December 1643: An Ordinance for the making void of the places of Clerks of Record at Westminster that have contributed against the two Houses of Parliament.

December 1643

[25 December, 1643.]

Offices or Clerks of Record at Westminster who have taken up arms for or contributed to the Forces raised against Parl. void.

Whereas divers Officers and Clerks of, or belonging unto his Majesties several Courts of Record at Westminster, have, (to the great hinderance to the administration of the publick Justice of his Kingdome) absented themselves from their due obedience tin the execution of their Offices and Places, and have betaken themselves to the Forces raised against the Parliament, and have with their persons and Estates contributed to the making and maintaining of his unnatural and bloody war now levye in this Kingdome against both Houses of Parliament. The Lords and Commons now assembled in Parliament (taking the premisses into their serious consideration) do Order, Ordain, and Declare, That all the several Estates and Interest in the several and respective Offices and Places of all and every such Officers and Clerks (who have taken up Arms against the two Houses of Parliament, or have been resident in the Armies raised against the said two Houses, or have voluntarily contributed any Money, Plate, Horse, Arms, Ammunition, or other Assistance, towards the maintenance of any such Forces raised as aforesaid, or have joyned in any Oath or Act of association against the said two Houses) are, and shall be absolutely determined, and become utterly void to all intents and purposes whatsoever, as if such Persons, Officers and Clerks were naturally dead.