A narrative and impartial discovery of the horrid Popish plot, carried on for the burning and destroying the cities of London and VVestminster, with their suburbs, &c. setting forth the several consults, orders and resolutions of the Jesuites, &c. concerning the same. ... / by Capt. William Bedloe ... one of the Popish Committee for carrying on such fires.

[illustration]

Cap^t: WILLIAM BEDLOE Discoverer of the Popish Plott

A NARRATIVE AND IMPARTIAL DISCOVERY OF THE Horrid Popish Plot: Carried on for the Burning and Destroying THE CITIES OF LONDON and VVESTMINSTER, With their SUBURBS, &c.

SETTING FORTH The several CONSULTS, ORDERS and RESOLUTIONS of the JESUITES, &c. Concerning the same.

AND Divers DEPOSITIONS and INFORMATIONS, Relating thereunto.

Never before Printed.

By Capt. William Bedloe. Lately Engaged in that Horrid Design, and one of the Popish Committee for Carrying on such Fires.

LONDON, Printed for Robert Boulter, John Hancock, Ralph Smith, and Benjamin Harris, Booksellers in Cornhil, near the Royal Exchange. 1679.

THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY TO THE Surviving Citizens OF LONDON RUINED by FIRE

SIRS,

I Know not to whom I could Address these Leaves more properly than to You; who have been so dismally concern'd in the dreadful Effects of the late Con∣flagrations: Such deep Sufferers by the Hellish Practises herein more fully than ever yet discovered.

You have suddenly and unexpectedly seen a glorious City laid waste, Your own Habitations turn'd into Rubbish, your Estates destroyed, your dear Incomes of your many years hard Labour and careful Industry, All in few moments swept a∣way and consumed by devouring flames, together with some of Your dear Relations and faithful Servants; whilst Your selves and Families reduc'd from a plentiful, a com∣fortable Trade and Fortune over-night, to the extremest misery next Morning,

without an House to shelter You, Goods to Accommodate You, or setled Course of Trade to support You? Have been forc'd (many of You in Old Age) to Begin the World anew; and remain Exposed to all the Hardships and Inconveniences of want and poverty?

The Authors and Promoters of All these Your deplorable Calamities have been no other than those Common Bontefeu's of Christendom, The general Disturbers of the Peace and Happiness of Europe, and Pests of human Society, I mean those subtle, active and most cruel Engineers of the Roman Hierarchy, who having long been Big with the Project of a Fifth-Monarchy, intending to make all the World slavishly to truc∣kle to their Tripple Crown'd Idol at Rome, did meerly in order thereunto contrive Your Destruction: For as they wellknow, England to be the Bull-work of Liberty, Protestanism, and (indeed I may justly add) Christian Faith in General, throughout the world: The main Bank, that hinders the Sea of Rome from over-whelming all Christian Nati∣ons with an Universal Inundation of Tyranny and Superstition: So they are not in∣sensible, what a mighty Influence LONDON hath to obstruct their Designs upon England: In so much, That I have heard not a few of the Principal of them frequent∣ly protest, That until That City were Ruined or brought low, it was impossible, But All their Attempts on this Nation must prove Abortive.

How rigorously, how unweariedly have they endeavoured this? I shall say no∣thing of their Politick By-strooks, Their promoting by Influenc'd Counsels Wars at Sea to interrupt Your Commerce, Their Setting up a New Algier (and perhaps more for∣midable and mischievous than the Old One) on the other side the Channel: Their Multiplying Buildings in the Suburbs and Out parts, thereby to drain away the Trade, and having stock't many of those Colonies with people of their own Gang, hope to be able in time to out number and overpower You. These and a thousand other little Stra∣tegems for Discouraging, &c. I shall not insist upon, but only instance, as my present bu∣siness, Their horrid Design of Burning and Destroying Treacherously this CITY. This they counted a Master-piece of their Cunning, not doubting, when they had laid this Noble City in Ashes: But that they should soon after have buried Your Religion too in the same Ruines: But notwithstanding all their facinorous Performances and more Cursed Attempts God in his Infinite Mercy hath Restor'd the One, and hither∣to preserv'd the Other: Both as it were by Miracle. Let therefore the Remembrance of SIXTY SIX be engraven in Indelible Characters on the Hearts of the Posterity, To make them abhor Popery, and detest such vile Incendiaries: Let it remain a Monu∣ment of Gratitude to God, Caution to England, and shame to Rome, in after times, when even that stately and durable PILLAR (Erected for that Purpose) shall by the Re∣volutions of many Ages be decayed.

Indeed could you be so shamefully Ingrateful as to forget it, These restless Furies will not suffer You: But still with fresh Alarms and Exploits Awaken Your Memories. 'Twas a shrewd Item they bestow'd on You: But a few Years since, when Grove and his Irish Ruffians consumed so great a Part of Your Neighbourhood in the Borough of Southwark (not to mention other smaller Attempts.) But above all, They have given You, and the whole Nation such a Catholick Memorandum in their detestable Plot, lately discovered just before it was ripe for Execution, as I trust shall never be for∣gotten, wherein though All these three Kingdoms, nay the whole Protestant-Interest throughout the World was Essentially Concern'd, yet none should have drank more deep of that Cup of Misery, which they had prepared than You the Protestant In∣habitants of This (by them hated) CITY and Parts adjacent: For as soon as ever the

Fatal Blow had been given against the pretious Life of our dear and dread Sove∣raign, they would immediately have proceeded to a Second Devastation, first upon the Dwellings, and next upon the Persons, and then what Horrors and Calamities, what a Sea of Blood and Chaos of Confusion, You All, long 'ere this should have been involved in? Whilst these Sons of Cruelty had been Acting over their Parisian Tragedy and Irish Butcheries amongst You, is no less easy to Imagine, than lamen∣table to have seen, and Intollerable to have felt.

I am not ignorant, how strenuously they make it their Business to deny not only their being any way privy to these Mischiefs of FIREING, but likewise all other their Traiterous Designs: And I scarce know which is greatest, Their Impudence in com∣mitting horrid Villanies, or in out-facing them, when they are done. The Despe∣rate Protestations of Innocence, lately made by some of them at the place of Ex∣ecution, hath (I am informed) mightily unsetled some Peoples Heads, and a few For∣mal contrived Speeches have been so prevalent as to make weak Women, and wea∣ker Men begin to stagger. and ready to imagine they died for Crimes they might not be guilty of.

But as for my own Part, I bless God, I am throughly satisfied in the TRUTH of every Tittle of the Evidence, I have given against them, and every of them, and have no checks or guilt on my Conscience on that Account, nor would in the least be guil∣ty of that bloody Perjury, that might tend to the Taking away any mans Life wrongfully, for more than all England is worth: But if I have Erred in any Case, it was on the contrary hand in Speaking the least of Things and Persons, so for the satis∣faction of others, I desire them to consider, besides the Joint Testimonies of so many Witnesses, speaking to different Times, Persons, Places and Circumstances, yet all ex∣actly agreeing in the main, without the least Contradiction of Falshood, that ever could be found after so many strict Examinations before Persons of the greatest Judg∣ment and Quality, and so many cross and insnaring Questions started by the Prisoners, to which they freely Answered; I say besides all this, and several other Corrobora∣ting Particulars I would have them consider, 1. How Customary it is with this sort of Men, in all Cases where they are over-taken by Justice; to go out of the World with solemn Asseverations of their Innocence; there being, I verily believe scarce a President to be given in our Age, of any Papist that suffered for any Crime what so∣ever, who confest the same at his Death, especially if he received absolution before; For I do averr it to be their Doctrine, that when a Man hath committed any Vil∣lany, and hath been thereof absolv'd by a Priest, if he be afterwards call'd into Questi∣on touching that Fact; he ought not to cast a Scandal on the Church, whereof he is a Member, by acknowledging himself to have been guilty; but may lawfully swear and protest in the presence of God, and the world, that he is as Innocent thereof as the Child unborn, and all this without any Equivocation, or mental Reservation since tis their Beleif, and so they teach and are taught, that they are then so really, and absolutely innocent, even as when they came into the World, the crime being wholly taken off from them by Absolution; much more may they do it in this Case where what they are charged with viz. a Resolution, to murther a Prince whom they count an Heretick, and so declared by the Pope, subvert his Government; and introduce the Roman Religion; as so far from being by them esteemed any Treason or Crime, that they look upon it to be their Duty and Meretorious.

2. 'Tis palpable, that all these fine Speeches were studiously prepared by Con∣federacy, and Copies industriously spread abroad before they were spoken by the Prisoners, their Agents and Friends; and they are contrived but just like so many Scholars Exercises on the Theme, set by their Grand Master, Provincial Whitebread.

Not with the Freedom of Dying Men that spoke the Truth, and Dictates of their Consciences, but so elabourately flourisht over as might best work on the Affecti∣ons of the Ignorant Hearers; and serve the Turn of their Party, for where there is so much Art, there is always some design. Had not Hill just such another made Speech in the very same Strain and Method, which he was to spake at his Death like a Parrot? Sure, they are very dim-sighted that cannot see through such Impostures.

3. Do these doubting Gentlemen, really believe there was any Plot at all? Were Mr. Colemans Letters forged by others, and put by Magick-Art into Six Boxes; and and yet his Hand so curiously counterfeited, that he himself could not chuse but own it, and his Servants swear it, &c. Either you must believe all these and many other down right Absurdities, or else confess that by those very Letters it evident∣ly appears, that there was on foot a damnable horrid Plot to subvert the Govern∣ment, and introduce Popery; and can you think Mr. Coleman alone undertook that Mighty Work? (as himself calls it) Or if he had Accomplices, who more proper? who more ready than the Traitors that lately suffered; for when did the Jesuites stand out, when there was any Game to play for on the Interest of the Pope and Church of Rome? Not to mention, that the Matter is almost acknowledged in Peter's Letter taken with Harcourt; wherein a Consult is appointed the 14th. of April 1678 and mention made of great Caution to be used by the Fathers in coming to it, lest the Design there to be transacted and managed should be discovered which in its own Na∣ture required secresy: By this Letter (not found till the other day the Witnesses evi∣dence, first given so long since, that there was such a Consult, and at that time, is undeniably confirmed; and that there was some great Design to be consulted of there that required much Caution and Secresy, is likewise confest; how reasonable than is it to believe the Witnesses in this Case; thot then and there, the Death of the King was consulted of, and resolved upon: That being a Design that indeed requi∣red in its own horrid Nature such Caution, and Secresy, and the Conspirators be∣ing not able to assign any other Design, they had there of such a Nature; nor could they give any sensible Intrepretation of those Patents sent to Whitebread mentioned in another Letter, taken with Harcoat, by which was meant the Commisions for Forces to carry on this Hellish Rebellion.

4. What think you, was there ever such a Man as Sr. Edmundbury Godfry••, was he not murthered? and who can fall within the Suspicion of any probable Imagina∣tion to have done it, but the Papists that is these Traytors and their Instru∣ments? which now is more plain upon them than before; for if they had not been the Procurers of it, how was it possible, that the same Night that worthy Gentle∣man was Murthererd? Harcoat should write word thereof into Stafford-shire; whereas his Death was not known in London by any, but those concerned in it, till Five Days after.

But why should I trouble my self, to demonstrate that tis Light at Noon-day, be∣cause Bats and Moles are and and will be Blind? His Most Gracious Majesty, is sa∣tisfied, as appears by several of his Royal Proclamations; Both Houses of Parlia∣ment is fully satisfied, as is evident from their Votes expresly made on that occasi∣on; The Right Reverend Fathers in God, my Lords The Bishops, in particular no doubt are satisfied, as is plain by the Form of Prayers prescribed to be used on the last Fast. All the learned Judges of the Land generally present at the Late Try∣als; the Judicious Gentle-Men of the several Jurys, (both upon their Oaths, as well as the Evidence) and all intelligent Auditors (except Papists) are intirely satisfi∣ed and if there be yet any others that are not; I do not doubt, but in due time (for

as there yet are diverse things behind the Curtain) there will be such open plain Sun∣beam discoveries made, as shall certainly convince them, unless like Papists, they shall at once refuse to believe, either their Reason or their Senses.

As to the Discourse, which I here present you with; The First part is an Account of what I know, and was actually imployed in by the Benedictines and Jesuites for con∣triving, promoting and carrying on of Fires in and about this City; the rest consists of Affidavits Informations, &c. of others touching matters of the same nature, of which some tis true, have been formerly published, but many of them imperfectly, o∣thers now almost out of Print, or not common to be had; and all before scatteringly set forth in several Books; These I thought fit to insert together here for the ful∣ler satisfaction of the present Age, and Posterity; to which is added some Account of Latter Fires, and several Observables that occurred relating thereunto not before made publick; All which I conceive may be both welcom and useful in this Juncture:

TWO Things I would particularly Advertise You to Take Notice of.

The FIRST is the several ways, whereby these Mischievous People begin and promote Fires, which indeed are so various, that 'tis difficult to Enumerate them all: But we know they have practised these that follow, viz.

• 1. By Fire-Balls put in with Poles or otherwise through Holes, or open places into Houses; as at Mr. Farriners House which began the Great Fire.
• 2. By hard Fire-balls thrown through Glass-windows, as at the Smiths in Black-Friars.
• 3. By flinging the said Balls, or other Combustible Matter fired into Cellars through the Bars, or Grates, where they are left without Shutters, as at the Oyl-Mans in Southwork.
• 4. By firing their own Lodgings, as the French-man did in Shoe-Lane, in the time of the Great Fire; and likewise, the two Peters near Safron-Hill.
• 5. By hiring Cellars in dangerous places, filling them with Combustibles, and then firing them, which was a Course they much advised me to.
• 6. By Firing Haylofts, as in Smithfield.
• 7. By Strangers faining Errands, as in the Temple.
• 8. By untiling Houses, Breaking Windows, &c. and there putting in their Com∣bustibles.
• 9. By getting into Empty Houses and Setting them on Fire, as in Budge-Row. 1670.
• 10. By Creeping into back-yards and firing stacks of Bavins, Reed, &c. as at Lime-House.
• ...

• 11. By going into Victualling-Houses, and leaving behind them Trains for Firing, as at the Cooks in Fetter-Lane and in Southwark.
• 12. By Consederate Servants, as lately at the Attorneys in the same Lane.

And That such FIRES may be the more Destructive, when be∣gun, their Instructions are,

• 1. To do it in select Places amongst Old Buildings, and where Engines can∣not play.
• 2. To FIRE the Water-Houses, and get the New River-Water stopt, if they can, for that time near that Place.
• 3. To have Some of their Chief Friends thereabouts, that may misadvise Great Persons, That they may blow up Houses, where it is not necessary, or where rather it will do harm by Opening a Passage for the FIRE.
• 4. To have some of their Active Instruments, who under pretence of helping may scatter FIRE BALLS in contiguous Houses, and break down the Win∣dows, Roof, &c. to let in the FIRE more easily.
• 5. To have others attending, that shall cry out against French and Papists; and mightily pitty the People, thereby getting to be trusted with Removing of Goods, and so to plunder and steal; or if they find an oportunity to fire HOUSES at a Distance.
• 6. Curiously to observe WIND and TIDE in all Attempts, as likewise Frosts, and very dry Times, and chuse Sundays for doing the business, because then there is the least Water.

The other Thing I would advise You of, is not to Conceit, because the PLOT is discovered in some measure, and some few of Them brought to Justice, That there∣fore now You are secure, and that They will desist from such Attempts: For I know their Nature and Principles so well, That I dare assure You on the contrary, They will be more Active and Virulent now than ever: And for some proof of this be pleased to consider, How many FIRES have either actually hapn'd, or been de∣sign'd, or begun, though by Providence, prevented, since the Discovery of the PLOT.

As,

• ...

• At Limehouse, Septemb. 18.
• At the Temple.
• At St. Pauls Church-yard.
• Fetter-Lane, Apr. 10.
• Near New-Inn.
• Ship-yard.
• Southampton Buildings.
• Gray-Hound-Tavern in the Strand under a Chair.
• Golden-Lane.
• Vinegar-yard.
• Crown-Court at the lower End of Chancery-Lane.
• At the Water-house.
• In the Minories.
• At New-Prison.

All these and probably many others, that I never heard of, have been since the be∣gining of September last; so that you see, they are still going on with the Trade of Twexbury-Mustard-Balls, when ever they have an opportunity; it will therefore concern all Protestants, to be careful and cautious to prevent such mischeifs from these wicked Incendiaries, who still swarm about this Town, thinking themselves more safe here, than in the Country, and better able to hold correspondence, &c.

I know well, with what Envy and Malice they behold the City; and that they will leave no Villany unatempted, to lay it once more Level with the Ground, unless possibly seeing it so gloriously Rebuilt, and upon consideration of late Circumstances, they should think it now better Hubandry to preserve it for their own use, as Harcoat the Tower, than to destroy it, and so invert the other of their Design, and strive first to Depopulate and Massacre its troublesom Inhabitants; that so themselves and their French Friends may take Possession of these Noble Structures; and quietly enjoy the Accomodation of the Hereticks Pains and Charge, as the Jewes those of the Cananites: this I am certain of, thas you are continually to expect from them the

worst, that a most improved Subtilty joyned with the most Implacable Malice, Both egg'd on with vast Bats of Profit and Power, and sharpned with the Fury of blind Zeal and Thirst of Revenge, can either contrive or execute.

To prevent which nothing can be more effectual than Union, and a good under∣standing amongst all Protestants, though of different Perswasions.

To obviate the ill Art of this common Enemy, whose Instruments by a Thousand Devices dayly seek to exasperate you one against another: you must study to cement, as much as they to divide; But above all, let no Jesuitical Impressions howsoever maskt; be able in the least to Impair the Loyalty to the King, or wheadle you into any tumultuous disturbances; you can no way gratifie, or serve their Interest, more than by such a wicked Folly; this is the Point they would gain upon you; (and which they have pusht on so unhappily elsewhere) and then infallibly you shall bear the whole Odium of their Hellish-Plot.

May the God of Heaven ever preserve His Majesty from the open violences, and secret Assassinations of these Bloody-minded Men, as likewise from their subtle Insinu∣ations; may the same Omnipotent Power Bless and Protect these Nations in gene∣ral, and the City of London in particular, that his Majesty may have a long and Prosperous Reign; the Protestant Religion flowrish, and the Designs of Rome be blasted, discovered and confounded; Is, and shall ever be the Hearty Prayers and Endeavours of him,

VVho is, A most hearty VVell-wisher to the Prosperity of that CITY, and of the True PROTESTANT INTEREST William Bedloe.

A NARRATIVE OF THE Popes late Fire-Works IN ENGLAND.

AS there is not a more malicious sort of Vermine in the World than the Iesuits and other Factors for Rome (for let me tell you the Bene∣dictines and rest of the Orders; nay, the dullest Mass-jobbing Secu∣lars, are not at all behind hand with the former, in will to commit Roguery, whatever they are in parts and sufficiencies to conduct and manage it) so there can be none more cursedly ingenious in inventing and promoting the most exquisite, various, and to us still new me∣thods of doing mischief. Treason and Rebellion, private Murthers, and publique Massacres, poison'd Daggers, and consecrated Knives: All these have long since been their daily past-time, the old Instruments of their worse than Pagan Cruelties: But of late years they have thereto added and set on foot in these parts another medium of de∣struction, to ruine Protestants in a more oblique and clandestine way; since they had not (as is hop'd they never shall have) power to re-kindle the Marian Bonfires, and consume their Bodies: they resolv'd, and make it their business treacherously to Fire their Houses, to destroy their Goods and Estates, till they might be strong enough to venture on their Persons. This Hell-hatcht Design was hugg'd by these holy Fathers as a most Ghostly Expedient for their purpose, for hereby they could undo Hundreds, sometimes Thousands of Families in a few hours space; and the poor Souls scarce ever imagine who hurts them. Hereby they could lay waste our Metropolis, and designed the same against other Goodly Cities, Corporations, and Chief Places of Trade (against which they have a particular Spleen) and then to ascribe the disaster to Providence, as a Judgment for their He∣resie, or at least to make the Ignorant believe it was only the pure Effect of Chance, or Default of a drowsie Negligence; whilst in the mean time they with Triumph warm their own Fingers at the Flames: and not only weaken and impoverish Protestants, but in those Distractions necessarily at∣tending such Calamities, make great Advantages to themselves, by Filtching, Stealing, Plunder∣ing, &c. Besides the opportunities they ever hoped then to gain, of putting in execution their long designed General Massacre.

I speak not this by Guess or Hear-say, but out of certain Knowledge: And therefore as I have en∣deavoured to discharge my Duty to my Prince and Countrey, in discovering other Intrigues and Machinations of this Cursed Popish Plot, so I think my self obliged to set forth some Transactions that I have been privy unto, particularly concerning this matter: And therefore omitting se∣veral Consults which have been held, and did all more or less relate to the grand Design, viz. The Destruction of His Majesty (whom God preserve) His Religion and Government, I shall at pre∣sent only undertake to give an Account of what I know hath been Ordered in these Consults (and in pursuance thereof prosecuted and attempted) tending to the Firing of London, Westmin∣ster, &c.

In the moneth of Iune 1676. it was my Fortune to be at Paris, at the English Covent of Be∣nedictine Monks, with whom (by several means and on diverse accounts, too tedious and not at all material here to be related) I had much ingratiated my self; so that at that time they re∣posed an Intire Confidence in me as a fit Instrument for their Purposes. Amongst other Discourses that happened there about the great Business, which they and others were then most vigoriously

carrying on; viz. To subvert the Protestant Religion and introduce Popery into England: They fell to debate the several wars and means preparatory thereunto, and what might be the best Expedients to facilitate and accomplish the same: And as they did nothing without correspondence and communi∣cation of counsels from their Fellow-conspirators in England, so some or one of them produced seve∣ral betters from London, wherein were divers particulars relating to the Firing of the City and Suburbs of London, and other Cities and eminent Towns in England, which was then and at all times concluded and agreed unto by them, to be the chief way and almost only means in their pow∣er, whereby to plain the way for their Design: For they were unanimously of Opinion, That it was absolutely necessary to weaken and ruin the said City of London, ere they could bring any of their other contrivances to perfection. In this Debate some of them thanked God (such was their impious piety) that their attempts upon London in that kind had hitherto succeeded very well; and though the Houses beyond all expectation were rebuilt to a greater degree of Strength and Or∣nament than ever, yet many Thousands of her Inhabitants still laboured under the Effects, and languisht with Incurable Consumptions, occasioned by the late Burning Fevers they had cast her in∣to: Adding, that they would never leave that City, till they had pulled down her Pride by Fire and Piracy.

After this Discourse and much more to the like purpose, which was very freely and earnestly ma∣naged, I being all the while present, they at last proceeded to ask me, Whether I would be assist∣ant to them in carrying on that Business, as I had been in the other great Concern; This being one of the best Expedients to ripen and push on That? To which I readily seem'd to assent; assuring them that I could and would do more therein than any other could: magnifying what intimate know∣ledge I had of all parts of London and some other great Trading Cities, which did capacitate me to effect such a Business more certainly and securely than another. In fine, they were extreamly satisfi∣ed, and told me, That when I came to England, I should be joyned as an Assistant to Father Gifford for prosecuting the said Affair. This Gifford was a Jesuite, and (as the said Letters did specifie) the Person that had managed the great Conflagration in 1666, and as they said, was concerned in the Fire at Southwark (which had happened not above a month before this Discourse) and had attem∣pted the like at many other times and places where he had miss'd of performance. This likewise is the same Gifford mentioned in the Depositions of Mr. Stubbs and Mary Oxley, herein after set forth; whereby the later was brought to set Fire to her Masters House in Fetter-lane in April last.

At this Consult of the Benedictines there were several Letters produced as aforesaid, all rela∣ting to the Firing of London and its Suburbs, and other Towns in England; and very urgent they were with me to be sure at my return to be very diligent and expeditious in dispatching the same: and that I should receive necessary Orders, Encouragement, and Supplies to inable me thereunto. But I being then upon a Iourney into Spain, heard no more of that Business till the year 1678; and then I was in a Consult with the said Gifford and several others, Priests and Iesuits (who met in such Con∣sults every Week, in order to carry on the Business of Firing) At this our Meeting it was con∣cluded to fire Lime-house and Wapping first, and then and by that means to burn all or the most of the Ships and Vessels in the River: For which purpose several of the said Consultors and their As∣sistants, were to be ready on the Water, as men to help, but indeed to fire the outwardest Ships, and cut theirs, or other Ships Cables (as should be most convenient) to make them fall foul on each other, and burn together. In pursuance of this Resolution, a real Effect thereof was the Fire at Lime-house, that shortly after followed; though not doing that great Execution that they expected, by reason of the absence of some of the persons that were to have managed the same.

After, which Fire I was with Gifford and others several Nights on the Thames about London Bridge, and there did make strict Observations of the Houses on either side; making choice of the widest and the lowest Windows in their Vaults and Cellars, or Lower Rooms; and taking notice what Houses had the most, and the most dangerous Combustible Materials in them, and where they might best and most effectually put in their surest Fire-balls and Instruments in the Night under the Hou∣ses, to burn down the Bridge; which they concluded to do at High-water, when their Boats might be brought almost equal to such Windows: We considered likewise of means how to fire the Tower of London: But Father Harcourt (now lately executed for Treason) then told us, They had made sure of that place within; and therefore ordered us not to concern our selves with that: For it would be more for our advantage, to preserve it for our Business, than to destroy it.

In short, for near a Twelve-month before I came in to make a Discovery, I had been imployed to use all Arts and Endeavors to carry on this Design of Firing the City of London and other places a∣bout it; and the Order and Conduct of it, how and where to set my Fires, was left chiefly to my ma∣nagement; but with this limitation, that the Iesuites, who were the Master-Incendiaries, and my Imployers, were to see and inspect, how far and how sure I had laid my Combustibles and Fewel; which accordingly they did.

In August last I did endeavour to rent several old Cellars, wherein to stow Wood, Coal, and o∣ther Preparations, of which I was ordered to buy several Parcels; which accordingly I bought; as likewise several Barrels of Gun-powder and I did place them in many parts of the City and Suburbs, in order to this Damnable Design: And that the Reader may not think this a naked Affir∣mation, but that the truth and certainty of what I here aver, may the better appear, I will here

set down particularly some of the places that I so took, to hold this Wood and Coal, and where I did House many Chaldrons of Coals and Hundreds of Faggots, &c. to this purpose: viz.

Some Hundreds of Faggots and Provision of Coal, &c. for this very use, I laid in at my Lodging in Essex Garden, at the Back-door of the Palsgraves-Head Tavern, near the Temple; which was to burn the Temple, with the Records and Writings there.

Another parcel was in Brewers-yard in the Strand, at a Cellar and some old Buildings there; which Cellar doth belong to Mr. Morgan at the Red Bible in Bedford-street.

Another parcel at Mr. Browns in White Friars.

Some I was to send into an Old Cellar at Mr. Withers's at the Plough in Seething Lane: More into Red and White-Cross-street, Bishops gave-street, Queen H••ve, and several other Places in and about the City. All which I am ready to make truly to appear, when and how, I shall by Authority be required.

Several other Designs have been laid, in order to this Work, to set divers places on fire; and not a few Persons imployed, but none of them knowing each other; some of which have taken effect in part, some have not: But without speedy prevention and great care, they will alwayes (as un∣wearied in villany) attempt, and too often (as we have just cause to fear) perform what they have laid and contrived by so many and different ways and means; all still held in read ness, and attend∣ing only the dismal Blow directed against our Sovereigns Life; which God defend. Amen.

The last Consult I had with them about the Affair of Firing, was in August 1678. when I laid in my stores for the Work; others were then consulting and advising how to put the King out of the way (for by that phrase they generally express Murther) and such of the Magistrates as did most oppose them: And that being done, my Firing of London was to follow; and upon that Confla∣gration, as a general Signal, we were openly to appear in Arms and declare for the Pope.

Now for a more full satisfaction to all the World, and the further Confirmation and Justificati∣on of what I have said, and to demonstrate that the great Fire in 66. and divers others since, were begun and carried on by the Contrivance and Industry of the Papists, especially Iesuites and Priests, and their Instruments; I shall to this Testimony of mine own add the true Copies of divers Plain and Authentick Affidavits, Depositions, Examinations, and Informations of many others, gi∣ven in unto Committees of Parliament, and taken before Iustices of the Peace, or other sufficient Authority, relating to the same Matter: And likewise annex an Account of the several notable Fires since 66. to this time, with some Observations on the Circumstances thereof, and remarka∣ble Passages therein: All which sufficiently corroborate and make it evident, to whose Designs and Management it is, that England ows most of the late Dismal Calamities by Fire, which have been so much more frequent and destructive of late years (notwithstanding the great Improve∣ments of Care and Art to prevent and quench them) than ever heretofore.

And first of all I shall recite those Testimonies relating to the Dreadful Fire in 66. the vast da∣mage whereof may be conceived to be inestimable, by this brief state of the Extent of the Ground laid desolate, and the number of Houses then consumed, extracted from the Certificates of the Sur∣veyors soon after appointed to survey the Ruins: whereby it appeareth,

THat the Fire that began in London upon the Second of September 1666. at one Mr. Farryners House a Baker in Pudding-Lane, be∣tween the hours of One and Two in the Morning, and continued Burning until the Sixth of that Month, did over-run the space of Three hundred seventy three Acres within the Walls of the City of London, and Sixty three Acres three Roods without the VValls. There remain'd Seventy five Acres three Roods standing within the VValls unburnt. Eighty nine Parish Churches, besides Chappels burnt. Eleven Parishes within the VValls standing. Houses burnt, Thirteen thousand two hundred.

Surveyors.

• ...Jonas Moore,
• ...Ralph Gatrix,

Upon the Eighteenth of the same September the Parliament came together, and upon the 25th. of the same month the House of Commons appointed a Committee to inquire into the Causes of the late Fire, before whom the following Informations were given in, and proved before the Com∣mittee; as by their Report will more clearly appear, bearing date the Two and twentieth of Ia∣nuary 66. But upon the Eighth of February following, the Parliament was Prorogued, before they came to give their Judgment thereupon.

The Order of the House for the Committee, Die Martis 25 Septembris 1666. 18 Car. 2.

Resolved, &c.

THat a Committee be appointed to inquire into the Causes of the late Fire, and that it be referred to

• Sir Charles Harbord
• Mr. Seymour.
• Sir Rowland Beckley
• Col. Strangways
• Sir John Charlton
• Mr. Sandys
• Mr. Finch
• Sir Tho. Allen
• Sir Edward Massey
• Lord Ancram
• Col. Birch
• Lord Herbert
• Mr. Whorwood
• Sir Edm. Walpool
• Mr. Pepis
• Sir Robert Brook
• Sir John Heath
• Mr. Coventry
• Sir Robert Atkins
• Sir Richard Everard
• Sir Tho. Littleton.
• Mr. Millward
• Serj. Maynard.
• Sir Thomas Gower
• Mr. Crouch
• Mr. Prin
• Sir Richard Ford
• Sir Jo. Talbot
• Mr. Trevor
• Mr. Merrel
• Mr. Jones
• Mr. Rob. Milward
• Mr. Morley
• Sir Thomas Clifford
• Sir Will. Hickman
• Sir Solom. Swale
• Sir Will. Lowther
• Mr. Garraway
• Sir Hen. Caesar
• Sir Richard Brown
• Sir Tho. Tomlins
• Sir Rich. Vatley
• Sir Fran. Goodrick
• Sir John Monson
• Mr. Maynard.

And they are to meet to morrow at two of the Clock in the afternoon, in the Speakers Chamber; and to send for Persons, Papers and Records.

VVill. Goldesbrough, Cer. Dom. Com.

October 9. 1666.

Ordered, That these Members following be added to the Committee appointed to enquire into the Causes of the late Fire, Viz Sir John Pelham, Mr. Hugh Buscowen, Mr. Giles Hungerford, Sir VVilliam Lewis, Sir Gilbert Gerrard, Sir John Brampstone, Mr. Milward, Mr. Buscowen; and all the Members that serve for the City of London.

VVill. Goldesbrough, Cler. Dom. Com.

October 16. 1666.

Ordered. That Mr. Davies, Sir Thomas Higgons, Mr. St. John, Sir Richard Franklin, Sir Thomas Tomkins, Mr. Devereux, Mr. Millard, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Dowdswell, Sir James Thyn, Sir Edm. Pierse, Mr. Coleman, Sir Tho. Allen, Mr. Giles Hungerford, Mr. Churchill, be added to the Committee ap∣pointed to enquire into the Causes of the late Fire.

Will. Goldesbrough, Cler. Dom. Com.

THe Honourable Committee, according to the fore-mentioned Orders of the House, did meet in the Speakers Chamber, and having chosen Sir Robert Brook for their Chairman, proceeded to receive many considerable Informations from divers credible Persons, about the matter where∣with they were intrusted; and thereupon did at last agree that Sir Robert Brook should make the ensuing Report to the Honourable House of Commons.

The Report of Sir Robert Brook, Chair-man to the Committee that was appointed by the House of Commons to enquire into the Firing of the City of London; made the Two and twentieth of January, 1666.

THat in a Letter from Alanson of the 23d of August 1666, New Stile, written from one Du∣ral to a Gentleman lodging in the House of one of the Ministers of the French Church in London, called Monsieur Herault, there were these Expressions:

Pray acquaint me with the truth of certain News which is common in this Country, That a Fire from Heaven is fallen upon a City called Belke, scituated on the side of the River of Thames, where a world of People have been killed and burnt, and Houses also consumed: Which seemeth a word of Cabal, cast out by some that were knowing, and taken up by others that might be ignorant of the signification of it.

Mrs Elizabeth Styles informs, That in April last, in an eager discourse she had with a French man Servant of Sir Vere Fan, he hastily replied, You English Maids will like the Frenchmen better, when there is not a House left between Temple-Bar and London-Bridge. To which she answered, I hope your eyes will never see that. He replied, This will come to pass between June and October.

William Tisdale informs, That he being about the beginning of July at the Greyhound in St. Mar∣tins, with one Fitz-Harris an Irish Papist, heard him say, There would be a sad Desolation in Sep∣tember, in November a worse, in December all would be united into one. Whereupon he asked him, Where this Desolation would be? He answered, In London.

Mr. Light of Ratcliff, having some discourse with Mr. Langhorn of the Middle-Temple, Barrister (reputed a zealous Papist) about February 65 last, after some discourse in disputation about Religion, he took him by the hand, and said to him, You expect great things in Sixty Six, and think that Rome will be destroyed, but what if it be Lon∣don?

Mr. Kitley of Barkin in Essex, informs, That one Mrs. Yazly, a Papist, of Ilford in the said County, came unto his House, August the 13th, and being in discourse with his Mother, said, They say the next Thursday will be the bottest day that ever was in England. She replied, I hope the hottest season of the year is now past. To which she answered, I know not whether it be the hottest for Weather or for Action, This Mrs. Yazly coming to the same House the Week after the Fire, Mr. Kitley said to her with some trouble, I have often thought of your Hot Thursday: To which she replyed, It was not indeed upon the Thursday, but it happened upon the Sunday was sennight after. Mrs Yazly hearing this Evidence produced against her, endeavoured to avoid the words, saying, That upon the 13th of August she did tell Mrs. Kitley, That they say the next Thursday will be the darkest Thursday that ever was in England, but not otherwise; which she affirms to have received from one Finchman, an old Woman of Ilford; who being examined by a Justice of Peace to discover the truth thereof, denied that ever she said any such words to Mrs Yazly, or that she had discoursed with her about any such matter. And as to the subsequent words, she saith Mrs Yazly denies ever to have spoken them: But Mr. Kitley offered in her presence (if it should be demanded) to bring his Mother and Wife to testifie the same.

William Ducket Esq a Member of the House, informs, That one Henry Baker of Chippenham in the County of Wilts, coming from Market with one John Woodman of Kelloway in the same Coun∣ty, the Thursday before the Fire began in London, they had some discourse about the buying of a yoke of fat Bullocks, wherein they differed; because Woodman, who was to sell them, was desired to keep them a while in his hands: But the said Woodman denied so to do, for that as he alledged, he could not stay in the Country till that time which Baker would have them delivered to him in; and being asked whither he was going, he refused to tell: Asking what had he to do to make that question; But riding a little further, the said Woodman exprest these words, You are brave Blades at Chippenham, you made Bonfires lately for beating the Dutch; But since you delight in Bonfires, you shall have your Bellies full of them ere it be long: Adding, that if he lived one week longer, he should see London as sad a London as ever it was since the World began. And in some short time after, he should see as bloody a time as ever was, since England was England. This discourse was not much ta∣ken notice of at that time it was spoken. But when the City of London was Burnt, the said Henry Baker gave this Information to the said Mr. Ducket, and thereupon he issued out his Warrant to apprehend Woodman, but he was gone out of the Country, and cannot be heard of since.

Robert Hubert of Roan in Normandy, who acknowledged that he was one of those that Fired the House of Mr. Farryner a Baker in Pudding-Lane, from whence the Fire had its beginning, confessed, that he came out of France with one Stephen Piedelou, about four months before the Fire, and went into Sweden with him, where he also staid with him as his Companion four months, and then they came together into England in a Swedish Ship called the Skipper, where he staid on board with the said Piedelou till that Saturday night, in which the Fire brake out. When Piede∣lou taking him out of the Ship, carried him into Pudding-Lane, and he being earnest to know whither he would carry him? he would not satisfie him till he had brought him to the place, and then he told him, that he had brought three Balls, and gave him one of them to throw into the house. And he would have been further satisfied in the design, as he said, before he would execute it: But Piedelou was so impatient that he would not hear him, and then he did the Fact, which was, That he put a Fire-Ball at the end of a long Pole, and lighting it with a piece of March, he put it in at a Window and staid till he saw the House in a flame. He confessed that there were Three and twenty Com∣plices, whereof Piedelou was the Chief.

Mr. Graves a French Merchant living in St. Mary Axe, Informed this Committee, that he had known Hubert ever since he was four years old, and hath ever observed him to be a person of a mischievous inclination, and therefore fit for any villainous enterprize; And because of his know∣ledge he had of him, he went to visit him in Poison, where when he saw him, he could not but commisorate the condition whereinto he had brought himself. And for his better discovery of the Fact, he told him the said Hubert, that he did not believe he had done that of which he confessed himself guilty. To which Hubert replyed, Yes Sir, I am guilty of it, and have been brought to it by the instigation of Monsieur Piedelou; but not out of any malice to the English Nation, but from a desire of Reward which he promised me upon my Return into France.

It is observable, that this miserable creature who confessed himself to the Committee to be a Protestant, was a Papist, and died so. And as for the aforesaid Piedelou, the said Mr. Graves informed, that he had a full knowledge of him, and knew him to be a very Deboist Person, and apt to any Wicked Design. Moreover, for a clear conviction of the Guilt of the aforesaid Hubert, Mr. Lowman, the Keeper of the White-Lion Prison, was appointed to set him upon a horse, and to go with him, and see if he could find out the place where he threw the Fire-Ball. And what followed thereupon, appears by:

Mr. Lowmans Certificate concerning the Behaviour of the said Robert Hubert, at the place where the Fire began, when carried thither.

IN obedience to an Order directed to me, from the Honourable Committee of the House of Commons, then sitting in the Speakers Chamber of the second of October, 1666. I did carry Robert Hubert to St. Katherines-Tower by Water, to let me know the place where the Swedish Ship lay, that brought him and other Frenchmen from Stockholm, and he brought me to the Dock over-against Mr. Cor∣sellis, his Brew-house, and did then verifie to me, and Mr. Corsellis, That the Ship lay there, until such time as he with Mr. Piedelou and others did go and set fire to a House. And this Hubert did then further say, That Mr. Piedelou did fix two Fire-Balls to a long Pole, and put them into a Window; and that he the said Robert Hubert did fire one in the same manner, and put it in at the same VVindow. But with all the inquiry and diligence that I could use, I could neither find nor hear of any such Vessel. And from thence I carried the said Robert Hubert to Tower-Hill, and did then desire him to shew me the House that they did fire, and he said, That it was near the Bridge. So we went along Thames-street towards the Bridge; but before we came to the Bridge, the said Ro∣bert Hubert said, That the House was up there (pointing with his hand up Pudding-lane;) So I bid him go to the place, and he went along the Bricks and Rubbish, and made a stand. Then did I ask one Robert Penny, a VVine-Porter, which was the Bakers House? and he told me, That was the House where the aforesaid Robert Hubert stood. So I went to Robert Hubert and stood by him, and turned my back towards the Bakers House, and demanded of him, which House it was that he fired, (directing to other Houses contrary to that House:) But he turning himself about, said, This was the House (pointing to the Bakers House) that was first fired. Then by reason of his lameness I set him on a Horse, and carried him to several other places, but no other place would he acknowledge; but rode back again to the Bakers House, and said again, That that was the House (pointing at the Bakers House) And this I do humbly certifie to this Honourable Committee.

Be me Iohn Lowman, Keeper of his Majesties County-Goal for Surry. IT being intimated to the Committee, That notwithstanding the Confession of the said Hubert, it was confidently reported the Fire in the forementioned Farryners house began by acci∣dent: The Committee therefore sent for him the said Farryner before them, who being ex∣amined, said, That it was impossible any Fire should happen in his House by accident; for he had after Twelve of the Clock that night gone through every Room thereof, and found no Fire, but in one Chimney, where the Room was paved with Bricks, which Fire he diligently raked up in Embers. He was then asked, whether no Window or Door might let in wind to disturb those Coals? He affirmed there was no possibility for any wind to disturb them: and that it was absolutely set on fire of purpose.

Note, That this Hubert was some time after Tryed, Condemned and Executed for this Fact, and at his Death did acknowledge and own the doing thereof, and that he was instigated thereunto by Monsieur Piedelou as aforesaid.

Dawes Weymensel Esq one of his Majestie▪ Justices of the Peace, informed, That he saw a man apprehended in the time of the Fire, near the Temple, with his Pockets stuft with combustible matter, made of Flax, Tow, and such-like materials.

Doctor Iohn Packer informs, that he saw a Person in the time of the Fire, throw some combustible matter into a Shop in the Old Bayly, which he thinks was the Shop of an Apotheca∣ry; and that immediately thereupon he saw a great smoak, and smelt a smell of Brimstone. The Person that did this immediately ran away; but upon the out-cry of the People he was taken by the Guards.

Mr. Randal, Mr. Haslem, and Mr. Humphrey Bowyer, do all agree, That they saw a person flinging something into a House near St. Antholines Church; and that thereupon the House was on fire, and the smoak thereof infested the adjacent Houses. And when this was done, there was No fire near the place.

Mr. Michael March, an Officer in the Trained Bands in a Company of Sir Richard Browns, apprehended a Walloon in the time of the Fire, at the Nags-head in Leaden-hall-Street, with an Instrument like a dark Lanthorn, made (as is conceived) to lay a Train of Powder, and it was tilled with Gun-powder. There were two more of the same Nation in his company. They being asked to what use they employed the same Instrument, would give no Account thereof.

Newton Killingworth Esq informed, That he apprehended a person during the Fire about whom he found much combustible matter, and certain black things of a long figure, which he could not indure to hold in his hands, by reason of their extream heat. This Person was so surprized at first, that he would not answer to any question; But being on his way to White-hall, he act∣ed the part of a Mad-man, and so continued while he was with him.

Sir Iohn Maynard, a Member of this House, affirms, That he had some of that combustible matter in his hands; and though it were in its natural substance, and unfired, yet the heat of it was scarcely to be endured by the touch.

Mr. Freeman of Southwark Brewer (whose House was lately fired) informs, That on the day his House was fired (about a quarter of an hour before that happened) a Paper with a Ball of Wild-fire, con∣taining near a pound weight wrapped in it, was found in the Nave of a Wheel, in a Wheelers-yard,

where lay a great quantity of Timber. How his House was fired, he knoweth not; but this he af∣firmed to the Committee, That it could not be by accident, because there had not been any Candle or Fire in the Housewhere the Hay lay, that whole day; and that the Hay being laid in very dry, and before Midsummer, could not possibly be set on fire within it self. Moreover he said. That the Hay-loft was on fire on the top of the House, and that the Fire spread from the one end of the Roof to another in an instant.

Mr. Richard Harwood informs, That being near the Feathers Tavern by St. Pauls, upon the fourth of September, he saw something through a grate in a Cellar, like Wild-fire, by the sparkling and spitting of it, he could judge it to be no other: Whereupon he gave notice of it to some Souldiers that were near the place, who caused it to be quenched.

I had Order from the Committee to acquaint you, That we traced several Persons apprehended upon strong Suspicion (during the Fire) to the Guards, but could not make further discovery of them.

☞ Thus far was the Report: What follows was given in to the Committee, but not by them Reported to the House at that time.

A Letter from a Person of Credit to the Chair-man of the said Committee.

SIR,

HEaring that you are Chairman to the Committee for examining the Firing of London, I thought good to acquaint you with this Information that I have received.

William Champneys a Hatband-maker, now living upon Horslydown, was upon Tuesday-morning, September the fourth 1666, in Shoe-lane, and there met with a Constable who had apprehended a Frenchman, whom he took firing a House there with Fire-balls, and charged the said Champneys to assist him; who carried the said Frenchman to Salisbury Court, hoping there to have found a Justice; but finding that Place burning down, returned into Fleet-street, who was presently called upon by the Commander of the Life-Guard, to know what the matter was. The Constable told him, He had apprehended a Frenchman firing a House in Shoe-lane; he examined the Person and commit∣ted him to the Guard, and told the Constable he would secure him; and carried him along with him. The Constable asked him whether he should go along with him to give in his Evidence? He replied, That he had done enough, and might go home. But what became of the Frenchman he knoweth not.

Your humble Servant, S. G.

In a Letter from Ipswich, directed, For the Honourable Sir Robert Brook, it is intimated, That about the 30th of August 1666, one of the Constables of Cotton in Harismer Hundred, being about the survey of that Town about Hearth money, was told by one Mr. Will am Thompson, a Roman Catho∣lick in that Town, That though time, were like to besad, yet if he found any cause to change his Religion, he would see he should not want: And further said to him, What will you say, if you hear that London is Burnt?

The Affdavits touching a Frenchman that said, There were Three hundred of them engaged in Firing the City.

The Informations of Richard ••ou••d of St. Giles in the Fields, Ironmonget; William Cotes, Samuel Page, Francis Cogny, Edmond Dakins, and Richard Pardoe, taken the 8th day of Septemb. 1666, by Sir Justlnian Lewen Knight, one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the Country of Middlesex, upon Oath, as followeth:

RIchard Bound saith, That upon Tuesday night last about twelve or one of the clock, there was a Frenchman brought by the Watch to this Informants Fathers house, being at the sign of the White-Hart in King-street, taken as a suspicious person: The said person being questioned by them, Whether he was not one of those that Fired the City, or had a hand therein, or any privity or knowledge of any that had de∣signed the same? or words to that effect: The said person answered a great while in a perverse manner, quite different from the question. But being further pressed to tell the truth, and being told, that if be were guilty, it would be the only way to save his life: He did at first obstinately deny, that he knew any thing of any Plot. Whereupon a young man took the Prisoner aside to the end of the Room, and after some private discourse between them, they both returned to this Informant and the rest of the Company, and the said young man spake openly to us, in the hearing of the Prisoner, That the said Frenchman and Prisoner had confessed, There were Three hundred Frenchmen that were in a Plot or Conspiracy to fire the City. Upon which this Infor∣mant and others spake to the said Frenchman in these words or to the same effect: Well Monsieur, you have done very well to confess what you have done, and no doubt but you may have your Pardon, if you will confess all you know of this Plot: And thereupon further asked him, Are there no more than Three hundred persons in the said Plot? He answered, There are no more than Three hundred per∣sons. Then we inquired who they were, and how he came to know they were Three hundred? To which he would give no direct Answer, but put it off with other extravagant discourse. And being asked, why he came to St. Giles Parish (where he was apprehended?) He told a Story, that he came from Islington-Fields, where his Masters Goods were: But the Goods were now removed, but he could not tell whither; and that his Ma∣ster bid him go up and down the Fields, but would not declare upon what occasion, or for what end he was so to do: And being asked whether there were Three hundred persons engaged in this Design or Plot? He repli∣ed, That there were Three hundred engaged in it.

The several Informations of William Cotes of Cow-lane of London Painter, of Samuel Page of St. Giles in the Fields Weaver, of Edmund Dakins of St. Giles aforesaid, Bookseller; of Francis Cockney of St. Andrews Holbourn; of Richard Pardoe Victualler, taken upon Oath, &c. tend to the Confirmation of the fore-going Relation.

An Extract of a Letter from Heydleburgh, in the Palatinate, September the 29th 1666.

SIR,

YOurs of the Sixth currant came on Wednesday to me, and brought me the ill tidings of the Burning of London, constantly expected and discoursed of amongst the Iesuites to my knowledge for these Fifteen years last past, as to Happen this Year. In which they do also promise to themselves and others, The In∣troduction of the Publick Exercise of the Catholick Religion.

This Letter was sent to Mr. Alton, who lives in New-Gravel-lane in Shadwell, who negotiates the business of the Palatinate, and will pro∣duce the Original, if there be occasion.

The Information of John Chishul Schoolmaster in Enfield.

Upon Friday, Aug. 31. Mrs. St. George and her eldest Daughter Susanna S. George, both Popish Re∣cusants, came to visit Mrs. Rebecca Eves Widow, at her house in Enfield; where speaking con∣cerning the Session of Parliament drawing nigh, Mrs. St. George told her, That some would hereaf∣ter be called to an account for a plot. Being asked for what? She told her in her ear, For Burning the City. Mrs Eves afterwards hearing of the firing of London (and going to a place where she might behold it) met with Mrs. Susanna St. George, and (amongst other discourse) told her how much her Mothers Words, which she spake the Friday before, did run in her thoughts; which she repeated to her Daughter: who made this Reply, That her Mother was very apt to talk, and that sae bid been fain to keep her Mother within doors during the Fire, fearing lest she should talk.

After this (during the Fire) Mrs Eves mer with Mrs. Cook, another Popish Recusant, and of the same Family, to whom she also related Mrs. St. George her words; who made this return, That she was a worthy woman to keep Counsel.

Also the Lady St. George at Enfield in the Lord of Lincoln's House, declared to Mrs. Rebecca Eves of the said Town, That within a few dayes the City of London would be laid in Ashes. This was spo∣ken about two dayes before the Fire happened.

Mrs. Eves of Enfield her Examination before Mr. Jolliff and Mr. Marvel,

Decemb. 20. 1666. concerning Mrs. St. George.

MRs. Rebecca Eves of Enfield; three or four days, or within a week before the Fire, receiving a Visit in her own House from Mrs. St. George (amongst other Discourses) Mrs. St. George akt her what News she heard? and, if she knew when the Parliament sate? Mrs. Eves replied she thought shortly. The other asked, If she heard of any that were to be called in question before the Parliament? Mrs. Eves said, About what? Mrs. St. George said, About a I lot. Mrs. Eves asked, What Plot? Mrs. St. George answered. About Firing the City Mrs. Eves said, I hope God will preservs the City, but people use not to be questioned before the fact be committed. So the Discourse was waved for that time.

At the time of the Fine, Mrs. Eves went out to look towards the Fire, and mentioning Mrs. St. George, one in the Company replied behind her (but she cannot certainly fix the person) A prime Woman, to keep counsel! After the Fire, Mrs. St. George her Daughter came to Mrs Eves, who asked her if she remembred what her Mother had said? She said, My Mother is such a Woman, she will speak what she thinks. Afterwards she said, That she had much ado to keep her Mother in at the time of the Fire, lest she should speak some things she should be questioned for.

At the first Discourse, Mrs. Eves, her Daughter, and others of her Family were present. Mr. St. George, his Wife and Fa∣mily, have since left Enfield. They are all great Papists, and there are many more in the Neighbourhood.

A Letter directed and sent by the Post to Mr. Samuel Thurlton in Leicestershire, from My Friend, 〈…〉〈…〉 a person unknown, as followeth; Dated October 16. 1666.

YOur presence is now more necessary at London, than where you are, that you may determine how to dispose of your Estate in Southwark: For it is determined by Humane Counsel (if not frustrated by Divine Power) that the Suburbs will shortly be destroyed. Your capacity is large enough to understand. Proceed as your Genius shall instruct you.

Cave, Cave, Fuge. Vale.

☞ A True Relation from Essex.

SAturday the first of September 1666, the day before the Fire in London, came one Urmstraw from Ireland, with a Letter from thence to one Esq Holcroft at East-Ham in Essex (being related to that Family by Marriage) where he supped. After which he askt the Esquire, If he had heard any thing of the Firing of London? who answered, No. But Urmstraw said, He would shortly, For it was or would be so that Night. The Esquire answered, If it were, he hoped it might be quenched again, as it had been no any a time. But Urmstraw answered, No, it would not be quenched: For it should be said of it, as of Troy, repeating a Latine Verse, Nunc Seges est ubi ••roja suit, That Now Corn grows where Troy stood This Discourse was managed pleasantly by him, after which they went to their Beds. And in the morning this Urmseram inquires carnestly, Whether they had heard of the Firing of London that Night? They answered, Not But he prayed them to send one of the Family out so inquire, and doubtless they would hear of it: Upon which a Mes∣senger was sent, who brought in Word from a man that travelled upon the Road, That it was on Fire indeed. After Dinner this Urmstraw desires his Horse to be saddled, that he might be gone. The Esquire intreats him to stay till next morning: But he answered, If I should stay, I should sleep no more this night than I did the last: Therefore I would go see London before its quite burned: For I shall never see it more.

Sunday morning the Fine being begun in London? a person coming from Deptford, when he came to Barnaby-street-end in Southwark, hears a Woman cry but against a Frenchman for throwing Fire balls, he runs after him, and lays hold of him: He asked him what Commission he had for so doing? He answered, That his-Commission was in his Chest. The People coming in, they search'd him, and found Fire-balls in his Pockets. He was delivered to the Guard in Southwark, but heard of no more.

A Citizen being burnt out of his House, had hired a Lodging in Queens-street in Covent-Garden; and going up Holborn (there being a Crowd of people) steps in amongst them, and hears a Woman say, that she had a hand in Firing the City. The People askt her, whether she were an Anabaptist? She said No: Are you an Independent? She said No: Are you a Presbyterian? She said No: Are you a Roman Catholick? to which she would give no answer. The Citizen asked her, but Mistress had you a hand in Burning the City? She answered, what would you have me say? I have confessed it already, and do deserve to Dye for it: this she said with great trembling, and seemed to be much troubled. The Citizen enquired for a Constable, the People reply'd there was one gone for, But a Gallant comes, and takes her by the Arm, and leads her away, saying he would have her examined, and forth with another Gallant closeth with him, and they both carryed her to the Griffin Tavern in Holborn. The Citizen follows them, to see the result of the business. But, they, with the Master of the House, shut out the Company (all but the Citizen, supposing him to be one of their own Companions) but asking one the other concerning him, and finding him not of them, put him out again. Whereupon he goes to the next Company of Souldiers, and inquires for their Captain, who replyed, he was not there, but told him, Yonder is my Lord Craven, unto whom the Citizen repaired, and acquainted his Lordship, That there was a Woman apprehended (and rescued by a couple of Gallants) that had Confessed she had a hand in Burning the City, and was at such a Tavern. Whereupon the Lord Craven calls to a Captain in the street, and ordered him to go with that Man and apprehend the Woman that he should direct him to; Whereupon he goes with the Citizen, and takes her with the first Gallant, who stood up highly in her defence, and carries them both to an Alehouse on the other side of the way. The Citizen perceiving that nothing would be done with her, leaves his name with the Captain, and where he might be found, but was never called for to justifie the words spoken by her.

A Woman standing in White-Chappel with a Company about her, was askt what the matter was? She said, that she met two young men in that place, and asked them how it was with the Fire: They answer∣ed, Its now almost out, if it can be kept so, but the Rogues renew it with their Fireballs. Ay saith another Woman, Young men, if you have a heart to it, you may be hired to throw Fire-balls too; For I know where twenty were hired yesterday to throw them. It was askt her, what was become of the Woman that spake thus? She answered, That she had apprehended her and delivered her to the under Beadle of White-Chappel-Parish. The Woman falling under the accusation (not being able to deny it) there being many Witnesses at that time that heard it: She was delivered to Sir John Robinson, but heard of no more.

One from France writes to his Correspondent in London, to know the truth of what was muttered in Paris, Whether London were laid in Ashes or no. The Letter being dated a week before the Fire began.

From Surry in or near Darkin, a Person in ordinary habit (who was yet observed to take place of all the Nobility and Gentry among the Papists) seeing the People of Darkin mourn for the Burning of the City, he spake slightingly of it, telling them, They should have something else to trouble themselves for, and that shortly Darkin should laid be as low as London. Whereupon the People made at him, and one Mr. Howard a great Papist rescues him, and sends him away in his Coach to London. This was deposed before Sir Adam Brown, a Justice of Peace and a Member of Parliament.

These following Relations (for substance) were delivered to Sir Robert Brooks, Chairman of the Committee, a little before the Prorogation of the Parliament, and others are ready to be justified.

A true Relation made by one of the Grand Jury, at Hicks Hall, at a general Quarter-Sessions, presently after the Fire in London.

THat near West-Smithfield in Cheek Lane, there was a man taken in the very Act of firing a House, by the Inhabitants and Neighbours; and carrying him away through Smithfield, to have him before a Justice for the fact committed, The Kings Life Guard perceiving it, made up unto them, and demanded their Prisoner from them; but they refused to let him go. The Life-Guard men told them, That he was one of the Kings Servants, and said, We will have him; and thereupon they drew out their Swords and Pistols, and rescued him out of the peoples hands by force of Arms.

A Bill of Indictment was brought against him, and two or three Witnesses did swear unto it, and the Bill was found by the Grand Jury, who did carry it to the Old-Baily, and presented to the Lord Chief Justice; but it came to no further Tryal, nor was ever seen after at the Old Baily, so far as this person upon his best enquiry could ever hear or learn.

Concerning a House-keeper at So-ho, who fired his own Dwelling-House.

FIrst he secured all his Goods in his Garden, and then went in and fired his House; which when he had done, he endeavoured to get away out at his Fore Door. A Neighbour demanded of him who had fired his House? He answered, The Devil. Upon that, his Neighbour bid him stand, or he would run his Halbert into his guts. His answer was, If you do, there are enough left behind me to do the work. Whereupon he was secured, and a Bill of Indictment brought against him, and about three Witnesses did swear to it, and his Son came in a Witness against him, who was demanded by the Foreman, What he could say as to the firing of his Fathers House? He said, that his Father did fire it with a Fire-ball. It was demanded of him, whether he did fire it above stairs, or below? He answered, Above-stairs. The

Bill was likewise found; but the Petty-Jury being too much influenced and over-awed by the L. C. J. K. did not find him guilty.

Humphrey Ayrs of White-Lion-Court in Barbican Porter is ready to depose upon Oath, That on the third of September 1666, being the Monday, at which time the Fire was as farre off as Walbrook, he coming to Budge-Row, and no Fire near that he could perceive, on a sudden he saw two houses about the middle of Budge-Row, betwixt St. Antholines Church and Walbrook break out in a light fire in their middle stories, before ever the tops of the said Houses catcht or were toucht with fire, so that they burnt downwards till the Roof fell into the Fire.

The like is attested by Mr. Morton a Gold-smith near the end of Foster-Lane, who averrs, that the people that dwelt in Aldersgate, having removed their Goods and abandoned the same, he on a sudden saw a fire in one of the Rooms, which must needs be set on fire as well because there was no other fire near thereabouts at that time, nor for many hours after, as also for that it began not on the top but in∣wardly, and so flam'd forth through the very stones; But by his calling out for help it was for that time Quencht, though afterwards fired again; It being so convenient for their purpose, who design'd to have carryed on the flames further up Aldersgate-street, though in that respect God prevented them.

In the same manner A Person of eminent Quality, and another very worthy Gentleman both then of the Temple, have attested, that in that fire in 1666, they saw the fire break out at the Temple when no fire was near, nor could they possibly make any reasonable apprehension how from the common Conflagrati∣on any fire should reach thither, or catch at the place where they observ'd it to break out.

A Maid was taken in the Street with two Fire-Balls in her lap; Some did demand of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where she had them? She said, One of the Kings Life-Guard threw them into her Lap: She was asked 〈…〉〈…〉 had not caused him to be apprehended? She said, that she knew not what they were. She was indicted for this, and the Bill found against her, and turned over to the Old-Baily, but no prosecution upon it.

In the time of the Fire a Constable took a Frenchman firing a House, seized on him, and going to a Ma∣gistrate with him, met with His Royal Highness the Duke of York, who asked the reason of the tumuit: One told him that a Frenchman was taken firing a House; his Highness called for the man, who spake to him in French. The Duke asked, Who would attest it? The Constable said, I took him in the Act, and I will at∣test it. The Duke took him into his custody, and said, I will secure him. But he was heard of no more.

On Munday the third of September, there was a Frenchman taken firing a House; and upon searching of him, Fire-Balls were found about him. At which time four of the Life-Guard rescued the Frenchman, and took him away from the People, after their usual manner in the whole time of the Fire.

One Mr. Belland a Frenchman, living at Maribone, who bought great store of Pastboard for a consider∣able time before the fire in the City of London, to the quantity of twenty gross in one Shop, and much more elsewhere, was asked by a Citizen, What he did with all that Pastboard? He answered that he made Fire∣works for the Kings pleasure. The Citizen asked him, What doth the King give you? He replyed, Nothing, onely I have Respects at Court: The Citizen said, Take heed, Mr. Belland, you do not expend your estate, and then lose your Respects at Court, for you are at a great charge. Belland answered, Sir, do you think this a great matter? I use all this my self; But if you did see all the great quantities I have made elsewhere, in three several places, three, four, and five miles off, you would say something. Another time, the Stationer with whom he dealt for Pastboard, being at his House in Maribone, and wondring at the many thousands of Fire Works that lay piled up of several sorts, he said, Sir, do you wonder at this? if you should see the quantity that I have made elsewhere by other men, you would WONDER INDEED.

The Sunday before the Fire began, this Belland came to the Shop where he was wont to buy his Past∣board, but the Stationer being not there, he desired a Citizen (the Stationers Neighbour) to speak to him, and to let him know that he had much wronged him in disappointing him of the four gross of Pastboard which he should have had of him and said that he should not do his work by the time and that if he had it not by Tuesday night, it would come too late, he should have no occasion for it after that (which was the Tuesday night before the the Fire) Mr. Belland (said the Citizen) what is the reason of your hast? Have you any Shew suddenly before the King? At which he blusht, and would give no answer. Says the Ci∣tizen, What kind of Fire-works do you make, onely such as will crack and run? Belland answered, I make of all sorts; some that will burn and make no crack at all, but will flye up in in a pure body of flame, higher then the top of Pauls, and waver in the Ayre. Says the Citizen, Mr. Belland, when you make your Shew, shall I see it? Yes, said Belland, I promise you, and gave him his hand upon it. Which Citizen in the time of the Fire, being upon the Thames in a Boat, saw, to his great amazement, sundry bodies of fire, burning above the Fire of the Houses as high again as Pauls wavering in the Ayre, directly according to Bellands description.

And after the Burning of the City, the Stationer and the other Citizen agreed to go to Maribone, to speak with this Belland; and by the way met with his two Maids and his Boy: And having some know∣ledge of them, asked for young Mr. Belland, who told them he was not at home, neither knew they where he was. But the Citizens observing that they carryed with them Rabbets and Capons ready drest, concluded, they were going to him, and told them so. Whereat, they were surly and bad them go look him, for they would not tell them where he was. Upon that, the Citizens resolved to follow them, and did, till they came to Whitehall. The Servants went up stairs and down stairs, on purpose to have lost them, but could not, for they kept close to them. And at last, one of the Maids went to a door and knock∣ed, Crying out, They were dogg'd by two men, that they could not be rid of; With that young Mr. Belland

opened the door saying to one of the Citizens, Sir your Servant, how do you do? One of them answered▪ Both I and many Thousand Families more are the worse for you; for you under pretence of making Fire∣works for the King, have Destroyed a Famous City, and Ruined a Noble People. To which Belland re∣plyes. I make nothing but Innocent Things, that will do no harm; for which I have a Pattent from the King. But the Citizen answered, If the King gave you a Pattent, it was but for your self: Who answered, No. Then said the Citizen, What made you then to imploy so many men, in so many places? No, said Belland, I set no man to work, neither know I any Man that makes of them, but my self; though he had often before said otherwise. While they were thus discoursing, Old Belland looks from under the Hanging, Sir, said he, I hear you charge my Son with Suspition of Burning the City, I pray you speak lower (casting his Eyes about, fearing the Ladies passing by might hear) and said, My Son doth nothing but what he hath a Pat∣tent from the King for, and shall have an Order to S••e any man, that shall accuse him. And he said, My Son is no Prisoner, but Lodged here to prevent him from the Rage of the Common People. Well said the Ci∣tizens, You must give an Account for what you have done. And so they shut the Door upon them.

A House in Shooe-lane fired by a French-man taken in the Act, yet discharged.

ON Tuesday the 4th. of September 1666. A French-man was taken for Firing the Turn-broach of the Temples house, in Robin-hood-court in Shooe-lane where he lodged. This Court was full of pitiful rotten houses, and he did the fact early in the morning before ever any fire was come over Fleet bridge or cross the Ditch; but the woman being up and perceiving it just as he was going forth, cryed out to one Mr. Nicasius a neighbour who was then in that Court, saying, This Rogue hath fired my house, and withal came running out of the house into the Court after him, thereupon Mr. Nicasius seized the Fellow, talkt French to him, searcht his pockets and found a writing purporting to be Indentures of Covenant for him and another to serve one Glowde Lantee of the Parish of St. Leonard Shoreditch French-fring-maker for 10 l. per Annum wages, dated 10th. of Jan. 1665. Attested by John Underwood publick Notary and Joshuah Thirk••ll his servant. 'Tis uncertain whether his name was Martin de Humet, or Andrew Som∣mers, because they were both parties to the same Indented Articles, but 'tis more probable it was de Hu∣met because the same is a French, whereas Sommers is an English name. This person being so taken in the Fact, was askt if he were a Frenchman which he acknowledged, the people would presently have used violence to him, but Mr. Nicasius with much ado perswaded them to the contrary▪ and got their leave to be patient that he might carry him before the Duke of York whom he found with his Guard about Sa∣lisbury Court, to him he presented the French man, and related the Fact with its apparent circumstances in English▪ on which the Duke called one of the Horse Guard, and delivered him unto him, who rode a∣way with him triumphantly towards Westminster. The Mounsieurs about the Duke making a great noise at his delivery, but the next morning Mr. Nicasius enquired what became of the French-man, and the people told him he was let go, nor hath he since been heard of by Mr. Nicasius though he hath used means to inquire and find him out. The Turn-broaches house consisted only of two Rooms, the uppermost of which was the Chamber in which this French-man lay, and which he had fired, and carried away the key with him, but the people perceiving it so soon, broke open the Chamber, and had happily quencht the same before Mr. Nicasius came back from carrying him before the Duke of York.

The same Mr. Nicasius had a fair brick house wherein he dwelt, being the furthest house on the right hand in Plow yard in Fetter-lane adjoyning to Thavies-Inn Garden, this house on the wednesday was by ill Councel ordered to be blown up, and Powder brought to that purpose, which if it had been done, the fire had undoubtedly proceeded much further: But upon his representing the unreasonableness thereof to the King, and that if by playing with the engine on an house hard by that was on fire, they could so damp the flames that they might not seize his house, then the same being brick would screen and preserve other paper Buildings behind it, his Majesty was pleased to order that course should be taken, and thereby that house and divers others were saved, Though in Mr. Nicasius occasional absence for a very short time peo∣ple got into his house with strange pickaxes, and battle-axes, &c. Wherewith they broke open his doors, and (besides what they robbed him of,) brake down all his windows, and threw a press Cupboard, Pictures and other combustibles into the fire to encrease it, and endeavoured to break down the Turret on the top of the house and did actually break some part of it, which could not be but on purpose to let in the fire and that it might the sooner take hold on such his house, which if it had done 'tis most probable all Holborn had been destroyed.

The Information of Thomas Middleton Chyrurgeon, of St. Brides, London.

I The said Thomas Middleton do hereby certifie, that upon the Sunday in the afternoon (the day wherein the dreadful fire brake out in Pudding lane which consumed the City) hearing the general outcry, that the City was fired by Papists and French, I repaired to the top of a Church steeple near the Three Cranes in the Vintrey, where my self and several others observed the motion of the Fire for two or three hours together, and we all took notice, that the Fire did break forth out of several houses, when the houses which were then burning were at a good distance from them every way, and more particularly, I saw the fire break out from the inside of Lawrence-Pountney Steeple, when there was no fire near it. These and such like Observations begat in me a Perswasion, that the Fire was maintained by design. Upon Munday I repaired again into the City, and found as the day before, that the Fire did break forth in fresh houses at a great distance one from another. And as I was returning home, passing through Wailing-street by a To∣bacco Merchants house, I saw the Master of the house come down stairs, driving a young fellow before him, saying to him, You Rogue, do you come to Rob me? what did you do in my Garret? or words to that purpose, and pushed him out of doors: All which I observed, and he seemed to be a Frenchman: He was a short black fellow of about 22 years of Age: and as soon as he was out of the house, he having a loose

coat on, in a way of Privacy, Shuffles something under his Coat, whereupon I laid hold of him, and said, Sirrah, what have you there? the fellow replyed, What is that to you, the Master of the House knows me? Upon that I asked the Mr. of the House whether he knew the fellow, he answered, he knew him not. Where∣upon I searched the fellow, and found a horn of powder about him, and as soon as the powder was discove∣red, he sell a rubbing his hands, they being all black with powder: He had also about him a book intituled, The Jewish Government. I charged him that he was a Frenchman, because he spake broken English; but he denyed it, and did much Vaunt himself. There coming a Constable by with his staffe, I Required him to carry him to Prison, and I would assist him; So we conveyed him to Old Bridewel, and by the way, the People were ready to kill him, calling him French-Raskal. I prayed them to forbear, for Justice would give him his Reward. I told the fellow he would be hanged: he made slight of it, saying, If I die my Soul stall be Saved, but yours shall be Damned. And when he was put into Bridewel, I desired that he might be secured and none suffered to speak with him, till he were Examined before a Magistrate, because the Tobacco-Merchants House was presently Burned upon it. But so it happned, on the next day that the fire came on and consumed my House and Goods, so that I was forced with my Family to fly into the Country, and what became of the Fellow I know not, Old Bridewel being burnt also. And understand∣ing that the Parliament hath appointed a Committee to enquire after the Actors in, and Fomenters of that Terrible Fire, I thought good to inform the Honourable Committee thereof, that they may send for the Keeper of the said Bridewel, to know what became of the Fellow, that he might receive Justice accord∣ing to his demerit. Thus much I thought my self obliged to do, as in duty bound to God and my Country. All which I am ready to affirm upon Oath, when I shall be thereunto called.

A further True Relation made by the said Thomas Middleton, concerning some occurrences in the great Fire of London.

THat upon Monday the 3d. of Sept. 1666, being next day after that dreadful fire began, the Duke of York being at Fleet-bridge in the afternoon, and the fire not being then come to Ludgate, did declare that those Houses adjoyning upon the bridge should be pulled down the next morning, amongst which was the said Tho. Middletons, who thereupon endeavour'd that night to get Carts to carry away his Goods, and had got a Coun∣try Cart and loaded it with Goods, but by that time the same was done, there was a strong Guard set a Cross the street, from Shoe-Lane to Salisbury-Court, which the said T. M. perceiving caused the Cart to be driven up to Shoe-lane, and then he with other Neighbours, (one of which was Mr. William Wheatly a Common Council-man) repaired to the Captain of the Guard of Horse under the aforesaid Duke being then in Salisbu∣ry-Court, whose name was Peters, whom the said T. M. acquainted, That dwelling on Fleet-bridge, and there being order given by the Duke that his House amongst others should be pulled down next morning, He therefore prayd that the man which had his load of goods in his cart in order to remove them, might have li∣berty to pass and repass through the Guard to fetch the remaining part of his goods, he having a large house and many loads in it, But the said Captain peremptorily denyed such his request, declaring that no cart should pass, except there were an order shewed from the Duke, whereas it was then about 12 a Clock in the night, and the Duke at Whitehall, or some where else, not easily to be met with, so that it was in possible to procure such an Order so suddenly; whereupon the said T. M. earnestly desired that the cart might be admitted to pass, and offered money for the same, and said that for as much as the Capt. and his souldiers could not save his house, he hoped that they would not be instrumental for the destroying of his goods, Adding that he thought he might have some kindness shew'd him in such a difficult hour, for as much as not long before he had voluntarily lent his Majesty Money. The man that owed the Cart standing by all the while, when at last he saw it would not be granted, said it was a very hard thing that when a man cannot save his House, he should be hindred from sav∣ing his Goods. To which Captain Peters answered, why your Cart has carryed one Load, which the man acknow∣ledging, the Captain replyed, Then you have done enough, your spokes may be knockt out and your Cart burnt: So with these unnatural and unchristian Replies Thomas Middleton returns to his house where he was not long before some of those destroyers were got on the top of it, throwing the Tiles and bricks down the stairs, so that the said T. M. and his Family were forced to leave his house and most of his Goods to be consumed.

He likewise further saith, That within a little time after the flames were over, he the said T. M. with his Son going near the ground where his house had lately stood, saw a Man that bad took up a Musquet that lay in the Ruines not burnt, and as the said T. M. was coming towards him, he saw him take the Musquet, and break it, whereupon the said T. M. asked him wherefore he did so, and the fellow replyed, and said it was no matter if Thousands of them were destroyed, or words to that purpose, upon which the said T. M. asked him what he was that would destroy the Arms of the King? supposing they were some of the Souldiers Arms, to which he replyed that he did belong to a Major or Coll. whose name the said T. M doth not now remember, but T. M. did tell the said Fellow that he was a Papist, which proved true, for the said T. M. and others searching his pockets, found therein a Mass-book Printed in Latine, with a particular Prayer for the Queen of Spain, &c. In the inte∣rim comes a Captain, to whom the said T. M. made this Relation and delivered the man into his Custody, who said he would carry him before the Committee that sat in the Temple to examine such matters, but of the man or matter, the said T. M. never heard more, save only about a year afterwards the said T. M's. Son (who was at the taking of him as aforesaid) walking in the Strand at noon day the said Fellow met him and without any provocation struck him withal his force upon the head with a great stick or club, and then supposing he had knockt him down, ran into Sommerset House and there sheltred himself.

Mr. Stewarts Information.

IN the time of the Fire, near Bridewell, there was a man sadly bemoaning the great Loss he was like to sustain (the Fire being within five or six houses of him) who did beseech the people for Gods sake, they having no Goods of their own in danger, to help him throw out Trunks, Chests, Beds, &c. out at a window, having procured two Carts or Waggons to carry them away. Whereupon I ran into his House with several others, broke down his Windows, threw out his Goods, and loaded the Carts; and there being some interval of time before the return of the Carts, and seeing a Room wherein were many Books and loose Papers (which seemed to be a Library) I went in and took down a Book, which prov∣ed to be Ovid Metamorphosis, and while I was looking upon it, there came into the same Room an Old Man of Low Stature, with a white Frock, who looked also on the Book as it was in my hand; I took him in my mind to be some Groom come out of a Stable, and thought him to be presumptuously foolish, supposing such a mean like Old Man ignorant of that Language in which the book was written, it being in Latin, but I spoke not to him: In the mean time, there brake sorth a Fire amongst the Papers which were behind us, there being none in the Room but he and I. Whereupon the rest of the people coming in, cryed out, we had set the Room on fire, and rushing in upon us, put out the fire with their Feet: whereupon I took hold of the Old Man by the Buttons under the throat, and said, How now Father, it must either be you or I must fire these Papers. There was a small thing of a black matter, which looked like a piece of a Link burning, which questionless set fire on the Papers, but it was immediately trod our. A multitude of people thronged in; and when I said, How now my Father, and took hold of him, he said, Parce mihi Domine: The people which did not understand it, cryed out, He is a French∣man, kill him, and with pulling of him, his Perriwig fell off; then appeared a Bald Skull, and under his Frock he had Black Clothes, I think of Bishops Sattin, whereupon he seemed to be a grave Eccle∣siastick Person. I had much a do to save him from the People, but at last brought him before the Duke of York: we found in his Pocket a bundle of Papers closed up with Wax like a Pacquet, which was delivered to the Duke of York. I know not what was written in them, neither do I know what Country-man he was; but methoughts he looked something Jesuit-like. This I am certain of, that when I went into the Room there was no fire in it, and it was fired when there was none but he and I in it, yet I cannot say I saw him do it, though I cannot but suspect he did it, and the rather, because there were several houses untouched betwixt this house, and where the fire was coming on, when the Papers in the Library where thus on fire as I have related. What became of this fellow after we had delivered him to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, I have not heard.

John Stewart.

NOt long after the Burning of London, Mr. Brook Bridges, a young Gentleman of the Temple, as he was going to attend Divine Service in the Temple-Church, in a Pew there found this follow∣ing Paper, which immediately, either by himself or a Relation of his, was delivered to Sir William Morrice, one of his Majesties principal Secretaries of State; the Contents of the Paper are as follows:

A VVarning to Protestants.

I Who have been a Papist from my Infancy, till of late; and in Zeal for their horrid Principles, had too great a share in the Fireing of the City; And did intend to do further mischief to the Protestants (of which I am now, and ever shall be a Member) do upon abhorency of that Villany, and Religion that hath moved me to it, declare to all Protestants the Approach of their sudden Ruine, that it may be prevented, if it be not too late.

When I, together with other Papists, both French, Irish and English, fired the City; others were im∣ployed to massacre the Protestants, we thinking thereby to destroy the Heads of your Religion; but the Massacre was disappointed by the Fear of him who was the chief Agent in this Villany. And the Fire not having done all its Work, they have often endeavoured to fire the remaining part. They in∣tend likewise to land the French upon you: To whose Assistance they all intend to come, and for that purpose are stored with Armes: And have so far deceived the King, that they have the Command of most part of the Army and the Sea-Ports. The French intend to Land at Dover, that Garison being most Papists, And the Papists in England have express Command from Rome, to hasten their business before the next Parliament, and to dispatch. Therefore as you love your Lives and Fortunes, prevent vour Ruine, by removing all the Papists in England, especially Colonel Legg from the Tower, and the Lord Douglass, and all his Adherents and Souldiers from Dover, and by disarming all Papists. I have such an abhorrancy, that I would willingly undergo any Punishment for it, and declare my self open∣ly, were I not assured that I could do you more good in concealing my Name for the present. De∣lay not from following these Directions as you love your Lives; And be not deceived by any Pre∣tences whatsoever.

Thus we see, that then, even presently after that dreadful Calamity, there wanted not various proofs of its being contrived and carryed on by Popish Treachery: By what means these Informati∣ons were smothered, 'tis not my business now to inquire; 'tis certain, had they been sufficiently taken notice of, and encouraged, and due prosecution made thereupon, it might have prevented many mischiefs which since happened: But we have now a more full discovery of that villanous Intrigue from their own Mouths; for as I my self have more than once heard them own and boast of the Ex∣ploit, so nothing can be more plain than what Dr. Oaets hath made out in his Depositions Sworn be∣fore that worthy and since Marty'd Gentleman, Sir Edmondbury Godfrey, on the 6th of September last, Paragraph 34, To this effect:

That in Iuly 1678, Richard Strang, the then last Provincial of the Jesuits, did tell him, That their Society of Jesuits did get 14 thousand pounds in that Fire in 66, and that he the said Strang, with three other Jesuits and a Dominican Fryar, all there named; designed, and were chief Instruments in effcting the same; That they intended to have Burnt it sooner, viz. in Feb. 1664, but had not then got persons and things ready for Execution: That they commonly met at the Green-Dragon at Puddle-Dock, and pretending themselves Fifth-Monarchy-men, first drew in one Green a poor man, by fur∣nishing him with 30l. to joyn in the Plot of Firing the City, and killing the King, who soon after brought in 8 more of the same Gang; but at last some notice was taken of their Design, and away the Jesuits are gone, leaving the poor silly seduced new Brethren of the Fifth-Monarchy to suffer for their Roguery, and accordingly 8 of them were Executed in May 66, but never spoke a word of the said Fathers, nor indeed could they, for they knew not their true Names, nor ever suspected them to be Jesuits or Papists, whereupon the said Strang further said, That he himself and the others returned again in Iune following, and fell again to prosecute their Design, which had been carried on in the mean time by others of their Society. In short, he said they got 50 or 60 Irish, and di∣vers French, who were very faithful to ply the work, and got one Everard, who was chief Keeper of their Fire-works, a place in the Kings Service, relating to the publick Ammunition, the better to colour it; That himself by the Name of Walker, and the said Fryaer, took a Lodging in Aug. 66. in Fanchurch-street, that they might be at hand, it having before been resolved where they should be∣gin; That all things being thus prepared, one Neal of VVhite-Chappel, whose charge it was to see the Fire carried on through Thames-street to the Tower, called him up about 12 a Clock, and before he could make him ready, the Fire was begun; That there was Fourscore or upwards imployed therein as Servants by the Society, and that they spent 700 Fire-balls, and had others, both Men and Women, attending to Plunder what they could, having a Warehouse in VVild-street, and another at Somerset-house, to receive what they so got, which amounted to the value of 14000 pounds, as aforesaid, &c.

As for the Fifth-Monarchy-men that were Executed, mentioned by the said Strang to Mr. Oats in this Discourse, 'Tis very observable what Account the Gazett gave of their Tryal.

'Tis in the Gazett published on Munday April the 30th 1666. The words are these.

At the Sessions in the Old-Baily, John Rathbone, an old Army-Colonel, William Saunders, Henry Tucker, Thomas Flint, Thomas Evans, John Miles, William Wescot, and John Cole, (formerly Of∣ficers or Soldiers in the late Rebellion, were Indicted for Conspiring the Death of his Majesty, and the over∣throw of the Government, having laid their Plot and Contrivance for the Surprizal of the Tower, The Killing his Grace the Lord General, Sir John Robinson Lieutenant of his Majesties Tower of London, and Sir Richard Brown, and then to have declared for an equal division of Lands, &c. The better to effect this Hellish design, THE CITY WAS TO HAVE BEEN FIRED, and the Portcullices to have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 let down to keep out all assistance, The Horse-Guard to have been surprized in the Inns where they were quartered, several Ostlers having been gain'd for that purpose, the Tower was accordingly viewed, and its surprise ordered by Boats over the Moat, and from thence to scale the VVall; one Alexander who in not yet taken, had likewise distributed sums of Money to these Conspirators, and for the carrying on the Design more effectually, they were told of a great Council of the GREAT ONES that sate frequently in London, from whom issued all Orders, which Council received their Directions from another in Hol∣land, which sate with the States, and that the Third of SEPTEMBER was pitcht on for the at∣tempt, as being found by Lillies Almanack, and a Scheme erected for that purpose, to be a Lucky day, a Planet then ruling which Prognosticated the downfal of Monarchy. The evidence against these Persons was very full and clear, and they accordingly found Guilty of High-Treason.

Thus that Gazett verbatim. From whence we may observe,

1. How exactly the Account given by Father Strang to Mr. Oats agrees herewith, as to the Num∣ber of Persons, Time, Design, &c.

2. How industrious these Popish Conspiraters are, and how dexterous in turning themselves into all shapes, and complying with all humours to carry on their designes, as here pretending to em∣brace and promote Fifth-Monarchy-Principles, Levelling, &c. which should methinks caution all Protestant Dissenters from the Establisht Church-Government, yet to abhor all Conspiracies, and never to be drawn into any Plot or Seditious Pranks on any pretensions whatsoever, lest whilst by indirect means they fondly hope to advance some little Notions and Whimsies of their own, they shall but do the Jesuits Drudgery, and really be found diligent Instruments to advance that Scarlet VVhore whom they so loudly declaim against and abominate.

3. The Jesuits herein Acted with that Devilish Policy, which is so much the Study of their Society; for having such an horrid Plot, on Foot, they thought fit to find out some other Party, upon whom they might lay the Scandal of it, but it seems could meet with none so ready to be Bubbled as the Fifth-Monarchy-men; For, said the subtle Fathers, if we can perswade them to the Business, viz. Fire∣ing the City, and Killing the King, Then not only our work will be done to out hands, but we shall have an excellent occasion to fall not only on these people, but whoever else we shall please to call Fanaticks, as their Accomplices; and all the World shall acknowledge, that we do but Justice in cutting them off, when they shall be made guilty of such Treason and Villany. On the other side, if they attempt and fail in it, Let the Rogues Hang, we and our Church are free, both from the Dan∣ger and the Odium of it; Nay more, we shall gain this advantage, That when we shall do it in earn∣est, 'twill certainly be laid at their Doors, because of their former Attempt, and to load them the heavier, they had set down the Names of all the most eminent Dissenters, and such as had serv'd un∣der the Parliament, as concern'd in this Plot, and left it with these people, That as a List of the Con∣spirators, it might be taken with them, and consequently all those persons secured in Custody at a time when they design'd the French, with whom we were then at War, should invade the Kingdom; and I am credibly inform'd, they had all been taken, had not his Grace, the late Duke of Albemarle Interposed.

4. As they had to do with ignorant Enthusiastical people, so they managed them accordingly; Telling them a Story of an Equal Division of Lands, a Councel of Great Ones that must be name∣less, and another yet greater that sate with the States; But especially they forgat not to name the Third of September to them, being the day or next save one, themselves had so long pitcht upon for the Burning of London; and for this purpose, the Oracle, Lillies Almanack, must be consulted, but indeed, it was the Astrology of St. Omars that resolved the Question; for they did this meerly, that if they should be discovered, that circumstance should likewise be divulged as part of this, Fifth-Monarchy-Plot, and consequently being remembred by people when they should see the City on Fire, They might thence take occasion to fall upon the Fanaticks as the Incendiaries; and 'tis more than probable, that not finding these Half-witted Fellows very fit to serve their Purposes actively, They resolved to make them do it passively, and might themselves cause them to be betray'd, it being nothing infrequent with the Jesuits to imitate their Father the Devil, in tempting people first to Vil∣lany, and then to be the first that shall accuse them.

An Account of some other Fires since that Grand Conflagration in 66.

NExt after destroying the City of London, the Popish Design hath all along been to Ruin and lay wast its Suburbs; This several of the Fathers, as Gifford, and others, have declared to me, and the same is evident by matter of Fact; For knowing the Borough of Southwark to be a place of eminent Trade, and generally a sober industrious people, how oft have they made Attempts thereon, till at last they laid the best part thereof in Ashes. As first,

At the George-Inn the 25 of July, about 8 a Clock in the Morning.

Concerning the manner of this, Iohn Whitler Head-Ostler at the said Inn, did attest, That the same morning he was removing some Baggs of Hopps which lay in a shed near to a Flax-shop, in which was some Tow and other Combustibles ordinarily used to stuff Chairs with, and then he did not per∣ceive or smell any Smoak or Fire, nor had any Candle or Fire been in the said Flax-Shop for many Months before, to his or any of the Families knowledge; but as he was removing the said Packs, there came in 4 persons like Gentlemen, to take Coach for Dover, or that way, which Coach was stand∣ing by the said Shed, and they by it drinking, immediately after which, the said Ostler was called into the Street, and left all in safety, but in short time returning, met the said Coach driving our with all speed, and found the said Flax Shop on Fire.

Anthony Blake the Head-Tapster attesteth that he waited on those Gentlemen, filling them drink, and being sent for 6 Canns, at his return the Coach was driving away, and the Tow in the place a∣foresaid all on a Flame; Mr. Weyland the Master of the House, and his whole Family solemnly at∣testing, they know not how it came to kindle there, but verily believe it must come through some Treachery.

This is the more probable, because one Harrison, some small time before, had told Mr. Atkins at the Grey-hound-Inn in Holbourn, that there would within three weeks or a Month, be great and dreadful Fires about London and Southwark, and particularly mentioned the Talbot and George-Inns, and advised him to put off his House and Goods, which Harrison in the time of this Fire was seen suspitiously lurking about the Talbot-Inn, (which suffered much by this Fire) and being known by the said Mrs. Atkins, Daughter of the Gentlewoman that kept the Talbot, and coming thither to help

them, he was seized, and carried to a Foot-Company that stood in Arms near the said Inn, and a Charge given them by my Lord Craven and Sir Iohn Smith, then one of the Sheriffs of London, to keep him safe; after the Fire was put out, enquiry being made for him, the Captain told them he was discharged by the Lord Craven. However, on the 27 of July, being informed he taught School in Thredneedle-street, he was retaken, and examined before the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, where the following Articles were prov'd against him upon Oath.

• 1. THat he had had frequent Correspondency with Iesuites and Papists.
• 2. That he had spoken to several of his Acquaintance to go with him to Popish Meetings, declaring that he knew of many.
• 3. That he had been perswaded to turn Mendicant Fryar, and hath been offered a stipend to turn to the Romish Religion.
• 4. That he knew there would be divers great and dreadful Fires in and about London within a month.
• 5. That he advised Friends to rid their hands of all their Concerns in and about London, for there would be a great consumption of houses there.
• 6. That when he was in Custody of the Foot Company aforesaid, Mr. Atkins aforesaid offering to swear the former Article; he threatned him if he did, it should Cost him the best house he had.
• 7. That he said there were forty Thousand French Papists lately come over, to his knowledge, besides many that were amongst us already.
• 8. The Lord Mayor asking him, Who perswaded him to turn Catholick? He answered, The King's Under-Barber, Phillips.

After which he told the Court, That when he was first apprehended for these things, my Lord Cra∣ven discharged him, and took him with him in his Barge to Whitehall. He further told the Court, that he was sometime an Assistant to Mr. Lovejoy School-Master at Canterbury, and that he had Letters Testimonial of his goood behaviour from the Dean of Canterbury: Upon which my Lord Mayor re∣membred that he had seen him with Mr. Lovejoy, and said, that Mr. Lovejoy told him, That he was an Idle Rogue. And so he was committed to Newgate.

On Saturday the 30th of July, it was further desposed upon Oath by Thomas Roe, before Sir Iohn Fredrick, as follows.

The Information of Thomas Roe of Bernards Inn Gent. taken the 30th of July 1690 by Sir John Fredrick, Alderman, one of His Majesties Justices of Peace in the Ci∣ty of London, upon Oath, as followeth.

THomas Roe saith, that he hath for at least twelve or thirteen years last past been acquainted with one Ioseph Harrison, who was examined lately at the Guild-Hall London, before the Honourable the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, upon suspition of his being a Conspirator in the Fireing the City and Suburbs in several parts thereof.

Thomas Roe, and Ioseph Harrison, having been School-fellows at Eaton Colledge, and being thereby acquainted; Ioseph Harrison hath several times lately been with him, and advised him to with-draw his Concerns, and remove above twenty miles out of the City; for that the City, and twenty miles round. would be suddenly destroyed and laid waste (or to that purpose:) Whereupon Thomas Roe asked him, whether he were privy to any such conspiracy, or concern'd in its Agitation? pressing him with divers Arguments to discover what he was acquainted with of that kind. Harrison re∣plyed, That he had no personal and positive knowledge thereof. Thomas Roe demanded upon what ground then he did thus advise him? Ios. Harrison replyed, That he was sometimes conversant among some Papists, and perceived a Plot or Design was carrying on by them against the City of London and the Protestant Religion; which Plot or design (said he) the Papists call, The Game of Trap, or, do you understand Trap ad Crucem? which is the watch-word amongst them. Further, Ios. Harrison said, That he was informed of those things by some German Protestants, and that he had offers of fifty pounds per annum, made him by some Iesuites and Papists, to turn to their Religion; but he had refused it, and would not embrace the Romish Religion.

Thomas Roe further saith, That about five weeks since, he walked through New-Cheapside; and from thence into Mark-lane, with Ioseph Harrison, in company with Mr. Moseley (a Gentleman be∣longing to Bernards Inn likewise) and one of his acquaintance, together with another man, a stranger to Thomas Roe. Upon their first associating, Harrison said unto him, That he would not discover him∣self to be an Englishman, but pretended himself to be a German or Italian, (whether of the two he doth not well remember) and that he might not detect himself, spake in the company, as occasion offer'd, in Latine. But leaving the place where they tarried in Mark-lane, going towards Bishopsgate∣street, Mr. Harrison told Mr. Roe secretly, That he believed that Mr. Mosely understood the Game of Trapp by some signs he had observed from him, and that he would try him. Then going altogether into a house, about the end of Thredneedle-street, Mr. Harrison (having by this time discovered him∣self

to be an Englishman) said Trapp, and made a Cross over his face with his finger; directing himself to Mr. Moseley; whereupon Mr. Moseley did also say Trapp, crossing his forehead or race two or three times, and with a quick motion drew his finger over his own Throat. Upon which, Mr. Roe asked Mr. Moseley what was the meaning of Trapp? but he refused to tell, Mr. Roe urging him again, He replied, He would not, saying, You are not of my Religion. Then Mr. Moseley asked Mr. Harrison what his Name was? (for he knew him not by Name) He answer∣ed, Harrison. Mr. Moseley replied, I never saw your Name. Mr. Harrison made answer, Is it Don Olanso del Harrisonto; if so, saith Mr. Moseley, I have seen your Name.

After this, Mr. Moseley and the other stranger being parted, and Mr. Roe and Mr. Harrison being alone, said Harrison, I told you Mr. Moseley did understand Trapp; you may see there is a List of the Trapp-Gamesters. Now, whether Mr. Moseley's imitation of Mr. Harrison was feigned or real, Mr. Roe could not distinguish; but as they two were passing through Cheapside homewards, Mr. Harrison looking upon the New-Buildings, said, To what purpose do they Build this poor City? it will again be destroyed; at the same time he pointed at two several persons, saying, That is a Trapp-Gamester, and there goes another Trapp-Gamester.

Mr. Roe further informs, That since the last Term, Mr. Harrison told him, he would write all the Rogueries of the Trapp-Game and Gamesters in a Play; and that he would undertake to shew him Twenty six Papists Meetings in and about the City and Suburbs of London; but (said he) some of them are very private, and if you be discovered not to be a Papist, you will (peradventure) be poysoned or stab'd.

Mr. Roe doth further say, That when the said Harrison advised him to Remove with all his Concerns above Twenty Miles from London, the said Roe asked him if Windsor were not far enough, it being both their Native place, and about that distance? The said Harrison answered, Not; reflecting upon the Castle. And further, Harrison told Mr. Roe, That the Jesuits by a Com∣position of Ingredients, make such a Matter, the Fume of which would corrupt any mans In∣tellects; and that he the said Harrison could do it.

This Harrison (who 'tis probable was some Priest, or at least Proselyte) as you have heard, was committed to Newgate, but we cannot learn there was any legal Prosecution a∣gainst him.

The damage of this Fire at the George-Inne was considerable, for it Burnt three parts of the said. Inne and 140 Loads of Hay; and at the White-Hart there was Burnt and blown up one Stable, one dwelling-house, and 4 or 5 Lodging Chambers. At the Three-Cranes near adjoyn∣ing to the said George-Inn on the North-side, three dwelling houses and a Still-house; and at the Talbot three dwelling houses, a Wash-house, and (which is most lamentable) two persons kill'd out-right, and six or seven wounded.

A Brief Account of a Fire Providentially prevented in Goat-Yard near St. Margarets-Hill in Southwark.

ANother attempt was on Thursday Aug. 11. 1670. about 10 of the Clock at Night, a Woman siting at her door in Goat-yard aforesaid, heard a great Hissing noise, and turning to see what might be the cause thereof, she saw a light upon a Shed or Hovel in a Wheel-wrights yard, bounding upon the said Goat-yard, on which Shed or Hovel were old Wheels, and such com∣bustible stuff, whereupon she cried out Fire; which caused several Neighbours to come forth, who with speedy application of Water, quenched the said Fire; which done, they diligently search∣ed the place, where amongst the old Wheels, they found a Canvas Bagg, in which was some Sulphurous matter, compounded with other Ingredients, and about half a Yard of Match tied to it, one end of which said Match had been fired, and on strict observation, several Spoaks had the marks of Fire, and scent of Gunpowder and Sulphur remaining upon them. This villainous Design was mischievously placed for the accomplishing of some great Desolation; for, near adjoyning to the said Shed was a Loft full of Hay, the Boards of it old and dry, and behind the said Shed was also a great quantity of Billets, and adjoyning to that Hay-loft was a Timber-yard, wherein was about an hundred Load of Boards and Timber. A Justice of Peace inhabiting near the said place, had the Match and combustible Matter aforesaid delivered to him, and there are sufficient wit∣nesses yet living, of the whole matter, as herein is related.

Several other Attempts were made on Southwark, but without any considerable Effect, until the 26th of May, 1676. and then they fatally accomplisht their Design, setting Fire to the house of one Mr. VVelsh an Oyl-man, scituate near St. Margarets-Hill, between the George and Talbot-Inns, (it seems that was the place ordered by the Superiours) which broke out about four of the Clock in the Morning, and was carried on with that Art and Violence, that it consumed 500 dwelling houses or upwards, many stately Inns, the Meal-market, the Prison of the Compter, &c. The whole Loss, as to what was actually destroyed, was modestly computed to be between Eighty and one hundred thousand pounds, besides damage to the Inhabitants by loss and inter∣ruption of their Trade: St. Thomas's Hospital was happily preserved, chiefly by means of a new invented Engine for conveying of water, but he that made it, hath since beeen threatned to have his house Burnt for his pains, which has likewise been attempted, as herein after is related: The manner of contriving this Fire hath been confessed by Iohn Groves (lately Executed) who was chiefly concern'd therein, and did on the 10th of August 1676, in Wild-house Garden declare, That having prepared their Fire-works, he, with three Irishmen, procured by Doctor Fogarthy, to be his Assistants, went over and did the business; the said Groves bragg'd that he himself did set fire to the said Shop; and by the manner of the thing, 'twas plain, That it must be done by Trea∣chery; For most of the Family being out of Town, there had been no Fire in the House for 3 or 4 days before; nor did the Watch that stood hard by all Night, perceive any danger, but the first that perceived it were some Letter-Carriers, who, going early to the Post-Office, as they passed by, saw a great Light at the Cellar Window which opened to the Street, and thereupon look∣ing down, they saw a Fire in the Cellar, but not so great, but if they could presently have got in, they doubted not but three or four pail-fulls of water might have quench'd it; but whilst they stood calling to wake the people who were fast asleep, and endeavour'd in vain to open the street door; The fire got through the Shop-Floor, where meeting with great store of Oyle, it instantly set the Shop and Stairs on a Flame, and the people had much ado to get out at a Window into the Talbot Inn to save their Lives. The said Grove further declared, that for this Service, the Society (Richard Strange then Provincial) gave them a Thousand pounds, viz. Four Hundred pounds to him the said Groves, and Two Hundred pounds apiece to the three Irish∣men; and yet (besides carrying on their Designe of weakning and impoverishing Protestants) got considerably by the Bargain; for Groves affirm'd they got at least Two Thousand pounds by that Fire, for whilst the Fire raged, they had their Instruments to Plunder houses, and Steal what goods they could, and convey them to their Ware-houses at VVild-street and Sommerset∣house. And touching this their gaining Two Thousand Pounds by Southwark-Fire, the said Richard Strange the Provincial, hath likewise acknowledged it to be true; yet it should seem they were not content with all this Desolation, but endeavoured still to carry it on further; for after the Fire was believ'd to be stopt and Mastered, about 10 a Clock at Night, on a sud∣den, a House appeared on Fire near St. Mary Overies Church, but on the other side thereof furthest from the General-Fire, so that it must needs be wilfully set on Fire, but by blowing up of one house in time, and good Help, it was prevented from spreading further.

Of the Fires at Wapping, Lime-house, and Shadwell.

THese were Places that the Conspirators have divers Years resolved should be Destroyed by Fire, and in pursuance thereof, not a few Attempts have been made to that pur∣pose. As,

First, on the 29th of Iune 1673, there was a Fire promoted over against VVapping-Dock in a Bakers-house amongst his Bavins: Now that this was wilfully and with Design set on Fire, be∣sides what I and others know of such their Resolutions to destroy that place, the circumstances attending it, may easily convince a considerate Impartial man; for about a Month before, there was found in the said heap of Bavins a new Cordevant Glove full of Gunpowder and other ingre∣dients, by a Boy that happened to be at Play there, and that very Night it began; there were seen several Gentlemen with Swords by their sides, that had that day been drinking at the Fortune Tavern near the place, with some of the Bakers Family, and were seen, in the Evening the Fire happened, to walk round a place called the New-Market, which was on the Backside of the Bakers House, and to go in and out towards the Bakers said House backwards, about an

hour or two before it happened, which began on Saturday. Night between the hours of Eleven and Twelve, and continued most fiercely Burning till 8 or 9 in the Morning, which made a great Devastation, being no doubt carried on and endeavoured to be Augmented by the Assistance of those wicked Instruments who first occasioned it.

The great Fire at St. Katherines was designed for the Burning of the Ships in the River, though in that respect, by the special Providence of God, and timely Help, there was no mighty mischief done, but on Shore a great number of houses were destroyed.

Shadwell Fire began at Shadwell-Dock in a Brew-house, in which there had not been any Fire for a considerable time, nor can account be given how it should happen by accident, and there-we may probably Assign it to the same mischievous hands.

But all these mischiefs did not satisfie the Romish undertakers, but they resolv'd on a more general Devastation; For no longer ago than the 30th of August last, the before named Blundel at ••enwicks Chamber, produced a Scheme or Mapp, describing the manner of Firing wholly both VVapping, Westminster, Toolies-street, Barnaby-Street, &c. For VVestminster, the Jesuits and their Agents were to begin at the next door to the Palsgraves-head Tavern without Temple-Barr (be∣ing my appointed Post as aforesaid) and carry on the Fire to the Savoy, and then the Benedictines to mannage it on both sides the way to Charing-Cross, and so to VVhite-Hall: This was attested on Oath before Sir Edmundbury Godfrey in September last, wherein 'tis observable, though then, and for long after, he was not at all acquainted with me, yet he mentions the very house where I was lodged, and had prepared materials as aforesaid, to be the place for the Commencement of the Fire; so that 'tis plain it was not the design of any particular men, but a thing generally known amongst them, and to be Prosecuted not only by the Iesuites, but Benedictines, and o∣thers had an hand in it: He there likewise sets forth how this should have been done in the time of the great Frost 1676, but put off, because they were not then assured of the French Kings Aid, which now they have obtained [By the Negotiations of Coleman and others.] How VVapping and the Ships were to be Burnt by a Fire to be begun near Limehouse, and how himself was ordered to ply at the Hermitage, with seven more as his Assistants, to help carry it on; for which ser∣vice he was to have a great Reward, and besides a Priest was every day to come and say Mass in his Chamber for the good success of the design, [so much a work of Religion do they think it to be, and that Heaven would Interest it self to promote their Hellish Villanies.] Furthermore, that but a very few days before his open Discovery, when they began to grow jealous of him, and thereupon had resolv'd to send him beyond the Seas, Blundel was ordered to supply his place in mannaging the said Fire at VVapping.

And though the Plot were in the mean time partly discovered, yet such was their confidence, that they endeavoured nevertheless to go on with this Design; For on Wednesday the 18th of Sept. 1678, a Fire was promoted near Lime-house, in pursuance of such their former Order and Resoluti∣on, which began there about five of the Clock in the Morning in a Boat-Builders-yard in a parcel of Reeds, which afterwards being increased by certain dryed and seasoned Timber caught hold of a Sea-Captains house with that violence, that the lower part thereof was possest by the dread∣ful Flames before any of the Family perceived it, or at least could get out; at last Ladders were brought, and two or three of the Servants made shift to get out at the uppermost Windows, but just as they came to save the Mistress of the House and a Servant-Maid which attended her in her Room, the floor of the Chamber in which they were sunk down, and so they both, without any possibility of help, perished. As also an adventurous Seaman, who presuming too far to save some Goods afterwards in another house, was interrupted in his return by one of the Rafters, which falling on his Head, knockt out his Brains. This Fire was carried on very vigorously, in∣somuch that in three or four hours time, it burnt down and wholly destroyed between 40 and 50 Houses, and had undoubtedly done much more mischief, had not the indefatigable pains and hazards of a great number of Seamen, or rather, the accidental Absence of some of those Agents ordered to promote it as aforesaid, prevented its further Progress.

But often before this, there were several other Fires, or at least Attempts of that kind, for destroying the Suburbs, as appears by the following Depositions, which deserve our Notice.

The substance of the Examination of Robert Redway Victualler, at the Red-Lyon in Fetter-Lane, taken the 6th of August, 1670, by Sir Thomas Bludworth Knight, as follows:

THe Examinate saith, That on Wednesday the third of August 1670, about Ten of the Clock at Night, his House was fired up three Stories high, by a person or persons (as he verily believes) who were strangers, and near about the same time in his said House; but not presently mistrust∣ed by him, he keeping a Victualling-house (where it is not usual to take such special cognizance of Guests.) The fire was discovered by one of his Maid-servants, who had occasion to carry a Child to Bed, which Bed she found on Fire, and the Chamber so full of smoak, as put her into a sud∣den fright; but it being but newly kindled, through the industry of the Family, with the assistance of Neighbours, it was soon extinguished; But this Examinate was so Alarm'd by the un∣expected suddenness hereof, and the many fearful occurrences of this kind of late, that he could take no rest in his house, till he had caused narrow search and inspection to be made in every Corner thereof; cleansing it from all such matter as might easily be fired, locking or bolting the doors of every Room where any Bed was, or that was not common for entertainment.

Yet notwithstanding all this care and vigilance was used, he saith, that the very next day, viz. Thursday the fourth of August 1670, his house was again fired two Stories high, about twelve of the Clock at Noon, which was discovered by one of his Men-servants, who, as he was going up one pair of Stairs to attend some Guests, heard a very great noise, cracking and bouncing like Squibs, but much louder, which caused him to run down stairs, crying out, Master, Master, the house is on Fire, whereupon search was made, and the fire found out two pair of Stairs in an inclosed Bed, (commonly called a Press-Bed) which was broke out into a perfect Flame, the Rails thereof, with the Deal-boards that inclosed it all round, being on fire, and almost consumed, together with the Bed-cloaths, all save the upper Rugg. This Bed this Examinate saith, must of necessity be set on fire by some Fire-ball, or such like stuff, conveyed into the Bed, (or cast on some combustible matter about it) at a hole about an Inch and half wide, which was made in a Deal-board, instead of a Staple to receive the shutter or bolt of the Lock.

Had not the fire been seasonably discovered, it would have consumed the whole house, and pro∣bably many more. But by such timely detection thereof, it was suppressed without doing any fur∣ther Hurt, unless to the Goods in the Room adjoyning, and what else was near it.

As to the Persons that are violently presumed to be the Authors hereof, this Examinate saith, That on the said Thursday at Noon, two Persons came to his house and Dined above stairs, and by their long continuance there, gave some suspition; but nothing appearing till they were gone, caused less notice; yet in less than a quarter of an hour after broke forth the Fire, as aforesaid, just upon the discovery of the breaking forth of which, these two men, one in Black cloaths, the other in Gray, well apparelled, having his Hair of a bright brown colour, with a Shash tyed about him, were seen as they went, to make a stop near by the Examinates House, smiling one upon the other, and pointing at the Fire, which was observed by a near Neighbour, who was condoling the Dis∣aster, and making some compassionate reflections on the Neighbourhood, who were like to share in the same affliction; at which these two men deridingly said, It was either a Casualty, or set on Fire by the Fanaticks, and so departed.

Now, that these two persons or one of them, were the immediate Instruments of this Villany, is more than probable by divers circumstances, as well as in the opinion of this Examinate and his Neighbours, who took some small observation of them the latter time; For when they de∣parted, they made no stay to change their Money (as is usual) but had Money ready for what they had to pay.

And the description of the habit, stature, and complexion, &c. which the Neighbours gave of these persons, doth exactly agree with the Characters that this Examinate and his Servants describe them by.

But that they were not apprehended or pursued at that Instant, must be attributed to the deep surprize the people of the House and Neighbourhood were in, every one striving to make provision to secure his own Concern, and partly perhaps to the small Encouragement and little notice then taken by some in Office of such services; it being less dangerous, as things were sometimes man∣naged, to be a Traytor and a Villain, than to detect or discover one.

The substance of the Examination of Joseph Speed, servant to Abraham Euer Upholster in the Minories, taken upon oath before the Right Worshipful Sir Tho. Bludworth, July the 31^th. 1670.

THat he the said Joseph Speed being sent on the Saturday before about eight of the clock at night, by his Master to carry some goods into Wapping, in his return homewards in new Gravel Lane was overtaken by two proper men in Gentile Habit, the one of them in a Light coloured periwigg and a stuff suit, black and gray mixed, as near as could be gliessed, by the help of a Link that a person passed by withall, it being then grown late in the Evening, and a Rapier by his side; The other in a Cloath coat, his own hair and a stick in his hand; Who began to discourse with the Deponent, and after diverse discourses of the deadness of Trade and difficulty of getting money, when they were come into an obscure lonesome place, being a field commonly known by the name of King Davids Fort, he in the Wigg began to declare himself more fully, telling the Deponent that there was a way of late come up of geting of money with a great deal of ease. He having some suspicious of them, by their frequent swearing, to found the depth of their intentions, seemed very inquisitive to know what way that was, and how glad and ready he would be to embrace it: whereupon at last the said person in the Wig told him it was to be done by making of fire∣balls and firing them; At which the Deponent, though much surprized, yet concealed his resentments, and pretended to comply with them, discoursing after such a manner as might give them reason to suppose him fit for their pupose. After several words passed, he in the Wig tells him he shall be imployed. Then the Deponent desired to know when and how. Whereupon the same person took two fire-balls (as he called them) out of his pocket, shews them to him, and tells him he should have Twenty shillings to take those Balls, and Fire them in such places as they should direct; the which he expressed as fol∣lows, viz. In the great ship that was building in such a yard, being wholly or near finished, and newly Tarr'd on the outside: (which Ship was afterwards understood to be Captain Tailors, though the owner was not mentioned by them; and whose Bolt-spit lay cross the street, at Wapping) But if it might not conveniently be done there, then to do it at the house adjoyning to the Yard: or if too severe a guard were kept thereabouts then at a Tarr-shop, near the Armitage Bridge, or else at the Talbot Inn in Southwarks, where he said, the Deponent might come easily to the house, the back way, and no body observe him. But he principally urged the firing of the said Ship; and as for the time he bid him observe the Tide, and be sure to do it within an hour of low water. He also gave him di∣rections touching the manner of firing the said Balls, viz. That if he could by any means privately get into the said ship, or any of the said houses, then to wrap one of the Balls in half a pound of pitch, with some quantity of Tow, and set fire to it. But if that might not be done with safety and secresy, then to observe a hole or narrow passage which was in the middle or Centre of the Ball, into which he should put some dust of gun-powder, and setting fire to it, throw it into the place intended. After these directions the same fellow gave the Deponent one of the said Balls into his hand, who then was urgent for his money, but is denyed till the Ship or one of the houses should be on fire, They telling him that they would be thereabouts, and when they had observed his work to be done, would go to the Bull-head Tavern in Grace-Church-street, where they would meet with him and give him his reward. In this discourse about the money the Deponent told them that Twenty shillings was too small a matter, and they might well give him four or five pounds, because he ventured his life, being sure to be hanged if discovered: to which was returned by them, that they would certainly procure him a pardon, if it should happen so, but of that there was no danger. After all this talk the Deponent willing to appre∣hend them, tells them he was very dry, and desires that they would give him some drink: to which they would by no means assent: But he was so importunate with them as be∣got a suspicion in them of his design upon them, whereupon he with the Stick said, Hang

him Dog, or Hang him Rogue, he will not do the business, or words to that effect; and after some other words, endeavoured to seize the Deponent, one of them drawing his Sword, but he got away, and they did not pursue him, but run away themselves cross the fields as fast as possibly they could, as he turning back at some distance observ'd. They being thus fled the Deponent at once apprehending the hazard of Concealment, and the danger those places might be in that they directed him to fire, did immediately repair to Captain Tailors house, as also to the Tarr-shop by the Armitage Bridge, acquainting them with this affair, as also several people in Wapping as he went along, particularly two Con∣stables and their Watch; thence he went home to his Master, and presently inform'd him of it, who repair'd to the next Constable, they to the Common Council-man of their Liberty, and then all together to the watch-house at Aldgate, where part of the Fire-ball was tryed for an experiment, which burned to their general wonder and amaze∣ment.

The same Night was he to appear before the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor at his house, but his Lordship being in Bed, he was put off till next morning, and then by rea∣son of his Lordships indisposition, carried before the worshipful Sir Thomas Bludworth, be∣fore whom he deposed the premises, and further declared on his oath, that the before-men∣tioned persons told him, when the Fire came to the midst of the Ball, it would flame two yards or two yards and an half high.

An Account of the apprehending of a Scotchman, about the same time, at the Cross-keys in Fleet-street, about Firing.

A Scotch-man pretending great respect he had for William Colborn (then) keeping the Cross-keys, a Victualling-house in Fleet-street, near Chancery-lane end, came to him, and ad∣vised him, that by all means he should remove his goods out of London, and dispose of his house. Colborn askt for what reason, the Scotch-man replyed, Because that he with many others, were imployed to set the remainder of London on fire, and that they would set it on fire at seve∣ral places at one and the same time, and Chancery lane end (which is near the said Col∣borns house, as aforesaid,) they intended should be one of the first set on fire. With several other discourses very soberly, and after a friendly manner expressed. Whereupon Colborn (according to his duty) apprehended him, and being brought to his Tryal he was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, and did accordingly stand three times, once at Chancery lane end, and twice elsewhere in the City.

A Relation of a Fire that happened in Budge-row, in July, 1670.

ON the eighth of July about midnight, in a new house, not glazed, in Budge-row, a Fire began; the Shop-windows and doors were all made and close shut and fastned when the Brick-layers went away, which was between six and seven of the Clock in the evening before; (the Carpenters not having been at work that afternoon) and the Bricklayers at that time having nothing to do above stairs, but only to build up a wall in the yard. When the fire was first discovered, it appeared in a Room over the front of the Shop, right against the Chimney, where stood several Deal-boards and Laths reared against the wall, being pre∣pared in order to floor part of the said house, then unfinished; some of the next neighbours who heard the first alarm of the Fire, do affirm, That if they could presently have got to it, they might easily have quenched it, 'twas so small to appearance, or that they could, in case

they had wanted water, have thrown it out at the Window. But before they could get the doors open, it was grown so outragious, that there was no venturing up stairs to suppress it, and in short time it so far prevailed, as very considerably to prejudice four Houses: That this came by Treachery there is good reason to believe; as well because there had been no fire, nay not so much as any person all the day before in the said Chamber where it began, as also for that near Islington, on the evening before, some persons that were going thither∣wards, met two men and one woman, who very earnestly inquired, If there were not a Fire in London near Cheap-side.

The Information of one William Trigg, taken before Sir William Turner, Knight; one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the City of London, the 13^th of August, 1670. as followeth.

THis Informant saith, That he liveth in Angel-alley in Aldersgate-street, and hath no Family but himself, and two young-men and a maid at home at this time (his wife being at or near Hampstead with his said young Child) and that his young men lie at his Shop at a distance from his house; that the next night save one before the fire happened, she call'd him out of his Bed, saying, either the house was on fire, or there were thieves in it, neither of which being found true, caused him to have some Jealousies she in∣tended some mischief, and therefore last night after she was gone to Bed, sent for her Candle down, and caus'd search to be made over and under all the Beds to see all safe from Fire; that this morning between six and seven of the Clock when he went forth to his Shop, he did not perceive or smell any fire, and left no body in the house but his said servant maid, and that about eight or nine of the Clock his neighbours came to call him, saying, his house was on fire, so he went home, and up stairs, and found it all on fire, two Beds, Curtains and Vallins, and some of the Chamber floor under the Bed burnt.

Joseph Ashby saith, That he living over against the said Mr. Trigg, perceived much smoak to come out of his house this morning, and then saw the said maid go up stairs and down again, through the window; but never heard her cry fire till Mr. Shirley went up to her room where the said fire was, and that he saw the Window Curtains of that room close shut, and that about six of the Clock the same were open.

William Sherley, and Matthew Crockford in effect depose the same.

Nor could Mary Torberfeild the maid-servant herself on her Examination alledge any thing material, but only denyed that she either went up stairs after the rose in the morning, or that she did open the Window-Curtains, both which were positively proved to the con∣trary as aforesaid, so that there was a most violent presumption that she set it on Fire, and accordingly she was committed to Newgate, but for want of positive Witnes∣ses that saw her do it, discharged and Bailed out by some of her Confederates as 'tis credibly related.

It is observable that this Fire was most mischievously designed, as being in a place where no Engine could come, the passages through the Entries are so narrow, and that within five or six yards where it began, there lay two or three thousand Bavins belonging to a Baker: but the providence of God timely prevented, otherwise it had doubtless seized both the Alleys, and then quickly would have reached Juin-street: But being thus discovered before it had got head, it was suppressed, doing no further damage than to that room where it began.

The Fire in the Savoy, 1670.

ABout the latter end of June, in the Savoy, near One a Clock in the morning, a Fire happened in a back room that had been a Strong-Water-shop, where it was first discovered, which immediately went on from house to house, Eastward and West∣ward, till there were Burnt and Blown up fourteen Dwelling-Houses in four or five hours time. There is Treachery believed to have been in the bottom, as occasioning this damage: For it is credibly reported, That Sr. Jeremy Whithcot upon his examining the premises had two Watermen brought before him, who did affirm, that they carried two persons appearing as Gentlemen, over-night, to Westminster, who were speaking of the heat of the Evening, and one replyed to the other, in the said Water-mans hearing, That it would be an hotter morning at the Savoy. Timely care with the help of Engines and blow∣ing up of houses Eastwards; was a prevention of its going further into the Strand and towards Worcester house. Westwards there was a great Brick Wall, which gave such a Check to it, that by Gods good providence, and the industry of those that came in to help, it was stopt, but two persons were killed outright and six or seven hurt.

An Impartial account of the Fire happening near the Roy∣al Exchange, on the 23 of July 1670. at the house of Mr. Francis Nowers, Herauld-painter.

THE Watch belonging to that Ward, gave in upon Oath before the Coroner and his Inquest, that the said Mr. Nowers was in his own Balcony at Twelve a clock that night, and that he talkt to them in as sober and compos'd a frame as ever they saw him in their lives, and about one of the clock it appears his house was on Fire; being first discovered by some passengers going that way, who gave notice to the Neighbour-hood. There were in this house, the Master and his Brother, a Nurse and two young Children, a maid-servant, and an Apprentice: At the time when this fire began the Maid was in the Kitchin under ground, all the rest of the Family being in bed; but the said maid understood nothing of it till it was noised in the street; upon which she ran up stairs to her Masters room, which she found all on a light Fire. By this time her Masters Brother (who lay a story higher) hearing a sudden shriek, awaked, and in his shirt ran down to his Brothers Cham∣ber, but found the door on fire, and with the strength of the smoak was forced back a∣gain having much ado to save himself; yet remembring the Apprentice that lodged on the same story, forthwith awaked him, and they ran together out at the Gutter-window and so broke their way into the Dolphin Tavern near adjoyning.

How this Fire happened is very uncertain; though it is suggested that it might come by a careless Nurse that lay on the same floor with the Masters Chamber and used to have a Candle burning all Night, having in her charge a child of about Thirteen weeks old: But whether it happened so or not, the fatal Consequence was very sad, for it did destroy the Master of the house and a child in Bed with him; and the said Nurse and child with her; yet through the timely help of Neighbours it did not much further harm than destroying the said house, with the upper parts of two houses adjoyning.

Nor were great and unusual Fires less frequent in these times in the Country; of which I shall mention only two amongst many.

The first at Northampton, where on Munday the Twentieth of September, 1675. a dread∣full Fire began in the afternoon, and in few hours space burnt down most part of the

High street, the Market place (which was a very goodly one) the Stately Church of St. Allhallows and two other parish Churches, and above three parts in four of the whole Town. Which being known to be a Corporation of great Trade and generally sharp ene∣mies to Popery, it may probably be supposed there might be something of design in it, but I shall not urge that, because 'tis the general opinion it came by accident.

Another great Loss by Fire was at Cottenham near Cambridge happening on Saturday the Twenty ninth of April, 1676. about ten of the clock in the forenoon, when a great part of the inhabitants, especially the men, were gone to Cambridge Market, or otherwise imployed abroad: It began in an house almost at the Entrance of the Town, at a place called Green-End, and the next house to it remaining untoucht, the people were in hopes it would have ended there, but on a sudden, another house being the third from it, was on fire, and from thence (the second still remaining without harm) the Flames were dispersed almost all over the Town, furiously raging on both sides of the street, and burnt down the whole Street as far as the Church before three of the clock in the af∣ternoon. Which is in distance of ground near three Quarters of a Mile, there being about one hundred dwelling houses, besides Barns, out-houses, Corn, Hay, &c. consumed in that short time.

I the rather mention these fires in the Country, though generally they pass unregard∣ed as common accidents; because as I well know the design of the Jesuits &c. was, that their Instruments should do all the mischief in this kind, whereever they came, either in City or Country, so 'tis well known that about this very time, I mean in 1675. or 76. there were two idle extravagant persons formerly about St. Martins Le grand, one named Robert Norris, the other, Finch, whose ill course of life to the great trouble of their friends had re∣duced them to a condition fit to become the Agents of any villany. These two came on foot into an Inn at Hodgsdon in Hartfordshire, and having lodged a while there, took an op∣portunity and with a light burning Fire-brand, purposely carried out of the house through the yard down into the Stables, set a parcel of straw on Fire; but being observed by a young Maid who acquainted the Master of the house therewith, he that did it was taken in the very act; the straw flaming and the Fire-brand lying in it; but being seen so soon was quickly extinguished without much hurt done. One of these Companions hereupon run away and made his escape, the other being apprehended confest he put the Fire-brand there on purpose to burn down the Inn and Town if he could do it, and that they came down for that very end, being hired to burn that and some other places, and were to have such a sum (5. l. as I remember) for each Town they could Fire; Hereupon he was committed to Hartford Gaol. But in his Tryal I know not how things were so ordered that though the fire was actually begun in the Straw as aforesaid, yet it was lookt upon only as an Intention, and consequently not a Felony, but only a misdemeanour, for which he was ordered to stand in the Pillory, &c.

In Town still their work went forward with all the insolence imaginable; for about the year, 1676. one Mr. Keeling a Smith, a very ingenious workman in Black fryars, hav∣ing made an Engine most effectual for quenching of Fires, being so contrived that it might be carried into any room, and the pipes of it and consequently the water conveyed by Ladders or up Stairs into any place where Fire may be, The excellency and great use of which Engine was notably Experimented at the Fire in Southwark, the Hospital there being chiefly by means thereof preserved; For which he was shortly after upbraided and affronted by a certain person, said to be a Frenchman; telling him plainly that he deserved to have his house burnt for making such an Engine; and several other threatning words: nor did they fail to at∣tempt it: For within few days after such Menaces, there was one evening a hard ball thrown out of the street through a Glass window breaking a pane as it passed into a Chamber of his said house one pair of stairs high, which as providence would have it, fell into the mid∣dle of the room where there was nothing near apt to take Fire, but only the boards; into which it burnt a round hole of considerable depth, but did no further harm, whether by reason the matter of the Fire-b. was not rightly prepared, or what other accident not known. The whole Room was filled with smoak and stench of burning when the people came into it, which much affrighted them, especially when they found this Ball which was then almost cold, and saw how it had burnt the boards, and which way it came in, expect∣ing no other but that their house was resolved upon to be burnt.

In the Winter 1677. at the sign of the Shipin Shadwell, the house of one Peirce a Victuallerthere, there was a Fire-ball placed ready to be fired under a shed, found and discovered accidentally

fore the intended mischief was performed, by some of the Watch, it was of the bigness of a large Orange, very black in colour, and smelt strong of Brimstone, they that found it brought it to Shadwell Watch, and divided it to several parts, some to Wapping, and White-Chapel, some to Rosemary-lane Watch, to try Experiments for all their satisfaction. From whence Mr. Samuel Maurice had a small part no bigger than a Cherry-stone, and fired it at the house of Thomas Horn the Beadle in Rosemary-lane, where that little quantity flamed up at least three foot high, and then the flame suddenly ceasing, the Coal left burnt down into an hard Walnut-tree-plank a quarter of an inch deep; This was done in the presence of Samuel Maurice, Thomas Horn, and many others in the said Horns house, where the hole is yet to be seen.

The Temple (as we told you before) was a place these Incendiaries had particularly in their Eye, whether it were to revenge themselves in some measure on the Lawyers, many worthy Members of that Honourable profession having from time to time, in our Parlia∣ments, been the most active Patriots to preserve the Protestant Religion, and prevent the fly invasions of Popery, Law being the best humane out-guard to Religion; or whether (as I rather judge because they have told me so) that they thereby aimed to destroy what Writings and Records they could, some of which relating to their Conviction of Recusancy have (as I have heard some boast,) been prevailed with for valuable considerations to have been kept there, and never returned to the proper Offices, whence effectual prosecution and levies might have been made on Popish Estates. But for whatsoever particular intent, or perhaps only for the general design of doing mischief; or whether they were (as some would have them thought) unconcerned therein, this is too certain, there have happened two grievous and lamentable Fires in the Temple of late.

The first on the 28th. of September, 1677. at the Kings Bench Office, which thereby was burnt down with divers good Chambers and about a dozen dwelling-houses in White-Fry∣ars; the beginning of this was generally charged on one Mr. Carpentar, who was reported to have gone to Bed in drink, but possibly it might be by some other means: However this is cer∣tain, if he were the unhappy occasion, he suffered severely for it, being burnt there, and seven or eight persons killed by the fall of a Wall.

The next was yet more great and calamitous, beginning at one Mr. Thornberies Chamber (a Gentleman known to be a very sober worthy person) on Sunday the 26th. of January, 1679. about eleven of the Clock in the Night, the vast desolation hereby caused is yet sadly visible by te hruines, and by the circumstances it is most apparent that the same was Fired by design.

After this an Attempt was made on an Inn in Smithfield, where a French-man came in the evening, set fire to the stables and ran away, but going into Thamestreet was apprehend∣ed, and for the present committed, but afterwards for want of a through prosecution got away.

On the ninth of April one Elizabeth Oxley having dwelt about six weeks as a servant-maid with one Mr. Bird an eminent Attorney in Fetter-lane, took the opportunity when all the Family was in bed, to Fire a large Press in his Closet, in which were kept papers and wri∣tings, and when she thought fit, acquainted her Master that the house was on fire; and running down let in the Watch: but it being observed that she had packt up her cloaths, and several other suspicious circumstances, she was charged with setting the same on fire, and at last con∣fessed the same, declaring on her examination, that she was imployed to do it by one Mr. Stubbs, who promised her five pound to do it. Hereupon Mr. Stubbs was seized, and acknowledged that he had perswaded her thereunto, and was to give her five Guinneys, besides a Crown in hand. And further said, That one Father Gifford (the same man that I my self was to be an Assistant to for such wicked purposes as aforesaid) his Confessor had put him on this business, and told him it was no sin to Fire all the houses of Hereticks, and that the said Gifford had promised him one hundred pounds for the same, and told him he was to have the money from the Church. And further declared that he used to meet the said Gifford, and other two persons, in St. James's fields, in the dark of the evening to con∣sult these matters.

They likewise declared several other things concerning an Insurrection at home by Papists, and an Invasion speedily to be made by the French, &c. upon which inge∣nuous

Confessions, the House of Commons became suitors to his Majesty to grant them both his gracious Pardon, which was granted, and lately allowed in Court.

The last Intrigue of this kind I shall mention is that of Daniel Clark, an Apprentice to a Gentle-woman that kept a Flax-shop in the Minories, who on the fifteenth of May last set fire to his Mistresses house by putting a Candle to a bundle of Flax, but being seen to do it, the same was seasonably extinguisht without much damage, and he com∣mitted to Newgate, declaring on his examination, that he was hired to do it by an emi∣nent Papist; on the fifth of June he was Indicted at the Old Baily and thereunto plead∣ed Guilty: And though it appeared he had been much tampered with, yet at last the in∣defatigable pains of the Court got the whole Truth (as I am credibly informed) out of him, and in pity to his youth reprieved him.

After these numerous Instances I think no ingenuous, impartial man can questi∣on that this cursed design of treacherous Burning has long time been, and to this day is vigorously carried on by the Jesuites and other Papists and their Instruments. Also that no wise man or good subject will be wanting in caution to prevent the future designs of these Incendiaries, or in contributing all he can to bring any of them that shall be discovered and apprehended to condign and exemplary punishment. Which God grant, and ever preserve his Majesty, the Protestant Religion, and this Honourable City.

FINIS.