April 1646: Ordinance excluding Papists and others from the Cities of London and Westminster.

April, 1646

[1 April, 1646.]

The Lords and Commons, in Parliament assembled, taking notice of the great Confluence and Resort of Papists, Officers and Soldiers of Fortune, and such as have borne Arms against the Parliament of England, from the Enemies Garisons and Quarters, unto he Cities of London and Westminster, and other Parts within the Lines of Communication, do, for the Prevention of such Inconveniences as may thereby arise, think fit to Order, and it is hereby Ordered, by the said Lords and Commons, That all Papists whatsoever, and all Officers and Soldiers of Fortune, and other Persons, that have borne Arms against the Parliament of England, not being under Restraint, do, before the End of the Third Day of April 1646, depart out of the said Cities of London and Westminster, and Lines of Communication: And, if any such Person shall continue within the said Lines after that Time, such Person is hereby declared a Spy; and shall be apprehended, imprisoned, and proceeded against, as a Spy, according to the Rules of War. And the said Lords and Commons do further Order, That all such Persons do forbear, upon the Penalty aforesaid, to return or come within the said Lines without Licence, under the Hands of the Committee appointed for Compositions at Goldsmiths Hall: And the Committee of the Militia of London, and their Sub-Committees, in their several Limits respectively, are hereby required to keep strict Guards and Watches, and cause frequent Searches to be made, and to take care for the due Execution of this Order. Provided, That this Order, nor any thing therein contained, shall extend to any Person or Persons, who shall obtain Licence, under the Hand of the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to continue within the Limits aforesaid. This Order to continue for the Space of one Month, and no longer.