Florus Anglicus: or An exact history of England, from the raign of William the Conqueror to the death of the late King. / By Lambert Wood gent.

CHARLES the first, King of Great-Brittany, France and Ireland.

Anno 1625.

CHARLES the first succeeded his Father, being twenty five yeares of age. The first design he had was to marry Henrietta Mary, Daughter to Henry the fourth King of France, as he purposed before, who landed in England the 22 day of April, and was received magnificently.

Then a Navy was prepared against the Spa∣niard, (for all friendship was grown stale be∣tween these two Kings, by reason of the breach of the Marriage, and the business of the Pala∣tinate) he joyned with the Ships of Holland, and sent away toward Spain, and first assaul∣ting Cades and not prevailing, they set up sail to Sea, and spoyling all the Spanish Vessels they met, they return for England.

Now a Covenant was made between the English and the United Provinces, and they resolved with joynt Forces to tire out the Spa∣xiard, but Charles, whose Exchequer was empted by reason of his great Expence of his

Spanish Voyage, and setting forth of his Navy, was forced to call a Parliament, but Bucking∣ham the Kings chief Minister of State, and most dear unto him, had yet given no answer to his Charge, whereupon they denied to sup∣ply the King with Subsidies, wherefore he was forced to finde out some other waies to raise monies, wherewith he provided a mighty Fleet once more, wherewith, assisted by the Flemish Ships, he spoiled all the Spanish Ships they met, either coming from Spain, or sailing thi∣ther, and did wonderfully annoy the very Spa∣nish Coasts; but when the French were not spared, a stop was made in France of some English Vessels, and the Merchants Goods were Confiscate. The Ministers of the Church of Rome had heightned the indignation, those that came into England with the Queen, and these did what they could privately to trouble the English affairs. They were commanded to leave the Land, but they were sent away with good gifts and rewards. The French offended at this as an injury, sent Monsier Bassempeir Extraordinary Embassadour into England, who prevailed so farre that some were re∣call'd.

The French was not satisfied with this, but forbad all Commerce with the English subjects, and Charles did the like. Envy increasing,

Lewis oppressed the Rochellers; Charles sent relief to the besieged, though he prevailed but little, some mens hearts flagging, who returned for England, and for their sluggish∣ness, they were cast into prison. But chiefly sharp complaints were charged by the Parla∣ment against Buckingham, who was the Com∣mander of this Expedition: That he had deli∣vered some Sea Towns to the Custody of some Souldiers that received no pay from the English, and had made strangers Commanders of them in Chief. That to the great detriment and hazard of the Kingdom, he had brought German Soul∣diers into England. That by his perswasion one Parliament was called after another and nothing done. That he had put many worthy Noble man from their places undeservedly, and put men less deserving into their places. That Warlick Ex∣peditions undertaken imprudently had alwaies an ill end, as was fresh in memory by the Ro∣chell business. That Merchandise failed by this means. That he had turned another way such preparations as were made for Warre, and had destroyed a multitude of Shipping by his ill mana∣ging of business, &c.

Charles to stop all farther proceedings against Buckingham, presently dissolved the Parlia∣ment, and being overcome with the continuall prayers of the besieged, he raised new Forces

to send to assist the Rochellers, under the com∣mand of the Duke of Buckingham, but when he was ready to Embarque himself, he was stabbed with a Knife by Felton an English man (who by this act did sacrifice himself for his Country) but he was taken when he had done it, and was hanged for his pains.

Then a new Parliament was summoned; the King complained that Tunnage was denied him, the answer was made that such supplies were never granted to the Kings but upon urgent necessity, and therefore it were better that he should look to prevent the wrongs that were every where crept in, whereupon the Parliament was once more Dissolved.

Then there was a supersedeas to all business, for if any man did not pay that Custom he In∣curred the Kings displeasure, and if any did pay, then he incurred the displeasure of the Parlia∣ment, and hereupon grew cause enough for following mischiefs. The King offended at the mallepartness of the Parliament, cast S^r John Eliot and some other Members of Parliament into prison, and appointed Judges to take cog∣nizance of their Fact, they supposing them∣selves chosen besides the custom, deferred to meddle with the business, being doubtfull what to do, the King pressed them on one hand, and the people on the other. The Kings Offi∣cers

sent messengers to the Merchants, whom they call usually Adventurers, exhorting them that they would set their Merchandise to sale, as they were wont, saying the King would take care of all, only let them pay their Custom, which thing they refused to do, without con∣sent of Parliament.

The other Merchants did the same, for it was fresh in their memories, that about an hundred years before, the Merchants had a penalty set upon them, who paid their Custom, the Parliament being against it, in memoriall whereof, that posterity might not plead igno∣rance, a Chappel was built, which at this day is called Alderman-Bury; and a stranger Merchant, who paying the Custom, had set his Merchandize to sale, was excluded from all Commerce. And for this reason there was cause given for both sides to be displeased. In the interim Peace was ratified with France, and the Queen was brought a Bed of her first-born Charles. The Spaniard also was hampred with divers Warres, and want of moneys, and therefore he thought it better to make Peace with Charles, than to be brought to a finall de∣sparation, yet the King and his subjects were never the better agreed.

New and greater causes of dissention arose: The King had taken care that the Book of

Common-prayer should b•• re-printed, that such as had not the same gift of minde, might have something for their imitation, and by a set form should be stirred up to more atten∣tiveness. This form was read in Churches and Houses at that time through all England. But the Scotch, a scrupulous people in their opi∣nion, who are more afraid of the, name of yielding, than resisting, and would sooner of∣fend against Religion than the Ceremonies of it, did publickly refuse it, but they especially, who held forth affected purity, were called Puritans.

Charles to regulate the obstinate, presently musters an Army to invade Scotland. James Hamilton was the cause of it, who was sent into Scotland to allay the peoples mindes be∣fore it should come to a Warre, but he dealt deceitfully, for having a desire to the Crown of Scotland, he endeavoured to raise dissen∣tions, and hoped to fish best in troubled waters. The Scotch on the other part, that they might not idly wait for their own de∣struction, meet the King with their Forces, but their Banners and Ensignes were not dis∣plaied, and in token of humility they laid their Arms down before him on the ground. But when both Armies stood now ready, the En∣glish, that they might not strive with their

Brethren, refused to fight, wherefore he was forced to make peace with the Scots upon no good conditions, which being ratified, he came back to London.

He was scarce returned, but some factious fellows, and such as by troubles and Warre hoped to make their own advantage, speak against the Kings sluggishness, and stirred him up; who was already prone enough to make a new Warre against the Scots; whereupon he goes once more with an Army into Scotland, and by the same contumacy of his souldiers, as before, he was frustrate of his intentions.

The Scotch also made a nearer agreement a∣mongst themselves against the King, which they called their [Covenant.] The King there∣fore when he was distressed for want, cals a Parliament, and asks Subsidies of them, but it was in vain, wherefore he was forced to fly to other Artifices. The Queen that was pres∣sed with the same care the King was, dealt with the Earl Charles Rosset, and with other Mini∣sters of the Barbarians, Pansanius and Cuna∣us, to procure a supply out of the Popes Trea∣sury (yet it is supposed that the King knew nothing of it) promising if she prevailed, that the Catholicks in Ireland should have greater liberty in their Religion. But Rosset denied that any such assistance could be granted to any,

unless to a Catholick Prince, (as they term it) but if the King would abjure the Reformed Religion, and cleave to the Church of Rome, he promised all assistance; but he hating such a sacriledge, nothing was done.

Rosset for this business was in great danger; for the English, who after they had renoun∣ced the Roman Religion, hated his name more than the Plague, or death it self, when they saw that his followers had more freedom, and were not ignorant of Rosset, who was the Au∣thor of it, they make a tumultuous head against him, that they might tear in pieces this hurt∣full instrument of so hatefull superstition; but he hardly escaping in disguised apparell, hid himself amongst the friends of the Queen Mother, Mary de Medicis, who at that time was in England, and afterwards he escaped all danger, by the assistance of John Justinian the Venetian Embassadour, and Embarking himself he sailed into Flanders; but when he came to Rome, Pope Ʋrban the eighth rewarded his good service with a Cardinals Cap.

The Irish in the interim were broke forth into a new Rebellion, and the Parliament used all means to finde a remedy for such a mischief. And the King being not at quiet, caused the Liturgy to be new printed, which

he imposed upon all the Churches in England, and forbad all Ceremonies to be used other∣wise than they were in Queen Elizabeths daies. In the mean while, that no new cause of divisions might be wanting, seven Romish Priests are cast into prison, and are condemned by the Parliament to suffer death; but the French Embassadour pitied their miserable con∣dition, and sued to the King for their pardon, the King answered he could grant nothing in that business, without consent from his Parlia∣ment. Then it was motioned to the Parliament who presently yielded to it. The King when he knew this, thought by an importunate anti∣cipation to gain the thanks of that business to himself, and of his own accord commands the Priests to be freed from the prison. The Par∣liament was angry at the Kings over-forward∣ness, and changed their former Decree of freedom into a Sentence of condemnation: The King he began to urge their discharge, and to stand upon it, resolving never to leave the business untill the Parliament were met in a full number, and should give their finall deter∣mination. They of their own accord cause one or two of these Monks to be put to death. It is wonderfull how great good will of the people they procured to themselves by this deed, especially when by their publick Writings

they began to infringe the Kings Authority, using such sweet words to the people, that might win their good liking of it. The King in the House of Peers complains of the inso∣lence of the Lower House, and by a sharp Speech inveighed against their stubborness, say∣ing that he neither could nor would wink at so great affronts. Others again complain against the Kings too great Power, and desire remedies.

The King in the mean time strove to put out some from their places of publick employment, and to put in others; amongst the rest, he put out Montjoy from his Lieutenants place of the Tower, and put in another that stood fast to his part. The Lower House interprets this business, as if the King strove to draw all the power of Government to himself, and accused this new Lieutenant before the Upper House, for a factious person, and who was before condemned by the Judges to dye, and there∣fore a man unfit for so weighty an imployment. They added farther that this matter could not be without danger, for he having the command of the Tower might destroy all the City of London. The Upper House answered, That unless they would put their sickle into another mans Corn, it were wickedness in them to hinder the King in that matter, for it was an ancient

and received prerogative of the Kings, openly refusing their consent.

Nor was it long ere a multitude of Servants (which they call Apprentices) and a rabble of other people, came to the Hall door, crying out and thundring, that unless they would re∣move out of that place the Lieutenant of the Tower, who was a Papist, a factious, a wick∣ed and unworthy man, they would turn all up∣side down; and they prevailed by this means so far, that both the King and the Lords were for∣ced to consent.

Nor was this furious multitude of the people content with this, but they made a fresh onset to abolish the Government of Bishops, and would have them all to be forwarnd the Parlia∣ment House, for that they were addicted (as they pretended) to the Church of Rome, and to force them to it, they runne like furies into Westminster Abbey, that was venerable for it's Antiquity, and they fall in their rage upon the sacred Garments, Organs, Sepulchres, and spoil all that was either comely for its Ancient∣ness, pretious for cost, or to be valued for curious Workmanship; they hardly spared the Bones and Ashes of the dead, their impure purity had hurried them so farre. Then they runne to the Kings Court, crying, urging and thundring out the same things. The King had

them all go about their business, threatning them with severe punishment that refused, and least the next day they should terrifie him with greater multitudes, he fortified himself with a stronger Guard. The Parliament either fear∣ing themselves (or because they would not be inferiour to the King) require a strong Guard of Souldiers to defend them, the Earl of Essex might be the Captain of it. The King neither granted nor denied it. Then they attempted a new business, and that was not usual, appoint∣ing an extraordinary Assembly in the City, that should manage all weighty and great occurren∣ces, and this they did, without the Kings leave or knowledge. And to weaken his Majesty the more, or rather to satisfie the insolence of the people, they cast twelve Bishops into prison, because they went about to maintain their pri∣viledge by the publick Charter. That business much troubled the King, and all those that lo∣ved the publick quiet above all things, but they that hoped to finde some good for themselves out of these tossings and tumults, did laugh in their sleeves, fomenting the troubles, and turn∣ing every stone, untill such time as the Earl of Bristol, and his sonne were involved in the same danger (Strafford the year before lost his Head to satisfie the people, who was a man of a commendable and most approved understand∣ing)

William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury, and Primate of England followed him. But now they touched his bowels, for they began to accuse the Queens Majesty, as if she had privately caused the troubles in Ireland, and had secretly moved that people (that are of themselves inconstant enough) to rebell. The King moved with this, accused five of the Lower House, and one of the Upper House of High Treason. Their Names were, the Lord Viscount Mandevill, M^r Pym, M^r Hambden, Sir Arthur Haselrig, M^r Hollis, and M^r Strowd, clearly demonstra∣ting that they were the men, that had given occasion for these Tumults and Dissentions.

The Articles of their accusation were these:

That they endeavoured to overthrow the Fun∣damental Laws, and the Kings Authority.

That they strove to alienate the hearts of the Subject from him.

That by the same Artifice they had sollicited the Kings souldiers to revolt.

That they had procured strangers to help them to possesse the Kingdom.

That they attempted to cast down the Parliament and the Priviledges of it.

That they contrived to bring both Houses to themselves, and to their Opinions, and there∣fore they caused that concourse and commotion of the People.

Lastly, That they had blown up this fire of War against Ma••esty.

These Articles being read to the Lower-House, the King required that some should be sent to seize presently on their Writings, but some were sent to the King to disswade him from it, and in the name of the Parliament, they would be Surety for the fidelity of the Members accused. But the King answered, That he required Obedience from his Subjects without enquiring into his Reasons. Others again urged, That the King by this Act had overthrown the Priviledges of Parliament, and noted this Accusation to be a famous Libel.

The King was resolved to oppose Force against Force, he requires assistance from the Souldiery, and hasteneth to the Hall with five hundred armed men after him, and command∣ing them all to wait at the door, he only en∣tered into the House with an angry Counte∣nance, and when he saw none of those that were accused, he seriously relates his good In∣tentions to the Parliament, and to the Laws and Priviledges thereof, requiring that those Mem∣cers he accused might be delivered up to him, and so he went back to his Palace the same way as he came, and sent a Herauld once more to finde out those he had charged. Then he goes

again himself to the House, where the rest of the Members late, and did renew his discourse, whereby he expressed his good Inclination, and laboured to remove the envy from himself, that lay upon him, saying, That he would change nothing, nor do otherwise than what was done in Queen Elizabeths dayes; Then he went to Dinner to one of the Sheriffs houses, and was in some danger by reason of the enraged mul∣titude. But the Lower-House taking Counsell with the Upper, resolved by all means to re∣venge this rigour of the King that he had used against their Priviledges, they presently put the City in Arms, caused them to shut up their Shops, and the sitting was adjourned for five dayes. Also the Parliament for bad the Citizens, that no man should help the King to finde out those that were accused, rendring the King as hatefull to the People as they could, and sha∣king his Authority. The King, when he might have made use of this Division between the two Houses to overthrow the attempts of the People, breaks forth into violent anger, sets a. Guard upon the Tower of London, and once more de∣clares the accused to be guilty of High Treason, forbidding all men either to conceal them, or to convey them away, promising their Estates to any that should discover them, either alive or dead. But men were so farre from obeying the

King, that the accused Members, guarded with a multitude of Citizens, took their places again, as before in Parliament, yet this was not suffi∣cient, for the Parliament published through the City, That the King intended to ruine the Citi∣zens, That his Forces were now ready to do it, which did not a little exasperate the mindes of the Citizens. But the Aldermen of the City took a better course, and humbly certified the King, That the Communalty were too much incensed already, and therefore he should let pass bitter counsel, and finde out some way to compose the matter. The King answered them with the greatest moderation, greatly complain∣ing that his Authority was violated.

But the Parliament, when they had brought the business so farre, thought not fit to give it over, but on the 16^th day of January, in the Year 1642. raised a vast multitude of Citizens, and others, as it was pretended, to defend the Houses, that they might assemble freely, and Latters were forthwith sent to other neighbour∣ing Counties, whereby they were commanded to draw up in Arms all the Forces they could, under colour to defend the Laws and Liberties: Upon this occasion there came together a migh∣ty Army, so that at least 20000 were ready at a beck.

The King having timely notice of it, leaving

the City, makes haste to Hampton Court, com∣manding his Counsellours to follow him, espe∣cially the Earls of Essex and Holland, but they refused, wherefore the King with a small com∣pany, took his journey like one that fled, so that for haste, being he had no Purveyors, to provide room for him sufficiently, He, his Wife and Children the first night, were constrained to tumble all in one Bed.

He being now escaped from out of their hands, by Proclamations endeavoured to main∣tain his own Cause before the whole world, but he wanted help.

It was otherwise with the Parliament, for all London now stood against the King, ready in Arms. The Streets and crosse-wayes were stopped with Chains, and Barres, and Cannon mounted; Also the Parliaments Forces were augmented by an addition of four thousand Horse Souldiers that came to them. The Boats and Barks were fitted for the Warre, and most of the Citizens servants and Apprentices, were at a call to joyn with the Parliament, and be∣ing armed what with Clubs, what with Sticks, what with Swords, and other Weapons, they came and guarded the Parliament-House, at Halberd-men; And from that time the meeting was not at Westminster, as before, but in the City, that they might the better win the minds

of the Citizens to themselves, and be nearer to their businesse. Though the King being asked his opinion thereof by Essex, did flatly deny it, wherefore they are resolved to set upon the Kings stubborn minde (as they said.) They commanded the Governours of Sea-Towns, not to obey the Kings Orders, unless they were confirmed by the Authority and Seal of the Parliament, at one blow almost cutting off all the Kings Authority. This might have been prevented, had he by good counsell taken pos∣session of those Towns, and put in Souldiers to keep them for him.

The King, when he saw they provided Force, and that he was not safe at Hampton Court, rides presently to Windsor, thither came the French Embassadour to him, who offered to be Um∣pire between the King and his Subjects, but when neither King nor Queen would give any great credit to his words, he did prevail but lit∣tle. But now the King first saw that he was de∣ceived of his hopes, when he imagined that Wales and Yorkshire were revolted from him, at the Report of what was past, and for fear of them his counsel was troubled.

But the Parliament (which the King in his straights was not ignorant of) thought fit to proceed, and did prescribe Conditions to the King, namely, That the English should be

governed the same way as the Scotch were, and to that they might call a Parliament as often as they pleased, and assign Offices to whom they thought fit, That the Bishops should be ejected out of the Parliament, whom they found more addicted to the Kings side, and many such like Propositions.

In the mean time, the Houses take into their Power the Towns of greatest concernment, amongst which Hull was one; The King had sent the Earl of New-castle thither before to demand it for himself, but the Townsmen, who had first received order from the Parliament, being doubtfull what to do, were between hope and fear, but then being confirmed with a far∣ther order from the Parliament, they excluded the King. Wherefore being defrauded of his hope, he resolves upon more milde counsels, and sent Letters to the two Houses, desiring them not to proceed so harshly, to leave off their violence, protesting his Innocence and sincere intention before God and man. But the Parliament little moved by these words, take care in the mean time for the business of Ireland, giving Licence to Martin Tromp the Admiral of Holland to search all Dunkirk ships, even in they very English Havens. Also Digby and Lunsford that were addicted to the King, are accused of High Treason, the one was taken,

the other escaped into Holland. Then they send Messengers to the King, and gave him thanks for his Letters, desiring his Majesty to return to London. The King, though he were pleased with their gratitude, yet refused to come to the Parliament, least the people by their Insolence should again put him in danger. The Parlia∣ment was much displeased with this refusall of the King, because the traffique did not proceed well, and because they could not press their de∣signs as they would. Whereupon the Lower House drew up an Humble Remonstrance, Whereby they desired Power to bestow all Places of Government both by Sea and Land, upon whom they thought fit, and to fortifie Towns with Ammunition and Provision necessary, as they pleased. And proceeding yet farther, They asked that the old Servants of the Queen, both English and French, and such as were her Priests might be banished, and the Bishops and Lords addicted to the Popish Religion, might be excluded from the Parliament-House. That a Synod of fifty Ministers might be called. That the Princes and Lords should be forbidden to go out of the Land, or to make any Covenant with forrain Princes or Commonwealths, with∣out the Parliaments consent. Lastly, They de∣sired that the King should take an Oath to hold no counsel with the Queen in Church or State affairs.

The Lords of the Upper House were not well pleased with these Propositions, for that the Kings Authority was palpably infringed by them. The Lower House was angry at that, and fell to their former Artifice, and threatned to raise the people, and incite them against the Nobility, as Enemies to the Commonwealth, and addicted to the Kings side. The Lords re∣garded not their threats, untill they saw the Commons uniting themselves by counsel from the Lower House, and (which is to be ad∣mired) they found the Commissioners of Scot∣land, to joyn with them against the profit of their own Countrey. At last they were terrified with these things, and fore-seeing greater dan∣gers, they consent, though it were against their wils. Twenty chosen men therefore are sent to the King with these Conditions, which when the King beheld, he undertook to ask Counsell thereupon, and to deliver his minde in writing. But when he was pressed with straights on all sides, he yielded to these Conditions, namely, That the Parliament should store the Cities of the Kingdom with provision, upon this ground that the King should first be made acquainted what provision they would make, and to bestow the Offices, so that of three men chosen, the King might choose one. As for the Bishops and the rest, as being matters of great moment, he

would advise farther. The Kings Consent was received by the Parliament with great applause, though they could have desired the terms of his Grant had been larger, for by this Autho∣rity they increased in power as much as the King decreased. They brought the business so farre, that the power should be in their hands so long as the Parliament sate, which they meant for ever: For the King by a dangerous Indulgence, had granted them leave before to sit so long as they pleased, they being not to be dissolved without their own Consent. And that this pow∣er granted to them might not prove unfruitfull, they presently put out some Governours, and put in others. Nor are they content with this, but being higher by the Kings Grants, they pe∣tition that the six Members should be cleared from all guilt, and to be freed from attainder, the King was resolved to yield to all, and did grant what they asked.

The Kings courage was so farre weakned, that he lifted up the Power of his Adversaries, and pulled down the hopes of his friends, who trusting but little to his over great lenity, thought it best to avoid the strokes or misfortune now hanging over their heads, Part of them forsa∣king the Parliament, went home to their hou∣ses; Part of them preferring voluntary banish∣ment before continual fear, went out of the

Land, for they had now got the power of all into their hands, and did what they pleased, no man daring to whisper against it.

And now that plenty of Parliament-members was so diminished, that in the Upper House there were left not above five and twenty, in the Lower House scarce fourscore, the Kings friends still falling off, that at last there were hardly sixteen in the House of Lords. In the mean time they raged fiercely against those that were addicted to the Romish Religion, and they provide a Fleet with the Kings Treasure, to de∣fend the Mediterranean Sea upon all occasions, whereby his Power was diminished, and his Au∣thority broken. The Queen also was so tired out with so many calumnies and aspersions, that she resolved to sail into Holland, and to accom∣pany her Daughter to her Husband the Prince of Orange to whom she was espoused. And the Parliament to leave the King naked of that suc∣cour easily yielded to it. The King that he might clearly demonstrate that he by his pre∣sence had been no cause of any of those evils, before his departure had consented to the Peti∣tion of the Parliament, to exclude the Bishops out of the House, (which was not the least of his failings) And to discover his minde plainly toward the Reformed Religion, he caused a se∣vere Statute to be published against the Papists,

and banished all their Priests out of the King∣dom. 'Tis marvellous with how great joy the people accepted that, Bonfires were made in triumph at London, and in other places, it may be it was done, because the Kings Power was now ended.

The Queen in the mean time imbarqued at Dover, and with true tears took her last fare∣well, fore-seeing that this departure of hers was an omen of a most sad Divorce.

The Parliament in the interim asked the Kings consent upon some Governours of the Kingdom they had chosen. But the King who was now sensible of his errours, began to draw back, and to delay the business. They impatient of all delayes, send Commissioners to him, to let him understand, That the Parliament must flie to their Arms, and defend their Authority by force, unlesse the King would presently grant their just Petitions, (as they said.) And when the King resolved to remove farther from London, they entreated him not to do it, but rather if he would not, he should let his Sonne live at Lon∣don. The King not wondring a little at this Pe∣tition, answered, That he was by these Proposi∣tions much amazed, but what to answer he knew not. He would have them lay their hands on their hearts, and would search whether of the two gave the cause now of mischiefs that would arise from a

Civil Warre. As for his Sonne, he would as a Fa∣ther provide for him, and that neither of them would go from London, unless they were afraid of the Insolency of some people there. And that he desired to procure Peace by all means, not caring who took up Arms, for he would rest on Gods pro∣vidence. So their Messengers were dismissed.

But the Parliament, supposing they were not now to demur, command all the Lieutenants of the Counties by their Edicts, to flie to their Arms, and to compell all their Subjects that were fit to bear Arms to repair to their Colours. And forthwith they unpoured all those Officers the King had made, and made new ones by their own Authority. The most excellent and the wisest men were of opinion, that all that provi∣sion of the Parliament would dissolve into smoke The London Counsel also thought them∣selves wronged by this unusual and unheard of boldness in the Parliament, for by this means they were stript of all their Authority. They complain of it to the King, but what should he do, whose hands were already bound, and he did not strive to unbinde them. Then they put up their humble Petitions to the Parliament, to which the principal Citizens of London subscri∣bed their hands.

But when they waited for an Answer, as it was requisite, the principal of the Subscribers were

punished. So all things grew worse and worse. The King in the mean time, who was not igno∣rant of the Parliament Attempts, called all his Nobility to him, that he might put a stop to the Parliament proceedings; The Parliament to lull the King asleep with fair words, used all devi∣ces, and when this would not do, they over∣weigh him with complaints and crimes, As that he had hearkned to a change in Religion, and given cause for the uprears in Ireland, especially they that were most powerfull with him, secretly be∣spotting the Queen.

They added, That the Instruments of the Pope, of the Kings of Spain and France, were resolved to restore the King to his former Au∣thority, and other things that served to ju∣stifie their own proceedings, and to make the King faulty.

The King published his Declarations, labour∣ing to remove these aspersions from him, and to decline the hatred of them, yet prevailed nothing, for the Parliament by a new Declara∣ration, did both support and augmented the former Articles, complaining that the greatest injury was done to themselves by the Kings for∣saking them.

The King in the mean time takes his journey for York, together with the Prince, the Palsgrave, the Duke of Richmond, and some other of the

Nobility, being resolved to be deluded no far∣ther, but to oppose Force against Force, and the Right he could not maintain by yielding, to maintain by Arms.

The Parliament did not sit still, but fortified the chief Towns with Ammunition and Souldi∣ers, especially Hull, a City of greatest concern∣ment.

Also the Earl of Warwick was sent with thirty men of Warre, to guard the English Coasts, and they call Vice-Admiral Pennington back again by speedy Messengers, who had transported the Queen into Holland, and under pretence of subduing Rebellion, they gather a mighty mass of money.

Charles in the mean time to overthrow their Commands, prohibits what they would have by Edicts to the contrary; but they disobeying the King, did their work by frighting him with threats, which was a great grief to moderate men.

The King when he was come to York, was received with the highest affection of his Sub∣jects, and before them all he removeth all that envy of Popery that was charged upon him.

But the Parliament, who were not well pleased with the Yorkshire men for this, sent Letters to the King, inserting fair speeches, to pacifie his anger. They write a counterfeit Letter in the

name of Elizabeth Countess Palatine, as writ∣ten by her, wherein they did foully defame the States of Holland for her ill entertainment amongst them. To avoid the hatred of this business, Joachimus, the States Embassadour, complained to the Parliament of the falsity of that report, because his Masters Honours were much shadowed by it, whose splendor and be∣nevolence toward strangers, was sufficiently known to all the world; and he prevailed so farre that these counterfeit Letters were pub∣lickly burnt.

A Rumour also as false as the former was scattered abroad, that a great Fleet was made ready for King Charles in the Denmark Havens, and thus each on both sides strive to draw re∣putation and authority to their party. They had long enough banded in words, they must now come to blows. Ere long they break forth into open Warre. The King cals all the Knights of the Garter, and all others that by the band of Nobility held from the Crown, to come to him to York. The Parliament contrarily made it death for any of them to go to the King, yet of the Lower House twenty Members re∣volt to the King, making more reckoning of the Kings commands than of the Parlia∣ments.

In the mean time there followed an humble

Petition of the men of Kent, to the Parliament, wherein they humbly desired,

That nothing should be done without the Kings consent.

That the Liturgy might not be altered.

That the Bishops might be restored.

That they would not suffer the Fundamentall Laws of the Land to be antiquated without the Kings permission, nor Arms to be raised without his command.

That some good means might be found out to make an agreement, &c.

But the Parliament not only denied to an∣swer them, but they severely punish him that brought the Petition, and the Earl of Bristol that received it, casting both of them into Pri∣son, to cut off for the future all way for such requests, their fellows not a little raging at it, and saying openly that that liberty was unjustly taken away, whenas they had listned to other Petitions that were farre more unequall than that was.

The Parliament in the mean time, when they found nothing done by the Commissioners they had sent to the King, resolve to execute their former commands, they command the Lieute∣nants of Counties to perform what they for∣merly had enjoyned them, and presently to raise such an Army, who willingly went about

it, hoping from troubles to finde occasion to do their business, yet some looking deeper into it, refused to raise Arms without the Kings Order.

Also the Houses purposed to remove Pen∣nington that was come back again, because they found him more enclined to the King than to the Parliament, but he denied to yield to them unless the King should force him to it. The King trusting to his fidelity, refused to discharge him, and to receive Warwick whom they would substitute. But the Lower House (the Upper House being against it, who held it unfit to proceed without the Kings consent) pressed the business, and confirmed the first Election, and being exasperated by the Kings inclination, re∣solved seriously for to make a Warre of it. All the provision of Hull or other Garrisons, they commanded to be brought to London, fearing least the King should at some time possess him∣self of the Town and Ammunition: But they to whose trust these things were committed, would not deliver them without command from the King. They valued not all their threats and commands to have the Governour of the Town delivered up unto them.

In the mean time the Sommersetshire men de∣testing the obstinacy of the Parliament, by ex∣ample of the Men of Kent, presented an humble

Petition to the Parliament; but they offended with their boldness, command it to be burned by the Hangman, to deterre the Sommersetshire men from profering any more such Petitions, who were charged to come in no greater mul∣titudes than was requisite.

The King also desired to sail into Ireland with a sufficient Army to tame the Rebels. But the Houses fearing least he should allure the Rebels to joyn with him, and being strengthened with their Forces, should return for England, denied him his request, and preferred their own fears before the relief of so many miserable men. He in the mean time deposed the Earl of Essex from being Chamberlain, and Leicester from being Deputy of Ireland, and the Earl of Holland, for their disobedience. But the Houses on the contrary forbid all of them to do any such thing without their prohibition, on penalty of their lives; also they confirmed Warwicks Authori∣ty. And that they might fortifie the mindes of all men the more, and exasperate them against the King, they spread a report, that there was a great provision made by him for Warre against the Commonwealth and the Laws, saying that all the subjects were therefore freed from their Oaths. The King holds forth the contrary in his Declarations: And when some Lincolnshire men came to him in Troops, and offered to de∣fend

the Kings Cause, he forbad them stifly; and to manifest to all his love of Peace, he com∣manded them all to go home again, upon the condition that they should return to assist him when they were called. He detained only 500 Foot, and 50 Horse for his Life-Guard. Many of the Nobility were drawn by this lenity of the King to revolt to him. The Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, that had done him so many injuries, asking pardon of the King, was friend∣ly received by him. This was the cause that many others fell away, so that in the Upper House there remained not above fifteen, and they the most bitter against him. These with new representations concerning the Education of his Children, the Offices of the Kingdom, and such like questions wearied the Kings minde. But they prevailed nothing, for those Captains and Souldiers that were mustered against the Rebels in Ireland, leaving their Colours freely, fled to the King at York: Whereupon the King augmented his Life-Guard to 1200 Foot, and 200 Horse, all descended of Noble Families, and for the greater Honour to them, he made the Prince of Wales their Captain. These be∣ing required to manifest their fidelity, did all swear unanimously to defend the Kings Cause, but all the Nobility offered willingly to rais•• severally 200 Foot in Arms, if occas〈…〉〈…〉

By which constancy of the subject, and by a small summe of money he received out of Hol∣land, the King began to be cheered with new hopes.

Then he appointed the Yorkshire men to meet him at a certain place, on the 13^th day of June, not farre from York, who according∣ly came with about 60000. The King with his Sonne, some Lords, 600 Horse, and a consi∣derable party of Foot, met them there, and with a premeditated Speech, he declared his good intention toward Religion, the Parliament, and to defend his own Rights and Kingly Dig∣nity. Also he made an Apology for the good of his Souldiers that were present; then he shewed unto them the Acts of Parliament. Last∣ly he promised good pay, if any man would assist him, because he desired to use the help of his subjects rather than strangers. This Speech was received by some with great applause, o∣thers made their humble Petition that the King would hold a good correspondency with his Parliament, and desired that he would send those Lords back to the Parliament who had revolted from them. But the Earl of Lindsey the Kings Chamberlane, and Lovel foreseeing the dissention might rise from this Petition, sup∣pressed this faction at the beginning. Where∣〈…〉〈…〉 they were displeased, and divers men went

away from the King. But the King accompa∣nied with twenty thousand men came to York, and commanded them all to return to their houses.

The Parliament was not ignorant of this bu∣siness, they accuse the said Lords of Treason, because they had hindred the subjects from Pe∣titioning freely for relief of their grievances, not remembring what example they had given by refusing the Petitions of the Men of Kent and Sommersetshire, and not only so, but had severely punished them for offering their Pe∣titions.

Then they raised an Army of 10000 Foot, and 2000 Horse, and send them towards York, hoping they would increase by others coming to them: And they borrowed a sufficient summe of Money from the Londoners, who strove who should bring most of their silver and guilt Plate, and whatsoever pretious things they had, ho∣ping of great advantage they should receive by it. But the Kings misfortune began, when 20000 pounds were detain'd by the Exchange, being published at London, which the Queen had borrowed with the Crown Jewels laid to pawn; this was a mighty stop to the Kings pro∣ceedings. The Houses increased the more, who (some in vain being angry at it) endeavoured to raise a great Army. The King also, who had

with advice made delaies, and spun out the time, could no longer wink at these preparations for Warre, but by Letters, by Policy, by open Warre, he did press the business uncessantly, and with great impatience. And he politiquely attempts to take Hull, having obtain'd the con∣sent of some of the Garrison. But Hotham who commanded the Garrison, refusing to let him in, though many Souldiers ran away, yet by a fresh supply of the Scots, he was disappointed. Because this succeeded not, he turns about to make conditions for Peace, and he offered the Houses to come presently to them, and to pu∣nish severely the Authors of disagreement, so they would leave London that seditious City, and chose some other place, as Oxford, Win∣chester, Cambridge, York, Bristol, Notting∣ham, for to assmble at. But the Houses would name no other place, least the City of London should be displeased at it, for they had more need of the Londoners than of any others. The King, when that would not take, proclaims all men guilty of Treason, who should assist the Houses with Money, or any other supplies; and he threatens the Londoners that if they did it, they should lose all their priviledges (as they have very great ones.) The Houses on the other side set as good a gloss upon their Cause as they were able to do. Mens mindes and inclinations

were distracted by these means. The people who are easily led by blinde errour, and out∣ward appearances, stuck fast to the Parliaments cause. Others who were of a higher rank, by reason of their Families, paid Tribute freely, least the Houses should send men to strain on their Shops, under a colour of necessity: All the Nobles almost held with the King.

The King in the mean while fortifies New∣castle and Barwick with Garrisons of English, wherein doubtless he hurt himself, and aliena∣ted the hearts of the Scots from him. For it was agreed upon before to have them kept by the Scotch souldiers, and not by the English. But when help came from other parts, and the Scots were undervalued, they studied to advantage themselves only, and though by holding forth Peace, he had won many mens hearts, yet be∣ing driven by despair, he attempts by force to gain Hull, which he could not do by Policy. First he possessed himself of their Fals of Wa∣ters, and then of their publick Waies, that the Towns men might want necessaries, but by their Courage and Valour he lost his labour. The Houses now Proclaimed openly Warres; and they made the Earl of Essex Generall of the Foot, Bedford of the Horse. The King makes the Earl of Cumberland, a very Noble man, and faithfull to his Soveraign, Generall of his Horse,

and in the mean time set forth his Declarations to the world, and requiring Hull to be deliver∣ed up to him, that he might punish the insolence of the Governour, but nothing prevailed. But that Warre Proclaimed might not want its solemnities, the King set up his Standard first at Nottingham. But when he saw a smaller concourse of men than he believed would have been, he again turns about to make conditions. He sent Messengers to the Houses to excuse the fact, and to desire Articles of Peace. But the Houses, who knew that this proceeded more from his necessity than love, made use of all advantages, causing the Kings Commissioners to be brought as Delinquents before the Parliament, overthrowing by this means the Law of Nations.

Then they send to the King that unless he came speedily to London, and sent away those Nobles to the Parliament that were fled from them, that they might be tried for their Lives, and their Estates might be confiscate to main∣tain their Army, they would never lay down their Arms. A very hard condition, and no waies to be answered but by the sword. Some there were that counselled the King to yield to this, but he had yet courage remaining. After so many great preambles, at length Warre is denounced.

But we shall pull in our sails, unfolding the causes of these dissentions briefly and succinct∣ly as we resolved at first, and so hasten to a conclusion, least entring afresh into a large field, we should tire both our selves and the Reader. Pardon therefore this long digression, and I shall proceed.

It was now come to open Warre, and the Victory was doubtfull, sometimes falling on this side, sometimes on that, with no small loss of blood on both sides. All the particulars are set down at large in Books written to this purpose, whither I remit the Reader that de∣sires further knowledge of it.

Essex was Generall of the Parliament For∣ces, Fairfax he succeeded in his place. Divers Battels were fought here and there, many Towns vanquished: For the greatest part the King had the worst of it, who was afterwards also besieged at Oxford by Fairfax, and was constrained to fly away in a disguised habit, and he came to the Scots that were at New∣arke, hoping to be received with great huma∣nity by such good subjects as they boasted themselves to be.

But when both Fortune and Fidelity failed, and there was no care taken for him in his affliction. They when they could not be good, would not be bad, and to keep their

hands clear, they delivered the King to the English, under those conditions (as they say) that no violence should be offered to his Majesty.

The English being now Masters of their de∣sires, carry the King to Holnbey Castle, from thence to Hampton Court, whither he had fled before for Refuge, now a Prison. Which place seeming not safe enough for him, he went away to the Isle of Wight, to be guarded by the Waters and Colonel Hammon: using a crafty excuse, for a certain Letter was left on the Table, whereby the King was advertised, that there were some that laid wait for his life, whereby he was frighted, and fled to a safe place in the Isle of Wight.

The people, though before they were en∣raged against the King, now pitying his case, and seeing their errors, resolved to plead his Cause: They offer their humble Petitions to the Houses, that they would not refuse to con∣descend to make peace with the King, and they prevailed so farre, that at last the busi∣ness came to a Treaty, with a great deal of seeming satisfaction on both sides with great applause, both of the King, the Houses and the People; but afterward there was an hum∣ble Petition exhibited to the Parliament, where∣in they desired that the King might be tried by

the Laws and Justice, and all further Treaties with him to be laid aside, to which they denied to give an Answer.

The Army and some of the Parliament not being satisfied, they march partly toward New∣port, to the King, who now was a Prisoner at large, and conveyed him into Hurst Castle; Then marching toward London again, they possessed themselves of the City, and cast some of the Houses into Prison, whilst the rest who foresaw this Tempest, saved themselves by flight. Here we may see an example of Gods judgement, for they that before had ill treated their Master, are now compelled to suffer.

All that consented to the non-addresses, are restored to their Honours and Places. Then the King, in the year 1648. was taken as a Pri∣soner of Warre, and carried to Windsor. The remainder of the Parliament with others, erect a new and unheard of Tribunal, to take cogni∣zance of the Kings case. Judges were chosen, whose Names are generally known.

This was done in the year 1649. in January. The King was brought before the High-Court of Justice, and was accused of these Crimes:

That he gave the cause of the cruell bloodshed in England and Ireland.

That he had born Armes against the Parlia∣ment.

That he had given Commissions to his Sonne and others to wage Warre, that he might exalt his own Authority, with the high detriment of the Commonwealth, whence they concluded, that he was guilty of Treason, and so he was a Trai∣tor, a Tyrant, and an Enemy to the Common∣wealth.

The King smiled at all these things, and gave no answer: being further urged, he refused to give any answer.

Whereupon they proceed to Sentence, That he was fallen from all his Dignities, was guilty of High-Treason, and therefore was to lose his Head for being a Tyrant, a Robber, and an Enemy to the Commonwealth. Some making a great shout.

The Sentence given, they proceed to exe∣cution, though the Holland Embassadours, Adrian Paw, and Albertus Joachimus, with the Scots, did their best to hinder the proceed∣ings. He obtained leave for D^r Juxton Bishop of London, and two of his Children to be with him, these for his bodies, him for the comfort of his soul. At length he sent away his Chil∣dren with Gifts and Tears: only he kept the Minister by him, to the last moment of his life. The Prince Palatine and the Duke of Richmond came to bid the King their last farewell, but the King refused it, least they should interrupt

the present joys of his soul with new lamenting. At last the 30 day of January was appointed for his execution: And the King ascended the Scaffold erected before his Banqueting-house; from whence he made his last Speech to the People there present, and when as now he had sufficiently professed his Innocency, he then prepared himself for death, and laying his neck on the Block, his Head was cut off by a dis∣guised Executioner, and he changed a trouble∣some life for a quiet death: In the Year 1649.