The journals of all the Parliaments during the reign of Queen Elizabeth both of the House of Lords and House of Commons / collected by Sir Simonds D'Ewes ... Knight and Baronet ; revised and published by Paul Bowes ..., Esq.

THE JOURNAL OF THE House of COMMONS.

A Journal of the Passages of the House of Commons in the Session of Parliament bolden at Westminster, An. Dom. 1562. which began (after one Prorogation of the same) on Tuesday the 12^th of January, and then and there continued until the Prorogation thereof upon Satur∣day the 10^th day of April, An. D. 1563.

THE Journal of this present Session of Parliament, is not only fur∣nished with many good Ordinary passages, touching the reading, in∣grossing, and passing of Bills; but also with some unusual and remarkable matter, concerning the Priviledges of the House it self, and with the return of divers Burgesses from certain Burrough-Towns, who had for some time before discontinued that their Priviledge. And although that..... Seymour Esq continued still Clerk of the House of Commons, by which means the agitations of the said House were, for the most part, very imperfectly recorded by him in the Original Journal-Book of the same, so that the referring of a Bill to Committees is scarce discoverable, in respect that the name only of one of them is for the most part mentioned; yet the manner of the Burgesses taking the Oath of Supremacy (which was never in use before this Session of Parliament, it having been en∣joined by Statute in the first year of her Maje∣sties Reign) together with the manner of the Election and Presentment of the Speaker, is very Methodically and Orderly entered. And lastly, whereas there is mention made in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons afore∣said, that the Speaker with the whole House did exhibit their Petition to the Queens Majesty, on Thursday 23. day of January, in the Afternoon, touching her Marriage, and the Limitation of the Succession of the Crown, which said Petition is there omitted, I have therefore caused it to be inserted at large, out of a Copy thereof I had by me, which I gather by all concurring circum∣stances, to be the very same, which is only ge∣nerally remembred in the said Original Journal-Books, as aforesaid.

The second Parliament of the most Noble Princess Elizabeth, by the Grace of God Queen of England, &c. begun at Westminster on Monday the 11. day of January, in the fifth Year of her Gracious Reign; By her Highness Commission directed to the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, the Lord Steward, the Lord Treasurer, the Duke of Norfolk, &c. to Prorogue the same Parlia∣ment until the 12. day of the same Month, viz. the Morrow following; And the Knights and Burgesses, being sent for to come unto the Lords in the Upper House, without any appearance of their names taken then by the Lord Steward, and Lord Treasurer, the Lord Keeper shewed in few words, that the Queens Majesty was somewhat sick of a Stitch; wherefore she had sent her Writ for the Prorogation, until the Morrow, which was done accordingly.

And on the Morrow, being the 12. day of January, about ten of the Clock, the Queens Majesty, with the Lords and Bishops in Parlia∣ment Robes, did ride from the Palace to West∣minster-Church, and there heard a Sermon; du∣ring which the Earl of Arundel, being Lord Steward, repaired unto Whitehall, and there Re∣corded the Appearance of the Knights and Bur∣gesses; at which time also (as may very well be collected by comparing this instant days passa∣ges, with those of Thursday the third day of October, in the Journal of the House of Com∣mons, de an. 8, & 9 Regin. Eliz. following) the said Lord Steward did doubtless, either in his own person, or by his Deputies administer the Oath of Supremacy (according to the Statute,

de an. 1 Eliz. Cap. 1.) to such Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, as were at this time present, and appeared.

And after, the Queen coming from the Church, and being set in her Royal Seat in the Upper House, and the Commons standing at the lower end of the Chamber; The Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, with great Eloquence, declared this Parliament to be called for Religion, Discipline, and Aid to the State in defence of Enemies with Excellent Dilation of those Causes; And in the end willed the Commons to repair to their House, and there to chuse a discreet, grave, and wise man, to be their Speaker, and to present him to the Queens Majesty, on Friday next in the Af∣ternoon; immediately the Commons resorted to their Common House, where after they were set, M^r Comptroller standing up, rehearsed the Lord Keepers Oration, for the Election of a Speaker, and said, that in his Opinion, M^r Thomas Willi∣ams Esq, one of the Fellows of the Inner-Tem∣ple, being grave, learned and wise, was very meet to that Office; whereupon the whole House with one intire Voice, cried M^r Williams, M^r Williams; And then M^r Williams standing up, and reverently disabling himself, required the House to proceed to a new Election; unto whom M^r Secretary Cecill Answering that the House had gravely considered of him; and there∣fore required him to take the place; and he ap∣proaching was led and set in the Chair by M^r Comptroller; and it was agreed by the House to meet all there again on Friday next, at one of the Clock in the Afternoon, to present M^r Speaker to the Queens Majesty.

On Friday the 15^th of January, in the After∣noon, M^r Speaker, with the rest of the House of Commons, went before the Queen in her Royal Seat, where M^r Speaker most humbly dis∣abled himself, requiring that a new Election might be made, to the which the Queens Ma∣jesty, confirming the same Election, by the Mouth of the Lord Keeper, M^r Speaker made an Ex∣cellent Oration, and in the end made the accu∣stomed Petitions; which being granted, the Lord Keeper willed him with the rest, to resort to the House of Commons, there to deliberate upon matters necessary; which being done,

The Bill for increase of Woods in Champain Grounds, and saving of Bark of Timber to be felled, was read the first time.

On Saturday the 16. day of January, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which one was touching Servants to serve their Masters; And the other to put down an Iron-Mill near Guilford, and were each of them read the first time.

A motion was this day made by a Burgess at length, for the Succession of the Crown; of which see more, on Thursday the 28^th day of this Instant January ensuing.

January the 17^th day Sunday.

On Monday the 18^th day of January, Five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one and the first reading; of which the second was the Bill for the assurance of the Mannors of Whiteacre, and Whiteacre Burgh, to Richard Ber∣tie and Katherine Duchess of Suffolk his Wife, from Walter Herenden, being a Feoffee in Trust.

Certain Arguments were this day had in the House, by divers wise Personages, for motion to be made for the Queens Marriage, and Succession of the Crown.

On Tuesday the 19^th day of January, the Bill for allowance to Sheriffs upon their Accompts, for Justices Diets, was read the first time.

M^r Speaker with the Counsel, and twenty four more of the House, were appointed to meet this Afternoon, to draw Articles of Petition for the Queens Marriage, and Succession. Vide Concern∣ing this business, on Thursday the 28. day of this Instant January following; M^r Comptroller is nominated one of them.

For that it seemed to the House, being very full, that they were a greater number than were returned; therefore the names were immediately called, and as they were called, they departed out of the House, and in the end ten or eleven re∣mained, who said they were returned, and would bring Warrants thereof.

On Wednesday the 20. day of January, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second, being the Bill for allowance to Sheriffs, upon their Accompts for Justices Diets, was read the second time; and as it should seem Committed to M^r Sackvill, and others; see a like President on the day fol∣lowing.

A motion was made by a Burgess for a Subsidy.

The Queens Serjeant and Attorney brought a Bill from the Lords, touching the Garrison of Barwick.

An Excellent Declaration was this day made by M^r Secretary Cecill, of the great Charges de∣frayed by the Queens Majesty, and of the Causes of the Wars in France, for not keeping the Edict there made by the Parliament, and also touching the Charges at Barwicke, and New-haven, the Provision of Armour, and the Navy, the Cavil∣lation of the French for Callice, concluding to consider for the Aid.

The Bill lastly, for the Government of the Garrison, and Souldiers of Barwick, was read the first time.

On Thursday the 21. day of January. For that it is said, that M^r Elrington hath interest in the Iron-Mill in the Town of Shere in Surrey, whereas the Bill is to put down the same: It was resolved, that M^r Speaker should direct his Letter to him, in the name of the House, to come and shew, if he will, for saving his Estate therein; Vide touch∣ing this business, on Saturday the 30. day of this Instant January ensuing.

The Bill against breaking of Ponds, and Steal∣ing of Fish and Conies, was read the first time.

A like Letter was sent also to the Heir of Wal∣ter Herenden, for the Lands claimed by M^r Barty, and the Duchess of Suffolk.

The Bill to revive divers Acts to be Felony.

M^r Sidney.

By which manner of Entring the Title of the said Bill, it may plainly be collected, that the Bill it self, had at this time its second reading, and was thereupon committed to M^r Sidney aforesaid (to whom it seemeth the Bill was de∣livered) and others, whose names are omit∣ted.

The Queens Serjeant and others brought a Bill from the Lords, touching the Repeal of a branch for conveying of Horses; which Bill was pre∣sently read the first time.

On Friday the 22^th day of January, M^r El∣rington, Owner of the Iron-Mill in Shere; for the suppressing of which, a Bill was put into this House; desired a Copy of the Bill, and a day to Answer with his learned Counsel two in number; and to bring his Answer on Friday next.

Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second be∣ing the Bill against carrying of Horses out of the Realm, was secundâ vice lect.; but no mention is made, that it was either Ordered to be in∣grossed, or referred to Committees, because it had been formerly sent down from the Lords. And the last, being the Bill for the Government of the Garrison and Souldiers of Barwick, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) was committed to M^r Fitz-Chamberlain (mista∣ken for M^r Vice-Chamberlain and others;) Vide a like President on Thursday the 21^th day of this instant January foregoing.

For that Burgesses be returned of divers Bo∣roughs, not lately returned in the Chancery; viz. the Burgess of Tregony, S^t Jermynes, and Maws in Cornwall, the Borough of Minked in Somerset∣shire, the Borough of Tamworth in Stafford, and the Borough of Stankbridge in Southampton, M^r Speaker declared to the House, that the Lord Steward agreed they should resort into the House, and with convenient speed to shew Letters Pa∣tents, why they be returned into this Parlia∣ment.

Nota, That it was very common and ordinary in former times to avoid the Charges of their Bur∣gesses allowance, in time of Parliament (when the Town grew into any poverty or decay) that the Boroughs did either get Licence of the Sove∣reign for the time being, to be discharged from such Election and Attendance, or did by degrees discontinue it themselves; but of later times, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, for the most part bearing their own Charges, many of those Borough-Towns, who had discontinued their former priviledge, by not sending, did again recontinue it (as these Towns here) both during her Majesties Reign, and afterwards in the Reign of King James her Successor.

On Saturday the 23^th day of January, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for levying of Fines in the County Palatine of Durham, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill to repeal the branch for carrying of Horses out of the Realm, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

Three other Bills had each of them one read∣ing, of which the last being the Bill to avoid Aliens, not being Denizens, nor being here for Religion nor Conscience sake, was upon the se∣cond reading rejected, and the Bill torn.

On Monday the 25^th day of January, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Oak-Timber, preservation of Bark, was read the se∣cond time, and thereupon rejected and torn.

Certain Articles in writing, were objected by the Burgesses of Barwick, against the Bill of Bar∣wick, which was sent down by the Lords.

For that Lewes Mountgomery Esq, is returned Burgess for Northampton, and also for Dorchester, and doth appear for Northampton, a new Writ de Burgens. eligendo, was required for Dorchester.

The Queens Council with twenty four of the Shires, and fix of Wales were appointed, on Wed∣nesday next to meet in the Star-Chamber, for Order to be taken, concerning the Subsidy.

On Tuesday the 26^th day of January, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill that Apothecaries, and their Stuff, shall be under the search of the Col∣ledge of Physicians, was read the first time.

A Petition devised by the Committees (who were appointed on Tuesday the 19^th day of this instant January foregoing, although their names be wholly omitted, through the Clerks negli∣gence) to be made to the Queens Majesty by M^r Speaker, for limitation of Succession, was read by M^r Norton, one of the Committees. And thereupon the Queens Privy-Council were requi∣red to move her Majesty, that M^r Speaker with the whole House, may exhibit to her Highness that Petition, and to certifie her Highness plea∣sure. Vide touching this business on Thursday the 28^th day of this instant January ensuing in Po∣meridiano.

The Bill touching carrying of Horses out of the Realm, was sent up to the Lords, by M^r Com∣ptroller, with a request to the Lords, to further the Petition of this House to the Queens Majesty, touching Marriage and Succession; which was well allowed of by the Lords. Vide on Thurs∣day the 28^th day of this instant January fol∣lowing.

For that Francis Walsinghaw. returned Burgess for Linn in Dorsetshire, and for Banbury in Ox∣fordshire, doth appear for Linne, a new Writ de Burgens. eligend. was required for Banbury.

On Wednesday the 27^th day of January, the Bill touching Curriers to buy Tann'd-Leather, to work and sell it, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) was committed to Mr. Crosts, and others not named. Vide a like President on Thursday the 21^th day of this instant January foregoing.

Mr. Comptroller with the rest of the Council, declared, that the Queens Majesty would receive the Petition to Morrow in the Afternoon, at the Palace, by Mr. Speaker, with the whole House; of which see more on the day immediately en∣suing.

Mr. Comptroller with the Committees for the Bill of Subsidy, were appointed to meet this Af∣ternoon in the Star-Chamber.

On Thursday the 28^th day of January, the Bill for Badgers of Corn to be bound by Recogni∣zance, in the open Sessions, was read the first time.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon Mr. Speaker, with the whole House (with a Notable Oration) did exhibit their Petition to the Queens Majesty, in the Gal∣lery at the Palace, touching Marriage and Suc∣cession; which her Highness thankfully accepted (with an Excellent Oration) deferring the An∣swer to further time, for the gravity of the Ca∣ses. What further Answer her Majesty gave, may be seen on Thursday the 16^th day of February ensuing, and on Saturday the 10^th day of April postea.

But as touching the Petition delivered to her Majesty this Afternoon, by the whole House, from the Mouth of Mr. Speaker, it is not at all contained in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; and therefore having a Copy of it by me (which I do gather by all con∣curring circumstances, to be the very same here mentioned, both in respect of the time and mat∣ter) I have caused it to be inserted at large. I am not ignorant, that in divers Copies of this Speech, another Petition also is joined with it, as preferr'd likewise by the Lords to her Majesty, at this time, for the same Causes, which in truth happened not until the second Session of this Parliament following, Anno 8, & 9 Regin. Eliza∣bethae; neither shall it be needful to make any further demonstration thereof in this place, ha∣ving so fully cleared it in the Upper House Jour∣nal, at that aforesaid second Session ensuing, upon Tuesday the 5^th day of November; and now followeth the Copy of the above-mentioned Pe∣tition, at this time preferr'd as aforesaid.

Your Commons in this your Majesties present Parliament Assembled, most High and Mighty Princess, our most Dread Sovereign Lady, as they do daily, to their Commodity and Comfort, feel and receive the inestimable benefits of your most Graci∣ous Government of this your Realm, in Peace and Surety, so do also most thankfully acknowledge the same, beseeching Almighty God long to bless and con∣tinue your most prosperous Reign over them; And among all these benefits which they daily receive of your Highness, they have at this time willed me, in their names to recognize unto your Highness, that they account it not the least, but rather among the greatest of them all, That your Majesty hath at this time Assembled your Parliament, for supplying and redressing the greatest wants and defaults in your Common-Weal, and for the establishing the surety of the same; which your Majesties most gracious meaning, hath been at your Commandment, signi∣fied unto us, by the Right Honourable the Lord Keeper of your Great Seal of England, namely in this, that he willed us first to have consideration of the greatest matters that nearest touch'd the State of the Realm, and the preservation thereof, seem∣ing therein also to express unto us the Conformity of your Majesties mind, in having principal respect to the matters of greatest weight; and for that respect Assembling this your Parliament. And for asmuch as your said Subjects see nothing in this whole Estate of so great importance to your Majesty, and the whole Realm, nor so necessary at this time to be re∣duced to certainty, as the sure continuance of the Government of the Imperial Crown thereof, and the most honourable Issue of your Body (which Almighty God send us to your Highness Comfort) and for want thereof, in some certain limitation to guide the O∣bedience of our Posterity; And where Almighty God to our great Terror and dreadful Warning, lately touched your Highness with some danger of your most Noble Person by Sickness, from which so soon as your Grace was by Gods favour and mercy to us recovered, your Highness sent out your Writs of Parliament, by force whereof your Subjects are at this time Assembled; your said Subjects are both by the necessity and importance of the matter, and by the convenience of the time of Calling them im∣mediately upon your recovery, enforced to gather, and confess, that your Majesty of your most Gracious and Motherly Care for them, and their Posterity, have Summoned this Parliament, principally for establishing of some certain limitation of the Imperial Crown of your Realm, for preservation of your Sub∣jects, from certain and utter destruction; (if the same should not be provided in your Life, which God long continue;) They cannot, I say, but ac∣knowledge your Majesty hath most graciously consi∣dered the great dangers, the unspeakable miseries of civil Wars, the perillous and intermingling of Fo∣reign Princes with seditious, ambitious, and facti∣ous Subjects at home, the waste of noble Houses, the slaughter of People, subversions of Towns, intermis∣sion of all things pertaining to the maintenance of the Realm, unsurety of all mens Possessions, Lives and Estates, daily interchange of Attainders and Treasons; All these mischiefs, and infinite others, most likely and evident, if your Majesty should be taken from us, without known Heir, (which God forbid) to fall upon your Subjects, to the utter sub∣version of the whole, whereof you have Charge under God: If good provision should not be had in this behalf. Your Majesty hath weighed the Examples of Foreign Nations, as what ensued the Death of Great Alexander, when for want of certain Heirs by him begotten, or appointed, the variety of Titles, the diversity of Dispositions in them that had Titles, the ambition of them that under colour of doubt∣fulness of Titles, forsook all obedience of Titles, de∣stroyed his Dominions, and wasted Posterity with

mutual Wars and Slaughters: In what miserable Case also was this Realm it self, when the Title of the Crown was tossed in question, between the two Royal Houses of Lancaster and York, till your most Noble Progenitors Henry the Seventh, and the Lady Elizabeth his Wife, restored it to a setled Unity, and left the Crown in a certain course of Succession? These things, as your Majesty hath upon your own danger most graciously considered for our Comfort and Safety; so we most humble Sub∣jects, knowing the preservation of our selves, and all our Posterity, to depend upon the safety of your Majesties most Royal Person, have most carefully and diligently considered, how the want of Heirs of your Body, and certain limitation of Succession after you, is most perillous to your Highness, whom God long preserve amongst us. We have been admonished of the great malice of your Foreign Enemies, which even in your Life-time have sought to transfer the Dignity and Right of your Crown, to a Stranger; we have noted their daily most dangerous practices a∣gainst your Life and Reign; We have heard of some Subjects of this Land, most unnaturally confede∣rated with your Enemies, to attempt the destruction of your Majesty, and us all that live by you; We fear a Faction of Hereticks in your Realm, Conten∣tious and malicious Papists, lest they most unnatu∣rally against their Country, most madly against their own Safety, and most treacherously against your Highness, not only hope for the woful day of your Death, but also lay in wait to advance some Title, under which they may revive their late unspeakable Cruelty, to the destruction of Goods, Possessions, and Bodies, and thraldom of the Souls and Consciences of your faithful and Christian Subjects; We see no∣thing to withstand their desire, but your only Life, their Unkindness and Cruelty we have tasted; we fear much to what attempt the hope of such opportu∣nity (nothing withstanding them but your Life) will move them; We find how necessary it is for your preservation, that there be more set and known between your Majesties Life and their desire; We see on the other side, how there can be no such dan∣ger to your Majesty, by ambition of any Apparent Heir established by your benefit and advancement, for want of Issue of your Majesties Royal Body, as you are now subject unto, by reason of their desire and hope; We know not how many pretend Titles and Trust to succeed you, whose secret desire we so much more fear, because neither their number, force nor likelihood of disposition, is known unto us; and so we can the less beware of them for your preser∣vation.

We find also by good proof, that the certain limi∣tation of the Crown of France, hath in that Realm procured so great quiet, as neither the person of the Prince in Possession hath been indangered by secret or open practice, nor the Common-Weal molested by civil dissention, through any quarrel attempted, for the Title of that Crown; And somewhat near home, we have remembred the miserable estate of Scotland, after the Death of King Alexander, without any certain Heir, or limitation to whom the Crown of Scotland should remain; by reason whereof the whole estate of that Realm was left open, to the ambition of many Competitors, and most grievous desolation and spoil, that grew upon such division; which afterwards gave occasion to King James the Fifth, to limit the Crown of Scotland to certain Noble Families of that Realm; whereby they at this present enjoy that quiet surety, which we want; And all your Majesties most Noble Progenitors, Kings of this Realm, have been in this behalf so careful, that from the Conquest till this present day, the Realm was never left, as it is now, without a certain Heir, living and known, to whom the Crown after the Death of the Prince, should appertain; So, as your Majesty of your singular Care for us, and our Posterity, hath at this time Assembled us, for establishing of this great and only stay of our Safeties. We again, Most Gracious Sovereign Lady, acknowledge our selves, and all that we have, to depend upon your Preservation, being according to our bounden Duty, most careful of the same, are in most humble manner come to your Majesties pre∣sence; And I, the Mouth appointed for them, to∣gether with and in the name of all your most loving, natural and obedient Subjects, do present unto you, our most lowly Suit and Petition, That for asmuch as of your Majesties Person would come the most re∣doubted and best Heirs of your Crown, such as in time to come we would most Comfortably see, and our Posterity most Joyfully Obey;

It may please your Most Excellent Majesty, for our sakes, for our preservation and comforts, and at our most humble Suit, to take to your self some Honourable Husband, whom it shall please you to join unto in Mariage; whom, whatsoever he be that your Majesty shall choose, we protest and pro∣mise, with all humility and reverence, to Honour, Love and Serve, as to our most bounden duty shall appertain; And where by the Statute which your most noble Father Assented unto, of his most Princely and Fatherly Zeal for his most loving Subjects, for the limitation of the Succession of the Emperial Crown of this Realm, Your Majesty is the last ex∣presly named within the body of the same Act; and for that your Subjects cannot judge, nor do know any thing of the form or validity of any further li∣mitations, set in certain for want of Heirs of your Body, whereby some great dangerous doubt remain∣eth in their Hearts, to their great grief, peril and unquietness; It may also please your Majesty, by Proclamation of certainty already provided, if any such be, or else by limitations of certainty, if none be, to provide a most gracious remedy in this great necessity, which by your most Honourable, and Mo∣therly Carefulness for them, hath occasioned this Assembly; That in this convenient time of Parlia∣ment, upon your late danger most graciously called by you, for that cause, your Grace may now extend to us that great benefit, which otherwise, or at other times perhaps shall never be able to be done again; so not only we, but all ours hereafter, and for ever, shall owe no less to your Majesties propagation of Succession, than we do already owe to your most Famous Grandfather, King Henry the Seventh, his uniting of Division; And your Subjects on their

behalfs, for your Majesties further Assurance, where∣upon their own preservation wholly dependeth, shall imploy their whole endeavours, and Wits, and Power, to renew, devise and establish the most strong and beneficial Acts and Laws of Preservation, and Surety of your Majesty, and of your Issue in the Emperial Crown of this Realm, and the most penal, sharp and terrible Statutes, to all that shall but once practise, and attempt or conceive against your Safety, that by any possible means they may invent or esta∣blish, with such limitations of conditions, and re∣straints to all in Remainders, such grievous pains, and narrow Animadversions to all that shall enter∣prize or imagine any thing in prejudice of your Highness, and your Issue, as your Majesty shall not have any cause of suspicion, but most assured ground of Confidence in all your faithful Subjects, conti∣nually Watching and Warding for your Preservation, which God long continue, that you may see your Childrens Children, to his Honour and our Com∣fort, and encline your Gracious Ear to our most humble Petitions.

This Petition of the House of Commons, de∣livered by Thomas Williams Esq their Speaker, to her Majesty this Afternoon, as aforesaid (to which see her Majesties further Answer sent to the said House, on Tuesday the 16^th day of Fe∣bruary ensuing) now follows the residue of the passages of this Journal, out of the Original Journal-Book of the same House.

On Friday the 29^th day of January, Seven Bills of no great moment, had each of them one read∣ing; of which the sixth being the Bill for Fines to be levyed in the County Palatine of Durham, was read the third time, and passed the House.

For that John Hippesley Esq, is returned a Burgess for Wotten-Basset in Wiltshire, and also for Wells in Somersetshire, and doth appear for Wells, a new Writ was required for Wotten-Basset.

M^r Elrington appeared this day, with Mr. Ser∣jeant Harper, and Mr. Plowden being of his Learned Council, who shewing great reasons, that the Bill might be rejected, certain Articles were delivered in by the Mayor of Guildford, for maintenance of the Bill, which being read, the Copy thereof was awarded to Mr. El∣rington; Vide de ista materia, on the Morrow following.

Giles Clinket, Servant to Sir John Parrot K^t, of Pembroke, Attached in London in a Plea of Debt, at the Suit of Francis Parke, had the Pri∣viledge of the House granted.

On Saturday the 30^th day of January, Thomas Heneage was returned Knight for the County of Lincoln, and also Burgess for Boston in that County, and doth appear for Lincoln; whereupon a new Writ is required for Boston.

Three Bills had each of them one reading, of which the last being the Bill to revive the Act touching Usury, an. 37 Hen. 8. was read the first time, and as it should seem, committed to Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, to consider of it.

Mr. Elrington came in with the Serjeant, re∣quiring the Order of this House, in what sort he should Answer the Articles; whereupon the whole matter was committed to twelve of the House, to hear the Parties and Proofs on both sides, and thereupon to certifie this House; of which number it should seem, Mr. Sidney was one. Vide touching this business on Thursday the 21^th day, on Friday the 22^th day, and on Friday the 29^th day of this instant January fore∣going.

It was Ordered, that every one of this House, that cometh after the Prayer, which shall begin at eight of the Clock, shall pay four pence to the poor Mans Box.

On Monday the first day of February, Five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill touching the Bowyers of London, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Sir William Chester, and others not named; And the third being the Bill against carrying over the Sea of Pelts and Sheep-Skins, not Staple Ware, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Committees in the Bill touching Barwick, have had Conference with the Lords, and have further day to meet again; viz. on Saturday next.

The Bill to have de circumstantilus to the Juries in Wales, and in the County Palatine of Lanca∣ster, was read the first time.

Mr. Comptroller with others, was appointed to confer of the Priviledge of this House, upon motions made for the Imprisonment of Sir Ed∣ward Warner.

On Wednesday the 3^d day of February, the Bill to revive the Statute made for putting down of Grigg Mills, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Chichester, and others not named; Vide a like President on Thursday the 21^th day of January foregoing.

Thomas Dring Burgess of Petersfield in the County of Southampton, was Licensed upon the Death of his Uncle, to be absent for ten dayes.

Five other Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which one being the Bill against carrying over Sea of Pelts and Sheep Skins, not Staple Ware, was read the third time and passed; And another being for Rob∣bing of Ponds, and Stealing of Fish and Conies to be Felony, was read the third time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Comptroller and others not named; Vide consimile on Tues∣day the 21^th day of January foregoing.

On Thursday the 4^th of February, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one read∣ing; of which the third being the Bill touching Badgers, and Carryers of Corn, was read the se∣cond time; and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Recorder and others not named.

Christopher Hillyer, Burgess for Heydon in York∣shire,

upon the sickness of his Wife, was Licensed to be absent.

On Friday the 5^th day of February, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for repairing of Waltersey Bank in the Isle of Ely, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. North and others not named; Vide consimile on Thursday the 21^th day of Janu∣ary foregoing.

Sir Henry Jones complained, that all his Ser∣vants were Imprisoned, and prayed Priviledge; and after long Arguments for the Priviledge, Commission was given to Mr. Sackvill, and o∣thers, to examine and certifie of the matter.

On Saturday the 6^th day of February, the new Bill for setting up of Grigg Mills, betwixt Plime and Dart, was read the first time.

A motion was made by M^r Winter, that the House would have regard by some Bill to the Navy; And thereupon the matter, as it should seem, was referr'd to the said M^r Winter, and o∣thers, whose names through the negligence of ..... Seymour Esq, at this time Clerk of the House of Commons, are here, as in all other places of this Journal, omitted.

The Bill for a Subsidy of Lands and Goods, and two Fifteens, was read the first time.

On Monday the 8^th day of February, the new Bill against Servants robbing their Masters, and Buggery to be Felony, was read the first time.

M^r Sidney and M^r Mason declared, that upon Examination the Fray seemed to be begun by Sir Henry Jones his Servants; Vide touching this business on Friday the 12^th day of this Instant February following.

On Tuesday the 9^th day of February, the Bill for the Subsidy of Lands and Goods, and two Fifteens and Tenths, was read the second time; but there is no mention made of any thing spo∣ken to it, or the referring of it to Committees, or Ordering of it to be ingrossed, because (as may be conjectured) the Subsidy Bill, being commonly of a great length, the Forenoon was far spent by that time it was read through; and therefore the Arguments upon it were deferred till to Morrow; in which much dispute grow∣ing touching the Oath of the Assessors, it was again agitated in the House on Friday the 12^th day, and on Saturday the 13^th of this instant February ensuing; when it was Ordered to be ingrossed, and was lastly, on Friday the 19^th day of the same Month, read the third time, and passed the House.

On Wednesday the 10^th day of February, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Servants robbing of their Masters, and touching Buggery, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Thomas Walwin Gent., John Rice Yeoman, Owen Rice, Rice ap Richard, and Griffith Lewes, and John ap John, Servants to Sir Henry Jones Knight for Carmarthen, being Attached in London in three Actions of Trespass, at the several Suits of George Catchmeyde, William Prime and Henry Elmely Gent., move to have a Writ of Privi∣ledge; Vide plus concerning this matter on Fri∣day the 12^th day of this Instant February ensuing.

Divers Arguments were this day in the House upon the Bill of Subsidy, and the Oath therein: Vide touching this Bill in fine diei praecedentis.

On Thursday the 11^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Ser∣vants robbing their Masters, Buggery, Invoca∣tion of evil Spirits, Inchantments, &c. to be Felony, was read the third time, and passed the House.

Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor brought from the Lords a Bill against Forgers of Deeds, which was presently read the first time.

On Friday the 12^th day of February, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for punishment of For∣gers of false Deeds and Wills, was read the se∣cond time; But no mention is made, that it was either referr'd to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

The House desired the Privy-Council to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Queens Majesty, to have in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Petition, looking for her most Gra∣cious Answer. Vide touching this matter on Thursday the 28^th day of January foregoing, as also on Tuesday the 16. day of this instant Fe∣bruary following.

The Committees do certifie the House, that Sir Hen. Jones his men may be committed to the Serjeant, and that he attend Mr. Recorder, and Mr. Gargrave, with the persons before the Lord Chief Justice, to enter with Sureties in Bond of five hundred pound, to appear personally in the Queens Bench, in Trinity Term next, to Answer to such things as shall be then objected to them, on the Queens behalf, and so set at Liberty: Vide concerning this matter on Friday the 5. day, on Monday the 8. day, and on Wednesday the 10. day of this instant February foregoing.

On Saturday the 13. day of February, Argu∣ments touching the Oath of Assessors in the Sub∣sidy being had, the Bill was Ordered to be en∣grossed: Vide plus on Tuesday the 9. day of this instant February foregoing.

Two Bills had each of them one reading, of which the latter being the Bill touching levying of Fines for respite of Homage, was read the se∣cond time, and rejected.

For that John Harrington Esquire, returned Burgess of S^t Ives in Cornwal, and also for Car∣narvon in Wales, doth appear for Carnarvon, a Writ was required for a Burgess for S^t Ives.

On Monday the 15. day of February, the new Bill touching Usury, was read the first time.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lords by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, of which one was the Bill touching Servants robbing their Masters, and Buggery to be Felony.

The Bill against those that extol the Bishop of

Rome, and refuse the Oath of Allegiance, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, and others not named.

Divers Arguments being had upon the Bill for respite of Homage, it was at the last re∣jected.

On Tuesday the 16. day of February, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touch∣ing Usury, was upon the second reading Ordered to be ingrossed.

Robert Parker Servant to Sir William Wood∣house Knight for Norfolk, attached in London at the Suit of Thomas Raber Baker in Transgr., had a Warrant for Priviledge, notwithstanding a judg∣ment given against him.

Mr. Serjeant Carus and Mr. Attorney brought from the Lords five Bills for Restitution in Blood of divers persons.

Mr. Comptroller and Mr. Secretary declared from the Queens Highness, that she doubted not, but the grave Heads of this House did right well consider, that she forgot not the Suit of this House for the Succession, the matter being so weighty; nor could forget it: but she willed the young Heads, to take Example of the Anti∣ents: Vide touching this business on Saturday the 16. day, Monday the 18. day, Tuesday the 19. day, Tuesday the 26. day, Wednesday the 27. day, and on Thursday the 28. day of January foregoing; as also on Friday the 12. day of this instant February preceeding. Vide April the 10. postea.

On Wednesday the 17. day of February, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to con∣firm the Liberties of Exeter, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Thursday the 18. day of February, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the fifth being the Bill for Confirmation of the Li∣berties of Exeter, was read the third time, and passed the House. And the last being the Bill for punishment of Usury, and unlawful Bargains, was read also the third time, and passed per Di∣visionem Domus, viz. with the Bill a hundred thirty four, and against it ninety.

On Friday the 19. day of February, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the Subsidy and two Fifteens, granted by the Temporalty, was read the third time, and passed the House; Vide touching this Bill on Tuesday the 9. day of this Instant February foregoing.

Thomas Andrews Esq Burgess for Sudbury in Suffolk, and Thomas Eymis Burgess for Thuske in the Country of York, for their weighty affairs have Licence to be absent.

On Saturday the 20. day of February, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against ingrossing of Wooll, and that Wooll-Winders may buy Wooll, was read the second time, and thereupon rejected.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lords by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, of which one was for the pu∣nishment of Usury, and another for the Subsidy granted by the Temporalty.

Four other Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill against those that shall extol the Bishop of Rome, or shall refuse the Oath of Allegiance, was read the third time, and passed the House.

Robert Wieth Gent. Burgess for Wiche in the County of Worcester, for his necessary affairs is Licensed to be absent.

On Monday the 22. day of February, Four Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Bowyers of London; And the last to raise Grigg Mills between Plime and Dart in Devon∣shire, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill against those that extol the Bishop of Rome, &c. was sent up to the Lords by Mr. Secretary.

William Poughnyll Gent. Burgess of Ludlow in the County of Salop, for his great affairs in the Marches, hath Licence to be absent.

On Tuesday the 23. day of February, Seven Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being for the avoid∣ing of divers Foreign Wares; The second touch∣ing Badgers of Corn; The third for punishment of those that call themselves Egyptians; And the fourth for allowance to Sheriffs for Justices Dy∣ets at the Assizes, were each of them read the se∣cond time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Richard Bertie Esq one of the Knights of the County of Lincoln, for his weighty affairs, was Licensed to be absent.

On Wednesday the 24. day of February, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the new Bill against Clipping, Washing, and Filing of Coins, was read the first time

On Thursday the 25. day of February, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third for punishment of Clipping and Washing of money; And the fifth for such as lend their Goods for Apparel; were each of them upon the second reading Ordered to be ingrossed; And the last being the Bill against forging of false Deeds, with Provisoes from this House, was read the third time, and passed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Anne Thomas, was read the second time; but no mention is made, that it was either referred to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

William Undale Esq, Burgess for the Town of Southampton, was for his necessary affairs Licen∣sed to be absent.

On Friday the 26^th day of February, the Bill

for dressed Flax, and the Bill touching Originals of Fines imbezelled, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Four other Bills also had each of them one reading; of which one was the Bill that S^t Ka∣therines Church shall be a Parish Church, and a School Erected.

The Bill for Clipping and Washing of money, and the Bill against Sale of Wares for Apparel to persons under Land or Fees, &c. were each of them read the third time, and passed the House; And the last, being for having Grigg Mills be∣tween Plime and Dart in Devonshire, was upon the third reading dashed by the division of the House; viz. with the Bill forty seven, and against the Bill eighty four.

On Saturday the 27^th day of February, Sir Robert Wingfeild, one of the Knights for the County of Suffolk, for his affairs at the Assizes, was Licensed to be absent.

The Bill for further punishment of Vagabonds, calling themselves Egyptians, and the Bill for al∣lowance to Sheriffs for Justices Dyets, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lords by M^r Se∣cretary, with the Bill of the Subsidy amended, of which one was touching the punishment of Vagabonds, and another for Clipping and wash∣ing of money.

Three Bills lastly had each of them one read∣ing; of which one being the Bill to add de cir∣cumstantibus to the Juries in Wales, and Counties Palatine of Lancaster and Chester, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Monday the first day of March, Two Bills had each of them their first reading; of which the second being against Purveyors, was (as it should seem) referr'd to M^r Vice-Chamberlain, to consider of it.

Arguments being had in the House to the Pro∣viso for Hunting of Conies, that eat other mens Corn, was (as it seemeth) referr'd to M^r Vice-Chamberlain and others not named.

Griffin Curtis Esq Burgess for the Burrough of Ludgersall in Wilts, for his Affairs at the Assi∣zes, was Licensed to depart.

John Cheney Esq one of the Knights for the County of Berks, hath also Licence for his Af∣fairs.

On Tuesday the 2^d day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill touching Badgers of Corn, was read the third time, and passed the House.

M^r D^r Read, and M^r D^r Huick, brought from the Lords the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Children of the Lord Hussey; And the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Children of Archbishop Cranmer.

Long Arguments being had to the Bill for the encrease of the Navy, and Fish-Days; and a Proviso brought in by M^r Secretary, the Bill was Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Wednesday the 3^d day of March, the Bill for the Orders and Wages of Servants of Husban∣dry, and Artificers, was read the first time; and (as it should seem) committed to M^r Crofts to consider of it.

On Thursday the 4^th day of March, Sir Thomas Gargrave Knight, one of the Knights for the County of York, for great Affairs with the rest of the Council in the North parts, was Licensed to depart.

M^r Richard Baker and ..... Leonard Esq with their Council learned, required that a Proviso may be for them put to the Bill for the restituti∣on in Blood of the Sons of Henry Iseley Attainted of Treason.

William and Edward Iseley, with their learned Council, require, that considering the Bill doth restore them towards the Lands but to such Title as they had before, that that State may continue unto them; Vide touching this matter on the day following.

The Queens Serjeant and M^r Attorney, brought from the Lords two Bills, of which one being the Bill touching the Oath with four Pro∣visoes added by the Lords, the same Provisoes were read the first and second time.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill that S^t Katherines shall be a Parish Church, and a School there, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrost.

Seven other Bills had each of them one read∣ing; of which one being the Bill that the Bible and Book of Service may be in the Welch Tongue, And another that Sanctuary shall not serve for Debt, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrost.

On Friday the 5^th day of March, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for avoiding of divers Foreign Wares, made by Artificers beyond the Seas, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Parties on both sides for M^r Isely's Bill, re∣quire that it might proceed in form; for they be both agreed, that M^r Isely after this Bill pass, shall release to M^r Richard Baker, and M^r Leonard, all their right, title, interest and demand in such Lands, as the said Baker and Leonard severally have, late Sir Henry Iseley's, Father to the said William and Edward Iseley; Vide touching this business on the day foregoing. The Bill lastly, for restitution in Blood of William and Edward Iseley; And the Bill for restitution in Blood of Thomas Brook alias Cobham and others, were each of them read the second time; but no mention is made, that they were Ordered to be ingrossed, or referred to Committees; because they had been formerly sent from the Lords.

On Saturday the 6^th day of March, the Bill for the punishment of Perjury and false Witnes∣ses, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The three Bills last past, of which one was for avoiding of Foreign Wares, were sent up to the Lords by M^r Secretary, with twelve more.

The Queens Serjeant brought from the Lords the Bill of Subsidy of the Clergy; And the Bill for restitution in Blood of Ed. Turner.

The Bill also for continuance of Statutes for the mending of High-ways, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon twelve Bills had each of them one reading, of which the first being the Bill for restitution in Blood of Edward Turner; And the second for restitution in Blood of Sir Ralph Chamberlain, and John Hurleston, had each of them their second reading, but neither commit∣ted nor ordered to be ingrossed, because they had been formerly sent from the Lords.

John Eire Esquire, one of the Knights of the County of Wilts, for his Affairs is Licensed to be absent.

On Monday the 8^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that S^t Katherines Church shall be a Parish Church; And the Second for the re∣pairing and mending of High-ways, were read the third time, and passed the House; and were sent up to the Lords by M^r Comptroller.

M^r Attorney brought from the Lords three Bills, of which one was the Bill for Denizens Children.

The Bill also against the unlawful taking of Fish, Deer, or Hawks, was read the third time, and passed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon eight Bills had each of them one reading; of which one was the Bill for the Subsidy of the Clergy.

Richard Parrott Gent. Burgess for Sandwich, for his Sickness was Licensed to be absent.

On Tuesday the 9. day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, was read the second time; but no mention is made, that it was either referred to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed; be∣cause it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

Four other Bills also were each of them read the third time; of which one being the Bill for restitution in Blood of Anne Thomas; Another for restitution in Blood of Edward Turner; And a third for restitution in Blood of Thomas Cran∣mer, and Margaret, Children of the Archbishop Cranmer, did each of them pass the House.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon eight Bills had each of them one reading; of which the fifth being the Bill for the paving of Kentish-street, near Southwark, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to M^r Graston and others not na∣med; Vide consimile on Thursday the 21. day of January foregoing.

Long Arguments were this day had in the House, upon the Bill for having Wednesday to be a Fish-Day; Vide touching this business on Thursday the 11. day of this instant March fol∣lowing.

On Wednesday the 10. day of March, the Bill for restitution in Blood of William and Edward Iseley; The Bill for restitution in Blood of Tho∣mas Cobham; The Bill to make Denizens the Children of John Fitz-Williams and others; And the Bill for the restitution in Blood of the Heirs of the Lord Hussey, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill that Merchants shall not marry Stran∣gers beyond the Seas, was read the first time.

The Bill that the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal hath the like Power as the Lord Chancellor; And the Bill for the restitution in Blood of the Daughters of Thomas Iseley, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

M^r Sollicitor brought from the Lords the Bill for the restitution in Blood of Sir Peter Carew and William West. Long Arguments upon the Bill for having the Wednesday to be a Fish-Day, were continued till the Morrow after.

On Thursday the 11. day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the Subsidy of the Clergy, was read the third time and passed, and was sent up to the Lords by M^r Secretary, together with the Lord Keepers Bill, and the Bill for Fish, Deer and Hawks.

Long Arguments were had upon the Bill for encrease of the Navy, whether the Wednesday shall be a Fish-Day, and upon the Question the House was divided; and to have it a Fish-Day were a hundred fifty nine, and not to have it a Fish-Day were ninety six; And immediately after, upon the qualification of that day, the greater number agreed to the qualification: Vide touching this matter on Tuesday the 9. day, and on Wednesday the 10. day of this instant March foregoing.

George Cope Burgess of Ludgersall in Wilts, for his affairs at the Assizes, hath Licence to be absent.

On Friday the 12. day of March, the Bill touching Consecration of Bishops, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Four other Bills also had each of them one reading; of which one being the Bill for the Inning of Plumsted-Marsh, now surrounded, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Saturday the 13^th day of March, the Bill for the restitution in Blood of Leonard Diggs, and Thomas Diggs, and the Bill for restitution in Blood of Sir Ralph Chamberlain Knight, and John Hurleston, were each of

them read the third time, and passed.

The Bill against Conjurations, was brought from the Lords by M^r Sollicitor.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon six Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for increase of Woods and Cham∣pian Grounds, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to M^r Marsh, and others not named.

On Monday the 15^th day of March, the Bill against fulling of Caps in Mills was read the se∣cond time; but no mention is made, that it was either committed or Ordered to be ingros∣sed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

George Lee Esq, one of the Burgesses for Rip∣pon in Yorkshire, and Elice Price, one of the Knights for Merionethshire in Wales, for their af∣fairs were Licensed to be absent.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lords by M^r Vice-Chamberlain; of which one was the Bill for Inning of Plumsted-Marsh.

The Provisoes added to the Bill for increase of Navigation, were read the third time, and passed.

M^r Serjeant Carus and M^r Attorney, brought from the Lords the Bill for Enrolment of Bar∣gains in Lancaster, with a Proviso in Exeter Bill.

On Tuesday the 16^th day of March, the Bill for the Enrolment of Writings Indented at Lan∣caster, Chester and Duresm, and a Proviso added to the Bill of Exeter, were each of them read the first time.

The Bill for the Navy, and the Bill for resti∣tution in Blood of M^r West, were sent up to the Lords by M^r Secretary; and the Bill for Southamp∣ton, and the Bill for Bowyers, were sent from the Lords by M^r Comptroller.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for un∣lading of Malmesies and Sweet Wines at South∣hampton, was read the first time.

On Wednesday the 17^th day of March, the Proviso to the Bill of Exeter, was read the third time, and passed.

M^r Sackvil declared from the Queens Majesty, that she would take Order to make allowance for Justices Diets; and that Commissioners should be sent to enquire of Vicountels that may be levied, and the rest, Order should be taken for the discharge thereof.

Michael Poultney Esquire, Burgess for Lich∣feild, Robert Buckstones, Burgess for Horsam in Sussex, and Henry Green Citizen for the City of Hereford, were for their several affairs Licensed to be absent.

On Thursday the 18^th day of March, the Pro∣viso to the Bill of Bowyers, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill against phantastical Prophecies, The Bill for punishment of Witchcrafts, And the Bill against wilful Perjury, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon, the Bill for the uniting of Churches by the Bishop, so that the value be not above 24^l of the Churches united, with two others, were each of them read the first time.

On Friday the 19^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for punishment of Invocations of evil Spirits; And the last, That Fines or Re∣coveries, with Voucher, though the Original be imbezelled, shall be good, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

On Saturday the 20^th day of March, the Bill for continuance of Statutes to endure for ever, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to M^r Clare, and others not named; And the Bill against Bankrupts being read also the second time, was (as may be gathered) com∣mitted to M^r Mersh and others not named. Vide consimile on Thursday the 21^th day of January foregoing.

M^r Serjeant Carus, and M^r Sollicitor, brought from the Lords the Bill against Washing and Clipping of money; The Bill touching Leases made by Viscount Bindon and his Wife, with two others.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lords by M^r Vice-Chamberlain, of which one was for the punish∣ment of Witchcraft, and another touching Fines and Recoveries, with Voucher, &c. with two others of no great moment; and immediately the Bill, that Clipping or Washing of money shall be Treason; The Bill for preservation of Woods in Sussex, were each of them read the first time.

John Gardner Gent. Burgess for Dorchester in Dorset, was for his affairs Licensed to be absent.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for the relief of the poor, And the Bill for the uniting of Parish Churches in Cities and Corporate Towns, to the value of 24^l, were each of them read the second time.

John Darrington Esq, one of the Knights for the County of Huntington, is for his affairs, Li∣censed to be absent.

On Monday the 22^th day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that Clipping and Washing of Monies shall be Treason, was read the second time; but not committed nor ingrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

It was Ordered, that William Gerrard, a neces∣sary

Witness for M^r Pledal, as he saith, may be served by the Serjeant, to attend Mr. Haddon at the rising of the House; one of the Committees with the Master of the Rolls, Mr. Recorder and Sir William Arnold and Mr. Norton, discharged of this Examination. Vide plus on Saturday the 10^th day of April ensuing.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon four Bills of no great mo∣ment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the paving of Kent∣ish-street, was upon the second reading Ordered to be ingrossed.

John Dorrington Esq, Knight for Huntington, Humphrey Quarnby Burgess for Nottingham, Wil∣liam Dawtrye Knight for Suffex, Simon Thellwall Knight for Denbigh, for their several necessary affairs, were Licensed to be absent.

Three Bills lastly had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill touch∣ing Demurrers in Law.

On Tuesday the 23^th day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that Clipping and Washing of money, shall be Felony, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill for encrease of Tillage, was brought from the Lords by M^r Serjeant Carus.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching Leases to be made by the Lord Thomas Howard Viscount Bindon, and his Wife; And the second, that Henry Howard Esq shall not discontinue Lands that shall descend, were each of them read the second time; but no mention is made, that they were either Ordered to be in∣grossed, or referred to Committees, because they had been formerly sent from the Lords.

On Wednesday the 24^th day of March, Two Bills had each of them their second reading; of which the latter, being the Bill for Assignment of forty thousand twenty seven pound four shil∣lings and two pence half penny, to the Expen∣ces of the Queens Houshold; which Bill, not∣withstanding that it had passed the Upper House, and been sent down from the Lords to the House of Commons, on Wednesday the 17^th day of this instant March foregoing, yet it was committed, or at least referred to M^r Vice-Chamberlain, be∣ing an Officer of her Majesties said Houshold, to be further considered of; and was lastly pas∣sed in the House of Commons, upon the third reading on Saturday the third day of April ensu∣ing; and was then immediately returned back to the Lords by M^r Comptroller.

Two Bills were each of them read the third time, of which one being the Bill for Fulling of Caps, by foot and hand, was dashed upon the Question.

Morris William Knight for the County of Car∣narvon, for his weighty affairs, was Licensed to be absent.

On Thursday the 25^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that the Lord Abergavenny may make Leases for twenty Years, or three Lives; And the second, that Henry Howard Esq shall not discontinue Lands descending to him, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

And the third being the Bill for the Annuity of six pound thirteen shillings and four pence, out of Wandlesworth in Surrey, being the Arch∣bishop of Yorks Lands, to the School of Guild∣ford, was read the third time; but (it should seem) the House did desire to consider further of this Bill; and thereupon passed it not at this time, but gave it a fourth reading, on Tuesday the 30^th day of this instant March ensuing; and then it passed the House.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for payment of Alneagers Fees, for Sealing Cloaths in Lancashire, was read the second time, and Or∣dered to be ingrossed.

On Friday the 26^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being that the Lord Howard, and the Lady Elizabeth his Wife, may make Leases, &c. was read the third time, and passed.

On Saturday the 27^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that the Bible and the Di∣vine Service may be translated into the Welch Tongue, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill touching Worsted Woolls, and the Bill against Servants imbezelling their Masters Goods, were brought from the Lords by M^r Ser∣jeant Carus.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill that the Inhabitants of Norfolk and Suffolk, may sell again course Woolls, was read the first time; And the Pro∣viso also from the Lords to the Bill for Deer and Hawks, was read the first time.

Five Bills also had each of them one reading; of which one being for Killing of Crows was committed, as it should seem, to Mr. Ashley; A∣nother to avoid Nets for Fishing in the Thames, was read the second time, and committed to Mr. Cure; And the last touching the Assize of Bar∣rels, was upon the second reading, committed to Mr. Grafton, and others not named.

On Monday the 29^th day of March, the Pro∣viso to the Bill for Stealing of Deer, &c. was read the first time; and three other Bills being of no great moment, were each of them read

the second time; of which one was the Bill for encrease of Tillage.

The Bill de Excommunicato capiendo, and the Bill for the making of Goals, were brought from the Lords by Mr. Attorney.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon four Bills had each of them their first reading; of which the last was the Bill touching Tanners, Shoomakers, and other Arti∣ficers occupying Leather.

On Tuesday the 30^th day of March, the Bill to continue the Act for making of Goals, was read the second time; but no mention is made, that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed, or referred to Committees; because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

The Bill also for the School-House at Guild∣ford, was read the fourth time, and passed the House.

Nota, That here a Bill was read the fourth time, before it passed the House (having had its third reading on Thursday the 25^th day of this instant March foregoing) of which, though there want not other Presidents, yet it is rare and worth the observation.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lords by Mr. Se∣cretary, and others, of which one was the last mentioned Bill, touching the School-House at Guildford.

The Master of the Rolls with other Commit∣tees in the Cause of Forgery suspected upon Ple∣dal, declared great and vehement suspicion to be in Pledall; and where Pledall by the Commit∣tees, was Commanded not to speak with the person of Monkton Farley, he notwithstanding sent for him, and spake with him in the night, which person is likewise suspected; whereupon Pledall said, he did not remember any such Com∣mandment; and thereupon Order was taken, that the Committees should put their doings in this Case in Writing, and send them to the House this Afternoon, and that they should be read to Pledall; and he to Answer them, either by word or writing. Vide touching this matter on Satur∣day the 10^th day of April ensuing.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being that the Lord Chancellor may direct Commissions to the Bishop, for increase of the Living of Ministers, &c. was read the first time.

On Wednesday the last day of March, the Pro∣viso to the Bill against Stealing of Fish, Deer and Hawks, was read the third time, and passed; And the Bill that Sweet-Wines bought by Stran∣gers, shall be brought to Southampton, was read the third time, and passed.

On Thursday the first day of April, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the se∣cond touching Enrollments of Deeds in Lanca∣ster, And the last for the relief of the Poor, were each of them read the third time, and passed.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for sale of course Woolls in Norfolk and Suffolk, was read the se∣cond time; but neither Committed nor Ordered to be ingrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

On Friday the 2^d day of April, the Bill for Artificers, Labourers, &c. was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

On Saturday the 3^d day of April, Four Bills were sent up to the Lords, by Mr. Vice-Cham∣berlain; of which one was the Bill for the relief of the Poor.

The Bill for the Assignment of forty thousand twenty seven pound four shillings and two pence half penny, to the Queens Houshold, with three Provisoes from this House, was read the third time and passed; and sent to the Lords by Mr. Comptroller.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for taking and destroying of Crows, Rooks, &c. was read the first time.

On Monday the 5^th day of April, Mr. Serjeant Carus, and Mr. Sollicitor, brought from the Lords the Bill for Wales.

The Bill touching Tanners, Curriers and Sho∣makers, was read the third time and passed, and sent to the Lords by Mr. Secretary; together with the Bill for Restitution in Blood of William Iseley.

The Bill to avoid fraudulent Gifts, by any Convicted of Premunire, was read the third time, and dashed by the division of the House, viz. against the Bill eighty nine, and with the Bill sixty three.

Post Meridiem.

A Proviso to the Bill for Wales, was read the first, second and third time, and thereupon pas∣sed the House.

The Bill to revive the Statute against Servants imbezelling their Masters Goods, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill lastly, that Cloathiers for every Cloth of Woollen, or thirty Kersies, shall make a piece of Linnen-Cloth, of twenty Yards long, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Norton, and others not na∣med.

On Tuesday the 6^th day of April, the Bill to avoid fraudulent Gifts, and the Bill against Ser∣vants embezelling their Masters Goods, were sent up to the Lords by Sir Anthony Coke.

Three Bills also had each of them their third reading, and passed the House; of which the

first being the Bill touching Artificers, Servants of Husbandry, Labourers and Apprentices, was sent up to the Lords by Mr. Comptroller.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for the Order of Bankrupts and their Goods, Chattels, Lands and Tenements, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Wednesday the 7^th day of April, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that the Alneager of Lanca∣ster shall Seal the Cloaths there made, was read the third time, and passed the House; and was with two others, sent up to the Lords by Mr. Secretary.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon three Bills of no great mo∣ment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for encrease of Tillage, and reedifying of decayed Houses of Husbandry, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Thursday the 8^th day of April, the Bill touching Hat-makers, and Felt-makers, to buy Spanish Wooll; And the Bill to avoid the dres∣sed Flax brought out of Flanders, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House; and were with two others, sent up to the Lords by Mr. Secretary.

The Bill for destruction of Crows, Rooks, &c. and other such Vermine, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill also for paving of Kentish-street near Southwark; And the Bill that Sanctuary shall not be allowable for Debt, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House; and were sent to the Lords by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon a Proviso to the Bill for re∣pairing of Goals, and a Proviso to the Bill de Excommunicato capiendo, were each of them read the first and second time.

On Friday the 9^th day of April, the Proviso added to the Bill de Excommunicat. capiend. was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill also for destruction of Rooks, Crows and Coughs, and such other Vermine, was read the third time, and passed the House; and im∣mediately sent up to the Lords by M^r Vice-Chamberlain.

The new Bill for uniting of Churches in Bo∣roughs or Towns, being under the value of twenty Marks, was read the first time; And the Proviso lastly of this House to the Bill for repairing of Goals, was read the third time, and passed.

On Saturday the 10^th day of April, It was Ordered that M^r Pleddall shall have the Copies of such Examinations and Writings, as have been certified into this House; by the Master of the Rolls and other Committees; and also that M^r Francis Newdigate may have like Copies; And that such Evidence, as M^r Pleddall hath de∣livered to the Committees hands, may remain under their Seals, and M^r Pleddall's Seal in the keeping of the Officer of the Rolls, that useth to keep the Evidences there. Vide concerning this matter on Monday the 22^th day, and on Tuesday the 30^th day of March foregoing.

The Bill for repairing of Goals was sent up to the Lords, by M^r Vice-Chamberlain.

The Queens Majesties free and general Par∣don, Signed with her Graces Hand, was brought from the Lords, by M^r Attorney, and M^r Solli∣citor, and immediately read the third time, and passed.

Nota, That this Bill touching her Majesties Pardon, passed upon the first reading; where∣as other Bills do never pass till after the third.

A Proviso sent down to the House of Com∣mons from the Lords, touching the Bill of Bank∣rupts; And the addition to the Bill concerning Purveyors, were read the first, second and third time, and passed the House.

In the Afternoon about three of the Clock, the Queens Majesty sitting in her Royal Seat, M^r Speaker made an Excellent Oration, rehear∣sing divers Laws made by divers Queens of this Realm, and requiring the Queen to Assent to the Acts past both Houses, and presented to her Majesty the Book of Subsidy, and the Book of the general Pardon, with most humble thanks for the same. And the Lord Keeper, by the Queens Commandment, gave great thanks unto the Nobility and Commons, and earnestly re∣quired them severally in their Countries, to look that the Laws might be Executed. And touch∣ing the Succession, the Queen Commanded the Lord Keeper to declare her Highness device thereof; the effect and conclusion whereof was, that for the great weight of the matter, her Majesty minded to take further advice: Vide plus concerning this matter of Succession on Thurs∣day the 28. day of January, and on Tuesday the 16. day of February foregoing.

Then were the several Titles of the Acts read, and thirty one publick Statutes, and seventeen private, were made Laws by her Majesties Royal Assent. And then this Parliament was Prorogued until the second day of October next.

At which second day of October, for that the Plague was great in London and Westminster; The Queens Majesties Letters Patents of Com∣mission, were directed to the Lord Treasurer of England, and other Bishops, and Lords of the Upper House, to Prorogue this Parliament un∣to the fifth day of October, 1564. which was done accordingly in the presence of the said Lords, and a few of the House of Commons, Mr. Speaker not being there.

At which fifth day of October, this Parlia∣ment was further Prorogued by the Queens Ma∣jesties Commission Patent, unto the 30. day of April, the next ensuing, M^r Speaker not being there.

At which 30. day of April, It was then fur∣ther Prorogued unto the 4. day of October then next following, M^r Speaker not being there.

At which fourth day of October, Anno Do∣mini 1565. Anno Septimo Reginae Elizabeth. It was then further Prorogued unto the 7. day of February then next following, M^r Speaker not being there.

At which 7. day of Feb. 1565. & Anno Elizabe∣thae Reginae Octavo, It was then further Prorogued unto the 30. day of Sept. then next following.