3rd April 1624

SATURDAY, 3 APRIL 1624

I. JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, PA, HC/CL/JO/1/13

[CJ 753; f. 101v]

Sabbati, 3 Aprilis 1624

L. 2. Butter and cheese. [Blank]

Committed to:

Sir Edward Coke

Sir Henry Poole

Knights, burgesses of London, Essex and Suffolk, Middlesex, Chester, Wales, Wilts, Gloucester, Norfolk

All that will come to have voice. Wednesday, 2 [o']clock, Court of Wards.

Monday next, transportation of wools and cloths. Star Chamber.

Tuesday next, Inner Temple Hall, for Michaelmas Term. And all to have voice.

L. 1. An act for restitution in blood of Carew Ralegh, son of Sir Walter Ralegh.

Secret offices. Tuesday, Inner Temple Hall. And all the lawyers to attend. And all to have a voice.

L. 2. An act for the establishing of the lands of John Stratford upon John Hopkins.

Committed to:

[f. 102] Sir Thomas Trevor

Sir Henry Poole

Mr. [Robert] Bateman

Knights, burgesses, Gloucester

Sir Robert Hitcham

Sir Francis Brandling

Sir Thomas Lucy

Mr. [William] Noye

Sir John Walter

Sir Robert Harley

Sir Charles Montagu

Sir Thomas Myddelton

Sir John Stradling

Sir Edward Giles

Mr. [Edward] Hungerford

Monday, Court of Wards. All parties to have warning of it. Stratford and his son.

L. 2. An act for the prostrating of weirs upon the river of Wye.

Committed to:

Sir Edward Coke

Sir Henry Poole

Sir Robert Harley

Mr. John Coke

Mr. [James] Clarke

All the lawyers of the House

Mr. [Nathaniel] Tomkins

Knights, burgesses, Gloucester, Hereford and Monmouth, London, Wales

Sir Robert Pye

Mr. [Edward] Hungerford

Sir John Stradling

Mr. [Richard] Tomlyns

Tuesday, 2 [o']clock, Exchequer Chamber.

[f. 102v] SIR EDWARD COKE reports from the committee of grievances, patent of Gold Wyre Drawers. Void in itself. Made upon 3 false suggestions. The patent resolved by the whole committee to be a grievance in creation and execution. Some of the committee moved that [Matthias] Fowle might have some punishment for procuring this patent, but not to be preferred up to the Lords alone, but to rest sub silentio, pro tempore.

SIR EDWARD VILLIERS. Out of his desire to clear his reputation to this House, entreats he may relate his interest in this business. Did farm the customs of gold and silver thread of the King for a valuable consideration. When this failed, he had 4d. ob. upon an ounce in lieu of the customs, but this he has now relinquished.

Resolved, as the opinion of the House, that this patent of the new incorporation of Gold Wyre Drawers is a grievance in creation and execution.

Ordered, that Sir Robert Cotton, Mr. [William] Noye and Mr. [John] Selden shall look up precedents, what punishments in like case has been inflicted upon such as have contemned the authority and judgement of this House.

Ordered, that Matthias Fowle shall be committed to the custody of the Serjeant until the House have taken further consideration of the business.

SIR EDWARD VILLIERS. To have the House take into consideration the utter taking away this trade and manufacture.

The committee, at next meeting, shall take this into consideration.

[f. 103] SIR EDWARD GILES. A proposition to have a bill drawn against Sir Thomas Gerrard. To have an account of it. And Mr. [Henry] Lovell likewise to be sent for.

SIR EDWARD COKE. The case this: if he take not [the oath of supremacy and allegiance] before Lord Steward, no praemunire. Stat. 1 Eliz. makes the refusal a praemunire; but the statute of 5 [Eliz.] for refusing to come before the Steward but a contempt. For refusing to come but a contempt [sic]. For us to attaint him of a praemunire something hard. To have him punished for his contempt, but not to ruin him. Can hardly set a fine on him.

MR. RECORDER. Fit to have some course that the House may redeem themselves from scorn. If he render not himself before the pardon, to except him out of the general pardon. The case of Sir Stephen Proctor.

SIR GEORGE CHUDLEIGH. To have the mayor and some that returned him sent for. To adjudge him to the Tower for his contempt.

Ordered, upon question, that Sir Thomas Gerrard, for his contempt to this House, shall be adjudged to the Tower during the pleasure of the House.

Bill of statutes, Monday morning, 8 o'clock.

[Mr. Henry] Lovell called to the bar and kneeled. Mr. Speaker let him know the complaint made against him. Demanded whether he, or any other, laboured for the election at Bletchingley for him. Answers, he never did. Never knew that Bell offered any money for him until questioned here in Parliament. [f. 103v] He is lord of the manor, in trust to my Lady Howard. Has always laboured to hold good correspondence between the Lady and her tenants. Never threatened the town to have their contribution withdrawn. Never threatened any to be fetched up by pursuivants if they would not give their voice for him. For the indenture, went to the sheriff to know whether he would return it or no. Went with him to [John] Benbow and delivered the indenture to Benbow. Sheriff told him the first indenture was not returned until the other election made. Sheriff close by him when he delivered the indenture to Benbow. Received the sacrament Easter 2 years. Some reason for it. Out of charity.

Withdrawn.

MR. [JOHN] ANGELL. When Lovell before the committee, denied none of these things. Some questions omitted. To ask him whether the sheriff did not refuse to grant him a warrant.

Brought in again, and demanded whether he did not proceed to an election before he had any lawful warrant [CJ 754] from the sheriff. Said he asked advice whether it were better to proceed upon the old warrant or new. Was resolved that it was dangerous to proceed upon a new warrant. Knew there was no counterpane of his indenture sealed and yet tendered it to the sheriff.

Withdrawn.

CHANCELLOR DUCHY. To put to the question the punishment that the committee thought fit to be inflicted upon him.

[f. 104] Ordered, upon question, that Mr. [Henry] Lovell shall be committed to the Tower for his offence, during the pleasure of the House, and not be enlarged until he make his petition and submission to the House.

Lovell brought in again and received his sentence at the bar.

The Speaker went out of his chair, and the House went to a committee about the business of recusants.

The Speaker went again into his chair, and SIR EDWARD COKE reports to the House, from the grand committee, [blank] a motion made that the knights and burgesses of every shire might inform themselves of these ill-affected persons that are in places of charge and trust.

This petition and articles approved by the House. To go to a conference with the Lords.

Mr. Treasurer sent up to the Lords to desire a conference with their Lordships with that speed they shall think fit concerning a petition touching recusants.

SIR WILLIAM BULSTRODE. A petition from one that all his lifetime has lived in the bosom of the recusants. Offers to discover many dangerous plots and practices of theirs. To have some to take examination of them. One [John] Tendering.

The petition read.

[f. 104v] Sir William Bulstrode

Mr. Recorder

Mr. Solicitor

Sir Erasmus Dryden

Sir James Perrot, to examine this Tendering and question him as they see cause.

Ordered, that the knights and burgesses of every place, by themselves, shall present unto the House the names of such convicted, or justly suspected, popish persons as are in any places of charge or trust in their several counties or boroughs. This to be done against Wednesday next. Any lieutenants or justices of peace to do the like. And power to send for such as they know to be in town to confer with them.

L. 2. An act against such as shall levy any fine, suffer any recovery/

Committed to:

Sir Edward Coke

Sir Henry Poole

Sir John Stradling

Mr. [John] Bankes

Sir William Fleetwood

Mr. Recorder

Sir John Walter

Mr. [John] Glanville

Sir Baptist Hicks

Serjeant [Sir Robert] Hitcham

Sir Thomas Cheke

Sir Nathaniel Rich

Sir Thomas Lucy

Monday, 2 [o']clock, Court of Wards. All that will come to have voice.

[f. 105] MR. TREASURER reports from the Lords. Delivered the message of this House. Had this answer: that their Lordships did assent to a present meeting of their House of 24.

These 48 of our House sent up to the Lords. Mr. Solicitor to make the report.

L. 2. An act touching the taking of apprentices and money with them.

Committed to:

Sir John Savile

Sir Henry Poole

Sir Peter Mutton

Mr. [William] Nyell

Knights, burgesses of London

Sir Baptist Hicks

All that come to have voice. Wednesday, Exchequer Chamber, 2 [o']clock.

[f. 105v] SIR CHRISTOPHER HILDYARD prefers a bill for sheriffs' accounts.

L. 1. An act that sheriffs, their heirs or executors, having a quietus est, shall be absolutely discharged of that account.

SIR THOMAS BELASYSE prefers a bill for moor-burning.

L. 1. An act to prevent burning of ling, heath and other moor-burnings at unseasonable times of the year.

L. 2. An act for the order and government of makers of knives, scissors and sheers in the county of Hallamshire.

Committed to:

Sir John Savile

Knights, burgesses of York, Cumberland, Northumberland, Derby, Nottingham

Mr. [John] Bankes

Mr. [John] Darcy

Tuesday, Court of Wards, 2 [o']clock.

MR. SOLICITOR reports from the Lords. Gave them thanks for this speedy conference. Read the petition to them. Then they retired.

Answer: the time now not for it. For that reason, now deferred it. Have appointed Monday, 8 o'clock, to take into consideration. Desire to have a fair copy of it written out against that time.

[f. 106] Sabbati, 3 Aprilis, post meridiem

L. 2. Sir Edward Engham's bill.

Committed to:

Sir Henry Poole

Mr. [Edmund] Sawyer

Sir George Goring

[William] Lord Cavendish

[James] Lord Wriothesley

Chancellor Exchequer

Sir George Manners

Sir William Uvedale

Sir Thomas Trevor

Sir Francis Barrington

Knights, burgesses, Kent

Mr. [John] Glanville

Sir John Walter

Mr. [John] Bankes

Sir Robert Phelips

Mr. [Henry] Rolle

Sir Robert Killigrew

Sir Thomas Walmesley

Sir Robert Harley

Sir William Herbert

Friday next, 2 [o']clock, Court of Wards. And Mr. Thomas Engham to have warning from the House to attend the bill.

Sir Edward Coke reports the bill of supersedeas without any alterations.

Ordered to be engrossed.

[f. 106v] Speaker went into his chair.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS reports from the grand committee [for trade]. They think fit that the Merchant Adventurers should bring in their accounts on Thursday next.

The order set down in writing and read, and approved by the House, and ordered.

The clerk of the company required not to suffer the books to go out of his hands until he have brought them here. And they are likewise to give notice unto the rest of the assistants that a court may be kept.

The Merchant Adventurers called in and the order read unto them.

The Commons House of Parliament require the Governor, assistants and fellowship of the Merchants Adventurers of England, and every of their officers, ministers and deputies, that upon Thursday next, at 2 of the clock in the afternoon, they fail not to bring in to the great committee for trade their great court book, as also their register book, ledger book and original books of accounts, whole, unaltered and undefaced, belonging to that company, expressing the disbursements of that company since the patent of dyeing and dressing, by colour of which disbursements they have laid the late impositions upon cloth, and likewise of the levies of money they have raised since that time, for the satisfying of the company of those disbursements. And that, hereof, they fail not, as they will answer it at their peril.

Mr. [Edmund] Nicholson called in and delivers in the counterpart of the first grant, and the surrender made to the Queen, and the Queen's letters, and a copy of the last patent surrendered.

Required to attend on Tuesday, 2 [o']clock.

[f. 107] Mr. [John] Bankes

Mr. [Robert] Berkeley

Mr. [Henry] Rolle

Mr. [John] Selden

Mr. Whitaker, to take these writings into consideration and report the effect of them to the grand committee.

[House adjourned]

II. DIARY OF JOHN HAWARDE, WILTSHIRE AND SWINDON ARCHIVES, 9/34/2

[p. 237]

Saturni, 3Aprilis 1624

1. L. Bill pur/

2. L. Bill pur butter et cheese.

Sur question, committe.

1. L. Bill pur restytucionne sangue de Carew Ralegh, sole fils de Sir Walter Ralegh.

2. L. Bill pur establishing de terres de John Stratford sur John Hopkins.

Sur question, committe, Mondaye.

2. L. Bill pur prostrating weares sur le ryver de Wye.

Sur question, committe, Tuesday.

SIR EDWARD COKE reporte pattente de gold wyar et threade. Magnum in parvo et voyd in seipso sur 3th [sic] false suggestions.

• 1. Consumption del bullion in cest terre. Mony le measure de touts choses.
• 2. Al low price: de 5s. al 6s. 6d. et deceite.
• 3. Ove copper.
• 4. Incorporate. [Matthias] Fowle le primer governor et touts l'old companie exclude et prohibite que fuit trade in H. 7.
• 5. 4d. obolus custome sur native commoditie. Null non obstante in le statute, et Fowle ne unquer del trade. Publike pretended, private intended. Null sound parte in le pattente. Proclamacion. L'execucion void. Bonds. Oathes. Fowle tooke no warninge al derrier cesson. [p. 238] Ces nest d'este present al seignours aloane. Agree al committee d'est greevance in creacion et execucion.

Sur queston in le Huise, agree. Sur question, [Matthias] Fowle d'este committee al Sergeant et committe de veiwer presidents pur son punishmente.

SIR EDWARD COKE. Pur Sir Thomas Gerrard nest praemunire mes solemente contempte et par 6. H. 8 pur de son fee.

MR. RECORDER. Davoir luy excepte in le pardon.

SIR EDWARD COKE. Pur committment al Tower.

Sur queston, committe al Tower.

[Henry] Lovell, sur question, committe al Tower durant pleasure et nemy d'este deliver sans submission.

[Committee of the Whole House for religion]

Mr. Solicitor reporte pur recusants.

Sir Edward Coke in le chaire, et, sur question, resolve d'este reporte al Huis[e].

Et sur cest le Speaker vient al chaire, et SIR EDWARD COKE reporte al Huis[e].

Petition de [John] Tendering lie in le Huise pur examiner contents de cest touchants recusants, preists et practises.

Chivaliers et burgesses de chescun county de retorne nosmes de liuetenents, deputy liuetenents et justices de peace recusants devant Wednesday nexte.

[p. 239] 2. L. Bill versus l'eaviant fine, recognizance ou judgements en autre nosme. Felonie.

Sur queston, committe.

Message al seignours pur conference touchant recusants. Agree, presentment, 24 del seignours, 48 de nous.

2. L. Bill pur preser apprentices et argente ove eux.

Sur question, committe, et touts qui vener davoir voices. Wednesdaye, in [Ex]checquer Camera.

1. L. Bill que vicomts lour heres et executor aiant quietus est serat discharge. Mise eius par Sir Christopher Hildyard.

1. L. Bill pur continewance de 7⁰ Jacobi versus burning de heath et linge in Yorkshire etc. Mise eius par Sir Thomas Belasyse.

2. L. Bill pur fesant knives in Hallamshire in comites Yorke etc. Sir John Savile put this in.

Sur quesion, committe.

[MR.] SOLICITOR fait report del conference ove les seignours.

III. DIARY OF JOHN HOLLES, BL, HARL. MS 6,383

[f. 117v]

Saturday, the 3rd of April

SIR EDWARD COKE'S report for [sic] of the grievances, he being president of that committee. [f. 118] [Matthias] Fowle's patent for gold wire, wherein he and his partners pretended to bring in bullion, which they did not; and that it should be cheaper than before, but they raised the price from 5s. 9d. to 6s. 3d. an ounce. A third reason also for overthrowing the patent, they made it not so good as before but mingled much copper with it. And 4, a fourth reason, that they prohibited men to exercise their old trade, all other wiredrawers but such as they allowed. Lastly, Fowle and his partners were no tradesmen, and cannot bind men without an act of Parliament. This monopoly was a corpus judaicum, never a sound part in it. There was an old company of wiredrawers in Henry the 7th's time.

Upon MR. [WILLIAM] MALLORY'S motion, Fowle was committed to the Serjeant until the business were further debated. In the meantime, [Mr. John] Selden and [Sir Robert] Cotton appointed to search out precedents for his punishment, for that his patent being damned the last Parliament he had now taken it up again.

SIR EDWARD GILES moved for the bill of praemunire against Sir Thomas Gerrard and wished there were none of his name.

SIR EDWARD COKE. By a statute of the first of the Queen, it is a praemunire to refuse the oath of supremacy and allegiance, but by another of the fifth it was made only a contempt, which was Sir Thomas Gerrard's fault. And he must also refuse the oath tendered him by the Lord Steward.

SIR WILLIAM BULSTRODE moved the King should be petitioned to set out his proclamation for Sir Thomas Gerrard, for that being returned burgess for Liverpool in Lancashire he never appeared in the House because he would not take the oath, and if he came not in, he should incur a contempt to the King.

[f. 118v] The RECORDER moved he should be excepted out of the general pardon.

SIR HENRY POOLE would have him adjudged to the Tower.

Mr. [Henry] Lovell was called to the bar for offering money to get himself elected burgess of Bletchingley and threatening, if he missed, to take away the annuity of 14 nobles that my Lady of Effingham gave the town. He threatened that those that should not be for him should be sent for up [sic] by pursuivants. He did not receive of 2 years before because he was not in charity. His mother, his daughter and son recusants. He proceeded to election without warrant. For these offences he was committed to the Tower during pleasure.

[Committee of the Whole House for religion]

The Solicitor's report of the subcommittee concerning recusants was set down in a paper.

Mr. [William] Mallory moved that the English soldiers with the Infanta should be recalled and others restrained from going.

It was ordered that on Monday morning, all knights and burgesses should deliver in writing the names of all they knew that bore office in their counties and were recusants or had wives so, and children.

IV. DIARY OF SIR THOMAS JERVOISE, HAMPSHIRE RECORD OFFICE, 44M69/F4/20/1

[p. 107]

1624, 3th [sic] Apr[il], in the morning

Mr. [Henry] Lovell was committed to the Tower for endeavouring to be elected a burgess. He is to lie there until he make petition to the House.

[Matthias] Fowle, having the patent of gold and silver thread being proved a great grievance, was likewise censored and the patent damned.

A petition was conceived by the House for banishing priests and Jesuits and for the execution of the laws, wherein the Lords are desired to join with them to the King.

In the afternoon at the committee of trade

The impositions upon cloth which the Merchant Adventurers had laid: upon a short cloth 5s., upon a long cloth 7s. 6d. They pretend the reason why the[y] were suffered by their patent to lay [p. 108] these impositions was for the paying of a debt of the King, viz. [£]50,000 when he went into Scotland, and their demand is for some more moneys laid out for the King. But the committee was of opinion that if their books of account were perused, it would appear that those foresaid sums were discharged with a great overplus. They are unwilling to have their books reviewed but use all delays, alleging the books were at Hamburg, and refuse to show any copies of them. But in the end, with much labour, one Skinner, being their clerk, confessed that although it was true the[y] did send away their accounts beyond seas, yet they did keep a ledger book in their office of the entry [p. 109] of all those accounts, which said book was in his custody. It was then ordered that they should peremptorily bring in that book to the committee on Thursday following, being the 8th day ...

V. DIARY OF JOHN LOWTHER, CUMBRIA ARCHIVE CENTRE, CARLISLE, DLONS/L/2/1

[f. 48]

3 Aprilis

3 private bills read.

SIR EDWARD COKE reports [Matthias] Fowle's patent for gold wire and thread, a grievance to be damned. Void for false recital that they should use the bullion they brought in only, which they did not. They have the sole making; they set a custom of it, for custom best by imputation. This against law. Fowle's God infatuated him. Executed with proclamation fears of Star Chamber bonds not to use trade. Offend the law by conversion into bullion.

Declared, by voice, a grievance and void, and Fowle to be committed and precedents for his punishment to be brought into the House.

[f. 48v] Sir Thomas Gerrard committed to the Tower by order and to be left out of the pardon, expected to be very general (but not done).

Ordered that the trade of gold wire be considered by committee to be also abolished.

[Henry] Lovell sent to the Tower for his abuse in election, and not to be this time elected.

[Committee of the Whole House for religion]

[Mr.] Solicitor reports, we having [?received] the King's answer to our advice, the King's assistance, and if war follow to be assisted by us, considering the principles that the incendiaries of Rome infuse and seduce and draw dependency of Spain. The concourse of people to ambassador's house. The boldness of help of [?favours] to them from Spain. Preparation for invasion in Spain bent as probably on us as other[s]. The encouragement to strangers to have a party here or an opinion at least. Discouragement to us at home more damage at home than abroad, in our own opinion. The mischiefs to [the] state by precedent and consequence.

• [1.] That all in orders from Rome to depart by proclamation, and not to be [?present] again upon pain of execution of law.
• 2. To give charge to justices, as by policy of state suspected recusant, all arms as they or any for them have [?provided] and maintain, leaving only [?necessary].
• [f. 49] 3. That all popish recusants to depart London and be confined and [illegible] to discharge licence and not to come to Court of King or Prince.
• 4. To forbid mass and resort to ambassador's or agent's houses.
• 5. That lieutenants, justices, etc., to be displaced whose selves or wives are not communicants within one year. That knights and burgesses inform the House who be such by Wednesday.
• 6. That laws be executed and justices be commanded to execute them.
• 7. That being delivered of the danger, that the King would secure the hearts of his subjects by his word that upon no such match he will dispense with his laws, and so desire a gracious answer.

The bill for counterfeiting fines and matters of record. Second read.

No law to be passed while a message is out of the House.

The message of recusants answered and to be presently conferred upon. Lords 24, we 48.

The bill to taking of apprentices to a plough land. Once [sic] read. [?Committed] Wednesday, Exchequer Chamber.

[f. 49v] The bill to discharge sheriffs having quietus and their heirs and executors after 5 years.

The bill to reverse outlawries. Once read.

So [the bill] for moor-burning.

[MR.] SOLICITOR reports how he gave thanks for their expedition to the Lords. Showed the reasons, read it. They thanked and upon Monday to take it in consideration, the petition to the King.

[Afternoon]

The bill for supersedeas and certiorari. Engrossed.

At the great committee of trade

The Merchants [sic] [Adventurers'] books to be sent for and once thought to send them to the Tower for shifting, but respited until Thursday.

Then also [Edmund] Nicholson brought in his instructions, patent and reasons for the pretermitted custom, late at night and then adjourned.

VI. DIARY OF EDWARD NICHOLAS, TNA, SP 14/166

[f. 110v]

[3 April 1624]

[Nicolas did not attend the House until 5 April, during which period] ... [Henry] Lovell was apprehended by the Serjeant of this House and committed for his undue practice to get himself burgess for Bletchingley, as before. Mr. Matthias Fowle was also committed for executing the patent for making of gold and silver thread which was here condemned the last convention of Parliament.

VII. DIARY OF SIR WILLIAM SPRING, HOUGHTON LIBRARY, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, MS ENG. 980

[p. 170]

Saturday, the 3rd of April 1624

An act for expla[nation] of a statute made the [blank] of Edward the 6th concerning selling of butter and cheese. Committed.

An act for restitution in blood of Sir [sic] Carew Ralegh, son of Sir Walter Ralegh.

An act for [John] Stratford's lands, etc. Committed.

An act for the pulling down of weirs, etc., on the river of Wye. Committed.

SIR EDWARD COKE reports the patent of gold-wire-drawing (preferred to be confirmed by act) to be a grievance for consumption of bullion, for enhancing the price, for the restraint of an ancient trade, etc.

SIR EDWARD VILLIERS made his apology to the House that his interest was first but as the King's farmer to the importation of the gold wire, and after this patent did deprive him of that he obtained of the King an allowance from the corporation. Submits himself to the judgement of the House, and if they think him incapable of sitting there he will depart.

The House clears and settles him.

Matthias Fowle is committed to the Serjeant until the House has considered his offence.

SIR H[ENRY] POOLE moves that, by the vote of the House, Sir Thomas Gerrard may be judged to the Tower during the King's pleasure.

It is ordered so.

SIR H[ENEAGE] FINCH, the RECORDER. That Gerrard may be exempted out of the pardon when it comes.

It's ordered according to Sir H[enry] Poole's motion.

[Henry] Lovell is committed to the Tower for procuring himself to be returned as a burgess of Bletchingley by indirect means by threatening the townsmen to take away the Lady Effingham's benevolence, to find a pursuivant for them if they did it not, for calling the sheriff to justify a false indenture, etc. He must lie there until he confesses his fault and make petition for his release. He received not the communion this 2 years; a son a priest, a daughter a nun.

[p. 171] An order is made that the knights and burgesses of each county shall meet and inform themselves of all recusants convicted or justly suspected as are justices of peace, deputy lieutenants or justices of oyer and terminer or captains, and shall inform the House of them on Wednesday next.

An act against such as shall levy fines, etc. in name of any persons not privy thereunto.

In the afternoon

An act for [Sir Edward] Engham, read before. Committed.

SIR EDWARD COKE. The bill of supersedeas and certioraries. Engrossed.

The committee for trade that afternoon

The Merchant Adventurers were demanded why they laid impositions on the native commodities of this kingdom rather than on foreign.

They answered that impositions were never laid on the person. The cause was for that they having disbursed [£]50,000 to the King at his going into Scotland, they did it to get that again. That in other services they had disbursed £12,000, and to furnish the state with powder £4,000 in which they lost £500; that they furnished the King of Bohemia with their house, which was £900; that the interest of their money and charge of their company was [£]2,000; the total, [£]70,000.

They are enjoined to answer in writing whether they will take off all the cloth of the kingdom; whether they will admit of other merchants into their society; if neither of these, then whether they will hold them only to white cloths?

Order made for all their books of accounts, etc.

VIII. DIARY OF SIR THOMAS HOLLAND, BODL., TANNER MS 392

[f. 78]

3 April, Saturday

Second read, committed, Wednesday, Court [of] Wards. An act for the ex[planation] of a statute made 3, 4, 5 Ed. 6 concerning selling butter and cheese.

An act for the restitution in blood of Carew Ralegh, son of Sir Walter Ralegh.

Second read, committed, Monday, Court [of] Wards. An act for the establishing the land of John Stratford upon John Hopkins.

Second read, committed, Tuesday, Exchequer [Chamber]. An act for the pulling down of weirs, dams, kills and stanks upon the river of Wye in Hereford, Gloucester and Monmouth.

[SIR EDWARD] COKE, repor[t]. A patent granted the 14th of July [sic] to [Matthias] Fowle of gold-wire-drawing. It is held by the committee to be a grievance and therefore void upon 3 suggestions. First, that the gold wire was a consumption of bullion, and therefore to bring in bullion it was thought fit by the King. Secondly, that it should be at as low a price, yet where it was but 5s. now it was 6s. 6d., and the body of it was copper. Third, that where it provided it sho[blank]. Fourth, that these being incorporate, Fowle was the first, these were only allowed and prohibited the ancient tradesmen, which was [?ancient]. Next, 4d. ob. was imposed upon a native commodity to make good what came formerly in by bringing in gold wire. Next, if any did use this trade, they were to be sued in the Star Chamber and a proclamation was to assist.

[f. 78v] [SIR EDWARD] VILLIERS desires to clear his reputation in this House. He was a suitor to his Majesty that he might be a farmer to the customs of gold thread, which his Majesty granted, after which, he finding this incorporation had gotten that benefit away, he sued that he might have a benefit from the corporation, which was likewise granted, and this was all the interest he had in it. Yet if the House shall think him incapable of sitting here during the debate, he submits himself to it.

He was cleared and settled in his place.

It is ordered that Matthias Fowle shall be committed to the Serjeant until the House has further considered of his offence. In the meantime, precedents are to be viewed in the like case.

[SIR HENRY] POOLE moves that, by the vote of the House, [Sir Thomas] Gerrard may be judged to the Tower during the pleasure of the House.

[MR.] RECORDER moves that in the general pardon, Sir Thomas Gerrard may be excepted out.

Order. It is ordered that Sir Thomas Gerrard shall be committed to the Tower for his contempt.

Order. The statute of continuance is put off until Monday morning, eight of the clock. So ordered.

The charge against [Henry] Lovell. Whether he, or any other by his means, has laboured for reward to gain his election; namely, one Bell or any other. Next, whether he has not used or abused the name of the Lady Effingham, saying that if they of Bletchingley did not elect him, that she would take away her benevolence of £4 13s. 4[d.] which she gave in contribution. Whether he has not threatened that if they did not elect him, a pursuivant should be sent for them and they should be sent to the Tower. [f. 79] Whether he did not call the shrieve to justify a false indenture of return. Whether the shrieve did not tell him that he had returned the indenture. When he received the communion, which is about 2 years since. All he has denied. That he/

By question, it is ordered the Mr. Lovell shall be committed to the Tower, there to remain, and after upon petition.

That the knights and burgesses shall meet and inform themselves of all recusants convicted or justly suspected as are deputy lieutenants, justices of the peace, justices of oyer and terminer or captains.

Second read, committed, Monday, Court [of] Wards. An act against such as shall levy any fines, suffer recoveries, knowledge recognizances, bail or otherwise in the name of any persons not being privy thereto.

In the afternoon

Second read, committed, Friday, [Court of] Wards. An act for selling the lands of Sir Edward Eng[eh]am, knight, of the manor of Goodnestone, to Edward Iniam.

[SIR EDWARD] COKE reports the bill against supersedeas and certioraries. Put to the engrossing.

The committee for trade that afternoon

A petition preferred by the merchants of/

[Sir Edwin] Sandys, for trade. The first question, upon what grounds they have altered their course by laying the impositions upon the native commodities of this kingdom rather than the foreign commodities.

[William] Towerson says that they never laid impositions upon the persons for the cause was by virtue of the patent, they having disbursed to the King £50,000 at the King's going into Scotland, to get what they had disbursed. [f. 79v] Over besides that, other services did amount to £12,000, and to furnish the state with powder to the value of £4,000, in which they lost £500. Then they furnished the King of Bohemia with their house, which was £900. Then their interest of their money, the charges of the company £2,000, the total comes to £70,000. They excuse their not bringing the book of accounts because they had not the order of the House until yesterday until 6 of the clock at night and they are to call a court before they can bring in the books. They desire that they may have Thursday next for the bringing them in, and he will do his endeavour to satisfy the House.

Skinner, the clerk of the company, confesses that the books of accounts, or copies, remains within his custody. He being asked when their court was last kept says this day fortnight they kept a court.

Three questions proposed to the Merchants [sic] [Adventurers] to resolve under their hands: first, whether they will take off all the cloth of the kingdom; secondly, whether they will admit of other merchants into their society; if neither of these, then whether they will hold them only to the white cloth? These three things they are enjoined to bring resolved in writing under their hands.

It is ordered that a warrant be sent to the Governor of the Merchant Adventurers that he send in the books of accounts, ledger books or whatsoever name they be called, upon Thursday in the afternoon and then the merchants to attend.

IX. DIARY OF JOHN PYM, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE RECORD OFFICE, FH/N/C/0050

[f. 47v]

3⁰ April 1624

The patent concerning gold and silver thread condemned for a grievance.

Mr. [Henry] Lovell had received his judgement according to the sentence before given.

Mr. Solicitor made a report of the heads agreed upon by the committee concerning recusants, which was done in the great committee, the Speaker going out of the chair.

And the[n] SIR EDWARD COKE made the same report to the House.

One Denby [sic] preferred a petition, whereby he undertook to discover great matters concerning the practices of recusants.

Sir William Bulstrode, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder and Sir Thomas Hoby were appointed to examine him.

An act against the levying fines, suffering recoveries, acknowledging statutes or judgements in other men's names. The penalty: it was made felony, loss of life, forfeiture of goods, without benefit of clergy, not to extend to taint the blood or to bar dower. Committed.

[Afternoon]

The bill of certioraries and supersedeas was brought in by SIR EDWARD COKE without any alteration.

And it was ordered that the knights and burgesses should make a certificate of the recusants in every county bearing office, as was formerly agreed in the committee.

Before the recess there was an order made, whereupon the case of Chippenham was recommitted and new proofs examined on both parts, whereof MR. [JOHN] GLANVILLE [f. 48] now offered the report.

Eodem die, in the great committee for trade

A complaint was preferred against the Merchant Adventurers by divers merchants of London not free of that company, for these points:

• 1. The restraint of trade in woollen manufactures.
• 2. Vexation by suits.
• 3. Enforcements of oaths and bonds.

These merchant[s] being convented, they were appointed to answer to these questions:

• 1. The cause of their imposition.
• 2. The sum that had been levied.
• 3. The state of the supposed debt.
• 4. Why they did not rather lay this charge upon foreign commodities than upon native, and to deliver their books of account.

To which [William] Towerson, deputy of the company, made this answer. That the debt which the company was enforced to run into was the cause of the imposition, which though for more equality it was rated by the cloths, yet upon the matter was personal, for no man either bought cloth cheaper or sold it dearer. The falling of cloth was by reason of the troubling of their company. The transportation was by a medium 70[,000] or 80,000 in that year when they left, and when they took it again there were not above 36,000 per annum, and now they had brought it to 48,000. The debt grew by £50,000 given the King, £4,000 [of] which they were commanded to bestow in powder, [£]900 in entertaining the King of Bohemia and some other ways to value to the value [sic] of £20,000, besides their ordinary charge was £2,000 per annum and in officers. Concerning the book of accounts, that there were not number enough in town to keep a court, without which they could not be delivered.

These answers did not satisfy the House, but they were commanded to attend again upon Monday.

X. DIARY OF SIR WALTER EARLE, BL, ADD. MS 18,597

[f. 114]

Saturday, 27th of March [sic]

[Henry] Lovell, censured for his misdemeanours about the election of Bletchingley, to be committed to the Tower during the pleasure of the House, not to be enlarged but upon acknowledgement of his offence.

The Speaker went out of the chair.

[Committee of the Whole House for religion]

The report was made to the general committee of the petition concerning recusants drawn up by the subcommittee.

A message to the Lords for a conference.

A meeting for it appointed.

The form of the petition read. The Lords took time until Monday to resolve.

Saturday afternoon, the committee of the whole House for the business concerning the Merchants [sic] Adventurers

They being called in, were demanded:

• 1. Upon what ground they laid the imposition of 5s. per cloth for the shortest and 7s. 6d. the longer? To this they answered it was to ease themselves of a greater burden and that by virtue of their letters patents.
• 2. Being demanded what became of the £100,000 and more which they have levied within this 7 years, [f. 114v] they alleged that besides the £14,000 debt quitted, £12,000 pirate money, £500 lost in gunpowder, [£]7,000 per annum interest of the £50,000.

XI. JOURNAL OF SIR SIMONDS D'EWES, BL, HARL. MS 159

[f. 97v]

April 3, Saturday

An act for butter and cheese.

An act for the restoring of Carew Ralegh, son to Sir Walter Ralegh, lately attainted.

An act for the clearing and making navigable the river of Wye in Wales running through the county of Hereford, Gloucester and Monmouth.

[Matthias] Fowle's patent granted in June last was judged a mere monopoly and against law as being made upon 3 false suggestions.

• l. They were permitted to make gold wire of such bullion as they brought in, now they brought in little or none but made it of our own coin.
• 2. That they should abate of the usual price, which was now found to have been enhanced.
• 3. That they should make it better than it had been formerly and it appeared they made it worse.

Besides, they prohibited all other to work in that kind but themselves and so they debarred men of their own occupations and that an ancient one, too, viz. wire-drawers. Besides, they did now execute it who were never brought up to the trade, who therefore both by common law and by statute law cannot exercise and practise it. Also, they have sworn men not to execute their own trade, whereupon they are impoverished. Lastly, they convert our money to that use, which was scarce enough when we had those gold and silver wires from Venice, and of it something, though not much, remained with us.

Fowle himself [e]scaped fair in Mompesson's business and so might from thence have been warned. Wherefore, upon question, his patent was damned, his person thought fit to be held in custody and precedents to be searched what punishment they have deserved and undergone who have so far contemned the order of the House as to exercise a patent which they had condemned, as this [f. 98] man had done since the last Parliament.

A motion by SIR EDWARD VILLIERS to condemn the whole manufacture, else this is nothing.

For Sir Thomas Gerrard's contempt, a praemunire was thought a punishment of too high a nature for a fault in that kind. Some would have had him left out of the general pardon, as in Sir Stephen Proctor's case, but it was ordered, by question, that he should stand committed to the Tower.

[Henry] Lovell was also brought to the bar, heard and committed to the Tower. Vide Lovell's case, March 22.

A draft framed of a petition to his Majesty and reasons for the securing of religion by the execution of the laws against Jesuits, seminary priests and recusants, with a message from the Lords thereupon.

Then was read a petition of John Tendering, who desired to discover divers dangerous practices against the state, who being then a prisoner desired also a protection for his person to walk abroad and prove it.

An order made that the knights and burgesses of every shire should meet apart and inquire and give in the names of such recusants as are in place of charge or trust in the several shires.

An act against levying of fines, suffering recoveries or recognizances under other men's names, made felony, but no corruption of blood nor loss of dower to ensue. Vide March 3⁰.