The survey of London containing the original, increase, modern estate and government of that city, methodically set down : with a memorial of those famouser acts of charity, which for publick and pious vses have been bestowed by many worshipfull citizens and benefactors : as also all the ancient and modern monuments erected in the churches, not only of those two famous cities, London and Westminster, but (now newly added) four miles compass / begun first by the pains and industry of John Stow, in the year 1598 ; afterwards inlarged by the care and diligence of A.M. in the year 1618 ; and now compleatly finished by the study & labour of A.M., H.D. and others, this present year 1633 ; whereunto, besides many additions (as appears by the contents) are annexed divers alphabetical tables, especially two, the first, an index of things, the second, a concordance of names.

The fatall VESPER, or dis∣mall EVENSONG, happening at the Blacke Friers on Sunday in the afternoone, it being the 26. day of October. 1623.

THere were upon that day, being dedicated to the service of God, assembled together in the Black Friers neere the French Embassadours house in ordinary, above three hundred persons of sundry Nations, as English, Scottish, Welch, and Irish, to heare a Sermon, & after that to celebrate Even∣song, according to the Rites and Cere∣monies of the Romish Church. Of which number it is certainly knowne and confidently reported, that about the number of threescore of them, had that morning both confessed them∣selves, and received the Sacrament, ac∣cording to the order of the Romish Church. Hee that was to supply that exercise for the present, was Father Drury, a Iesuite by profession, and by birth a Gentleman, being extracted

out of the house of the Norfolcian Dru∣ries, and sonne unto Doctor Drury, late professor of the Civill Law, and practi∣ser thereof in the Court of the Arches here in London. Hee was by those of the Romish religion reputed to bee a man of great learning, as having studied many yeeres beyond the Sea, with much approbation and allowance of his Superiours. And although he were opposite in point of faith and beliefe unto the Religion now professed in Eng∣land, yet was he held by the generality of our Nation, both Protestants and Papists, who knew him, and could make a true estimate of his vertues and vices by the outward circumstance and appearance of his actions, to bee a man of a good moralllife, and of a plau∣sible and laudable conversation. So that in respect of these indowments, there could nothing have been desired more by us of the Reformed Church, than that hee had not beene a Papist, but a member of our Church, Religion, and Profession. All the day before, which was the last that ever his eyes beheld, he was observed to be wondrous sad and pensive, contrary unto his wonted hu∣mour and disposition, hee being a man of a free, merry and affable conversati∣on, as though that some spirit of predi∣ction had foretold him of that fatall disaster, which was at hand. Thus wee reade of Caesar, that hee was possessed with a strange and unwonted sadnesse that morning when hee entred into the Senate house, where he was stabbed to death by the Senators. And so was that Assassine Cass•••• much perplexed and troubled in minde before that mortall and bloudy battell of Pharsalia. By meanes of which affection, Father Dru∣rie finding an indisposition in himselfe, hee would (if with his reputation hee could) have made a retraction of his promise, and a demurre of the intended exercise. But being prest on by divers of his friends, who told him that the Audience was great, and their expecta∣tion farre greater, hee did then againe resolve to goe forward with the enter∣prise.

The place wherein this Congregati∣on was assembled, was not the French Ambassadours Chappell, according as the first report went currant; for that was reserved for the use of himselfe and his family, to celebrate their Even-song after their owne manner and custome, but it was a Chamber neere unto the gate, some three stories high, being some threescore foot long, and twenty foot broad, or thereabouts. The wals were not made of Lome, composed of Laths and Rafters, and covered over with Clay and Lime, as some at first reported: but were of Brick and Stone, which are held by all Architects to bee the strongest and the surest building. But howsoever, a Gentlewoman of a noble house, and of a quicke and judici∣ous spirit, who was then present, and had taken a curious view of the pressing multitude of the people, which was at length their owne oppression, and of the unfitnesse and uncapacity of the place besides, told him, That shee thought it would prove an action full of danger, if he should offer to preach in that place respectively in respect of the premises. But he being led on by a divine and fatall necessity, which blinds the judgement of the wise men of this world, he told her that he did meane as then to preach, and to goe forward with the greatest expedition he could, with his intended Sermon. For the ac∣complishment of which designe, the Father predicant being clad in those robes and ornaments which are used by those of his Order, being a Iesuit, ha∣ving a Surplice girt about his middle with a linnen girdle, a red Cap with a white one underneath, turned up about the brimmes of his Cap, and his other accoutrements belonging, which the Ignatian Orders have imposed upon them: and being placed in a Chaire a∣bout the middest of the roome, which Chaire was raised up something higher than the ordinary levell of the floore: hee crossing himselfe with the signe of the Crosse, and having ended some pri∣vate prayers, accommodated himselfe to his Text, between three and foure of the clocke in the afternoone of the fore∣said Sunday. The words of the Text were part of the Gospel appointed for the present day, according to the order and instruction of the Church of Rome, being their fifth of November, which

account is thought to bee the truest by the Romane Catholikes, and begins ten dayes before that of England. The Gospel was written in the eighteenth Chapter of St. Matthewes Gospel, and delivered unto us by the holy Spirit, in these words: Therefore is the Kingdome of Heaven likened unto a certaine man that was a King, which would take account of his servants. And when hee had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him which ought him ten thousand Talents. But for∣asmuch as hee was not able to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant fell downe and be∣sought him, saying: Sir, have patience with mee and I will pay thee all. Then had the Lord pity of that servant, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. So the same ser∣vant went out, and found one of his fel∣lowes which ought him an hundred pence: And he laid hands on him, and tooke him by the throat, saying: Pay that thou owest. And his fellow fell downe and besought him, saying: Have patience with mee and I will pay thee all. And he would not, but he went out and cast him into prison, till hee should pay the debt. So when his fellowes went and saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told their Master all that happened. Then his Lord called him and sayd unto him: O thou ungracious ser∣vant, I forgave thee all that debt thou desi∣redst mee, shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow, even as I had pity on thee, &c?

The words which he insisted especi∣ally upon, were these:* 1.1 O thou ungraci∣ous servant, I forgave thee all the debt thou oughtest mee, shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow, even as I had pity on thee? Vpon which subject dis∣coursing with much vehemency, and implying out of it the infinite mercy and goodnesse of God, whereby he doth not onely give us all that wee have, but forgives us all our trespasses and offen∣ces, bee they never so deeply stayned with the scarlet dye and tincture of our guiltinesse: which mercifull act of God is paraboliz'd unto us by a certain man that was a King, who tooke account of his servants, and after much intreaty and submission, forgave one ten thou∣sand Talents, which he ought him. And also dilating by way of blame and re∣prehension of the ungratefull and un∣relenting heart of man, who doth not forgive trespasses as God doth forgive him; but out of his swelling and ma∣lignant humour, writes benefits in the sand, and injuries in marble, which un∣charitablenesse of theirs is intimated in the Parable by the ungracious servant, who would not forgive his fellow a small debt, although his Master had forgiven him one of a farre greater va∣lue. Moreover, upon the application of these words, hee did inveigh with much bitternesse, as some give out (but I know not how truly) against the manners and doctrine of the Prote∣stants.

But having proceeded thus farre, loe what a sudden and unexpected accident fell out. The Sermon inclining to∣wards the middest, and the day decli∣ning towards an end, it being almost foure of the clocke in the afternoone, the multitude and crowde of the assem∣bly breaking downe with their over∣bearing weight the beames and side∣timbers wherewith this roome was sup∣ported, they fell downe into the next Chamber, the floore whereof being broken downe also with the descending weight of them and the ruines, they fell at last upon the lowest Chamber of the edifice, where some of them perished, some were hurted and maymed, other∣some were free from all hurt and dan∣ger except of that which the present fright and terror did impose upon them, and those were they especially who fell not at all, but remained in one angle or corner of the Chamber, which was free from falling. Which persons beeing thought to be betweene twenty and thirty in number, as I heard by one, who was one of them, perplexed and frighted thus as they were, by conside∣ration of that most fearefull danger, whereinto they had seene their fellowes and brethren to fall, who did lift up their hands for helpe, and beat their breasts for life, whereof they then were spectators; and being doubtfull that they should be Actors with them pre∣sently in that Scene of their calamity; the place being weake, tottering and un∣assured, for this cause feare and necessity

giving motion and strength unto their armes, they opened with their Knives a Lome wall, which parted that roome and a Chamber belonging to the Am∣bassadours Lodging. By which meanes, after much difficulty and labour, they got their passage, and live as yet to glo∣rifie God for their deliverance.

Presently upon the report of the fall and cry, divers persons of all sorts re∣sorted unto the place, some out of cha∣rity, to helpe those that were thus di∣stressed; for which cause they brought Spades, Pickaxes, and other instru∣ments fit for that purpose; others out of meere curiosity came thither, to see this wonderfull event, and this object so full of admiration. Where, after the guards were set upon all the Advenues and pas∣sages leading into the Blacke Friers, and from thence into the Ambassadours house, by the direction and command of Sergeant Finch, Recorder of the Citie, who was exceeding carefull that my Lord Ambassadour and his servants should not suffer any detriment in their goods or persons, being jealous in this point of the Kings, his owne, and the Ci∣ties honour: and matters being thus dis∣posed for the safety and assurance of the strangers, after they had broken downe a wall, and opened some doores, they fell to worke upon the ruines it selfe, with all possible diligence and dexte∣rity: where at the opening of every boord, planke, and peece of Timber, there were objects which presented themselves full of horrour and confu∣sion.

Here you might have seene a man shaking of his legges, and striving for life: There you might have seene ano∣ther, putting forth his bloudy hands, and crying for helpe: Here you might have seene one like some spectre, thrusting out his head out of the grave: There you might have seene his fellow halfe dead and halfe living, intomb'd in that grave which he was not long to keepe. Here you might have seene the living thus pressed, as they were mourning for the dead; and there the dead senselesse, as they were imbracing of the living. So that since the Sicilian Vespers, there was never an Evensong more dolorous vnto the French, nor more lamentable unto the Scots and English. The Count of Til∣lier, who was Ambassadour here in or∣dinary for the most Christian King, which place hee hath executed with great dignity and authority for many yeeres together, to the generall liking and applause of both Nations, although he was fortunate in this, that not one of his retinue perished, was much agree∣ved with this unluckie accident, with whom the Spanish Delegates did con∣dole, as by mutuall reference feeling that griefe, which fellow-feeling had made their owne.

Moreover, it was reported by one who had good intelligence in Elie house, that Don Carlos Colom's Steward should say, that his Master would not for a million of gold, this accident should have falne out in his or Exeter house. A report like enough to be beleeved of those, who know how strangely zealous this Nati∣on is in their Religion, and how jealous they are besides of their owne, their Kings, and of their Countries honour.

Neither were the sorrows meaner a∣mongst the naturals of this Kingdome, and the inhabitants of the Citie of Lon∣don. So that here some men lost their wives, women their husbands, parents their children, children their parents, masters their servants, and one friend la∣mented the losse of another. So that Rachel was weeping for her children because they were not. Iob was lamen∣ting for his sonnes and daughters, be∣cause they were slaine together by the downefall of an house, whilest they were eating of their last banquet. Insomuch that the streets did eccho with their do∣lorous moanes, the wals and houses did resound with their cries and lamentati∣ons. The subsequent night was so full of horrour unto many, that it may bee truely said of it, as was said of another dismall night in the like kind:

Quis cladem illius noct is, quis funera fando Explicit? aut potis est lachrymis aequare dolorem?

When the bodies were drawn forth of those heapes of earth and timber, which taske of charity they were accom∣plishing

all that night, and part of the next day following, they were found to be 95. persons, or therabout, of divers cō∣ditions, besides those who were bruised, maim'd or wounded. Amongst whom were divers persons of worth and quali∣tie: as Father Drurie, who was the Preacher; Father Redyate, in whose lod∣ging this calamity befell; the Lady Web, descended of the Family of the Treshams, and sister unto my La. Morley, & my La. Sturton, and many moe besides of that weaker sexe, who then and there were assembled at their accustomed devoti∣ons. Yet were there many who were in that unfortunate downefall, which esca∣ped the danger strangely and wonder∣fully. Amongst whom was Mistris Lu∣cie Penruddocke, extracted from a wor∣thy and Noble Family, who fell be∣tweene the Lady Webbe and her owne maid-servant, both of which perished, yet she was preserved alive, by meanes of a Chaire which fell hollow upon her, and sheltered her from further danger. So was yong Mistris Webbe, daughter to my Lady Webbe, who fell neere unto her mother, and Elenor Sanders, who was covered, with many others, whose lives were saved within the heapes of these blood-guilty ruines.

There was also a Minister, whose name I cannot learne, and therefore al∣though he survives this misfortune, it must be buried as yet in silence, who be∣ing present at the Sermon, as being in∣vited by some Romish Catholike to that exercise; who also gave him the con∣duct unto the place; hee fell with the rest of the multitude assembled there to∣gether; and being covered with the rubbish, boords, and other timbers, which fell upon him from the higher roomes, and prest with the weight of divers persons besides, whereof some were dead, and some were living: be∣ing in this agonie, which his present paine, and the feare of death, in his own judgement even hanging over his head, did impose (and that not without just cause) upon him; being (I say) thus di∣stressed, and striving under those heaps & ruines for life, the hope whereof, in re∣spect of the premised impediments, had almost forsaken him; one of the French Ambassadours Gentlemen, hearing the noise and report of this great and dismal fall, suddenly (as hee could) opened a doore, which gave entrance into that chamber, upon the floore whereof, the heapes and ruines, together with the oppressed multitude, as then lay. Who perceiving light by the doore then o∣pened, the place before being covered over with darknesse, he strove with all the strength and agilicy he could, which in him was not meane, he being a man of a very strong and able body, and at last, after the losse of his cloke and ren∣ting of his clothes, hee recovered him∣selfe, without any further hurt. Which the Gentleman perceiving, came and demanded of him, whether or no hee were hurt, or that he stood in need of a∣ny thing that might doe him service, or procure him comfort. But he being al∣most exanimated and astonisht, could not at first apprehend those courteous proffers which were tendred unto him by this stranger, who presently went and brought him into a Chamber; where after he had sate a while, and re∣freshed himselfe with wine, which was brought unto him; and having thus re∣covered his strength and spirits, hee re∣turned to the foresaid place againe, and used his best endevours for the releeving of others from that calamity, whereof but even now he was a fellow-sufferer. His man who attended on him, was re∣covered amongst the rest, hee being something bruised and hurt in the arme.

Moreover, there was a yong girle, about the age of ten yeeres, as is suppo∣sed, (when this Minister, out of his cha∣ritable and commiserating disposition, was labouring for the safety and preser∣vation of them, whose necessities did then require it) came crying unto him, and said, O my Mother, O my Sister, which are downe under the timber and rubbish. But he wisht her to be patient for a time, and by Gods grace they should get forth quickly. Vpon which speech the child replyed presently, that howsoever this accident would prove a great scandall to their Religion. A speech which is worth admiration in all men, as this Relator did truely admire it, that a childe of so tender yeeres, wherein amongst the most towardliest,

there is scarce ability to discerne be∣tweene good and evill, should next un∣to that griefe, which the danger of her mother and sister did inflict upon her, lament for nothing more than for the scandall which their cause was like to suffer by the disaster.

It was reported also that many more were drawne out alive the next mor∣ning: but I will not stand too much upon the justification of this report, lest I should seeme to bee too credulous of those things, which are contrary to the rules of reason and nature.

The day following, which was Mun∣day, and the Eve of Simon and Iude, there was great care had for viewing the place, and for buriall of the dead. For this cause the Recorder and She∣riffes, about one of the clocke in the af∣ternoone, met at the French Ambassa∣dors house, having first shut up Ludgate, to prevent the throng and resort of the people, which was exceeding great and turbulent in those places: and then ha∣ving doubled their guards upon every Port and passage, and given expresse charge unto the warders, upon paine of their displeasure and punishment, that no man should enter in without theirs, or the Coroners Warrant, they fell at length to consult about the businesse, and after mature consideration, conclu∣ded, that this dolefull accident fell out, not by any indirect practise or conspi∣racie (as was by some maliciously repor∣ted) but that those fourescore and odde persons fell by meanes of their owne weight, and the weaknesse of those tim∣bers which did support the Chamber.

The Iurie having thus brought in their verdict, they disposed presently for the buriall of the dead, some of whom were carried by their friends unto Churches, farre remote, there to receive their due obsequies; others were buried in the same place, & those were of the meanest ranke, whereof some twenty, or therea∣bout, were laid in one Sepulcher, having a common grave, as they had a common death and downefall. The conjectures concerning this event were divers: For some gave out, that it was the just pu∣nishment and vengeance of God infli∣cted upon thē for their Idolatry. More∣over, there were divers doubting spirits amongst the Romane Catholikes, who thought that this was some conspiracie of the Protestants. But if the building had beene demolished and overthrown by their indirect & treacherous means, it must have been done either by blow∣ing it up with Gunpowder, by sapping away the earth from the foundation, by undermining it, or by cutting off, or taking away those supporters and pil∣lars, upon whom the frame and ma∣chine of the building was grounded. All which were found to bee false, upon most diligent search and inquirie made in that behalfe. But that which carried apparent appearance of truth, and that which the Protestants and Papists did allow, who were of the more milder, temperate, and sounder judgement, was thus: That this disaster hapned not by means of any divine miracle, or humane malice; but by the defect and weaknes of the place, into which such a multi∣tude were crowded and assembled to∣gether, the judgement of God concur∣ring therewithall.

The Society of the Jesuites did suffer much, in losing the persons of Father Drurie and Father Redyate. And divers persons of both Religions, but especial∣ly the Priests, who are men of as great care and vigilancie, but of a farre grea∣ter moderation, did taxe and blame them, for that they brought their flocke into a place of no greater safety or assu∣rance; and besides, because their conven∣ticle and meeting was so publike, there being divers Protestants assembled at it, some of whom were reported to have a share in this calamity, and the times as yet not serving for such assemblies, the Kings pardon being not yet publish∣ed, which was granted, as they say to all the Romane Catholikes of these King∣domes. But whatsoever thou be, Prote∣stant or Papist, that doth see this mourn∣full object, judge not, lest thou bee jud∣ged. Neither thinke thou, that those 18. men, upon whom the Tower of Silom fell, or those persons whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifice, were more grievous sinners than all the rest of the children of Israel; or that these who pe∣rished thus together, were more noto∣rious offenders than all the rest of their brethren and Religion: for assure thy

selfe, that except thou repent, thou al∣so shalt perish. And this repentance of thine must not be propter scandalum mun∣di, for the scandall and offence of the world, for so did Saul repent, when out of a foolish and State-spoiling pitie, he had spared Agag the cursed Tirant of Amalecke; and but of a faire yet foule pretence, had spared the fairest of the Cattell for sacrifice: for being rebuked by the Prophet Samuel, he doth repent, and desires him to honour him in the sight of the Elders, and to turne unto him, and he would turne unto the Lord his God. Neither must it be propter poe∣nam peccati, for their punishment, that is due unto sinne; for so did Ahab repent, when hee was reprooved by Elias for killing of Naboth, and detaining of his Vineyard, he rent his clothes, and gir∣ded himselfe in sack-cloath, as the Text hath it: But after that the fright and terrour of Gods must terrible sentence was worne out of his minde, and the custome of sinne began to prevaile a∣gaine, he sold himselfe to commit such abominations, the like whereof were never committed in Israel. But our re∣pentance must be propter reatum peccati, for the guilt of sinne, as sinne is a breach of the Law, and a transgression of Gods Commandement. Quae sic dolet com∣missa, ut non doleat committenda: Which repentance doth grieve for sinnes com∣mitted, as though it meant to commit no more; and mourne for offences past, as though it did meane to passe over no more.

We must take Repentance as Iob did, in dust and ashes. Being dust, we must take it in dust; and being ashes, we must take it in ashes. Our transgressions in this Kingdome and in this Citie have beene most grievous, therefore our con∣trition should bee eminent and exem∣plar. Our pride hath made us, with Lu∣cifer, to superbire & superire, to looke o∣ver our selves, not into our selves, and to esteeme our selves like unto God, when we are scarce men.

Neither is this pride simplex peccatum, a single and simple sinne, but it drawes after it excesse and riot, as it were, with a cart-rope: unto which luxurie of ours, neither Persian nor Romane were equall. After which follow fornications and adulteries, which are so frequent in this place, that in vaine may we speake of the Bordellas of Rome, or the Stewes of Venice, since the Suburbs of this sin∣full Citie, are as bad as the Suburraes of Rome or Venice.

Moreover, our drunkennesse is such, that although our eyes looke red, and our hearts are as fat as brawn with drin∣king of Wine, yet, we rise up early to drinke strong drinke: which when it hath inflamed our blood and spirits, we are ready, with Lot, to fall into all pol∣lution and uncleannesse.

And last of all, wee are so uncharita∣ble, so stony-hearted and close-fisted, that wee may bee fitly compared unto lumps of clay, tempered with blood, although we are statues of flint, with∣out the blood or life of charity.

For this cause, repent, ô England, re∣pent, ô London; repent Protestants, re∣pent Papists, for your transgressions and offences: repent, repent; for by these wonderfull signes and tokens, it doth appeare most cleerely, that the King∣dome of Heaven is at hand.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Note that this Text was divided into three partes; whereof the first part trea∣ted of Gods mer∣cie, the se∣cond of mans in∣gratitude, the third of the Re∣medies which man might use for the procuring of Gods mercie, and cure himselfe from this contagi∣cus dis∣ease of his ingrati∣tude. Which first part onely in part he handled.