WE are sufficiently sensible of the Mischiefs of Jesuitical Villains; sixty six we hope is not yet, nor ever will be forgot, nor the grand Contrivances or petty Instruments of that Cursed Conflagration; Nor have we wanted several instances since of their malice. The same men that first Burnt our Houses, would quickly Burn our Bodies; and had they power would no doubt repeat all the Butcheries of the [Page 2] Marian days. We shall not mention South­wark, Wapping, &c. Though the Promo­ters of the Mischiefs there are not unknown: However since the Burning of this Prison which is just now happened, is so remark­able in the Town, it will not be inconve­nient to give the World a perfect Narra­tive thereof, to pevent false reports and mis­representations. On Friday the 9 th. of May, Mr. Green the Keeper of the said New-pri­son of Clerkenwell (a very Civil and Care­ful person) being abroad upon his Occasi­ons, came home about Eleven of the Clock at Night; and (according to his usual man­ner) did by himself take a Pipe of Tobacco, and then lookt very diligently, (as he always used to do,) about the House; and found every thing safe, and no Candle or Light that he could perceive, besides what he had with him: It being just after the Sessi­ons had Discharged most of the Malefactors, there were but few in Custody, but amongst the rest one Mr. Woodgar a Notorious Papist, some say a Priest, but that is uncertain: He [Page 3] was Lodged by himself up one pair of Stairs; and 'tis not said there were any Suspitious persons in the House, but only common Offenders which by the manner of the thing would no ways be supposed to to be concerned in contriving the Fire. Mr. Green went to his Bed much about Twelve of the Clock at Night, or some small time before, but had not lain above half an hour, before a Fellow that was a Turn-key to the House, came to the door of his Chamber, and cry'd out Lord! Master the Prison is on Fire. This much surprizing and affrighting him, he started out of his Bed and run to the door, but did not pre­sently open it; but called the man, de­siring him to run with all speed to call the Watch, and get help as well to quench it, as to secure the Prisoners: The man went away, but what became of him is not known, for he hath not since been seen or heard of thereabouts.

Nor is the said Mr. Woodgar the Papist to be found, though Mr. Green does affirm [Page 4] that according to the best of his apprehen­sion, he does believe the Fire was begun in his Chamber; and there is a violent suspiti­on that it might be by Confederacy be­him and the said Turnkey, and that they may be gone away together; or otherwise that they must be both Consumed in the Flames, which is not very probable, be­cause the Turnkey being up and sensible of the Fire, it is not reasonable to think he would expose himself to danger; nor did he go as he was ordered to call the Watch.

But Mr. Green having hastily got on his Cloaths went down, and found the House on Fire to that degree as not to be Extin­guisht till most of it was destroyed. In that hurry and confusion the rest of the Priso­ners were let out to preserve their Lives from the Fire, and so got away, there be­ing no assistance ready to secure them; but were all seen except the Papist, who 'tis supposed was gone before.

The Prison is generally Burnt down, but the Corporation, or house usually called [Page 5] New-Bridewel adjoyning thereunto was preserved safe and without damage.

This what account we can get or obtain of this matter, and what Judgment is to be made of the same, is left to the Disquisi­tion of Authority, and Discretion of the Reader.

Those that are profest Incendiaries of Kingdoms, 'tis not to be doubted but will be apt enough to Fire Houses, especially when tempted by the advantage of gaining Liberty, and avoiding Justice by such hor­rid practices; and it will be the duty of all persons that have such kind of people com­mitted to their Custody, to take more especial care from this example to secure themselves, and disable their Prisoners of that stamp, from all opportunities of do­ing such mischiefs.