House of Commons Journal Volume 1: 01 October 1566

Martis, primo Octobris

Mr. Onslowe chosen Speaker.

The Knights and Burgesses went up to the Lords; where was read the Queen's Commission, directed only to the Lord Keeper, to intimate the Queen's Licence to the House, to proceed to the Election of a Speaker: And immediately was moved by Mr. Comptroller for the Commons, that, for that Mr. Ric. Onselowe Esquire, Solicitor General to the Queen's Majesty, was a Member of the Lower House, he might be restored to join in their Election, as Burgess for the Borough of Stenyng in Sussex.

And, upon Consultation had among the Lords, the said Mr. Onslowe was sent down with the Queen's Serjeant at Law, Mr. Carus, and Mr. Attorney General, to shew for himself, why he should not be a Member of this House; who, alleging many weighty Reasons, as well for his Office of Solicitor, as for his Writ of Attendance in the Upper House, was nevertheless adjudged to be a Member of this House: And thereupon, proceeding to the Election. Mr. Comptroller nominated Mr. Onslowe to be Speaker; who humbly disabled himself, as well for Non-ability of Substance meet for that Place, as also for his Oath made to the Queen's Majesty; and required to proceed to a new Election: Upon whose Arguments, the House was divided; and the Number to have him Speaker was 82; and the contrary was 70. And immediately Mr. Comptroller and Mr Vicechamberlain brought him from his Place to the Chair, and there set him.