's five Hundred Sons and Daughters of f-Fhores : The S,"^&^'
Church-Doors Jland open, but they will be hanged bejore they will come there.
And whim George Whitehead was Ipeaking, he cryed our. Pull down that
Puppy-Dog, why do you fuffer him to Jland there prating ? I'hele Perlons, and
others, made much Difturbance in the Meeting, till at length one of the Sheriffs
came, and required George Whitehead and Thomas Burr to go with him, and
he conduced them to the Goal-Door, and there left them : After about two
Hours Detention there, they were had before Francis Bacon, the Recorder, who t^minedli
told them, They mujl either pay down a Fine of 20 1, each, or go to Prifon. He tl'^ K^'order.
alfo alked them. Whether they would take the Oath of Allegiance ? I'lu-y an-
Iwered, They could not take any Oath for Confcie nee -fake. He then told them.
Vol. I. 6 M that
5o6 A CoUeaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
NORFOLK, that 7/^ would commit them to Prifon till next Seffions, and then the Oath fhould.
1680. he again tendred them, and they Jhould be Premunired if they refufed to take it :
But if they would pay their Fines, be would not fend them to Prifon. They per-
fiftino- in their Refiifal, he told them. If they would give Security to appear at
the next ^larter SeffionSy he would not fend them to Goal. But diey not being
willing to be bound in fuch a Cafe, he fent them to Prifon by the following
Mittimus, viz.
" City and Cminfy 'V
" oj Norwich. j"
Mittimus. " \ 717 H E R E A S George WJ.ntehead, of the Parifh of St.- Buflolpb in
Y V London, Grocer, and Thomas Burr, of tVare in the County of Hart-
ford, Malfter, have this Day aflembled together with feveral other Perfons,
in Difturbance of the publick Peace, and againft the Laws of this Realm,
and being required to find Sureties for their refpcdtive Appearance at the next
general Seffions of the Peace, to be holden for the faid City and County, to
anfwer the Premifes, which they refufed to do. Thefe are therefore to re-
quire you to receive and keep the faid George JVbitchead and Thomas Burr
in the Common Goal for the City and County aforefaid, until they Ihall
be difcharged by due Order of Law, and hereof fail not : Given under my
Hand and Seal the aiflDay di March, Anno Bom. 1679.
'' R Bacon."
To the Conjlahles of the Ward of Weft-Wymer,
and to either of them to convey, and to the
Keeper of the Common Goal aforefaid, to re-
ceive and keep the faid George Whitehead and
Thomas Burr, according to this Warrant.
Two Days after their Commitment, the Recorder iflued a fecond Warrant,
as follows, viz. :■>■■.' ul io z-.-:
A feconi
Wimnu
(C
<c
<<
it
(C
Cc
*' City and County 7
" of Norwich. J
WHEREAS George WIntehead and Thomas Burr were lately fent by
my Warrant, unto the County Goal for the City and County aforefaid,
for being feditioufly affembled, with fome Hundreds of other difloyal Per-
fons, againft the publick Peace, and in Contempt of the Laws and Govern-
ment of this Realm. Now for that the faid George IVloitehead and Thomas
Burr are fufpicious Perfons, and Strangers to this City aforefaid, and being
unwilling to declare that Duty, which they and every true and well-affefted
Subjed ought to bear, by Bond of Allegiance to our gracious King, they
did feverally refufe to take and pronounce the Oath of Obedience to the
King's Majefty, duly tendred unto them, and after they were feverally re-
Thefe are therefore in his Majeffy's Name,
;eep the faid George Whitehead and Thomas
the faid City and County, without Bail or
Mainprize, until the next General Quarter Seffions of the Peace, to be
holden tor the City and County aforefiid : And hereof fail not. Given under
my Hand and Seal the 23d Day of March, Annoq; Dom. 1679,
quired to do the fame by me
to will and command you to
Burr in the Common Goal for
To the Keeper of the Common Goal for
the City and County of Norwich.
" F. Bacon."
At the Quarter SelTions, on the 28th of the Month called April 1680, the
faid George Whitehead and Thomas Burr were called to the Bar, and had a long
Hearing refpedting the Legality of the Recorckr'^ Proceeding, which the major
Part
Chap. 26, of the People called QUAKERS. 507
Part of the Juftices ieemed not to approve ; and wefe inclinable to have'-fet NORFOLk';
therri at Liberty. But the Recorder infilled on the Oath being tendred tliem in 1680.
Court, which was done accordingly : And Record of 'the Proccfsofthe Court ^-/"y^VJ
refpedling them, was made as follows, viz. " George Whitehead and Thomas '°[^« 'q*
«' Burr are di (charged, of the Matter contained in their tv/o- Mittimus's. And \vhicehead
" the Oath of Allegiance, and the Teftament to Swear in open CoUrt, at this an.i T. Burr
*' prefent SefTions, was feverally tendred to them : And the faid George JVhite- ^' Qtn^fir
«' head and Thomas Burr, having feverally refufed to take the faid Oath of ^^"'"^^^
" Allegiance, it is therefore ordered, that the fxid George IVhiteh'ead and Record.
*' Thomas Burr be committed to the Common Goal of the faid City, there to
" remain without Bail or Mainprize until the next QLiarcer Seffions." And ac-
cordingly they were committed again to Prifon.
During their Trial, they offered to fubfcribe A Protejiation or Declaration
to diftinguifh them from Popifi Recufants, in the following Words, liz.
A. B. do in the Prefence of Almighty God, folemnly profefs, and in ^ Vrotefii-
good Confcience declare. It is my real Judgment that the Church of Rome p"" "•S""-^''
I
«' is not tlie real Church of Chrift ; nor the Pope or Bifhop of Rome, Chrift's
" Vicar : And his or their Doftrines of depofing Heretical Princes, and of ab-
" folving their Subietts of their Obedience : Of Purgatory and Prayers for the
" Dead : Of Indulgences, and worfhipping of Images : Of adoring and pray-
*' ing to the Virgin Mary, and other Saints deceafed : And oi Tranfuhjla?ilia-
*' tioft, or changing the Elements of Bread and Wine into the Body and Blood
" of Chrift, at or after the Confecration thereof, by any Perfon whatfoever ;
" are falfe and erroneous, and contrary to the Truth of God declared in the
♦' Holy Scriptures. And therefore that the Communion of the laid Church is
" fuperftitious and erroneous.
" And I do likewife fincerely teftify and declare. That I do from the Bottom
*' of my Heart deteft and abhor all Plots and Confplracies that are or/knay
" be contrived againft the King or Parliament, or People of this Realfn, or
♦' the true Protejlant Religion therein profelTed. And I do hereby faithfully
" promife by God's Help to live a peaceable and fober Life, as bedometh
" a good Chrijlian a.nd P rot eji ant to do.
Witnefsmy Hand"
Popery.
cc
The Prifoners alfo would have produced to the Court the following Certificates,
but the Recorder would not fuft'er them to be read, ^•?z,
'' <~|~^ H E S E are to certify all whom it may concern. That George WJjile- G. Whlte-
" X ^f^<i^ of the Parifh of St. Bitttolph Btjhopjgale, London, hath lived in J''^'^'^ ^"^'^'
" the fame Parifh for about ten Years laft paft, in good Repute, and is '^"'^*
" efteemed a Man of competent Eftate, and hath fined for all OiKces in the
" Parifh, fave Churchwarden, and hath demeaned himfelf peaceably in his
" Converfation, and he hath never been accounted, nor reputed to be Jefuit,
" or Papijl, nor any Way Popijhly affefted : All Which we certify under our
" Hands.
;; J?"^ ^'^'■^'^''''XCommon-CounciUMen, J°"^ Sumner Conftahle,
" Thomas l^YGE \ ' Charles Bathurst,
*' John Russen Deputy, Thomas Dawson,
^i^xllTc^ ^r.T'" \^^^rchwardens, Nicholas Harding.
" John Osborne J '
London, A^ril 2zd. 1680.
" fj^ H E S E are to certify any Perfon or Pcrfons whom it may concern, T. Burr'i
" 1 that Thomas Burr, of IVare in the County of Hartford, Malfter, hath Cenificw.
" lived and been a Trader in Malt for about fourteen Years paft, and is a
" Man
5o8
A Colleftion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
NORFOLK, " Man whom we judge of a good competent Eftate, and of good Credit
1680. «' and Reputation among his Neighbours in this Place, and hath never been
" accounted a Jejuit or Pafift : All which we certify under our Hands.
"Giles Roe Xchurchwardens,
" Henry Hart 3 *
" John Lark 1 r> a hi
" William MoAKEsj^''^-^"^^'^'
" JOHM PeRROT,
" Henry Peach,
Ware In Hartforddiire, this
mtk 0/ April 1680.
Thomas Johnson,
Richard Dickinson,
Rivers Dickinson,
Edmund Feast,
Isaac Hadsley,
Tie Recorder
dijpltced.
Difchnxge of
G. White-
head mi
T. Burr.
Deitb of
M. Mawley
in Prifon.
Imprifotu
nutitu
About five Days after the End of the aforefaid Seflions, i-lz. on the 3d of
the Month called May, Francis Bacon, the Recorder, a violent Adverfary of the
People called ^takers, was put out of his Office by a Vote of Common-CouKcH,
and a Man of more Equity and Moderation was chofen in his Place.
Before the enfuing ^tarter Sejfwns, till which they ftood committed, they
found leveral Opportunities to reprefent their Cafe to the nev; Recorder, and
other the Magillrates ; alfo by Means of fome of their Friends at London, a
Letter was obtained from the Earl of Tarmoutb in their Favour : Their Friend
William Mead alfo ufed his Endeavours for their Relief, and took a Journey to
Norwich on purpofe to affift them to the utmoft of his Power. Thus the Mayor
and Juftices being fully apprized of their Innocence, became willing to dif-
charge them, and accordingly at the next General SelTions the. following Order
of Court was made, viz.
(.1
(C
AT the General Seffions of the Peace, holden for the City of Norwich.,
and County of the fame, before Robert Freeman Efq; Mayor of the
City o^ Norwich, John Norris Efq; Recorder of the faid City, John Min-
gey Efq; Steward of the faid City, and other his Majefty's Juftices of
Peace of the faid City, the 12th of July, in the two and thirtieth Year of
the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King Charles the Second, &cc. Anno^\
Dom. 1680.
" Proclamation being there fublickly made. That if any Perfon would come
into the Court, and give any Information or Evidence, or prefer any Bill
of Indidtment againft George IVljitchead and 'Thomas Burr, Prifoners at the
Bar, they fhould be heard. And becaufe no Perfon came into the Court to
prefer any Indictment, or to give any Information againft them, the faid
" George Whitehead and Thomas Burr are ordered to be dijcharged, being com-
*' mitted by Order of the laft SefTions, to remain in Prifon until this Seffions.
" Ter Curiam. Carie."
Thus after about fixteen Weeks Imprifonment they were kt at Liberty.
If the Reader fhall defire to fee the Particulars of tiieir Trial, with the feveral
Points of Law relating to their Commitment, he may find the fime handled at
large in an Account thereof, intituled. Due Order of Law and Juftice, inferred
in a Book called The Clmfiian Progrefs of that ancient Servant and Minifler of
J ejus Chriil, George Whitehead. Printed in the Year 1725.
In a printed Account of the Sufferings of Friends, prefented to the King,
Lords, and Commons, in Parliament afTemblcd, in the Year 1680, we find
an Account of Mary Mawley, of Wortwell, committed to Norwich Caftle, at
the Suit of Mingley, P'rieft of the Parifli, for the Tithe of a Goofe, and
there kept Prifoner till fhc died.
ANNO 168 I. Henry Miller was committed to Norwich Caftle on a Pro-
cefs againft him for Abfence from the National Worfliip, as had been fomc
Time before, Francis Balls and Jereins Lucas.
ANNIS
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS. 509
ANNIS 1682 and 1683. In thefe YtzK Anthony Alexander, Mary Booth, NORFOLK.
J'hn Fiddeman, and diverfe others of the People called fakers, were kept 1682 and
clofc confined in the City Goal at Norwich, lying there in a Dungeon twenty 1683.
feven Steps under Ground. Great were the Endeavours ufed by their Friends
for their Relief, as appears by the following Letter and Narrative, viz.
A Letter from George Whitehead and William Crouch, to
Friends in Prijon at Norwich ; dated in the Firji Month 1682-3.
A
ti
" Dear Friends, Anthony Alexander, Mary Booth, John Fiddeman, ^c.
F T E R the tender Salutation of our dear Loves to you all in the
_ _ Lord, thefe are to acquaint you of our Care, and indultrious En-
deavours, on your Behalf, fince we received your lafl Letters ; the One
dated the 19th Inftant, and the Other the 21ft, together with the incloled
Letter from the Attorney, and the Affidavits, Mittimus's, and the County-
Goaler's Letter to your Goaler, and alfo Sheriff Stebhing\ fevere Order to
him. In Anfwer to all which, and your Defires fignified, we return you
*' this following Account, viz.
" I. We two, whole Names are hereunto fubfcribed, did Yefterday feek
*' for John Hill, to whom the faid Attorney direded his Letter, but he was out
*' of the City in the Country.
*« 2. We fought out Judge Windham, and in the Afternoon had Admittance
*» to fpeak to him. He was prepofTefl with Shtn^ Stebbingh Account againfl
•« you, and his own Vindication, having rendred you obfiinate, riotous, affront-
*' ing the haw in "^our Meetings, and Jlanding in the Street contrary to the Pro-
*' clamation, &c. But be not difcouraged at fuch injurious Refledlions.
" 3. We told him, S\\tnS Stebbing is your extream Adverfary and Party
'' againft you.
" 4. On the Sheriff's Account he alfo refledfed on you, as refufing to give in
•' Security for your Appearance at the Sejfwns, and refufing to pay for convenient
Rooms in Prifon, and faid, that you chofe a * free Prifon. This and more
from Sheriff' Stebbing's Account, but ftill we excepted againfl him, as not an
indifferent Perfon.
" 5. We told him, we had Affidavits incloled in a Letter from Perfons
indifferent, upon which he called for the Letter to John Hill, and opened ir,
•and read the Mittimus and Affidavits, which did caufe fome Calm, i^c. having
before that read the Letter dated the 19th of the Firll Month, which he
plucked out of G. Whitehead's Hand, wherein you give Account of Sheriff
Stebbing's being with the Judge, and of his and the Goaler's being more fevere
to you fince, which Paffiges we made Improvement of, to fhew the Sheriffs
Contradiftion to what the King, the Lord-Keeper, and Judge Windham,
had ordered on your Behalf.
" 6. The Judge fliid, he had delivered Sheriff Stebbing'i Account to the
Lord-Keeper, and he gave us back the Mittimus's, and Affidavits, and faid,
we might do what we would with the Affidavits, &c.
*' 7. We gave Account Yefternight to the Meeting of our Friends, of our
Endeavours with the Judge, and your Letters and the Affidavits were then
read in the Meeting, who left the Matter to us farther to manage, and
write to you, which herein we do.
" 8. This Morning we went early to the Lord-Keeper's, obtained Admit-
tance to him, and fpoke with him in your Cafe and Behalf : He fhewed us
Sheriff' Stebbing's Account againft you. We told him what an extream Ad-
verfary and Party he is againft you. We delivered him the Affidavits, and
(C
(.(,
(C
<c
<(
told him they were from indifferent Perfons who
Vol. I. 6 N
Clnfe Confine'
mem under
Ground.
A Letter to
the Prifoners,
had viewed the Goal, and
wc
* Such they might chufe, and yet not a deep Dungeon.
5IO -^ Colle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
NORFOLK. <« we defired his tender Notice of them, and to give Report to the Kino-
16S2 and <<■ accordingly. He received them, and promifed he would deliver them to
1683. 'c the King.
l^VV^J " 9. Lajlly. We having thus far endeavoured, and laboured for you, and
" vindicated your Caufe much more than we can here exprefs : To what you
" propofe of drawing up your Cafe to the King, we think it very meet, that
" if you be continued under the fame Hardfhips, you briefly draw up your
" Complaint by Way of Humble Petition, or Requeft to the King, fliewing
your hard Ufage in the moft material Points : For we have lately found
that fome are apt to rejedt Complaints at the Council-Board, unlefs the
" Words [Humble Petitimi] be in the Front.
" Thus, Dear Friends, having given you thefe brief Notes of our En-
" dcavours, being but as a fhort Index thereof, we hope that farther En-
" deavours will not be wanting, as the Lord fhall open our Way.
" George Whitehead,,
" William Crouch."
C(
A Narrative
#/ an j^pflie.t-
tion to Kjvg
Charles,
cc
c<
"A NARRATIVE 0/ George White head'^ and
" Gilbert LateyV Application to King Charles the
*' Second, on Behalf of their Friends imprijoned at Norwich.
ON the 23d of the Twelfth Month 1682-3, being the Day the Judges
appeared at Council, before they went their Circuits, George IVhite-
head and Gilbert Latey then attending, the Cale of Norwich fuftering Friends
was delivered at the Council-Board by Sir Philip Lloyd, who was pre-engaged
to prefent it, which accordingly he did, but was obftrucfled the Reading of
it, on Pretence that it was not a formal Petition, or not in the ufual
Form, &c.
" The next Day, being the 24th of the Twelfth Month, George lyhilehead
and Gilbert Late] went to the Lord Privy-Seal, and fpake to him about the-
faid Cafe of Norwich Prifoners being obllrufted the Reading at the Council-
Board, iSc He told them, that notwithjlanding, after that, the King gave a
Moderate Recommendation to the Judges, when they were below, concerning the
Prifoners, to enquire into the State of the Prifoners, and their Ufage, &c. This
he told them twice over.
" A little after they the faid G. W. and G. L. had fpoken to the Lord Privy-
Seal as before, they went up into the Gallery to fpeak with the King, at his
coming out of the Park, where after fome Time of waiting, the Duke and
his Attendants palTed by to meet the King, and after a little Space the King
and his Attendants came through the Long Gallery towards his Lodgings.
G. tV. then flept up to the King without any Interruption (the whole Com-
pany being civil) and thus proceeded, viz.
" G. W. May itpleaie the King to grant us the Favour of a few Words.
It is in Behalf of many of the King's peaceable Subje6ls, who are Prifoners
at Norwich, and there like to be buried alive in Holes aiid Dungeons.
" King. CaiH they fwear themfelves out of Prilon ?
*' G. IV. Under Favour, fuch are not in Society with us. We intreat
the King to commiferate the diftrefied Cafe of the Priloncrs in Norwich, for
they are burying them alive in Dungeons under Ground.
" King. Have you a Paper ? If you have a Paper of their Cafe,. I'll take it.-
" G. (V. Yes, here's a Paper. (Vhicb he delivered into the King's Hand,
and he gently took it. ■ ■
" G. IV. They are a poor harmlefe People : Poor Woolcombers, Weavers,
and Tradefmen, like to be dcftroycd in Prifon, in Holes under Ground. We
intreat the King not to fuffer thefe his peaceable S'.:bje(^ts to be buried alive.
" Gilbcri
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS: 511
♦' Gilbert Latey then ftept to the King, faying. We are the King's Subjects N'ORFOL'K.
*' that never did any Thing againft him, having been peaceabie, and we can 16^2 aiiH
*' truly foy, have ferved him, and we never were againft him, yet our Friends 1683;
" are great Sufferers, and they lie in a Dungeon twenty feven Seeps deep iii ^--''V'^^'^il
" th'i Ground at Norwich. Wherefore we have mod earneftiy fought Reiief
" of the King."
George Whitehead, in his Account of this Application to the King, obferves,
that his Friend Gilbert Latey (as well as himlelf) being tenderly affcfted with
Friends Sufferings and Hardfliips, fpake to the King in very tender AfFcftion,
under a Senfe of the Lord's Power and holy Fear, which reached the King's
Heart and Confcience (and Others about him) beyond his Utterance, or what
he could in Words demonftrate.
At another Time, I'iz. on the 26th of the Second Month called /Ipril i68g,
the faid George Whitehead and Gilbert Latey again attended the King at Hamp-
ton-Court, ot which the faid G. W. gives the following Account, liz.
" On the 25th of the Second Month 168-?, we took Boat for Kingfidn, iri
•' the Afternoon, but before we got to Wandfworih the Weather began to be fo
" very ftormy and tempeftuous upon the River Thames, that we were forced
*' to take in at Wand/worth, and lodge there that Niglit at the Widbw
" Spriiiget's. Next Morning we arofe by that Time it was well light, and
" walked on Foot to Kingfton, it raining almoft all the Way^ fo that we were
" much wetted in going thither ; we made fome Stop at Anne Ftelder''s, at
*' Kingfloti, till we had a little refrefhed our felves, and dried our Clothes ' at
" the Fire, and then we haftened away to Hampton-Court, to meet with the
" King before he went to Council.
'' As we went along the Park, toward the Court, we fuv at a Diftance
*' diverfe Perfons ftanding in the Porch, looking towards us, and one above
" the reft I obferved, believing it was the King by his blue Ribbon, and black
" Cap. I faid to Gilbert Latey, I am ferfuaded yonder is the King : And as we
" drew nearer iaw it was the King indeed. And not being willing to go
*' abruptly into his Prcfence, to open our Cafe to him without his Leave, at
«' a little Diftance I called to the King, defiring him to fivour us a few
'' Words, ^c. which he prefently granting, one of his Gentlemen that kntew
" us, came to us, and gently took off our Hat^, and hung them on the Phles
" of a Fence before the Court, and then we went to the King, who was teaAy
' ' to hear us. • '
" Diverfe great Perfons being prefent with the King nt the Gate or Porch,
" I proceeded to open our Cafe to him concerning the Continuance of the hard
" Sufferings of our Friends in Norwich, in Manner following, viz.
" FirJ}. I reminded the King, that our poor Friends in Norivicb were ftill
" continued under great Durcfs and Hardfhips in Goal, in Hoks, and a Du'n-
" geon under Ground, and defired that the King in his Clemency would
*' pleafe to relieve them, further opening their difbrefled Cafe.
*' The King anfwered, // is agatnjl Law they fuffer fo ; and I'll tah Chre
" concerning them.
" Note. I was truly glad when I heard him give this Anfwer, believing
<' then, that the Complaints which had been made to him of our Friends Ufiige
" and Confinement, and the faid Affidavits of Others thereof, had fuch Credit'
*' and Weight with him, that I hoped he would caufe them .to be releafed. "
" Secondly. The King queftioncd us about the Reafon of our not putting'
<' off our Hats, and ufing the Terms Thee and Thou, lea and Nay : To
" which we gave him Anfwer particularly.
'' Gilbert Latey faid. If we could put off our Hats to any Mortal, it ftioukl
" be to the King firft ; but for Confcience-fake we could not to any Mortal,
«' but only in our approaching God in Prayer. To which the King gave no
*' f articular Reply.
" G. *• .
512 A Colledion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
NORFOLK. «' G. W. Thou and 'Thee to one Perfon is Scripture Language, and the true
1682 and <■<■ Way of Speaking.
1683. " G. L. As P«///did to King Agrippa, A£ts xxvi. 2, viz. I think viy fe!{
happy, O King Agrippa, becaufe I JImU anjwer (or my felf this Day before
" thee, touching all the T'hings whereof I am accufed of the Jews, efpeciaih be-
" caiife I know thee to be expert in all Ciiftoms and ^iejiions zvhich are amof?g
" the Jews.
" G. U^. Thirdly. Concerning Tea and Nay, we are not ftriclly tied to
«' the Exprefllons, but fometimes ufe Others of the fame Signification, as I'es
•' and No.
" A great Perfon prefent afked us, IVhy do you call him King ? fFhy do you
«' not call him. His Majefty ?
" G. W. As he is King, he has Majefly belonging to him : 'Tis included.
*' His Mnjejly is his Greatnefs and Power.
'' King. Tou Jhould not ftand upon thefe Things in Affe^ation : The Word
•' You is now become ufual in Englifh : And the Word Yeah is iijed by Seamen
'' when they call from the Top of the Majl to be heard upon the Deck. 'Tis cdjo
" a Dutch Word^ who exprefs it Yah.
" G. W. Wc afFedt not Singularity in Words or Behaviour, but defire
" to demean our felves in that Plainnefs and Simplicity, which we are in
" Confcience and Truth perfuaded unto.
" King. The Words Thee and Thou, inight have been better tranflated out of
*' the Greek, Tou.
" G. W. If fo, then the Trandators were as fimple as we the ^takers.
" King. Many of your Friends can Swear, or take an Oath, rather than
" lofe their Voices in Ele3ions.
" G. W. Though fome few Perfons have fworn, who have fometimes gone
*' under our Profeffion, yet they are not in Society with us, nor we with
*' them.
" G. L. We are as much difliitisfied with them as the King can be.
*' G. W. We defire nothing to be done to the Prejudice or Difhonour
" of the King, nor to join with, or promote any Interelt againlt the King :
♦' The Lord knows our Hearts : We have not any Defign or Defire for the
" Subverfion or Change of the Government : Nor can we rcafonably be fup-
" pofed to have any fuch Defign, feeing we were deep Sufferers in Cro?nweU'^
♦' Time, as I my felf was : Therefore there is no Reafon we iliould feek to
" promote any Intereft againft the King, but only defire that God in his
" Wifdom may direft and preferve the King, and that nothing may be done
" or fuffered to the King's Difhonour or Hurt.
*' G. L. We would not lofe our Point, that we came to the King for,
" that is, the Cafe of our diftrefied Friends in Norwich, to whom we defire the
" King to fhew his Princely Clemency for their Relief.
" King. I will take Notice of their Cafe, and Care about it, that it fJiall be
" called for in Council.
" G. W. If there be any * Objeftions againft us {i. e. in Council) we pray
*' the King to let us know them, and we hope to give fuch Anfwers as Ihall
" be fatisfiiftory,
" King. Tou (hall know : I'll take Care about your Bufinefs.
" G. W. We gave Affidavits to the Lord-Keeper, which we hope were
" delivered to the King.
" King. Tes, yes : I'll take Notice of their Cafe, and it floall be called on in
" Council.
♦' G. L.
* Note. The Reafon of this Propofal was, that they were informed that Secretary ^iii-
hins intended to produce a Paper from the Sheriffs o'i Norroich, in Oppolkion ro the Ajfidj-
i;/fi which they had delivered. But it was ruppoled, that the King's favourable Aniwers,
and hik confeifing their Suffering was againlt Law, and proniifino to ui^e Care of their Cafe,
might prevent the Secretary's Intention in that Rel'podl.
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS.
«• G. Z,. We accept it as a great Favour, that we have this Admittance
^' to be heard, and pray God to preferve and dircft the King.
" G. IV. To the Nubility prefent^ &c. And we acknowledge all your Civili-
" ties and Kindnefs towards us.
" G.W. To the King as he was with-drawing. We hope the King will be
" mindful of our fuffcring Friends in Norwich.'''
NORFOKK.
1682 and
1680.
The Ifllie of their ftrenuous Applications, and of the King's favourable Re-
ception and Hearing, and his gracious Promifes to take Notice of their Cafe,
was, that at the Summer Afflzes 1683, the faid Priloners in the Dungeon at
Norwich, were fet at Liberty by the Judge, purfuant, as was believed, to the
Inftructions given him by the King.
In the Year 1682, Stephen Cooch, Edward Miles jun. and Robert Millis,
were committed to Prifon, on ProcelTes againft them, for Abfence from the
National Worfhip : And in the Year 1683, John Jggs, William Barrows.^
IVilliam Greenwood, Francis Baldwin, Edmund Bedwell, Safnuel Pike, Samuel
Claydon, Thotnas Eox, Anne Payne, William Moore, and Walter Peddtman,
were alio committed to Prifon for the fame Caufe,
ANNO 1684. John Roe and William Roe, of Longhani-hall, Farmers,
having been profecuted on the Statute for 20/. per Month, for twelve Months
Abfence from the National Worfhip, on the 14th of theJVionth called April,
the Sheriff's Officers came to their Houfe to make a Seizure for 240/.
and accordingly feized all their Cattle, Corn, and Houfhold Goods : On the
next Day they drove away to Eajt-Dereham for Sale, twenty eight neat Kine^
worth 40/. On the 17th they took an Horfe, twenty Milch Cows, and feven
Calves, worth 56/. 10 s. On the 18th they tcok three Florfes, a Mare, a
Cart and Harnefs, twenty four Stone of Wool, fix Comb of Oats, and Sacks,
alfo fix Swine, worth 40/. 6s. On the 23d they made an Appraifement of
the reft of the Corn and Cattle not yet difpofed of : On the 26th they took
away twenty feven Comb of Wheat, five Milch Cows, fix Comb of Seed-
Barley, an Horfe, a Mare, a Cart and Harnefs, to the Value of 43/. And
on the 28th they took away thirteen Comb of Barley, worth 3/. 8j. In all
to the Value of 183/. 4 s.
The Behaviour of the Officers and Affiftants, who made this Seizure, was
very rude : They broke open the Doors, Drawers, and Chefls, and threatned
the Servants of the Houle with Sword and Piffol. To make thcnifelvcs merry
they roafted a Pigg, and laid fo much Wood on the Hearth, that they fet die
Chimney on Fire, with which, and their Revelling, Curfing, and Swearing,
they affrighted the Wife of the laid William Roe to the endangering of her
Life : She being then great with Child, was delivered before her Time, and
the Child died a few Days after. John Roe had defired one of his Neighbours
to tarry with him in the Houfe, but they turned him out, telling him, that
the Houfe was none of his, but the King's. Thus the Severity of the Law was
aggravated by the Infolence of thofe who were employed to execute it.
On the 19th of the Month called Ma'j, the Officers of Hempnall came to
the Houfe of Lewis Gage, with a Warrant from Francis Gardener, Jultice,
fining him 10/. iP,s. upon Information of a Meeting at his Houfe fome Months
belore, when the Informers pulled him from his Seat, threw him on the Floor,
dragged him, by the Shoulders and Hair of his Head, out of Doors, and laid
him on the Snow, bidding him lie there and rot. The like Barbarity they alio
Meeting.
The Officers took away his
cxercifed on feveral Others at that
Houffiold Goods, worth 20/. and tour Loads of Hay, breaking open a Door
to come at it : And on the 23d of the fame Month they came again, when
no Body was within, and brake open the Door, and carried away moll of his
remaining Houffiold Goods to a Neighbouring Alehouie, the Keeper of which
Jiad bought three Loads of his Goods before. The Amount of thofe Goods,
taken at both Times, was not lefs than 40 /.
Vol. I. 6 O About
Jmprifnnmems
and P'ofetu-
tions for
Abfence from
the Mmond
ll'orjiiip.
ExceJJive
Seizure.
Ride Behd'
vipiir of tit
Officers ,
A'ufive Vfjge
ofL. Gage.^
514-
NORFOLK.
1DS4.
Cittk, &c.
J. Gooding
imfovC'ifliiJi
by inm.y
Seii^i>'g the
Efff.'ts'of R.
b'outlia,ace.
More
Seizaris-
diem.
A Colle6lion of the Sitfferings Vol. I.
About the fame Time, Jonathan Booty and Elizabeth Booty his Mother, both
of Steaton-Mkhael, having been profecuted on the Statute for 20/. per Month
not coming to Church, had taken tiom them five Cows, and all tiieir
Honfliold Goods, not leaving the poor Woman, who was blind and near
eighty Years of Age, fo much as a Bed or Pillow to lay her Head on. They
carried away alfo his working Tools. The Whole ot the Goods, taken h-om
amounted to 48/. gj.
ng, of Teajlurgh, for a Meeting at his Iloufc, on the 30th of the
Month CA[\t<\ Jiigufi this Year, had Goods taken from him worth 7/. ijj.
being the fmall Remainder of many former Seizures, lb that they left him
vvithout any Utenfils of Houfhold, and not fitisfied therewith, they took alfo
lome of his wearing Apparel. About a Fortniglit after they came again, and
fcarched lor more Goods, but finding none, abufed the Man and his Wife, and
threatned to fend them to Goal.
On the 1 2th of September, the Sheriffs Officers, or Perfons who called them-
felves fo, came to the Houfe of Robert Soiithgnte, and made a Seizure, leaving
a Man in PoirefTion till the i8th, when they drove away five Milch Cows
worth 10/. five Swine worth 3 /. eleven Sheep worth 3 /. and two Horfes
worth 6/. They alio took a Feather-bed, Bedding, and Chairs, worth 7/.
A Cart, Harnds, Bridle, Saddle, and Pannel, worth 61. In all 35/.
On the 26th of the fame Month, the Sheriff's Officers entred the Houfe of
Henry Appleyard, oi' Saxlingha??i-'Thorp, demanding 80/. for the King. They
feizedall his Goods both within Doors and widiout, and appraifed them at 9/.
But v/hen Ibme of the Man's Neighbours, pitying his diftrelTed Cafe, olfered to
buy them, they would not part with them again under 1 3 /.
On the iHoi Offober, the Bayliffs of the Hundred came to the Houfe of
Samuel Pike, of Hingham, feized his Goods, and put a Man in PolTcfiion till
the 7th, when they took away five Milch Cows, and a Feather-bed, worth 15/.
On the 1 6th of OBeber, the Sherifi^'s Officers came to the Houfe of Henry
IVard, ot Hellgay, faying, Tbe'j came to feize all he had for 100 1, for the King^
which they inftantly did, breaking open one Door, and feizing the Keys of
the reft, fecured them. They kept Poflefiion four Days, fwearing and hedor-
ing in a moft iniblent Manner, to the great Terror of him aiid his W ife, being
both infirm Perlbns, and near feventy Years of Age.
On the 1 8th they forcibly entered the Room, where the faid He/try's ^\'ife,
a fickly Woman, lay, and pulled away her Bed out of the Room, icarce giving
her Time to put on herClothes, and leaving her only the Matt and Cords to
lie on, while themfelves lay on the Bed in another Room.
On the 20th they fold the Goods to feveral Perfons, but refufed to give the
faid Henry any Account of them, though often defired. So that the Value of
them, which muff have been confiderable, was to him unknown.
Cthr grievous On the 1 4th of November, Robert Alle}i, a Bayliff, with two Informers, came
Seiiura. and feized Houfliold Goods, and Shop Goods, of Henry Jennipy, of EUingham-
magna, and carried them away to the Value of 18/. not leaving him fb much
as a Bed to lie on.
On the lame Day, the fiid Bayliff and Informers went to the Houfe of
Winifred Dix, of the fame Town, Widow, (who then was, and had been above
five Years a Prilbner for Tithes) and feized all they could find of hers, to the
Value of 150/, which they fold for 23/. The Bayliff and his AlTiftants, witli
two Waggoners by them employed, confumed in Meat a.nd Drink for diera-
felves and their Horfes, to the Value of 5/.
On the fame Day alfo, they went to the Houfe of John Long, of Ijttle-
Ellingham, and took away a Feather-bed, and the Furniture belonging to it,
worth 3 /.
On the 23d the Sheriff's Officers went to the Houfe of Robert Jarmin, of
Shotfhum, demanding 220/. for the King. Having feized what he had, they
left a Man in Poirellicn, who with his Horfe continued there eight Days. Tlieji
Cruel Vfj^e
o/H.Ward.
they went again to diijpofc of the Goods, and fold them for 19 /, jo j.
0.1
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS.
515
On \\\ft r()\\\ Thomai CockcrilU for a Fine of, lo/. 5^. for Meeting, h;u!, by NORFOLK.
"Warrant from Juftice Low^ a Seizure made of one Hundred and forty Pair of 1684.
Shoes, which the Officers left in his Shop till the ill of Deceinber, and th.cn w/'^V'^'^^
took away one Hundred Pair of them, worth 10 1. \os.
On the 3d of December, Anthony Alexander, a Tanner in Norwich, by War-
rant from the fime Juftice, had taken from him two Hunilred Hide?, worth 30/.
but valued by the Appraifers, employed by the Diilrainers, at iil. los.
On the 26th of the Month called Januar), the iaid Anthony Alexander, for
a Fine of 15;. for Meeting had taken froni him by Warrant from Nicholas
Helwis, Mayor, Leather to the Value of i /. \os.
In this Year were committed to Norwich Caftle, on ProcefTes for Abfence Imprifun-
from the National Worfhip, Henry ffake, John J'Fafey, Matthew Bradbury, '»^»"-
Katharine Hajlcwood, Robert Jarniin, and John George ; as was alfo Nathanael
Butler, upon the Statute for 2c/. per Month.
ANNO 1 68 5. On the 3ifl: Day of the Month called March, Robert Diflrefs.
SoHthgate, for being at a Meeting at fVells, had taken from him four Milch
Cows, and eighteen Sheep, worth 12/. 10 s. And at another Time two
Horfes, worth 7 /. \os.
In the Month called April, Thomas Laws, John Wetherbj, George Bragg, Prifomrj in
Robert Catnplinz, and Richard Roberts, were remaining Prifoners in l^armoulh Yarmouth
Goal, whither they had been committed in the Year 1682 for refufing to take ''''■iJ>'orwicn.
the Oath of Allegiance. And at the fame Time, John Fiddeman, John Cade,
Thomas Murford, John Gurney, Williajn Melcham, Stephen Amos, James Mahew,
John Elfegood, William Kiddle, John Fenn, Nicholas Comfit, Thomas Buddery,
John Def ranee, William Waymer, and William Clayton, were continuing Pri-
foners at Norwich Goal, having been for the fame Caufe committed thither
about the Latter-end of the Year 1683. The Cafe of thefe laft fifteen, as
drawn up by themfelves, is contained in the following Addrefs, viz.
'* ^« A D D R E 8 S 0/ the Prisoners at Norwich, to the
"Representatives of that City and County, humbly
" defiring them to take our Jiiffering Condition into Conjideration.
" \7V7E> who
" ' ' fhippini
<(
((
cc
have been great Sufferers for no other Caufe but for \vor- T/v Vrfomn
J God, and becaufe it hath differed in Ceremony from the Addrcis to
eftablifhed Worfhip of the Nation, fbme have termed it Sedition and Re- ''^'"''" ^^'^''
bellion, and have prolecuted us as fuch, almoft to the utter ruining of us in fi'""'^''"'
this World, fome Times by Laws made againft feditious Sectaries, and other
Times as Popi/Jj Recufants, though our Endeavour hath been, and yet is, to
keep a Confcience void of Offence toward God and all Men, as our Con-
fciences bear us Witnefs, and alfo our Neighbours among whom we have lived,
who have feen our peaceable Behaviour. And farther, our Willingnefs to give
unto Cafar the Things that are his. And although nothing has been alledged
againft us, but the Caufe of our Worfliip, yet grievous have been our Suf-
ferings as aforefaid, witnefs the Prifoners that are at this Day through the
Nation, as alfo the Havock that has been made upon our Goods for many
Years paft by Bayliffs and mercenary Informers, who have not only abufed
us, but have domineered over and abufed the Jufticcs and Jullice it felf, for
bafe and finifher Ends, which has ruined many Families, (of fuch as were
always willing to fubmit to the Sword of Juftice, that is for the Punifhment
of Evil-doers, and the Praifc of them that do well} as we believe ycu are
not unfenfible of.
*' Therefore we do humbly befeech you, as Opportunity offers it felf, that
you would make Interceffion on our Behalf, tliat the heavy Burden may
be taken off, and the Oppreffed go free, fo fhall we be the more; engaged
to pray for the Profperity of you and yours.
« Thus
5i6 ^ Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I,
NORFOLK. " Thus in Behalf of our felves, and our fuffering Friends, from fifteen of
1685. " us, who have been Prifoners onwards of two Years, becaufe we cannot
V^W'VJ " fwear that which we hold and believe our Chriitian Duty, to ivit, to praftife
" true Allegiance to our Prince.
The -th of tbi Month
called April, 1683.
Cjith tendred.
Sei^we ort
J. Booty.
And on
S. Pike.
Alfo on
VV. Dix.
Jiiri Cafe.
Move Dif-
trcjfes'
Thefe fifteen, at the Summer Affizes this Year, had the Oath of Alle-
giance again tendred them in Court, and were recommitted to Prifon. I'he
Oath was alfo at the fame Time tendred to J. Pralt and fp'illia??! Hemfter-
lowy Prifoners in the Caftle at Norzvich, and they were returned to Prifon for
refufing to take it.
On the 7th of the Month called June, three Informers came to the Houfe of
Jonathan Booty, of SteatoH-Michaei, where they found but three Perfons affembled
befide thofe of the Family, however they determined to make a Conventicle of
it, and lodged their Information with Juftice Houghton, v,'ho granted his War-
rant to levy 20/. for the Houfe, and 10;. for the laid JgnatlM)i and his Wife
being at the Meeting in their own Houle : And on the 27th of the Fifth
Month following, the faid Informers, with the Conftable and Warden of the
Parifli, came and took away Cattle, Hay, and Houfhold Stuff, to the Value
of 14/.
On the 6th of September this Year, the Sheriit's Bayliffs, with one Allen an
Under-Goaler, and feveral of his Prifoners to affift them, came with a Warrant
from the Sheriff, with ^n Ejlreat out of the. Exchequer tor 20/. per Month, to
the Houfe of Samuel Pike of Hinghajn^ demanding 100/. for the King, but not
fhewing their Warrant. They feized all his Goods and Chattels, kept Pol-
felTion of his Houfe fix Weeks, and about a Week after the Seizure lent him
Prifoner to Norwich Caflle : They lived upon the Premifes, feeding themlelves
and their Horfes at their own Will and Pleafure ; infolently domineering over
his Wife and Family, and took away two Milch Cows, and three Horfes,
worth 15/. A Sow and five Pigs, worth 2 /. Corn, Hay, and Meflin, worth 49/,
Two Carts, a Pair of Harrows, Part of a Plough, with Harncfs, to the Value
of 8 /. A Bed, Bedding, Brafs, Pewter, and other Houfliold Goods, to the
Value of 7/. 3 J. 4^. Two Malt-Qiiarns, Utenfils, and Tools of Hufbandry,
and other Things, worth 2/. i6j. Amounting in all, to 83/. ig s. 4^.
7 he fame Perfons went alfo to the Houfe of IFinifred Dix, Widov/, (from
whom they had laft Year txiken Goods worth 150/. as before mentioned) and
feized all her Goods and Chattels, both within Doors and without, and drove
and carried away five Cows, two Calve?, and a Lamb, worth 17/. 151.
Corn, Hay, and Cheefe, to the Value of 32/. Four Beds, with the Bedclothes
and Furniture, worth 18/. Two Carts and Harnefs,
Brafs, and other Houfhold Goods, to the Value of
all, to ^61. 5 J.
This poor Widow had at that Time feveral fiitherlefs Children, and was
then in i'rifon for Tithes, where fhe had been near fix Years. Grievous was her
Cafe, who while under clofe Rcflraint and Confinement, fuffered luch fpoiling
of her Goods for not going to Church, which in her Circumltances was im-
polTiblc to do.
The fame Bayliffs took from Henry Jennipy, of Ellingban- magna. Goods
wortli 20/. being almofl all he had lelt of the Spoil they made laft I'ear.
On the 8th of the lame Month, they took from Thwun True, of Eajl-
Dereham, the Covering of his Bed, and Yarn, worth 1 /. 3.1.
On the loth they took from Cbrijiopber Krddel, oi Ellingham-jnagna, four
Milch Cows worth 10 /. And two Shotiings, a Silver Spoon, Brafs, Pewter, i^c.
worrh 12/. 195. making together 22/. 1 9 j.
On the 1 2th they went with their Alliitants to the Houfe of Edzvard AUks
of Thaxtoriy demanding 120/. for the King ; and without producing their
W ariajir.
worth 8/. Wool, Pewter,
20/. lOi.
Amounting
m
Chap. 26. of the People called QUAKERS.
Warrant, took Pofleffion of his EfFefts, viz. his Corn, Cattle, Hay, Houfhold
Goods, ^c. which they carried away and confumed, to the Amount of ii6/.
1 8 J. They kept PoflelTion leveral Weeks, keeping Horfes and Men there at
a great Expence, fitting up at unfeafonable Hours in the Night, drinking,
fwearing, and curfing, to the great Terror and Difturbancc ot him and his
Family. By the Seizure of his Horfes they prevented the Tilling ot his Land
in order to fow his Winter Corn, and by their taking away his Corn and Cheefe,
laid up for his Family's Provifion, they obliged him to buy Food for his
Houfhold, which he had no fooner done, but thofe Spoilers, fometimes fix or
feven of them together, prefently devoured what he had bought. In fhort,
their Proceedings were barbarous and illegal. The laid Allen., Under- Goaler,
and his Priloners, made an Inventory and pretended Appraifement of the
Goods, without rendring any Account to the Owners, and carried them off
under Colour of having bought them of the Sheriff. So they never made any
Returns of what they had once laid their Hands on.
On the 22d of the Hime Month, they went to the Houfe oi James Denton oi
Blowfield, faying, Tloey came to feize all be had for the King. They got the
Keys of his Houfe, and kept Pofleffion ; took out of his Cupboard 15/. in
Money, and fo terrified his Wife, who was not of his Pcrfuafion, that fhc
borrowed 1 2 /. more for them, to prevent their carrying away her Houfhold
Goods : Which Sums ot Money, with two Silver Spoons, fome Books, and
other Things they took, amounted to 30/.
On the 24th Robert Nicholas, and George Leveridge, BaylifFs of the Hundred,
made a Seizure of the Goods of William Stonewich, of Cranworthy and drove
away two Cows worth 4 /. And on the next Day were carting away his Goods,
when fome of the Neighbours redeemed them by paying the BaylifTs 7 /. more.
The fame BaylifFs took from Samuel Dover, ot Attlehury, three Milch Cows,
and two Heifers, worth 9/.
And on the 2d of October, they took from fVilliam Freeman, of Attlebiiry,
a Load of Hay worth 2 /. and on the 15th, two Load of Hay worth 4/. 10 J.
On the 5th of the lame Month, the lame Baylins went to the Houfe oi John
Roe and ff'illiam Roe, of Longha?n (whom they had grievoufly diftrained the
laft Year, as before related) and leized and drove away twenty two Milch Kine
and a Bull, worth 57/. Seven Horfes with Carts, Harnefs, tfc, worth 46/.
And on the 14th they took an Horfe, Saddle, Cloth, and three Cheefes,
worth 2/. 14.S. amounting in all, to 105/. 145.
When thele Sufferers informed the Sheriff of the Value of thefe Goods, he
anfwered, that He had no Account brought him of any more than 38/. but withal
threatned the Complainers, that If they appeared againjl him on this Occajion,
he would ruin them to all Intents and Purpofes.
From Henry Skinner, a poor Journeyman Shoemaker, they took
o: :
all
could find of his, amounting but to 20 s.
they
and
him.
Houfhold
redeemed
From Simon Brooks, of Attlebury, they took Hay, Corn,
Goods, which fome of his Neighbours, in CompafTion to
for 4/. 10 J.
They alfo made Diffrefs on the Goods of John Enatts, of Lumpton, a Mem-
ber of the eftablifhed Church, for his Wife's frequenting the S^iakers Meeting,
which Goods he redeemed by paying 3/.
In this Year, Richard Ranfo7n was remaining a Prifoner in Norwich Caflle
for Tidies -, as was Daniel Phillips on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo ; and
"Thomas Poller on a Significavit of Contempt, upon Procefles againft him in the
Ecclefiaftical Court.
In this Year alfo, Simon Brooks, of Attlebury, was committed to Prifon, and
clofe confined, at the Suit of one Beetly, Priefl of that Town, for Tithes.
ANNO 1686. In this and the two preceding Years were taken for Tithe
of Corn and Hay, from IVilliam King and Martha Hart, of Norlh-Waljham,
Henry Miller, of Wickmore, John Allen and IVilUam Booty, of Lammis, Edward
Miles of Thaxton, and Sainuel Pike, of Hingham, fo much in Qiiantity as
Vol. I. 6 P amounted
NORFOLK.
1685.
B.irbirous ani
illfgall'roceed-
higs.
Other fevers
Seizures,
Compliiners
ihrgj.tnei. hi
by the Sheriff.
Several
Sei^wis,
Impriformemi
for Tithes.
Si8
NORFOLK.
1686.
Tiihis.
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
amounted to the Value of 39/. i2j. And in the fame Years, from Robert
Bey and John Goodwin^ of lajbicrgb, William Sharming, of Branton, Natkanatl
Booty, of Coltijhall, Elizabeth Ranfom, of Gunton, and JVilluim Beck, of Swa-
field. Corn and Hay worth 13/. lOi. 6d.
ANNO 1687. Taken this Year from the aforefaid Robert Dey, Henry
Miller, Naihanael Booty, fVilliam Booty, Elizabeth Ranfom, Samuel Pike, and
Edward Miles, Corn and Hay to the Value of 18/. 12 s.
ANNO 1688. Taken from leveral of the before-named Perfons, and
Thomas Blomjield, \a Corn and Hay, to the Amount of 16 1.
ANNO 1689. Taken from the atorefaid Samuel Pike, and from Chrijiopher
Kiddell, and Francis Dix, oi Ellingkam, Corn and Sheep, worth 5/. i^s. 4^.
ANNO 1690. Taken from diverfe of the Perfons betbre-named, and from
John Sayer and Henry Jenipy, of Great- Elliiigha?n, Francis Baldwin, of the
iame, John Prieft, of Gutmingham, IVillimn Colby, of Coltijhall, and Henry
Wake, of Gaywood, for Tithes of Corn, Hay, Lambs, and Wool, to the Value
of 16 1, ys.
CHAP. XXVII.
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1654.
Sujferi>!g of
W. Dews-
berry.
hnfrikinriunt
^, Storr.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.
Anno 1654.
TH E firft Suffering of this People in this County was that of fpllliaftt
Dewjherry, who about the Beginning of December, being in the
Street at Wellingborough, was called to by Thomas Andrews, Prieft
of that Town, who fpoke to him thi;s, Grjc over deceiving the
People, lefi the Plagues of God fall upon thee. William replied. Wherein do I
deceive them ? The Prieft anfwered, In telling them, there is no Original Sin.
William afked him again, Didfi thou hear me fay fo ? To which the Prieft
made no Anfwer, but went away. About three Weeks after this, William
went into the Steeple-houfe, and waited till the Prieft had done, and then Ipake
to the People, who gave Attention to what he laid. After which he thus
ipake to the Prieft, Thou hafl accufed me of deceiving the People ; prove thy
Accufation now before the People, or acknowledge the Faljhood of it. But the
Prieft, without giving any Anlwer, departed. Upon this, fVilliam was haled
out of the Houfe into the Yard, where he again preached to the People, who
ftood quietly to hear him, till the High-Conftable came, and laying hold of
him, led him to the Market-place, laying, He would bring Evidence againji him
for Blafphemy. After a Ihort Time he was let go again, and lodged at a Friend's
Houfe that Night. Next Day, being the aSch of December, a Conftable came
to him with a Warraiit to apprehend tlie ^aker, but without mentioning his
Name : However the Conftable carried him to a Juftice of tJie Peace, who
committed him to Northa?npton Goal by a Mittimus, which was laid to contain
a Charge of Blafphemy, wherefore Dewjherry was Ibmewhat earneft in requefting
a Copy of it, but chat, though both juft and rcalonable, was refuftd him.
By the lame Mittimus the Juitice alio fent Jofeph Storr to Prifon witli him, who
only came to hear the IfTue of his Friend's Examination, aud againft whom no
Accufation was laid, but fuch was the Juftice's Prejudice, that he obfervcd
not any Diftindtion in their Cafes ; it was enough to iiim that they were bodi
^takers. In the Prilbn they were kept twelve Steps under Ground, among
Thieves .and Murderers, till the Quarter SefDons on the lofh of the next
Mciuh,
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
Month, when they were brought before the Bench of Juftices, where their
Mittimus Wiis read, but they were again refufed .1 Copy ot it : Nor did the
Juftices take any farther Cognizance of their Caiife, but remanded them to
Prifon till the next Affizes, to be held about two Months after. At this Seffions
Francis Ellifigton, who came thither to hear the Trial of his Friends, was
charged by the Juftices with a Mifdemeanour, refpecfting a Letter he had lent
to one of them ; and under that Pretence they required of him Sureties for the
good Behaviour, which he refufing to give, was alio committed to Prifon.
Before tiie next Aflizes, Henry JVilliamfon having attempted to fpeak to the
People, after the Prieft had done his Office, was by them forely beaten and
abuled, and afterward committed to the lame Prilon with the Others.
At the AfTizes, which began on the 10th of the Month called March 1654,
JVilliam De-wfierry, Jojeph Storr, and Henry JViUiamfon^ were brought before
the Judges, Hales and (f^'inSam, and were examined in Manner tollowing, viz.
Judge Hales. Art thou Dewfberry ?
W. Dewfberry. Yea, I am lb called.
Judge Hales. Where doji thou live ?
W. D. I live in the Lord, and I have a Wife and three Children at
Wakefield in Torkjhire.
Judge. What camefi thou into this Country to do, that thou didfi not ft ay in thy
own Country with thy Wife and Children ?
W. D. I ftaid in that Country with my Wife and Children, until the
Father revealed his Son in me, and called me forth from my Wife and Children
to declare his Word of Eternal Lite, which he hath manifefted to my Sou! in the
great Work of Regeneration, in the new Covenant of Life in Chrift Jefus >
The Everlafting Golpel I am lent to preach to thofe that dwell upon the Earth.
Judge. / fear it is a Delufwn, and thine own Fancies^ and not the 'Truth.
W. D. Time will make it manifeft.
Judge. 7hou dra-weft People together, and a^eft againft Miniftry and Mag^^
tracy.
W. D. As thou ftandeft in the Prefence of God, take Heed of hearkning
to falfe Accufitions. Miniftry and Magiftracy, which is of God, I own : But
thofe that are called Miniftcrs of Chrift, and walk contrary to Scripture, I
difown.
Judge. But who are they that walk contrary to Scripture ?
W. D. They that abide not in the Dodtrine of Chrift : But have the chief
Places in the AlTemblies ; ftand praying in the Synagogues, love Greeting
in the Markets, are called of Men Mafters, which Practice Chrift cried Wo
againft •, and they that walk in it, walk contrary to Scripture.
Judge. Theje are fmall "Things to fpeak of.
W. D. There is nothing fmall the Lord commands.
Judge. Thou fayft well.
Then the Judge enquired of the Court, what they had againft thefe Men ?
W. D. That is it we would have manifefl, what Law we have tranfgrefs'd.
Judge. Produce what you have againft them, and I fhall proceed according to
Law.
Clerk of the Peace. Here are Papers which Dewfberry and Storr had, which
tire againjl the Lord-Prote£lor.
W. D. The Papers they took from me, which they fay are againft the
Lord-Protedtor, was the Word of the Lord I was moved to write, which I
fent to him privately with Care, the One in the Fourth Month in the laft
.Year, and the Other hath been privately with Care delivered to him ; and pri-
vately I kept the Copies of the Papers, until I was apprehended by Virtue of a
Warrant granted forth by Juftice Pentlow, and there was not any Nairte, bat
for One whom he had in Scorn called a ^aker, and with that Warrant the
Conftable had me before him, who commanded the Conftable to fee it I had
any Money ; which was done, and my Money taken from mc, and after a
little Time he gave it to me again. Then they took thofe Papers from me,
which
5^9
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1654.
F. Ellington.
jlvd H. Wil-
liamfon.
Eximinmon
of Dewsber-
ry, Storr, and
Williamfon,
bsfore ^udge
Hales.
^-
520
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1654.
ji Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
which I had privately on me in a Letter- Cafe, which here tliey pubhfh pub-
lickly as an Evidence againft me.
Judge. Read the Paper.
When Part of it was read, the Judge bid them Give over ; faying.
This Paper is not to be publijhed.
IV. D. It is not my Mind tliey fliould be publifhed. The Spirit of Truth,
that gave them forth, did direft them privately to the Hands of the Lord
Prote£for.
Judge. How dnrfi thou write to him in fuch an high Language^ as from the
Spirit of the Lord ?
W. D. They in whom the Spirit of the Lord is, write from the Spirit,
and he that hath not the Spirit, is none of his.
Judge. But I fear it is not from the Spirit, for many pretend the Spirit, and
the Divine Light, and Revelations : But how Jhall we know they are the T'rutb
according to the Scriptures ?
W. D. The Scripture cannot be known, but by the pure divine Light of
Chrift, which enlightens every one that comes into the World ; which pure
Light Chrift hath given to every one, a Meafure, to try the Spirits in them,
whether they be ol^ God or not : Every Spirit that confefTeth Chrift come in
the Flefh, is of God ■, but he that denies Chrift come in the Flefh, is the
Spirit of Antichrift. And this Light gave the Scriptures forth, which Light
leads to Chrift, who reveals the Father to the Soul, which gives up to be
guided by him. So comes the Soul to know God by the Revelation of Jefus
Chrift, in whom they are known that walk in the Spirit, by their Fruits in all
their Words and Works. And the Prophet Jmos, that had the Spirit of the
Lord, and from the Spirit declared the Word of the Lord to the King of
J/rael, the People could not bear his Words.
Judge. Thou fayjl well, if thou dojl as thou fayjl, hit this, it may be, will
be expeoled, and I think it will be fair, to give Bail for your Appear ajice at the
the next Affixes.
W. D. Firft make manifeft what Law we have tranfgrefled, before Bail be
required.
After this they were fet afide, and the Judge proceeded to other Bufinefs,
till the Court was ready to break up in the Evening, and then the
Goaler afked the Judge, ^Fhat he Jhould do with thofe Yorklhire Men.
Judge. Bring the7n before the Court. Which was done.
Then fome in the Court faid. Take off their Hats, and two of their
Hats were taken off, and as they were about to take off I-fllliam
Dewfherrf% Hat, the Judge faid. Let it be on, and bade them put oti
the Hats of the other two again, which was done at his Command :
Then he Ipake to W. Dewfherr'j, laying.
Judge. Now I fee what thou art ; and thy Vizard and Form of fair Words is
feen, that thou art not the Man thou pretendejl to be.
IV. D. Vizards and Formality I deny ; but the Power of God I own and
witnefs, in which I ftand, and am fubjeft to it, and to the Ordinance of Man
for Confcience-fake.
Judge. Now thou art commanded : Take off thy Hat.
IV. D. Honour is not in pulling off the Hat, but in obeying the juft
Commands of God, which is according to the Will of God ; and my Hat
oft'ends not any ; but who are offended at it, may take it off : I fhall not refift
them. But there is not any Scripture that expreffes any Honour to be in putting
oft the Hat.
Judge. IVhat ! muji we^o nothing but what is exprefi in Scripture^ for our
Apparel what we (hall put on.
fV. D. Yea, the Scripture faith, Let your Adorning be with modejl Apparel.
Judge. Art thou Judge, that thou Ihmdejl- covered, and vAlt fiat uncover, as
tther Prifoners do ?
W. D.
IV.
H.
Judge.
H. !^V.
Judge.
H. JV.
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
W. D. What I do, God is my Witnels, I do it not in Contempt to any,
but in Obedience to the Power of God for Confcience-fake.
Judge. If you will not Jland as Prifoners, I will not do any TInng concerning
you, but here I found you^ and here I fball leave you.
IV. D. We have been above ten Weeks in the Low Goal, and not the
Breach of any Law found againfl: us : And we do ftand fubjei5t to the Power
of God, vvliat he fuffers thee to do with us.
Then the Judge fpake to Henry WilUamfon.
Judge. Henry WiJhamfon, -where dwelleft thou ?
In Cumberland is my outward Being.
M^'hat brought thee hither ?
The Lord moved me to come hither.
What to do ?
To declare the Word of the Lord, which he hath manifefted to
my Soul through Jefus Chrift.
Judge. How dofl thou know the Lord moved thee to come hither ?
H. IV. By the Spirit which he hath given me.
Judge. Thou madefi a great Diflurbance in the Church : Thou Jloodejl with thy
Hat on in the Time of Prayer.
H. W. God is my Witnefs : No Difturbance I made, for peaceably I flood,
as the other People did : I fpake no Words : I moved my Hands againfl: none :
And as foon as the Man had done fpeaking, they haled me out, fome by the
Hair of my Head, and tearing it, and others dafhing me in the Face with their
Books : And whether they broke the Peace or I, judge ye.
Judge. It may he Sureties may be required of you for your good Behaviour.
H. W. If I have tranfgreffed any Law, I am willing to fuffer by it.
Judge. But if you be Men that intend to walk in good Behaviour^ as you -pre-
tend., it is but a ftnall Matter ; and if you will find Sureties to appear at the next
JJJ'izes, I will fet you free.
H. PV. We are ot no ill Behaviour, for we are bound to good Behaviour
of God, and he that walks in the Truth is of no ill Behaviour.
On the 1 2th of the fame Month, Judge IVindham came to the fame Bench
where Judge Htles was, and being together, they called for the Prifoners,
Dewfherry, Storr, and Williamfon, and again examined them as follows, viz.
Judge Windham. Take off their Hats. W^iich was done.
Judge Hales. Read the Evidence againft them.
Clerk. PVilliam Dewfherry and Jofeph Storr had Papers found on them againfl
the Lord ProteBor, and IVilliafn Dewfherry did go into the Congregation at
If'eliingborough, and difturbed the Minifter and the Congregation in flanding
with his Hat on in the Time of the Sermon and Prayer ; and then declared
thefe Words, The Priejls teach for Hire, and the People love to have it fo : And
I ailed on the Minifter in the Streets, calling him Hireling ; and made a great
Diflurbance in the Market, and then went into Francis Ellington's Houfe, and
Ipoke forth at a Chamber- Window to the People in the Streets, and fo made a
great Difturbance.
Judge Hales. What fay/i thou ? Didjl thou fpeak theje Words ?
W. D. Railing I deny : Neither did I fpeak thefe Words to TJjomas An-
drews, whom they call a Minifter, in the Streets : If you will hear, I fhall
declare the Ground of my Going into the Sceeple-houfe at Wellingborough. I
was going in the Town, near to Thomas Andrews's Houfe, whom they call
Minifler, who called to me as I was going in the Streets, Give over deceiving the
People, leil the Plagues of God fall upon thee. I anfwered him, Dojl thou Jay I
deceive the People ? He replied, 1 fay thou doft. I faid to him. Make it appear
wherein I do deceive them. He anfwered. Thou telleft them there is no Original
Sin. I then afked him, DidJl thou hear me fay any fuch Words ? Then he
went away. Hearing Words he gave forth, which he faid there was fpoken,
and was not ; for the Truth's Sake, that not any Lie iliould reft upon it, when
the Prieft, Thomas Andrews, and the People were met together at the Steeple-
YoL. I. 6 Q houfe.
NORTH-
AMPTOM-
SHIRE.
1654.
522
NORTH-
A^NtPTON-
SHIRE.
1-654.
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
h6ilfe, I did go in, and fpake not a Word until the People were difmifled :
Then I declared the Word of the Lord to them before they went away. And
I fpake to Thomas Andrews to prove there before the People, what he had
falfely acciifed me of, or to own his falfe Accufation, but he did go away, and.
did not anfwer one Word at all, and all were peaceable, till Henry S?nilh, of
WeU'wgboroiigh, haled me by Force out of the Steeple-houfe : And as I was
declaring the Truth to the I'cople in the Yard, WiUiatn Baiv^ called High-
Conftable, took me from that Place, and faid. He zvould brbig Evidence againji
me for Blajpheiny, and had me to and fro in the Market, and lb made the
Tumult that was made among the People ; but when he could not prove what
he laid, he let mc go, who went to a Friend's Houfe, and came no more in
the Market that Day : So the Peace that was broken, and the Tumult that
was made, was by them, and not by nic.
Judge tVindhain. Dewfberry, thou art well known in tlte North, and in
Yorklhire ; there 1 have heard of thee ; but where tvajt thou horn ?
IV. D. My natural Birth was in Torkjhire.
Judge IFindbam. Doft thou begin to cant ? Is there any other Birth ?
IF. D. Yea. Except ye be regenerate and born again, ye cannot fee the
Kingdom of Cod. Which Birth I witnefs.
Judge fFindbam. At what Place in Yorkfhire waft thou born ?
IV. T>. My natural Birth was at a Town called AUiBhorp, nine Miles from
Tork, towards Hull.
Jud^e fVindham. tVhere haft thou been thy Time F
IV. D. When I was thirteen Years of Age, I was bound Apprentice to a
Clothmaker, in the Weft Part of Torkfhire, at a Town called Holbeck near
Leeds.
Judge IVindham. Did ft Tljou ferue thy Time f
fV. D. I did ftay till the Time was near expired, and thfn the Wars began
in this Nation, and I did go into the Service of the Parliament.
Judge PVindhajn. Doft thou deny all Popifli Tenets ?
fV. D. Popifh Tenets I deny i and all Tenets contrary to the pure Dodrine
of Faith in the Lord Jefus Chrift.
Judge fVindham. Doft thou own the Scriptures to he a Rule to walk by ?
tV. D. The Scriptures I own, and the pure Light and Power of Chrift
Jef^js that gave them forth, to guide in an holy Converfation according to the
Scripture, and he that walks contrary to it, is condemned by it.
Judge Windham. But if thou and Fox had us in your Power, you would Joon
have your Hands imbrued in Blood.
fV. D. It is not fo : The Spirit of Truth, which we witnefs in us, is
peaceable, and doth neither Violence, nor fhed Blood : And all that are guided
by the Spirit of Truth, their Hands arc bound from offering Violence, or
ihedding of Blood.
y. Storr. It is well known in the Nation, their Sufferings and Stonings, and
never lift up an Hand againft any.
Judge IVindham. It is becaufe you have not Power ; hut here is Evidence
figainft you for breaking the Peace. JVtll you give Bond for your Appearance at
the next Affizes ?
IV. D. It is the Liberty of the Laws of this Nation, that all that profefs
the Faith of Chrift Jefus, may walk in Uprighmefs to their Faith in him,
without any Breach of the Laws. And I require a Law may be read unto us,
that the Evidence brought againft us is a Breach of, that by the Law we may
be convinced of the Tranfgrelfion of it, before any Bail may be required of us.
Judge Windham. fVe are Judges, and we conceive and judge what is charged
againft you to be a fufficient Ground to require Bail of you, for your Apypearance
at the Affixes.
W. D. Though you be Judges, you are Judges of a Law, and are to judge
iaccording to the Law, which is your Rule to judge by, and that Law I would
have you to read us, and if we have tranfgrcffed it, judge us according to it.
Judge
Chap. 27. of the People called QJJAKERS.
Judge Windham. Tou are 'Tranfgrejfors of the Law, ih that you are 7iot fuh-
je£i to Government and Authority in not pulling off your Hats,
W. D. We are fubjeft to the Government and the Power of God, and to
the Ordinance of Man for Confcience-fake, but fhew us in Scripture, which is a
true Teftimony of the Power of God, in which we ftand, that putting off the
Hat is required in Subjection to Authority, and read us a National Law, which
is the Ordinance of Man, that requires any fuch Thing.
Judge Windham. It is the Practice and Cujlom of the Nation.
W. D. The Cuftoms of the Heathen arc vain.
Judge Hales. From the Evidence which hath been read, we expeSi Bond for
your Appearance, as hath been required, at the next Ajjizes.
W. D. Not any Law we have tranfgreffed : If you know the Breach of any
Law by us, let it be read, that we may by it know the Ground what Bail is
required for, and what we are to anfwer at tlie next AfTizes.
Judge Hales. What Jayji thou, Storr ? Wilt thou enter into Bond for thy Ap-
pearance at the next SeJJions ?
Stotr. Where are thole that have given Evidence againfl me, that I may
anfwer to the Particulars of thole Things charged againft me.
Judge Hales. If thou wilt give Bail for thy Appearance at the Affizes, then
fhall thofe that have informed againjl thee appear lace to Face.
Storr. We are bound by a ftronger Tie than any outward Bond.
Judge Hales. What fayjt thou., Williamfon ? Wilt thou enter Bond for thy
Appearance at the next Affixes.
Williamfon. I am not of any ill Behaviour ; but am bound to good Behaviour
by the Power of God.
Judge Hales. If you will not find Sureties, you mufi lie here till the next
Affizes. Look to them, Goaler.
W. D. Do with us what thou haft Power.
Accordingly they were carried back to Prifon, and there confined, as before,
in the nafty Low Goal among Felons, till another A01ze. In the mean Time
feveral others of their Friends were alfo committed to Prifon, viz.
I . John Whitehead, who fome Time before occafionally went into the Steeple-
houfe at Wellingborough, and tarried quietly till their publick Worlhip was
ended, and then afked the Prieft fome Qucftions concerning his Doftrine and
Pradlice, to which the Prieft made no Anfwer, but went away, calling him
Madman : However the People, who generally ftaid, were foon convinced he
was not fo ■, for his powerful Preaching, and rational Difcourfe, was well ac-
cepted by many of the Prieft's Hearers : The Report of which fo nettled him,
that he challenged John WHtehead to a Difpute at a Time and Place appoiqfed.
That Conference made the Prieft yet more uneafy, becaufe he mill his Aim,
which was to have fome Matter of Complaint to the Magiftrates. A little Time
after, he fends a MelTage to John to meet him at Mr. Pentlow's, (who was a
Juftice of the Peace) that he might hear and determine the Difpute between
them. But this Snare was laid too open, and Anfwer was returned, that he
mult appoint fome other Place. He then lends for John to meet him at a
Lefture in the Steeple-houle, where feveral other Minifters and People were to
be : This he accepted, came thither, and quietly waited till their Service was
over : Then he propofed a Qiieftion to the Preachers, which they rcfufed to
anfwer, but Andrews, the Prieft, began to accufe John Whitehead, who defended
himfelf with plain Truth, to the Convi6tion of many of the People ; lb that
the Pricfts being drove to their laft Argument, Byficid, Parfon of 'Torrington,
laid violent Hands on John, and dragged him by Force out of the Sceeple-
houfe. A Warrant was procured to apprehend him as a Vagrant, and he was
carried before two Juftices met on purpofe. He told them he was no Vagrant,
and that lie could prove his Habitation and Manner of Living by one of his
Neighbours, a fubftantial Man, if they would admit him to come in. Upon
this Marmaduke Storr was called, who informed them of the Place of Jaljn'^
Refidence, and that he had a Wife and Family whom he reputably maintained.
Then
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1654.
^itumei
Prijhi.
19
Imprifonment
of J. White-
head.
5 24-
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1654.
M. Storr.
E. Ferman.
T. Cocket;
A CoUeclion of the Sufferings Vol. I,
Then they afked Marmadiike his Name and Place of Abode, and what was
his Bufinefs in thole Parts. He told them his Name, and that he lived at Hol-
dernefs in the Eaftern Parts of Torkjhire, that he was a Grazier, and held Land
for that Purpofe, that he came thither to vifit and help his Brother Jojeph Storr,
a Prifoner at Northampton, and was going thence into Stafford/hire to renew the
Leale of his Farm then expiring. The Account he gave, both of himfelf and
his Neighbour, was fo unexceptionable that the Juftices were at a Stand, and
after fome Confultation with the Priefts, dropt the Pretence of Vagrancy, and
concluded to enfnare them both another Way. They aflced Marmaduke,
whether he would fwear to the Truth of what he had laid, and finding that he
would not, they tendred them both the Oadi of Abjuration. They anfwered,
that they had fufficicntly demonrtrated their good Affeftion to the Common-
wealth, in aflifting it with their Perfons and Eftates in Times of its greateft
Straits, and that they were well known to be no Papijli, but that they could
not Swear for Confcience-feke. They required of them Sureties for their good
Behaviour, upon retufing which, they were committed to Prifon on the 17th of
the Month called March 1 654, and at the next Seffions were ordered to be kept
tOl the Affizes. By this Imprifonment Marmaduke Storr was prevented from
getting his Leafe renewed, fo that his Family were conftrained to remove, and
carry off his Stock at a Day's Notice, to his very great Detriment.
2. Edward Ferman, when the Prieft had ended his Performance in the
Steeple-houfe at Frandon, and was coming out, went in and fpake to the People.
The Prieft, on purpofe to enfnare him, goes back again to his Pulpit, defires
the People to tarry, names a Text, and falls to preaching ; but foon left off
again, pretending that Edward had interrupted him, and under that Pretence
charges a Conftable with him, and carries him before a Juftice, who finding no
juft Caufe for the Prieft's Complaint, fought another Occafion againft Edward,
and committed him to Prifon for three Months, under a groundlefs Charge of
being a Vagrant.
3.. Thomas Cocket^ o( Dittgley, he.aring oi' the (aid Ferman's Imprifonment,
applies to the Juftice who committed him, and acquaints him that Fer/nan was
no Vagrant, but an induftrious honeft Man, and of good Repute. The Juftice,
inftead ot relieving the injured Man, takes Occafion againft the Complainant,
who a little before had writ a Letter to one ot the Juftices who had fent a
Friend of Jus to Prifon ; which Letter was as follows.
A Letter
to fuflice
Ui'own.
a
" John Brown !
I Went to William Steeh Houfe, where was a Friend Prifoner, and defired
to fpeak with him, he told me he had an Order from thee that none
may fpeak with him. Is this to do as chou wouldft be done unto ? Thou
haft a Light of Chrift in thy Confcience, which bears witnefs with the Law
of God, and tells thee, thou fhouldft do as thou wouldft be done unto. In
perfecuting one of Chrift's little Ones, thou haft done it unto him, and Wo
is thy Portion.
*' A Lover of that which is pure in thy Confcience.
Tie 4th of the Fitji
Month 1654-5.
ff
Thomas Cockett.'
imprifoHtnetit
«/ J. fiutchin
tind M. PaU
tcfoB.
This Letter was called an ahufive One, and from
Occafion to require of Cockett Sureties lor his goc
refufing
thence the Juftice took
1 Beluviour, and for his
to give fuch Security, fent him to Prifon. The Goaler retiifed to
give him a Copy of his Mittimus, but when it w;ts read at the next Seffions, the
principal Matter charged againft him, was the writing thas Letter, which he
therefore defired might be read in Court ; but that was not granted ; and the
Juftices ordered his Continuance in Prilon till the next Affizes.
4. John Hut chin and Michael Pattefin, who were fent to Prifon, at the In-
of the Prieft of IFdlingborougb, under Pretence of their having
difturbed
ftigation
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS. 525
difturbed him in his Office -, though they had only flood ftill and filent while NORTfl-
he was preaching. AMPTON-
ANNO 1655. At the Affizes at 'Northampton^ on the 2 ill: of the Month SHIRE.
called 7«/>', came on the Examination of William Dew/herry, Jojeph Starr, ' 55-
Henry IVilllamfmu John Whitehead, Marinaduke Storr, Thomas Cockett, and ^-"^y^^^
Francis Ellington, before Edward Atkins, Judge of the Aflize ; as follows, viz.
Judge. William Dewfberry ! What art thou here for ? Proceedi7igs at
W. D. The Mittimus will exprefs what I was committed for ; but a Copy Northamp-
of it I am denied by the Keeper of the Goal. ^°'^ >#^'''
Judge. What is thy Name ?
W. D. Unknown to the World,
Judge. Let us know "jjhat Name that is, that the World knows not.
W. D. It is known in the Light, and not any can know it but him that
hath it ; but the Name the World knows me by, is William Dewfberry.
Judge. What Countryman art thou ?
W. D. Of the Land of Canaan.
Judge. That is afar off.
W. D. Nay, it is near, for all that dwell in God, are in the holy City,
jferufalem, which comes down from Heaven, where the Soul is in Reft, and
enjoys the Love of God in Jefus Chrijl, in whom the Union is with the Father
oi Light.
Judge. That is true : But are you afhamed of your Country ? Is it a Dif-
faragement for you to he horn in England ?
W, D. Nay : For the Truth's Sake, I am free to declare, according to the
Knowledge of the W^orld : My natural Birth was in T'orkflnre, nine Miles
from lork, towards Hull.
Judge. Tou pretend to be extraordinary Men, and to have an extraordinary
Knowledge of God.
W. D. We witnefs the Work of Regeneration to be an extraordinary Work
wrought in us by the Spirit of God.
Judge. But the Apoftles wrought with their Hands in their Callings.
W. D. They had Callings in the World : Some were Fifliermen ; Paul, a
Tentmaker : But when they were called to the Miniftry of Chrift, they
left their Callings to follow Chrift where he led them by his Spirit to preach the
Word : And 1 had a Calling in the World as they had, and in it did abide,
until the Father revealed his Son in me, and called me from my Calling I had
in the World, to preach the Eternal Word he had made known to me in the
great Work of Regeneration.
Judge. Wh^ didfl thou not abide in thy own Country, and teach People in thofe
Parts ^
W. D. There I did ftay, until I was called thence to go where I was led
by die Spirit of the Lord •, and as many as are led by the Spirit of God, are
the Sons and Daughters of God, and they that have not the Spirit of Chrift,
are none of his.
Judge. 2'ou fay well : For we miifl in Charity conclude, that every one in this
Place hath the Spirit of God in them : But how do you know that you are guided by
the Spirit of God ?
W. D. They that have the Spirit of Goil are known by their Fruits, and
he that believeth in Jefus Chrift, and is guided by his Spirit, hath the Witnefs
in himfelf.
Judge. That is true : 27t tiolwithfldnding I fee by your Carriage, that what
my Brother Hales did at the lajl Affizes, in requiring Bonds for your good Beha-
viour, he might juflly do it ; for you are againjt Magifirates and Minifiers.
W. D. Make that maniteft wherein we are againft them.
Judge, To the Clerk of the Peace. What have you againft thefe Men ?
Clerk. Here is an Liformation given upon Oath by Mr. Robert Beton, that
William Dewfberry, on the 29th oi December 1654, did go into the Church in
Wellingborough^ and ftood with his Hat on in Time of Sermon and Prayer, and
Vol. I. 6 R after
526
A CoUeClion of the Sufferings Vol. L
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE,
after the Minifter had done,
Uire^ and the People love to have
he fpake thefe Words, 'The Pnefls -preach for
It fo : But what zvill ye do in the End thereof ?
With other railing Words, which made Difturbance among the People.
Judge. What have you againft Storr and WilHamfon ? But nothing was pro-
duced againft them.
Judcre. / Jhall take Courfe, that thofe that have diflurbed the Mimjlers^ before
J go forth of the Toivn, fhall he indiiled.
IV. D. It is the Liberty of the Law of this Nation, that any that are
brought Prilbners before tliofe that fit to judge their Caufes, may fpeak for
themfelves the Truth, to witnefs againft the falfe Information given in againft
them, and that Liberty I take to manifeft the Ground of my Goirg into tlic
Steeple-houfe at IVelUnghorough : As I v/as going in tlie Street, Thomas Andrews
(call'd Minifter of that Town) called to me with thefe Words, Give over
deceiving the People, left the Plagues of God fall on thee. I replied, T)oft thou fay
I deceive the People ? Make it manifeft wherein I deceive them. He anlwered,
"ifhou fayft there is not any Original Sin. I then allied him, Didft thou hear me
fay fo f To which he would not anfwer, but fled away. I being falOy accufed
by 'Thomas Andrews, afterwards when he met with the People at the Steeple-
houfe, I went into it for the Truth's Sake, and after he had done, I propounded
this Queftion to him, that he would prove there before the People, what he
had openly accufed me of, in faying, there was no Original Sin, but he would
not anfwer, but in Silence fled away : And what I here declare that I did, is
not any Breach of the Law of this Nation.
J udge. But in that you are found wandring in the Country, you break the
Law ; for there is an ancient Law, that if any did go frovi their Dwellings to
travel in the Country without a Certificate from feme Justice, they were to he taken
as wandring Perfons.
W. D. If there be any fuch Law, read it to us : And if there be fuch a
Law, in thy Confcience thou knoweft it is contrary to Scripture •, for the Apoftles
and Minifters of Chrift went to and fro in the Country, preaching the Word
of Eternal Life, and there were added to the Church daily fuch as fhould be
faved, and the Number of the Saints and Brethren was daily increafed ; and
the Law that is in Force in this Nation, doth allow all that profefs Faith in
Jefus Chrift, to have free Liberty to walk in the Faith, which is according to
Scripture.
Judge. Tloou haft an eloquent Tongue, and thou art proud of it.
IV. D. Pride I deny, but the Truth I witnefs, which will judge Pride,
and torment all that live in it, until it be deftroyed.
Then the Judge fpake to Jofeph Storr.
Judge. L thy Name Jofeph Storr ?
Storr. Yes.
Judge, What art thou here for ?
Storr. I have been twenty nine Weeks in Prifon among thofe arraigned for
Felony and Murder, and know not for what Caufe I am imprifoned, and never
any Accufer appeared to my Face to prove me the TranfgrelTor of any Law,
and I defire that my Accufers may appear before my Face, that I may have a
Trial according to Law, for Judge Hales promifed at the laft Aflizes, if I
would appear at this Affizes, my Accufers fhould appear to my Fuce.
The Judge faid no more to him, but afked.
Which is Williamibn ? What have )ou aga'oft him ?
John Brown, the Juftice that committed him, whifpered to the Judge,
who faid no more to WilHamfon, but called for Whitehead.
Judge. Is thy Name John Whitehead ?
J. W. Yea, I am fo called.
But he was examined no .lirther.
J. W. I defire the Liberty which the L.nv of the Nation allows, that I
may be heard fpeak, and have a Trial, having bjcn kept eighteen W eeks in
Prifon, and no Accufer hath appeared to prove me the Tranfgreffor of any Law.
Judge.
Chap. 2'], of the People called QLL^KERS. 527
Judge. Common Fame h a good Accufer, though not a good Judge ; yet I am XORTI-f-
jatisfied, from what I have heard., to continue yon in Prijon, unlefs you will lay in AMPTON.'-
Bond to be of gocd Behaviour, and appear at the ttext JJfizes, for you are by ^Hl^^^-
tommon Fame accujcd to be a dangerous People, and Breakers of the piihlick Peace. \~^^'
J. W. So the People of God (by the common Fame of the World) was in "^-^^^""^
all Ages every where fpoken againft, and accufed to be Difturbers of the Peace,
as Pd«/ was accufed to be a Mover of Sedition, tlirough the v.hole World.
Then the Judge fpake to Marmaduke Storr.
Judge. Is your I\!ame Marmaduke Storr.
M. S. My Name is fo called : I defire to have ray Trial according to Law,
for I was taken in my Journey, and imprifoned from my Management of about
feven fcore Pounds per Anniun, and have never yet iorteited my Liberty, but
appeared in ferving the Common-wealth in its greareft Straits, for which they
are indebted to me about two Hundred Pounds, as my Commillion, Debenture,
and Claim upon Record, will make appear.
His Caufe was no farther examined.
Judge. IVhich is Ellington .?
'/. E. 1 am fo called.
Judge. What are you here for ?
1". E. I was in Bonds fifteen Weeks for my Appearance at the General
Seffions, and when I appeared there, no Accufer came to my Face, nor was
any Evidence read againft me, to prove me the Breaker of any Law, and there
I was committed, by thole called Juftices, to the Goal, where I have been kept
in the Dungeon thefe thirteen Weeks among thofe arraigned for Felony and
Murder, and have been taken from my outward Flabitarion which was at IVel-
lingborcugb, within feven Miles of this Place, and have been deprived from my
outward Calling which I lived in, and kept from my Wife and five fmall Chil-
dren, and fo am deprived of the Benefit of the Law of this Nation, which no
Felon or Murderer that is here, is deprived of; for they have Liberty to fpcak
for themfelves, and to have a fair Trial according to Law, which is denied us.
Judge. To the Clerk of the Peace. Where is your Evidence againfl thefe Men ?
Clerk. This Ellington is a Receiver of thefe Men, and here is a Letter that
he writ to a Juftice of Peace, wherein he doth accufe the Juftice of doing In-
juftice, in committing Bewjherry and Storr to Prifon.
Judge. Why do you trouble me with that which there is no Matter of Fan in ?
I much wonder you fhould trouble a Judge of the Afjize with fuch fmall Things,
and not end them in your own Seffions, for we come hither to determine greater
Matters. Mr. Ellington ! / have a great Love to you, bring a Man that lives
in this Country : M^ill you enter into Bond for your gocd Behaviour, and to appear
at the next Affixes ?
F. E. I am of no evil Behaviour, neither to this Day hath any Thing been
proved againft me concerning it, and if it yet can be proved by any one Man
here, that I have been of evil Behaviour, or have broken any Law of this
Nation, I am prefcnt to anfwer it, and to give in Bonds for my Liberty.
Judge. Tou have tranfgrrff-d the Law, in that you come to the Bar with
your Heads covered, becauje it u a Contempt of Authority.
F. E. There is no Law in this Nation ret]uires any fuch Thing as puttin"-
off" the Hat -, if there be any, I defire it may be read, that fo before the Country
I may be convinced by the Law, before Bonds may be required.
Judge. I ffjall deal favourably with you, for I fijall take your own Bond to
appear at the next Affixes.
F. E. Firft prove me a Tranfgreffor of the Law ; for the righteous Law
of God laith. Where there is no Law, tkereis noTranjgreffton; and there is no
Law in England that requires putting ofl' the Hat, therefore it is not a Tranf-
grelTion : Therefore I defire I may have the Benefit of an Engliffjman, which is
not denied to any Felon here among us ; for I have to this Day ftood always
faithful to the Common- wealth, and have not forfeited any Liberty, but have
hazarded my Life and Eftate to procure Freedom, which now I am deprived of.
Judge.
528
A CoUeaion of the Sufferings
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1655.
Cnmmitmon
of T, Good-
acre a>id
Othcrt,
ImprilonMiiH
tj T. Stubbs.
Vol. I.
which I think is very
Judge. If you will not put in Bond for your Behaviour,
reafoiiahle : Take him away.
F. E. For my Behaviour, if there be any here that can accufe me, I
would have you Countrymen to fpeak, any of you ; if not, let all the poor
People in Wellinghoroitgh^ and the Towns thereabouts, and the Poor in North-
ampton, which I have for thefe fifteen or fixteen Years employed in carding,
fpinning, dying, and weaving of Wool, fpeak what my Behaviour hath been
toward them or others : For I have, until they cait me into Prifon, employed
more poor People at Work about Wool, than any one Man in this Country
doth ; yet notwithftanding what I have done, and do, may not I have the
Benefit of the Law, as all Malefadtors here have.
Judge. Coaler, take him away.
Then the Judge fpake to "Thomas Cockett.
Judge. Is your hiame Cockett.
T. C. Yes : If any have ought to accufe me of, I am ready to anfwer the
Law.
He was not fuffered to proceed, but the Judge called to the Goaler to
take them away. Howbeit Marmaduke Storr fpake thus to the
People.
M. S. Take Notice, all People, how we are deprived of the Privilege and
Liberty that the Law of this Nation allows, in that we may not be heard fpeak,
and have a legal Trial, which is granted to Felons and Murderers.
As they were withdrawing, fVilliam Dewjberry turned to the Court, and
fpake thus to the Judge. - -; i^<'I -
W. D. With what Meafure thou meteft to us, it will be meafured to thee
again, and the Lord God of Heaven and Earth will judge between thee, and
us, and will give unto thee, and every one of you, according to the Works
you have done, and in that Day you fliall know what is now declared is the
Truth ; the Lord hath fpoken it, in whom we trufl:, and he will us deliver.
So the Court rofe, and the Goaler had them all back to Prifon •, where they
continued about fix Months longer, till the Month called January 1655, when
they and fome others were difcharged by an Order from Oliver Cromwell, the
Proteftor ; having fuffered a grievous Imprifonment without any juft or legal
Procels againft them, viz.
William Dewfberry and Jofeph Starr, fifteen Months •, Henry Wiliiamfon, John
Whitehead, Marmaduke Storr, and Thomas Cockett, about ten MoPiths ; Francis
Ellington thirty eight Weeks ; John Hutchin and Michael Pattefon, twenty eight
Weeks, and Edward Ferman thirteen Weeks.
During their Imprifonment, their Friends were not admitted to vifit them,
but fuveral who attempted it, were taken up and fent out of the Town with a
Pafs. Thomas Goodacre, defiring to fee them, was repuls'd by the Goaler, and
going from the Prifon met the Mayor and (bme of the Aldermen in the Street,
to whom he ipake thus •, Men ! Jee what is the Fruit of the Miniflry of this
Nation, and what it has brought forth, for Wickednefs and Perfecution abound •,
and ihofs that fay they are Chriftian Magijlrates, and perfecute the Innocent, are
Heathens, and know not God. Adding, that they could not bring any Scripture
to -prove that ever any Chriftian Magijlrate did perfecute any Man as they had
done, who cafl his Friends into Prifon. This deferved Reproot fo incenfed the
Magiftrates againft the Keprpver, that they committed him to Prifon, where
he lay about eleven Weeks. The Mayor of Northampton, in this Year, was
Peter Wba'ev, a Man of an hafty and Cholcrick Difpofition : When one Walter
Ferr came before him with his Hat on, he threw it into the Kennel. At ano-
ther Time Michael Gainer having fent him a Book, he threw it into the Fire^
In his Mavoraky Mary Home was committed to Bridewell, and Elizabeth
Hunt to Northampton Goal, for certain Expreffions of Reproof, which gave
much Olience to the Prieft of Wellingborough.
Thomas Stubbs, exJiorting the People ot Daventry to Repentance, was fent to
Prifon by a Juftice, who, when Thomas afked him,
By what Law he proceeded,
told
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
told him, By that Law that fays^ All Qiiakers muji go to Prifon -, tlioiigh indeed
there was no fuch Law. However he was confined thirteen Weeks, and then
releafed at the SeiTions ; but ordered to be lent out of die County : Shortly atter
he returned, and being at IJham Meeting, was taken tiience, and by two
Juftices committed to Bridewell as a Vagrant, where he was cruelly whipr,
and endured much Hardfliip, not being luftcred to have Neceflaries for his
Money.
ANNO 1656. On the 26th of the Month called May, at a Meeting in a
Field belonging to William Lovel of HardiiigJ'one-, Thomai Siitbbs was preaching,
when Captain Pinkerd came with fome Horfmcn of the County Troop, laying.
That he bad Orders from Major Butler to dijperje that Meeting : He afked William
Lovely whether he owned that Meeting ? Who anfwering 2'es^ the Soldiers were
ordered to take him Prilbner, which they did, and with him John Crook, John
Sammi, and Thomas Stiibbs. They were detained in the T ieid under a Guard
fome Hours, while the Captain went to the PrieiVs Houfe to caroufe, and con-
fult what to do with his Prifoners. At length the Soldiers were ordered to
carry them to Northampton Goal. The Goaler opening the Door to receive
them, they afked him. Whether he had any Mittmius ? He anfwered, ]f ycic
will come in I will receive you. They replied. We Jloall not commil our fdhcs.
Then the Captain ordered his SolJiers to put them in by Force, which was
done. The Goaler telling them. By Captain Pinkerd'i Order I have received
you, and JJoall detain you. So he put them into the lower Goal among Thieves
and Murderers, and denied even their Wives and Children the Liberty of
vifiting them. William hovel foon procured an Habeas Corpus to remove him
to London, where he put in Bail to appear at next Term, and returned Home
again ; but a few Days after was, by Major Butler's Order, taken from his own
Houfe, and without any Caufe affigned, committed to the Marfhal's Cuttody,
where he remained about fixteen Days. He afterwards appeared at the Term,
and was difcharged : But the others yet continued Prifoners.
In this Year alfo, Thomas Gocdaire was taken preaching in a Meeting at Oiild,
and by two Jufficcs lent to iW/^^;«/'/o« Goal, where he lay among Felons, in a
Place twelve Steps under Ground, fixteen Weeks. Henry Hall and others,
going to a Meeting at the Houfe of John Hart of Towcejler, were ftopt in t.he
Street, and fined 10 s. each, /or travelling on the Sabbath. Several of them
had their Horfes taken away, and one was fet in the Stocks four Hours. Anne
Richard/on was imprifoned eight Weeks at the Infligation of the Prieft of Wel-
lingborough, to whom a jufl Reproof from her had given great Offence.
ANNO 1657. In this Year Edward Roberts, o'i Overjlon, a Man of exem-
plary Patience and Innocence, and of a Converfation truly edifying, died a
Prifoner, for his Teftimony againfl Tithes, in Northampton Goal, at the Suit of
Lionel Godrick, his Parifh Prieft, after one and twenty Months Imprifonmenr.
His Profecutor h.ad before taken from him four Horfes worth 28/. for a Demand
of 3 /. 3 s. for Tithes.
On the 13 th of September, William Ireland went into the Steeple-houfe at
Findon, and when die Prieft had done, and was going out, fp.ike thus to the
People ; Fear God : He is worthy to be feared of all that know him ; and nwid the
Light of Chrifi in you, which Jljews you the Evil of your Ways. For this Chrillian
Exhortation he was fent to Bridewell for fix Months, where he was unmercifully
whipt, and fo cruelly ufed, th.it he became exceeding weak, fo that he hardly
furvived the Time of his Imprilbnment, but prefently after died.
In like Manner Anne Corbey, for exhorting the People at Bur ton- Latimer to
fear God, and to mind the Light of Chrifi Jefus within them,' which was a fure
Teacher, and^ witncffed againfl the Evil of their Doings, was imprifoned eleven
Weeks in Northampton Goal, and together with her, Anne Peel, though no
Breach of any Law was proved againft either of them. For fuppofed Oftences
of the like Nature, Rebecca Peake and Mary Bottom alfofuffcrea Imprilonment.
In this Year alio, the Grand Jury at the Qiiarter StfTions found two Bills
of Indidtmenc againft /Fz7/w?« Low/, one for Biajphemy, in faying, ne Scriptures
Vol. I. C S ' " 'ii.cri
■529
NORFH-
AMPTOX-
SHIRL.
Sevenl tikin
Diverfe other
Jtnprijo/imenU'
Death of
E. Roberts
/;/ I'rijon
for Tithes.
Whipping of
VV. Ireland.
Imprifon-
mcntu
W. Lovel
i>.'Jicl:d,
530-
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1657.
Fhiis.
Thhii-
ViftrcffiS.
For Tithes,
UirJi Suffer-
ings for 4i.
cliimei for
Titbes.
Suffirivgs for
net Swearivg.
Grievous
Suffering of
M. Parker.
Prifonirs.
A Colle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
were not the Word of God ; the other for Slander, in calling the Minirters,
Minijlen of the Devil: Both grounded on a Mifconftrudion of iome Escpreflions
of his : Upon this he was imprifoned about five Months, and was afterwards
fined by the Juftices 30 /. Next Day after the Seflions, fniliam's Wife dif-
courfing with Francis Harvey, Chairman of the Seffions, he told her, 7'hat had
it not been for him, her Hujhand had been fined three Tunes as much ; and that it
was her Hufband's Life they thirfled after^ meaning Major Butler and John
Brown, Jultices, who were violent Perfecutors of the fakers ; as waS alfo John
Manfell, another Juftice in that County. William hovel, for not paying his
Fine, remained in Prifon about a Year and an Half, and then was difcharged
by an Order from Richard Cro?nwe!l a.nd his Council.
On a like groundlefs Charge of Blafphcmy, Francis Ellington, of Welling-
borough, was indifled by the Procurement of one Lane, a Pritft, and others,
who confuked together againft him. Lane fwore, and his Evidence was ac-
cepted, in Contradidtion to feveral Ear-WitnefTes who were prefent when the
Words charged againft him were fpoken. However, the Jury found him Guilty,
and he was lentenced to the Houfe ot Corredlion for fix Months, where he was
cruelly whipt, and underwent other barbarous Ufage.
About this Time William Vincent, Thomas Ollive, and Rebecca Peake, were
fined under the Name ot Sabbath-breakers, for no other Caui'e than travelling
to their religious Meetings on the Firft-day of the Week.
William Richardfon and l-Filliam Page, both of Wellingborough, were impri-
foned for frivolous Demands, pretended to be due for Tithe of Calves and Eggs,
and for Smoke-Money, and for Eajler-Offcrings ; befide which, the faid William
Page had his Goods taken away on luch Pretences, to the Value of 4/.
In this Year alfo, for Demands of lOi. 3^. for Tithes, Goods were ta:kcn
from feveral Perfons, to the Value of i /. 135. 8 ^.
ANNO 1658. Thomas Smallbone, of Endon, for 3/. 55. claimed by the
Prieft of that Place for Tithes, was imprifoned five Weeks, and had alfo his
Goods taken by Execution, to the Value of 9 /.
William Vincent, for a Demand of only 4 d. for Tithes, was imprifoned in
Northampton Low-Goal, at the Suit of Thomas Andrews, Prieft of Welling-
borough, above a Year among Felons, by whom he was much abuled, being a
very weakly Man, and having above a dozen Sores about him, by which he
was rendered almoft unable to help himfelf, and obliged to go on Crutches.
His miferable Cafe was reprefented to the Prieft, his Prolecutor, who yet
fhewed no Lenity towards him, but feemed to value the poor Man's Life ac
leis than one Groat.
Several others in this Year, for Claims of Tithes, amounting to 3 /. 8 j. ^.d.
had Goods taken from them worth 9 /. 10 s.
Grievous were the Proceedings againft Nicholas Day, Peter Mackernefs, and
George Whitlock, all ofFindon, who for refufing to take an Oath at a Court-Leec
there, were fined 20 s. each -, for Non-payment of which, they underwent the
Seizure and Lofs of their Goods, to the Value of 56/. 2 j. 6d.
In this Year alio, Richard Ellard, having ferved an Apprenticefhip in
Northampton, was refufed his Freedom of the Town, for refufing to take the
Oath of AdmifTion, ufual on that Occafion.
ANNO 1 6cj(). Margaret Parker, of Aino on the Hill, a poor Widow,
having three Children, was imprifoned at Northampton feven and twenty Montlis
for Tithes of Corn and Hay, lefs than 135. 4 ^. in Value. This poor Woman's
Sufferings were grievous, being clofe confined among Murderers, Thieves,
Whores, and feme called Witches, in a clofe nafty Place, where her l<'riends
were noc admitted to lee her, otherwife than through the Key-hole of the Door.
We alfo find imprifoned at Northampton, for very finall Demands of Tithes,
the following Perfons, namely,
Robert Curtis, a poor Shepherd, of Colebigham : Peter Mackernefs, impri-
foned above a Year : John Garret, forty Weeks : And John Bett, of Aino on
the Hill, Icven Weeks.
^liz:abeth
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
531
SHIRE.
1659.
5 Commhtei
to Prifon.
Mji^iy other
Jmprijon-
mitlts.
Elizabeth Hunt and Mary Botbam were again imprifoned ; the Latter for NORTH-
fpeaking to the People in PFeHiiigborough Steeple-houie, before tlieir Preacher AMPTON
came, thefe Words, Turn your Minds within to the true Teacher of Ifrael, -who
will never deceive you, for all other Teachers will deceive you. The Former,
applying to the Priell in the other's Bchalt, was alfo fent to Goal with her by
the lame Mittimus, as a DillLirber of the Pricft and People at their Worfhip,
though Ihe was not there. At the Seflions, on the 13th of the Month called
^j)ril, they were fined 5/. each, and continued in Prifon, till releafed by Order
of a Committee of Parliament. Some Time before this, John Green and John
Rogers had lliffered Imprifonment for their fpeaking in Oppofition to fome of
the publick Preachers of thofe Times.
ANNO 1660. On the 23d of D^ci?ffj^^r, at a Meeting in the Houfe of
William Atton^ of Middleton, where George Robinfon was concerned to preach ;
a Juftice of the Peace being informed of it, fent for William Alton ; Robinfon,
to prevent his Friend's fuffering for what himfelf had done, went with him :
The Juflice ordered Robinfon to be fet in the Stocks, and afterward committed
him to Prifon till the next Seffions, when the Juftices tendred the Oath to them
both, and alfo to Daniel Wills, who came thither to obferve the Proceedings,
and upon Refufal committed them ail three to Northampton Goal, where they
lay about three Qiiarters of a Year.
On the 27th of the fame Month, Chrijlopher Moore, of Richmond in Tork-
fljire, pafTing toward London, tarried at a Meeting at Dingly, where he was
taken by a Warrant, and carried before two Juftices, who upon his refufing to
take the Oath of Allegiance, fent him to Northampton Goal ; whither on the
13th of the next Month were alfo committed for the fame Caule, Richard
Wright of Holcott, William Darnell of Hannington, James Pratt of Barton,
Thomas Wright oi^Ould, and Samuel Suncock oi Billing, who were taken together
when met at Richard Wright's Houfe ; alfo John Mafon, taken by a Conftable
in a Friend's Houfe at Polebrook.
On the 20th of the Month called January, John Parnel, Michael Gaines,
Tljomas Hewlett, Thomas Hirons, Richard Verney, William Mather of Holmby,
Oliver Mellows of Halflon, Thomas Gayling of Dujion, Daniel Row and Henry
Row, of Dallington, were taken from a Meeting at the Houfe of Daniel Wills in
Northampton, and fent to Prilbn. In the fame Month John Hart, of Towcefler,
John Butcher, and Thomas Hirons, oi Aflrop, John Bett and John Bcrton, of
Aino, Tho7nas Miller, Richard Miller, Richard Hewes, and William Chandler,
of Brackley, were taken out of their own Houfes by Soldiers, and committed
to Prifon for refufing the Oaths. And about the fvme Time, Thomas Butcher,
of AJirop, was taken out of his Fields, and fent to Prifon •, as was Samuel
Harper, of Market-Harborougb in Leiceflerjhire, who was feized by a Soldier as
he was going to a Meeting.
In the fame Month were taken at a Meeting in Farndon, Francis Child, Thomas
Mackernefs, and Thomas Holloway, all three of Market-Harborough aforefaid,
John Goddard, of Marfon-TruJfel, William Rimington, of Great-Bowden, James
Phiggin and John Warren, both of Oxon in this County, and committed to Pri-
fon : Alfo from a Meeting at Attleborough were taken William Ward, of diat
Place, and John Gerriott, of Findon, which two only were committed out of
twenty feven who were at that Meeting, the Juflice being told that the Goal
was lb full it could not hold them. Neverdielefs, on the a4th of the Month
called February twelve others were thruft in, who had been taken by a Party of
Horfe from a Meeting at the Houfe of William Evans in Farthingjlone, namely,
William Evans, Francis Evans, and George Ayers, of that Place -, Richard
Afhby, Thomas Ingram, and John Green, of Bugbrook ; John Ayres, of Everlon ;
■ Robert Burnall and William Robinfon, of Eaftcutt, Robert Curtis, of Colehigbam ;
Thomas Poole, of Flower ; and William Ajhby, of Dalfcutt.
Singular was the Cafe of John Lane, who being come upwards of forty Miles
to vifit a Relation in 'Tardly-Chafe, was falfly accufed of being at a Baptijh
Meeting, and thereupon fent for by a Juftice of the Peace, who committed him
to
The Goxl
pled.
Cjfe of
J. Lane.
532
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1660.
Dlfrnd Con-
f/icmait.
Vifihirge of
Prifiners.
Imfrifonment
for Tithes.
58 Sent from
Mectiiig to
Prifoil.
More Impri'
fonments.
Sufferings for
Tithes.
Jmprijoamcms.
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
to Prifon for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance. The Number of Pri-
foners now in Northampton Goal was near forty, put into the Low- Goal twelve
Steps under Ground, where they were lockt up every Night among Felons, and
in Winter the Goaler kept the Door fait fixteen Hours together, and they lay
fo clofe one by another, that he who was up laft could hardly let his Foot be-
tween them to go to the Place where he fhould lie. Some of them were fick
for Want of Air, and when their Friends came many .Miles to vifit them,
they were not admitted : Their Food and NecefTaries were often kept from
them, fo that their Sufferings were exceeding great.
About the fame Time, Richard Painter, Benoni Bradjhaw, and Laurence
Cilgrafs, were taken out of their own Houfes in Northampton^ and committed
to the Marfhal's Cuftody for refufing the Oaths. For the fame Caufe, Thomas
Smith, John Chapman., and Francis Creake, were imprifoned among Felons at
Peterborough.
The Generality of the Prifoners before mentioned lay about three or four
Months, and then were difcharged by the King's Proclamation.
ANNO 1661. Jojeph Gammagc, of Bugbrook, was imprifoned in this
County for refufing to pay Tithes.
ANNO 1662. In this Ye3.r Thomas JrnoU, of He\ford, and Thomas Wilkr.,
of Brackley, were committed to Prifon for their Teftimony againft paying
Tithes.
On the 1 3th of the Month called July, thirty eight Perfons were taken at a
Meeting in Northampton, of whom twenty five, being Inhabitants there, were
fent to the Town Prifon, viz. Daniel Pl^ills, John Parnell, Thom.as Hewlett, Ed-
ward Wallis, JohnOddell, John Lewes, Jane AJhby, Walter Farr, Michael Gaines
and Mary his Wife, Richard Painter and Rebecca his Wile, Benoni Bradjhaw
and Elizabeth his Wife, Laurence Gilgrafs and Frances his Wife, Thomas Hirons
and Alice his Wife, Mary Cooper, Anne Hewlett, Aime Cook, Anne Tiplady,
Katharine Bajs, Sarah Kemp, and Elizabeth Hewlett. I'he other fifteen were
committed to the County Goal, namely, JVilliam Lovel, Richard Green,
William Green, Mary Green, Philip Haddon and Elizabeth his Wife, all of
HardingJJone ; Robert Burling, of Cotton- End ; Thomas Gay ling, of Diifton ;
Henry Row and Mary Dent, of Dallington ; John Fofter, Jane Canjhy, and
Bridget Dilly, o\ King's-Thorp : And on the 28th, John Hart, of Towcefter.
On the 6th of November, pyHliam Mather and John Smith, both of Welling-
borough, were taken out of a Meeting at the laid Mathcr\ Houfe, and lent to
Northampton Goal, where they lay about three Months. To the fitme Prifon
were committed about three Months atter, William Alton of Middleton, Simon
Mutton of Geddington, Nathanael Beeby of Rowel, Thomas Boon of Corby , George
Almund of Medburn, Giles Hinjhley of Geddington, Thomas Cooke of Weldon, and
John Molfoe of Ochley, who were taken at a Meeting in the laid William Atton's
Houfe.
On the 14th of December were taken out of a Meeting at the Houfe of Mary
Cooper in Northampton, Edward Wallis and Thomas Hirons, both of that Town,
Thomas Gayling of Dujlon, John Forjler of King's Thorp, Richard Green and
Matthew Haddon, of Hardingftone ; they were committed to Prifon in a iiafty
{linking Place, fcarce good enough for Swine, where five of them remained in
a very cold wet Seafon, till the Seffions on the 1 6th of the next Month.
ANNO 2663. In this Yfxv Robert AJhby, Arthur Green the Elder, and
Arthur Green the Younger, all of Bugbrook, iuffered Imprifonment for their
confcientious Refufil to pay Tithes. And in this Year alfo, Peter Mackernefs
and Nicholas Day Iuffered Diftrefs of Goods for refufing to pay Steeple-hcufs
Rates, or Eafter-OJferings.
On the 23d of the Month called Augujl, was a large Meeting of two or
three Hundred at the Houfe of Henry Hopkin in MuJkutt, whithtr came a Cor-
poral and five Soldiers with a Juftices's Warrant, and entred the Meeting with
their Piflols cockt, yet flood Hill and heard John Samjn then preaching. The
AKlceting being ended, they took away eight Pcrlons, namely, John Samm of
Haiighton- Conqiiejl.,
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
Haugkon-Conquejl in Bedfordflnre, William Lovel of Hardwgpn, Daniel lFi'h,_
Bowrti Bradjhaii-^ and Laurence Gilgrafs, of Nortbampton^ George Ayres oi
Farthingjloiie^ Jofeph Gamtnage of Bugbrook, and Tho?nas Dent of Kijliugberry.
The Soldiers took them to an Inn in Northampton, whence they were committed
to the Common-Goal, and next Day, being the Time of the Affizes there,
were brought before the Judge, who tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and
remanded them to Prifon for refufing it.
On the 6ch of September, lVillia?n Hopkins, William Simpfon, and Richard
AJhby, taken at a Meeting in Bugbrook, were for the fame Caufe committed to
Prifon ; as were alio on the 30tii of December, George Warner, John Notting-
ham, 'I'homas Cattle, and Thomas Allgood, who were taken at a Meeting in
Geddington.
Toward the End of this Year, twenty two Friends, having been long con-
fined together with ten Felons and Debtors in a clofe Room, moft of which was
taken up with the Straw on which they lodged, fo that they had little Space to
walk in, a violent Fever feized firft (ome of the Felons, to whom as fellow
Creatures, and fellow Prifoners, though in a Caufe vaftly different, the Friends
thought it their Duty to be affiftant in their extream Weaknels, and accordingly
did what they could tor them, till at length the Air being exceedingly corrupted
with the Breath of the Diftempered, a Kind of Contagion fpread among the
Prifoners, and the F'riends fo generally fell fick, that when called over at the
AfTizes, only four of them were able to appear before the Judge, who being
informed of their fad Condition, gave a private Order to the Goaler to let them
go lorth for Air, by which Means fome recovered, but feven of them, being
too weak to go out or be removed, died there ; of whom an Account follows
in the Beginning of the next Year, viz.
ANNO 1 664. I . William Can; who was at firft committed on a malicious
Accufation of fpreading a treafonable Paper ; and when at the SefTions there
appeared no Ground for fuch a Charge, they tendred him the Oath of Alle-
giance. He lay in Prifon about eleven Weeks, and died on the 25th of the
Month called March 1664.
2. Richard Ajhby, who died on the 26th of the fame Month.
3. John Samm, a flxithful Minifter of the Gofpel, an inceffant Labourer in
the Work of the Miniftry, and of an exemplary Life and Converfation. He
died on the fame Day with Ajhby.
4. Thomas Arnold, who departed this Life on the ift Day of the Month
called April.
5. William Ewins, who alfo died on the fame Day.
6. Jofeph Gaimnage, T who both died on the i ith Day of the fald Month
7. William Lovel, J called April.
Thefe all finilhed their Courfe in Peace, and departed in full AfTurance of
Faith, having their Hope and Confidence firm in the L.ord, by whole Power they
had witneffed Redemption from a vain Converllition, and who had armed them
with the Patience of the Saints to undergo Tribulations and Afflitlions for the
Teftimony he had called them to bear, who fupported them with the Confola-
tions of his Spirit, and enabled them in the Midft of their AfHiftions to fing
Praifes unto him, and to blefs his Name, to the Edification and Com.fort one
of another, and to the Aftonifhment of others who beheld their Piety and
Patience.
ANNO 1665. At a SefTions held at Northampton Caftle on the 4th and
6th Days of the Month called April, five of the People called ^takers received
Sentence of Banifhment to Jamaica, on Conviction for the third Offence in
meeting together for religious Worfhip, namely, William Robinfon, Richard
Parfons, John Coory, Elizabeth Harris, and Daniel Roe : And at another
SefTions on the 12th and 13th of the Month called February, this Year, four
others, viz. Tho?nas Allen, Francis Child, Richard Coe, and William Line, were
alfo fentenccd to be tranfported to the fame Place. In this Year alfo John Bett,
John Borton, Edward Hardly, and John Holcroft, poor Labourers, had their
Vol. I. 6 T Goods
533
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1663.
j4 Fever in
the Prifon, of
rvhich fiven
died.
Deith of
W. Carr.
R. Adiby.
J, Samm.
T. Arnold.
W. Ewins.
J. Garamage.
\V. Lovel.
5 Semer.csi to
Baiiillmeni.
4 Others bi-
vijiied.
Other SufiT
534
NORTH-
AMPTON-
iiHlRE.
1665.
BiKiilnmiit of
J. Trellove.
About forty
tikeii at a
Meeting d>id
hn to i'rijon.
t Othirs trmf-
ported.
Mviy others
itnpiijoneA,
More Impri-
(tiled.
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Goods taken by Diftrefs for a Fine of 4 J. each, impofed for four Weeks Ab-
fence from their Parifh-Church. Likewife Joj^jw Garratt, of Findon, for refufing
to take an Oath, when fummoned toferve on a Jury, lufFered wzk^ M)«/^i Im-
prifonment.
ANNO 1666. On the 25th of the Month caJled Jpnl, at Northampten
Seffions, John Treflove, of farndon, was indided on the Aft of Banifhment
lor the third Offence. The Foreman of the Jury, impanelled to try him, was
IFillkm Smith, of Farthingfione, who in Oliver Cromwell's Days was a fierce
Stickler againfl: the Common-Prayer, and then employed to hunt and perfccute
the Innocent : He was now upon the Turn of Times as zealous for what he had
before oppofed, and by his Violence over-awed fome others of the Jury to bring
the Prifoner in Guilty, who accordingly was fentenced to be traniported to Ja-
maica for feven Years.
On the 20th of the Month called May, was a Meeting at the Floufe of John
Mackernefs m Findon, to which a Conftable came with a Rabble of AfTiftants,
and told the Friends, that they muft none of them go thence till they had been
before the Juftices, he having a Warrant to fecure them, and as foon as the
Meeting was ended, he, with his AfTiftants, dragged about forty of them to
a neighbouring Alehoufe, namely, Thomas Olltve, William Page, Robert Ccv,
John Nottingham, Thomas Page, William Mather, Elizabeth Ellington, Judith
Ollive, Jlice Ives, and Jlice Harris, all of IVellingborough ; John Garratt, Jojej^i
Garratt, Nicholas Day, William Miller, * Frances Miller, and Hannah Dayy
all of Findon ; Richard Pell, John Pell, Anne Pell, and Elizabeth Rofe, all of
Liitle-Harradon ; Elizabeth Bugg, of the Ifle of Ely -, William Pooley, Thomas
Abbott, and Chrijiopher Davis, all of Addington ; John Woolfton, Laurence Key,
and Mary Tarry, z\\ oi Attleborough ; Thomas Aujtin, of Stanwick ; and Anne
Nichols, of Ranee ; Daniel Brown, John Bayes, William Wooton, and Joatie
Brown, all of Puddington in Bedford/hire ; James Pratt, of Barton ; George
Warner, James Wai~ner, Ihomas Hanfgood, and Thomas Cattle, all of Kettering.
They were detained aJl Night at the Alehoufe, and next Morning put into a
Cart and a Waggon, and fo conveyed to ]u{\:ice 2~elverton'i at Ealjon, who with
another Juftice prefent, fined them 40J. each, and for Non-payment fent them
all to the County Goal for fix Weeks.
At the next Qiiarter SefTions, on the 1 2th of the Month called June, two of
them, viz. Nicholas Day and Jofeph Garratt were indicled for the third Offence.
The Foreman of the Jury was the afbre-named William Smith, of Farthingftone,
againfl whom the Prifoners excepted as being prejudiced againfl them, but the
Court over-ruled their jufl Exception. So they were loon brought in Guilty, and
received Sentence of Tranfportation to Jamaica for feven Years.
On the 17th of the fiime Month, Thomas Page, Thomas Pell, Samuel Brilton,
John Biggs, Anns Mary Page, Mary Ives, Elizabeth Hackney, Ame Cox,
IJabel Gibbs, Mar) Bailey, Mary Wareing, Elizabeth Bull, Sarah Bailey, Anne
Vice; and Mary Houghton, were taken from a Meeting in Findon, kept all
Night in an Alehoufe, and next Day carried in a Waggon to Juflice 2~elverton%
who widi another Juftice prelent, fevererally fined them, and for refufing to pay
fent them to Northampton Goal for fix Weeks, though the Condition of feveral of
them might have moved Compaffion ; one Woman being great with Child,
another having a fucking Child, and feveral poor W^idows, having diverfe fmall
Children to provide for.
On the 15th of the Month called July, Richard Pell, William Pell, Anne
Pell, Elizabeth Rofe, John Ellington, Alice Ives, Amy Robi?iJon, and Mary Tarry ;
fome of whom had been before committed in the Month called May, fuffered
fix V/eeks Imprifonment, and returning again to the Meeting at Findon, were
taken thence, detained one Night in an Alehoufe, and next Day committed to
Prifbn.
From
* Erxnces Niiller had with her a young Child fucking at her Breaft.
Chap. 27. of the People c^//^^ QUAKERS. 535
From other Meetings, held not long after at the fame Place, were alfo NORTH-
taken and fent to Prilon, "John Haiighton, Thomas Prejjhn, Edmund Machr- AMPTOM-
nefs, Rebecca Mackernejs, Ellen Garrett, Sarah Bailey, Henry Roe, John Parnel, }f^'
Michael Gaines, Samuel Gaines, John Gaines, Thomas Hewlett, George Ireland, ^
and Alexander Manning. ^~^ 'v^'X-'
On the 19th of the Month called July, Daniel Wills, Henry Roe, William
Griffin^ Michael Gaines, John Gaines, and John Parnel, were brought to
the Seffions at Northampton, to be tried on the Adt for Banifhment for the
third Offence : One of them, Henry Roe, was fentenced to be tranfported to
Jamaica for feven Years ■, but upon Ibme Doubt arifing, the Trial of the
others was poftpon'd, and in Procels of Time they were releafed. The Trial
alfo of John Lewis, on the Ad: for Banifhmenc, intended to have been that ^^"^^ <>F
Seflions, was prevented by his Death in the Prifon a fhort Time before. J" Lewis.
In the Month called Augiijl, John Pell, John Crick, Robert fVallis, and
Richard Wright, were committed to Prifon for being at a Meeting in Welling-
borough : And in i\\cy[onx.h oi September, John Houghton, Williatn Page, John
Garrett, John Nottingham, Thomas Page, and John Ellington, taken at a Meet-
ing in Findon, were aJfo committed to Prilon. Thefe lail fix with others, to the
Number of fifteen Men and ten Women, were kept lockt up all Night in an
Alehoufe, and next Day the Men were put into a Cart, and the Women into a
Waggon, and carried before Juftice I'elverton, wiio figned a Mittimus for com-
mitting ten of the Men to Prifon ; but another Juftice's Hand being neceiTary,
he diredted his Clerk to carry it to one Juftice Ward, not far from Northampton :
The ten Men were again put into the Cart, and conveyed with the Mittimus to
the faid Juftice Ward, but he retufed to fign it •, upon which the Prifoncrs were
conveyed to Northampton, and when there, the two Clerks, viz. Ward's and
Telverton's, bufied themfelves to find out fbme other Juftice to fign the Aiitti-
mus, but could procure none, nor could the Goaler legally receive them
without. So the Prifoners, after long waiting, returned every Man to his own
Home : But Ibme Time after, the laft mentioned fix were taken by another
"Warrant and lent to Goal •, three of whom, viz. John Hoi{ghton, John Notting-
ham, and Thomas Page, were afterward fentenced to Tranfportation. The -^^ove eighty
Number of Perfbns of this Perfuafion, at one Time under clofe Confinement ^"f"^'''^ "
in the County Goal, was more than tourfcore, of whom many were Farmers ^ '""*
and Hufbandmen, lockt up from their Bufinefs both in Hay-time and Harveft,
to their very great Lofs and Damage.
ANNO 1 667. Robert AJhby and Arthur Green, before mentioned to liave
been committed to Prifon in 1663, were yet remaining there at the Suit of one
Whitfield, Prieft of Bugbrook, who during their Confinement made great Spoil
on their Effefts at Home, taking away fome Times whole Fields of Corn, and
ibme Times whole Loads of Grain and Hay, far exceeding any legal Claim : At
the fame Time prefTing the Goaler to keep them clofe confined, which he did,
alledging in Excufe of himfelf, that he had afked the Prieft, Whether he might
mt let them go out fome Ti?nes to fetch in their Provifions and Neceffaries ; but
was anfwered by him. No ; keep them in, and pine them, and flarve them. So B^ugh Anf-wtr
that their Imprifonmen: v/as very long and grievous. There were alib yet "/ ^ Priejt.
remaining, clolely confined, thofe fifteen Perfbns whom in the two precedina"
Years we have mentioned to have undergone the hard Sentence of Tranfporta-
tion •, under which five of them had now lain two and thirty Months, three
others of them twenty eight Months, and none of them lefs than fourteen
Months. In this Year alfo we find imprifoned at Northampton, under Sentence
of Premunire, Thomas Dent and George Ayre, who had then continued in that Prcmunire,
State about tour Years and three Months. About this Time the Prifoners
there thought meet to publilh a Paper declaring their innocent Plainnefs .and
Integrity, being as follows.
Some
536
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1667.
A Viper pub-
IrJIjeA by fome
of the Pri-
foners.
Kem/irls en the
fiiii Paper.
Tithes.
Perfieution
revived.
Xxtratl of i
Letter {rom
Wellingbo-
rough.
y4 Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" Some Fruits reaped already by the Faithful that have entred into the
" Good Land, of which Canaan was a Figure, which we here in th
" Fear of the Lord declare without boafiing, that others may feeiiohat
" grows in that Land, that are not yet come thither.
" C 1 N C E the Lord called us, whom the World calls ^takers, into that
«' ^ Land, where the Light of Chrift fhineth, we have come to witnefs the
«' Lord's Power fulfilled, that all the Children of the L.ord fhould be taught
" of the Lord, and that the Lord would teach his People himlclf, and we
'' need not that any Hireling Prieft teach us ; fo we bid Adieu to all Hireling
" Priefls and Teachers, and fhall not, nor never may, put into their Mouths
" again.
" Secondly. Since we came into this good Land, we never have been
" without wife Men among us, that if any Difference hath arifen between a
*' Brother and a Brother, we have been made willing to put our Caufe to their
" Determination : And fo never among the Thoufimds of thole called ^mkersy
" Brother has never been found to go to Law with a Brother, and that before
" Infidels, fuch as judge for Gifts and Rewards. So adieu Hireling Prieffs,
" and deceitful Lawyers : Chrift's Government which we live under, will never
" admit of any of you.
" Thirdly. And fince the Lord hath brought us into this good Land, there
" is not a Beggar found among us, but all are made willing to labour with their
'• own Hands, that lb they may be fcrviceable to all in their Generation.
" Fourthly. The Civil Magiftrates, neither at their Affizes, nor at their
*' Seflions, have not at any Time any one ot us brought before them for the
" Breach of any juft Law of God or Man : Yet we are many of us brought
" before them, as Daniel was, and as Chrift Jefus faid we fhould, for Things
" concerning our God, and for Righteoufnefs-fake : And tor thole Things we
" are not afhamed.
" And when Magiftrates Eyes come to be opened, and they once come to
hate the Whore, and to eather Flefh, and to burn her with Fire, then they
" will fee, that the ^mkers Principles are not deftruftive to good Government
" nor Governours : But as People come to own their Principles, and to live in
" them, they will eafe the Magiftrate of a great deal of Labour, and free the
" Nation of a vaft Charge, that is now fpent needlefsly upon Priefts and Lawyers,
*' and yet for all that no Reformation wrought among the People."; - .
The foregoing Paper cxprefTes the early Senfe of this People refpeff ing mer-
cenary Priefts and Lawyers, as having no Place among perfect Chnjtians ;
becaufe the true Minill:ers of Chrift are ever ready freely to communicate unto
others their Experience of the Teachings of his Spirit I'reely given rhem : And
as to Lawyers, a Government of univcrfal Peace can find them no Employ-
ment. .1 iS^ iV>'.-}A ■. .
In this and the two preceding Years, Thomas Cooke had taken from him, in
Cattle and other Things for Tithes, to the Value of 13/. 7 s. And .
ANNO 1668. The faid Thomas Cooke had taken from him for Tithes, two
Acres ot his beft Corn.
ANNO 1670. In the two laft Years we find but few Infhnces of Perfecii-
tion in this County ; but upon another Aft iffued againft Con"jenticles in this
Year, the Informers and others again made a Prey on their religious Neigh-
bours, as appears by the following Extract of a Letter from Wellingboroughy
dated the /3th of the Fourth Month 1670.
" ^ O M E Days by paft, the wicked Ruler's Agents came and ftreined
" ^ Irom Thomas Ollive fixty Pounds worth of good Cloth at one Time,
" and had Ortlers to take twenty Pounds from Fraixis Ellinj^ton, but forbore in
" Regard of a Deed of Sale for the Security of his Creditors, ijfc. The
" Friend
<c
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
c<
<(
((
c«
Cc
((
Friend fhewed them what he had referved, but they would not then take it,
but defired hiin to go with them to the Juftice, who is a great Perfecutor,
and when he faw the Deed, he boafted and faid, // would do the Friend no
Good : Who anfwerecl, that If ibe hue Acl had not frujlrated all the Law of
England, his Council infonned hivi, that be might fell his Goods to whom he
f leafed. So the Juftice bade the Conftable forbear till he h.id lent to London :
Then he afked the Conftables, Whether they had taken enough from Thomas
Ollive. They faid, They thought they had. He replied, Be fure you take
enough and more^ that fo there may he twenty Pounds for the Kingy twenty
Pounds for the Poor, and twenty Pounds for the Informer, and f you take
Goods enough, then of the Refidue you fhall have one Part, and I wdl have
the Reft. They anfwered him, tliat ihey would never receive a Penny on that
Account. Alfo one Telverton, Knight and Burgefs for Northampton, faid the
fame Words to the Conftubles. They alfo took feven Beafts from another
Friend dwelling near ; and from another Friend one hundred and fixty
Palhure Fleeces, and moil of his Brafs and Pewter : And from another they
were ordered to diftrain for feven Pounds fifteen Shillings -, and trom another
as much, who being a Widow's Son, and having nothing in Poileffion, the
Warrant was returned to the Juftices, who fent the Conftables back again
with a Command to take iiis Clothes : Another triend was diftrained for
twenty five Shillings ; another for forty Pounds ; and another for twenty
Pounds ; befides diverfe for five Shillings and ten Shillings a piece : Alfo
two or more were diftrained tor eight Pounds a piece, and another for
twelve Pounds.
"• The Bifhop of Peterborough vifited at Rowel laft Week, and there lliid
openly in the Mafs-houfe, after he had given every Officer a Charge to put
the late Aft in Execution ; iToat when they met again, (meaning the Parlia-
ment) they wotdd make a ftronger for them, they would get a Law made to
take away their Lands and Goods, and then they Jlxuld be fold for Bond-ftaves."
537
NORTH-
AMPTON-
i)HIRE.
1670.
This fhews that fome of the leading Ecclefiafticks thought the Laws,
though very fevere, too favourable toward the ^takers ; wherefore they not
only urged the Execution of them to the utmoll Extremity ; but would
willingly have extended them to the utter Extirpation of thofe whom in their
miftaken Zeal they deemed to be Hereticks.
In this Year, at Northampton they met in the Street, being excluded from T'r.^cs for
their ufual Meeting-place •, for one of thofe Meetings Edward Ccwjrer had a Mating.
Fine of 9/. impofed on him for himfelf and thirty four others fo aflembled, for
which the Olficers took away his Goods to tlie Value ot about 16/. But when
after a long Time they could find no Body to purchafe them, they were re-
deemed by fome charitable Neighbours for 3/. and returned to the Owner.
Thomas Cooke, for abfenting himfelf from the publick Worlliip, had Goods T.Cooke,
taken from him worth 155. He was alfo committed to Prilbn, and fufi<;red
Diftrefs of Goods to the Amount of 7^. for the Charges of carrying him
thither.
ANNO 1672. In this Year Daniel Roe, John Nottingham, Thomas Page, 1 ^ Difchare.ei
John Haughlon, Nicholas Day, Jofph Garrett, Willia?n Robinfon, John Cary, jr,m lo;ig Im-
Thomas Aden, Richard Coe, John Treflove, IVilliam Line, Francis Child, and p^ijoummts.
Elizabeth Harris, were fet at Liberty from their long and grievous Confinement
in Northampton Goal, where fome of them had lain under the difmal Sentence
of Tranfportation between feven and eight Years, and none of tliem Icfs than
fix Years. At the fame Time was alio dilcharged Thomas Dent, who had
been confined there under Sentence of Fremunire upwards of nine Years.
ANNO 1677. Robert Af}jhy, John AJJjby, and Thomas Hafcott, oi Bughrook, Troffcw.iovs
were imprilbned at Northajnpton for Tithes, and lay tliere a long Time, at the /»'' Tiiks.
Suit of Samuel Clark, Richard Rainsford, and IVilliam Bugby, Impropriators or
Tithe-farmers. And not long after, Peter Mackeniefs was fent to the fame
Vol. I. 6 U Prilon
53^
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1678.
Frcfecutiovs
jor Tithes.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Prifon for a Demand of fmall Tithes on an Exchequer Procefs, at the Suit of
the Prieft of Findon,
ANNO 1678. William Ttbbs and John Green, oi' Bugbrook, were Prifoners
in Northarnpton Goal for Tithes, at the Suit of feveral Impropriators, and alfo
of John I'yhitfield, Prieft of that Parifh.
ANNO 1679. The afbrefaid Williain Tibbs had taken from him on an
Execution for Tithes, by the Sheriff, 40/. for an original Demand of but 61.
and the faid John Green, for a Claim of 20 s. for Tithes, had an Execution
fcrved on his Effefts for 20/. John Ayres, of Farilmgftoie, for a Derrumd
of 20 J. for fmall Tithes, had an Execution awarded againft him for 12/. at
the Suit of one Hogg, Prieft of that Parifh. The fame John Ayres and Henry
Hopkins were alio imprifoned for reiufing to pay Tithes. Likewife IViUiJin
Miller, of Findon, was committed to Prifon on a Procels againft him for fmall
Tithes in the Ecclefiallical Court.
William Pooley, of Addingion- Puce, was profecuted in the Exchequer, at
the Suit of Natbanael HeKvfoii Prieft, tor Tithes of about 6 /. Value, for which
were taken from him by a Sequeftration, Horles, Kine, and Hogs, worth 40 /.
but fome of his Relations afterward redeemed them by the Payment of 20 1.
ANNO 1680. Richard Eradjhaw, di Flower m Northamptonjhire, writ a
Paper, expreffing the Chrill:ian Zeal of its Writer againft the Payment of
Tithes, and containing a juft Reproof of thofe, who being convinced in their
own Judgment that Tithes are Antichrijlian, do neverthelefs fubm.it to pay them
for Fear of fuffering, we have thought meet, for the Sake of liich, to inlert the
fame, tlunking it may be as necefTary now as it was then -, it is as follows.
A
R.
Pjiper of
B I ad (haw.
it
«c
<(
t(
(C
<(
(C
((
A Teftimony to the Truth, and againft. that which makes
" a Profeflion of Truth, and yet can pay Tithes.
" Friends,
^7" O U that are convinced of God's eternal Truth, but chiefly
you that
_ have a long Time been convinced of it, and do bear a Teftimony in
the Affembly of God's People, and alfo againft the falfe Ways and Wor-
fhips of this World, againft the Hireling and his Wages, in Words -, yet
notwithftanding thefe Tcftimonies, can throw into the Mouth of the Whore's
Merchants : The Lord hath often fhewed me, you are v.'ithin the Borders of
Babylon ; and thus faith the I.j)rd, Come out of Babylon 7ny People, and touch
no unclean 'Thing, for if you partake of her Sins, )0u viujl partake of her
Plagues, if you repent not in Time, for the Spirit of the Lord will not
always itrive with Man. But this I have farther to figniiy unto you, and
that from the Lord, Tl:>ere is a Way out of Babylon, and out of all her
Bordersy and to be feparated from all her Brats : I do believe I need not fay
much concerning the Way, for I believe many of you do know the \Vay,
and they that do not, let them learn of him who is the Way, the Truth,
and the Life. The jujl Man's Path is a ftjining Light, where the way-faring
Man, though a Fool, cannot err therein. And it is the Defire of my Soul,
and the Breathing of my Life unto God, that I with you, and you with
me, and all that make a Profeflion of the Name of the Lord, may walk
therein, that we may give no Offence to them that are without, neither to
the Church of God.
" Friends, that which moves in you, and caufes you to pay Tithes, is not
of the Lord's planting ; therefore Every Plant which God hath not planted,
ought to be plucked up.
" Friends, you that pay Tithes, and we that for Confcience-fake cannot pay
Tithes, yet make a Profeflion of the True God, and all to have the fime
Teacher : Be cool in your Minds, Friends ; and let the true Heart-fearching
God fearch every Heart with his pure heavenly ilivine Light and Power, for
tliat will do none of us any Harm.
" God
iC
tC
Chap. 27. ^ /Z?^ People c^//^^ QUAKERS.
" God is a God of Order and not of Confufion : He doth not lead his
*' Children to deftroy the Teftimonies one of another. But you that make a
♦' Profcffion of the Tnirh, and yet can pay Tithes, do undervalue the Teili-
" monies of us who for Confcience-fake cannot pay Tithes, and alfo of many
*' of our Bretliren who are taken out of the Body, which lealed their Teftimony
•' with their Lives, and died Prifoners, being caft into Prifon for their faithful
•' Teftimonics againft Tithes : I fay, you that pay Tithes make our Teftimony
" void, as much as in the Strength of the Matter lieth. You that have been
*' longer convinced, and fhould be good Examples to the new convinced Ones,
♦' rather throw Stumbling-blocks in their Way.
" Therefore be not deceived ; he that ferveth to the wicked One, muft receive
" liis Wages accordingly ; and he that ferveth to God, fliall receive from God
'' his Wages, which will be Peace in his own Confcience. Friends, I befeech
" you bear with me, tor I do not dcfire to boaft my felf, but to clear my Con-
" fcicnce of this Matter, which hath lain as a Weight or Burden upon the
" Seed in me for fome Years. I have confidered, and ferioufly took a View,
" and feen fome lie in Prifon, and fome fuffer deeply the Spoiling of their
" Goods i and have heard ot others in other Countries which have fuffered tar
" more deeply than I have feen, for their honeft and faithful Teftimony againft
" Tithes : And alfo feen others make a Profeffion of the fmie God, and yet
" pay Tithes ; that troubled me, and often caufed my Soul to be more than
" ufually fad : Then the Lord fhewed me, that we were not all of one Heart
and of one Mind, and that we did not all obey one Teacher in this Matter.
God hath raifed up many living Witnefle?, that the Subftance is come,
(blefted be his holy Name for evermore) which puts an End to all the
Tithes and Shadows of the Law in the firft Covenant, when the outward
Temple, and outward Tabernacle, and old Priefthood, were ftanding -, then
" the Priefts offered up for the Sins of the People, and God accepted it : The
" People paid a tenth Part of all which they did poflfefs, as an Offering to the
" Prieft, and I do believe that God was pleafed with it in that Day and Time :
" But it is not fo now, for now every Man and Woman muft offer to the
" Eternal High- Prieft, a living and Ipiritual Sacrifice ot God's preparing,
" Therefore knowing him to be come, viz. Chrift, who is the Wifdom and
" Power of God, who put an End to the firft Covenant, to the outward Taber-
« ' nacle, and outward Temple, and the old Priefthood, and its Tithes, and hath
*< ended all the Types and Shadows of the Law, there can be no more pay-
*' ing Tithes to the Priefts, nor Impropriators, under the Gofpel Difpeniation,
" and be clear in the Sight of God.
" Friends, this Matter of Tithes lieth fuch a Burden upon me, I cannot
" leave it yet ; for that which payeth Tithes, and that which receiveth Tithes,
" are both generated in one Womb : The Wife in Heart know the Mother ot
♦' them both ; for fhe is come in Remembrance before the great God ot Heaven,
" and as fhe hath done to others, it ftiall be done to her double, for God is
*' avenging himfelf of her, for down fhe muft tumble like a great Millftone,
" and muft be confumed, and the Saints rejoice at the Smoke of her Burning,
" though Babel'?, Builders fee it not.
" Therefore, Friends, I befeech you, be you wholly feparated from her before
♦' it be too late, and you perifli without Remedy. Be warned in Time, Friends ;
*' let every one turn to the Lord, with our whole Heart, have no Dependence
«' upon any Thing but the true and living God, for there is yet a Door of
** Mercy open, and he that will come, may come, and take of the Water of Life
*' freely, without Money, and without Price. Friends, in the Name of the Lord
" there is everiajling Strength : Therefore, Friends, be encouraged in the Name
*' of the Lord, you tender-hearted Ones, to whom Tithes is become a Bur-
*' den : I dearly intreat you in the Lord's Behalf, Give up and be faithful to
" what you know, and let your whole Dependence be in the Lord alone, and if
*' he doth not do that for you, which never Man could do, believe him not ;
" but if he doth that for you, that never Man could do, believe him for the
« Work's
539
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1680.
540
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1680.
V-^"~V-XJ
Notes
thireoH,
Imf'ifi'imcnts
for juniiy
Caufes.
A Colleftion oj the Sufferings V^l. I.
Work's Sake. Friends, the Eyes of all are upon us, fome watching for
Evil, and fome for Good •, and lome take Notice of our Friends lying in
Prifon for Non-payment of Tithes, and alfo fee others fuffer deeply thfc
Spoiling of their Goods, and alfo fee others pay Tithes, and they know we
that fuffer Imprifonment, and he that fuffers Spoiling of Goods, and alfo he
that payeth Tithes, make a Profeffion all of one Religion, and all to be
guided by the Spirit of God.
" Friends, let him be Judge, to whom all Judgment is committed, for
is this hke to reach the Witnefs of God in our Neighbours, and Enemies,
and them that take Notice of us, and to fignify to that of God in them,
that we are a People, all of one Heart and ot one Mind ? Or will it not
rather fignify, that we are a double-minded People ? When one ftiives to
pull down that which another builds, the Building cannot go fo well forwards.
" But notwithftanding all Oppofitions, God will have his Work go forwards,
and will have a People that Ihall bear his Name in Truth and Righteoufnefs :
Yea, bleffed and magnified be the Name of the lord, who hath by the
outftretched Arniof his mighty Power gathered a Remnant into the Cove-
nant of Light and Life, and to bear his Name and Truth in Rig+iteoufnels,
and are made willing through the Love of God (to his Honour be it fpoken)
to take up the Crofs and delpife the Shame, whom this Tellimony doth not
concern as to Matter of Charge : Therefore, Friends, beware of taking that to
you which doth not concern you as to Matter ot Charge •, but let tliis Tefti-
mony go to whom it dodi concern, for I know it concerns too many, tlte
more's the Pity.
" And, Friends, you that are made willing, through the Love of God, to
bear a Teftiniony againft Tithes, I intreat you to be faithful, and let there
be no private Confenting to Wives, nor Relations, nor Neighbours, paying
for private Tithes, as Wool, Milk, and Eggs, and fuch Kind of Things,
and other petty Matters, as the Priefts count their Due, and tlie great
Tithes allb. Friends, I fay for the Truth's Sake, and for Confcience-lake,
Jet there not be any Thing of that Nature harboured in any of your Breafts,
and private Confendng to any of thefe Matters, for it is all Abomination ia.
the Sight of God : And though you may hide from Man, there is no Hiding
from God, for the Lord is bringing the hidden Things of Efau to Light.
It is the Defire of my Heart, and the Breathing of my Soul unto God, that
the Hindermofl: of the Flock may come in that Lite wherein there is
Power to refill; the Devil in all his lubtil 'lemptations, and that all tlut have
gone altray, may come to know the true Shepherd's Crook, and tully re-
♦' turn to him who is the Shepherd and Bifhop ot the Souls of the Righteous :
'* For the Lord defireth not the Death of Sinners, but rather that they would
" return and live.
" Richard Bradshaw."
This Teftimony carries with it an Evidence of the Sincerity and Uprightnefs
of the Pcrfon who writ it, and of a true Concern for his Brethren, that they
might be united in the Practice of thofe Chriftian Teftimonies which they made
ProfelTion of -, and not draw back tor Fear of Sufierings.
ANNO 1682. On the 2d of the Month called /w/f, the following Perfons
were in Prifon at Northampton for their refufing to pay Tithes, namely, Nicholas
Day, Edmund Mackernefs, and Peler Mackerncfs, on Writs de Excommunicato
capiendo, for Tithes ; the two Former having then lain there about two
Years, and the Latter about five Years : William Miller, who had been confined
there about three Years : Robert JJJjby, John /Ijhby, and Thomas Hafcott, who
had then been Prilbners tour Years and an Half : Allb John Kerning and
JVilliam Barnes, at the Suit of Harris, Prieft ot KiJli?iob:iry.
In this Year Peter Jahan, a Frenchman, was imprilbned at Northampton for
refufing to pay towards the Repairs of the Stceple-houfe ; antl for the fame
Caufe George Mackernefs, of hcaldivellt Hufbandman, was committed ro
Prllou
CC
Li.
If.
(C
<(
(C
541
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1682.
mflrefs [or
Meet'mgs.
Vrofeaiuon of
G. Ayres and.
Others.
Ghap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
Prifon by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, on die 21ft of Decetnber this
Year.
In the fame Year, George Ayres, of Farthingftone, for his Attendance at re-
ligious Meetings, had three Warrants granted againft him, by Henry Ben/on
Juftice, for 10/. 5^. each, for which were taken from him, two Horfes, fix
Cows, two Calves, forty one Sheep, a Sow and fix Pigs, a Waggon, Corn,
Utenfils for Hufbandry, Wood, Houlhold Goods, and other Thing?, worth
46 /. 1 5 J. lid.
Befides which, he had taken away for Abfence from the National Worfliip,
Pewter worth 1 5 s.
For the fame Caufe alfo were taken from Sufanna Billon and IVilliam Bafely,
Goods worth 4 /. 10 s.
And from Benjajnin IVrigbt, of Blaxley, for being at a Meeting, were taken
Goods worth 6 s. gd.
A violent Promoter of the Diftrefs, made on the aforefaid George Ayres, was
John Hutton the Prieft of Farthingftone, who prefently after his Sermon, or Ser-
vice, was over, fpake to the Parifli-Officers about making the Diftrefs, defiring
them to do their IVork throughly. At which Time Thomas Hogg, one of the
Informers, promifed the Parfon that he would take Care to fee it throughly
managed ; and accordingly, the faid Hogg, with another Informer, a Servant
to the Prieft, attended the Officers, urging them to take all they could find :
But the Officers thinking they had fufficient, did not take away their Bedding,
which the Informers would have done, and threatned to come again for the
Reft. A fhort Time after, the faid George Ayres with his Wife, and Sufanna
Bilton Widow, each of the Women having a fucking Child at her Breaft:, were
fent to Prifon for Want of Diftrefs, for Abfence from the National Worfhip, the
faid Prieft Hutton, their Profecutor, having faid, as was credibly reported, that
he would rid the Town of them all. The faid Sufanna Billon, being in Prifon,
had taken from her, by Juftice Benfon'% Warrant, for being at a Meeting,
thirty fix Sheep and two Cows, worth j 8/. The Sheep and Cows being fold,
the Officers brought back 5/. but inftead of returning it to the Widow, paiti
moft of it to the Prieft for a Mortuary claimed by him on the Death of her
Hufband, and detained another Part for the Steeple-houfe Rate, till they had but
eight Shillings remaining, which the Widow refufed to receive, left fhe fhould
thereby feem to confent to their unjuft Diftribudon of the Reft.
John Ayres, of Litchborow, for Meetings, fuftered Diftrefs of his Goods to J. Ayres
the Value of 4.I. 14s. 3 d. being all the Prolccutors at that Time had Oppor-
tunity to come at.
On the 28th of the Month called May this Year, the aforefaid Prieft Hutton,
attended by his Servant Matthew Arnold, and Thomas Hogg, Informers, with
Conftables and others charged to affift them, came to the Meeting at Far-
thing/ione with a Juftices's Warrant, which they read in the Meeting, and took
the Names of fome Perfons prefcnt : After which the Prieft, and Hogg the In-
former, charged the Conftables with them, who with their AfTiftants drew moil
of them out of the Meeting by Violence, overturning tlie Form.'^, and throw-
ing them into the Street. In which Work the Pricft's Servant was very aftive,
being commended by his Mailer for his Induftry therein : They nailed up one
of the Doors of the Meeting-houfc, and kept Watch at the other, pretending
that they feized the Houfe for the King.
On the 2d of the Month called June, Elizabeth Bafely, Surah Daniel, and Prifoaers.
Alice Nicholas, were Prilbners in Northampton for Fines impofed on them for
Abfence from the National Worfhip-, and on the 13th of the fame, James
JVells fuffered Diftrefs of Goods worth %s. 8d. for his Wife's being at a Meet-
ing at Farlhingjlone.
About the 23d of the Month called July, Button the Prieft, with Hogg the
Informer, came to break up the Meeeting at Fartbingflone^ where Richard
Bradfhaw not moving at their Command, they violently haled him out, and
caufed him to be fet in the Stocks, together with John Gibbins, and kept them
Vol. I. 6 X both
Friifi Hutton
a fierce Profe-
cutor.
y'tntentDorngs
at Farthinj-
ftone.
542
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1682.
More Impr't-
jonmems.
Employment
in Prijon,
S. Cox /■>«-
prijened en
a U'rit de
Excom. Cap.
S. Bradfliaw
imfrifonei.
A Colle(5lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
botli lockt in near eight Hours. Next Day they procured a Warrant from
Juftice Needbam, and carried them to him, who tendred them the Oath of Alle-
giance, and lent them to Prifon for refufing it.
On the J 7th of the Month called Augujl^ John Hart and Nicholas Read^ of
Toivcefler, were committed to Prifon by a Writ de Excoimiiunicato capiendo,
having been prefented in the Ecclefiaftical Court, for Abfencetrom the National
Worfliip, by the Wardens of that Parifl:, who had themfeives been firft pre-
fented there, by the Prieft of the fame Parifh, for Negleft of what he called
their Duty.
On the 20th of the fime Month, the following Perfons, having been taken
at Farthingftone Meeting, were by the Conftable arid others, at the Inftigation
of Prieft Hutton, put into an empty Houfe, and kept there all Night, and
next Day carried before Juftice Needbam, a Captain, newly put into CommilTion
of the Peace : Before hhn the Prieft alfo appeared, prelTing the Juftice to
tender them the Oaths ; which when they refufed to take, the Juftice afked the
Prieft, What he fioiild do with them, feeing they would not Swear. The Prieft
readily anfwered, M«^^ /i^nV Mittimus, and fend them to Prijon: Which ac-
cordingly was done. Their Names were Thomas Smallbone, Richard Ellis, Anne
Wells, Hannah Harris, Joane Dillingham, Margaret Simfon, Dorothy Paine,
Martha Line, Margaret Adams, Sarah Ingram, Elizabeth Gray, Mary Cmnber-
leigh, and Elizabeth Freeman.
Some of thefe Women were married, and had Families of Children, others
were fickly, and the reft Maids. In Prifon they employed themfeives in
knitting, fewing, fpinning, i£c. for their Subfiftence, having moft of them
litde but what they wrought for.
On the 26th oi Oufober, Samuel Cox, oi Woodford, was committed to Prilbn
by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, after a Profecution in the Ecclefiaftical
Court, carried on againft him by William Gates, Prieft of the Parifh, for Abfence
from the publick Worfhip, and for Marriage Fees claimed by the Prieft,
though he had not been married by him, nor by any of his Fundion.
Edward Ccwper had taken from him for Meedngs, Goods to the Value of 9/.
ANNO 1683. On the 23d of the Month called April, a Writ de Excom-
municato capiendo being ifliied againft Samuel Bradjhaw, of Northampton, lor his
not going to Church, he furrendred himfclf a Prifoner upon Proclamation.
About the 28th of the Month called May, John Loft, a Carrier oi Todcajler
in Torkjhire, was taken from a Meeting at WhittUbury, and fent to Prifon i of
which take the Account given by himlclf in a Letter to George Fox, viz.
J. Loft'i
Letter 10
C. fox.
1
Dear George Fox,
Was taken Prifoner next Day after I parted with thee at Whittlebury
Meeting, and by one Longville, called a Juftice, fent to Northampton
Goal, to anfwer at the SelTions for being at a Conventicle, as he called it,
and refufing to give Bond to be contormable to the Church of England.
Since I was brought hither, I have been before them at the Seflions, and was
alked fome Queltions, as Where I lived ? I f lid, / lived in the Fear of the
Lord. Being afked the lame over again, I anfwered, / live in the Truth.
At which they were offended, and faid. They would have no Canting. After
I did open my Bufinefs in the Country fomething to them, and told them
my Name, and where I lived. Then I was afked. If I would take the Oath
of Allegiance ? I anfwered, that Cbrift Jefus, the Everlafting King, had for-
bidden all Swearing long ago, and therefore I would not Swear. They faid, /
?night have Time to conjider of it, and I might have it read. I faid, I had con-
fidered it already : And willing to ipeak fomething more, they hindred mc,
and faid. We will have no Preaching here : Take him away Goaler. However
Peace with the Lord is the Portion of all thofe who futfer tor Well-doing,
and through the Lord's Love I have that Peace in my Meafure with the
fuffering Seed. Dear George, Friends here in Prilon for the Teftimony of
" Truth,
Commitment
of T. Poole
and D. Roe.
Malicious Frt'
fectttioni.
Chap. 2^. of the People called QUAKERS. 543
« Truth, defire to have their Loves remembrcd to thee generally, and here NORTH-
" we have eood Meetings, prailed be the Name ot the Lord. AMPTON-
SHIRE
Northampton Go*;, f*? I nfc T«^uvt T /-mtt- " ifiQ^ *
oith>: Fourth month ib^. J0HN1.0FT. 16S3.
On the 1 5th of the Month called Jtdy^ 72)o;«fl; Poole and Daj/iel Roe were
taken at a Meeting in Bugbrook^ and carried before the Jufticcs at Northampton,
beibre whom the Prieft of Bughrook, named IVhitfield, appeared againlt them,
and would have convifted them on his own fingle Information, telling the
Juftices, that He could not get one Soul elj'e in all his Parijb to appear againjl them :
But the Juftices would not convid: them on his fingle Evidence, failing in his
Purpofe in this Point, he infifted on the Juftices tendring them the Oath of Alk-
giance,which they did, and upon their refofing toSwear, committed them toPrifon.
On the 28 th of the fame Month, William Bajely, of Farthingftone, was taken
out of the Field from his Work, and carried before Juftice Needham, who, for
refufing to Swear, committed him to Prifon, where his Wife was before, as we
have already mentioned, and being in Prifon, the Prieft Mutton procured a Writ
de Excommunicato capiendo againft her, and continued her there. Thus, after he
had profecuted them for Meetings to the Lofs of all their Subftance, he found
Means farther to manifeft the Extent of his Malice, by imprifoning their Perlons
without any Profpeft of Redemption.
On the 15th o\ September, John Bradford, of Little-Billing, and on the 2d of
Oofober, fVilliam Tibbs, of Bugbrook, were committed to Prilbn by Writs de
Excommunicato capiendo. About this Time alio were taken by Proiecutions on
the Statut? for 20/. per Month, for Abfence from their Parifh-Church,
/.
From Thomas Cooke, of fVeldon, feven Beafts, two Horfes,
and Houfliold Goods, to the Value of
The Widow Sewel, five Beafts worth
Thomas Boone, of Corby, thirteen Beafts and five
Hogs, worth
John Bland, ot Brig/lock, one Cow worth
Roger Booth, Goods worth
Sarah Palmer
Samuel Gaines
}
]
27
17
20
2
3
1
Diflreffis for
j^bfence frotn
the Ndilond
IP'orJIjip,
O
5
7
10
o
o
o
o
79 2 o
T/joinas Charles was alfo indidled for the fame Caufe on the fame Statute, and
fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods.
limothy Burberow and Thomas Mercer, were committed to Prifon on Writs da
Excommunicato capiendo ; the Former having been profecuted in the Eccle-
fiaftical Court for not bringing his Children to be baptized. Richard Gill was
alfo committed to Prifon on a Seffions Procels, for Abfence from his Parifi-
Church,
At the Z.f«/ Afllzes in 1683-4, the Prifoners -At Northampton delivered the
following Petition, viz.
*' To the JuDG Es of Affize, and General-Goal-Delivery /or this County
" of Northampton.
" The Humble Requeft of us ivhofe Names are here under-written, being
" Prifoners in the County Goal belonging to the faid Country
" S H E W E T H,
" np HAT we, moft of us living upon our daily Labour, and honeft Vethkn to tht
*' X Care to get a Livelihood for our Maintenance in the World, without Judges.
" being burdenfome to any, about a Year and an Halt fince, being met
" together
544 -^ Colleaion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1683.
cc
C(
((
C(
(A
<c
together for the Worfliip and Service of God sxFarthingftone in the faid County,
were feized upon by a Conftable and other Officers at our peaceable and
quiet Meeting at feveral Times, and at Bugbrook were brought thence before
Juftice Needham of this County, who committed us to this Prifon, where we
remain at this Time : May it pleafe you therefore, that in Regard of our
loner Confinement, our Condition may be infpefted and examined, as in your
Wildoms fhall be thought fit, and then to deal with us according to our
inofl^cnfive and fuffering Condition, our Capacities being but mean in Things
pertaining to this Life, that you would be pleafed to order our Delivery, of
which we fhould willingly accept, and as it is our Duty, Ihall give God
Thanks, on your and our Behalf, who alone is worthy or Glory and Honour
over all for ever and evermore. A7ne}i. And we, who honour the Lord,
fhall by our peaceable Living, fhew our Love to aU in Authority under
the King, unto whom we are fubjed ibr Confcience-fake.
tc
(C
(C
(C
(C
(C
<c
(C
cc
Richard Bradshaw,
John Gibbins,
Richard Ellis,
John Loft,
Thomas Poole,
Daniel Roe,
John Packwood,
Josiah Packwood,
William Basely,
Elizabeth Grey,
Elizabeth Freeman,
Margaret Simpson,
Margaret Adams,
Hannah Harris,
Anne Wells,
Martha Line,
Jane Billingham,.
Sarah Ingram,
Dorothy Payne."
Ihe Prifoners
prefent a State
of their Cafe
to the Quar-
ter Seflions.
This Letter favours of that meek and patient Spirit wherewith this People
endured the Hardfhips inflidted on them, and fhews with what Humility and
Submiffion they reprefented their Grievances to thofe in Authority. Never-
thelefs they were ftill continued Prifoners.
ANNO 1684. At the Quarter Seffions in the Month called Jpril, the
Prifoners at Northa77ipton prefented to the Juftices a Book intituled A T^reahfe of
Oaths, together with the tbllowing State of their Cafe, -viz.
" A few Words to the Magistrates, 7tow fitting in Seflions
" at Northampton.
UNTO you, we the People called ^inkers have feveral Times wrote
to confider, that we, being tender o\ God's Glory, have from Time
to Time been willing to perfuade and befeech you to ftay your Hand in
afflifting us upon the Account of Swearing, than which nothing elfe, ever
fince we have been a People, could have been more ufed againft us to caufe
our Sufferings, viz. Oaths : Although we have cleared our felves in that
Point, anfwering all the Objeftions that render us Guilty, both in Regard ta
all in Authority, and all others that have fpoke any Thing againft our Obe-
dience to Chrift Jefus in that main Point, Swear not at all ; not thereby to
be fhort to any that hath Authority over us, but if we might, in the Truth
of eur Hearts,, fhould manifeft our Faithhtlnefs both to God and Man. We
therefore have lent in our Behalf a Book for you, or as any of you are con-
cerned, wherein that our Practice of not Swearing at all is vindicated and
juftified by many learned Men of all Sorts, to read at your Leifare, that was
on our Behalf, as a People, prefented to the King and his great Council al-
fembled in Parliament, as may be icen in the Perufil of the Difcourfe it felf,
which we hope you will accept of and coniidcr : In the which we only feck,
that we might but enjoy the Happinefs of living among you in Peace and
Quietnefs, under the King, in the Land of our Nativity, to be an HeJp
according to our Ability for the Profpcrity of all that dwell therein.
" And
/
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS. 545
- " And for us who fuffer for Righteoufnefs, this know, it was the Praflice of NORTH-
" all who honoured God in all Ages, to have an high Efleem of MagiftrateSj AMPTON*
" being ordained and impowered of God to that high Calling, which if rightly ^cf
" difcharged, brings with it the Bleffing of God in this World, and they come ^ 4-
" to receive that Wifdom which is from Above, to judge by, betwixt Man and '^■^'v'''^"^-'
'.' Man, to prelerve Peace and Unity among the People, which are the World
" of Mankind, which have been led by an evil Spirit from that Obedience that
*' of Right is due from all Men to be given to the Lord their God : And
" hence comes Strife, Debate, Murder, and every evil Work, which by the
" Ordinance of the pure God, Magiftrates ought to iupprefs in every Age of
" the World. And all thofe Rulers, Kings and others, that fulfilled their
" Places in giving God the Glory due to his Honour, they purchafed an
" honourable Name in the Truth, and are worthy to have their Names re-
" corded in the Regifter of Life Immortal, and in the Records of Worth
" among Men in this World : So that you may come to have your Names
'' among thofe before gone, and amongfl the prefcnt faithlul Lovers, and
" Favourers, and Honourers of the Moil High, to whom is Renown for ever
'' and evermore.
" And we fend this Book in Love, that you may underfland that our
" Pratlice in this Point is no Fancy, or from a lewd Spirit, but grounded on
" the Truth ot God, and that your Judgment might in the Truth be fwayed
** in this weighty Point."
from Northampton Goil, the jifc D^y
of the Second Nlonth 16S4.
The aforefaid Letter and Book were received by Sir Roger Norris, who at
that Time appeared favourably inclined toward the Prifoners ; but they did not
obtain any prcfent Relief.
At the fame SefTions Thomas Boiighton, of King-Cliff., was profecuted for Ab-
fence from the National Worfhip.
On the 27th of the Month called May, William Hackney having been cited
to appear at SefTions for abfenting from the publick Worfhip, furrendred himfelf
there to the BaylifF who cited him, and was by him delivered into the Cuffody
of the Goaler, without any Direftion or Order from the Bench.
About this Time John Loft, who had been in Prilbn above a Year for
refufing to Swear, was fet at Liberty, having fome Time before written a Letter
to Sir Henry Longville, the Juftice that committed him, a Copy of which here
follows :
*' Friend Hehry Longville!
" ¥ N the Fear of the Lord I defire thee to confider how thou haft abufed John Loft'^
" JL ^^^^ Power which the Lord hath committed into thy Hand, as thou art ^j"«'' *» ^''^
" a profefTed Chriftian Magiftrate, in fending any to Prilbn, or otherwife ,, .f""^^ ^"^"
" caufing any to futfer for their exercifing of Faith in Matters of Spiritual
" Worfhip. Kea.d John iv. Verfe2i,2 2. there thou maylt fee what Chrifl
" Jefus fiid to the Woman o^ Samaria, who ipake of God's Worfliip being at
" Jerufalem, and that they worfhipped at that Mountain where that Well was
" that Jacob bought : But faid Chrifl unto her. Woman, the Hour cometh, and
" now is, that neither at this Mountain, nor at Jerufalem, Jhall ye ivorjhip the
" Father : Te worfhip ye know not what : God is a Spirit, and they that worJJfip
" him, mufi worflnp him in Spirit and in Truth. And the Lord knows, I had
*' nothing in mine Heart in my going to that Meeting, but in Sincerity to
" perform my Duty to that holy God, who is a Spirit, and mufl be wor-
" fhipped in his Spirit's Leadings. And we were not plotting againfl the
" King, nor any of his Subjeffs, but rather praying to God both for him and
*' the Nation, that Sin, that provokes the Lord God, might be departed froni,
" and that Love to God, and one towards another, might be increafed : And
Vol. L - 6 Y 'Mo
546
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1684.
ti
(C
it
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
fo I durft do no other than deny giving Bond to go no more to fuch Meet-
ings, whatever my Sufferings had been. Now God being the higheft Power,
who created all Men to ferve him, and will call ail Men to give an Account
to him of all our Deeds done in this World, how ought poor Mortals to
fear before him from tlie higheft to the loweft. So all Magiftrates, Kings
as well as others, ought to honour him, by being a Terror to Evil-doers,
and Encouragers ot all that live a fober and quiet Life m the Fear of the
Lord ; for Chrifb faid to his People that were perfecuted for their Love and
Obedience to him. Fear not them that can only kill the Body, and afterwards
can do no more, but fear him that is able to cafl both Body and Soul into Hel:
Fire. Thou mayft read the xxvth Chapter of Matthew, Verfe 33, and ^4,
to the End, and there thou mayft lee how Chrift takes that which is done
unto his People that fuffer for their Love and Obedience to him, as done
unto himfelf. And in Matthew vth, thou mayft fee who are blefled of
God, the Meek of the Earth, the Merciful, the Poor in Spirit, and they
that mourn, for they fhall be comforted -, and, Bleffed are you when Men
fhall revile you, and -perfecute you, and [peak Evil of you falfly for my Name's
Sake. Such as are here mentioned are blefled of the Lord. And in the
lame Chapter thou mayft fee, Vcrfe 24 to 37, how Chrift Jefus forbids all
Swearing. So that my Imprifonmenf, which thou haft cauled to come upon
me, this hard Winter, and laft Summer, thou mayft lerioudy take Notice,
is the Caufe of my writing this ■, defiring whilft thou haft Time, thou mayft
prize it, and feek to the Lord to forgive thy Trefpafs againft him by breaking
his righteous Law writ in thy Heart, and in all Hearts, and in the Scriptures
of Truth, where Chrift faith. Do unto all Men as ye would they Jhould do
unto you. Matt. vii. 12. And thefe weighty Truths being laid to Heart,
then I know thou will be as ready to fet at Liberty, as thou waft ralh and
forward to caft into Prifon, him that never did thee any Wrong, nor the
King, nor never plotted his Harm, nor never will, but wilheth the Ever-
lafting Good both of him and all People. So having laid my innocent
Suffering before thee, and as on my Part alfo forgiven thee, I leave thee to
the Light of Chrift, by which all Men muft be judged. Hived, or condemned,
and from him receive the final Sentence of Come ye Bkffed, or Go ye Curfed.
The Realon is to be feen. Matt. xxv. 3 1 . to the End.
IVritten /» Northampton God, the \6tb
of the laft Month 16S3-4.
cc
John Loft.
John Loft'j
Letter to
George Fox.
The Manner of the faid John Loft's DIfcharge is fully expreft in a Ixtter
written by himfelf to George Fox, being as loUows :
" Dear George Fox,
MY fincere and unfeigned Love falutes thee, as one whom the Lord
hath truly honoured with his Life, and living refrelhing Wifdom,
which is from Above, in which I feel thy Care to preferve wkit thou canft
of them the Lord hath gathered from under the Spirit and Power of Error,
and out of Strife, and whatever would break that Unity that ftands in the
Truth, where is thy Reft, I believe, with the Faithful, that put their Confi-
dence, not in the Arm of Flelh, but in God alone.
"At the Seflions held at Northampton this laft Week, I was called before
him called Sir Roger NorriSy and feveral other Juff ices : One of them was he
which fent me to Prifon, to whom I writ, and as I underftood, he Ihewed it
them all, not at Seflions, but in the Coaler's Garden, after they were rifeu
the firft Day ; and when they came out of the Garden they fent for me
before them, and he, call'd Sir Roger Norris, called for my Mittimus, and read
it to himfelf. Then he or fome other laid, I was coimnitted for being at a
Conventicle. I faid, / was at none : I was with a People that met together ta
wait upon the Lord, and to wor/hip him, as was the Duty of all Men. Then
" they
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
547
(C
(I
cc
(I
cc
<(
SHIRE.
1684.
tc
4C
(i
it
i«
((
tc
<(
they faid, I was accufed for being a Teacher there : I faid, / was no Teacher ; NORTH-
but we meeting as the primitive Chriftians did^ and waiting upon God, he taught AMl•TO^f-
us by his Spirit, and (his was the Privilege of all the true Church, or to this
Purpoie, and judged 1 might thus fpeak, when the Lord put IVords into my
Mind, and did, and we did pray to God, and exhort one another to that which
is good. Some then Hiid, / was guilty out of my own Mouth. I laid. It
was Truth what I had Jpoken. Then fome faid among themfelves, We may
fine him 20 1. Then he called Sir Roger Norris, afked me the Na?nes of our
Juftices, and Where 1 lived ? I told them, / lived about eight Allies off York,
when at Home ; but faid, If you intend te have my Goods taken from me, 1
am not willing to hurt my felf. So I told no Names. Then lie call'd Sir
Roger Norris, faid, Ip I would give Bond, I Jhoidd have Liberty, and appear
if they fent for me. 1 faid, / was not convinced of any Wrong I had dene to
any, the King or any of bis SubjeSs ; and fo would give no Bond, but ,f they
would take my Word, I would proinife, if Health and Liberty allazved. The
Goaler (landing by, faid to them, He will give no Bond, for be told bis Brother
he would never own him again ; [viz. if he were bound for mc] But I did
not fay juft fo to my Brother, though ] did hindifr him always as much as I
could, believing the Lord was able, when he pleafcd, to work my Deli-
verance. So at the laft Sir Roger Norris faid, / jhoidd have my Liberty,
paying the Goaler^s Fees. After the SelTions were over next Day, the Goaler
when I fpake with him, laid. He was to tell me from Sir Roger Norris, that
he would remit my Fine, and if I paid my Fees, I might go my Ways. I faid,
I could pay none, being a Sufferer for no Wrong done to any. Alter two cr
three Hours he laid. He would leave it to me, but if 1 did not anfwer it,
he would trujl none more for my Sake.
'■'• There were no other Friends called, nor fet at Liberty. One that before
went out upon Bond, writ to them, and laid his Condition before them,
that he was a poor Man, and had a great Sort of Children, and had little but
his Hand Labour to maintain them with : However, they did not anfwer his
Defire. One more was fent to Prifon on a Seffions Procefs. This with my
dear Love. Going to Torkfhire.
Northampton, tks ift of (c
the Fourth Nionth 1684.
John Loft.
*' p. S. Friends at Leeds ftill are fore perfecuted, both by Impnlbn-
*' ment and Spoil ol Goods."
About this Time John Lane, taken at a Meeting in Northampton, had the
Oath tendred him by the Mayor and Aldermen, and tor retufing to take it was
committed to Prifon. Alfo John King, Richard Baker, Thomas Langj'ord, Jofijua
Hart, John Francis, John Grove, and William AfJjby, being taken at a Meeting
at Whitllebury, were carried in a Waggon to Northampton, and next Day had
the Oath tendred them by the Juftices, and for not taking it were committed to
Prifon.
About the 3d oi' September, Nicholas Read, after above two Years Confine-
ment for his religious Teftimony, died a Prifoner.
On the 3jftot 05lober, Rebecca Sewel, of Brigftock, for frequenting religious
Meetings, lutFered Diftrefs of fix Cows to the Value of 24/.
On the 23d oi' November, Edward Cowper, Thomas Dent, Edward Fcfier,
Alexander Manning, and John Gill, were taken from a Meeting in Northampton,
and committed to Prifon as Rioters.
On the 8 th of the Month called January, George Warner, James Warner,
Roger Booth, and Thomas Cattell, taken at a Meeting in the Houfe of Simon
Mutton, of Geddington, had the Oaths of Allegiance, ^c. tendred them by
Roger Norrii, Juftice, and for refufing to Swear, were committed to Goal.
On the ift of the Month called June this Year, Peter Mackernejs died a Pri-
foner i and on the ift of September, Thomas Hajker departed this Lite in the lame
State, having both fuffered Imprifonment for Tithes about feven Years.
ANNO
Jmprifo>mi>its
for refuJiKg to
Deitb of
N.Rcal-
Difirtfs on
R. Sewel.
Imprifon-
Death of
P. Macker-
ncfs i-nd. T.
Hasker.
54-8
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1685.
Jmprifonmem
of R. Thorp.
hidttlmems
for Abfeyjci
from the N'2-
ttotul il'orjhif.
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. L
ANNO 1685. On the 31ft of the Month called March, Richard Tharp
was arrelted for 220/. for eleven Montlis Abfence from his Parifh-Church, and
carried to Prifon, where he lay five Weeks, and then w;is removed by an
Habeas Corpus to the King' s-Bench at London.
At the Quarter Scffions in or about the Month called April this Year, Tobias
Broivn, IVilliam FroJhly\ John Knighton, Thomas Boon and Sttfanna his Wife,
Jojepb Clark and his Wife, Thomas Charles, William Line, William Chandler,
Thomas Atkins, Anne Winkles, Sarah Daniel, Alice Nichols, Elizabeth Bajely,
Richard Vial, John Bla>id, Mary Trajlow, Thojnas Allen, Thomas Cooke and his
Wife, Thomas Cooke jun. Sijnon Mutton, Alexander Clark, John Tlrrift, Henry
AJhby, William Griffin, and William Chapel's Wife, were indicted for Abfence
from their Parifh-Church, and put to confiderable Expence and Charge.
In this Year Thomas Boughton, one of the Prifoners at Northampton, exhibited
to the Juftices at their Quarter Seflions there, the following Certificate.
Certificite of
T. Boughton
to thejujiicei.
To His Majesty's Juftices of the Peace, ©/"//j^ Honourable Bencli,
*' at the General Qu_arter Seffions, to be hoUen Jor the Couftty of
Northampton, and all others whom it may concern.
((
w
E the Inhabitants of King's-Olliffe, in the County aforefaid, whofe
Names are hereunto fublcribed, do hereby certify, that Thomas
Boughton, of our faid Town, being now a Prifoner in the Prilbn of Nortlj-
ampton aforefaid, for not conforming himfelf to the Church of England,
now eftablifhed by Law, hath neither himfelf, nor any of his Predeceflbrs,
to our beft Knowledge, at any Time been taxed or accufed for any Dif-
loyalty : And that his Father, for his Loyalty in the Time of our mofl
gracious Sovereign Lord King Charles the Firjl, was a great Sufferer, both
in his Perfon and Goods, by the rebellious Party : And that the faid Thomas
Boughton, now in Prifon as aforelliid, hath born all Offices confiderable in
our laid Town, and hath difcharged his Duty very well in the Execution
of them, as well in yielding Obedience to the Precepts and Warrants from his
Majefly's Juftices of the Peace, as in doing and performing any other
Matter, Caufe, or Thing, whatfoever, that concerned the fame. And far-
ther that the faid Thomas Boughton, now in Prifon as aforefaid, is a Perfon of
an honeft and peaceable Converfation, and not at .iny Time, as we know,
guilty of any difloyal Pradlices againft the Government as aforefaid, but
always behaved himfelf as a peaceable Subjeft of the fame. Witnefs our
Hands this eighteenth Day of December, in the firft Year of die Reign of
our gracious Sovereign Lord James the Second, by the Grace of God oi
England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, isc
Annoq; Doin. 1685.
" Thomas South, ReSior, ibm. Richard Bugby,
" Wm, Gorham, Tlie Mark of Zachary Luff, fen.
" Richard Wilborow, William Christopher,
" Robert Hill,
Henry Atkins."
WE his Majefty's Juflices of the Peace for the County of Northampton^
whole Names are here-under written, do certify, that the laid Thomas
Boughton is a Perfon of an honeft and peaceable Converlation to the befl of
our Obfervation, and not at any Time, as we know, guilty of any difloyal
Praftices againft the Government, but hath always behaved himfelf as a
peaceable Subjeft of the fame. Witnefs our Hands
" R. Norwich,
" L. Palmer."
At
Chap. 27. of the People called QUAKERS.
At the fame Seflions were alfo exhibited the following Certificates, viz.
" Northton fs.
cc
((
«
Cc
<4
C(
«(
(C
THESE are to certify whom it fhall or may concern, that Timoth-^
Burborow, Thomas Fowler, and Thomas Mercer, late Inhabitants of
the Town of j^ynoe in the County of Northampton, and now Prilbncrs in
the faid County Goal, and have been there two of them a Year and three
Quarters, and the other a Year and a Quarter or thereabouts, upon the Writ
de Excommunicato capiendo, for no other Caufe but Non-conformity, being
called fakers, are notwithftanding Perfons of a peaceable and honeft Con-
verfation, and not at any Time, as we know, guilty of any difloyal Prac-
tices againft the Government, but have always behaved themfelves as peaceable
Subjects of the fame ; and therefore humbly conceive their faid Offences to
be pardonable by Virtue of a Warrant dated the i8th of ^pril 1685,
whereby his now Majefty hath been gracioufly pleafed tofignify the fame for
the Relief of thofe who have teftified their Loyalty and Affedhion to the
Government, as in the faid Warrant more largely doth appear. In Tcftimony
whereof we the Inhabitants oi Ayjtoe aforelaid, and JNeighbours ancient,
have hereunto fet our Hands this feven and twentieth Day of December, in the
firft Year of the Reign of his Majefly that now is, Annoq; Dom. 1685.
549
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1685.
Ortif Cite for
T. Biirborow
and ctbirs.
*' Thomas Norris Churchwarden,
*' Wm. Borton Overfeer,
" Edward Jarvis Conjtable,
'' Jo. Spencer,
" John Borton,
" Edward Godcheer,
" Giles Southam,
*' Laban Tomlins,
" William Jeffs,
" John Spencer,
" Wm. Borton fen.
Edward Homan Churchwarden,
Samuel Bading Overfeer,
Jo. Lawley,
Henry Borton,
William Howes,
Tho. Hanslays,
Edward Letch,
John Jeffs,
Thomas Tomkins,
Thomas Smith,
Matthew Borton.
WE whofe Names are under- written, being Jufticcs of the Peace for
the County of Northampton, do certify, that Timothy Burborow, Tho-
mas Fowler, and Thomas Mercer, above-named, are Perfons of a peaceable
and honeft Converfation, and not at any Time, as we know, guilty of any
difloyal Pradlices againfl the Government, but always behaving themfelves as
peaceable Subjedls of the fame. Witnefsour Hands the 5th olfanuar"^ 1685.
cc
(C
cc
Northton fs.
Jo. Gardiner,
Jo. AVOODHUTT.
THESE are to certify whom it fliall or may concern, that John Grove,
late oi Whittlebury in the County of Northampton, and now a Prifoner
in the faid County Goal, and hath been there about a Year and an Half, for
refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, (being one called a ^laker) is
notwithftanding a Perfon of a peaceable and honefl Converfation, and not at
any Time, as we know, guilty of any difloyal Prad:ices againft the Govern-
ment, but hath always behaved himfelf as a peaceable Subjed of the fame,
and therefore humbly conceive the laid Ofi'ence to be pardonable by Virtue
of a Warrant dated the 18th of yf/)n'/ 1685, wherein his now Majefty hath
been gracioufly pleafed to fignify the fame for the Relief of thofe who have
teftified their Loyalty and Affeftion to the Government, as in the laid War-
rant more largely doth appear. In Tcftimony whereof, wc the Inhabitants
Vol. I. 6 Z " of
Certificite for
J. Grove.
\
55°
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1685.
To the MtrH'
bers of Par-
iiamenu
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" of Whittlehury, and Neighbours adjacent, have hereunto fet our Hands this
" feven and twentieth Day o{ November, in the firft Year of the Reign of iiis
" Majefty that now is, Jiwoq; Bom. 1685.
" Simon Waterman! churchwardens,
" Robert Ashley j '
" Joseph Foster Conjiablef
" William Rolfe,
" Ber. Stephens,
" Benjamin Foster,
John Gardiner,
Woolston Brabrook,
Edward Richards,
Simon Lovel,
John Houghton."
" 1717 E whofe Names are under- written, being Juftiees of the Peace for
" VV the County of Northampton, do certify, that 'John Grove above-
" named, is a Perfon of a peaceable and honeft Con^'erfation, and not at any
*' Time, as we know, guilty of any difloyal Pradtices againfh the Govern-
" ment, but always behaving himielf as a peaceable Subject of the lame.
" Witnefs our Hands this 14th Day of December 1685.
ee
cc
W'c^
Jo. Gardiner,
Jo. WOODHUTT,
" R. NORVVICH."
Some Months before thefe Certificates were figned, the Prifoners had repre-
fented their Cafe to the Members of Parliament for that County, in Manner
following, viz.
" To the Knights arid Burgesses for the County of Northampton,
" noiv affembled in Parliament.
the poor oppreffed and iufFering People of God in your
ounty, called fakers, do in the Humility of our Minds, make
it our Requeft and Defire, that you would be pleafed td take into your
ferious Confideration the great and heavy Sufferings that for many Years
*< we have paffed through, and ftill do undergo, only for the Exerciie of
" our Coniciences toward Almighty God, and to ufe your friendly and
'« C^r?/?/fl;; Endeavours for our Relief; for feveral of us have had our Goods
" diftrained artd taken away by Informers, and our Bodies caft into Prifon,
" and one Widow Woman of Farthingjlone, after hef Goods were taken away,
*' caft into Prifon, having fix Children, one then lacking at her Breaft, and
" is flill a Prifoner. Some fined 12 d. ^Sunday, and for not paying caft into
" Prifon. Others, their Cattle feized by BaylilTs for 20/. a Month, and
" drove away and fold, and many fuffered Imprilbnment at one Time laft
" Year, near fourfcore of as, and in this laft Winter about threefcore of us
«' crowded together, and tour of our Friends died Prilbners the Year paft,
*' But of late leveral are now upon Security to appear at the Afiizes ; yet
" there ftil! remain in Prifon thirty two Men and Women, fome upon Bifiiops
" Writs, and fome upon the Oath, moft of us having been here above two
" Years, and fome tlvee or four Years •, which Sufferings greatly tend to the
'' ruining and undoing of many induftrious Families that have helped to bear the
" Charge of the Nation, and they who have been in a Capacity to relieve others,
'* may by fijch Means be reduced to ftand in Need of AfTiftance themfelves, if
" not timely prevented by your Care and Providence, who are now in a
" Capacity to move in our Behalf, and to ufe charitable Endeavours for our
" Relief and Liberties. We are not willing to particularize our Sufferings,
'' which have been long and many, rather defiring that the Lord may move
" upon your Hearts with Bowels of Pity and Compaffion, to the eafing of a
" poor
^ i
Chap. 28. of the People called QUAKERS.
*' poor afflifted People, whe have done neither King nor Nation any Wrong,
♦« and who are in Sincerity and Tnith,
" Your Chriftian Friends,
Northampton Prifon,
the i-^th of tin Fourth
Mest/; 1685.
(C
John Lane,
John Ashby,
" Geo. Mackerness,
♦' Tho. Boughton,
" Josiah Packwood,
John Hart,
Richard Bake^,
Timothy BurboroW,
William Tibbs,
John Tibbs.
" Signed on the Behalf of our felves and our Fellow-Prifoners."
55^
NORTH-
AMPTON-
SHIRE.
1685.
About the 7th of the Month called March this Year, John IVilloughby and 45 Perfons
Wtlliatn Elfe, Juftices, came to a Meeting zt Norlhamplofi, and took thence f^''"">P'''J°^'
Men, Women, and Children, to the Number of forty five, and fent them to
Prifon. At the next AfTizes they were indifted for a Riot, but foon after dif- Difckirgci.
charged by a Warrant from the Attorney-General.
Toward the Clofe of this Year, the ieveral Perfons called ^takers, then in
Prifon at Northampton, either on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, or for Fines
on Exchequer Procefs againft them for Abfence from the Church, or other
Procefles for their religious AflTemblies, were generally fet at Liberty by Virtue
of the King's Proclamation. But a fhort Time before, vix. on the 9th of the
Month called March, Dorothy Paine died a Prifoner.
ANNO 1686. On the 21ft of the Month called April, Tfmnas Boone, of
at the Interment of his own Wife, was fined as a
ot the Law againft Conventicles, and fuffered Difticfs of his
Goods for that fuppofed Offence, to the Value of 7/. And in the fame Month
Thomas Cooke, of fVeldon, had taken from him for his attending religious
Meetings, two Horfes, and feveral Houfhold Goods, worth 20/. Alfo Samuel
Cox, oi Woodford, fuffered Diftrefs of his Goods for abfenting himfelf from
the National Worfhip.
On the 14th of September, the fiid Thomas Cooke, after a Profecution in the
Hundred Court for Tithes, at the Suit of John Gates, Prieft, fuftained the Lofs
of Houfhold Goods by Diftrefs, to the Value of 3 /.
Corby, for being prefent
Tranfgreffor
Death of
D. Paine.
T. Boone
fined for bebig
lit his Wife't
Buriil,
Titbet.
CHAP.
XXVIII.
NOT T ING HAMS HIRE. ^SY£!^"
SHIRE.
1649.
Anno 1649. >^/-vv^
TH E firft Imprifonment of George Fox was this Year at Nottingham, Firji imfri-
occafioned by his Oppofition to one of the publick Preachers there, fo>:me>n of
and by his teftifying to the People the Excellency of the Teachings ^-^'
of the Holy Spirit, and the Neceffity of Obedience thereunto, as
the nioft certain and unerring Guide, leading into all Truth, and enabling to
form a juft Judgment of the Dofirines, Sentiments, and Opinions cf Men.
His Preaching at that Time was with an holy Zeal and Fervency, effeftually
reaching to the Confciences of many that heard him : Neverthelefs, fome took
Offence at his Appearing in their Place of Worfhip, and the Officers of the Parifh
took him away, and put him into a nafty ftinking Prifon : Toward Evening
they
Fox.
552
NOTTING-
HAM-
SHIRE.
1649.
The Biph-
Sheriff con-
vinced.
George Fox
grievouflj
aiufed.
Tmprifonmems
and Dijtreffis
for Tithes.
Abufei,
line.
Uiftreff.
Grievous
Abufis .
j4 Colledion of the Sufterings Vol. L
they had him before the Mayor and Aldermen^ who after fome Examinationv
recommitted him. Some Time after, the High-Sherift", whofe Name was John
Recklefs, fent tor him to his Houfe -, and at his Coming in, the Sheriff's Wife
met him in the Hall, and taking him by the Hand, i'aid. Salvation is come to
our Houfe : For both her Hufband and fhe, were effeftually reached and con-
vinced by the Force and Energy of George Fox's Teflimony, which had wrought
fuch a Change in the High-Sheriff, that he himfelf, the next Market-day, went
into the Streets, anii preached Repentance to the People. Some others alfo in
that Town found themfeives under the like Concern. This Sheriff lodged
G. Fox in his own Houfe, entertaining him courteoufly ; but the Mayor, and
fome other Magiftrates, were the more incenfed againft him, fo that they caufed
him to be taken from the Sheriff's Houfe, and fent to the Common-Goal,
where he remained Prifoner a confiderable Time.
After his Releafe from thatlraprifonment, he went into the Place of publick
Worfhip at Mansfield-V/oodboufe, and there declared the Teftimony of Truth to
the Prieft and People -, but his Chriftian Love met with unkind Reception,
for the People fell upon him, and ftruck him down, almoft fmothering him,
for they beat and bruifed him cruelly with their Hands, Sticks, and Bibles ;
then they dragged him out, fcarce able to ftand, and put him in the Stocks,
where he fat Ibme Hours •, and they brought Whips, threatning to whip him :
After fome Time they took him to a Knight's Houfe, where were many
Magiftrates, who feeing how ill he had been ufed, after fome Threatning, fet
him at Liberty : But the rude People again affaulted him, and ftoned him out
of the Town.
ANNO 1658. John Cowper, oi Skekhie,. for confcientioufly refufing to
pay a Demand of 16 s. on him for Tithes, had three Cows taken from him
worth 1 o /.
William Claytor, of Elton, was fuhpcsna'd at the Suit of Dove Williamfon, a
Prieft there, into the Exchequer at London,, where he perfonally appeared, but,
not employing an Attorney, was fent to the Fleet, as if he had not appeared,
and lay there two Years : During which Time, the Prieft and his Servants made
Spoil of his Goods at Home, carrying off an whole Load of his Corn together.
He was afterward fued by the faid Prieft in the Court o[ Common-Pleas, and a
Verdi<5t was obtained againft him for 20/. Upon that Verdift, Execution was
awarded, and his Goods taken from him to the Value of 42 /. He was alfo
detained in Prifon three Years and a Quarter.
William Smith, of Bejlhorp, fuffered nine Weeks Imprifonment for Tithes.
And for the liime Caufe Edward Langford, of JSortb-Sellingbam, was imprifoned
about feven Weeks : And in the next Year he was again caft into Priion, and
there remained feveral Years. Iliomas Eljham, of Gerton, alfo fuffered Impri-
fonment for refufing to pay Tithes.
About this Time Mary Leadbeater, and Anne Fricknall, were grievoufly
abufcd by the People, and fet in the Stocks at Mansjield-Woodhoufe, for forae
Words they had fpoken difpleafing to a Prieft: there.
Robert Wilde, of Wellerton, was fined 3/. 6s. 2d. for not putting off h-is
Hat in Court.
ANNO 1659. George Rogers^ of Wellamy for going a few Miles to a
Meeting on the Firft-day of the Week, had his Horfe taken, and kept from
him two or three Days : After which, they diftrained his Goods for a pretended
Fine of 10 s. for breaking the Sabbath.
On the 7th of Novetnbcr this Year, William Dcwjherry, preaching at a Meeting
at Newark upon Trent, was infulted and much abufed by the People : However
the Meeting was held, through much Difturbancc, and at the Clofe of it,.
another Meeting was appointed at the fame Place on the n th of the fame
Month, being the Firft-day of the Week, at which, while the Teftimony of
Truth was declaring, a rude Multitude broke in, thrufting down both Men
and Women, buffeting, punching, and ftoning them, fo that fome were knockt
down, others had their I'ceth beaten out, and their Faces bruifed : Womea
had
y*
Chap. 2 8, of the Vcoi^le called QXJAKEKB, 553
had their Head-clothes pull'd off : After this Manner they continued to abufe
about an Hundred Perfons who were there religioufly afltmbled, and who
bore all patiently, as Chrijlian Sufferers. Thefe Things were afted on the Day
they call'd their Sabbath, by a People who deem'd it a Profanation of that
Day to travel five Miles to a Meeting, and whofe Confciences could admit
them to exercife fuch Barbarity on the Day in which they would have thought it
a Crime to have been employed in any honeft Labour.
ANNO 1 660. On the 2d of the Month called ^/r//, Elizabeth Hootcn,
paffing quietly on the Road, was met by one Jackfon, Prieft of Selfion, who
abufed her, beat her with many Blows, knockt her down, and afterward
put her into the Water. About the fame Time, f-f^illiam Glajjon was impri-
ioned fourteen Weeks for faying, that the Scriptwes were a true Declaration of
the Word of God, but not the Living Word of God it felf. So grofs was the
Ignorance and Superftition of thofe Times.
About the Month called January this Year, Thomas Hurjl, Thomas Hinley,
Tho?fias Spanald, John Torr, Humphry Need, Mary Gamble, Robert Scrimjhaia,
Richard Bateman, John Storrs, George Cockran, Thomas Highfield, John Hur[t,
James Storrs, John Beeby, Richard Brown, Edward Poe, Samuel Hocton, John
Leadbeater, Thomas Richardfon, Robert Grace, Robert Marriott, Richard Brownly,
James Stack, William Gloffup, Thomas Crofts, Griffith Lewis, William Smith,
Thomas Smith, Robert Carnall, Robert Shaw, Dorothy Kirkman, Anne Flower,
Ifabel Gregory, Elizabeth Wood, Grace Sinith, and Anne Webjler, were at one
Time Prifoners in the Town and County Goals of Nottingham, for refufing to
take the Oath of Allegiance ; fbme of them having been taken at their
religious Affemblies, others on the Highway, and fome as they were going to
vifit their Brethren in Prifon.
In this Year alfo, Roger Storrs, William Thorp of Gerton, and Robert Mor-
Jin oi Workjop, were Prifoners for refufing to pay Tithes.
ANNO 1 66 1. Robert Scrimjhaw, Thomas Aukland, Thomas Holywell, and
John Leadbeater, were taken from a Meeting at Sarsfield by Soldiers, who
carried them before their Officers, with whom were two Juftices, who tendred
them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing it, fent them to Prifon, where
they were lockt up every Night in the Pit among Felons. In the fame Year,
John Weaver, Ralph Bateman, Richard Bateman, Thomas Jugall, Edward
Aflin, and Richard Birkett, were taken out of a Meeting at Upton, and com-
mitted to Prifon.
ANNO 1663. In this Year, Robert Shaw was imprifoned in the Common-
Goal of this County, for his confcientious Refufid to pay Tithes.
ANNO 1666. John Hart and John Recklefs were committed to Prifon on
the 8 th of the Month called January, by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo,
after a Profecution in the Ecclefiaftical Court, for Abfence from the National
Worfliip.
ANNO 1667, \n September, William Day, di Eaflwood, was committed
to Prifon for refufing to pay Tithes, at the Suit of Thomas Hewitt, Prieft, and
was continued Prifbncr about fourteen Months.
ANNO 1669. At a Quarter Seffions, held at 'Nottingham in the Month
called January, Penilion Whaley, Chairman, in his Charge to the Grand Jury,
endeavoured to incenle them againft the fakers by the following Speech, viz.
NOTTING-
H A M-
SHIRE.
1659.
Obj}rvers of
the Sabbath.
Abuji.
ImprifoTi'
merit.
Many inPrifon
for refufing to
Stoenr.
Others for nst
ptying Tithes.
4 Loch up
among Felons.
Others imfri'
foned.
Tithes.
ImfrifotmeMt
J or Abfence
from the pub-
lic k iForjhip.
Tithes.
(C
(c
C(
«c
4C
t(
•' The Law they are profecuted by is that in 35 Q^ Elizabeth, which they
pretend to be againft Papijls. [Clerk. Read the Preamble to that Act.
Which being read, he proceeded] You may fee that it was not made
againft them, for the Church of Ro7ne is a true Church, as well as any other ;
for a Man, though he be a lame or ill favour'd Man, yet he is a Man, as
well as a Lord, or an Earl. And though the Church of Rome hath fome
Corruptions in it, yet it is a Church as well as any other, and fo it could
not be made againft them •, therefore it muft needs be made againft thefe
MiV'cioits
Speerb of
P. Whaley.
People :
Vol. I.
You ought therefore to put it in Force, and not pity them. I
7 A " iu]^pofe
554
NOTTING-
HAM-
SHIRE.
1669.
<(
A Colleftion of //j^ Sufferings Vol. L
fuppofe there was never Rogue hang'd for Robbing, but feme Body pitied
him. Indeed Sufferings do beget Pity.
" Thefe fakers are the moft tiidious People, and hold the moft erroneous
Dodrine ot" any People. I'll tell you of their Principle, Doclrine, and
Manners. They do deny the holy Trinity, the three Perfons, the Unity in
the Godhead, Unity in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity : They deny the
Merits of our Saviour Cbrijl, and fay that he died not for die whole World,
and that he was no more than an Example of an holy Liie, and therefore
they preach Perfeftion, which is what none can ever come unto •, for when
we have done what we can, we are unprofitable Servants. They do deny
Baptifm and the Lord's Supper : Baptifm you know is the Covenant •, and
thefe are the two Breafts at which the Church of England doth nourilh up her
Children unto Life eternal : And though the Churches have diifered in
Matters of Exercife, yet they always agreed about the two Sacraments : la
fundamental Points they did not differ. And undoubtedly, thofe that live
and die in thefe Opinions, cannot but be damned : And wlio would beget a
Child to go to the Devil. Therefore if you would have your Children enjoy
that you leave them, fuppreis thefe People, and let the full Severity of the
Law be exercifed on them, and ftrifter than the Law, if it can be ; for
pitying them doth no Good, for they have had nine Years Clemency, and
they are fo fpread, that if they fpread fo in as long Time more, we muft
beg : And a great Caufe of this h;is been, that the Laws have not been
executed. But if every Conftable would complain if there were any Con-
venticles in their Town •, and the great Fault doth lie in the Conftables ■, and
it's under this Cover : For many Yeomen are lb proud that they will not fcrve
the Office of a Conftable, but hire fome bafe Fellow, and he is never fworn,
but hath a Shilling for going to be fworn, but never goes, and that Shilling
is clear Gain, and fo they will not meddle with their Neighbours, though,
they meet : But we will take fome Courfe to know that you are all fworu
to do your Office : You ffiall either complain of Conventicles, or be forfworn ;
for they [Meetings] are the only Thing whereby Enterprizes are brought t»
pafs, for if there were a Thouiand People all of a Mind, if they did not
meet, they could never know one another's Minds by Letters, for that is
dangerous ; and at Fairs they could not, for thofe happen but feldom : And
it is at thefe Meetings that they do preach one to another, and contemn the
Laws, and rail againft Men's Perfons. And if thefe Things be not avenged
in our Time, they may well be in our Children's Time, and they, an Hun-
dred Years after may iufter by our Negleft. But 'tis very like that we in
feven Years may feel the Effed: of it."
for reftifiMg
IB Swar.
Cfficious
JJiftrefct
Meetings.
for
This Speech difcovers the Author's Ignorance of the fakers Principles to be
equal to his Virulence againft them : Yet it feemed to have fome Influence on
the Proceedings of that Court ; at which John Wood, for his Non-conformity
to the Church ot England., was fined two Hundred Marks, and upon his Refufal
to pay that Fine, was committed to Prifon.
About the fame Time Edward Aflin, being taken at a Meeting, had the
Oath of Allegiance tendred him, and lor not taking it was fcnt to the Houfe-
of Corredion.
ANNO 1 670. Of the Juftices in this Countv, the aforefaid Penifton J'VJjaley
and Robert Thoroton were the moft officious in enforcing the Act againft Con-
venticles, and by the Warrants of them , and others, many DiftrelTes were
made on thofe whom no Severities could deter from attending their Aflemblies
for religious Worfhip ; for their Conftancy in this Reipeft, were taken
/. 5.
From Richard Ricbardjon, of Notlingbnm, Goods worth g o
Charles Moreland 1 2 o
Thomas Heighfield 6 o
d.
o
o
0-
Carricd over 2 7
Chap. 28. of the People called QUAKERS. 555
/. s. i. NOTTING"
Brought over 27 o o H A M-
From John Marjhall 10 o o SHIRE.
Edward Poe 13 4. iX^o
William IValjon 090
Jojbua Oates 100
^-/"V^VJ
39 12 4
From Robert Carnell, of North-C.idlingham, for a Meeting at his Houfe, the
Officers took Goods worth 30/. faying, they were ordered by the Juftice to
take three or four Times the Value, that they might afford to fell good Penny-
worths.
From Rohert Shaw they alfo took away Goods worth 30/. for a Meeting held
at his Houfe, though himfelt was at that Time a Prifoner many Miles from
Home.
It happened that William Claytor, of Elton, and John Barker, of Bingham, ^'^^^ Oppref-
were together at a Friends Houfe, where were no others but the Family : One y" ^ ^"',
Chamberlain, an Informer, came in, and afked William fome ufual familiar iffi««.
Queftions, to which he gave him proper Anfwers. The Informer goes to Juftice
Whaleyy and tells him, There was a Meetings and that William Claytor fpoke :
Upon which the Juftice fined him 20/. for Preaching, and caufcd Diilrefs to be
made on his Goods, which amounted but to 15/. fo they afterward feized fome
Sheep of his, to the Value of 4/. more. And from John Barker they alfo
took Goods worth 1 2 /.
From Thotnas Inghall, of Wefthorp, they took away his Corn, Hay, Carts, and
Cattle, to the Value of 97/. The Quantities of his Com and Hay were fo
great, that fix or feven Perfons were employ'd fcveral Days together in carrying
them away.
Nalhanael Price, of Farnsfield, a poor fatherlefs Boy, whom his Friends in
Charity had put out Apprentice, being taken at a Meeting, and having nothing
elfe to difcharge his Fine, the Officers took away his Coat and Breeches, four
Half-pence, his Knife, Sheath, and Scif&rs, Ihewing no Compaffion to an
Orphan under fuch moving Circumftances.
At another Meeting Wtlliam Claytor, and fome others, being aflembled, and
fitting together in Silence, two Informers came in, and with them fome of the
Town Officers : One of the Informers faid. Take their Naines. W. Claytor
afk'd. What, will you take our Names for ? The Informer replied, For a filent
Meeting. Nay, faid the other Informer, put him down for a Speaker ; which
they did accordingly, and he was fined by Juftice Whaky for fpeaking or
Preaching, though the Informer had fpoken as much as he, and on the fame
Subjevl. So he was fined 40 /. as on a fccond Convicftion for Preaching, having
been formerly convicted on a like Stratagem as before mentioned. Another
Seizure was made of his Goods to the full Amount of that Fine, and when he
would have appealed to the Seffions againft fuch illegal Ul'age, his Appeal was
rejedted. A parallel Cafe to this was that of Jojeph Wallis, who fitting filent
in a Meeting, one Walker, an Informer, came in, and afked him. When will
you give over this ? Jofeph anfwered, Whe7i wilt thou give over thy Trade ?
Walker retiirn'd. Not till you give over yours. Jojeph replied. Thine will JWt
bring thee Peace in thy latter End. For this Jojeph Wallis was fined 20/. as a
Preacher, and, for that Fine, had a Stack of Hay taken from him by Diftrels.
For the fame Caufe of religioufly AfTembling to worfhip God, were taken
From William Poole, at Lodge in the Woulds,
Rowland Dawbnell, of Corpwcll
Henry Doubleday, of fVhatton
Timotby Garlandt of Mansfield
/.
s.
d.
Goods worth
3
Mxny Dif-
I
6
tri£is.
7
5
Carried over
16
6
556
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
NOTTING-
HAM-
SHIRE.
1670.
Brought
over
From Robert Moore, of Mansfield
Robert Grace, of Sutton
Richard Brandrith, of Sutton in /IJhfield
Samuel Hooton, George Cockran, and Mary Lead-
beater, of Skekbie
Edward Bingham, of Mansfield-lVoodhoufe
John Theaker, of North-CulHngham
'Thomas Eljon, Thomas Ridge, and fVilliam Raworth,
of Gerton
Jofeph IVatts, of Greflhorp
George Wbeldale, of Headon
Mary Snowden, Mary Theaker, Thomas Crane,
Faith Sturgis, William Wilfon, and Mary Watfon
William Calvert, of Carlton, and John Trufwell,
of Sutton upon Trent
John Smith, Hugh Heale, Matthew Hortley, John
Abbot, James Cock, and John JVatfon
William Watfon, of Farnsfield
Margaret Dring, ot Hollam
Thomas Sanfom, of Liverton
Ralph Bateman
John Englijh, Edward AJlin, John Law, William
Wilfon, Alice Smith, Andrew Hodgfon, Laurence
Watts, and John Gudderith
William Hudfon, George Rogers, William Rogers,
and Lvdia Martin
I.
s.
d.
:r 16
6
4
2
6
8
5
15
} ^
9
25
»5
38
}n
iS
24
20
}-
II
+
;• ■
17
} ^
»3
6
19
16
18
12
a8
12
16
281
Sme Xefpite.
Ujny Dif-
tnffes for
Meetotps.
Severity of
^ujfice Tho-
roton.
Diverfe others alfo had their Goods taken by Diftrefs for their religious
Meetings, fo that the Sums of the Whole, within this County, amounted in a
fliort Time to 598/. los. lod.
After this the Storm of Perfecution, in this County, feemeth to have ceafed
for a confiderable Time ; fo that we have no farther Accounts of Sufferings
here, till
ANNO 1676. When it appeared, that the Quietnefs and Eafe, for fome
Time enjoyed, was not owing to the favourable Difpofition of the Juftices, but
rather to fome Reftraint put on them by thofe in higher Authority, which
being again removed, they returned to their accuftomed Severity, and caufed
many DillrefTes to be made on the Goods and Chattels of their harmlels
Neighbours for confcientioufly reforting to their religious Aflemblies ; for on
the 1 6th of the Month called April this Year, upon Information of a Meeting
at Hucknall, the Pariili-Officers came and took, from John Bullivant, a Mare
and other Goods, worth 3/. He was a poor Nailor, no Houfe-keeper, but
dwelt in his Shop : The Juftice, Thoroton, judged him to be extremely poor ;
and therefore ordered the Officers to take all he had, the Coat from his Back,
the Hat from his Head, and the Hammer which he work'd with. From Richard
Bateman, another poor Man, they took moft of the Goods he had, worth
about 40 J. but fold by them for 3 i. 6d. They alio took the Goods of
William Clay, of 40^. Value, and fold them for \os. being urged thereto
by the Juftice, who P.ri6tly charged them to fell the Goods for what they could
get, though they fold 10/. worth for 30;. and becaufe they did not fell the
Goods within a limited Time, he fined the Conftables 5/. each, and made
Diftrefs upon their Goods for the fame. From Chriflopher Brandreth, the
Officers took a Mare worth 4 /. And from George Cockran, Goods worth 1 1 s.
On
Chap. 28. of the People called QUAKERS.
557
23d of the fame Month, for a Meeting at the Houfc of Robert
NOTTIN'G--
H A M*
SHI!: E.
1676.
On the
Grace, oi Sullon, they took Irom Tbo/nas Cockrcni, two young BL-afts worth 3/.
And from IVUliam Maulfon, a Cow and HouQiold Goods, wonh 5/. 4 j.
On the 28th of the Month called May, for a Meeting held in the Street at
Sutton, was taken from George Cockran, a Cow worth 3/. c,s. 4 J. b'iomjohn
Fulwood, eleven Quarters ot Malt Wor(Ji lol. 9J. And tiom George Hopkin-
jon. Goods worth 1 2 s.
For a Meeting, held about the fame Time, at the Hoiife of Rowland Dnbe)\
they took from Edward Richardfon, ot Kiiverton, a Blackfmith, not only his
Hay and Corn, but alfo his Bedding, his Childrens Apparel, and even the
working Tools and Utenfils of his 1 radc, to the Value of 1 6 /. And from
iVdliam Maultly, Robert Bullivant, and John S?nith, they took Goods to the
Amount of i /. 1 5 J.
For a Meeting at the Houfe of JVtlliatn Wiljon, of Certori, were taken from ■/"c^'^'
xht idiid. IVtliam M^'ilfon, two Cows, the Property of a Neighbour, of whom ^^^l'*'"'
he had borrowed them : But fuch irregular Seizures were countenanced by the
Juftices ; for when the Officers came to diftrain the Goods of Thomas Fox for
being at the fame Meeting, they found a Quantity of Timber which he had
lately fold to one Thomas Levefly, and was actually in Leveflfs PolTefiion ; all
which was made appear to the Juftice, and the Bill of Sale produced, neverthe-
lefs the Juftice ordered it to be taken away from the prcfcnc PofTefTor, and the
Officers aded accordingly : The Value of that Timber was 6/, 6 s. 8 ^. Stephen
Swinfon had alfo his Goods feized for being at the fame Meeting, to the Value
of 2 /. \6s. but the Juftices being informed that there was a Cow of his which
the Conftable had not taken, they fined the Conftablc 5/. for Negleft of Duty,
and obliged him to pay 20 s. to compound the Affair. From Thomas Crane j
of North-Scale, they took Goods worth 5 /.
For a Meeting at Fransfield, they took
From Ralph Bateinan and John Bateman, Sheep worth
JVdliam IVatJon, Houfhold Goods, Corn and
Cattle, worth
Andrew Hod/on, Mary Handy, John Wood, and
Stephen Moore, Goods to the Value of
}
}
/.
33
60
d.
Si-Jere
II
97
II 4
For a Meeting at the Houfe of Edward Wood, of Ekrin, Wheelwright,
they, took
From the laid Edward Wood, fix Cows, two Heifers,
and Timber, worth
John Camm, of Kirfall, two Cows, an Horfe,
and a Mare, worth
Richard Hind, of Welley, two Cows and a Calf,
worth
Roger Noble, of Kirfall, Pewter and Brafs, worth
Robert Brad/haw, of Oxen, for a Meeting at his
Houfe, they took two Mares and four Beafls,
worth
/.
s.
d.
}
25
14
6
}
10
5
}
6
10
12
20
6^ 1 6
On the I ith of the Month called June, for a Meeting held by the Highway-
fide, when they were forcibly kept out of their Meeting-houfe at Knapthorp^
were taken from Jofeph Humphry, three Pewter Difhes worth 7 s. And from
William Kent, Richard Hind, and James Hind, Goods worth i /. 21.
Vol. I. 7 B On
558
A Colle(5lion of the Sufferii^gs Vol. 1.
NOTTING- On the i8th of the fame Month, for Meetings at Kneejal on the Common,
HAM- were taken
SHIRE.
1676.
More Dif-
trejfes.
IVurnnt for
Diftrefs.
Another
Warrant.
From Edward IVood, of Ekrin., Timber and Houfhold- 7
Goods, worth J
'Thomas Oakland, of Knaphorp, almoft all his
Goods, worth
John Camm, of IQrJall, Goods worth
John Kenl, of North-Layes, eight young Beafts, worth
}
10
3
d.
o
o o
ID
o
o
35 iO
On the 27 th of the Month called July, the following WarraRt Was
granted, viz.
" To the Conflables, Churchwardens, and Overfeers, of the J?ot)r
" of Wellow, and every or any of them. " '• / ^^'^'' '' \
<■<■ T? ORASMUCH as James Hind and Richard Hind, of the faid Towni
" \^ are lawfiilly convifted before me, for having been prefent at a Con-
«' venticle or unlawful Aflembly, on Pretence of Religion, otherwife than by
*' Law is eflablilhed, in Kneefal, on Sunday the 25th oi June laft paft. Thefe
*' are therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to require you to levy of each of the
" Offenders ten Shillings a piece, being formerly convideJ, by Diftrefs and
" Sale of Goods, which Sums you are to dehver to me to be diftributed
" according to Law. Hereof fail not, as you will anfwer the Contrary at your
« Perils.
Given under my Hand and Seal the 27th Day of July^ if^ CaK 2.
Annoq; Dom. \6j6.
" Robert THOROT^rNT.''
By this Warrant James Hind had his Bedclothes taken from him, worth
but 13 s. And from Richard Hind they took away an Hog, worth about \os.
We (hall next fubjoin a Copy of a Warrant of Diftrefs for a Meeting at
Mansfeld.
<s
(C
((
(C
Cc
<c
11
(C
(C
it
C(
,«
Nots. fs.
" 7c? the Conftables, Churchwardens, and Overfeers fir the
" Poor, and Third bproughs of Sut^ipn in hSn.ii'^^ . an4
" Hucknall, and every or any of ihetn.
FORASMUCH as Robert Grace and. his Wife, Elizabeth Brand-
rith, John Blackburne, Samuel tVhitwortb, Elizabeih Wlniwvtib, Eliza-
beth Fello, and Sarah Clay, Richard Bateman, Jofeph Roberts, Francis Clay,
and Margaret Whitworth, of your faid Towns, arc lawfully convi&d before
me, for having been prefent .at a Conventicle or unlawful A ifetnbly, on
Pretence of Religion, otherwife than by Law is eftablifljed, iii Mansfield,
on Sunday the 9th of this Inftant July. Thefe are thtreforci in bis Majefty's
Name, to require you to levy of the faid Robert Grace, for his own Offence
and his faid Wife's Offence, the Sum of one Pound, being formerly con-
vifted i and the faid John Blackburn, Samuel l-Fhitivorth, Elizabeth Whitworth,
and Elizabeth Fello, of every or each of therii, the Sum of live Shillings
a piece •, and of the faid Margaret M^lntworth, the Sum of live Shillings for
her own Offence, and the Sum of two Pounds by Reafon of the FiivtTtyof
Richard Bateman, Jofeph Roberts, Sarah Clay, and. Francis Qlayi formerly
convided, by Diftrefs and Sale of Goods, which fiid Sums ybu arfc to
" deliver
Chap. 28. of the People called QUAKERS. 559
" deliver to me to be diftributed according to Law. Hereof fail not as you NOTTING*
" will anfwer the Contrary at your Peril. c^ "^ ^^c
" Given under my Hand and Seal the 25th Day of Jul-j^ 28° Car. 2. ^ ^}\
" Anno Bom. 1676. _7_'
'^ Robert Thoroton."
Purluant to the foregoing Warrant, Diftreffes were made on the Goods of
fcveral of the Perfons therein mentioned.
Alfo for a Meeting at Sutton in JJhfield, were taken about the fame Time,
/. s. d.
From William Dav, a Mare, an Heifer, Pewter, Brafs, 7 n ^
and Bedding, worth ' j 14 10 4 ^'ftref.^
Thotnas Farnfwortb^ of Scaftworth, five Cows, 7
worth S ^^ ° °
Robert Spavold, five Cows worth 13 o o
Robert Nicbolfon, an Heifer worth 134
Zachary Bower ^ a Cow worth 210 o
George Greaves, four Cows worth 13 o O
John fVilfon, a Mare worth 4100
Gervafe Creafe, Pewter worth 014 o
John Torr, of Scrooby, four Oxen and an Heifer, 7
worth j '
William Kirkby, of Geatforth., feven Beafts worth 12 10 o
92 17 8
For Meetings at the Houfe of John Seaion, of Blythe, were taken
/. s. d.
From the faid John Seat on, all his Houfhold Goods, "v
Cattle, Horfes, Swine, Carts, and other Utenfils / ■,
of Hufbandry, with Wood, Stone, and Brick, P
worth J
George Greaves, of Blythe, Hay, Corn, Beafts, O
Swine, Houlhold Goods, and other Things, i> 36 o o
worth J
• Henry Upton, of Harwooth, two Oxen and three 7_
Cows, worth S ^^ ° °
William Kirkhy, fix Beafts, five Horfes, and 7
Houftiold Goods, worth j" ^^ ° °
Jofeph Hudfon, of Matterfea, five Cows, ten 'i
Swine, Corn, Hay, and Houftiold Goods, to S> 12 10 o
the Value of j
John Birks, of Scaftfworth, Horfes and Cows, 7 „
worth J ° ^
Zachariab Bowers, Cows, Calves, Horfes, Corn, •»
Hay, Carts, Ploughs, and other Utenfils, / _
Bedding, Pewter, Brafs, and other Goods, (* ^
worth J
Thomas Denton, two Calves and other Goods, 7
worth ' J 2 ,7 o
"Thomas Farnfworth, of Scaftfworth, Cattle, Horfes, j
Corn, Hay, Carts, Ploughs, Harnefs, (jfc. S» 40 1 1 ©
four Beds, and other Houfhold Goods, worth j
Edward Hickfon, of Tickhill, an Heifer worth 3 5 o
Carried over 303 u 10
•* They took at another Time from Henrj Vpton, all the Refidue of his Goods.
560
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
NOTTING-
HAM-
SHIRE.
1676.
Amount of
Diftrejfes.
finliVny of
Juflicei on
Appeals.
Vittinf of
Jnformers
Brought over
From John Lambert, of TkkUll, an Heifer worth
Cervafe Lambert^ Houfhold Goods, Leather,
working Tools, and Hay, to the Value of
John Conijall, Corn, Beds, Bedding, i^c. worth
George Hopkins, Goods worth
William Emly, of Mansfield, Goods worth
}
303
3
10
o
23
s.
II
10
o
o
10
o
o
o
o
348 16 10
The DiftrefTes made this Year, for the Caufe of their religious Affemblies
only, amounted to 712/, 8 j. 4^. many of which were exorbitant, and the
Fines frequently laid and levied, upon flight, and fometimes talfe Informations :
The Law did indeed admit the Sufferers to appeal to the Quarter Seffions, but
the Juftices, more tender of one another's Honour than ot the fakers
Grievances, feldom gave them any Relief
One John Say Ion was informed againft, and fined 20/. by Juftice 'Thoroton,
for being at a Meeting in the Parifli of Blythe, at a Time when he was at the
Diftance ot more than fixty Miles from thence : He appealed to the Quarter
Seflions, and with much Difficulty obtained an Hearing of his Cafe : The Jury-
finding the Matter clear, brought in a Verdift for the Appellant ; whereupon
Penifton IVhaley, one ot the Juftices, ordered them to go out again, but one of
them anfwered, We are agreed, and have well confidered the Matter : Where-
upon the Juttice in a Rage flung off the Bench, and faid, Tou deferve all to be
hanged ; adding, that they were as bad as Hghwaynen ; and faid, he hoped the
King would take away "Juries, for this, faid he, will not do. Thus Say ton was
acquitted, and the Jury dilmifl, to make Room for another more agreeable
to the Purpoles of the Court. Next Morning another Jury was impanelled,
and another Appeal of the like Nature came on. The Cale was that of William
Hiidjon, whom the Evidence could not prove to have been at the Meeting he
was charged with, and though eight of the Jury were pickt Men, known to be
againft the Appellant, yet the other four ftood out, and no Verdift was agreed on
till about eight at Night, when one of thofe four being taken ill, and needing
Refrefliment, Juftice Whaley told them, Jf they did not agree, they Jhould be
kept there till they died, and as one of them died, the Court would chiife another,
till they were all dead : They were over-awed into a Compliance, and after the
Court was adjourn'd, privately gave in a Verdift againft the Appellant. When
one of the Jury faid. He would gladly do Equity ; Juftice thoroton replied,
Tou have nothing to do with Equity.
By fuch partial Proceedings of the Juftices, Informers were encouraged, and
took little Regard to their AtTertions, leeing their moft groundlefs 'I'eflimonies
were accepted for inconteftable Truth, and all Proceedings againft them were
fo manifcftly dilcountenanced. However, in one notorious Piece of Deceit they
were detcdted : The Cafe was this : On tlK: 26th oi Novetnber 1676, certain
Informers came to a Meeting at Blythe, and finding no c^reacher there, refolved
to make one. So they came out again, and conluked with their Alfociates ;
one of whom, Edward Butterworth, goes into the Meeting, and demurely
feats himfelf there,', till the Informers came again : Then Butterworth ftood up,
and laid, Bleffed are the Peacemakers, with ibme other Words ; upon which,
Thomas Sharp, one of the Informers, lays hold on him, pulled him out of the
Meeting, and delivered him to the Conllable, who carried this pretended
Preacher before Juftice Sands, where Sharp appeared to make Inlormacion
againlt him. But the Juftice, obferving the Fellow's Behaviour, fuipeited him,
and examined him, M^ljere he lived ? He anlwered, At Broughton, eight Mr.es
from Lijicoln. The Juftice ordered him to be brought again next Day, when
Sir Ralph Knight being alfo prefent, they again ex.unincd him, and he ffill
ufTcrted that he lived at Broughton : Sharp, the Informer, being alfo exiimihed
upon
Chap. 28. of the People called QUAKERS.
upon Oath, affirmed, that he never faw the Man before in all his Life. But
between thele two Examinations, the following Certificate had been procured,
and was produced before the Juftices, viz.
561
NOTTING'
HAM-
SHIRE.
1676.
" nr* HIS may certify whom it may concern, that we whofe Names are
" X Mndtt-y/TiitQn do te.^\iy.,X.\\dX Edward Butterworlh^nd Thomas Sharp, oi Cenipouc
*' our Town oi Newark, are very well acquainted and near Neighbours, living
«' together in our Town, and both in a Street j moft of our Town welJ know ic.
" John Milner_,
" Thomas Merrtweather."
Upon this the Juftices ordered Butterworth to find Sureties for his Appear-
ance at SefTions, or elfe to be lent to NoUingharn Goal, but as the Conl1:able was
conveying him thither, he made his Efcape. About three Days after, he came
to the Juftices, and two of the Informers with him, who were bound lor his
Appearance at Sefiions. But we do not find any farther Proceeding in this
Affair ; for though the Deception was clearly difcovered, and the Perjury of
Sharp the Informer, made manifeft, yet the Juftices let the Affair drop ; for
they were too favourable to fuch grofs Offenders ; as on the Contrary, when
fome Parifh-Officers, either out of CompafTion to the Poor, or Unwillingnefs
to prejudice their Neighbours, were remifs in executing Warrants, the Juftices
were very fevere, as in the Cafe of one Creffe, a Conftable oi Bljihe, whom
they fined 5/ for omitting to execute a Warrant of Diftrcfs ; and for that Fine
he had taken from him, two Cows and other Goods, worth 9 /. 4 j. id.
Tloomas Farnfizorth, John Birks, and Zachariah Bowers, tor refufing to Swear, fmei levied.
when fummoned to fcrve on a Jury at a Court- Leet, were fined, and had their
Goods taken away by Difbefs for the laid Pines.
We find not many Inftances of Perfecution in this County after the Year
1676, except that many Land-Owners, and Occupiers, had ttieir Corn taken
out of the Fields for Tithes ; of which the Priclts, and others, took large
Quantities : The Value of the Tithes, fo taken, with the Perfons Names from
wfiom they were taken, between 1686 and 1690, of which we have an Account,
were as follows, viz.
At Ely THE, ^rom John Seaion, George Greaves, John p
Wilfon, Thomas Buck., Charles Hopkinfon, Jofeph Shipporah, S»
and John BuUivant ^
At EvERTON, from John Camfall a.nd Gervaje Lambert
At Clarbrough, from John Richard/on, John Gun- ?
thorp, Jofeph Turnhill, and IVilliajn Hiidfon ^
At ScAFTFORTH, from Robert Spavold -dnd John Jephfon
At Wflloughby, from James Camtn and George Camm
At Lanham, from Gervafe Harrijon
At South-Leverton, from Thomas Sampfon
At Kneesal, from John Machon
At Maplebeck, from John Camm
At KiRSALL, from Solomon Johnfon and Roger Noble
At Sutton, from John Trajwell, Hugh Heald, anci ?
Richard Tacy ^
At Grass THORP, from Jane Smith
At ScROOBY, from John Torr and Robert Jephfon
At TicKHiLL, from y^nne La?nbert
At Harworth, from George Greaves
At North-Cullingham, from Robert Carnell
At Hucknall, from John Longford
I. s. d.
28 14 5
Accomts of
Tithes in kind.
15
9
8
17
17
7
9
3
19
19
o
10
3
7
7
4
24 19
4
12
4
5
I
o
II
S
7
10
6
10
4
6
o
8
1 1
10
6
o
3
o
o
6
o
8
o
Vol. I.
7 C
Car. over 172 19 7
562
A Colle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
NOTTING-
HAM-
SHIRE.
1686 to
Diflrefs an.i
Imfrilonment
of G. Harri-
fun.
Brought over
At Sutton in Ashfield, from Nathanael Clay
At Skekbie, from IVilliam Mafon
At OxTON, from Francis Scot horn
At Farnsfield, from yinthony Smith
AtEpERSTON, horn Richard Roe
I.
S.
d.
172-
I
I
"1
16
8
7
8
8
6
10
2
12
10
179 14
In the Year 1689, Gervafe Harrifon, of Lanham, was profecuted in the
Ecclefiaftical Court for fmall Tithes and Eajler-Ojferings, at the Suit of Richard
Bradley, Vicar of that Parifh : Tiie Parfon's pretencled Claim was only for
Trifles, viz. For three Communicants 6 J. for fix Calves zs. id. for twenty
five Lambs 6 s. 3 i. for Wool of thirty fix Sheep 6 s. for one Chicken 2 d. for
Eggs at Eafter 4.d. for Hemp and Growth 3 J. For not appearing to
anfwer to thefe Demands, which were rather fiftitious than real, the poor Man
was denounced Contimiacious ; and upon Certificate thereof to two Juflices,
they granted a Warrant, by which he was committed to Nottingham Goal, where
he lay nine Weeks, two of which he was kept in the Dungeon.
CHAP. XXIX.
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
OXFORDSHIRE.
Oppofnion of
jormd Pro-
fejfors to the
De[lrine of-'
the Cofpel.
Terfecutien
of ttVO Tili-
gious Women.
Students
Barbarity.
Jmprifo'timcnt
*/ ths Women.
TH E Doftrine of the Gofpel, and thofe who, from a lively
Experience of its Virtue in their own Converfion, are vmder a
necelTary Impulfe of Chrijlian Love, conftraining them to publrfh
it unto others, ever met with violent Oppofition from formal
Profeilbrs, alTuming to themfelves, in an unconverted State, the Title of Chriifs
Minifters, and attempting, for filthy Lucre's Sake, to intrude themfelves into
an Office his Spirit has not qualified them to difcharge. Hence proceeded
the evil Treatment which the People called ^takers, at their ftrft Appearance,
underwent from the Students at Oxford ; whither,
ANNO 1654. In the Month C3.\\td June, Elizabeth Heaveiis and Elizabeth
Fletcher, two North- Country Women, came under a religious Concern to
exhort the Inhabitants of that Place, and the Scholars in their Colleges, to
Repentance and Amendment of Life. Their Labour of Love was rejefted by
the Scholars, and their Chrijlian Advice met with inhuman Returns of Deipighr,
and Cruelty. The Students, hating Reproof, fell to abufing the innocent
Women, and drove them by Force to the Pump in John's College, where
they pump'd Water upon their Necks, and into their Mouths, till they were
almoft dead : After which they tied them Arm to Arm, and inhumanly
dragged them up and down the College, and through a Pool of Water, and
threw Elizabeth Fletcher, a young Woman, over a Gravc-ftone into a Grave,
whereby fhe received a Contufion on her Side, from which fhe never recovered,
but died not long after. A few Days after this, the fame Women went to one
ot the Places of publick Worfhip, and after tiie Priell had done, one of them
began to exhort the People to the Pradtice of Godlinefs : But two Juflices of
the Peace, who were prefent, ordered them immediately to be font to Bccardo,
a Prifon fo called, where they ule to put Felons and Murderers. Next Day
thofe Juflices fent a Meflage to the Mayor, defiring him to meet them and
others
Chap. 29. of the People called QUAKERS.
S^%
OXFORD.
SHIRE.
16;
54.
Sentence to
hi Kbipt'
Others to examine thefe ^iakers : The Mayor anfwered, Lei thofe who covmntted
them deal ivilb (hem according to Law, if they have tranfgrejjed ; for my Part I
have nothing againjl them : If they want Food, Money, or Clothe!, I v. ill Jiippiy
them. However, when the Jiiftices were met, the Mayor went alio, antl the
Vice-Chancellor was fent lor, who readily came. The Women being called, and
alkcd their Names, and Places of Abode, made proper Anlwers. Then being
alk'd, JVhat was their Bufmefs at Oxford ? They replied, that I'he-j were com-
manded of the Lord to come thither. Being alked, IVhat they came to do ?
They aniwered. To declare agawft Sin and Ungod^inefs, as Pride, CovetctfneJSi
Luji, and all Manner of Self-Righteoufnefs, and falje iVorfhip, which both Priefls
and People lived in, contrary to the Commands of God. Then being afk'd. How
they knew they were called of God ? They replied. They knew the Voice of God,
and that they were called of him. Then the Vice-Chancellor, who was the chief
Aftor againft them, charged them, that they hlafphcmed the Name of God, and
did abufe the Spirit of God, and dijhonour the Grace of Chrijl •, and then aflc'ci
them, IVhether they read the Scriptures ? They liiid. They did. Then he afk'd
them, IVhether they were not obedient to the Power of the Magijlrate ? They
anfwered. They were obedient to the Power of God, and to the Power, as it was
of God, their Souls were fubjecl for Confciencefake. Well, laid the Vice-Chancellor,
you profane the IVord of God, and 1 fear you know not God, though you talk Jo
much of hiin. Then the Women were ordered to withdraw, while the Magi-
ftrates confulted together. At length, their Sentence was drawn up in Writing,
which was, That they Jhould be IVbipt out of the City. Now it was the Cuftom
there, before any fuch Sentence or Corporal Punifhment was executed, that the
Mayor did fign and put the Seal of his OfRce to the Order -, whicli in this
Cafe he refufed to do, becaufe lie could not in Confcience confent to a Sentence
he thought undeferved. But fo eager were the Vice-Chancellor, and fome otheris^
that they told him, If he would not fign their Sentence, they would execute it
without him. And lb they did, and gave Orders that the poor Women Ihould
be feverely whipt next Morning, which was accordingly done, though the Con-
fcioufnefs of their Innocence did lb move the Heart, even of the Executioner, that
he performed his Office with a manifcft Reluiitancy. But their Perfecutors
would be obeyed, and had their Order executed with Severity. The Women
endured their grievous Sufferings with Chrijl'ian Patience, in no wife murmuring
or Complaining, fo that their meek and patient Behaviour was very affefting
to many of the fober Inh;ibitants, who oblcrving the Innocence of their Tcfli-
mony, attended with fuch furprizing Demonftrations of the Patience of Saints,
acknowledged them as Servants of the Living God, and in much Love and
Tendernefs accompanied them out of the City.
For bearing the like Chriflian Teftimony, againft Vice and Superftitiop, ci,/,,^, jm^ri-
publickly in the AfTemblies and Places of Concourfe at Oxford, Jeremy Hay- joned (or their
ward, fohnShackerly, Thomas Loe^ Mary Loe, and fVilliam Simpfon, alfokifiercd Teftimovy.
Imprifonment there, and the latter of them was lent away with a Pafs.
At another Time Jeremy Hayward, and Laurence Willier, for fpeaking to
the Vice-Chancellor in the Street, probably in Reproof of his perfecuting Dif-
pofition, were committed to the County Goal. Laurence was releafed again
within a few Days, but the other continued there thirty three Weeks.
In this Year alfo, Anne Aukland, declaring againft falle W^orfliip at Banbury,
was fent to Prifon, under a Charge of Blafphemy •, but upon Trial at Seflions,
was cleared of that Acculiition : Yet the Jury brought her in Guilty of a
Mifdemeanour, in calling the Minijler a falje Prophet. A Rcfledion, never more
offenfive, than where mofl deferved. Thomas Cole, for going to hear her Trial,
and ftanding in Court with his Hat on, was fined 5/. and fent to Prifon.
ANNO 1655. Lor the like pious Zeal, and religious Declarations of the
Truth at the publick AfTemblies in Banbury, were imprifoned, f'Villiam Simpfon,
Thomas Mar/hall, Nathanael Ball, and Nathanael Wejton, who was confined
eleven Months, and afterwards had his Goods taken away to the Value of 5/.
for about a Mark demanded by the Goaler lor his Fees.
Sarah
Exicuion of
thi Sinterice.
r.xtier.ce of
thi Sufferers,
Jmprifi'iime»f
at itanbuiy.
sH
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
1655.
Imprifon-
mefifs.
Profecutors
moved to
Comfijjioii.
More Profe-
cations Jor
Tithes.
Pride of fome
Mjgijtratet
a. Caiife of
Suffering.
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Sarah Tinmis, in the Grave- Yard at Banbury, exhorted the Prieft to fear
the Lord : For which Chrijhan Exhortation, fome of her Hearers knockt her
down, and ftruck her violently. The Mayor and Magiftrates, who were prc-
fent, inflead of reftraining them from offering fuch illegal Abufes, fent the
innocent Woman to Prifon, where fhe lay half a Year, Alfo Ja)ie Wiiiigh, for
bearing her Teftimony to the Truth, and againft Deceit, in the Market-place
at Banbury, was imprifoned five Weeks : As were Mary Coats and Mary Lam-
prey, for reproving the Vices of the Mayor and Magiilraces there ; the former
was releafed the fame Night, but the other detained eighteen Days.
John Shackerly, for fpeaking to a Prieft, at Oxford, fome difpleafmg Words,
was by his Means fent to the City Prifon, and there detained feven Weeks.
And at another Time, for the like Ohence againft the Vice- Chancellor, he
was imprifoned twenty eight Weeks.
ANNO 1 656. Hejler Biddle, of London, was imprifoned at Banbury for
fome zealous Reprehenfion uttered againft the Mayor and Magiftrates there.
ANNO 1657. In this Year Alexander Harris was imprifoned for Tithes,
on two Actions ; one at the Suit of a Frieft, the other of an Impropriator :
After three Years and an Half Imprifonment, he was taken fick, and his Cafe
being reprefented to his Profecutors, they had CompafTion on him, and having
made fufficient Proof of the Man's Sincerity, were not willing he ftiould die
under Confinement at their Suit, and therefore freely and generoufly difcharged
him. But their Deputy afterward took the Corn olF his Ground for the Tidie,
Annually, in what Qiiantities they pleafed.
About the Middle of the Month called February this Year, fViiiifim Cole, of
Charlbury, profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, was fent to Prifon for refufing
to give in his Anfwer upon Oath. Being there, he was charged alfo with an
Aftion for Tithes, by an Impropriator -, at whofe Suit he was detained in Pri-
fon till he died, a faithful Witnels againft the Ancichriftian Oppreffion of
Tithes. The fame Impropriator took from him alio, while in Priibn, Goods
worth 20/. for 5/. demanded.
Thomas French, of Upper-Norton, was alfo imprifoned at the Suit of IVilliam
Thomas, a Lawyer, and Renter of Tithes ; and tor a Demand of but 1 1 s. for
Tithes, fuffered two and forty Months Imprifonment.
ANNO 1658. In this Year, Richard Kite of Upper-Norton, Margaret
Freebody of King's Hutton, Richa?-d Betteris, and Hannah Alcock, were at feveral
Times imprifoned for their Chriftian anci religious Exhortations and Reproofs,
given to the Priefts and People on various Occafions : For which Caufe alio,
Bathia Hajlewood, of Borton, was ftoned, and othewil'e evilly treated by the
Populace at Cropfody, the Prieft looking on, and laughing at the Wickednefs
of his Hearers.
There were, in thefe Times, fome Men advanced to the Office of Magi-
ftrates, fo extremely fond of Perfonal Homage, as to profecute and imprilon
Men for the OmifTion of that, which no Law required : Hence it was that
Simon Thompfon and Nathanael Knowles, meeting William Fines, otherwife called
Lord Say, and not paying him the cuftomary Ceremony of the Hat, were by
him fent to Oxford Goal, and detained two Months. At the next SelTions, he
caufed them to be fent to the Houfc of Corrtftion, and detained there near
eight Months, the faid Nathanael Knowles being feveral Times cruelly whipt,
and otherwife ill ufed. Likewife Ellis Hookes, going to vifit his Mother, then
refiding at the Houfe of Sir William Waller at Stanton-Harcourt, becaule he did
not pay the Knight and his Lady the Hat-honour, and cuftomary Compli-
ments, was by them, and their Servants, beaten and abufed : And by their
Influence, his own Father was fo incenfed againft him, that he turned him
out of Doors.
It fo happened about this Time, that Richard Farnfworth, walking with one
of his Friends up Banbiiry-Street, met the Mayor, and a Juftice of the Peace
named Williain Allen : The Juftice looking very angrily upon Richard, ftruck
off his Hat ; by which he difcovered his own Pnde and Wrarh, and how
little
Chap. 29. of the People called QUAKERS.
little he merited the Homage he looked for. After this the Mayor and JuftJcc fent
for Richard^ and committed him to Prilbn. Next Day, when their Pride and
Paflion were a little abated, they fent lor him, and told him, If he would pay
the Coaler's Fees, and promife to go out of Town that Night, he Jhnuld have his
Liberty. But he would promife nothing ; knowing that they had committed
him illegally. Wherefore to cover their unlawful Procedure, they tendred him
the Oath of Abjuration, which his Relufing to take furnifhcd them with a Pretext
for his Recommitment to Prifon, where he lay about fix Months. In like
Manner Jane Waugh, after live Weeks illegal Confinement, was recommitted
by an Order of Sefiions, for refufing to take the Oath of Abjuration.
About the fime Time James IVagflaff, of Banbury, was fined 40 s. by the
Mayor for refufing to Swear, and his Goods were taken away by Diltrefs tor
that Fine.
In this Year alfo, l^l^illiam Potter, of Tad?)iarton, had his Hoile taken from
him for riding to a Meeting on the Firft-day of the W^eek, for a pretended
Fine of 10 s. for Sabbath-breaking. After Half a Year's keeping, they fold
the Florfe for 3/. and returned nothing to the Owner. In like Manner die Son
and Daughter of IVilliatn Burroughs, ot Geydon in Warwid-Jljire, going to Ban-
hury Meeting, had two Horfes taken from them worth 12/. which were Ibid
about Half a Year after, and nothing returned to the Owners. AHb "Tbumas
Falmcr and Richard Mills, coming to a Meeting at die fame Place, had two
Mares taken from them worth 5/. Likewife iVilliam Poller and Simon Thomp-
fon, for being at a Meeting in Broughton, were by the Lord Say committed to
Oxford Goal, and there detained twenty five Weeks. So furious a Zealot againll
the fakers was this Lord Say, that for no other Caufe than their being fuch,
he arbitrarily and illegally forced the faid Simon Thompfon and John Parfons, two
of his Tenants, out of their Houles, had their Goods thrown into the Street,
and obliged them, their Wives, and feven Children, to lie in the Streets three
W'eeks in a cold wet Seafon ; and their Goods were much damnified.
ChriJiopher Birkhead of Brijiol, and George Baily of London, going to vifit
their Friends in Banbury Goal, were for their Chrijlian Charity, by the Mayor's
Order there detained ; the Former three Days, and the Latter feveral Weeks.
We fliall clofe our Account of this Year by extrading certain PafiTages out
of a printed Relation fubfcribed by Jeremiah Hayward, Abraham Allen, Thomas
Ryland, Henry Train, Laurence IFillier, Thomas Swan, Alexander Green, and
Abraham Badger, Eye-WitnefiTes, and Partakers of the barbarous Treatment
which the fakers, at their Meetings in Oxford, ullially met with from the
Students there.
565
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
1658.
Jender of
the Outb.
Didrefii for
Mcethigi-
TerftcHting
Dijp'Jtiion
of the Lori
Say.
yiliters of
Prifmers
imprifoned'
(C
<c
(C
n
(C
i(
n
<c
i(
c«
((
■ " They came into a Meeting, and drew a Friend out by the Hair i^xrmive of_
of the Head -, the Proftor himfelf pulled John Shackerly by the Hair, and ^ke Cruelty of
out of Doors, from Richard Betteris's Houfe, and violently thruft out others : ^^^"^'^ ^"^'
And feveral Times the Scholars have thrown Stones and Dirt at Friends, '""'
and broke the Door to pieces, and broke the Windows feveral Times, and
took away the Key of the Door, and knock'd Tenter-hooks into the Key-
hole, and pull'd up Part of the Porch. And when Friends have been
coming into the Meeting, or going forth, the Scholars have fqueez'd them
in the PalTage of the Door, that fbme have been hurt : And came into
the Meeting, and turn'd up the Forms and Seats which Friends fat on,
and rid upon the Backs both of Men and Women, like wild Horfes: And
this is the Fruits of the Scholars, who are called young Mirdjlers in Oxford,
againft the People of God, daily difturbing their Meetings, like wild Savages,
and brought Gunpowder and Squibs, and fired them, and let the Room on
a Smoak, and blown among People under their Clothes, like to let the
Houfe on Fire, and to undo People -, and have fhot Bullets among Friends
to knock out their Eyes. ^Stamping wildly and rudely like Tavern-
Fellows, crying. Give us Beer and Tobacco. And the Scholars have
come into the Meetings among the People of God, and call'd for Wenches
Vol. I. 7 D " or
566
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
1658.
cc
ji Golle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. 1.
—And have brought
and becauie they have
and Clothes, and Bands.
-And levenil
or Harlots, like Fellows that haunt Bawdy-houfes. —
Strong-Beer into the Meetings, aixl drank to Friends,
refuled to drink, have thrown it on their Necks,
And fung Bawdy-Songs, and curs'd and fwore.
Times came into the Meetings, blowing and puffing with Tobacco-Pipes in
their Mouths, curfing, fwearing, and ftamping, making the Houle fhake
: again.' And proffcr'd to put their Hands under Women's Aprons, and
' afl<'d, Jf the Spirit were not there ? And the Scholars have come into
' the Meeting to act Tobit and his Dog, and one of them divided his filthy
Stuff into Ufes and Points, after the Manner of the Priefts, and anodier
rais'd Doftrines of a Tinker and a Cobler, and many more wicked Adlions
by Mockings, and Scoffings, and filthy Language. And thefe Scholars
have been fo fhamelefs, that after Meeting they have prefTed in by Violence,
aud took Meat off from the Table, came into the Houfe of the FViend where
the Meeting was, and took the Bread, and the Pottage out of the Pot,
like greedy Dogs, lapping them up, and have flolen and taken away the
Books out of the Houle, and carried them away. One of the Servants
of the Lord going from a Meeting to his own Dwelling, and going by
John's College, a great Company of Scholars drew him into the College,
forc'd him up into their Hall, and by main Strength, and much Violence,
thruft him into a Chair, and then ufed abominable and wicked Words, to
have drawn the Friend's Mind out of the Fear of the Lord ; but when they
could not prevail, they brought Beer, and like flobbering Beails and Swine,
proffered to pour it down his Neck, and ftruck and beat him with many
grievous Blows, and pinch'd him, infomuch as he was amazed, and his
natural Senfe taken away for a Time with their Cruelty •, and this Man,
about that Time, had not eaten a Bit of Bread in ten Days Time, being
very weak ; and they thruft Pins into his Flelh, and pinched him, and kept
him in there with many wicked Scoffs, afking him. Whether the Spirit did
not move him now."
Jmprtfovmevt
for Tithes.
Excommuni'
citiotis atii
Jmprij'on-
moiti.
I am weary of tranfcribing their Abominations, and fliall ceafe with this
Remark, which how fevere foever it may feem, is natural and juft, viz. Had
thofe Scholars been frojejjedly educated there for Miniflers of the Devil, they could
?wt have given more certain Proofs of their Proficiency.
ANNO 1659, Benjamin Staples, of Chadlinlon, vfz% fubfccna'd into the Ex-
chequer for Tithes, and for refufing to fwear to his Anfwer there, was imprifoned
forty Weeks. TJjomas Taylor, of Norley, for refufing to pay Tithes to the
Prieft, was committed to Prifon by Order of the Committee of Safety, who,
ic feems, lookt upon the Refufxl to pay Tithes as a Mark of Difaffeftion to the
Government. Timothy Poultney, of Adderbury, for 4 /. demanded for Tithes,
was imprifoned at Oxford fifteen Months : Alfo Edward Boucher, of Milcomb,
fuffered Lnprifonment there for the fame Caufe.
About this Time Edward Fivers, Nathanael Lamprey, James Wagflaff,
George Tomkins, and Benjamin Staples, fuft'ered Diltreis of their Goods for refufing
to pay the Afleffments made on them for repairing the National Worfliip-
houles.
ANNO 1660. In this Yc:iv Edward Fivers, James Wagflaff, Nathanael
Lamprc'^, Henry Phillips, John Guliver, Richard Mecock, and Edward Shep-
herd, were excommunicated for not paying toward the Repairs of the Steeple-
houfe at Banbury. And for a like Caufe, Giles Tidmarfh, of Chipping- Norton.,
was fent to Goal on a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, and remained Prifoner
above feven Years. Alfo Edivard Lord, of Milton, for refufing to pay toward
Repairing the Steeple-houfe -uShipton, fuffered Dillrels of Goods to the Value
of 40 J.
Thomas Gilping, of Warborough, was detained feven Weeks in Cuftody of
the Marfhal at Oxford, for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance : Which
Oath was tendred at the Quarter SefTions in Oxford, on the 2d of OiJobrr, to
Thomas
Chap. 29. of the People called QUAKERS.
JToomas Goodyear and Benjanjin Staple^ and for refufing to take it. Sentence or
Premunire was pall upon them in thele Words, viz. Tea are out of the King's
Prcteofion, and all your Lauds, Goods, and Chattels are forfeited, aud to be
feized for the Ufe of the King, and you are to remain in Prtfon during the hinges
Pleafure. Thomas Goodyear, wlio was brought to the Bar with Irons on, aflciiig
of the Court, Whether the Goaler had Orders from them jo to ufe him ? was
thus anlvvered, 'The Goaler may do what he will with you, for ycu are oui of
the King's ProteSfion, Being returned to Prifcjii, the wicked Keeper told tiie
other Prilbners, tliat If they wanted Clothes, they might take theirs ojf their Backs,
for, faid lie^ they can have no Law againft you. To which one of the i-'ri-
foners anfwered, that He would go naked rather than do fo.
In the Month called January this Year, Edward Fivers, John Long, fames
Wagdaff, Nathanael Lamprey, John Guliver, and Richard Mecock^ were lent
for before the Juftices fitting at Batibury, and upon their refufing to take the
Oath of Allegiance, committed to Oxford Go3,\.
On the 1 ith of the iiime Month, the following Perfons v/ere apprehended at
a Meeting at Banbury, by tlie Mayor's Order, who, bcxaulc diey would not
take the Oadi of Allegiance, committed them to Prifon there, viz. William
Potter, John Plummer, George Tomkiiis, Thomas Cole, William Hodges, Thomas
Baylis, Richard Hihornes, Nathanael Ball, Tljomas Shelfwell, Edward Butcher,
Thomas Clifford, Thomas Hodges, Jonathan Ball, Leonard Hall, John Smith, John
Alcock, Jfaac Green, Robert Knight, William Evans, William Reeves, Thomas
Claridge, John Parjons, John Smith jun. Edward Ti?nes, Simon Thompfon, Chrifio-
pher Barrett, Nathanael Knowles, Thomas Spiers, and Benjamin Wright:
On the 13th, the Meetings at Milton and Brifnorton were broken up by a
Juftice of the Peace, and the Perfons under-named were carried to Burford,
where the Oath of Allegiance was tendrcd them, and lor refufing to take ir,
they were fent to Ox-ford Goal, namely, 1bo??ias Loe, George Hancock, John
JVtllett, Richard Dalhy, William Edwards, Thomas Harris, Michael Seffwns, John
Jefferfon, Thomas Minchin, Thomas Greenaway, John Harris, James Seffions,
William Pettifer, John Affon, John Hill, Robert Seacoal, Robert Willett, Jacob
Gibbs, Francis Dring, John Butler, and William Hill : Four of them, viz.
Robert Seacoal, Michael Scfjions, James Seffions, and Robert Wiilett, had Goods
taken from them to the Value of i /. 3 j. 4^. tor the Charges of carrying them
to Goal. All of them were detained in Prifon about feven Weeks, till the
Seffions, and then difcharged, except Thomas Loe, to whom the Juftices again
tendrcd the Oath in Court, and recommitted him.
On the 15th of the Month called J^;7?/rtr)', Benjamin Ward, for refufing to
pay Tithes to the Prieft of Tadmarton, was committed to Oxford Goal, and
continued there fifteen Months.
In the fime Year, Michael Seffions, for 4 j. demanded of him for Tithes, had
his Goods taken away, to the Value of 2 /. ^s.
ANNO 1 66 1. Bray Doyley, oi Adderbnry, was profecuted in die Hundred
Court for a Claim of 13 j. for Tithe : He demurred to the Jurifdiftion of the
Court, as having no Right to take Cognizance of Titlies : This he produced
fome Statutes to prove, which the Jury defiring to infpeci:, were forbidden by
the Court, who arbitrarily ordered them to go out and find for the Plaintiff.
They accordingly found 1 3 s. Debt, and Colls of Suit ; Whereupon die Court
ordered them to go out again and find treble Damages, which they would not
do : Neverthelefs the Court proceeded to give Judgment as it they had fo
done ; and ordered Diftrefs accordingly, by which a Cow was taken from him
worth 3 /. 10 s. He had at another Time two Cows taken from him worth 7 /.
on Pretence of an Outlawry againft him for Tithes.
In the fame Year, Benjamin Staples, for 2 /. is. demanded of him for Tithes,
had Cattle taken from him worth 5/. g s.
On the 6th of Oolober this Year, a Party of Soldiers went into a Meeting
at Banbury, and barbaroufly abufed die AlTcmbly, beating and bruifing many
of
OXFORD-
:>HIRli.
1660.
Sentence of
Premunire.
For refufmg
to Srveur.
29 Imp'tfoaei
joT reju/wg to
More Impri-
jomnems for
nut Sjve^ii/ig.
Froficmion in
tie hundriri
Court, &C.
Cruelty of
ioldiers.
568
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
1662.
far 7ith».
Cife of Ex
communica
tion.
of them, and wounding one in the Breaft with a Sword, dragging them by-
Violence out of the Houfe, and when out, continuing to beat and abufe them.
ANNO 1662. George Tomkins, for a Claim of 2/. 3;. 4^/. for Tithes,
had Goods taken from him to the Value of 5/. ^i. And Benjamin Staples, for
Tithe of 2/. 135. Value, had his Goods taken away worth 7/. 10 s. He was
alfo imprifoned eleven Weeks for refufing to pay Tithes.
Francis Bring, oi Brifnorton, was fummoned to the Ecclefiaftical Court for Ab-
fence from the publick Worfhip ; and at his firft Appearing there, was excom-
municated. The Excommunication, yj^hs fent to his own Feather, being Vicar of the
Parifh, to read ; which he would gladly have declined, but through Fear of the
Bifhop, did read it -, though the Senfe of his Son's Innocence, and the Injuftice
of the Sentence, ftruck fuch a Damp upon the poor Man's Spirits, that his
Countenance was obferved to change while he was reading it, and a Fit of
Sicknefs immediately feized him, lb that he never came into the Pulpit more,
but died foon after. About the fame Time, Richard IVright, of Henly, was
excommunicated for not fprinkling his Children, and committed to Oxford
Goal by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, where he was kept Prifoner above
fix Years and an Flalf.
In this Year alfo, for Abfence from the publick Worfhip, were taken
/. s. d.
Di^reffii. From Francis Bring, JVillimn IVife, John Waller, Thomas y
Munch, Anne Watts, and Mary Wheeler, Goods p 3 50
worth 3
Giles TidmarJ/j, John Butler, Richard Kite, Tho?nas \
Tidmarjh, Walter Coleman, and Edward Brink- v. i 1 9 6
water \
Thomas Reeves and John Evans, of Great-'fiie, were talc en from a Meeting
at Miico77ib, and committed to Oxford Goal, and after fix Weeks Imprifonment
were fined at the SelTions 5/. each, for which Reeves had Goods taken from
him worth 7 /. and Evans two Cows worth 6 /.
The feverai Perfons following were fined for being at Meetings at Alilcomh
and Banbury ; their Fines amounted to 56/. for which feverai of them had their
Goods taken by Diflrefs, viz. Edward Fivers, Bray Boyley, Tho7nas Hihonies,
John Long, Henry Philips, nomas Butcher, Jonathan Churchill, Chtiflopher
Barret, Timothy Poultney, George Tomkins, Edward Butcher, Natbanael Ball^
Thomas Cole, and George Aflon.
In the fame Year, Edward Fivers, James Wag/taff, Henry Phillips, and
Jonathan Churchill, were taken out of a Meeting, at Banbury, and committed
to Prifon for refufing the Oath of Allegiance : As were alio Laurence Willier,
Jeremy Hayward, John Sbackerly, Abraham Badger, Alexander Green, Edward
Harman, and Silas Norton, who were taken out of Meetings at Oxford. Alfo
Jane Waugh and Thomas French were taken from a Meeeting at Banbury, and
committed to Prifon.
MiUminu at ^^ ^^^e SefTions at Oxford, in 051ober this Year, Robert Seacoal, George Han-
Stglens, cock, Michael SeJfwns, James SeJfwns, Robert Willett, John Harris, Thomas
Dilireffei for
Meetirgt.
Jmprifovmemt
for refufing to
Svoeir.
cock, Michael SeJfwns, James SeJfwns, Robert Willett, John
Minchin, Francis Bring, Richard Kite, Giles Tidmarjh, William Kite, and Mary
Ryton, were indifted for being at an unlawful AfTembly, and fined 5/. each,
for which Fines were taken by Diftrefs,
/. s. d.
From Robert Seacoal, Goods worth 800
Michael and James SeJfwns * 7 4 o
Thomas Mine bin, George Hancock, and Francis Bring n 16 o
The
* Part of this was Corn, Wood, and other Things carried away
obrerved that the Horres, ufed on that Occalion, died foon after ; So
theiu had not one left to carry in his own Corn in Harveft,
in Carts. It was
that the Owner of
Chap. 29. of the People called QUAKERS.
The faid Robert Willelt^ befide his Fine, was alfo fent to Prifon, where lie
died nor long after. Alio John Willett^ taken at the lame IVIeeting, was im-
prifoned in Oxford Goal fourteen Weeks, and then by Order of Seffions, fent
to Brideiocll for one Month. Likewife Richard Clinton, oi f¥oofurn-Mill^ taken
at the fame Time, and imprifoned, fell fick in Prilbn, and died foon after his
Relcafe from thence, ll'illiam Pettifer was alfo fent to Prifon from the fame
Meeting, and at the Aflizes in the next Year, had Sentence ot Premimire pafs'd
upon him by Judge Hidcy and was detained Priloner about ten Years.
At the fame SelFions Alexander Harris, Benjamin Staples, Thomas Larner, and
James IVeaver, were fined : And for thofe Fines, Goods were taken irom
yllexander Harris., worth 7 /. 10 s. and from Benjamin Staples, to the Value ot- 5 /.
At that Sedions alfo, l^homas Nichols and Jeremy Hayivard, coming into the
Court to hear the Trials of their Friends, had the Oath of Allegiance tendred
them, and for refufing to take it, were fent to Prifon.
About the liime Time, Abraham Allen, Robert Middleton, Jeffery Bennett,
John Betteris, Silas Norton, Alexander Green, and Thomas Upton, were taken
out of a Meeting at Burford, and committed to Prifon. Alio Richard Betteris
was taken out of a Meeting held in his own Houfe, and by a verbal Com-
mand of Dr. Bnyley, Vice- Chancellor of Oxford, committed to Bocardo, without
any written Mittitnus, and there confined thirteen Weeks.
ANNO 1603. In this Year Edward Drinkwaier, oi G aging-Well, for 30 J.
demanded of him for Tithes, had three Horfes taken away worth 1 8 /. Alfo
George Tomkins, of Milco7nb, tor 5/. 135. 4 J. claimed for Tithes, fuftered Dif-
trefs of his Cattle, to the Value of 23 /.
On the 19th of the Month called June, Jojeph Coale, Clement Taylor, John
Reynolds, and John Bolt, were taken from a Meeting at Henly, by a Serjeant
and fevcral rude Fellows, and^iut up all Night in a nafty Prilon, without
fo much as Straw to lie on. This being done without any legal Authority,
the Aftors of it upon fecond Thoughts, ict them at Liberty ao;ain the next
Day.
On the 2d of the Month called February, fome Soldiers came to the Meeting
at Banbury, and took the Names of thoi'e prefent, one of whom was Henry
Philips, who the fame Evening was cited to appear before the JutUces, which
he did next Morning, and they required Sureties for his good Behaviour, and
that he would not go to Meetings, which being refuted, they fent him to Ox-
ford Goal till the next Seflions, where the Oath was tendred him ; as it alio
was at two fubl'equent SelTions, at the laft of which,. Sentence ot Prefniinire was
paft upon him, under which he was continued in Prilbn eight Years and an
Half.
In this Year alfo, John Carpenter, James IVagftaff, and Paul Newman, being
atlFarwick about their lawful Bufinels, fome i-riends met dieiin at their Inn
in the Evening, when the BaylifF of the Town came near Bed-time, and
fet a Guard upon them till the next Morning, when having nothing to
charge them with, he tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing
to Swear, fent them to Prifon, where they alfo lay eight Years and an ITilt'.
Laurence fVillier alfo, for refufing to Swear, was imprifoned about Half a Year.
Alfo JVilliam fVaters, of Henly, for fuffering Meetings at his Houfe, was ex-
communicated, fent to Oxford Goal, and kept there above fix Months. Like-
wife Thomas Reeves, of Great-Tue, was committed to Oxford Goal on a Writ
de Excom?nunicato capiendo, in the Month called February 1664, and after fix
Years and an Half Imprifonment, died there.
Edward Harman, of Berkflnre, went to vifit his P'riends in Oxford Goal,
and returning thence, was apprehended by the Goaler, and carried before the
Mayor, who tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, and committed him to the
City Prifon, where he continued a Year and an Half.
Hard was the Cafe of Thomas Minchin, a poor blind Man, of Bnrford, who
was profecuted in the Bifiiop's Court for Abfence from his Parifh-Church,
afterward excommunicated, and by a Writ de Excom?nimcala capiendo, fent to
Vol. I. 7 E Oxford
CXFORD-
5>HlRli.
1662.
Death of
R. Willetf.
Premunire.
Fir.es>
Impriforf
me I.
r.-'bit Com-
mhm;nt.
Diftrfffes [or
Tithes.
Arbitrary A^.
Premunire.
Diver fe Impri-
foi-.tmnts.
Death of
T. Reeves
in Prifon. ■
Hard Cafe of
T. MiiKhin
i! blini Man.
570
OXFORD-
SHIRE,
1664.
U^hat befd bis
ProfiiUtors.
Viflrejjcs Jor
Titbci.
Imprije?!-
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Oxford GoA on the 23d of the Month called March 1663-4, where he lay
Prifoner eight Years and an Half. The Prieft oi' Burford, and a Regifter of
the Bifhop's Court, had been aftive in this Perfecution. What afterward hap-
pened to thefe Men became a Subjeft of popular Remark. The Pricjl who
publifhed the Excommunication againft him, about Half a Year after, was
luddenly (truck blind in his Pulpit, and continued fo to his Death. The Regifler
was not long after (truck with a Sore and Lamenefs, fo that his Flefh rotted
away from his Bones while he was yet alive. Thefe extraordinary Incidents
occafioned luch Reflettions, as either CompafTion to the innocent Suft'erer, or
Diflike to the Authors of his Suffering, are naturally apt to excite.
ANNO 1664. In this Year Mary Gilkes, of Bloxham, for a Dem;md of 25J.
for Tithes, had two Cows taken away worth 61. Alfo John (Voodfield^ for. a
Claim of 17 J. bd. fuffered Diftrefs of four Cows worth 9/.
In the Month called Juguft, Edward Fivers, Natkanael Lamprey, John
S7nilh, John Long, Williatn Strange, Thomas Cole, John Gidiver, Edward Shep-
herd, Thomas Miller, and Richard Miller, were taken from a Meeting at
Banbury, and fent to Prifon, where they lay fix Weeks.
ANNO 1665. Taken in this Year for Tithes,
Diftrejfes for
Tithes,
From
2S. I
d. de-
Benjamin Staples, of Chadlinton, (or
manded, Goods worth
J. HajUngs, oiSwaford, for 1/. lOi. dem.inded,
two Hor(es worth
}
}
For 1 /. 12s. id.
Taken 10 8
Imprifonmem
of Edward
Vivers.
jind of John
Guliver.
Sundry Imfri-
fonmentf.
Long IniprifoH-
wemi.
Alfo Thomas Reeves, of Great-Tue, had an Horfe taken from him worth 5 L
for a Demand of Privy-Tithes, he being then in Prifon.
In September, Edward Vivers was taken from his lawful Bufinefs, and, as was
fiid, by an Order from the Lord Chancellor Hide, then Lord Lieutenant of
the County oi Oxford, committed to Prifon : He was brought forth at feveral
Affizes and SefTions, but though nothing appeared againft him, yet he was from
Time to Time returned to Prifon. At length the Lord Say, who fucceeded
Hide in his Lieutenancy of that County, ordered Edward to be brought before
him at a SefTions, when the only Caufe fhewed for his Commitment, was an
Information that he had built a Meeting-houfe, and caufed a Burial-place to be
walled round : Whereupon, after two Years and feven Months Imprifonment,
he was let at Liberty.
At the fame Time, with Edward Vivers was alfo imprifoned in like Manner
John Guliver, who was confined two Years and a Quarter from his Wife and
five fmall Children. During his Imprifonment his Wife died -, her Death was
thought to be occafioned through Grief at the SufTering of her Hufband, and
the Hardfhips fuftained by her felf and Family through his Confinement.
On the 29th of O&ober, George Tonikins, I'Villiatn Hedges, Robert Knight,
Simon Thempfon, and John Stow, were taken at a Meeting, and fent to Prifon
for three Months. And about the fame Time, Benjamin Ward, of Tadmarton^
and Timothy Potdtney, of Adderbury, for being at a Meeting at Milcomb, were
fined 5/. each, and for refufing to pay it, committed alfo to Prifon for three
Months •, as were Edward Dnnkwater, John Watts, and Peter Barrett, for
five Montlis.
On the 27th of December, George Weflon, of Stansfeld, was committed to
Prifon by a Writ de Excoinmunicato capiendo, for his religious Non-conformity,
and continued Prifoner about eight Years. In the dime Month Tlxmas Nichols^
of Oxford, having opened his Shop on the Day called Chnjb?iafs-day, was taken
before a Magiftrate, who, that he might find fome legal Occafion again(t him,
tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing it, fent him to Prifon,
where he lay about Half a Year.
ANNO
Chap. 29. of the People called QUAKERS.
ANNO 1666. John Harris, taken from a Meeting nz Mjlton, was com-
mitted to Frifon, wiiere he lay thirteen Weeks.
Jobn Wheeler, John Fcriiha:n, John Goodenougb, Thomas Monk, Thomas 'Taylor,
T'homas French, JVilliatn Franklin, Ellen King, Margaret Efmead, and Mary
Saunders, being taken in a Meeting at the Houfe of Elizabeth White, at Coggs
near Whitney, wtre by two Juftices, committed to the Houfe of Corrcdion tor
one Month. The hke unmerited Punifhment was inilidted on John Long and
Nathanael Ball, wlio had been taken from a Meeting at Nor-Nc-ivton.
Thomas Nichols was taken by the Goaler and an Apparitor, and carried to
Prifon : They pretended to have a Writ againfl him, but would not let him
fee it. He was kept under clofe Confinement for a long Time after -, the
Confequcnce of a Profecution in the Ecclefiaftical Court for his confcientious
Abfence from the publick Worfliip.
Roger Brown, being chofen an Afleflbr for the Land-Tax, and coming
before the Commiffioners with his Hat on, they threatned to fend him to Pri-
fon ; but having no legal Matter againft him, they tendred him the Oath of
Allegiance, which they knew he would not take, and thereupon lent him to
Goal, where he was detained fixteen Days : Thus was the Law made ufe of
to avenge themfelves, and to punifh a Man for not humouring their Pride.
In this Year alio, Edward Drinkwater, John Watts, Peter Barrett, and Abra-
ham Ryeman, were committed to Prifon for their conftant attending religious
Meetings.
ANNO 1 667. On the 15th of December, the Widow Parfons, Anne SeJJions^
Elizabeth Bignall, Maiy Saunders, Anne Box, Ellen King, Mary Hajiings, Judith
Bujhy, the Widow Rawbone, Elizabeth Dring, Alice Wheeler, Anne Withers,
Lucy Turner, Mary Kiton, and Anne I-ranklin, were taken at a religious Meet-
ing, and committed to Bridewell for one Month. And about the fame Time,
for the like Caufe, Solomon Eccles was committed to the County Goal for three
Months.
In this and the next preceding Year were taken for Tithes,
From Edward Drinkwater, of Eajicn, for 5 /. 1 5 j. de-
manded, Goods worth
John Haftings, of Swarf or d, for 3 /. demanded,
Goods worth
Benjamin Staples, of Chadlinton, for 61. 6 s. 6d.
demanded. Goods worth
* T'homas Reeves, of Great-Tue, for 155. demanded.
Goods worth
Jfaac Green, of Tadmarton, for \os. demanded.
Goods worth
1
>
}
s.
d.
25
20 16
571
OXFORD.
SHIRE.
1066.
hnprijcn-
mans.
Dilirejfis
Tithes.
for
For 16 1. 6s. 6d.
Taken 68 16
ANNO 1 668. Cuthbert Hayhurji, taken preaching in a Meeting at the jmprjfonmem.
Houfe of Richard Betteris at Oxford, was by the Vice-Chancellor's Order, com-
mitted to the City Prifon for one Month.
ANNO 1669. On the 25th of the Month caWed Auguf, Robert Seacoal^ Fives dtQiur-
Michael Seffions, George Hancock, Thomas Field, and Edward Walter, were taken ter Sijfmis for
at a Meeting at Milton, and then warned by the Conftable to appear before the '''" ^''''
Juftices at their Monthly SefTions at Chipping- Norton. They accordingly ap-
peared, and after fome Difcourfe about going to Church and Swearing, the
Juflices took their Words one for another, to appear at the next Quarter Sellions :
They came thither, but with their Hats on, whence the Juftices took Occafion
to
* Thomas I{eeves was at the fame Time a Prilbner on a Writ de Exommuricito upie>ide,
and continued lb till he died, after fix Years and an Half Contintment.
572
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
1669.
Note.
A Frielt
Jnfo'rmr.
A Parfon's
Wife In-
former,
Vijlrefti
More Dlf-
treffes.
u4 Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
to fine them five Marks each, and for Non-payment committed them to
Prilbn, where they lay about Haifa Year, through an exceeding cold Winter.
The faid Robert Seacoal, George Hancock, and Michael SeJ/ions, had alfo Diftrefs
made on their Goods for their Fines, to the Amount of 12/. 55. Alio James
ScJJions had a Load of Wood taken from him, for a Fine of ^s. impoled on
him for being at a Meeting. It was obferved, that the Perfon employed to
cart away that Wood, foon after fuftained the Lofs of all his Horfes, which
died fuddenly, lb that he had none left to fetch in his own Harveft.
ANNO 1670. On the 29th of the Month called Alas, was a Meeting at
the Houfe of 'i'hoims Gilpin at IVarboroiigh, of which the Pricft of the Parilh,
named Robert Coppiil, gave Information to a Neighbouring Jultice, who fined
the faid Thomas Gilpin 20 1. 1 he Prieft in his Sermon, a little before, had told
his Auditors, that Although the King's Laws might be contrary to the Law of
God., yet they ought to be obeyed and fubniitted to : He was a merry Fellow, and
Pot-Companion, and when in his Cups, would go with his Comrades to the
^takers Meetings, to make Sport of them.
On the 26th of the next Month, was another Meeting at the fiid Thomas
Gilpin's, which the Officers faid, they were told of by Mrs. Powel, a Parfon's
Wife, who in the Warmtli of her Zeal had fworn, that Next Time jhe would be
Informer her felf. Upon Complaint made of this Meeting to Francis Wain-
man and William Ba-jly, Juftices, they granted a Warrant, authorizing the
Officers to break open Locks and Bolts. So they went to Thomas Gilpin's^
and broke open his Door, and took away his Houfhold Goods, leaving him
not a Bed to lie on, nor a Pot to boil his Food in. Fie had a Family of five
fmall Children, which fuffered much through this Seizure. Some Time after,
as foon as he had got his Corn in, being about three Acres, the Officers came
and took that alfo, with two Pigs, in all to the Value of 1 1 /.
Richard Betteris, for a Meeting at his Houfe in Oxford, was fined 20 /. for
which the Officers took of his Goods to the Value of 30/. which they under-
fold fo much, that the Juftices granted them another Warrant to diftrain again
for a Deficiency of 10/. which they laid upon Humpbry Ollive, Thomas Nichols,
and Laurence Willier, who were prefent at the lame Meeting, and their Goods
were taken away to the Value ot 14/. 8i. 3 J. Befide which, the two laft had
taken from them for their own Fines, Goods worth 2/. 6 s.
Taken alfo in this Year, for Meetings,
From William Williams, Margaret Efmead, Margaret
Yarnton, Williajn Pawling, and John Fernham,
Goods worth
Ihomas Monk, John Turner, William Wife, Bray
Doyley, and Chrijlopher Barrett, Goods worth
Thomas Taylor, William Right, and Richard
Windows
Henry Wheeler and Walter Wtnchc07nb^ wearing
Apparel, worth
John Goodenough, John Shackerly, John Lanket,
and Anne Lanket
Laurence Willier, and his Sifter Anne Nutt
George Affon, of Bloxham, Goods worth
/.
d.
k
5
8
}
4
6
}
2
S
}
7
9
15
20
43
Jane Betteris, a poor Widow, and her Daughter, were fined 105. for Meet-
ing ; but they having lately had their Goods feized, and very little left, one
of the Officers in Compaffion paid their Fine, and left the poor Remainder of
their Goods in their own PolTeffion. And from Silas Norton aforeiaid, they
took Goods worth i /. 55. Edward Franklin, having no Goods, was lent to
Bridewell, and kept there nine Days.
ANNO
Chap. 29. of the People called QUAKERS.
ANNO 1671. In this and the two next preceding Years, Ed-juard Drink-
water, for Demands of i6l. 12 s. made on him for Tithes, had his Goods
taken away to die Value of 35/. 4.S.
ANNO 1672. In this Year alfo, Goods were taken from the laid Edward
Drinkwater, to the Value of 10/. lOi. for Tithes : And from John Slow, of
Great-Tue, were ta.ken for the fame Caufe, Goods worth 5/. iSs. From the
fame Edward Drwkwater were taken, at another Time for Tithes, four Cows
and three Sheep : And from George Tomkins, of Milcomb, five Cows.
By the King's Letters Patent, granted in Favour of this fufFcring People,
were difcharged this Year, from their grievous Imprilonraent in Oxford Goal,
the following fifteen Perfons, fome of whom had been there long confined,
namely, Jojeph Davis, Henry Philips, fVilliam Pettifer, Robert Iborp, John
Thorp, Jofcpb Stevens, John Benham, Thomas Perry, Thomas BeJIey, John IVrenn,
Thomas Minchin, George JVejion, Giles Tidmarjh, Godfrey Bennett, and Thomas
Gilpin.
ANNO 1 674. Benjamin Ward, for Tithes of 3 /. Value, claimed by Cref-
well WJ:)eatiey, Prieft of Tadmarton, fuffered Diftrefs of forty two Sheep, worth
20/. Alfo IVilltam Hawtyn, ol Epwell, at the Suit of Humphry Smart, Prieit,
for Tithes worth but 3/. had taken from him fix Cows worth 18/. John
Tomkins, at the Suit of John Dide, Prieft of JViddington, had taken from him
for Tithes, twenty nine Sheep and three Cows, worth 20/. And Thomas
Strank, of Milcomb, at the Suit of the fame Prieft, was committed to Oxford
Goal for Tithes.
Taken by Diftrefs, for Meetings this Year,
Meetings
From Timothy Burborow, of Ayno, a Cow and Calf worth
Bray Doyley, oi Adderbury, five Cows and fifty
fix Sheep, worth
John Holcroft, John Bourton, and Timnas Mercer
Joines Treppafs, Thomas Penn, JVilliam Aris,
John Garner, Timothy Poultney, and Chrijio-
fher Barrett
Henry Wheeler, William Warwick, and Anne Watts
}
3
32
s.
13
»5
d.
4
50 17
From John Wheeler, three Cows, a Calf, Brafs, Pewter,
and other Things, to the Value of
Francis Dring, of Brifnorton, Linen worth
Simon Tearton, a Cow worth
Richard Kirby, five Cows worth
William Wife, oi Leaw near Bampton, three Cows,
and Pewter, worth
Thomas Minchin, of Burford, Cloth worth
Margaret Efmead, Tho7nas Tearton, John Turner,
John Pauling, and John Hart, Goods worth
Mary Roofe, John Jefferfon, Walter Borrefi, and
John Harris, Goods worth
}
}
}
/.
16
o
4
12
1 1
s.
13
o
10
13
8
12
d.
9
o
o
573
OXFORD.
SHIRE.
1671.
Dilirefs fur
Titki.
Kekafe 6f
Prifoners,
Sufferings for
Tithis.
Dillrefet for
blittitigi.
ANNO 1675. The DiftrefTes taken this Year, for frequenting religious
AfTemblies, were as follows, viz.
More Dif-
trtffiS for
Meetings.
Y
59 17
:ia
.0 kuw
;niM .T
John Mcock, of Shutford, refiifing to Swear, when fummoned to ferve on a
Jury, was fined, and had his Goods taken by Diftrefs.
About this Time one Richard Holliman, a Miller oiCookfam, being convinced
in his Judgment of the Dodrine profefTed by the fakers, withdrew himlelf
Vol. I. 7 F from
For refufing
to Sweir.
574
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
1675.
Perfecution of
Richard Hol-
liman.
Imffifovmeyn
pr hthes.
Jmprifoiments
and. Diftrejfes
for Tithes.
Jmprifotmevu
JDiftrefs.
Htri Cafe of
T. Minchin.
j4 Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
from the National Church, of which he had a been a Member. This highly
incenfed his Parifli- Prieft, Robert Cripps ; and he having an Influence over the
poor Man's Landlord, Juftice Gregory^ perfwaded him to exert his Power againft
his poor Tenant, whom the Prieft pourtray'd in the Guife of an Herelkk. The
Juftice prefently fined the poor Man 12 d. per Day for Abfence irom the Churchy
and caul'ed his Goods to be taken away, to the Value of 24 s. which, to a Mart
in his Circumftances, was a great Suffering, for he was very poor, and had
many Children, fome of whom were little. The Juftice alfo turned him out
of his Mill, which he and his Family had held many Years : For all which
hard Ufage he affigned no other Caufe, tkan that the Man was turned Sluaker ;
ichich, faid the Juftice, is the confoundedjt Religion of all. Thus the honeft
poor Man, and his Family, were facrificed to the Malice of the Prieft, and
the Ignorance of the Juftice.
ANNO 1677. John Hajlings, of Swarfordj was committed to Prifon by
a Warrant grounded on a Certificate out of the Ecclefiaftical Court for Tithes,
at the Suit of Martha Beefley, Widow and Executrix of Heitry Beefley, Reftor
of Swarf ord.
ANNO 1678. Thomas Fardon was committed to Prifon, at the Suit of
Richard White^ Prieft of Broughton, for a Demand of 5 /. for Tithes ; and
during his Imprifonment, the Prieft's Tithe- Gatherer took Corn off" his Ground,
to the Value of 7/. About the fame Time, John Wyatt was alfo imprifoned
at Oxford for Tithes. And Humphry King, of South-Newton, was committed
to Prilbn, at the Suit of Robert Penn, Impropriator, for Tithes of 40s. Value v
he continued a Year in Prifon, and within that Time had taken from him by
the Profecutor, Corn and Hay, to the Value of 4 /. 10 s.
In this Year alio, was taken from Nathanael Ball, of North-Newton, for
Tithes, Corn worth 20/. And from John Alcock, oi Shut ford, to the Value
of 3/.
ANNO 1679. WUliam Staple and "Thomas Deane^ both oi Hook^Norton^
were committed to the County Goal at Oxford, at the Suit of Thomas Wife^
Prieft, on the 2 8th. of the Month called y^nV this Year, and both died Pri-
foners there about three Months after ; the Former for a DeiTKind of 4/. i2i.
and the Latter of 2/. 2J. 6^. .nV. fh\ .■ .'. iui;'V>V, , « ;_nv4»,\
George Tetnkiiis, of Milcotnby was profecuted in the Exchequer, at the Suit
of John Didc, Prieft of Widdington^ and had his Sheep, Corn, Hay, and Peafe,
feized by a Sequeftration, to the Value of 100/.
Thomas Stranky at the lame Prieft's Suit, had his Com, Cowss ahd/Siebp,
taken by a Sequeftration, to the Value of 42/. ^s^ 6d. Alfo Sufanna Butcher^
oi Milcomby Widow, at the Suit of the fame Prieft, had taken from her for
Tithes, a Cart, Com, and other Things, worth 14/. /r, %d. - \ 1 ''
ANNO 1683. -John Long, of Nethorp, was profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical
Court for Tithes of Milk, at the Suit of John Knight, Vicar oi Banbtny : He
was fentenced to pay 6 s. 8d. for Tithes, and 1 1. 35. 4^. for Chai^ges, for
Non-payment of which, he was pronounced contumacious, and upon a Certifi-
cate of Contumacy, was, by Warrant from two Juftices of the PeaG«, com-
mitted to Prifon ; where he lay till fome Relation ot his, by paying the Prieft's
Derpand^ obtained his Liberty, .i.v rl'oiT ,'■>•- ;vi;v .a v»w.v.vr
On the 15th of i^e Month called Jl^ly, was a Meetir^' :it ^0tMy in the
Parifh of Sbipton :' Aexander HarriSy. though not prefew at that Meeting, yet
was fined as being one of the Owners oi th& Houle,,.and had taken- kbin him.
Hay and" Wood, to the Value of 8 /. . , . ; . v
On the 28th of the Month called Augujl 1683, Thomas Minchin, a Mercer
of &!irfmk by an Exchequer Procefs, dire<5ted to John fVickham El'q; then
Sheriff" of the County of Oxford, for eleven Months Abfence from Church, and
notcoming to hear what they call Divine Service, liad Goods taken from hini
worth 90 /. Though he was at that Time a Prilbner in Oxford Caitlcj on a Writ.
de Excommunicato capiendo, for the kme Caufe, and continued there near three
Years^ till difcharged by King 7r?7ifi'&. Proclamation of Paidon. . ^ifi li^
•i T .i ..loOn
Chap. 29. of the People called QUAKERS.
On the 1 2 th oi O£lober, Edward Totmg, of Mllon aforciaid, had taken from
him by an Exchequer Frocers, tor Ablcncc Horn his Parifh-Church, Goods to
the Value ot 60/. . ,
ANNO 1684. In this Year were taken at Banbury, for Fines impofed tor
Weekly Abfence from the National Worlhip,
/. s. d.
From Edward Fivers, Richard Vivers, and Andr-ew 7 o i - o
Kill, Goods worth j ^
Edward Wells, Thomas Slrank, and John Stone 019 4
David Hill and Williatn fVagltaff 064
575
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
hiiri Cafe of
E. Youiia.
Fines levied..
At Banbury, on the 3d of the Montli called Juguft, the Meeting was held in f"»? 'J^^^'^f'
the Street, near the Meeting-houfe, which they were fhut out of; and as f^^/y'""^««-
Richard Fivers was praying, Richard PFbealley Mayor, with his Officers, came ^'
in ; he fined Richard Fivers 20 1, and iffued his Warrant for Diftrefs, by which
he had Goods taken away, to the Value of 15/. 3;. ^d.
On the 28 th of Decetnber, Silas Norton, Thomas Nichols, Thomas Fletcher, Procejfes for
Nathanael Falkner, Thomas Brmcghton, Joftph Lamb, Daniel Lamb, John Free- Mieting.
man, James Bracey, Mary Clark, Joane Knowlss, Anne Lancutt, Tboims Upon,
John Hunt, and Elizabeth Hughes, being together in Silence, waiting on the
Lord at their ufual Meeting-houfe at Oxford, Richard Pratt Mace-bearer, and
Robert Gardner Bell-man, Informers, with Eaton a Conftablc, came and told
them, They muftgotothe Hall: Being come thither, the Mayor and other Juftices,
ordered the Informations againft them to be taken down in Writing, and dif-
charged them on Promife ot appearing at the next Seflions. In the mean Time,
on the 4i;h of the Month called Jaimaryi, the former twelve of the laft men-
tioned fifteen Perfons, were taken again at their Meeting, fitting as before,
when the fame Informers, and three Conihibles, took them away to the Hall,
where af^er Examination by the Mayor and Juftices, upon their refufing to find
Sureties for the good Behaviour, they were lent to Pnlbn till the next Seffions,
On the i^ch of the fame Month, at which an Indiftment was drawn 'up
againft them, and the other three, who alio appeared there according to theii*
Promife : The Grand Jury, having found the Bill, and they refufing to enter
into a Recognizance to traverfe it, were all of them lent back to Prilbn.
- On the 2d of the Month called January, John Haynes, of Banbury, being ax
the Interring of one of his Friends there, tpake fomewhat to the People who
were met on that Occafion, by Way of Exhortation to remember their Latter-
end : The late Mayor, Richard IVhe^tly, (tliough: out. df his Mayoralty, yet
a Juftice) came, and upon his own View and Hearing, convifted the faici Jehu
Hci'jnes, and fined him 20/. for v^hich a Warrant was ilfued, and his Goods
taken by Dilbefs to the Value of iiL. When the Officers had feized the
Goods, thc7 charged Ibme poor Men preferlt to affift in carrying them away,
but they refufed ; the Conltable committed one ot them, Nathanael Reajon,
to Prifon, and threatned another of them with tlife Stocks.
On the 18th of the fame Month, Information being given to Samuel Rey- Diiireps for
voids. Mayor of Banbury, and two Other Jufl;ices, of a Meeting at tirC Iloufe Msaing.
of John Parfons, they granted Warrimts tor Diftrd's, by which wefe taken
from Andrew Hill, Goods worth 9/. Thomas Strank, Goods worth 2/. 4^. '^d.
and from John Hihorne, to the Value of 1 /. 1 6 5. ...
In this Year alio, John Hughes was impriioncd for his Refufal to pay fcveral Imprifinmctit.
Fines impofed on him for being abfent from the pubiick Worfhip.
ANNO 1688. William Palmer, of Horueton in the Parifh of Horley, was
Fine for /peak-
ivg at a tuiii'
raU
Subpcena'd to appear at tVeftminfter, at the Suit of Stephen Goodwin, Pricft of
Horneton, to aniwer xa, -m Englifh Bill, for four Years privy Tithes, fof which
he demanded 52 ;. he alfo claimed 55, for a Marriage. Fee, though he had not
been employed in marrying him •, alfo 6 s. tor a Mortuary for his dccealcd
Mother,
Vrofecutim of
VV. Pilmer.
576
OXFORD-
SHIRE.
1688.
A CoUeftion oj the Sufferings A^ol. I.
Mother, who left no perfonal EGate. In the Montli called Augufi this Year,
he was taken by an Attachment, and carried to Oxford Goal, where he continued
near two Years, till fet at Liberty by an Aft ot Indemnity. Neverchelefs he
was fhortly taken again on a new Writ of Attachment, for not appearing to
the former Suhpxna, and recommitted to Prifon.
ANNO 1689 and 1690. Taken in Corn, Hay, and other Things, for
prcsdial Tithes, from the leveral Perlbns undernamed, as follows, viz.
Tnhes of Com,
&c.
At North-Newton, from Nathanael Ball and
Thomas Pardon, to the Value of
At Lower-Tadmarton, from William Potter and
Benjamin Ward
At Mil COMB, from William To?nkins
At South-Newton, fi'om Richard King
At Great-Tue, from John Stow and John Butcher
At LiTTLE-TuE, from Edtnund Marjhall
At SiBFORD, from Richard Tredwell, Thomas Flexney,
William Soden, Thomas Faxon, and Richard Meakes
AiShetford, from Thomas Taylor
At Nether-Heyford, from Richard Day
AtAoDERBURY, from Chrijiophcr Barrett, Bray
Doyley, and Ralph Hill
At Middle-Barton, from Thomas Fletcher
At Epwell, from John Grafton fen. William Hemings,
John Hawtin, and Richard Grafton
At Nethorp in Banbury Parifh, from John Long
At CoGGS, fi'om Michael Reytiolds
At RoAKEs in Benftngton Parifli, from Thomas Tutty
At Warborow, from Thomas Gilpin
\
I
I.
12
5
II
12
4
8
4
3
16
24
3
5
4
15
3
10
o
10
19
o
o
18
o
17
4
I
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
6
6
^27
Having now gone through fuch Sufferings of this People as we find recorded
in this County, we proceed to Somerfetjhire.
CHAP. XXX.
S O M E R.
SET-
SHIRE.
1655.
Terfccution of
T. Murford.
J{emir]is on
Mtjor Boyfc.
SOMERSETSHIRE.
O
Anno 1655.
N the 7th of the Month called May, Tlwnas Murford, o^ Erigkfcomb
near Bath, being under a religious Concern to publifli the Tellimony
of Truth, went into a Steeple-houfe at Bath, but his Chrijiian Love
was ill requited by the People there, who grievoufly beat and abufed
him : He was afterward by Warrant from two Juftices fent to Prifon, where
he lay within one Day of two Years, under the Oppreffion of an unmerciful
Goaler, who forced him to lodge on the bare Ground, and would not fuffer
his Friends to vifit him. Obferving Perfons remarked, that Major Bcyfe, one
of the Juftices who committed him, was foon after fmitten with a grievous
Difeafe in his Legs and Limbs : And that the Goaler, who had ufed him fo
hardly, fell into a kind of Defpair, arkl w.is in perpetual Difquietude of Mind
till he had given up his Office.
Cbrifiopher
Chap.
30-
of the People called QUAKERS.
sn
Chriftopher Holder and Robert Waftfidd were imprifoned at Ikbeffer -, the one
for fpeaking to the Pricft in A>/;7/?)rtw Steeple-houfe, and the other for exhorting
the People there, after die Prieft had done : The former was foon bailed our,
but the latter continued there about five Months.
John Dando and Peter IVal'.er, ftanr.ing peaceably in the Stceple-houfe at
Cam;ly\ the People, at the Inftigation of tlieir Prieft, pulled out the laid Pekr^
and threw him into a Brook of Water : John Dando tarried till the Prieft had
done, and then fpake to him the Words of Truth and Sobernefs •, but the Pricft
reviled him, and exxited the People againft him, who kickt and beat him
forely. One Thomas Dowlas was very aftive in thofe Abufes, and moft del-
perately fwore that he would ftop dieir Mouths, and with his Staff often ftruck
the faid Peter Dando on the Face : This Dowlas was a Man who had but one
Eye, and it was obferved, that ftiortly after, that Eye was ftruck out with the
Blow of a Stick, fo that he was quite blind.
Jofiah C.oaky for his Chripan Admonition to the Prieft and People at Miid-
ford Steeple-houfe, was dragged out, and inhumanly beaten, kickt, and abufed,
to the endangering of his Life. With like Ufage Tho?nas Leighton was received
at Norih-Curry, when he would have exhorted the People there to Repentance :
After manifold Abufes, he was committed to llchefter Goal, where the cruel
Goaler hand-bolted him to another Prifoner, an egregious wicked Fellow, who
made it his Sport to pull the innocent Man to and fro in the Goal : At Taunton
Seffions, he was fined 5/. for not putting off his Hat ; and when he afked the
Juftices, 5^ what Law they fo fined him ? the Chairman anfwered. That he
would do it without Law. After that he had Irons put upon his Wrifts, and wa>
faftened thereby to the Bars of a Window in Taunton Caftle for fome Time, and
then carri-d back to llchefter, where he continued Prifoner three Months longer.
In like Manner Benjamin Marfdl v/as treated at Shipon Mallet, who in the
Steeple-houfe there, was thrown down by the rude People, unmercifully treading
and ftamping on his Brcaft, by which he was mortally bruifed, and in that Con-
dition fent to llchefter Goal, where he lay languifhing fourteen Weeks, and
being let out, loon after died.
ANNO 1656. John Dando, o^ Hollowtrow, for a Demand of 17.?. \od.
for Tithes, had Goods taken from him worth i /. 17.'. lo^i.
ANNO 1657. Jafper Batt, of Street, for a Demand of 4.0s. for Tithes,
had Goods taken from him worth 9/. 4s. 6d. And fVilliam Sergeant, oi Bath-
ford, for 5/. demanded for Tithes, had Goods taken away, to the ^'^alue
of 1 5 /.
On the 1 ft of the Month called June, as Henr'j Gundry, an nuft)andman, of
Street, was driving his Oxen, he was arrefted by two Bayliffs, at the Suit of a
Tithe-farmer : 7"he B.iyliffs beat and abufed him, and hurried him away to
Ilchejler Goal, without permitting him to fpeak to his Wife or any of his
Friends. He continued Prifoner there above fourteen Months.
John Pitman, of Street, William Shepherd, of Walton, and John Allen, of
Trent, were fubpcena^d into the Exchequer for Tithes, and perfonally appeared
at London, but no ftrther Procefs was made againft them.
George Taylor, of Kingfhury, at the Suit of Charles Darby, Prieft there ; and
Samuel Clothier, Henry Clothier, Tl?omas Lockier, and John Cary, all of Jlfcrd,
at the Suit of Thomas Earl, Prieft of that Parifh, were fubpcena'd into the
Exchequer, where they all five perfonally appeared •, notwitliftanding which,
they were committed to llchefter Goal by an Attachment, on the 19th of the
Month called January 1657, where they continued, John Cary about four
Months, and the reft of them about feventeen Months.
On the 3d of October this Year, William Sergeant, of Bath ford, was arrefted
at the Suit of William Ellis, of Bath, an Impropriator, kept Prifoner there
twelve Days, and then removed to llchefter Goal : When he had been there
about ten Months, the Profecutor entred another Aftion againft him and his
Wite ; and in the Time of Harveft, when the induftrious Woman was taking
Care of their Corn, arrefted her, and fent her alfo to Prifbn : They had two
Vol. I. 7 G trufty
S M E R.
S £ T-
SHIR£.
Imp'ijon-
iiicnts.
Abufet of
J. Dumlo ani
P. Waiter,
ivi of
J. Coale.
Per[ecution of
T. Lcighton,
avd of
B. Manlel!.
Diffrcfs for
Tithes.
DiflreJfiS for
for Tithes. '
Imprifonmcm
jor litkii.
Jmpr ifonmoit
of W. Ser-
ges n:, his
il'iff, ani
Timiiy.
578
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1657.
Vedth of
W. Sergeant
in Prijon.
Desth of
a perfecuwig
rdeft.
Imprifofiaems
for Tithes.
ViftttrbiMce
tf i Meeting
«t T. Budd'i
Jioufe.
Apfeheniing
of T. Salt-
houlc (Uii
T. Budd.
^ CoUeftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
trufty Servants yet left at Home, who diligently followed die \Vork of getting
in their Harveft ; but the Prieft, then Vicar ot Box, at whofe Suit the laid
IVilliam Sergeant had before been arretted, and for a fliort Time imprifoned,
found Means, under fome Pretence, to get the Servants alfo arreftcd, taken
from their Labour, and lent to Prifon ; thus endeavouring to compkat the
Ruin of the whole Family : And had not fome of the Neighbours been more
charitable than he, their Harveft mull have been loft for want of Hands to get
it in. The laid IFilliam Sergeant, after twenty Montlis Imprifonment, feaied
his Teftimony againft the Antichriftian Opprellion of Tithes, by Death, and
laid down his Life, a faithful Witneis to the Truth of the Gofpel in that Behalf.
About the Month of September this Year, IVilliam Beakrs, ol" Bacbzvell, was
imprifoned for Tithes, at the Suit of Thomas Edwards, Prieft of Kingjion-Scy-
mour : After eleven Months Imprifonment he was ciilchargcd, by Means of
the Death of his Profccutor, a Man much addicted to drinking, who being
over-charged with Liquor, as he was riding homeward, fell oft' his Horfe and
brake his Neck. This Circumftauce miniftred obvious Cauie for Refledtion
to fuch Perfons as exercifed their Thoughts in obferving the Tokens of Divine
Juftice, difcoverable by fuch extraordinary and fingular Incidents.
Thomas Lofcomh, of !^ieen-Camel, and John Langdon, of the lame, were im-
prifoned at Ilchejler, at the Suit of Henry Andrews, Tithe-farmer of the Par-
Ibnage of Camel ; the former thirteen Months, and the latter, though above
feventy two Years of Age, was detained there above ten Months ; -md being
then releafed, was again imprifoned for the like Cauie the next Year.
John Allen, of Trent, being Juhpa^na'd into the Exchequer for Tithes, appeared'
there perfonally, and afterward exhibited his Anfwer to the Pricft's Bill, which,
becaufe he could not fwear to it, was rejedled ; but before an Attachment was
ferved, Oliver Cromwell died, and the Suit dropt: Which being afterward
renewed, fell again by the difplacing of Richard Cromzvell : Nevei thelefs, the
faid John Allen was imprifoned for fome Time, by Order of the Barons oi' tiie
Exchequer.
William Vincent, o^ Trent, and Henry Moore, of Burnham, appeared perfonally,
according to their Suhpcena's into the Exchequer for Tithes : Neverthelefs, they
were imprifoned at Ilchejler for a Contempt ; the former ten Months, and the
other four Months.
Jeffery Rumney, of Walton, was imprifoned four Months for Tithes. John
Waterman and George Waterman, for a Claim ot 1 6 d. tor Tithes from each of
them, were alfo committed to Prifon : Alfo William Petherham, of Burnhanty
fuffered Imprifonment for the fame Caufe : Likewife William Tucker, of Nayljh'y
died a Prifoner at Ilchejler, a faithful Witnefs until Death, againft the Oppreflion
of Tithes.
James Catway, a poor Journeyman Weaver, for a Demand of 2 d. ~ d. for
Tithe, was fubpana'd into the Exchequer, at the Suit of Nicholas Brai):, Prieft
of Wellington.
On the 7th of the Month called April this Year, was a Meeting at the
Houfe of Thomas Budd, in the Parilh of Martock, to which five Prieits came,
attended by a Rabble furniHied with Staves, Cudgels, Pitchforks, and fucii like
ruftick Arms. They rufhed into the Meeting with fo much Confulion and
Noife, that the Preacher could not be heard : Their Coming made it indeed
a riotous AlTembly, which the Moment before was a Congregation of grave
and ferious Chrijlians, of fober and virtuous Converfations, and fome of them
of confidenable Eftates : However, the Prieits who brought the Mob, and caufed
the Riot, complained to the Magiftrates, that the Meeting held at Thovias
Budd's was a riotous AfTembly, to the Difturbance of the publick Peace.
Whereupon one Captain Raymond, with his Soldiers, was ordered to dilperle
the next Meeting that Ihould be held there : Accordingly he came thither on
the 23d of the fame Month, when Thomas Sahhoufe was Preaching, and took
him, together with Thomas Budd, into Cuftody, and condiic'ting them next
Day
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 579
SHIRE.
1657.
■nxnon.
Day to Robert Hunt, Juftice of the Peace, they were by him, and others, S O M E R-
examined ; the Tenour ot which Examination was as follows, viz. J^.F'^T'
Juilices. IFbat is your Name ?
5". S. Thomas Salthoul'e.
Then they afkcd his Trade and Habitation, to which he made direft
Anlwers. T^<:i'' Exmi'
Juftices. Do you acknowledge SubjeHion to the prcfcnt Government of ibis
Nation ?
ST. S. I own the higher Power, and the wholfome Laws of this Land,
which are grounded upon the Law of Equity, by which I Hand to be judged,
and am now brought beibrc you, in SubmilTion to the prcfent Governmtnt, by
Captain Raymond's Order. I expe<5l the Privilege of a free-born Englijhman^
to wit. Liberty of Conlcience, to wait upon and worlhip God in Spirit, ac-
cording as is expreft in the Inllrument of Government.
Juilices. IVe require you to be uncovered before the Magijlrate.
'T. S. I am fenlible that I am in the Prefence of the Lord God of Heaven
and Earth, and I know of no OiFence in {landing before him witli my Hat
on ; and if it be no Offence to him, who is the Lord and Mailer, I hope it's
none to moderate Men (though Magiflrates) that are but his Servants.
Juftices. How long is it fince you came from Lancafhire ?
T. S. About a Twelve-month ; I cannot tell the Time to a Day.
Juftices. How long ago is it ft nee you came firft into Somerfetfhire ?
5r. S. Above a Year, but I have been in LancajJnre fince that.
Juftices. Where have pu been this lafl Half Tear, or the greatefi Part of it^
or where have you been a Week together in one Place ?
T. S. I have been more than a Week at Plymoulh, of late •, but whedier I
have been the greater Part of this laft Half Year in Somerfetfhire or Devonjhire,
I cannot tell.
Juftices. How are you maintained ? How do you live ?
T. S. I want for nothing : I have Food and Raiment, and am therewith
content.
Juftices. /in Highwayman would fay fo much for himfelf.
'/. S. Do you look upon me to be fuch an One ? To whom have I been
burdenfome .'' Or where is mine Accufer that hath any Thing to lay to my
Charge ?
Juilices. Here is Captain Raymond doth aecufe you.
'l. S. It's well he is prelent : His Words cannot be wrefted. Captain
Raymond ! What haft thou to lay to my Charge, or aecufe me of ?
Captain Raymond. 2 m flighted me, and gave me no good, Account of your
Bufinefs, or whence you came, or where you lived.
t. S. That was * not a fit Time to examine me, the Company being in
Confufion and Dilorder, and feveral fpeaking to me who had no Authority ;
though I denied not to anfwer thee, nor do I now deny either my Name, Birth,
or outward Habitation. I have a Father and Mother living, who have a good
Eftate in the Outward, from whom I have been (and may expcft to be) lup-
plied, when I have need of any Thing in the Outward.
Juftices. There is a Scripture that you little mind : He that will not work,
neither let him e;it.
"T. S. I own that Scripture ; and muft anfwer you with another : Curfed is
he that doth the JVork of the Lord negligently.
Then die Juftices proceeded to examine Thomas Budd.
Juftice Hunt. How long have you known Thomas Salthoufe ?
T. B. About a Year.
Juftice Hunt. Do you know whence he came ?
r. B.
* It was juftas they came out of the Meeting, with a Multitude of rude and noifV
People about them.
580 A Colle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
S O M E R- T. B. I have heard that he is a North-Countryman born ; but in what
^ E T- Parifli and County I know not.
(^ Juftice Hunt. How often has he been at your Houfe ?
^ ^^' T. B. Two or three Times, but he never lay at my Houfe but one Night.
-^ 'v'^^N^ Juftice Hunt. Do you know what Calling he is of ?
'T. B. I know not of what Calhng he hath been formerly, but I believe he
is now called to preach the Gofpel.
Juftice Hunt. What Ground have you to believe that he is called to the
Mimftry ?
T. B. Beciiufe the Word preached by him has reached my Heart.
Priert Walker. Can you own that Man to be a true Minijier, that will not
acknowledge the Scriptures to be the Word of God ? What fay yoUy Mr. Budd,
Are the Scriptures the Word of God., yea, or no ?
T. B. Chrift is the Word -, and the Scriptures are a true Declaration of
him.
Prieft. But do you own the Scriptures, both of the Old and New Te/lament^
to be Truth ?
r. B. Yes, I do.
Prieft. Gentlemen, I fhall defire you to give me Leave to ajk Mr. Budd fome
farther ^eflions.
T. B. Thou art no Juftice of Peace, therefore I am not bound to anfwer
thee.
Prieft. But feeing the Gentlemen have given me Liberty, let me aJk you ; Did
you ever take * Tithes when you were a Minijier ?
T. B. Yes, I did.
Prieft. And feeing you are now of the Judgment that it is tmlawfid to take
Tithes, are you not bound to make Reflitution ?
T. B. I never fucd any Man for Tithes, while I afted as a Minifter in the
National Way : And if any are free to give their Tithes to the Minifter, I
have nothing againft it ; but for Minifters to enforce the Payment of Tithes
from the People by Law-Suits, I know no Rule in Scripture that will warrant
fuch a Pradice.
Juftice Hunt. If Men were free to pay their Dues, the Minifler would have
no Need to fue them.
T. B. Poflibly they may not profit by their Miniftry, and therefore they
are not iree to pay them.
Juftice Hunt, though they are evil Miniflers, yet the People are not to with-
hold their Dues from them •■> for Judas had a Maintenance as well as the reft of
the Apojlles.
T. B. If any are free to maintain a Judas, they may ufe their Liberty.
Prieft. / defire to aJk one ^ejlion 7nore of Mr. Budd : Do you own the Refur-
reution of the Jufi and Unjujl ?
T. B. Yea, I do.
Juftice Hunt. I hear you have had fever al Meetings at your Houfe of late :
What Number of People do you conceive there was at that Afeeting about three
Weeks fince ?
T. B. I conceive there might be about feven or eight Hundred.
Juftice Hunt. And hew many do you think were there meeting at your Houfe
lyterday ?
T. B. About two or three Hundred.
Juftice Hunt. Did you fend any Letters abroad to give Notice of the fame ?
T. B. Yea, I writ Letters to fome Friends to acquaint them of it, it being
that which they had before dcfircd of me.
Juftice
* Thomis Budi had been one of the eftablifhecl Preache's of the National Church, but
being confincect of the Truth, as profelfed by the ihtikers, had feparated hinifelf from that
Church, renounced his Benefice, and became a Minifter of the Gofpel, without Money jiad
without Price.
Chap. 30.
of the People called QUAKERS.
581
■ Juftice Hunt. Do you not conceive there is Danger in Juch Meetings ?
"T. B. Our Friends met together peaceably in the Name and Fear of the
Lord, to worfliip him in Spirit and in Truth ; where we iliftained great In-
■ juries, making no Refinance : We liad our Clothes torn ; fome fpat upon our
Heads ; others threw Cow-dung, Sticks and Dabs of Earth at us ; and after-
wards our Friends that fpake, were haled and puU'd down from their Places :
Therefore as you are fet to do Juftice upon Offenders, lb I defire that you
will make Enquiry after I'uch of them as were guilty of that Tumult, and
let the Innocent enjoy their Freedom.
Captain Raymond. Mr. Budd, I hope you will engage here before the Gentle-
men^ not to have any more Meetings at your Houfi without an Order.
T. B. It is our Liberty to meet together in the Worfhip and Service of
God, and for lb doing we fliall not expe«fl Orders from Men.
Cwpain Raytnond. I pray take Notice what Mr. Budd fays. He intends to
have more Meetings at his Houfe.
T. B. Friends, we live now in perilous Times, and therefore though our
Meetings formerly have been but felaom, we intend to have them more h^e-
quent lor Time to come.
Juftice Cary. Mr. Budd, your Friends are much grieved that you have been
a Man fo much given to change.
T. B. I wifh all my Friends would turn all their Grief into the Grief for
their own Sins : And not only I, but Fatd himfelf doth witnefs a Change,
faying of himfelf, that he. was a Pcrfecutor, a Blafphemer, and Injurious, but
God fJoewed Mercy.
Juftice Hunt. Did not you f reach Chrijl formerly, when you were a Minifler ?
T. R. Yea, I did preach Chrift in a Notional Manner, but now 1 witnefs
him in Life and Power.
Juftice Hunt. Do you own Magiflracy and Government ?
-T. B. Yea, I do.
Juftice Hunt. Is not Honour due to Magiftrates ?
T. B. Yea, to fuch Magiftrates as are a Terror to evil Doers.
But there is Honour due to evil Magiflrates.
What, " ' " ■""
Tea.
Wilt thou fet it down in Writing under thy Hand ?
Juftice Hunt. Nay, it is not due to them as Evil, but as Magiflrates.
T. B. This I own •, that there is Honour due to the Power, for there
is no Power but of God.
Juftice Hunt. Do you then diflinguijh between the Pcrfon, and the Power ? .
T. B. Yea.
Juftice Hunt. So then it feems there is Honour due to the Power, but none to
the Perfon : How then is this Honour to be exprefs'd ?
1. B. Not by flattering Titles and Compliments, but by Love, Service,
Duty, and Obedience.
I'his Examination fliews, with what a noble Spirit of undaunted Innocence,
and Intrepidity, thefe Men maintained their religious Right of Affembling
together for the Worfliip of God, for which they ftood ready to facrifice their
Liberty, and even Lite itfelf Notwithftanding this convincing Proof, both
of the Meeknefs and Magnanimity, by which true Chriflian Sufferers, in the
Caufe of a good Confcience, are fujiported -, the IfTue was, that die Juftices
fent Tljomas Salthoufe to Prilbn by the following Mittimus, viz.
Prieft.
r. B.
Prieft.
r. B.
as being Evil ?
S O M E R.
SET-
SHIRE.
1657.
C(
Somerfet fs.
" \7I 7 F' l^^ve herewithal fent you the Body of Thomas Salthoufe, who was this
'' V V D-iy brought before us as a dangerous, idle, and wandering Perfon,
" who upon Examination can give no Account of any vifible Eftate he hath
" to live upon, but upon his own ConfefTibn it appears to us, that he hath
Vol. I. 7 H " for
T. Salthoufe
ecmmitted to
Prijon,
582
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1657.
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
for the Space of one Year lafl: paft, wander'd from Lancafhire through
feveral Counties of the Nation, and makes very little or no Stay in one
Place, but appears to be an idle, dangerous, and wandering Perfon. Thefe
are therefore, in his Highnefs's Name, to require you to take the faid Thomas
Salthouje into your Cuftody, and him iiifely keep, fo that you may have his
Body before the Juftices of the Peace at the next General Seflions, to be held
for this County, there to to be dealt with according to the Law in fuch Cafe
made and provided : And hereof fail not. Given under our Hands and
Seals this 24th Day oi April 1657.
To the Keeper of the Goal at
Ilchefter. Greeting.
" Robert Hunt,
" John Gary."
Oath of Ab-
juration t(f>t'
dred to T.
Salthoufe.
Several fiired
for reflifi'g to
Svpeitr, and
imprifoned.
Horfes taken
iroiy.
Several other
Imprifoif
ments.
Horfes tiken
Axoaj.
Difirejfes for
Jkbcs.
At the Quarter SefTions in the Month called July, great Endeavours were
ufed to have found him and others, prefent at the fame Meeting, namely,
Thomas BucU, fVilliain Boatman^ John Pitman, John Dando, Chrijlopher Pittard,
George Ta-jlur, John Collins, Sa?nuel Clothier, Richard Adams, 'John Clothier^
Jafper Bati, Robert fVaJlfeld, Henry Gundry, Edward Taylor, and Arthur
Gundry, guilty of a Riot : But thofe Attempts were fruftrated by the con-
curring Tdlimonies of all the WitnefTes produced againft them, unanimoufly
agreeing, that all the fakers were unarmed, and did not make any Refiftance.
Wherefore the Juftices tendred the Oath of Abjuration to Thomas Salthoufe,
and for refufing to take it, fined him 5 /. At the fame SefTions Chrijlopher
Bacon was fined 5/. for appearing there with his Hat on. The like Fine was
alfo at that SefTions impoled on Tlxmas Lofcomb, who being cholen Surveyor,
had been then imprifoned feveral Months for refufing to fwear to execute that
OlBce -, being thus fined, he was committed to Prifon for Non-payment.
Ja[per Batt and John Pitman, both of Street, were fined 20s. each, for re-
fuling to take an Oath when tendred them at a Court-Leet.
GeorgeTaylor and his Wife, riding on the Firft-day of the Week to Ptdddi-
inore Meeting, had one of their Horfes taken away ; and on the fame Day of
the next Week, pafTng thither again through Ilchefler, had their Mare taken
away with Saddle, Pillion, and Bridle. In like Manner Cbnjhpher Pittard^s
Horfe was taken from him as he was riding to the fame Meeting : At which
Meeting the Juflices, Hunt and Gary, being informed that Thomas Budd's Wife
was prefent, they granted their Warrant for levying loj. upon her Hufband's
Goods. About the fame Time Chriftophcr Bacon, of Sutton, going to Paddi-
more Meeting, by the Way Went to vifit his Friends in Ilchejler Goal, where
he was taken by the Watch ; after three Days Detention there, he was fent to
Prifon, where he lay three lV*fonths, till the SefTions ; at wluch he was fined '5/.
for not taking off his Hat, and recommitted. P'or the fame Caufe alfo, James
Hobbs, of IValton, a fubffantial Yeoman, being fummoned to the Quarter
SefTions, was fined 5/. and for not paying it, recommitted to Prifon, where
he had been fix Months before for refufing to Swear when called to ferve upon
a Jury.
In this Year alfo, John Collins and Samuel Curtis, coming to a Meeting at
Hinck-church, had their Horfes taken from them. John Collins's Horfe, confefTed
to be worth 7 /. was fold for 50 j. of which when thev ofTered to return him 4.0s.
he refufcd to accept it, being unwilling to fhcw any Compliance with their
Injuflice.
ANNO 1658. In this Year were taken for Tithes,
From Henry Clothier, of Eajl-Liddiford, for
George Jacob, of the fame
John Baker, of Berrington
D^
emand
s. d.
Goods worth
/. s. d.
7
2
19
400
2
2100
For 1 1
o Taken 25
Elizabeth
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
583
er
/mpri/bjiment
of three IVo'
men for of-
fe>idi:g a
Priejt by
de/e'ved
Reproof.
Imprifovment
of J. Evans.
Verfecmien of
K. Evans at
Salisbury.
Elizabeth Jones^ Alice fVythcy, and Katharine Wythey, for 1 2 d. demanded of S O AJ E R
each ot them for Tithes, were fubpa-na'd into the Court of Exchequer. S E T-^
About this Time it happened th^t Elizabeth Tucker, a zealous VVoman of /-l?^
Ihnijler^ went to the Houfe of James Strong, Pricll of that Place, and ex- ^5^-
horted him in the Name of the Lord, To give over deceiving the People, -where g.-j-u-^
he -was fet up and owned as a Miniftcr, and no longer to make a Prey upon proafi.
the Innocent by his covetous PraSlices. The Priefh, angry at Reproof, thi ufl her
out, and (hut the Door after her, before flie had fully exprcft her Mind : Where-
fore (lie again attempted to have fpoken to him in the Stecple-houfe after his
Sermon, but he wouki not hear her. She went again to his Houfe, two Women
of that Town, Anne Wilmot and Joane Giles, accompanying her, and began
to fpe.ik to him, but was thruft down Stairs by fonie of his Company, and
much hurt. The Prieft, to avenge himfclf on thele three Women, tornially
fworc the Peace againft them, declaring on Oath, that he went in Fear of his
Life from them -, upon which they were committed to Prilon, and at the
next A(rizes, refufing to fubmit to the Prieft, whom they (aid, they had not
injured, were fined one ot them twenty Pounds, and tJie other two twenty
Marks each, and for Non-payment fent back to Prifon, where diey remained
thirteen Months.
John Evans, vi Englefcomb, a Man of a confiderable Eftate, was taken up as
a Vagrant at IVells, but eleven Miles from Home, and ca^-ried before a Juftice
of the Peace, who, becaufe he appeared before him with his Hat on, committed
him to Prifon, where he lay about four Months.
Katharine Evans, Wife of the faid John Evans, publickly exhorting the
People to Repentance in the Market-place at Salijlury, was, by the Mayor's
Order, tied to a Whipping-poft in the Marker, and there v.hipt by a Beadle,
who doing his Office was obferved to tremble much : After whicli fhe v/as fent
out of Town with a Pafs. She returned thither in the next Month, and ex-
horted the People as before : The Mayor then ordered her to Bridewell, and
to be put in a clofe nafty Place, called the Blind-hcuje, where two Madmen had
lately died, with a Charge to the Keeper that none ot her Friends fhould come
to her, and that fhe fhould have no Food but what fhe earned in that Place,
which yet was too dark to fee to work in. This was a kind oi Egyptian
Cruelty. While flie lay there, the Magiftrates were confulting to have her
whipt again, when one of them. Colonel Wheat, zealoufly oppofed it, and
told the Mayor, Tl:>ey might as well have whipt the Woman of Samaria, that
brought the glad Tidings into the Town. This put a Stop to their Proceeding,
fo that after fbme Time of Imprilbnment in that nafty Pl.,ce, they privately
ordered her to be lent out of the Town.
Tobias Daniel, of Keinjham, went into the Stecple-houfe there, and after their Imprifonment
Worfhip was over, uttered a C/jr?/?w« Exhortation to the People, for which "/T.Daniel,
he was (ent to Prifon, but at the ScfTions was acquitted from an Indictment laid
againft him for difturbing the Prieft in his Office, to whom he had neither done
nor faid any thing.
William Willey, of Nayjley, ftanding ftill in the Steeple-houfe there, w.as W Willey
violently pulled out by the Prieft himleif, and next Day fent to Ilchefter •Goal mpi^ifinei by
by a Warrant from Juftice Cole -, who alio about the fame Time committed 3 "'^"^^ Co'''>
Edith Nhtchell, ot Barrington, to Prifon, tor (peaking to the
there. Tiiis Juftice Cole was fo virulent againft the fakers, tliat when a
Sheep-ftealer was brought before him, he fpake to him thus ; / will fend you
to Goal to the Quakers, and you fhall go to the Gallows together. But, he, who
made fo light of other Men's Lives, enjoyed his own not long, for (hortly
after, being ready dreft to go out on a Journey, he was furpriz'd with fuddcn
Sickne(s, and died the fime Day.
For the like Chriflian Exhortation given to the Prieft and People, Ma7y jmprifo-iments
Hajel, of Whitchurch, w;is imprifoncd at Ilchcller (our Months, and Samuel "id Abufe$.
Scott y of Puddimore-Milton, was fet in the Stocks there two Hours : Alfo tlie
aforcfiid
u • n- AT) 1 ^I'oloo'J after
Fncft and People diejijudde>,ly.
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1658.
W. Wookey
imprifotied for
reproving x
Priefl.
Ckaraller ef
tbjt Pritji,
584 ^ Colle6lion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. L
aforef-ud Katharine Evans vr^s much abufed by the rude People, at the Inftigation
of the Prieft at Warminfter, and had her Clothes torn oft her Back.
William JVookey\ of Ea/l-Liddiford, after the Prieft had ended his Sermon
there, fpake to him fome Words of Reproof ■, for which he was, by two
Juftices prefent, fent to Ilchejler Goal, and at the next Seffions at I'aunlon, was
fentenced to Bridexvell for five Months, as an idle, lezcd, diJorde?iy Per/on, a
Dijlurber of the Peace of the Commonwealth , for breaking the Laws, and fpeak-
ing againft the Minijlers of the Gofpel. But what Right this Prieft, whole Name
was Thomas Horfry, had to that honourable Appellation of Mimjler of the Gof-
pel, and with what Kind of Juftke the Commiffioners in thole Days for ejeft-
ing fcandalous Minifters, did proceed, the Reader may judge by the following
Account of him, liz. " When he came to Eaft-Liddiford, he had a Living at
" Barton, a Mile or two from thence, where he lb behaved himfelf, that lome
" of his Parilliioners prefcnted him before the Commifiioners, and exhibited
" Articles againft him for bei7ig a Drunkard, a ^arreller, a Railer, a Malig-
*' nant, contemning Aithority, and vilifying A^s of Parliament, a conflant
*' Gamefter, a Prophaner of the hordes Day, a Breaker down of Fences, an
*' Encourager of idle, loofe Liars, and Swearers, a falje Swearer, an abufive
*' Man in Language, with much more." There were feven and thirty VVit-
neffes ready to give Evidence againft him : The Prieft well knowing that his
Manners would not bear fuch a Scrutiny, before his Trial came on, furrendred
his Living into the Commiffioners Hands, and ^h the Profecution dropt. The
Commiffioners immediately placed him in the Parfonage of Eaft-Luldijord, then
vacant, and that of Bm-ton, which he had refigned, being alio void, they
appointed him to officiate there, and to be paid Weekly. Thus the Man,
whofe Merits had brought him to the Brink of Ejeclment from one Living, was
preferred to the Profits of two, by the Partiality of the Commiffioners.
William Stone, of Shapwick, ftanding ftill in the Gr.ive-yard there, while the
Prieft was fpeaking at the Interment of a Perfon deceafed, was ftruck feveral
Times by the Prieft with his Lift or Book, and becaufc he could not excite
his more civil Hearers to abufe their inoffenfive Neighbour, he was angry, and
obtained a Warrant from a Juftice of the Peace -to bring Stone before him, for
the Juftice wanted not Will to have obliged the Prieft, by perfecutiiig the
^laker, but could not find any colourable Caufe to proceed againft him,
wherefore he difmifs'd him with threatning Words. Among thofc who about
Sundry Abttfes. ^^^^ Time alfo fuffered for teftifying againft the Hireling Priefts, were Edward
Taylor of Street, John M'all of Edington, and Robert Giles of Ilinijler. Likewife
John Anderdon, of Bridgwater, for teftifying againft Superftition and falle Wor-
Ihip, was pufh'd out of the Steeple-houfe there by Robert Hclcomb, the Parifh-
Clerk, who laid, that John Anderdon had been among Witches. And the Wife
of one Andrews, a zealous Prejhyterian, faid, that Jolin Anderdon was turned
from God to the Devil : An Expreffion heard and refented by his Neighbours,
who knew his upright Charadier and Converlation, and it was by them re-
marked, that the Woman, after that Expreffion, loon fell into a languifliing
Condition, pined away and died.
JScgsl Jiufef, Anthony fucker, of Ugborrow in Devonjhire, going homeward from London,
was taken at Sanford-Anindel, and by a Juftice of that Place fent to Taunton
Bridewell, where he was kept three Weeks. Tlwnas Briggs and John Braith-
wait, who eame many Miles to vifit one of their Friends in Prifon at Ilchejler,
were unmercifully beaten by the wicked Coaler, and not fuffered to come in ;
Samuel Scott alfo, who went with them to the Goal-door, was much abufed ;
as was alfo John Scafe.
At Bath, Nicholas Jordan, Jane Murford, John Evans, and Katharine his
Wife, with others, as they palled to and repafled from the Goal, were allaulted
and abufed by the Rabble in the Streets, who faid. They were ordered by the-
Mayor to ufe them Jo, becaufe they were Qiiakers, In like Manner, John
Slade, was grievoufly abufed as he was travelling quietly on the Highway.
ANNO
Tiirtiithy of
CommiJJioners.
A fighting
Triejt.
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
ANNO 1659. Richard Hill, of Faringdon, for 2/. js. 10 d. demanded
for Tithes, had Goods taken from him worth 20/.
In this if ear tiie following Perfons were committed to the County Goal for
refufing to pay Tithes, viz.
On the 27th of Oaoher, Richard Bull, of Norlh-Cadbury. On the 12th of
November, Henry Gerijl}, of Saltford. On the 17 th of the fame, Stephen Bailey
and Anne Brooke, both of Whitchurch, and John Roman, of Puddimore- Milton.
On the 19th, Robert Carpenter of Puddimore- Milton, lVillia7n Partridge of
Mtfterton, and Robert Hilburne of North-P ether ton. And on the 25th, John
Comb of South-Brent. On the 1 3th of the Month called Januar-\\ '■Thomas
Hurd of Somerton. And on the 14th, Jonathan Tucker, Trijlram Gundry, and
Edward Taylor, all of Street.
In this Year alfo, Jaines Pierce of Keinfiam, Thomas Boidler, John Sage, John
Cole, and Richard Hill, ail of Cheivton, were fubpcena'd into the Exchequer for
Tithes. Likewife Henry Gould of Street, and Jgnes Barret, fhe being very
ancient, and both poor, were arrefled for a frivolous Demand of Tithe, which
a Neighbour, in pure CompafTion to their Circumftances, paid, and fb ran-
fomed them out of the BaylifFs Hands.
On the 2 2d of the Month called March this Year, was a Meeting at the
Marker-Crofs in Glaftonbury, where Ed-ward Burroughs preached. Sainuel IFinney,
Prieft of that Parifh, attended by fome drunken Fellows with a Drum, came
thither and demanded of Edward, By what Authority he came there to preach ?
Edward anfwered in the Scripture-Piirafe, He that hath received a Gift, let him
mnifter according to the Gift received. He then returned the Queflion upon the
Priefl, defiring him to prove his Call to the Miniftry by Scripture. This pinch'd
him, and he withdrew, leaving the Rabble to plead his Caufe, who fell to
beating their Dram, whooping, halloeing, and thrufting the Friends to and
fro, in a wild and barbarous Manner : And it was faid, that one of the Prieft's
Agents had made many of the Mob drunk, on purpofe to qualify them
to perform fuch wicked Service for the Church.
Anno 1660. in this and the feveral preceding Years from 1654, there
had been taken by DiftrefTes in this County, for trifling Demands made on Ac-
count of Steeple-houfe Rates, Clerk's Wages, and fuch Eccle/iaftical Pretences,
amounting but to 4/. igs. ^d. Goods worth 22/. 8j. "^d. Some of which
DiilrelTes were very Exorbitant, for Inflance, Matthew Canney, for a Claim
of I s. had Goods worth 20 J. taken away •, and John Fudge, for 2 j. 8^. had
his Effefts feized to the Value of 3 /.
A Perfon very officious in making thefe DiftrefTes, who ufed to boafl
among his Pot- Companions how he would m.ake Spoil of the fakers, as he
was going Home from his AfTociates, fell into a Coal-pit, where he was found
dead next Morning. His doleful Exit was remarked as a juft Judgment on a
wanton Perfecutor. It happened about the fiime Time, that one John Lnngley,
Warden of Keinjhajn, was taken fick, having in his Cuftody Goods which he
had taken by Diftrefs from fome of thcfe People, which on his Death- Bed he
ordered to be returned, fiiying, They were honejl Men : An Adtion demon-
ilirative of real Repentance for what he had done.
On the 2 2d of the Month called Augitjl this Year, John Comb, after above
nine Months Confinement, died a Prifoner in Ilcheflcr Goal for Tithes : And on
the fame Day, Thomas Murford and John Evans, of Englefcomb, were committed
to the fame Prifon for Tithes, at the Suit of the Prieft of that Parifh, and
together with them Julian Evans Widow, near an Hundred Years old. On
the 27th of the fame Month, Jere?ny Langdon, of ^leen's-Camel, a poor Man,
aged about fixty feven, was taken from his Harveft-Work, (in the Fields of
his Brother John Langdon, then in Prifon for Tithes; and fent to Goal for
Tithe of a Load of Beans, amounting to about 4 s. for which trifling Demand
the Profecutor alfo caufed three other poor Men, who were employed to get in
John Langdon' s Corn, to be arretted and put to much Expence, viz. Wtlliam
Haggett, John Bailey, and John Good/on. On the fame Day William Martin
Vol. 1. 7 I was
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1 6s9.
rrr.ficutiojll
for Tithes.
A Meeting
molefted by
a Priefi tni.
others.
Diftreges.
Deith of t
Pcrjicutor,
Dcith of
John Comb,
I'rifoiier for
Tithes,
Many Impri-
fonmints a>:i
Profecutior.s
for Tithes.
586
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
S o M i: R-
S L T-
SHIRE.
1660.
was fent to Prifon for Tithe worth about \s. AHb Mary Thatcher Widow,
aged about fixty tour, was lent to the iaine Prifon, where fhe lay about two
Years and ten Months, for Tithes of not above 6 s. Value.
On the 7th of September^ Thomas Hard, of Somerton, was committed at the
Suit of William Pr\)jn, Iinpropriator. vVnd on the 20th of the lame, John
Sage, of Cheijoton, about lixty fix Years of Age, with John Cole and Richard
Hdl, of FariJigdon, were fent to Prifon for Tithes, where they lay two Years
and eight Months, till difcharged by the Death of their Profecutor.
On the I 7th of OSioher, Hugh fVibningtoti, of Stafford in the Parifli of Ber-
ivick, was committed to Prifon, and after about fourteen Months Confinement
died a Prifbner for his Tefl:imony againft Tithes. And about the f ime Time,
tor the flime Caufe, Richard Adams, of Limington, alfo laid down his Life in
Prifon : As did alfb Thomas Dunne, of Kiiigflniry, who on the 7th of November
departed this Life after an Imprifonment of feven Months Continuance. Thus
thefe Men ended their Days, bearing a faithful Witnefs againft the forced
Maintenance of Minifl;ers by Tithe, a Maintenance utterly inconfiftent with
the Dodrine of Chrijlianity, and the free Difpenfation of the Gofpel. About
this Time John Baker, of Everach, was committed to Prifon on Revival of
an old Suit for Tithes of about 1 6 s. Value, for which he fuffered about eight
Years Imprifonment.
On the 2 2d of the Month called January, Jafper Batt and Henry Cundry,
ot Street, were fent to Prifon ; the former for Tithe of 45. 6d. Value, and the
latter but of 1 s. On the fame Day James Pearce and Thotnas Boulter, of
Keinfljam, were alio carried to Ilchejler Goal for Titlies ; as had been five Days
before, Abraham Gundry and William Tyler, of Street, for the fame Caufe.
Alio Sarah Batt, of the lame Place, a Widow aged leventy three, was carried
to the fame Prifon under an Arreft, but fct at Liberty again upon fome
Engagement for her Appearance.
Boiflerous were the Proceedings at a Meeting at the Houfe of John Hall in
Chew-magna, whei'e James Burgis, a Captain of the Militia, rufhed in at the
Head of a rude Rabble, who at his Command, haled out the Pcrfbns afTembled,
by Violence, tearing their Clothes, and threatning to kill them, abufing the
Women barbaroufly, fo that fome of them were in Danger of their Lives.
In like Manner John Warre, a Jullice of the Pe;ice, condudted himfelf at
Cruel Abufet. Gregory-Stoke, where he, with Soldiers, fell upon the Perfons afkmbled, beating
many, breaking their Heads and battering their Faces mofl cruelly ; they
knockt down fome whom they met upon the Road, threw one into a Pond of
Water, and then ftanding on each Side, threatned to Piftol him if he came
out ; others they wounded, to that the Blood ran about their Heads, and tew
efcaped unhurt.
Many of this People were now in Ilchejler Goal -, the Caufe and Manner of
wliofe Commitment is exprelTed in the following Letter, written by one of
them, viz.
EfiUgh Pro-
eceiingi at
t Meeting in
Chew.
A Letter from
one 0/ the ?ri-
fmers « II-
chefter.
(C
<(
( (
" Dear Friend,
BY Reafon of fome rafh, unadvifed Enterprize of the Monarcky-vien in
London, which we hear of late hath happened, which we are altogether
unacquainted with, and clear in our Confcicnces and Pradices toward God
and Men, from the leaft Knowledge of or Hand in, yet we ai'e made as
equally guilty with TranfgrefTors, amongff whom we are numbred and
confined in Prifon, where we patiently wait until the Lord clear our Inno-
ccncy, and plead our Caufe. We arc in Number already one Hundred and
forty, and expe«5t more to be daily adtled, and the Cry of the innocent
Babes, who are left as it were Fathericfs, and of the mournful Women, that
are deprived of the Help of their Hufbands, by flich a flidden Surprizal,
cannot but re»ch into the moft fecret Corner of the King's Palace, and
pierce the liardeft Heart that hath any Affedion to Nature : The Lord
plead our Caufe, and clear our Innocency, and reward them according to
" their
Chap.
30.
of the People called QUAKERS.
587
their Works, that have brought this Diflrefs upon the Nation. I hope the
King knows, or will know, that the perfecuted People called ^lakers had
no Hand in the Trefpais which occafioned fuch a Proclamation^ whereby
our Meetings are all broken, and in many Places both Men and Women
much abufed, beaten, blooded, dragged out of their Houfes, and fome out
of their Beds, and others from their ordinary Employments, and haled be-
fore Magiilrates, and fo fent to Prifon, tor not going to Parifli-Churches,
as they are called -, and the Oath tendrcd to them, and lor retufing to
Swear, committed •, and on this Account there are fent to the Goal, fome
Days thirty, fome more, and Ibme lefs, and daily we are in Expeftation
to have Friends brought, fo long as there can be one found to go under
the Denomination of a ^iaket\ unlefs there be a Stop put to that Spirit,
that takes this Opportunity to ftrike at every Appearance of Truth. The
very worft of Men in the Prifon, that fuffer for Felony and Murder, re-
joicing to fee us fo perfecuted, and fuppofing themielves in better Condition
than Men of tender Confciences, and die rude, wild, and ranting People
in the Country, take Occafion to rejoice that they have now the Counte-
nance of Authority to apprehend, perfecute, and imprifon the fakers,
and fome not iatisfied that we are confined in Prifon, for Blond is tiiirfted
after, without which fome may hardly efcape out of this Place, except the
Lord reftrain the Wrath of Man,"
SOMER-
SET.
SHIRE.
1660.
Ilchefter, ths 22 J of the
Eleventh Month 1660.
The Number of Prifoners dius imprifoned, between the 21 ft of December
and the 17th of the Month called March this Year, at Ilchefter^ was two zii Prijovers.
Hundred and twelve, whole Names in the Index for this County may be dif-
tinguiflied by their Reference to this Page. Their Ufage in the Goal was very Tk^ir bird
hard, Lmnbard the Goaler, and his Underkeepers, haling feveral of them Su^aing.
from Prifon to Prifon, ufing many vile and wicked Words, and fbutting up
thirty or forty of them together, in a cold Cock-Loit, and another Place,
where they had fcarce Room to lie down, and permitting neither Meat, Drink,
nor Bedding to be brought them by their Friends, nor had they Liberty fo
much as to eafe their Bodies, but in the fame Room. Some of them were
denied Straw to lie on, and even Water to drink. Thofe who came to vifit
and relieve them were very much abufed : The Provifions for their Subfiftence
were fomctimes taken away and given to the F'elons : Two of them, John
Amlerdon and Richard Lincoln, were put in Fetters of Iron, and fo kept feveral
Days and Nights, and led in them through Ikhejier Town by the Hangman,
to the Aftonifhment of the fober Inhabitants who knew them and their Con-
veriation. Samuel Curtis, and five others, were chained in the Common Goal
among Felons.
In this Year alfo, Thomas Gulh was committed to Cock-Mo\k Prifon.
ANNO 1661. On the 8tl'i of the Month called May, 'jolm Clothier, of
Eaji-Liddiford, was fent to Prifon for not paying Tithes, On the 1 5th of the
Month called June, Jonathan Tucker, of Street, was feized in his own Houfe
by Baylifis, on an Action for Tithes, and hurried av,'ay to Ilcbejler Goal,
without t)eing fuffered to take with him either Clothes or other Necefiaries. In
the Month of Septen^ber, TJmnas Goodhind of Salt ford, Chrijlopher Pit lard of
llummcr, Thomas Comb and Thomas Hamborcugh, both of Gre^ory-Stoke, were
committed to Prifon for Tithes, but after twenty Months Imprifonment were
fet at Liberty by Means of the 13eath of their Profecutor. In the fimc Month
Thomas Gully was committed to Taunton Caftle for 'I'ithes, and lay there about
fifteen Months till his Profecutor died.
On the 2 > ft of November, Richard Harditcb, of Claptoft, was committed to
Prifon for Tithes -, as was on the 3d of the Month called February, Jeremy
Langdony of Camel.
On
Two of them
pur in Irons.
Others chihieJL
among ths
t'doiis.
Imprifonments
for Jiihes.
5S8
SOMER.
SET-
SHIRE.
1661.
yi Colle6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I
On the 28 th of the Month called March, the Affizes began at Chard ^ twelv-e
Miles from Ilchejler, and the ^inkers in Prifon were ordered by the Goaler
to go thither die Day before, which they did generally on Foot, being about
two Hundred, and but one Keeper attending them. At that Affizes nine of
them were tried on the following Indidlment, viz.
cc
Somerjet fs.
Ai the Affiles
it Chard nive
Perfovs !>!•
diHed for re-
refufmg to
Smciir,
(A
((
}■<■
TH E Jurors for our Lord the King, upon their Oaths prcfent, that
at the Affizes and General-Goal-Delivery of our Lord the King for
this County of Smnerfet aforelaid, at Chard in the lame County, on Tburfday
the 28 th Day o'i March, in the thirteenth Year of the Reign of our Lord
Charles the Second, by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France,, and
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. before Robert Fofter, Knt. Chief
Juflice of our faid Lord the King, affigned to hold Pleas beiore the King,
and Thomas Terrill Knt. one of the Juitices of our faid Lord the King, of
the Bench of Juftices of our faid Lord the King, affiigned to make the Goal-
Delivery of the County aforefaid, of the Prifoners of the lame being : The
atorefaid Juftices the Oath of Allegiance, in EngUflj called the Oath of Obedience,
mentioned and exprefled in a certain Aft ot Parliament of our Lord James,
late King of England, began and held at Weftminfter in the County of
Middlefex, on the 19th Day of March, in the firft Year of his Reign over
England., &c. and over Scotland the thirty feventh, and holden by Prc^-o-
gation at JVeflminfter aforefaid, on the 5th Day oi November, in the third
Year of his Reign over England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the
thirty ninth, late fet forth and provided, intituled. An AB for the better
difcovering Popift Recufants, to Hemj Lavor, of Teovill in the County afore-
liiid, Hufbandman •, Thomas Budd, late of Martlock in the County aforefaid.
Clerk -, John Anderton, alias Anderdon, late of Bridge-water in the County
aforefaid. Yeoman ; John Clement, late of Chard in the County aforefaid ;
Thomas Atkins, late o'i Nether-Compton in the County of Dorfel, Yeoman ;
Peter Eiitchins, of Horfington in the County aforefaid, Hufbandman ; Henry
Pope, of Shipton-Beachajnp in the County aforefaid, Parchment-maker ;
Richard Benlfield, of Wincanton in the County atore£iid. Linen-weaver j
Humphry Yerbury., oi Froome in the County aforefaid, Hufbandman ; and
Thomas Mercer, late of Taunton in the County aforefaid, Petty-Chapman j
then and there being, and to every of them then and there being of the
Age of eighteen Years, to take and pronounce upon the Holy Gofpel of
God in the open Affiizes aforefaid have tendred, and the Oath afore^id to
them, and every of them, have caufed to be read ; and the fame Henry
'* Lavor, Thomas Budd, John Anderton alias Anderdon, John Clement, Thomas
*' Atkins, Peter Hutchins, Henry Pope, Richard BeniJield, Humphry T'erbury,
" and Thomas Mercer, the Oath aforeliiid to them, and every of them, ifi
Form aforefliid, by the aforefaid Juftices in the open Affiizes aforefiid, fo as
aforefaid then and there tendred to take and pronounce, then and there ob-
ftinately, and altogether to take hath refufed and denied, againft the Peace
of our faid Lord the King that now is, his Crown and Dignity, and againft
the Form of the Statute in that Cafe late made and provided, i£c,
" Sivantonr
Cc
«C
CoHtinuii in Upon this Indiftment they were ordered to remain in Prifon till another
Frifen. Affiizes ; as were alio Thomas Dcggett and John Clare. So they were recom-
mitted, together with John Scaife, Thomas Salthouje, John Cnife, William Thomas.,
WilliaJH IVallis, and IVtllinm Elliott ; which fix were ordered to continue till
197 Dif- the next Seffiions : AH the reft, in Number about one Hundred and ninety
cbargti. feven, were dif charged.
At
Chap. 30, of the People called QUAKERS,
At the Seflions, on the .2,3d of the Mqnth called Aprils the faid John Critfe,
JVilliain Tho>nas, fVillia7n IVillis, and fVilliam EllioU, were let at Liberty ; but
tlie Court required Sureties of the other two for their going Home, one into
Lancajhire, and die other into (Vejlmorland, and for their coming no more into
Somerjetflnre for three Years ■■, I'hefe Terms they could not comply with •,
wherefore nomas Salthoufe was fent back to Prifon, and John Scaife was
ordered to die Houfe of Corredtion as a Vagabond, under a Pretence of his re-
fufing to ferve the High-Sheriff for 4/. per Annum, tendred him in Court : An
Artifice to enfnare him, and prevent his preaching in thofe Parts. They were
detained till the Latter-end of the Month called May, and then enlarged upon
the King's Proclamation for fetting the fakers at Liberty
On the 14th of Oi.7oZ'(rr, Chriflopher Pittani of Hummer, and on the 24th,
Jdhn Smith, were fent .to Prilbn for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
On the 7th of the Month called January, Samuel Curtis was committed for the
flime Caufe, having been taken from a Meeting there, which was broke up
by armed Horfemen, who beat the Friends with their naked Swords, and haled
and dragged fome of them on the Ground with much Violence. Alfo John
Clark of Grinton, Chrijhpher Bacon of^ Sutton, and John Wall oi Edington, were
fent to Prifon for fulfering Meetings at their Houfes. -AA ui.
In the Month called February, "Thomas Beard, Richard Lincoln, IVilliam Cogan,
and fFillia?n Smith, were committed to Ikhejler Prifon for abfenting themfelves
from hearing Common-prayer : And for the lame Caufe, in the next Month,
William Shepherd of JValton, and Thomas Tucker of Gla/ionbury, were alfo fent
to Goal.
In this Year feveral fuffered by Diftrefs of Goods for their Non-attendance
at tlie publick Worfhip, viz.
IVilliam Thomas, Edith Haggard, John Fudge, Lucy
Traverfe, Walter Fudge, George Adams, and Jeremy
Langdon, to the Value of
William Smith, Edward Coujins, Benjamin Cogan,
Richard Lincoln, Thomas Beard, PVilliam Elliott, and
Wdliatn Willis, to the Value of
Ifaac Wylbfiian, Thomas Paul, Robert Horwood, Walter
Giles, and John Frojl, to tlie Value of
/.
s.
d.
3 10
12
7 II
589
SOMER^
SET-
SHIRE.
1661.
proceeding! at
Scffwiii.
Commitmsms
for various
Diflrejfef.
We meet in this Year with a Tranfiftion equally illegal and inhuman, done
by Thomas Horfey the Prieft of Eajl-Liddiford, whofe Character we have before
given, pag. 5S4. This Paribn, with others by him employed, fcized on the
Highway in the faid Parifh, the Corps of Thomas Lockier of North-Barrow,
and took it by Force from his Friends, who were going to interr it in their
Burying-place at Limington ; they kept the Corps in Liddiford Steeple-houfe two
Nights and a Day, and then buried it in the unconfecrated Part of the Ground
called the Church-7'ard. The Prieft's Pretence lor this was a Demand of 6 j. 8 d.
upon their palTing through his Parifh.
In this Year alfo, Hugh Drake, ol' Buckland-Mary, was committed to Prifon
for propofing fome Qiieflions about Tithes to the Prielf, who at that Time was
profecuting him for not paying them. William Brean was alfo impriibned for
faying to Richard Fojler, Prieft oi' Long-AJhton, as he was preaching, thefe Words,
Leave off the Traditions of Men, and turn to the Light of Cbrilt. Likewiie
David Sweet was fent to Prifon for fixing on the Market-Crofs at Glajionbury
fome Papers denouncing the Judgments of God againft the Sins of the Times.
Some for no other Caufe than the Omifiion of paying Hat-honour to Men de-
ferving none, were aflliulted on the Road ; as was Chriflopher Bacon, who was
cruelly beaten by one John Stradling, to whom he gave no jufl Occafion of
Vol. L 7 K Offence -,
A bxrhi^ous
and iUegil
JH of ike
Priejt of
Eaft-Lid-
diford.
Jmprifovmints
for diverje
Caufis.
59®
SOMER-
S E T-
SHIRE.
1662.
Viflrefes for
tithes.
A Letter to
the fuige of
Affile. "
17 biiiBei
and recom-
mitted..
Jmprifonments
for Abjeyue
from the pub-
lick IVorpf.
Jmprifoiimans
for rifiijii!^ to
Stvear.
Jmprifonmemt
for Meeting.
Prtceedirtgs it
Wells Afi^es.
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Offence ; and John Walk oi Edington, who had his Head broke by Lewis Pierce^
who alfo threatned to kill him.
We find alio taken this Year for Tithes, from Thomas Stnith, a. Cow worth
q /. 10 s. and from fVilliam Beakes, two Cows worth 10/. And that Cbrijiopber
Pittard, of Himifner, for a Demand of 4 /. for Tithes, had Goods taken from
him worth 30/.
ANNO 1662. On the firft Day of this Year, -yzz. the 25th of the Month
called March, the Aflizes began at Chard, when the following Letter was
prefented, viz.
" To the Judge of Aflize, now holden at Chard.
" 1717 HERE AS we, whofe Names are hereunto fubfcribed, were on
" YV the 4th Day of February, fo called, laft paft, committed to the
" Common Goal in this County, to be brought forth in order to our Trial :
*' We were indifted for being at a Meeting or Conventicle, as they fay, with
" feveral other Things and Circumftances altogether untrue, and being very
" innocent of any evil Intent to any Peribn or Perfons whatlbever, and many
" of us very poor Men, and ignorant of the 1-aw, and do not know what
" Snares or D;uigers we may run our felves into, by any Miftake or Nicety, or
*' otherwife, in the Law, we do delire we may, according to our Innocency,
*' be cleared and difcharged from farther Trouble, Suffering or Coil, that
*' fo we may enjoy our juft Liberties, and be capable to provide for our
" Families, and follow our Occafions honeflly in the Sight of God and Men."
Subfcribed by fifteen of the following Perfons, viz.
John Callings, William Hodges, George Adams, Walter Fudge, lloomas Budd,
William Crufe, John Mtmden, John Fudge, Wtlliam Beaton, Henry Leverett,
John Leverelt, Richard Slade, Samuel Scott, Mclchifedec Fever, William Pearce,
John Slade, and Samuel Trent, who had been taken at a Meeting at Puddi?norey
and lent to Prilbn. At this Aflize they were called into Court in the Abfence
of the Judge, their Indiftment read, and they required to give Bail to traverfe
it at the next Afiizes, which they not confenting to, were recommitted to
Prifon.
In this Year, Willia?n Partridge and John f^iire, of Miflerton ; John Rayfin,
Joane Wallis, a.nd Sarah Wallis, of Hebruers, Elizabeth VJlk of Thojnas Wardy
of Jbbol's-Leigh ; William Kent, John Leworthy, and Mary Webjier, of Porlock ;
and Thoinas Stower, a Servant to Thoinas Hurd, of Somerton, were fent to Goal
upon Conviftions for not repairing to fome Church or Chapel, or other ufual
Place appointed for hearing Conmion-prayer.
On the 26th of the Month called July, John Adams, of Taunton ; and on the
27th, Mattheiv Perrin, John Evans jun. Nathanacl Parke, George Clapp,
William Roach, John Denbury, and Rice Morris, taken out of a Meeting at
Hugh Battoii's Houfe in Taunton ; and on the 30th, Jojeph Mtlverton, taken
out of his own Houle •, were committed to Prifon for refufing to take the Oath
of Allegiance.
On the 3d of the Month called Augujl, Thomas Horfey, Prieft of Eafl-Liddi-
ford, with aTithing-man and fome Soldiers, came to a Meeting there, and by
Force haled the Friends out, and would have had them to a Juftice, but they
refufed to go without a Warrant. Next Day the Prieil procured a Warrant, by
which Satmtel Clothier of Alford, John Cary of the fame, and Giles Brook of
Liddiford, were committed to llchejler Goal.
On the 8th of the fame Month, about thirty Friends, with as many Felons
and Maletaiflors, were conducted from Ilcbejier Prifon to the Affizes at Wells,
which began the next Day, where Samuel Clothier and fome others were called
to the Bar, and lud the Oath of Allegiance tendred them ; upon Refufal of
which, they were recommitted to Prifon together with the reft.
At tlie fame
AfTizes,
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 591
Aflrzes, Hem-^ Lambert and Waller Cape, poor Men, brought thither by an SOME R-
ofEcious Conitable, who took them troin their Famihes, were fet to the Bur •, SE T-
Crt/?/^ was dLTcliarged, hui Latiihert was fent to Goal, to Jie tiiere with tlie J552. '
others, till another AfTizes. ^y'—^/-^^^
On the 30th of the Came Month, pyilliatn 'Thomas and John Hokovih, o[ ^-^
Dulvertou, were lent for from their own Houles by a Warrant trom a Juitice Imprijonmems
of the Peace, who tendred them the Oath, and fent them to Ilchejler ; as lie ^g^^J^'J"^'"^ '"
did, about the lame I'ime, one l^illmn Lyddon, of My hell. There were alfo
added to the Number ot the Imprifoned this Month, Anos Parfons ot fVel-
lifiglon, and Hemy Turner and Francis Ferris, of Milverton.
On the 2d of September, Hugh Batton and Thomas Robins were fent to Prifon, F'"" ft^verj/
from a Meeting at Taunton, for refufing to take the O.uh of Allegiance : On Ciujcs,
the 7th, Ifaac ff^'ylhnan, Ifaac Wytkman'^un. Elizabeth Wytbman, Elizabeth Tucker^
Elizabeth Davis, John Tucker, IValter Giles, IVilliam Stacey, Joane Giles, Sufan
Paul, Simon Badcock, Roben Giles, Alice Vincent, and Anne IVilmot, being taken
in a Meeting at Ilminjler, were fent to Prifon ; the two laft mentioned being
great with Child, and having left, the one of them four, and the other two
Imall Children at Home : On the 14th, Henry Lavor, Samuel Hopkins, Maurice
Raymond, John Cordelion, Thomas Hopkins, and Edward Clark, were taken in a
Meeting at Trent, and committed for retufing the Oath : On the 15th, IVilliam
Tolman oi Whit-Lackington, and on the 23d, John Good/on ot Broad- Merjf on,
taken at religious Meetings, were lent to Prifon : As were on the 28th, Jndrew
Raymond, znd Ja?nes Calway, for refufing to Swear : And on the 3 iff, Thomas
Paul and Mary Webb, were taken out of a religious Affembly, and im-
prifoned.
On the 6th of October, about thirty of this People were brought from //- jt Bridge-
chefter Goal to Bridgwater SelTions, which was the next Day ; at which two water Sef-
Men and nine Women were releafed ; but the reft, after tendring the Oath to /■<""•
fome of them, were remitted to Prifon.
On the 9th of November, a Juftice of the Peace, with a Party of armed Commitments
Horfemcn, came to a Meeting, held at John Roman\ Houfe in Gregory-Stoke, i""^ "^ '^f^'"
and took thence thirteen Perfons, whom, with fcven others they took in I'^i-if-Stoke.'
the Way thither, he fent to Ilchejler Goal •, namely, Thomas Coonibe, Walter
Bidt, Gregory Powel, Edward Warner, Jerome Powel, Ihomas Powel, James
Humphreys, John Croker, Marmadnke Hojkins, John Legge, Hugh Luffe,
Thomas Crocker, Jeremy Williams, John Bampton, John Durman, Sa?nuel Deek^
George Fackarell, Williafn Grimes, Henry Smith, and John Collier : Soon after
their Commitment, two Oxen, which had been Henry Smith's, were feized tor ;/,v^^; ^,5.
the Charges of carrying them to Goal -, but thofe Oxen had been before fold to cui'mg.
one ot the Neighbours, who, to avoid a Law-fuit, paid 2 /. 2 s. to redeem
what was his own betore. They alfo took a Brafs-pot worth 3 /. for the
Charges of carrying one William Liddon to Prifon ; which having fold, they
would have returned him 17 s. and no more, though the Conftable might have
had him conducted thither lor ^s.
On the 19th oi December, Thomas Parfons w.is committed for refufing the Arbitriry
Oath : And about the fame Time, Thomas Leighion, of Cidlumpton m Devon- Commitmevts.
fhire, travelling between Minehead and Taunton, on his lawful Occafions, was
met by Sir Hugh Windham and his Servant, who after afking him fome
Queftions, obliged him to go back about feven Miles to Sir Hugh's Houfe, who
though the laid Thomas gave an unexceptionable Account of himfelf and his
Bufinefs, yet tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, and fent him to Jlchefer Goal.
On the 28th of the fame Month, Benjamin Hopkins, Edward Jacob, Nicholas
Pitman, William Waterman, Edward Ryall, and Samp/on Watts, were taken
from a Meeting at Tarlington, and carried before a Juitice, who, for their
retufing to Swear, fent them to Prilon.
At the Seflions at Wells, whidier forty one of the Prifoners called ^takers proaedings a
were conveyed, the laft named fix were lined 20 J. each, eight were difcharged, a SefTmi ut
and the others returned to Prifon. Wtils.
In
592
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1662.
Dilirejfis.
A Colledtion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
In this Year were taken for Fines, for Abfence from the National Worfhip,
Goods to the Value here under-mentioned, "u/z.
From Edward Coufens, Richard Lincoln, Hu^h Brake,
James Calway, 'Thomas Beard, Walter Robins,
and Daniel Wyatt
Alice Chejficky Nicholas Pitman, Samp/on Watts,
William Daw, Richard Bull, Michael Corp,
and Richard Benifield
Deborah Higden, Margaret Lye, IJaac Bart,
William Willis, Thomas Parjons, and William
Beakes
Imprifonments
jor rcfufnig to
piij Thhei.
Cruelty of i
Prieft to his
Son aQuzker.
Mittimus of
VV. Thomas
ID Prijon,
I.
12
17
O
In this Year the following Perfons, for refufing to pay Tithes, were com-
initted to Prifon, viz. Tlmnas Parfons of Portijhead, and Thomas Beard of
Crewkherne : Mellietir Keene and Mellieur Kmglake, Widows ; the former
having five, and the latter two Children ; at the Suit of one Colbert, Farmer
of the Tithes of Middlezoy Parifh : Alfo George Harris, of Rhyme-Intrinfeca
in the County of Dorfet, at the Suit of John Elford, Prieft : And Walter
Robins and Daniel Wyatt, at the Suit of the PrkU of Bucklar.d- Mary.
In this Year alio, John Anderdon was fined at the AlTizes for coming into
the Court with his Hat on.
ANNO 1663. We have ieveral Times before mentioned Thomas Horfey,
Prieft of Eajl-Liddiford, a Man no lefs fiirious in Zeal for the Church, than
ivwwral in his Converlation. This Man had a Son named John Horfey, a
Ibber young Man, who having lerved an Apprenticeiliip at London, was there
convinced of the Truth of the fakers Principles : He came into the Country
to vifit his Father and Mother, but his Father refufed to entertain him, and
tui^ned him out of Doors, with terrible Threatnings. Soon after, the young
Man was under a religious Concern to go to the Steeple-houfe at Somerton,
when his Father was officiating there, and to proclaim Repentance to him and
the People ; upon which his Father caufed him to be apprehended and fent
to Ilchcfter Goal, about the 29th of the Month called March -, and at the
SelTions ufed the utmoft of his Endeavours to have perfuaded the Juftices to
fend him to Bridewell, but they would not ; lor the impetuous Temper, and
imnatural Cruelty of the Prieft, inftead of provoking the Magiftrates againft
his Son, excited their CompafTion toward him, lb that they fet him at Liberty.
William Thomas, of Didverton, was committed to Prifon by the following
Mittimus, viz.
tc
Somerfet fs.
CI
tc
C(
' To the Keeper of his MaJeJIfs Goal at Ilchefler in the /aid County.
1 XT H E R E A S William Thomas, of Dutverton in the County aforefaid,
V V doth, under Pretence of religious Worfhip, oftentimes afTcmble in
great Numbers in feveral Parts, raifing Sedition againft the true and fincere
Religion of God in the Kingdom tftablifhed, and to the great endangering
of the publick Peace •, which Kind of Meetings ought not at any Time
to be fufi'ered, but effeflually proceeded againft, as the Law has directed.
Ami lor tlut it hath been proved unto us upon Oadi, that the laid William
Thomas hath malicioufly difturbed Walter Bickham, of Dulverlon aforefaid,
Minifter, in doing the Service of God. Thefe are therefore requiring you,
in his Majclfy's Name, thefaid William Tho?nas to receive and take into your
fafe Cuftody, and him to keep for the Space of tliree Mondis, and not de-
liver until he Ihall be thence delivered by due Order and Courfe of Law.
Hereof
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
" Hereof flul not at your Peril. Given under our Hands and Seals at
" Duherton aforefoid, the 9tii Day oi'Jugujl, in the fifteenth Year of the Reign
" of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second over England, Anmq; Dom. 1663.
(C
Robert Hawlet^
" George Sidenham.
593
S O M E R.
S E T-
SHIRE.
166?.
By this ill worded ATittiimis, both deficient in Senfe, and untrue in Faft, was
the Man's Liberty liicrificed ; though in Truth he had neither done nor faid
any Thing to difturb the Minifter, but only itood ftiU while he was preaching.
The fole Ofitnce probably was the keeping of his Hat on.
At the AfTizes held at Chard, in the Month called Ap-'d this Year, about
thirty five of this People were brought into Court ; of whom fifteen, indidlcd
at a former AfTizes, were call'd to Trial ; thirteen of them appeared, two
being left in Prilbn fick : They were fined 3 /. 6 j. 8 ^. each, and remanded
to Prifon till Payment ; where one of them, George Adams, died about three
Weeks after, eighteen others had the Oath tendred them, and refufing to
take it, were recommitted till another Afllzes. In the fime Month, at Ikhefier
Seffions, thofe twenty Perfons, before mentioned to have been taken at Gregnry-
Stoke Meeting in Novernber 1662, were fined 10s. each, and fet at Liberty ;
as were alfo twelve others. At a Seffions at 'Taunton, in the Month called July,
Thomas King of Crewkherne, after fome Time of Imprifonment for being at a
Meeting, was difcharged.
At Taunton AfTizes in the Month called Augttfi, the feveral Perfons following,
being convidted of refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, received Sentence
of Premunire ; namely, John Cary, Thomas Budd, John Collins, Matthew Perrin,
Jofeph Pearce, John Evans, Nathanael Parke, George Clapp, M^illiam Roche,
Henr-j Turner, John Denbury, Amos Parfons, Rice Morris, Andrew Raymond^
Henry Lambert, and Giles Brooke.
In the fime Month, Gregory Ceely and Edward Durham, of North-Cu?ry,
•were brought to Ilchejier Goul upon an Attachment out of the Exchequer, at
tlie Suit of their Parifh-Prieft : Alfo Daniel IVyatt and JVillinm Collins, were
imprifoned by a Capias on a Significavit out of the Rifliop's Court at JVells :
And upon a like Significavit, Chrijiopher Pitiard ha.dbcen committed about two
Months before.
In September, Henry Clothier of Eaft-Liddiford, being in his Fields, was
arrefted for Tithes by Baylitfs, at the Suit of Thomas Horfey Prieft, who came
with the Officers, and would not fufi^er them to give him the Liberty of bind-
ing up, or driving Home his Load of Corn, nor of going to his Houfe to fetch
any Neceffaries, but had him hurried away to Prifon immediately, and after-
wards gave out luch threatning Words among the neighbouring Workmen,
that none dare afTift in getting in the lixid Henry's Corn, or threfliing it out, fo
that it lay long in the Field in Danger of being fpoiled.
On the 6th of Oolober, at Taunton SefTions, Thomas Coomhe the Elder, of
Gregory-Stoke, was prclentcd for being at an unlawful AlTembly, and required
to give Bail to anfwer it at the next Seffions, which he refufing, was fent
to Ilchejler Prifon ; whither had been fent about a Week before, Thomas Rocke
of Ilminfter, for the fime Caufe. To that Seffions alfo were brought Nathanael
Gage and Elizabeth his Wife, PFilliajn Stacey, Humphry Wihnot, and John Cbeeke,
all of Rminjler, by Warrant from a Juftice of the Peace, for being at a Meet-
ing two Weeks before ; but upon Enquiry it appeared, that they had not
been at any Meeting tor nine Months before, fo they were acquitted ; as were
alfo Hugh Luff and John Bampton, brought thither after the ilime Manner.
On the 8th of OSfober, John Penkard, of Keinjham, was brought to Ilcbffler
Goal by an Attachment out of the Exchequer for Tithes. And on the 18th of
November, Thomas Hemborough, Elizabeth Lea, and Joane Coombe, all of Gregors-
Sloke, were arrefled for Tithes, and luon after fent to the fame Prifon. The
Vol. I. 7 L Condition
Chard Ajjiies.
Deitk of
G. Adams
in Prijon.
Proceedings it
Ilchefter a>:l
Taunton Sif-
fiont.
16 }{eceivel
Sentence of
Premunire.
Jmfrifo-iments
jor Tithes.
mrd Suffer,
ir.g of H.
Clothier.
Proeeediftgr
it Taunton
Seffions.
Grievous
Profecmiort
of foot iS'i-
dorvt a"i
Others for
rithet.
594-
SOME R-
SET-
SHIRE.
1663..
A Letter from
the Prijmers
tt Ilchefter
totkeirFriends
in Newgate,
London.
^ Colled;ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Condition of thefe three might have moved Compaffion ; Tljomas Hemborougb
being a poor Man with a Wife and three Children : The Widow Lea had fix
Children, five of whom fhe left in a deftitute Circumftance, and the fixth being
a fucking Infant, fhe carried with her to Prifon -, the Tithes demanded of her
not amounting to 25 J. The other Widow had five Children, and was fo very
poor, that lier Brother nomas Coombe, then alfo a Prifoner for his religious
Teftimony, had formerly in Charity kept two of them : She had only two Acres
of Ground, the Tithe of which was ufually fold for 8 s. But the rigid Exaftors
of Tithes are too often void of common Humanity, and can without Reluctance
behold the Deftruftion of the Fatherlefs and the Widow. In the fame Month
alfo, John Clothier, of Ead-lJddiford, was committed to Prifon, at the Suit
of Pricfl Florfey before mentioned. In this Year John Bully of Chew-iTiagna,
had taken from him by the Parifh-Priefl and his Agents, Corn, Inltruments
of Hufbandry, and Houfliold Goods, which fome Perfons, Confederates with
the Prieft, appraifed at 29/. iSi. though really worth 63/. 12 s. 4 J. John
Cox had alio a large Quantity of Corn taken from him for Tithes : And
Edmund BeakeSy of Blackwell, for the fame Caufe, fuffered Diftrefs of a Mare
worth 7/.
On the 2 2d of November, Th$mas King and Samuel Curtis, taken at a
Meeting at Hazelborough, were fent to Prifon upon the Evidence, of two of
tliree Soldiers.
In this Year alfo, Difbefles were made on the Goods of Florence Beajley,
'Thomas Bryan, Ifaac Bryan, Jo/iah Nichols, Nathanael Strode, Abraham Clothier,
Nathanael Bryan, and Edmund Beakes, to the Value of 2 /. lOS. ^d. for ab-
fenting themfelves from the National Worfhip : 77jomas Jefferies had alfo his
Goods taken from him for the fame Caufe.
In this and the two foregoing Years, after Procefs againft them in the Eccle-
fiaftical Court, the following Perfons were excommunicated, viz. Henry Moore,
John Hiibbart, William Wride, and fFilliam Petherham, all of Buj-nhajn ; John
Peiberham of South-Brent, Nicholas Kcele of Lympjham, and William Wride of
Mark. Diverfe alfo were excommunicated for not going to hear Common-
prayer.
That our Reader may have the clearer Idea of the Innocence, Courage, and
Conftancy of this People in their Sufferings, we Ihall tranlcribe the Copies of
two Letters written by the Prifoners at Ilchejler ; the one to their Friends in
Newgate, London, viz.
" Ilchefter Prifon in Somerfetihire, the izd of the Ninth Month i SS^'
" Dear Friends and Brethren !
" |r~^Ompanions in Tribulation, Fellow-Sufferers for the Teftimony of Jefus,
' ' V, 4 and Prilbners for the Hope of Jfrael, which never makes afhamed :
"We your Fellow-Servants, and Members of the Body which edifieth it felf
" in Love, and counted worthy to be Sufferers with you in Bonds for the
«' Teftimony, do in the Singlenefs of our Hearts, and Fervency of Love,
" yea, in the Fellowfhip of his Sufferings who is our Life, and alfo in the
" Unity of the one Spirit, hereby filute and embrace you. O ye dearly
" beloved of the Lord, and Servants of the Moft High God, whom our
*' Heavenly Father hath crowned with his Eternal Prefence, and Everlafting
*' Arm, in the Midft of you. Verily when we behold the Greatnels of your
"■ Service, the W^eight of your Sufferings, and the Sharpnefs of your Trials,.
♦' our Hearts are even melted, and our Bowels turned within us, and how can
" we but in a true Sympathy, as living Members, both mourn and fufter
'' with you ? Yet when we behold the Arm of our God, which is now
" ftrctched over you, and your Conftancy in your Teftimony, our Souls
*' breath forth Praifes to God for you ; and truly the Fame and Report of
" your Boldnefs and Fidelity which is gone forth, even ftrengthens the weak
" Hands, and confii.ms the feeble Knees, and adds Life and Refolution to a
*' Remnant
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 595
" Remnant to follow you in the fame Tribulation, Sufferings, and Patience, S O M E R-
" as in the good "Will and rieafure of our Heavenly Father they may be S E T-
*' called thereunto. 6r^^*
" And as a Teftimony thereof, we judge it meet at this Time to ac- ^^^^
*' quaint you with the prelent Condition of triends here, who at this Time
" bear a Share in Suffering. Here is in this Place about an Hundred of us
" Prifoners, (befides ninc:teen Baptijls) fifteen of us were imprifoned near two
" Months before the Spring AlTizes, for meeting together to worfhip God,
''• which was the Caufe lignified upon the Mittimus ; and at the AfTizes we
" were called and indidled, who defired our Trial according to Iyaw,_ we
" being innocent Men, but were demanded to put in Bail to traverfe our
" Indictment the next AfTizes, but we refilled and defired piefent Trial, which
" according to Law we ought to have had, but it was denied us, and we
" returned Prifoners again for refufing to give Ball, where we were kept till
*' the AfTizes following, at which we were brought forth again, with many
" more, who in the mean Time were taken up ; fbme of whom were taken
*' from their Houfes -, all which attended as Prifoners at the lafl AfTizes, and
*' could not obtain a Trial, except five, who were called the firft Day of the
" AfTizes, and never more called, though promifed in Court to be called
*' again, but turned back again Prifoners, and one more who was brought into
" Court with his Hat on, and for that was indifted and fined, without due
" Trial, 61. 13 j. 4^. no Law nor Reafon Ihewn him to convince him that
" the Wearing of his Hat was a Tranfgreffion, though defired by the Prifbner
'' in the Court : And fo all Friends were returned to Prifon again. We who
*' had formerly been indifted were returned again for want of Bail, and others
*' returned again to Prifon, though never called, to be kept without Bail till
*' the next SefTions, where we are all continued to this Day : And before the
" lafl SefTions here were brought to Prifon eighteen Friends, "viz. nine Men
" and nine Women •, the Women were difcharged again and one Man, and
" the refl returned again. Here was very lately fent to Prifon from one
** Meeting, one and twenty Friends, by him who is called Sir John JVarre,
" who is now the High-Sheriff of this County : He alfo fcnt at the fame
Time fixteen Baptijls. Befidcs, many Friends have fuffered great Spoiling of
*' Goods, and very many are of late cited to their Spiritual Courts as a Tefli-
" mony againfl them. And although many, as to vifible Appearance in the
*' Outward, are fcarce a Step from Ruin •, yet this we can teflity to the Praife
" of our God for ever, that we have not followed him in vain, for he daily
" manifefteth his Strength in Weaknefs, and is perfecting Praiie out of the
" Mouths of his Babes, who have not hitherto fhrunk in the Day of Trial,
" nor one amongfl them found that hath turned his Back, for Truth is flill
" honourable among them, and the Love retained and increafed in which it
" was received. And truly it is the Defire of our Hearts in the Sight of
*' God, that we may be always found faithful to him, who by his Grace hath
*' called us, that we may glorify him in Bonds or Liberty, Life or Death.
" Wherefore, O ye beloved of the Lord, ceafe not to make mention of us
*' in your Prayers, that nothing may move or fliake us from that Hope
*' whereof we are called to be Witneffes, nor feparate us from that Love and
" Life which is now revealed in us, but that in Faithfulneis to the Lord, Union
*' and Fellowfhip with the Saints in Light, we may be preferved to the End,
'* in which we dearly falute and embrace you all, and remain
" 7'our Dear Brethren and Felloiv-Prifoners for the 1'eflimony
*' of Jesus, and Hope of llrael.
" John Anderdon, Henry Gundrv,
" Matthew Perrin, Jasper Batt,
(C
William Beaton.
This
59^
SOMER-
SET-
S H I R E.
1603.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I
Tliis Letter fiivours of the Humility, Patience, and Refignation of faithful
Sufferers, and of tiiat fervent Love which the Perlecuted, for the Teftimony
of Chrifl and a good Confcience, bear one towards another, praying for each
others Prelervation, and final Pcrfeverance to the End of their Hope, the
Salvation of their Souls.
The other Letter^ or Addrels, was written to the Kiiig when at Bath, and
is as follows ■,
A Letter f,om " TP ORASMUCH, O King ! as our daily Sufferings are augmented,
tkcPtifoners " \^ and our Number in this Place lb greatly increafed, as that we cannot
toxbiVJmg. tt any longer well hold our Peace, but do in the Fear of God, and in true
" Humility in his Sight, in all Lowlinefs of Mind, after long Imprifonment,
" prefent thee, in this diy Progrels and Day of Profperity, with our grievous
•' Sufferings for our Confcience in Things relating to God ; our Souls being
'' fubjedb to the Lord that made Heaven and Earth : And againft thee, Q
" King ! have we not done or imagined Evil, but do, according to the Truth
" and Righteouliiefs in our Hearts, defire thy Peace and Profperity, and that
" Mercy may eftablifh thy Throne in Equity and Juftice. And whereas we
" who are called ^takers, becaufe of the F^ear of God, and to keep our
" Confciences void of Offence, cannot take any Oath, many of us are by rt
" fevere Sentence deprived of all the Goods we have in this World, and our
♦' Wives and innocent Children thereby expoled to utter Ruin, unlcfs the
♦' Execution thereof be prevented ; and others by Fines beyond their Abilities,
" adjudged to perpetual Imprifonment, and that for Matter of pure Confcience
" only, and not for any Defign of Evil, or Wrong, intended towards thee,
" O King ! or any of thy Subjedfs, as hath been largely teftified by many
*» Years Experience, through many Trials and Hardfliips in Bonds, wherein
" the Lord hath been with us, and preferved us innocent and upright in our
•' Hearts toward thee, and for this we appeal to the Witnefs of God in all
" Men, whether we have not fo approved our felves to this Day, in the
" Sight of God and Men. And as an Addition to our prefent Sufferings,
" the Goaler's Cruelty fo abounds, that many of us are likely to be expoled
" to Famifhment, and utter Deflrudlion, being thrufl together in fuch a great
Number, and denied fuch neceffary Accommodation, as is ordinarily given
to the worft of Men, befides what is daily farther thrcatned. We therefore,
as to our outward Man, being Objedbs of thy Mercy and Clemency, it
being in thy Hands to difpofe of us at thy Pleafure, do in all due Submiflion
make our Appeal unto thee, as unto one who is able to relieve us : And
the Lord open thy Heart to confider our Innocency and Diltrefs, and to
acquit us from our grievous Sentences, and other our Imprifonment. And
it is the Defire of our Hearts, that in Truth and Righteoufnefs the
God of Peace may profper thee to reign : And what Profit will the Deatii
of the Innocent be to the Kirg ?
C(
tc
From the Prijoners called Quakers,
in Ilchefter, this ^th Day of the
Seventh Month 1663.
Subfcribed by thirty of the Prifoners.
This Letter, or Addrefs, difcovers an innocent Simplicity, attended with
Chrijlian Courage, exprefTing a decent SubmifTion void of fJattery, and pro^
tefTing all due Allegiance and peaceful Subjection to the King and his Govern-
ment, with a noble and fledfaft Refolution of keeping their Conltier.ces
undefiled and void of Offence toward God. This is the Stile of true Chnftian
Confeffors, whom the Perfe^ l-ear of God hath exalted above an abjeft and
fervile Departure from his Commandments, in Conformity to the L.aws of any
Power upon Earth.
ANNO 1 664. On the 7th of the Month called May, Katharine Evans
and Sarah Chcvers, Women who travelled in the Work of the Gofpel, came
to
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 597
to Minehead from Ireland : A few Days after, pafTing to their Dwelling at S O M E R-
Bath, they had a Meeting with feme of their Friends at IVivelfcomb : The S E T-^
Mayor, with fome rude Attendants, came and roughly broke up the Meeting, A
fetting a Guard upon the Houfe all Night, who behaved themfelves very ^ ^'
abufively both in Words and Adions : Next Day the Friends were had before "-^''^^f *
the Mayor and another Jullice, who after they had learched them, and taken
from Sarah and Katharine feveral Letters, and opened them, though they found /mpiifonmnit
nothing therein but private Affairs, yet refuled to return them. They alfo of K.Evans,
fent the Women to Frifon, together with IVillia?)! Lyddoii, John Prufe, William ^- Chevers,
Bond, and IVilliam Thome, whom the Keeper of the Frifon put into the ''"" " ^'^^'
Dungeon.
In this Year John Clark, of Grinton, v/as proceeded againft for Tithes, Omhrory oh-
fo clandcitinely, that before he knew any Thing of the Frofecution, he was '/Tfo^r-
outlawed, and an Execution ferved, whereby they took from him Cattle to the ■'' ' ^
Value of 22/. I'he Outlawry was obtained by a fdfe Return of Non efl in-
ventus, whenas he was conftantly and publickly about his Bulineis near Home,
and at Markets and Fairs, frequently in Sight of the Frieff, his next Neigh-
bour, who prolecuted him. He was alfo, by the fame Friell;, prolecuted in the
Bifhop's Court, and excommunicated.
About this Time were imprifoned for Tithes, John Petherton, George Harris, Imp>}fo>imems
and Richard Hardttch. About which Time Triftrafn Giindry, after five Years /"'' ^''/jei.
Imprifonment for Tithes, was let at Liberty.
Hard w.os the Cafe of M'''iUia?n Collins, who fuffered above a Year's Imprifon- f^^'^i C'-^A "/
ment for Tithes of a very little Corn. He was a poor Man, had a Wife and ; >,'°p ^-^
fix Ifnall Children, who, by Reafohof his Imprifonment, were obliged to retire ly'^throiwhtke
to her Father's Houfe at Biickland, where Francis Hatljway^ the Prieft who Milue of a.
profecuted her Hufband, alfo dwelt. The Priefl ftirred up the Officers of the ^rieji.
Farifh againft the Woman and her Children, fo that by an Order of the
Juftices they were removed to Combe, where the Officers of the Farifh would
not receive them, but procured a Counter- Order, and carried them again
to Biickland, where, though her Father would willingly have entertained
them, the Parilh-Officers would not fufFer him, lb that the poor Woman
and her Babes were conftrained to lie in the Streets. All this was occafioned by
the Malice of the Frieft, a Man, who in regard to Religion, feemed only to j yine-feTV.
purfue his own Interefl, for he had been a Frieft at IVythall in Oliver Cro?>rd;ell^s in^ Piiejl.
Time, and turning with the Times, at the King's Retlioration obtained the
Benefice of Euckland.
In this Year John Cox fufFered Diftrels of Goods for not paying toward the Sufferirjus for
Repairs of the Steeple-houfe ; as did likewile, Lucy Higgins, of Farlin^ton. Suepk-kouk
In this Year alfo, Henry Lavor, Richard Coggan, Thomas Parfons, and John offedn-s^S!
Anderdon, for 2 d. each, demanded of them for Eafler-Offerings, were excom- " '
municated ; as were alfo, John Deane and John Pearcc, both of Bridge-
water, for a Demand of 4 J. from each of them. Alio Michael Corpc, for not
paying Tithes, fufFered by Diftrefs of his Corn.
On the 14th of the Month called March this Year, John Evans died a Pri- Pedth of
Toner, under Sentence of Premunire, for his Obedience to the Precept of Chrifl, J- Evan?,
Swear not at all. ^ Prifoner.
ANNO 1665. On the 17th of the Month called Jpril, lVillia?n Beakes, of imprifonmms
Backwell, was committed to Prifon for Tithe, at the Suit of his Parifli- Prieft. 1"^ Titha,
And in the fame Year, John Sage of Chewton, Henry Moore of Clevedon, Robert
R^'ph J^ffery Rumney, and Melchizedec Fever, were alio imprifoned for Tithes.
ANNO 1 666. Taken this Year, by Diftrefs, tor Tithes,
/. s. d.
From Mary Tyler of Walton, Corn worth 400 Dillrefes f«r
Henry Gundry, Cattle worth 7,0 o o TidK's.
Jonathan Tucker, Cattle worth '32 o o
Trijlram Gundry, Corn and Cattle worth 700
Arthur Gundry^ Goods worth 1 2 i o o
Vol I. 7 M S5 10 o In
598
S O jM E R.
SET-
SHIRE.
i6€6.
Imp'ifon-
ments.
Mittimus of
J. Budd md
R. Penny
to Ilchefter
Codl.
Mittimus tf
fmtf Terfans
for Meethg,
Commitments
for rejufmg
t» Swtir.
A Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
In this Year alfo were imprifoned in Ilchejier Goal for Tithes, John Harding
of Markon, at the Suit of Prieft Jeffip : Richard Jefferies, at the Suit of Captain
John Jubery, Impropriator : John Cole and John Sage, both of Cbewton, and the
latter about eighty Years of Age, at the Suit oiAn7ie Kuigfmill, Impropriatrix :
Henry Gundry and Trijlram Gundry, of Street, on an Attachment out of the
Exchequer, at the Suit of PFilliam Stroud.
James Budd and Richard Penny, were fent to Prifon by the following M\tti-
viz.
vms.
<c
Somerfet fs.
(C
I Send you herewithal the Bodies of James Budd, of Weymouth, and Richard
Penny, of Bradford in the County of Dorjet, who were taken at a Con-
venticle this 2d of Septejnher, at the Houfe of Robert Anns, of JVefl-Mudford
in the faid County, who have refufed to take the Oath of Allegiance, or
to fubmit to any Fine impofed on them according to the Statute in that
Cafe made and provided. Thefe are therefore, in his Majefty's Name,
ftriftly to charge and command you to receive the faid Ja7nes Budd and
Richard Penny into your fiid Goal, and them there fafely to keep for the
" Space of three Months from the Day of the Date hereof. Whereof fail
" you not, as you will anfwer at your Peril. Given under my Hand and
" Seal this 2d Day oi September 1666.
'' Fra. Windham."
By this Mittimus they were convey'd to Ilchefter, and delivered to the Cuf-
tody ot the Goaler, having firft had their Coats taken off their Backs for the
Charges of carrying them thither.
In the fame Month was alfo iiTued the following Mittimus, viz.
" Somerfet fs.
" To the Keeper of the Houfe of Corre^ion at Ilchefter.
" T71 O R A S M U C H as the Perfons, whofe Names are here under-
" ]^ written, are convifted before us for being at a Conventicle, the 2d Day
*' ot this Inftant September, at the Houfe of Robert Clark, of Mudford in the
*' County aforefaid, contrary to the Statute in that Cale provided : Thefe
" are therefore, in his Majefly's Name, to will and require you to receive the
" faid Perfons herewith lent into your Cuftody, and them to keep for the
*' Space of ninety Days to hard Labour, except they, or either of them,
*' refpedively, fhall pay us, or one of us, the Sum of five Pounds, to be dif-
*' tributed according to the faid Aft of Parliament : And at the End of ninety
" Days you are to deliver them to the Keeper of his Majefty's Goal at II-
" chejler, who is hereby required to receive them for refufing to take the Oath
** of Allegiance, and them to keep until they fhall be from thence delivered
" by due Courfe of Law. Hereof fail you not at your Perils. Given under
*' our Hands and Seals the 2/\xhT>diy oi September, Anno 1666.
Simon Clark, William Brook,
John Morgan, Thomas Long,
Edward Philipps ]un, William Helliar/'
cc
((
c<
This Warrant was accordingly pat in Execution, and the Prifoners above-
named were committed as therein directed.
On the 28th of September, John Andrews, ol Limington, was committed to
Bchejler Goal for refufing to rake the Oath of Allegiance ; as was alio, on the
1 8 th of Novcinber, Wenlock Chrijlifon, of Siitlon, tor die fame Caufe.
Taken
Chap. 3c>. of the People called QUAKERS. 59J9
Taken this Year by Diftrefs, for Abllnce from the National Worfhip, ironi SOME H-
'John Banton, John Dory, and Lucy Uiggbis, Goods worth i /. 65. ;-jv->t /■ . S E T-
ANNO 1667. In this Year were imprifoned at Ilcheftcr for Tithe% John }(-^
Hubert, William Peiberbam, und IFtlliam IVridcs, on an Oatliiwry, at the Suit '''
of nomas Mompejfon : Gregory Ceely, at the Suit ot Robert riill, I'ithe-farmer : ^"^ vn^
William Beakes, at the Suit of Jojepb Crefionill, Prieft-of Back-well: Mary lyprifonments
Clothier ^n(\ Samuel Clothier, at the Suit of Thomas Earl, Prieft oi Alford' : i<»' T'l^^^-
John Pinkerd, on a Writ de Excojnmunicato capiendo, iLt the Suit o{ Tbrnitis "'f .1
Codrington, Prieft of Kcirjham : And Edmund Beakes, at the S«it of John •*>'
Harris, Tithe-farmer of Purtijhead.
Henry Clothier and George Jacob were committed to Taunton Caftle, at the
Suit ot Thomas Hor fey, Friti): of Liddiford.
On the 23d of the Month called Aigujt this Year, Willia?n Hodges died a ^^■"^ "f
Prifoner at Ilchefier, after fix Years and ten Weeks Confinement there, for his W- ^'"^S^*
religious Teltimony.
In this Year were taken, for their alTcmbling to worfliip God, from r>i)heps for
JVillia?n Martin, Thomas Lojlotnb, and Mary I^ngdon, Goods worth j^s. I^eetr,:^,
ANNO 1668. Taken in this Year, for Tithes, from John Clothier, of
Eajl-Liddiford, Goods worth 3/. • ■ iV iiofii: 01:.. ^sfiT
The following Perfons were this Year imprifoned fot TM^^,'viz. Thotnds imprifonmems
Srain of Shipton-Mallet, at the Suit of Samuel Horner, Impropriator : Edward i"' ^"'•"'^'
Shilcock, a poor Man, for 2.'. 6d. at the Suit of Samuel Willan, Prieft of
Weflon-fuper- Mare : Marmaduke Coate of Curry-Rivel, at the Suit of Stephen
Mann, Vicar of that Place : John Dando, Thomas Dando, and Richard HilL
at the Suit of Thomas Hodges, of High-Littleton, Impropriator. ;■ i<^'A:.\
■On the 3d of the Month called March this Year, Henry Lever ick laid down X>wtfe of
his Life in Prifon at Ilchefier, under Sentence of Premunire, for his Obedience ^* Leverick
to the Precept of Chrift in refufing to Swear. m Prifon.
ANNO 1669. Taken this Year by Dill:refs, for their religious Conftancy
in aflembling together for Worfhip,
From John Clothier, of Eafi-Liddifcrd, Goods worth
Eleanor Jacob, of the fame
John Andreivs, ^ Limington
Thomas IVlntehead and William Dawes, of North- Cddbnry
Taken alfo for Tithes,
From John Clothier and Eleanor Jacob, Corn worth
John Gayland, Gregory Ceely, and Thomas Whitehead
I. s. d.
14
Uij
'ireffii
for
8
Meeti)!)^, ani
ID
for
Tithes.
1
2
12
3
13
3
ID
Imprifoned this Year for Tithes, John Martin and Edith Haggard, at Imprifon-
the Suit of one Brooks, Prieft of Wejlon-Bamf field : WUliam Mayes of Worrill, mems.
at the Suit of Thomas Starr and one Franklin, Impropriators : Daniel Wyatt
and Bartholomew Jlford, of Buckland-Mary, at the Suit of Prams Hathivay,
Prk'ft : And Elizabeth Lea, at the Suit of George Baulwell, a- Prodor in Gregory-
Stoke.
Thomas Gully and Jafper Batt, were this Year committed to Taunton Caftle
for Tithes.
ANNO 1670, The Parliament in this Year paffed another Aft againft Piflreffi for
Conventicles, by which great Encouragement was given to tlie Informers, who ^^^"'''f,>->
being generally idle and diffolute Perfons, chofe rather to live on the Spoil of ^ll'"'coM''y
their Neighbours, than by honcft Labour and Induftry. Flence it was that .f/ry main'
the Sufferings of this People, for religioufly affembling to worfhip God, were aiii grift.
much increafed. DiftrefTes were large and numerous in this County •, to exprefs
which,
r6oo A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
S O M E R- which, as fuccinftly and intelligibly as we can, we have diftinguillied them by
-S E T- the Icveral Places where the Meetings in thoie Times were ufually held, v'vz.
S HI R E. YemiU Port/hutt, Publoe, Long-Sutton., South-Cadbury, CrewkbernCy JV'^tbeU,
1,070. Bunibam, Bridgwater, Taunton^ Gregory-Stoke, Mtdd/ezoy, and Hummer.
I. YEOVIL Meeting.
I. Yeovil On the 7th of the Month called Ju7ie, a Juftice of the Peace, named Helliar,
lAeewig. widi Officers and Soldiers, came to a Meeting then at the Houle of Henry
Lavor, and drew the Friends our, and conducted them to an Inn. In the
Street, as they pafled, Thomas Whitehead exhorted the People to repent and fear
God, for which he was fined 20/. as a Preacher, fent to the Blind-houfe Prifon,
and charged with feducing the King's Subjeds. His Wife, Jane fFhitehead, alfo
uttered fome Words of Exhortation to the People, for which the Juftice fined
her 20 /. and when it was pleaded in her Behalf, that the Words of the Aft,
,\ , Every Perfon -who JJjall take upon him to preach, did not extend to the W^omen,
the Juftice deridingly anfwered. Where the Letter of the Aol is defetiive, J will
take the Spirit of it.
They alfo fined Henry Lavor 20/. for his Houfe, and others 5 s. each ; which
ijsit«;a\"n', . , Fines were levied partly on the Perfons themfelves, and partly on others prefent
.ivhsl Ad^ at; the fame Meeting. For that and other Meetings, held at 2'eovil this Year,
)die following Diftrefles were made, viz.
Goods worth
Taken from Ihomas Whitehead, of South-Cadbury
> John Allen of Hummer
:J3: . John Andrews, of Limington, for one Half
of Jane Whitehead's Fine
Marmaduke Coate, of Hambridge, for the
other Half of Jane Whitehead's Fine
Mary Lavor, Mother of Henry Lavor, for
his aforefaid Fine for the Meetin^-houle
Thomas Lofcomb, of ^een's-Camel, for him-
felf, his Son Jonathan Lofcomb, and his
Servant Matthew Bendall
John King, a poor Day - Labourer, his
wearing Apparel
John Allen, of Trent, for himfelf, his Wife,
and Children
Edward Prankerd, Chrifiopher Pittard, Wil-
liam Waterman, John Waterman, and ^ 2 6 10
George King. j
Richard Suttony Jane Mufler, and George
Mufler _
Chrijlopher Moore, Samuel Swetnam, Anne p
Swetnam, Anne Swetnam jun. and Eliza- ^ 5 $ 6
heth Napper, all of Teovil. j
John Wtndfor, John Windfor j\in. John King, p
John Vivian, for himfelf and Mary > 17 3 n
his Wife 5
Abraham Atkins of Martock, Hefter Long, p
Giles Jordan, Henry Lavor, and Jane p 4 i5 9
his Wife j
Robert Rudge, of Berwick, for himfelf and "L i o o
Sarah his Wife j
130 15 o
When.
6
s.
5
d.
24
} ^'
} '°
] .0
14
I '
} 3
3
} ■
4
17
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS, 601
When Mar-^ Lavor, who was not at the Meetings was unjuftly diftrained on S M E R-
for her Son's Fine, flie appealed to the garter SeJ/ioiu, but inftead of getting ^ E T-
ReJicf, was obliged to fit down with an additional Lofs of 9/. 12 s. Cofl on ^ *
the Appeal. The Court, in her Cafe, were mifled by Juftice Helliar^ who, '
when 'John Allen was fined 10/. ordered the Informer to take ten of his befl
Cows tor that |-ine, and he hiinfelf would be the Purchalcr. When Thomas
Lofcomb had his Goods, worth 40 j. expofed to Sale, the Prieft of Queen'' s-
Camel fent his Servant, who bought them for 1 5 J. Thus the Juftices, and the
Pricfls, too often interefted themlelves in having the fakers Goods under-rated.
At one of thoi'e Meetings, on the 5th of the Month called July, the In-
formers afterwarti fwore againft fix Perfons who were not prefcnt, viz. Giles
Brook of Mudford, Robert King oi Berwick, and his Wife, Nicholas Marling
Mary fVindfor, Wife dijohn Windfor jun. and Joane Pittard. Thefe Names,
though they were not at the Meeting, were included amongft thofe convidled^
in the following Warrant, viz.
<c
Somerfet fs.
(C
WHEREAS the feveral Perfons under-named were convidled before Wirnm,
me, by the Oaths of Chrijlopher Reekes and Thomas Hole, for being
at an unlawful Conventicle in Teovil Church- Yard on Tuefdaj the 5th Day of
*' July laft paft, and diverfe of them having been formerly convided fince the
" late A(St of Parliament for fupprelTing fuch feditious Meetings, whereby they
*' hive incurred double the firft Penalty : Thcfe are therefore, in his Majefly's
•« Name, to will and require you, immediately on Sight hereof, to demand
*' the feveral Sums of the feveral Perfons here under-written, being Pines
" impofed on them for being prefent at an unlawful Conventicle at the Time
" and Place before mentioned, and upon Refufal to pay their feveral Fines, to
*' levy the fame by Diftrefs and Sale of their feveral Goods fo refufing, rendring
" the Overplus, if any be, and the Money fo paid or levied to bring to me, to
" be diftributed according as the faid Aft diredls : And for fo doing this
*' fhall be your Warrant. Given under my Hand and Seal this 2d Day of
*' September 1670.
" Edward Philipps."
Thus heedlefsly did the Informers proceed, fwearing at all Adventures upon J{a>iilom
meer Surmife, which in this Cafe was utterly inexcufable, becaufe the Door of tnjormers,
the Meeting-houfe opened into the Ground called the Church-Tard, where the
Friends afTembled, being fhut out of their ufual Place of Meeting, and it was
very eafy for the Informers to have feen who were there.
II. PORTSHUTT Meeting. Goods worth 2. Portfhutt
/. S. d. Meeting.
Taken from TIjomas Parjbns, of Portjhutt, for Meetings 7 /;
athisHoufe j- 63 o o
James Hobbs, Robert Bullock, and Edmund "t
Beakes ]• 3^ 19 o
Thomas Griffin, a poor lame Man 516 o
Edward Wallis, for himfelf and his Wife i 10 o
John Long and Jeffery Rumney 818 o
Thomas Hodds, all his Cattle 27 5 o
William Thomaline, an old Man, fick and lame 050
James Carter, Tljomas Stevens, and John Purle 112 6
Samuel Hipjley, Anne Plaice, and Benjamin Tizard 130
Henry Moore And PFilliam Beakes, both ot Backwell 19 9 o
Hannah Hobbs and James Worrne 2193
fVilliam Gaylard, of Clevedon i 10 o
166 6 9
Vol. I. . 7 N The
6o2
SOMER'
SET-
SHIRE.
1670.
Letter to iti
Infonner from
bis Mother.
5. Publoe
MectiKg.
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
The before-named iToomas Parfom was convided for fcveral Meetings at his
Houi'e, upon the Oaths of Informers who were not at thofe Meetings, but
fwore to them only upon feeing People pafs to and from his Houfe. When
the Of^iGers expoied fome of his Cattle, and a Mare and a Colt of James
Hohbs, to Sale at Brijlol Market, the People underftanding them to be the
Spoils of Confcience, no Body would purchafe them at any Rate ; but in their
Return Home, they fold them very cheap at Long-Ajhton, and to contirm their
Sale, went back to Briflol, and would have entred them in the Market-Book,
but the Toll-keeper refufed, becaufe they were not fold there : So the next
Week they were brought again to the Market, and the Buyer and Seller ap-
pearing, got them entred by the Help of two Juftices, who were very officious
in this Affair.
When the Informers came to feize the Goods of Javies IVorme, a Lodger,
-who hired a Room with a Bed, whereon one John Griffin at that Time lay
fick ; they had the Barbarity to pluck the Bolfter and Sheets from under the
fick Man, and make them Part of their Spoil ; the reft they made up with
Shirts and other Linen, A notorious Informer in thefe Cafes was Edmund
Haywardy a Man fo hardned, as to make a Sport of his wiclced Employment ;
when he had taken away all the Cattle one Farmer had, and a Neighbour in
Charity had lent him two Cows to milk for his Children, this Hayward told
one of his Comrades, that "There was two more Cows fent him from Hea-cen,
And no doubt would have feized them, had he not been prevented by their
being fpeedily returned to the Owner 5 for the Manner of fuch Harpies was to
tike all they could find, and as ibon as the SiifFerers had renewed their Stock,
to repeat their Plunder. The Mother of this Hayward was a fober Woman,
and averfe to his Adlions, which ftie cautioned him againft in the following
Letter, viz.
" Son Edmund,
' Y Love is to you remembred, but at this Time with much Grief of
M
cc
((
tc
<c
(C
_ _ Heart I write unto you -, for I underftand you have been an Inftni-
ment of giving much Trouble to honefh People, which grieves me more
than I can exprefs : And I now earneftly require you to heed what I fay, if
you have any Love to God, or Love to your own Soul, or Love to me,
that lb fbon as you have received thefe Lines, you refolve for the Time to
come, never to do any Thing more againft honeft People, not ib much as
to fpeak againft diem one Word tending to their Hurt. And it you are in
an Office, you may keep forth of the Way, as honeft fober Men do elfe-
where. And I do underftand, diat none doth meddle in thele Employ-
ments, but thofe that have not the Fear of God before their Eyes, and flicli
as do not ftand upon their Credit and Reputation in this Lite, nor their
Happinefs in the Life to come. An Informer is accounted the bafeft of Men
that are. Thofe that are accounted Rogues do fcorn to be Informers, that
being accounted a Degree worfe than they. I wifh you were but fenlible of
my great Grief and Trouble about this Bufinefs, and not me only, but your
Brothers and Sifters alfo. And I intreat you to write to me with what Speed
you can, to give me Satisfaftion, for I much long till I hear from you, and
am in continual Trouble till I hear you are of another Spirit. As you
tender my Comfort and Peace, mind what I fay, and fhall remain
" Tour Loving Mother,
" M. Player."
III. P U B L O E Meeting.
Nicholas Allen, at whofe Houfe the Meeting was
ufually held, had his Houfe feized on by the Officers
for a Fine of
/.
20
s.
o
d.
Carried over 20
Chap.
30.
of the People called QUAKERS.
603
Brought over
20
For being at Meetings at Piibloe, were
Taken from Jcfeph IFade, James Cotton^ John Knight,
and Richard fValler, Goods worth
Nalhanael Summers., George Feal, Thomas
Butcher, oi Chew-magna, snA Roger Cotton
IV. LONG-SUTTON Meeting.
Taken from John Burt, whole Doors the Spoilers broke
open
A'ice Gaylard, Edward Perries, and Thomns
Witcomh
Andrew Owfley and Jacob Turner
Charity Gaylard Widow, and IVilliam Copp
Jojeph Bull, Richard Plowman, and Joatie
Nowell
Anne Dabh, a poor Widow
Anne Gaylard 20 1. Robert Thomas 1 /.
Wtlliam Gees, William Burt, Robert Ford,
and William Kelway
}
1
s.
o
18
9
d.
o
S O M E R.
SET-
SHIRE.
1670.
28
7
Goods worth
4. Long-Sut-
/.
s.
d.
ton Meeting,
}
14
12
}
*7
I
4
30
2
22
12
}
14
la
15
21
}
18
8
8
152 8
The rapacious Informers, not fatisfied with the Seizure they had made on
Joane Nowell, came again with the Officers, arid took away the fmall Re-
mainder of her Goods, infultingly charging the Officers to clear the Houfe,
threatning to have them fined if they left any Thing. The like Spoil was alfo
made on William Kelway, who had all his Goods feized by Perfons who would
not produce any Warrant. The Seizure made on the Widow Dabb, was of
Cattle and Hay, the Property of her Fatherleis Children, to whom they were
left by their Father's Will -, but the mercilefs Informers regarded neither Right,
Title, nor Property, having no Compaffion on the Fatherlefs and the Widow.
The Diftrcfs made on Anne Gaylard, was for a Fine impofed on her Son, who
dwelt with her, but had no Property in the Goods, and fhe was not convifted
of being at the Meeting, fo that the Seizure was illegal. The Seizure of
PFilliam Gees\ Goods, was for his Son's being at a Meeting where himfelf was
not : He appealed to the Quarter Seffions, but obtained no Redrefs. Prom
Richard Nozvell, a poor Man, who dwelt in the Meeting- houfe, they took all
they could lay Hands on, ftripping even the Matts from off the Benches, and
throwing his Beer into the Street, that they might make Prize of the Barrel.
V. SOUTH- CADBURY Meeting.
Tiken from John Fever, of ^ieen's-Camel, Baker, Bread
out of his Oven, worth
Walter Fudge, of the fame
Michael Corpe, of North-Cadbury
William I) awes, oi South-Cadhury
Melcbizedec Fever and Jane Jehtt
Mary Langdon and Nicholas Pitman
William Adafus, of Cor ton, Deborah Higgins, of
Sparkford, and Edward Jacob, of Kemptcn
Goods worth
/. s. d.
5.South-Cad-
bury lAsewig.
31
o
9
3
26
o
12
5
10
5
o
o
o
o
o
72 9 o
One
6o4
S O M E R.
SET-
SHIRE.
1670.
If'arrMt for
Viftrefs.
A Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
One of the Warrants for Diftrefs was in the following Form, 'viz.
::W
H E R E A S Nicholas Pitman, of North-Cadbury in the County
aforefiid, Alice Cbifwick, of the fime, Anne Cooke and Frances
" Cooke, of the fame, Michael Corpe, of TVoolfton in the Parifh of North-
" Cadbury afbrefaid, and Edith Corpe, of the Hime, all of them being of
" the Age of fixteen Years old and upwards, and Subjefts of this Realm,
" were duly convifted before me, by the Oath of two credible WitnefTes, for
" being prefent at a Conventicle, on the 1 7th of this Inftant July, in the
" Houfe of Thomas IFhitehead, of South-Cadbury in the County aforefaid, where
" five Perfons and more were affembled together, contrary to the Form of the
" Statute in that Cafe made and provided. In Purfuance of which laid
" Statute I do impofe on each of them a Fine of five Shillings. Thefe are
" therefore, in his Majefty's Nam^, to will and require you, forthwith on Sight
*' hereof, to demand the Sum of five Shillings of each of them the laid
♦' Nicholas Pitman, Alice Chi/wick, Frances Cooke, Anne Cooke, Michael Corpe^
" and Edith Corpe, •wh]ch if they, or either of them, Ihall refufe or negledt
" to pay you, you are hereby authorized and required to levy the fame by
" Diilrefs and Sale of the Offender's Goods fo neglefting or refufing, rendring
•' the refpedive Owners the Overplus thereof, which faid Monies you are
" forthwith to pay to me to be difpofed of according to the faid Statute :
" And you are to make Return of this Warrant at Compton-pauncefoGt, on
" Monday the firfl Day of Augiijl next. And hereof fail not at your Perils.
»' Given under my Hand and Seal this 19th Day of July, Anno Dom. 1670.
" Robert Hunt."
, ^ The Officers made Return of this Warrant as thereby direcfled, but not
finding any Goods or Chattels of the faid Alice Chi/wick, Frances Cooke, Anne
Cooke, and Edith Corpe, they made Report of their Infolvency.
6. Crcwk-
herne Meet-
ing.
VI. CREWKHERNE Meeting.
Taken from Thomas Beard and Richard Lincoln
William Partridge and Benjamin Coggan
John ^ire, of Miflerton, and JVilliam Smith
Robert Chapell and Grace Brown, of Hajel-
borough
Robert Giles, TJoomas Paul, and Giles Weft,
of Ilminjier
Francis fVilkins and Elias OJhorne, of Clnl-
lington
Samuel Curtis, of Crewkherne
Richard Newberry, Jofiph Gillet, William
Ferris, and William Wilkins, all oi Hawk-
church in Dorfetjhire
Robert Curtis, of South-Perrot in Dorfetjhire
Katharine Dornford, of Higher-IQngcomb in
DorfetJIAre
Edward Coufins, for his Wife, on a falfc
Information
Jofiab Limbry, of Thorncomb in Devonjhire
Margaret Winter hay, of Scarborough
Samuel Paul, of Hafelborough
}
}
}
}
Goods worth
/.
s.
d.
35
6
30
4
8
2
17
8
3
16
3
4
ID
2
9
20
6
14
8
13
lOf
I
8
16
I
16
5
III
4
5i
Several
Chap. 30. of the People c^/W-^TA^ICHAs. "^^
Several Perfons, taken at Crfaj/^/j<?r«fM0ebig/d\?elfin^'iii other ^p^^^ SOMI^, li-
the Diftreffes on them Were made By Warrant 1rOnl fSift Juftice^of the -A^ffg
County where they dwelt, after his receiving a Certificate Irdm one oT tTie ^^;j^
Jiiftices of the Peace of the County wbei;e tl^e Mee^in^ ^?fir ^^^ ^""^"^ '^^ v_y^v"^\J
which Warrants may be feen by the folloWiiig C6]5^ of one of them, viz. ,(;. '...lua .«.
^^ Dorjetjbtre.
" William Floyer Efq-, one of his Majeftys'JiiJliccs of the Peace
" in and for thin County.
" To the fever al I'ithingmen of Wild-Court and ¥\\\y -hone in the
" Farifh of Hawkchurch, and to the ChurCh^ardmi and Overjeers
" of the Poor of the fame ParifJj, Thefe.
w
HEREAS I am credibly informed, by a Certificate under the Copy of a
Hand and Seal of William HeIliar,JiLfq; one of his Majeily's Juftices ''^'''"■'■'""
« of the Peace for the County of SomerfiffMt William PTiliiiu, William terris, ^fc7ruiltc
*' dind Mary Ferris his Wife, ail of your laid Parifli of BwMkcburch, were from another
*' lawfully convidted by the fxid William ntlliar Efq; for being at a Conven- dmiiy,
" tide in the Houfe oi Samuel Curtis in C^i\bkher7w,- on Wean efday the tenth
«' Dav of /f/(g-«/naft paft, I do thereupon, according to the 'Atft of Parliament
*« in that Cafe provided, impofe the feveral Sums ol five Shillings on each of
•' the faid feveral Perfons. Thefe are therqfore, in his Majefty's Name, to . tt
" authorize and require you, that fbrthwith'upon Sight hereof,' you levy the ^'"' ^^^iiift
«' Sum of five Shillings on the Goods and CJiattels qf every one of the b(;lbre-
mentioned Perfons convided as aforefaid, by Diftrefs a;nd Sale thereof. An,d
yoi
" Given under my Hand and Seal at Charinoutk in the faid County, tW^'zijd
«' Day of September, Anno mi. Caroli Secundi- tiunP AHrffe» ^c! V^.
'■'■ Anmq^^Bom. 1670. ■ • m,' ^^ ; ; uj ^;-,., .; - , <', ,n-w
Some of the Juftices were forward to communicate Intelligence of this Kind '^"'^
to the Magiftrates of other Counties, that lb none of this People might' efcape
the Penalty of the Law, who would not decline from their Religious Duty of
aflembling together to worfhip God. ^
VII. W Y T H E L L Meeting. ^ . ,,,Gopds . wertji :. Vvythsii-u
hXiziivg,
1 -1 ri-Goods worth
Taken from William Liddon^ of Wythell ,43 4 o ■•
Robert Ho'w, of Bramptnn-Re^is ' j"^'" " -• 5- ' «3 o '
William Thomas, ct Dukerton <"-- ' ' ^ ,^^'^-''^11 o
ati^Jt -••^•i. ■ •
The Encouragement at this Time given by fome Magiftrates to the In- Infomsrs
formers, was obvious in the following Inftance : There were two bafe Fellows, h'^ou'-'d by
Mudford and Lobb, who prac^ifed the Trade of Informing. Mudford had got -'"'"' M''"'
a Wench with Child in Sellivorthy Parilh, and being had before juftice Wind-
ham, was upon the point of going to Goal for lacTc of Sureties to indemnity
the Parilh •, but the Juftice loth to lofe fo ufeful a Man, found an Expedient
to help him, by ordering the Parifh-OfRcers to receive the Parts of feveral Fines,
which Mudford was to have had ; but that being too little, Lohb, to help his
Brother in Iniquity at a dead Lift, gave up his Part of the Fines alfo ■, and lb
railed 61. out of honeft Mens Goods, to keep the Rnfca! at Liberty to purfue
Vol. I. 7 O his
8. Burnham
Meeting.
J O.Taunton
Meeting.
^ Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
his old Trade, in which the Juftice fhewed them his Favour and Qjunte-
nance, palliating their notorious Immoralities by laying, that IVhatever they
•were in other Refpe£ls, ihey were honeji Men in that.
VIII. BURNHAM Meeting.
Taken from Henry Moore ^ of Burnham
Arthur Geoffrey.^ of South- Brent
Nicholas Keele, oS. Limpfham
John Brice, Anne HUbert, Robert Sutipn,
IViUiam Rogers^ Thojnas Gold, and Richard
Corpe
Richard Clarke, Richard Kngjbury, Jofiah
IVride, John Board, and John Coombe
William Harris and Thomas Smith, both of
Mark, and RichardGeofrey, oi South-Brent
Edward Laurence ind Andrew JVhitpot, both
of Axbridge, and Richard Kingjbury, of
Berrozv
Richard Clark of Powlett, John Brice of
Burnham, Thomas Whitport, and Richard
Stoodly
c\
Goods worth
/. s. d.
40 o o
6 16 6
960
\
286
250
}
120
II
9.Bridgwater
Meeting.
IX. BRIDGWATER
Meeting.
77
On the 29th of the Month called May 1670, as the following Perfons, viz.
Thomas Powel and Thomas Collins, of Middlezoy, John Sloco?nbe of Morlmd,
John Smith of Stathe, Hays Hilborne of North-Petherton, John Biillarn of the
fame, Nathanael Bloden of Gregory-Stoke, and James Pople of Stawell, were
pafTing intentionally to a Meeting at the Houfe of John Anderdon in Bridgwater,
'they were flopt by the Bayliff and Conftables, who demanded of them \ s.
each, and for refufing to pay it, fent them to Prifon.
X. TAUNTON Meeting.
Taken from John Alloway and Abraham Dickfon
Goods worth
/. s. d.
2 15 o
II. Gregory-
Stoke Meet'
ivg.
\
XI. GREGORY- STOKE Meeting.
Taken by Diftrefs for Meetings,
From Thomas Whitehead, of South-Cadbury, Thomas
Woolfry, of Beercroeomb, and John Gullock,
of IJle-Abbots
Thomas Powel, of Middlezoy, Thomas Cully, of ^
Gregory- Stoke, znd George Chilcutt, of North- P
Curry
Elizabeth Douch, Walter Bult, and Richard 1
Grabham J
Thomas Paul, Robert Giles, and Benjamin Chick, 7
all of ttminjter %
Elias Waymouth, of Taunton, Inn-keeper
Ellinor Combjlock, of Gregory-Stoke, Widow
John Smith and Thomas Hemberougb, for their
Wives
}
Goods worth
/. s. d.
2 4
»3
I
15
6
4
o
8
Carried over 36 14 »
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS,
607
Brought over
From Edward Berham, Samuel Powel, and John Roman
for his Wife
William Lea for himfelf and Fides his Wife
Gregory Ceely, Henry Smith, and Margaret Roberts
John Cuffe for himfelf and Anne his Wife
/.
s.
d.
S M E R.
36
14
2
S E T-
SHIREi
I
5
1670.
10
^-/~V^^
7
»3
12
58
tion:
more Charge for
Some of the Warrants^ authorizing thefe Diftrefles, were grounded oh falfe ^^f/'^!'.\- °^.^
Informations : The Informers fwore that T'homas Gully was at a Meeting at ^ '''■'^ ''' "
Time when he was fick in Bed, and died foon a/ter. They aifo charge
Gregory Ceelj upon Oath, of being at a iVIeeting where he was nor, and that
Adria his Wife was at the fame Meeting, when fhe had been dead twenty five
Years before. To falve this, after the Diftrefles were made, the Juftice's Clerk and
the Informers laid their Heads together, and alter'd the Record by erafing the
Name Adria, and putting in tlie Name Philippa, who was his prefent Wife,
though that alfo was falfe, tor fhe was not at the IVIeeting. They alfo fwore againft
William Lea the Younger, as being at a Meeting five Weeks after his Death.
When Edward Derham, being falfly informed againftj went to make his
Complaint to the Juftice, he found Hajward^ the Informer there, impudently
confronting him thus, If you will take the Oath of Allegiance you may be
excujed : Thus the Tender of the Oath was made ufe of by the wicked In-
formers to flifle the juft Complaints of thofe whom they had falfly accufed,
and to fecure themfelves from the Punifhment they deferved.
When John Romany who was no ^taker, was fined 60 /. for pefmltting them
to meet in his Houfe, though he himfelf was not at thofe Meetings, but occu-
pied the Houfe where they were ufually held. He appealed to the Quarter
Seflions, but inftead of obtaining any Redrefs, incurred 40/.
treble Cofts, being caft in his juft Appeal.
Thus the Informers fwore at random ; though when they were mof-e <^aUtious,
the Juftices would convi(ft on very flender Evidence ; for when an Informer
convidted John Cuffe and his Wife, he acknowledged that he did not fee them
at the Meeting, but fwore he faw them go into the Houfe, and afterward
into a Neighbour's Yard ; this Evidence was fufficient with Juftice Walrond to
convid: them, and order Diftrefs of their Goods.
In making Seizure on the Goods of Elias Wnymouth., an Inn-keeper of infoUm of
Taunton, for Fines for himfelf and twenty others being at a Meeting, z/iz. '»/'"■'"«"•
John Holejworth, William Clark, GeOrge IVay, William Edwards, Hannah
Pulley, Francis Harford, Robert Dyer, Robert Edwards, Grace Button^ Thomas
Bond, Edmund Bond, Agnes Coombe, John Smith and his Wifej Joane Ham-
lorough, Katharine Sweeting, Chriftibella Dolman, Shunamite Pack, Edward
Paleman, and Humphry Pope, the Informers afted in a moft infolent Manner^
breaking open the Doors, and prelenting a Piftol eOckt to his Bfeaft, telling
him, that was their Warrant.
It happened at a Meeting at Gregory-Stoke, on the 1 oth of the Month called
July this Year, that one Captain Lacey came with a Troop of Horfe to the
Meeting-place, and demanded the Names of the Friends prefent, but they
obferving him to fwear and curfe outragioufiy, did not believe him to be a
Juftice of the Peace, and therefore refuled to tell their Names ; v/hereupon he
took away fixteen of them, •vi'z. 'Thomas Plaice,, Roger Nott, John Noll, Richard
Cooper, Jojepb Cole, William Day, John Anger, William Elliott, Williatii Salway^
Thomas Stone, William Gravett, Jonathan Collier, M'^illmm Dare, Owen Henry,
JohnSlocomb, and one other, and carried them Prifoners to North- Pclherton,
where being certainly informed, that this fwearing HeSior was invcfted with
the Authority of a Juftice, they told him their Names. He then tendred them
thtj Oatli of Allegiance, and committed them to Prilbn. This was done at
the
i 6 Commlttei
by a fxvutirig
6o8
SOME R.
SET-
SHIRE.
1670.
Cbirt^ler of i.
perfecutiiig
Priefl.
Moving Ctfe
of i four
Widon.
12. Middle-
7oy i/leeting.
Hummer
Meeting.
..'•n,:.'3>I
^ CoUeftion of the Sufferings Vol, I.
the Inftigation of one Hcwett, Prieft of North-Petherlon, a Man fo imbitter'd
aoainft Non-conformijls, that he endeavoured to prevent any ot them from
working in his Parifli, but witiul fo unguarded in the Duties of his Office,
that he publickly in the Sceeple-houfe, pronounced one John Dabin excommu-
nicate, without any Authority from the Bifhop or any Ecclefiaftical Court.
Thus tlie prophane Jdlice, and the flupid Prielf, afted in Concert to imprifon
the Innocent. At die next Quarter Seffions, neither the Caufe of their Appre-
henfion, {viz. iVleeting) nor the Caufe of their Commitment (viz. the Oatb)
were objected againft them, but they were indided for a Riot, and by a
Jury made up of Apparitors, and others fubfervient to the Purpole of the
Court, were brought in Guilty, fined five Marks each, and returned to Prifon
till Payment. One of them, Owen Henry, through Weaknefs and Inftability,
procured his Liberty by Payment of the tine, but afterward expreflej great
Trouble and Uneafinefs of Mind for his having fo done.
The Cafe of Joane Coombe, an aged poor Widow oi' Gregory-Stoke, at whofe
Houfe the Meeting then was held, was exceedingly moving : She had feveral
Times been fined 20 1, upon the Oaths of thofe hardened Informers, Hayxard
and Hurt, who came with fome Parifli-Oificers, armed with a Warrant from
Juftice IValrond, in the Month called February, to her Koufe, and feized on
all Ihe had, taking an Inventory thereof, even to the Bed on which fhe lay
fick, the whole amounting but to about 61. Soon after this, by another
Warrant, they took the poor Woman, not yet recovered of her Sicknefs, and
carried her before the laid Juftice TVahond, who committed lier to Ilchejler
Goal. She had a Daughter, a poor helplefs Girl, about eighteen Years of
Age, but fo weak, both in Body and Intellefts, as to be utterly incapable of
providing for herfelf, and through this Cruelty toward her Mother, was left
to the Parifh, the poor W^oman recommending her to the Care of .the Officas,
when fhe herfelf was carried away to Prifon.
XII. MIDDLEZOY Meeting.
Taken from Edward Warner, John Parfons, John Tomp-
fon, and Thomas Collins, all of Middlezoy
"Thotnas Powel of the fame, at leaft
\
Goods worth
/. s. d.
40
13
o
44 i3
The faid Thomas Powel, being fined 20/, to prevent Informers from devour-
ing the Subftance of his Creditors, returned to them fome Part of his Shop
Goods before the Seizure, by which, though the Informers were difappointed
of fome of their intended Prey, yet his Lofs was at leaft 40 /.
XIII. HUMMER Meeting.
Taken from John Allen, of Bridginton
Roje Pittard, John Goodfon, John Waterman,
: 'llt'j ; Jafper Stokes, Mary Stokes, and Anne
)hotl \Raymond
Goods worth
/. s. d.
2^ o o
51
(if--'
More Dif-
trejfes.
Befide the many DiftrefTes before mentioned, were alfo taken for attending
religious Meetings in this County, within the prelent Year,
Goods worth
/. s. d.
From John Cole, Tljomas Stone, William Cooke, and ?
Richard Plaice, all of Shapwick ,..■•.;■- !^
»9
Carried over
19
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
669
Brought
over
From lViUtai)i Pearce and John King, both of Chillhoni,
and 'Thomas Platte, of Editigton
Lucy Higgins, of Tarlington
Richard Nowel, of Long-Sutton
John Plumley, John Toung, and George Plumley
James Plumley, John Gullock, Walter Bult, and
John Dorman
The Amount of the Diftrefles, herein before fpecified
to have been made this Year, is
}
•/.
s.
d.
S M E r;
I
19
8
SET-
SHIRE.
1 1
6
1670.
18
^w/'V^feJ
t
b
I
10
2
2
8
I
2
934
12
lOl
onmsnu
On the 22d of the Month called June this Year, Thomas Bud J, a faithful -O^'"^ »/
Man, having been a Prifoner at Ilchefler about eight Years and toiir Months, X" ^"^^^
Under Sentence of Premunire, departed this Life in much Peace, declaring fome "Ullif"'^
Hours before his Death, That he had renewed his Engaget)ients and 'Covenants
ivith God, and was therein well fatisfied, and exprefied a firm Hope and Belief,
that God would fupport him as in Life, fu in Death, with the right Hand of his
Righteoufnefs. He alfo rejoyced and praifed God, that his Children did walk
in the Way of the Lord.
On the 8th of the Month called July, Abraham Dickfon and John Alway
were fent to Prifon by the following Mittimus, viz.
<c
Somerjet fs;
tt
IHereWithal fend yoii the Bodies of John Alway^ and Abraham Dickfoni Mittimus ojf
both of Taunton- Magdalen in the County aforefiid, who were brought J- Alway ani
before me this prefent Day, and fland accufed for that they have not A. Dicitfon.
fome Years paft come to their Parifh-Church, nor received the holy
Communion or Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and whereas they have
refufed to take the Oath of Allegiance unto our Sovereign Lord the
King, the fame being duly tendred them ; Thefe are therefore, in his
Majefty's Name, to charge and require you forthwith on Sight hereof^ to
receive the faid John Alway and Abraham Dickfon into your Goal, and theiri
fifely to keep in your faid Goal until the next Alfizes and General-Goal-
Dclivery, to be held for the County aforefaid, then and there to anfWer the
Premifcs, and to be dealt with according to Law. Given under my Hand
and Seal at Chipley, the 8th Day oi' July, in the 22d Year of his Majefty's
Reign. Annoq; Dom. 1670.
9o the Keeper of his Majeflfs
Goal at Ilchefter, or to his
fufficient Deputy. Thefe.
" Edward Clark;"
They Were accordingly comrnitted to Prifon, and at the Affizcs held the
next Month at fVells, had Sentence of Prefnunire paft upon them for refufing
to take the Oath of Allegiance.
On the 26th of the Month called Augufl, Samuel Clothier died a Prifoner,
having fuffered at feveral Times, ten Years and three Months Imprifonment
lor not paying Tithes, which he efteemed an Antichriftian Impofitinn. He
linifhed his Life and Teftimony in Peace with God, and left a good Savour
behind him. Several Perfons were fined, and fuffered Diftrcis o\ their Goods
for being at his Burial at Alford. Robert Hunt, a Juftice, calling their Meeting
Vol. I. 7 P on
Semente of
Premunire.
Death of
S. Clothiers
6io
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1670.
Dilireffes for
going 10 thi
Fuxenl of
S. Clothier.
^ Colle<a:ion 0/ the Sufferings A^ol. I.
on that Occafion a Conventicle, though nothing was fpokcn at the Grave, but
all filent. For their being prelent at this Funeral, were taken
From Joane ClotJner, Widow of the deceafed, for her-
felf and Son Samuel, and two Relations
Ahraham Clothier, Brother ot the deceafed, for
himfelf and feverai others
Sufan Annjled^ Widow ,
i
I
■7
J7
d.
Several of the Neighbours alfo, who were not ^takers, were fined for
going to the Burial, and paid their Fines to prevent the Seizure of their Goods.
De.nh of On the 2 i ft of December, Thomas Parfons of Portijhead, and John Spoore, of
T. Pailbns. Pfirbury, were committed to Prifon, where the faid Thomas Parfons died about
three Months after. He was a faithful and valiant Man, who kept his Hotife
open for Religious Meetings, in the moji dangerous Times, and maintained his
Teflimony to the Truth through many Imprifonrnents and Spoiling s of hii Qofds^
abiding firm unto the End, and finijhing his Courfe with Joy.
Imprifonrnents In this Year the following Pcrlbns were committed to Prifon at Ilchejl^r for
jor Jitbes. refufing to pay Tithes, viz. Andrew Owfley, Edward Perries, and Robert
Bantcn, at the Suit of John Strode, of Long-Sutton, Impropriator : John Cary^
at the Suit of Thomas Earl, Prieft of Alford : Richard Counfel of Badgnortht
at the Suit of Mciry Smith, the Prieft's "VS^idow : Robert Thomas of Long-Sutton,
at the Suit of John Strode, Impropriator : John Coate, at the Suit of Samuel
Tilly, Prieft of KingJlury : Alargaret Gngory and John King, at the Suit of
Edward Jacob, Prieft o^ Wefl-Liddiford : John Smith oi Gregory-Stoke, at the
Suit of George Baulbwell, Tithe-farmer : Arthur Geofry and Richard Geofry,
of South-Brent : IVtlliam Lyddon of fVythell, at the Suit of John HiMacrey
Tithe-farmer.
ANNO 1 67 1. John Hilberl, of Burnham, was imprifoned for Tithes, at
the Suit of Thomas Mompe£on, Impropriator ; As was Robert How, of Ki/i^s-
Brampton, at the Suit of Thomas Dike, Impropriator : Which Thomas Dike
afterward, when on his Death-bed, troubled in Mind -for what he had done,
to demonftrate his Repentance, releafed the laid Robert How from his Ini-
prifonment.
Alfo Elias OJhorn and Elizabeth Perian, of Chillington, were imprifoned at
the Suit of John Paidett, Impropriator : James Pople, at the Suit of JVtUiam
Bull o[ Shapwick : And Walter Hodges di Kingfhury, on a Writ de Excommuni-
cato capiendo, at the Suit of IVtlliam Strode, Impropriator.
ANNO 1672. Taken this Year by Diftrefs, for Tithes,
From John Clark, of Grinton, Goods worth
Henry Clothier
Gregory Cecly
30 9 6
Impr'ffonmems Tloomas Gtdly was this Year imprifoned for Tithes, at the Suit of John Ellis
for Tithes. and John Stallington, Impropriators : For the fame Caufe John Andrews fuffcrcd
Imprifonment : As did -Thomas Combe in the Caftle of Taunton.
Hekifi of In this Year the following Pcrfons, by the King's Letters Patent, were re-
VrifoncTs. leafed from their Imprifonment in Hchcfler Goal, where many of them had
been long confined and endured much Hardfhip, viz. IVtlliam Beaton, Samuel
Scott, John Leverick, John Fudge, John Slade, Samuel Trent, John Anderdon,
Thomas Plaice, William Day, tVilliam Salway, Richard Cooper, Roger Nott,
John Nott, John Cole, Andrew Elliott, John Holcombe, Tlmnas Stone, IVil^m
Dare, William Grarcett, John Anger, Jonathan Collier, Owen Henry, John Smith,
7 1
oan
A relenting
Frofecutor.
Tr'ifoners for
Tithes.
Diftrejfes for
Tithes.
I.
s.
d.
2
8
6
10
21
1 1
6
Chap. 30. of the People called Q^h^hMS^ 61 »
'John Adams, John Collinsy Jojeph Pearce^. William Rnchcs Jcbn 'DeiMry, 'Rice SOMCR-
Morris, George Clafp, Nalbanael Piirke, John Canj., ^Ql'^S'-iirMi, ■Him Par- ^ %^yc--
Ions, Henr\ Turner, Henry Lambert, Thomas S.rarey, IVilliam Leakefi 'MAT'^bi'as ^^/J^^'
1673.
Jons, Henry Turner, Henry Lambert, Thomas Su-iiirey, IVilliam Leakes-y
{■Veils.- ' Ti;: ?.v.v \ i;:M i;..;" .
ANNO 1673. Thomas Plaice was fehc to Prifbn fofbeJftg ar aMeeting ; "^^owkT
he was alfo fined 20/. and Jiad his Goods diflraincd for the lame. ''S'l'"' tor alee img.
ANNO 1674. Jane Lojcrmb, M^'^Scoi Thomas Lofcrmtb, o\' ^m)fS-C4msf, ^ r r f fi
was fined 5/. for refufing to Swear on the Trial of a Thivjf, who haci flolen her /^2. '^
Hufband's Goods. Alfo Margaret Ham, Wife of John Hfim, of Hari.'fpiilf- ior '. .;, ':
abfenting herfelf from the National Worlhip, was committed to Pnfori by a f?'' /?f*^jl
"Warrant granted by IVilliam Fane, a Prieil, who was alfo a Jiilticc of the JP^ace. i^ck iVcrjhip.
ANNO 1675. John Cole, Elizahetb Coleman, JVUliamTilrmr, Mary 'GHeSy ,-
John Sweet, Sarah Hart, Henry Crofs, and Anne Mart&jv,' having been imprii- %irl„i^l,
foned for Meeting, were difcharged at the Seffions in Bath, on the 2d of Ovleber
this Year. •
For a Meeting, held on the 24th of November, at the Houfe of Natbamd Diftreff'es for
Atwood in IVivelfcomb, were taken by Diftrefs from the faid Nalbanael Atwood, ^^'^'"'S-
IViUiam JVarre, Laurence Davis, Edward Pole, ard Gregory Eenifon, to the
Value of 38/.
In this Year the Widow of Philip Tyler-, of W/illon, was fined for being A iHdow
prefent at the Burial of her Hufband, and fuff^'ered Dilfrefs of two Cows worth 9 /. fi"^'^ i'".
Alfo about thirty two other Perfons were fined for being at the fame BunaJ, fj^iblvi'^
and had taken fiorn them in Cattle, Corn, and other Goods, to the Value ra-.eul. Alfo
of 82/. and upwards. The Warrant lor thofe DiftrelTcs was granted by ^z others lor
Francis Pawlett Jutlice, who, when no other Perfons would buy the diftrained *''''5 ■*' '^«
Cattle, fent Men to buy them for himfelf. ^^^''
On the 21 ft of the Month called July, John Anderdon, for refufing to take Preraunirt.-l
the Oath of Allegiance, had Sentence of Pre?minire pad upon him by Judge
Rainsford.
ANNO 1676. On the icth o{ Nov ember, on Information of a Meeting
at the Houfe of William Beaton in Puddtmore- Milton, fevcral Pcrlbns had their
Goods taken away by Warrant from Robert Hunt, Juitice, as follows, viz.
/. s. d.
From the kid William Beaton, to the Value of 16 o o Pidrefes for
Thomas Martin, of Chilton
Thomas Mitchel, oi' Compton
John Martin, of Brewton, and Samuel Scott, of Ilcheftef
William Collins, oi Telverton, and Melchizedcc Fever
35 3 8
ANNO 1678. JohnWhiting,dt Naylfcy, was profecuted in the Bifliop's Frc/eatuov of
Court at Wells, at the Suit of Edward Ancketyll, Priell of Wraxall artd Nayl/ey, J- Whicing.
for Tidies of the yearly Value of about 20 s. Tlie Parfon's Charge, as exhibited
againfl him in a Schedule given into Court, was as follows, viz.
A Copy of the Schedule.
IMPRIMIS, The faid John Whiting had held and pofTefTed in tlie ccpy of th
laid Parilh of {l^raxall and Tithabk-places thereof, the Yeai-s and Months Schedule
" libellate, all or fome of them, feven Acres of Ground, which he fowed or "i""'"!^ ''''"'
«' caufed to be fown widi Wheat, each Acre yielding five Hundred Bufhels,
*' each Bufhel worth 8 s. and the Tithe after that Rare.
" Item. The faid John Whiting had in the faid Parifli eight Acres of
♦' Ground, which hefowcd or caufed to be fown with Oats, eacii Acre yi^^ld-
" ing eight Hundred Bufhels, and each Bulliel worth 4^. 6d. and the Tithe
" after tliat Rate.
" I/em.
/.
s.
d.
16
Piflrefts
6
6
8
Meeting.
10
G
I
11
I
5
6l2
A Colle(5lioh of the Sufferings Vol. 1.
S O M E R-
S E T-
SHIRE.
1678.
Notes on the
t'aljJiooi of
this Procedure.
" Iteffi. The faid John Whiting had five Acres of Ground, which he fowed
" with Barley, each Acre yielding four Hundred Bufliels, and each Bufliel
" worth 5^.
' ' Itan. The faid John Whiting was and is an Inhabitant and Parifhioner of
'' and in Wraxall aforefaid, and ought to receive the Sacrament of the Lord's
" Supper yearly at Eafter, and ought to pay the Parfon, or his Affigns, the
" Sum of 6d. in Money, at the Fcafl of Eajier yearly."
Note. According to this Schedule the whole Corn, tor one Tear, came
to 3340/. and the Tithe of it to 334/. But if for two Years, the Time they
libell'd for, the whole Corn muft come to 66S0/. and the Tithe to 668/.
Whereas in Truth the faid John fVhiting had not a Grain either of Wheat or
Barley, and all the Corn he had growing was worth but about 10/. and the
Tithe of it came to about 20 J.
Hence we may obferve, how juftly applicable to fuch rxclefiaflical Pro-
ceffes, the Words of the Poet are^
-Fugere pudor, venimqiie fidefque^
J. Whiting
impriftned.
An Account of
the Prifmiers
tt Ilchefter.
In quorum fubiere locum fraudefque dolique,
Iftfidicaque (^ vis, & amor feeler at us babendi.
Englifhed thus.
Faith, Truth, and Modefty, from thence are fled, ")
Fraud, Force, Deceit, and Treachery fucceed, >
With wicked Love of Lucre in their Stead. j
For refufing to anfwer to his Adverfary's Libel upon Oath, the fiid John
Whiting was excommunicated, and on the 28th of tlie Month called Junef
early in the Morning, was arrefled in his own Houfe, and carried the fame Day
to Ilchefter Prifon, being about thirty Miles. He was put into the SherifPs
Ward, by the River Side, over againft the Common Goal, where he found
feveral others of his Friends alfo Prifoners, as were more of them in a Place
called the Friery at the other End of the Town, fome cf whom had been there
many Years for refufing to pay Tithes, as by his following Account of them,
and of the Times of their feveral Commitments appears, viz.
in Oolober 1666, John Sage o{ Chewton-Mendip, aged about eighty Years,
at the Suit of Anne Kingfmill, Widow and Impropriatrix.
In the Month called Auguft 1670, Marmaduke Coate of Hambridge, at the
Suit of Robert Banbury, Impropriator.
In November 1670, Arthur Geofry of South-Brent, at the Suit of William
Plumley, Thomas Brigham, and Willougbby Line Spinfter, Impropiiators.
In the Month called April 1673, Gregory Ceely of North-Curry, at the Suit
of Robert Hill, Tithe-farmer.
In the Month c^Wtd January 1670, William Liddon oi Wylhell, at the Suit
of John Hillacre, Tithe- farmer.
On the 24th of the Month called March, i6y2-4> Thomas Browning of
Limington, at the Suit of Matthew Braine, Prieft.
On the 28th of the Month cdW&d March 1674, Jatnes Pople of Stawel, at
the Suit of Henry Bull, Impropriator.
In December 1674, John Denny of Wefton-Zoyland, on an Excommunication,
at the Suit of William Powel, Impropriator.
In the Month called Januar'j 1674, Jeremy Powel of Michael Creech, on an
Excommunication, at the Suit of John Gale; Prieft.
In the Month called April iSy^, Williafn Ford of Curry- Mallet, at the Suit
of Thomas Beak, Prieft: John Wride, Robert Button, John Brie e, and Robert
Start, of Burnbajn, by Jultices Warrant, for Contempt in not appearing at
the Bifhop's Court on Procelfes for Tithes, at the Suit of Robert Collier, Prieft
cf
Chap.
30.
of the People called QUAKERS.
613
of Chard : And Edward Silcock of PFefton-Juper-Marei on an Excommunication,
at the Suit of Samuel fVillan, Prieft of fFefton and Kcwftoke.
In 1675, John Parjons of Middlezoy, on an Excommunication, at tlie Suit
of PFilliam Powel., Impropriator.
In the Month called January 1675, John Chappell of Work, on an Excom-
munication, at the Suit oi Samuel IVillan, Prieft oi' Kewjloke.
In the Month called March 1676, Roberl fVilh of Chijjelborough, at the Suit
of Prieft Gauler.
In the Month called 7.'//)' 1676, Thomas Powel of Grealon, on an Excom-
munication, at the Suit of IVilliam Powel, Impropriator.
In the Month called Augujl \6j6, Eleanor Powel, at the Suit of Prieft Collier
of Grinton.
In September 1676, William Goodridge and Samuel Sayer, of Ranwell^ at the
Suit of Jacob Crofman, Prieft.
In the Month called January }6y6, Edmund Chappell, of Work, at the Suit
of Prieft Willan aforefaid.
In the Month called March 1677, John Pople of Edington, at the Suit of
Henry Bull, Impropriator.
In November i^TJt Tloomas Hurd of Somerton, at the Suit oi Henry Crane,
Tithe-farmer.
In the Month called />^r«rtry 1677, Thomas Marlin of ChiUcn-Dormer, at
the Suit of John Stuckey, Prieft.
In September i6y8, Henry Gundry of Street, on Juftices Warrant for Con'
tempt in not appearing at the Bifhop's Court, at the Suit of Jofeph Ghuivili
Prieft of Rath.
In the Month called May j6yg, George Allen of Naylfey, and Sa?nuel Hip/ley
of Yatton, upon a Procefs at Common Law, at the Suit of the Lord Pawlett,
Befide thofe already mentioned, there had been imprifoned for Tithes, Ibme
Years before John Whiting'^ Comm.itment, John Coate, John Smith, Thomas
Ridiout of Mark, and Walter Hodges of Ktngfiury : Alfo Lucy Traverfe, an
ancient Widow, who being lor fome Time at her Daughter's Houfe in ^een's-
Camel, was profecuted for a Demand of 2d. for Eafier- Offerings by one Kitley,
Prieft of that Parifh, and caft into Prifon, where flie died a Prifoner on the
25th of the Month called March 1674, yielding up her Life in a free and
faithful Teftimony againft the Antichriftian Yoke of fuch luperftitious Impo-
fitions.
About September 1678, Chrijlopher Bacon, of Sutton, was imprifoned at
Bridgwater by William Macey, one of the Magiftrates of that Town, for Tithes
faid to be due to the Corporation : He was kept clofe confined in a very cold
Room in the Common Prifon, Macey, his Profecutor, laying, He JJjoidd abide
there until he did eat the Boards of the Loft, and through the Extremity of
Cold he fuffered much, till he became very fick, when with much Difficulty
his Wife was admitted to go in and out to adminifter to him : When he was
grown fo weak, that it was thought he would have died there, they turned him
Out ; but he never perfeftly recovered his Health after, but remained in a weak
State of Body about two Months, and then died on the 29th of December,
being about fifty five Years of Age : The aforefaid John Whiting, who well
knew him, gives this Account of him, viz. " That he was much fpent with
*' lurd Labour, Travels, and Sufferings for the Gofpel's Sake, and the Tefti-
" mony of it ; that there was a frefh Appearance of the Lord's Power and
" Prefence with him to the laft, fo that he was a good Savour to them that
' ' were about him."
For a Meeting at Glaflonbury, on the 25th of December 167S, was taken
/. s. d.
From Peter Goole, of Mark, an Heifer worth 300
Richard Goole, an Heifer worth 250
William Harris t of Mark, Goods worth o 14 o
SOME R'
SET-
SHI RE.
1678.
Dnth of
L. Traveta.
lmpfifo>ms>it
of C, Bacon
for Tithes,
His Deitb
and Chxriitcft
Vilirefes for
Itleitivg*
Vol. I.
7 CL
Car. over
19
6i4
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. L
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
167S.
fhits for
Meeting.
Tithe) of
Corn, &c.
Excommmi'
cation and
Dijire/fis for
Abfeiice from
the publick
Worjbif.
Xeprefemation
of the Pri.
joners Cafe to
the ^uiges of
Brought over
From Nathanael Brian^ of Douhing^ four Heifers worth
Jonathan Nichols, ;i Cow and an Heifer worth
Abrahain Clothier, about eighty Yards of Cloth worth
Thomas Heath, a Cow worth
John Clothier, two Oxen worth
Henry Clothier, two Steers worth about
/.
5
9
5
4
4
1 1
6
19
5
15
5
o
lO
10
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
47
John Clark and Robert Clark, of Grinton, were fined each 3 /. 5 j. for
being at tlie Meeting laft mentioned.
For a Meeting held in the Abbey Kitchen at Glaflon, Thomas Shepherd and
Henry Gnndry were fined tor themfelves, and the pretended Poverty of Jafper
Batt, who preached there, 3 /. 55. each •, and William Hulelt, Hannah Haynesy
Anne Pollett, Henry Reeves, Elizabeth Hidett, Dorothy Shepherd, Anne Reeves,
John Pallet, Robert Gnndry, Rachel Gnndry, Julian Nichols, Williatn Shepherd^
and Anne Scott, 5 s. each : And by a Warrant from the fime Juftice to the
Officers of Chilton, Cicely, Wife of Edward Cha?npion, was fined 5 /. 5 j. and
George Godfrey and Hannah Pill, 5 s. each.
ANNO 1679. Taken in this and the two preceding Years, from diverfe
of thofe Friends before mentioned, while they were in Prifon, Corn, Cattle,
and other Goods, for Tithes -, as alfo from feveral others, whole Names in
the Index annexed may be diftinguilhed by referring to this Page, amounting
to 94 /. 10 s. 8d.
John Allen, of 7~eovil, was excommunicated for Abfence from the National
Worfhip ; and for the fame Caufe, John Clothier had his Plough-lhare and
Coulter taken from him ; alfo John Dory and John Tucker, of Blagden,
George Pearce of IVinfcomb, and Timothy Willis of Rowborough, had Goods taken
from them worth i /. 6 s.
"Ihomas Dickinfon, for being at a religious Meeting, was fined 5/. lOi. And
for the fxme Caufe John Clothier, of Eajl-Liddiford, and Henry Gurniry and
William Hulelt, of Street, had their Goods taken by Diftrels, to the Value
of 19/.
ANNO 1680. At the Summer Aflizes, a Lift of the People called
f^iakers, then imprifoned at Ilchefler, was prefented to the Judges, with the
following State of their Cafe, viz.
<' To Judge North and Judge Jones, Jujlices of the Afiize, to be
" holden at Wells for the County of Somerfet.
" The Humble Reprefentation of feme of the Grievances of the People called
" Qjj A K E R s, who are now Sufferers in Ilchefter Prifcn, in the County
" aforefaid, for their Confcience toward God.
" S H E W E T H,
THAT the Sufferers do believe, and are fully perfuaded, and that of
God, that Jejiis Chrijl hath ofixrred himfelf up by the Eternal Spirit,
the one Offering for all, and hath put an End to the Levttical Priefthood,
Tithes and Offerings, which were under the Law, and is become an Ever-
lafting Fligh-Prieft, and Teacher of his People, and doth freely difpenfe of
his Heavenly Gifts and Gr.ices unto the -'■ons and Daughters of Men, of
which the Lord in his Everlafting Love hath made us Partakers, Praifes
to his Name for ever : And we mull confefs, that Chrift is come in the
Flefh, and is become the Minifter of the Sandluary, and of the true Tabernacle,
that God hath pitched and not Man, and fo cannot continue or any longer
"• uphold
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
" uphold the Payment of Tithes, which was under the Law. Neither can
" we Swear for Confcienceiake, it being contrary to the Law of God written
" in our Hearts by his own Eternal Spirit, and ;is it is written in the Scriptures
*' of Truth. And we are obliged to worfhip God in that Way as he hath
*' perfuaded us, and wherein we have found Acceptance Irom him, which
*' is in the Spirit and in the Truth. And as the Lord hath called and vifited
" us Cvith his Everl.ifting Love, fo there is a Neceffity upon us to confefs
" Chrift before Men, left he fhould deny us before our Father which is in
" Heaven.
" For which we have many of us, for many Years, fuffered Bonds and
" Impriibnments, and many of our Friends and Brediren have died in Prilon,
*' chufing rather to fuffer for the Teftimony of a good Confciencc, than to fin
" againft God, and fo lofe our Peace with him, being perfuaded that no Man
" whatfoever can bear us out, or acquit us in the Sight of God, if we fin
" againft the Law and Light ot Chrift in our Confcience.
" Therefore we defire, that our long Grievances in this Behalf, may be
'' duly confidered and removed, that fo the Opprefied may go free, which
" is a weighty Matter, and that you would either eafe us, or reprefent our
" fuffering Cafe to the King, who hath Power to relieve the Opprefled :
" And the Lord God put it into his Heart to do that which is well-pleafing
" in his Sight, which will be for his Honour and Peace. And we are the
♦' more perfuaded that fomething may be done for our Relief and Releafe,
*' becaufe the King hath often promifed Liberty to tender Confciences, and
*' becaufe our Caufe is jufb, and well known to the Lord, and that we are
a peaceable People, we truft the Lord will plead it, who knows that our
Sufferings are not of any covetous Mind or Practice, or out of any Stub-
bornnels, or Contempt of the King's Laws :, but only and alone for our
Confcience toward God do we fufter, unto whom we can appeal, who is
the Searcher of all Hearts, who knows our Innocency.
" And therefore we hope he will put it into the Hearts of them that have
Power to relieve us, or that he will endue us with Patience longer to
fuffer, rather than to lofe the Anfv/er of a good Confcierxe, which is
Peace with God in whom we truft : And we do believe, that it is his Will
that his People Ihould be eafed of their Oppreffions and Grievances that reft
on them for their Conlcience toward God, unto whom we commit our
Caufe, defiring your due Confideration thereof ; and that you would a6t
tor God and his People, while you have Power and Opportunity put into
your Hands, knowing that we muft all give an Account unto God, who
judgeth rightcoufly, and will reward all them that tear him, and work
Righteoufnefs."
615
((
cc
(C
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
16S0.
Thus in Chrifiian Meeknefs they reprefented their Grievances, waiting in
Patience till it fhould pleafe God to incline the Hearts of thofe in Audiority
to grant them Relief.
In or about the Month called July this Year, John Plumlcy, James Plumley,
Charles Plumley, and John I'oung, for abfenting themfelves from the National
Worfhip, fuftered by Diftrefsof Goods, to the Value of i /. 15^. by Warrant
from John Bailey the Biftiop's Chancellor, and Francis PawleU, Juftices ct the
Peace,
For a Meeting at Gregory-Stoke^ John Cuffe, John Pinny, Francis Scott,
and John Coate, were fined 1 o /. each, for which the two former had their
Goods feized, and Warrants were iffued againft the others.
Remarkable in this Year was the Cafe of Robert Jbbot!, an Inn-keeper of
Ilchejier. It was ufual for the People called ^takers to have once in a Quarter
of a Year, a Meeting at IlcheJlcr for their Church-Aftairs, and the making
Provifion for their Poor, which Meeting they fomcrimes held at the Friery,
where many of their Friends were Prilbners. In September this Year they
came from feveral Parts of the County, in order to fuch a Meeting, but Henry
fFalrorJt
Diflrejfes for
ylbfenci from
tbi Nj-tioiul
Fines for
Meetii:g.
I{emirkil>le
Caji of R.
Abbott, Jisn-
kapir.
6i6
somer-
set-
Shire.
1680.
Execution for
Tithes.
Diftre/fes.
Mprifonments
for Tithes.
Jiemtrlable
Cafe of T.
Hymans.
^ CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Walrond, a Juftice of the Peace and Captain of a Troop of Horfe, prevented
them, by caufing the Doors of the Friery to be lockt, fo that neither could
the Prifoners go out, nor their Friends come in, for which Reafon they were
obhcred to go to the George Inn, being the Houfe of the laid Robert Abbotty
wiiere many of their Horfes were : There they held their Meeting, the Men in
one Room, and the Women in another. But though there was neither preaching
nor praying at that Time, yet the faid Juftice IValrond fined the faid Robert
Abbott 40/. for two Meetings in his Houfe, and iffrted a Warrant to diftrain
his Goods, which was done, but Abbott, to prevent their being carried away,
paid down the Money, and appealed to the Quarter Seflions, the Charge of
which Appeal came to about 20/. more. He was there caft, fo that the
whole Charge amounted to about 60 /. Abbott was not a ^laker, but a civil
friendly Man, and thofe who met at his Houfe, would not let him be a Sufferer
for entertaining them, but repaid him his Fine and Colts.
ANNO 1 68 1. William Goodridge had taken from
him, on an Execution tor Tithes, Cattle worth
From Robert Gee, John Bull, and Robert Banton, all
of Sutton, was taken Corn worth
From Samuel Clotlner and John Gary, ot Alford
From Henry Scrafe, John Clothier, and John Beard,
all of Eaji-Liddiford^ to the Value of
From Gregory Ceely, John Davis, Gabriel Davis, and
Samuel Hipjley, of North-Curry, and Jafper Batt of Street
I.
'^o
70 17
On the loth of November, John Wride, and Robert Tut ton, of Burnham,
formerly in Prifon for Tithes, Were again committed to Prifon, at the Suit of
Thomas Mompejfon, Impropriator.
John Plumley, Charles Plumley, James Plumley, and John Toung, for Abfence
from the Natfonal Worfliip, had Goods taken from them in this Year, at
feveral Times, to the Value of 2 /. i s.
Remarkable in this Year was the Cafe of Thomas Hymans, of Bridgwater in
this County, who having been robb'd on the Highway of 17/. 155. appeared
at the Affizes at Glocefter to give Evidence againft the Perfons that robb'd
him : But the Judge might not, in that Caie, accept his Evidence without an
Oath, and he, for Confcicnce-fike, refufed to Swear.
Of his feveral Times of appearing before Judge Levinz, on this Occafion,
take the following Account :
At his FIRST Appearance.
The faid Thomas Hymans coming into Court with his Hat on, after fome
Time the Judge ordered his Hat to be taken off, and aflit him. Whether he
would Swear to the Indioiment ?
Hymans. No, becaufe 'tis contrary to the Command of Chrifl to Swear.
The Judge then urged the Mofaical Law, and pleaded for the Lawful-
nels of Swearing.
Hymans. A greater than Mofes is come, the great Lawgiver, whom all
arc to hearken unto : And the Voice which was heard in the Mount, faid.
This is my beloved Son, in all Things hear ye him, who faith, Swear not at all.
Then ftanding up to give Evidence, he was not admitted, but his Evidence
rejecled : Upon which he went out of the Court.
At his SECOND Appearance.
The Judge ordered the Oath to be tendred him.
Clerk. Lay your Hand on the Book.
Hymans. I will not.
Clerk. The Evidence you /hall give between our Sovereign Lord the King and
the Prifoners at the Bar, jhall be the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but
the Truth.
Hymans.
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 617
Hymans. I will not Swear, but I will teftify the Truth, as in the Prefence SOMER.
SET-
SHIRE.
of God
Judge. Take h'un away Coaler. "'fis'^
I'hen he w;is taken from the Bar, and put in a Place among the Felons, and ^ '
made a Spedacle of Reproach to the People, and afterward carried with four
Prifoners to the Common Goal.
At his THIRD Appearance.
Judge. Bring forth Thomas Hymans : Tender hi?n the Oalh,
Hymans. In Obedience to Chrifrs Command, I cannot Swear, but I will
teftify the Truth, and declare as in the Prefence of God -, and if I Ipeuk other-
wife, let me fuller equal with Perjury.
Judge. fVhy, J am /worn viy felf, and am hound to fwear others in Evi-
dence., and I cannot do otherwije.
Then the Judge ordered the Clerk of the Afiize to draw up a Bill of Indict-
ment againft the iiiid Thomas Hymans tor reiufing to Swear, profecute, and give
Evidence, which was done. The Grand Jury made fome Hcfitation about
finding the Bill, but upon the Judge's inibufting and perfuading them, they did
find ic.
At his FOURTH Appearance.
He was called to the Bar, and his Indiflment being read, the Jitdge offered
him the Liberty of retaining Council.
Hymans. I depend wholly on the Lord -, let Truth and Innocency plead my
Caufe : In Obedience to the Law of God, I will not Swear, for the Law of God
is of more Force with me to deter me from it, than the Law oi Man to oblige
me to it.
Judge. Do you think it is a Sin to Swear ? Are you wifer than all your Fore-
fathers ?
Hymans. In Times of the Law, Oaths were lawful, as Chrift himfelf,
repeating fundry Things of the Law, faid, // hath been [aid by them of Old.,
Thou fljalt not forfwear thy Jelf., but fialt prform unto the Lord thy Oaths ; but
I fay unto you, now under the Gofpel, Swear not at all. And the blefled
Apoftle, who ratified and confirmed what his Lord and Mailer had faid, and I
believe knew better his Mind than the Pleaders for Swearing in this Age do, faid.
Above all Things., Brethren, Swear not.
Judge. Tou mujl 7iot think to pick Places out of the Scripture. Clerk, Read
him the Statute againjl thofe that refufe to Swear.
Which was done.
Judge. I'Fhy will you be Juch an Enemy to the King, to the Commonwealth,
and to your own Jelf ; for here you forfeit your Recognizance, which mufi be
levied on your Goods and Chattels, befules five Pounds Fine and Imprifomnent.
Hymans. Judge Levinz, I defire thou wilt not infift on my tender Confcience
toward God : /; it better to obey God or Man ?
Judge. God.
Hymans. Here I offer to teftify and declare, as in the Prefence of the
great God of Heaven and Earth, who is the God of my Life, and the God
of the Souls and Spirits of all Flefh, and can call God to wicnels who knoweth
all Things.
Judge. And why will you not kifs the Book ?
Hymans. Which is greateft for me to kifs the Book, or call God to witnefs ?
Judge. Call God to witnefs : But this is a Ceremony we make ufe of.
Then three Men by Force pluckt the Glove off his Hand, and laid the
Book to the Back of his Hand, for he would not take hold of it, and fo cLipc
it by Force to his Mouth.
At which there was a great Laughter in the Court.
Judge. 'Tis not a laughing Matter.
Hymans. What they have done is by Force. I had rather chafe to die,
chan fin againft God.
Judge. Take him away Goaler.
Vol. I. 7 R At
6i8 A Collection of the Sufferings A^ol. I.
SOMER- At his F I F T H Appearance.
SET- He was let to the Bar with James Groves, one of the Felons.
SHIRE. Judge. IVas that one of the Men that robb'd you ?
^^ |j Hymans. I'his, I do declare as in the Preience of God, was one of the Men
that robb'd me.
Groves, (landing by, faid nothing.
Then T. Hytnans was called up to the inrter Bar, and the Oath tendred
him again.
Hymans. 1 have no Referwition directly nor indlreftly, but for Confcience-
lake in Obedience to the Command of Chrift, I refufe to Swear.
Judge. 1 believe they will Swear 'jou robbed tbem-.' '''4^-- '-••■
Hynans. Truth was before Oaths were ; and Tmth' v^ll'^ be when Oaths
fliall end.
Judge. But Oaths are almoft as old as 'Truth : I tell -rou but fo, Friefid ; ha
I confefs 'Truth will endure longejt. Why will yoa run into theje Troubles, and
bring all thefe Things on your felf. -
Hymans. Judge Levinz, I dcfire thee to do as thou wouldft be done unto.
It IS in pure Obedience to the Command of God, that I refufe to Swear ; lo
that if 1 fuffcr, I fuffer innocently.
Then the Crier pufhed him with his Staff, and faiifl Go back, and the Goakr
took him away.
At his SIXTH Appearance.
Judge. Come, honeji Friend, will you Swear yet ?
Hymans. No. The fame I faid at firft, I fay now : I have faid it already.
Judge. JVell, what fa-j you to the IndiSiment then? Are -^ou Guilty, or
Not Guilty ?
Hymans. I deflre to have it read : IVhich was done. I defire fome Time to
confider to have my Anfwer.
Judge. No \ you Jhall have none ■: Tou Jhall give your Anfwer prefently.
Hymans. Guilty of refufing to Swear •, but to proiecute, give Evidence,
and teflify the Truth, I am here ready : Therefore Not Guilty,
Judge. fVill you confefs the IndiUment ?
Hymans. No ; for then I fliould confefs more thaii is true. It is an hard
Cafe that I fhould be robb'd of my Money, in Peril of my Life, and now I
am come to teiiify the Truth, fhould be put in Prifon my lelf. Muff the
Innocent (ufFer, and the Guilty go free ?
Judge. IVell, I zvill give you all the Liberty I can % I will defer Judg7nent
till at laft : If you will Swear, you fhall be frcfently difcharged of all that is like
to come upon you.
Hymans. I cannot Swear, let what Punifliment will be inflided on me. If
I were confined to pafs all the Remainder of the Days of my Pilgrimage here
in Prifon : I had rather chufe to die unjuftly thy Prifoner, than to offend the
Great God of Heaven and Earth my Creator.
So the Goaler took him back again till the Afternoon.
At his SEVENTH Appearance.
Judge. Honefl Friend, will you Swear ?
Hymans. T'he fame I faid at firff, I fay now : I have faid it already.
The People urged him exceedingly, and the Grand Jury prefl: him very
hard •, but he continued ftedfaft, offering to give Evidence, but refufing to
Swear.
He expefted fome Sentence of the Judge againfl him, but heard none. So
he was taken away by the Goaler, carried to the Common Goal, and there
clofe confined, nor could he obtain any Copy of the Caufe tif his Commitment,
though often de fired.
At a fubfequent AlTizes, held at Tauntoti, about five Months after, he was
fined for the laid Offence, by Judge North, five Pounds.
On the 9th of September, William Beaton, of Puddi?fwre, died in Ilchefier
Goal, where he had been about twenty feven Months, on a Writ de Excomimi-
nicato capiendo, after a Profecution in tlie I'.cclcfiaftical Court, for not receiving
the
CiiAP. 30. of the People called .QUAlvERS,
619
the Sacrament, fo called, at Eajier, whicli Profecution wa§ carij^tj; p(^^ at
the Fromotion of Edwht Sands, Pricit of Tduvil and Fu(Llimore,~'^^ fn -;: -i)- 1 ■
On the 14th of Q^lober, Jolm Duvii, of Teatoii-, retufiug to S\yea!', \vf\cn
fuminoncd to ferve on a Jury, was fined by the Coromifllp/^ers of S^VKsrfa.^nd
luffcred Diftrefs of two Cows worth 7/. ':^u) t,, I,n,.H' ^nrio-iiT'rrii -■
On the 29th of the Month called January^ John Coate was fined- 10^. :for
Meeting, by Juitige IValroiul : Soon after an unknown Perfon camp, tq John
Coak's Houl'e, took four Oxen out of his Stall, and was driving thejfii AWflYi
when his Authority being called in Qucftion, he could produce no Wflrront,
nor had he any known Officer with him, wherefore Coate took his Oxen ^d put
theni into the Stall again. A tew Days after this, Jtiflice ^rf//w/fi. ; ifllipd a
Warrant to apprehend John Coate and his Wife for Felony : Accordingly they
were brought before him, who, though he could not make a Matter of Fel©ny
of it, yet fbnc them to Prifon under Pretence of an high Mifdemeanour>,iand
for not finding Sureties for their good Behaviour. , _ ... •
The fame Juftice fined John Cujfe, oi Aijhill, 21 /. for being at two ; Mtet-^
ings, for which his Goods and Chattels were taken, to the Value of 40/. and
becaufe the Officers did not forthwith expofe them to Sale, the Jufbipe fipc-d
them for their Negkft of what he called their Duty, and obliged them to
pay 20/.
On the 1 2th of the Month CdWtd. February, three Juftices, viz. Sk.y.ohn
Smith, Edward Gorge, and John Pigot, Efquires, came , to a Meeting, at
Cla%'erha?ii, and commanded the Friends, who were fitting in Silence, to depart-,
which they not doing, the Juftices took their Names, and charged the Con-
ftables to keep them out of the Houfe : They afterward ifTued their Warrant
for Diftrefs, by which were taken from /Irthur Thomas,] of Midrroiv, two Cows
worth 61. 10 J. which the Officers fold to Juftice Pigot for 5/. ¥ r om f^illiam
Beakes, two Cows of like Value, which, when the People refufed to buy^
were taken by Juftice Gorge into his own Cuftody, till fold to a Brother-in-Law
of his for 4 /. From Gabriel Davis and John Davis, of Teaton, Cattle worth 5 /.
And from Samuel Hipfiey r^nd Thomas Mitchel, Goods ijvoEth 19;.
There were alfo fined, for being at |iie fame Mee^ii^S, J^emy Moore, Samuel
Jobbins, zn^ Thomas Cooke. .--.^-. ---.. .. -- ^ .
In the fame Month John Clothier, -of 'Eafi-LiMford', fuffered Diftrefs of Goods
to the Value of 1 5 j. for three Days Abfehce from the National Worfliip.
On the 8 th of the Month called March, RufusCoyatH and Elizabeth Smith,
taken at Creivkherne Meeting, were committed to Prifon for a Riot : And
IFtlliam Smith, taken at the fame Meeting, was fined 10/. by the Conventicle
Aft, andfoon after had his Goods taken from his Stall. in Crewkherne Mai-feKt-
to the Value of 40/. as he believed, for he was not fuffered to take any Ae*
count of them. The faid Rtifus Coram was detained in Prifon till the Qiiai'ter
SefTions, and was then fcnt back to Prifon under the difmal Sentence of Pr^-
mmiire, tor refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance. At which SelTioni alio, tlie
like Sentence was palled on Richard Grabham for refufing to Swear..' ri:;ij:.Tii:j'.sp
In the fame Month Vincent Boldy, Richard Grabhain, Jdfiph Hembery, G fiber i
Willicomb, and George Godfrey, taken after a Meeting at Gregory-Stoke, werfe^
by Juftice (Valrond, committed to Prifon. Alfo Jofeph L'je, hy Warrant frorti
the lame Juftice, had Goods taken from him worth 13 /. and fold toine of th^
Juftices Servants for 5/. ^s. • -••■.:■/. ..'; .■; ,..:;?,
ANNO 1682. At the Alfizes, heJd about the End bf;^ 'the Month calkd
March, the following Reprefentation was prefented to the Jiidgesj viz.~^ -••'■"'^
'H : no
*' To the Judges of hffizt, in the County^ of • Somevkt. noii
*■' The Reprefentation of the People of God called Qjj .<Ljt,Ej|^ s^ in Humili^fy
" S H E W E T H,- ■ ''''
*' r|~l H A T we profefs Faith in one only God, through our Lord Jefui
" J^ Chrifl, whom we worfhip in his Spirit, according to the Holy
" Scriptures, and in the Leadings of the fam;;, are taught to love God above
" all.
SOiy[ER>
SET'
SHI.Kft*
Cafe of John
Coate.
Officers fined.
Three fufiiees
came to a
Meeting at
Claverhani,
took Names,
a-'id ijfued
IVamms for
Diflnjs.
Imprifonmems
for Nleeiirig .
fvntevct '■ df, ■
Sufferings fqir.
Meeting.
A Rfprefenti-
xion to ths
Judf/s of
^Jf>ic.
620
s-xyWER-
SE T-
S-H I R E.
1682.
ar\o\ \ys
u
J^ Colledion of ^he Sufferings Vol. I.
all, and our Neighbours as our felves, and to lead a quiet and peaceable
Lite in all Godlinefs and Honefty : And do own King Charles the Second to
b6 chief Magiftrate of this Kingdom, and other his Dominions, as being
eminently preferved, and brought into the Government thereof, by the
immediate Hand of God : And do ftill refolve to be fubjeft to him, and
thofe in Authority under him tor Confcience-fake, as good Protejiant Subjed-s,
truly defiring to anfwer the juft End of Government, which is for the
•fubduing of Sin and Vice, and Encoiuragement of Righteoulhcfs and Virtue.
::«< Yet notwithftanding we have been, and many of us are ftill expoled to
many peaceable and
brine
»fc'-fuch Perils and Sufferings as mufl inevitably
** ^mduftrious Families, who defire the Good of the King and Kingdom, to
'•'" titter Ruin and Deftruftion, and that only tor their pure Confciences toward
""God, (before whom we mufl all appear, and give an Account, and receive a
M;;Reward according to the Deeds done in the Body) and that by Laws made
*' againft Papijfs, or Meetings to plot or contrive Infurreftions, imder Pretence
.i.s«i\^ i-^' -!*if. "of religious Worfliip, and ieditious Conventicles, which Principles and
f' -Praftices we utterly deny and deteft, as our peaceable Deportment under
t'-' many great Sufferings by thofe fbrrtierly in Power, and fince alio, may fuf-
♦■^ ficiently manifeft, fome few Particulars of which late Sufferings we have
*' herewith annexed, prefented to your Confiderations (not being willing to
«sv^\«^ -'-P. f«.,oititrude upon your Patience j for this End, that as Providence orders your
»s coming this Circuit to do Juftice, you may not be altogether unacquainted
Seiiwe of T.
Smich'j Goods
gcNeroufly dip-
thurged by
£Jq] Doding-
toa.
.*' with our Sufferings, but may uie your Authority to relieve the Opprefled,
*'■ and put a Stop to the cruel Proceedings of our Oppreflbrs, or at lealt dif-
'^''Gountenance fuch unmerciful Praftices, that fo ye may appear to be fuch as
*' are a Terror to Evil-Doers, and a Praife to them that do well, which is
*' truly acceptable to the Lord, and therein his Peace and BlefTing will be with
f ' ^you, which is the earnefl Defire and Prayer of the innocent fullering People
^f=aforeIaid.
-i • - '^ John Coate,
" Joseph Lye,"
" Marmaduke Coate,
" Vincent Boldv,
" Richard Grabham,
" Gilbert Willicomb,
V-
cbooD
•C,:
RuFus Coram,
George Godfrey,
William Smith,
Elizabeth Smith,
Joseph Hembery."
td^jw'i
sl-The fufFering Cafes of which Perfons were annexed to the faid Reprefenta-
tion : But it doth not, appear that the Judges at tlwt Time granted them any
Relief. ,
. -On the I ith of. the Month called Jj)nl this Year, two Bayliffs came to the
Hoyfe of Thomas Smith, of Cheddo, an ancient Yeoman of good Repute, who
hac;! been profecuted tor Tithes, at the Suit of George Dodington Efq; to a Se-
qucflration ; they entred the Houfe, and feized all his Goods, fhutting him and
his Family out of Doors, telling him, that He mull go and agree with Efqiiire
Ppdington, The honell Man, knowing that in this Cafe he could not confent
to pay any Thing, prqcured another Dwelling for himfelf and Family, and
bore the Lois of his Goods with the Meeknefs and Patience of a true Cbrijlian
Sufferer. His Neighbours began to refledt on the Perfons who had thus
turned an innocent; Man and his Family out of Doors, and thofe Reflexions
came to the Hearing of the Efquire, in whofe Name the Suit had been carried
on : He confidering the Man's Cafe, to clear himfelf of the popular Imputa-
tion of Cruelty on, this Occafion, generoufly fent back the Key of the Houfe
by his Servant to the faid Thomas Smith, and reftored him to the Pollcflion of
all his Goods •, his peaceable and quiet Demeanour, under his Sufferings, having
an effeftual Reach upon the Profecutor, and moving him to conimilerate the
^^t of a Man who gave lb convincing a Proof of his being really confcientious.
On
!■- (
-.•m
ivol o] 3.%.-c: 3
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 621
On the 2 2d of the Mor.th called May, Cbriftopher Holder was committed SOMER-
to Prifon, by Warrant from Juftice //««/, for ret'ufing the Oath of Allegiance, S E T-
and two Days after, at the Quarter SefTions, had the Oath again tendred him, ^^^ '
which he again retufing to take, was recommitted till another SefTions, in ^^^1^
order to a Premunire. 'I'here were at that Time continued Prifoners at //- ^^
chefter, John yllleny of Bridgwater, who had been clofe confined almoft three j/nprifonmcms
Years, on a W'rk de Excommurdcato ca/iendo, for not conforming to the Na- <if Ilchelter.
tional Worfliip ; and John Anderdon, who had been there about fix Years and
nine Months under Sentence of Premjtmre, for refufing to Swear.
On the 28 th of the fame Month Henry Walrond, Juftice, took the Names of
the Pcribns affembled at Ilminfier Meeting, and caufed them to be brought
before him die next Day, when he iffued the following Warrant to be executed
by the Conftables of that Town, viz.
" Somerjet is.
" Henry Walrond Ejq-, one of his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace
'■''for the ja'td County.
" To the Keeper . of his Majejif s Goal at Ilchefter, Thefe.
«' TJl ORASMUCHas the Perfons under-named, being of the Age of Wirrim for
" Jj fixteen Years and upwards, were by me, and in my View, found ^'""'"'""'jg
"prefent at. an unlawful Meeting, or Conventicle, held in the Dwell ing-houfe chefter Pri-
" of a Perfon unknown in Ibninjter in the laid County, on Sunday the 28 th of fon.
" this Inilant May \ and forafmuch as ever)' one of them hath been by me,
*' this prefent Day, required to find Sureties for their perfonal Appearance at
' ' the next General SefTions of the Peace, to be held for this County, then and
" there to anfwer for the fame, and in the mean Time to be of the good
•' B';haviour, and they, and every one of them, refufed to do it.
" Thefe are therefore, in his Majtfty's Name, to will and require you, on
" Sight hereof, to apprehend and convey the Perfons under-named unto his
" Majefly's laid Goal at Ikhejler, and deliver them to the Keeper, who is
" hereby required to receive them into his Cuftody, and fafely keep them
" until the faid SefTions, then and there to anfwer the Premifes. Given under
*• my Hand and Seal the 29di Day of May, Anno Dom. 1682.
To the Conphles of Wmm^itU ' " HeNRY WaLROMD.
Thefe to execute.
" N A ME S,
" lVillia?n Rock, John Crof, Walter Giles, John Charley, Robert Giles,
*' Alexander Key, John Mead, and Jofeph Paul, all of Ilminfter : Baribolomew
'' Aford, and IVdliam IVafehy, both of Euckland Saint-Mary : Francis tVilkins
" and Matthew Page, both of Chard : Richard Slade of Limington : John
" Lambard, Jofias Uimbrey, and John Porter, of Thorncomb : Philip Paul of
" Stockiinch, John Forfe of Hafelborough : John Foake of Finch-head : Jofeph
*' Hembery and Nathanael Blawden, oi Gregory-Stoke : Gilbert WillicDnib of
" Lynge : Henry Alway oi North-Curry : Daniel Wyalt and John Farthing,
*' both of Dummatt : Jofeph Garland and John Tucker, of Comb St. Nicholas :
♦' Robert Wills and Giles Knight, both of Cbiffelborough : Stephen Hartford of
" Scuth-Petherton : And Francis Wilkins of Cbillington."
It was ufual with the faid Juftice Walrond, being Captain of a Troop, to rrallice ef
come with his Soldiers, and break up the Meetings with much Violence : ^ujiia Wal-
He would fbmetimes demand the Fines to be inftantly paid upon the Place, ■'O'"'*
which becaufe they would not pay, nor, by giving Bonds, put Money for Fees
into the Hands of his Son-in-Law, who was his Clerk, he lent them to Prifon.
Vol. I. 7 S In
622
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1682.
yit Bridg-
water Seffions
19 Perfons in-
dited for ci
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
In the Month called y«/y, at Bridgwater Sefiions, twenty nine of the Perfons
who had been taken, by Captain JValrond and his Troop, from their Meetings,
were brought into Court : Upon hearing their Cafe the Captain's Warrant was
held illegal in committing them to Prifon by the Conventicle- Acl, which di-
refted Fines and Diftrefles ; wherefore the Captain and his Clerk caufed them
to be indifted for a Riot : Upon which Indiftment they were fined 6s: %d,
each, and ordered to continue in Prifon till Payment. One of thole fo com-
mitted was John Wall, whom the Captain had forely beaten on the Head,
without regard to Law or Juflice, and he died in Prifon a few Months after.
On the laft Day of the Month called Aiiguft, the faid Juftice Walrond ifliied
the following Warrant, viz.
Metber
WiTTum for
Diftrefs.
JmprifonriKnu
ftr Tithes,
Dijirejfn for
Mfcnce from
the Nitioml
Wor[l)ip.
Death of
H. Gundry,
G. Ceely,
avi S. Sayer,
in Trifo».
cc
Somerfet fs.
" Henry Walrond E/q; one of his Majeflfs Juftices of the Peace
" for the Jaid County,
" "To the Conjlahles of the Hundred of Abdike and Bulfton. To the
" Tithingman, Churchwardens ^ and Overfeers of the Poor g/'Ailhill,
•' and aljb to John Burnel, Thefe to execute.
FORASMUCHas John Cuffe, ofAJhill aforefaid, ftands convifted,
on Record before me, for being prefent at an unlawful Meeting, or
Conventicle, in a certain Houfe called Court-ball, in Ihninfler in the faid
County, under Pretence of the Exercife of Religion, in other Manner than
according to the Liturgy of the Church of England is allowed, on Sunday
the 29th oijatmar'j laft paft : And forafmuch as I have impofed on him
ten Shillings for his fecond Offence, and ten Pounds for the Owner of the
faid Houfe, being unlvnown : Thefe are therefore, in his Majefty's Name,
to will and require you, on Sight hereof, to levy on the faid John Cuffe
the faid feveral Sums of ten Shillings, and ten Pounds, by Diftrels and Sale
of his Goods and Chattels, and to bring the fame to me to be diftributed
Given under my Hand and Seal the laft Day of Augujly
cc
according to Law.
Anno Domini 1682.
'■ Henry Walrond."
By Virtue of this Warrant the Officers took by Diftrefs, four Oxen, an
Horfe, and Utenfils of Hufbandry, worth about 30/. And for another
Warrant of the like Import, they made a Seizure of Wheat to the Value of 20 /.
In the lame Month Thomas Coembe, of Gregory-Stoke, had been committed
to Prifon by Warrant from two Juftices, grounded on a Certificate of Con-
tumacy, on a Profecution in the Ecclefiaftical Court, for Tithes and Offerings,
at the Suit of Henry Owen, Prieft of North-Curry.
On the 3d of October, i'bomas Martin, of Chilton-Dormer, was fent to Prifon
by an Attachment out of the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit of John Stuckey
Prieft, who lud before taken, out of the faid Martin's Fields, more Hay than
the Tithe he claimed could amount to.
In November this Year, Goods were taken for Abfcnce from the National
Worftiip, from Jnne Sheppard, oi fVefi-Peniard, Widow, and Jmnes Plii?filey,
to the Amount of 2/. 19 j.
On the 2 1 ft of the fame Month, Heitry Gundry, of Street, finiftied his Tefti-
mony againft Tithes, by Death in Ilchejier Goal, after about four Years Impri-
fonment ; as did alfo on the 10th of December, Gregory Ceely, of Narth-Curry,
about feventy five Years of Age, after about nine Years Imprifonment tor the
fame Teftimony •, and on the 12th of the fame Month, Samuel Sayer, of
Barnwell, who had been a Prifoner more than fix Years. Thus by abiding
faithful unto Death, they gave the utmcft Evidence of their Sincerity in the
Chriftian Caufe for which they fuflHred.
On
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
On the 1 6th of Deceviber^ John Cuffe Wiis committed to Prifon by an At-
tachment out of the Exchequer for fmall Tithes, at the Suit of John Tecpe,
Vicar of Aijhill.
On the 1 6th of the Month called January, Wuliatn Laurence, of Axbridge^
being cited to the Arch-Deacon's Court at H^'ells, for his Ablence from the
publick Worfhip, appeared there before Charles Thurlby, the Arch-Deacon,
and the following Conference paft t>etween them, viz.
Arch- Deacon. Have you been at Church lately ?
iMurence. I come not hither to accufe myfelf.
Arch-Deacon. O / ih'u u the Taylor : Come, we'll fend you and your Goofe
to Ikhdter Goal,
Laurence. I neither fear nor care what thou canft do to me : It becomes not
an ancient Man as thou art, fitting in the Place of Juftice, to deride fuch as
come before thee in this Manner.
Arch-Deacon. Have you taken the Sacrament ?
Laurence. What is that ? I never read any fuch Word as Sacrament in the
Scripture.
Arch-Deacon. / will tell you what it is : 'Tis the Lord's Supfer ; the Ordi-
tiance of Bread and Wine.
Laurence. I believe thou doft not truly know what the Lord's Supper is.
Arch-Deacon. "Tis a fine Thing indeed, that we who have been at the Uni-
verfity, and Jiudied the Scriptures theje foi'ly Tears, jhould be fuch ignorant fottifh
fools as thou makejl us to be.
Laurence. I have known thofe who have had their Education feveral Years
at Oxford, who have been as very Sots and Mifcreants as the Nation affords.
Arch- Deacon. How do you know they were educated at Oxford ?
Laurence. Becaufe I have had it from their own Mouths, and their 111'
behaviour in their Lives and Converfations has manifefted it. By the Fruits the
Tree is known.
Upon this the Arch- Deacon appeared in a violent PafTion, and Colonel
Berkley^ of Pill, and two or three others coming in, haled Laurence by the
Shoulders out of the Court, and the Colonel himfelf dragged him into the
Houfe of the Bifhop's Chancellor, named John Bailey, a Juftice of the Peace \
•where after many reproachful Words againlt the ^takers, as that they were
Rogues and Enemies to the King, and would kill them all, and fuch like, they
tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, feveral Priefts being prefent, and urging
the Lawfulnefs of Swearing ; while Laurence infifted on the exprefs Prohibition
of Chrift, and the NecelTity of Obedience thereto. The IfTue was his Com-
mitment to Prifon, and his Continuance there nine Months. His Mittimus
was as follows ;
623
cc
Somerfet fs.
cc
cc
i(
FORASMUCH as IVilliatn Laurence, of the Parifli of Jxbridge in
this County, being this Day brought before us, and feveral limes
tendred the Oath of Allegiance, hath refufed to take the fame, contrary to
the Laws and Statutes of this Realm..
Thefe are therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to will and require you,
forthwith on Sight hereof, to receive the faid William Laurence into your
Goal, and him fafely keep there until next General Quarter Seflions, to be
held for this County, where you are to have him, the faid William Laurence^
there to be farther dealt with according to Law.
Given under our Hands and Seals the i6th Day of January, An):o
Dom. 1682.
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE,
1682.
Appetrbig cf
W.Laurence
at the Arth'
DeicoHS
Court.
Covference
between the
Anh-Deicon
and hitiu
Tender of the
Oath.
Commimtnt
of William
Laurence.
((
To the Keeper of his Majefly's Goal
at Ilchefter, or his lawful Deputy
there, Thefe.
" Edward Berkley,
" John Bailey."
In
624
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1682.
^ CoUedion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
In this Year alfo, the Priefts, and other Claimers of Tithes, took away in
Corn, Hay, Apples, i£c.
Dii'rtlfis for
Tithes.
ExtriH of a
letter from
one of the
Prifoners.
Death of
JoaneCombe.
HerChiTiBer.
The Prifoners
Cdje repre-
feiited to the
fudgei.
From Samuel Clothier, John Carey, John Clothier, Henry
Scrafe, Gregory Ceely, and Thomas Coo7nbe, to
the Value of
Gabriel Davis and Matthew Manning, of Teaton
John Bullock of Walton, and John Watts of Nennett
Robert Baunton and Ed-ward Perris, of Long-
Sutton, and Thoj/tas Smith, of Cheddo
I.
27 17
}
2
3
10
6
4
19
8
3^
The Chrijlian Temper with which thefe Sufferers for Religion were endued,
appears by the following Extract of a Letter from one ot the Prifoners at
Ilchejler to a Frier.d in London, viz.
Dear Friend,
Received —
" Ilchejler, the 17th of the Firft IVIonth 1682-3.
1 Received a large Account of Friends Exercifes and Sufferings for
the Tefliimony of a good Confcience toward God -, and we cannot chufe
" but fympathize with them in their Sufferings, as we fuffcr for the fame Tefti-
" mony. Friends that belong to this Prifon being about fixty in Number,
" andfo have been for a long Time, expe(5ling that more will be added fhortly,
" as threatned every where : But through all we do fee i the good Hand and
" Power and Prefence of the Lord with us, which is our Joy and Comfort,
" and he will throughly purge the Floor, and drive the Chaff' from the
" Wheat, and fo gather his into Everlafting Reft and Peace with himfelf.
" And the God ot Heaven keep and prelerve us all faithful to the End of our
" Days, that we may through all Trials come forth as Gold tried in the Fire,
" and fit for the Mafter's Ufe, and to be Veflels of Honour unto God. The
" Hearts of all Men are in the Hands of the Lord, and he can turn them as
" the Streams in the South.
" J. Anderdon."
ANNO 1683. In the firft Week of this Year, being the End of the
Month called March, the Aflizes were held at Taunton, to which Joane Combcy
an ancient Widow of GregoryStoke, aged about feventy three, who had been'
committed to Prifon by Warrant from John Pyott, High-Sheriff, on a Pre-
fentment for not going to Church, was brought in order to her Appearance
before the Judges, but when there, was not called into Court. In her Return
thence, with the Fatigue of the Journey, which the Infirmity of her Age could
not fuftain, fhe died at Creech, on the firft of the Month called April 1683.
A virtuous Woman, of a cheerful and patient Dijpofition, and though weak in
Body, ftrong in Spirit, and entirely refigned to fuffer for the Tejlimony of a good
Confcience toward God.
At the fame AfTizes, the Prifoners reprefented the State of their Cafe to the
Judges, in Manner following, viz.
" 'To the Judges of Afllze at Taunton, in the County of Somerfet.
" A grievous Complaint of Jeveral People called Quakers, being about fixty in
" Number, Prifoners and Sufferers, inwardly and outwardly, for the T'eftirnony
*' of their Confcience toward God, at Ilchcfter in the County aforefaid,
" S H E W E T H,
" f I "> HAT feveral of them for many Years together, have fuflered Bonds
" _£_ and Imprilbnments, and many have fuficrcd unto Death, who are
" taken away from the Evil to come.
«' And
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 62 j
" And many now fuffer, fome for not Swearing, they being perfuaded in SOME R*
" their Hearts and Minds to fpeak the Truth, and do the Trtith, and Kol to ^ E T-
*' Swear at all, as Chrift commanded ; and cannot believe any Man's Mean- .n
" ings and Interpretations, touching his Commands, to difpenie therewith, but -''
*' do beheve his Word according to the Scriptures of Truth, as the Lord by ^*-'^><"^~'
" his Spirit hath fealed it upon their Hearts and Confciences, which is the true
" Interpreter.
" And fome fuffer for not paying Tithes and Ofterings which were under
" the Law, which Chriit being come, who is the End of the Law and the
•' Prophets, who hath offered himfelf up in the Eternal Spirit, the one Offer-
" ing for all, and hath put an End to the Levilkal Priefthood, Tithes and
" Offerings, and hath fet up a more Spiritual Worfhip and Miniftry, and
" freely gives Gifts unto them whom he fends forth for that Work. And
•' there is a Neceffity upon fuch to preach the Gofpel ; and as they have freely
" received, they freely give, and communicate of God's Heavenly Gift given
♦' unto them, without any Money and without Price. And we muft confefa
" that Chrifl Jefus is come in the Flefh, and do own his Miniftry and Wor-
" fhip that he hath eftablifhed, which is in the Spirit and in the Truth, not
" in the Oldnefs of the Letter, but in the Newnefs ot the Spirit, which
*' Worfhip God accepts.
" For which alfo, and our Meetings to wait upon God, many now fuffer
•' by Fines and Imprifonments, and cannot conform to other Ways, Worfhips,
" and Religions, than are according to what is written, and the Divine
»' Teachings of God's Holy and Heavenly Spirit in their Hearts and Con-
*' fciences, which alone quickneth and enables to offer living Sacrifices and
*' Praifes unto God, which God is well pleafed with, and that his Son Chrift
«' Jefus fhould have the Soveraignty and Power over the Hearts and Con-
" fciences of People in the Ways and Worfhip of God, who alone can pre-
*' pare the Heart for God, who knows the Thoughts and Intents thereof.
" And therefore, we having approved our felves, through all our Sufferings,
" a peaceable People toward the King and his Government, we defire that
" Liberty which the King hath been pleafed to promiie and grant to tender
" Confciences : And that it being for no other Caufe that we fuffer, but for
*' our Confciences toward God, intending always by the Grace of God (as
*' hitherto we have done) to fhew our felves a People of Peace, and Men that;
*« fear God, and honour the King, and bear true Allegiance towards him, as
*' becomes true Chrijlians. And in Order to our Relief and Releafe out of our
*' Bonds, we befeech you, who are Judges of the Land,- to prefent our Sup-
*' plications and Requefts unto the King, that fo the OpprefTed may go free,
" and God's BlefTing may reft upon the King and his Government, which is
" the Prayer of
" The Quakers who are Prifoners in Ilchefter."
This Reprefentation, however Chrijlian and innocent, had no immediate
Effeft, though by fuch Means the Aufl:erity of Perlbns in Power was fome-
times mollified.
On the 4th of the Month called April, Sir Edward Philipps, a Juflice, being ^, Crewk-
Informed of a Meeting at Crewkherne, fent Officers to bring tome of the Per- heme Mat'
fons met before him. The Officers went and defired the Affembly to depart^ '"g-
which they were not free to do. Whereupon they defired fome of theni to go
and fpeak with Sir Edward, and Richard Lincoln offered himfelf to go with
them ; he being acquainted with the Juflice, expoftulated the Cafe with him in
Behalf of himfelf and his Friends, who continued their Meeting the ufual
Time, and ended it peaceably : But by thus endeavouring to prcferve the
Liberty of his Friends, he incurred the Lofs of his own, and was fent to Prilon
by a Mittimus in Form as follows, vix.
Vol. I. 7 T « Somerfet
626
S O M E R.
SET-
SHIRE.
1683.
^^lttimus of
R. Lincoln.
(f
C'C
it
A Colled;ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Somerfet fs.
*' To the Keeper of his Majeftfs Goal at Ilchefter, ' Thefe.
I Send you herewithal the Body of Richard Lincoln, of C.rikvkhernc, who
was brought before me by my Order, for being at an unlawful riotbus
Meeting ; and being demanded to give Sureties to anlwer the fame at the
next General SefTions of the Peace, to be holden for this County, and in the
mean Time to be of the good Behaviour, hath refufed to do the fame.
Thefe are therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to will and require you to
receive him into your Goal, and there to detain him until he fhall find
Sureties as aforefiid, or be otherwife difcharged by due Courfe of Law.
Hereof fail not. Given under my Hand and Seal the 4th oi AprU 1683.
" Edward Philipps."
Diflrefs re-
turned.
Commitment
ofC. Holder.
The Bijhofs
Chancellor
encourages
the l{dbble-
Diftrejfes for
Meeting.
Kiolence of
Ciptiin Wal-
rond.
On the nth of the flime Month, Chrijiopher Moore, of 27ovil, fuffered Dif^
trefs of Goods for Abfence from the National Worlhip : And for the fame
Caufe Henry Lavor had a Book taken from him by one of the Churchwardens,
but he returned it again the fame Night, declaring, that he could not be eafy in
his Confcience to detain it, though he had taken it by due Courfe of Law. In
the fame Month John Earl, Prieft of Teaton, without any Warrant or legal
Authority, took away a Pig out of the Yard of Gabriel Davis, fliewing therein
an avaricious Mind, unreftrained by any Regard to Law or Juftice.
On the 28 th of the Month called May, Giles Bale, Keeper of Ilchefter Goal,
came to a Meeting at Billifpoole, and charged Chriflopher Holder, then preachrng,
to defifl, but he proceeded without regarding his Charge. After the Meeting
was over. Bale (probably before provided with a Warrant) took him and fent
him to Prifon.
On the 27 th of the Month called June, Bailey, the Bifliop's Chancellor, at-
tended by a Rabble, brake in pieces the Benches and Materials of the Meeting-
houfe at Gla/lonbury, took away the Lock of tJie Door, and it was faid, gave
Money to encourage Boys to break the Windows, and do other Mifchief.
In the next Month, two Informers, one of them Clerk, the other Coach-
man, to the Lord Stawel, convicted feveral of being at a Meeting at Long-
Sutton, and procured their Mailer's Warrant, by which John Bull of Long-
Siitton, for a Fine of 10/. gs. had two fat Oxen taken away worth 17/.
which they fold to a Butcher of ill Repute for 15/. for Men of a good Cha-
rafter were not forward to buy them : From Sarah Hurd, of the lame Place,
whofe Door they broke open, they took Goods worth 5/. They alfo broke
open the Door of Joane Nowel, a poor Widow, and took away Pewter worth
10 s. And from William Witcomh they took feveral Houfhold Goods.
On the 1 2 th of the Month called August, Henry Walrond, a Juftice of Peace
and Captain of the Militia, came with fome of his Soldiers, and a Conftable, to
the Meeting at Gregory-Stoke, where Jafper Batt was preaching. After fome
Time he was filent, and they fcornfully bid him Go on : He anfwered, // is
not meet to caft Pearls before Swine. Then the Captain took their Names, both
Men and Women. He let the Women go, but committed the Men to tiie
Conftable's Cuftody, except four, viz. William Ciilhreath, John Powel, John
Crocker, and Robert Button, whofe Words he took to appear at his Houfe
next Day, requiring the Conftable to bring the others alfo thither at the fame
Time.
Having thus done, his Company fell to breaking the Windows and Window-
Shutters, alio the Benches, Forms, and other Materials, which with the Doorsi,
they carried to a Green before the Houfe, itt them on Fire, and conl'um.ed
them to Afhes. The Value of the Spoil made was at leaft 8/. they fitting
by, drinking and caroufing while the Fire burned.
The
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
627
1683.
The Captain and his Company being gone, and the Conftable having no SOmER-
Lift ol" the Names of the Perfons committed to him, nor any Warrant for SET-.
C TT TUP"
detaining them, they went to their fevcral Homes. Next Day tliofe four, who ^ " i «-»i'
had promifed to appear, went to the Captain's Houfe, who fet one ot them
at Liberty, fined IVilliam Calbreath and John Pvwel lol. los. each, and com-
mitted Robert Button to Prifon. The Conftable ahb came, and being aflc'd. Commitment
Where his Prifoners were ? anfwered, that He had no Lift cf their Names, nor "/J^: Button
Warrant to detain them, and there being many other People prefent, he could not '" '■'""''
diflinguijh them. Whereupon the Captain obhged him to give Bail to anfwer
his Negleft at the Seflions, and gave him a Lifb of their Names, and a
Warrant to bring them before him, which he unwillingly executed, and within
a few Days brought moft of them, whom the Captain committed by the fol-
lowing Mittimus, viz.
" Somerjet fs.
" Henry Walrond Efq; one of his Majeftfs 'Jiiftices of the Peace
" for the faid County.
" To the Keeper of his Majejifs Goal at Ilchefter.
(C
FORASMUCH as the Perfons under-named were by me, and in
my View, found prefent at an unlawful Meeting or Conventicle in the
Dwelling-houfe of a Perfon unknown, in Gregory-Stoke in the faid County,
on Sunday the 12th of this Inftant Auguft, and being by me feverally required
to find Sureties for their Appearances at the next Quarter Seffions of the
Peace to be held for the fiid County, there to anfwer the fame, and in the
mean Time to be ot the good Behaviour, have refufed fo to do : Thefe are
therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to will and require you on Sight hereof, to
convey the faid Perfons under-named to his Majefty's Goal, and deliver
them to the Keeper atorefaid, who is hereby required to receive them into
his Cuftody, and fately keep them until the fiid next SefTions, then and
there to anfwer the Premifes, if in the mean Time they fhall not be de-
livered by due Courfe of Law. Given under my Hand and Seal the 14th
Day oi Auguft, Anno Dom. 1683.
Mittimus of
1 1 Perfofts j'dr
Meeting.
To the Tithing-man of
Eaft-Curry, Thefe.
((
Henry Walrond,
"NAMES,
" George Packerly, George Fowler, and David Ballam, di Nor th-P ether ton :
*' John Knot, John Shoobrook, William Chard, and William Chard jun. of
*' Michael-Creech : Hugh Dulburrow of North- Curry : Edward Warner and
*' Thomas Parfons, of Middlezoy : And William Elliott o^ Gregory-Stoke."
The Captain obliged the Conftable to pay 3 /. for the Charge of being
bound-over to the Seftions, and difcharging the faine. He then ordered John
Brangwell, a Bayliff", forthwith to make DiftrefTes for the Fines impofed on tlie
faid William Calbreath and John Powel. The Bayliff taking with him fome
Officers of North- Curry, broke open Calbreath' s, Doors, and ieized about
twenty Pounds worth of Goods. The Officers, to prevent the B.iylili"'s farther
Proceedings, undertook to pay the Fines ; neverthelds he came afterward, and
took from Powel to the Value of i /. 4 s.
On the 29th of the fame Month John Bailey, the Bifhop's Cliarcellor, came
again to Glaftonbury Meeting, with Colonel Berkley, took the Names of Icvcral
Men afiemblcd, tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and lent them to
Prifon by a Mittimus in Form following, -viz.
" Somerfet
628
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1683.
Mittimus of
10 Perfons to
Prifon for
Meetivg.
<i
Exorhium
Seizures.
Furious Fro-
ceedings of
J. Helliar,
VTider^Sheriff.
Cop of I
Mirtimus.
f.i
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I
Somerfet Js.
" To the Keeper of his Majejlys Goal
^XTE fend you herewithal the Bodies of the feveral Perfons here under-
V Y niimed, being this Day afl'cmbled at Glafio}i, in the County aforefaid.^
under Pretence of joining in a religious Worftiip, contrary to the Laws and.
" Statutes of this Realm, and having been by us tendred the Oath of Alle-
" giance, which they, and every ot them, have refufed to take.
" Thefe are therefore, in his Majcfty's Name, to will and require you,
" immediately on Sight hereof, to receive them into your Cuftody, and them
" there lafely keep, till diey fliall from thence be difcharged by due Courfe of
" Law. Hereof fail not at your Peril. Given under our Hands and Seals
*' the 29th Day of Auguft 1683.
" Edward Berkley^
" John Bailey.
"Names,
*' John Met ford and John Mabfon, of Glafton : Richard Cooper, John Cooper, and
" Abraham Clothier, oi Shipton- Mallet : J ohn Turner of Meare: Richard Grabham
" of Edington : I'Filliam Hulett, Abraham Gundry, and James Clothier, of Street."
In the fame Wlorwh John Walts, o^ Nernnett, had taken from him, for Tithe
for Charles Sims, Prieft of that Parifh, eighty one Horfe-loads of Wheat
worth 61. double as much as he could lawfully claim. About the fame Time,
the faid Prieft and his Servants took from Robert Line ninety Sheaves of Wheat,
the Prieft himfelf throwing down fome of them with his own Hands, an Adt
too much like that of Eli's Sons, who faid, Give it now, or we will take it by
Force, i Sam. ii. 1 6.
In like Manner John Dory, of Batco?nb, had his Stacks of Wheat and Oats
pulled down by the Servants of Arthur Hearn, Prieft of Blagdon, who carried
them away in what Quantities they pleafed.
On the 2d of September was a Meeting at the Houfe of Daniel Holbrook in
Chew, to which came John Helliar, Under-Sheriff of the County, Captain
Twyford and William Higgins oi Briflol, with fome BaylifFs: Helliar called out.
What do thefe People here ? And ordered them to fearch John Hipjley for Arms,
faying. He looks like a Rogue, and ufing other abufive Language. Then he
took their Names, and charged the BaylifFs to fecure them, and went away,
fayirtg, he was invited to Dr. Crofs'j to Dinner, which Dr. Crofs was the Parfo.T
of the Parifh, at whole Procurement they came. About two Hours after,
he and his Company returned, bringing fome of the Parfon's Faggots with
thpmj and throwing them down at the Meeting-houfe Door, ordered the Houfe
to be fet on Fire, to the Terror of the Neighbours ; Then coming turioufly
into the Houfe, he commanded the Friends to rife from their Seats, which
they not prefently doing, he ordered the Legs of the Forms to be cut off,
ftruck John Hipjley, and pluckt him by the Hair of his Head : And one of his
AfTociatcs ftruck Joj'eph Taylor with an Ax, and cut his Coat through, and bruifed
his F lefh, and pulled another Perfon backward by the Hair headlong : Then
they carried out the Forms, and burnt them with the Prieft's Wood : Then
Helliar returned into the Meeting, and writ two Mittimus's ; a Copy of one of
them is as follows, viz.
^' Somerjet fs.
" X Herewith fend you the Body of a Man, middle Stature, reddifh Hair,
" \^ down-looking, about thirty Years of Age, who refufed to difcover his
" Chriftian or Sir-name ; of another Man, of very black Hair and Viliige,
•' fome Pimples in his Face, efpecially in the right Side thereof, who now lairh
" his Name is John Spear ; both the fore- named Perfons being under the
" Guife
Chap.' 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
629
<c
(C
(C
cc
{(
IC
C(
(C
tc
(C
((
(C
cc
Guife and in the Habit of fakers : And alfo the Bodies of Nicholas Allen,
Jofeph Taylor, Daniel Holbrook, Hugh Croad, James Sterridge, Jofeph Wade,
James Little, John IFatts, James Ford, Richard Walter, John Hip/ley, Jofeph
Little, and Richard Greathead, whom I have this Day arrefted, with diverfe
others, in his Majefty's Name, by Virtue of my OfEce, breaking of his
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1683.
Majefty's Peace in a certain Houfe in the Parifh of Chew-magna, within this
County, in that they, the Perfons afore-named, together with the faid other
Perfons, to the NumlDer of above forty in the whole, feme whereof refufed
to give their Chriftian or Sir-names, were unlawfully afiembled and congre-
gated together in the faid Houfe, in Terror of diverfe of his Majefty's
Subjects and Liege People, and in Contempt of and contrary to the Laws
and Statutes of this Kingdom, and them you are to receive into your
Cuftody, and fafely keep in his Majefty's Goal at Bchejler, until they fhall
thence be delivered by due Courfe of Law : Whereof you are not to fail at
your Peril. Given under the Seal of Office of John Pigott Efq; High-SherifF
of the County aforefaid, this 2d Day oi September, Anno Domini 1683.
To Giles Bale, Gent.
Keeper of his Majeflfs
Goal at Ilchefter.
(C
John HelliaRj Suh 'vic.
Another Mittitnus of like Form and Date was made, including the Names
of Anne Wife of Jofeph Taylor, Elizabeth Wife of Jaines Sterridge, Margaret
Wife of Richard Greathead, and Jane his Daughter, Elizabeth Wife of James
Little, Mary Daughter of Ja7nes Cotton, Barbara Blagdon Widow, Mary Page
Widow, Joane'Wik of George Hanha7n, and Elizabeth Wife o^ Stephen Harvey.
Upon which Mittimus's, fixteen of the Prifoners were carried to Ilchejler, on
the 8 th of September, and after their Journey, about eight at Night, were by
the Goaler and his Wife, caft into the Common Goal among Felons, Men and
Women together, where they were conftrained to lodge on the bare Ground,
in a nafty flinking Place, having not a Seat to fit on, nor fo much as Straw to
lie on : And to prevent any Accommodations being brought to them, the
Coaler's Wife kept the Key from the Under-Goaler till the next Day. The
Prifoners now brought, with thofe who were there before for their religious
Teftimony, made up in Number ninety three -, to whom, on the 29th of the
fame Month, was added Edward Blinman of Shipton-Mallett, committed by
Juftice Paulett for refufing to pay 3 s. for Abfence from his Parilh-Church.
At the Quarter SefTions, on the 2d of Oifober, the following Bill of Indiftment
was found by the Grand Jury, viz.
Subfldttce ef
another Mit-
timus.
prifoners
lodged among
Felons.
cc
cc
cc
cc
(C
CC
Cc
C(
cc
CC
cc
TH E Jurors for our Lord the King do prefent upon their Oaths, that
John Hipfley, of Chew-magna in the County of Somerfet, Hufbandman,
Joane his Wife, John Spear of the fame, Nicholas Allen of the fame, Jofeph
Taylor of the fame, and Anne his Wife, Daniel Holbrook of the fame, Hugh
Croad of the fame, James Sterridge of the fame, and Elizabeth his Wife,
Jofeph Wade of the fame, Richard Greathead of the fame, and Margery his
Wife, and Jane his Daughter, Jofeph Little of the fame, James Little of
the fame, and Elizabeth his Wife, John Watts of the fame, John Ford of
the fame, Hefler Wife of Robert Viccarice, Elizabeth Wife of Richard Vic-
carice, Barbara Blagdon, Mary Cotton, Mary P^^g^i Elizabeth Wife oi Jofeph
Harvey, and Joane Wife of George Harham, the 2d Day of September, in the
thirty fifth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, with diverfe other
Perfons, to the Number of forty Perfons in the Whole, with Force and
Arms at Chew-viagna aforefaid, in the County afbrefiid, riotoufly, roidoufly,
feditioufly, tumultuotijly, and unlawfully, did gather and afTemble themfelves
together to difturb the Peace of our Lord the King, under Colour of exer-
cifing the Adl of religious Worfhip, otherwife than by the Law of this
Kingdom in the faid Kingdom is eftabliflied, in great Terror of the People
of our Sovereign Lord the King, and in Contempt of our Sovereign Lord
Vol. I. 7 U « the
Bill of In'
diiimem.
s.ojyiEJi-
S E T-
S,H I R E.
1683.
A Colleftion of the Sufferings . rVoL. I,
*.' the King, and to the evil Example of his Majefty's Subjefts, and againft
" the Peace ot our £^id Sovereign L.ord the King, his Crown and Dignity.
<c
Bennett."
TtuX de-
ferred.
Diflrejfes for
Meeting,
Suviry Imfri-
fonmems.
ConviSions on
uncertain Evi-
dence of In-
formers.
I>ifireJJet
Thus under Colour of Law, were religious and peaceable Aflemblies pro-
fccutcd as riotous, and Perfons devputly and quietly met to worlhip God, were
indifted as Authors ol that Riot and 'l"umult wliich was made by diofe who
molcfted and abuicd them. The Trial ot the Perlbns fo indided was deferred,
and they continued Prifoners till another Seffions.
For a Meeting in the Houfe ot Abraham ClollAer, of Shipton- Mallet, Edward
Blimnan was fined to/, and had taken from him a Rick of Hay worth 16 1.
befide wliich, the Officers broke open his Door, and took feveral Goods, to
the Value of 3 /. 1 7 ■>■-
•: -For the fame Meeting were alfo taken from Jonas Nichols, two Cows
and three Ricks of Hay, worth 13 /. And from "Thomas Heath-, Jofepb MUlis.,
the Widow Plujnley, Grace Whiting, Benjamin Feere, Natbanael Bryan, Joane
Bryan, ind John Gane, Goods worth 4/. 16^.
For the fame- Meeting ^//ifl7« A'br»2rt« was fined, and John WUte had his
Bed and Bed-clothes taken from him.
For a Meeting held on the 1 4th of O^obcr, at the Houfe of Richard Nowel
in Long-Sutton, Henry Maber, Edith Samivay, and Margaret Board, all of
Somerton, were committed to Priibn by Warrant from the Lord Stawell and
Sir Edward Philipps, dated the 2,6th ot the fame Month. And on the 30th
of that Month, John Peddle, pt Somerton, was fent to Goal by the Lord StaweWi
Warrant for 3 s. Fine, tor Abfence from the National W'orlhip.
On the 1 1 th of November was a Meeting at the Houfe of Mary Sayer
Widow, in Kcwftoke Parifh : The Meeting being done, and the People going
out, two Informers came and took fome of their Names, and then went to
the Juftices, viz. Sir John Smith, Edward Gorge, and John Pigot, and fwore
that there was preaching and praying in the Meeting, and that the Woman who
preached made her Efcape ; and that a Perlbn was there who was not : They
alfo miftook the Name of the Parifh where the Meeting was. Of all this
Falfhood and Error of the Informers the Juftices were told, and affured that
the Meeting was wholly filent, and had no Preaching in it. Neverthelefs, they
proceeded upon the Informers Evidence, faying. They were the Kin^s
nejfes, and granted their Warrant for Diflrefs, by which were taken
s.
From Mary Sayer, Goods worth
Edmund Chapell, a Yoke of Oxen worth
fVilliatn Avery, William Amejhury, John Hucker, 7
and Mary May, Goods worth J
/.
23
15
10
o
mt^
o
o
Mittimus of
Jalper Batt
tni 1 2 others
ta trifon.
51 10 O
On the fame Day, Jafper Batt was taken preaching at a Meeting in Gregory-
Stoke, and was next Day, together with twelve others of that Alfembly, fent
to Prifon by the following Mittimus, viz.
*■*■ Somerfet fs.
" Henry Walrond Efq; one of his Majeftfs Jujlices of the Peace
" for the faid County.
" To the Keeper of his Majejifs Goal at Ilchefter.
" 1~> ORASMUCH as it appears unto me, that the Perfons under-named
" Jj were prefent at an unlawful Meeting, or Conventicle, in the Dwelling-
" houfe of a Perfon unknown, in Gregory-Stoke in the faid County, on Sunday
"the
Chap. 30. vf the People c^//6'<^ QUAKERS. 631
•*' the I I ch Day of this Inftant iVbwOT^fr, and they being feverally required by SOMER«
■*•' me, to find Sureties for their perianal Appearance at the next general ^^ T-
*' Quarter Seffions, to be holden (or this County, then and there to anfwer ^o
*' the fame, and in the mean Time to be of tiie good Behaviour, which they ^'
" refufed to do. Thefe arc therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to will and '^■'^^'^'^^
'* require you, immediately on Sight hereof, to apprehend the J-'erfons here
•" under-named, and convey them to his Majefty's faid Goal at Ilckefter, and
*' deliver them to die Keeper aforelaid, who is hereby required to take them
" into his Cuftody, and fafely keep them until the next Genera] Quarter
" Seffions of the Peace for the faid County, then and there to anfwer the
'* Premifes, if in the mean Time they fhall not be otherwife delivered by due
*' Courfe of Law. Given under my Hand and Seal the 12th Day of Novetn^
•' bery Anno Domini 1683.
To the Conflahles of the Hundred of «■*■ HenRY WaLROND,
North-Curry, and Tithing-mnn
of Eaft-Curry, and to either of
them, Thefe to execute.
"NAMES,
«'* Jajper Batt of Northton, Preacher : William Fcwels, William Calhreathi
*' and John Powel, all of North-Curry : William Cootnbs of Gregory-Stoke :
" Philip Allen and Thomas Woolfry, Qi Taunton- Magdalen : John T?-7ftram and
*' John England, of Weji-Munckton : Thotnas Taylor and John Cattle, of fife-
" head : Walter Bult of Broadway : And Marmaduke Coate the Younger, of
" Hambridge."
Accordingly they were all carried to Prifon, except Calhreath and Pov;el^
who, after the Mittimus made, had Liberty granted till ScfTions. A particular
Account of this Commitment, and of a Seizure of the faid Jafpcr Batt, is
given in the following Extract ef a Letter from him to George Fox, viz,
Ilchefter, the 2^dof'tbe Ninth Month 1683^
: " Friends Sufferings are pretty great, and many Prifoners, and Sxtraft of a,
*' many more likely to come, who are engaged to appear at the next Quarter ^«ff?'- f'rom
" Seffions. As for my own Particular, the firft Day of this Month, fome ^^'^^o^te
" Officers came to my Hcufe with a Warrant from him whom they call Sir pox. ^
" Edward Philipps, on a Certificate from the Magiftrates of Weymouth,
'■■'■ for 2q/. for a Meeting there in the fifth Month paft, and, in the Night-
" time, they took away all our Bedding, and fome Clothes, two Beds and
" Bed-clothes of Friends that were Priloners, who left it there, the Houfe
*« being near the Goal, with fome Bedding alfo of our Land-lords : In all
" they took fix Beds, twelve or thirteen Pillows, with Sheets, Coverlets,
«' Blankets, Bolfters, Pillowbiers, and Warming-pan, with other Things, tO'
*' the Value of about 25/. and utterly refufed the Return of that which was
" not ours, and we hear, have fold it for about 6 /. lo.f. That Night my
" dear Wife lay on the Ground by the Fire, with fome Straw under her
*' Head ; nor can we with Safety receive or keep any Goods or Bedding irl
♦' our Houfe, not knowing but they will take it away. Aixl on the 1 ith of
" this Month, I and other Friends were taken at Gregory-Stoke Meeting by
',' Henry Walrond's Company, a Captain and Juftice, lb called, and thirteen*
*' of us committed to Goal by him the next Day, for an unlawful Meeting ot
«' Conventicle, unto Seffions, two of them had Liberty till then. Eleven of
'f us are Prifoners in the Common Goal ; in that Room are twenty one in all.
" We are already one Hundred and feven Prifoners on Truth's Account. W^e
♦' are kept clofe there, where the Felons mufl come to the Houfe of Office :
" But this Day and Yefterday I have had fome Liberty to come to my
" Houfe, which is in a Stone's Caft of the Goal, but lodge there at Nighr,
«' and my Wife alfo, having a Bed and Furniture fent us by my Son Button,
♦' (who
632
SOMER-
S E T-
SHIRE.
1683.
17 Sent tB
Prifon from
Ilminfter
tieeting.
(C
(<
<(
((
cc
((
(C
(C
cc
cc
cc
cc
c<
Wirrint for
Diflrefs on
W. Bult'f
Goods^
A Colle£lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
(who alfo is a Prifoner, but pretty much at Liberty at Home) the Goal
being the ftfeft Place for it. However, I muft lodge there, and in this my
Heart is glad, that I find my dear Wife greatly fatisfied in thefe Trials, and
very chearful : Her dear Love is to thee. And this I can truly fay, a
Reward we have, an Hundred-fold returned into our Bofoms, and in this
my Imprifonment I truly rejoice, having this Teftimony from the Lord,
that I have not been fearful or flothful in the Lord's Work fince he called
me into his Vineyard, and gave me Liberty, which he alone preferved, for
I was long thirfted after as a capital Offender, and doubtlefs a fevere
Punifhment intended, they fay Banijhment ; but in the Lord's Power I am
over it all, it being my earneft Prayer to the Lord, that in all, my Heart
may be kept open to receive his Counfel, and be faithful therein, and that
none of my Teftimony may fall to the Ground ; but whatfoever it may be,
I may be preferved fiiithful to the End. Friends, Prifoners, lodging in the
Town, have Liberty to meet all in the Common Goal : Our Meetings -are
precious, and good Unity is among us. I remain, ever defiring to be ac-
counted worthy to be a Labourer and Traveller in the Golpel, Kingdom,
and Patience of Jejus Chrijl.
" Jasper Batt.
" p. S. They broke open our inner Doors with
" an Iron Bar. One George Cleeves, a War-
*' den, was the moft forward, and very abufive,
" calling Friends, ^taking Dogs, and Rebels.
" He was a Soldier in Cromwell's Time, and
" did then help to break up Meetings, and
" take up Friends."
On the 15 th oi November^ feventeen Perfons were fent by Captain TFalrond
to Prifon, from a Meeting at Ilminfter., namely, Robert French, John Lombard.,
"John hong., Walter Giles, JVilliam Slacey, John Rich, Daniel How, Giles
Knight, fPilliam Watts, Sarah OJborne, Anne Collier, Sujanna Garland, Elizabeth
Ford, Anne Limbry, Elizabeth Limbry, Mary Sprake, and Edith Coate.
On the 30th ot the fame Month, the Officers oi North-Curry came to the
Houfe of Dorothy Hunfion Widow, with a Warrant from Captain Walrond, to
levy 10 1. 1 5 J. for her being at two Meetings: Finding little Goods in her
Houfe, they took an Heifer, which they fold for 40 j. They reprefented her
Cafe to the Juftice, and two of her Children, not of her Perfuafion, inter-
pofing, paid the Juftice 8 /. more, and fo the Affair was compounded.
On the I ft oi December, "Thomas Coombe, of Gregory-Stoke, for Meetings, had
two Oxen taken from him worth 1 1 /.
On the loth of the fame Month, the following Warrant was put in Execu-
tion, viz.
" Somerfet fs.
" Henry Walrond Efq; one of his Majejly's Juftices of the Peace
"for the f aid County.-
" To the Confiables of the Hundred of Abdyke and Bullion ; to the
" Tithingman, Churchwardens, and Overfeers of the Poor of Whit-
" Lackington <zW Broadway ; and alfo to John Brangwell Gent.
" 7hefe to execute.
" IT'ORASMUCHas Walter Bull, late of Whit- Lackington, Worfted-
" JC Comber, ftands convifted before me upon Record, for being prefent
" at an unlawful Meeting, or Conventicle, in the Dwelling-houfe of a Perfon
" unknown.
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
633
cC
CC
1683.
unknown, in Gregory-Stoke in the liiid County, on J'z/Wajv the 1 2th Day of S O M E R'
February, in the Year of our Lord 1681, under Pretence of the Exercile cf ^ E T-
Religion, in other Manner than according to the Liturgy of the Church of
England is allowed. And forafniuch as I have thought fit to impofe upon
him the Sum of los. for his fccond Offence, and the Sum of 10/. more for
the Offences of forty other Perfons prefent at tlie laid Conventicle : Thefe
are therefore to require you, and every one of you, on Sight hereof, to levy
the (aid Sums of ten Shillings and ten Pounds, by Diftrefs and Sale ot his
Goods and Chattels : And hereof fail not on Pain of forfeiting five Pounds
a piece according to the Statute. Given under my Hand and Seal the 2ifl
Day of Nove?nber, Anno Dornini 1683.
" Henry Walrond."
With this Warrant Brangwell, who was one of IValrond's Troop, and others,
came to the Houfe of Walter Bult, who was then in Prifon, feized and carried
away fome of his Goods, and continued there till next Day in the Evening,
caroufing and drinking till they had wafted almofl an Hogfhead of Cyder,
They carried a Rick of Hay to a neighbouring Alehoufe, having firft troden
fome of it in the Snow. They alfo took away two Hogfheads of Cyder,
which, with other Things, and the Spoil they made, amounted to the Value
of 17/. ID J.
The Patience and Innocence of this fuffering People was at this Time fo
remarkable, that their Adverl^iries would fometimes make a verv unjuftifiable
Ufe of it -, of which we have the following Inftances, in the Conduct of the
Wife of John Earl, Prieft of Teaton, who with her Servant-maid and a Boy,
came to the Houfe of George Allen, he being from Home, fcarched about from
Room to Room till they found the Cheefe- Chamber, the Lock of which they
pickt, and went in and carried away twelve Cheefes worth 20 j. In the lame
Manner alfo, they went into the Houfe of Gabriel Davis, and took away Cheefes
worth 1% s. In fuch lawlefs Proceedings they thought they might be fecure,
having to do with a People whom they perceived, in the Caufe of Religion,
unwilling to avenge themfelves by having Recourfe to Law.
At the Qiiarter SelTions at Brewton, in the Month called January, the fol-
lowing Paper was prefented, and read in open Court, viz.
** 'To the Justices of the Peace for the County of Somerfet, at the
" General Qiiarter SeJJions at Brewton, the i ^th of the Eleventh
" Month called JsLnuary 1683.
" The Reprefentation of diverfe of the People of God called Quakers, in Humility
Eevellirg of .
ihofe xvho
executed that
lyurrant.
(C
CC
CC
CC
CC
Cl
CC
CC
CC
<c
<c
CC
*' Sh E W E T H,
TH A T we are more than an Hundred of us Sufferers, above four-
fcore being concerned to appear at this Seffions as Criminals, charged
for the Breach of our Duty to God and the King. In Relation to God,
our peaceable Meetings to worfhip him in Spirit and in Truth, are accufed
to be riotous Affemblics and feditious Conventicles, and our not conforming
to thofe Worlhips we have no Faith in (and therefore were finful for us to
frequent) is called wilful and obftinate TranfgrefTion, and if we fliould for
Fear of Sufferings conform, we muff incur the Cenfure of grofs Hypo-
crites from God and Man. And in Relation to the King, becaul'e we cannot
fwear Allegiance ; all which is only for Confcience-fake, in Obedience to
the Command of Chrift Jefus, for we own King Charles the Second, to be
King and chief Magiftrate of this and all other his Kingdoms and Dominions,
that he was fo eminently prelerved and delivered in many Perils and Troubles,
and by the mighty Hand of God rcftored to his Government, as former
Ages can hardly parallel, and alfo from the feveral Plots and Contrivances
Titience of
the Sufferers
ibufei.
A Kfpi'eferr-
tiiion to the
^ufiices.
Vol. I.
7X
ati;
ainft
634 -^ Collection oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
SOMER- " againft him fince. That we have, and do relolve in the Lord's Fear, to
SET- *' perform faithtul Allegiance to him, as becomes true Frolejlant Subjedh.
S HI R E. tc That we utterly deny the Pope, with all his falfe Doctrines aad Retinue,
1683. ,. Root and Branch.
^'-^''^V^^ ' ' And though the King was pleafcd to declare a Liberty to tender Confclences,
" to fucb as dijttirhed not tkc' Peace of the Kvigdom, and promd'ed the lame in
" the Word of a King, yet we are daily thus expofed to fuffcr, feveral of our
" Wives and Children being Irfc as Widows and Fatherlels, whole Subfiftence
" depended much on their Hufbands and Fathers Labour, of which, in great
" Meafure, they are deprived : And many of us alfo, our Goods extremely
" wafted and fpoiled by fome Perfons (as we have juft Caufe to think) who
" more regard their own Avarice, Indigence, or Envy, than God, the King-,
" the Law, or the Poor ; by all which the Everlafting God, the King, and
" IVIagiftracy in genera], is greatly difhonoured, and many honeft and in-
" duftrious Families in Danger to be ruined, and all this, becaufe we dare not
" fin againft God : So that we cannot enjoy our Liberty and Eftates, unlels
" we make Shipwreck of a good Confcience, and lofe our Peace with God,
'■ and the Evidence of Everlafting Life hereafter, which is of more Value than
" all the World.
" Thefe Things in brief we have laid before you, and the Lord incline your
" Hearts to love and Ihew Mercy, to relieve the OpprelTed, and according to
'' your Power, fet the Captives at Liberty. And in this God, who delights
" in Mercy, will be honoured, aiid ye from him receive a Blefling, For the
" Merciful fhall obtain Mercy \ which is the ecirneft Defire and Prayer of the
" People abovefaid, who are
" The Lord's afflifted People, the King's faithful Subjeds, and real
" Well-wilhers to your prefent and future Happinefs."
Proceedings a The reading of this Reprefentation feemed to have fome Influence inclining
the Sejftons. ^^ Court to Moderation, as appeared by their Proceedings -, for though Bifliop
Mew fat on the Bench, and endeavoured to incenfe the Juftices againft themy
and Brangwell before mentioned, came thither on purpole to indicl and fwear
againft them, yet the Difpofition of the Lord Fitzbarding, and others of the
Juftices, was favourable, for they had heard the Cry of the People, and efpe-
cially of the Poor, complaining that they were like to perifh for Want, being
deftitute of Employment, lb many Tradefmen, who ufed to employ them, being
fhut up in Prifon. At this SffTions the Perfons aforefaid, taken at Chew Meeting,
were indidled, the Sheriff" had returned a Jury of the Neighbours to try them,
but they were put by, and another Jury Iworn, who yet brought them in Not
Guilty. Bifhop Afew got them fent out again, and Helliar and his Man gave
Evidence againll: them, fo that at length they were brought in Guilty of an un-
Mi-iiy dif' lawful AfTembly, but not of a Riot -, ib that they were only fined 5 j. each, and
charged. difcharged of their Imprifonment. Thofe who had been taken at Glafionhiryy
Stoke, and Ilminjler Meetings, were alio called over, and difcharged ; except
Jafper Batt, who was remanded to Prifon for refuting to Swear. John Clothier
and Richard JVarre, Prifbners for not Swearing, were alfo difcharged. Mary^
Wife of Jonathan Allen, of Creech, Francis Brayne and Richard Hand, of
IVivelfcomb, who had their Liberty upon Promife of appearing at SefTions, came
accordingly, and were difcharged •, as were alfo, John White and John Hyott,
of Shipton-Mallett, and Robert Banton, Robert Gee, John Bull, and Jofeph
Gaylard, of Long-Sutton, who appeared on their Recognizances. So that the
Number of thole difcharged at this SefTions, was in all eighty three.
Chriftopher Moore, of Teovil, being bound over to the SefTions by William
Helliar, Juftice, on the Oath of Dyer, an Informer, for being at a Meeting,
where he was not, appeared ; and was inditfted by Dr. Dcdfworth, a Phyfician,
but a loofe Liver : Dyer fwore to the Indiftmcnt, and Chrtjhpher refufing to
give Bail to travcrfe it at another SefTions, was committed to Prifon.
On
\
Chap.
30-
of the People called QLTAKERS.
635
On the 7th of the Month called February, Edmund Chappel, of Worle, was S O M E R-
asain committed to Prifon, 3.t the Suit oiSa?nuel ff^illnf/, Pricft of IVeflon and SET-
Kewftokt', who when they were dilcourfing on the Subjcdt of Tithes, and could ^ n l i\ii
not maintain his Plea for them, plainly told Edmund, that he would anfwer him
•with a Goal, which accordingly he did.
On the 26th, Marmadukc Coate and Francis Scott were fent to Prifon by an
Attachment out of the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit of Robert Banbury,
Impropriator : And in the fame Month John Peddle, of Somerton, was alfo
imprifoned on an Attachment for Tithes, at the Suit of Prieft JVefterdale.
In this Year alfo, were taken for Tithes of Corn, Peafe, Wool, i^c.
1683.
Imprijon-
mans.
From Samuel Hipjley, John Davis, and George Allen,
of Teaton, to the Value of
Henry Moore and Richard Thomas^ of Backivell
John Gary and Samuel Clothier, of Alford
Henry Scrafe and John Clothier, of Eajl-Liddiford
AbrahajH Gundry, Jonathan Tucker, Richard
Broiife, Anne Gundry, Henry Clothier, and Mary
Stowcr, of Street
John Bullock of Walton
Edward Ferris, Robert Baunt, John Ballam, and
Robert Gee, of Long-Sutton
}
9
10
1
s.
1 1
10
19
12
d.
6
o
6
Diflrejjis for
Tiihss.
45 10 2
On the 1 8th of the Month called March, John Clothier was again committed
to Prifon for Abfence from the National Worfhip : About which Time Giles
Bale, Keeper of Ilchejier Goal, going out of his Office, difchargcd two and
thirty more of the People called S^takers, whom he had detained for Fees.
So that the Number of them remaining in that Prifon ^as now about thirty.
It happened about this Time that Vincent Boldy and Anne his Wife, were
engaged to defend themfelves at Law againfl fome Perfons who would have
deprived them of their juft Rights. But their Adverfaries, to prevent their
fo doing, procured their Frofecution for refufing to take the Oath of Alle-
giance, and by that Means got them both clofe confined in Prifon. Thus were
the Laws perverted to the grievous OpprefTion of innocent Perfons.
We fhail clofe the Account of this Year with a remarkable Cafe of one
1ho?nas Marner, of Street, who, when taken at a Meeting, had the Oath of Alle-
giance tendred him, which, through Fear of Imprifonment, the Threats of the
Juftices, and Perfuafion of a Prieft and others prefent, he took : His fo doing
quickly gave him very great Difquiet and Trouble of Mind, fo that he could
not reft till he had voluntarily writ and publifhed a Recantation of what he had
done ; a Copy of which he delivered to John Bailey, the Bifhop's Chancellor,
being as follows, viz.
«' JTP HIS is to all whom it may concern, the Condition that I am in, to
*' JL hear and read : That I am unfatisfied in what I have done concern-
" ing the Oath, which hath wounded my Confcience, and burdened my Spirit,
" and difquieted my Soul, that I am under a great Af^iidion and heavy
" Burden, and prefTed down in the Confideration, and Weight, and Grief of
" this Sin, in breaking the Command of God. I do acknowledge and confefs,
" that I am from my Heart, grieved and forry for it : That I do abhor and
" lament the Day in which I did do it, and do confefs before God and Man,
*' that I am a wretched and finful Man for it : I do pray and defire that God
" would give me true Repentance for it, and in his free Mercy p.ardon me
♦' in this my great Time of Need of his Help, in his free Love and Favour
" to fave me, and give me a Deliverance for me in Time of Want and
" NecefTity.
'^'^ Thomas Marnf.r."
Thus
Giles Bale,
K^eepgr of
Ilchefter
Goal, goes
out of his
Office.
Perx'erjton of
L:trv to ob'
jirull night.
Trouble of
T. Marner,
who ihrough
IVeatnefs and
Fear took the
Oath.
His I^canti-
tion.
636
S O M E R.
SET-
SHIRE.
1684.
Impfifonments
on Qui tam
Ify'its.
A Pjpsr pre-
fer! ted to the
fujiices.
C. Moore
acquitted'
Triil of
J. Batt and
ethers.
^ Colle6lioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Thus through Weaknefs and Fear tliis Man was led into Tranfgreffion, and
thereby loft that Peace of Mind which he formerly had -, but through the
Mercy of God, and unfeigned Repentance, was again reftored to Integrity and
F.dthfulnefs in this Branch of his Chrifiian Teftimony.
ANNO 1684. On the 8th of the Month called April, Sarah Hurd, John
Bull, and John Ballam, all o^ Long- Sutton, were committed to Prifon on a
^u tam Writ, for 20/. per Month for not coming to Church.
On tlie fame Day the Quarter SefTions began at Ilcbefier, when the following
Paper was prefented, viz.
" To the Justices of the Peace for the County of Somerfet.
*' Diverfe of the People of God called Q_u a k e r s, in Humility
" Shew,
<■<■ !~r^ H A T in Sincerity we own your Moderation the lafl: Quarter Seffions,
" X in relieving many of the People aforefaid, and do truly defire the
" Lord to reward you for the iame. Th;t many of us are yet expofed to
" great Sufferings, only concerning the Law of our God, becaufe we cannot
" conform to thofe Worlhips we have no Faith in, and. for not fwearing Al-
" legiance to King Charles the Second, which we muft ftill aflert is in Obedience
" to Chrift Jefus, whom we for ever own as the Head and Lawgiver of his
" Church, and therefore ought to worfhip in Spirit and in Truth, as he hath
" ordained, and he is King of Kings, by whom Kings reign, and that all
" Power in Heaven and Earth is given to him, who is able to fave and to
" deftroy, and caft Body and Soul into Hell : Therefore we fear to difobey
" him. Yet ftill we own, as always wc have. King Charles the Second
"to be King of this and other his Kingdoms, that he was even mlra-
" culoufly reftored and delivered, and that we are obliged, and do refolve, in
" the Power of God, to perform faithful Allegiance to him accordingly :
" And yet, if we fhould Swear, to avoid Suffering, we believe that ye your
" felves would judge us but Hypocrites therein, and fo have the more Caufc
" to fufpedl us.
" We therefore intreat you, let it not be a light Thing unto you, to require
" that ot us, and punifh us tor not obeying, which in doing of, we muft
<' viakc Shipwreck of Faith and a good Confcience, and lofe our Peace with
" God. And what Good then will our Lives do us .? Or what Benefit to the
" King, or any ot thofe in Authority under him to fee our Ruin ? We ever
" defire to live in a Senfc, that you and we muft die and come to Judgment
" before that God, who is no Refpeftcr of Perfons, to whom we commit our
" Caufe, our felves, and all we have, ever refolving, by his Grace, to continue
" faithful to him, the King, and all Men, defiring to lead the Remainder of
*' our Lives in all Godlinels and Honefty, really wifhing your Welfare and
*' Prolperity every Way."
At this SefTions Chrijlopher Moore, committed from the laft Seffions for not
traverfing, was brought to Trial, and acquitted : And Dyer, the Informer,
who Iwore againft him, was indidiied for Perjury, but through the Manage-
ment of the Clerk of the Peace, the Bill was wrong laid, and the Grand Jury
returned it Ignoramus.
Alfo Jafper Batt, Chrijlopher Devonjhire, and John Hipfley, were brought
forth, and indicted for refufing the Oath of Allegiance, then again tendred them
in Court.
Jafper Batt being afl<ed, Whether he was Guilty or Not Guilty ? anfwered.
That he did refute to Swear only in Obedience to the Command of Chrift
Jefus, that he owned King Charles to be King, and did refolve to perform
Allegiance to him accordingly, and was Not Guilty in Manner and Form as
indidted, for he did not refute to take the Oath malicicujlv, but confcie}2iiouJly.
The
S M E R>
SET.
SHJREi
1684.
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS, t^^
The Court faid. The Law required him to Swear ; and Sir Edward Philipps,
the Chairman, advifed him to confider the Banger of refiifing, tclhng him, that
he would incur a Prcnuinirc, be coimmltedto Prifon during^ Life., .forfeit his
Ejlate to the King, and be out of his Protection : Or to that Effed.
Jajper Batt rephed. That he had confidered the Coft, that he had a Soul
to be faved that was of more Value than aJJ that, and he was refo.'ved not to
make Shipwreck of it, nor to lofe his Peace with God ; adding. The Will of
the Lord he done. ' "•'■ ■ ' ' ""■'^
Then the Court afked John Hip/ley and Chrijiopher Devojjfhire, whether they ^
were Guilty or Not Guilty, lo which they anfwered. That they were tried at '.^■
Brewton Seflions, and there lentenced to pay 5 /. or be committed to the Houfe;
of Correftion for three Months, which Time was near expiring, and that now
they reafonably expedled to be fet at Liberty.
The Court took no Notice of that, but infifted on their pleading Guilty or
Not Guilty.
They anfwered to the fame Effeft as Jafper Batt had done. So they wer^ Kecorhi ai
taken away, and had no ftirther Trial, nor was any Judgment in their Hearing iirt"iunircd«
given againll them in Court, but they were fent back, and recorded on the
Calendar as premunired.
On the 2 2d of the lame Month, John Alloway and Francis Hand were
committed to Prifon by the following Warrant, viz.
" Somerfet fs.
" 'To the Conftabks and Tithing-tnen oj Wivelfcomb in this
" County y Thefe to execute.
FORASMUCH as John Alloway and Francis Hand, of Wivelfcomb Wmim fot
aforelaid, ftand prefented upon Oath by the Churchwai-dens, Overfeers co"*"""'"^^
tor the Poor, and other Officers of the Parifli of IVivelfcomb aforefaid, foi'
obllinately refufing to come to their Parifli-Church aforefaid, to hear Divine
Service, according to the Form of the Statute in that Cafe made and pro-
vided : And forafmuch as they refufe to give good Security for their perfonal
Appearance at the next General Seffions of the Peace, to be held for this
County, then and there to anfwer the Premifes : Thefe are therefore, in his
Majefty's Name, to will and require you the faid Conftables and Tithing-
men, or fome, or one of you, forthwith to take the Bodies of the faid John
Alloway ^nd Francis Hand, and them lafely convey to the Common Goal
for the County aforefud^ and them there to deliver to the Keeper of the
fame, together with this Precept ; commanding alfo you the faid Keeper, td
receive them into your Cuftody, and them therein fafely to keep, until they
fhall be from thence delivered by due Courfe of Law : And hereof fail
you not at your Perils. Given under our Hands and Seals this 21 ft Day of
April, Anno regni Regis Caroli fecundi 36° Annoq; Dom. 1684.
(C
1.1.
(I
t(
J. Alloway
A-fii F. Hand
JO Prifoiii
{C
John Sanford^
" Ferrers Grisley."
Accordingly they were conveyed to Prifon^ and detained there till the next
Quarter Seffions, and then difcharged.
On the 6th of the next Month called July, fome Perfons being met together Some jhut uf
early at Milverton before the reft of their Friends were come, fome Conftables '" -J ^temg'
fhut them up in the Meeting- houfe, and kept them under a Guard all Night. ■/''
Early next Morning Julticc Grijley came, and made out the following Alit-
timus, viz.
Vol. I.
«' Somerfet
638
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1684.
Mittimus of
feverdPerfons
to Prifon for
Meeting.
Mittimus 0/
T. Sibley and
others to Pr't-
jO».
cc
A Colledtion of the Sufferings
Somerfet fs.
Vol. I.
" T(7 the Conftables and T^ithlng-man of Milverton, and to the
" Keeper oj hiiMajeftys Goal at Ilchefcer, or to his Jufficient
" Deputy there, 'Theje to execute.
O R A S M U C H as it appears to mc by the Oaths of ieveral Ferfons,
viT,. George Ferris and Abraham Rutley, ot Miherlon atorefaid, Conftable
and Tithing- man there, together with the Confl.ible of the Hundred of
Milverton aforefaid, that they did upon Sunday laft iind the feveral Perlbns,
herein under-named, unlawfully and riotoufly afTembled together, in the
Houfe of nomas Upham in Milverton aforefaid, under Pretence of religious
Worfhip, contrary to a late Aft of Parliament, intituled, An A^ lo prevent
atid fupprels feditious Conventicles : And forafmuch as they refufe to give
good Security for their perfonal Appearance at the next General Seflions of
the Peace for the faid County. Thtfe are therefore, in his Majcfty's Name,
to will and require you the faid Conftable and Tithing-man, or fome of
you, upon Sight hereof, to take the Bodies of the Perfor.s here under-
named, and them fafely convey to the Commori Goal of Ilcbefter aforefiid,
and them there deliver to the Keeper of the fame, together with this Pre-
cept -, commanding alfo you the fiid Keeper to receive them into your
Cuftody, and them therein fafely to keep, until they be from thence de-
livered by due Courfe and Order of Law : And hereof fail you not at your
Perils, given under my Hand and Seal this 7th Day ot July, Anno Regis
Caroli fecundi 36*^ Annoq; Dom. 1684.
" Ferrers Grislet.
"NAMES,
" John Greedy, of PP'ivelfcomb in the ftid County, Carpenter : Ja7nes Salter,
" Apprentice to John Alloway of the fame : Jojepb Pearce, oi' Milverton afore-
" faid, Hofier : Thomas Langwell, of Bathe-Alton in the faid County, Wool-
" comber :
" N. B. John Greedy hath put in Bail to appear at Seflions."
The other three were conveyed to Prifon, where they were difcharged at
the Seflions on the 15 th of the fime Month : But one of them, Jojeph Fearce,
was again fent to Goal about a Fortnight after, by the fame Juflice, lor being
abfent from the National Worfhip.
On the 14th of the fame Month Thomas Sibley, and others, were fent to Goal
by a Mittimus in Form following, viz.
C(
C(
(C
(C
cc
cc
cc
i(
cc
cc
cc
c(
cc
(C
Somerfet Is.
I Send you herewithal the Bodies of the Perfons under-named, for that
they ftand convifted on Oath before me, and by their own Confefllon,
tor being at an unlawful Meeting, or Conventicle, in the Pariili of Creivk-
herne, the 4th Day of June laft : And for want of Sureties for their perfonal
Appearance at the next Afllzes, to be held for this County, then and there
to anfwcr the Premifes. Thefe are therefore, in his Majcfty's Name, to
will and require you, on Sight hereof, to receive the faid Perfons into your
Cuftody, and thein (ately keep, until they fhall be delivered by due Courfe
of Law. Given under my Hand and Seal this 14th Day of July 1684.
To the Keeper of his Majejly's *^ W/" HelLIAR
Goal at Ilchefter, Thefe.
"NAMES,
" Thomas Sibley, Joane Coggan, Anne, the Wife of Thomas King, Hannah
Seawood."
0.1
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 639
On the fame Day GUes Knight , being cited to the Bifhop's Court at Welh^ S O M E R-
appeared there, and was queftioned about his Abfence from Church, and not ^^ J"
receiving the Sacrament. At length they lent him to the Bilhop, who, with ^"H^^if
his Chancellor and Colonel Berkley, tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, and ' ^'
upon his Refulal to Swear, fcnt him to Goal. His Miilimus was thus, viz.
c<
Somcrfet fs.
" To the Keeper of his Majejiys Goal at Ilchefter, or his
" lawful Deputy there, Thefe.
•« Wl E hcrewithal fend you the Body of Giles K}iight, of the Parifli of Mittimus of
" YV Chijjelborough in the County atorefaid, who being brought before l^mgnt.
*' us this Day, and being there required to take the Oath of Allegiance,
" (the fame being legally tendred him) hath refufed fo to do : Thefe are
" therefore, in his Majcity's Name, to will and require you, immediately on
♦' Sight hereof, to receive the faid Gi/^j /li^zgi'/ into your fiid Goal, and him
" there fafely keep, until he (hall be thence delivered by due Courle ot Law:
" And for fo doing this fhall be your Warrant. Given under our Hands and
" Seals the i4di Day of y«/)'. Anno Domini 1684.
" P. Bath and Wells,
" Ed. Berkley,,
" John Bailey."
About this Time Philip Allen and Francis Shepherd, of 'Taunton, coming
from a Meeting, were met by Stephen limewell, a Juftice of that Town, who
obliged them to go before the Mayor and other Officers there, who, upon their
Refufal to take the Oath of Allegiance, committed them to Prifon, where they
were detained three Weeks.
On the 1 5th of the Month called July, came on the Seffions at Bridgwater,
where the Jullices were prefented with the following Paper, viz.
*' T) E C A U S E of the Continuation and Increafe of our Sufferings, we J Paper pre^
•' Jj thus fpread our Complaints before you. We pray you, let the Op- Je'ned to the
" prtiTion of the Poor be regarded by you, and fhut not your Ear at the J"-/*'*^"*
*' Cry of the OpprefTed. You are the Men, under God, to whom we make
" our Addrefs, and trom whom we might expeft Relief and Deliverance, and
" are not without Encouragement herein, having in Remembrance, with
" thankful Acknowledgment, that Juflice and Mercy ye extended to Ibme
" of us at the late SefTions atBreivton. Oh, let the Bowels of CompafTion be
Hill kept open to a futfiiring innocent People, and let not thofe Laws made
»♦ againft Popi/h Recufants, be thus feverely profecuted againfl Proteftant Dif-
" fenters -, nor let thofe Laws made againfl feditious Conventicles and riotous
" Airemblies, be ftretcht forth againft the peaceable Worfliippers of God in
" Spirit and in Truth, much lefs flrained beyond the Letter thereof. For we
" do not underftand how a Meeting of three, a Boy under fixceen Years of
" Age, and a Girl, only to worflup God, can reaibnably be iuppofed to be
•' a feditious Conventicle, or riotous, or an unlawful AfTembly to the Terror
»' of the King's People, unlefs by fuch as fear where no Fear is. W^e are
" truly a tender confeientious People, that defire to live in the Fear of God,
" and keep a Confcience void of Offence in the Sight both of God and Man.
*' Give us leave to prefent to your View thofe noble Writings of King Charles
" the Firjl, to his Son our prefent King, viz. In point of true confeientious
" Tendernef, I have declared how little I defire my Laws and Scepter foould
" intrench on God's Soveraignty, who only is the King of Men's Confiences. And
" again, in his Advice to his faid Son, viz. Tour Prerogative is befl fiewn and
" exercih^
«
640
S O M E R.
SET-
SHIRE.
1684.
it
A Colleftion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
exercifed in remitting, rather than exaSfing thi Rigour of the Laws., there bebig
nothing worfe than legal Tyranny. Many more Sayings of the like Ten-
dency we could lay before you, with our King's gracious Promife for
Liberty to tender Confciences, which for Brevity's Sake we omit, not
doubting but that you may well know them already. And again, we befeech
you to relieve the Opprefled, and fet the Captives at Liberty, feme whereof
their Wives and Children are even expofed to great Extremity and much
Danger, near to Ruin, for want of their Affiftance. And herein you will
not only farther oblige us to pray for your Profperity and Welfare here and
hereafter, but alfo to blefs and praife the Lord for you, in making you
Inftruments for his Glory, and Good of his fuftering afflidled People, which
is the earned Defire of us, who are
" The People of God, (as is well known unto him)
" and true and loyal Subjeiis to the King,
" Quakers."
Sevcnl dif- At that Quarter Seffions the juftices feemed to have an Ear open to the jufl:
charged. Complaint ot this People, and appeared fo tar flivourable, as to difcharge
feveral of thofe who had been lately committed.
At the Aflizes at IVells, on the 5th of the Month called Jiiguft, the Cafe of
the Prifoners in that County was more at large reprefented to the Judges in
Writing, as follows, viz.
*' To the Judges appointed to bold Aflizes and Goal-Delivery in the
" Weftern-Circuit.
*• Diverfe true Proteftant Chriftians, and loyal Subje^Sy called Qu a k e r s^
in Humility
" Shew,
7he Prifoners " ""I"* H A T though we worfKip not in that Way which is commonly
Cafe largely «< _|. praftifed in this Kingdom, and do worfhip God in that Way which
reprefemed. tt many call and account Herefy ; yet both upon a confcientious Account,
♦' having not Faith in the Former, and therefore were Sin for us to praftife ;
" yet approve of that which is good ; and the Spirit of Truth being come,
" which we have received, are taught by it to pray and worfhip God. And
being fully perfuaded, that it is an indifpenfable Duty that Chrifl Jefus re-
quires of us (who is only King of Men's Confciences) to perform the Latter,
and would be likewife Sin for us to om^it, defiring to lead our Converfation
in all Godiinefs and Honefty. And that we have and ftill do own King
Charles the Second to be King, and chief Magiflrate ot this and other his
Kingdoms and Dominions, who was prcferved, reflored, and placed in hiS
Government by the Hand of the Great God, who rules in the Kingdoms of
Men. And what other Power could thus have wrought Deliverance for
him ? And that we have always, and do refolve to yield and perform faith-
ful Allegiance to him, as becomes true Chriflians and Men tearing God,
though we cannot fwear it, and only becaufe Chrift commands jwt to Szvear
at all. And the Apoftle James, who well knew the Mind of his Lord and
Matter, faith, jibove all Things, Brethren, Swear not. That all Plotting?,
Seditions, and Contrivings againft him, be it by the Pope, his Party, or any
others, with their falfe Dodlrines, and fuperftitious Ways and Worfhips, we
utterly deny and abhor, as our innocent and peaceable Converfations have,
and we hope ever fhall, by the Grace of God, wii^nefs for us : And there-
fore why ihould not we claim the Benefit of our King's gracious Promilcs
to truly tender confcientious PeoplCj we having never forfeited our Right
thereunto, and which he promifed us on the Word of a King ? Why
" fhould
(<
<c
(C
(<
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS, 641;
" fhould we be punifhed for abfcnting from thofe Worfliips, that ^e SOMER*
" fhoiild manifclt our felves but Hypocrites to trequent, being otherwife per- S E T-
*' lu.ided of God ? Why Ihould our peaceable Meetings, only in Reality to ^ ^}^ ^'
" worlhip God in Spirit and in Truth, be rendred and punifhed as riotous ioo4'
". Alfemblies, and feditious Conventicles, while nothing afted or done that ^/"V^^*-*
V- hath the leaft Tendency that Way ? And why fhould not we have the En-
♦' joyment of our Liberty, Relations, and other outward Comforts, unlefs we
*' break our Peace with God, and make Shipwreck of a good Confcience, and
♦' fo lofe Everlafting Life ? What Pleafure or Advantage can it be for the
" King, or thole in Authority under him, to fee many induftrious P'amilies
*' expofed to Ruin, many of our Wives left as Widows, and Children as
" Fatherkls, and feveral poor "Widows alfo expofed to Prifons and Spoiling
" of Goods, and left mourning in Defolation, without Comtort, other than
" what the merciful Hand of God affords them in their Afflidtions.
" We humbly pray you, let thele Things be ferioufly confidcred by you,
*Vlet your Ear be open to the Cry of the OpprefTed, and Sighing of the Pri-
** fbners, and let the Caufe of the Widows and Fatherleis in true Judgment • '•
*' come before you : Let envious and ignorant Prefenters, and mercenary In-
" formers and Perfecutors be dilcountenanced by you, as we hope you arc fo
" minded, being Judges of the Land : Let the Sword of Juflice, which God
" hath put into your Hands, be exercifed for the Punifhment of evil Doers,
" and Praife of them that do well.
" A particular Account of the Sufferers, now Prifoners in Ilchefter^ is here
*' prefented to your View : And we in Hurnility intreat you to ufe your Power
" tor the Relief of thofe thatfuffer for Confcience-fake •, for a wounded Con-
" fcience who can bear, who can heal ? And farther, we intreat you to prefent
" our Sufferings before the King, who hath been pleafed thus formerly to ex-
*' prefs himfelf, 'That he njcoM not have it in any Man^s Power to charge him
" with the Breach of his JVord. The which we hope he ftill purpofeth to a ' '
" perform by his renewed A6f:s of Mercy, Favour, and Indulgence towards
" us, who truly are a peaceable confcientious People that fear God, and
" honour the King. The Lord guide you in Judgment, and give you Under-
" ftanding to judge rightly, that lb you may be truly honourable here, and
" everlaltingly happy hereafter.
" Which is the Prayer of us who are trQe Protejlants, and Sufferers for
' '*' theTeflimony of a good Confcience, as is well known unto God,
" who is the Searcher of all Hearts.
*v For Fines for Meeting : Thomas Sibley^ Anne King, Joane Coggan, and
" Hannah Seawood.
" For not paying Tithes: JohnlVride, John Brice, Robert Tutton, Robert
•♦ Bullock, Mannaduke Coate, Thomas Hurd, James Popple, William Liddon^
" and Thomas Martin.
" Under Sentence of Premunire : Richard Grabham, J a/per Batt, John
" Hip/ley, Chrijlopher Devonjbire, John Anderdon, Chrijlopher Holder, a.nd Ruf us
*« Coram.
" For not going to Church : Ed-ward Blinman,,S.ufan Alloway, William
*< Bond, Henry Mattock, John Clothier, John' Bull, Jo. Balla?n, and 'Jojeph
«' Pearce. ■' ''. ' "
'* On Writs de Excomrnunicato capiendo : Edmund Chappel, John W/jiting,
^* John Parfons, Thomas Coombe, John Chappel, TIjomas Powel, and John Allen."
Chridopher Lodge, of Chard, was about this Time committed to Prifon for fmpnfiment
abfenting himfelf from the National Worfliip : And for the fame Caufe were ^"d D'lirefet
taken from Samuel Clothier, John Cary, Abraham Clothier, Hujlice Plumky, and ^Zm tbT
Anne Shepherd, Sheep and other Things, to the Value of 3 /. 4;. - Njtional
Vol. I. ,inj7' .- ■: y Z I: irorfiif.
642
SOMER-
S E T-
SHIRE.
1 684.
Fines for
bchg at a
Funeral.
Jmprifonment
of}. Kingf-
bury.
Jmprifatjments
for fefufing to
Sraeir.
The Goakr
more fivour-
able than the
rriefl.
Veath of
J. Popple.
Diftrefs for
Tithes.
i^\
^ Colle6lion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I.
It happened this Summer that a Daughter oi Marmaduke Coate, a reputable
Yeoman, but one caJled a ^aker, died, and many of the Neighbours came
to her Funeral. Information of this Burial was given to Juftice IValrond, and
he fent his Warrant for feveral, and examined them upon their Oaths, •n-ho
were at the /aid Burial ? thus making them inform againft one another.
Whereupon he impofed Fines on feveral of the Neighbours, whom he obliged*
to pay 5 J. each, amounting to . ; : .^i- OSi-\.-Qd.'
H.C 3.\lo conl\va.'mcd John Hiclett, an Hufbandrnan ■of'»'>T 'I •)i;j:^:'Jid •
Miakelny, who was at that Meeting, to pay <' "i alLi gj|!iiilT^li 5!ol <5l "
And from Anne Tucker of ///«i»/?fr,.-!JWiidaw,'rfhc/^v fl '"'.Ii lo ,r^ii.'i{ ■
caufed to be levied by Diftrefs ?,'/ in-j m ynwri J^ . ' 5,; fSi,.rijfl .*
<?(iii ..wobiV/ -looq Unavot '-■ - ' \
»n;rti .Mjy) , ' AnjQ ni gntmuom ibf b.;i.i. ....^. ; q
ij i«!.!v>Mn f,.i.r)'io bnfiH h/ti-.Ttrri -vii n-A-it "
On the 21 ft of September, James Kin^Jlury, a Surgeoh of London, beihg^
in the Street at Taunton, was taken by Officers, and carried before the Mayor,
who tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, and becaufe he refufed to take it,
kept him Prifoner a Week, and then fet him at Liberty, with aftridt
Charge to leave the Town immediately.
On the 1 8th of Ouiober, Edith Slatideriaick, and her "DAU^t^r Joane Fardin^',
oi Buckland St. Mary's, fo called, were carried to Prifori for refufing to anfwW
upon Oath to a Bill exhibited in Chancery, in a Caufe there depending. '
About this Time Thomas Martin, of Chilthonie, a' Prifoner at IlcJiefter for
Tithes, had fome Liberty, by the Keeper's Favour, to gd Home, being abou^
two Miles from the Prifon : The PrielU at whofe Suit he was detained, obferv-
ing this, and angry at it, procured a Warrant, by whioh he caufed him to be
carried before Sir Edward Philipps, who tendred him the Oath, arid fent' him
thefime Day to Goal, whither the Parfon alfo went to fee him brought thither.
On the 2ift oi November, James Popple, o{ St aw el, died in Frifon af'//-
che/her, after above teri Years Imprifonment there >fbr Tithes.'
In this Year Henry Clothier, of Burnham, for a Demand ci aboiit 8/. for
Tithes, had taken f rom hirn,' ait the Suit of Thomas Mompejfon, Impropriator,
fix Oxen worth 34/.. ...'; ««.■' o'- . ;- . • c
Taken alfo for Tithes of Corn, Hay, Apples, &c.
From Samuel Clothier, John Carey, Henry Scrafe,_a.nA'Jti^i douVN "
/uoiJ ^I'.i Robert Banton, to the Value of . lu xriufiii/^ i Jfl "^^ °
Edward Ferris, John Bull, Robert Gee, Elias'-'^'y
OJlorne, And John Bullock, to the Value of \ "^ ^^ 5
\-^^*<>5'i .w^V^f^ \r!^«*9^ ,"\VnS '.'tViX' ,^iWn'^H «'^f*V : ^^HiiT T>ri';.'> 1 >!i lo-I •■
At the AfTizes held at Trtf^K/ow, on the T6th of the Month called March,
a Paper on Behalf of the Prifoners at Ilchejter, was delivered to Judge M?;;-
/rtg-a^, .being as follo\ys,.s;«2, -. :(:}:'.\y;<\ \> x'
** To the Judges ajftgned to hold Affizes and Goal-Delivery, - in
'f-**:the Weftern- Circuit at TpxiAon^. the .ibtk.of the Mpntb called
^** March 1684-5. .vy,v/.H >^
.k^tF^^ V ^^^ People called Qv AKZV.^ tn the jCountyffif Bomerkt,' on Behalf of
" thcmfehes and others of the faid People, in Humility and Sincerity
lot r.,)!;;*l u. L:)Jiimm03 3rtiiT iirfJ l»odfi .'i w
A fifer, on
Behalf of the
Prifoirers, if
livered to
^udge Mor-
gan.
«' Shbw-
-. rO-
" P I ^ H AT we have always eJierqifed tour felves to have and keep our
" ^ Confciences void of Offence towards God and Man : That we are all
"obliged, and do refolve accordingly to fcrve and worfhip the Great God,
" the
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS. 643^
•' the Creator of all Things, and Judge of ail Men, in the Spirit and in the SOMER-
•' Truth, he having given us a Meafure of his Spirit for that Purpofe -, that ,^ ^ T-
*' we owe, and do relblve to yield accordingly, due Subjeflion to fuch Magi- f:o
" Urates as God hath let over us, to the King as Supreme, and thofe in Au- ^ '^*
" thority under him, praying for them tiiat they may fo rule, as God may be v^''^^'"""^-*
" honoured, they everlalbngly happy, and we under them may lead our
" Lives in all Godlinefs and Honefty, according as God hath ordained, and
" hath been the Pradtice of the ancient Chrijiians.
'* That neverthelels, we have been expoled to great Sufferings, in our Per-
" fons. Liberties, and Eftates, under the fevere Penalties of feveral Laws never
*' made againft us, nor that Worfliip which we profefs ; and for not praftifing
" that AVorfliip which we have no Faith in, and lb were Sin lor us to do.
" Several Thoufands of Pounds will not ballance the LofTes by us fuftained by
" the Aft againft leditious Conventicles, though we never frequented any, but
" always have and ftill do deny luch Aiiemblies. We have alio fuffered long
»♦ and tedious Imprifonments for riotous and feditious Meetings, which we alio
" teftify againft, and our peaceable Deportment hath always manifefted the
*' fame. And tor not fwearing Allegiance, which we have refufed to fwear
" only in Obedience to Qirift Jefus, King of Kings : Yet have been, and ftill ,
" ar£ ready to perform the fime, and to give unto Cafar his Due, as well as
" to give unto God his. And if we fhould break the Connmand of Chrift
" Jelus, and fo lofe our Peace with God, what Good fhall our Lives do ?
" well knowing that we and all Men muft give an Account, and be fubjeft
" to the Judgment of the Eternal God.
- . ** We therefore pray you to take thefe Things into your grave Con-
" fiderations, and extend your Power to relieve the Opprelfed, and fet
" the Captives at Liberty, who fuffer only for the 1 elliimony of a
<' good Conicience : And this being a Service required by, and ac-
" ceptable unto God, his BlefTing and Reward will be with you therein,
" and we farther obliged to pray for your Welfare and Profperity
" here, and everlafting Happinefs hereafter."
This Paper was favourably received by the Judge ; and he fet feveral of ^^"^^'^^ A'' "-^
the Priloners, dien brought before him, at Liberty, viz. Giles Knight, Jofeph ' ^'^'^'
Pearce, Chriflopher Devonjhire, IVilliam Bond, Henry Mattock, and Sujanna.
Alloway : Alfo Edward Pole and his Wife, and Thomas Upha7n of IVivelfcomb,
who appeared on their Recognizances. Four others, Thomas Sibley, 'Anne
King, Joane Coggan, and Hannah Seawood, not being .called in Court, left they
fhould be paft by without Notice, their Cafe in particular was prefented to the
Judge at his Camber, near the End of the AfTizes, being as follows, viz.
" The CASE of Thomas Sibley, Hannah Seawood, Anne
*' King, and Joane Coggan, poor Prijoners to the Goal at Ilchefter.
*' Humbly prejented to the Judge of the AlTizes, begun at Taunton the i6th
« of March 1684.
*' rir^ H E faid Thomas Sibley, a Blackfmith, having a Wife and four fmall dfc of T.
*' JL Children, and very little to maintain himfelf and them but his ^'^^^^^ ""^
« Labour. '''^'"''
" Hannah Seawood, a very poor Widow, with three fmall Cliildren, having
*' been long fick, muft perifh, unlefs relieved by Charity.
" Anne King, a poor fick, weak, aged Woman ; her Hufband an aged,
*' weak, poor Man, having licde or nodiing but his Labour to maintain them.
" Joane Coggan, an aged poor Widow, who formerly fold her fmall Eflate
" 10 pay her Debts.
" The
644 ^ Colle6tioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1684.
" The faid Perfons being poor and peaceable, with Ibme others, being
met together to wait peaceably upon God, and for no other Caufe, were,
with Ibme others, by WiUiam Helliar, a Juftice of the Peace, fined fifteen
Shillings a-piece for the faid Meeting, as an unlawful Meeting or Conven-
ticle, fome of which Fines were paid : Afterwards the atbreliiid Perfons, for
not paying the faid Fines of fifteen Shillings a-piece for the faid Meeting,
by the faid Juftice committed to the Goal at Ilchejler till the next
were
Aflizes, which was at fVells, but were not called fortli, but returned to
Prifon to remain according to their former Commitment.
*' We therefore pray that our fuffering afflifted Condition may be afFec-
" tionately confidered, and we relieved, according as to Mercy, Equity,
" and Juftice, fhall appertain. The Relief of the Poor, Fatherlefs,
" and Widows, being a Service which is very pleafing to Almighty
" God ; and we fhall pray that he may reward accordingly.
^ere. Whether it be legal to fine
" fome for a Conventicle, and com-
" mit others to Prifon for an unlaw-
" ful Affembly and Riot, for one
and the fame Meeting,
met peaceably.
all
being
" Thomal Sibley,
" Anne King,
" Hannah SeawooDj
" Joane Coggan."
DijchnrgcA.
Death of
J. Anderdon
The Judge having confidered their Cafe, fent his Man to the Clerk of the
AITize, and ordered them to be fet at Liberty with thofe before named.
On the 20th of the fame Month John Anderdon, of Bridgwater, having
been a Prifoner nine Years and eight Months for refufing to Swear, finilhed
his Teftimony by Death, about the fixtieth Year of his Age, John fVhiling,
who was fome Time his Fellow-prifoner, and intimate Acquaintance, gives this
His ChiriHer. Charadler of him, viz. " 7hai he was an able Minifter of the Gofpei of Chrijly
'■'■ of a found Judgment, folid weighty Tejlimony, and grave Deportment, and left
" a good Report and Savour behind hi?n, in the Town, and among all that knew
" htm." See John Whiting's Memoirs, pag. 133.
ANNO 1685. In the Beginning of this Year Jafper Ratt, and others,
inceffant in reprefenting the Injuftice of their Suffering to thofe in Authority,
prefented the following Paper,
" To the Knights and Burgesses, eleSfed Members of Parliament,
" more efpecially thofe for the County of Somerfet.
Jo tkeg^iihti
end Burgeffis
in Pirliament.
(C
((
cc
((
<(
«
it
n
*' Friends !
BE pleafed to excufe our Boldnefs in prefenting you with this Addrels,
who by the Appointment or PermifTion of him who is the wife Dif-
pofer of all Things, are chofen Members of the enfuing Parliament, lb may
have an Opportunity to give your AfTiftance for the Relief of the OpprelTed,
and Eafe of the Afflifted ; our Defires being no other than that we may
enjoy thofe Rights and Privileges which, as true Chriflia/is and free-born
Englijhmen, do of Right belong to us : As Chriflians, it's our Duty, Right,
and Privilege, to ferve and worlhip that God that made us, according to
the Perfuafion of his Spirit in our Confciences, as Chrift Jefus hath ordained :
And though our Meetings only for that End have been render'd to be feditious
Conventicles, and riotous Affemblies, fuch we have and ftill do deny, nor
do we know that we have given the Icift Caufe of Sufpicion thereof : But
thele Jealoufies (we humbly conceive) have rifen from the Miftakes, if not
Malice, of others, and not any Merit of ours : And on this Account have
we been expofed to great Sufferings in our Perfons and Eftates, contrary to
our Right as free-born Englijfjmcn, as wc undrrftand. And alfo for not
" Swearing,
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS.
645
Swearing,
<(
cc
(C
cc
both our fclves and fomt
c others have fuftained great D-'mage,
being hereby dilabled to give our Teftimony in ibme Cafes of Difference,
and alio to bear fuch Offices as we miglit be capable of, and fcrviceable in^
we being willing to take our Share ot the Fublick Burdens, and Services of
common Concerns, our Retufivl to Swear being only in Obedience to Chrift
Jefus : And it we break our Words and Promiles, let us bear the fame
Penalty that others are liable to who break their Oaths. We therefore
humbly defire, that wc may not be denied that Liberty which Chrift gives
us, that we may not fuffer by fuch Laws as were never made againft us,
nor the circumftantial Part of thofe Laws, which may burden our tender
Confciences, whilft wc arc ready to perform the Subttance, neither for
practiiing that Worfhip which we h^ve no Faith in -, and fo to omit the
one, or praftife the other, would procure to us a wounded Confcience,
which who can bear ? or what can heal ? It being the Prerogative of Chrift
Jefus alone to rule there, and not in Man's Power to alter the Conviftions
which he there works, though through either inward Corruption, or outward
Force, or Fear, he may a(5t contrary thereto, as too many have done in thefe
Days, manifefting themfelves to be thereby but Hypocrites, and fo not
being faithful to God, are not fit to be trufted by Men. This is our Defire
and Refolution to keep our Peace with God, and our Confciences clear in
his Sight : For what would it profit us to gain the whole World, and lofe
our own Souls .'' And alio to live peaceably with all Men, as much as in us
lies, and as the Lord fhall enable us.
" Give us Leave to put you in Remembrance of thofe excellent Sayings of
King Charles the Firjl, and King Charles the Second.
" King Charles the Fir(l, in his Advice to his Son, fays. In point of true
cofifiientious Tendernefs, I have often declared how little I defire 7ny Laws and
Scepter flooidd intrench on God^s Soveraignty, ix;ho is the only King of Mcn^s
Confciences. And King Charles the Second, in his Declaration from Breda,
fays, We declare a Liberty to tender Confciences, and that no Man fhall be
dijquieted or called in ^lejTwn for Differences of Opinion in Matters of Religion,
which do not dijlurb the Peace of the Kingdom. And much more to the fame
Effeft. And fo our Prayers are for you, that in this great and weighty
Trufl committed to you, God's Wifdom may guide you, and that you may
be Inftruments in his Hand for the exalting of Juftice, Righteoulnefs and
Peace, in this Nation, and a Terror to evil Doers, and a Praife to them that
do well.
'' Signed on the Behalf of our felves and others of the People
'• called Qiiakers.
" Jasper Batt,
" Elias Osborne,
'" Thomas Whitehead,
*' Thomas Powel."
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1685.
Ihe zStfi of the Second
Mj»th 1 6 85.
Death of
C. Lodge.
On the 1 6th of the Month called June this Year, Chriflopher Lodge, of
Chard, before mentioned, after above a Year's Confinement for not going to
Church, died in the Goal at Ilchcjler, having endured his State of Afflidtion
with Chrijlian Conftancy, Faith and Patience, to the End of his Days. For
the fame Caufe of confcientioufly abfenting from the National Way of Worfhip,
John Metford, Matthew Stone, and Richard Cooper, of Glaflon, fuflcred Diitrefs Dijl>:'fis.
of Goods.
On the 1 8 th of November, Robert Bullock, of Clapton, who had been in
Prilbn for Tithes above four Years, at the Suit of Edward Ancketyll, Prieft of
Wraxal, was difcharged by a Superfedeas, obtained on the Death of his Pro-
fecutor.
On the 1 9 th of the Month called January, Ihoma.i Powel, of Grin ton, had
four Oxen worth 2 1 /. taken from him by an old Execution, at the Suit of
Vol. I. 8 A ' John
R. Bullock
difcharged.
Exiiuiion-
/.
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i.
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9
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o
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ir
3
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646 ^ CoUedtion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SOMER- John Clothier, Prieft of Gn«/o«, againft f/foor ^^«j. Widow, whom the faid
SET- 'Thomas Powel had married. This Execution was revived by the Prieft's
^68^ ^* ^ '^""^ ^^^^^ ^'' Deceafe.
. J-v Jl In this Year were taken for Tithes, in Corn, Hay, Lambs, ij}c. in Kind,
tithes of From Henry Scrafe and John Clothier, of Eajt-Liddiford,
Com, &c. to the Value of
Samuel Clothier of Alford, and ^'^/^w Cijr)i of
Robert Baunton, Edward Ferris, John Bull, and
Robert Gee, of Long-Sutton
Robert Bullock of Clapton, and Jo/j« Bullock of
Abraham Gundry, Jafper Batt, Thomas Marner,
James Clothier, Mary Stower, John Gundry,
Rachel Gundry, and Anne Gundry, all of Street
Robert fVillis of Chijfelborou^b
John Hifjley and Richard Vickris, of Chew-tnagna
Katharine Stone of Glajlonbury
SS J 6
ANNO 1686. At the AfTizes held at Wells, on the 30th of the Month
called March, fourteen of the then remaining Prifoners at Ilchejler prefenred
their Cafe, as follows,
" To the Chief "Jujlice Herbert, and fudge Wright, ajjigned to
" hold Affizes and Goal-Delivery for the Weftern-Circuit at Weils,
" for the County oj Somerfet, the 30/^ of the Month called
<' March 1686.
" Several of the People called Qjj a k 5 r s, now Prifoners to the Goal of
" Ikhefter, in the faid County, on Behalf of the7nfeh'es, and many others of
" the fame People, in Humility
" Shew,
Jothe^ttiges, " rTTl H A T fince the wife Difpofer of all Things hath ordered your
a J{epiefe)ifa- " J_ Employment in this honourable Service, to relieve the Opprefied and
"""' " deliver the Captives, and fince King James the Second, that now is, hath
" committed Part of his Clemency to your Cuftody, to diftribute the fame,
" according as the Lord hath inclined his Heart ; and having taken particular
" Notice of our Sufferings, and fignified his Will and Plealure, th.it we the
" People commonly called Sluakers, (hould receive the full Benefit of his
" General Pardon with all poffible Eafe ; which Grace and Favour we with all
" Thankfulnefs acknowledge to God as the chief Author, who hath the
" Hearts of all Kings at his Difpofal, and to the King as being ready herein
*« to mind that which the Lord inclined his Heart unto, and not without
" Hope to find the like Opportunity to render to you our hearty Th.ir.lvS for
" the full Accomplifhment of that which our God allows, and the King fo
" readily grants us : And alfo hearing the Report of your Nobihty and
«' Moderation, in managing this weighty Trufl committed to you, we are
" emboldened thus to addrefs our felves, though in Plainnefs of Speech, yet
" in Sincerity of Heart to lay before you, that we have for feveral Years been
«* Prifoners to the Goal aforelaid, not for any plotting againft the King and
" Government, or Harm done to his Subjeifls, our peaceable Lives have
" manifefted our Fidelity to the King, and Love to our Neighbours, ir being
" contrary to our Principles to do otherwifc ; but only for Confcience-fake,
in
Chap. 30. of the People called QUAKERS, 647
*' in Obedience to Chrift Jellis, we dare not Swear at all^ or forbear to v/orfiiip SOME R-
" God as he hath ordained, nor conform to tholb Worfhips we have no Faith SET-
*' in, which, to omit the one, or pradife the other, wc flioiild therein fin, and f^^f.
" lo wound our Confciences, and break our Peace with God, and what Good
" then fhould our Lives do us, if we might enjoy never fo much ot tlie ^■^'^^r^^
♦' World's Favour and Friendfhip ?
" Our humble Requeft therefore to you is, to confider and compaflionate
" our fuffering Condition, and improve the Power and Authority that God
" and the King have intruded you withal for our Relief and Liberty, we ftiil
*' refolving, and hoping through God's Afilftance, for the future to manifeft
" our Fear to God, Honour to the King, and Honefty to all his Subjeds, by
*' our godly, humble, and peaceable Converfation. The particular Caufes of
" our Imprifonments are herewith attefted under our Keeper's Hand : And we
" farther pray, that mercenary Informers, and envious Profecutors, againft us
" oiily for Conlcience-iake, may, according to your Wifdom and Prudence^
" be difcouraged from profecuting fuch Aftions, by which many indurtrious
*' and confcicntious Families and Perfons are in great Danger of being ruined^
*' and we encouraged in our Diligence in our refpedive Callings, and
" may enjoy the Benefit of our Jnduftry ; and fo fhall we be the better
" enabled to perform with Cheerfulnefs the Duties we owe to God, the King,
" and all Men.
" The Lord guide you in Judgment, and more and more incline ^bur
"• Hearts to love Mercy, and do JujUce, and grant you tiie Reward
" thereof, which is truly our Defire and Prayer.
To this were fubfcribed the faid Prifoners Names, together with the CaufeS
and Length of their Imprifonment, viz.
" On Premunire for refufing to Swear : Chriftopher Holder,, a Pfifoner fdttf
" Years and nine Months : Richard Grahham^ a Prifoner four Years and feven-
" teen Days : Rufus Coram, a Prilbner four Years and nineteen Days : "John
" Hipfley, a Prifoner two Years, fix Months, and twenty eight Days : And
" J'^fP^^ Bait, a Prifoner two Years, four Months, and nineteen Days.
" On Writs de Excommunicato capiendo : John Chappell, a Prifoner nine
" Years, two Months, and eleven Days : Edmund Chappell, a Prifoner three
" Years, eleven Months, and twenty fix Days : Thomas Powel, a Prifoner
" nine Years, eight Months, and eighteen Days : John tVbiti>ig, a Prifoner fix
♦' Years, nine Months, and two Days : And John Allen^ a Prifoner fix Yearsj
" nine Months, and tour Days.
" On Attachments out of the Exchequer for Contempts : Marniaduke Coaler
" a Prifoner fifteen Years, feven Months, and twenty three Days : Thomas
" Martin, a Prifoner three Years, five Months, and twenty feven Days :
" And Vincent Boldy, a Prifoner two Years and feventeen Days.
" On an Exigent : fVillmn Lyddon, of Withell, a Prifoner fifteen Years and
" one Month."
Upon this Reprefentation, the laid Prifoners, though not carried to the
AlTizes, were, by Order of the Judges, difcharged from their long ImprifoR-
ments ; fo that there remained, after their Releafe, only three of their Brethren
in Bchefler Goal, viz. Thomas Ihird, John IVride, and Robert Tut ion, who ft ill
continued there tor not paying Tithes.
Two of the Prifoners now releafed had been for fome Time cruelly ufcd by Cru^lVfugt
their Keepers, who took them, viz. John Hip/ley and John Whiting, and put of two oj she
them into the Ward among thofe who were confined there on Account of the '''J"""^^'
Duke of Monmouth, where they lay on Straw. They alfo put Hand-bolts on
them, fo that they were link'd together, and could not pull off their Clothes as
Night but from one Arm, and let them hang on the other. In this Condition
they
648
SOMER-
SET-
SHIRE.
1 68 6.
Imprifo;ime>,t
of R. Button
for refufing to
Srvur.
J. Goodfon,
d>t agei Crip-
ple, imprifon-
ei for Tithes.
Atticbment.
Inprifonment
for refufi/ig to
Stveir.
Jmprifonmems
for lubes.
Summiry Ac-
count of Tithes
from 16S6 to
169c.
^ CoUe6tion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
they continued above five Weeks, till the Wrifts of John IFb'U'wg had the Skin
worn oft by Means ot the Irons.
On the I 2th of the Month called j/ipril this Year, Robert Butloii, a Grocer
of Tdiuiton, being Overfecr of the Poor, appeared before the CommifTioners of
Enquiry into the Rebels ELitates, upon Summons. They would have ad-
miniflred an Oath to him, which he refufed to take, mildly telling them, that
he Jhould do his Duty as faithfully as thole tvho did Sizear. One of the Com-
mifTioners upon this began to examine him. When he had been at Church, and
•when he lock the Sacrament ? To which Robert anfwered, That he thought he
was not fummon'd thither for that, and that he did not come to accufe hi?nfelf.
Whereupon the CommifTioners required the Mayor and another Juftice prelent,
to tender him the Oath of Allegiance, which they did, and on his Refufal to
take it, committed him to Taunton Bridewell, where he was confined about two
Weeks.
On the 7th of the Month called June, John Good/on, of Merjlon-magna,
was committed to Prifon by an Attachment out of the Exchequer tor not ap-
pearing to a Subfa'na, which had been ferved on him but one Day before the
Expiration of its Return -, fb that for him, a poor aged Cripple, to have
appeared above an Hundred Miles from his Dwelling in that Time, was
impofTible, The Profecution was carried on by one Naj-'p, an Attorney, who
threatned the poor Man's Ruin. The Suit was in the Name of Sir 'John St.
Barbe, but tor the Claim of one Alichael Raymond, Tithe-tarmcr.
On the 1 8th o'i October, John Clark, oi Edington, was lent to Prifon by an
Attachment out of the Exchequer for firall Tithes, at the Suit of Stephen Thorpe
fometime Vicar of Morlinck.
On the 5th ot t.he Month called January, Thomas Lea, of Gregory-Stoke,
being chofen Surveyor of the Highways, and refufing to be fworn into that
OlBce at a SefTion of the Julfices, had the Oath of Allegi.;nce tendred him,
and becaufe he declared tlut he could not Swear, was committed to Ilcbejler
Goal, although the Oath had not been read to him in Court. An Omiflion
which probably made Way for his Difcharge, after about fix Days Im-
prifbnment.
ANNO 1688. On the 25th of the Month called ylpril, John IVefi and
Henry Clothier, both of Bumbafn, were committed to Prifon by Attachments
out of the Exchequer, at the Suitof 7^/j« Bower, Prieft of that Pariih.
ANNO 1689. On the lydi of the Month called Jiiguff, Edith Coate, of
Hambridge, and Marmaduke Coate her Son, were committed to Prifon on an
Exchequer Procefs for fmall Tithes, at the Suit of James Strong, Prieft of
Curry-Revel. And on the 25th of November, Ezekiel Coombe, of Gregory-Stoke,
was fent to Goal by a Warrant from two Juftices, grounded on a Certificate of
Contumacy, upon a Profecution in the t cclefiattical Court for Tithes of
about 55. in Value, at the Suk of Lewis Parris, Prieft. Atwhofe Suit alio
Ma?y Bond, a Widow of North-Curry, was imprifoned in the next Month fcr
fmall Tithes of about 2 0j-. Value. ii-v|*'
ANNO 1690. In this Year John Evans, of Inglefcomb, Robert lVillis,'6f
Chijfelborough, and Vincent Boldy, (jf Langport, were feverally committed to
Prifon for Tithes ; the firft at the Suit of Prieft Keates ; the fccond at the Suit
of Paul Clement, a Prieft •, and the third at the Suit of James Strong, a Man
of the lame Fundtion.
We fhall clofe our Account of this County with a Summary of Tithes taken
in Corn, Apples, Wool, Fruit, ^c. from the Year 1686 to 1690, including
both thofe Years, and alfb fome former OmilTions, viz.
At Ye A TON, from Gabriel Davis, Francis Vincent,
William Allen, and George Allen
An^\romif\Q. f\i(\ Gabriel Davis y h'f a Sequeftration, '/
fix Oxen and two Cows, worth J
}
16
27
19
Carried over 43 19 9
Chap.
30.
of the People called QUAKERS.
}
\
}
}
\
Brought over
At Port SHUT, irom EdmiindBeakeSy Richard Beahs,
and James Beakes
At Gregory-Stoke, from Elizabeth Smithy Tloomas
Coo7/ibe, and Ezekiel Coombe
At Que ex-Cam EL, from John Higgins and John
Fudge
At Chew, from Richard Vickris and John Hipjley
At Po R T s B u R Y , from Jaifies Hobbs-, James Hobbs jiin.
Thomas Hobbs, and Andrew Batten
At Street, from Anne Cundry, James Clothier^
Abraham Cu/idry, Jonathan Tucker, Richard Browfe, and
John Gundry
At Walton, from Samuel Rumney, John Bullock,
Thomas Shepherd, Mary Bullock, and Richard Cooper
At HoLLOWTROw, from John Dando
At KiNGSDON, from John Beaton
At Ch I L ton-Dorm E R, from Cicely Champion Widow,
and Thomas Martin
At PuDDiMORE, from Chrijlopher Holder, and Grace
Holder Widow
At Charlton, from John Gary
At Chisselborough, from Robert Wills
At Crewkherne, trom George Beard, Richard
Lincoln, and IVilliam Prior
At Long-Sutton, from Robert Baunton
At Grin ton, from Thomas Clark, Elizabeth Clark,
and Thomas Po-jjel
At Chard, from Elias OJlorne
At Congeisbury, trom Richard Thomas
At Edington, from John Clark
At La MB ROOK, from John Coate
At Wadmore, from Gabriel Ballett
At Me a RE, from Hannah Cha7npion and John Turner
At North-Curry, from Mary Bond Widow
At Dulverton, from Sarah Holcomb Widow
At Alfofd, from Samuel Clothier
At East-Lid d iford, from John Clothier and Henry
Scrafe
At Brewton, from Laurence Hartrey and Thomas
Wh'Uchead
Taken alfo in this County
From John Stower, Thomas Marner, Jafper Batt, Arthur
Jeffery, John Bull, Edward Ferris, and Robert,
Gee
Mary Stower, John Bryant, Robert Bullock, Mat-
thew Stower, Thomas Lea, John Nott, and
William Ames
John Long, Robert Bullock, Henry Beaton, Hugh
Croad, Richard Thomas, and William Richards
William Wiicomb, Thomas Browning, Richard Slade,
John Wihnington, Henry dlloway, and thcWidow
Jones
I.
43
26
II
22
29
s.
5
7
6
12
d.
9
8
5
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o
32 18 5
617 o
Vol. I.
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482
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C II
A P.
649
S O M E R^
SET-
SHIRE.
1690.
65c
F G R D-
SHIRE.
faa-
A Colleftiori ^/ j^/j^ Sufferings ,Vol. I.
\ G H A P. XXXI.
STAFFORDSHIRE.
Suffitin^s of
R. Dale,
VV. Yardly,
M. Bateman,
and M. Wen-
jngton.
Suffering for
Tiot Sweiri/!g,
and for Tithes,
Anno 1655.
ON E of" il^ earlieft Sufferers of" this People in the County of
Stafford was Richard Dale, about feventy Years of Age, who being
under a prcfTing Concern of Mind to publifh to the People the
Excell6ncy and Spirituality of the true Gofpel-'Worfhip, went into
the Steeple-houfe at Leek, where beginning to fpeak to the Affembiy, he was
laid violent Hands on, dragged out, and carried before a Juftice, who com-
mitted him to Prifon, where he was detained about three "Weeks. Soon after
his Difcharge, IFHliam TanUy bearing the like Teftimony in the fame Places
was lent to Prifon, and dole confined nineteen "Weeks, feventeen of which he
lay on the bare Floor, the cruel Keeper not fuffering lb much as Straw to be
brought in for him to lie on. The Fervency of Affection which then united
this People was fuch, as induced Miles Bateman, a Man of good Repute, to
travel about an Hundred Miles from Home to vifit his Friends in Stafford Goal,
wliere Ire was, by the Mayor's Order, detained, twice whipt, and otherwife
barbaroufly ufed, though he had not tranfgrelTed any Law, either of God or
Man. During his Confinement, Miles IVenington came to the Prifon to vifit
him, and went alfo to the Mayor to expoftulate with him in Chriftian Meek-
ncfs concerning the Injultice done to his fuffering Friend ; for which Aft of
Brotherly. Love, the incenfed Magiftrate alfo fent him to Prifon, and caufed
him to be cruelly whipt. So criminal in thofe Times was it accounted to vifit
or Ijpeak in Behalf of the Opprefled.
ANNO 165S. In this Year IVilliam Reading, being fummoned to appear
by Way of Evidence at the Aflizes, and refiJing to Swear, was fined, and
had his Goods taken away to the "Value of 275. Alfo Robert Miller, for i /.
6 i. 8 d. demanded of him for Tithes, fuffered Diftrels of a Cow worth 4 /.
ANNO 1660. Taken by Dillrefs tor Tithes,
Demanded Goods worth
Piflreffss
lithis.
for
Sufferings for
fivernlCiuJes.
Mrny, after
grievous
Abufes, fcnt
10 ?rijon jor
refilling to
Snca/.
From Robert Miller, for
Mary Kent Widow
Peter Littleton
1ho?naj J'Voolrich
For
/.
3
o
o
o
9
13
7
4
d.
4
o
o
6
/.
15
4
4
2
10
10
o
o
o
o
o
4 13 10
Taken 26
In this Year Richard Buxton,, for refufing to pay Tithes,, fuffered twenty
tliree Weeks Imprilbnment. Alfo Henry Bowman, for the fame Caufe,
was committed to Stafford Goal, where he lay a "5fear and fevcn Months,,
though the Tithe demanded of him was not above 12.J. in Value. About the
lame Time Simon Buxton, for a Demand of 2 s. for repairing the Parilh Wor-
fiaip-houfe, fuffered Diftrels of his Goods to eight Times that Value.
ANNO 1661. Li this and the latter Part of the preceding Year, one
Hundred and eighty three Perfons were taken, fomc from their peaceable
Meetings, and others from their Houfes and Employments, after manifold
Beatings and Abufes from the rude Soldiers ufially employed in that Service,
and committed to Pr'ilbn for refilling to take the Oath of
Allegiance, which
Refuial
Chap. 31. of the People called QL^AKERS.
Ref'uflil was only tlie Confequence of tlieir religious Obedience to the Precept
of Clirill, Svoear not at all. Some of their Names were, "Jobn Grijjii:, Robert
JMilhr, "Tljomas Tomlinjon, Robert Bullock, Amlrew Dale, Hu^^h (■VaterhoKJe.,
William Gri/iJy, M'illiam Ch-jjes., Richard Hall, Jobii Scott, If-^illiuoi Jones, John
Briiidley, Simon Buxton, John Oliver, fFilliiim Charljhvorth, E<h:ard Seele, Hugh
l/rcuns, Humphry froolricb, John Bancroft, Roger Ockenden, John Finnic, Jojhua
Dale, Simon Smith, Anthony Boivman, John Steivard, Thomas IVoolrich, Jofeph
Savior, Thomas Grindy, Thomas Hall, and IVilliam Launt.
Several of the Perfons committed, had their Cattle or Goods taken by Dil-
trefs for the Charges of carrying themlelvcs or others to Goal, 'inz.
I. s. d.
Thomas Bo^ivley and Richard Buxton, to the \'aliie of 4. ^ o
Jojeph Grindy, Richard Adams, and Henry Boiumaii 1 S o
John Hall, George Hayivorth, and Thojiias Hamei-Jley 190
651
S T A F-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1661.
Diftrefii for
Clurga of
carrying thent
to Goal.
The Meetings, from which many of them were taken, were held at feveral
Friends Houfes, viz. Robert Vernhouglf^ at Ipjlones, Richard Buxton's at Grin-
don, Willuvn Davenport's at the Field, Henry Fydoe's at Midgbury, Jofeph
Taylor's at Ipjlones, and John Hull's at Morrage.
Thomas Burnet, for refufing to take the Oaths, when tendred him, was
committed to the Houfe of Correction.
In this Year Peter Littleton, for a Claim of 5 s. for Tithes, fiiffered Diftrefs
of his Goods, to the Value of 3 /. 10 s.
ANNO 1662. At the Affizes this Year, Thomas Taylor, then a Prilbner
in Stafford Goal, for refufing to Swear, had Sentence of Premu?iire pafTed upon
him, under which he continued a Prifoner about ten Years.
ANNO 1663. Anibony Bowman, for refufing to pay a Fine of 4J. for
Abfence from the publick Worfhip, was committed to Prilbn : Simon Buxton,
of Butterton, for the fame Caufe, fulfered Diftrefs of Sheep worth 345. And
Henry Bowman, for the like Abfence of himfelf and his Wife, had Goods
taken from him worth 18 s.
About this Time Alice Bowman, for giving fome Chrijlian Exhortation to
the People, when met to receive what they c;Uled the Sacrament, was fent to
Priion till the ScfTions, and then committed to the Houfe of Corredion, having
with her a lucking Child, which fell fick, and dieil there.
ANNO 1664. Nineteen Perfons, taken at their religious Meetings in this
County, were committed to Prilbn on the Aft for Banilhment : And in this
Year alio, Henry Bowman fufi^ered Diftrefs of Goods for refilling to Swear when
fummoned on a Jury.
ANNO 1665. Peter Littleton, for a Demand of 2os. for Tithes, had
Goods taken from him worth 4 /.
ANNO 1666. Peter Littleton, of Houghton, fuffered three Months Impri-
fonment for Tithes, at tiie Suit of Prieft Fletcher : He alfo fuffered Diftrefs of
two Bullocks worth 4/. for a Demand of 20 s. for Tithes.
In this Year were taken by Diffrels, for religious Meetings,
From Vincent Heawood, of Keek, and William, his Son,
Goods worth
Humphry Morgan, of the lame Place
Margaret Lawton, Humphry IVoolrich, and Ifaac
Baddely
Humphry Morgan, and Katharine, his Wife
John Stretch, of Harper' s-Gate in Horlon
}
\
I
o
16
10
10
o
d.
o
o
o
Commitm:>!t
for refufing
to Smear.
Dijlrefi for
Tithes,
T. Taylor
Premunirei,
Fines for
Abjence from
the publick
lt''orJhip.
Imprifonmem
of A. Bow-
man.
19 Sent to
Trifon on ihs
M for Bl-
nijlmeut.
Difirefs for
TithiS'
DiftreJfiS for
Meitivg!'
John
652
S T A F-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1666.
on un Jppeil.
DilUiff:, for
Abfom from
tk:: SjtlOildl
'Corfljip.
Jmprijoamcni
for Meeting,
j,i>l r^l'iifing
to Sive.ir.
J(eleufe of
rrijoners.
Terfecutian it
Scalford.
Sufferings for
Meeting.
P. Littleton
J.:ickirgei by
y/J of lUrVu-
meiit, but re-
iommittei jor
the fume Czufe
by the Bijhop.
A niercilefs
Triefi.
Vilirefes fer
Tithes y &c.
^ Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
John Bttddelr, of Knuttoi:, on a falfe Information had his Goods diftrained for
another Pcrlon's Offence, to the Value of 10/. whereupon he appealed to the
Quarter SelTions, and atcer a confiderable Charge, had his 10/. returned. This
Inftance of Jullice on an Appeal was extraordinary, and almoft fingular in
thofe Times. 'A
l^incent HeazvooJ, and his Son William, for Fines on them for Abfence frohfi
the National WorHiip, had Goods taken away to the Value ot 16 s. And for
the lame Caufe, ^bo?nas PFoolrich, Peter Littleton, John 'Till, Ed-zuard ScotfoH,
and James Kendal, were committed to Prifon.
ANNO 1669. On the 12th of September, Ihomas Hamerjly, Robert Miller,
John Stretch, Wtlliai}! Heath, and JoJIjtia Dale, taken at a Meeting in the faid
Thomas Hamerjly\ Houfe at Basford, were carried by two Apparitors and a
Conftable to one Juftice Parker, who took their Words to appear before him-
fclf and others at a SelTions at Cheadlc on the 14th of the next Month. They
appeared accordingly, and had the Oath of Allegiance tcndred them ; upon
Refufal of which, they were committed to Prifon. The Mittimus was given to
the Conftable of Cheadle to convey them to Goal, and he, confcious of their
Innocence, afked one of the Juftices, Whether he might not let them go Home
till the next Morning ? To which the Juftice anfwered, Wouldli thou have oiir
Tljroats cut in our Beds ? A weak and groundlefs Infinuation, as if any fuch
Danger could probably be from Men whom they had trufted above a Month
upon their Parole, and who appeared .accordingly.
ANNO 1672. In this Year King Charles the Second iffued his I.ettetTi
Patent for a general Difcharge of the People called Quakers, then in Prifon
for diverfe Caufes therein mentioned ; in Confequence of which, Ihomas Taylor,
Thomas Woolrich, Peter Littleton, Ed-zvard Scotfon, John Till, and James Kendall,
were fet at Liberty -, the firil of them after ten Years, and the other five after
about fix Years Imprifonment.
ANNO 1674. The Meetings of this People in the Town of 5/rt^orJ were
feveral Times molefted by Thomas Ward, then Mayor, and his Officers : He
fent one of them to Prifon for Preaching, and another for a Mildemeanour in
telling him a dil'pleafing Truth, vi'z. that Perfecution was of the Devil.
ANNO 1675. Robert Miller, Tljomas Hamer/Iy, Jofiua Dale, John Stretch,
and William Heath, were imprifoned for religioufly ailembling together : And
tor the lame Caufe they, and others in this County, had Goods taken from
them to the Value of 75/. 45. lod.
In this Year Peter Littleton was again committed to Prifon by a Writ de
Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of Thomas Fletcher, Prieft ot Houghton,
for Tithes, and remained Prifoncr till the Summer Aflizes following, and then
was fet at Liberty by Means of an Aft of Indemnity ; but foon alter was again
committed on the Statute of 27 He7u 8. by Warrant under the Hands and
Seals ot John Martin, Mayor of Stafford, and Francis Moffe, Juftice, upon a
Significavit of his Excommunication from the Bithop of Litchfeld. In this Cafe
the Mitre exalted it felf above the Crown, and the Bifhop's Power oppoled
the King's, by recommitting a Man to Prifon for the fame Caufe, trom which
the King had a little before difcharged him. It happened fome Tinie alter,
that the faid Peter Littleton was taken fick in the Prilbn, and likely to die of
a Fever (four Men having died out of the lame Room in about two Weeks
Time) and the Prieft, his Profecutor was applied to, in order to obtain a little
Liberty of Air for the Prefervation of the Man's Lite, but he would by no
Means confent thereto ; nay, fo cruel was he, that when the Goaler in Com-
panion gave him Leave to go out on Condition ot returning in a ftiort Time,
the Prieft hearing of it, fent Perlons to threaten the Goaler with a Profecution,
and obligetl him to keep the poor weak Man under clofe Confinement.
In the fame Ye.ar Edward Scotfon, of Ecclefhall, for a Demand of \s. made
by William Ford, a Prieft, for Tithes or Eajier-Offerings, had Goods taken from
him worth 20-'- Mib John Till, oi' Whitegr^vc, tor 2 s. 6d. dcnrandcd by William
Bayly,
Chap. 31. of the People called QUAKERS.
£fl)'/j, Prieft of the Parifh called St. Mary\ in Stafford, for Tithe-Rent, had
taken from him Pewter and Bedding, to the Value of 2/. 5;.
Robert Miller, John Hall, and Jofeph Taylor, were profeciited in the Eccle-
fiaftical Court for Tithes, and excommunicated for not appearing there, though
they were never cited, but a knavifh Apparitor had made a falle Return of
his having ferved a Procefs upon them. For this they were excommunicated,
and afterward committed to Prifon.
Taken tiiis Year in Com and Hay for Tithes, from John Prefton oiTervalli
John Till <^f I'Vhitegrove, and John Hall of JVall, to the Value of 20/. y s.
ANNO 1677. On the 3d of iVo-ycw^fr, Owen Roberts and his Wife, had
been imprifoneQ in Shrewjhury Goal near twelve Months, ibr no other Caufe
than their having been married othervvife than according to the Manner pre-
fcribed in the Liturgy of the Church of England.
ANNO 1679. Thomas Taylor, being occafionally at the Houfe of ^//z«ot
Heawood of Keele, three or four Friends and fome Neighbours came in, and
Thomas Taylor preached to them, and afterward prayed. One Ralph Bojlock,
Clerk to Juftice Snead, informed his Mafter thereof, who fent for tko of the
Neighbours that were prefentj and obliged them to make Oath of the fame ;
upon which he fined Thomas Taylor for preaching 20/. Befide which, he granted
Warrants for Diftrefs, and caufed to be taken from fVil'iam Heawood, Humphry
Morgan, and John Smith, an Horfe, an Heifer, and other Things, worth 7 /. 10 s.
ANNO 168 1. Taken from Tho?nas Hamer/ly, of Bradford, Corn worth 2 1.
15 f. 6d.
653
S T A F.
FORD-
is H I R H,
1675.
f j//cr l{eturn
in the Eccle-
fiafticil CuurU
Tithes of
Corrti &c.
Imfriforrmemi
for trurrjingi
T. Taylor
fined.
Difireptt
ANNO 1682. Taken for Tithes,
From tVilliam Heawood, Corn worth
William Silvejier, Hay, Corn, and Wool, worth
Joh?j Hall, of Wall, Hay and Corn worth
John Prejlon, of Tixtall, Hay and Corn worth
John yilfop, of Ingleftry, Hay and Corn worth
Thomas Hamerjly, of Basford, Corn worth
William Heawood aforefaid, Corn and Cheefe worth
John Wilcocks, Hay and Corn worth
/.
I
I
3
12
16
1
2
o
16
15
o
o
15
2
15
4
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
39
In this Year alfo were taken for Abfence from the National Worlhip, from Fof Ahferit
Humphry Morgan, William Heawood, and Richard Simp/on, Corn, Sheep, i""". **'^
Cheefe, &c. worth 2/. 16 s.
We fhall next lay before the Reader a Narrative, taken from a Letter
dated nt Stafford, in the Twelfth Month 1682, viz.
National
If-'orjhip.
il
<C
AN honeft Woman of Keel, who feared the Lord, being dead, hei- ANarrmvi
Hufband and Relations intended to bury her in a Burying-place of "/ * '"^f^"*
triends, about ten Miles from thence •, but the Priell of the Parifh, named aTrfeJim
Thomas Walthall, fent to the Woman's Hufband a threatning MefTage, that otcafion of a
if he did not forthwith pay him his Demand for Fees, he would arrell the Burial.
Corps, and caufe them to bury her in a Ditch : He alfo faid in my Hearings
that He had rather fee all the Hereticks hang'd, than lofe one Sixpence by
(hem. In fliort, the Prieft, with two Church- Officers, fat in an Houfe
watching and drinking the greateft Part, if not the whole of the Night, in
order to intercept the Corps when it fhould be carried to the Burial : So
that the poor Man, to keep his dear Wife out of their Hands, deterriiined
to bury her in his own Garden, and he accordingly did fo : And he himfclf,
opprelTed with Grief, died about fix Days after, and was buried by his
Wife. Several of the Neighbourhood, by whom in general he was well-
beloved, came to his Funeral, and among others came alfo the Church-
wardens, widi no good Intent, as appeared by the Sequel. Tlie Corps
Vol. I. 8 C " being
^54
A Collection of the Sufferings
Vol. I.
STAF-
FORD-
SHIRE,
16S2.
" being interr'd, a Perfon prefent kneeled down and pnyed to God, to favSify
" the ■prefent Occdfton to them, and that the frefent Spe£lacle of Mortality 7night
" affeSi their Hearts "ovith a proper Regard of the Uncertainty of their own
" Li-oes, &c. Upon this the Churchv/ardens grounded an Information, and
" fwore before Juftice Snead, that there was a Conventicle or unlawful Af-
" fembly, and that Humphry tVoolrich preached and prayed thereat v whereupon
" the (iiid Hujnphry was fined zol. fFilliam Holland 5/. 5 j. Pi^lUiatn Mor-
" gan 40 s. John Peake and his Wife, Jane Heath, Elizabeth Halfpenny, Charles
" Mercer, Richard Simpfon and his Wife, John Joude and his Wife, and IVdliam
♦' Heawood, 5 J. a:-piece, The Jufbice, ulually of a moderate Difpofition,
" fcemed to a6l in this Cafe contrary to his Inclination, being urged to it by
" the Prieft and others : The Friends objedling to what was done, he advifed
<' them to pay the Fines, telling them, that If any of tUm 'would appeal, if upon
" hearing they gained the Cauje at Sejfwns, he would pay back the fines to all the
*' refl of them. Whereupon an Appeal was entred by JVilliam Morgan, and
" upon hearing Council in the Cafe, the Court determined in his Favour : A
" Copy of the Record was as follows, viz.
UPON hearing of Council in the Appeal brought by Williajn Morgan,
of Keel in the County of Stafford, to the Record of Conviiftion
certified by fVilliam Snead, Efqj one of his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace
for this County, concerning a Conventicle in Keel, it appeared to the Court,
that the Evidence certified in the Record of Conviftion, was not under Hand
and Seal, according as the Law in that Cafe requires. It was ordered that
the faid William Morgan fhould have his 40 s, upon the faid Conventicle
A(5l returned him agan.
'' Zachary Babington.
" This fo irritated the Prieft, that he did his utmcft to excite the Magiftrates
" of the Place, where Hanphr-y Woolrich dwelt, to tender him the Oath ot
" Allegiance, but being unable to prevail with them to anfwer his Purpofe,
*' he applied to fome Country Juftices, who fent for the faid Humphry,
" tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, and upon his refufing to take it fent
" him to Prifon."
Peter Littleton, for himfelf and Wife being at a Meeting in Stafford, had
his Goods taken away worth i /. And George Amery, for 5 i. F ine. Goods
worth 155.
ANNO 168:?. William Davenport znd. Willuun Fallowfield, were Prifoners
on a Writ de Excommumcato capiendo in the Month called Augiifi this Year,
having then been confined upwards of two Years and three Months, after a
Profecution in the Ecclefiaftical Court for Abfence from the Parifh-Church of
Leek, and for not receiving the Sacrament.
Taken by Diftrefs for Meetings,
Diflrejjis for From Hugh Ford, of Norton, for 1 6 s. Fine, Goods worth
Meetings. William Heawood, Goods worth
Richard Simfon and John Hall, three Cows worth
15 3 8
Troceedings -At the Aflizes held in Stafford, on the 14th of the Month called March
at Staifortl this Year, Judge Levins, in his Charge to the Grand Jury, prels'd the Exccu-
■^If<l>^^- tion of the Laws againft Conventicles, arguing, that where Difagreemeni was
Speech of the admitted in the Church, there could be no Agreement in the State : And as to the
JuJ^e. ^takers in particular, he advifed the Prolecution of them by Diftrefs of their
Goods, faying, // was better to have their Stuff, than to ftuff Jhe Goals with
them.
Diflreffa.
Fr if oners on
Writs <ie Ex-
com. Cap.
/.
s.
d.
I
6
8
3
5
10
12
Chap. 3r. of the People called QUAKERS. 655
tbein. The Grand Jury aJfo, to fliew their Concurrence with the Judge's S J A F-
Sentinients, made a Frefentment as follows, v'vz. FORD-
SHIRE.
*' The Frefentment of the Grand Tury at the Affizes held at Stafford, ^^^3-
" for the County of Stafford, the \\th of March 1683.
*' i/' ^TSTE prefent all Meetings of Z'j/Td'w/fn, P«^f/?j, and other 5^<f7tfrKj:, rrefemment
*' VV upon Pretence of Religion, contrary to the Ad: of Uniformity, of the Cr ml
*' feditious and tadlioiis, and tending to the Subverfion of the Government, 3'^'y-
♦' the Hazard of his Majefty's moft facr^d Perfon, and the Ruin and De-
*' ftrudion of all his loyal ^ubjedts.
" 2dly. We prelent it as our humble Opinion, that it is neceflary. that the
" Magiftrates do fpeedily and effedlually put the Laws in Execution againft all
*' Dijpnters and Papijls, and fuch as fhall be remifs or negligent in their Prg.-
*' fecution are guilty of a Breach of that Truft his Majefly has repofed in theni.,
" '^dly. We prefent it as our humble Opinion, that due Enquiry be made
*' into Corporations, whether fecluded Minifters do not inhabit in them,
" or within the Compafs prohibited by Aft of Parliament ? And if it be
" found they do, that they be profecnted according to Law."
The Profccutions, confequent of fuch Prefcntments, fil-l chiefly on, .this
People, becaufe their Increpitli'y in holding their publick x^ffemblies for Wor-
lliip was fuch, as continually expofetl them to the Severity of the Laws j wjiiie
Papijls and fome other Dijfenters afiembled "with more Privacy and Cautioo,
and by that Means frequently evaded the threatned Danger.
In this Year Robert Miller and John Hall were profecuLcd on the Statute profecutiovs
for 20 1, per Month, for Abfence trom the National Worfliip. for 20 1. pa
ANNO 1684. On the 3 ill: of the Month called May^ the following A5o«'*-
Petition of PVilliam Corbett was prefented, by himfclf, John Vaughlon and 'john
Edge, to King Charles the Second in IVindfor Park, viz.
" To King Charles the Second over England, &c.
" The Dijlrejfed Condition ef William Corbett, of Sedgley in StafordJ/fire,
•' humbly pr^ented.
" King !
" T Am the more emboldened and encouraged to prefent my Cafe to thee, petition of
" X beraufe of the often Hazard of my Life in the Service of thy Fadier W. Corberc
" King Charles the Firjl, in the late Wars in England, in the General Lord '"<.• Charles.
" Capel's own Troop, wherein 1 iuftained thefe Wounds, namely, I was fhot
" in my Leg at the Scige of ^■^'eam in Shropjhire, and wounded in my left
" Arm at the Garrifon ot the Lord Cholnilef^ Houfe in CheJJjire, and alfo cut
" and dangeroufly wounded in my Head, to the Caul of my Brain, with a
" Pok^-ax at a Skirmifh at Stourbridge \n fVorceJterfiire, and at the fame Time
" the Thumb of my right Hand was cut off" : And after feveral Years Con-
" tinuance in the King's Service, it pleafed God to incline mine Heart to make
" Enquiry after his Way of Salvation, among tlie People called f^akers^
*' whom I finding to be a peaceable People, fearing God, and of innocent
" Principles, and fincere Affi^clions toward the King, I was the more per-
" fuaded in my Confcience to join in religious Society with them, and to
" continue among them therein, and to frequent their peaceable Meetings,
" knowing that they are for the Service and Worlhip of Almighty God that
" made us, for which Caufe alone I am a deep Sufferer, with many more
" innocent Pciibns in the fame County, being feverely prolecuted by Inforaiers,
« on whofe falfe Infbrmauon upon Oath, I being convifted on tfie Satute
"22 Car. 2. was fined and diftrained for two Meetings at Dudey in the laid
" County of PForctfler ; (the one on the ill of the Month called Jpril, and the
" other in the Month called June 1683) tor which I was fined ten Pounds
" lor
6^6
STAF-
FORD-
SHIRE.
1684.
Diftreffes
Meetings,
for
To thcl^'iigks
and Bwgeffes
in rirliatmnt-
yS Colleftion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I.
" for the Houfe, and five Shillings for myfelf, though I was at neither of
" thofe Meetings, and had four Cows taken away, and my Doors broke
" open, and Goods taken, not leaving me fo much as a Stool to fit on, nor a
" Bed to lie on but one of Stra-Cv. Alfo the Officers (b>eing eight of them)
*' feized on my Stock of Hay, which they divided into eight Parts, and caft
" Lots for it, and every one took his Lot. Now I being but a poor Man,
*' and thus ruined, and alfo engaged to others, was forced to fell my Houfe
*' to pay my Debts, fo being uncapable to enter an Appeal, was alfo necefll-
*< rated to give over my Farm, and return it to my Landlord, being wholly
*' difabled to hold it any longer. Notwithftanding which, I am fince fined for
** Meetings and Meeting-houfes, nine Pounds fix Shillings. Many likewife
*' of my Neighbours and Friends, on the fame Account, have been fined, and
»« DiftrelTes made, and their Goods taken away to a confiderable Value,-
" tending to bring many Families of the King*s peaceable Subjeds in the faid
'* County to Penury and Want.
" Wherefore may it pleafe thee, O King, having been formerly fuch a
«' Sufferer in my Perfon, in the Service of the King thy Father, and now
«• being impoverilhed in my Eftate and Livelihood, for my tender Confcience
" toward Almighty God : Thefe Things confidered, I humbly requeft, that
" thou, O King, wilt pleafe to take my diftrefled Cafe into thy Confideration,
*» fo as to caufe Reftitution to be made me, or afford me fuch Relief, as in thy
" Princely Wifdom and Clemency thou flialt fee meet.
«' And alfo I intreat thee to put a Stop to thefe devouring Informers, that
*» fwear falfly, as before, for their own Intereft, that thy peaceable Subjecfts may
»' not be utterly ruined by them.
" And I and my fuffefing Friends do defire and priy for thy temporal
" and eternal Welfare.
" Wm. Corbett "
This Petition being delivered to the King, he read Part of it, and then
delivered it to another Perfon to read the reft to him : And the Petitioner was
direfted by fome about the King, to get a Certificate from Ibme Perfons of
Note in the County of Stafford, whom he had named to them. But it doth
not appear that he obtained any Relief.
In this Year Peter Littleton, for himfelf and his Wife being at feveral Meet-
ings held in the Street, when they Were lockt out of their Meeting-houfe, had
Corn and Houfhold Goods taken away worth lo/. 2s. 6d. by Warrant from
WiUia?n Fmey, Mayor of Stafford.
Alfo George Amer-j, for the fame Caufe, by the fame Mayor's Warrant,
had a Mare and other Goods taken from him worth lo/. And John Piiddy^
Mary Skarratt, and Mary Cumberford, had alfo Goods taken from them, lor
attending religious Meetings, to the Value of 5/. 105.
About this Time a brief Reprefentation of the State of this People, in this
County, was prefented, viz.
" To the Knights a7id Burgesses, Members of Parliament for
" the County of Stafiford.
" We your Neighbours and Countrymen do Jend this Jhort Application.
OUR Places rendring you capable to move for our Relief from
_ thofe feveral Laws by which we have luffered, and may much more,
if a Stop be not put thereto, as by 20 /. a Month, by 12 d. a. Sunday, by
♦' Imprifonments, and by the Adts made againft Conventicles, feveral at ^taf-
" ford have not only fuffered great Hardfhips all the laft cold Winter Seafon,
" but alfo have been fined, not being prefent to anfwer lor tliemfelves, and
" their Goods taken by Loads from rhcm ; and not having NecelTaries \ck
them,
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS. 657
*' them, hath been a Means of impairing fome of their Healths. But we may S T A F-
♦' hope, that you in your Wifdom and Charity will pleafe to confider our F O R D-
" SuiFering Cafe as above related, and to afford us your Cbhjiian Endeavours SHIREi
" for our Relief, you Icnowing us to be a peaceable People, and fhall fo 1084,
" continue through God's Afliflance, defiring God may incline your Hearts ^■^'^V^'n^
" to eale the Oppreffed, and anfwer this our Chriflian Requcft, hoping we
" fhall never do any Thing whereby we may juftly forfeit our Liberties or
" Properties, either as Englljhmen or as Chrijiians.
" Signed on Behalf of the rejl concerned,
«' B^j William Fallowfield, William CorbeTTj
" William HeawooDj Henry Fidoe,
" Peter Littleton, Richard Simson,
" William Clark, William Hall."
*' John Fidoe,
ANNO 1689. On the 6th of November, Elihu Hall, of Longnor, was Imprifiriment
committed to Prifon by Warrant from two Juflices ot the Peace, grounded /<"■ Ti'hes.
on a Certificate of Contempt, out of the Ecclefiaftical Court, at the Suit of
Edward Bijhop, Vicar o'i Aljlonfeld, for Non-payment of fmall Tithes.
ANNO 1690. In this and the laft Year was taken for Tithes, in Wool,
Hay, and Corn,
/. s. d.
From John Hall of JVall, and Hugh Ford of Ford-green 430 Dilhcffis fof
fVtlliam Silvejler of Fradley, and Satnuel Hall of fVall 810 6 Tithes.
John Alfop of Inglefiry, and John Pre/ion of Tixall 710 o
TlMmas Hamerfly of Basford, and Richard Simjon of Keel 770-
27 10 6
CHAP. XXXII.
SUFFOLK.
Anno 1655.
SUFFOLK.
1655.
TH E firft Inftance of Perfecution in this County was that of John Cruel Vfige
Porter, a Man licenfed to fell Wares up and down the Country. "'"^ lurbxrous
He being, on a Firfl-day of the Week, at the Houfe of Richard V'''-PP'"i of
White in Wickhamftyth, as he fat reading in a Book publiflied by •'* '^^""^'■*
one of his Friends, Edward Harvey, a Juftice of the Peace, came in with a
Conflable, and fnatcht the Book out of his Hand, faying, 2o« Rogue, what
will you not pull off your Hat to the Protestor ? Tou are a Jeducing Fellow, and read
[educing Books : Tou fhall be bound to appear at the Sefftons, or go to Prifon.
Accordingly he gave Bond, and did appear at the SefTions, where the Majority
of the Juftices, at the Perfuafion of the faid Juftice Harvey, feemed determined
againfl him : Harvey, an embitter'd Man, on this Occafion turned Informer, ^ufti^e turm
and took his Oath, that the faid John Porter did carry a Pack at his Back, and former,
fold Quakers Books. Porter produced his Licenfe for travelling in the Way of
his Trade, figned by five or fix Juftices and Officers, but the Court wouki
take no Notice of it : They fentenced him to be whipt ; which Sentence was
Vol. I. 8 D moft
658 A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SUFFOLK, moft barbaroufly executed on the Market-day at Mendlejham, where the poor
1655. Man, tied by his Hands, was hung up on a Butcher's Spirket, till the cruel
Executioner gave him above twenty Stripes with a three-corded Whip, fo that
the Flefli and Skin hung in Flakes torn in pieces on his Back, a miferable
Si^ht, exciting CompalTion even in the Hard-hearted among the Speftators.
On the 30th of the Month called July 1655, George Wloitchead, John Har-
ivood, and Rkhard Clayton, paffing through Buers^ a Town in Suffolk, the faid
Richard Clayton did fix a Paper on the Door of the Sceeple-houfe there, being
as follows, viz.
Copy of i
Paper f.xe.l
Oil the Steeple'
houfi Door at
Buers.
(I
C(
4c
it
^l
n
(C
IF you do fet up fuch Minifters as feek for their Gain from their Quarter,
you fet up fuch as the Prophet Ifiiab difapproves of, I/ai. Ivi. 1 1 . And
you that do let up fuch as bear Rule by their Means, you fet up fuch as the
Prophet Jeremiah and the Lord difapprove, Jere. W. And you that fet
up luch that feek fof the Wool, andinake a ?K.y upon the People, you
fet up fuch as the Prophet Ezekiel diiiipproves. df, Ez^k. xxxiv. And you
that fet up Hirelings, you fet up fuch as Micah dilapproves of, Micah iii.
And you that fet up fuch as are called of Men Majler, ftand praying in the
Synagogues, have the chiefeft Places in the Afiemblies, you fet up fuch
as Chrill difipproves, 2 Pet. ii. 14.. And if you fet up fuch as periecute,
and caufe People to be fent to Prifon for fpeaking the Truth in the Syna-
gogues, you fet up fuch as go in Cairi's Way to Envy, Jitde Ver. 1 t. And
you that fet up fuch as receive Gitts and Rewards, the Wages of Unrigh-
teoulnefs, ycu fet up fuch as mind earthly Things, whole God is their
Belly, which the Apoftle diiiipproves, Phil. iii. 9. And you that fet up
fuch Teachers, ftrive to keep God's Labourers out of his Vineyard, which
Chrift and his Apoftles diiapprove. And you that fet up fuch as will nor
fuft'er another to fpeak that Ihmds by, when any Thing is revealed, but fend
him to Prifon if he do, you fet up a perfecuting Spirit full of Diforder,
and are judged by the Apoille's Life and Dcftrine, v.'ho was a Minifter of
Jefus Chrift, both you that fet up, and them ycu do fet up, who faid, Jll
may prophefy one by one., 1 Cor. xiv. 3. And fo you all by this Spirit are
judged to be in the Spirit of Error, and to be fuch as would quench the
Holy Spirit of God, and defpife Prophecy, and dare not try all Things,
manifefting your felves to be Haters of the Light, and dilapproved of the
Prophets and Apoftles, and their Praftice and Lite. And you that fet up
fuch as give David's Quakings, Tremblings, Cryings, Roarings, Prophefy-
ings, and Praifes and Prayers in the Metre mixt together, you fet up fuch
as have not the Spirit of Underftanding, which Spirit brings to know the
Time of praying, and praifing, and groaning, and crying, and trembling,
and quaking, and prophefying : He that hath the Underftanding witnefieth
thefe Things in their Places ; but you that give Scorners, and Drunkards,
and Swearers, and Perfecutors, David's Conditions, for he was fcofft at when
he was in fuch Conditions, and thefe do fo now at thofe that are in fuch
Conditions. And if you fet up fuch as take Tithes, you fet up fuch as the
Apoftle denies, for the Apoftic faith. That the Priejlhood was changed, and
the Law changed alfo, Heb. vii. And if you fet up fuch as before men-
tioned, you fet up fuch as are contrary to the Scriptures, and plant no
Vineyard for God, nor labour in his Vineyard, tor firll they muft plant a
Vineyard, before they eat of its Fruit, i Cor. ix. 7."
This Paper being ftuck up, fome People came together to read it, to whom
George Whitehead and John Hartoood gave a Chriftian Exhortation to live in the
Fear of the Lord, and to turn from the Evil of their IVays., &c. While they
were fpeaking, a Conftable came, and carried them before Herbert Pelham.,
an Effex Juftice, then at Buers, who examined them, though ofRcioufly, being
out of his Precin(5l, and then fent them, together with Clapton, to Thomas
fValdegrave, a Juftice at Stnallbridge, not far Irom thence, who having afkt
them
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS.
tbem a few Queftions, left them in the Conftable's Cuftody, till Pdham and he
bad laid their Heads together. The Iffue of their Confliltation was, that;
Richard Claytoti was, by M''aldegrave'% Order, publickly whipt as a Vagrant,
and fent out of die Town the fame Day with a Pais : A Proceeding not
juftifiable by Law, Clay!oii being a Man of Reputation, and known to have
an Eftate of 20/. per Annum at Gleajhn in Lancajhire. John Harwood ^i& the
next Day fcnt to Edmundjbury Goal, and George JVbUcbead the Day following ;
a Copy of wiiofe Minimus, with his own Remarl<5 thereon, we here infert, viz.
" To the Conflable of Buers, and to the Keeper of the Goal at Bury.
SUFFOLK. .
il'hipping of
R. Clayton.
Imprifonmevt
of J. Har-
wood :znJL
G. White-
head.
Cf
Suffolk Js.
" 1 Send you herewithal the Body of George WJAlehead, of Orton in the Mittimus of
«' 1 County oi fFejimorlaad, (a) an idle wandring Fellow, and (b) a common G. White-
" DilUirber of the Peace of this Nation, requiring you, in the Name of his '^^^'^•
'* Highnefs the Lord Prote£tor, &c. to. receive him into your Goal, and him
*' there fafely to keep, that he may be forth-coming before the Juflices at the
*' next SefTions for the Peace, to be holden fee this County at Bury, then and
»♦ there to be proceeded with according to the Law ; And hereof I require
«' you not to fail. This ift Day of yiiigufi Jt6g§,
- Tho. Waldegrave."
(C
C(
George JVhitelxad's own Remarks on this Mttlimus were as follows,
" Obferv. (a) An idle wandring Fellow. This is falfe in Faft, as well as J^emrh on
fcurr'ilous and difdainful, for " ,,V-. ; . «fc« f^^'^ Mit-
" I. I am well known to be no luch Perfon, for after rny Parents took ^"""^*
me away from that noted School at Blencoe in Cwnberland, at the Requefl
of fome Friends, I taught a private, then a publick School.
" 2. After that, I was at my Father's Houle Part of a Summer, and then
was not idle, but induftrious in what was proper for me, not being educated
either in Idlenefs, nor willing to cat the Bread cf Idleuefs, that \ mighi:
prevent all Refleftion and Reproach againfl me on tliat Account. . ! r. .ri:* ,■
" 3. And when it pleafed God to callme by hisWord from my Father's
Houfe, and out of my native Country, to preach the Everlafting Gofpej,
therein I laboured faithfally, and travelled in the Service thereof, accord-
ing to the Grace and Ability given me of God, in his dear Son Chrift Jefus.
" (b) A common Dij'iurber of the fifblick Peace of this Nation, is alfo un-
juftly charged againlt me, for I was, and am, of a peaceable Converfation,
being alfo a Minifter of the Golpel of Peace,
" How came I to be termed an idle wandring Fellow in the Warrant of
Commitment, feeing that in the IndiiJment at Quarter SefTions, I was called
Labourer ? Thus Self-contradictory was this our Profecutor. Where Envy
is, there is Confufion. Could he reafonably think himfelf more dilhonoured
by my giving him his own Name of Thomas Waldegrave, than he was by
his own injurious and illegal Proceedings againft us ?"
A few Weeks after the Commitment of George IVhitehead and "JohnHarwood,
George Rofe was fent to the lame Frifon by Jultice Gurdon, his Mittimus being
as follows, viz.
Suffolk fs.
" To the Keeper of the Common Goal at Bury St. EdmundV,
*' and his Deputy or Deputies there.
FORASMUCH as upon Examination of George Rof, late of Mittimus of
Haljlcd m the County of f/Ttw, Glazier, and upon Examination taken ^> ^o^'^*
upon Oath before us againft the laid Rnfe, liifRcient Caule appears to us,
" wliereby
((
66o
SUFFOLK.
The ^ufliee
avenges the
Prkfl'i
parrel'
IndiSment of
Whitehead,
Harwood,
and Clayton,
Fin(d ani
recommitted.
Imprifonment
oj G. Fox
the Younger.
Imfrifonment
J. Laurence.
H. Marlhal
imprifotied,
indiHedf ani
fined.
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. 1
whereby we enforce Rofe to find two able and fufficient Sureties for his per-
fonal Appearance at the next Sefiions of the Peace, to be holden for the
Franchife of Bury St. Edmund''^, and thence not to depart without Licenfe
of the Court : And forafmuch as the (aid George Rofe refufeth to find
Sureties, we therefore herewithal fend you the Body of the fliid George Rofe^
requiring you, in the Name ot his Highnefs the hord ProleBor of the
Commonwealth of England, to receive him into the faid Goal, and him
there fafely to keep until the next Scffions, if in the mean Time he the faid
George (being by his own Confcffion one now ufually called a ^aker) fliall
not find fuch able and fufficient Sureties for his Appearance as aforefaid.
" Dated at AJJmglon the 3d Day ot September 1655.
cc
John Gurdon."
Thus was George Rofe imprifoned by a Mittimus affigning no Breach of Law,
nor any Matter of Faft, as a Caufe for requiring Sureties, nor indeed had he
given any juft Occafion of Offence, except his afking a Queftion of the Prieft
of Stoke^ alter his Sermon there, at which the Prieft was difplealed, and the
Juftice, to avenge the Parfon's Quarrel, took this extrajudicial Courfe to fend
the poor Man to Prifon. The Mittimus indeed fays, that he confefled himfclf
one called a ^laker, but that Confeflion could be neither a legal, nor reafonable
Caufe for his Commitment.
At the next Quarter Seflions, held at Edmundfbury the 9th of 03lober,
Whitehead, Harwood, and Clayton, were indifted as Common Difturbers of the
* Magiftrates and Minifters. The Juftices who committed them were their
fole Accufers, and incenled the others againft them -, and an ignorant Jury
being impanelled, by Direftion of the Court, prefently found them Guilty of
the Indictment : Whereupon they were fined twenty Nobles each, and recom-
mitted to Prifon till Payment. George Fox, of Chafefield, commonly called
George Fox the Younger, to diftinguifh him from the other of that Name, was
prefent at their Trial, and obferving the hard Treatment of the Prifoners, and
efpecially the Prejudice cxprefTed by Juftice Gurdon againft them, and being
troubled thereat, fpake thus to the laid Juftice as he was coming out of the
Seffions-houfe, vix. Repent of thy unjujt Atlions this Day, for otherwife thou canjt
not efcape the jujl Judgments of God. Upon this Gurdon laid hold on him, and
had him before the Bench, who demanded Sureties till the next Seffions, which
he not complying with, they fent him to Prifon with the others.
On the 14th of the Month called Augufl, Jofeph Laurence was committed to
the County Goal at Ipfwich, being charged with Railing againft the Minifters
of God's Word, and calling the Worfljtp of God, Babylonifti. A Charge founded
only on fome cafual Words of his, who, when two Perfons came to him and
demanded Tithe for the Prieft, had faid. That he ftxuld not pay Tithes for the
upholding c/Baal'i Priefl, or any Babylonifh Worfhip.
On the 2 2d of 'November, Henry MarfJiall, oi' Cambridgjhire, for fpeaking a
few Words to the Prieft of Bcxford, after his Sermon and Prayer were ended,
was, by Order of Juftice Gurdon, firft fet in the Stocks about an Hour, and
then fent to Edmundfiury Goal. At the next Quarter SefTions he was indifted
as a Peace-breaker, and fined twenty Marks •, for Non-payment of which he
was fent back to Prifon : Thus he iulFered a three-fold Punilhment for one
pretended Offence, viz. the Stocks, Imprifonment, and Fine. At the fame SelTions
George Fox was called, but no Indidtment was laid againft him, nor did any
Accufer appear ; yet the Court fent him back to Prifon till another SefTions, at
which he was not called : Whereupon he afked his Liberty of the Goaler, but
he would not grant it, neither would he ftiew him any Order or Warrant for
his longer Detention.
The
* Though neither of them had fpoken a Word to any Magiftrate, or Minifter, before
they were taken into Ciiftody.
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS. 66 r
The Ufage of thefe five Prifoners at Edmundjbiiry was very hard ; for they SUFFOLK,
were lodged in the common Ward among Felons, in a low Dungeon-like 1655,
Place under the Market-houle, with a damp Earthen Floor, where they lay '^VV'VJ
upon Rye-ftraw. The Goaler was alio very angry with them, becaufe they
contributed not to his Avarice, nor would buy any of his Strong-liquors, as
fome of the other Prifoners did •, but thcfe Perfons were temperate, and drank
only Water, by which he could gain nothing. Befides, they frequently teltified
againft the Drunkennefs, Swearing, and other Diforders in his Houfe, and re-
proved him for his Kypocrify, who, while he fuftered luch Things, made great
and high Pretences to Religion, he being a Member of a PrejJnterian Church,
and would on the Day called Sunday, call his Prifoners together, pretend to
give them Inftrudlions, and exercife a Kind of formal Devotion among them.
When G. Whitehead told him of his Hypocrify therein, his Fruits being fo
contrary, his Daughter faid, What ! do you call my Fathei- an Hypocrite, who
has been a Saint thefe forty Tears ? For thefe Caufes he was exceedingly em- Ahnfet of the
bitter'd againft them, fo that he did often ftrike them on the Face, and GoiUr and
grievoufly abufe them both by Words and Adiions : And the Tapfter, Turnkey, P'^ifoners.
and other of his Servants, and fome of the drunken Prifoners, encouraged by
his Example, did frequently abufe them with Blows, and fometimes took away
their Food and other NecefHiries, faying. The Goaler gave them Leave fo to do:
And one of the Prifoners liiid, If he killed the?n, he fhould not be hang'd for it.
It would be too tedious to relate one Half of the Sufferings they underwent,
which the Goaler and his Servants were fo confcious of, that they uled their
Endeavours to prevent its being known, by taking away from the Prifoners
their Pen and Ink, and often prohibiting their Friends from coming to vifit
them, pretending an Order from the Juftices that none of them fliould be
admitted. Under this miferable State of Captivity and tyrannical Ufiige they
continued many Months : The Manner of their Deliverance thence will be
related in our Account of the next Year.
In this Year alfo William Seaman, of MendlefJjam, and Elizabeth Lockwood, inprifivmem
were committed to Ipfwich Goal, for fpeaking to a Prieft, alter he had ended of feverul
his Sermon in the Place of publick Worfhip at Mendlefham. At an enfuing others,
Seflions Sea?nan was fined twenty Marks, and fent again to Prifon, where he
was cruelly ufed by John Story, Goaler. In the lame Year Henry Baker, of
Thrandleflone, going on the Firft-day of the Week to a Meeting at Mendle-
fjatn, had his Horfe taken from him, but redeemed next Day by his Mother's
paying 10 s. And Ihortly after, in his Return from a Meeting at the lame Place,
his Horfe, Bridle, and Saddle, were taken aw.ay, worth 5/. John Eweings
and Jane Hawes, for riding to a Meeting, were let in the Stocks fix Hours, fno fn in the
by the Direftion of Juftice Harvey, who, becaufe theConftabie in their Favour Stocks.
removed the Stocks to a warmer Place than they were ufed to ftand in, for j confldble
that Aft of Humanity lent him to Prifon.
ANNO 1(356. It happened on the loth of the Month called June, that
George Harrifon and Stephen Htd'herfiy, two Preachers, came to the Houfe of
Anthony Appleby at Haverill ; they had not been long there before a Multitude
of People befet the Houfe, curfing, fwearing, threatning, and throwing Stones
at the Door till about Midnight. Next Morning they renew'd their Rage,
fwearing they would have thefe Men, or pull the Houle down, not unlike the
wicked Sodomites at the Door of Lot : At length with one Accord, they made
an Onfet and broke the Gate to pieces, and entring the Houfe, haled out the
harmlefs Strangers, and defperacely beat and kickt them, driving them along
the Street with halloeing and fhouting, and ftoned them beyond the Town's
End. "When Anthony Appleby complained to a Juftice of the Peace of this
Riot, and grievous Abufe of his Friends, the Juftice would not hear him,
becaufe he had his Hat on, but ordered the Conftables, that If any of that
Perfuafion came to Town, they fhoidd bring them to him to be pumfhed. About
this Tiine alfo, John Greenwood was fent to Edmundjliiry Goal, and detained
there feveral Weeks, for no Offence, except that of prefenting a Book to
Vol. I. 8 E Juftice
fent to Vrifon.
Jffiuh on G.
Harrifon a^ii
S. Hubberfty
it Haverill.
Viiy.tH Impr'i.
fonmcnt of f.
Grcenwuoi.
662
SUFFOLK,
1656.
Tipo Women
imprifonei.
Profecutions
Diftrefi for
Meeting.
Appticttion to
Cromwell.
A Letter to
JaigeAfkins.
^ Collection of the Sufferings .'.;Vol. L
Juftice Gunbn, of Jffington, intituled, 'the Wije taken in his own Craflinefs.
Some difpleafing Truths that Book contained fo irritated the Juftice, that he
by an Aft of arbitrary Power imprifoned the Giver of it, who had broke no
Law. As if the Office of a Magiftrate were an Exemption from juft Re-
proof. Equally impatient ol Contradiction were the Priefts, who procured the
Imprilbnment of Margaret Gray and Anne Blakeling, who had prefumed to call
in queftion either the Truth of their Doftrine, or the Validity of their Call.
George Sher-x'in, being profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit
of Dame Fere Gaudy, of Debingham, for refuling to Swear to his Anfwer
exhibited in that Court, was committed to Melton Goal on the 2d of the
Month called January •, as was on the iame Day John Simpfon, of Kenton, for
the lame Caufe, at the Profecution of Charles Gaudy, for Tithes. About the
fame Time Williatn Warn, of JVellingworth, was alfo imprifoned in the fame
Goal for a Demand of but <)s. for Tithe, Alfo Jofeph Laurence, for 2/. 14 j.
demanded for Tithes, had Goods taken irom him to the Value of 10/. Like-
wife Richard White, of Wickhamjkith, was profecuted in the County Court, at
the Suit oi Aujlin Gibbett Prieft, for a pretended Debt of 16/. 15^. borrowed,
and 3 /, 5 J. for Tithes. The Debt, a meer Pretence, was dropt, at the Trial,
but the Tithe was granted by the Jury, and he had three Cows taken for it
worth 12/.
Anthony Kettle, of Edwardftone, for going to a Meeting on the Firft-day
of the Week, had his Goods taken by Diftrefs, to the Value of 12 j.
In this Year the Prifoncrs at Edmundjhiry and Jpjivich found Means of re-
prefenting their barbarous Ufage to fome of their Friends at London, who
applied to Oliver Cromwell, and his Deputy Fleetivood, on their Behalf, who
ilfued Orders to the Juflices to enquire into their Cafe :, upon .which Enquiry
the cruel and illegal Treatment of the Prifoners from the Goaler, his Servants,
and others, was fo fully made appear, that they reproved him for it, and
charged him to fufFer no fuch Abufes for the future. This awed them into a
Degree of better Behaviour, and the Condition of the Prifoners became more
tolerable. An Application was alfo made to Judge Atkins, at Bury AfTizes,
on the Behalf of George Whitehead, in an unulbal Manner, as appears by the
following Letter, viz.
" J^dge Atkins !
" f7[7HEREASI have offered myfelf unto thee for my Friend George
" VV Whitehead, to lie in Bonds, or what elfe might be inf^ifted on him,
" fo he may go forth free, or to lay down my Life for him, I was and am
" willing •, but I have not yet received any plain Anfwer, whether thou wilt
" grant my Defire, yea or nay ; fo that fince I have fpoken of it twice to
*' thee, I have been at the Houfe where thou lodgeft, to know thy Mind in
" the Thing, and I could not get fo much Liberty as to fpeak to thee :
Therefore this is to defire thee to fend me a few Words, whether my Body
will be taken a Pledge for his, or elfe to give Order that I may come to
thee. So I defire thee, in the Name of the Lord, not to flight this, but
confider and refolve of it in the Sigiit of God, for the Thing is to be
valued •, and herein I do own the Scriptures, and witnefs them, and the
fulfilling of them in me by Chrijl Jefus, who fuffered and laid down his
Life for his Flock, and Greater Love hath no Man than this, to lay down ins
Life for his Friend, which I witnefs, wherein I am fubjecfl to the Commands
of Chrift, and fee them fulfilled in me.
(C
<c
Bury, the zoth of the
Sixth lAomh 1656.
" Margaret Sutton."
Chriftian This Letter, though it fhews the poor Woman's Ignorance in point of Law,
Love demon- and the Extent of the Judge's Power, yet it aptly lets forth the Perfeftion
llrntei. (jf Chriftian Charity, and the exceeding Love and Bowels of Compaffion in
Cbrijl
663
SUFFOLK.
1656.
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS.
ChKifiJefus, which faithful Sufferers for his Sake have one cowards another ; for
the iiime Woman had been alfo for fome Time imprifoned a: Bur)\ by the Pro-
curement of a Prieit there, whom fhe had been concerned to reprove. The
Fervency of her Concern tor G. JVhitehead had induced her to travel from her
Habitation in ^>/?»ior/^«^, the Phice of his Birth, to folhcit for his Liberty.
Whether the Judge, at his Return to Court, made any Report of this Affair,
does not appear ; however, at length, after frequent Application to Oliver
Cromwell and his Council, wherein Mary Saunders, a waiting Gentlewoman in
the Proteftor's Family, was very ferviceable, the following Order was iffued,
viz.
" Thurfday, the i6th o/Oftober, at the Council at Whitehall.
*' f^ R D E R E D by his Highnefs the Lord Proteftor and his Council, Order of
" \_/ that the ^lakers imprifoned in Colchefter in the County of E£ex, and CoimciL
" Edmutidjhury and Ipjwich in the County o{ Suffolk, be forthwith releafed and
*' fet at Liberty. And it is referred to Sir Francis Ruffd, to take Care that
" the fame be done accordingly ; as alfo to confider how the Fines let upon
" them, or any of them, may with moft Conveniency be taken off and dif-
" charged : And likewife to take Order, that upon their being fet at Liberty
" as aforefaid, they be forthwith fent to their rel'pedtive Homes,
cc
W. JessoPj
" Clerk of the Coiinciir
This Order was carefully executed by Sir Francis Ruffel, a confcientious and
compaffionate Man, and averfe to Perfecution, who fent his Clerk to the Prifon
at Bury, to fee them fet at Liberty, which was done accordingly ; though he
did not order them to be fent Home, bur, in Kindnefs, gave them an Order or
Warrant, to produce in their Defence, if Need fliould be, that fo they might
travel without Moleftation.
In the Time of their Imprifonment, George Fox the Younger and George Rofe,
received a Gift and Part of the Miniftry of the Gofpel, and became ferviceable
Preachers ; and the latter of them travelled afterward through divcrfe Parts of
Europe and America.
ANNO 1657. On the ift of the Month called April, was a Meeting in
the Yard or Orchard of Jofeph Deinfey, of Nay land, where George Whitehead
preaching, was apprehended by a pretended Gentleman, who ruflied in vvith
Soldiers and others, and pulled him down with Violence, and had him away to
Juftice Gurdon, who gave him much threatning Language, and when George
defired him to hear with Moderation, he anfwered, 2ou are a moderate Rogue :
And when George calmly reproved him for his hard Speeches, he deridingly
bad him. Go Quake. Gfor^c? afking him again, WJjether he defpifed ^(nking ?
he anfwered, 2'es, I do dejpife ^iaking. After fome Examination, which the
Clerk took in Writing, and which the Juftice required George to fign, but
he refufed, as being partially taken ; the Juftice told him, He JJjould be whipt,
and if he came again into that Country, Jloould be branded on the Shoulder ; and
if he came a third Time /hould be hanged. To which George mildly replied, /
am no jucb Perfon as thou hafl mentioned : Thou art an old Man, and going to
thy Grave, thou dofl not know how j'oon the Lord may put an End to thy Days, and
difappoint thee of thy evil Defigns againft me : However, I fear not ihy Threats y
if the Lord, whom I ferve, require my Return into thefe Parts, I mufl obey hitn.
The Juftice faid, / know I am an old Man. George added, Thou art old in
Iniquity, it is high Time for thee to repent.
Tlie Juftice then iffued the following Warrant, viz.
sir Francis
RulTerj cbjri-
table Difpofi-
tion>
Mhiifterial
Gift of G,
Fox ani G.
Rofe.
G. White-^t
head taken
preackiiJg it
Nayland.
P'ioUiice of
^ujticeGuT'
don reproved,
by G. White-
head.
'■' To
664
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SUFFOLK. " To the Conjlables, and all other Officers ivhom it may concern, and
^^57- '* to every of them.
U'arram for
trhippiti^ G.
Whitehead.
Cruelly exe-
eiiteJ.
P'ofecuthn of
G. Rofe, and
^iS others, at
iladleigh.
Sufferings for
'efufing to
Switr
and for wot
atteniin^ the
publiek Wor-
jhip.
Jmprifonment
of W. Alex-
ander.
B
E it remembred, that one George Whitehead, a young Man, about twenty-
Years of Age, who confeffeth himfelf to have been bom at Orton in
Weftmorland, being this prefent Day found vagrant and wandering at Nayland
" in this County, contrary to the Laws of this Nation, and being thereupon
" brought before us, two Juftices of the Peace for this County, is by us
" ordered to be openly whipp'd at iVflj/aW aforelaid, till his Body be bloody, as
" the Law in fuch Cafe enjoineth. And he is to pafs thence from Parilh to
" Parifh by the Officers thereof, the next Way to Orton atorefaid, before the
" firil Day oi June now next enfuing.
" Dated ^lAffington in this County of Suffolk^ the firft Day of April 1657."
Signed by John Gurdon, and another 'jiijlice.
This Warrant was the next Day executed by a foolifh Fellow, whom the
Conftable had hired, who with a long fharp Whip laid on unmercifully, having
neither Fear nor Wit to refb-ain him, till the People cried out to flop him,
fo that George\ Back and Bread were cut and wounded with many long bloody
Stripes, the Marks whereof were ieen a great While after. He was enabled
to bear this rigorous Punifliment with a Patience and Courage becoming his
Chrijlian Caufe, and his Spirit was fo raifed in the Inflant of his Sufferings,
that he fang Praifes aloud to the Lord, who had counted him worthy to fuhfer
for his Name's Sake. After this cruel Execution, he was conduced the fame
Day on his own Horfe, by the Conftable and others, to Sudbury, and from
thence to Clare and Haverill, the Officers, to whom the Warrant was diredcd,
admiring to fee a young Man lb well habited, and on fo good an Fiorfe, pafs'd
as a Vagrant. On the JLdge of Cambridgjhire, his innocent Appearance lb
wrought on the Conftable, that he gave him up the Warrant, and bade him go
his Way. So he returned to Haljted, Coggefljall, Colchejler, Sudbury, and other
Places in thofe Parts, where the Report of his Suffering raifed in the People a
great Curiofity and Defire to hear him, the Meetings were much frequented,
and the Teftimony of Truth greatly fpread and prevailed.
In the Month of November, on a Firft-day of the Week, was a Meeting at
Hadleigh, to wliich the Mayor came, and afked, IVJm was their Chief '^ It was
anfwered, The Lord is Chief a7nong us. Whereupon he ordered his Affiftants to
pull down George Rofe, who was preaching, and to take him away with thirty
fix others, who were put into a Dungeon Ibme Hours ; after which, he de-
manded I o s. of each of them, which they refufing to pay, eighteen of them
were kept all Night in Prifon, and on the Morrow, being Market-day, they
were all fet in the Stocks. Roger Haisjkitis alfo fuffered the like Punifhment fix
Hours, for going to a Meeting but half a Mile from his own Houfe : Alio
Anthony Kettle, of Edwardflone, for the fame Caufe, was punifhed in the fame
Manner.
tVilliam Seaman, oi Brojnfcuell, for refufing to Swear at a Cmtrt-Leet, was
fined 20 J. and had his Mare worth 61. taken away for that Fine. Some
Time before this, John IVateridge, being chofen Conftable, and refufing to
take the ufual Oath of Admifllon into that Office, was fent to Prifon ; and
upon his Difcharge thence, the Coaler kept back a Cloak of his worth 40 j.
for 4 J. 4 ^. demanded for Fees.
Richard Cooke and TlMtnas Wood v/ert committed to Prifon, from the Seffions
at Edmundfhury, on a Prefentment for not relbrting to their Parifh-Church at
Afhfield : And for the like Caufe, Richard Chaxdkr of Nayland, and Henry
Clark of Affington, were fined 2i. dd. each.
In this Year William Alexander, of Needham, for fpeaking to the Prieft of
that Town, after his Sermon, was imprilbned at Ipfivich till SelTions, then
fined 5/. and recommitted for refiifing to pay it.
John
Chap, 32. of the People called QUAKER^. 66 j
John Bunks, of Cokhejler, for fpeaking to the People in Nayland Steeple- SUFFOLK,
houfc, after the Prieft had done, was taken up as a Vagrant, though but a few i^57-
Miles from his own Habitation, publickly whipt, and fent away with a Pals. "
The Prejudice and Spleen which Robert Gurdon and John Borctingell, Jufticcs,
entertained againft this People, is apparent by the following Warrant, viz.
(C
it
CC
FORASMUCH as it appears unto us upon Oath duly taken
before us, that the Parties whofe Names are under-written, being
of the Age of fixteen Years at the leaft, are fulpefted or reputed to be
Papifts or fopijhly affefted, thefe are therefore, by Virtue of a late AB of
Parliament for dijcovering, conviofing, and repreffing of Popifh Recufants, to
will and require you forthwith to fummon all and every fuch Perfon or
Perfons aforefaid, either by Delivery unto every one of them a Note in
"Writing, or leaving the lame at their Dwellings or ufual Places of Abode,
to appear perfonally at the next Quarter Seflions, which are to be holden for
the Franchife of Bury St. Edfnunds, to do and receive that v/hich by the
Court (hall be enjoyned them, and thence not to depart without Licenfe of
the Court. Dated at Sudbury this 12th Day oi December 1657.
If'jtrsttt of
^jiices pre
fuJicid ti^ahjfi
f/jf Quakers*
t<
^' Robert Gurdon^
" John Fordingell.
"NAMES,
" Anthony Kettle Yeoman, and Sarah his Wife : Atnbrofe Kettle the Youngerj
and Sarah his Sifter : Ambroje Hale, and Anne Edwards Widowi"
They appeared accordingly, but thofe Juftices, who fhewed fuch a Willing-
nefs to proceed againft them, failed of their Purpofe, and no farther Proccfs
appears upon Record.
Rebecca Lucas, Widow, about eighty Years of Age, and her Daughters
Rebecca and Mary, were fummoned to appear before the Mayor of Hadleigb,
who chirged the old Woman to fuffer no more Meetings at her Houfe, nor
to lodge any fakers, threatning to quarter Soldiers on her, if fhe did -, he
alfo told her Daughters, that he had nothing againft them, but their being
fakers. A few Days after, the two Daughters were taken from their aged
Mother, and L-nt to Bridewell, under Pretence that they ought to put themjelves
to Service ; but in Truth, as the Conftable plainly told them, becaufe they were
not of the Mayor's Religion.
About this 1 ime ^ohn Sewel, having offended one of the Priefts, was put
into the Stocks at haverill, and as he was fitting there, his Brother Amhrofe
Sewel and one John Hill came to him and talked with him ; for whicii A&. of
Friendlhip they were committed to Edmundjhury Goal. An arbitrary Proceed-
ing, without any Rule either of Law or Equity. The fame John Sewel was
afterwards fent to the Houfe of Correflion.
It happened, near the fame Time, that William Gardener, of Petcjlry, cafually
falling into Diicourfe with one Adkinjon, Prieft of Livington, in the Pretence of
a Juftice of the Peace, the Prieft charged him with Denying the Scriptures to be
the Word of God : Willia?n defired the Prieft to Prove by the Scriptures that they
call themjelves fo. The Prieft quoted Luke viii. n. Tl'he Seed is the fford of
Cod, and infifted, that the Scriptures were that Seed. After which, repeating
his Charge with fome Aggravation, IVilliatn anfw ered, that He lied in fo charging
him, for that he did own the Scriptures. Whereupon the Prieft ftruck William
with his Bible, and bruifed his Face, and in all Probability would have pro-
ceeded to farther Violence, had not the Juftice, alhamed of his Adtions, pulled
him away, and reftrained him.
ANNO 1658. On the 12th of the Month called July, George Wlntehead
riding through Hoxon, and meeting Edward Willan, Prieft of that Place, ex-
horted him to fear God, and ceafe from Iniquity ; after which they had fome
Vol. I. 8 F Conference
7rvt) yotifig
Women lent
to Bridewell*
ArbltritryABt
offerfecutiunt
/JJ.niU mule
by a rriefi on
W. Garde-
ner.
666
SUFFOLK.
1658.
G. White-
head hurried
to Prifon by
E. Crofs
abii/ed by d
drunkenPrkJt.
Profccmions
for Tithes, mid
grievous In-
prifonmems.
Death of
J. Ciufton.
Imprjfofimem
•/A. Kettle.
^ CoUe^lion of the Sufferings Vol. I
Conference about the Church, till the Prieft, impatient of Contradidlion, grew
an^ry, and taking George's Horfe by the Bridle, forcibly ftopt him, till. others
came, who carried him before Anthony Barry, a Juftice of the Peace, to whom
the Prieft complained that George had called him Perfecutor, though that was
after he had aflaulted him in the Street, and threatned to pull him off his
Horfe : However, the Juftice, willing to gratify the Parfon, fent George to
Iplwich Goal, under Pretence of his having broke a late A51 of Parliamettty
made againft Vagrants, idle, loofe, dijfolute Perfons, Fiddlers, &c. which the
Juftice laid, was made only tor ^takers. They hurried him away to Ipfwicb
on Horfeback by Night, being about twenty Miles. In the Prifon there, he
found the aforefaid PFilliam Alexander, and two others of his Friends, whoife
Company was a great Solace in that Confinement, which was in the Common
Ward, and their Lodging upon Straw. At the next Quarter Seffions he was
fined 20 s. and continued in Prifon about fixteen Weeks, till the Death of Oliver
Cromwell, upon which he was difcharged.
In September this Year, Edmund Crofs, a Grocer of JVoodbridge, was grievoufly
abufed and beaten in his own Shop, and had an Earthen-pan broken about his
Head, and his Face much cut therewith, by a Prieft, whom he had reproved
for his Drunkennefs and Debauchery, of which he had been notorioufly guilty.
The Prieft added to his Blows many opprobrious Words, calling Edmund,
Rogue, Witch, Devil, Papijl, and whatever elie his drunken Rage did iuggeft.
In this or the preceding Year, John Fryer ^x\d James Norton, both of Felixton,
were imprifoned at the Suit oi' Miles Gowty, Impropriator, for Tithes, and after
thirteen Weeks Imprifonment, the former had taken frorA him for the fame
Tithes, two Cows and two Calves worth 9 /. and while in Prifon, for another
Demand of i8j. for Tithe, fuffered Diftrefs of Goods, to the Value of 4/.
Tht latter, for Tithes of 25^. Value, had Goods taken away worth 3/. 15J.
Not long after thefe DiftrefTes, other Seizures, yet more exorbitant, were made
on the fame Perfons for Tithes, the faid John Fryer, for a Demand of i /. 5 s.
having Goods taken from him worth 14/. and the faid James Norton, for a
Claim of 3/. 10 s. made for only one Year's Tithe of Land, rented but at
12/. 13 J. per Annum, fuffered the Lofs of his Goods, to the Value of 16 1.
About this Time alfo, Arthur Goddard was arrefted for Tithes, at the Suit of
Richard Rogers, * Prieft of Clopton, and after he had been fix Months in
Cuftody, his Profecutor obtained a Warrant from two Juftices to make Diftrefs
for the fame Tithe, and took away about four Times its Value. Hard was the
Cafe of John Caufion, impriibned in Ipfwich Goal, in the coldeft Time of the
Winter, three Months in an open Room, under a cruel Keeper, where, through
the extreme Hardfhip he endured, he contradted a Sicknefs of which he there
died. Arnold Nam was alfo fent to Prifon, for Tithes, about the fame Time
with Caujlon, and detained there nine Months : And for the fame Caufe William
Tiimfnet was confined in the fame Prifon, by an Attachment out of the Exchequer:
As was Richard White, oi Mendlefharn, for reflifing to Swear to his Ani'wer to
a Bill exhibited againft him, for Tithes, in that Court. There was likewile
at the fame Time John Eajlling, a Prifoner there for Tithes.
Anthony Kettle, being cited before two Juftices, • on a Complaint of Gregory
Pretty a Prieft, for Subtradtion of Tithe, the faid Juftices iffucd their Warrant
for Diftrefs ; and becaufe, in fome Difcourfe there, Anthony tontr.idifled the
Prieft, and bluntly, though truly, had told him, that He lied, the Juftices de-
manded Sureties of him for his good Behaviour, and for refufing to give them,
fent him to Ipfwich Goal. The Juftices expreft themfelves with much Warmth,
and particularly one of them faying. He hoped to hanii n new Law,, ivhereby
they Jhoiil curb the Qiiakers ; and the other telling the faid Anthony, that He
Jhould have Punifiment by the Bufoel.
Thomas
* This Prieft came with the Officer, called Arthur ]d\i\t, antt ,ot}ier reproachful Names
feized him with his own Hands by the Collar, and had probably done him niuch.Harra.had
he not been prevented by a feafonable Reproof from one of his own Hearers.
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS.
Thomas Bircham, of Feverion^ was imprifoned at Biyborou^h for 1 2 s. claimed
by John Carry, Prieft there, for two Year's Tithe ; and Thomas Judye, of
Jl/hfieU, was kept clofe Prifoner at Edmundfiury, for refufing to pay Tithes.
Thomas Bond had taken from him, for Tidies, 3/. 10 s. a Sum equal to the
Yearly Rent of the Land from which it was demanded. John Coleimn alfo
was a Sufferer by Diflrefs for Tithes : And the Widow Posford, of Clapton, was
fued for Tithes in the County Court of Jpfinich, and call there on the Statute
for treble Damages.
ANNO 1639. In this Year were taken for Tithes,
From IVilliam Driver, oiTretnlie, for i /. 14/. demanded.
Goods worth
ThoirMS Pin/on, of the fame, for 14. 1, is. demanded.
Goods worth
Willmn Burroughs, of Great-Finborough, for 30/.
V, s. 6d. demanded, Goods worth
Arthur Goddard, of Clapton, for 3 /. lO^. demanded,
Goods worth
Richard IVhite, of Mendlejham, for 4/. demanded.
Goods worth
Anne Shipman, of Crettingham, for iL \os. demanded.
Goods worth
/. J.
}
}
}
}
]
}
12
57
40
14
15
667
SUFFOLK.
1658. '
Imfrifonmimst
Diftrepfes,ani
Profecution,
jor Tithet.
DijlrefiS fot
Titbei.
For S5 ^- 3 ^- ^ ^-
Taken 144 o
Lucie Oxe Widow, her Son-in-Law Chriftopher Sh^rp, and Lucie his Wife, Bari Cafe.
were caft into Melton Goal, at the Suit of Francis Davis, Pricfl of Clifford ;
though the Son and Daughter had no Property in the Land, out of which the
Tithe was claimed, being only Servants to their Mother.
On the 17th of the Month called April this Year, a remarkable Occurrence j rmiruUe
happened in the Place of publick Worfhip at Felixfio)ie. One Jofeph Scott, a ficcurreve:.
Ridker, went in before the Friell had entred on his Office, and Itood ffill ; on
Sight of him the Prieft was fmitten with fudden Fear and Faintnefs, and faid
to the People, I had thought to have done fomething at this Ti?ne, but here is one
come in with a Spirit of Contradiilion, fo that I find much JVeaknefs upon mc, and
cannot : Having fpoken this, he took his Hat, and went out. As he was
going, Jofeph Scott, who till then had fiid nothing, fpake thus, fVhen th?
Blind leads the Blind, needs muft they fall : At which the Priefl feemed much
diituibcd, and told him. His Mouth fJjould be ft opt. At the next QiJarter
SeffioiiS the Priefl: got him prefented, and committed to Ipfjoich Goal, where he
lay a confiderable Time.
Thomas Pinfon went into the Steeple-houfe at Aldborough, where he ftood ftill
and faiJ nothing, but was tbrthwith pulled out by the Hair of his Head, kept
Prifoner one Night, and then fent out of Town by tlie Magiftrates, who
ordered the Ferryman to carry him over the Water.
Robert Davis, a Conftable, having lome Prefcntments to make at a Seflions in
Wnodbiidge, becaufe he could not for Confcience-ftke Sweiu- to the fame, was
committed to Melton Goal, and his Prefentments were i-ejeded.
Obfervable was the Cbriftian Courage and Intrepidity oi George Fox the
2'ounger, who, when he was preaching in a Meeting at Diuiftall, was violently
oppofed hy one John lokely, who in a furious Manner came toward him with
a drawn Sword, but when he faw that George faced him without Fear, he
retired, and fetcht a Gun charged, which he bred at him, and the Shot went
over his Head, but George continued preaching undifturbed, which his Oppofer ■
cbferving, from the Force of a fudden Conviftion, cried out, Tour Faith is
ft rang, and fo went away.
At another Time, the fame George Fox preaching in the Market-place at Aid- HisSu^emgi.
borough, was put out of Town by the Bayliff, but ibon returned, and haii a
Meeting there at a Widow's Houfe the lame Evening, whence he was taken
and
T. Pinfoa.
A Confiible
imprifoned.
Chriftian
Courage of
G. Fox the
Younger.
668
SUFFOLK.
1659.
prefenmeut
«/" Timothy
Grimble.
Anftoer to the
the fdi Vrc-
(enment.
ji CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
and fent to Prifon, where he was not long detained, for, four Days after we find
him again preaching to the People in the Steeple-houfe at Sowold, after the
Prieft had done : But his Chrijlian Concern for them was ill requited by the
ruder Sort, who beat him, threw him violently upon the Stones, and haled him
through the Streets to the BaylifPs Houfe, who committed him to Prifon, and
ordered him to be put into the inner Ward, to prevent his fpeaking to the People,
We fhall next lay before our Readers the Copy of a Prefentment exhibited
at the Quarter Sefiions for this County, viz.
tt
Ipfwichy Suffolk.
TH E Jury for his Wi^ntk Richard^ Lord-Proteftor of the Common-
wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and
Territories thereunto belonging, upon their Oaths do prefent, that Timothy
Grimble, late of Ipjwich in the County aforefaid. Mariner, at Ipf-juich afore-
faid, on the 7th Day of January 1658, and continually after, until the Day
of the taking this Inquifition, hath received into his Houfe, countenanced,
harboured, and fupported diverfe di£olute, idle, looje, and fufpeifed Perfons^
Difturhers of the publick Peace, to the Jurors unknown, commonly called
fakers, of evil Converfation, doth alfo keep Dijorder, evil Rule and Govern-
ment in his Houje, to the great Nufance of his Neighbours, and other People
of this Commonwealth, and againft the Peace.
*' John Mall,
" Charles Wright,
" Joseph Haymor,
" Richard Thurston,
" Robert Stebbing,
" Edward Keene,
" Edmund Darby,
" Thos- Wright jun.
*' John Jolley,
•' Peter Cole,
John Douty,
Samuel Humphry,
Robert Groves,
John Hamont,
John Gray,
Richard Clopton,
William Goodale,
Thomas Grigg,
Richard Humphry,
Thomas Brook,"
l^o this Prefentment an Anfwer was written by fome of the Friends con-
cerned, and figned by Robert Diincon, George Wlntehcad, and Robert Grajfmg-
ham : The Subflance of which Anfiver is contained in the following Abftra5i, viz.
" T E T all fober People obferve how envious thefe Jurymen and Inquifitors
" 1 1 have appeared againfl Timothy Grimble and his Friends, &'c.
" For, frji, their Prefentment being grounded and made up of falfe Accu-
" fations, grofs Lies and Slanders, the Meeting that we had at Timothy's Houfe
" (which was the 6th Day of the Eleventh Month 1658) was a peaceable
*♦ Meeting for the Service of God and his Worfhip, and the Holy Truth therein
*' held forth, and no Caufe thereby given for thefe Jurors, or any others, to be
*' offended at fuch a Meeting, which was both according to the Law of God,
*' and alfo tolerated by the Government. What Enmity and Malignity there-
" fore appears in fuch a fcandalous Prefentment, thus to defame an houcfl: Man
" for fuffering a peaceable Meeting, and entertaining quiet innocent People
*' at his Houfe, who ought by Law to be protefted, and not punifhed for the
*' Exercife of their Religion, or Confcience toward God.
*' 2. As for thofe called Shmkers, whom Timothy Grimble received and har-
♦' boured in his Houfe, who, they fay, are unknown to the Jurors, fome of
*' their Names are Robert Duncan, Robert Grajfwgham, Jofeph Sect!, and George
♦' Whitehead : They are well known to be fober honefl Perfons, and alfo
" refponfible where they live.
" Note. What a large Confcience did appear in thefe Jurors, who could
" fwear againft Men unknown to them, and upon Oath prefenr them fo highly
'« criminal, as being no other than dijjolute, looje, idle, levsi, and fujpe£fed
" 'Perfonsy
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS, 669
•' Perfonsy wliile unknown to thefe their Accufers, and Swearers againfl: SUFFOLK.
" them. 1659.
" 3. We afk you Jurors, wherein did we callecL<^^/rj^-ifr5, whom you have Ly~V"XJ
" fworn againft, d'lftiirb the fuUick Peace ? And what evil Converfation can
♦' you charge or prove againfl: us i" If you cannot prove Matter of Fad:
" charged, and by you fworn againft us, be afliamed tliereof. Surely tliofe
" Magiftrates, or that Court that have fuch a Prefentment as yours, ought
" not to truft your Oath to the fame, but to examine you of the particular
*' Crimes or Accufations charged, you having grofsly, and very unjuilly, de-
*' famed Timothy Grimble, and his Friends called Sluakers^ for which you are
" accountable. Let the Magiftrates inquire of you, what Jiifpc^cd Perfons he
*' hath harboured continually, and try you from what Ground you have caft
*' fuch Afperfions upon fober honeft Men .'' And what Diforder, evil Rule and
*' Governmeiit, doth Timothy Grimble keep in his Houi'e ? What fober honeft
*' Neighbour will (ay, that they are annoyed or difturbed by Diforder, evil
" Rule or Government, kept at Timothy Griinhle's, ? Produce your Proofs for
" thefe your Accufations, or elfe, like forlworn Perfons, tor-ever ftop your
" Mouths, and let Shame cover your Lips, for have you herein atted either
" like rational Men, or Chriftians ? Or done as you would be done by .? Would
" you take it well to be prefented or indicted for entertaining your FViends, as
♦' you have prefented, and grofsly mifreprefented Timothy Gri?nble for harbouring
" his Friends ?
*"■ 4. Many can witnels, that the Meetings we had at Timothy Grimble's
" Houfe in Ipfwich, were peaceable and lawful : And thofe Priefts and Pro-
*' fefTors, who were offended at them, had done more honeftly and dilcreetly,
" if they had come to our Faces in our Meetings, to have manifefted openly,
*' what Lewdnefs or Errors were praftifed or held forth by any of us, if they
" could, rather than go behind our Backs, to inftigate the Magiftrates againft
" us, without any juft Caufe. But thole who have thus adled in the Dark
" againft the Innocent, their Deceit is made manifeft to their Shame ; and the
•' more, by grofsly abufing innocent People, as the faid Jurors and their
" Abettors have done.
" 5. To Swear at all is a TranfgrefTion againft Chrift's Doffrine : But to
*' prefent Lies and Slanders upon Oath, to caufe the Innocent to luffer, is a
" much greater Offence, which thefe Jurors have done againft Timothy Grimbky
" and his FViends called ^mkers, who are Witneffes againft all Idlene/s, Diforder^
" Loofenefs, Lewdne/s, and evil Government, whatfoever ; though thus the
" Wicked have made Lies their Refuge, and like Men mad with Envy, have
*' forged fuch Slanders againft honeft Men, as are contained in the fiiid Pre-
♦' fentment. So that we may even fay with the Prophet, They that were mad
•' againft us, were fworn againjl us, Pfalm cii. 8."
To the foregoing Obfervalions we think it not improper to annex George
Whitehead's Letter
. " To the Inhabitants of Ipfwich, ioih Teachers and People, viz.
•• /^H ! the Pride, Highmindednefs, and Self-conceitednefs, which abounds G. White-
*' kJ in the Town of Ipfwich ; and Oh ! what a Feignednefs, Hypocrify, and ht^ad'j Letter
«« Will-worfhip is among the Profeffors, who ignorandy worfhip an unknown ^othe Viople
" Goa according to their own Wills, who have gotten Words of the Saints, ■*' P ' "
*' and of the Scriptures of Truth, but the Light which led the Saints they are
•* out of, and have grieved and quenched the Spirit of it, when it hath ap-
" peared in their own Confcience, to convince them of Sin and Evil ; lb that
" their Sin remains in them, and the Curfe of God hath Power over them
*' that live in Pride, Deceit, Superftition, and ungodly Converf.ition.
*' There hath been a Zeal ftirring tor the Lord in feveral of them formerly,
" according to what they knew, but now much Deadnefs, Coldncis, Emptincis,
Vol. I. 8 G " and
670 A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SUFFOLK. " and Barrennefs is over their Spirirs, and Unrighteoiifnefs hath the Pre-
1659. " eminence among them. The Teachers have gotten the Saints Words to
" fpeak of, and are painted over with an empty ProfefTion, and a feigned
«' Humility, but inwardly they are proud, covetous, and reiseilious, refilling
" the Truth, and make a Trade upon the Scriptures, 'Teaching for Hire, and
*' 'Divining for Money : Such the true Prophets of God cried againft, for they
«' are rtj Women that few Pilloivs under Peoples Arm-holes, fpeaking Peace to the
*' Wicked, where there is no Peace, And they are as Foxes in the Defer ts, that
" are greedy, waiting for their Prey. And much Wilfulnefs and Slavery is in
" the proud and covetous Priefts, and in many of the Profeffors, who will
" not bring ibeir Deeds to the Light, neither dare they try all Things, as the
" Apoftle commanded, but cry out againft us called ^takers, behind our
" Backs, but would not be tried Face to Face, nor fuffer others to come and
" try us Face to Face, though for the Truth's Sake, feveral of us have fuffered
" among them in Prifon. So that many of the Teachers incenfe the People
" ao-ainft us, and that which we profefs, which is the Truth : So are they
" kept in Slavery and Ignorance. And fo you Profeffors in Ipjwich, Chrift
*"• may juftly fay to you, / was a Stranger, and ye took me not in. I was in
" Prifon among you, and you vifited me not : Inafmuch as ye did it not to thefe
" little Ones that believe in me, who have juffered among you, ye did it not to
" me. Yet this from the Lord I declare unto you, that the Day of Vifitation,
" and the Kingdom of God, is come nigh unto you, and Wo unto them that
" ftill walk in Filthinefs, refifting and hating the Light, which is God's Witnels
" in their own Confciences, which doth convince them of Sin and Evil, and
" reproves them when they commit it. Take heed how you always refill the
*' Truth, fince the Lord hath warned you, left you perifli in your Iniquities,
" and your Blood lie upon your own Heads, and upon your Teachers, who
" retain the Wages of Unrighteoufnefs, and exercife Lordlhip over you,
" to keep you in Ignorance from the true Light in your felves^ which Chrift
" hath enlightned you withal, which all muft come to and follow, who ever
*' come to be faved from the IVrath of God, and from the Curie which abideth
" upon the Children of Difobedience. Away with all your empty Protefllons,
" and let fuch as }iame the Name of Chrift depart from Iniquity. Away with
" all your proud and covetous Teachers, who preach for Hire, who make a
" Trade upon the Saints Words, which were fpoken forth freely from the Spirit
♦' of Truth. Away with all your Pride, gaudy Attire, and Superfluity of
*' Naughtinefs ; the Lord is grieved with you becaufe of thefe Things, you
«' are not come to the wW^y^/^/'/'^j?"^/ outwardly, nor to the true Adorning in-
" wardly, which is not coftly nor gaudy Attire, but it is that of a meek and
«' quiet Spirit, which is of great Price with the Lord. How long fliall the
" Lord wait to be gracious to you, and yet ye refift his Grace, which hath ap-
♦' pearcd unto you, to teach you to deny Ungodlinefs and Worldly Lufts, and to
" live foberly and godly in this evil World.
'■ How long Ihall the Lord warn you, and yet you repent not ? How oft
" fhall he call you, by his Light in you, out of your Filthinefs, and yet you
" anfwer him not, nor hearken to his Voire ? How often fhall the Lord
" knock at the Door of your Hearts, and yet ye open not .' Yet know that
*' his Spirit will not always ftrive with Man : But it cometh to pafs, that they
" that will be filthy, muft be filthy ftill. Therelbre, as you love your Souls,
" take Warning.
«' From a Friend to all that defire to know the Lord, and one who, for
" the Gofpel's Sake, hath lately futlered fifteen Weeks, or above, in
*' Ij'fwich Prifon.
Sn?to\k, the ift Day of the « GeORGE WHITEHEAD."
Ninth Month, 1658.
Thus
Chat, 32. of the People called QUAKERS,
67*
Thus inceffantly, either by Preaching or Writing, was this Servant of Chrift SUFFOLK.
employed in the Exercife ot tlie Talent he had received, for the Benefit and
Inftruftion even of thofe who perlecuted him, and often returned Scorning and
Abufes for the Chriftian Labour of Love beftowed upon them.
We return to the Sufferings of fome others about the fame Time, 'viz.
Robert Duncoii, Robert Mann, Bartholomew Bridges, Robert Davtes., and IVilliam
Gardener, who going to a Meeting at Aldborough, on the Firft-day of the
Week, had their Horfes taken from them, which for a pretended Forfeiture
of 10 s. each, were fold for 20/. and no Parr of the Price returned to the
Owners. Others, going to the fame Meeting on Foot, were put into the
Stock-houfe or Cage. Alfo Henry Mather and John Burch, riding to the fame
Meeting, had an Horfe taken from them worth 6 /. and a great Coat valued
at 20 J. for a Fine of 10 s. each, for a pretended Breach of the "abbath.
In this and the preceding Years, we find taken by Diltrefs, toward repairing
the Houfes for the then National Worfhip,
1659.
Sufferings for
Meetivg.
From
6d.
de-
Anthotty Kettle^ of Edward/lone, for i /. is.
demanded. Goods worth
Anthony Appleby, of Haverill, for is. Sd.
manded. Goods worth
George Evan, of the fame, for 6d. demanded,
Goods worth
William Driver and 'Tljomas Pinfon., for 1 /. 125.
demanded, Goods worth
}
}
]
}
/.
790 Diflrefes.
12
14
For 2/. 15 J. 2d.
Taken 1 1
ANNO 1660. On the 25th of the Month called May, Thomas Co/ley, of Imprifonment
Badfey, was cafl into Prifon at Melton, tor refufirig to pay Tithes.
In this Year alfo were taken for Tithes,
ani Dijirejfit
for Jhhes.
From Jafnes Norton, for izl. 12 s. 6 d. demanded.
Goods worth
Arthur Goddard, for 61. 19 j. 8^. demanded,
feven Cows worth
William Tudderman, for 4/. lOi. demanded,
five Cows worth
}
}
]
/.
18
28
22
d.
o
For 24/. 2 J. 2d.
Taken 68
Imprifonment
oj' William
Garilener.
On the 3d of the Month called June, a Meeting was held in the Floufe of
PFilham Gardener, of Pettijhy, to which came a Company of armed Horfe-
men, who pulled down Jofeph Fuce then preaching, and carried him with
Ji^'tlliatn Gardener to Juftice Rivet, but he, after fome Examination, inclined to
difcharge them : Whereupon they, who took them, applied to another Juftice,
who releafed Fuce, but committed Gardener to Prifon.
Toward the Conclufion of this Year we find the following Perfons in the
feveral Goals of this County, who had been generally committed for rcfufing
to take the Oath of Allegiance, being moft of them taken out of their religious
Meetings, and fome from their own Houfes and lawful Employments, viz.
In Edmundsbury Goal, thirty three, viz,
Mllliam Burrough a Man of eighty Years of Age, James King, Ed-xard A Lid of M-
Dikes, John Peach, Robert Serjeant, Robert Prick, Robert Debedge, He^irv f""^"^ '" '''*
Hubbert, John King, John Middifto, Jeffery Bullock, Joint Grafper, Richard {Z)Zc?um.
Waite, John Crifmas, nomas Smith, John Partridge, 9homas Manning, Thomas
SicMeprice, Edward Hindes, Samuel Dearfley, James Nunn, Roger Hawkins,
William. Hay le^ Jofepb Riddle fden^ Samuel Aflon, Caleb Lambert, Roba-t Clark,
John
SUFFOLK.
1660.
672 A Colle6lion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
'John Woodgate, William JVoodgate, Charles fVoodgate, George Lamb, Jofepb
Jlkhi, and Jofeph Burrough : Moft of theie dwelt at Sudbury, Lavenham, and
Parts adjacent.
In Blyborough Goal, nine, viz.
Richard Towufend, 'Tloomas Burcham, John Cole?nan fen. John Coleman jun.
James Fulcher, Roger Cole, IFilliam Bennett, William Tburton, and John George :
Two of thefe, Richard loivnjend and John George, were taken from their
Labour, nomas Burcha?n out of his Bed, and the other fix from a Meeting at
Leo/la^.
In Melton Goal, diirteen, viz.
John Birch, John Camplin, Stephen Brightii'ell, Godfrey Brightwell, John Fryer,
nomas Bond, John Bennett, Nicholas Bennett, John Bennett jun. William Gardener,
James Norton, Charles Bond, and Arthur Goddard : All thefe were fummoned
to the Qiiarter SelTions at Woodbridge, held the 1 6th and 1 7th of the Month
cdlkd January, and being there, had the Oath of Allegiance tendred them:"
They continued in Prifon about four Months.
In Aldburgh Goal, four, viz.
John Manning, Arthur Coivel, Robert Davis, and Samuel Bridges : Of whom
the lirft three lay there about eighteen Weeks, and the other about eleven
Weeks.
In Ipswich Goal, twenty three, viz.
Thomas Simonds and Henry Hall, taken from a Meeting at Hoxon, Robert
Duncon, apprehended as he was vifiting his Friends in Ipfivich. WiUiam Wall,
Anthony Ga/'ball, and Robert Pearce, taken out of a Meeting at Walliiigfworth.
William Seaman, William Fiddeman, Henry Mather, John Lamb, and Henry
Grimble, taken from a Meeting at the laid Grimble's Houfe in Ipfivich. John
Sinys, William Alexandei; James Hurling, and Thomas Gardener, apprehended
in a Meeting at Needbam. Samuel Moulfon, Timothy Cleeveland, James Totnpfon,
John Spicer, Mary Grimble, John Rackham, and Rofe Parker, taken at a
Meeting in Ipfijuich. Alice Bream was fent to Prilbn for admitting Meetings at
her Houfe.
Befide thofe before mentioned, Frances Smith, Rofe Palmer, and Margaret
Catmore, for frequenting Meetings . at i)^zV/j, were committed clofe Prifoners
to the Bottom in Aldburgh.
ANNO 1 66 1. At a SefTions zt Ipfivich, on the 17th of the Fifth Month,
George Painter eighty fix Years of Age, Henry Driver, Thomas Cooke, Berjamin
Reeve, Richard Sparhawke, Diana Fryer, Thomas Pinfon, John Pinfon, and
Jofepb Scott, were indided for being at Meetings, and committed to Melton
Goal ; and about the lame Time, William Seaman, Abraham Cole, and John
Birch, were fent to Prifon for retiifing to give Sureties for their Appearance at
SelTions.
On the 29di of the Month called Aiigufl, Robert Lafl was committed to
Ipf'xich Goal, and kept there twenty Weeks, becaufe he had fuffered fome
Neighbours to meet at his Houfe, where a Friend, who came to vifit him, gave
fome religious Exhortation.
At a Quarter SelTions, held at Beccles, on the 13th of the Month called
January, William Bennett, William Thurton, Matthew Elmv, Elizabeth Barker,
Richard To-wnfend, John Coleman, and Roger Cole, were committed to Blybo-
rough Goal. And two Days after, at Woodbridge Seflions, Jofepb Scott, T'bomai
Cooke, Benjamin Reeve, Richard Sparhawke, Diana Fryer, and Henry Driver^
were ordered to continue in Prifon, whitiier they had been committed near fix
Months before. In the fime Month John Wateridge, Nathanael Sljriefe, and
Edward Vineyard, were taken out of a Meeting at Rickengill, and committed
to Ipfwich Goal, where they fount! Jofepb Fuce, fent thither fome Time before
for refufing to take tlie Oath of Allegiance.
Trifoners for In the Month called February this Year, were Prilbners for refufing to pay
Tithes. Tithe; in Ipswich Goal, Richard White : In Blyborough Goal, Rnlply.
Randall,
More Impr't.
ffnmeiits.
Commitments
from the Qu^r.
ter Sejfions.
Ghap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS.
673
Randall, near eighty Years of Age : And in Melton Goal, Robert Mah of SUFFOLK*
Dallingoe, Abrabafn Cole of Bromjwell, and Robert Davis. In this Year alio w;is 1 663.
taken from Robert Lajl, for Tithe of about three Acres of MeadowGround, ^.y'-V^v^
an Horfe and an Hide worth 2 /. i 8 i,
ANNO 1663. Thomas Peck and Thomas Dockin were committed to Ed- Frifbners far
mundjhury Goal, on the 12th of the Month called July, lor refufing to take the "<" ^v>emngy'
0:ith of Allegiance.
We fhall next infert the Cafe of John Shipman and Thomas Virtue, as delivered
to the King on the 5 th o{ November this Year, viz.
((
For the King and Council
((
(C
<(
(I
«<
A (hort Relation of the fad and cruel Ufage of two of the Kings
" peaceable SubjeSls, John Shipman o/' Cretingham in the County
of Suffolk, ««^ Thomas Virtue o/'Clopton in the fame County^
both of them of that People who are in Scorn called Quakers.
TH E faid Perfons being informed againft by the Sheriff's BaylifFs,
and by the BaylifFs of the Liberty, where the faid Perfons dwelt,
upon a Statute made againft Popi/lo Recufants, and for their not being at the
publick Worfhip for eleven Months paft, at a Quarter SelTions holden at
Woodbridge in the laid County, John Sicklemore being Judge there, Judc^-
ment was paft againft them by the Juftices there, for each of them to pay
20/. a Month tor eleven Months, eleven fcore Pounds a-piece^ and fince*
the BaylifFs aforefaid have taken away Goods worth 68/. 15^. from John
Shipman, and 35/. worth from Thomas Virtue, and do threaten to take more
from them, until they be fatisfied for the Fines of twice eleven fcore Pounds,
altiiough the whole Eftate of Thomas Virtue is not judged to be worth half
fo much •, fo that if the King fhew not fome Kindnefs to thefe poor Men,
the faid Thomas Virtue, his Wife, and fix Children, are like to be left
dcftitute : And farther, the faid Perfons were for the fame Caufe, both kept
in Prifon ; the one of them a Year and an Half, the other a If ear and a
Quarter, before their Goods and Cattle were taken away.
" And the faid BaylifFs do threaten, that they will inform againft feveral
others of the People aforefaid upon the fame Account.
Cafe o/Johti
Shipman ani
Thomas Vir«
tue.
" Therefore our Requeft to the King is, that he would take Care that the'
" faid Sufferers may be relieved, and that they may not thus deeply fuffer
" for Confcience-fake, who wilh well to the King and Government."
By thus reprefenting their Cafe to th6 King and Council, it is probable that iffen of tktir
the farther Seizure of their Eftates for thole fines was prevented ; and the In- ^application.
tention of their Profecutors totally to ruin thefe honeft Men, was diiappointed. oiker impri-
In the fame Year John fVateridge, of Hepworth, was committed to Prifon fonmems.
by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, the Efteft of a Prolecution in the Eccle-
fiaftical Court for Non-conformity to the Church. In this Year alfo at Bury
Aflizes, Edward Manning was fined 405. for not putting oft" his Hat in Court,
and refufing to pay it, was committed to Prifon, where he lay about eight
Years.
ANNO 1664. In this Year Henry Gofling and Robert Lin^e were impri-
foned at Ipfwich for Tithes : Alfo Robo't Duncon, John Edwards, of Felfham,
Blackfmith, Jofeph Riddlefden, of Boxford, Hufbandman, Robert Rodwell, of
Wiverfione, Carpenter, Thomas IVoods, of Badwell-Ajh, Linen-weaver, and Henry
Spark, were committed to the fame Goal by Writs de Exco7nmunicalo capiendo.
ANNO 1665. James Palmer, for abfenting himfelf from the National
Worfhip, was committed to Prifon ; as were alio James King of Edmundj2>ury,
and Thomas Ledeman, by Writs de Excommu}{icato capiendo.
Vol. I. 8 H ANNO
674
SUFFOLK.
1666.
Vc^th of
J. Tomplbn.
Trifovers jor
Tithes,
A great Suf-
fering for
Tithei.
Vijirefs.
Jmprifonmefit.
Piftrejfes.&c.
far tithes.
Fines ani
Diftreffes for
Meeting.
profecutions
for Meetings
ft i^averill.
-mV!.
Rigorous
Execution of
Warrttnis.
A Colled;ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
ANNO 1 666. Edward Hall, and Anne his Sifter, for not conforming to
the publiclc Worfhip, were fent to Edmundjlury Goal, and continued Prifoners
there upwards of twenty iVIonchs.
James I'ompfoHy Timothy Cleveland., and John Tompfon, coming to vifit their
Friends in Prifon at Ipfwich, were taken and confined there eight Weeks, by
which Confinement the £iid James lornpfon contradted a Sicknefs, of which he
died loon after his Difcharge thence.
ANNO 1667. In November tliis Year Williatn Beets, for his Teftimony
ac^ainll paying Tithes, was committed to Edmmidfiu7-y Goal, where was Pri-
foner alfo at the fame Time, William Bennet.
ANNO 1668. John Fryer, und Anne his Wife, were imprifoned at Ed-
miindjlmry, at the Suit of William Copphiger Prieft, for Tithes : This Impri-
fonment was to them a very great Suttering, they being taken away from
Icvcn iinail Children, dependent on their Care and Induftry.
In this Year were taken out of the Meeting- houfe at Ipfwieh, by Diftrels, a
Table and Forms to the Value of 5 /. 1 2 5. ■ '•'' \^}
Jonathan Haddock, for being at a religious Meeting in Chelmon^Jidw, vras
imprifoned fome Days, and had his Goods taken away by Diftrefs, to the Value
of- 5 /. 1 2 J,
ANNO 1669. John Hill, of Jpfwich, for a Demand of 3 /. 12 s. for Tithe,
had his Goods taken away to the Value of 6/. His Wife, affrighted and abufed
by thofe who made the Diftrefs, fuddenly fell in Labour, and was delivered of
a dead Child. In this Year alfo, Edward Mel/op, taken at a Meeting in Chel-
mondifton, was not only imprifoned, but alfo had his Goods taken away to the
Value of 7 /. 7 i. thus fuffering a twofold Punifhment for one pretended Offence.
ANNO 1670. In the Month called y^rf/, John Bennet the Elder, John
Haddock, Daniel Camplin, R. Bridges, R. David, and John Laurence, taken at
a Meeting at the Houfe of John Fiddeman, were committed to Melton Goal,
till the SefTions at Woodbridge a few Days after, where they were fined 50 s. each.
About the lame Time Jonathan Haddock, for being at a Meeting in Dallinghoe,
was imprifoned four Days, and had his Goods taken away by Diftrefs to the
Value of 3 /. 12 s. And for being at another Meeting a few Days after, his
Horfe, worth 5/. was taken from him, at a Time when he and his Wife were
going a Journey. ; ; •'
Upon the Publication of the Conventick-A5i this Yeaf, the Meetings in this
County were frequently informed againft ; Of the Profecutions which followed^
we have fome particular Accounts, viz.
-ill Jntijs: ',!;r,T;/ r, Ihop-M
I. For Meetings at H A V E R I L L.
No fooner came the Act in Force, than Robert Dawkins, a Parifh-Officer of
Haverill, and Elias Dowty, an Informer, appeared very aftive in coming to the
Meetings there, which were conftantly held both on the Firft and Fourth Days
of the Week, and taking the Names of the Perfons prefent, gave Information
to Gervas Elways, a Juftice of the Peace., and he ifTued his Warrants for Diftrefs
fo often, that the whole Eftates of the fakers there were thought too little to
fatisfy them. Thofe Warrants were executed with the Utmoft Rigour, the
aforefaid Dawkins encouraging the other Informers and Officers, faying, Co7ne
Sirs, let's do what we do quickly, for this Trade will not laft hng. When they
had carried away all the Goods out of one Friend's Houfe, they alfo took the
Wood out of his Yard, and when a Neighbour defired them to leave a few
old Hop-poles to boil fome Milk for the Children, they refufed it. From
another, for a Fine of 10 5. they took Cotton-Yarn worth 1 8 /. From a third,
the Team of Horles out of his Plough. And when they had made Spoil of a
poor Weaver's Goods, they brake his Loom in pieces wrth the Work in it, the
only Means he had to get Bread for himfelt, his fick Wife, and a young
Child. The DiftrefTes, taken in a few Months Time, were of the following
Values, viz.
-// yd • From
/.
J.
^.
SUFFOLK.
138
o
1670.
32
5
^/■"V^>w>
2
9
89
5
26l
19
Jmoum of
Dilirejjis.
Chap. 32. o/' //j^ People c^//^^ QUAKERS. 675
From Robert Sharply^ Anthony Appleby, and Daniel Gridley
Jehu Salmon, Giles Baniadijlon, and fFilliafn Reynolds
Thomas Hall, John Edwards, and John Bird
Thomas Evans, George Evans, and Richard Pozcer
After all this Spoil, they were kept out of their Meeting-houfe fix Months finher
together in Winter, when they met in the open Street, as conftantly as before, Abufes.
and underwent many and grievous A bufcs. At firft a Juftice of the Peace
came perfonally, and commanded them to be difperfed : Afterward the
Officers came from Time to Time, and endeavoured to drive them afunder by
Violence, till at length, partly weary, and partly afliamed of their Aftions,
they employed two Watchmen with Halberts, who pufhed the Friends up and
down the Streets, frequently ftriking, and fometimes threatning to kill them,
adding, that the Juftices had told them, The Law could not punijh them if they
did : But one of thefe Watchmen, being hurt by a Fall, fell fick, and leveral
of the Perfons, whom he had abufed, relieved him in his Diftrefs, which
Chriftian Charity being taken Notice of by his Fellow, he, though naturally
of a rugged Temper, was fo afFefted therewith, that he refufed to officiate in
that Poft any more, and meeting one of them whom he had evil entreated,
faid to him, J defire you to forgive vie ; adding. The Bleffmg of God is among
you. After this the Officers employed another Watchman, who was as rough
as the former for fome Time, till by Degrees, the Patience and Meeknefs of the Effe,ls of
Sufferers over-ruled his Fiercenefs, fo that he would come and fit on the
Threfhold as quiet as a Lamb, all the Time of the Meeting. Thus weather'd
they the Storm, and by a paffive Fortitude furmounted the Trials and Troubles
they met with.
II. For Meetings at HOXON.
Taken by Diftrefe
Chriftian
Pitience.
2. For Meeu
From John Amefon, for Meetings at his Houfe
John Sweat, John Gofling, John Dickinfon,
Peter Martin
John Edwards and Robert Bound
and
}
Goods worth
/. s. d.
trigs at
Hoxon.
25
3 2
22 2
6
50
So officious was Juftice Dade, as to impofe a Fine on John Edwards upon a A» offiilout
bare-Suppofition of a Preacher's being prefent at Hoxon, when the Meeting was ?"i'»'t.
wholly held in Silence : A Copy of the Warrant he ilTued on that Occafion, is
as follows, viz.
{(
Suffolk fs.
^TCT H E R E A S John Edward; and his Wife, of our Town, liave WnTrunt
VV been duly convifted before me, for unlawfully alTcmbling at the sj^^ntX on
Houfe of John Amefon, oS. Hoxon within this County, upon the 2 2d Day of ^"PP''f'"°'"'f
May laft, under Colour or Pretence of exercifing Religion in other Manner * '^ **"'
than- according to the Liturgy of the Church of England, for which a Fine '
of 5 s. is impofed upon each of them, it being their firft Offence within
the late Statute for preventing and fuppreffing feditious Conventicles. And
forafmuch as the Preacher of the faid unlawful Affembly, his Name and
Habitation is not known unto me, I do impofe upon the faid John Edwards
eight Pounds in Part of the faid Preacher's Fine, which he ffiould have paid,
if his Name and Habitation had been known, and he thought able to have
paid the fame ; which Sums of eight Pounds and ten Shillings, you and
a every
676
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I,
SUFFOKL. " every of you are, in his Majefty's Name, charged and commanded to
1670. " demand ot" him the faid John Edwards, and upon his Refufal to pay the
^-/'V'^V-^ " fame, to levy i: by Diftrefs and Sale of his Goods and Chattels, rendring
" to him the Overplus, and the Money fo levied, forthwith to deliver to me,
" to bediftributed according to the Ufes in the faid late Ad: fet forth and
" declared : And hereof fail you not at your Perils. Given under my Hand
" and Seal at Ta^nngton, the 14th Day of June 1670.
"To the Conjlahlesy Churchwardens, and
Overjeers of the Poor of Wingfield.
" Dade."
;. For Meet'
ings it Elm-
futt.
III.
4. tor Meet-
ings at Ed-
mundsbury.
For Meetings at E L M S U T T.
Goods worth
Taken from Jofeph Burroughs, for a Meeting at his Houfe
Philip Smith, Deborah JVood, and Margaret
Baker, for being at the fame Meeting
\
I.
26
S.-
o
d.
o
27
IV. For
Meetings at
EDMUNDSBURY.
On the 3d of the Month called July, Matthew Warren, Alderman, with
James Cobb and Robert Sheape, Juftices, and fome Conftables, came to an
Aflembly fitting in Silence, took feveral of their Names, and turned them all
out : On the i oth of the fame Month they came again, and did the like : On
the 1 7th they let a Ward at the Door of the Meeting-houfe, and kept the
Friends out, who neverthelefs met. Handing together near the Door, whereupon
the Alderman and Juftice committed James King, Edward Dikes, Henry
Hubbard, George Gibfon, Robert Serjeant, and Thomas King, to Prifon ; he
alfo iffued Warrants of Diftrefs for the two former Meetings, by which were
taken
From 'Tho7nas Tillet, the Owner of the Houfe where
they met, though he was not a ^laker
Henry Hubbard and James King
Edward Dikes, John Peachy, and Robert
Serjeant
Thoinas Simons, Sufanna Butcher, and George
Gibfon
79 6 2
They who made the Diftrefs on Edward Dikes, entered his Corn-chamber,
threflit out what they thought fit, and would not let him fee it meafur'd.
Robert Tardly, for a Meeting at his Houfe in Buxhall, had his Goods taken
away, to the Value of 13/. loj.
Goods worth
/.
J.
d.
}
44
13
3
8
}
19
I
6
}
3
I
5. For Meet-
ivgs at Her-
ringfleet tmi
Becdes.
V. For Meetings at HERRINGFLEET and BECCLES.
Taken from Martha Crojswell, for Meetings at her Houfe
Margaret Shorton, of Pakefield
Matthew Thirton, of Kirtly
Goods worth
/. s. d.
27 o o
6 10 o
8 II o
42 . - 1.
.;j 3ilj hi:
VI.
For
Goods worth
SUFFOLK.
/. s.
d.
1670.
18 2
v_x'-V^-
I
}
3 J^
II 10
6. for Meet-
higs at Ipf-
wich.
}
3 15
Chap. 32. ^j/' /7:?^ People. c,^//^^ QUAKERS. 677
VI. For Meetings at IPSWICH.
Taken from Jotiathan Haddock
Robert Simons, Jofeph Tomfon, and Thomas
Melfiip
John La?nly jun. Timothy Cleveland, and
Robert Rujhforth
Samuel Swann^ Edward Melfup, and Robert
Mann
36 19 o
Edward Melfup had alfo his Goods, worth i /. lo^. taken away for refufing
to bear Arms in the Militia.
On the 4th of September, Robert Brigbtwell, of Ufford, w.is arretted for ^ong Impri-
Tithes, at the Suit of Richard Lufkin, Prieft of that Place : He was afterward ■^1,"|.'j']' I"''
fued to an Execution, and lay in Melton Goal nine Years, notwithftanding the
Prieft, his Profecutor, had without Law taken a Mare out of his Stable,
worth 8 /. and had alio fent his Servants, who carried away whole Loads of
Corn at a Time.
Robert Huntington was alio imprifoned this Year, for Tithes, in Ipfwicb
Goal.
ANNO 1671. On the 23d of the Month called Jwie, Edward Plutnfled,
of Old-Newton, was committed to Ipfwich Goal by an Exchequer Procefs, for
Tithes, and was detained there feveral Years.
ANNO 1672. Xxwkix^Xz'ix Edward Hall, Anne Hall, Edward Manning, i^ele^e of
John Bragg, John Sparke, James Lilly and Thomas King, were difcharged out rnfoners.
ofPrifon, in this County, by the King's Letters Patent for releafing fuch of
this People as were then confined at the King's Suit.
ANNO 1673. 77jo7«i7j £/&, of G/«w/cr^, for fuftering a religious A flembly Diflrefs fot
athisHoufe, had his Goods taken away, which, though really worth 16/. 5;. Meeting.
were fold tor no more than 40 s.
John Hill, of Ipfwich, was committed to the County Goal, by a Significavit Imprifonment$
from the Ecclefiallical Court, on a Profecution for Tithes, at the Suit ot one /<"■ Htl'es.
Kaebeck, a Priefl in Margaret^ Parifli in Ipjwich. Alfo Samuel Freanan was
impriioned by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit ot fFilliam
Maxey, Prieft. In this Year alio, Edward Melfup was committed to the
County Goal at Ipfwich, for rehifing to pay toward the Repairs ot the Steeple-
houfe there.
/. J. d.
ANNO 1674. Leonard Pearfon, oi Heavingham, ior t
permitting a Meeting at his Houfe, fuffered Diftrefs of > 22 o o VifireJJis,
five Cows worth j
Alio John Harvey and Tobias Jbbey, for being at the 7 n 1 7 o
fame Meeting, had Goods taken away, to the Value of X
c ■
22 17 O
John Bownham, of Affington, was imprifoned in Bury Goal by a Writ de ^'^^'''{°y^/"l
Excommmiicato capiendo, at the Profecution of one Garraway, Prieft of fVeJler- £j;com. Cap.
ton, for Tithes.
/. s. d.
ANNO 1675. Taken by Diftrefs for religious Meetings,
From Robert Sharp, oi' Haverill, Grocery Wares worth 15 o o mfircfes for
George Evans, working Tools, and other Goods, 7 Mmwgi.
worth ^ ^
Daniel Catlin, Wood, Weavers Tools, and I r,
Utenfils, worth J
Vol. I. 8 1 Car. over 21 o o
678
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SUFFOLK.
1675. Brought over
Ly~V"\J From Ferd'inando Salmon, Brafs and Pewter worth
Mary Fxfi Widow, a Birrel with Beer, and other 7
Things, worth j
Tianiel Gridlcx, Fuftians worth
/.
J.
d.
2[
8
12
6
27
ExcommwH'
cition.
Grievous Fro-
ficutions for
Titbet.
ProfiCUtiOKS
for Stetple-
kmfe Riitu,
Cruel Vfige
of Prifoners.
JJeath of
G. Grainger.
Cpprejfion of
a poor ^yidow.
56 18
On the 17th of the Month called June, George Glanfield was arrefted upon
a Significavit of Excommunication for not paying Tithes, and committed to
Prifon. Being there, he was ferved with a Seffions Procefs for not going to the
publick Worlhip.
nomas Kendall was fued in an Aftion of 6^1. for two Years Tithe of Land
not half that Yearly Rent, at the Suit of fFilliam Batty, Prieft of Hitchavit
and committed to Prifon, where he lay fixteen Months, and then being in a
weak State of Health, was hurried in one Day above fixty Miles to London :
He was, by reafon of his Weaknefs, carried to fVeJlf/iinjler-hall in a Chair,
and from thence committed to tiie Fleet. His Profecutor was heard to fay,
that Jll the Stock on this poor Man's Ground, and all the Goods in his Houfe^ ivere
no more than fufficient to Jatisfy him. He at the fame Time profecuted the poor
Man's Wife and Daughter at the Quarter Seffions, for abfenting themfelves
from the National Worlhip, employing Bayliffs to take them up, and
threatning their Ruin.
We find in this Year Edward Hindes, of Sudbury, committed to Prifon for
refufing to pay 2 J. 6d. toward the Steeple- houfe Rate : And for the like Caufe,
George Evans, Robert Sharp, Daniel Catlin, and Daniel Gridley, all of Haverill,
were committed to Bury Goal. One of the Profecutors of thefe laft four, was
Robert Dar kin, a Woolendraper, who, when Daniel Gridley's Wife reproved
him for his Cruelty in promoting Informations againft her Hufband, and lending
him to Priibn, telHng him, that Such Aliions might provoke Gpd againji him, he
called her Bitch, and Wlxre, and profanely faid, fVhat do you tell me of God?
He alio beat her twice down to the Ground, caufing her Leg and Arm to
bleed, and faid. He "would leave the Quakers there not worth a Groat.
On the 29 th of the Month called January this Year, William Falkner and
John Manning were committed to Priibn on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo^
for Abfence from their Parifh-Church : The Keeper of the Goal, Thomas
IVatfon, was very cruel to them, and kept them twenty three Weeks together
in a Place called the Bottom, among Felons, without lufFering them to have
either Chair or Stool, or fo much as a Stone, to fit on.
In the lame Year George Deane, of Amerton, was taken from his Work by
an Apparitor and a Bayliif, on a Significavit of Excommunication for not going
to the publick Worfhip, and by them carried to Ipjwicb Goal. As they were
going thither they met Giles Grainger, againft whom they had alfo a like
Significavit for the fame Caufe, and took him alfo to the fame Prifon. Being
there, they were alfo ferved with a Seffions Procefs. The Goaler lodged them
on a Bed where a Perfon had lately lain fick of the Small- Pox, by Means
whereof Giles Grainger took that Diftemper, and died of it : His Wife coming
to vifit him in his Sicknefs, was detained by a Seffions Procefs for the llime
Caufe as her Hufband. Giles was a poor Man, who rented a fmall Farm of
about \6 1, per Annum, himfelf and Wife being all his Family, except a Child
of three Years old, which fhe had left at Home. The Ibrrowful Circumftances
of this poor Woman were fo far from being commiferated by the Prieft of the
Parifli where Ihe had lived, that his Agents loon after took from her Corn to
the Value of 4/. 10 s. being twice ;\s much as the real Value of the Tithe
could amount to. In this Year alio, Samuel Freeman the Elder, of SbotUy.,
and Elizabeth Stotte, were imprifoned on ProcefTes at Seffions, for Ablencc
from the National Worfhip,
William
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS,
William Scarce, of fVorthain, was profecuted in the Eccleriullicil Court on a
bare Prefumption of his not being legally married. He was excommunicated
and committed to Prifon, although indeed he had beeen married, before he was
called a ^mker, after the accuftomed Rites ot the Church of England.
ANNO 1676. IViiliam Greenivood, of Brifit, had taken from him for
Tithes, by a Warrant from the Manour Court, three Cows and an Heifer
worth 10/. 10 J.
ANNO 1677. On the i6th of O^ober, John Shipman, of Cretlvigham,
was imprifoned for Tithes of Herbage, at the Suit of Stephen Trappily Pricft :
And in this Year alfo, Edtnund Hankins, of Boxford, was fent to Prifon tor
Tithes, by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of one Bromhall,
Vr\c{i of PoIJIed.
Taken at feveral Times this Year for Meetings, by Warrants from Jeffery
Burwell and Ihomas Bright, Juftices,
From John Hayward, of Baylon, Goods worth
Thomas Lucas, of Packenbani, Goods worth
Tljomas Balbrook, of fVoolpit, two Cows worth
Ihomas Judy, of JVetberJden, whofe Dwelling-
houle the Spoilers broke open, two Cows, a
Bed, (Jc. worth
Thomas Woods, of the fame, two Cows worth
}
I.
25
13
s.
o
15
o
d.
o
o
o
51 15
From Edmund Bally they took a Mare, two Swine, and other Things,
worth 9/. loj. which Mare was the Property of another Perlbn, and the
Owner of her was advifed by Council, to take Witnefs with him and demand
his Mare, and if they refufed to deliver her, he might take her where he
could find her. He did fo, and finding her in a Pafture where the Conflable
and Informer had put her, took her Home. Whereupon Juftice Burwell iffued
his Warrant to apprehend the Owner of the Mare, and threatned to fend him
to Goal for Felony in taking his own, and fo terrified the poor Man, that he
got from him 20 s. in Hand, and obliged him to find a Bondfman for Payment
of 5/. more j for which the Juftice arreftcd the Surety, and made it coft
them 29/.
The Conftables alfo broke open the Houfe of Alexander Cooke, cutting his
Door in pieces. This was done by the Conftables, at the Inftigation of one
Thomas Bally, an Informer, who, though as to his Perfon he was a very Cripple,
took very much upon him, and afted with great Infolence -, for coming one
Day to a Meeting, he ordered a Guard to be fet at the Door, and directed
his AfTociates to bring the Stocks thither, and caufed Anthony Hayward to be
fet into them : Being alked, By what /luthority he did fo ? He anl'wered, I atn
Warrant, 1 am Conrtable, 1 am Juftice fnyjelf.
ANNO 1678. In this Year was a violent Profecution of this People for
their Meetings held at IFoodbridge, on fuch of them as dwelt there and at other
adjacent Places, a fpecial Warrant being granteti by the Juftices to the
Conftables for that Purpofe, of which the following is a Copy, viz.
<f
Suffolk fs.
WHEREAS Complaint has been made unto his Majefty's Juftices
of the Peace for the faid County, by the Inhabitants of your Town,
againft certain feditious Perfons, who in Defiance and Oppofition to his
Majefty's Laws made for the Peace and Welfare of the Nation, and againft
fpecial Warning given them to the Contrary (in regard of this more than
ordinary fufpicious Time of Danger from fuch Jejuttical Male-contents, as
may hereby take Advantage to creep and farther leducc them) do notwith-
" ftanding
679
SUFFOLK.
1675.
Vtijtiji Profe-
eution.
Diflrefs for
Tifhes.
/mprifotmemt
for Tithes.
Diflrefes fer
Meetings.
A pecuUitr
Cafe,
Infolence of
an rnfo>m;r.
A fptcisit
lViirr.i>n
agdnfl th:
Quakers as
dangerous
Perjons.
680
Suffolk.
1678.
A CoUedlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" {landing, under Colour or Pretence of the Exercife of Religion, in other
" Manner than according to the Liturgy and Practice of the Church o{ Eng-
" land^ contrary to the late Aft in this Cafe provided, and againft the Peace
*' of our Soveraign Lord the King of England^ meet, and of late in great
" Numbers, from feveral Parts of the Kingdom, to the greater Sufpicion
« and Terror of his Majefty's liege People, at a fpacious Meeting-houfe nigh
" the Church in your Town, lately built and eredled by them for that Purpofe,
*' where they may, at fuch Meetings or Conventicles and unlawful AiTemblies,
*« contrive Infurreclions, or other evil and dangerous Praflices againft the
** Church and State, as late Experience hath fhewed. Thefe are therefore,
*' in his Majefty's Name, ftriftly to charge and command you, and every of
*' you, that you repair to the faid new Meeting-houfe, or other Houfe or Place
" in your faid Town where they fhall at any Time hereafter, during your
" Office, fo affemble or attempt to meet, five Perfons or more, of the Age
*« of fixteen Years or upwards, Subjefts of this Realm, over and befides
♦' thole of the fiime Houfhold, where there is a Family inhabiting at fuch
" Times of their Meeting, as you fhall by diligent Enquiry find out, for
" the preventing, fupprefTing, and difperfing fuch feditious Conventicles, by
" charging and commanding them, in the King's Majefty's Name, peaceably
•'to difperfe and depart forthwith to their feveral Homes and Abode, and
" not break his Majefty's Peace by meeting in fuch an unlawful Manner ;
*' and if any of them, after fuch lawful Charge and Warning given, fhall
*' refufe or negleft to obey the fame, and not immediately difperfe and
" depart from thence, you are hereby required to take what particular and
" fpecial Notice you can of all fuch Perfons, their Names and Sir-names,
*' and Places of refpedtive Abodes, and what they do at fuch Meetings contrary
" to his Majefty's Laws, and to give Account thereof to one of his Majefty's
*' next Juftices of the Peace for the County aforeiaid, before whom you are
" alfo to bring as many of them as you can take, for the more effe&ual pro-
" ceeding againft them according to Law : And in cafe Entrance be denied
*' you, or any Oppofition offered, that then you break open and enter the
" fliid Houfe to the Purpofe aforefaid, and call in fuch farther Aid and
" AfTiftance as you fhall find necefTary for the fupprelling and difperfing of
" them, and better Prefervation of his Majefty's Peace herein : And hereof
*' fail not. Given under our Hands and Seals this 18th Day oi Dece}nber 1678.
To the Conftahles of Woodbridge,
and to every of them, for the
Execution hereof.
" J. Barker,
" R. Brook,
" NicH^- Bacon,
" Tho. Bacon,
" John Brame."
rrofecutions
in Conffqitence
Tint.
In Confequence of this Warrant the Conftables foon began to a£t, for on
the 22d of the fame Month, they kept the Friends by Force out of their
Meeting-houfe, and being met in the Street, Juftice Bacon came and committed
John Bennett, Richard IVoods, John Laurence, Edward Rigges, Benjamin Free-
man, Thomas Fox, Matthew Skinner, Jofeph Fuller, Thomas Vi7-tue, PViHiam Page^
and Robert Totnpjon, to Melton Goal, where the faid Robert Tompfen died a
Prifoner foon after. For other fucceeding Meetings, Warrants for DiftrefTes
ifTued, by which many deeply fuftered. John Bennett, of IVoodbridge,
were
being fined 9/. 15^. had his Goods' feized worth 10/. 12 j. which being under-
fold, fell Ihort of the Fine, wherefore ]u^\ct Batty fined the Conftables for
Negledl of Duty, becaufe they did not break open the Man's Dwelling-houfe
and take more. At another Time the Juftices, Batty and Bacon, came in
Perfon, and ordered the lame Man's Doors to be broke open, and his Goods
taken away worth 40 /. and at a third Time, Juftice Bacon himfelf got in at a
^^'indow,
Chap. 3 2. of the Vto^lQ called QIJAY^^KS. 68i
Window, and ordered the Infide Lock of the Door to be taken off, and Goods SUFFOLK,
to be fejzed worth 16/. 1678.
From Jofeph Fuller, of Billings, they took an Hayflack 1
and an Horfe worth J
John Smith, of Hajketon, a Feather-bed, two 7
Bolfters, and a Cover, worth j
12 o o
3 10 o
Robert Collington, of Cafegrove, a Mare worth 5 o
Thomas Mann, of Grandrjburgh, Hay and Wood 9
worth J
I I o
r-, 10
13
"John Laurence, of Boulge, Hay, Plough, Har-
rows, fife, worth
Peter Crofs, of IVoodbridge, feventy eight Ells of ?
Linen, &c. worth ^94
Richard IVood, of the fxme. Lead and other }
Things worth i ^
fVilliam Bedford, of IVoodbridge, feventy five
Yards ot Linen worth
Jonathan Seaman, fix Quarters of Wheat, and I
Bedding, worth ,) '
Clement Carter, Goods worth 2 10 o
Thomas Lind, of Melton, Hay and Steel worth 310 o
William Skinner, of Dallingo, Hay worth 210 o
JVilliatn Pearls, of Pf^oodbndge, Deals and Forms worth 500
Edward Rigges, of the lame, fix Quarters of
Wheat worth
Nathanael Keeble, of Tui/Jiall, two Horfes, two ?
Mares, and a Cart, worth S
Robert Davie, of the fame, two Coats worth i j o o
Thomas King, of Ufford, Goods worth i 7 o
117 10 o
In this Year Robert Prick, of ^ary, was a Prifoner for fefufing to pay toward Imprifonnemt
repairing the Steeple-houfe, and for £rt/?ifr-Offerings, having been then confined i"^ fevenl
fourteen Months : And for the like Caufcs Benjafnin Reeve, of Debenham, was ^'^"J^''
kept clofe Prifoner in IpJ-wich Goal : Alio George Lea, of How, was committed
to Prifon for Tithes, at the Suit of Robert Manton, of Letheringham, Impro-
priator : Likewife Geoige Driver, of Clopton, was caft into Prifon by a Signifi-
cavit out of the Ecclefiallical Court, at the Suit of the Wardens, for not going
to the National Worfhip : As was alfo James Fiddeman, of Ipfwich : And in
the lame Year Martha Glanjield, of Hackfiead, Widow, on a Writ de Excotn-
municato capiendo.
Thefe were alfo profecuted, and Seizure was made on their Eft'efts, by the rrofecumvs
Statutes againft PoptJJi Kecufants, viz. at Popilh
/. S. d. i{£<:i'J'"'ti-
Stephen Boldo and John Page, to the Value of 3 10 o
Thomas Judy, of AJhfield 12 o o
Thomas Woods, of Wetherden 500
20 10 o
ANNO 1679. For their Conftancy in publickly affembling to worfhip
God, Goods were taken by Diftrcfs of the following Values, viz.
I. s. d.
From Robert Johnfon of Ufford, and William Page of Debbidge 220 Dilhejfcs fsr
Godfrey Brighlwell of Bredfield, and Samuel Tonel of 7 ^ Meetings.
the fame %
Vol. I. 8 K Car, over 360
6S2
SUFFOLK.
1679,
A Collection of the Sufferings Vol. I.
/mprifotiment
of W. Ben-
nett.
/iis trU.
Ike fur/i
yeriiii re-
j'ded and
aher'd.
f/ardjl>ips
tecifionhig
his Dead:
///. Death vid
Chi'tcler.
Imprifoijments
for Meeting.
}
I
I
Brought over
From Sufanna Partridge, Harrows and other Utenfils
of Hufbandry
Francis Knock of Sholjham, and George Stuard
of Sutton
John Shatter, iTootnas Brown, and William Sadjby,
all of Wickham Market
Daniel Churchman of Petijlry, Thomas Virtue oS
Dehbidge, and John Bally of Bayton
'Thomas Lucas, John Ranjom, and the Widow
Adkins
George Gibfon of Bury
The faid John Bally and Thomas Lucas, for
vifiting a poor Widow io her Sicknefs, were
informed againft as holding a Conventicle,
fined, and had their Goods taken away, worth
I
5
4
6 o
15 o
14
16
15
10
8 10
30
ANNO 1683. On the 12th of the Month c^W&A Aigufi, the Parochial
Officers of M^oodbridge, excited thereto by Edward Brume, i^riefl: of that Place,
came to the Meeting there, and two of them, John Firman, Churchwarden, and
Robert Chapman, Conftable, violently feized PVilliatn Bennett, being on his Knees
at Prayer, and haled him and feveral others before Edmund Jenny, Juftice,
who committed them to Melton Goal, where William Bennett was clofe confined
till SefTions, when he was indifted for being at a Riotous Affembly : He ufed
laiany Arguments to fhew that the religious Meetings he frequented were
peaceable, and purely to woifhip God, and pleaded Not Guilty to the Indid:-
ment : He was then required to give Bail for his Appearance at another
Sejfions, and to be of the good Behaviour ■, which refufing to do, he was recom-
mitted till another SefTions, and brought with others upon his Trial before
Chrijlopher Melton, Chairman : He pleaded his Caufe with fo much Force of
Reiifon, that the Jury brought in their Verdicfl Not Guilty. At which the
Chairman being difpleafed, perfuaded them to return and alter their \'erdi<fl :
upon which they brought them in Guilty of an unlawful Affembly : The Chairman
thereupon ordered William, who was a fickly Man, to be carried to Ipfwich the
lame Day in order to be lined, it being in the IharpdlTime of that Winter, fo
remarkable for Extreinicy of Cold : In going thither he was very wet, it
fnowing hard all the Way •, and being come thidier late, and many other Pri-
foners with him, for want of Beds, he was obliged to fit up all Night in that
wet cold Condition, which fo much weakned him, that he never got over it.
He was called at the Seflions there, fined 20/. and fent back to Prifbn ;
where he remained clofe confined till another Seflions at Ipfwich, when he was
called into Court, and nothing faid ol the Fine ; but the Clerk of die Court
told him, they had a particular Order from the King to deal with him, and lb
tcndred him the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing it remanded him to Pri-
fon, where he grew weaker and weaker, till he died on the 23d of the Month
called June in the next Year. He laid down his Life about the fiftieth Year
of his Age, being an innocent and faithful Man, of good Report among his
Neighbours, and left a fweet Savour behind him.
On the 1 8th ol' September, Jonathan Haddock, John Spurling, Jofeph Clarke,
Thomas Simons, Williatn Rowland, and Thomas Mclfup, having been taken at a
religious Meeting, were, by Order of Seffions, committed to Ipfwich Goal :
As were for the fame Caufe, on the 6th of the Month called January, Efther
Roivland, Mary Rofe, Mary Grimble, and Sarah Clark : And on the 28th of
the fame Month, Edward Melfup, Alice Melfup, Sarah Church, Mary Cock,
Samuel Swann, and Anne Coddard.
About
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS.
About the fame Time Thomai Fowler, George Cole, and William Pitcher i.,
were imprifoned in the County Goal tor Abfence from the National Worfhip.
For Fines for being at H''oodhridge Meeting, was taken
/. J. d.
From Peter Smith, of Meltov, an Horfe worth i 15 o
Natbanael Keeble, a Cow worth I 15 o
Matthew Skinner, Goods worth 218 o
ANNO 16S4. In the Month called April, PFilUam Swaites and Jo/hua
Bangs were Prifoners in this County for Tithes : In the next Month Francis
Lemon was a Prifoner at Ipfwitb for Tithe, having continued in that State above
four Years : Alfo Samuel Freetnan, William Fidde man, and George Deane, who
had been there confined, on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, about fix Years.
At the Seffions, held at Edmundjbury on the 14th of the Month called Apil,
Samuel Cooper, James Greenwood, William Greenwood, Henry Parker, Sarah,
"Wife oi John Bennett, Jane Woods, Hannah Woods, John Borebam, Anne Sewel,
Henry Collins, Daniel Groom, Benjamin Dowman, and Edward Hawkins, Pri-
foners, who had been committed without Bail or Mainprize for refufing the
683
SUFFOLK.
1683.
Imprifonments
jor Abj'erCt
j'om the
Worlhip, mi
Vift'eljes jor
Meitirg.
Trifomrs [or
Tithes.
Oath of Allegiance, were
brought
into Court, and moft of them refufing
to plead to an Indiftment drawn up againfl them, one of the Juftices, named
Hull, urged the Bench to pafs Sentence of Pronunire upon them, but the other
Juftices, being more moderate, gave them farther Time till the next Seffions,
yet continued them in Prifon, where the Goaler kept them clofc confined,
having been threatned -by Juftice Hull lor letting fome of thtm have a little
Liberty : Whereupon they drew up the following Petition
ee
To the King,
*' The Humble Petition of eighteen Ferfom, co77imonly called Quakers,
" Prijbners m Bury Goal in Suffolk,
(C
cc
" And we the Petitioners, as in Duty bound. Sec.
Proceedings
at ^ejjioyis.
" S H E W E T H,
THAT we the aforefaid Prifoners were firft committed to this Prifon
by Juftice Hull, near eight Months ago, for peaceably meeting to-
gether to worfhip God according to our Periuafions -, and at Quarter
Seffions following he cauled all to be Indidled upon the Acl of 1 3 and 1 4
Car. 2. and moreover at the fame Seffions, cauled the Oath of Allegiance to
be tendred to thirteen of us, and at Seffions following preferred Indiftments
thereupon with a fecond Tender of the Oath, purfumg hard to have the
Sentence of Premunire paft upon us, only becaufe for Confcience-fake we
cannot Swear, and not for any Difaffeftion to the King and Government,
and caufed other five of the faid eighteen of us to be indicted for two
Months Abfence from the Church, and detained Prifoners thereupon, tending
to the Ruin of us, our Wives, and Families -, which wt believe is not the
Defire of the King, of whofe Favour and Clemency we have had better Expe-
rience, nor of our Neighbouring Magiftrates in this County, who have ka-\ our
peaceable Lives and Converfations among them, but of the aforefaid Jojeph
" Hull, who hath caufed Men and their Wives to be fhut up together in Pri-
*« fon. Parents and Mafters from their Children and Servants, Huibands from
«' their Wives, tender Children and Families, moft of us poor and in a mean
" Capacity, lome who might of their honcft Labour have provided for them-
*' fclves and Families, are already reduced to Want by Imprifonment.
*« We therefore the faid Petitioners do humbly intreat, that the King will
" be pleafed to grant us our Liberty to take Care to follow our lioi.eft
" Vocations, betore we and our Families are utterly ruined.
Petition to the
Kjr.g.
On
684 ^ ColletTioii of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SlTFfOLK. On the 1 9th of the Month called May\ William Stiles., Richard Ellgood, John
1 6H4. Brooks, Edaard Lea, Tlmnas Bayley, John Edwards, Henry Clow, and Elizabeth
V^ W^^ his Wife, 'John Elfdean, and John Browes, were Frilbners in the County Goal at
prifpvers for Iffuich, upon Procefles for not going to Church : Alfo Peter Crofs, Thomas
jivirnlCiujci. Mann, Samuel Le^^^^ett, IVillinm Peart, nomas King, Richard Burton, William
Page, Clement Carter, Robert Johnfon, Samuel Kimble, and John Laurence, were
confined in the fame Prifon tor going to Meetings, and refufing to Swear.
Comnimems On the 25th of the fime Month, Edmund Jenny, a Juflice of the Peace,
xo Melton attended with the Conlfablcs of IVcodbridge, came to the Meeting there, and
Goit. took from thence Robert Brighticell, John Shooter, and Nathanael Keeble, and
committed them to Melton Goal.
Prefecurions At the forementioned Seffions, held at Edmundjbtiry on the loth of the
at Sejjions. Month called April, Jojepb Riddle/dale, Jofeph Chifnall, John Bennett, and Am-
brofe Sewel, Frilbners for Abfence from the National Worfliip, were indi(5ted,
and refufing to plead, were continued in Prifon. And at the fame SefTions
Samuel Folks was fined 40/. for two Months Abfence from Church, and ordered
to remain in Prifon till Payment. He w.is fhortly after returned into the Ex-
chequer for this and other Fines on the like Account, amounting in all to 680/.
and Procefs was iflued out of that Court for the SherilT to levy the fame :
For the fame Caufes alfo, Henry Parker, and his Wife, John Folkes, Elizabeth
Hives, and Anne Laws, were continued under Confinement.
At the AfTizes, which began at Edmund (bury on the loth of the Month
called July, the fame eighteen Prifoncrs who had petitioned the King, as above
related, prefented their Cafe to the Judge, viz.
Cafe of eigh-
teen Prifoners,
prefented to
the fudge of
Affile.
'The C A S E 0/ diverje Perfons called Quakers, Prifoners in Bury
*' Goal, humbly prefented to the Chriftian Conjideration of Judge
" Montague, the 12th of the Fifth Month 1684.
H
E R E is now in this Prifon eighteen of us, who were committed
near ten Months ago, for being peaceably met together to worfhip
(C
God according to our Perfuafions, and indifted for the fame upon the Statute
of 13 and 14 of this King, and finte that, the Oath of Allegiance was
tendred to thirteen of us, twelve whereof were indifted upon Premunire, and
the reft of us indiftcd for two Months Abfence, i^c. one whereof fined 40/.
and to lie in Prifon till Payment •, the others continued upon the faid In-
di(flments, which we need not enlarge upon, it plainly appearing by the
Calendar, being alfo not unknown to the Magiftrates in this Part of the
County, whole Moderation we do acknowledge, fince we have appeared
before them, to be inch, as that, we believe, they did not defire our utter
Ruin. And we defire of God, who is Love, and from whom all Good
comes, ftill to incline the Hearts, and augment the Pity and Compafllon of
thofe in Authority towards us ; for indeed our Condition is very fad and
lamentable, Man and Wife fhut up together in Prifon, all taken from Oc-
c.ifions and Employments ; Parents and Mafters from their Wives, Children,
and Families, lome whereof have been great Sufferers formerly.
" And this we can fay, and that truly, that feveral aged People among u>
are already expofcd to Ruin, as to the Things of this World, by this their
long and dole Imprifonment, who before of themfelvcs did, with God's
Bk-ning, and their honeft Endeavours, get a comfortable Livelihood in their
feveral Employments, and might have done fo ftill : Others there are, if
ftill continued, like to be difpoflcft of Floufe and Home, and what they
have icized upon by the Land-Owners, the Farms going to Ruin, Lofs and
Spoil, for want of the F"armers ; feveral Inftances we could give, which
would be too tedious now to mention.
*' Before laft ScfTions fome few of our Friends, upon urgent Occafions,
obtained a little Liberty to go to their own Flomes, as in particular one who
" was
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS.
(C
cc
«
(«
68^
SUFFOLK.
1684.
was Overfeer of the Parifli where he lived : Another, whofe Wife died, ^c.
However, Juftice Hull, ;is is iuppoled, receiving Intelligence that Ibme
Liberty was given, which indeed was but to a tew, took Occafion fo to
threaten the Goaler, that fince the laft StfTions not one Peribn ot us,
how urgent foever Occafions were, could get Leave to go to our own
Homes ; yet Word was brought to one Man, that his Wife lay weak, like
to die, and defired to fee him, which could not be obtained, fo clofe hath
our Confinement been fince lall Seffions.
** What Caufe have we ever given to be thus hardly dealt withal ? God (we
befeech him) clear our Innocency in this Matter ! Hath not our Converflition
been peaceable towards the Government and our Neighbours ? And God,
who knows the Secrets of all Hearts, knows that we have no other
Intent than to live peaceably under the Government, and that we do not
refufe to take the faid Oath out of Wilfijlnefs, Stubbornnefs, and Contempt,
but only for Confcience-fake, in Obedience to the Command of Chrift.
*' Having thus flated our Cafe truly as it is, we intreat thee to yield us
" fome Relief from thefe our hard Bonds and Imprilonments, that we
" and our Families may not be wholly expofed to Ruin."
A few Days before the faid Affizes, Thomas Kemp, Jonathan Crifmas, and
Thomas Clark, all of Sudbury, were fetcht out of their own Houfes by the
Conftables of the Town, by Warrant trom Jofeph Hull, Thomas JValdegrave,
and John Cordwell, Juftices, then fitting at the Sign of the Crown in Sudbury,
who tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing to Swear, com-
mitted them to Prifon ; where Thomas Kemp died on the 26th of the Month Death of
called March following. T. Kemp.
The following Account is extrafted from a Letter writ by Jojhua Bangs,
a Prifoner at Edmundjbury for Tithes, viz.
c<
(C
«
(C
(C
i(
((
<(
((
<c
A Few Days before the AfTizes at Edmundjbury, which began the i oth
of the Fifth Month 1684, Roger Thompfon, employed by James
Englijh, Bayliff of Lackford Hundred, and another Perfbn with him, took
two who were called ^takers, at Mildenhall, upon an Aflize Procefs. One
of the two they took with his Horfe and Cart, near a Mile from his then
Refidence, who was without his Hat, being alfo then in Apparel about his
Occafions ; yet the faid Roger Thompjon would not permit him to go Home,
and get his Hat and Clothes, before he went to Prilbn, nor give him fo
much Time as to unyoke his Horfes, but forced him away, leaving the faid
Horfes in a Cart in the Yard, where they, after the Prifoner was gone,
forced into a Garden-place, and deftroyed Beans, and what grew there, be-
fides what they could eat, to the Damage of the Owner. The other they
took away from his Grafs-mowing, not lb much as fullering him to call at
his own Houfe, notwithftanding it fell in Courfe for him to go not far from
thence in his Way toward Prilbn. Note alfo, that thofe two Perfons who
were thus polled from their Employments, took Occafion to alight ofl" their
Horfes at a certain Place where the Baylitfs call'd to take another upon
AfTize Procefs, but becaufe the faid two Prilbners made not fo much Halle
on Horfeback again as the BaylifFs would have them, they got a Line about
one, and dragg'd him upon the Ground feveral Rods : Nor did the other
Perfon efcape the Rage and Cruelty of Roger Thompfon, who ftruck him,
and farther faid. If he kill'd hiniy he jhould not be hang\l for him, becaufe he
was an excommunicated Perfon. So they were had to Prifon that Night,
about eleven Miles from the Place where they were taken to Burj Prilbn,
to which they were committed.
*' But when thefe two Perfons from Mildenhall aforefaid, with two others
which were brought upon AlTize Procefs from Ipfwich County Goal, namely,
John Brews and IVilliam Greenwood, came before Ji'^illiam Montague, who
Vol. I. 8 L »' that
A tetter from
a. Prifoner it
Edmunds-
bury.
686 A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SUFFOLK. " that Affize fat Judge at the Crown Bar ; he dlfcharged them all of their
1684. '« Imprifonment, laying, 'their Goods /hould be dijhained for their Fines, which
" were 3 s. each Perfon tor three Weeks Abfence, ^c.'^
Death of
J. Chifnall.
Frcfecution of
tire ^ged and
0/ the Blind.
Troceediiig s
M Edmunds-
bury SeJJlofis-
Commitment
on SufpicioTt.
Sentence of
Premunire.
Siifan Coo-
per 'i i:^ Anne
GroomV Pe-
tition to the
Comitiitmevts
on the Statute
of 20/. per
Month, &c.
On the 24th of the Month called July, Jofeph Chifnall, Prifoner as aforefeid,
for Abfence from the National Worfhip, died in Bury Goal, where he laid
down his Head in Peace, calling upon the Lord a little before his Departure.
About this Time Mary Cleveland, Anne Goddard, Jane Ne'wha?n, Mary Cocke^
and Mary Gritnble, were taken at a Meeting in Ipfwich by Conftables and an
Informer, who carried them before John Burrough, BaylifF of the Town, and
he committed them all to Prifon, though the very Sight of them might have
been a reafonable Motive to Compaflion, for the faid Mary Grimble and Anne
Goddard were either of them near eighty Years of Age, and the faid Mary
Cleveland was of like Age, and quite blind, fo that fhe was led between two
Men to the Baylitf's Houfe. Certainly this Magiftrate was over officious in
this Cafe, for he could not juftly apprehend any real Danger to the Govern-
ment from an Affembly of (uch Perfons.
At EdmtmdJhury Seffions in this Month, Juftice Hull again urged the Court
to pals Sentence of Premunire upon the Quakers who had appeared at the
former Seffions, but the other Juftices refufed, and ordered the Clerk to draw
up their Cafe in order to be laid before the King and Council, and fo protracfled
the paffing Sentence till another Seffions.
On the 5th of September, Edmund Jenney, Juftice, came again to the Meet-
ing-houfe at Woodhridge, after the Meeting was concluded : But the Juftice
obferving Jonathan Seaman walking in the Lane from the Meeting-houfc, fent
him to Melton Goal, on a Prefumption of his having been at the faid Meeting.
At the Quarter Seffions on the 13th of October, the aforefaid Juftice Hull,
being Chairman, pafTed Sentence of Premunire upon Sa?nuel Cooper, James
Greenwood, Henry Packer, Jane Wood, Hannah Wood, Anne Sewel, Henry
Collins, Daniel Groom, and Benjamin Dowman : Under which hard Sentence
they were remanded to Prifon. -
On the 1 9th of November, the following Petition was prefented to the King
at Newtnarket by Anne Groom, viz.
ct
To the King,
" l})e Humble Petition of Susanna Cooper arid Anne Groom,
" of Suffolk.
" Sh E W E T H,
" rx^ H A T we have lately prefented a Petition to the King at Newmarket,
" ^ in Behalf of our Hufbands Samuel Cooper and Daniel Groo?n, with
" eight innocent Perfons more, ,who after long Imprifonment for their tender
" Confciences, are fcntenced to a Pre?nunire ; the one whereof employing at
" leaft two Hundred poor People in the Woolen Mixnufadlory, when at
" Liberty : And it being only in the King's Power to relieve them, and fet
" them at Liberty.
«' We therefore the Petitioners humbly pray, and wait to know the
" King's Pleafure concerning our faid Hufbands, i^c. We being
" come on purpofe out of Suffolk to feek Relict.
" And we the Petitioners do, as in Duty bound, pray, &c."
Ifrael Roberts, Edward Hart, Stephen Carter, Stephen Levitt, and John Rivett,
taken on Seffions Procefs, were indided for three Months Abfence from the
Church, on the Statute for 20/. per Month, and had alio the Oath of Alle-
giance tendred them at Seffions, and for refufing to Swear, were committed to
" clofe
Chap. 32. of the People called QUAKERS. 687
clofe Prifon : Alfo Thomai Humphrey.) of Clare., was taken by Conftables out SUFFOLK.
his Shop, and carried to the Scffions, where the Oath ot Allegiance was tendred 16S4.
him, and he, lor refufing to take it, was fent to Prifon. v„.— v/'-vJ
On the 22d of the Montii called February., Margaret Greenwood., Elizaheth imfrifoTsnuntt
Colling, Mary Vincent, Elizabeth Story, Hannah Pinborrow^ and Ruth GoJIing, for H'iietings
taken at a Meeting in Ipfwich by Conftables and an Informer, were committed '''Ip'^^'ch.
to Priibn by IVilliam Neave, Bayliff of that Town. And a few Days after,
the iiime Informer came with a Warrant, and apprehended Sarah Clark, of
Ipjwich, for being at the fame Meeting, and carried her before a Jullice of the
Peace, who fent her to Prifon.
ANNO 1685. This Year commences with the Commitment of Mary
Port and Jane Laurence to Ipfwich Goal, and of Katharine Brightwell, Martha
Bourne, Elizabeth Posford, John Brightwell, and Andrew Freeman, to Melton
Goal, by Edward Jenney, Jultice, who attended by Jofepb Cooper, Conftable
of IVoodbridge^ had taken them at a Meeting there.
On the 19th of the Month called April, at IVoodbridge Qiurter SefTions, thofe ^''^" "p^.
imprifbned at Melton, were fined, and recommitted to Prilon. Recommit-
On the 2d of the Month called May, at the County SelTions in Ipfwich, ""*""■
thofe in the County Goal were called, and refufing to give Sureties for the
good Behaviour, generally remanded to Prifon.
On the 5th and 6th of the fame Month, at the SefTions for the Town of Proceeding!
Ipfwich, the Friends in the Town-Prilon were brought forth, and fbme who -^^ Ipf^^'^h
lay for fmall Fines were let at Liberty, their Neighbours paying for them ; but ^•""'"^*
Edward Melfup, John Spurling, Thomas Melfup, Anne Goddard, Sarah Clarke,
Mary Rofe, Mary Cox, Alice Melfup, Elizabeth Go/ling, Margaret Greenwood,
Elizabeth Story, Mary Vincent, * Ruth Gofmg, and Hannah Pinborrow, were
required to find Sureties for the Good Behaviour, and for not doing ir, were
returned to Prifon, the Juftices giving the Goaler a ftrifl Charge to keep them
very clofe.
On the loth of the lame Month, Edward Jenney, Juftice, with the Conftables ImpnfoYimenti
of Woodbridge, came again to the Meeting there, and the Juftice caufed a f""" M^"'^g>-
Mittifnus to be made for the Com.mitment of Sarah Bennett, Elizabeth Piggott,
Deborah Shutter, Sufan Partridge, and William Bedford, to Melton Goal.
The Number of Prilbners remaining in the feveral Prifons in this County,
on the 29th of the Month called May 1685, were
In Edmundsbury Goal. Under Sentence of Premunire, for refufing to Number of
Swear, thirteen : And on an Indiftment for Abfence from the publick Worfhip, P'ifoners.
four.
In Ipswich County Goal. For not paying Tithes, four : And by Procefs
at SefTions and AlTizes, for Abfence from the National Worfhip, twenty feven.
In Ipswich Town Goal. For meeting together to worfhip God, thirteen.
In Melton Prifon. For meeting together to worfhip God, nine.
In Sudbury Goal. For Abfence from the National Worfhip, and for
refufing to Swear, eight.
In all feventy eight.
After which Time we have no Account concerning them. It is probable
they were generally fet at Liberty at the Summer AfTizes that Year, according
to the Proclamation of King Ja?nes the Second, bearing Date the 8th Day of
April 1685.
There were in the Month called May this Year, ProcelTes out of the Exchequer F'wet >'emit-
againft the People called ^takers in this County, for Monthly Abfence from ^ed.
their Parifh- Churches, fo called, to the Amount of 33300/. The making
DiftrefTes for which, and the Ruin of many Families thereby, was alio pre-
vented by Means of the aforefaid Proclamation.
CHAP.
* Note. The Paid J{uth Gojling being very fick in Prifon, the Magiftrates, on Application
to them, ordered her Difcharge.
688
A Colkaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SURRY.
1656,
CHAP. XXXIII.
SURRY.
Several Imfri-
J'oiimenn.
Diftrefes for
Tithes, and for
Stsepk-houje
J{ates.
Trofecmiont
jor Tithes.
A Difputt
betrveev the
Priejt of
Kingfton itii
E. Burroughs.
Anno 1656.
ED WAR D BURROUGHS, and nine others of this People,
were imprifoned at Kingfton for refufing to tal<e the Oath of Ab-
juration : And in the fame Year, Edward Cole, Richard Greenway^
Ihofnas Fitzwilliams, and Ruth JVInte, for their zealous Oppofition to
the Prielts ot Kingfton, relpefting fome Points of Religion, were feverally
imprifoned there.
ANNO 1657. On the 4th of the Month called May, Thomas Lacock was
taken out of a Meeting in Roger Rianford's Houfe in Pitfield, and carried
before a Juftice, who committed him to Prifon, where he was about half a
Year. In the fame Year feverai of this People in this County, for Demands of
Tithes amounting to 12 1. 12 s. 8d. had Goods taken from them to tlie
Value of 20/. lys.
ANNO 1658. For feverai Demands made on this People for Tithes of
the Value of 14/, 8 s. 6d. they fufFered DiflrefTes of their Goods to the
Amount of 53/. ly s. And in the fame Year, for refufing to pay toward
the Repairing of the Parochial Places for Worfliip, for Claims of 1 /. 4.S. <^d.
Goods were taken from them to the Value of 3 /. 7 j. (>d.
ANNO 1659. Henry Gill, for one Year's Tithe, amounting at mofl but
to 8 /. was arrefted by the Prieft of Godabnin, and call into Prilon, where he
lay nine Months, and afterwards had taken from him by an Attachment,
Goods and Chattels worth 40 /. and under Pretence of that being too little,
they nail'd up his Barn-door, wherein was Corn worth 40/. more. In this
Year alfo, Richard Bax and Thotnas Bax, of Capel, were imprifoned for Tithes
five or fix Weeks, and after their Difcharge had their Goods taken by Diflrefs
for the fame Demands. Diverfe others of this People, for Demands of 16/. 5J.
for Tithes, had Goods taken from them worth 61 /. 125.
There happened fome Time before this, a remarkable Difpute between
Richard Mayo, Priefl of Kingfton, and Edv;ard Burroughs : The Prieft con-
ferring ^\xh Edward, had feverai Times challenged him to come to the Place
of publick Worfhip there, and if he had any Thing againft him or his Doc-
trine, to fpeak his Mind freely. Accordingly Edmard went, and Mayo in his
Hearing, did in his preaching lay down feverai Pofitions, viz.
1. That the Apoftle Paul, as a Minifter of Chnft, exhorted the Corinthiiuis to
follow and obey a Ught, which was not Chrift, nor the Light of the Go/pel.
2. "That People ought to follow and obey a Light, which was not Chrift, nor the
Light of the Gofpel.
3. That a Man may be a righteous Man, and not a godly Man, without
Diftin5iion.
4. That the Light of Chrift, which every Man is tightned with, John i. 9. is
carnal and Darkijefs.
5. That Chrift was mt the JVcrd that David walked by.
Thefe Pofitions Edward oppoled as damnable Dodrines, and not according
to Truth. The Prieft, unable to fupport them, had Recourfe to his fbongeit
Argument, viz. the Law. He entred an Aftion againft Edward, upon which
he was arrefted and caft into Prifon : About a Year after, the Caufe came to
an Hearing in Kingfton Court, where it was proved by fufHcient Evidence, that
the
Chap. 23- ^f ^^^^ People called QUAKERS. 68g
the Prieft had laid down thole PofitionSi ahd Edward offered to prove by S U il R Y.
Scripture, that they were damnable and erroneous, but the Court refufed to 1659.
hear him : The Jury were direded to give the Prieft Damages, and they s.^^^/^--^
accordingly gave him 100/. But when at a fublequent Court the Pricft's
Council mov'd for Judgment upon that Verdift, Burroughs being admitted to
fpeak, fo manifeftly proved the Truth of his Charge, and the Prieft fo lamely
vindicated his Ail'ertions, that the Court did not proceed to Judgment in the
Cauie, but deterr'd it •, and we do not find that the Prieft made any farther
Motion afterward about it, but having put himfelf to much Trouble and
Charge, fat down with the Difgrace which his incautious Raftinefs had procured
him.
Thomas Tax, of Charlewood, for his Oppofition to the Prieft of that Place, Sundry tmprU
was by his Means lent to Prifon, and continued by the Juftices from one fonmems, and.
Quarter Seffions to another, without any Trial or legal Procefs againft him. "''""^ Akufni
For the like Caufe EJlher Biddle, and lome others at Codalmin, were much
beaten and abufed, and put into the Cage there : And the atorefaid Thomas
Tax, for coming into the Place of publick Worfhip at Churkwood, where he
fat ftill and fpake not a Word, was by the Prieft's Order haled out, and fet
in the Stocks. At Guilford, Edward Eajlmead, for oppofing the Prieft there,
was impriloned till Scflions, and then fent to the Houfe of Correction for one
Month. Alfo Ellen Hartley, being religioufly concerned to exhort the People
aflembled at their publick Worfhip in the Parifh of Mary Magdalen ber-
mondfey in Southwark, was grievoufly abufed for her Chriftian Labour beftowed
on them.
On the 3d of the Month called July, as feveral of the People called Guevoiis
S>uakers were going to a Meeting at Mitcbam, they were ftopt by a Conftable, ft"^'^ ^
who ftruck one of them on the Breuft, faying, Such Rogues as you fiall not niictUwi
fajs, except -jou will go to Church ; however, they went on, he threatningj that
they Jhould be pulled out by and by : When they had been a while in the Meet-
ing, many People gathered about the Door, and one holding up a long Staff"
with both Hands, fpake to the Preacher thus, If you fpeak another PFord, I
will knock you down, though I be hang'd for it : The rell followed that Signal^
and threw down many of the Friends, kicking and trampling on them > after
which they dragged them out one by one upon the Common, and tore many
of their Clothes. Edward Stamp, of Southwark, being alkt by fome of thenij
IVhat he came thither for ? anfwered. To wait upon the Lord : Upon that they
called him Jefuit Rogue, and threatned to kill him, and fo fell upon him and
beat him very forely : They thruft another into a Pond, and as he attempted
to come out, forced him back again : At length, with their Staves they
puncht and drove them along, till one of the Neighbours received them into
his Yard : There the Meeting continued, and as one of the Friends was preach-
ing, they threw a Pail full of muddy Water upon him : And as the Aftembly
ftood bare-headed at Prayer, they threw Stones and broke the Head of one
of them, and much hurt others, and after the Meeting purfued them a great
Way, ftoning them.
On the 7th of the fame Month, at the fame Place^ the Rabble afTaulted
thole that met, and threw Dirt and Dung at them, even in the Faces and
Mouths of thole who preached. The like Wickednels they repeated on the
loth of the fame Month, when after they had daubed fome of the P'riends
all over with Dirt and Filth, they cried out. How like JVitches they look ? And
then renewed their ungodly Infults and Abufes in a moft barbarous Manner.
The patient Sufferers endured all with Chriftian Meeknefs and Conftancy, not" Vathnceofthe
could the Rage of Men prevent their Performance of their Chriftian Duty of suffirers,
alTembling together to worfhip the Lord their God in Spirit and in Truth,
The Names of fome of thofc who were Sharers of the manifold Abufes at
thofe Meetings in Mitcham, were, fFilliam Shewen, Francis Collins, Richard kmcs of
Greenway, Elizabeth Wheelwright, Rebecca Travers, Deborah Harding^ Sarah fome of them*
Bates, Elizabeth IVatfon, Cratian Bacon, Peter BurJett, Charles Ofier, Williafn
Vol. I. 8 M Brcwn,
690
SURRY.
1660.
3 2 Imprifonei.
Beixh of
of Thomas
Patchen in
Trifon .
Abufet from
the Felons and
others.
5 8 Others fent
to Prifon.
80 Others im-
pri/oned.
7 Died in
Prifon,
A CoUedion of the Sufferings .Vol. I.>
Brozvn, nomas Maymrd, John Oakley, Thomas Crook, John Giles, Anne Cart,
Richard Bird, Richard Tidder, Margaret Davis, fVUliain Hill, Hsnry Ayres,
Anne Hayworth, Richard JVhitpain, and Edward Stamp.
ANNO 1660. In the Month called January, William Woods, Richard.-.
Deane, John Lee, Henry Coffis, Thomas Tho??ipJon, Hrmphry Kirk, Caleb Woods,'
WilliafH Hajnpton, Jacob Benbrick, Thomas Butterfield, John Thane, Robert
Mildred, Thomas Patchen, Tloomas Pajj'enger, Henry Gill, Peter Woodger, Henry
Batchelor, Arthur Cockerill, Stephen Weeks, Walter Sunonds, John Barnard^
Thomas Seaman, Edivard Steele, John Stent, James Snelling, Robert StedmaUy
Robert Clinton, Henry Chandler, George Hogsflejh, Edward Cole, John Biddle,
;ind William Morris, who had been taken, fome from their own Houfes, fome
out of their Beds, others from their lawful Employments, and many from
their religious Aflemblies, were brought from Guilford, and committed to the
JVhite-Lion Prifon in Southwark : One of diem, namely, Thomas Patchen, a
Man of a confiderable Eftate, was taken, when fick, and hurried away twenty
five Miles to Prifon, where he was, with the reft, put among the Felons, who
abufed him forely, and would have ftript him of his Clothes, to the endangering
of his Life, had he not confented to let them have 3 /. §s. in Money, which the
Goaler awarded them ; notwithftanding which, they afterward took from him.
two Coats worth 2 /. 10 s. The Fatigue of his Journey, and the cruel Ufage
he met with in the Goal, fo increafed his Diftemper, that he died there a few-
Days after his Commitment. The Felons alfo rifled the other Prilbners, taking
from fome their Money, from others their Clothes and Neceflaries. About
the fime Time Samuel Thornton, William Hart, fVilliam Newman, Walter
Simons, Matthew Turner, Stephen Cooke, Richard Bird., John Tofkill, Richard
Brown, Edward Cole, Richard Chennell, William Hamp/hire, Ifaac Jordan,
Andrew Belford, John Potter, John Dowden, Jofeph Parker, Chriftopher Readings
George Johnfon, William Powell, John Damfell, John Bignall, Richard Catton,
John HampJJnre, John Tarlton, Robert Harle, Thomas Green, John Matthews,
T'homas Gueft, George Shepherd, George Prior, Thomas Berkles, William Garner,
George Clark, William Morris, Wtlliam Lijkfield, John Bennet, and Jofeph Biddle,
were taken up in and about Soulhvjark, and committed to the fame Prifon,
where they alio were put among the Felons, who extorted and plundered from
them and the others before named, in Goods and Money to the Value
of 28/. IS, gd.
ANNO 1662. In this Year about eighty Perfons, taken at feveral Times
from the Meeting at Horjlydown in Southwark, were committed to Prifon, who
moft of them lay full three Months, being fo thronged, and clofe Ihut up in
unhealthy Places, that many of them were taken fick, and feven died, viz.
Tlmnas Berkles, Henry Bromley, John Whitlock, William Snowk, John Difon,
John Woljlenholm, and Richard Page ; of whom the former four died in
November, and the three latter in December. In the fame Year John Birkett,
Richard Cowles, and James Medgricks, taken at Efier Meeting, and Thomas
Carter, apprehended by a Seffions Procefs, were alio committed to Prifon for
frequenting religious Afiemblies.
At a SefTions, held at Margaret' s-Hill in Southwark, on the cjoth ofOHober,
thirty two of the aforefaid Prifoners were tried on an Indiftment in Form
following, viz.
form of Iri'
dilimem.
ce
Surry fs.
" f~W^ H E Jurors for our Lord the King do prefent upon tlieir Oath,
" X that Arthur Fijher, late of the Parifh of St. Olaves in die Borough
" ot Southwark in the County of Surry, Yeoman ; Naihanael Robinfon of the
" lame. Yeoman ; John Chandler of die liime, Yeoman ; and others ; lieing
*' wicked, dangerous, and feditious Seftaries, and difloyal Perlon-s, and above
" the Age of fixteen Years, on the 29th Day of June, in the Year of our
" Lord Charles the Second, by the Grace of God King of England, Scotland,
" France,
Qua?'.: 33' of the People called QUAKERS.
691
tc
((
(C
((
France, and Ireland^ tlie fourteenth, liave obftinateJy reflifed, and every one
of the.111 hath qbftinately refuled to repair unto fonne Church, Chapel, or
ufijal Place of Comnion-Prayer, according to the Laws and Statutes of
this Kingdom of England in the like Cafe fet forth and provided, after
forty Days next after the End ot tlie Scflions. of Parliament, begun and
holden at Wefiminfter on the 19th Day of February, in the Year of the
Reign of our Lady Elizabeth, late Qiieen of Etigland the thirty fifth,- and
there continued until the DifTolution of the fame, being the loth Day of
Jjiril, in the thii:ty fifth Year abovdaid, to wit, on the 31! Day of Augufi,
in the Year of the Reign of the laid Charles, King of England the fourteenth
abovelaid, in the Farilh of St. Olaves aforelaid, in the Borough, aforcfiiid,
of themfelves did voluntarily and unlawfully join in, and were prefent at
an unlawful AfTcmbly, Conventicle, and Meeting, at the faid Parifli of St.
Olaves aforelaid, in the Borough of Southwark aforefaid, in the County
aforefaid, under Colour and Pretence of the Exercife of Religion, againfl
" the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom of England, in Contempt of our
*' faid Lord the King that now is, his Crown and Dignit)', and contrary to
"• the Form of the Statute in this lame Cafe fet forth and provided."
To this Indidlment twenty two of the Perfons concerned pleaded Not Guilty,
but the other ten not prefently anfwering, were violently haled out of the
Court again to Priibn : Upon Trial, the Jury overawed by the Authority ot
the Bench, brought all thofe twenty two in Guilty, and they received the fol-
lowing Sentence, viz. That they Jhould return to Prifon, and there continue three
Months without Bail or MaiJiprize ; After which Titne if they recanted net, they
7nuft abjure the Reahn, or be proceeded againfl as Felons.
At a SefTions at the fame Place, on the i ith of November, thirteen more
of the Prifoners were brought to the Bar, and indifted as before, five of them
pleading Not Guilty were tried, convifted, and fentenced as the former ; the
other eight, feeing the Court lb partial that a fair Hearing could not be ex-
pe6ted, refufed to plead, and were alfo lent back, to Prifon.
It was obferved, that the Juflices chofe to indift the Prifoners on the Ad; of
Queen Elizabeth, with a Defign agaiqll their Lives, for after Sentence was
pronounced, by which they were required to abjure the Realm, one of the
Juftices repeating that Part of the Sentence, fcofHngly £iid to the Prifoners,
And you caii't Swear at all ; thence inferring, that they mull of Neceffity
incur the Penalties of Felony.
ANNO 1663. On the 9th of the Month called Augufl, the Firft of die
Week, a Company of Soldiers, headed by a Serjeant, came to tjie Meeting at
Horflydown, and as they entred, fired their Mufkets ; tlien they fell to beating
and abufing thofe that were met, and drove many of them by Violence to their
Guard. Thus they proceeded for feveral Meetings fuccefTively, knocking down
many with their Mufkets, forely bruifing them, and cutting others over the
Heads and Faces with their naked Swords, fome of them having their Mufkets
charged with Powder, held the Muzzles clofe to the Women, and firing
them, burnt their Clothes and Icorchcd their Bodies ; others brake their Swords
and Staves with the Blows which they inhumanly laid on without Dilljndion,
either of Age or Sex, for even the Women with Children were not exempted
from their Cruelties. This kind of Barbarity was cxercifed for near a Month
together by Part of that called the Kj/ig's Regiment, and afterwards by a Party
of General Monk's own Regiment, nothing inferior to the others in Cruelty.
About the End of this Summer, Samuel Fifier, Jofeph Fuce, George Brig-
Jlock, and Thomas Moore, were taken together in a Meeting at Charlewcod, and
committed to the JVhite-Lion Prifon in Southwark, where they lay till two of
them, viz. Samuel Fi/her and Jofeph Fuce, died, of whofe Death and Characters
a farther Account will be given in the Year 1665.
ANNO 1664. On the 3d of the Month called July, George M-lMehead
preaching in the Meeting at Horflydown, was taken thence by a Party of Soldiers
with
SURRY.
1662.
Sentence of
Abinntion
pijjed on zzef
the Prij oners.
1 5 More in-
diiled.
Defign of tbs
^ttjiiceS'
f^iolcntAbufes
it Horfly-
down Niiil-
Imprifonments
;or Nlectivg.
692
SURRV.
1664.
Imprij'onmem
0} G. White-
head and
others.
Jheir Mitti-
mus.
^ Colledlion 0/ the Sufferings >^ Vol. I.
with Muflcets and lighted Matches : One of them, as they entred, fired a
Mufket. They carried George^ and feveral others, to their main Guard at
Margaret^ s-HUl^ whither came fome Juftices of the Peace, who after Exami-
nation, fined them 5 /. each, and on their Refuflil to pay it, committed them
to Prifon by the following MiUimus, viz.
" Surry fs.
?' To the Keeper of bis Majejlfs Goal for the County afore/aid.
" TTIORASMUCHas George Whitehead, George Pallifon, Jofeph Dimf-
♦' X/ ^^^^j Gilbert Hutton^ George Rawlins, Edward Pattifon, and 'Timothy
" England, were this prefent Day taken at a feditious Aflembly or Conventicle,
'" and are convift of the fame before us, wherefore according to the Aft we
" have fined them five Pounds a piece, which they do refufe to pay down
" unto us.
" Therefore, in his Majeily's Name, we command you to receive their
" Bodies into your faid Goal, and them fafely keep without Bail or Mainprize
'* for chi' Space of three Months from this prefent Day : And hereof fee that
*' ycu in no wife fail, under the Pains and Penalties in the faid Aft mentioned.
" Uaied the 3d Day of July 1664.
(C
tc
fC
John Bromfield,
John Lenthall,
George Moore."
Hard Confnc'
menu
Mitiy fent to
Trifon from
Meetings it
Ilorllydown.
Being thus cbmtnitted to Prifon, and when thefe, unwilling to comply
v/ith the Keeper's exorbitant Demands for Lodging, they were thruft in among
the Felons, who fearched their Pockets, and took away what Money they
found from feveral of them, being therein encouraged by the Keeper. Befides,
the Ward itfelf was fuch a nafty (linking Hole, and fo crouded with Felons
and Women that lay among them, that the Friends, having nothing to fit or
lie on, were obliged when weary to fit down on the Floor, among the Vermin,
near the Place where the Prifoners commonly ufed to make Water, and which
flank grievoufly of their Urine. Thus they continued that Night, but next
Day, on Complaint made to the Juflices, the Goaler was ordereti to let them
have a Room apart from the Felons.
On the loth of the fame Month, many Soldiers, Horfe and Foot, came to
the Meeting at Horjlydown, and carried about fixty Perlons to Mmgaref s-
Hill, of whom the Juftices fent twelve to Prifon, namely, Tlmnas Padley^
IVilliajn Hart, John Chandler, Edward Colling, Nathanael Robin/on, Thomas
WaJJe, Arthur Fijher, fVilliam Croudfon^ Matthew Herbert, JVilliam Bruiton,
Evan Jones, and Thomas Ha?nmond,
On the 1 1 th of September, Richard Gihbs, John Martin, John Cowper, John
Claus, Richard Danman^ Edward Crifp, John Potter, Jafnes Attridge, John
Barnard, Walter Simonds, Richard Bray^ Samuel Faujket, Job Boulton, Francis
Dickenfon^ James Goodwin, William Greenhill, Henry Daniel, Thomas Eujlance,
Thomas Norris, and Edmund Curie, were taken from a Meeting at the fame
Place, and committed to the White-Lion Prifon.
On the 19th of the fame Month, for being at a Meeting in the fame Place
the Day before, twenty three Perfons were committed to Prilon, viz. Charles
Jones, Richard Brown, Anne Gould, John Stokes, Martin Grocely, Tho7nas Waters,
John Crane, James Wright, Richard Fowler, Andrew Morrifon, Wdliam Scullier,
Ifaac Martin, John Martin, Robert Harle, Edward Biddle, Robert Pate, Thomas
Rider, Walter Strangewood, Robert Game, Henry Garv.ett, John Langly, Benjamin
Baker, and Matthew Middleton. Four others, viz. John Dalwin, Ifaac Jordan,
Thomas Weeks, and Stephen Turner, taken at the fame Meeting, were fent to
Bridewell.
ANNO
Chap. 33. of the People called QUAKERS. 693
ANNO 1665. On the 9th of the Month called April, nomas Sallhov.fe; SU R R V.
Walter Miers, and others, were taken at Kingfton Meeting, and fined by the 1665.
Judiccs, which Fines they refiifed to pay, wherefore nomai Salthuufe was ini- ^^''%^'^n-^
prifoned in Kingfion Stock-houle one Week, and after that feven Weeks in the swdrj Impri-
IVhite Lion Priion in SoiUhwark, whither alfo Walter Miers was committed tor lontmntu
one Month.
In the fame Prifon four upright and fixithful Men finifKed their Courfe, and Death of
clofed their Teftimony by Death this Year •, an Account ot whom, and '\^J'^'fJp\j,
of their godly Exit, we find upon Record as follows, viz. j-g,,,
I. Samuel Fisher. He was a Man of great Parts and Literature, forrtierly^ pilher.
a Parifh Preacher at Lidd in Kent, but voluntarily relinquiflied his Benefice of ** '
about 400/. per Jnmmi, and joined in Society with the People called Baptifls
for fonie Time. In the Year 1655 he became convinced of the Truth as
profeiTed by the People called fakers, and through Obedience thereto became
a faithful Minilter of the lame, and travelled much in the Work and Service
of the Lord, not only in England, but in other Countries. At Dunkirk in
Flanders he had good Service in teftifying againft the Idolatry of the Priefts
and Friars, and in declaring Truth in the Englip Garrifon there. He afterwards
travelled on Foot over the Jlps to Rome, and bore a faithful Teftimony
againft the Papijls in that City. After his Return to England, in the four lad
Years of his Life, his Sufferings were very great, for in 1661 he was feveral
Months a Prifoner in the Gate-houfe at Wepninfter : Soon after his Releafe thence,
he was apprehended pafTing the Streets, and lent to IVood-Jlreet Counter, and
after fome Time had to Guild-hall, where refufing to take the Oaths, he was
committed to Newgate, and lay there about twelve Months, and in a fhort
Time after his Difcharge, was taken again at Charlewood, and fent to Prifon
in Soulhwark, as is before related, where, after two Years Continuance, he rcffed
from his Labours, in perfed Peace with the Lord, and well beloved both by
the Brotherhood and others, for as he excelled in Natural Parts and acquired
Abilities, fo was he exemplary tor his Chriftian Humility and Condefcenfion,
in Meeknefs inftruding thofe that oppofed him, and incellantly labouring either
by W ord or Writing to fpread and promote the Do«5trine of Truth among the
Children of Men. He died on the laft Day of the Month called Auguft 1665.
II. Joseph Fuce. He travelled in many Countries in the Work of the 2. J. Fuce.
Miniftry, and had an excellent Gift for the convincing of Gainfayers, being
frequently exercifed in Difputes with Independent, Baptiji, and other Preachers.
A Man of a patient meek Spirit, and very laborious in the Work of the
Miniftry, whereunto God had called him.
III. John Shields. He was taken out of a Meeting at Horjlydoivn, and 5. J. Shiekh.
committed to Prifon to the While Lion in Southwark, where he remained a
Prifoner till the Month called Auguft 1665, and then finifhed his Courfe, a
faithfiil Witnefs for the Lord and his Truth.
IV. John FoTHERGiLL. He was a faithful Minifter and Labourer in 4. J. Fother-
thc Work and Service of the Lord, was taken out of a Meedng of the S'll-
Lord's People at Guilford, and was had before one called a Juftice, who com-
mitted him to Prifon to the PFhite Lion in Southwark, and being twenty five
Miles from London^ and unwilling to put the Conftablc to fo much Trouble as
to guard him to Prifon, went by himfelt, the Conftable giving him his Mittitnus,
and after he had remained there fome Months in Prifon, he fell fick of a i-etf^r,
and about the Month called Auguft 1665, he finifhed his Courfe, and was taken
out of the many Troubles and Trials that the Righteous fufter in this World,
and is now at Reft for evermore.
We leave thefe faithful WitnelTes at Reft from their Labours, and ftep back
in point of Time, to give an Account of Tithes, taken by Dillrefs from Ibme
of this People in this County, in this and preceding Years, viz.
Vol. I. 8 N From
694
A CoUeftion of the Sufferings Vol. L
SURRY.
1665.
Account of
Tithes taken
in this arid
fome preceed-
ing Tears.
From Henry GUI, of Godalmin,
Demanded
ANNO 1 66 1, for 16I. os. od.
1664, for 5 10 o
1665, for 5 10 o
From George Clark, of Sheer,
ANNO 1661, for o 11 o
1662, for o II o
From Thomas Seaman^ of Sheer,
ANNO i66ii for 3 10 o
1662, for 3 10 o
From James Snelling, of WhurJ},
ANNO 1661, for 3 12 o
1662, for 3 12 o
1663, for 3 12 o
From William Hampjhire, of Cranley,
ANNO 1662, for 8 5 o
From John Bicknall^ of Seale.,
ANNO 1662, for 6 o o
From George Bicknall, of Sheer,
ANNO 1662, for o 16 o
Cattle worth
Goods worth
Goods worth
Goods worth
An Heifer worth
/.
90
18
21
3
2
s.
o
o
o
2
5
Three Cows worth 12 o
Three Cows worth 10 10
Two Oxen worth 11 o
Two Oxen worth 10 5
Goods worth 13 10
Cattle worth 11 15
Five Cows worth 18 o
A Cow worth 2 15
d.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
For 60 1 9
Taken 224 2
Diflrejfes for Befides thefe, Jane Patchin Widow, whofe Hufband died in Prifon for his
Tithes. Teftimony, had Goods taken from her under Pretence of Tithes, to the Value
of 36/.
ANNO 1666. The Sums, taken by Diftrefs of Goods for Tithes this
Year, from feveral Perfcns in this County, were as follows, viz.
More Dip- From Henry Gill, of Godalmin, for
trejfes for John Manfell, of Warplefden,
"tithes. Richard Baker, of the fame,
John Smith, of the fame,
John Bijhop, of Marden,
Samuel Green, of Oxled,
Richard Bax, of Capel,
Demanded
Value taken
/. s.
d.
/.
s. d.
5
15
4
1 1
8 14
17
10
8 10
i8
4
24
3 4
4
10
5
22
10
For 38 8
Taken 112 10
Taken more for Tithes, from the faid Richard Bax
And from Thomas Bax^ of Capel
47
14
61
o
I
o
o
Sundry Impri-
fonmenti.
Viftrefes.
Narntive of
Terjecution at
Horflydown
lAeeting.
ANNO 1 667. TImnas Siggins •wz%Jubpa;na'd into the Exchequer for Tithes,
and afterward for reflifing to ant'wer upon Oath, was committed to the County
Goal. For the fame Caufe alfo, John Perry, William Perry, John Stevens^
John Fielder, Richard Haines, and Matthew Humphreys, were committed to
Prifon about the fame Time.
ANNO 1669. Richard Needham, of the PariHi of Mary-Overies, for a
Demand of 6 s. for repairing of the Parifh Worfhip-houfe, fuffered Diftrefs
of Goods to the Value of 1 8 ^.
ANNO 1670. In this Year, on the Coming in Force of a new Aft
againft Conventicles, the Meetings at Horjlydo-ivn were again frequently
molefted, and the Chrijlian Zeal, Conftancy, and Intrepidity, with which the
Friends
Chap. 33. of the People called QUAKERS. 695
Friends maintained and continued their Meetings at that Place, being very
oblcrvable and exemplary,- we fhall give a particular Narrative oi the Proceed-
ings there for feveral Months.
In the Month called May 1670, a Party of Foot Soldiers ufually came to
the Meeting-houfe on the Firft Days of the Week, and by Violence pluckt out
thofe that were met, and kept them out in the Street.
On the ! 2th of the Month called "jv.ne^ a Captain, with Soldiers and a
Conftablc, came and took Thomas Green, with near forty others, from the
Meeting to the Arlillerj-Ground, and after feme Time of Detention there,
fent them to the Spur Inn in the Borough, where the Juftices took their Names,
and fined 27;o;;wj Grf«/ for Preaching, 20/. and the reft '5^. each. On the
19th Stephen Crifp was taken at the Meeting, and fined 20/. The Women at
the fame Time were forced out of the Meeting, and many of the Mens
Names taken down. One Adam Walker was cruelly beaten by the Soldiers ;
one of whom with a great Club flruck him fo on the Head, that the Blood
fpouted into his Hat, and an ImprefTion was made on his Scull by the Blow,
fo that it was judged incurable. The fame Man foon after, for Fines of 7 /. 5 s.
impofed for himfelf and others for their religious AflTemblirs, had Goods taken
from him far above the Amount of thofe Fines, and nothing remrncd him.
In the Month called July, they were generally kept out of the Meeting-
houfe by Soldiers, from whom, when they were met near the Door in the
Street, they received many Blows and other Abufcs. And in the fame Month
was ifTued
" An Order of the King and Council for demolifliing the Meetings
" houfe at HorJIydoiim in Southwark.
" At the Court at Whitehall, the 29th of July 1670.
PRESENT,
" The Kino's Moft Excellent Majefly,
*' His Highnefs Prince Rupert Earl of Anglefey
" Lord Archhijhop of Canterbury Earl of Bath
'' Lord Keeper Earl of Craven
" Duke of Monmouth Lord Afhley
" Duke of Ormond Mr. Treafurer
" Earl of OlTery Mr. Vice-Chamberlain
" Earl of Oxford Mr. Secretary Trevor.
«' T_T I S Majefty being informed that there have been of late frequent Con- Order of K^hg
" J71 venticles and feditious Meetings, under Pretence of religious Worfhip, '*"■' ComuiI.
<' cor.trary to and in Contempt of the Laws eflablifhed, at an Houfe or
*' Building at Horflydoiv): adjoining to the Artillery-Garden, and that the Perlbns
*' who there affemble, behave themfelves in fuch riotous and tumultuous
»' Manner, that if their Meetings be any longer endured, his Majefty's Peace,
*' and the Quiet of his Government, will thereby be manifcftly endangered :
" For Prevention whereof, it was this Day ordered, his Majefty prcfent in
•' Council, and by his exprefs Command, that Chriflopher Wrenn Efq-, Surveyor-
»'• General of his Majefty's Works, do caufe the fai'd Houfe or Builc'ing to be
*' pulled down and demoliflied, in Cafe from henceforth any Perfons what-
»' foever fhall prefume to meet or hold any Conventicle or unlawful AlTembly
*♦ therein under Colour of religious Worfhip : And it was farther ordered by
" his M ajefty, that this Signification of his Royal Pleafure be affixed on the
*' faid Building, to the End that the Owners and Occupiers of the lame may
" take Notice thereof, to prevent and hinder fuch Meetings at their Peril.
a
John Nicholas."
On
696
SURRY.
1670.
Narrative of
farther Perfe-
cittion it Hor-
flydown.
A pxrthuUr
Relation of
fovte barl/arous
Cruelties.
A Colleaion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
On the 7th of the Month called Angufty a Serjeant with Soldiers piuckt iht
Friends out of the Meeting-houfe, and being out, the Troopers came and
rode among them in order to difperfc them, and wounded feveral •, one ot
whom, f^tlliam Howel, a Carpenter, was run quite through the upper Lip
with the Muzzle of a Mufket : On the 14th the Soldiers kept them from
o-oino- into the Meeting-houfe : On the 20th, being the Seventh Day of the
Week, a Party of Soldiers came with Carpenters and others, and pulled down
the Meeting-houfe, and carried away the Boards, Windows, Benches, and
Forms, and fold them : On the next Day, the 2 ift, the Friends came as ufual,
and met upon the Rubbifh of the demolifhed Houfe, but the Soldiers came
and dragged them into the Street : On the 28th a Captain ordered his Soldiers
to knock their Brains out : They pulled and haled them from the Place, and
having kept them till near Sunfet, carried them to the Marjhalfea Prifon, and
lodged them there without any Warrant from a Civil Magiftrate.
On the 4th of September, Soldiers came, headed by a Serjeant, named tlfe^
who, with his Halbert, laid about him like a Madman, and ftruck and
wounded feveral : On the i8th they took away the greateft Part ol the Men
afTembled, and had them to the Spur Inn, where fome ot the Juftices attended.
We fhall next tranfcribe a printed Paper, intituled,
*' A Short Relation of the barbarous Cruelties bifiBed on the People
of God called Quakers, at their Meeting in Horflydown.
ON the 25th of the Second Month 1670, feveral of the aforefaid
People being peaceably afTembled at their ufual Meeting-place afore-
faid, (not in Stubbornnefs, nor in Contempt to Magiftracy, but in Tender-
nefs of Confcience to God) there came in Ibme Mulketiers, and haled them
forth into the Street, where the Troopers came, and rode in amongfl them
in a violent Manner, beating and abufing both Men and Women, and
punching them in their Faces and Bodies with their Carbines : And foon
after the Foot Soldiers came, and fell upon them alio, and beat both Men
and Women in a cruel and outragious Manner, alfo punching them on the
Feet with the Butt Ends of their Mufkets, and Pikes, till they brake feveral
of them, alfo running the Muzzles of their Mufkets with Violence againll
the Bodies of many, and then a Party of Horfe came defperately and fought
to ride over them ; but the Horfes being more merciful than their Riders,
and not going forward, they turned their Horfes, and by curbing and rein-
ing them backwards, ftrove to do what Mifchief they could. The Number
of thofe that were wounded and fbrely bruifcd, and had their Blood fpilt this
Day, was above twenty Perfons.
" On the 2d Day of the Eighth Month, they being kept out of the Meeting-
place aforefaid, there came a Party of F'oot and a Party of Horfe, who laid
on upon Friends in a violent and cruel Manner, knocking them with their
Mufkets and Pikes, and the Horfemen with their Carbines, till the Blood
lay in the Streets, and fo they continued for a long Time, until they brake
feveral Pikes and Mufkets, and one Carbine, and then took the Barrel by
one End, and gnaflied their Teeth, ftriking till feveral were fo beaten ar.d
bruifed, that their Lives were in Danger. There were wounded and fbrely
bruifcd this Day, above thirty Perfons. Again, the 9th of the Eighth
Month, the Soldiers, both Horfe and Foot, came to the Meeting at the
aforefitid Place, and one of them, having a Shovel, threw the Dirt and Mire
on both Men and Women in a fliametul Manner, and after him came both
Horfe and Foot and fell upon them, ftriking and knocking down with-
out Refpecl of Age or Sex in a very cruel N'anner, until they fpilt tlie
Blood of many •, and when fome of the Inhabitants in Pity took them
into their Houfes to fave their Lives, the Soldiers forced open the Doors
and haled them into the Street again, and piuckt off their Hats, that thry
might ftrike on their bare Heads, inlbmuch that many had their Heads
broken
cc
iC
(C
cc
Chap. 33. of the People called QUAKER^, 697
" broken in a very grievous Manner, and thus they continued a long Time ; SURRY.
*' alio tearing Men's and Women's Clothes off their Backs, and haling 1670,
*' Women through the Mire by their Horfe-fides, Ibme of the Foot Soldiers ^^y'^^^^j
" putting their Hands under the Women's Coats, ufing unclean Expreffions
*' and immodefl: Behaviour : And a Red-coat Soldier ftruck one Woman
*' Friend twice with his Mufket on her Belly, and once on the Breaft -, another
*' flung Dirt in her Face, and fince that fhc hath never been well, but hath
miicarried, thele Abuks being the Caule of it, it hath been the Death ot
her Child, her Life being in great Danger : And a Man Friend they abufed
with Blows, and afterwards took him and carried him into a backward
Place ; being there, one of them demanded his Money, and endeavoured
to rifle his Pockets, fwearing G — d d — n him, he would ftab him if he would
not give it him ; fwearing ;igain, he would Piflol him. The Number of therti
that were wounded and had their Blood fpilr, and were forely bruifed this
Day, was about fifty Perfons.
" And on the i6th Day of the Eighth Month, being again kept out of
their Meeting-place, there came a great Party of Horfe and Foot, and
•' would prefently have fallen upon them, had there not been Conft^ables there,
" who tor fome Time kept them off, but at laft they broke out in a great
" Rage, and fome of the Foot with the Butt Ends of their Mufkets, and the
•' Horiemen with great thick Truncheons and Staves, laid on upon them in fuch
" a violent Manner, as if they would have killed all on the Place, and in a
''- fliort Time the Blood ran about the Ears ot many ; and above twenty Per-
" fons received fore Wounds and cruel Bruifes, and one ot the Conftables
" endeavouring to flop them from fliedding Blood, and to keep the Peacf,
*' they fell upon him alfo and broke his Head : And when they were
" rebuked for their Cruelty, ibme anfwered, If you knew what Orders we have^
*' you would fay, we dealt mercifully with you.
" The Subfliance of the Relation before mentioned, was laid before the King
" and his Council, and tor fome Time there was fome CeflTation of their
" Cruelty, but fince they have begun again in the like Manner, though not
" in the fame Degree, with great Threatnings to be worfe and worfe in their
*' favage Behaviour towards them, which cannot well be, except they diredliy
" murder in the Place.
" Alfo it is to be obferved, that when the Troopers have come, and thus
«' abuied and wounded the Innocent, fome have afked them, faying. How can
" you deal thus with a People that have Love and Good-will to all Meii, and
*' 7nake no Refiflance nor Oppofition ? And then they have replied, TVe had
" rather, and it would be better for us you did refill and oppofe. And fo it is
*' manifcfb they do thefe Things to provoke Oppofition, that they might
*« embrue their Hands in our Blood, and have our Lives and Eitates lor a Spoi^
*' and a Prey. ••'
" Here are a few of the Names of thofe who had their Blood fpilt, and
" were fore wounded, as Witneffes to the Truth of thefe Things, and in
" Behalf of themfelves and the rett.
" Robert Allen, John Potter,
" William Peachy, Stephen Cooke,
" Henry Ham, John Dowden,
" Henry Day, William Stewardson,
" Edward Crisp, Adam Walker."
On the 30th of October, being kept out, they met in the Street, and a
Party of Horfe came and commanded them to depart, and beat and abufed
many very forely.
From that Time to the 12th of the Month called February, they were
generally kept out of their Meeting-houfe, though with fewer Abufes ; and
afterward they began again peaceably to enjoy their Meetings ; from the
Vol. I. 8 O conftant
SURRY.
1670.
rrofecuiion dt
Kingfton upon
Thames.
698 u4 Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
cor.ftant attending of which, it was fufficiently proved, no Iiumane Power, nor
any Penalties, could deter them.
At KingjloJi upon Thames, alter the Coming forth of the fiid Aci:, the BaylifTs
of that Town, and other Officers, were very affiduous in the Execution of it.
On the 1 2th of the Month called May, a Conftable and Headboroughs came
to the Meeting, and took down what Names they pleafed : On the 15th, being
the Firft of the Week, they kept the Friends out of the Meeting-houfe, who
met in the Yard, till the Baylifis came and ordered them to be pulled out into
the Street ; and one ftanding up to preach, they lent him to Goal, and after-
ward fined him 20/. On the 2 2d they took John Stevens and He>2ry Phifold^
who being carried before the Bayliffs at the Town-hall, were fined, the one 40/.
and the other 20/. Afterward they appointed Soldiers to keep Friends out
of their Meeting-place by Force, who beat them cruelly with Sticks, and
puncht them with their Carbines on their Breafts and Backs : They puncht
Chrijlopher White on his Bread, fo that the Blood flew out at his Nofe, and
feveral others were fore a long Time of the Blows received, the Particulars
of which it would be tedious to enumerate. The Names of fome of thofe
fo beaten, were, John Brown, Thomas Burchatt, JVilliam Bradley, William Hurd^
Stephen Hubbard jun. Richard Webb, and John Hardefty.
Diflrejfes for Of the Diffreffes taken at Kingfton and other Places for Meetings, we have
Msenngi. jj^g following Accounts, viz.
I . For Meet-
ings it King-
fton.
I. For Meetings at K I N G S T O N.
Taken from John Fielder, William Hurd, Chrijlopher 7
WJjite, and Stephen Hubbard J
Thomas Jennings, Francis Holden, John Hollis, T
and William Perry 3
Goods worth
/. s. d.
23
17
40
I 10
10
2. For Meet-
ingt it Wal-
ton.
A poor La-
bourer's Spade
taken away.
II. For Meetings at WALTON.
Taken from Thomas Bifiop, at whofe Houfe there the 1
Meetings were held j
Goods worth
/. s. d.
40 o o
At one of thofe Meetings was a very poor labouring Man, who was fined,
and for lack of other Goods they took away his Spade, whereby he was dif-
abled to work to maintain three Motherlefs Children, who had no Support but
from his Labour ; wherefore he took the youngeft of them, an Infant, and
carried it to the Parifh- Officers to take Care of : Upon which they returned
him the Child again, and his Spade to work for it.
5. For Meet-
ings at Ry-
gate.
III.
For Meetings at R Y G A T E.
Taken from TJxmas Blatt, of Rygate, Tallowchandler
Rowland Tichbourn, of the fame. Shoemaker
John Hatcher, Richard Hatcher, Anthony
Sheppard, and Edmund Moore
Richard Allingham^ John Moore^ and the
Widow Glover
John Blatt, Tanner, for Meetings at his
Houfe
Goods worth
/. s. d.
7 10
5 7 6
}
10 17
}
20
35
78 14 6
For
Chap. 33. of the People called QUAKERS.
For Meetings held in the Street, when kept out of their Meeting-houfe at
Guilford^ were taken
699
From Henry Gill and Caleb Woods, ol Godal/ni/j, Goods worth
Rohert Sledman, of Marrow
Wtlliam Hampton, of Compton
Henry Chandler, John Lee, and Thomas Pajjenger
William Confiable, of HoJJel
John Cooper, Anthony Crofsfield, and Richard Deane
Stephen Smith, of Purbright
John Barnard, of Godalmin
John Smith, of fVarplefden
Robert Chinton, Richard Baker, and Robert Street
John Remnant, Jacob Benbrick, and Robert Mildred
I.
20
3
3
36
2
17
24
21
30
2
'7
s.
9
4
II
9
o
15
o
10
o
1 1
16
^.
o
o
o
6
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
SURRY.
1670.
Viflrefes for
Meetings.
179
Andrew Hall, Uriah IVorlington, Walter Webb, and John Stevens, were com-
mitted to Priibn upon a Procefs againft them at the Quarter Scflions, for not
repairing to their Parifh- Church.
ANNO 1671. Anthony Sheppard, dwelling nz2S Rygate, was imprifoned
on an Exchequer Procefs for Tithes.
ANNO 1672. In this Year John Bijhop, of Marde>i, was committed to
Prifon for Tithes, though he had about the fame Time his Goods taken away
to fix Times the Value of the Tithes demanded. In this Year alfb, John
Brijlow had taken from him by Baylifts, for Tithes, at the Suit of John Bonnick,
Priefl of Nudigate, Goods worth 4/. loj. And nomas Tax, at the Suit
of Henry Hejkitt, Priefl of Charlewood, had a Cow taken by the Bay 1 iff,
worth 3 /. 5 s.
There were at this Time many of this People imprifoned in the County Goal
for Meetings, refufing to Swear, and other Matters relative to their religious
Tellimony, of whom were difcharged by the King's Letters Patent ifTued this
Year in their Favour, eighteen Perfons, viz. George Brigjlock, Edward Taylor,
Uriah Worlington, William Bowtnan fen. William Bow?nan jun. William Welland,
Richard Broughton, William Hills, Abraham Shapton, John Baker, Jofepb Parker,
Thomas Harlow, William Ccllard, John Stevens, William Harris, William Kidder,
Thomas Moore, and Andrew Hall.
ANNO 1673. John Humphrey, at the Suit cA Henry Hejkitt, Prieft of
Charlewood, for Tithes, had Cattle taken from him worth 23/. lOi. And
Thomas Hcnden, for a Year's Tithe, valued at 8/. \os. had taken from him
by the Agents of the fame Prieft, four fat Oxen worth 26/. ¥rom Edward
Taylor were taken, at the fame Prieft's Suit, two Oxen worth 14/. And from
Edward Bajljford, for a Demand of 30 i. two Milch Cows worth 61. From
John Harris, at the Suit of Charles Hampton, Pritit of Worth, were taken fix
Cows and Bullocks : And from Samuel Green, of Oxted, was taken at the Suit
of Charles Hajkin, Impropriator, a Mare worth 5/.
ANNO 1674. Ambrofi Rigg was proiecuced in the Exchequer for Tithes,
at the Suit of Robert Pepy, Pricil: of Gatton, who was fo furious, that in the
Hearing of feveral Neighbours, he threatned to kill the laid Ambrofe : He
alfo profecuted him and his Wife, as alfo, Ifaac Ingram and Henry Reeve, his
Servants, in the Ecclefiaftical Court, and procured their Excommunication for
Abfence from the National Worfliip. In this Year alfo, Richard Bax, at the
Suit of Henry Hrjkitt, Prieft of Charlewood, for 4 /. claimed for Tithes, had
three Beafts taken worth 8 /. \os. And at the Suit of Randal, an Impropriator,
two fat Beafts alio, worth 8 /. 10 s,
ANNO 1676. In the Month called July, Ambrofe Rigg was incifted at
SefTions for not going to hear Common-Prayer, and was committed to Priibn,
where he lay above half a Year.
In
ImprifOK'
meutst
Trofeciitiont
for Tithes.
I{ehife of
Prifoners.
Dilirejfcs for
Tithes.
f^ioloit
Threiits of a
Priejt i^jz;?;jf
A. Rigg. >
Viflrejfes for
Tithis.
Imprifotmevt
0} A. Rigg.
700 A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SURRY.
1676.
Imprison-
msnu.
Diftref, for
Tithes.
Imprifotrmems
for Steeple-
houfe I(ites.
Deaths of
H. Day uni
J. Farmer in
Prijon.
Imprifonr/ient
of T. Sea-
man.
Diftrefit for
not Stoetring,
and for
Tithes.
In September, TIjomas IVoods and John Woods were committed to Prilbn for
refufing to pay toward the Repairs of the Steeple-houfe at Whitley.
About the 20th of December, Stephen Smith and Richard Baker were com-
mitted to the Marjhalfea Prilbn for Tithes, at the Suit of Gabriel Offley, Prieft
of TVarplefden.
ANNO 1677. Richard Withal, of Purhet, had taken from him by a
Bayliff, at the Suit ot Richard Bird and William Hawes, Impropriators, Houfe-
hold Goods worth 20/. loi. 8 c/.
In or about the Month called July this Year, John Otter, Griffith Jones,
John 'Tarlion, Jofeph Rawbone, Henry Da-j, John Farmer, Edmund Curie, Ihonias
Life, and Samuel Martin, were committed to the County Goal on a Writ de
Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit of the Wardens of the Parifh of Mary
Magdalen Bermondfey in Southwark, for not paying toward the Repairs of the
Parifh-Church : Henry Day was taken fick in Prilbn, and died about two
Months after his Commitment. John Farmer alio, aftor above three Years
Confinement tliere, died a Prifoner on the 12th of November 1680.
Thojnas Seaman, of Sheer, was alio impriloned on a Writ de Excommunicato
capiendo, being profecuted at the Suit of Edward Dible and John Kelfey, Church-
wardens, for refufing to pay towards the Repairs of the Parifh-Church, fo
called.
Robert Mildred and Jojeph Hicks, both of Guilford, being elefted to bear the
Office of Ale-tafters, and refufing to take the Oath ufual in that Cafe, were
fined, and had their Goods taken away ; the former to the Value of il. 12 s.
and the latter to the Value of 2 I. 6s. 6d.
ANNO 1678. Taken this Year for Tithes,
From Stephen Smith, by Gabriel Offley, Prieft of Warp-
lefden. Corn worth
Richard Baker, by the fame Prieft
Thomas Seaman, of Sheer, Corn worth
Robert Stedman, of Morro-w, to the Value of
}
/.
7
o
•i.i -d.
10
o
10
o
o
o
17
Jmprifovment
of F. Jones.
Long Imfri-
fonmems for
Abfence from
the National
Worjhif.
Diflreffes for
Tithes,
Francis Jones, of Wooken, was committed to Prifon for fmall Tithes, and
continued there about two Years, at the Suit of the Prieft of that Parifh,
William Bowman, Henry Franklin, Joane Stringer Widow, and Rebecca
Almond, were taken from their Houfes by a BaylifF, and carried to the Seffions
at Croydon ; from whence, refufing to pay the Fines impofed on them for their
Abfence from the National Worfhip, they were committed dole Prifoners to
the Marjhalfea, and lay there a long Time.
ANNO 1679. WilliatnHampfhire, at the Suit of Mfr/.;ai?/ Pi^,?, Prieft of
Cranky, had taken from him five Cows, an Horfe, two Mares, and Harnefs,
to the Value of 25/. i8j. od.
Taken alfo for Tithes,
From Richard Chandler, of Cranky, Corn worth 016 6
Ihomas Seaman and Laurence Street, of the fame 876
John Stent, of Hurtmore in Godalmin Parifh 610 o
41
12
ani for ri-
fufing to
Smear.
Caleb Wood, chofen to be one of the Ale-tafters of Guilford, for refufing to
take the Oath of Admittance into that Office, had his Goods taken by Diitrels
to the Value of i /. 10 s.
The liiid Caleb Wood and Robert Mildred, being chofen Tithing-men, and
refufing to Swear at their Entrance into diat Office, had their Goods taken
away -, the former to the Value of 3/. 10 s. and tlic latter to the Value of 10/.
Robert
Chap, ss- of the People called QUAKERS.
Robert Chnjlin, of Godalmin, for the fame Caiife, and on the like Occafion,
fufFered Diftrefs to the Value of 2 /. 2 j.
Richard fVebb, of Kingjlon upon Thames, was fent to Prifon for opening his
Shop on the Day called Chrijhnas-day.
ANNO 1680. On the 25th of the Month called Jid-^, 'Thomas Seaman, of
Sheer, for being at a Meeting in Guilford, had his Gooods taken away to the
Value of 13/. In the fame Year, upon Informations laid againft them on the
Statute for 20/. per Month for not hearing Common- Prayer, Writs were iflfued
for feizing two Thirds of the Eilates of Alexander Plumpton, of Olaves South-
wark. Felt-maker ; fVilliam Collard, of George's Soiithizark, Cheefemonger 5
Richard Barnes, of Carjhalton ; William Woods, of Sutton ; Thomas Reikes, of
the lame -, John BiJJjop, of A^orden, and Rebecca his Wife -, John Cole and
jinne Goldjmith, of Mite ham ; and John Muggerage and John Pearce, of Croydon j
but they having no real Eftates, an Order was iflued trom the Court of Ex-
chequer for levying the pretended Forfeitures on their Goods and Chattels.
ANNO 168 1. About the Month called Alay this Year, John Jv.pp^ of
Home, after a Profecution for Tithes of about 50 J. Value, at the Suit of Priefl
Holt, had taken from him by a Sequeftration out of the Exchequer, four Oxen,
four Cows, four Calves, and a Mare, worth 36/. 10 i. In the fame Year
PFilliam Perry and John Hollis, both of Kingfton upon Thames, were impriloned
in the Mar/halfea for not paying Tithes. Alfo Francis Jones, a poor Man,
for 10 s. demanded of him for fmall Tithes, was committed to Prifon by a
Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, where he lay feveral Years, at the Suit of
John Morris, Priefl: of Woking.
On the 7th of O£lober, the following Perfons, for refufing to Swear when
Iiimmoned on the Coroner's Inquefl, were fined, and had their Goods taken
by Diftrefs, viz. Gabriel Ear-wood, James Banner., John Broadgate, and David
Rich. The Goods fo taken amounted to 11/. 18 i. gd. On the 29th of
December, Robert Pate, of George^ Parifh, Southzvark, was fined for being at
a Meeting at Wand/worth, and had his Goods taken away to the Value
of 4/. 6 s.
On the 2 2d of the Month called January was a Meeting at Wand/worth, to
which Juftice Fojler, of Putney, with Officers and others, came near the Clofe
of the Meeting, as the AfTembly was fitting in Silence : The Juftice fcoffingly
faid. The Spirit does not move them. He then demanded their Names, but they
not anfwering, he afked their Names of fome that ftood by, but they replied.
They would not be Informers. Whereupon he fent for the Conttable of the
Town, and he appearing unwilling to concern himfelf, the Juftice threatned to
fine him 5 /. if he did not tell him their Names. The Conlfable thus con-
ftrained, gave him the Names of John Bijhop, Theophilus Green, James Smith,
and Ibme others, whom the Juftice fined, and granted Warrants for Diftrefs,
by which were taken
701
SURRY,
1679.
Exchequer
Writs for
feizh'g two
TInrds of
Eflaies.
I.
From John Bifjop, of Morden, for 10/. Fine, three
Cows worth
James Smith, of Marlon, for 3 /. Fine, Goods
worth
Theophilus Green, of Batterfea, for 10/. Fine, a
Barge worth
s.
d.
7
12
X
4
}
12
Sequifiritkn
Imprifon-
mcnts.
Dijireffes for
feveriilCjufsSk
ConviSiorts
for Meetiiigt
by ifufiici
Fofter'i Or-
der.
Vifirtjfes.
28
The Barge taken from TJjeophilus Green was expofcd to Sale at feveral Times A remirhable
and Places, but no Body would purchafe it. At length, either by Negligence ^''f'l^ "«"
or Accident, it was broke from its Faftnings, and drove away with the Tide. "'""'^ '*
A Waterman finding the Barge a-drift, and hearing that ic belonged to
Theophilus Green, carried it home to the Owner, who upon his receiving it,
forthwith went to the High-Conftable, and to the Petty -Conftable, who had
Vol. I. B P been
Barge of T.
Green'i.
702
SURRY.
i68r.
Theophilus
/e»{ to Vrifoil.
BisProfecutor
vifit> him in
pretended
Love.
Bis imiocent
Courage.
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
been prefent at the Seizure of it, and told them how it was brought to him,
and where he had laid it, fignifying, nat as it had been bi-ought bm, he was
very willing to keep it, hut if they took it away again, he would mt hinder them.
Jiiftice ¥ofier hearing of this, fent his Warrant for 1'heo-philiis^ charged him with
Felony, and made his Mitlimus to tho Marjhalfea Priibn, to be kept till he
fliould be delivered by due Courfe of Law. About three Weeks after, the
Scffions was held at the Marjhaljea, and the Juftice who committed him being
there, came to Theophilus in the Prifon, laying, He came in Love to fee him,
and advife him for his Good, for, laid he, / am jure the Grand Jury has found
the Bill againft you, and if upon Trial you fhould get off, yet I have fuch Influence
in Court, as to caufe the Oath to he tendered you, and then you incur a Pre-
munire, and hnprifonnient jo long as you live. Theophilus not at all difmayed
at thefe terrible Threats, with Chrijlian Courage and innocent Boldnefs,
anfwered thus, viz. Juftice Foller, thou faidfi thy Coming was in Love to advife
me for my Good, but tvhat thou haft faid Jhews the Contrary ; for now I perceive
thou haft devifed as much Mijchief as thou canft againfl me. As to the Fine, if
it were hut ten Pence, nay ten Farthings, / woidd not pay it. And if the Lord
fhould permit thee to do as thou haft faid, and fo be the Caufe of bringing my
grey Hairs the fooner to the Grave, my Blood zvill lie at thy Door, and call
Bill of laJitl- for Vengeance on thee. Next Day the Bill of Indiftment againfl Theophilus
mem preferr'd came before the Grand Ju>-y, who examining the High Conftable, and Petty
agiinji him. Conftable aforefaid, they gave the following Account, viz. As to Theophilus
Evidence. Green, though a Qiiaker, he is a very honeft Man, has been, and now is, an
Overjeer of the Poor of the Farijh of Batterfea, in winch Office he has demeaned
himfelf as uprightly and faithfully as any Man that has ferved that Office thefe
twenty 2'ears. And as to the Barge, !4pon its being brought to him, he immediately
came and told us of it, and where he had laid it, and that we might take it
again if we would. Upon tli.is Evidence the Grand Jury, being tuUyfatisfied,
returned the Bill Ignoramus, and fome ot them knowing Theophilus well, and
the Caufe of his Profecution, exprelt their Refentment at Juftice Fofter'?, Pro-
ceedings : One of them in particular, Sir Richard How, advifed Theophilus to
bring his Adfion againft the Juftice for Defamation and falfe Imprifonment :
But Theophilus meekly anfwered, that Vengeance was the Lord's, and he would
repay it, and that he ivould leave the Matter to him, for whofe Caufe he fuffered.
Thus was the honeft Man delivered, and the perfecuting Juftice defervedly
expofed in the Purfuit of his arbitrary and illegal Meafures.
ANNO 1682. Richard Withall, oi IVoking, was committed to the M<^r-
fhalfea Prifon in Southwark, by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo, at the Suit
of John Morris, Prieft of IVoking, for a Demand of lefs than i s. for Tithes.
'I'aken from Edward Bax, of Ockley, at the Suit of Thomas Duncomb, Prieft
there, for 1 2 /. demanded, four Cows and two Steers worth 16 1, gs. And
from John Stedman, at the fame Prieft's Suit, for 5 /. demanded, three Milch
Cows worth 8/. Taken alfo from Thomas Bax, of Kitland in Capel, at
the Suit of Tbot/MS Randall, Impropriator, for 3/. 4^. claimed for Tithes,
two Cows worth 5/. And from Tho?nas Bax, oi Plafter in Capel, at the Suit
of the faid Randall, five Cows worth 13/. lo.;. From Richard Chandler was
taken for Tithes, by Thomas Rcdford, an Impropriator, Corn and Tares worth
2 /. 95. From George Bignall, of Leigh, for 40 s. demanded tor Tithes, were
taken a Cow, a Calf and a Bullock, worth 5 /. And from Thomas Seaman, of
Sheer, Corn and Hay worth 6/. loj.
On the 18 th of September this Year, Ambrofe Rigg, of Gatton, had taken
from him for Tithes, at the Suit of Robert Pepys, Prieft of Gatton, eight
Cows worth 32/. And on the 17th ofOftober, Thomas Chafmer, of Betfworthf
had taken from him for Tithes by the Agents of Mllliam Wood, of Barking,
Impropriator, two Heifers worth 4/. 10 s. Alio George Bignall, for 3/. 4/.
demanded for Tithes, liad three Cows taken from him worth 4/. lOJ.
On the 2 2d of the Month called Ja}niarj, Caleb Wood, Roger Jones, and
Mary Mulford Widow, were committed to the Marfhalfca Prifon lor Tithes,
at the Suit of John Holland, Prieft of Mary's Parifli in Guilford.
Jofepb
Grand ^ury
rejeli the Bill.
Chriftian
spirit of
i'orgivene[i.
Imprifonment
upon Excom-
municMioi?
for lefs thin
IS. lithe.
Diiirejfes for
Tithes,
Imprifonment i
for Tithes.
Chap.
33-
of the People called QUAKERS.
703
S U R R Y..
1.682.
Iiiipripnmmts
O'l Jndidaents
for Abfoice
jrom the pub-
lick IForjhiji.
and T. Grif-
fith to Prifon,
Jofeph Pearce was indifted at the Qiiarter Seflions for three Days Abfeuce
from his Parifli-Church, fined 3 s. and ordered to remain in Priion till Payment :
Alio James Smith was committed to Priion on an Indictment tor the like Caulc,
under Colour of a Contempt of the Court in rclufing to pleatl.
On the 28th of the Month called January, John Vaiightoii and 'Ihomas
Griffith were taken at a Meeting and fent to Prifon by the following Mittimus,
viz.
'*^ Surry fs.
" 'To the Keeper of the Common Goal for the /aid County.
" T7< ORASMUCH asl James Reading, one of his Majefty's Juftices Mittimus 0/
" Jj of the Peace for this County, being informed of an unlawful AflembJy J.Vaughton
" of fcveral Perfons met together in St. Saviours Parifh within the £ud County, "^ ^
*' to the Diilurbance of his Majefty's Peace, and contrary to his Laws, did
" tliis Day refort togcdier, went with the AfTiftance of feveral Coullables unto
" the faid Place, where they were fo afTembled in the publick Street, and there
" caufed Proclamation to be made in his Majefty's Name, commanding the
" Peribns met to depart and keep his Majefty's Peace : Neverthelels one John
" Vaitghton and Thomas Griffith, being unlawfully there afTembled with others,
" to the Number of at leaft forty Perfons, did refule fo to do, and the faid
John Vaughton and Thomas Griffith, being by me feverally required to finel
Sureties for their perfonaf Appearance at the next General Qiiarter Seffions
of the Peace, to anfwer the fame, and in the mean Time to be of the good
Behaviour, they refuled feverally fo to do. Thefe are therefore, in his
" Majefty's Name, to command you to recei\'e into your Cuftody the Bodies
" of the faid John Vaughton and Thomas Griffith, and them fiifely keep until
" they fliall find Sureties as aforefaid. Given under my Hand and Seal this
" 28 th Day of January 1682.
'^'^ Ja. Reading."
About fix Weeks after, Roger Longicorth was fent to the fitme Prifon by a
Mittimus in the following Form, viz.
cc
(C
Surry fs.
" To the Keeper of the Common Goal for the County of Surry,
I Send you herewith the Body of Roger Longworth, Shoemaker, charged Mittimus of
upon Oath by the Churchwardens, Conftables, and one of the Overfeers ^og^r Long-
of the Parifh of St. Olaves, for heading a tumultuous and riotous AfTembly ^'*'°'''"*
of diforderly Perfons in the open Street, and being commanded, in his
Majefty's Name, to depart, they contemptuoufly rclutcd to obey : And the
faid Roger Longworth took upon him by talking and other Mifbchaviour, to
encourage the faid Tumult and Riot, and for that he refufed to find lufficient
Sureties to anfwer the feveral Offences and Mildemeanours at the next
Qiiarter Seffions of the Peace, to be held for the faid County. Thefe are
therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to will and require you to receive the
Body of the faid Roger Longworth into your Cuftody, and him fafely keep
until he fhaJl be difcharged by due Courfe of Law. Given under my Hand
and Seal from the Bridgehotije this i ith Day of March 1682.
" W. Pi'ERS."'
In this Year alfo, John Lea, of Guilford, for refufing to Swear when fum- Diflreffis for
moned to take upon him the Office of a Conftable, had Goods taken from '4"('"g to
him to die Value of 1 1 /. 16 s. Srocar.
ANNO
cc
704
SURRY.
1683.
Imprij'on-
mems.
JJeatb of
H. Chandler.
Uis ChirtSer.
Frofecutioiii
for Abfence
from the
National
mrfiip.
IndiSments at
the Affiles,
Profecmiotis
At Quittir
Sejfwnt.
Mittimus of
W. Bingley
to Prifon,
A Colk6lion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
ANNO 1683. On the 22d of the Month called Mzjy, James Snelling, of
Purbrigk, was committed to Prifon for refufing to pay Tithe.
On the 2 2d ot the Month called February, Henry Chandler, of Thorncomb
Street in the Parifh of S half or d, died a Prifoner, in the Fleel at London, for
Tithes. He was at firft caft into the MarJJjalfea Prifon in Southwark, at the
Suit of John Reynaldfon, Prieft of Shalford, for fmall Tithes, and was removed
thence to the Fleet, where he was taken fick of the Small Pox : And though
the Prieft, on Application made to him, did confent that he might be removed
to his own Houfe, yet he was too weak to accept of that Grant, and fo died in
the Prifon, being about fixty five Years of Age. The Charadter given con-
cerning him by thofe who well knew him, was, that He was an innocent, honejiy
true-hearted Man, of a clean Life and Converfation, and fuffered for his Teflimony
with much Patience and Contentment.
At the Quarter Seflions at Guilford, on the 3d of the Month called Jidy 1683,
were profecuted for Abfence from the National Worfhip, the feveral Perfons
following, viz. Henry Gill and Ezra Gill, of Eajhing ; John ^mth, Robert
Chenton, Refla Patchin, William Baker, and John Paine, of Godalmin ; George
Draper, of the Parifh of Nicholas ; John Stent, of Hartmoor ; Thomas Woods^
and JFilliatn Hampton, of Compton ; John fVoods, oi Whitley ; Richard Baker and
Robert Smith, of Warplefden.
At the Aflizes, held at Kingflon on the 12th of the fime Month, nomas
Blatt, John Blatt the Younger, and Elizabeth Blatt, all of Rxgate, were in-
dicted for fix Months Abfence from the National Worfhip : And tor the fame
Caufe, at the fame Affizes, George Vaux, of Rygate, Thomas Collier, of Elfledy
Tljomas Frinjham, of Farnham, Edward Steel, of the fame, tht'^'ido^ Andrews,
Robert Belfon, of Frinley, and his Wife, George Hampton, of Scale, Charles
Paine, John Bellinghur/l, Mary Bicknall, George Bicknall, and James Bicknally
of the fame, Robert Stedman, of Morrow, Nathanael Owen, of Ly7npsfield, and
Samuel Green, of Oxted, were ordered to be returned into the Exchequer.
At the Quarter SefTions at Guilford, on the 3d of the Month called Augujly
Caleb Wood, Jacob Benbrick, John Cooper, John Lea, Stephen Wilke, and Edward
Wilfon, all of that Town, were profecuted for one Months Abfence from the
Parifh-Church.
On the 5th of the fame Month, William Bingley was fent to Goal by the
following Mittimus, viz.
te
Surry fs.
W
(C
C(
H E R E A S feveral diforderly Perfons, to the Number of fort)-
and upwards, who owned themfelves to be ^lakers, being unlawfully
afl^embled, and under Colour of Religion, caufing a Tumult and Difturbance
in the Street, were brought before me by Capt. Williams and his Officers :
And for that alio William Bingley, herewith fent you, being in the faid
AfTerably, and owning himfelf to be of that Sedt, is charged upon Oath
before me, to have taken upon him to teach or preach in the faid AfTembly,
contrary to his Majefty's Laws in that Cafe provided. And forafmuch as
the fiiid William Bingley refufes to find Sureties to anfwer the faid Complaint
at the next General Quarter SefTions of tlie Peace, to be held for this
County, and fuch other Mifdemeanours as then and there fhall be objefled
againft him, and for his being of the good Behaviour in the mean Time.
" Thefe are therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to require you to receive the
fliid Williaju Bingley, and him in your Cuftody fafely keep until he fhall
find fufficient Sureties, or be otherwife difcharged by due Courfe of Law.
Given under my Hand and Seal this fifth Dxf of Augnfl, Jn?w Domini 1683.
To the Keeper of the Common Goal
for the County aforefaid.
te
Wm. Pyers.
On
Chap. 23- of the People called QUAKERS.
On the 29th of the fume Month, Goods were taken by Dlflrcfs from 'Jama
Parke, of the Parifh cal-led St. Olaves Southwark, ior Abfence from the Na-
tional Worfhip, to the Value of 1 2 /.
About the lame Time Thomas Paul, Ed-vjard Day, WiU'w.m Hopkins, Williavi
Tomfon, John Simonds, John Potter, John Packer, and Nicholas Hockley, were
Prilbners in the Mar/Jmlfea for frequenting religious Meetings : And for the
fame Caufe fVilUatn Knight died under Confinement in the fame Prilon.
On the 9th of September, John Blatt was taken preaching at a Meeting in
the Houie of Nathanael Owen, ot Lympsfield, and fined 20/. On the 26th a
Captain of the Militia, with Soldiers and a Conflable, came to his Houfe,
broke open leveral Locks, and feized fome Goods, which they Ifickt up in a
Room. On the ift of OBoher, they carried away fifteen Butts of Leather
worth 20/. which after they had kept near fix Months, was carried to Leaden-
hall Market in London, by Tfjoinas Taylor, a Currier of Rygate, who was hired
to fell it. He, eager to execute his Commiffion, fold it before it was fcal'd
for 15/. taking 5 j. in Fart of Payment. The Sealers, being acquainted of this,
feized the Leather for the King's Ufe, as being forfeited by its unlawful Sale.
By this Means, though the religious Sufferer loif his Goods, yet the mercenary
Informers, who occafioned the Seizure, were dilappointed of that Pare of the
Spoil which they expefted.
In this Year George Vav.x, of Rygate, was excommunicated for praftifing
Phyfick without a Licenfe from the Ecclefiaftical Court : And Richard Scoryer,
of Wandfworth, for a Fine for Meeting, had his Goods taken away worth
2 /. 6 J. 6d. Alfo Amhrofe Rigg was profecuted in the Excheqiier, at the Pro-
curement of Robert Pepys, Prieft of Gatton, on the Statute of 20/. per Month,
for eleven Months Abfence from the National Worfhip : Likewife Edward
Hoare, of Guilford, was feveral Months imprifoned on an Indidment for not
going to Church.
ANNO 16S4. In the Month called 7«/)', Richard V/ebb, of Kingjlon, was
committed to the Marjbalfea Prifon for his Conftancy in attending religious
Meetings, which about this Time they were frequently obliged to hold in the
Street, being kept out of their Meeting-houfe by the Mayor's Order : For the
fame Caufe alfo, Thomas Rudd fuffercd Imprifonment in the fame Goal.
In November, upon Complaint or Information m.ide to the Recorder of
London, of a Meeting in Grace-church-ftreet, and that Robert Hajle, an Inhabi-
tant of Southwark, was there, he iifued the following Warrant, viz.
" Surry fs.
" To ail Conflables, Headboroughs, Churchwardens, Overfeers
" of the Poor, Bay lifts, and all other his Majeftys OJJcers in
*' the Jaid County whatjoever.
" WJ H E R E A S by the Oath of two credible WitnelTes before me Sir
»e YY Tho?nas Je/aier Knt. Recorder of LwJtf;/, and one of his Majefty's
" Juflices of the Peace for the County aforefaid, there was a Conventicle or
«< unlawful AlTembly, held the 2 2d Day ol' Oolober hit paft, in Grace-church-
" ftreet in the City of London, wherein were a Company of Perfons, all above
«' the Age of fixteen Years, and Subjedts of this Realm, to the Number of
«« twenty Perfons more than thofe of the Family or Houfliold, contraiy to the
'« Aft of Parliament in that Cafe made and provided : Among whom was
• < Robert Hajle, of St. Olaves Southwark in the County of Surry, Taylor. In
«' which Conventicle, or Affcmbly, was a Perlon to thcle Deponents unknown,
" who did take upon him to teach and preach, under Colour or Pretence of
« Flxercife of Religion, in other Manner and Form than according to the
" Liturgy of the Church of England, whereby the Penalty of twenty Pounds
*' was forfeited by the Preacher or Teacher aforefaid, who being unknown, as
Vol. I. 8 Q " aforefaid.
S U R R V.
1683.
Imp'ifomniiiti
for Meetings.
Death of
W. Knight in
P'ijon.
Profecutio>i of
J. Blacc for
Preaching.
Sxcommuiticx'
tion of ,1 Pnc
titioner vf
Phyfick.
Various other
Profecutions.
Imprifonrnents
for Meetings.
Wurrnn from
the Recorder
of London.
7o6
SURRY.
1684.
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" aforefaid, the Penalty by him forfeited, ought of Confequence to be levied
" by the faid Aft upon the Hearers and Perlons there prelent and convifted
" thereof, fo as not above ten Pounds be levied upon any one Perfon for any
' ' one Offence ; for which Caufe I have impofed the Fine of five Shillings foi
'' his own Offence as an Hearer ; and becaufe the Preacher is unknown, I
" have by Direction of the faid Adl, allotted him to pay the Sum of nine
" Pounds fifteen Shillings for Part of the faid Preacher's Offence. Thefe are
" therefore, in his Majefty's Name, and by Virtue of the fiid Acl, to com-
" mand you, or fome of you, to levy the faid Sum of ten Pounds by Way
*' of Diftrefs and Sale of the llxid Offender's Goods above-mentioned, and that
" if you are refufed Entrance into the Houfe, or any Part of the Houfe or
" Houfes in Poffeffion or Occupation of the faid Robert Hajle, after you have
" declared your Bufinefs in his Majefty's Name, you are hereby required to
" break open all and every the Doors and Barracadoes of and belonging to any
" Part of the Houfe or Houfes as aforefaid, and to levy the full Contents of
" what you can find towards all and every the Warrants that you Iliall be
" charged with during the Time you are in PoffelTion of lucii Premifes, in
" Purfuance of the faid Statute : And that you return the fame to me to be
" diftributed according to the faid Ad: : And for fo doing this fhall be your
" Warrant. Given under my Hand and Seal this nth Day oi I^cve?nber,
" Anno regni Regis Caroli Secundi ^^6° Anncqiie Domini 1684.
Diftrefs [or
Tithes.
Trofeeutions
in Or veur
Kingfton upon
Thame*.
ec
Thomas Jenner^ Recorder.''
Cafe prefented
to the Mem-
bers of: Pit-
liment.
Thus the Recorder, in his abundant Zeal for the Church, exercifed his Power
by exerting it in an unufual Manner, and adting as a Juftice for the County of
Surry, which in other Cafes he had not commonly done. But the Informers
chofe on this Occafion to apply to him as a Perfon whofe Readinefs to encourage
them they had before experienced.
On the 8th oi December, Thomas Chajmer, oi Batfworth, for 30 j. demanded
of him for Tithes by Willia?n JVood, an Impropriator, had a Cow and a
young Bullock taken from him worth 4/. 55.
ANNO 1685. The following Perfons in or near Kingfton upon 'ThameSy
were indifted on the Statute for 20/. per Month, for Abfence from the National
Worfhip, v\%. Stephen Hubbard, Richard Webb, John Roiife, Robert Thorp,
Nicholas Benfon, John Becket, William Perry, and Anne Fielder : Alfb Gilbert
Latey, though dwelling in Middlefex, was indidted in this County for the fame
Caule : For which Caufe alfo, Thomas Ridley, of Putney, ani.1 Richard Almond,
of IVandfworth, fuffered Diftrefs of their Goods ; the former to the Value
of 18/. 155. and the latter to the Amount of 2/. is. Alfo Robert Belfomnd
Sujanna his Wife, George Hampton, John Billivghurft, Mary Bicknall, Widow,
George Bicknall, Henry Steele, Thotnas Frenjham, Charles Paine, Mary Dare,
IViUiam Harding, George Draper, Thomas Luck, and Thomas Butterfield, dwelling
at or near Guilford, having been convicted at the Quarter Seffions on the
faid Statute for 20/. per Month, for not going to Church, had Warrants iffued
cut of the Exchequer for levying the Penalties on their refpedtive Eftatcs.
In this Year the following Cafe of this People in the faid County was drawn
up, and prefented by the Subfcribers, viz.
" To the Knights and Burgesses of the County and Borough Towns
" of Surry, chofen Members of this prefent Parliament.
" 3lb^ Sufi^ering Cafe of the People called Quakers in the faid Towns and
" County, humbly prefented.
" \ 717" E your Countrymen, Friends, and Neighbours, in the Behalf of
" YV our fclves and our luffering Friends, tenderly befeech your Chriflian
" Confideration of our deplorable luffering Condition, being purely for
" Confcience-fike towards the all-powerful God that made us.
" Many
Chap. 33. of t^x People called QUAKERS.
'^ Many of us have been long and ftill are Prifoners in the County Prifon for
" no other Caufe than peaceably ferving and wordiipping the All-iecing God,
and by Priefts, Informers, Excommunications, and Non-payment ot Fines,
many and tedious have been our Imprifonments to the neceffitating our
Families, befides the great Spoil <i'i our Goods upon the Conventicle- A61:,
together with our hard UHige at Kingjion by a Conltable, where our Friends
have been very grievoufly abufed by pinching, punching, and thrufting into
a nafty Ditch, fo that one Woman had her Arm broke, and feveral fore
bruifed and maimed, that they were forced to keep their Beds a long Time
after, narrowly efcaping with their Lives : And they have gotten thofe
Hurts that they will feel as long as they live, only for meeting together to
wait upon the Lord. And the numerous Convictions we lie under upon
the Statute of 20/. per Month, befides the late Prefentments upon the laid
Statute for Non-Conformity, which on our Parts is not from any Selfifhnefs
or Obftinacy, but fingly in Obedience towards God, and to keep our Peace
with him, who bears us Record therein, and though differing from others in
fome outward Circumftances, yet our peaceable Deportment and Clearnefs
from injuring any, teftifies our Innocency.
" Therefore we intreat fuch tender charitable Conftruftion of our Caufe from
you, according to your prefent Station and Capacity, as to endeavour and
move for our Relief, that our Families may be preferved from Ruin and
Spoil. So intreating you to confider our Cafe as your own, defiring the
Lord to incline you to do as you would be done unto, wifliing your
Welfare and Profperity in Mercy and Truth, we remain
(C
<c
707
SURRY.
1685.
Your loving Neighhurs and Friends to the King and Kingdotn.
" Ambrose Rigg,
*' George Beale,
" Nathanael Owen.'
ANNO 16S6 to 1690. The Accounts we have recorded of Tithes, taken
in Corn, Hay,
follows, viz.
Cattle, Lambs, and other
Things
in
this County, are as
From Thomas Jones fen. of JVarplefden, Lambs worth
Roger Jones, oi Guilford, for 18 j. demanded,
Goods worth
Richard Brown, of Capel, for 2 /. 6 s. 4 ^. de-
manded. Goods worth
John Blatt, of Rygate, Hay and Corn worth
William Blatt, of the fame, Hay and Corn worth
Amhrofe Rigg, Hops and other Things worth
Refia Patchin, of Nudigate, Horfes, Oxen, and
other Cattle, Corn, Hay, and Money, to the
Value of
Richard Brown, of Capel, Goods worth
Richard Bax jun. of the fame. Corn worth
Thomas Bax, of the fame. Corn, ^c. worth
John Bignall, of Rygate, Corn worth
Thomas Blatt, and John Blatt jun. of the fame
John Stedman, of Capel, Corn, i£c. worth
John Roufe, of Kingjion upon Thames
Thomas Ellen, of EJ/jer, and John Horley, of
the fame
Thomas Hayman, of Thames-Ditton
George Vaux, of Rygate
}
}
}
I.
15
6
3
1 1
3
5
I
6
3
9
12
o
19
2
10
7
o
o
6
I
15
17
13
J7
10
6
6
o
o
o
49 14 8
6
o
8
o
o
o
6
o
o
Accounts of
lithes of
Com, Sec.
Carried over 131 13 4
7o8
SUHRY.
1686 to
1690.
JJiftrejfes on
A. Bax for
Cbiirgis of
jk Militia.
From
u4 Collection 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I.
Brought over
"James Stenning, of Ewhurjl, two Oxen worth
George Bignail, of Leigb, five Beafts worth
Richard Needham^ for Pricft's Maintenance
/.
s.
^.
>3i
13
4
8
9
4
6
148 17 10
In the Year 1690, Anne £^a-, a Widow of Capel, had a fat Bullock taken from
her by Diilrefs, worth 3 /. for her confcientious Refufal to contribute toward
the Charges of the Militia for this County : Which Suffering of hers is the laft
we find recorded within the Time to which our prefent Account is limited.
Wherefore we proceed to Sujfex.
CHAP. XXXIV.
SUSSEX.
1655.
f^ir'tety of
Sufferings on
jeverd Occl-
ftons.
Imprifonmem
of N. Rick-
ma ti izwj kis
mfe.
T. Laycock
■wkipt and put
hi Irons.
SUSSEX.
Anno 1655.
THOMAS LACOCK being religioufly concerned in one of
the publick AfTemblies, after the Prieft had clofed his cuflomary
Performance, to give a Chriftian Exhortation to the People, was,
for his Love and Goodwill, requited with four Months Imprifbn-
ment. Alio Brian IVilkinfou, of Niithnrft, for fending fome Qiieries, and
writing a Letter to the Priell of Horjham, which the Juftices termed fcandalous,
lliffered nine Months Imprifonment, to his great Detriment, being confined
during the Time of Harvefl. Likewife Jcjepb Fuce, being on his Travels,
occafionally preaching, was taken by Order of the Mayor of Arundel, and
lent to Portfmouth, to be fhipt ior Jamaica among a Company of diforderly
Perfons, who had been fentenced thither for their vicious Couries : His Piety
being deemed as criminal as their Proftnenefs. Sundry others in this Year, for
refijfing to pay Tithes, for Demands amounting but to 61. 13 j. iuffered Diffrefs
of their Corn and other Goods to the Value of 21 /. lOi. There were alio
fome Perlons, who for gs. demanded of them toward repairing the Houfes
for publick Worfhip, had Goods taken from them worth 40 J.
ANNO 1656. Nicholas Richnan^ and Frances his Wife, were committed
to Prifon by the Mayor of Arundel, he, for writing a Paper concerning the
true Worfhip of God ; and fhe, for teftifying againft one Henry Staples, her
own Brother, one of the Priefts of that Place. They lay in Prifon through
a very cold Winter, fhut up from their Tmde and Family: Two Seffions palled
during their Imprifonment, at which they were not called, and at die third
ScfTions, they were difcharged, no legal Caufe appearing for their Commit-
meiit : Yet their Goods, to the Value of 24 j. were fome Time after
taken away for the Charges of their unjufl Commitment. In this Year
alfo, 'thomas haycock was, by the fame Mayor, fent to the Houfe of
Correclion, where he was wliipt, and lor fome Time kept in Irons, lying
feveral Weeks in Winter in a cold low Room without Boards, having neither
Fire, Candle, nor a Bed to lie on, though no Tranl'grelTion of any Law had
been proved againft him, nor was there any legal Cuule afUgned for fuch his .
barbarous Ufage. About this Time, fome ot this Perfuafion having a religious
Meeting at Brighlhelrnftonc, were cruelly ufed and ftoned by the People there ;
and
709
SUSSEX.
1656.
R. Pratt fijit
to Bridewell.
Chap. 34. of the People called QUAKERS.
and one Richard Pratt fhortly after prefented a Paper to tlie Bench of Juftices
at Lewis, reprefenting their Cafe, and defiring the Juftices to exert their
Authority in protefting tlie Innocent from fiich Abides ; but they, inftead of
regarding his juft Complaint, lent him to the Houfe of Correction, and ordered
him to be whipt there, and kept to hard Labour. As they were haling him
away to Bridewell, the People were very abufive, and pufhed him, fo that he
was likely to fall, to prevent which, one IVilliam Hobbiyi took hold of him ;
this was called an Attempt to refcue the Prifoner ; for which Hobhin was
fined 5 /. and fent to Prifon {or refufing to pay it. The aforefaid Bryan Several imprl-
tVilkinfon, with John Fiirjhy and 'J'boi?ias Patcben, were imprifoned for buying and l°^'^t°^i^ '
having ^lakers Books, which the Juftices calltdfeditious, and though they could Books,
affign no Law therein tranfgrefied, yet they kept them trom Seilions to Seffions
without bringing them to any Trial for about ten Months. In this Year Thomas
Robertfon and Margaret Wilkinfon, tor fome Offence they had given the Priefts,
whom it was dangerous to reprove, were committed to Prilon : The Juftices
at this Time were fo fevere againft the ^takers, that they not only committed
fome of them illegally, but ftridlly infifted on their clofe Confinement. And
when Richard Luckins, Keeper of Horjhmn Goal, knowing the Integrity of his
Sev:rhy ini
lujudice of
the fuftices.
Prifoners, gave fome of them Leave to go out
t on their Parole, the Juftices y ''.^
Houfe of Corre6lion, and de- „.[„:',!.
Thus punifhing him
whom he knew to be
Jmprifoiiment
Goilgr
Hu-
manity.
Diftrejfis
Tithes.
for
Imprifonment
of an aged
Womin.
Diftrejfes for
Steeph-houfs
Jiites.
were fo angry, that they fent the Goaler to the
tained him there feveral Weeks to his great Prejudice
for his Humanity in fhewing Favour to his Prifoners,
hardly dealt with by the Juftices,
In this Year, for Demands of 33/. 125. 4^. for Tithes, Goods were
taken from feveral Perfons in this County, to the Value of 123 /. 10 j. And
the Widow Killingbeck, an aged Woman, for 12 j. demanded of her for Tithes,
was caft into Prifon, and luftered much in a very cold Winter. Others, for
retbfing to contribute toward the repairing of the Steeple-houfes, tor i /. 45.
demanded, had their Goods taken to the Value of i /. 12 s. 6d.
ANNO 1657. In this Year the Parifhioners oi' Cofould, being to ele£t a
Minifter, to fupply their Cure then vacant, publick Notice was given, that
if any would objeft againft the Life or Doftrine of the Perfon propofed Vnjufl Impri-
for that Office, they fhould appear at the Steeple-houfe at the Day appointed -(^""r'^ft^ i^
for the Eledtion : Accordingly Margery Caiijlock went, and oft'ered to prove
the Perfon propofed to be unfound and corrupt both in Life and Doftrine : But
they refufed to hear her, and carried her before a Neighbouring Juftice, who
committed her to Prifon, where fhe lay above half a Year.
Some of this People alfo fuffered through the fiery Zeal which many of
the ProfefTors of thofe Times were afted by. It happened that John Baker,
an Apprentice to Natbanael Blunden, a Draper and Taylor in Chiltington,
being convinced of the ^takers Principles, made Profeffion of the lame :
Wherefore his Mafter beat him moft outragioufly, knockt him down, and
ufed him with much Cruelty, and at length turned him illegally out of his
Service, without performing the Covenants of his Indenture.
In the fame Year Joh7i Snajhold, of Chiltington, for going into the Steeple-
houfe at Billinghurlt, probably with his Hat on, was committed to Prifon, and
kept there fevcn Weeks, in which Time he was five Times arraigned at Seffions
and Affizes : But at length being had before the Barons of the Excbeqiier, he was
by them fet at Liberty.
John Barber, of Henfield, was imprifoned for a Demand of 10 5. for Tithes,
and afterwards for the fame, had his Goods taken to twelve Times that Value.
Richard Pratt and Nicholas Beard were imprifoned for a Contempt, not-
withftanding their perfonal Appearance in the Court oi Exchequer, as cited.
In this Year, for Demands of 59 /. 12 s. 6 d. for Tithes, Goods were taken piftreff'^s.
from feveral Perfons to the Amount of 106/. 10 s. And tor Demands of
3/. 1 6 J. ^d, for Steeple-houfe Repairs, were taken Goods worth 12/. 8 s. 6 d.
ANNO 1658. Alice IVeft oi Green, and Thomas Patchen of IJield, were Siimhy impri.
committed to Horfloam Goal for exliorting the People in the Steeple-houfe of their P'""^""'
Vol. I. 8 R relpcftive
Siifferhig of
J. Baker an
jljipmnice.
Imprifotiment
for Tithes.
SUSSEX.
1658.
Death of
J. Larbee.
Imprifonmems
and other
Cruelties,
Attachment.
Diftrefs.
Cruel Fruits
of ip;norant
Zeal.
Illegal Jmpri-
fiyme'/itt
Vijire/es for
Fines.
Jmprifo>:mem
for rejufing
to Swear,
Various
Abufes,
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
refpedive Parifhes, and continued Prifoners above a Year. In the mean Time,
'James Larhee, tor fpeaking to a Prieft in the Steeple-houfe at Chichefter, was fent
to Prifon, where he fuffered much under a cruel Keeper, and after five Months
clofe Confinement, was releafed. A few Days after his Difcharge, he died,
carrying to his Grave the Marks of the Bruiles which he had received, and
whicli, it was believed, did haften his Death.
About the lame Time, John Pullet, of Brighthelmjlone, for fpeaking to the
Prieft and People in the Stecple-houfe there, was impriloned in the Block-houfe,
and the next Day lent to tlie County Goal till Seffions, and then fentenced to
Bridewell., to be whipt and kept to hard Labour. The Time of his Confinement
in the Goal and Bridewell, was about fix Months. In the fame Year, the Widow
Hatch exhorting the People in one of their Afiimblies for Worlliip, fome of
them put a Rope about her Neck, and dragg'd her out at the Door.
Nicholas Beard and Clement Hyland were arrefted by the Prieft of Rolting-
dean, for fpeaking the Truth to him, and fent to Hor/frnm Goal.
Robert yidams, of Simfon, upon an Attachment out of the Exchequer for
Tithes, was impriloned, and continued there two Years.
In this Year, for Demands of 40/. ly s. Sd. for Tithes, Goods were taken
from feveral Perfons, to the Value of 97/.
There being a Meeting held on die Firft-day of the Week, at the Houfe of
IVilliatn Gold in Brighthelmjlone, the People of that Town coming from their
Worfhip, produced Fruits of that ignorant Zeal which formal Protefibrs are
filled with againft thole who worfhip God in Spirit .and in Truth. They furi-
oufly broke the Windows of the Houfe, which one Woman was obferved to
do very devoutly with her Bible, after which they threw in Abundance of
Mire and Dirt, and at length rulhing violently in, haled out Jofeph Fuce and
others, throwing him dangeroufly on the Ground, and dragging him out of
Town, threatned him, that if ever he came thither again, they would throw
him into the Sea. After this Manner the People there frequently inlulted and
abufed thofe who were religioufly aflembled ; of which Abufes Margery
Caufiock had a large Share : Her Daughter alio, of the fame Name, going
from a Meeting, was cruelly ftoned, and wounded in the Face to the hazard-
ing the Lofs of her Eye, and her Blood was fpilt to that Degree, that fome
of the mad Zealots boafted of their having killed one pinker, as they had
almoft done another, viz. Richard Pratt, by floning him. Thus they fiilfilled
the Scripture which faith, 1'he Time coineth, that whofoever killeth you, will think
that he doth God good Service. John xvi. 2. The like Barbarity was exercifed
on the Friends at their Meetings in Lewis, where the Windows were often broke,
and their Perfons abufed by Water, Dung, and other Naftinefs thrown upon
them. At one Meeting, at the Old Cajlle-Green, the rude Rabble, among
whorn were Ibme Sons of the Independent Profeflbrs, came with Swords, Guns,
and Pikes, rufhing violently upon the Friends, as they were kneeling in Time
of Pr.iyer. At other Times they threw Squibs of Gunpowder, and other
Fire-works, to the burning of their Clothes and wounding of their Bodies.
Thomas Lacock was taken out of a religious Meeting at Nicholas Rick?nan''&
in Arundel, and fent to Goal without any legal Caufe afTigned, where he
remained above a Year.
The following Perfons had their Goods taken away under Pretence of Fines
for breaking the Sabbath, only for going to their religious Meetings on that
Day, namely, Edward Hamper, William Turner, Tnjlram Martin, Nicholas
Rickman, and Richard Cooke, to the Value of 4/. i2i. The \xiA Richard
Cooke, a very poor Man, died before his Goods were fold •, yet did the Pro-
• fecutor proceed to fell them without any Commiferation of his necefntous
Widow and Fatherlefs Chiklren.
Ninion Brocket, chofen Conftable, and retufing to take upon him the ufual
Oath to qualify him for that Office, fuffered fifteen Months Imprifonment.
ANNO 1659. JohnSnaJhold oi Chihinglon, and Nicholas Beard oi' Bright-
helmjlone, going into the refpeftive Stecple-lioufes of thofe Places, were much
abufed.
Chap. 34. of the People called QUAKERS.
abufed, haled by the Hair of the Head, and the former thrown over a Seat to
the endangering ot his Life. This was done by the Hearers,, but in fome
Cafes the Pridb themfclves, made their own (not facred) Hands, the Execu-
tioners of their Refentment ; for Inftance, Margery Caiifiock, of Pannmg's,
Parifti, going into the Steeple-iioufe there, and fpeaking to Jdam Hoffiun,
Prieft, alter he had ended his Worfhip, he furioufly afliiulted her, .tore her
Clothes and Handkerchief, puncht her on the Stomach, and beat her back
againft a Scat. As little ot Cbrijiian Meeknefs appeared in Thomas Meade,
Pricft of Redg-wick, who, in the Steeple-houfe there, violently punched John
Blackfan on the Breafl, and encouraged the rude Multitude to beat him, fo
that his Body was much bruifed. The like Ufage the fame Perfon met with
from John Honney, Prieft of IVoodmancott^ who when Hem-y Steel, one ot his
Parilhioners, after Sermon, alked him a fober Qiieftion, gave him reproachful
Names inftead of an Anfwer, while the Prieft's Son, in his Father's Prefence,
Ihamefully prickt the Man's Leg with a Pin at the End of a Stick, without
Reproof. About the lame Time Bryan Wilkinjon, of Nutkurft, was violently
thruft out of the Steeple-houfe there, and puncht on the Breaft with both
Hands by Robert Ftp, Priefl of that Parifh, and when the (liid Bryan, in the
fame Steeple-houfe Yard, was reading fome Scriptures to the People, another
Prieft, named Mitchel, attempted to Ihatch or beat the Bible out of his Hands.
From thefe Inftances of fighting Priefts, the Reader may obferve, how apt
the fuddeii Tranfports of furious Zeal and blind Revenge are to hurry Men
into Aftions, not only beneath the Charader they pretend to bear, but even
below the Rules of common Decency in their Behaviour.
Edward Hamper and Nicholas Rkkman were fent to the Houfe of Correftion
at Arundel, ior alking the Prieft there a Queftion about fome Doftrine he had
been then preaching.
Humphry Killingbeck, being in one of the Steeple-houfcs, was ftruck violently
over the Head by a Butcher with a great Cudgel.
Sarah Marner was much abus'd, kickt, and turn'd out of the Steeple-houfe
at Fitleworth by the Parifli-Clerk, for fpeaking a few Words to the Prieft,
after his Service was ended.
Mary Akehurft, a religious Woman of Lewis, going into a Steeple-houfe
there, and afking a Qiieftion of the Independent Preacher, after his Sermon,
was dragg'd out by the People, and afterward beaten and puncht by her
Hufband, fo that flie could not lift her Arms to her Head without Pain. She
alio fuffered much cruel Ufage from her faid Hufband, who bound her Hand
and Poot, and grievoufly abufed her, for reproving one of the Priefts who
had fiilQy accufed her. Her Hufband alfo kept her chained ior a Month to-
gether, Night and Day, attempting in vain by (uch Cruelty to deter her from
the Profeffion of the Truth, as held by the ^takers, to which flie neverthelefs
with Chrifiian Courage and Conftancy adhered.
Nicholas Lambeth was cruelly beaten with many Stripes by a Company of
nide Perfons, who fent for him to an Houfe, under Pretence of hearing fome
good Exhortation from him, he having before been concerned to preach in the
Hearing of fome of them.
Richard Sna/hold, ftanding filently in the Steeple-houfe of the Parifh he
lived in, was violently haled out at the Prieft's Command, who rewarded
one of the rude Boys with a piece of Money for his Service in forcing out the
^iaker.
Henry Bennett was arretted and fent to Horjham Goal for Tithes -, as were
alfo, Richard Beard, Richard IVebb, and John Adams, all of Rottingdean, at
the Suit of John Apjfley and Edward Goreing.
John Blackfan, of Stenning, was profecuted in the Exchequer for 20/. for
Tithes of eight Acres and an Half, when all the Corn that grew upon his Land
was fcarce worth half that Money.
For Claims of Tithes amounting to 78 /. 1 8 j. were taken in this Year from
feveral Perfons, Corn and Goods worth 210 1. 5 s.
Exorbitant
711
SUSSEX.
1659.
j4Bs of fome
fighting
Priefts.
]{im.trl!
thireon.
Imprijort'
ments.
Abufis.
Perfecmion of
M. Akehurft,
N. Lambeth,
arjd R. Snafh-
old.
Imprifonmmt
0/ H.Bennett
for Tithes.
Exchequer
Frocsfs.
Dilirejfes {or
lithis.
712
SUSSEX.
1659.
Exorhitim
Seiiures.
Grievous hi-
prifonmem.
f'ariety of
Profecutioiis
for Tithes.
Jmprifoiimeiits
for Meeting,
- ani rejti(i>ig to
Srveir.
Imftifomwiti
for Tithes,
and refufing to
SweAT.
Exorbitant
Seizures for
Tithes.
A Colleclion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Exorbirant was the Diftrefs made on John Tugwell., of Jfield, who for 1 1 s:
claimed for Tithes, had a Cow taken from him worth 7 /. lOi. And as extream
was the Seizure on the Goods of Nicholas Beard, of Rottingdean, to the Value
of III /. 5 J. for one Year's Tithe of a Farm ot but lool Yearly Rent.
John Shaw, of Shipley, for his confcientious Refufal to pay Tithes, fufFered
a arievous and hard Imprifonment ; the Independent Preachers of thofe Times
being no lefs rigid in exacfling Tithes, than were the Epifcopal Priefts after the
Relloration of King Charles the Second.
ANNO \66c. On the 17th of the Month called June, George Brigjlock,
for refufing to pay Tithes, was committed to Horjham Goal, at the Suit of
Ralph Cooke, Priefb of Burjlon : After three Months he was removed to the
King's-Bench, and afterward had Goods worth 35/. tals:en from him for an original
Demand of but 61. On the 20th of the fame Month, Richard Newman, of
Stennwg, was (ent to the iiime Prifon, at the Suit of Charles Blackivell, and
continued there about eighteen Months. On the 14th of the Month called
Augujt, Robert Tribe, of Rygate, was fent to Prifon, at the Suit of George
Vaughan, for Tithes : And in Ociober were committed for the fame Caufe,
Thomas Lux ford, oi Hiirft-Pier- Point, a.t the Suit of Leonard Lechford, Prieft ;
alfo Arthur Stanbridge, of Ifield, at the Suit of Henry Hollywell, Prieft of that
Pariii.
On the 23d' of the Month called January, William Garton and William
Diiffield, both of Ifield, having been feen at a religious Meeting, were, at the
Infligation of Henry Hollywell, a Priefl, taken from their Employments and
carried before the Juftices, who tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and
on their Refufal to Swear, fent them to Prifon till the AfTizes, when the Oath
being again tendred in Court to William Garton, and refufed, he was fent back
to Prifon. About the fune Time Richard Scrafe, Walter Scrafe, William
Holben, John Wenham, John Adatns, Francis Randall, Tho?nas Brithredge, Stephen
Eager, Eleanor Robin/on, Elizabeth Hilton, Anne Cottingham, Siifan Cowper, and
Elizabeth Gallowaj, were taken out of a Meeting at the Clift near Lewis :
They were kept all Night at an Inn, and next Day carried before feveral
Juftices at Packham, who committed them to Horfham Goal till the next
Afiizes, when they were fet at Liberty without any legal Ex.amination or Trial.
For the fame Caufe, John Shaw, Richard Shaw, Richard Pannell, Richard
Sttirgis, Richard SnaJJjold, John Baker, John Ttdl-j, and John Snajhold, were
impriioned fix Weeks in a cold Winter Seafon.
ANNO 1 66 1. Nicholas Beard was committed to Horjham Goal for Tithes,
at the Suit of Robert Baker, Prieft of Rottingdean : After three Months he was
removed to the King's- Bench Prifon at London, upon a Demand of 140/. for
Tithes, though on an Hearing afterw.ard at the AfTizes, the Jury determin'd
the Parfon's real Due to be but 4 /. lOJ. In the Month called February this
Year, John Shaw was alfo imprifoned, at the Suit of George Davy, Im-
propriator.
On the 28th of the Month called January, Mofes French, Robert Adams,
Gregory Markwick, William Cooke, and Edward Herriott, were taken from a
Meeting, and for refufing the Oath of Allegiance, committed to Horjham Goal.
At the next AfTizes, about five Weeks after, they were turned out of Prifon
without any legal Procedure againft them.
ANNO 1662. John Shaw, then in Prifon for 4J. 8^. demanded for
Tithes by the Prieft ofThacham, had taken from him four Cows and a Calf
worth 1 8 /. And in the fame Year, four Steers valued .u 1 3 /. were taken from
him for Tithes, by Ifaac Pearfon, an Impropriator of Shipley. Edward Taylor,
for Tithes, had two fat Oxen taken away worth 17/. 10 s. And Thomas Tax,
for a Claim of \6s. for Tithes, had a Cow taken away worth 4/. loj.
Exorbitant was the Seizure made laft Year on Abraham Crittenden, of
Warbleton, who for a Claim of three Years Tithe of a Farm of 35 /. per
Annum, which had formerly paid a Yearly Compofition of 2/. 14 j. hail
taken from him by Richard Weller, Priefl of the fifid Parifh, four Milch Kine
worth
Chap. 34. of th^ People called QUAKERS.
worth 19/. one Pair of Oxen worth 12/. 10;. one Mare valued at 5/. 10;.
and lorty Sheep and Lambs worth 15/. amounting in all to 52 /.
In this Year John Rlackfan, of Skmiingi was committed to Hor/Ijafn Goal
on a Writ de Excommunicato capie>ido, after a Profecution in the Ecckfiaftical
Court for refufing to pay towards the Repairs of the Steeple-houfe.
On the 28th of the Month called M^tji, was a Meeting at the Houfe of
Tlmnas Luxfordy of Hurft-Pier-Point^ out of which, or in the Street as they
were going Home, were taken and fent to Horjham Goal, Henry Scttifi, Richard
Scrafe, Nicholas Beard, William Holben, Richard JVehb, James Matthew, and
Ambrofe Galloway. At the next AfTizes they were all fined and recommitted
to Prifon, where Nicholas Beard and IVilliam Holben lay two Months, Henry
Scrafe and Richard Scrafe fourteen Months, and limbrofe Galloway, Richard
Webb and James Matthew near four Years.
Ambrofe Rigg was committed to Prifon by the following Mittimtis, viz.
f 'To the fLeeper of his Majejiy's Goal at Horfliam.
-'i- -SniTex 7>.
WE fend you herewithal the Body of Ambrofe Rigg, being this Day
brought before us for being at an unlawful Aflembly or Conventicle,
and having refufed to take the Oath of Allegiance, according to Law tendred
to him : Thefe are therefore, in his Majefty's Name, to will and require
you, at the Sight hereof, to take and receive the Body of the faid Ambrofe
Rigg into your Goal, and him fafe keep till he fliall thence be delivered by
due Order of his Majefty's Laws : Hereof fail not, as you will anfvver the
Contrary at your Peril. Given under our Hands and Seals at Hurfi-Pier-
Point, the 28th of May 1662, in the fourteenth Year of the Reign of our
«
(I
41
IC
<(
cc
713
SUSSEX;
1662.
Excommuni-
cutioii.
Fines ani
ImprifoHtmntt
Jor D/leititig.
Soveraign Lord King Charles the Second.
" NiSALL RyVERS^
" Walter Burrell,
" Richard Bridger."
Mittimus of
A. Rigg /-flf
refufing 19-
Sweiir,
At the next AfTizes he was indifted, tried immediately, and had Sentence of
Premunire paffed upon him ; by which he was adjudged to lofe all his Lands
and Tenements during Life, and his Goods and Chattels for ever, to be out
of the Prottftion of the Law, and to futfer Imprifonment during the King's
Pleafure. Upon that Sentence he was kept in Prifon ten Years, tour Months,
and fome Days.
On the 30th of November, Nicholas Rickman, Edward Hamper, William
'Turner, Tri/tram Martin, John Liidgater, and John Beak, were taken out of
a Meeting at Arundel, and committed to Horjham Goal : At the next SefTions
thole fix, together with Henry Woolycr, Richard Clarington, John King, Richard
Lamboll, John Leonard, and John Linfield, were fined and fent to Prifon,
whence after two Months they were removed to the Houfe of Corre<5lion, and
detained there three Months longer.
ANNO 1663. In this Year were taken by Diffrefs for Tithes,
/. s. d.
From Joane Scrafe Widow, for 90 /. demanded, twenty
eight Beafts worth
Henry Bennett, of Wejion, for 9 /. dem.andcd.
Cattle worth
Richard Bonnick, for 3 /. 165. demanded, a Cow
worth
Arthur Stanbridge, for 1 8 /. demanded, four Oxen
and two Cows worth
}
1
}
}
123
33
33
Sentence of
Premunire
fjjfed Upon
A.Rigg.fty
rohich hs lay
ten Teirt in
Prifon^
Frifoners for
Mictitig,
Viflrejfes for
Tithes.
Vol. I.
8 S
Car. over 194 o
714
A Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. L
SUSSEX. I' i» d.
1663. Brought over 194 o o
^.-'"'V^"""0 From John 'tiigwell, for i /. demanded, a Cow worth 500
Viftrejfes for Richard Bonnkk^ for i /. 55. demanded, a fat
tithes. Hog worth
JVtlliam Carton., for i /. demanded, a Mare worth 500
\
10
Sentence of
Premunire.
Filfe Mi-'uji-
tion.
Contmitmetits
from t Meet-
ing at Arun-
del, CTf.
For 124/. IS. od.
Taken 206 10
Taken alfo, at the Suit oi fVilliam PriauXt Prieft of Rufper^
I. s.
From Benjamin Matthew, for 3 /, demanded, three 7
Cows and a Bullock worth j
Richard Stanbridge, for 3 /. demanded, two Cows 7
worth J
John Steer, for 8/. demanded, four Cows and
a Calf worth
}
d,
14 o o
12 o o
18 o o
For 14/. OS. od.
Taken 44 o
Alfo Arthur Stanbridge, for 28 J. demanded by the Prieft of Mulcajier^ had
a Mare taken from him wordi 6 /.
John Harris, of Home, had three Kine taken from him for Tithe, by the
Procurement of the Prieft of Bletchingly : And Jane Keitipfell Widow, for
Tithes of 4/. Value, had taken from her two Cows worth 8/. a Lamb worth 91.
and feven Carriages of Hay with a Cart and two Horfes.
In September this Year, Stephen Eager, of Lewis, was taken by a Warrant
from his own Houfe and carried to the Seftions, when the Oath of Allegiance
being tendred to, and refufed by him, the Juftices fent him to Prifon, where he
lay trom Seffions to Seffions, till at length Sentence of Premunire was paft upon
him, under which he lay in Prifon a long Time.
About the fame Time, John Snafiold, a Pradlitioner in Surgery, going into
a Friend's Houfe to drels a Woman's Breaft, fome Soldiers fiw and lollowed him,
and violently haling him out of the Houfe, accufed him of being at a Con-
venticle, for which he was committed to Prifon, afterward fined, and fent to
the Houfe of Correftion for diree Months.
On the 7th of the Month called February the lame Year, Nicholas Rickman,
Edward Hamper, PVilliam Tinnier, Tri/lram Martin, and Henry JVoolyer, with
John Snajhold, PVilUam Clayton, Richard Newman, anti John Baker, were taken
out of a Meeting at Arundel by a Company of Soldiers armed with drawn
Swords and Guns, without the Prefence of a Civil Magiftrate, and kept at an
Inn till a Juftice was fent for out of the Country, who committed them to
HorJIjam Goal : At the following Seffions at Petworth, Nicholas Rtckman,
JVilliam Turner, and Trijlram Martin, were fined 61. each, for a lecond Ofi-'ence
in Meeting togedier, and were committed to the fame Houfe of Correction for
fix Months : As was John Snajhold upon the firft Offence for three Montlis.
Edward Hamper, Richard Newman, and Henry Woolyer, were feverally fined
at the fame Seffions. It was obferved, that the Juftice who committed thcfc
Perfons to Prifon, while he feemed earncft in luch Prolecutions, had feveral
Cafualties which befel him : Once he was very near drowning, and at another
Time broke his Shoulder by a Fall. Thefe Accidents die Sufl^erers looked on
as providential Cautions or Warnings to him •, but he neverthelels continued in
his Courfe ot perfecuting till removed by Death about two Years after.
John Black/an, of Stenning, fVilliam Goring, Mary Fleet the Elder, Mary
Fleet the Younger, and Henry Bennett, were profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical
Court for abfenting from the publick Worfhip ; and the two former were
excommunicated : And for tiie like Caufe, the laid Hcnny Bennett, and Tlmnas
Turner, a Surgeon near Ea/l-Grimfied, lullercd Imprilonment : As did alio,
Richard
•v_;
Sundry Impri-
fotments.
Chap. 34. of the People c^//(?^ QUAKERS. 715
Richard Snajhold and Thomas Ridgwkk, who had been fined 60/. each, for tliree SUSSEX.
Months Ablence from die National Worfliip, on the Statute for 20/. per ^66^.
Month.
In this Year John Songhurjl, of Hilchingfield, was fent to Goal by a Writ de
Excommunicato capiendo for Tithes, at the Suit of Samuel Eburne, Prieft of
that Parilh : Alfo Richard I^eisjman was again imprifoned at the Suit of Charles
Blackwelly Prieft oi' Stenning. And John Smith, oi Chtchejler, for not bearing
Arms, had Goods taken trom him worth 4 /.
ANNO 1 664. John Shaw was again imprifoned near nine Months for
Tithes, at the Suit of Gregory Davy, Impropriator.
For refilling to pay the Rates made for repairing the Steeple-houfes, y^nne
Francis Widow, was committed to Prilon by a Writ de Excommunicato
capiendo, and there detained from five Fatherlefs Children left at Home in an
helplels Condition : for the fame Caufe Thomas Lillington, of Petivorth, was
excommunicated : Ambrofe Galloivay^ of Lewis, had his Goods taken away by
Diftrefs ; and John Harris, oi IVorth, for 10 i. demanded, had a Cow taken
from him worth 6 /.
On the 23d of the Month called April this Year, Richard Newman, John
Barber, Richard Ajhby, and Robert Gatjord, were taken out of a religious
Meeting at the Houfe of John Blackfan in Stenning, and Surety being given
by a Neighbour for their Appearance at the next Quarter Seffions, they ap-
peared accordingly, where the Juftices tendred them the Oath of Allegiance,
and upon Refulal to take it committed them to Prilon ; whither alfo, on the
1 2th of the next Month, were fent, IVilliatn Welch, Francis Randall, Thomas
IVeJlover, Thotnas Parjons, John Grover, and John Betchlej, who were taken
out of a Meeting by Soldiers, and had the Oath tendred diem by one Juftice
only, whofe Commitment of them was therefore illegal. They were all dif-
charged at the Affizes except JVidiam Welch, who was a Stranger, fometimes
refiding at London, and coming to vifit a Relation in this County, was cafually
taken at the Meeting : The Juftice, fufpicious left this Man fhould take Ad-
vantage of him for his illegal Procedure, peifuadcd the Court to tender him
the Oath, upon refufing which he was recommitted, and about two Years
after had Sentence oiPremunire paft upon him, and was detained in Prilon a
long Time. . c;.
At a SefTions at Lewis, about the Time called Michaelmas this Year, twelve Sentence of
Perfons for refufing to Swear, had Sentence of Premunire paft upon them, to wit, Premunire.
Nicholas Beard, Richard Scrafe, Walter Scrafe, John Wenham, William Harrifon,
Thomas Avery, John Ellis, William Geering, William Norton, Mofes French,
John Shutter, and John Martin, in Confequencc of which they underwent a
very longlmprifonment.
On the 6th of September, Ambrofe Galloway, then, and long before in Priion, Diflrejfa.
had his Goods taken by Diftrefs for his Wife's Ablence from the publick W'or-
ihip : And for the fime Caufe, John Harris was fined, and had Corn taken
away from him : Alfo Benjatnin Matthew had a Cow taken from him worth 40J.
For refufing to bear Arms, were taken this Year,
From Thomas Luxford, and a Tenant of his, Goods worth
Mary, Wife of Ambrofe Rigg who was then in Prilon
John Barber and Nicholas Beard, Goods worth
John Smith, of Chichejler,
I.
9
o
13
7
s.
o
6
o
o
o
o
29 18 o
ANNO 1665. At the Sefiions held at P^/wo?-//^ on the 2d of 0/7oZ'^r, the
feveral Perfons following were proclaimed by the Sherifi^", in order to dieir being
outlaw'd, for their not going to the Pariih-Church, viz. Joane, Wife of
Richard Snaffjold, Mary, Wife of Richard Baker, Mary Baker Spinfter, Eli-
zabeth Baker Spinfter, John Cradle jun. and Joane his Wife, Thomas Kin?;, and
Richard
Vrochmmions
in order to
Oudxwry,
SUSSEX.
Grievous
Abufes of tki
Prifo/iers at
Horfham.
716 -^ Collection of the Sufferings .Vol. I.
Richard Pannel, all of Thackam ; Richard Greeiifeld, of Chillingion ; Abraham
Prior, of Shipley ; Elizabeth, "Wife of William Penfold, of Binjied ; Edward
CoHJlable, of Wijhorough-Green ; Edward Hamper, ot Arundel ; Richard La?nboll,
John Beale, Richard Chariiigton, and John Linfeld, of the fame. There were
alfo prefented at the Seffions for the lame Offence, John Shaw, of Shipley ;
JVilliam Garton, of Ifield ; 'Thomas Conftable, of Rudgwick ; and Walter Con-
ftable, of tVtjborough-Green ; which Walter in the laft Year had been imprifoned
above three Months, and was then dilchargcd, without any juft Caufe afligned
for his Imprifonment.
We Ihall next fubjoin a brief Narrative of the grievous Abufes fome of the
Prilbners met with from John Moorcock, then Under-goaler at Horjham.
This Moorcock, about the Month called January 1665, having put Nicholas
Beard into the Common Ward among the rudeft of the Prifoners, they
grievoufly abufed him, one of them threatning, with many Oaths, to cut his
Throat, for which the Goaler did not in the leaft reprove him, but connived
at the Wickedneis ot his Prifoners, with Vy'hom he kept Company in drinking
and revelling. Ambrofe Galloway being in an upper Ward, and hearing his
Friend lb abufed, came down, and defired Moorcock not to permit the
Prifoners to be lb abufive to him : Upon which Moorcock fell to beating
Ambrojcy and ordered another wicked Fellow with a long Staff, to knock him
down, which he did, and afterward they kickt him with their Feet, fo that
thole who ftood by, cried out tor fear of Murder. The wicked Goaler to
cover this grofs Abule, and tor a Pretext to commit more, went into the
Town about Eight in the Evening, and ipreading a Rumour that his Sluaker
Prifoners were running away, raifes the Captain ot the Trained-Bands, and
with a Company of rude Fellows, returns to the Prifon, where they took
Nicholas Beard and Richard Scrafe, and put them into the low Goal : And then
coming into the upper Ward, where Ambrofe Rigg was quietly at his Work,
they accufed him ot preaching, and becaufe he would not promife not to
preach any more, they thruft hun headlong down the Stairs, and threw him
over the Chain into the low Goal, where they put Irons both on him and
Ambrofe Galloway, in which Condition they were kept there eight Days, and
muft probably have continued much longer, had not the Sheriff himfelf come
to the Prifon, who ordered their Irons to be taken off again, reftored them to
their former Lodging, and difplaced the Keeper for his Wickednefs.
The laid Nicholas Beard, while in Prifon, for Detault of fending a Man to
ferve in the Trained-Bands, had nine fatting Sheep taken from him worth 5/,
ANNO 1667. John Newnham, di IVarhleton, was committed to Prifon
for Tithes, at the Suit of Richard Waller, Prieft of that Parifh.
ANNO 1668. Henry Mills, of If eld, had two Oxen and two Horfes taken
from him, at the Suit of Henry Hallywell, Prieft of that Parifh, and on the
I ft of the Month called AfiT)-, was committed to Prifon. And in the fame
Year, Arthur Stanbridge and William Garton were alfo committed to Prifon, at
the Suit ot the fame Prieft.
ANNO 1669. Taken by Diftrefs for Tithes, from John Brijlow, for a
Demand of i /. 1 2 s. Goods worth 7 /. And from Richard Greenfield, for 12/.
demanded, Goods worth 36/.
ANNO 1670. Richard Hogg, for a Demand of 3/. 6 s. gd. for Tithes,
fuffered Diftrefs of Goods to the Value of 61. 10s. And Thotnas Tax, for a
Claim of 1 /. 4 j. had his Goods taken from him worth 3 /. And on the 15th
of September, James Wefi was committed to Prifon, at the Suit of Richard
Waller, Prieft of WarUeton.
ti^fe Infornu- Taken alfo this Year by Diftrefs, for attending religious Meetings, from
titnsi- Arthur St a?id bridge and William Garton, Goods worth il. i\s.
And M Lewis, from Mary Akehurfi , Goods worth 29/. and Ambrofe Gal-
loway, Goods worth 3 /. Both of thefe were upon a tiille Information ; and
upon their appealing to Seffions, the Informer, confcious of Perjury, durft not
appear, but fled out of Town : So their Goods were ordered to be returned.
Alfo
Jmpyifoimem
for tithes.
Dijhefs and.
Jmprifon-
rmms.
Dilirejfes for
Tithes.
Chap. 34. of the People called QUAKERS, 717
k\{Q 'kom. T!homai Mofel\\ John Ellis, a.nd Supben Eager, were taken Goods SUSSEX
worth zl. 6 s. " 1 67 1 .
/. s, d. ^
ANNO 1 67 1. In this Year were taken
From John Grover, tor Meetings at his Houfe at Uurfl-
Pier-Point, Goods to the Value of
And from Arthur Stanbridge, for a Meeting held at the
Houfe of John Steer, Goods worth
Alfo from Amhrofe Galloway, Goods to the Value of
^21 O O Diftrejfes,
15
12
o
o
Vrofeciitiom
for Abfevce
jrom the
fublLk IVor-
jhip.
Excommuni-
cation'
Imprifofimeiir,
}{cleafi of
Prifomrs.
23 7 O
For the fame Caufe, Richard King fufFered Diftrefs of three Sheep and three
Lambs.
In this Year Amhrofe Galloway was profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court for
Abfente from the publick Worfhip, and excommunicated : He was alfo in-
difted at the AlTizes for the fame Caufe. Likewife John Willard, a Carpenter,
dwelling in or near Petworth, was excommunicated for refufing to take the
Oath of a Churchwarden, to which Office he had been chofen, In the fame
Year Amhroje Galloway^ of Lewis, was committed to Prifon, at the Suit of
William Kemp, of Mailing, Impropriator ; as had been Ibme Time before,
Elias Ellis, of Warhleton, at the Suit of Richard Waller, Priefl: there.
ANNO 1672. In this Year fifteen of the People called ^takers, then
Prifoncrs in the Common Goal for this County, were fet at Liberty by Letters
Patent of King Charles the Second, comprehending a free Pardon to as many
of the faid People as lay confined at the King's Suit. The Names of thofe \o
difcharged in this County were, Amhrofe Rigg, Nicholas Beard, Richard Scrafe,
Walter Scrafe, John Shutter, William Geering, Mofes French, Thomas Avery,
John Martin, John Ellis, Stephen Eager, Richard Newnham, Richard Green,
Clement Loveder, and George Upton.
ANNO 167:? Thomas Mofely, of the C lift nezv Lewis, was profecuted in Profecution of
the Ecclefiaftical Court for Tithes, at die Suit of Thomas Clarke, Prieft of T. Mofely,
that Parifh, who himfelf fat as Judge of the Court. The Procefs was carried
on to Excommunication, which the Prieft publifhed hom the Pulpit in September
this Year, and gave out, that he would quickly have the faid Thomas Mofely m
Hcrfljam Goal : But his Purpofe was prevented by his own Death about two
Months after.
Nicholas Beard, of Rottingdean, for a Claim of Tithes made by Robert Baker, .twiN. Beard.
Prieft of that Parifh, had taken from him by the laid Priefl-'s Agents, on the
29th of the Month called March, fixteen Lambs and an Hundred Fleeces of
"Wool ; and on the 31ft of the Month called July, feven more Lambs : In
the Month called Auguft, he was fabpcena^d into the Exchequer at the Suit of
the fame Prieft, where he appeared, and prepared his Aniwer, but refuling to
Swear to it, an Attachment was granted againfl him, by which he was com-
mitted to the County Goal at Horjham, and remained there fifteen Months.
From thence he was removed to the Ktng's-Bench Prifon, where he continued
above a Year after.
On the 28th of November, Thomas Herriott and John Grover, both of Htrrjl- Exchequer
Pier-Point, were fiibpcena'd into the Exchequer, at the Suit of Leonard Letchford, Profeemion.
Prieft of that Parifh : But the Profecution in a fliort Time ceafed by the Death sidiai Deith
of the faid PrieiV, who went to Bed at Night in feeming Health, but was of a perfe-
found dead in his Bed the next Morning. cuting Prieft.
Nicholas Beard, James Wefi, John Ellis, Mafchal Picknall, Thomas IFiljon, sufferings for
Mofes French, Daniel Akehttrfl, and others, taken in a Meeting at Haflings, Meeting.
were by the Mayor and his Attendants haled out, and imprifoned tor fome Time
in the Town-hall, and the faid Daniel Akehurfl was put into a nafty Hole called
the Dark-houfe, where they ufed to put condemned Perfons
Vol. I. 8 T
At length, the
^ Mayor
7i8
SUSSEX.
1673.
tor Marriage.
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Mayor fined them 5 5. each, and for the Payment of thofe Fines caufed Nichoki
Beards Horfe to be taken away which was worth 5/.
In this Year Elias Ellis of Warbleton, and Mary his Wife, Triftram Martin
of Arundel and his Wife, and John Ciuhiall of the fame Place, and his Wife,
were profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court, and excommunicated, for cohabiting
as married Perfons, becaufe they had not conformed to the Ceremonies of the
Church of England, in that Behalf j but had publickly declared their Marriage
in another Form.
Richard Stevens and Benjamin Mofely^ both of Lewis, for keeping their Shops
open on the Day called Chrifimafs-day, and other Holidays, fo called, had
their Windows broke, their Goods thrown into the Street, and much damaged
by the rude and infolent Rabble, hurried on by an ignorant Zeal to do Mif-
chief, being fometimes animated thereto by thofe who fliould have ufed their
Authority to reftrain them.
On the 5th of OSfober, Williain Snalt, a Prieft, and Robert Smith Taylor,
Informers, gave Information of a Meeting at the Houfe of Thomas Mofely in
or near Lewis., for which, and for a Preacher to them unknown, Thomas Mofely
was fined 23/. Nicholas Beard lol. Mary Akehurft Widow, 7/. 5s. Ambrofe
Galloway, Elizabeth Shutter, and others, 5 s. eacii.
On the I oth of the fame Month, the laid Prieft fVilliam Snatt, with James
Clark a Regifter of the Ecclefiaftical Court, and one IValter Jones, gave In-
formation of a Meeting at the * Houfe of Mary Galloway, for which were
taken by Diftrefs
Dlftrefes jor
Meeting,
From
Thojnas Mojely, for 9/. 15^. Fine, Goods worth
Amhrofe Galloway, for 10/. 55. Fine, Goods worth
Mary Akehurfi, for 8/. 10 s. Fine, Goods worth
Samuel Baker, of Newhaven, for 61. 1 8 i. 4^- d. Fine,
a Tun of Iron worth
}
/.
s.
d.
12
6
8
14
5
16
18
10
7
For Fines of ^5^' 8 J. 4^^.
Taken 50 10
Abufei at
Lewis Meet-
hig.
From Elizabeth Shutter Widow, they took two Looking-Glafles : Stephen
Eager and others, were alfo fined for being at the faid Meeting.
On the 1 7th of the fame Month, Snatt the Prieft, Clark, and one William
Purfer, Inforiners, with two Conftables, a Lieutenant, an Enfign, and two
Serjeants of the Militia, and a Rabble of People, came with great Violence,
and dragged the Friends out of their Meeting-houfe at Lewis, beating and
bruifing many, and fhedding the Blood of fome. Clark, one of the Informers,
behaved fo rudely, that many of the Speftators cried Shame of hun. Upon the
Information of thofe Men given to Nifall Rivers, a Juftice of the Peace, a
Warrant was granted for Diftrefs, by which were taken,
Diftreffes for From Ambrofe Galloway, Shop-goods worth
that Meeting. Thomas Mojely, Goods worth
John Ellis, Goods to the Value of
Thomas Budd, a poor Shepherd, great Part of his
Houfhold Goods, for
Thomas Robin/on, eight Hats, for
Mary Akehurft, Goods worth
Stephen and Nicholas Maynard, Goods worth
Mafcball Picknall, four Rolls of Cloth, for
Henry Gates, a Brafs Kettle, for
/.
s.
d.
18
7
12
5
7
8
I
5
I
18
I
4
5
5
4^
17
Some
* The fame Houfe which the informing Prieft had before fworn to be Thomas Mofel/s.
Chap. 34. of the People called QUAKERS.
719
Wore Perfecw
tion at Lewis.
Some of thefe Fines were for raifing 20/. impofed on John Songhurjl for SUSSEX.
Preaching, and 20/. ior the Houle the Meeting was in: There were alfo 1673.
fined tor the fame Meeting, Richard Scrafe, John Scrafe, Ed-ward Paine, 7hom(is
Banks, and others, fome 50 j. and fome 2o.f. each.
On the 24th of the fame Month, they drew the Friends out of the Meeting-
houlc, abufing many of them with Blows, and fetting a Guard to keep them
out : Then one of the Informers demanded oi Mary Galloway 55. for which
they took away feventeen new Deal Forms wliich coft near 3 /. Thus for four
Weeks together they continued to keep tliem out of their Meeting-houfe with
Soldiers, forcing them to meet in the Street. They alfo took from the faid
Alary Gallo-way, for another Fine of 55. a new Settle and five Deal Boards
worth 20 5. though neitlier of thofe Goods, nor the other, were any of hers ;
but the rapacious Informers took what came to their Hands, without Regard
to Right or Property.
In this and the preceding Year, fVilliam Geering was a Prifoner in Horjham Suff'er'wg of
Goal about eighteen Months, on an Exchequer Procefs for Tithes, at the Suit ^' "^'^'^'"S*
of Charles Blackic-ell, Prieft, during which Time he alfo fuftered Diftrefi.es for
Tithes, to the Value of 3 /. 14 J.
The Widow i/?t'ii, oi IVarblelon, had taken from her for i /. 195. claimed
for Tithes by Richard Waller, Priefl of that Parifh, a Cow worth 4/.
In the fame Year Richard Hauler, of Stenning, had taken from him tor Tithes
claimed by Charles Blackwell, Prieft of Stenning, eight Lambs worth 4 /. being
twice the Value of his legal Demand. The faid Prieft's Wife, and her Servants,
alfo illegally milked the faid Richard Hayler's Cows. And in the fame Year
Henry Stahnan, an Impropriator, took from the laid Richard, feveral Kinds
of Grain to the Value of 8 /. 1 5 .r.
ANNO 1675. At the Affizes, held at Eaft-Grinfted in the Month called
July this Year, Richard Hogg, of Ifield, who had fome Time before been im-
prifoned eleven Weeks at Horfljain, and then removed by Habeas Corpus to
London, was caft on a Trial for treble Damages, at the Suit of Arthur Wellery
Tithe-farmer, who obtained a Verdidl againft him for 21/. 95. for which an
Execution was ferved on his Cattle, Corn, and other Goods, to the Value
of 30/. 10 s.
ANNO 1676. Taken for Tithes claimed by Henry Hejkett, Prieft of f "//// rf/'
Charlewood, from Mofes Chandler for 27 j. two Hogs worth 4/, \os. And xnhis. *"
from Ihomas Tax, for a Claim of 3 /. 12 s. a Cow worth 4/. 10 5.
Edward Taylor had alfo taken from him by the fame Prieft for Tithes, four
flitting Oxen worth 28/. loj.
And for Tithes claimed by Henry Hallywell, Prieft oilfield, were taken from
Richard Dunton, for S /. demanded, an Ox and a Steer worth 9 /. And from
Arthur Stanbridge, for the like Demand, two Oxen and a Bull worth 16 1. §s.
Jane Dunton Widow, had taken from her for Tithes, by the Agents of the
fame Prieft, a Cow worth 3/. lOJ.
John Brijiow, for a Demand of about 4 /. had taken from him at the Suit
of John Bonwuk, Prieft of Nudigate, for lithes, two Cows and a Runt worth
9/. 15 J.
Mofes French, oi Hayljham, for a Demand of 3 /. 18 s. for Tithes claimed by
"John Wenham, Prieft of that Parifh, had taken from him two Bullocks
worth 8 /.
Diflreft for
Titbet.
Sufferhigs of
R. Hayler.
Sufferings for
Tithes,
On the 5th of September this Year, an Information was given on Oath by
Information of
a Meeting.
Thomas Level Prieft, Michael Harman Smith, and George Shepherd Taylor,
Informers, to Sackvil Graves, a Juftice of the Peace ; that feveral Pcrfons,
whom thofe Informers named, were at a Meeting in the Houfe of Williatn
Tokehurjl, in the Parifh of fVeJl-Furl near Lewis, on the 23d of the Month
called Jidy then laft paft, tor which the faid Juftice fined Clement Pucknall Fines impofed.
for preaching at the liiid Meeting 40/. and fVUliatn ITikehu?-/}, for fuffering a
Meeting at his Houfe, 20/. and thirty one other Perfons, Hearers, fome 10s.
others 5 J. each, to be levied, by reafon of their Poverty, on Ambroje
Callotvay
720
SUSSEX.
1676.
Mivife/f Falf-
hood of In-
formers not
reproved by
the fujlices.
Amount of
fines in 1 1
Momks.
Diflrefs on
A. Galloway.
u^ Colledion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I.
Galloway lol. los. Mary Akehurfi lol. John Ellis lo I. Thomas Weeks
gl. 10s. John Abrook 9/. 10s. John hongly Si. ^os. IVilliam Tokehurft
2 I. joi. Mafchall Pjcknall 4.1. and for two others, Thomas Banks a.nd Sibyl
Paine, (though fhe was not at the Meeting) 20 s. for which two laft Fines,
amounting to 5/. was taken from the iaid Mafrhal Picknall a iVIare worth 8 /.
On Samuel Baker 2 1. 5 s. Richard Hud/on §s. And for the Poverty of ten
others 5 s. each, for which Fines of 2/. 155. they took from him a Cow
and a Calf worth 4/. 5 s. The faid Richard Hudfon knowing that the In-
formers had fworn faifly, and that feveral of the Perfons fined were not at the
Meeting, appealed to the Quarter SefTions, where it was made appear, that four
Perfons fworn againft were not there, and that one of them was dead fix Years
before, whereupon the Court ordered 20 s. to be returned him for thofe four
Fines. But though this Appeal was tried, and the Falfhood of thefe Infor-
mations proved before feven Juftices on the Bench, yet not one of them was
heard to give the leall Reproof to the Informers for their falfe Evidence.
On the 1 2th of the fame Month, for a Meeting at Lewis, John Ellis was
fined 10/. 5^. Thomas Mojely 10 1. 5 j. Henry Scrafe 10/. 55. and fome others
5 s. each. The Sum of the Fines impoied on the iliid People at or ncdiV Lewis ^
in about eleven Months Time, amounted to 252/. 15 j. befides the Spoil
made on their Goods by the Informers.
At another Time Jones and Purjer, Informers, depofed before fFilliam Spencc,
a Juftice of the Peace, that Ambrofe Galloway was at a Meeting in Lewisy
where were two Preachers ; upon which the Juftice impofed on the faid
Ambrofe a Fine of 10/. for a Preacher, and 55. for himfelf ; and on the 26th
oi December, feveral Officers, with a Warrant from the fiid Juftice, came into
the Shop, whicli had been the faid Ambrofe Gallowafs, but was then occupied
by his Son, who was not at the Meeting, and breaking open the Counter and
a Prels, took away Clothes ready made, and other Goods, to the Value
of 20/. c,s. lid.
The ufual Manner of the Informers Proceedings at Lewis, is well expreft in
the following Words, viz.
The ufuil
Manner of
Informers at
Lewis.
Jmprifon.
mentst
Excomnmm-
cations.
" We have our Houfes and Shops plundered, and our Goods torn
" from us by the Hands of malicious Informers, who ferve themfelves upon
" our Goods, and colour it over with a Pretence of Law, lb that they have
" taken double and treble, and fometimes fix or feven Times the" 'N'alue of
" the Fines impofed : And for Evidence that a Fine is impofed, fome of us
" have nothing but the Word of an Informer to prove it is fo, they refufmg
*' to let us fee the Warrant, or let us have a Copy of it, levying the Fines they
" fiiy were impofed, fometimes fix Months or eight Months after Conviftion,
" if there were any luch Convidlion as they pretend. Thefe Informers know-
" ing the late Ad: allows of no Appeal, except the Sum charged exceeds ten
" Shillings, fo that thereby they take Advantage to fwear againlt many Perfons
" that were not at thefe Meetings, knowing chat this late Adl yields us no
*' Relief in fuch a Cafe, fo that they take Goods what they pleafe, and to
" what Value they pleafe, and fell it for what they pleafe, and keep what
" they pleafe for themfelves, and fiy they can take more when they pleafe,
" making no Appraifement, nor giving any Account to Juftices, Court, or
" Country. So that we know not when this Law is fatisfied."
In this Year Arthur Stanbridge, Henry Mills, and William Garten, all of
Ifield, were committed to Prifon, being arretted at the Suit of Thomas Wajhford;
of Ifield, Clerk, with Intent to proceed againft them on the Statute of Queen
Elizabeth for 20/. per Month : But after they had been Prifoners about twenty
Days, thofe who profecuted them relented, dropt the Profecution and fet them
at Liberty.
Nicholas Beard, of Palmer, and his Wife, and Nicholas his Son, were fum-
moned to appear in the Ecclefiaftical Court lor not coming to their Parifh-
Church,
Chap. 34- of ^^^^ People called QUAKERS.
72t
1676.
Froficiitiens
for Jithes,
Church, and were all of them excommunicated. And for the fame Caufe, SUSSEX,
Ainbrcife Galloway, Elizabeth his Wife, Amhrc/fe their Son, and Elizabeth their
Daughter, were prefented in the Ecclefiafticai Court, and the faid Ambrofe the
Son, was profecuted to an Excommunication, which was publiflied at a Time
when he was gone beyond Sea.
ANNO 1677. Thomas Mojely, John Ellis, and Mary Jkehurji, were pro-
fecuted in the Ecclefiafticai Court for Tithes, at the Suit of PVilliam Snatt, Prieft :
They were all afterwards excommunicated, and by a Writ de Excommunicato
capiendo committed to HorJJjam Goal, and kept cloie Prifoners about a Year,
till removed to the King's-Bcnch on the i ith of Nvueniber 1678, though none
of them had any Thing ufually tithable.
In this Year 'Jane Bmiton Widow, had again taken from her a Cow worth 4/.
And Arthur Stanhridge a Cow worth 4/. for Tithes, by the Agents of Henry
Halhzvell, Prieft of If eld. A\\o Thomas Tax fuftered Diftrefs of a Cow worth 4/.
And Mofes Chandler had two Bullocks worth 5 /. 151. taken for Tithes claimed
by Henry Hejkct, Prieft of Charlewood. Likewife Mojes French^ of Hayljfjam,
for a Demand of 4/. for Tithes, had two Steers worth ill. taken from him,
at the Suit of John Fidler, Impropriator.
Thomas Shepherd, for refufing to pay toward the Repairs of the Steeple-houfe
at Arundel, was profecuted in the Ecclefiafticai Court, and excommunicated.
For a Meeting at the Houfe of Joane Apfe in Shoreham, on tlic loth of the
Month called Jidy, were taken
a-d for
Stcepk-hottfs
From John Martin, of Stenning, Shop-goods worth
Richard Newman, of IVejlon, an Heifer worth
fVilliam Parker, of Stenning, Sheep and Lambs worth
Henry Faggar, a Cow worth
Jacob Knowles, Goods worth
/.
17
3
2
3
o
s.
18
o
15
o
5
d,
9
o
o
o
o
Dii\re/fis far
16 18
Excommmiici'
tions.
ANNO 1678. In this Year were taken for Tithes, from Arthur Stanhridge, aniforTitks
John Kemp/all, John Briftow, tVilliam Carton, John Humphry, and Henry Mills,
Cattle and other Things to the Value of 58/. c,s.
On the 29th of September, Thomas Robin/on, of the Clift near Lewis, was
excommunicated in Confequence of a Procels againft him for Tithes in the
Ecclefiafticai Court, at the Promotion of William Snatt, Prieft.
Nicholas Richnan and Edward Hamper, both of Arundel, were exconmiu-
nicated for not paying an AfTefTment of about 17 ^. charged on each of them
towards repairing the Steeple-houfe of that Place.
ANNO 1679. Richard Hayler, oi Stenning, was excommunicated at the
Suit of the Wardens of that Place, and imprifoned about ten Weeks. In the
next Year, he being Executor to a Will, was not admitted to prove the fame
by reafon of his being excommunicate, and the Adminiftration, without his
Conlent, was granted to other Perfons.
Elias Ellis being profecuted for Tithes, at the Suit of Richard Waller, Prieft
of Warbleton, the Caufe was brought to Trial at the Aflizcs at Eajl-Crinjled,
on the 28th of the Month called March this Year, on the Statute for treble
Damages, when for a Claim of 4 /. 6 s. 3 d. the Prieft obtained a Verdidl for
12/. 8 J. 9^. for which an Execution was ferved on the laid Elias, and his
Cattle were taken away to the Value of 19/. 5 s.
On the 2ift o^ November, Thomas Her riot, of Hurji- Pier- Point, after long
Imprifonment for Tithes, at the Suit of Manred Shaw, Prieft of that Parifh,
had an Execution ferved on him, by which his Cattle were taken away to the
Value of 25/.
William Beard, oi Brighthelmjlone, for refufing to pay i s. for the Steeple- hou-Q:
Rate, was profecuted in the Ecclefiafticai Court to an Excommunication, which
was publifhed againft him by Henry Snook Prieft, at Brigklhelmjlone.
Vol. I. 8 U ANNO
FroficutioKi
for Titbis.
Excormwuci-
tio/i.
\
722
SUSSEX.
1680.
Diflreffes jor
Jitkcs.
A Colle<5lioii of the Sufferings
ANNO 1680. Taken this Year by Diftrefs for Tithes,
From Mofes Chandler^ tlaree Steers worth
Mary Taylor^ two Oxen worth
'John Kempjall, a Pair of Oxen worth
John Humphry, feven Oxen and lour Cows worth
Vol. I.
/.
6
14
10
30
5.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
60
mprifo>:me7i t
df H. Gates
ac the Suit oj
Arch-deicon
Henlhaw.
Tie Arch-dex-
con beirtg fici,
ordered, his
S^ekafe, rvhich
after hisDeath
nui doiie.
I'ot I 5 i.
Tithe, taken
hy Siqiiijiri-
tion 09/. 9 J,
led.
15s.
was feized on by
aforefaid Prieft of
Not long before this Time, Ambrofe Galloway, on Pretence of his being
indicted at the Affizes, and for a Fine faid to be impofed on him for Negleft
of coming to his Parifh-Church three Sundays, had taken from him three Yards
and a Quarter of Serge worth 8 s. although he had never been ferved with any
Procefs or Summons to appear at the Affizes in order to his Defence.
ANNO 1 6 8 1 . On the 1 4th of tlie Month called May, Henry Mills, for 4 /.
demanded for Tithes by Gervas FuUwood, Priefl ol Rufper, had taken from him
a Fair of Steers worth 6 /.
On the 24th of the fame IVJonth, Arthur Stanbridge had taken from him for
Tithes, for Walter Moor, Prieft of lj]eld^ two Cows and a Calf worth 8 /. \os.
On the 19th o{ September, Elizabeth Tax Widow, for a Demand of 40 J.
for Tithe, and \os. for a Mortuary, claimed by Henry Hejkety Prieft of
Cbarlewood, had taken from her two Cows worth 5/. 10 s.
Mary Taylor, for about 7/. 10 s. demanded by the fame Prieft, had taken
from her two fatting Oxen, one fatting Cow, and a young Heifer, worth
15/. 10s.
Mofes Chandler, for one Year's Tithe valued at 40 s. had taken from him
for the Ufe of the fame Prieft, a Cow and two other Beafts worth 6 /.
John Brijlow, for a Year's Tithe valued at 40 s. had taken from him for
John Bonwick, Prieft of Nudigate, a fatting Cow worth 3 /.
Ihomas Humphry, for two Year's Tithe valued at 5/. 10,
Bayliffs, who took away, at the Suit of Henry Hejket, the
Cbarlewood, two tatting Steers worth 8 /. ^s.
John Humphry, of Cbarlewood, for two Year's Tithes, valued at 18/. had
taken from him for the aforefiid Prieft, four Oxen and four Calves worth 30 /.
John Fowler, di Willington, for about i6i. demanded tor Tithes, was profe-
cutcd in the Hundred Court, and had taken from him on a Judgment, by two
Bayliffs, at the Suit of Sir Robert Parker, Impropriator, a Cow worth 5/.
which they fold for 50 s.
On the 2 2d of the Month called Auguft, Henry Gates, oi Paints-place in the
Parith of Cuckfeld, was arretted at the Suit of Tobias Henjhaw, an Arch-
deacon, for Tithes : The Bayliffs carried him the fame Day to Prifon ; The
Arch-deacon, after the Man's Imprifonment, relented, and often faid, He would
not have imprifoned him, but for fear others Jhoidd follow his Exajnple, and likewije
refufe to pay Tithes, A fhort Time after the Arch-deacon was fick, and feveral
Times in his Sicknefs gave ftrifl Orders, that if he fhould die, Henry Gates
fhould be let at Liberty. On the 9th Day o'i December following he died, and
on the I 7th the Priell of Ridgwick came to the Prifon, and told the Coaler,
that He was ordered by the Arch-deacon on his Death-bed to fee Henry Gates fet
at Liberty, and llxid. He himfelf would be the Coaler's E'^arrant for fo doing.
The Goaler told him. The Quakers would pay no Fees. The Prieft replied.
What JImU we do then ? So the Goaler detained him about fourteen Days
longer tor Fees, and then gave him Liberty to go Home, and told him. He
could not be difcharged, till he had an Abjolution from the Bifjop, and the Court
wherein he was profecuted. So that though he was permitted to go at large, yet
he remained a Prifoner, fubjtft to be recalledat the Coaler's Pleafure.
John Willard, of Bar-Lavington, was profecuted for about 13^'. demanded
for Titiies, at the Suit of Thomas Thornton, Prieft of that Pariih, and had
taken from him by a Sequeftration, in Corn, Cattle, and Houfhold Goods,
to the Value of 69/. 95. 10.-/.
In
Chap. 34. of the People called QUAKERS,
In September this Year, Richard Hayler, o^ Stcnning, for Tithes demanded
by Richard Vaugban, Prieft of that Parifh, liad taken from him tour fat Runts,
and four fat Heifers, wortli 34/.
At a General Qiiarter Seflions of the Peace, holden at Stemiing on the 9th
and loth of the Month called January 1 68 1, at which Sir George Jefferies was
Chairman, eleven Priloners, namely, Jacch Knowles, Ihomas Snajhall, Edward
Blackfaii, John Martin, Edward Hamj)er, Jt/hn Smith, James Ludgater, JVilUam
Langford, Nicholas Richnan, John Martin jim. and Thomas Shepherd, were
feverally indicted for three Weeks Abfence from the Church. They were fined
3 s. each, and for refufing to pay the fame, were committed to Prilon.
At the Affizes at Horjham, Ihomas Snajhall of Bedding, William Penn of Wor-
jninghur/i, Jacob Knowles of Stenning, Edward Blackfan, fVilliam Geering, and
Mary his Wife, John Martin, Mary tleet Spinfter, Henry Vaggar, Richard
Hayler, and Jane his Wife, "Thomas Lifi, and Mary Nye, which laft ten were
zMo oi Stenning, Humphry Killingbeck of BoLIney, Thomas Parfons of Slangbam,
Thomas Parfons oi Ccwjold, Francis Randal of Hurji- Pier-Point, John SnaJJmll
of the fame, John Shaiv of Shipley, and Nicholas Beard of Palmer, were indidled
for Abfence from the National Worfhip.
On the 1 5th of the Month called July, Benjamin Mofely of Lewis, and
Margery Parker of Stenning, were indifted at Seffions for Abfence from the
Church, and becauie they would nor enter into Recognizance to traverfe the
Indictment, were committed to Prifon, where Benjamin Mofely continued about
a Quarter of a Year.
On the 3d of Oulober, William Garion, Arthur Stanbridge jun. and John Steer,
were by Order of the SefTions held at Mdhurfl, committed to Horjhavi Goal,
on an Indidtment for Abfence from the Church.
ANNO 1682. Amhrofe Galloway, of Lewis, for 19)-. gd. Fine for refufing
to bear Arms, or hire a Soldier to ferve in the Trained-Bands, had taken from
him by Diflrefs, a Piece of Shalloon to the Value of 40 j.
Richard Hayler, of Stenning, had taken from him in Time of Harveft, for
Tithes claimed by Richard Taylor, Impropriator, a full fifth Part of his whole
Year's Increafe.
William Garton, of JJield, had taken from him for Tithes claimed by John
Wickin, Impropriator, two young Cows worth 6 /.
Richard Benge had a Cow taken away worth 3 /. for Tithes, by Order of
William Hill, of Rufper.
About the nth of December, feveral DiftrefTes were made for Tithes claimed
by Henry Hejket, Priefl of Charlewood,
SUSSEX.
1681.
Didreji jur
Tithis,
Jndi^mem of
II Fir Ions for
Abfence front
the Nitioml
Worflnf.
JndiflmdHts at
the Jjf'ZeS'
Imprifort'
mems.
Viftrefs for
the Jrdneii-
Bauds,
ani for Tithes,
From
VIZ.
Thomas Humphry and Henry Wright, for 4/. de-
manded. Goods worth
The Widow Tax, for i /. 4 j. demanded, a Cow
worth
The Widow Taylor, for 4/, 105. demanded, two
Oxen and a Cow worth
Mofes Chandler, for 2 /. demanded, a Steer and
a Bull worth
}
]
}
}
/.
14
12
More Dip-
trejfet for
Tithes-
For 11/. 14;. demanded.
Taken 33 15
William Garton had taken from him by John Wickin, Impropriator, a Pair
of Steers worth 9 /. 10 s.
At a Quarter SelTions at Chichefter, Edward Luckins and Benjamin Matthews Troceeiings it
were indidted for three Wrecks Abience from their PariflvChurch, fined 3 s. ^p^'^^^^^of
each, and for Non-payment committed to Horjham Goal, MT^'^
Many of this People were committed to Priibn about this Time at a Quarter
SefTions, where Sir George Jefferies was Chairman -, but not long after, the
following Letter was fent to the Goaler by one of the Julticcs, -viz.
*« Mr.
724
SUSSEX.
1682.
A Letter to
the Coaler.
Viftreffes for
JsveratCattfes-
Three Wur-
rams ijfued
for one Meet-
Faip^nod of
Jniormers.
Iniiclments at
Sejfmis-
Trivite Con-
viliions Alii
Jiiiei.
A Colledlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
" Mr. Bryan,
IYeflerdiiy received a Letter from Sir George Jefferies., who was Judge of
the Court, by whom the fakers that are under your Cuftody were com-
" mitted, to this Effect : "That they might have all the lawful Favour that could
" he Jhewed.
" Therefore my Defire to you is, to give them what Liberty you can
" without Danger to your felf, which if it can be granted them, I will pafs
" my Word for their Return at what Time foevcr you remand them :
" Which is all at prefent from
" Tour Friend^
'^ Henry Goring."
This Letter fliews, that the afting Jufbices againft this People, were fome-
times confcious of their Innocence, and fenfible of the Injuftice they inflifted
on them.
In this Year John Graver, for his Abfence from tjie National Worfliip,
fuffered feveral Diftreffes to the Value of i /. 1 5 j. 6d. And M^illiam Bennett,
to the Amount of 16 s. 6d.
For a Meeting at Zd"iX'/j, on the loth oi O^loher, were taken,
/. s. d.
From Ambrofe Galloway the Elder, Goods worth 14 6 o
'Gliomas Robinfon, for his Wife 012 6
Thomas Mofdy and 'Thomas Akehurfi 12 3 4
27
10
It happened in December this Year, that John Erejhy and Satnuel Aftie, In-
formers, went to three feveral Juftices of the Peace, and gave Information to
every of them feparately, of a Meeting at Lewis, lb that they feverally ifTued
three feveral Warrants for Diftrefs for one and the fame Meeting. By one of
which Warrants, Thomas Robinfon had eighty Hats taken from him worth
13/. 1 9 J. but he appealed to the SefTions, ancl upon an Hearing of the Cafe,
had his Goods returned. The iame Informers Iwore that Thomas Akehurjl was
at two Meetings, when indeed he was not at either of tiiem, as could be
fully proved by fubftantial Evidence. Whereupon the Informers were indifted
for Perjury at Lewis Sefiions, when the Grand Jury found the Bill againfl
them, but to evade a Trial at the next SefTions, they brought a Writ of
Certiorari, and removed the Caufe out of that Court.
On the 1 2l\\ o( the yiowxh caWid. January, at a SefTions in Lewis, Henry
Gates, Ambrofe Galloway, Tlxinas Mofely, Ralph Akehiirf, Benjajnin Mofdy,
Nicholas Beard, John Ellis, and Elizabeth Robinfon, were indidted for being at
Meetings, and alfo on the Statute of 35 Q. Elizabeth, for not coming to
Cluirch : As were alio, for nine Months Abfence from Church, on die lame
Statute, Thoinas Robinfon, Ambrofe Galloway jun. Ruih Galloway, TJwtnas Beard,
Mary Akehurfi, Thomas Akehur(l, Alexander Akehurfi, and Jane Kidder.
Mafchall Picknall of IVillington, and Edward Herriott of the fame Place,
were taken by two BaylifTs, and carried to the AfTizes at Eafl-Grinflcd, on the
26th of the Month called February, having been before indiffed on three In-
diftments for not coming to Church : The Clerk of the Peace, named Lee., fo
ordered the Matter, that they were not brought into Court, but privately
convifted and lined, and fent to Horfham Goal, where they remained about a
Month, till the High Sheriff, who was their Neighbour, fent an Order to the
Goaler to let them have Liberty, and he would lee tliem forth coming at the
Affizes -, fo they were enlarged, though againll the Mind of the Clerk of the
Peace, who had been heard to fay. That he would fend Mafchall Picknall to
Goal,
Chap. 34. of the People called QUAKERS.
725
Coal, and that he jhould lie there till be rotted, if he did not -pay him hh SUSSEX.
Fees. 1682.
At the aforefaid Aflizes, Amhrofe Galloway, and his Son of the fame Name, k_/'"V~~^>
Benjamin Mofely, Nicholas Beard, and Thomas Parjons, and about fourteen others prefe;nma:ts
dwelling near Ifield, were prefented by the Grand Jury tor not going to ^ Ajfties,
Church. And about the liime Time, Writs were iflued out of the Court of
Exchequer on former Prefentments, upon the Statute for 20/. per Month, for
three Months each, againft 'Thomas Parfons^ of Patchgate, and his Wife, Thomas
Snajhall and his Wife, and Nicholas Beard.
Jane Ea^er was alio convidled on an Indiftment for three Months Abfence
from Church.
ANNO 1683. On the i6th of the Month called ^/n7, JVilliam Brown Imprifon-
and Thomas Brown were committed to Horjham Goal from the SefTions at """'f^'
Chichejler, for refufing to be bound to traverfe an Indidtment laid againft them
for a Month's Abfence from Church.
On the 9th of the Month called July, a Company of Soldiers, who quartered violence of
at Chichejler, came into the Meeting there, and broke in pieces the Glafs-
Windovvs, Tables, Forms, and Benches, and behaved themlelves rudely and
jmmodeftly, curfing and Iwcaring, and ufing filthy and debauched Language.
At length they dragged the AlTcmbly by Force out of the Place.
On the 1 6th, Warrants for Diilrefs were granted upon the Informations of
John Newton and Henry Haljled, of Chiche^er, by which were taken.
Soldiers.
From Richard Carter, in Money
Robert Norris, three Hundred and twenty Deal
Boards, a Feather-bed, three Bolflers, three
Blankets, and other Goods, worth
Margery fVilkinfon, Goods worth
Richard Green, a poor Smith, two Hogs, his Bed,
Bedding, Vice, Sledges, and Iron, worth
/.
20
Viflreps for
Meeting.
}
10
15
On the 29th of the fame Month, and on the 5th and 12th of the next, the Alufeslyln-
Informers and Soldiers came again to the Meetings at Chichejler, and behaved f"'"^^''^ '""'
alter their ufual Manner, breaking the F^orms, and threatning and abufing thofe rhichefter.
that were met.
On the 23d of the Month called Juguft, Newton, the Informer, came into
the Meeting-houfe, haled the Friends out, brake the Seats, and pulled off the
Tiles, and grievoufly abufed the Perfons afTembled, he being drunk : And in-
deed it was ufual with the Intormers to drown their Senfes with Strong-liquor,
that they might be the fitter to execute their inhumane and wicked Purpofes.
On the 26th of the fame Month, the fame Informer came again to the Meet-
ing, dragged out the Friends, and threw down and abufed one of them,
threatning to pull down the Houfe.
For being at one of the aforefaid Meetings, Richard Green, of^ Burdhajn in
the Hundred of Maynard, had Bedding and other Houfliold Goods, alfo a
Load of Vetches, taken from him, amounting to 10/. is. 8 d.
In September and OElober this Year, the Meetings at Cbkhefler were harrafs'd ''('« FraBices
by the Informers Newton and Haljled, conftant Abufcrsot this innocent People : "f Ho""'''^'
They feveral Times broke the Windows and Doors of the Houie, and the
Door of the Bury ing-ground, pulling down and burning the Fence which was
round it, and laying the Burying-ground open to the Highway, and as faft as
the Friends repaired any Thing, they would deftroy it again at the next
Meeting. They fluffed up the Door- place, after they had taken away the
Door, with Bufhes, and thruft Bufhes againft the Friends Legs, tore a Woman's
Scarf from her Neck, and after many Abufes, dared them to make Complaint
to the Magiftrates. They threw Squibs of Gunpowder into the Meeting, to
Vol. I. 8 X the
726
SUSSEX.
1683.
JJilirefes for
Meethig.
A CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
the Danger of firing the Houfe, which was covered with Thatch : And all
thole Injuries and Abufes were generally accompanied with Curfing and Swear-
ing, the drunken Informers fometimes bringing with them a Rabble of rude
wicked Boys, who delighted in Mifchief. Complaint of thefe Abufes was
made to the Bifhop's Chancellor, who was alfo a Juflice of the Peace, and
to other Magifb-ates, who only retorted on the Complainants, telling them, that
Their Meetings were contrary to Law \ ib that they obtained no Redrels.
On the 29 th oi September, were taken for Fines for Meeting,
/. s. d.
From Robert Norris, feveral Loads of Timber, his "p
working Tools, two Bedfleds, and other f> 25 o o
Things, worth j
Richard Carter., a Quantity of Cloth worth
John King, of Chichejter, a poor Man, Goods
worth
}
15
Dcitb of
E. Hamper.
Fines and
Imprifo,:ments
for Akjeiue
from the fub
licklVor.
: pub-
rfilip.
r>i/}re(fes
griiitei on th:
in torm.it ion
ef a Priefi.
Frofecuiion of
A. Galloway
i» the Eciiefi-
ajiictl Court.
31 15 o
John Grover, for Abfence from his Parifli- Church, had Goods taken from
him to the Value of i^s. 6d.
At a Seffions held at Midhurjt on the ift of O^ober, Edward Hamper being
there indifted for Abfence from the Church, had alio the Oath of Allegiance
tendred him by the Juftices in open Court, and for refufing to take it, was
committed to Horjham Goal, and at another SefTions ordered to continue there,
which he did until he died, after above a Year's Imprifonment.
From the faid SefTions at Mtdhurjl, Henry Lttxford, Francis Hogg, Robert
Older, James Luxford, IVilliam Greenfield, Nicholas Rickman, and Edward
Luckins, were alfo committed to Horjljam Goal for Fines impoied on them upon
Conviftions of Abfence from their Paridi-Churches.
On the 1 1 th of Ouloher, Thomas Mofely, Thomas Beard, Mary Akehurji
Widow, Mary Akehurjl Spinfter, Thomas Robin/on and his Wife, and Thomas
Akehiirjl, all of the Clift near Lewis, were fent for before Sir John Shapley, on
the Information of John Erejby, a Prieft, for having been abfent from Church
three feveral Sundays, &c. The Juftice ifTued a Warrant for diftreining their
Goods, which was executed on feveral of them : But becaufe the Officers did
not make Diftrefs on fome others, he ifTued another Warrant for the Imprifon-
ment of their Perfons, but the High Conflable confidering die Charge which
the Execution of that Warrant would put the Hundred to, found Means to
avoid ferving it.
On the 8th of November, Benjamin Mofely, of Lewis, for a Fine of 3 s. for
his Wife's Abfence from Church, had taken from him four Pair of Stockings
worth 4 J. 4^.
Ambrofe Galloway the Younger, of Lewis, was prefented in the Bifhop's
Court by John Erejhy, Priefi of the Parifh, for not repairing to the Pariih-
Church to hear Divine Service, and for not receiving the Sacrament according
to the Canons. The faid Ambrofe appeared, and alledged. That the Priefi was
not a credible M^itnefs, having been formerly proved to have taken. a falfe Oath in
an Information by him made : That he the faid Ambrofe flood convi5ied on a Profe-
ctition at the Seffions for the fame Offence, and that being already prcjecuted by
Statute Law, be ought not to be prefented in the Ecclefiaftical Court for the fame
Caufe : That as to receiving the Sacravient, he had never been admonifhed thereto
by the Priejl. Upon this Plea, the Chancellor, Judge of the Court, gave him
Time to bring a Certificate of his former Convicflion, which he faid, would
difcharge him as to bis not going to Church, but admoniflied him to receive the
Sacrament at EafVer next ; but it happened that the faid Ambrofe was then in
Prifon, which he at another Court alledged, and was again admonifhed to receive
the fame at Whitfuntide.
On
Chap. 34. of the People called QUAKERS.
On the 24th of Nove7nber, Thomas Mofely, llMrnas RobinJo>i,znd Tho7nas Beard,
of the C/ift near Levns, were fummoned to appear at the Bifhop's Court, which
they did, and alledged. That they were already convi£fed on the Statute for 20 1,
per Month, and their Prefentment being only for not going to Church, the
Chancellor diicharged them.
On the 28th of October, a Conrtable, and two Informers, came into the
Meeting at Chiche/ier, and carried thence four of the Friends before a Juftice,
who committed two of them to Prifon.
On the fame Day, at a Meeting at the Houfe of Thomas Parfons, of Cowfold,
feveral Informers and others came, and pulled down Henry Gates then preaching,
and proceeded to take the Names of feveral others, and next Day gave Infor-
mation to Anthony Eversfield and William Goring, Juftices, who ilTued their
Warrants againft Thomas Parfons for 20 /. for the Houfe, Henry Gates the like
Sum for Preaching, and Richard Gates and feveral others 5 .;. each, as Hearers.
In Purluance ot which Warrants, John Bull, Conffable, with an Headborough,
and other AfTiftants, came to Thomas Parfonsh Houfe on the 29th of ISovejnber^
he being from Home, and feized his Houfhold Goods to the Value of 5c/.
alfo three Stacks of Hay and Corn in the Barn worth 25/. but left them on the
Premifes.
On the 3 I fl of December, they came again, and drove away thirteen Sheep
and four Hogs worth 9 /. 1 4 s. The Sheep they fold tor lels than Half their
Value to an Alehoufe-keeper for Money and Strong-drink, and the Hogs were
fold to one Bujkel an Informer, at the fame low Rate.
On the loih of the Month called January, they came again, and brought
two Waggons, the Conftable fwearing that He would leave nothing in the
Houje before he Jlept : So they began to load the Waggons with Beds and
M;ts, and all Things belonging to them. Stools, Chairs, Forms, Tables,
Milk-leads, Brewing-tubs, and VefTels, and carried them away to an Alehoufe.
Thefe Goods, with the Hogs and Sheep before taken, were worth 36/. and
yet the Conftable fiiid. He had not enough to fatisfy him for the faid Fine of 20 1.
By another of the faid Warrants, John Mitchel, Conftable of Slaugham, was
direfted to levy 20 /. on Henry Gates for Preaching : But the Conftable would
have returned the Warrant to the Juftice unexecuted, alledging. That he could
not diftinguifh the Goods of the Jaid Henry Gates from ihoje of other Perfons dwel-
ling in the faid Houfe. The Juftice refufed to take back the Warrant, yet iifued
two other Warrants for the faid 20/. of which he charged 10/. on Richard
Gates, of Horfham, and the other 10/. on Thomas Smith, of Bolney : And on
the 1 7th of December, the faid Richard Gates had taken from him two Mares
and fifteen Bars of Iron worth 13 /. 16 s.
Arthur Stanbridge, of Cowfold, fined §s. for being at the fame Meeting,
had Houfhold Goods taken from him worth i§s.
At the Quarter ScfTions, held at Arundel on the 14th of the Month called
January, Edward Booker, IVilliam Carton, Henry Mills, Thomas Sna/Ijold,
Jacob Knov.ies, William Longford, and Thomas Parfons, were feverally indidted
tor Abfence from Church, and refuling to pay the Fines laid on them, were
committed to Prifon ; as were alfo Richard Green and Margery IVilkinfon,
on an Indidtment for being at a Conventicle, and for refufing to enter
into Recognizances for traverfing the faid Indictment. And at the fame
SefTions, Henry Luxford, Mafchall Picknall, Edward Herriott, 'Nicholas Rickman,
Edward Luckins, James Luxford, and Francis Hogg, were continued in Prifon,
where they had already been about three Months.
At the AfTizes, held at Eaft-Grinfled on the i oth of the Month called March,
thirteen of the fakers, Prifoners, were brought into Court, of whom four
were fined on new Indictments for Abfence from the National Worfhip, and
all the thirteen returned again to Prifon.
At the
Judges,
fame AfTizes,
the following
VIZ.
Paper was delivered to one of the
" To
727
SUSSEX.
1683.
Prefivtrmms
ill the Spiri-
tiiitlCiittit,
I InfrifoneL
Criivous
Spoil of the
GooJs of
T. Parfons
and R. Gates.
ImprifoH'
merits.
728 A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SUSSEX. "To the KING'S Judges o/' Affize.
1683.
y^/-sy.-^^ " \7lf E the King's Subjefls, who are Prifoners, called ^.akers, who are
" VV ^ peaceable People, and have lived lb under the Government, as
liwrl'I to'the " ^^'^'^'^ '^^'^'" experienced ever fince we have been a People, for the Lord hath
juJges, " taught us io to do : And it is the Intent of our Hearts lo to continue through
" the Lord's Afiiftance to the End of our Days : And farther, we defire the
" Prolperity of the King, his Judges, Miniflers, and Subjedts, in the Things
" of this Life, and that which is to come.
" We defire and intreat you to fhew us what Favour you can, for here
" are thirteen of us, t'xo for Meeting, when but Jive in the Meeting : Eleven
" of us for lid. a Su?tday, fo called, fome upon three Indiftments, fomc upon
" two, Ibme upon one. Thofe upon three Indidtments fined 9 j. Fees 2/.
" 1 1 J. 3^/. Thofe upon two Indidlments fined 6 s. Fees 2/. 15J. 6d. Thofe
" on one Indidment Hned 3 j. Fees iL 13 J. 9^.
" The Judge the laft AlTize was pleafed to advife to proceed by Way of
" Diftrefs, as the Ad: in that Cafe provides, to avoid fuch unneceiTary Charge,
" and not to imprifon, we being many of us poor labouring Men, and the
" Livelihood of our Families depending upon our Labours, and by reafon of
" our long Imprifonment, are expofed to receive Help from others : Some of
" us have been committed above twelve Months, fome near fix Months, fome
" near three Months, and Ibme of us have had our Goods taken from us by
" Informers, our Beds we lay on. Pots, Skillets, Kettles, with other Houfhold
" Goods and working Tools. And what Favour ycu are pleafed to extend
" towards us, we fhall defire the Lord to double it into your Bofom.
Eaft-Grinfted, the ♦' Edward Hamper, Richard Green,
^^J'' "J l^^^'^ft " Nicholas Rickman, James Luxford,
Month 16%^- iL. ,, n/r -n T- C
'^ " MaSCHAL PiCKNALL, ThOM AS Sn ASH A LL,
" Margery Wilkinson, EdwardHerriott,
" Jacob Knowles, Francis Hogg,
" Edward Lucking, Henry Luxford."
" Thomas Parsons,
Anfmer of a Upon delivering the faid Paper to one of the Judges, his Anfwer to the
Jai£r. Perfon who gave it him was. That be had Inflru^iois from the King to jut the
Laws in Execution, and that he was hound by bis Oath Jo to do. He iignified.
That he was not unwilling to jhew any lawjid Favour to them, and in his Difcourfe
appeared very moderate and good-natur'd.
The Proceedings at that AfTize are briefly fet forth by Nicholas Rickman, one
of the Prifoners, in the following Letter to his Friend William Gib/on in London,
viz.
„ J. P_. , " Horfham, the 2Cth of the Firji Month 1683-4.
Letter cf " IV /T ^ unfeigned Love falutes thee, and the Dear Love of all Friends
N- R'ckman . , iVl and Fellow Sufferers now in Prifon with me, I do hereby at their
toVV.Giboti. ^^ u^.j-jj.^^ recommend unto thee, and to the Meeting of Friends for Sufferings
" in London. And fince your Love and Care for us was fuch, as to lend us
" your affifting Hand by way of Counfel and Advice, we have thought it
" requifite to fignify unto thee and them the EfFeds, that what we did by
" a Writing before the Court fat, nor yet by Conference of a Woman Friend
" of our Company after the Court was almoft done, availed not any Thing
" toward any of our Relief, but Judge Jones coming to Court at laft, and
" calling only that one Friend, that was upon the Oath, made a fecond
" Tender thereof, and gave him Time till next AfTizcs to confider, before he
" paft the Sentence oi Premunire. None of us all clfe were called by him at
" all : And fo we were all recommitted to Prifon as we were : Only about
♦' three Friends more of our Company had each a new Indidment clapt
" more
Chap.
34.
of the People called QUAKERS.
729
more upon them by the Clerk, when the Judge was from the Bench, and SUSSEX,
fo to Prilbn again they brought us through a deep Snow to the Knees in 1683.
fome Places, where Friends, through God's Goodnefs, contentedly abide his
Will in much Patience.
''^ Nicholas Rickman."
mi Diftreffss
jor Tithes.
]mpnfo>imem
by a Writ Ac
Excom. Cap.
Imprifonmems
by Sejfwns
PrceeJ's.
In this Year William Carton was committed to Horjham Goal for Tithes, at Imprifonmint
the Suit ot John Sotfber, impropriator.
Job/i Bnjtow had a fat Cow worth 4/. taken away for 40^. Tithes claimed
by John Botiwick, Prieft of Nudigate : And Thomas Hianphry had two fat Oxen
taken away for Tithes, which were valued at 13/. 10 s.
In September this Year, feveral Perfons came to the Houfe of Arthur Stan-
bridge, oi Cow fold, under a Pretence of learching for Arir.s, and carried away
two Fowling-pieces wordi 30 j.
ANNO 1684. On the i7z\\o{ November, JJWiiun Carton, for 5/. 12 s.
demanded for I'ithes by John fVickin, Impropriator of the Tithes of Ifield, had
two Cows taken away worth 7 /.
Richard Stevens, of Lewis, having been cited into the Bifhop's Court for
refufing to pay 4^. 6d. toward the Repairs of the Steeple-houfe of Michael's
Parifh there, appeared feveral Times at their Courts, and at length was decreed
excommunicate, and about the Month called June this Year, the Excommu-
nication was publifhed in the Parifh where he dwelt : On the 1 7th of No-
vember following, he was committed to Horjham Goal by a Writ de Excommu-
Jiicato capiendo, and there continued Prifoner.
On the 5th of the Month called April, Ambrofe Calloway the Elder, Ambrofe
Galloway the Younger, Richard Stevens, and Benjamin Mofely, of Lewis, Nicholas
Beard the Elder, and Nicholas Beard the Younger, of Rottingdean, were taken
on a SelTions Procefs by Rtchard Halfted and John Wood, BaylifTs, and kept
clofe Prifbncrs at the White Horfe in Lewis, till the loth of the lame Month,
when they were brought to the Seflions there, and through the Moderation
of the Jultices difcharged ; nor would the Juftices allow the Baylifts any Thing
for their Oflicioufnefs in keeping them fo imprifoned as aforelaid.
They were no fooner difcharged, but they were called again upon another
Indiftment on the Statute of 35 Eltz. to which their Council anfwered. That he
would give in a Plea to that the next Day. On the iith their Council de-
murred to the Jurifdiftion of the Court, alledging. That they might not take
Cognizance of Offences againfl that Statute, and fo argued the Cafe, that the
Court deferred the Matter for the Opinion of the Judges at the next AfTizes.
On the 7th of the fame Month, at a SefTions at Chichefler, Richard Green
and Margery Wilkinfon were tried on the Att of 13 K. Cha. 2. for being at a
Conventicle : The Jury brought them in Guilty, and they were fined 20 j. each.
On the 26th of the fame Month, Newton and Halfted, Informers, came into
the Meeting-houfe at Chichejler, when only three Men and a Boy were there,
pulled down Part of the Houfe, and carried it away, and fold it.
On the 29th of the Month called June, John Bull Conftable, with divers
others attending him, came to a Meeting at the Houfe of Thomas Parfons, of
Cowfold, and enquiring the Friends Names, would have carried them before
the Juftices, but he having no Warrant, they rcfufed to go. A few Days
after, the laid Conftable and others lodged an Information before Anthony
Eversjield and John Machill, Juftices, that Thomas Oliver, Williar/t Carton,
Arthur Stanbridge, Richard Parfons, Robert Older, Tljomas SnaJJoall, William
Linfield, William Crinfield, Humphry Killiiigbeck and his Wife, John SnaJhall,
Joane Button and Richard Hauler, with an Hundred Perfons more, were met
together in a riotous Manner : Whereupon the faid Juftices granted their
Warrant, by which Richard Hayler, Richard Parfons, Arthur Stanbridge, John
Sna/hall, and Thomas SnaJhall, were taken up, but fome of the Juftices took
their Words for their Appearance at the next StlTions. Neverthelefs, before
the Seflions came, Richard Hayler, being at HorJIjam Fair, Juftice Machill came
Vol. I. 8 Y with
Fines.
proceedings
on Inform.i-
tlon of- a.
Mteti>ig at
Cowfold.
730
SUSSEX.
1684.
A fecond
Meethig it
Cowfold.
j4 third Meet-
hig at Cow-
fold.
Fine-
TroecedP'gs it
Mklhurft
Sejjions,
md it Lewis
Sejftotis.
A CoUeftion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
with a Conftable, us the faid Richard was felling his Cattle, and hurried him'
away forthwith to the Common Goal, not allowing him the Liberty of the
Fair. At the next Seffions they all appeared, and entred their Traverfe to an
Indiftment drawn up againft them ; and fo had their Liberty till another
Seffions.
On the 27th of the Month called "July, John Bull, Conftable, and others,
came again to the Meeting at Thomas Parjbiu's Houfe, with a Warrant from
the faid Juftices, or one of them, and took thence 'Tho?nas Oliver, Henry Gates,
tVilliam Carton, Richard Chandler, Henr-j IVright, James fVoodman, Richard
Parfons, and Jacob Ivwwles, and carried them before James Morton, Juftice,
who committed them to Prifon for being at an unlawful Aifembly : After they
had been Prifoners a few Days at Horjham, the faid Juftice, in regard it was
Harveft-Time, was induced to write to the Goaler to let them have fome
Liberty, fignifying that he could receive no Damage by it in cafe they ap-
peared at the Seffions. The Goaler at firft reiufed to comply, but afterwards
got fome of his Acquaintance to be bound for their Appearance at Sefiions,
and fo let them go Home. At the Sefiions they all appeared, except Thomas
Oliver, who was taken fick, and died before that Time. They were indi(5led
for a Riot, but the Indiftment being defedfive and wrong laid, was quafh'd,
and they were difcharged : Yet one of them, fVilliam Carton, through the
Contrivance of the Clerk of the Peace, was afterwards indifted for the fame
Offence at Lewis Seffions, and for refufing to enter his Traverfe, was com-
mitted to Prilbn.
In the Month of September this Year, John Shaw, Daniel Hayler,
Richard Cates, John Edwards, John Faires, fi'ilUam Boxhall, Stephen 2'cuftg,
John Michener, Richard Chandler, arid Thomas Banifter, were taken out of a
Meeting at the faid Thomas Parjons's Houfe in Cow/old, and had before the
Juftices Machill and Eversfield, who committed them all to Prifon, where moll
of them remained until the Seffions, and being then called, and refufing to
enter their Traverfe, were all returned to Prifon again, except two, who were
bailed by their Relations till the next Seffions at Arundel, for the Weft Part of
the County -, when they were called to the Bar, but the Clerk would not
fuffer their Trial to come on, unlefs they would pay him 2 s. each for a Ventre,
which they refuled to do. Their Council pleaded, that the Court 'might not
fend them to Prifon again without a Trial, and the Juftices themfelves being
favourable, were not inclinable to recommit them, fo that feeing themfelves at
Liberty they went to their own Homes : Neverthelefs, at the Seffiions at Lewis
in the fame Week, the Clerk got them all returned upon the Calendar as Pri-
foners, except Daniel Ha'^ler and Richard Gates, who w^ere tried and fined lo.f;
each •, but the Juftices were not willing to grant any Warrants for taking thofe
again who went Home from the aforefaid Seffiions at Arundel.
At this Seffiions alio, William Carton, for whofe Appearance his Landlord had
been bound, as before mentioned, was tried for two Meetings, and fined 10 s.
for each Meeting.
At a Seffions held at Midhurft on the 7th of OSlober, John Shaw, Richard
Chandler, Daniel Hayler, Willunn Boxhall, Thomas Banifter, and Stephen Tour.g,
were indifted for a Riot and Rout, and were committed to HorPoam Goal.
At the Seffiions in Lewis, on the loth of OSiober, Richard Hayler, Richard
Parfons, John Snafhall, Arthur Stanbridge, and Tlmnas Snafhall, were indided
for a Riot. Their Council pleaded well on their Behalf, and the Jury had
agreed to bring them in Guilty of a Conventicle, but not of a Riot : But tlie
Foreman, when they brought in their Verdid, inadvertently anfwered Guilty,
which the Clerk inftantly recorded, though moft of the Jury declared their In-
tention to acquit them of a Riot. The Clerk having recorded the Verdid,
would not alter it, though it was obferved in Court, that a Favour of that
Kind had been granted to a Felon not long before : One of the Juftices faid,
tlut The Jury had done well ignoranlly. At their next Seffions they fined the
Friends
Chap. 34. of the People called QUAKERS.
Friends 205. each, and ordered Warrants to be iffued to recommit tj^m,
in cafe ot Non-payment. .1 ,.,,\r\
Upon Iniormatioii giveJi to Ibomas Beard a,nd Piter Conrtbop^ Juftices, of a
Meeting at Ifield on tlie 2 ill: of Deceif/befft, Henry Catej ^fas fined 40/. for
Preaching, and a little Time after, ,ji»4, a i Sejzurc' made 9i his Corn, Hay,
Hops, and fat Hogs, to the Value of 160/. One Calvert Brijlow^ a Neigh-
bour, obferving what Spoil they were making, treated with the Officers, who
affigiied-all the Cjoods feized to Ijim, on Condition of paying them the 40/. He
took away fo many of the Goods ;is he thought would be fufficient to fatisfy
himfelf for that Sum, leaving the refl with Henry Gates the Owner : After this
he would have paid the faid 40 /. to the Juitices upon their making him a valid
Sale of the Goods which had been feized. This they refufed to do, and di-
redledhim to keep the Money tiil Seffions. Upon this the Informers, Henry
Marrmn and Matthew Marrian, conceived a Grudge againft the faid Calvert
Brijhw for concerning himfelf in this Affair, and hindring them from receiving
fuch Part of the Spoil as they aimed at : Wherefore by way of Revenge they
endeavoured to fuborn one Bennett, a Comrade of theirs, to fwear Treafon
againft the faid Calvert. Bennett, though a very bad Man, was not fo hardned
in Wickednefs as to undertake fo black a Bufinei's, but difcovered their Defign
to Calvert, and alfo went and made Oath before a Magiftrate of theii" Attempt.
Upon thb the two Marrians, Father and Son, were apprehended and lent to
Goal : B^ing there, the Son confelled the whole of the Affair, and both of
them were altcrward bail'd out in order to anfwer it at the Aflizes : However,
in the Conclufion Calvert Brijlow was obliged to pay in to the Juftices about
64/. 5 J. and to repay himfelf out ot Henry Gatei\ Goods as aforefaid lold him.
For the fame Meeting at Ifield, a f ine of 20 /. for the Houfe was laid as
follows, vix.
On John Steer g /. for which they took from him a Pair of Oxen v.'orth 10 /.
On Edmund Booker 5 /. i o J. for which they took from him three Cows worth 8 /.
And on Jaines Femier the remaining 5/. 10 s.
William Carton, for being at the fame Meeting, was fined 30 i. for himfelf
and others, and had taken from him a Cow worth 40 s.
Fertile fame Meeting Diflreffes were made by the OfHcers oi Ifield for ^s.
each, on Richard Benge, Jofeph Benge, William Brown, Thomas Brown, Francis
Chairman, and Francis Hogg : And for the like Fines, Diftreffes were made by
the Officers of CharUwood on John Humphry, James Robinfon, Thomas Stenton^
Francis Cox, John JNightingale, and Jofeph Booker.
For Abfence from the National Worffiip were taken this Year, by Warrants
from Thomas Beard, Juftice, from William Bennett, Thomas Tidy, and John
Grover, Goods to the Value of 5 /. 6 s.
For Meetings at Stenmng, were taken by Diftrefs,
Fine, two Heifers
10 s. Fine, Goods
From Richard Hayler, for 5 /. 155.
worth
William Longford, for 3 /.
worth
William Parker, for 5 /. Fine, eleven Sheep worth
Hannah, Wife oi Martin Symons, for 1/. Fine,
Goods worth
Thomas Snafijall, for 5/. 15 ;. Fine, a Mare
worth
Edward Barber, for 5 s. Fine, Goods to the
Value of
Jacob Knowles, for i /. ifi. Fine, forty one
Boards worth
}
]
}
}
}
}
/.
s.
5 15
SUSSEJt'
Fhies for i 1
tiUetinff tt >.
Ifield.
Wicledrtefs of
Informers.
Tines for
Abfence from
the Nmonal
IVorJhip.
For Fines of 23/. os. od.
Taken
29 ^9
Mary
732
SUSSEX.
1684.
E. Blackfan
dropt his Af-
peul.
Cafe of John
Deane and
his Wife.
\
■^ x\-
Difirejjfes for
Tithes.
A Collediion of the Sufferings Vol. I)
Mary Fleets a poor Cripple maintained by Charity, had taken from her five
Sheets, a Bnifs Pottage-pot, a Frying-pan, and a Joint-ftool, worth il. 155.'
Edward Blackfan^ for being at the fame Meetings, was fined 7 /. 1 8 J. which,
at the Perfuafion of Ibme Jultices and others, he paid in order to an Appeal,
but when the SefTions came on, he found fo little Encouragement in profecuting
the fame, that he chofe rather to lofe his Money, than to be put to farther
Charge.
ANNO 1685. About the Conclufion of the laft Year, Hannah, Wife of
Johi Deane, was taken up by an Attachment out of the Excheqiier, at the Suit
of IFilliam Jenden, Prieft of Chiltington, for Tithes, and on the 25th of the
Month called April this Year, the faid John Deane himfelf was taken by the
fame Attachment ; they were both committed to Prifon, and continued there
till the 24th of the Month called May, when the Prieft himfelf went to the
Prilon, and ordered the Goaler to difcharge them : This was judged to proceed
from his Confcioufnefs of their Innocence and Integrity, which made him very
uneafy at what he had done. Thus were they i^t^z at Liberty ; yet fo unftable
was the Prieft, that about two Years after, he again cauied the faid John Deane
to be imprifoned feveral Months for another Claim of Tithes then made by him.
Taken this Year by Diftrels, for Tithes claimed by Henry Hc/ket, Prieft of
Charkwoody
From Jatnes Rolinfon, for 4/. demanded, two Oxen worth
'Thomas Humphry, for 4/. 10 s. demanded, two Oxen 7
worth j
Mary "Taylor Widow, two Cows worth
Mojes Chandler, two young Bealls worth
/.
s.
d.
'4
10
10
6
10
4
35
o
Commitments
from i Meet-
ing (it CoW'
fold.
Pe(»(> of
H. Dixon.
IndiUments at
the jiffiics.
Taken alfo from John Brijlow, for John Bonwick, Prieft of Nudigale, a Cow
worth 3 /. ios. And from Richard Hayler, tor Tithes claimed by Jofeph Proud^
Prieft of Stenning, an Heifer worth 4 /, 6 s.
On the 29th of the Month called March this Year, Henry Gales, John Blott,
John Grover, Hump'hr'^ Killingbeck, John Beckly, Richard Beiige, Thomas Bax,
fValter Conjlable, Thomas Himiphry, William Garton jun. Thomas Rowland, Jofiah
Garton, Henry Mills, and Stephen Toung, were taken out of a Meeting at the
Houfe of Thomas Parfons in Cowfold, and being carried before Anthony Evers-
field and John Machill, Juftices, were committed to Prifon for not giving
Sureties to appear at the Afllzes, but fome of them were afterward bailed out
by their Relations or Acquaintance.
Plenry Dixon, of Stenning, having Procefs out againft him, appeared at the
Quarter SelTions at Chichefter on the 27th and 28th of the Month called y^r?'/,
and was thence committed to Prifon for Fines and Fees, where he lay clofe
confined till the 25th of the Month called June, and then died, his Phyfician
having often faid. That his clofe Confinement -would be the Caufe of his Death ;
yet the Goaler would by no means grant him any Liberty.
At the Afllzes, held at Horfham on the 7th of Septetnber, about twenty
Friends appeared, and were indidted for a Rout and unlawful AlTembly, where
thirteen of them, namely, Nicholas Beard, William Garton, Edward Booker,
John Linfield, Walter Conjlable, Thomas Humphry, Stephen Tcung, Henry Mills jun.
Williatn Garton jun, Jofiah Garton, John Grover, Humphry Killingbeck, and
T'homas Rowland, were fined 40 s. each ; and moft of them were difcharged by
their Neighbours or Acquaintance paying their Fines and Fees without their
Confcnt : The other feven were remanded to Prifon for lack of Sureties to
traverfe the Indidlment, viz. Jacob Knowlcs, Richard Parfons, John Merchant,
John Betchly, John Blott, Henry Gates, and Richard Benge : I'liefe alfo were
bailed out, and appearing at the next AfTizes, were fet at Liberty by Virtue of
the
Chap, 34. of the People called QUAKERS.
At the fame Affizes moil of the other Prifoners
the King's Proclamation,
were alfo fet at Liberty.
By a Warrant granted by 'Thomas Beard and Peter Coiirthop, Juftices, on the
Information ot Henry and Matthew Marriaii, Informers, for a Meeting at
j^eldy Fines were impofed, and Diflreffcs made as follows, viz.
Goods worth
733
SUSSEX.
1685.
I.
s.
d.
Taken from Edward Booker
5
»5
James Woodman
5
5
William Brown
15
Francis Chairman
10
Nicholas Hogg
5
Richard Terry
3
10
William Garton
5
10
John Steer
3
Henry Mills
10
Jofeph Benge
10
Mary Finch
r
Diflnffes jot
a. Meetiiig at
Ifieki.
25 15 o
We fhall next fubjoyn a Lift of the Names of Perlons excommunicated in
this County, taken out of the Regifter's Office on the 4th of the Month
alkd January 1685, viz.
Amhrofe Galloway fen.
Amhrofe G allow a^^ jun.
Benjamin Mofely^
William Beard,
Thomas Parfons,
Robert Older,
Thomas Snajhall,
John Grover,
TJjomas Batten, and
Anne his Wife,
John Scrafe,
Jane Eager,
John Fowle, and his
Wife,
Richard Parfons,
Samuel Webb,
Hannah Morris,
Walter Norman,
Mafchall Picknall, and
Clement his Wife,
Robert Brown,
Elias Ellis, and
Mary his Wife,
John Newnham,
Thomas Mofely,
Richard Stevens,
Richard Verrall, and
his Wife,
James Luxford,
Henry Gates,
William Bennett,
Samuel Baker,
John SnaJJjall, and
his Wife,
Nicholas Beard, and
Sufanna his Wife,
Thomas Akehurfl,
Mary Akehurfl,
Thomas Buck,
Charles Brigflock,
William Daniel,
Edward Gerrard,
Edward Herriott,
Richard Dunne,
Thomas Ellis,
Jeremiah Ellis,
Thomas Robinfon, and
his Wife.
A Lift of Pri-
foners exconi'
munieiteiU
Many of the lafl named Perfons had been alfo returned into the Exchequer
on the Statute for 20/. per Month, and ProcefTes were gone forth for levying the
fame on the Ellates of feveral of them, but their Ruin was prevented by King
Ja?nes's Proclamation for a general Pardon, and his CommifTion to the Attorney
General in particular, for extending the fame to the People called fakers, in
Prifon on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, and on ProcefTes for not coming to
Church, i^c.
ANNO 1686. Tiktn irom Richard Hauler ^ov Tithes, by Jofeph Proud ^
Priefl of Stenning, a fat Beafl worth 5/, 1,5 s. And iromjohn Brijlow, for John
BoHwick, Vntik oi Nudigate, a Cow worth 3/. 15;. .1 '■:
In O£loher this Year, Nicholas Rickman, of Arundel, Henry Elliott and his
Wife, oi Augmeeraig, and Richard Pagden, oi Polling near Arundel, were pre-
fented in the Ecclefiaftical Court at Chichefter, for not coming to Church :
Nicholas Rickman and another Friend appeared, as cited, before Dr. Briggs,
Chancellor and Judge of the Court, and fliewed him, that there were two In-
diftments againfl them at the Quarter ScfTions for the fame Offence, which they
thought a fufficient Reafon for him to forbear Proceeding : But ncvcrthelefs he
Vol. I. 8 Z did
Exchequer
Procejs pre-
vented, by
I^ing James's
ProcUm.ttioti,
&c.
Vijirejfes for
Tithes.
Injuftice of
EcchJ!il\icd
Proceeding!'
Cru:l Pfofecu-
tion of Mary
Akehurft by
a milicieus
rrieft.
734 v^ Colleftion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
SUSSEX, did proceed to Excommunication, and the fame was publilhed in their Pariifh-
1686. Churches. A\ttY v]\\k\\, ontTilyer, '?r\t^oi Augmeering, andDenbam^ Prieft
of Polling, made it their Bufinefs to warn the People of their refpedive Parifhes,
not to have any Dealings with theuy neither to buy of nor Jell to ibeWy nor let
them have any Kind of Provifton either for Money or Credit , threatning all fuch
as fhoiiid deal with them with Excommunication. They lorbad the Miller to
grind Henry Elliot's Com, and he, for fear of them, refufed to do it. Whereupon
the laid Henry employed a Woman who kept a Mill at Arundel, to grind for
him, tor which fhe was fummoned to the Court, where they forced her to pay
Money, and to promife not to grind for him any more. Thus thofe Priefts
difcovered their Inclinations to have perfecuted this People to the utmoft, even
after the King had by his Declaration forbidden their Imprifonment.
ANNO 1687. Mary Akehurft., of the C/f/f, near Z-^ww, Widow, having
been profecuted in the Ecclefiaftical Court for Tithes, at the Suit of John
Erefhy, Prieft, was excommunicated, and on the 9th of the Month called
July", near Midnight, was taken by two Bayliffs with a Writ de Excommunicato
capiendo. The next Day, being the Day called Sunday, they carried her away
to Prifon, though fhe had been a long Time fick, and was even then 16
weak, that Ihe could not walk without holding : Neverthelefs, one of the
Bayliffs, being drunk, when he got on Horfeback, with many Oaths and
Threatnings had her fet upon his Horfe, and would not fuffer her to take Ne-
ceflaries with her, fo that her Friends thought fhe could not live till fhe came
to the Prifon : But the barbarous Bayliff fwore, that If fhe could not hold it to
Prifon, which was twenty Miles, he would tie her, and drag her thither at bis
Horfe' s "Tail. Being brought to Horfham Goal, fhe was kept clofe Prifoner there
about (even Months, and then was removed to London, and committed to the
King's-Bench. The unufual Cruelty exercifed on this innocent Woman, pro-
ceeded from an inveterate Malice the Parfon had long conceived againft Thomas
Akehurft her Son, on the following Occafion : The Prieft had made a falfe
Information againft Thomas Akehurft for being at two Meetings, where he was
not : Akehurft indifted the Parfon for Perjury, and the Grand Jury found the
Bill againft him at Lewis SelTions in 1683. This enraged the Parfon, and he,
as it was generally thought, by way of Revenge, thus feverely profecuted his
aged fickly Mother.
Profecutiovs John Briftow had again taken from him, for Tithes claimed by the Prieft of
for Tithes. l^udigate, a Cow worth 3 /. \os.
Elias Ellis was profecuted in the Exchequer for Tithes, at the Suit of David
Morton, and on the 21ft of O£iober was committed to Horfham Goal on an
Attachment, where he remained feventeen Weeks.
On the 19th of the Month called January, Thomas Par fons, of Cowfold, was
alfo committed to the fame Prifon, at the Suit of George Vinter, Prieft of that
Parifh, for Tithes. Richard Hayler alfo had taken from him for Tithes, by Jofepb
Proud, Prieft of Stenning, a fat Ox worth 7 /. He alfo fuffered for the Repairs
of the Steeple-houfe, which he refufed to pay, the Lofs of 61. 7 j. 4 J.
for ANNO 1688. Takm kom William Carton, oi Ifield, ior I'nhts for John
Wickin, Impropriator, two Cows, a Calf, with other Goods and Money to the
Value of 17/. And from Richard Verrall, of Brighthelmftone, for Henry Snook.,
Prieft, Wool worth 2 s. 6d. and for Robert Gold, Tithe farmer. Goods worth
I / 15^. From John Briftow, for John Bonwick, Prieft of Nudigate, were
taken two Beafts worth 5/. 55. From Jarnes Rohinfon, for Henry HeJket,
Yx'vc^ oi Charlewood, two fat Oxen worth 14/. From Wilkam Matthew, of
Cbarlewood, for the fame Prieft, a Cow, iSc. worth 4/. 10 J. And from
Thomas Humphry, for the fame Prieft, for Tithes valued at 16/. two Oxen,
a Cow, and Money, to the Value of 24/.
ANNO 1689. Taken from Mofes Chandler, for the faid Henry He/ket, in
Cattle and Money to the Value of 7 /. 3 s. From Richard Hayler, for Jofeph
Proud, ?nd!t oi Stenning, tor Tithes worth 5/. 10 s. a fat Ox worth 9/. 10 5.
From Elias Ellis, of IVarhlelon, at the Suit of Anthony Nether cott, Prieft there,
for
DtflreJJis
Tubes.
Chap. ^5- ?/ ^^^^ i^eople called QUAKERS.
for Tithes of 8 /. Value, a Mare, three fat Beafts, and other Cattle, to the
Value of 35/. From Richard Ferral^ oi Brighthehnflone, for He?iry Snook, Prieft,
a Sheep, Lamb, and\Vool, worth 14 J. 6d. and for Robert Gold, Tithe-farmer,
"Wheat and Barley worth 1 /. loj. From Jereviiah Ellis, at the Suit oi Anthony
Netbercclt, Prieft, tor Tithes of about 40 i. Value, four Oxen worth 22/.
From Nicholas Beard, for Ifuac fVoodroof, Prieft oi' Rotlingdea}i, Corn and other
Things to the Value of 30/. And from John Brijlow, oiNudigate, tor John
Bonwick, Prieft, for Tithes of 40 j. Value, two Cows worth 5/. 10 s. Alfo
Richard Hudfon, of Bedingham, had Corn and Peafc taken from him tor fVilliajn
Hafelin, Impropriator.
ANNO 1690. James RoUnfon, for 3/. 10 s. demanded for Tithes by
Henry Hejket, Prieft of Charlewood, had taken from him a Cow and a Calf
worth 4/. 1 05. From Thomas Humphry, for 6/. 10 5. demanded by the fame
Prieft, a fat Ox was taken worth 7/. From Nicholas Beard, for Ifaac Woodroof,
Prieft of Rottingdean, were taken Corn, Wool, and other Things, worth 22/.
From James Baker, of Milton-ftreet, for William Staples, of Arlington, Tithe-
farmer, tor Tithe and a Church-Rate, Corn worth 12/. From Richard Hudfon,
of Bedingham, 1 2 s. From Edward Pryor, tor pretended Arrears of I'ithes
due to Henry Hefket, Prieft of Charlewood, were taken a Pair ot Oxen and
Money to the \^alue of 13/. And from John Brijlow, of Nudigate, for
Tithes of 40J. Value, two Cows-worth 4/.
On the 29th oi September this Year, Thomas Humphr^^ and TJjomas Ellis were
taken out of IJield Meeting by Bayliffs, and carried to Horjham Goal by an
Attachment out of the Exchequer tor Tithes, at the Suit of John IVickin, Im-
propriator. The Value of the Tithe claimed of the faid Thomas Humphry was
405. for four Years, and of Thomas Ellis, for two Acres of Ground never before
known to pay Tithes. The faid Thomas Ellis remained Prifoner about a
Month, and Thomas Humphry about two Months, and were both difcharged,
lome of their Neighbours, without their Knowledge, having fatisfied their
Profecutor.
Amhrofe Galloway the Younger, of Lewis, had his Goods taken by Diftrefs to
the Value of 5 /. for his Default in providing a Man to ferve on the Trained-
Bands : The faid Diftrefs was made by Virtue of a Warrant from tlie
Lieutenancy.
735
SUSSEX,
1689.
Diftreffes {or
Jitbei.
Itnprifonmentt
for lubes.
Dtflrtfs for
the Tnined'
Bands,
CHAP. XXXV.
w
E S.
Anno 1655.
WALES.
TH F, earlieft Inftance ot this People's Suffering in JVales, is that of Sufferhe, of
John Ap John, who being in the Steeple-houfe nt Swanzey in J«ApJohn.
Glamorganjhire, after the Preacher had ended his Sermon, afked
him, Whether be was a Minifter of Chrift ? This Queftion gave
great Oft'ence, not only to the Prieft of whom it was afked, but alfo to another
of the fame Funftion then prefent ; who difcovered his Wrath by inftantly
feizing John by the Collar, and without futfering him to fpeak another Word,
dragging him out and delivering him to a Conftable, who confined him that
Night in a clofe dark Prifon. Next Day he was brought before the Magiftrates,
whom the Priefts laboured to incenfe againft him, requiring in their fierce
Zeal, to have him whipt, that the Devil might come out of him ; and as often as
he
736
A Colle6lion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
WALE S. he attempted to ipeak, one or other of the Priefts would ftrike him, and ftop
1655. his Mouth with their Hands. At length, he was fent to Prifon by the following
l-Z'S'^^J Minimus, viz.
" To the Keeper of the Cojtimofi Goal for the County of Glamorgan,
" or his Deputy at Cardiff.
Mittimus of
J.ApJohn.
<c
Glamorgan.
W
[THEREAS it hath been proved by Oath before me, that John
Ap John, of Denbigh/hire, hath miflaehaved himfelf contrary to the
Laws, and Security being therefore by me required for his perfonal Appear-
ance at the next Great SefTions, to be holden for the faid County, hath
obflinately refufed the fame : Thefe are therefore, in the Name of his
Highnefs the Lord Protedlor, to charge and require you forthwith to receive
into your Cuftody the Body of the laid John Ap John, and him fafely in
your Goal to keep and retain, until he fhall give good Security for his
Appearance at the firft Great SefTions, and in the mean Time to be of the
good Behaviour toward his Highnefs, and all good People of this Nation :
And hereof fail not, as you will anfwer the Contrary at your Peril. Dated
at Swa/izey under my Hand and Seal the 8th Day of Ooiober 1 6^c,.
cc
Robert Dawkins."
Notes o>r the
faid Mitti-
mus,
Flokm I/tfiths
Oil. a Meeting
xt Crellcdge.
Seven curried
before a ^uf-
ticc, and fern
to Vrifon.
JJiflrejfes for
Tithes.
It is to be obferved, that this Mitlimus exprefTes no particular Caufe for the
Man's Imprifonment, but palliates an unjuft Proceeding under Colour of a
general Charge ot Mifbehaviour, though the Matter of Faft was in no wife
criminal, nor liable to the Penalty of any Law : But the Juflice, to oblige the
Priefts, and avenge their Caufe, perverted the Law, to the great OpprelTion of
an innocent Man.
ANNO 1656. On the 5th of O£loher, being the Day called Sunday, a re-
ligious AfTembly of this People was held in a Place near the Steeple-houfe
Yard at Crejfedge, where, as one of them was preaching, many People came
out of the Steeple-houfe, and furioufly ruHiing in, laid violent Hands on
feveral : A Conftable took away the Preacher, and carried him into the
Town, where he flood and preached to the People, and they attentively heard
him. When he had done preaching, he kneeled down to Prayer, but the
Servants of Samuel S/nilh the Parifh-Prieft, rudely came out, and making a
great Noife with Kettles, a Candleftick, and Frying-pan, endeavoured to
drown the Voice of him that prayed : And being afked, PFhy they did Jo ?
The Priefl's Man anfwered, He that fet us to do it, will bear us out. The
Prieft's Maid alfo, and others, threw Water in the Faces of many of the
Friends. The Prieft, who excited thefe Difbrders, did not then appear, but
foon after applied to the Juflices, and obtained a Warrant to bring before them
William Paine, Conjlantine Overton, John Paine, Humphry Overton, Thotnas
Jenks, John Farmer, and James Fanner, who accordingly appeared, but though
feveral of the Prieft's Hearers attefted, nat they faw nothing done by them, but
what was peaceable and orderly, yet the Juftices committed them to the Common
Goal, there to remain till the Afllzes above five Months after. At the AfTizes,
though no Breach of Law could be proved againft them, yet the Judge,
taking Occafion from their coming before him with their Hats on, fined them
for a Contempt, and fent them back to Prifon, whom he ought to have fet at
Liberty. Thus their Confinement was continued three Months longer.
In Monmouthshire, was this Year taken for Tithes,
From John Read, a Cow worth
'Thomas Arnold, for i /. is. demanded. Goods worth
/. s.
4
4
o
d.
o
o
In
Chap. 35. of the People called QUAKERS.
In Glamorganshire,
From Morgan Robin, for ii s. 6d. demanded, Goods
worth
He was alfo imprifoned five Weeks
Edmund Thomas, of Motion, for 3 /. 2 j. de-
manded. Goods worth
"John David, of the fame, for i /. 4 j. demanded.
Goods worth
Evan Leonard, of the fame, for 45. demanded.
Goods worth
Matthew Gibbon, for 2 s. demanded. Goods worth
Morgan Gibbon, for 3 /. demanded, Goods worth
Thomas and Daniel Hopkins, for 7 i. demanded.
Goods worth
\
}
}
}
7
3
o
12
10
10
o
d.
o
o
737
WALES.
1656.
Diflreffei for
litbet'
For 8 /. 10 s. 6d.
Taken 28 8
ANNO 1657. In Radnorshire, taken for Tithes,
Demanded
From Richard Moore, for
Margaret f-Fatfon,
John Berks,
Evan Steven,
John Ap Evan David,
Oliver Howel,
Evan Morris,
Charles Davis,
Hugh JVtlliams
I I
o
o
o
o
o
I
o
o
I
6
4
3
5
10
4
d.
o
4
8
o
4
o
o
o
o
Value taken
/. s. d.
r I
3
10
o
2
o
10
10
o
6
o
I
2
4
I
5
I
I
For
Taken 23 6
ANNO 1658. John Ap John, for preaching to the People in the Town
of Stvanzey, was feveral Times turned out of that Town by Order of the
Magiftrates : At length, for his publick Oppofition to Evan Griffin, one of
their Priefts, he was haled out of the Steeple-houfe by the Hair ot his Head
by one Roberts, a Preacher, and being brought before a Juftice, was ftruck
and pulled by the Nofe in his Prefence by Morris Bedwell, Prielt of Swanzey,
and afterward by the faid Juftice committed to Goal, where he lay twenty
Weeks, and then was difcharged without any legal Trial. In like Manner A/«r-
garet Thomas and Rebecca Thomas, for bearing their Teftimony againft the
Iniquities of thofe fighting Priefts at Swanzey, were much abufed and imprifoned
there, and at length turned out of the Town : And when JVilliam Bevan of
that Place, went with his Boat and brought them over the Water thither
again, he alfo was imprifoned and put in Chains. In the fame Year Elizabeth
Holmes and Anne Btirket were imprifoned in the Dark-houfe at Swanz^-"); for the
fame Oaufe of teftifying againft the Priefts, but their Caufe appearing too
innocent to be legally punifhed, they were difmifj'd again without any Trial.
Shortly after their Releafe, the faid Elizabeth Holmes went into the Steeple-
houfe, and there preached to the People, who attentively heard her till
the Prieft cami.', who caufed her to be again imprifoned in the Dark-houfe,
where fhe was chained by the Leg at a great Dillance from the Door, to prevent
her fpeaking to the Priefts or others as they pafTed by, and lo cruelly was flie
uied, that they would not ilitf'er Necefliiries to be brought her, but fhe was
obliged to drink by fucking through a Cane pur in at the Hole of the Door.
She was a third Time confined a Day and a Night in the fame Prifon for
fpeaking a few Words to Morris Bedwell the Prielt, as flie met him in the
Street. At another Time the faid Elizabeth Holmes and Anne Burket, having
Vol. I. 9 A been
A Vsriety of
Abufis thro'
th: Exene-
mer.t of the
Prielis.
Sttiiry Impri-
lonminti.
738
WALES.
1658.
Sufferings of
F. Gawlcr.
Exmhition
cf Francis
Gawler, Ed-
ward Ed-
wards, t»d
Elizabeth
Holmes, be-
fore the fuf-
fiies.
A Colled;ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
been at a Meeting at Walter Pfatkins\ Houfe at Sheer-Newton in Monmoutb-
flnre, and lodging there, fome of the People made an Lfproar about the Houfe
in the Night, and next Day carried them before the Juftices, who made a Pafs
to fend them away as Vagabonds, but their own Conlcioufnefs of the Women's
Innocence reftrained them from executing it. The faid Elizabeth Holmes was
alfo lorely abufed at Lanvacbes, by the rude People animated by IValter and
Sims, Preachers there. She and Alice Burket were haled by Violence out of
the Steeple-houfe at Newport, and carried to the Bridge, and kept Prilbners
there fome Time.
Francis Gawler, of Cardiff, was feveral Times imprifoned for his Teflimony
againfl the Corruption ot the Priefts. At Cardiff he was haled out of the
Steeple-houfe, fliamefully abufed by the People, and violently ftruck by the
Priefl himfelf with his Cane : At another Time, for aflcing the Priefl a
Queflion, after his Sermon before the Judges, he was committed to Prifon,
and detained there many Months : He w.as alfo again imprifoned a long
Time tor fpeaking to the fame Prieft in the Street. In the Steeple-houfe Yard
at Llandaff, he and Alice Burket were grievoufly abufed, where the faid Alice
was ftoned, and had her Clothes torn off her Back, and the Prieft's Wife
flruck the faid Francis ib violently with a Key, that he felt the Blow a long
Time after. At Swanzey, as he was fbanding flill in the Steeple-houfe, hearing
the Prieft, he was fuddenly aflaulted, dragged out, and imprifoned in the
Town-hall, though his Behaviour was altogether peaceable and quiet, nor did
he iay any Thing. But his religious Concern to teftify againfl the Priefts of
thofe Times being well known, fo expofed him to their Refentmenr, that they
ftirred up the People by abufing him, to prevent his uttering fuch Reproof as
their own Confciences told them they deferved. Hence it alfo happened, that
he was frequently carried before the Magiflrates, and by them difmiffed for
want of any colourable Pretence to proceed againft him. The faid Francis
Gawler^ Edward Edwards, and Elizabeth Holmes, being taken in a Meeting
in Sheer-Newton, were brought before John Nicholas, H'llliam Bleathin, and
Robert Jones, Juftices of the Peace, whofe Examination of them before many
People prefent at Juftice Bleathin's Houfe, was as follows, viz.
Juftices. Tou have broken the Law in meeting together under the Tree fo near
the Church, and we have feveral Times warned you of it before this, therefore
we tnuft deal with you according to the Law.
Anfwer. We have broken no Law of the N.ation in meeting together, for
the Law of the Nation giveth Liberty to all to meet together in the Faith of
Chrift, in which we met together ; therefore we have broken no Law.
Juftice Nicholas. The Law faith, the Minijier fjjotdd not be dijlurbed, going
to or coming from his Exercife.
Anfwer. That Law we have not broken now, for we did not fee the
Minifter, nor fpeak to him.
Juftice Nicholas. Though you did not fee the Minijier, nor fpeak with him,
yet you know he was diflurbed by your Meeting, being in the Way fo near the
Church, where the People did go forth : So by this there was a Dijlurbance.
Anfwer. We believe the Minifter and you were troubled, becaufe the
People came forth of the Steeple-houfe to our Meeting, yet we have not
broken the Law, for the Law faith, // mujl be proved that fuch came wilfully^
malicioufy, and of fet Purpofe to make Dijlurbance ; and if fuch an Oath were
taken before thee, we think thou wouldft hardly believe it.
Juftice Nicholas. We fhall do nothing but what we have Proof for : Some
did hear the Voice of one of you in the Church, and fo it mufi be a Djturbance.
Anjwer. It muft be proved, that fuch an one did nuilicioufly and wilftdly
make a Dijlurbance, therefore let it be proved.
Juftice Nicholas. Walter Jenkins'i Voice was heard in the Church, and
therefore it muji be a Dijlurbance.
Anfwer. Walter Jenkins was not here this Day ; therefore believe them
not who inform thee againft us.
Juft
ice
Chap. 35. of the People called QUAKERS. 739
Juftice Nicholas. Walter Jenkins was here the laft Time, and his Voice ivai WALES.
heard then. 1658.
Anjhver. That which thou doft queftion us for, is meeting together now,
and that we have made a Difturbance, which cannot be proved. What Walter
Jenkins did is paft, and he is ready to give an Account for what he has done.
Juftice Nicholas. Do you own the Scriptures to be the Word of God, yeq
or nay ?
Anfwer. If thou fayft the Scripture is the Word of God, prove it, and
produce one Scripture that faith, The Scripture is the Word of God.
Juftice Nicholas. I will do fo.
Juftice Jones. We will not prove it, till you firft deny it.
Anfwer. It lies upon the Governour to do it, whether we deny it or no,
becaule he faid 161? would prove it, therefore let him.
Juftice Jones. We fhall not prove it, till you firft denv it.
Anfwer. The Governour faid, He would prove it, fo we may refufe the
Anfwer till he proves it ; yet notwithftanding, for the Sake of the Simple-
hearted People here, if you will take an Anfwer according to the Scriptures
of Truth, we fhall anfwer you, which we know may fatisty you.
Juftice Jones. We are willing to receive an Anfwer according to the Scriptures
of Truth.
Anfwer. The Scriptures we own to be the Words of God, which are a De-
claration of the Word of God, which was from tlie Beginning, before the
Scriptures were written, and is as an Hammer and a Sword, dividing afunder
between the Marrow and the Bones, and to this the Scripture ftands a Witnefs
for us. John i. 1, 23. Heh. iv. 12.
Juftice Nicholas. 7ou have given us more SatisfaHion than fome of your
Friends have done, and you fpeak very well, to own the Scriptures to be the
Words of God, wUch indeed is Truth, and we are glad to hear you jay fo.
Juftice Jones. But how is it you call our Minifters Deceiv£rs, and fome ef you
never Jaw their Faces before, which is a ftrange Thing to us, I pray you tell us.
Anfwer. It is an eafy Thing to know a Deceiver and a falfe Prophet, for
they are markt with the Mark of the Beaft in their Foreheads, and you may
read in the Scripture, _^ -many Hundreds were marked with the Mark cf the
Beaft in their Foreheads, and they were thofe that upheld the Worfhip of the
Beaft in their Idols Temples, where the Beaft is now worfhipped in this Gene-
.ration, by which Mark the falfe Prophets are known to be the Deceivers,
though their Faces we never fee -, and take heed how you uphold them, left
you be Partakers of their Plagues.
Juftice Jones. Indeed we read in Scripture, as you fay, that fo many Hun-
dreds were markt with the Mark of the Beaft in their Foreheads, but it is a
ftrange Thing to us, that you know our Minifters by that Mark.
Anfwer. We believe thee, Friend, where thou art, that it is a ftrange
Thing to thee ; but if thou wilt come down to God's Witnels, the Light
which fhines in thy Heart, thou wilt come to fee it as plain as we fpeak it.
Juftice Nicholas. Tea : But do you not know, thai you have profited bv our
Minifters, and that the Prefence of God went with thpn ? I pray you honeflly
confefs.
Anfwer. We fhall honeftly declare unto thee : There was a Time that the
Prefence of God went with fome of them, and in that Time they did bear
Witnefs againft Tithes, Types, Figures, and Shadows, laying, Chrilt was come,
and hath fet an End to Tithes ; and fome of them durft not receive them for
Confciencc-fake, the which now they receive and plead for, and receive Hun-
dreds by the Year by it ; therefore the Prefence of God is withdrawn from
them, whom we deny, and by their Fruits they are known.
Juftice Nicholas. We will let them alone to plead for tbemfelves.
Anfwtr. Dofo, and let them fight tor their God j and. our Weapons fhall
not be carnal, but Ipiritual.
Juftice
Itnprifon-
ments.
neighbouring
740 ^ Collcdion 0/ the Sufferings Vol. I.
WALtS. Juftice 7o«a. Ton fay ^ The Light (hines in the Heart, which gives the
1658. Knowledge of God in the Face of Jefus Chrift, and in fo doing you add to the
Scriptures.
Anfwer. We fay. The Light Jhines in the Hearty which gives the Knowledge
of God in the Face of Jefus Chriji, and if tliou denicft it, it Jies upon us to
prove it.
Juftice Jones. Tes.
Then F. Gawler turned to 2 Cor. iv. where the Text being plain againft the
Governour's Aflcrtion, he honeftly confefled his Error before the People, faying,
Juftice Jones. 2ou are in the Right, and we were miftaken,
Anfwer. We fhall not make thee an Offender for a Word, but if thou
hadft had fuch Advantage againft us, thou wouldft hardly have paft it by, but
we are taught to do io. Thou and the Governour have ailccd us many
Queftions, and you cannot fay you are difatisfied in any one Particular : Now
we would afk you one Queftion, Did Peter and Paul fpeak one Thing, and
mean another when they Ipake ?
Juftice Jones. iVrt)', they did not fpeak one "Thing, and mean another.
Anfwer. Then do not thou make Meanings to their Words.
Juftice Jones. I /hall not do it.
After their Examination, they were detained feme Time in a
Alehoufe, and then by the Juftices Order fet at Liberty, having had an Op-
portunity in the Alehoufe to declare the Truth to the People who followed
them from the Juftices, and heard them with much Attention, being much
fatisfied with what they had before heard at the Time of tiicir Examination at
the Juftice's Houfe, where the Room was full of People.
Thomas Holmes, for fpeaking to the Pricft at the Steeple-houfe at Curwent in
Monmoiithfhire, was imprilbned by Order of the Juftices. During his Confine-
ment, John Brown going to vifit him,, was alio detained, and both of them
the Day following, were fent away with a Pafs, This Thomas Holmes is laid
to have been the firft Preacher among the People called S^uakers in JVales.
Elizabeth Richard, ot Cardiff, Widow, for fpeaking to a Frieft in the Steeple-
houfe at Swanzey, after the Worfhip there was ended, was ftruck by one of
his Hearers with a Bible, and afterwards fent to Prifon, but relealed without
any legal Trial.
Thomas John and Toby Hodges were committed to Prifon by a Warrant ex-
preffing that they had called two Priefts of Cardiff, Dumb Bogs and Hirelings.
The Warrant was granted by George Morgan, one of the BaylitTs of Cardiff,
but Jenkin Williams, the other BaylitF, retukd to meddle in the Affair, being
conicious to himfelf, that thofe Priefts did defcrve the Characters given tliem.
For a like Offence given to Benjamin Flower, another Prieft in Cardiff, the
faid Toby Hodges and Dorcas Erbery, luffered Imprilbnmcnt many Months.
For Caufes of the like Nature, Thomas John Reinfham was lent to Cardiff Go2\,
and Meredith Edward to the County Goal at UJke in Monmvwhjhire. At another
Time the faid Meredith, being brought before Robert Thcmas, a Juftxc,
he would not fuffer Aleredith to fpeak for himlelf, but took him by the
Throat and ftruck him, and afterward fent him to Bridewell by a Warrant,
fignifying that he had called Griffith David, a Minifter, Thief and Hireling, and
Whipping of ^'^''•^ ^^ denied the Lord's Supper. In the Bridewell he was cruelly whipt by the
M. Edward. Keeper, whom the Prieft had incenfed againft him. This Prieft was known
to be very greedy and covetous ; he had been taken by fome Neighbours in
the Adl of marking their Sheep for his own, for which they t(Khore to pro-
Commitmem fecute him in regard to his Fundion. About the fame Time Matthew Gibbon,
«/■ M. Gib- of Motion in the County of Glamorganjhire, formerly a Captain, who in the
bon. Service of the Commonwealth had loft die Ule of one Arm, went into the
Steeple-houfe at Pemnark with a Purpofe to have cleared his Confcience to the
People, but was prefently dragged our, and lent to Cardiff Goal : An illegal
Commitment, upon which they did not bring him to any Trial, but thus
arbitrarily punilhed him with Imprilbnment wlio had broke no Law. As
illegal
Chap. 35- ^ //^^ People c^/.W QUAKERS. 741
illegal was the beating and putting in the Stocks oi Mary Richard and Mary WALES,
Moj], for reproving one Johtt Cults, a Prieft, it not appearing that they were 1658.
io mUch as conven'd before any Magiftrate. w'*~V^'~»^
III this Year aifo, Richard Moore, for 7 j. demanded for Tithes, had Goods jjiiTre/Tes for
taken from him worth 1 S s. Alfo Walter Watkins and his Wife, of Sheer- rithei,
l^ewton in MonmQidhjhirc, were imprifoned in the County Goal at VJke^ for
Tithes demanded by the Priell ot about ^QS. in \'alue. And in Glamorganjhire,
David Jones was impriluned many Weeks, at the Suit of Benjamin Flower,
Prieft of Cardiff, for 4 J. demanded for Tithe of a Garden, and 6d. for a
Jbleece of Wool.
In this Year alfo, were Sufferers by Diftrefs of their Goods, for refufing to m1 for
pay towards the Repairs of the Steeple-houfes, IValter IFatkins, oi Sheer-Newton ^J^epk-houje
in Monnwuthfljire, Matthew Gibbon and Edward Thotnas, of Molten in Glamor- ^
ganjlnre, and John Ap Evan David, Richard Moor", and Evan Morris, all of
RadhorJInre ; from which four laft named, lor Demands of 2/. 3J. Goods
were taken to the Value of 4/. yj.
"John Ap John was taken from a Meeting at Cardiff, by the Command of Imp^^fonmnn
Henry Griff.thy commonly called Captain Griffth,, znd brought before him, who "Lj'otu^,]'^ °
having no Power to' imprifon him, fent fbme Soldiers with him to Richard
Sheersy one of the Bayliffs of Cardiff, who being unwilling to meddle in the
Affair, abfented himfelf. The Soldiers then applied to the other Bayliff, Rogc-r
Sheers, who was not forward to a6t therein : Kevertheleft, through much Im-
portunity of the Priefts, the laid Bayliffs were periuaded next Day to fend the
laid John Ap John to Prifon, and together with him, Francis Gawler, John
Mayo, and Toby Hodge, who had been at the fame Meeting. They were con-
tinued a few Days in Prifon, and then releafed without being brougiit to any
Trid.
ANNO 1659. In this Year Elizabeth Holtnes was again imprilbned in the Swttliy Impri.
Dark-bcufe at Stvanzey, as were alfo Thomas ishaw and Roger Bouldbetb, for fonmintu
their religious Teftimony.
James Jones was committed to the Houfe of Corredlion by the Mayor of
Haverford-fFeJt, for ftanding before the Minijler in the Sleeple-houfe there, to the
Amaxcment both of him and the People, as the Warrant of Commitment ex-
preiTed it. For the like Caufe Willimn Thomas, of Llandey in Pembrookjhire,
was alfo imprifoned. In November, William Griffith went into the Steeple-houle
called St. Mary's in Shrewflmry, where he fpake a few Words to the Prieft,
but was prefently haled away and carried before the Mayor, who lent him to
Prifon for fix Months.
In the fime Year, in the Month called January, D^;zi>/ £(Z,(vr publickly D. Baker
proclaimed the Teftimony of Truth to the People in the Streets oi Shreivjhury, a!i»fii'
a Service which he performed at the Hazard of his Life, the People forely
abufing him with Dirt, Stones, and Snow-balls. The like Concern he was under
at fevcral Times, and performed the fame through a Multitude of Sufferings.
In this Year Elizabeth Holmes preached at many large Meetings in /^e?n- services and
hrookffire ; at one of which Meetings yfj«?« Hawkins, Prieft oi HaverfordJVeJl, Sufferings of
was prefent, and made at firft fbme Oppofition, but at length, being Qyercome ^' ^'^''^ ^^
by the Povftr of Truth, confefTed that he did believe her to be a IVoman that ' '^^'
converted many Souls to God, and told her, if fl^e wciild come to his PariJIo, he
•would give her Opportunity of fpeaking to the People. A fhort Time after, flie,
accompanied with Alice Biirkct, wenir thither, where they had a large Meeting
at the Houfe of William Bateman, but were taken thence by Officers, and
brought before the Mayor and another Juftice, who fent them to the Houfe
of Correftion, where the Keeper at firft talked roughly to them, but afterward,
obferving their Chrijlian and innocent Deportment, became very loving and
kind, permitting them to have Meetings in the Prifon, where they were kept
about fourteen Days till the Qiiartcr Seirions. In their Imprifbnment, Hawkins,
the Prieft, came to them, pretending he had no Hand in their Commitment, for
•which Deceit they reproved him, knowing that he had influenced the Magilfrates
Vol. I. 9 B on
kct.
742
WALES.
1659.
Diflrefles and
Imprifin-
mentj.
Imprifo»ment
for refufiijg
to Svjsir.
Meetings
broke up by
SoUien.
Diflre/fes for
Sieeple-houfe
for Tithes,
A Collctlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
on that Occafion. At Scffions they were called, and one of the Juflices who
committed them, being informed how the Pricft had attempted to wipe off
from himfelf the Imputation of their Imprifonment, openly faid, that I'he Priefi
would not let the Juftices be quiet, till the^ jent them to Prifon. So the Juftices
gave the Prielf a publick Reprimand for his Hypocrify, and fet the Women at
Liberty. But a kw Days after, the Mayor, whom Alice Burket had difpleafecj
by fome Words flie fpake to him in the Street, fent her again to Bridewell^
and after flie had been there two Days, fent her out of the i'own by a Pafs,
but file had not gone far before the Officers left her to go whither fhe would.
Lei^ellyn Jones, Philip Lewis, Evan Philip, and William Pierce, of the Parifli
of Rudree in Clamorganjlnre, had their Goods taken from them for a Fine of
half a Crown each, for abfenting thernfelves from the Parijh-Church, and mi
coming thither to the puhlick Worjhip. Alfo lVillia7n Bateman, for permitting a
Meeting at his Houfe, was committed to Prifon. Likewife Howcl Jones, for
not putting off' his Hat, fuffered Imprifonment at Treganan.
John Thomas, an honeft labouring Man, of Gcdclift in Monmouthjhire, being
chofen Conftable, refuted not to have ferved that Office •, but becaufe he could
not for Confcience-iake take an Oath to qualify him for the fitme, was fent to
Prifon, and there detained four Months, to the great Damage bf him and his
Family.
On the 20th of the Month called February, the Friends being peaceably and
religioudy afTembled in their own hired Houfe, were infulted by feveral Soldiers
of the /rz/?) Brigade, headed by a Serjeant, and attended by a Rabble of rude
Boys with Clubs ; they forced the Friends out of the Meeting-place, and gave
them many Blows and other Abufes, and when the Serjeant was aflced. By what
Authority he jo acted ? he laid hold on his Sword, f:\ying, B-j this Authority.
After the like Manner were feveral other Meetings broke up about the fame
Time.
In this Year alfo, Richard Moore, John Ap Evan David, and John Berks^
all oi Radnor fljire, for 6s. 8 d. demanded of them toward the Repairs of the
Steeple-houfes, had Goods taken from them to the Value of 14 j. ^d.
ANNO 1660. John Williams, of Llandilo, for a Demand of 14^-. for
Tithes, had an Horle taken from him worth 4/.
Hard was the Cafe of William David, of Cardiganjhire, a poor Man with a
large Family of five Children, who rented fome Land of but 50 j. per Annum,
for which the Tithe-claimers made a Yearly Demand of 20s. for Tithe, and
took from him five Times that Value, fb that his Lofs for the Tithe was double
his Rent. For the like unreafbnable Claim the next Year, they took from him
two Cows, whofe fuckling Calves for lack of Suftenance died.
John David, oi Radnorjfnre, For gs. 2d. demanded lor Tithe?, had taken
from him a Bullock worth 2/. 6 s. 8d.
Margaret Watfon, of Lannano, Widow, for 45. demanded for Tithes, had
a Cow taken from her worth 405.
Miles Sykes, of the fiime, for 3 s. claimed for Tithes, had a Cow taken from
him worth 3 /. This was a poor Man who had feveral fmall Children, and only
that Cow.
In Radnorshire, the feveral Pcrfons following, for a Fine of 9 J. each,
impofed on them for Abfence from the National Worfliip, had their Goods
taken by Diftrefs, as follows, viz.
4
/.
s.
d.
4»i for
Alfence from
From
Richard Moore, Gooods worth
1
4
David Crowther,
'5
the National
James Miles,
2
6
U'orf})if.
John Bevan David,
I
16
8
Jane Clayton Widow,
2
'3
4
Owen David,
I
Henry Clayton,
Carrried
over
2
II
15
Chap. 35. of the People called QUAKERS. 743
I.
s.
d.
WALES.
Brought over
II
15
1660.
From Edward Evans., Goods/worth
2
16
8
^^•■VA^
David Mereditby
1
16
David Powelly
I
16
For Fines of 4/. 10 s. od. Taken 18 3 8
From Edward Sikes, for a Fine of 13 j, for Abfence from the publick Wor-
fhip. Goods were taken worth i /. lOJ. There were aho thirty two Perfons Excommunia-
excommunicated for the fiime Caufe. tions.
In Merionethshire, in the Month adkdJugii/i this Year, about fourteen ^jpi^h by
Friends being met for religious Worfliip, were aflliulted hy Alban Vaiighan, and armsd. Men.
feveral rude Perfons armed with Swords, who haled them out of the Meeting-
place, and threatned to carry them to Carmarlben Caltle, being twenty fix
Miles off, but after they had driven them (frequently ftriking them with their
Swords) about two Miles, they let them go : But, a few Days after, the lame cruelVfage
Party of armed Men on Horfeback, came to the feveral Dwellings of thofe and hard Jm-
whom they had before fo abufed, and haled them out by Force, fome out of prijoimim of
their Beds, wounding, beating, and bruifing feveral, and drove them along f"^"^ J""" ^^'
on Foot betoie their Horlls, twenty Miles, to a Town called Baala : Four of swifr.
them were required to take the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing it, were
committed to the Coaler's Cuftody, who put Fetters upon them, and caufed
them to go iron'd twelve Miles to Prifon, wliere he kept them with others of
their Friends, above twenty in all, about fifteen or fixteen Weeks, not fuffering
any to carry tnem Food or other Necelfaries, and taking away their Bibks,
Inkhorns, Knives, and Money, and daily infulting and abufing them in a bar-
barous Manner. The Names ot thofe who fuffcred under that tyrannical Goaler
"were, TBomas Lewis, Rice "Jones, John Humphry, WUliain Jones, John Aleredithy
Joanc Owen Widow, Sa?nuel Humphry,, Robert Owen, John IVtlliatns jun. Thomas
EUis, Lewis Ap Humphry, Joane Humphry, John William, Owen Lewis, John
Evan, Hugh Ap Rees, Meredith Edward, Katharine Williams, Evan Jones,
Owen Humphry, Richard Jones, William Ap Rees, and Horry Thomas. Several Seizure of
of the faid Perfons, during their Imprifonment, had their Cattle feized on in fl'^'rcutsle.
great Numbers, about fix Hundred and fifty Head of Cuttle in all, which were
driven to Baala, and there fold, and the Money difpoled of at the Pleafure of
tlie Profecutors, without rendring any Account thereof to the Owners.
On the 1 5th of October, eighteen Perfons for refufing to Swear, were com- Commitment
mitted to Prifon, as appears by the following Mittimus, viz. "I ' ^ Pi'jotis.
<£
Gkmorganfliire fs.
^' I0 the Keeper of his Majcfty's Goal, or to his Deputies at
" Cardiff in the jaid County, Greeting.
WHEREAS the feveral Perfons hereunder-nameJ, were this Day -j^.i^ Mitti-
brought before us, his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace for the faid mus.
County, whole Names are hereunto fubfcribed, and were by us required,
according to Law, in Obedience to his Majefty, to take the feveral Oadis
of Allegiance and Supremacy, but they retufing fo to do : Thefe are
therciore, in his Majcfty's Name, to will and require you to take and receive
the Bodies of the laid feveral Offenders hereunder-named into your Cuftody,
and them fifely to keep and detain until they ifiall be delivered by due Courfe
of Law, or by Order of his Majcfty : Hereof tail not at your Perils. Given
under our Hands and Seals the 1 5th Day of October, in the tweli ch Year of
his Majefty's Reign, that now is, ovex England, dec. 1660.
" Richard Basset, William Herbert,
*' David Jenkin, Lam. Stradling.
" The
744
WALES,
1660.
Imprtl'onmeiits
for reluftirg to
Swar,
At Shrew t
bury 25 //«-
prifoned for
refujivg to
Svocir.
Alfoli. Over-
ion And. others.
Mivy talen
froin their
orvn Houjes
and for re-
fiifing the
Oxth fent to
Prijon.
A Collection ^ //je* Sufferings Vol. I.
" The Prifoners NAMES,
' ' Edward Edwards^ John Mayo, Toby Hodge, Jenkin Evans, William Harris^
John Ddy, M-'illiam Day, Price Robert, Walter Jenkins, James Thotnas, James
Lewis, Rowland Thomas, T'homas Willia?n<, Evan Phillips, 'Tho?nas John, John
Richard, Morgan Harris, and William Morrice."
In the fame Month Francis Gawler and John Gawler were committed to
Prilbn for rcfufing the Oath : And on the 24th of November, David Jones, a
very aged Man, was committed to the Town Prifon in Cardiff for the fame
Caufe.
On the 5th of December, a Lieutenant and feveral Files of Soldiers came into
the Meeting at Shrewfhury, with Swords drawn, and Matches lighted •, they
put the Women out, and then guarded the Men to the Town-hall, where the
Juftices tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and upon their refufing to take
it, the Mayor fent twenty three of them to Prifon, where they lay fifteen
Weeks : Their Names were, John Shield, Richard Moore, Oliver Jtherton, Ralph
Sharpies, Jeremiah Owen, Thomas Rowley, Richard Ward, Thomas Woolrich,
Henry Raw/on, James Farmer, Willuun Traitle, William Griffith, John Hoiifion,
Richard Ap Edward, John Millingtcn, John Medlicott, T'homas Bracy, Jofeph
Fletcher, Abraham Poyner, Owen Roberts, Thomas Somerjleld, John Farmer, and
John Whitaker. On the next Day, Humphry Overton pafTing the Street, was
taken and carried before the Mayor, who for refufing to Swear, fent him alfo
to Prifon. On the 13th Benjamin Boult, James Brown, Benjamin T'ownfend,
Richard How, and Brewen Sixfmith, came to vifit their impnlbned Friends, and
the Mayor tendred them the Oath, and fent them alio to Prifon. On the i6th
Conjiantine Overton, T'homas Jackfon, T'homas Jenks, and Thoinas Studley, were
taken out of their Meeting by the Captain of the Caflle, and by the Mayor
committed to Goal, where they were detained fourteen Weeks. On the fame Day
Jane Miller and Katharine Peers were committed to the Houfe of Correftion,
and after three or four Days fent out of Town. Katharine Peers foon returned,
and Deborah Briggs with her, and being both taken at a religious Meeting, were
fent by the Mayor to the Houfe of Correftion, where they were feveral Weeks:
On the 1 7th Thomas Hill declaring the Truth in the Streets at Shrew/lury, was
carried to the Mayor, who tendred him the Oath, and fent him to Prifon.
On the 20th James Harrifon, John Bancroft, Richard Buxton, and Thomas Bower,
were taken out of a Meeting, kept all Night by Soldiers on the Guard, and mucli
abufed -, as was Samuel Snezall, whom they fetcht out of his own Houfe : Next
Day the Mayor tendred them the Oath, and committed them to Prifon : And
on the 30th of the fame Month, he alfo committed to the fime Goal Robert
Aftbury, of Coventry, who came to vifit his Brethren there confined.
On the 1 2th of the Month called January, Francis Winfon was taken out of
his own Houfe by Soldiers, kept two Days on the Guard, and fixteen Days
more at the Marfhal's Houfe, where he was hardly ufed -, after which, he was
brought before the CommifTioners, who tendred him the Oath, and fent him to
Prifon, where he was put into the Dungeon : He was a poor labouring Man,
had a Wife and five fmall Children, whofe Subfiflence depending on his Labour,
they futfered much Hardfhip by Means of his Confinement. On the 20th Thomas
Groan, of Wcfton- LulBigfield, for refufing to Swear, was fent to Prilon -, as
were on the next Day, for the fame Caufe, John Jefferies, Richard Clark, and
T'homas Hole, who were taken from their own Houl'es in the Parifli of Bafchurch.
On the 2yth Edward Sharrot, John Paddy, William Paddy, John Shaw, and
Williatn T'ujker, were taken at a Meeting in Edward Sharrot/'s Houfe at Edg-
7nond, by a Party of the Trained-Bands, and carried to Shrewjhuty, where
fome Juftices tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and fent them to the
County Goal, where thev were- put into the Dungeon. On the 31ft of the fame
Month, by Night, Walter Jenkins, John Williatm, Philip Williams, and Charles
Jenkins, were taken by Force out of their Beds, their Doors being broke
open by a Party of Florfc, leveral of whofe Officers were Papijis. They broke
open
Chap. :i^. of the People called QUAKERS. 745
open their Coffers and Trunks under Pretence of fearching for Arms, and WALES.
though they found none, yet they drove the innocent Men fcveral Miles 1660.
through the Mire and Dirt in the Horfe-path, to an old Caftle, where they ^-•"V^VJ
were detained till next Morning, when the Captain of the Troop came, and
ordered a Party of rude Soldiers to condudl them to Monmoulh. They drove
them thither moft inhumanly, through the dirty Road, not fufiering them to
go the Foot-way. The Mayor of Monmouth^ upon their refufing to Swear,
committed them to Prifon, where they were confined in a filthy Place till the
Town Selficns, at which the Oath being again tendred, and by them refufed,
they were recommitted to Prifon, and with them Willmn John, who was taken
from his Bufire!'s in the Field by three Men without any Warrant, who carried
him to a neighbouring Conftable, and afterward to Monmouth. They were all
kept in the aforclaid filthy Prifon, till feveral of them fell fick through the
Stench and Natfinefs, and then the Goalcr removed them to his own Houfe.
About the fame Time IVdliam Daisjfon., oi Monmouth, Haberdafher, thomai
Morrh fen. IValier John, John Rojfer, and Ihomas Mortimer, fevcrally travel-
ling on the Highway about their lawful Occafions, were taken up by Con-
ftables or chirrs, and carried to a Juftice of the Peace, who upon their Refufal
to fwear, committed them to Prifon at UJk, where they were put into the
Dunaieon.
S') violent was the Profecution in Wales about this Time, that the very
Name of a Sluaker expofed a Man to the Lofs of his Liberty, as appears by
the following Order given to the Conftabks of Glamorganjhire, viz.
*'*' Glaniorganfliire fs.
" To the Petty Conjlables of N. Greeting.
*' "D Y Virtue of a Warrant to me direded from the Juftices of the Peace of "''''■'■ »» »'je
" Jj this County, to caufe a fufficient Watch to be kept within your Parifn, ^onflabks.
*' both Day and Night, and that there be Care taken by the Watch, that
♦' none of thofe called fakers or Anabaptifis, be fuftered to go from one Parifh
to another, or to gather together to any Meeting or Conventicle, and that
you caufe all other Strangers pafTing by your Watch to be apprehended and
brought before the Juftices, and that you have a fpecial Care to enfure all
the fakers within your Parifh, until you receive farther Order from the
Juftices : Whereof tail not at your Peril. Dated under my Hand die fecond
Day oi February 1660.
" Signed by the High-Conftable."
In Confequence of this Order, the following Perfons were apprehended,
fbme in their own Houfes, others on the Highway, and fome at their religious
Meetings, and committed to Cardiff Goal, viz. John Mayo, Jenkin Evans,
Toby Hodge, Francis Gawler, John Richard, IVilliam Harris, John Duvid, John
Cupper., Rice IVilliams, IVilliam IVilliatns, Roger Thojnas, Walter Williams, David
Jones, John Ap John, Michael Adams, Robert Thomas, Matthew Jenkin, James
Thomas-, James Lewis, Ihomas Robert, Pierce Robert, John Johns, Edward Ed-
wards, Jenkin Howel^ William David, William Morris, Thomas ELiott, Morgan
Harry, Thomas Williams, Jenkin John, Meredith Rice, Evan Philip, Rice Jones,
Edmund Ihomas, Thomas John, Edward Gibbon, Lewis Beck, David Williams,
JVilliain Thomas, William Rice, and Philip Lewis.
Leaving thefe laft named forty Perlbns under clofe Confinement at Cardiff", '^^^. ^'•f'>''"s
we return to Shrewjhiiry, where the Number of Prifoners being alio large, ^""'^^ '"""
many of their Friends from diftant Places came thither, drawn by the Force of
Chrijiian Love to vifit and afTift them. As foon as the Soldiers, who kept a
Guard near the Prifon, faw any of thefe Perfons coming to vifit the Prifoners,
they immediately apprehended them, and carried them to the Mayor, who
tendred them the Oath, and fent them alio to Prilbn. Some of thole who met
Vol. I. 9 C with
<t
ti
(C
C '.
it
M.iny com-
miitcd if
ikM Orier.
irg to vifit
ilum were alfo
impri]oned.
746
WALES.
1660.
Abufe by Sol-
diers.
Seven Terfons
feveral Times
imprijoned.
Confined in tin
Bogfy.
JheirPdtience.
Hard Imfri-
fonment.
14 Sefit to
Prijon for
fejufing to
Svieir.
1 4 More int-
prijoned for
rejujing to
Smur.
A Colleftion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
with fuch Ubge were, John JVIntehoitfe of Staffcrdfiire, Ralph Javiin of Chejhire,
PFil!m?n Hatton, 1'hotnas Briggs, and John IVolley, and alio John Hianpjlon, who
had brought Ibme Provifions for the Priloners. Several Women alfo, who
came to vifit their Relations and Friends in the Prifon, were not lufiered, but
put out of Town again by the Soldiers: One of them, Conjlance, Wife of
John Shield, great with Child, had travelled above forty Miles on Foot to fee
her Hufband, but being near the Goal, the Soldiers took her and kept her in
the Cold till Night, and then with much Difficulty were perfuaded to let her
fpeak a few Words to her Hufband at the Prifon-door, after which they
obliged her immediately to depart, and feek her Lodging where flie could.
The Priloners alfo were frequently infiilted and abufed by the Officers and
Soldiers, who feveral Times came in and fearched their Boxes, Pockets, and
Letter- Cafes, and took away even their Food from them.
In Radnorshire, the religious Meetings of this People were broken up by
Soldiers armed with Swords and Staves, who acted by Warrant from the Sheriff
and a Juftice of the Peace. Thefe Soldiers were very abufivc : One of them
with his Sword ftruck a Friend on the Head, and cut his Hat almolt through,
and feveral others were unmercifully beaten by them.
ANNO 1661. In Merionethshire, Samuel Himphry, Owen Lewis,
Owen Humphry, John Evan, John Davis, Thomas Ellis, and Robert Owen, were
committed to Prifon for refufing the Oath of Allegiance. Alter fifteen Weeks
they were brought to the Qiiarter Seffions, and upon their Declaration of Fidelity
fet at Liberty. Shortly after, they were again imprifoned, but at the Seffions
difcharged. Before the Expiration of the Year, the laft mentioned feven Perlbns
were a third Time apprehended and committed to a Marfhal's Cufhody, who
Ihut them up in a nafty clofe Hole, where he had ufed to keep Hogs : The
Swine, kept out of their ufual Lodging, made fuch a Noife at the Door, and
under the Wall, in the Night, that the Priloners could take little Reft i and
the Place was fo expofed to the Weather, that when it rained they could not
find Room to lie down, and were obliged to lade out the Water with Pails.
In this Hog-houfe they continued ten Weeks, and then were removed to the:
Cuftody of another Marfhal, twelve Miles farther from their Families : They
reflifing to fubmit to his illegal and exorbitant Demands, he fliut them up in a
Chamber, and there kept them two Days and two Nights without luffering any
Manner of Suflenance to be brought them, and their Lodging for that Time
was on the bare Floor without Straw. But at length, the Marflial finding their
Patience fuperior to his Cruelty, behaved himfelf towards them with fome
Humanity.
Satmi el Humphry, one of the Prifoners laft mentioned, after thirty five Weeks,
was taken by the Sheriff's Men, and put into the Common Goal, where he was
nine Days, and as many Nights, without Bed or Bed-clothes, or lo much as
Straw to lie on, nor was his Wife fuffered ro bring him any NecclTaries, and
when one of his Servants came with fome Provifions, they detained him in
Prifon : When he fent a Letter to fome of the Magiftrates concerning his
illegal Ufage, the Melfenger who carried it was by them rewarded with Impri-
fonment. After feven Weeks patient Continuance under fuch barbarous Ufage,
they kt him at Liberty.
In Flintshire, John Baddely, John Neivton, Owen Painter, Robert Pritcb-
ard, John Griffis, John Roane, Thomas Taylor, JFilliam Spann, Roger XJrian,
Roger Smith, Randal Croxton, Randal Weaver, Richard Andrews, and Henry
Morry, going towards a Meeting, near the Place were furprized by a Com-
pany of Soldiers, and carried before two Juftices, who tendred them the Oath
of Allegiance, and for refufing to take it, committed them to the County
Goal, where they were continued Prifoners two Years and an Flalf after.
In Denbighshire, in the Month called May, fourteen Friends were im-
prifoned for refufing to Swear, and remained about two Months in Prifon,
where they were kept very clofe, having nothing to lie on but Straw.
On
Chap. 2S- of the People called QUAKERS.
On tlie 4th of the Month called June, IVill'tam Gibfon being on the Road
near Stanton, was taken by a Party of Soldiers, and with twenty three of his
Friends, whom they had taken at feveral Places, fent to Prifon, whence they
were a fhort Time after conveyed eight Miles to the AfTizes, and theie dil-
charged, all except IVilliam Gibjon, whom the Judge recommitted, and he
remained Prifoner a great while : During his Confinement he futfered much
by the Keeper's Cruelty, who would not permit his Food to be carried to him,
but he was obliged to draw it up with a Rope •, the Keeper alfo threw him
down a Pair of Stone Stairs to the bruifing his Body very much, and beat him
lo on the Breaft, that he was fick thereof near fix Months of his Imprifonment,
There was Prifoner at the fame Time with him John Moan, who had been
taken out of a Meeting at Sbre-wjlury.
In Pembrookshire, on the 6th of the Month called Aiigujl, Lewis David,
and Sufan his Wife, James Leiais, Alice Leziis, Evan John, and IVilliam Thomas,
of Landevjy, were committed to Prifon till the next AiTizes, where they were
required to give Security that they would not go to any more Meetings, which
refufing to do, they were recommitted. Soon after ten others were fent to the
fame Prilbn, viz. Thomas Simons, and Jane his Wife, with their three Sons,
Hugh, John, and Evan ; Urfula Simons, Laurence Edward, Henry Edward,
David Edward, and Margaret Edward. The Ullage they met with was very
cruel, being impriloned among Felons and Murderers, who took away their
Food, pickt their Pockets, and many Ways abuled them : The Hardfhips
they endured in Winter for want of Fire, having no Place to make any in, was
very pinching to feveral of them, who were both aged and fickly, and had
their tlands and Feet much fwelled, and their Bodies looking black : This they
endured two Winters, and after about eighteen Months Imprilbnment were
brought to Trial at the AfTizes, where the Evidence againft them was found
infufRcient to convift them of being at the Meeting for which they were in-
dicted ; wherefore the Jury acquitted them, and they were fpeedily after dif-
charged from their long unjufl Confinement.
On the 2 ft of September, Williarn Bateman, and Sarah his Wife, James
Jones, Henry Relief, and Elizabeth his Wife, Morgan Eyron, and Joane his
Wife, all of Haverford-Wefi, were taken at a Meeting, and refufing to give
Bail that they would have no more fuch Meetings, were committed to Prifon,
and kept their till the AfTizes a Year after, where tlie Men were fined 5 /. a piece,
and the Women five Marks each, for Non-payment of which they were fent
to Bridewell, and there detained three Months longer, except William Bateman,
whofe Fine they levied by Dirtrefs of his Goods, to the Value of at leaft 5 /.
About this Time Morgan Thomas was fent to Prifon by Judge Morton, for
not taking the Oath of Allegiance, and was much abufed in the Shire-hall at
Carmarthen.
About the 8th of OElober, Thomas Holme was taken out of a Meeting at
Cardiff hy armed Men, one of the Town-Baylilfs being with them, and carried
to the Marfhal's Houfc, and next Day lent to the Common Goal without being
examined by any Magiftrate.
On the 3d of November, John Gawler and John James were committed to
Prifon for being at a Meeting in Cardiff : On the 24th the Baylifis oi Cardiff
came into the Meeting tliere, and fent all the Men to Frifbn, with one W^oma'n,
named Elizabeth Richards. In the fame Month the Portrieve of Swanzey, and
his Officers, armed with Halberts and other Weapons, came to the Meeting
there, haled out all the Men, and committed them to Prifon. About the fame
Time JVatkin Richard, David Richard, and Robert Thomas, were impriloned
under Ground in a Cellar tour or five Months, without the Lommon Benefit of
Air allowed to Felons : Alio a poor Woman, whole Hulband was blind and
unable. to help himfelf, was fhut up in a nafty ftinking Cockloft many Weeks
together. For being at a Meeting in the Parifli of Merther, Lezvii Beck, John
Harris, William fVilkins, and Jenkin Tbmias, were fent to the County Goal,
where they were kept a Month in a nafly ftinking Cellar, and not allowed the
common
747
WALES.
1661.
Su^srvig of
W. Gibfon.
Imprifon-
ment s.
Great HirX.
pips in Pri^
fon.
Commitments
from 1 Meet-
ing jtHaver-
ford-Weft.
Arbitrary
Commitments*
Ninny Impri-
fonmenti.
Three confined
under GroWid,
E. Holme
vifnhig her
/iusbut'd in
Trifnv rvjs
there iistiinsi.
748 ^ Collc6lion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
WALES, common Benefit of Air, nor were any of their Friends admitted to vifit or
1 66 1. relieve them.
V-^^V^s^ In Denbighshire, on the ifl: of December, Bryan Sixfmith, William Lewis,
Other prievous ^ilH'^'" Kulder, John Jp Edward, Nalhanael Battel, Richard Humblock, T/jomas
Sufferings. Mo!-ris, T/.wnas Gwin, Hugh Davis, and David 'Tho7nas, being met together
in their own hired Houfe at IVrexham, were pulled out by Soldiers, and carried
betore fonie Juftices of the Peace, who fent them with a Mittiir.tis from Con-
ftable to Coiiftable, to the Common Goal at Writhen, feveral of them being
very poor Men with large Families, who fuffered much by their Confinement.
James Fletcher, coming to vifit fome of his Friends in Prifon at TVrexhatny
was forcibly detained till a Warrant was procured to carry him before a Magi-
flrate, who tor his reiufing to Swear, committed him alfo to Prifon.
Edmund Williams, David Simonds, John Howel, and Richard Poole, were taken
at a Meeting in the Houfe oi William Bateman in Haverford-Wejl, and committed
to the Town- Goal, and two Days after, being brought before the Magiftrates,
they fent the former three to the Houfe of Corredtion, and ordered Richard
Poole to remain in Prifon till the Wind ferved to fend him to Ireland, where he
dwelt, and then to be whipt and lent thither.
On the 5th of the Mon:h called January, two Men were taken at Cardiff
Meeting, and carried to the Town-hall, where they were kept two Nights, and
on the third Day one of them was committed to the County Goal, and the
other conftrained to go out of Town without fpeaking to any of his Friends in
Prifon.
On the 9th of the fame Month, Elizabeth Holme came to Cardiff to vifit
her Hufband Thomas Hohne, who had been there in Prifon three Months. The
Ma^V^tratts hearing that fhe was come, made a flirid Search alter her, both at
the Houfes of her Friends and others, and impriloned a Maid whom they
fufpedted to know of her, for not informing them, as alfo a Watchman for not
(topping her as fhe cam.e into Town. They feized her Horfe and Saddle, and
committed the Perfon, who had her Horfe in Cuftody, to Prifon : As foon as
the Buftle of their Search was over, the innocent Woman came of her own
Accord to the Baylifi^s, to demand her Horfe and Saddle, informing them of
the Caufe of her Coming, vi-z. To vifit her Hujhand in Prifon : This was ad-
judged a Crime fufficient for her Imprifonment alfo, and accordingly her Mit-
timus was made, and fne detained in Prifon with her Hufband.
About the fame Time Anne Freeman came out of Monmouth fljirc, to vifit her
Friends in Prifon, having travelled fourteen Miles on Horfeback in wet Weather,
and 'coming into Town was taken by the Watch, and was carried to the
Baylitf, who ordered her to Prifon for that Night, and next Day fent her out
of Town by a Pafs, and would not fuffer her to fee any of the Prifoners.
Anotlier Woman who had come fix Miles on Foot to fee her Hufband, was
denied that I'avour, as were feveral other of the Prifoners Wives, who were
neither permitted to fee them, nor adminifter to their Neceffities •, nor were
they fuffered to have any Provifion brought them, except what was handed
over two Doors at a confiderable Diilance one from the other.
William David, tor refufing to Swear, was clofely imprifoned two Weeks,
John Stevens fix Weeks, and Morris Evans feven Weeks.
Befide the grievous Perfecution inflided on this People in Wales, under
Colour of Law, many of them were grievoufly beaten and abufed, to the
Hazard of their Lives, by wicked Perfons on the Road, who on Prefumption
of Impunity, made it their Sport to ini'ult and abufe their peaceable Neigh-
bours : Of thofe who fuffered much by this Means were John Hutnphreys, and
Humphry Willia>ns at Carmarthen, Javies Lewis near Tinby, Griffith Morgan, and
many others •, and even fome of the Prielts flruck feveral of them with their
own Hands.
ANNO 1662. On t\\t %x\i of September^ James Pi3onviz% committed to
Premunire. Carmarthen Cattle, under Sentence of Premumre tor refufing to Swear, and
from
A. Freeman
rot jiifftred
to vijn tki
Prifoners.
Wivii not
fujjcred to
fee their
/jUibuildS'
MiJ>y gris'
voujlj beuten.
Chap.
35-
of the People called QUAKERS.
749
retufing to take
feat toPrifon
for tejujitig to
Sroear.
Sundry Imprh
fonmain.
Cru;hy of
SolMiru
DiHr^fs
Tithei.
for
from thence, after four Months, removed to the Goal at Havcrford-tVef, where WALES,
he remained Prifoner many Years. 1662.
In the Month called Ju^ufi, Nell Woolford, Mary Edoe, Elizabeth Lmtly,
Nell Griffith, and Kalbanne Lockier, all of Hnverford-fVefl, were brought before
the Judge of AlTize, who committed them to clofe Frifon lor
the Oath ol Allegiance.
In September, Humphry PFillia7ns, and Rebecca his Wife, Abigail, the Wife of
lVillia7n Gray, John Howel, and Rebecca IVilliams jun. as they were going to
a Meeting in Haverford-fVefi, were taken in the Street and imprifoned fome
Days. William Evans, Rice Pritchard, Lewis Pugh, Richard Owen, Harry
Thomas, David Powel, and Evan Harry, were imprifoned at Montgomery, and
very hanlly ufed, lodging on the bare Boards, and having fometimes their
Water kept from them.
On the 1 6th of November, a Party of Soldiers came to a Meeting in
Shrewjl'ury, their Captain having a Club in his Hand, with which he fell turi-
oufly upon the Friends, and his Soldiers following his Example, beat many, to
the grievous bruifmg of their Bodies : After which, they dragged them by
Force out of their Houfes, and fearched them, beating their Servants very
inhumanly.
Taken in this Year for Tithes, from Thomas Somerfeld, of Stanton, for 3 /.
demanded. Goods worth 8 /.
fVillia?n Lewis, and Margaret his Wife, Edward Evans, and Katharine his
Wife, were taken from their own Houfes by order of the Juftices in Mont-
gomer^jhire, and for refufing the Oath of Allegiance, committed to Prifon on
the 20th o\' November this Year, where the faid Edward Evans, being an infirm
Man, and unable to bear the Filth and Dampnefs of the Place, laid down his
Life, the unwholfome Confinement there having haftned his Death. The reft
were continuing Prifoners there five Years after.
About the Middle oi December, Hugh Davis, Humphry JViljon, Charles Lloyd, f7^"J/,J"
Cadwallader Edwards, David Griffith, Sarah H iljon, and Anne Laurence, were j:^milUs atii
taken from their feveral Families, and next Day, for refufing to take the Oath of for refufwe^ to
Allegiance, committed to clofe Prifon, where, after about three Years Con- •5'"'«"' lent to
finement, the laid Humphry fViljhn died of a Diftemper occafioned by the
Coldnefs and Unwholfomnels of the Place.
The Perfons next under-named had a Fine of 4/. each, impofed on them at
Seffions for refufing to Swear, for which Fines were taken
From Richard Moore, an Ox worth
Edward Evans, two Cows worth
Evan Morris, two Kine worth
Griffith Morris, two Oxen worth
Edward Stevens, two Kine worth
30 10
Death of
E. Evans.
/.
s.
d.
4
10
6
6
7
7
Prifon.
Death of
H. Wilfon.
Difirtjfs
John Ap David, Edward Morgan, David James, and David Rice, fuffered
three Weeks Imprifonment for refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
John Williams, for i /. demanded for Tithes, had an Horfe taken from him
worth 4 /. fVilliam Thomas, of Llatidewy in Pembrookjhire, for 40 s. claimed
for Tithes, fuftered Diftrefs of an Horfe and a Mare worth 5 /. John Evans
3.nA Thomas Ellis, for Tithes valued at i /. 10 J. per Annum, had taken from
them fifty one Loads of Rye, Oats, and Barley, worth 10/. Alfo Owen Lewis,
for I /. 155. Tithe, had a Cow taken from him worth 2/. 15J. He was alio
excommunicated for refufing to pay 2 d. .for a Demand of Tithe for Cheefe.
Taken alfo for Tithes,
/. s. d.
From Evan Morris, for 2/. 10 s. demanded, an Ox worth
s.
10
Meredith Oliver, for 5 ;. Sd. demanded, a Cow worth
and Imfirilon-
me>!ts for
n fulfil^ to
Sroear.
Diftrrjfes for
Tithii.
Excommuni-
cation for zd.
Di'lrefii for
liikis.
Vol. I.
9 D
Car. over 6 1 6
750 A Collea;ion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
WALES.
1662.
Diftrejfes,
ExecuttotJ,
V
dtid Imprison-
ments jor
Tithes.
Pilirefes for
Steepk-hoiife '
Rates.
Exeommwn-
cation.
Prifoners for
their Hits.
Imprifoumeiits
for rejufivg to
Srveur,
Difirejfes for
Tithes.
Imprifon-
msnts.
Brought over
From the Widow Oliver^ for 10 s. demanded. Goods worth
John Evans^ for i /. is. demanded, Goods worth
David PViUiams, for 8j. demanded, Goods worth
6
1
5
o
s.
16
15
8
16
d.
8
o
o
o
For 4/. 1 4 J. 8^. demanded.
Taken 14 15 8
James Miles, of Harman, for a Lamb demanded for Tithes, had an Horfe
taken from him worth i/. 14 s. The fame Man having but one Goofe, had
that taken away under the Pretence of Tithe of his Geefe. Henry Clayton, for
a Lamb claimed, had Goods taken from him worth 10 s.
Owen Humphry and Samuel Humphry were profecuted in the Sheriff's Court,
and had Execution awarded againft them, by which their Cattle were feized
for a fmall Demand of Tithes.
In Monmouthshire, Charles Jenkins, oiCumcarvan, fuffered feven Months
Imprifonment in the Goal at UJk for not paying Tithes, where Matthew Gibbon
and Philip Williams were his fellow Prifoners ; the latter of whom was detained
feveral Years, from a Family of five Motherlefs Children, for Tithe of a very
little Value. Peter Lee, of Henftockt was cafl into Prifon, and lay near two
Years, for refufing to pay about 30 J. demanded for Tithes.
Taken for not paying Steeple-houfe Rates,
From
Richard Moore, for i /. demanded. Goods worth
Evan Morris, for 3 s. demanded. Goods worth
John Ap Evan, for 4^. 8^. demanded, Goods worth
Edward Stevens, for 9 d. demanded. Goods worth
I.
I
o
o
o
s.
3
5
8
d.
o
o
o
For 1 1. Ss. 5 J. demanded,
Taken i i i
For the fame Caufe Conftantine Overton, Humphry Overton, and Francis
Wind/or, were Sufferers at Shrewjhury : Alfo 'Thomas James was excommuni-
cated, and kept clofe Prilbner fixteen Months.
ANNO 1663. William Fortune, John Davis, and Humphry Williams, were
impriibned fomeDays in the Month called April, for appearing at the AfTizes in
Pembrookjhire with their Hats on.
In the Month called May, Meredith Edward, John Bowen, and Roger Cole-
beach, were Prifoners in Cardiff Goal, having been committed thither for re-
fiafing the Oath of Allegiance. They were kept in a Dungeon three Yards and
an Half under Ground, where was alio a Felon, who before had the Liberty of
coming up in the Day-time, but after their Commitment that Liberty was de-
nied both to them and him, though it was a Privilege ufually given to the
worft of Maletaftors.
Taken for Tithes, from John Shimp(ion, for 5 /. demanded. Goods worth 1 1 /.
and from Edward Jefferies, for 6 s. demanded. Goods worth i /. \os.
About the Month called January this Year, John Moone, David Powel,
John RumfoK, John Perks, Charles Davies, Evan Pugh, Peter Price, Evan
Oliver, David James, John Davis, Roger Price, Thomas Bywater, Richard
Moore, Evan Morris, David Meredith, David Oliver, Hugh William, John
Wooley, James Jones, Robert Watkins, Meredith Oliver, Samuel Price, and
John Davies, were committed to Prilbn in Radnor/hire until they fhould take
the Oath of Allegiance, which yet had not been tendred them before tl-^eir Com-
mitment. As David John was travelling on the Highway between ShrewJJmry
and Radnor, he was apprehended by one Oakley, and by him committed to
the Cuflody of a Marfhal, who took away his Horfe, afllgning no Caufe for fo
doing, but that he was a Quaker, and muft not travel.
On the 26th of the Month called February this Year, being the Time of the
Afiizcs, certain Officers, who laid the Mayor and Judges lent them, came
to
Chap. 35. of the People called QUAKERS. 751
to a Meeting at Shrewjlmry, and carried thence to Prifon John MJlHvgtoiy WALE 5.
Cottjiantifie Overlon, Jaynes tarmer, Thomas J ackfon, Wiliiavi Trattle, Abraham t66/\..
poyner^ Richard Turner, and Johrt Houlfton. In this Year alio, were taken by »^^'~V'"^«'
Diflrcfs, from James Farmer and John Farmer, of Cortdover, for Abfcnce from
the publick Worfhip, Goods worth lys.
ANNO 1664. Richard Ward, oi Milnard, for 40 .f. demanded of him for Su^erhgs for
Tithes, had Goods taken from him worth 8/. Alio John David was excom- /'^'"^e''''' '•'»</"•
municated, and many Months imprifoned, for refufing to pay Tithes.
In the laft Year Thomas Somer field, o'i Stanton, had Goods worth 45. taken
from him for Abfence from the National Worfhip : And for the lame Caufe
fVillia?n Trattle, Thomas Jackjon, and ConJia?itine Overton, had Goods taken
from them worth 2 /. 2 s.
Thomas Sankey was fummoned to appear at the AlTizes for abfenting from the
publick Worfhip, where he was not called to anfwer, yet was he committed £0
Prifon on die 15th of the Month called March 1664.
In the fame Year Samuel Davis was taken on the Highway by Soldiers, and
carried to a Juftice, who tendred him the Oath, and fcnt him to Prifon. In
like Manner David Davis, Thomas Lloyd, David Powel, and Richard Moore,
were taken up as they travelled on the Highway, and were by a Juftice of the
Peace committed to Prifon for refufing to Swear, where they lay feveral Years.
ANNO 1665. Confianline Overton and Abraham Poyner, Freemeii of the Freermn dif-
Corporation of Shrewjhury, were disfranchifed, and denied the Privileges they franckije.i.
were intituled to, becaufe they refufed to Swear, and fuffered religious Meetino-s
to be held at their Houfcs. The faid Conjlantine Overton and Hianphry Overton imprifoned for
•were imprifoned for opening their Shops on the Day called Chrifljnas-day ; as o^snivg Shops.
were alfo Thomas Brajjey and Job Selby, Servants to the fiid Conjlantine.
It happened on the i ft of the Month called Ju?ie this Year, that Richard A ^uliice per-
Davis, of Poole, having had fome Difference with a neighbouring Juftice of the ■vsnifi^ Laip
Peace, that Magiftrate avenged himfclf, and vented his own private Spleen, •^"'^ his own
by tendring to the faid Richard the Oath of Allegiance, and fending him to ^ "^'^'^ ^ ""*
Prifon, where he continued fome Years.
ANNO 1666. IntheMonthcdkd June, Owen Jones, Evan David Griffith, Jmprlfomnoits
ViX\A Watkin David, were taken out of their Houfes, and carried before fome for rejufingxo
Magiftrates, who, upon their Refufal to take the Oath of Allegiance, com- ^^'^'^'
mitted them to Prifon, In the next Month Elizabeth Hughes, an elderly
Woman, carrying fome clean Linen to her Hufband then in Prifon, was taken
by certain rude Perfons, and had before a Juftice, who tendred her the Oath
of Allegiance, and for refufing it, committed her to Prifon, where fhe lay a
long Time. And in this Year Hugh Lloyd, of Haverford-JVeJi, died a Prifoner Deith of
for his Tcftimony againlt Swearing : For which Caule alfo, Edzuard Lord wz.s H. Lloyd,
a Prifoner at Havcrford-Well. And in the fime Year Hugh Simonds and Laurence
Edwards, were committed to Prifon for Abfence from the National Worfhip.
ANNO 1667. Taken by Diitrefs for Tithes, from Thomas Simonds, of Dijirejfes for
Pinchefton, for \os. demanded. Goods worth i /. 6s. And from Laurence Tithes.
Edward, for 18 J. 8 J. demanded. Goods worth 5/.
In this Year Edmund JViijs, John Rogers, Rice John, John HuJImnd, Thomas Jmprifonmems
Wiijs, Thomas Griffith, Evan John, and James Lewis, were committed to for Abjewe
Prifon for abfenting themfelves trom the publick Worfhip : And for the fame /!■<"" '**M'
Caufe David Hitchins was imprifoned by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo. ^''^ Worjhtp.
ANNO 1668. William Daw/on and Roger Scudamore, o{ Monmouth, were
fent to Prifon by the following Mittimus, viz.
'^ Monmouth Town fs.
*' \jU F' require you to receive into your Cuftody the Bodies of the Mittimus of
" V V Prilbners under-named, and them fafely detain until they fliall give ^- Dawfon
" fufficient Security to be, and perfonally appear at the next General Qiuirter more ' ^''""'^**
" Seflions of the Peace, to be held for the faid Town, to anfwer for their ' "'^'■*
" Contempts
75 2 A CollecSlion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
WALES. " Contempts of the lawful Commands of the Magiftrates of this Town, and
1668. " other Mifdemeanours that then and there fhall be objefted againft them, and
~ *' in the mean Time to be of their good Behaviour : Fail not, i£c. Given
" under our Hands and Seals, 25'' die Decetnbris 1668.
" Thomas Williams, Mayor ^
" Peregrine Lewis, Bayl'iffr
" NAMES,
*' William Dawfon and Roger Scudamore.
This Mittimus^ couched in general Terms, conceals the real Caufe of their
Commitment, which was no other than that they had opened their Shops
on the Day called Chrijlmafs-day, againft which there was no exprefs Law,
nor was it any fufficient Caufe for their Imprifonment.
Diftrefes for ANNO 1 670. Taken this Year for Tithes,
Tithes, From Lewis David, of Llandewy, for 5 /. demanded, 7
Goods worth J *
William 'Thomas, of the fame, for 2 /. demanded.
Goods worth
/. J. d.
}
o o
Lewis Jatnes, for i /. demanded, Goods worth 800
For 8 /. demanded. Taken 25 o o
In this Year alfo, many of this People fuffered very grievous and exorbitant
Diftrefles for their religious Meetings, of which we have the JoUowing Inftances, •
•viz.
Grievous !• Thomas Simonds, of Pinchejlon in Pemhrookjhire, for fuffering Meet-
Cifest ings at his Houfe, had his Cattle taken away at one Time worth 24/. which
were fold for 8 /. At another Time, fome Houfhold Goods of his worth 265.
were fold for 7 s. And at a third Time, Corn, Hay, and Thatch, taken from
him to the Value of 20/. were fold for 5/. of which dne Third was ordered
at SefTions to be given to the Poor, but they confcious of the Sufferer's Inno-
cence, from whofe Charity they had often found Relief, refufed to receive any
of that Money when tendred them.
II. William Thomas, of Llandewy, being fined 55. was met on the
Highway by the chief Conftable, a petty Conftable, and an Informer, who de-
manded the Horfe he rode upon ; he afking for their Warrant, was anlwered
with. Sirrah, do you quejlion the King's Power ? And at the fame Time was
ftruck on the Head and Shoulders with a great Staff, and pluckt from his Horfe,
the Conftables looking on, but not daring to gainlay the Aft of their Matter,
the Informer. The Horfe was taken away for the 5 s. Fine, and afterward fold
for 3 /. I s. ^d. Befide which, they took from him a Pan worth i /. is.
III. Lewis David, for 20/. Fine, had his Corn and Hay feized to the
Value of 25/. and fold for 8 /. being all the Effefts he had in the County of
Pembrook, but he having an Houfe and Land in Carmartheiifiire, the Juifices
fent a Certificate thither, by which his Cattle, Corn, Hay, and Bedding there,
were feized to the Value of 36/. more, which they alfo fold for 8 /. lb that
having taken the Value of 61 /. for a Fine of 2c /. they yet pretended to want
4/. of their firft Demand.
IV. Cadwallader Thomas, n&ir Baala m Merio>ieilfi)ire, for Meetings
held at his Houfe, had Cattle taken away worth 55 /. He was alfo turned out
of a Farm by his Landlord, for no other Caufe than his being a ^laker, and
fuffering Meetings at his Houfe, whereby he fuftained much Lofs.
V. Elizabeth Willey, for a Fine of i§s. had her Oxen taken away
to the Value of 1 5 /.
VI. JOH»<
Chap. $s. of the People called QUAKERS.
753
VI. John Thomas, who had never been at any more than two Meetings, WALES.
was fined 155. for which they took from him a Yoke of Oxen and an Horfe 1670,
worth 1 1 /.
VII. Evan Rees, for a Fine of 5/. had two Yoke of Oxen taken away
10 the Value of 1 1 /.
VIII. From John Ap Edward, they took a Mare, Bridle, and Saddle;
worth 3 /. upon a tiillc Information of his having been at a Meeting, where he
was not.
IX. From Maurice Starfield, they took Brafs and Hay to the Value
10 J. which they fold for 55.
From Owen Thomas, they took an Horfe worth 40J. for a Fine
of 3/.
X.
of 55.
XI.
%d.
From Evan John, oi Llanichvart, they took Goods worth i /. 6 j-.
and fold them for 6 s.
XII. From John Husband, of Narbelh, they took all his Corn and
Hay to the Value of 25/. And at anodier Time Catde worth i /. 95.
XIII. From Margaret Philippin Widow, Cattle worth 9/. 6s.
XIV. FVom Rees John Thomas, they took two Cows worth 4/.
XV. From Lewis Harry, a Cow worth i I. 15s.
XVI. From Thomas Davis, his Bed-clothes worth 14 j.
XVII. F>om Leak Richards, David Evan, and Henry Lewis,
Goods worth i /. 2 j.
XVIII. From Evan Protherah, of Narbelh, Goods worth 8/. 10s.
XIX. From Littler Thomas, a poor Labourer, for a Fine of 5;. his
Bed-clothes worth 155.
XX. From Edward Price, Cattle worth 8/.
Thefe Diftreffes, for Meetings this Year, amounted to 2 74 /. 16 s.
In the Month called May this Year, Friends being in their religious AfTembly yit Shrewf-
at Sbrewjhury, one Robert Sowtrell, a Cooper, a profane wicked Perfon, the '^"'^7 Ale«/«g.
only Informer there, (for that Office was held fo fcandalous, that he could not
procure, among all the Sons of Belial in the County of Salop, any one that
. would be a Partner with him in it) came into the Meeting, and went
and informed the Mayor, who, with fome of his Officers, alfo came. The
Mayor fat down, and afked the Informer, ff^kkh was the Preacher ? Did not
you, faid he, tell me that they were preaching ? iV?, replied the Informer, they
were not. The Mayor then ordered the Friends Names to be taken, and de-
manded 5 s. of each of them, which they refufing to pay, he left a Conftable
with fome others to guard the Door, and went Home again. Some Time
after he fent for four of the Men, to whom he tendred the Oath of Allegiance,
and committed them to Prifon. Then he fixed the Fines of the reft, which
were levied by Diftrefs as follows, viz,
I. s. d
Difireffn
I.
s.
d.
Taken from Anne Hall, Goods worth
6
"Thomas Manfell,
William Trattle,
15
J5
John Millington,
Francis Leeves,
2
10
"John Houlfton^
Sarah Moore,
8
5
William Paine,
I
10
Owen Roberts,
'4
Humphry Overton,
"Thomas Overton,
2
10
i8
Conftantine Overton,
Abraham Poyner,
16
I
10
lO
II
Vol. I.
The
754- -^ Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
WALES. The next Week, another Meeting being held in the fame Place, the Informer
1670. came again, and then went to the Mayor and Town-Clerk, who found the
v../~VN.-' Affembly fitting in Silence. The Mayor being afked, fat down, but foon
became impatient, and bid them preach : At length, one of them fpeaking
fome Words, he ordered their Names to be taken, and fined them, and a few-
Days after DiftrefTes were made, by which were taken,
Dijirejfes. From
/.
s.
d.
yifwe Hall, Goods
worth
17
fVilliam Trattle,
18
WtUiam Paine,
2
10
Conflantine Overton,
4
'■fhotnas Manfell,
15
Sarah Moore,
I
5
Owen Roberts,
I
1 1
tines and
Diftrejfes.
Sicknefs of tin
kitrdncfd In-
former,
Fines ani
Jmprijon-
menti.
Trofecution
for a Burying,
Imprifonmenu
Sii&rivgs for
Tithes.
On the 19th of the Month called July, the Friends being kept out of their
Meeting-houfe, met in the Street, when a Woman prayed, and exhorted the
People to fear the Lord, and to turn from the Evil of their IVa)} : The In-
former pulled her down by Violence, and a Serjeant took her iDto Cuftody :
In the Evening, being had before the Mayor, fhe and others were fined, and
DiftrefTes were made on the Goods of her and 'Tlxmas Ma) fell, to the Amount
of 1 1. 10 i.
The Informer was now become fo hardned, that he threatned, if it were in
his Power, he would profecute the Quakers to Death, adding, that if he fhould
live to the Age of Methufelah, he would continue to be the Quakers Torfnenior.
But it pleafed God to flop the Violence of his Procedure, by viliting him with
a fore Sicknefs near unto Death, by which he was debilitated, and brought fo
low, that the Meetings were not muchdifturbed by him afterward.
At the AfTizes in the laft Year, John Swinfhead, Robert Baker, William
Tafker, and "John Baker, were committed to Prifon by Judge Twifden for their
Non-conformity to the National Worfhip. And in this Year Conftantme
Overton and John Millington were fined for opening their Sl'.ops on tlie Day
called Chrifiinas-day, and the former had Goods taken ftom him to the Value
of 1 1 J. 2d. and the latter of 22s. Ic was remarked, that Adam Holland, the
Warden, one of them who made Diftreis on the faid ConjlatUine, was afterward
fo troubled in Mind, that he could not reft till he had returned him his Goods
again, faying, that // was a greater Burden to him to keep them, than it was far
Conftantine to lofe them.
Ellinor Ellis, a poor Woman, partly fupported by the Charity of her Friends,
lor frequenting religious Meetings, had her Bed-clothes, Apron, Knitting-work,
and fome Books, taken away by Diftrefs,
Peculiar was the Cafe of IVilliam Davis, of Talgorth, and Philip fFilliams,
who were imprifoned on a Profecution tor having buried their Dead in a
Burying-ground which their Friends had purchafcd, and made Ule of for that
Purpoie. One Lewis Mo?gan, the King's Attorney, who dwelt near the
Burying-ground, w,is adlive in profecuting them, and threatned to have the
dead Bodies, which had been interred, taken up again. '...■vaZ
In this Year John Brown was committed to frifon by fhe Jiiftices of the
Affize at Cardiff, for retufing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
ANNO 1 67 I. Henry Lewis, of Redflone, for 25 j. demanded cf him for
Tithes, had his Goods taken away to the Value of 5/.
In this and the two next preceding Years, Lewis David, of Llandewy, had
Goods taken from him fqr Tithes, to the Value of 1 1 /. tgs. .8 d. And for tjje
fame Caufe were taken from Lewis James, of Langohnan, much Corn and
other Goods.
In
Chap. 35. of the People called QUAKERS,
In Glamorganshire, yo^« £owfK was imprifoned eight Months on an
Execution for Tithe, which liad been illegally obtained. But when fome of his
Relations fcemed determined to have a Re-he.iring of
Profecutor, being lenfiblc of the Injuftice done him,
by a Releafe in Writing, difcharged him.
ANNO 1672. In this Year, by Kau'^ Charles the Second \ns Letters Patent^
his Caufe, the Prieft, his
came to the Prifon, and
755
WALES.
1671.
Vtjjuft Impri'
Jonrnent,
were dilcharged
Out of Monmouth Goal, Anthony Ridley and Lewis Thomas.
Out of Carmarthen Callle, James Pi£lon, who had lain in clofe Ccn-
finement there ten Years under Sentence of Premunire.
Out ot Montgomery Goal, Charles Lloyd, William Lewis, Cadwallader
Edwards, Hugh David, Richard David Griffith, Margaret Lewis, Sarah fFilfon,
Anne Laurence, Thomas Lloyd, Richard Davis, fVatkin David, Owen Jones, and
Eliziibeth Hughes.
Out of the Common Goal for the County of Salop, Owen Roberts, Samuel
Everett, Ralph Alcott, Thotnas Overton, John Houljlon, Richard Lownes, John
Simpjon, Jofeph Fletcher, and Richard Hoogen, who had been there about ieven
Years, being taken at one ot their religious Meetings : Alfo JVilliam Paine,
who had been there near fix Years, and James Farmer, who had been ther'd
imprifoned above five Years.
ANNO 1673. For being at a religious Aflembly in the 'Pa.nih oi Brojely
in the County ol Salop, vitxt taken
/. s.
From Roger Andrews, Cloth, Serge, Silk, and other Goods, ■, ^
worth S '^^
Thomas Hughs, Houfhold Goods worth 3
Anne Hemlock Widow, Pewter and Brafs worth 2
I{ekife of
Prijoners.
4
13
d.
6
6
Diflreffes, for
Meeting,
Commitments
by Siftonr
Pro.efs.
51 4 O
In or about this Year, Edward Griffith, for ^s. demanded for Tithes, had and fcrtiihss,
Goods taken from him worth 4.0 s.
Henry Lewis had feveral Cart-loads of Corn taken from him by the Servants
of Michael Oiven, Prieft of Narbeth, lb that he was obliged to buy much
Corn for the Ufe ot his Family, whole necelTary Provender had been taken away
under Pretence for Tithes.
Cadwallader Thotnas, for o,s. demanded for Tithes, had Goods taken from
him worth 30 j. and Hugh Griffith, for a Demand of 4J. Goo:ls worth 20 J.
. ANNO 1674. On the 3d of the Month called May, John David, Robert
David, Robert Owen, Cadwallader Thomas, and Hugh Roberts, were taken by
the Sheriff with a Procefs, and committed to Dologelly Goal, being indifled at
Seflions fome Time before for their Abfencc from the National Worfhip.
On the 7ch of the Month called March, toward the Clofe of this Year,
David Maurice, of Pen-ybout in Denbigh/hire, being in Commiffion of the Peace
for the County of Montgomery, came with fourteen or fifteen Perfons, moll
of them armed, to an Houfe called Cloddian Cochion, v/ithin the Corpo-
ration of Poole, where a fmall Number ot Friends were met together in Silence.
He retljuired them to depart, but one of them, Thomas Lloyd, dcfiring him to
ftay a little, he and his Company lat dov/n, and the fiid Thomas Lloyd Ipake
to them concerning the Nature of true Religion and Worfhip : Whereupon the
faid Juftice fined him 20/. for preaching, and feveral others for being at the rinin-i of
faid Meeting. Shortly after, he iflTued Warrants for Dilfrefs, fome of which T. Lloyd,
were executed by his Clerk, and others of his Servants, and by Virtue thereof,
were taken from Thomas Lloyd, four Cows and a Mare worth about 16/. And Dijir^ffeu
from Tho?nas Lewis, at whofe Houfe the Meeting was, fix Cows, two Oxen,
and two Heifers. The faid Juftice's Clerk alfo took without Warrant, from
Charles Lloyd and Thomas Lewis, each of them an Horfe. Alio the Ofticers of
the Parifli of Myrod, took from Charles Lloyd, o( Dolobron, by Warrant from
the
7s6 A CoUedion of the Sufferings A^'ol. I.
WALES, the Lid Z)ai;f J A//?z.'nVf , ten young Bcafls. For being at the laiil Meeting,
1674. David Jones, ci' Bnuiydiih, had taken from h.im a Brafs Pan, and for thepret
(^.••'^'^^ tended Poverty of others, tliree Cows and an Ox.
In this Year Le-x^is David, of JJandewy, had taken from him by the Ser-
vants of Evan Harris, Tithe-firnier, and Nicholas Roberts, Prieft, about a fifth
Part of all his Corn. Alio Evan Protherab, for Tithes of 20J. Value, had
taken from him three Cart-loads of Hay and Corn.
Dijireffis for ANNO 1675. Jane Simons, o( Punchejlon, had a Lamb taken from her
Tithes. for 1'iches ; and Jofefh Criffith, for 8 s. demanded for Tithes, had an Horfe
taken from him worth 30 J. Alio John Burgh, Maurice Cole^ Lewis Davidy
Henry Lewis, and I'Filliam Jenkin, were Sufferers this Year for Tithes.
nomas Havnnond, of the Parifh of Montgomery, was committed to the
County Goal by a Warrant from two Juftices, on the Statute ot 27 Hen. 8.
after a Profecution in the Court of the Bifhop of Hereford, for Tithes of a
trifling Value, at the Suit of Edward Herbert, Baron of Cberbury, and Roger
Jones, Prieft of Berrine and Montgomery. The Prifoner being fick, made divers
m^ih of Applications to his Profecutors, but could obtain no Liberty till Death releafed
T. Hammond j-^j^yj ^^ j.|^g ^Sth of the Month called January this Year, leaving behind him
a Widow and four Children. During his Confinement he was not lo much as
once permitted to go and vifit his Family.
Su^srivgt for Por being at religious Meetings in the Town of Baala, were taken from
divoiCaufes. John David, two Yoke of Oxen, five Kine, a Mare, and a Saddle, worth 30/.
and from Edward Price, Goods worth 15 j.
In this Year Edward Lord, of Haverford4VeJl, for refufing to take the Oath
of a Bayliff, was fined 5/. and had taken from him a Silver Tankard, Cloth,
and other Things worth about 1 1 /.
For Ablence from the National Worfhip were taken by Diftrefs from John
Biirgc, Henry Lewis, znd. Evan Protherah, Goods worth 1/. 15J. And for
the fame Caufe Owen Roberts, of Salop, and Anne his Wife, and Thomas Oliver^
oi Condover, were committed to Prifon by a Writ de Excommunicato capiendo.
Robert Richard, a poor Labourer, of the Parifh of Bettus in Merionethjhire^
at the Complaint ot Owen Edwards, Prieft of that Place, was committed to
the County Goal by William Salifuury, a JuRice of the Peace, for being abfent
twelve Days from his Parifh-Church.
■ ANNO 1676. Cadwallader Thomas, Rowland Ellis, Lewis Robert, Hugh
Robert, Evan Rice, Edward Rice, Griffith JoIjh, Gainer David, antl Elizabeth
IFilliams, were impriloned on an Indiftment tor not retorting to their Parifh-
Church, and at the Aflizcs, held the 6th of the Month called Augiift, at Baala
in MerionethJInre, were brought before Kenrick Eylon and Thomas Walcctt,
Terrible Judges, who tendred them the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, which
Th'Siti. j.j^(.y refufing to take, the Judges in open Court declared, that In caje ibey did
refufe the Oaths a fecond Time, thev Jhould be proceeded againjl as Traytors, the
Men to be hanged and quartered, and the Woinen 10 be burned. On the 1 ft of
September, the Oaths were again tendred them, and being again refufed, though
they made a folemn Declaration of their Allegiance to the King, and Abhor-
Oo{i Co-iifne- rencce of Popery, they were remanded to dole Imprifonment, and ftricfly
rrntit. kept as Felons or Traytors, and during a very great Froft were not allowed
the Benefit of a Fire-place : The Goalcr awed by the Threats ot one Maurice
Jones, a fottifh Parlbn of Dologelly, where the County Goal was, durft not
grant them that Favour for tear of being complained of to the Judges. Ed-
ward Rice, one of the Priloners, being above fixty Years of Age, and unable
Diitht of to bear the Severity of the Cold, died on the 17th ot December, during the
t.Rice. Extremity of the Froft.
Viflrtffes for Taken by Diftrefs about this Time, for refufing to pay the cuftomary Af-
Steepie-houfe fefTments toward repairing the Steeple- houfes, iwm Henry Lewis, o( Narbetb^
f^iici. a Bible and a Shovel worth 6s. 2d. from Jane Simons, oi P!inchejlon,lron
worth 5 i. and from William Thomas, Goods worth 2 /. 1 8 /.
Criffith
Chap. 35. of the People called QUAKERS.
Griffith Rgherts and Hugh Rice were imprifoned on a Writ de Exco!n?numcalo
capiendo., at tlie Suit of Maurice Jones, Prieft of Dologelly. The Eiid Hugh Rice,
having in CompafTion taken Care of the Children of a deceafed Friend of his,
was fued by the Parfon for a Mortuary, and excommunicated.
ANNO 1677. On the i8th of the Month called July, two Pricfts, viz.
Hugh Wilfin^ Prieft of 'Trefeglwys, and Ifaac Lloyd, Prieft of Llanidles, gave In-
formation of a Meeting at the Houfe of John Jarman at Llanidles in Mont-
gomery/hire ; upon which, the Mayor with Conftables came thither, and com-
mitted kvzn of the Aflembly to Prifon, and fined others, who had their Cattle
feized for their Fines, viz.
757
WALES.
1676.
Imprifonmem)
by a if'nt de
txcom. Cap.
John Potts, one Cow and fix young Beafts worth
Griffith Jarman, five young Beafts worth
John Roberts, a Cow worth
John Jarman, a Cow worth
David Owen, an Horfe worth
/.
12
7
3
2
2
J.
10
10
o
10
o
d.
o
o
o
o
o
mjirejfes
Finet.
27 10
/.
J.
d.
16
4
6
6
3
6
4
12
6
12
3
6
I
9
9
10
7
I
5
I
10
7
15
6
4
1 1
I
14
8
2
18
10
J4
I
17
2
10
7
I
6
3
7
3
6
for
On the 2d of December, John Burnyeatt preaching to an Afl'embly at Ma-
butleth in Montgomeryjhire, one Oliver Morris, an Informer, came in with
Conftables, and after making fome Difturbance, went out again and feized all
the Friends Horfes they could find -, but that being done without Warrant, they
were foon reftored to the Owners. Next Day the Informer went to William
Pugh, of Mathaven, a Juftice of the Peace, who came with him, and meet-
ing John Burnyeatt and Thomas Ellis on the Road, caufed them to go back to
an Alehoufe, where the Informer and the Juftice's Bayliff^ fwore againft them
for preaching at the faid Meeting : Upon which, a Warrant was immediately
granted to take away their Horfes, Saddles, and Bridles, which was done, and
they left to travel on Foot. Burnyeatt\ Mare, worth about 8 /. died in the
Poffefllon of thofe that took her, about an Hour after. And the other's Horfe
and Furniture, valued by themfelves at about 14/. they kept.
Lewis David, Henry Lewis, and John Burdge, had their Goods diftrained for
refufing to pay toward the Charge of Arms and Ammunition for the County Militia.
ANNO 1678. In this and the next preceding Year, feveral Perfons in
Pemhrook/hire had taken from them for Tithes, Corn, Hay, Lambs, and other
Goods, of the feveral Values following, viz.
Lewis David of Llandewy,
Jane and Thomas Simonds,
Lewis James of Langohnan,
William Thomas of Lawhadden,
Evan Protherab of Narbeth,
Maurice Coale,
John Harris of Hajket,
John Burge of Haverford-Wefl,
Richard Evan of Llandifillo,
Hugh Simonds and John Simonds,
Henry Lewis of Narbeth
Evan Simons of Herring's-Moat,
Maurice Llywellin,
Williain Jenkins of Tenby,
David Laurence,
Lewis Harry of Robefton,
James Thomas of Haverford-Wejl,
James Thomas of Llanboydy,
Edward and John Griffith,
Ho'fes feized.
Viflrejfes for
the Militia,
end for Tithes.
Vol. I.
9F
93
In
758
WALES.
1678.
Diflr^jfei for
Ahfence from
the Natioiid
U'orjiiif.
A Colledion of the Sufferings Vol. L
laft Years alfo, were taken for Abfence from the National
Mittimus 0/
E. David nvi
othsrj.
In thefe two
Worftiip,
From Lewis David, oi Llandewy^ Goods worth
William Owen., of Spittle
Evan Simons, of Herring' s-Moat, a Colt and a Mare
worth
James James^ Maurice Coale, and Richard Hay
Richard IV/Mte, George Lewis, and John Lewis
Mary Sywelin, John Harris, and Evan 1'homas
Evan John, William Thomas, and William Hillay
Thomas Willis, of Reignalton
David Laurence, of Fenchefton
I.
}
2
o
I
4
o
2
o
o
s.
II
12
iS
7
6
17
o
16
II
d.
8
6
o
6
8
8
o
o
15
ANNO 1679. Evan David, John Evans, and 7o/;kL/(JjJ, were committed
to Carmarthen Caftle for refufing to take the Oath
by the following Mittimus, viz.
of Allegiance,
as appears
ee
(C
Carmarthen fs.
" l'o~~the Sheriff" of- the Jaid County of Carmarthen, and to the
" Keeper of his Majefty's Goal at the Caftle, and to their Deputy
" and Deputies there.
\K7 H E R .5 A S the Perfons that fland hereby convidhed by the Names
V V of Evan David, of the Parifh of Newchurch in the County of Rad-
nor. Yeoman, John Evans, of the Parifh of Naiitmill in the faid County of
Radnor, Carpenter, and John Lloyd, of the Parifh of Tbijfert in the County
of Radnor, Glover, being apprehended as Strangers and Vagabonds, and
not only found without Pais or Teftimonial, but juftly fuipefted to be
Perfons dilaffefted to the prefent Government of this Realm, and to the
Protefiant Religion as it is by Law eftablifhed, and being by the Conifables
of Llandewy brought before us, whofe Names are fubfcribed, being Juftices
of the Peace of the faid County ; and the faid Evan David, John Evans,
and John Lloyd, being not able to give any good Account of themfelves,
and contemptuoufly refufing to take the Oath of Allegiance, being lawfully
tendred according to an A6t of Parliament in the third Year of King James,
in that Cafe made and provided : Thefe are therefore, in Purfuance of the
laid Aft, and in the King's Majefty's Name, to will and command you to
receive into ydur laid Goal t^e Bodies of Evan David, John Evans, and
John Lloyd, and them to keep in fafe Manner until they fhall be releafed by
the Courfe of his laid Majefty's Laws : Hereof fail you not, as you will
anfwer the Contrary at your Perils. Given under our Hands and Seals the
10th Day of June 1679.
" Thomas, GwynnEj
" Roger Manwaring."
Perverfion of Thus were honeft and reputable Perfons, whofe Habitations were well
fiijiice.^ known, profecutpd under a Pretence qf being Strangers and Vagabonds, a
fiftitious Caufe, ijierely. to give a Colour for their being apprehended and carried
before the Juftices, who, though they knew the Men and their Convcrfation,
and that tiiey \^ere perfeftly peaceable, and honeft, took Occahon, from their
known Principle,agai<?ft all Swearing, to enfnare them with the. Oaths of Alle-
giance and Supremacy, wiiich hitter Oath they feldom tendred to thofe who
themfelves well knew, to.be either Pc?^/// or /"o/'/yZ'/v afflded. So that by an
apparent
Chap. 35. of the People called QUAKERS.
apparent Partiality and Perverfion of Juftice, the Innocent fuffered hard and
unjurt Imprifonmcnts, while the Gmlty eicaped altogether free and unqueftioned.
ANNO 16S3. On the 29th of the Month called Februar-j, the Friends of
Radmrf/jtre being alTembled at one of their Monthly-Meetings for Church-
Affairs in the Parifh oi Uandegley, ''John Davies, High-Sheriff" of the County,
with y,v?ies Price, his Deputy, came into the Houfe when one of them was
kneeling at Prayer. The Deputy and a Conftabie charged them all in the
King's Name to go with them, and forlx)re laying Hands on them till the
Conclufion of their Meeting ; and then the High-Sheriff^ fwore many Oaths,
that they fliould go with him : But it not appearing that he had any Warrant,
one of the Friends queftioned his Authority : This made him angry, and he
took the Perfon and pulled him out by the Arm, and the Conft.xblcs and
Officers forced him with the reft to a neighbouring Alehoufe, where they fhut
them up in a Room, and fet a Guard on them. In the mean Time the High-
Sheriff' rpde three Miles to fetch £^'a'^r^ Ddt'Zd'j, a Juftice of the Peace, his
Kinfman, to his Affiftance. Being returned, they examined them of their
Names and Habitations, and told them, There was a Procefs againjl them, and
fo continued them fitting up all Night with a Guard in very cold Weather,
and .early next Morning the Sheriff fent feven of them feverai Miles over the
bleak Hills to Prifon, namely, John Lloyd, Hugh Lloyd, Edward Jones, Roger
Hughes, Hsnr) Cleaton, Anne Clealony Mary Cleaton, and Amy Phillips. Two
others of them, Nathan W'oodliff and Owen Humphry, were by Warrant next
Morning carried before the faid Edward Davies, to anfwer fuch Things as
fliouki he objefted againft them. But he not well knowing how to proceed,
ordered them to continue in the Conftable's Cuftody, and to be brought again
before him at Knighton about a Week after •, when Samuel Powel, another
Juftice, being with him, they fined Owen Humphry 20/. as a Preacher, for
praying at tlie Meeting : And at the fime Time committed them both to Prifon
for refufjng to take the Oath of Allegiance. At the next Sefilons the Oath
waa tendred to the other feven alio, and all of them were remanded to
Prifon.
ANNO 1:684. In the Month called May, Peter Price had been a Prifoner
aboKe. three Years, zithc Smt o{ Robert Lucy, Impropriator, on a Judgment
out of the Court of Great Seffions againft him for not paying Tithes : He
continued Prifoner above three Years alter, being eighty fix Years of Age.
In the laft mentioned Month alfo, John Watfon, Robert Watj'on, and David
John. Phillips, had been imprifoned a Year and three Qiiarters in Prejleign Goal,
on Writs de Excommunicato capiendo.
About the fame Time Robert Cormck, Rice Harris, nomas William, Thomas
Kent, Henry Evan, Thomas David, Griffith-Morgan, RichardWhite, James Lewis,
and Elizabeth How el, were committed to Prifon at Haverford-Wejl,_ for Ab-
fence from the National Worfliip : And on the 14th of the Month called
July, for the fame Cauie Evan Bowen, John Howel, Howel Griffith, and John
Hdlinet were committed to the famelPriion : Where were aJfo imprifoned on
Seffions Procefs, Williavi Owen, Mf.urice Owen, Francis Simonds and Philip
Price : As were alio upon Writs de Excommunicato capiendo, Henry Cleaton,
David Williams and John Lewis.
In Cardiganshire, William Lloyd, Evan David, and John Rlyyberth,
were committed to Tregaunon Goal, on Frocefles for Ablencc from the National
"VVorfhip, and were kept clofe Priibncrs there by the Space of twelve Weeks.
For the fame Caufe alio, William Lloyd and Evan William were imprifoned
feven Days at Llanbadarn.
Evan- Morris, upon an Information of a Meeting at his Iloule, was taken
up by Warnyit from Hugh Bodarda, a Juftice of the Peace, and carried to
Carnarvat! Goal, and there detained till the next General Quarter Seffions, at
whicli the Oath of Allegiance was tendred him, and he, for refufing to take
it, was committed to Prifon.
Humphry
759
WALES.
1683.
Koufh PrO'
cecding at
a M:t/!thty-
dieting.
Seven Perfons
fen I to Prijon.
Imprifonmenrs
for leveral
Caufes,
760
WALES.
1684.
Dilireffes for
the Militia,
^ CoUedion of the Sufferings Vol. I.
Humphry Willlavis was Prifoner in Carmarthen Goal about a Year, for Ab-
fence from the National Worfhip, and Thomas Griffith about three Months for
the fame Caufe.
In Denbighshire, TJmnas Owen, chofen to the Office of a Conftable, and
refufing to Swear on that Occafion, had alfo the Oath of Allegiance tendred
to him, and thereupon was committed to Prifon.
For refufing to contribute toward the Charges of the Militiay feveral Dif-
trefles were made, by which were taken
/.
David Hitchins, of Tenby, Goods worth i
Willia7n Jenkins, of the fame i
John Burgefs, of Haverford-fVeJl o
Arthur Betves, to the Value of o
From
s.
16
9
2
o
o
I
o
II
/.
s.
d.
6
6
4
2
10
6
2
I
4
I
13
10
2
10
I
6
5
4
6
7
4
9
25
7
8
I
19
4
3
6
Taken this Year for Tithes, in Corn, Hay, Wool, Lambs, &'c. in the
County of Pembrook,
and for titbet. From George Lewis, of Uandefillo Parifh, to the Value of
Lewis David, of Llandewy Parilh
Thomas Griffith, of Llangkeven Parilh
Lewis James, of Langohnan Parifh
Tloomas Simons, of Pinchejlon Parifh
. Hugh Simonds and John Simonds
William Jenkins, of the Town of Tenby
Edward Lord, of Rudbarton Parifh
Jaines James, of Wifton Parifh
William Owen, of Spithill Parifh
Richard Hay, of Ilmifton Parifh
In Carmarthenshire,
From Francis Howel,
James Thomas, of Llanboydy Parifli
4 19 10
ANNO 1685. That the Reader may be enabled to form a ju ft Idea of
that meek, patient, and Chriftian Spirit, with which this fuffering People were
endued, we fhall next tranfcribe
" A LETTER /ro»? the Yearly-Meeting in Wales, to the
" Yearly-Meeting at London.
" Dear Friends and Brethren,
A Letter front " \\T E dearly falute you with the Salutation of Life and Salvation, which
the rexrly « W at this Time the Lord hath vifited us withal, and hath manifefted his
Wales to xhi " ^^'^^ ^"'^ Power unto us, and among us, to the great Comfort and Satis-
tioxlpmeet- " faftion of our Souls, who are made living WitnefTes of his Mercies and
" Goodnefs that endures tiom Generation to Generation, and unto us who are
*' gathered by his powerflil Arm of Salvation it is revealed in this latter Age of
" tlie World ; BlefTed and Praifed be his Holy Name for ever, for he hath
" not left himfelf without a Witnefs in all Ages and Generations -, and we
" with you that are called in this latter Age, to bear Witnefs to his Great
" Name and BlefiTed Truth, let us bear it patiently, faithfully, and truly, in
" this our Generation, that thofe that are yet unborn may fee and know that
" we
big in Lon
don
Chap. 25- of the People called QUAKERS.
Name and
may dwell
cC
CC
CC
tc
(C
we .ire a People gathered-and chofeii by the Lord to place his
Fear in ; and chat in the pure Fear of the Living God, we all
togetherin Love and Unity, out of ail Variance and Dilcord of what Nature
foever, that they may know that we are his Dilciples, and Followers of the
Lamb Clirift Jcfus, who is our Teacher and Inftruftor : God grant tliat we
may all more and niore learn of him, and be as fo many Calebs and JcJJjuns,
that may follow him fully and faithiully in thcfs trying Days, which are
come to try the Sons and Daughters of Men, and to fliake the fandy Foun-
dations of the hypocritical Generation, that are not built upon that Founda-
tion, that our God hath laid already, which Foundation ftandeth fure.
They that keep upon this Foundation, they will (land in thefc trying Days,
though the Winds blow, and the Storms rife, and the Floods beat, tlie God
of Jacob hath ordained this Building to fland, the Gates of Hell fhall not
prevail againft it. BlefTed for ever be the Name of our God, that he hath
made us acquainted with this Foundation, and preferves his People upon it.
" Dear Friends and Brethren, we are fenfible of your Love, Care, Labour,
and Service for the Lord's Truth and People : Our Prayers are to the God
of Heaven, that he may more and more give you Wifdom, Strength, and
Courage to go through all your Undertakings : Your Care hath been great :
Your Service is acceptable and good to many. The Lord reward you in
your own Bofoms.
" Thefe may acquaint you that we are all well, and the Lord's Prefence is
among us : His Truth is dear to us : Our God gives Acceptance with
himielf and Neighbours : They be flow to lay violent Hands upon us :
We are in Love and Unity together, condefcending one to another in Love :
Dark and foul Spirits are fhut out from among us. For thefe his great Mercies,
we, in Humility of our Minds, return Thanks, Praifes, Honour, and Glory
to his Greal Name, who is worthy of it from us and all his People, now and
for ever.
" Signed on Behalf of the Jaid Yearly-Meeting,
ttom our Tevh-Meemg vsar
Dologelly, the zi of the
Second. Month i6S)-.
From the Year 1687 to
Wool, and other Things,
CC
Bj William Humphreys."
1690. Taken for Tithes in Corn, Hay, Lambs,
From Leti-is David, of Llandewy Parifh, to the Value of
Lewis James, of Llangolman Parifh
Thomas Simons, of Penchejlon Parifli
George Lewis, of LlandifiUo Parifli
Thomas Griffith, of Llangkeven
Evan Bowen, of Prendergrajl
Philip Rudderch, o{' Killyco?nb
Morgan John, and Elizabeth John
John Robins, and Griffith Jones
Morgan Tho7nas, of Swanzey
Robert Owen, of Llandervel Parifh
Humphry Owen, of Llanglywin
Lewis Owen, of Dologelly
Rowland Ellis, of the fame
Rowland Owen, of the fime
David Rice, of Llandewy Parifli
John Payer, of Robofton Parifh
Francis Uoyd, of Prendergrajl Parifli
Owen Humphry, and Pierce Morris
Evan Edwards, of Lanyfmach
I.
s.
d.
16
13
10
2
4
7
7
6
3
I
18
18
II
2
6
6
8
5
I
9
7
3
1 1
10
6
8
3
II
8
2
I
6
I
18
1
10
3
8
7
2
8
II
15
3
I
I
10
2
2
12
761
WALES.
16S5.
Account of
Tithes of
Corn, &c.
Vol. L
Carr. over 100 18
762
A Collection oj the Sufferings Vol. I.
WALES.
1687 to
1690.
Brought over
From Peregrine Mufgrave, of Martin's Parifh
John Howel, and John Simons
Edward Lloyd, of Rudbayton
Morgan Thomas, of Swanzey
Maurice Humphrey, and Ellis Roberts
David Jones, and Rice Evans
Charles Lloyd, of Dolobran
Evan Davies, and John Richards
Amos Davies, and Sufan Manfell
John Meredith, and William Reynolds
David Reynolds^ of Cherbury, and John Reynolds
100
o
2
3
I
o
I
4
o
I
5
2
5
18
o
10
10
7
4
7
8
4
3
^.
8
6
10
o
o
o
6
o
6
o
3
o
123 17
CHAP.
XXXVI.
WAR-
WICK-
SHIRE.
1656.
Cpprejfion of a
poor iyidon.
Viflrefi for
Tithes.
A poor Mm
e)eiied by his
Landlord for
being a Qua-
ker.
DijireJfiS for
Tithes.
WARWICKSHIRE.
Anno 1656.
WE begin our Relation of Sufferings in this County with an Aft
of Oppreffion, exercifed by an opulent Landlord on a poor
Widow, his Tenant. This Widow, whofe Name was Meeke, had
for fome Time profeffed the Principle ot the ^takers, for which
Caufe only, her Landlord, Walter Chetwind, of Grinton, Elq; had arbitrarily
thruft her and her Children out of her Houfc, throwing her Goods into the
Street, and when fhe infilled on his Father's Fromife to her of living there as
long as Ihe pleafed, paying the Rent, which Ihe punftually did, he replied,
Tou were not a Qiiaker when my Father made that Promije : And though fhe
had been at the Charge of ploughing the Land, he forbad her fowing it, laying,
that Jf fie fowed, he would reap. Thus he, though a profefied Prolejlant, put
in Praftice one of the worft Tenets of Popery^ viz. Ihat Faith is not to be kepi
with Hereticks.
ANNO 1657. George Wyatt, o[ Brales, for g I. 10 s. demanded for Tithes,
had Goods taken from him worth n /. iS s. 6d.
ANNO 1658. Edward Corbett, for a Demand of 3/. for Tithes, had his
Goods taken by Diftrefs to the Value of 61. c; j. /\.d. And William Burroughs
the Younger, of Geadon, for 5/. 19 j. id. demanded for Tithes, futfered a
Seizure of his Goods to the Value of 12 /. 155. .'t -^^^ -.
Satnuel Smith, a poor Tenant of Sir Peter Weniwbrth, who had promifed
him, that He Jhoidd occupy bis Tenement and Land at^l. per Annum Rent
during his Life, which the poor Man depending on, had laid out much Money
upon the Premifes, was fuddenly and violently difpofTeft ot all by his fa'd
Landlord, who gave no other Reafon for his fo doing, than that He had
affronted the Minijlers, and kept Meetings at his Houfe, adding, that He would
fee all the Quakers hanged, before they Jhould meet in any Houfe of his. Thus
the Fury of an ianorant Zeal, cranfported him beyond the Bounds either of
Reafon, Juftice, or Humanity.
ANNO i6'59. Williafn Healh,oi Bir7?iingha?n^ior'D^m:mdsoi' 61. Ss. lOd.
for Tithes, had Goods taken from him worth 7/. Alio Samuel Smith had
feveral
Chap. 36. of the People called QUAKERS.
feveral Fleeces of Wool taken from him by the Servants of the Prieft of
V/alft^n^ without producing any Order or Warrant for fo doing.
Thomas Palmer^ IVilliam Mans, and Richard Mills, were fubpcena" d into the
Exchequer, at the Suit ot John Dyke, a Prieft, (who for his vicious Life had
been formerly ejc6ted) for Tithes valued at 14 j. pretended to be due to the laid
Pneft, and they appeared accordingly, but refufing to fwear to their Anfwer,
were impriloned tor Contempt in a low Dungeon at IVar'-Juick, twenty Steps
deep, where the faid Robert Palmer hy ten Months, and the faid Maijs nine
Months.
Robert Hackly, of Grindon, for refufing to pay Tithes to Gregory Kent, Prieft
of that Place, had his Goods and Chattels feized by BaylifFs, and his Perfon
imprifoned about nine Months.
It happened in this Year, that IVilliain Dew/berry being in a Meeting at the
Houfe ot William Reynolds, a Conftable came with a rude Multitude armed with
Swords and Staves, who pulled the Friends out of the Houfe, and beat and
abuled fome of them : they alio brake the Windows ot the Houfe in the
Conftable's Prefence. The like Treatment the Friends met with when religioufty
aflembled in the Houfe of fVilliafn Bayley.
In this Year alio, Richard JViifon, of Colejhill, was fent to Prifon by Juftice
Hopkins for calling the Minifters Priefts, an Appellation to which their Fradice
of taking I'ithes and OtFerings from the People did juftly intide them. In
the fame Year John Ludford, of Hurley, was fined 10 s. for retufing to Swear at
the Manour Court of Kingjlury ; and in the Beginning of the next Year he was
again fined 40 s. for the like Offence at the fame Place.
ANNO 1660. On the 17th of the Month aWed Jugufi, John Car kit t,
Edward Carkitt, and Edward IValker, were taken from their Work in Harvcft,
at the Suit of William Bifiop, oi Over-Brayles, an Impropriator, for Tithes, and
committed to the County Goal at Warwick, where they were kept the firft two
Nights in a Dungeon twenty Steps under Ground. On the 7th of November,
George Wyalt, ot Brayles, was committed to the lame Prilbn, at the Suit of the
fame Impropriator.
On the 9th of December, Humphry Becland, Richard Woodward, and John
Tombs, were forcibly dragged out of the Meeting at Alcefter, and carried before
Juftice Lee, who abufed them both by Words and Blows, and not admitting
them to fpeak in their juft Defence, committed them to Prifon, where the
cruel Goaler put them in Irons, and fhut them up in the Dungeon among
Felons. Thas they were kept clofe Prifoners from one AlTizes to another, and
never brought to any legal Trial. On the 1 6th of the fame Month Edward
Bourne, taken by a Captain and Horfemen at a Meeting at Eaiington^ was
committed to the fame Dungeon, and there laid in Irons.
ANNO i66t. In the Month called May, William Mans, of Radway, was
committed to the County Goal, at the Suit of the Prieft of that Parifti,
who had for feveral Years taken away more than Half the Corn growing on
his Land under Pretence of Tithes. And in the Month called y/i/v, John
Humhlings, of Halford, was committed to the fame Prifon tor Tithes, at the
S\x\t of George Granger, Prieft. About the lame Tmie alio, WiiUdm Lucas,
of Lambcott, was imprifoned at the Suit of John Brent, Prieft of Eatinglon, for
fmall Tithes, viz. Lambs, Wool, Pigs, ^c. and was detained in Prifon about
eleven Years.
On the 28 th of September this Year, Thcinas Goodaire preaching in a Meeting
at Upper-Eatington, was carried before one of the Deputy-Lieutenants, who
tendred him the Oath of Allegiance, and lor refufing to Swear fent him to
Warwick Goal, and with him one Thomas Cooke, who, in Love to Goodaire,
voluntarily accompanied him from the Meeting to fee the ItTue of his Exami-
nation. At the next Quarter SelTions the Oath was again tendred to them
both, and they were fent back to Prifon as under Sentence of Prejnunire, though
never legally convifted by any Jury. When they had been long in Prilbn, they
reprefented to fome of the perlecuting Jufticcs the Hardship of their Cafe,
and
763
W A R-
W I C K.
SHIRE.
1659.
Imprifo'itneiit
in i deep
Dwigeon.
Suffering for
Jiihes.
A Meeting
infuUed.
Jmprifoamem
for exiling the
Miniliers
Priefts,
and for Tithes.
Sneral impri-
foned in the
Dungeon, and
laid in Irons,
Sufferings.for
Tithes.
Cafe of T.
Goodaire and
T. Cook re-
prefented to
the ^ufiices.
764
A Collection of the Sufferings
Vol. I.
\V A R-
W I C K-
SH I RE.
i66f.
deriding An-
Jwer.
Severjl rohipt
as Vagrints-
Others impri.
foned.
Civiyig of
Tavrks at
Meat, ci'Jei
a Coirjinticle.
lUee^d Impri-
jotimem.
ImprifoMtneyits
Jor Meeting.
Miity talen
from tkeir
Houfes and
Bmployments.
140 rrifoners
in the Common
Coal, 59 of
them in the
Dungeon.
Death of
M. Page.
Narritivt of
the Su^erivgs
of D. Lacas.
and that there ivas a jufi Judge in Heaven, who leheld their innocer.t Caufe.
To which Reprifentation they received the following prophane and cierifive
Anfwer, viz IVe Jhall e:<ercife toe Power zve have on Earth againjl ycu, arid
when you Jhall come to Heaven, 'jou may take your Turn to exercije your Po-jjer
there. So they alio continued Prifoners about eleven Years.
On the 14th ot Oclober, Samuel Hatton, V/llliain Hilkington, Elizabeth Kitchen,
and Su/an PFard, were taken at a Meeting, and ordered to be whipt as Vagrants,
though their Habitations were well known not to be tar olt" : Two others,
Simon Horn and Mnlliam Jakeman, being Townfmen, and taken at the fame
Meeting, were committed to Prifon.
Richard Field, Thomas Field, FAlliam Parr, Henry Jackfon, IFilliatn Dcjo/berry,
TVilUam Bavington, Paid Nezvman, John Carpenter, James IVagftaff, IVilliam
Lucas, and Mary Cooper, were .taken from their Houfes and Employments,
and fome of them from an Inn, (where their giving 1 hanks before Supper,
was called preaching at a Conventicle) and committed to Prifon. After fome
Time of Confinement they were fent for to a Juftice at an Inn, who, for their
retufing to Swear, fent them to Prifon as under Sentence of Premunire, and
there thev lay above ten Years, though never legidly tried or convi&ed. We
find alfo imprifoned, for meeting together for the Exercife of religious Worfhip,
the feveral Perfons following, viz. Samuel Grijfold, Simon Cartwright, George
Harris, George Adams, FJivard Whatcott, William Cockbill, Edward Whitehead,
Thomas Wincott, Matthew Kent, Adam Gibbs, Thomas Whitehead, Jofeph Cockbill,
Nathanael Newton, and Gabriel Simmons. Some Time before this, Thotnas
Rawlinfon travelling on the Highway between Tamwortb and Coventry, was ap-
prehended by one "jcbn MUliar., of Coventry, who took from him an Horfe,
and a Mare, and twenry Shillings in Money, and then carried him before the
Magiftrates of Coventry, who, becaufe he refufed to Swear, fent him to Prifon.
For the fime Caufe alio, the fame Magillrates committed to ¥n{on Richard
Cubban, Thomas Chaddock, Anthony Bickley, and Thomas Suffoidt, who were
travelling toward London : Alfo Robert Meeke, Walter Newton, John Baldwiny
M^dliani Baldwin, John Murdoch, and John Heacrck, who were taken from their
own Houfes, John Moore as he was going to Market, and Thomas Pawley
coming from thence.
Several of the Meetings in this County, as at Lor.g-Ctmpton, Radwo.-i,
ColeJiAll, znd Badgely, were broken up by armed Men, who took away all
the Perlbns they tuund there, and carried them to the Jufticcs, by whom they
were fent in great Numbers to Prifon, fo that there was at one Time in the
Common Goal at Warwick, about one Hundred and forty of this People,
fifty nine of whom were put together in a dark clofe Hole or Dungeon under
Ground, where they had not Room to lie down one by another .; and beirg
conftrained to eafe their Bodies in the fame Place, the Stench became exceed-
ingly offenfive, by which, and for want of NecefTaries, which were not fufFered
to be brought them, feveral ot their Healths were much impaired. One of
them, Stephen Potter, being extremely weak, his VVife, being a poor lame
Woman, and her Siller, coming to the Prifon to vifit him, were taken and
fent to the Houfe ot Correction, and there whipt -, nor were the other Prifoners
F"riends and Relations fuffered either to vifit or adminiller to them : For at-
tempting which. Prudence Gamboll was fent to Prifon ; as was Mary Page,
Wife of Willia?n Page, of Wellingborough in NorthamptonJJjire, who after two
Years Imprilbnment died.
On the lith o\ Otlober, Dorothy Lucas Widow, o{ Upper- Eatington, above
fixty Years of Age, was arrefted at the Suit of one Underbdl, Renter of Tithes
under William Gibfon, Impropriator, and committed to Prifon : A Narrative
of her Sufferings is here lub'oined. After fifteen Weeks Confinement in this
County file was removed to the Fleet in London : While fhe lay there, an
Execution was fued out againft her, and on the 7th of the Month called
Alay ibOi, the Prolecutor took away three M.ires, a fucking Colt, one Stone-
horfe, and a Gelding, with four Pair of Geers, worth at Icail 45/. all for
one
Chap. 36. of the People called QUAKERS. 765
one Year's Tithe of 8/. Value : And on the i8th Q/iBccemher following, her W A R-
Son being at Market at Stratford upon Avon, and having with him two ^u j^g'
Geldings, one Mare, and two Quarters of Barley, the Profecutor feized them ^ ^g ^ "
all, with the Horles Accoutrements, to the Value of 18/. and upwards, for the iy-N^<-^
Tithe of that Year, being as before but of 8/. Value. In the Year 1663, •^
Gibfon, her Profecutor, entred her Land in Time of Harveft, and took away
her Corn at his Pleafure, in fome Places Half of it : He alio took an Horfe
worth 4 /. and at his Departure laid. He inujt have more, for that would only pay
Charges. The like exorbitant Seizures he alio made in the Year 1664 and 1665.
On the 30th of the Month called January 1661, John Croxall was arrefted •^"f«'"'"£ /<"■
at the Suit of feveral Tithe-farmers, who kept him in Warwick Goal eighteen " "'
Months, and while he was Prifoner caufed fome of iiis Corn to be taken off
the Land for their Ufe.
About the fame Time, the following Perfons, upon Profecutions in the Ec- /«r'7<"ime«»
clefiaftical Court for Tithes, were excommunicated, and by Writs de Excom- £x(-o^'"cap,
municato capiendo committed to Prifon, viz. Abraham Jordan, Richard Summer-
laniy Edward Clifton, Edward I'oung^ William Jakeman, Thovias Fincher, and
Peter Buckjlone, the laft of whom, after two Years Confinement, died a
Prifoner.
ANNO 1662. On the i6i\\ oi O£lober, Robert Field, of Upper-Ealington, f'^'^fl^^^^'^^
above ninety three Years of Age, was arrefted for Tithe by one Gibfon, an t-L^ \^boyi:
Impropriator, and Underhill, his Tithe-Renter : The old man, unable either „j„^,^' \i,ee
to walk or ride, was drawn in a Dung-Cart to the County Goal at PFarwick. rcirt oj; Age.
The Profecutor's Claim was for two Years Tithe of Land but of 1 1 /. per
Annum Rent. While the poor Man lay in Goal the Profecutors feized fome of
his Corn in the Field, and two Stone-horfes, worth 1 3 /. which they found at
an Inn : And in the following Year they took from him three Mares. So tliac
this ancient Man fuffered by Lofs of his EfFefts abundantly more than the
Value of the Tithes claimed, befide the cruel Imprifonment of his Perfon,
which was aggravated by the Abfence of his two Sons, who had been taken
from him, and imprifoned as before mentioned, at a Time when he was unable
to go out of Doors, and had no other Servant or AfTiftant.
Richard Lucas, of E.itington, for 6 d. demanded for Tithes, was profecuted 'wp^^f""^"*
in the Ecclefiaftical Court, at the Suit o'ijohn Brent, Prieft, excommunicated, g^^om! Cap.
and committed to Warwick Goal, where he was kept Prifoner many Years.
About this Time alfo, William Harris was imprifoned on a Writ de Excom-
municato capiendo for a pretended Contempt of the Ecclefiaftical Court,
ANNO 1664. On the 7th of the Month called May, Henry Roe of Dal- ^^'J^^^f J/;^
lington, Daniel Roe of Whilton-Mill, Thomas Lenell of Wbilton, Richard Gill of ^^Ifnhf'p ihdr
Whilton, and Edward Bajfet of Daventry, all in the County of Northampton, fufvis in
having been at Warwick to vifit their Friends there, returning homeward, were P'^'l"" "W^'
met on the Road by Sir John Knightly, a Jultice of the Peace, who took from ^^''"^^<^'
them feveral Goods, which were their Property, affigning no Caufe for his fo
doing, but that they were ^takers : He brought them back to Warwick,
tendred them the Oath of Allegiance, and for refufing it fent them to Prifon,
where they remained above a Month,
About this Time the following Perfons were profecuted in the Billiop's
Court, and moft of them excommunicated, viz.
Anthony Brickly and his Wife, Adam Gibbs and his Wife, John Barford and Troffcuuo„s
his Wife, William teal and his Wife, Robert Spicer and his Wile, Edward Har- 'J^^J.^^JZ.
wood and his Wife, William Anbury and his Wife, Edward Swirfen and his Wife,
William Banbury and his Wife, Thojnas Welfey and his Wife, Thomas Sabell and
his Wife, Williatn Jackfon, William Vernam, Rofe Eagles, John Corbett, Mary
Wyatt, Ralph Cliden, Edward Whatcott, John Gunn, Edward Corbett, John
Wyatty Margery Gunn, Matthew Kent, Mary Kent, William Jakeman, Thomas
Walker, William Wyatt, Gabriel Simmons, George Adams, and Richard Buller.
William Lucas, of Eatington, had his Goods taken by Diftrefs for a Fine for A Prifoner
being abfent from his Parilh-Church, at a Time when it was impoflible lor him f'"''^ t"' ^^^
Vol. I, Q H to J'^^'JlT ''u
766
WAR-
WICK-
SHIRE.
1664.
^ CoUeftion oj the Sufferings Vol. I.'
to be there, being kept clofe Prifoner by the Prieft of the fame Parifh for
Tithes.
Old Robert Fields of Eatington, aged above ninety three, had alfo his Goods
taken by Diftrefs tor not going to his Parifli-Chiirch, though it was well known
he was at that Time unable to go one Step out of Doors.
Walter Newton and Nathanael Newton were indiifted at a Quarter Seflions,
fined, and had an Attachment granted againft them for Abfence from the
Parilh- Church.
The Chri/lian Patience, Courage, and Conftancy of the Sufferers about this
Time at Warwick, appears by the following Copy of a Letter written out of
the Dungeon there by Edward Bourne, one of the Prifoners, viz.
A Letter from
E. Bourne to
the Commif-
i(
ii
■ I0 Sir Charles Lee, with the reft of the Commissioners fitting
" in Warwick.
" FrieTlds /
I Could have wiflit we had had more Liberty to fpeak for our feives
before you, that fo you might more fully have underftood us as to our
Pradfice and Principles, and our Grounds and Realbns wherefore we may
not Swear, by which I am perfuaded you might have received much Satis-
fadlion as to the Thing before mentioned, \iut the Keeper was forward in
interrupting of us, and fending us back into the Dungeon, but whether he
had received any iuch Order from you, before we came into your Prefence,
I fhall leave the Thing, wifhing well unto you and him, which will be by
your turning unto the Light of Chrift in your Confciences, and taking Heed
thereunto, that it may lead you into all Truth, that fo your Souls may be
faved from the Evil to come. Now in regard our Time was fhort when
we were with you, that we had not the Liberty to clear Things before you,
I was free to write fomething in Anfwer to what was objefted, when
it was demanded. Whether we could Swear ? I anfwered, / dare 7iot
Swear, becaiife Chrift forbad it, who faid. Swear not at all. It was objeded.
Not in your Communication, which is an Addition to the Words of Chrift,
who iaid, Swear tiot at all. Now before Chrift came, frivolous Oaths were
not admitted of, but they were to Swear in Rigbteoujnefs and Intth, and
were to perform their Oaths unto the Lord ; but fiiith Chrift, / fay. Swear
not at all. So now he is come whom Mofs, propheficd of, who is the End
of the Prophets, of whom John bare Witnefs, that Great Prophet Chrift
Jefus, who is the Light and Life of Men, and who fears not -him, vmft he cut
off from amongjl the People, and he faith, Swear not at all. And though it
was objedled, that the Apoftle iaid to the Hebrews^ An Oath among Men is
to them an End of all Strife. I anfwer, The Apoftle did not bring that to
make void the Command of Chrift, who faid. Swear not at all ; but the
Apoftle brought that as a Compariibn to fhew what an Oath among Men
was to fignify : But who come to karn of Chrift, comes to the End of
Oaths, the End-of Strife, the End of Contention, where Glo7y unto God on
high is given, and on Earth, Peace and Goodwill among Men followeth. And
fo you may take Notice, that what we do, we do it not in any Contempt
of the King, or you that govern under him, but in Obedience to the Lord
our God, with whom we have great Peace in our prefent Sufferings, blcfled
for ever be his holy Name, in whom wc truft, and in whom we do believe
that he will deliver us in the Time appointed, unto whom we leave it to
plead our Caufe with you, who is Juft, Righteous, and Holy altogether,
who will reward every one according to their Works, with whom thef^e is
no Refpeft of Perfons, and fo I fublcribe my felf
" yl true Friend unto you^ who am a Lover of your immortal Souls,
From the Duvgeon in Warwick, the
6th of the Twelfth Month 1660.
" Edward Bourne."
Thu£
Chap. 36. of the People called QUAKERS.
Thus through Failh and P alienee they abode ftedfaftly obedient to the Precept
of Chrift, which they were fully perfuaded to contain an exprels Prohibition of
all Swearing ; in which Point they held fiift the Profeifion of their Faith
without wavering, nor could they be moved by any SulTerings which the Laws
of Men were able to inflid:, from keeping their Cunfciences void of Ofi'ence
toward God in this Refped.
ANNO 1670. In this Year the religious AfTemblies of tliis People were
fometimes held in the Houfe of SamueJ Lucas, of Eatinglon, which "John Clark,
Prieft of that Parifh, pretended himfelf bound in Confcience to oppofe, and
accordingly he became an Informer, telling them, that He was obliged in Point
of Confcience to frofeciite the Law agaiujl them ; and when one of them aflccd
him, fVhether if the Law had been made to hang them, he would do it ? his
Anfwer was, Tes he would. So that in him was verified the Saying of Chrift,
The Time cometh, that whojoever killeth you, will think that he doth God good
Service. John xvi. 2. This Prieft came with an Officer to the IMeeting, and
took down the Names of the Perfons met, and upon his Information the faid
Samuel Lucas was fined 40 /. and for that Fine had taken from him four Cows,
Wheat and Peafe, to the Value of 44/. 10 s. The fame Prieft afterward in-
formed again, and caufed the faid Samuel to be fined 10/. for whicli the Prieft
himfelf went with the Officers to make Diftrefs, but finding only a blind Horfe
in the Stable, the Officers would have left him, as little worth, but the Prieft
ordered them to take him, knock Imn on the Head, and fell his Skin. For
Meeting at the fame Place was taken from William Lucas-, of Lajncott., Barley
worth 2l. 10s. At the Time of making this Seizure, Richard Lucas, Brother
of the faid William, was Overfeer of the Poor, and was required by the
Conftable to go with him to diftrain his Brother's Goods, which he refufed to
do, for which Retulal he was fined, and had a Cow taken from him worth 40 j,
Robert Buller, for Meetings there, fufFered by Diftrefs of Goods at feveral
Times, to the Value of 10/, 8 j. Si. Alfo John Field, of Eatington, had a
Cow and Barley taken from him worthy/. John Homlins, oi Hrdjord, Goods
wordi 6 s. And from Admn Cibbs they took an Hat and Shirt worth 7 j. 1 o d.
JohnWilfon, for a Fine of 55. had his Door broke open, and his Goods feized.
ANNO 1678. In this Year an unuiual Inftance of Ecclefiaftical Oppreffion
occurs to our Notice. It happened that one John Marfhall, of Ipfley died, and
by his laft Will appointed a Kinfman of his of the fame Name, dwelling at
Southwark in the County of Surry, his Executor, to take Care of his Etrefts
for the Ufe of his only Child ; the faid John Marfhall, of Ipfley, while living,
w;ts excommunicated in the Bifhop of Worcefler\ Court, for not paying 35. td.
toward the Repairs of the Parifh- Church. After his Death, John Moore and
William Miles, Wardens of the faid Parifh of Ipfley, at whofe Suit he had been
excommunicated, got an Adminiftration out of the Bifhop's Court for their
pretended Due of ^s. 6 d. and the Court-Charges, and taking Advantage of
the Executor's Abfence, feized and carried away a Mare worth 4/. alfo two
Calves, and as much Hay as was worth 10/. All which being more than fixty
Times their original Demand, they detained from the Executor and Orphan
who were juftly intituled thereto by Law.
767
W A R-
W I C K-
S H I R E.
1664.
A Prieft pro-
i'effwg Con-
fcience for
Acls of Perfe-
cut ion.
An hijlince of
Efckjuftical
Opprejion.
The E N D ^ the First Volume.
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