Journal of the House of Lords: December 1597

The Journals of All the Parliaments During the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. Originally published by Irish University Press, Shannon, Ire, 1682.

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Citation:

Simonds d'Ewes, 'Journal of the House of Lords: December 1597', in The Journals of All the Parliaments During the Reign of Queen Elizabeth( Shannon, Ire, 1682), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/jrnl-parliament-eliz1/pp530-536 [accessed 31 October 2024].

Simonds d'Ewes, 'Journal of the House of Lords: December 1597', in The Journals of All the Parliaments During the Reign of Queen Elizabeth( Shannon, Ire, 1682), British History Online, accessed October 31, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/jrnl-parliament-eliz1/pp530-536.

Simonds d'Ewes. "Journal of the House of Lords: December 1597". The Journals of All the Parliaments During the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. (Shannon, Ire, 1682), , British History Online. Web. 31 October 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/jrnl-parliament-eliz1/pp530-536.

December 1597

On Thursday the first day of December, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, The Bill concerning the School of Seavenoake was read tertiâ vice, and sent to the House of Commons by Mr Serjeant Drew and Mr Dr Stanhop.

The Bill for the establishing the Town Lands of Wanting, &c. was brought in by the Committees (who were appointed on Saturday the 26th day of this instant November foregoing, although their names and the Commitment of the said Bill upon the second reading be there purposely omitted as matter of small consequence) with a Proviso by them thought fit to be added thereunto, which Proviso was twice read.

The Parties that Arrested the Lord Chandois Servant, Edward Barston, viz. William Wood and one Stephenson a Serjeant with two others, were brought into the House by the Serjeant at Arms, and upon some notice taken of the matter, Mr Justice Owen and Mr Serjeant Drew were appointed to examine the same, and to make report thereof to the Lords. Vide concerning this matter on Saturday the 26th day of this instant November foregoing.

The Lord Hunsdon Lord Chamberlain took his place this day as Baron of Hunsdon betwixt the Lord Chandois and the Lord St John of Bletso.

On Saturday the third day of December, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Thursday foregoing, the Bill for the establishing of the Town Lands of Wanting in the County of Berks, was read tertiâ vice, and sent to the House of Commons by Mr Serjeant Drew and Mr Attorney, for their consideration of a Proviso thought fit to be added by the Committees.

Five Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first was the Bill for the encrease of Mariners and for maintenance of the Navigation, repealing a former Act made in the twenty third year of her Majesties Reign bearing the same title, which said Bill was sent from the Lords to the House of Commons for their consideration and allowance of the title and some Amendments in the Body of the Bill.

A second being the Bill for erecting of Hospitals or abiding and working Houses for the Poor, was read primâ vice.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the better and safer Recording of Fines to be levied in the Court of Common Pleas was read primâ vice.

Upon the Report of Mr Justice Owen and Mr Serjeant Drew, unto whom the Examination of the matter was committed concerning the Arresting of Edward Barston Servant to the Lord Chandois by one Stephenson a Serjeant of London, at the Suit of one William Wood, these two being found and judged to have willfully offended therein against the priviledge of the House, were committed and sent to the Prison of the Fleet, there to be kept close Prisoners until further direction should be given by the Lords of Parliament.

And whereas the two others were this day brought into the House before the Lords and supposed to be partakers of the same offence, they upon Examination being found not to have wilfully committed any fault therein were dismissed, and Order given accordingly by the Lords for their discharge in that behalf; And also for the discharge of Edward Barston out of the Prison of the Counter. Vide concerning this matter on Saturday the 26th day of November foregoing, and on Thursday the first day of this instant December last past, as also on Monday the 5th day of this said December following, as also on Wednesday the 14th day of the same Month.

On Monday the 5th day of December, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, Six Bills of no great moment were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first was the Bill for erecting Houses of Correction, and Punishment of Rogues and Sturdy Beggars; And the second being the Bill to restrain Brewers to keep two Coopers and no more, was read primâ vice.

The Bill for the Confirmation of the Jointure of Christian Lady Sands, was read primâ vice.

Four other Bills also of no great moment were read secundâ vice, and thereupon Committed.

The absence of the
Earl of Essex
Lord Viscount Bindon
Earl of Cumberland
Lord Scroope
Lord Willoughby of Eresby
Bishop of Rochester

excused by the
Lord Rich.
Lord Chandois.
Lord Wharton.
Lord Zouch.
Bishop of Bath and Wells.

This day Order was given for the Release of Stephenson the Serjeant that arrested the Lord Chandois his Servant. Vid concerning this matter on Saturday the 26th day of November last past, as also on Thursday the 1. day and on Saturday the 3. day of this instant December foregoing.

On Tuesday the 6th day of December, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one Reading; of which the first being the Bill for erecting of Houses of Correction for punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds and sturdy Beggars was read Secunda vice.

The Committees in the Bill Entituled An Act for the better and safe Recording of Fines to be levyed in the Court of Common Pleas (who were appointed yesterday, although their names and the Commitment of the said Bill upon the second reading be there purposely omitted as a matter of small consequence) returned the same to the House with some Amendments, which Amendments were twice read and the Bill commanded to be ingrossed.

On Wednesday the 7th day of December, Seven Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Confirmation of the Jointure of Christian Lady Sandes, was read secunda vice, and commanded to be ingrossed; and the second being the Bill for the better and safer Recording of Fines to be levied in the Court of Common-Pleas was read tertiâ vice, and sent down to the House of Commons by Mr Attorney and Dr Stanhop.

Hodie retornatum fuit breve Thomæ Domini Howard de Walden.

On Thursday the 8th day of December, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the enabling of Edmund Mollineux Esquire, to sell Lands for the payment of his Debts and Legacies, was read prima vice; And the second being the Bill for confirmation of the Jointure of Christian Lady Sandes, was read tertiâ vice, and sent to the House of Commons by Mr Attorney and Mr Dr Carew.

The Bill for the relief of the poor in times of extream dearth of Corn was read secunda vice, and referr'd to these Committees following, viz. The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Burleigh Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Nottingham Lord Admiral of England, the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Earl of Worcester, the Earl of Southampton, the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, the Bishop of Hereford, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Bishop of Norwich, the Bishop of Chester, the Lord Hunsdon Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Zouch, the Lord De la Ware, the Lord Cobham, the Lord Mountjoy, the Lord Darcy, the Lord Windsor, the Lord North, the Lord Chandois, the Lord St John, the Lord Buckhurst; The two Chief Justices, the Lord Chief Baron, Mr Justice Gaudy, Mr Serjeant Drew and Mr Attorney General, to attend the Lords. (Vide plus antea November 7th Monday.)

These Committees to meet at the little Council Chamber at the Court of Whitehall, on Saturday next being the 10th day of this instant December, at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Bill for erecting of Houses of Correction and for punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds, and Sturdy Beggars, was read secunda vice, and referr'd to the Committees for the former Bill, and the same time and place appointed for meeting; And also Authority was given to the said Committees to call such of the House of Commons unto them at this meeting as they should find cause to confer withal for the better perfecting of the Bill.

Three Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Arthur Hatch her Majesties Ward for the enjoying the Rectory or Parsonage of South Molton according to an Agreement thereof had, &c. was read secundâ vice. Upon which reading it was Ordered, that all parties whom this Bill may concern, either on the part of Mr Hatch or against him, shall be heard openly in the House upon Monday next the 12th day of this instant December by their Councel Learned, and all specialties concerning the same to be then produced, to the end it may be considered whether it shall be convenient to pass this Bill or no; Mr Serjeant Drew and Mr Attorney being appointed by the Lords to inform themselves against that time whether any thing be contained in the Bill that may prejudice the poor Knights of Windsor, and to make Report thereof accordingly on the part of the said poor Knights. Vide December 12th postea.

The Bill lastly for the establishing of the Possessions of Sir Henry Unton Knight lately deceased, and for payment of his Debts, was read secunda vice.

A Motion was made by some of the Lords and approved by the House, that there should be respite of some days taken before the third reading for any such Party or Parties as the Bill concerneth, and namely any of the Wentworths to come to the House, and alledge if they find cause why the Bill should not proceed. And the next Tuesday was assigned for this purpose.

William Cole the Knight Marshal's Man that arrested John York the Lord Archbishops Servant, was brought before the Lords this day by the Serjeant at Armes; and being found upon his Examination before the Lords to have wilfully offended therein against the priviledge of the House, was committed to the Prison of the Fleet, there to remain till their Lordships should give direction for his enlargement. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 14th day of this instant December following.

On Friday the 9th day of December, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for establishing of the Hospital of Queen Elizabeth in Bristol, and for relief of the Orphans and Poor there, was read secundâ vice; upon the reading whereof some Amendments were thought fit by the House to be added, which were presently drawn and agreed upon by the same House, which being twice read, the Bill with the said Amendments were Ordered to be ingrossed.

Seven Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first being the Bill that the Lord Mountjoy may dispose of his Lands whereof he is Tenant in Tail by the Laws and Statutes of this Realm, as other Tenants in Tail may do, a private Statute made 27 Hen. 8. to the contrary notwithstanding, was (with three other of the said Bills being of no great moment) read primâ vice.

The fifth was the Bill for repairing the Bridges of Newport and Carlioll in the County of Monmouth. The sixth was for the establishing the Town Lands of Wanting in the County of Berks, which Bill was returned with allowance of the Proviso so added by their Lordships after the same was presented by the House of Commons; And the seventh and last was the Bill for the establishment of the new Colledge of the poor at Cobham in the County of Kent, which was returned into the House without any Alteration.

On Saturday the 10th day of December, Three Bills of no great moment were each of them read tertiâ vice; of which the first being the Bill for the erecting of Hospitals or abiding and working Houses for the Poor, with another Bill of no great consequence which had been formerly sent up from the House of Commons to their Lordships, were now with some Amendments sent down again from them to the said Commons by Serjeant Drew and Doctor Stanhop.

The Bill Entituled An Act against Forestallers, Regraters and Engrossers was returned into the House by the Committees (who were appointed on Monday the 15th day of this instant December foregoing, although their names and the Commitment of the said Bill upon the second reading be there omitted as a matter of small consequence) with some Amendments which were twice read and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill that the Lord Mountjoy may dispose of his Lands as other Tenants in Tail by the Laws and Statutes of this Realm may do, a private Statute made An. 27 H. 8. to the contrary notwithstanding, was secunda vice lect.

Upon the Motion of the Lord Marquess of Winchester, It was Ordered that the Cause should be heard openly in the House upon Monday Morning next by the Learned Councel on both sides. Vide Decemb. 12. sequen.

Three Bills also of no great moment were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first was the Bill for the better and safer recording of Fines to be levied in the Court of Common Pleas, and was returned and allowed by the said House of Commons without any Alteration.

On Monday the 12th day of December, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, a Motion and request was had by the House of Commons and delivered by Mr Secretary accompanied with many others, for a Conference to be had concerning the Bill intituled An Act concerning Tellors, Receivors, &c. Whereupon the House nominated the Lord Burleigh Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Nottingham Lord Admiral, and divers other Lords, both Earls, Bishops and Barons, as Committees to confer with such a number of the House of Commons as should confer with the Lords touching the said Bill; The Lord Chief Justice of England, the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, the Lord Chief Baron, Mr Serjeant Drew and Mr Attorney being appointed to attend the Lords, and the meeting to be at the great Councel Table at the Court at Whitehal to Morrow being the 13th day of this instant December, at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first concerning Stains Bridge was read tertiâ vice & expedit.

The Councel on both parties, viz. for Arthur Hatch on the one part, and of the Dean and Chapter of Windsor of the other, were admitted to publick hearing in the House. And thereupon the Bill of Arthur Hatch was referred to Committees (being Peers and Members of the House) and the Lord Chief Justice of England and Mr Attorney to attend their Lordships. Vide concerning this matter on Thursday the 8th day of this instant December foregoing.

The Councel on both parts, for the Lord Marquess of Minchester on the one part and the Lord Wountjoy of the other, were admitted to publick hearing in the House. And thereupon no just cause to hinder or stay the proceeding of the Bill appearing, the same was commanded to be read the third time, and so was expedited. Vide touching this business on Saturday the 10th day of this instant December foregoing.

The Committees upon the Bill to enable the owners of Gavelkind Lands in the County of Kent to alter the said Custom (who were appointed on Saturday the 10th day of this instant December foregoing, although their names and the Commitment of the said Bill upon the second reading be there purposely omitted as matter of small consequence) returned the same to the House without alteration.

On Tuesday the 13th day of December, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for enabling of Edmund Mollineux Esquire to sell Lands for the payment of his Debts and Legacies, was read secunda vice, and committed unto the Earl of Shrewsbury and others, and Mr Justice Gaudie and Mr Serjeant Crew to attend their Lordships. Which Committees were Ordered to meet at the Earl of Lincolns House in Cannon Row on Thursday next by two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Two Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the second being the Bill for relief of the poor was read primâ vice.

Four Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill against Forestallers, Regraters and Ingrossers was read tertiâ vice, and sent down to the House of Commons by Mr Serjeant Drew and Mr Doctor Stanhop for their consideration of some Amendments.

The Bill giving power and liberty to Sir John Spencer Knight, Mary his Wife and Robert Spencer Esquire their Son, to alienate certain Mannors and Lands in the County of Dorset and Bedford, was read secunda vice. And thereupon two Letters from the Lady Spencer to the Lord Chamberlain were read in the House, signifying her pleasure and consent to the Bill.

The Bill for explanation of the Statute made in the 5th year of her Majesties Reign concerning Labourers was read secundâ vice; And a motion being made in the House for some Amendent of the Bill, the Amendment was presently agreed on in the said House.

On Wednesday the 14th day of December, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for explanation of the Statute made in the 5th year of her Majesties Reign concerning Labourers was read tertiâ vice, and thereupon was sent down to the House of Commons (from whence it had been formerly brought up to their Lordships) with some Amendments added thereunto by Mr Attorney and Dr Stanhop.

The Bill for the grant of three Subsidies and fix Fifteenths and Tenths was brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons by Mr Comptroller and others.

This day Order was given for the release of Mr Wood out of the prison of the Fleet, at whose Suit the Lord Chandois his Servant called Edward Barston was arrested, so as he make satisfaction unto the said Barston of such charges as he was at by means of that Arrest. Vide concerning this matter on Saturday the 26th day of November foregoing; as also on Thursday the first day, Saturday the third day, and on Monday the 5th day of this instant December last past.

The like Order taken for the enlargement of William Cole that arrested John Yorke the Lord Archbishops Servant, paying only the Fees of the Fleet. Vide touching this business on Thursday the eighth day of this instant December foregoing.

Certain Amendments were thought fit by the Committees to be added to the Bill intituled An Act for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggers; which Amendments were twice read and upon consideration of the same, direction was given to some of the said Committees, viz. the Lord North, the Lord St John and the Lord Buckhurst, to review the said Amendments for reformation of some defects found therein by the House; and the Lord Chief Justice of England appointed to attend them.

On Thursday the 15th day of December, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for grant of three Subsidies and fix Fiftenths and Tenths was read prima vice.

Six Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first was the Bill for establishing the Hospital of Queen Elizabeth in Bristol for relief of the Orphans and Poor there, and was returned with allowance of the Amendments.

Certain Articles were presented in writing by the House of Commons touching their opinions and objections concerning the Bill of Tellors and Receivors, which were delivered to Mr Attorney, to the end he might confer with the Judges upon the same, and make Report to the Lords.

The Bill for Arthur Hatch, her Majesties Ward, was returned into the House by the Lord Treasurer, first of the Committees, who said that there were in the Bill certain Points, that could not be well reformed; whereupon motion was made to the House (upon agreement amongst the Committees) that the proceeding in this Bill might cease, and that another course might be taken by way of Composition betwixt the Dean and Chapter of Windsor and Arthur Hatch; for which purpose a Bill was ready drawn and brought by Mr Attorney General, containing a form of composition betwixt them to be ratisied (if it shall be thought good) by Parliament.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit præsens Parliamentum usq; in postmeridianum tempus hodierni diei horâ, at which time the Bill only for the grant of three Subsidies and six Fifteenths and Tenths was read secundâ vice.

On Friday the 16th day of December, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the grant of three Subsidies and six Fifteenths and Tenths, was read tertiâ vice & expedit.

Five Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons by Sir William Knolles and others; of which the first being the Bill touching the School at seavenoake, was returned from the House of Commons with their allowance thereof.

The Bill for Arthur Hatch her Majesties Ward for the enjoying of the Rectory and Parsonage of South-Molton in the County of Devon. for certain years, referving the usual rent, was read prima vice.

On Saturday the 17th day of December, Eight Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Arthur Hatch her Majesties Ward for the enjoying of the Rectory and Parsonage of South-Molton, &c. was read secundâ vice, and referr'd to the same Committees that were formerly appointed (on Monday the 12th day of this instant December foregoing) and the Earl of Worcester and Bishop of London were added to them.

Two Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first was the Bill for encrease of people for the service and defence of the Realm.

The Bill Intituled An Act for the enabling of Edmund Mollineux Esq; for the payment of his Debts and Legacies, was returned into the House by the Earl of Shrewsbury the first of the Committees, who said, the Committees had heard the Councel Learned on both parts, as well on the part of Mr Mollineux as against him, and finding some matter of difficulty in the Bill, the Councel desired to be heard openly in the House.

On Monday the 19th day of December, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, the Bill for confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy was read tertia vice, and sent to the House of Commons by Mr Attorney and Dr Stanhop.

Certain Amendments were offered to the House by the Committees upon the second Bill concerning Arthur Hatch her Majesties Ward, &c. And the same Amendments were twice read. Whereupon both the Bill and the said Amendments were commanded forthwith to be ingrossed, which was accordingly done, and presently read the third time, and sent to the House of Commons by Mr Attorney and Mr Dr Stanhop. Vide concerning this matter on Thursday the 15th day of this instant December foregoing.

The Committees upon the Bill Intituled An Act for erecting of Houses of Correction, and punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars, and An Act for the relief of the Poor, returned the same to the House with some Amendments, which were presently twice read and commanded to be ingrossed.

The Amendments in the Bill concerning Labourers formerly ingrossed in Parchment (at which exception was taken by the House of Commons, and for that cause returned without their allowance, because the Amendments were ingrossed in Parchment, which according to the Custom and use of the House should have been Paper, and thereupon) the Lords now commanded them to be written in Paper.

Four Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons by Sir William Knolles and others; of which the first was the Bill for the confirmation and establishment of the deprivation of divers Bishops in the beginning of her Majesties Reign, returned into the Upper House with some Amendments; which said Amendments were thrice read: And the second being for the establishment of the Bishoprick of Norwich, and the Possessions of the same, against a certain pretended concealed title made thereunto, was read prima vice. Vide concerning this matter on Thursday the 12th day, Saturday the 14th day, on Monday the 16th day, and on Thursday the 17th day of January next ensuing.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the encrease of people for the service and defence of the Realm, was read primâ vice.

On Tuesday the 20th day of December, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for erecting of Houses of Correction, and punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars, was read tertiâ vice.

The Amendments of the Bill concerning Labourers was presented to the House written in paper. Vide concerning this Bill on the day immediately foregoing.

The three Bills aforesaid were sent down to the House of Commons for their consideration of the several Amendments and Provisoes added unto them, by Mr Attorney General and Mr Dr Stanhop.

Two Bills of no great moment were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the last concerning Labourers was returned with the allowance of the Amendments.

The Bill lastly for the encrease of people for the service and defence of the Realm was read secundâ vice, and committed unto the Archbishop of Canterbury and others; and the two Lords Chief Justices, the Lord Chief Baron and Mr Attorney General to attend their Lordships: who were appointed to meet at the great Council Chamber at the Court at Whitehall on Wednesday the 11th day of January next following, at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli ex mandato Dominæ Reginæ adjornavit præsens Parliamentum usq; in 11. diem Januarii prox' sequentem horâ octavâ.

Nota, That this Adjournment, although but for the space of twenty one days, was by her Majesties Commandment, being personally present, as may be directly gathered out of those words ex mandato Dominæ Reginæ, notwithstanding the word præsentis be omitted here as in divers other places also of these Journals of the Queens time upon the like occasion; for otherwise if her said Majesty had not been personally present in the Upper House, this Adjournment ought to have been by Commission under the Great Seal, as a like Adjournment had been from Monday the 21th day of December unto Thursday the 4th day of February then next ensuing, in the Parliament in Anno 27 Reginæ Eliz. Anno Domini 1584.

Nota also, That at the end of this Adjournment the two Houses met in their several places without any pomp or state, and also fell to the reading of such Bills and perfecting of such ordinary businesses as they had left unperfected at the time of the aforesaid Adjournment. Which said new meeting of the Lords in the Upper House is Entred as followeth in the Journal-Book of the Upper House, viz.

Die Mercurii, viz. undecimo die Januarii (to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned on Tuesday the 20th day of December foregoing) Domini tam Spirituales quàm Temporales, quorum nomina subsequuntur, præsentes fuerunt.

Archiepiscopus Cantuarien'.
Thomas Egerton Miles, Custos magni Sigilli.
Dominus Burleigh Dominus Thesaurar. Angliæ.

Comites.

Comes Essex Magnus Marescallus Angliæ.
Comes Nottingham Magnus Seneschallus.
Comes Northumbr'.
Comes Salopiæ.
Comes Darbiæ.
Vice-Comes Bindon.

Episcopi.

Episcopus London.
Episcopus Roffen'.
Episcopus Peterburgen'.
Episcopus Bathon' & Wellen'.
Episcopus Landaven'.
Episcopus Cestren'.
Episcopus Cicestren'.

Barones.

Dominus Hunsdon Camerarius.
Dominus Zouch.
Dominus La Ware.
Dominus Cobham.
Dominus Stafford.
Dominus Grey de Wilton.
Dominus Scroope.
Dominus Stourton.
Dominus Sandes.
Dominus Wharton.
Dominus Rich.
Dominus Darcy de Chich.
Dominus North.
Dominus Buckhurst.
Dominus Compton.

Nota, That though I do usually observe in all these Journals never to have the presence of the Lords transcribed, but at the beginning only of a new Parliament, or at least a new Session; yet I have observed it here though but at the beginning of a new meeting, in respect that the presence of the Lords before set down at the beginning of this Parliament on Monday the 24th day of October being much greater than that of this day, could not serve to be any rule for the presence of those that attended at this new meeting; which is for the most part the chiefest reason why the presence of the Lords is marked on the first day of the Parliament, or on the next day from the first, on which they be noted, if through the Clerk of the Upper House his negligence (as it often happeneth) it be omitted on the said day.

A second but less material cause why I have their names transcribed, is to see the due places and precedences of the Lords Temporal.

This Wednesday as soon as the Lords were set, it should seem that the Earl of Essex having been created Earl Marshall the 28th day of December last before this instant, took his place according to his said Office, viz. next after the Earl of Oxon Chamberlain of England, and before the Earl of Nottingham Lord Steward and Lord Admiral.

The said Earl Marshal having taken his plae as aforesaid, was added to the Committees in the Bill intituled An Act for encrease of people for the service and defence of the Realm, who were appointed on Tuesday the 20th day of December foregoing. His Lordship also was added to the Committees upon the Bill for the relief of the Poor in times of extream dearth, who were appointed to meet at the great Council Chamber at Whitehall upon Friday the 13th day of this instant January following, by two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Committees upon the Bill concerning Broakers and Pawntakers were appointed to meet at the great Council Chamber, &c. upon Friday the 13th day of this instant January following, by two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Bill for maintenance of Husbandry and Tillage was read secunda vice, and referred to the same Committees which are for the Bill for encrease of people, &c. who were appointed to meet at the great Council Chamber, &c. on Tuesday the 20th day of December foregoing, and to meet at the same time and place.

Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for recovery of three hundred thousand Acres of waste Marish and watery grounds in the Isle of Ely, and the Counties of Cambridge, Huntington, Northampton, Lincoln, Norfolk and Suffolk, was read secundâ vice and committed unto the Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Essex Lord Marshal, the Earl of Nottingham Lord Admiral, the Bishop of Peterborough, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Bishop of Norwich and the Bishop of Chichester, the Lord Hunsdon Lord Chamberlain, the Lord De la Ware, the Lord Cobham, the Lord Rich, the Lord Darcie of Chich, the Lord North and the Lord Buckhurst; and Mr Justice Gaudie and Mr Serjeant Drew to attend their Lordships: All which were appointed to meet at the little Chamber near the Chamber of Parliament presence on Saturday the 14th day of January following in the Morning before the House sit.