House of Lords Journal Volume 4: 15 January 1641

Die Veneris, videlicet, 15 die Januarii.

PRAYERS.

Bishops of Exeter and Landaff to speak with Archbishop of Cant.

Lord Bishop of Exon and Lord Bishop of Landaph had Leave granted them to see the Archbishop of Cant.

Witnesses in E. Strafford's Cause.

Witnesses sworn in the Earl of Strafford's Cause:

And received an Injunction for Secrecy.

Faucet's Petition.

A Petition of James Faucet was read; and Ordered, That the further Consideration thereof be referred until the Earl of Newport be present.

Committees to rise when the House meets.

Ordered, That all Committees do rise when the House in set.

Witnesses in Westrop's Cause versus Judge Crawley.

Witnesses sworn in the Cause between Mr. Westrupp and Mr. Justice Crawley, depending before the Lords Committees for Imprisonments, etc.

And the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Speaker of this House, who was sworn at the Clerk's Table; the Clerk reading the Oath.

Judges to hold their Places, quamdiu se bene gesserint.

The Earl Marshal and the Lord Chamberlain reported to the House, That their Lordships had presented to His Majesty the humble Desire of this House, That all the Justices of the King's Bench and Court of Common Pleas, and the Barons of the Exchequer that go Circuits, may hold their Places by Patent from His Majesty quamdiu se bene gesserint, and not durante beneplacito; unto which Request His Majesty is Graciously pleased to condescend.

Oxford Petition.

After this a Petition from the City of Oxford was read; and Articles annexed thereunto; whereupon it was Ordered, To be referred to the Committee for Petitions, and the Chancellor of Oxford made acquainted with it.

Beeton versus Barker.

It was moved, That the Lords Committees for Imprisonments, etc. have thought fit that one Barker, a Messenger, having taken Four Pounds Fees illegally from one Beeton, a Constable, after he was released from the Council Table, fetcht thither for refusing to pay Coat and Conduct Money; and, after some Debate, it was referred again to the further Consideration of the Lords Committees.

Preparatory Examinations against the E. of Strafford and Sir Geo. Ratcliffe.

Intimation was given to the House, That the House of Commons did desire, that the preparatory Examinations taken by the deputed Lords, in the Cause of the Earl of Strafford and Sir George Ratcliffe, may be transferred to them, for fortifying their Charges against them. For Consideration hereof, the House was adjourned into a Committee during Pleasure.

And, after some Debate, the House was resumed; and it was thought fit, That nothing should be done in this Particular till the House of Commons do send a Message, presenting their Desires herein.

His Majesty to be acquainted with O Rourks Liberty.

It was moved, That His Majesty might be made acquainted what Liberty is granted to Brian O Rourk, by Order of this House, upon his Petition, he being His Majesty's Prisoner in The Tower, and (as is conceived) for Matter of State, and being thought it might prove dangerous to the State of Ireland if he should escape into that Kingdom, which was thought fit to be done. And the Earl of Baith was appointed by the House to do it.

King's Claim to the Baronies of Hastings and Ruthin to be heard.

Ordered, That Mr. Attorney General do argue the King's Claim to the Baronies of Hastings and Ruthin on Monday next, here at the Bar.

O Rourk to be watched when he goes abroad.

Ordered, That the Lieutenant of The Tower do put such a Guard upon Mr. O Rourke when he goes abroad to instruct his Counsel, or to hear his Cause before the Lords Committees, that he will be responsible to this House for his safe Custody.

Adjourn.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius de Communi Banco, Locum tenens Domini Magni Sigilli, declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque in diem Sabbati, videlicet, 16^m diem instantis Januarii, hora nona, Dominis sic decernentibus.