¶ A Proclamation, declaring the vn­doubted Right of our Soueraigne Lord King IAMES, to the Crovvne of the Realmes of England, France and Ireland.

FOrasmuch as it hath pleased Almigh­ty God to call to his mercy out of this transitory life our Soueraigne Lady, the high and mighty Prince Elizabeth late Queene of England, France, and Ireland, by whose death and dissolu­tion, the Imperiall Crowne of these Realmes aforesaid are now absolute­ly, wholly, and solely come to the high and mighty Prince IAMES the sixt King of Scotland, who is lineally and lawfully descended from the body of Margaret, daughter to the high and Renowmed Prince, Henry the seuenth King of England, France, and Ireland, his great Grand­father, the said Lady Margaret being lawfully begotten of the bo­dy of Elizabeth, daughter to King Edward the fourth (by which hap­py coniunction both the houses of Yorke and Lancaster were vni­ted, to the ioy vnspeakeable of this kingdome, formerly rent and torne by the long dissention of bloody and Ciuil warres) the same Lady Margaret being also the eldest sister of Henry the eight of fa­mous memory King of England as aforeasaid:

Wee therefore the Lords Spirituall and Temporall of this Realme, being here assembled, vnited, and assisted with those of her late Maiesties Priuie Counsell, and with great numbers of o­ther principall Gentlemen of qualitie in the kingdome, with she Lord Maior, Aldermen, & Citizens of London, and a multitude of other good Subiects and Commons of this Realme, thirsting now after nothing so much as to make it knowen to all persons. [Page 2] who it is that by Law, by Lineall succession, and vndoubted Right is now become the onely Soueraigne Lord and King of these Imperiall Crownes (to the intent that by vertue of his power, wisedome and godly courage, all things may be prouided for, and executed, which may preuent or resist either forreine at­tempts, or popular disorder, tending to the breach of the present Peace, or to the preiudice of his Maiesties future quiet) doe now hereby with one full voyce and consent of tongue and heart, pub­lish and proclaime, That the high and mighty Prince, Iames the sixt King of Scotland, is now by the death of our late soueraigne, Queene of England of famous memory, become also our onely, Lawfull, Lineall and rightfull liege Lord, Iames the first, King of England, France and Ireland, defender of the Faith, to whom as to our onely iust Prince, adorned (besides his vndoubted Right) with all the rarest gifts of minde and body, to the infinite comfort of all his people and Subiects that shall liue vnder him, we do ac­knowledge all faith and constant obedience, with all hearty and humble affections, both during our naturall liues for our selues, and in the behalfe of our posteritie. Hereby protesting and denoun­cing to all persons whatsoeuer, that in this iust and lawfull Act of ours, we are resolued by the fauour of Gods holy assistance, and in the zeale of our owne conscience (warranted by certaine know­ledge of his manifest and vndoubted Right, as hath bene said be­fore) to maintaine and vphold his Maiesties person and estate, as our onely vndoubted Soueraigne Lord and King, with the sa­crifice of our Liues, lands, goods, friends, and adherents, against all power, force, or practise, that shall goe about by word or deed, to interrupt, contradict, or impugne his iust claimes, his entry into this kingdome, or any part thereof, at his good pleasure, or diso­bey such Royall directions as shall come from him. To all which we are resolued onely to yeeld our selues, vntil the last drop of our bloods be spent for his seruice. Hereby willing and commanding, in the name of our Soueraigne Lord Iames the first, King of all the foresaid kingdomes. all the late Lieutenants, deputie Lieute­nants, Sheriffes, Iustices, & all Maiors, Bailiffes, Constables, Headboroughes, and all other Officers and Ministers whatsoe­uer, that they be ayding & assisting from time to time in all things that are or shall be necessary for the preuenting, resisting and sup­pressing of any disorderly assemblies, or other vnlawfull act or at­tempt, either in word or deed, against the publique peace of the Realme, or any way preiudiciall to the right, honour, state or per­son, of our onely vndoubted and deare Lord and Soueraigne that now is, Iames the first, King of all the said kingdomes, as they wil [Page 3] auoyd the perill of his Maiesties heauy indignation, and their owne vtter ruine and confusion. Beseeching God to blesse his Maiestie and his Royall posterity with long and happy yeeres to reigne ouer vs.

¶ A Proclamation, signifying his Ma­iesties pleasure, That all men being in Of­fice of Gouernment at the death of the late Queene Elizabeth, should so continue till his Ma­iesties further direction.

FOrasmuch as it cannot be doubted, but as the Kings most Excellent Maiestie hath taken great contentment in the most duetifull and deuoted affection of his Subiects of this Realme, testified by the vniuersall and ioyfull consent in publish­ing his Right, and acknowledgement of his Highnesse for their Souereigne; so on the other side, his Maiesties Subiects will finde much ioy and comfort by receiuing knowledge of his graci­ous and louing acceptance of their said most humble and most af­fectionate seruice and duetie: It is therefore very meet, That (his Maiestie hauing of late, by his seuerall Letters of the eight and twentieth, and of the last of March, vnto such of vs the Nobilitie of this Realme, and others that were of the late Queenes Priuy Counsel, as are here at his Highnesse Pallace of Whitehall assem­bled for the seruice of his Maiestie and the State, signified his gracious acceptance, and Princely thankefulnesse vnto all his [Page 4] Subiects, of whatsoeuer degree or condition, for such and so ex­traordinary demonstration of their good will, and commanding the same to be further notified to all parts) we should publish and declare the same, by this Proclamation, in his name. And with­all, that we should declare and make knowen his Maiesties plea­sure deliuered likewise in the said Letters, touching the necessary continuation (during his absence, or vntill it shall please his Highnesse to giue other commandement and direction) of such or­ders and proceedings for the preseruation of Peace, administra­tion of Iustice, and gouernment of the State, as were formerly established, & stood in force immediatly before the late Queenes deceasse, which chiefly, and in effect is this: That whereas vpon the deceasse of the late Queenes Maiestie, the authority of the most part of the Officers and places of Iurisdiction and gouern­ment within this Realme, & in the Realme of Ireland, did cease and faile, the Souereigne person failing from whom the same were deriued, and thereupon through doubtfulnesse, and want of authority for execution, in such persons as were inuested in the sayd Offices and places, the setled and ordinary course of the af­faires of the State (if remedy were not prouided) might receiue disturbance and preiudice by discontinuance and interruption: His Maiestie in his Princely wisedome, and care of the State (reseruing vnto his owne iudgement hereafter the reformation and redresse of any abuses in misgouernment vpon better know­ledge taken therof, in his due time) is pleased, and hath so expresly signified, That all persons, that at the time of the late Queenes Maiesties deceasse, were duely and lawfully possessed of any place or Office of authority, iurisdiction, or gouernment, either Ciuill or Martiall within this Realme, or in the Realme of Ireland, And namely, all Lieutenants, Sheriffes, deputy Lieutenants, Commissioners of Musters, Iustices of the Peace, and all others in place of Gouernment, either meaner or superiour, (as afore­said) shal be, and shall so hold themselues continued in the sayd place and Offices, as formerly they held and enioyed the same, vn­till his Maiesties pleasure bee further knowen. And that in the meane while (for the preseruation of Peace, and necessary procee­ding in matters of Iustice, and for safety of the State) all the said persons, of whatsoeuer degree or condition may not faile, euery one seuerally according to his place, office, or charge, to proceed in the performance and execution of all dueties thereto belonging, as formerly appertained to them and euery of them, while the late Queenes Maiesty was liuing.

And albeit the earnest and longing desire in all his Maiesties [Page 5] Subiects, to enioy the sight of his Royall person and presence (which hath mooued very many of good degree and quality, and some of them hauing place of charge in the Countrey where they dwell, to hasten and take their iourneys at this time vnto his highnesse) be, for it selfe, commendable in them, and acceptable to his Maiesty, being an argument of their abundant ioy and glad­nesse: Neuerthelesse, because the ouer-much, and too frequent re­sort and concourse of people in those parts where his Maiesty as yet remayneth, or which are farre distant from the heart of this Realme, is at this present inconuenient, and may prooue more dangerous, both in respect that the Countrey whither such extra­ordinary resort is made, shall be ouercharged with multitude, and therof scarcity & dearth is like ynough to proceed, and also because these more inward parts of the Realme shal in the meane while be impayred in hospitality, and being destitute of such assistance as is needfull, it may be doubted to what danger or disturbance, for­reigne or domesticall, they may be exposed: His Maiesty there­fore in his wisedome both gratiously accepting the good will of his Subiects, and withall regarding what is conuenient for his seruice, and for the securitie of the State at this time is pleased, and doth require, That such concourse and resort into those parts be forborne, and aboue all others, of those persons that haue any place of charge or office, either on the Seacoast or the In-land, or are of good degree and quality in their Countrey: And that such orderly course be hereafter holden (in the discretion of all such persons as aforesayd) for repaire and resort to his Highnesse pre­sence at his comming into this Realme, as may conueniently stand and agree with the care and seruice necessarily belonging, and to be performed in all parts of the Realme, to his Highnesse and the State, His Maiesty being no lesse graciously disposed, and willing (in all conuenient sort) to giue contentment and plea­sure to his owne eyes and minde, by the sight of his most loyall and louing Subiects, then they are infinitely desirous to enioy the happinesse of his Maiesties person and presence, who (we doubt not) long before this time is already safe in this his Realme of England, though his Maiesty forbeareth to come presently to his City of London, vntill those things can bee set in readinesse, which are fit and honourable for the reception of so great and mighty a King.

Giuen at his Maiesties Pallace of Whitehall, the fifth of April, in the first yeere of his Maiesties Reigne. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation declaring at what values certaine Moneys of Scotland shall be currant within England.

FOrasmuch as both the Realmes of England and Scotland are amongst others by the prouidence of God Almighty, and lawfull right of descent vnited and incorporated together vnder the Imperiall Crowne of the high and mightie Prince Iames by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. And his most excellent Maiestie in his Princely wisedome knowing how necessary it is, for Commerce and Trade betweene his louing Subiects of both his said Kingdoms, That the true value at which certaine pieces of his Maiesties Coine of Scotland shall be currant within his Kingdome of England, should certainely bee made knowen and published to all his louing Subiects of both nations: And find­ing vpon triall & certificate by his Maiesties officers of the Mynt within his Towre of London (vpon commandement giuen vn­to them in that behalfe) That the Coine of Scotland called the sixe-pound piece, of golde, is of the finenesse of twentie and two Carrects, and that sixe of those pieces doe make an ownce: And also that the Coine of Scotland called the Marke piece of siluer, is of the value of thirteene pence halfe-peny sterling: Hath there­fore published and declared, and by these presents doth publish and declare, That the said Coine of golde called the sixe-pound piece, shalbe from henceforth currant within his Maiesties Kingdome of England, at the value of ten shillings sterling, And that the said Coine of siluer called the Marke piece, shall bee from hence­forth currant within the said kingdome of England at the value of thirteene pence halfe-peny. And his Maiestie doth hereby spe­cially charge and command, that the rates and values before ex­pressed, be from hencefoorth accepted and allowed of by all his lo­uing Subiects whatsoeuer within the said Realme of England.

Giuen at his Maiesties pallace of Whitehall, the 8. of Aprill in the first yeere of his Maiesties reigne. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the dispatch of Pacquets betweene London and Ber­wicke, for the seruice of the King. To all Maiors, Shiriffes, Iustices of the Peace, Post-masters, Bailiffes, Constables, Hedboroughs, and all other the Kings Maiesties Of­ficers and Subiects whatsoeuer, to whome it shall or may apper­taine, and to euery of them.

FOrasmuch as there is present occasion of speedy dispatch of Pacquets by Poste, for the speciall and important seruice of our Soueraigne Lord the Kings Maiestie to and fro be­tweene London and Berwicke, and for that purpose it is fit and conuenient in this time so full of busines, that the Poste-masters of euery Stage be aided and assisted with fresh and able Horses as necessitie shall require, by the Magistrates of Townes and villa­ges neere adioyning, for the quicke dispatch of the said Pacquets, vntill his Maiesties businesse bee better setled vpon his arriuall into these Southerne parts: And whereas also the Kings most excellent Maiestie doth shortly intend to begin his iourney from Berwicke toward his Citie of London: We hold it very necessary to giue present order that such prouision be made of Poste-horses and cariages for his Maiestie and his Traine in all places where he shall passe. We haue therefore made choise of Thomas Mylles Esquire, Pay-master of all the Postes, and Rowland White Gent. Post-master of his Maiesties Court, to see the seruices abouesaid well performed, Willing and requiring, and in his Maiesties name charging and commanding all Sheriffes, Deputie Lieu­tenants, Iustices of Peace, Mayors, Bayliffes, and all other his Maiesties Officers and louing Subiects, to take such special or­der & care in aiding and assisting al Constables and Post-masters, and other vnder Officers where the occasion of Seruice shall re­quire it, that such number of Horses may be prouided from time to time, and from place to place during his Maiesties Iourney, aswell for the Pacquers as otherwise, as Master Thomas Mylles and Rowland White shall giue direction for. And that those num­bers of horses you send in, be able and sufficient horses, and well furnished of saddles, bridles, girts and stirropes, with good guides to looke to them, who, for their said horses shall demaund and receiue of such as shall ride on them the prices accustomed. [Page 8] And further you are to see the said Gentlemen and their seruants, that now are imployed and trauell about this seruice, furnished, in doing thereof from place to place, of good and able Poste-ma­sters, at reasonable prices. Whereof faile yee not as ye tender his Maiesties pleasure, and will answere to the contrary at your vt­termost perill.

¶ A Proclamation for the Kings at­tendance, and receiuing, by the She­riffes of the seuerall Counties.

FOrasmuch as the Kings most excellent Maiestie is graci­ously minded to make his speedy repaire from Barwick to his Highnes Citie of London, In which his iourny he is to passe from thence through diuers Shires of this Realme: These are to notifie vnto all Sheriffes of the seuerall Counties through which his Maiestie shall so passe, that his Highnes will and plea­sure is, that eche of them respectiuely being attended with the Iustices of Peace, and other Gentlemen of the said seueral Coun­ties, faile not to waite on his Maiestie, to receiue him at his first entrance into the same Countie whereof they are Sheriffes, and so to continue their attendance vntill such time as his Maiestie come to the vttermost bounds of the same Countie, Where the Shiriffe of the next Countie is in like manner to attend and re­ceiue him: And this to be so done from County to Countie, vntill his Maiestie shall come to the said Citie of London.

And furthermore, for that it is requisite that sufficient and plentifull prouisions bee made in all such Counties and places where his Highnesse shall either lodge or rest by the way, not one­ly for his Maiestie and such noble Personages as shall attend him, but also for the whole Traine: These are in his Highnesse [Page 9] name to charge and command all Sheriffes, Iustices of Peace, and others his Maiesties Officers, Ministers and Subiects to whom it may appertaine, That they and euery of them take spe­ciall care and regard, that all maner Victuals and other prouisi­ons necessary and conuenient for his Maiesty and his whole Traine, bee in conuenient time brought to all places where his Highnes shall lodge or rest in his passage as aforesayd, there to be vttered and sold for reasonable priees: For all which, the owners thereof shall from time to time receiue good and present payment. And as it is not doubted, but that all his Maiesties good & faith­full Subiects will be most ready and willing to shew themselues forward and carefull in the due accomplishment of the premisses, according to their loyaltie and duety: so if any shalbe found diso­bedient, negligent, or remisse therin, These are to let them know, that they are to sustaine such condigne punishment as their of­fence in that behalfe deserueth.

Giuen at his Maiesties Pallace of Whitehall, the tenth of April, in the first yeere of his Maiesties Reigne. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the discouery and apprehension of William Ruthen, and Patricke Ruthen, brethren to the late Earle of Gowrie.

WHereas the Kings Maiesty is enformed, that Willi­am Ruthen, and Patricke Ruthen, (two brethren to the late Earle of Gowrie, a dangerous traitour to his per­son) haue crept into this Kingdome with malicious hearts a­gainst him, disguising themselues in secret places, where he is en­formed, that they doe not onely vtter cankered speeches against him, but are practising and contriuing dangerous plots, and des­perate attempts against his Royal person; for effecting whereof, either by themselues, or by such as they can perswade & suborne thereunto, they leaue no meanes vnessayed: Bee it therefore knowen to all men by these presents, That for the speedy appre­hension of these malicious and dangerous persons, William Ru­then and Patrick Ruthen aforesayd, The Kings most excellent Ma­iesty doeth straitly command and charge all and singular She­riffes, Iustices of the Peace, Maiors, Bayliffes, Constables, and all & euery other his highnesse Officers within this his Realme [Page 10] of England, That they, and euery of them make diligent search and enquiry for the sayd malicious persons William Ruthen and Patricke Ruthen, and to vse all their best indeuours, aswell within all maner of Liberties, as without, for the discouery, apprehen­sion, and arresting the bodies of them the sayd William Ruthen and Patricke Ruthen, and being apprehended or arrested, foorthwith, speedily, and without any delay, to bring them, or cause them to be brought vnder some safe custody, before some of his Highnesse most honourable Priuy Counsell, there to be proceeded with and ordered, according as Iustice shal require: And herein not to faile, as they and euery of them tender their duety to his Highnesse, and will answere the contrary at their vttermost perils.

And the Kings most excellent Maiesty doeth moreouer strait­ly charge and command all and euery Searcher, Customer and Officer of any Port within this Realme, and all other his High­nesse Subiects, of what Nature, qualitie, and condition soeuer hee or they be, to whose Houses the said William Ruthen, and Pa­tricke Ruthen, or either of them shall resort, or to whose know­ledge, notice or vnderstanding it may come, where or in what pla­ces they the said William Ruthen, and Patricke Ruthen shall bee, or into whose hands they shall come, to stay, apprehend, and arrest them, and to bring them before some of his Maiesties Priuie Counsell as aforesayd, Wherein if any shall goe about to conceale them, or shall not reueale their abode (if it be in their power to doe so) His Maiestie doeth hereby pronounce, that hee will for euer after, holde them as partakers and abettours of their malicious practises and intentions, for which they shall feele the weight of his heauiest indignation. And if at any time, any Subiects of his (out of their duety) shall discouer the persons aforesaid, or their residence, and yet shall not finde themselues able to pursue them, his Maiesty doeth command them, to call for the ayde and assistance of his Highnesse Officers, or any other his Subiects, whom his Maiesty doeth also straitly charge and command here­by, to be ayding and assisting herein, as they will answere to the contrary at their vttermost perils.

Giuen at Burghley the 27. day of April, 1603. In the first yeere of our Reigne. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A forme of Proclamation to be pro­claimed by the Clarke of the Market, and he to see it executed touching prices of Victuals.

THe Kings Maiestie straitly chargeth and commaundeth, That euery man doe obey and keepe all such prices as is and shalbe prized and rated by the Clarke of the Market of his most honourable houshold, and the Iury before him or his Deputie by the authoritie of his Office sworne and charged from time to time, and so fixed and set vpon the gates of the Kings Highnes Court and other places within the Verge: And that no person or persons of what estate or degree soeuer he be, doe in any wise pay more for Corne, victuals, horsemeat, lodgings, or any kinde of victuals, then after the Rate and forme aforesaide, vpon paine of imprisonment, and further perill that shall thereof fol­low, The same punishments to be inflicted aswell vpon them and euery of them, which doe or shall presume to pay any more, for any the things before mentioned, as vpon them and euery of them, which shal vtter and sell any maner of things contrary to the true meaning of this Proclamation.

And moreouer the Kings Highnesse straitly chargeth and commaundeth all Maiors, Iustices of peace, Bailiffes, Consta­bles, and all other his faithfull Officers, and euery of them, as­well within liberties as without (within the Verge of his High­nesse Court) from time to time, when and as often as need shal re­quire, diligently within their authority, to endeuour themselues to see execution and due reformation of the premisses, according to Iustice and prices as aforesaid. And further it is ordered, that no person or persons, now vsing, or which of right ought to vse to serue any Citie, Towne, or other place within the Verge of his Highnesse Court, with any kinde of Corne, victuals, horsemeat, Lodgings or any other necessaries, aswell vpon the Market day, as at any other time, bee any thing the more remisse or slacke in making prouision for the same, then they or any of them hereto­fore haue bene, nor hide, lay aside, or vse any colour of craft to de­ceiue the buyers thereof, whereby the Kings Highnesse Traine within any Citie, Towne, or other place, and the inhabitants of the same should not be aswell serued, and plenteously furnished in euery behalfe, as it was before, or of right ought to haue bene, in defraude of this his Highnesse ordinance, nor take or receiue any more then according to the prices which from time to time shall [Page 12] stand and be declared in maner aforesaid, vnder his Graces seale of the office of the Clerke of the market, vpon paine of imprison­ment, and further to make Fine vnto the Kings Highnes vse, for his or their contempts therein.

Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation inhibiting the vse and execution of any Charter or Grant made by the late Queene Elizabeth, of any kinde of Monopolies. &c.

THe Zeale and great affection, which we haue found in all sorts of people of this our Kingdom towards our Person, and that Right which wee had to the succession of this Crowne, hath so many wayes bene expressed, as we cannot chuse but make it manifest to them all by some publike declaration, how great a desire it hath wrought in our heart to shew our gra­cious acceptation of their deuotion towards vs, whensoeuer there shall be offered either occasion or subiect, that may concerne their vniuersall good. For though it be true, that our Right was so assured, that whatsoeuer testimonie could thereof be vttered, was but the duetie of Subiects, acknowledging that faith and loyaltie whereunto by the Lawes of God and Nature they were bound: yet doe we confesse, that there is in the true rules of Iu­stice from the Soueraigne to the Subiect, a reciprocall office and respect, which they are bound in honour and cōscience to obserue. The consideration whereof, hath mooued vs to thinke of such wayes, as for the present did occurre vnto vs, wherein we might make manifest to our people, how willing we are now, and will be ready hereafter, to bee as forward in requiting their loue, as they haue bene in expressing it. In which consideration while we were busied, we were informed that the Queene our sister de­ceased, finding some few yeeres before her death, that some things had passed her hand at the importunity of her seruants, whom she was willing to reward with little burden to her estate (otherwise by necessary occasions exhausted,) which though they had and might haue foundation in Princely prerogatiue, yet either by too large extending thereof, or for the most part in respect that they were of such nature, as could hardly be put in vse without hinde­rance to multitudes of people, or els committed to inferiour per­sons, who in the execution thereof did so exceedingly abuse the [Page 13] same, as they became intollerable: Had purposed to reuoke all Grants of that nature, and did begin with some, which were held most vniust, putting the rest to the examination of her Lawes to stand or fall, as in the construction of Law they might consist, or not. We, who though we had neuer had such an example, were euer opposite in our owne nature to any thing that had colour of oppression, hold it our part not onely carefully to perfect all her good intentions, but to study further by all good meanes, and with all expedition to put in practise all other courses whereby a people so louing, so duetifull, and so deare vnto vs, may know and feele that we are as desirous to make them happy by our Iustice and grace towards them in all reasonable things, as they haue bene ready to increase our comfort and contentment in yeelding their loyalty and obedience towards our establishment in those Rights, which vnder God we doe enioy. Therefore we doe ex­presly charge and command all persons whatsoeuer, That from hencefoorth they vtterly desist and forbeare to vse or execute any maner of Charter or Grant made by our late Sister the Queene deceased, of any kinde of Monopolies, or of any power or Licence to dispence with, or discharge any maner of penall Lawes (except such Grants onely, as haue bene made to any Corporation or Company of any Art or Mysterie, or for the maintenance or en­largement of any trade of merchandize) vntill such time as the same Charter or Grant shalbe examined and allowed of by vs, with the aduise of our Counsell, to be fit to be put in execution, without any preiudice to our louing Subiects. And where here­tofore many haue bene greatly preiudiced and delayed in suing for their debts & other dueties by sundry kind of Protections, and by pretence of other Priuiledges and exemptions: We charge and command, and our expresse will and pleasure is, That no Protec­tion, Priuiledge or exemption to delay any persons Suiterr Acti­on, shall from hencefoorth bee receiued or allowed in any our Courts or els where, which are or shalbe contrary or repugnant to the Lawes of this Realme.

And furthermore, we wil and command, that no assignements of Debts or Actions be made vnto vs by any that is, or pretendeth to bee indebted vnto vs, who is otherwise able and sufficient by himselfe, or by his Sureties, readily to pay the same Debt, nor any assignment taken to our vse of any Debt, other then such, as shall then appeare to be a iust and true Debt. And for that we are certainely informed of many great disorders and abuses, to the great griefe of our louing Subiects as well by Salt-petermen and such as haue or pretend to haue Commission and Authority [Page 14] to make Salt-peter, as also by sundry Purueyors and Takers of Carts and other prouisions for our vse and seruice: Therefore we do expresly charge and command, that the sayd Salt-petermen, Purueyors and Takers, haue especiall care to execute their Offi­ces and Authorities without any maner of oppression, grieuance or wrong to be done to any our louing Subiects. And if they that haue the Commissions, shal abuse the execution of them con­trary to this our declaration, We are pleased that such, as shal be grieued therewith, shall resort to vs or our Councell with their complaints. And we doe also giue expresse charge and comman­dement to al Lawyers, Atturneys, Officers and Clearkes, of and in any our Courts of Iustice whatsoeuer, Ecclesiasticall or Tem­porall, that they nor any of them extort or take any vndue or ex­cessiue Fees, but such onely as are allowed to be had or taken in the same Courts. And to the end that our pleasure and comman­dement may be duely and effectually performed, and obserued in the premisses: We doe hereby notifie and declare, that whosoeuer shall presume to breake or violate in any thing aforesaid our Roy­all commandements, they shall thereby incurre our indignation and displeasure, And that vpon complaint and proofe thereof made, wee will not faile to proceed to such seuere punishment a­gainst such offenders according to their demerits, as shalbe fit for so high and contemptuous an offence. These graces aboue spe­cified, as we doe presently extend to our people, and doe intend o­thers hereafter when wee shall vnderstand more particularly wherein we may yeeld them comfort: So because things well meant may in the maner of the execution of them be abused; and Complaints grounded vpon iust causes, may in the crauing of re­medy be accompanied with offensiue proceedings, Wee haue thought good to admonish our Subiects, that we doe expect at their hands, that if in the things aboue specified, or in any other wherewith they shall finde themselues grieued (which haue not yet come to our knowledge) they shall haue cause to seeke any thing at our handes, they shall forbeare all assembling and flock­ing together in multitudes, but shall in lawful and decent maner without numbers, without clamor, or any other kind of disorder, resort to vs or our Councell by way of humble Petition; from whom they shall receiue such answere, as shall make manifest the zeale we haue to the obseruation of Iustice, and maintenance of their welfare, if their Complaints be iust. And on the other side, if we shall perceiue that their petitions shal sauour of humor, and tend onely to slander and calumniation, and indeed haue no o­ther foundation, but such as often happeneth in vulgar people, [Page 15] vnder pretence of seeking publique redresses to vtter priuate ma­lice: We would haue them vnderstand hereby, that they shall not onely displease vs therein, but finde that we hold it no lesse the Of­fice of a Prince to protect their Magistrates and Officers, and all publique persons in their iust causes, then to giue redresse to the vulgar sort, when they haue in deed cause to complaine, against all persons how great soeuer they be in rule or dignitie vnder vs: Reseruing to our selfe the Right iustly appertayning to our Pre­rogatiue, for that we would not haue it conceiued, that in doing these things out of our Grace, we doe intend to renounce those ancient dueties and Priuiledges, which haue descended vpon vs with the succession of our Kingdomes. And for that we are in­formed, that there hath bene heretofore great neglect in this kingdome of keeping the Sabbath day: For better obseruing of the same, and auoyding of all impious prophanation of it, we doe straitly charge and command, that no Beare-bayting, Bul-bay­ting, Enterludes, Common Playes, or other like disordered or vn­lawfull Exercises or Pastimes be frequented, kept or vsed, at any time hereafter vpon any Sabbath day.

Giuen at our Court at Theobalds the 7. of May, in the first yeere of our Reigne. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation against vn­lawfull Hunting.

FOrasmuch as his Maiestie vnderstandeth, that there be di­uers ancient and other good and necessary Lawes and sta­tutes of this his Kingdome of England, which do inflict and impose diuers grieuous Corporall and pecuniary paines and pu­nishments, extending in some cases to sentence of death (the last and greatest punishment,) and in some cases to finall exile and ba­nishment out of their naturall Countrey for euer, vpon such as vnlawfully hunt or enter into any Forrest, Parke, Chase, or War­ren, to kill or destroy any Deere or Game with any Dogs, Nets, Gunnes, Crossebowes, Stonebowes or other Instruments, En­gines, or meanes whatsoeuer, or by any such vnlawfull meanes or deuises to spoile or destroy the game of Pheasants, Partridges, Hearne, Mallard, & such like, And also diuers other good Lawes and Statutes, prouided for the preuenting of the sayd offences, and therefore doe prohibite vpon great paines and penalties as­well the hauing or keeping, as the vsing of any Deere hayes, [Page 16] Buckstals, Dogs, Gunnes, Crossebowes, Nettes and other En­gines, as by the same Lawes and Statutes appeareth: And yet his Maiestie vnderstandeth withall, that the same good Lawes and Statutes haue had (especially of late time) little or no effect, in respect there hath not bene any due execution (the life of all Lawes) of the same, by such to whom the care and charge there­of appertained: by meanes whereof, such boldnesse and disobedi­dience hath growen, specially in the vulgar sort, as that of late yeeres, the seuerall Games aboue mentioned, haue bene more ex­cessiuely and outragiously spoyled and destroyed, then hath bene attempted and practised in former ages. His Maiestie inten­ding a due and speedy reformation of the sayd abuses & offences, And that the sayd good Lawes and Statutes be hereafter put in due execution, And yet of his Princely Clemencie and Benigni­tie, now in the beginning of his most happy & prosperous Reigne towards all his louing Subiects, is graciously pleased, and doth by these presents vouchsafe to publish to all his Subiects his in­tention and determination therein, to the end that none of them, (which his Maiestie desireth) might hereafter incurre the seueri­tie and punishment of the sayd Lawes and Statutes: but like good and naturall Subiects for their owne safety and good, obey and obserue the same. And therefore doeth straitly charge and command all and euery person and persons, of what estate and degree soeuer, not to hunt, kil, take or destroy, by any of the wayes or meanes abouesayd, or by any other vnlawfull meane, deuice, or inuention whatsoeuer, any of the Games abouesaid, contrary to any of the aforesaid Lawes or Statutes: Nor that they haue, keepe, or vse any of the said Deere haies, Buckstalles, dogges, gunnes, crossebowes, nettes, and other things aboue mentioned, or any of them, contrary to any of the said Lawes or Statutes. And that if any person or persons, shall, after this Proclamation made and published, offend in any of the premisses, against any of the said Lawes and Statutes, that then he shall not onely vnder­go and suffer the seuere sentence and punishment of the same, as­well for such offences hereafter to be attempted or done, as for the like offences formerly committed, but also such paines and pe­nalties, as may be inflicted vpon such as wilfully contemne and disobey his Commandement Royall. And his Maiesty doeth further charge and command all Iustices, Officers and Mini­sters whatsoeuer, to whom in these cases it doeth appertaine, that they from hencefoorth diligently and carefully looke to the due executing, aswell of the said Lawes and Statutes and euery of them, as of his Maiesties pleasure and Royall Commaunde­ment, [Page 17] signified and declared by these presents, And that without respect of any person or persons of what estate or degree soeuer, as they will answere the contrary at their vttermost perill.

Giuen at our Mannour of Greenwich the 16. day of May, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and in the sixe and thirtieth of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation charging all Actors or Partners in the incursion on the Borders, to resort to the Commissioners, at a day limitted.

THe foule and insolent outrages lately committed vpon the borders of our Realmes of England and Scotland by per­sons accustomed in former times to liue by rapine & spoile, praying daily vpon our good and louing Subiects without feare of God or man, hath giuen vs iust cause to vse all meanes conue­nient both for the reliefe of our Subiects damnified, and for pre­uention of the like mischiefe hereafter. Wherefore as of late wee gaue commission to proceed against those persons, that were guil­tie of those foule facts: So now againe, because as yet such re­dresse hath not folowed as both our honour & our good Subiects losse doe require, We haue thought good to renew that our Com­mission to certaine persons of qualitie and of good vnderstanding in the affaires of those our Borders, And withall, to publish by o­pen proclamation to all men, but specially to such, as are guiltie, or were partakers of the foule incursions made vpon our first cōming to our Crowne of this our Realme of England, or any o­thers before or since, That wheras some of them haue of late sub­mitted themselues, and some others seemed to be willing to sub­mit themselues to our mercie, Because they and all others shall know, that as we are a Prince that before all wordly respects whatsoeuer affecteth the preseruation of Iustice among our peo­ple, and the punishment of such, as breake the Rules thereof, So that we are not indisposed to shew mercie where there is cause to extend it, and where the same is sought at our hands in such due­tifull maner, as is meete: We doe therefore charge all persons whatsoeuer, who know themselues to haue beene Actors, Part­ners, or of consent to that incursion aboue mentioned, or to any other breach of our peace within the Counties and Limits here­tofore called our Borders both of the English side and of the Scot­tish, that they do before the twentieth day of Iune next comming, [Page 18] resort to such place, where they shall vnderstand our Commissio­ners to be, and there submit themselues to such mercy and fauor, as we shall thinke good to extend towards them: Assuring them in the word of our royall and supreme power, that whosoeuer of them shall not before the said twentieth day of Iune haue submit­ted himselfe according to the tenour of this our Proclamation, shall holde himselfe for euer excluded from our mercie without hope at any time to obtaine grace or fauour, but to abide the ri­gour of such punishment, as our power can lay vpon him.

Giuen at our Manour of Greenwich the 17. day of May, 1603. in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the sixe and thirtieth.

¶ A Proclamation for the vniting of England and Scotland.

FOrasmuch as the Kings Maiesty, in his Princely dispositi­on to Iustice, hauing euer a speciall care and regard to haue repressed the slaughters, spoyles, robberies, and other enor­mities which were so frequent and common vpon the Borders of these Realmes, and to haue reduced and settled the said Borders vnto a perfect obedience, to the comfort of his Highnes peaceable Subiects: The course whereof hath bene heretofore impeded by the difference of the Borders, English and Scottish, till it hath now pleased Almighty God, in his great blessing to this whole Island, by his Maiesties lawfull succession to the Imperiall Crowne of England, not onely to remooue this difference, but also to furnish his Highnesse with power and force sufficient to prosecute that his Maiesties Royall and worthy resolution, as his Highnesse hath already begunne, entending that the bounds possest by those rebellious people, being in fertilitie and all other benefits nothing inferiour to many of the best parts of the whole Ile, shalbe no more the extremities, but the middle, and the In­habitants thereof reduced to perfect obedience: Yet notwithstan­ding, as his Maiesty is enformed, certaine disordered and wicked persons of both Marches, enemies to Peace, Iustice, and quiet­nesse, pretending ignorance of his Maiesties resolution for the V­nion of the two Realmes, already setled in the hearts of all his good Subiects, and feeding themselues with a sinister conceit and opinion, that no such Vnion should be established and take ef­fect, still continue in all kinde of robbery and oppression, where­unto [Page 19] they are encouraged by the receipt and harbour granted vn­to them, their wiues, children, goods and geir in the Inland and peaceable parts of both the Realmes, highly to his Maiesties contempt, and frustrating of his Highnesse Commission granted to the effect aforesaid.

And therefore his Maiesty for the better satisfaction of all his good Subiects, who may stand in any doubt of the sayd Vnion, and to take away all pretence of excuse from wicked and turbu­lent persons, hath hereby thought good to publish and make knowen to all those to whose knowledge these Presents shall come, That as his Maiestie hath found in the hearts of all the best disposed Subiects of both the Realmes of al qualities, a most earnest desire, that the sayd happy Vnion should be perfected, the memory of all preterite discontentments abolished, and the inha­bitants of both the Realmes to be the Subiects of one kingdome: so his Highnesse will with all conuenient diligence with the ad­uice of the Estates and Parliament of both the kingdomes make the same to be perfited. And in the meane time till the sayd Vni­on be established with the due solemnitie aforesaid, his Maiestie doeth hereby repute, hold, and esteeme, and commands all his Highnesse Subiects to repute, holde, and esteeme both the two Realmes as presently vnited, and as one Realme and kingdome, and the Subiects of both the Realmes as one people, brethren and members of one body: And in regard thereof, that euery one of them abstaine and forbeare to commit any kinde of robbery, bloodshed, or any other insolence or disorder, or to receiue and har­bour the persons, wiues, children or goods of the fugitiues and Outlawes of either of the Realmes, but to conteine themselues in peace and quietnesse, and all such duetifull behauiour as be­commeth good and loyall Subiects, certifying all and euery per­son who shall doe, practise, or attempt any thing to the violating of these Presents, that they shall incurre the punishment due to the sayd Rebels, and that the same shalbe executed against them with all rigor and extremity to the terror of others.

Giuen vnder our Signet at our Mannour of Greenewich, the ninetenth of May. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation commanding Gen­tlemen to depart the Court and Citie.

AT our first entrance into this our Realme, and in all the way as we haue passed, we tooke no small contentment in the resort of Noblemen, Gentlemen and other our Sub­iects comming to visit vs, holding their affectionate desire to see our Person, to be a certaine testimonie of their inward loue. And in the same contentment we haue dwelled since our soiourning at this place, and shall euer remaine, as long as such concourse of them to our Court may bee without grieuance and offence to the Body of this Realme. But hearing from all parts of our Kingdome, that by the remooue of great numbers of the princi­pall Gentlemen out of the seuerall Counties, aswell of such as haue charge there, as Deputie Lieutenants, or Commissioners for the Musters or for the peace, as others with their whole fa­milies, both th'excution of things incident to their charge is o­mitted, and Hospitalitie exceedingly decayed, whereby the reliefe of the poorer sort of people is taken away, who had from such houses much comfort and ease towards their liuing: For reme­die of the inconueniences like to grow thereby, and also for that we finde the sickenesse already somewhat forward within our Ci­tie of London, which by concourse of people abiding there is very like to be increased, and importeth vs aswell for our peoples sake, as for the safetie of our owne Person (who for the most part liue in places neere the said Citie) to preuent by all prouident meanes: We haue bene moued rather to want for a time the contentment we haue in the sight and resort of our Subiects to vs, then for our owne priuate delight, to giue way to so great a mischiefe, as the continuall resort hither may breed. Wherefore wee doe hereby will and command all Gentlemen and others, aswell such as haue any kind of charge in the Counties of their ordinarie habi­tation, as of other sort, That if they haue not some speciall cause of attendance at our Court for our Seruice, or for some necessary cause concerning their owne estate, whereof they may informe our Priuie Councell, they shall immediatly after the ende of this Terme depart our said Citie of London and the Suburbs there­of, and returne to their seuerall habitations in the Counties of their abode, vntill the time of our Coronation bee come, at what time we shall not mislike to haue them returne vntill that solem­nitie be passed. And because we perceiue that heretofore there [Page 21] hath bene a great neglect in obeying Proclamations published vpon iust causes, we doe admonish all those whom this Proclama­tion concerneth, to be so wary, as we haue not iust cause to make them an example of contempt, which we must and will doe, if af­ter the Terme ended we shall finde any making stay here, contra­ry to this direction.

Giuen at our Manour of Greenwich the 29. of May, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and the 36. of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation that no man abuse the Earle of Tyrone.

ALthough the offences committed against the Queene our Sister deceased, and the honour of her Estate by the Earle of Tyrone, were such as all Princes ought to be very sensi­ble of, and not by the impunitie of offendors in so high a nature, giue way to others to attempt the like: Yet because wee haue vn­derstood that before the death of the Queene, the saide Earle hauing expressed and made knowen to Her, many tokens of an vnfained repentance, had so farre mooued her therewith, as shee had giuen power to the L. Mountioy her Deputy, and now our Lieutenant of that Kingdom, to receiue him to mercy if he should seeke it, which her purpose, we cannot but commend, as being de­riued frō the vertue of Clemencie, of no lesse ornament to Prince­ly dignitie then is the rigor of Iustice: And for that the said Earle hath not onely done none offence against vs since our comming to this Crowne, but also, we are certainely informed by our Lieu­tenant, hath both abandoned his adherence to all forreine Prin­ces, and offered himselfe in his owne person to doe seruice vpon a­ny other Rebels within that Realme of Ireland; Wee could not thinke him worthy of lesse fauour at our handes, then he had ob­tained at hers, against whom his faults were committed. And therefore he being now admitted by our said Lieutenant, by ver­tue of the power first giuen by the Queene, and since confirmed by Vs, into his state and condition of a good Subiect, and in the rancke and dignitie of an Earle, And being also come ouer into this Realme to cast himselfe at our feete, & to testifie by his owne wordes, his vnfained sorrow of his former offences, and ear­nest desire of our mercy and fauour: Wee haue thought good to signifie to all men by these presents, that wee haue receiued him into grace and fauour, and doe acknowledge him our Subiect, and a Nobleman of such rancke and place as in that our Realme [Page 22] of Ireland he is: And that therefore if any man shall by words, or deed, abuse the said Earle of Tyrone, or misbehaue himselfe to­wards him, and not yeeld him such respect and vsage, as belon­geth to a person of his sort receiued into our fauour and good opi­nion, we shall esteeme it an Offence, deseruing such punishment, as the contempt of our pleasure so expresly signified doth deserue.

Giuen at our Mannour of Greenwich the 8. day of Iune, in the first yeere of our Reigne. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation concerning the Patents for Tinne.

WHere in a Proclamation (lately by vs published) for considerations therein expressed, Wee prescribed a course whereby the complaints of our people might be taken away, if the same should appeare to be iustly grounded; Hauing now since that time receiued particular information, that a Grant to certaine Patentees for the sole preemption of Tinne, was very inconuenient and full of grieuance to our lo­uing Subiects: Wee, after long debate thereof before our selfe and our Priuie Councell, where obiections of either side were made, and where the inconueniences were layed open, Haue re­solued not onely to consider how the generalitie of our Subiects might be relieued in suspension of this Grant, but how the same might be done without any iniustice to any particuler person, who is interessed therein by vertue of Letters Patents vnder the great Seale of England, whereof we neuer intend to seeke any course of reuocation, but by an ordinary course of Iustice, in which all our people are equally interessed. In which respect, hauing commanded the Lords and others of our Priuy Councell to call before them the Patentees, & then to offer them all such tri­all for the maintenance of that Patent, as the Iustice of this our Realme affordeth, The said Patentees haue rather yeelded in their owne duety and discretions, to surrender the Patent, then to goe about to maintaine it: Whereof we thought it fit that all our good Subiects should take notice, as an Argument of our continuall care and desire to doe all things, which tend to the re­liefe of our people in any thing, whereby they receiue any maner of oppression, as long as they shall duetifully and orderly appeale vnto vs for the same.

Giuen at our Mannour of Greenwich the 16. day of Iune, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France, and Ireland, and in the 36. of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation concerning Warlike ships at Sea.

ALthough we haue made it knowen by publike Edict, that at our entrance into these our Kingdomes of England and Ireland, we stood, as still we doe, in good amitie & friend­ship with all the Princes of Christendome, and therefore are care­fully to prouide, as much as in vs lieth, that none of them or their subiects should by any hostile action bee endamaged in their Per­sons, Territories, or goods by any of our subiects either by lande or Sea: Yet we are not ignorant, that our late deare Sister the late Queene of England, had of long time warres with the King of Spaine, and during that time gaue Licences and Commissi­ons to diuers of her, & our now subiects, to set out and furnish to Sea, at their charges, diuers ships warlikely appointed, for the surprising and taking of the said Kings subiects and goods, and for the enioying of the same, being taken and brought home as lawfull prize. By vertue of which licenses and commissions, our said Subiects in the zeale and affection which they bare to the good of their Countrey, in the annoyance and spoile of the pub­like enemie of this State at that time, and in maintenance and employment of the Shipping and Mariners of England, other­wise through scant of Traffique at that time, not sufficiently set on worke; Did furnish out to the Seas diuers ships warlikely appoynted, to their exceeding charge, vpon confidence to enioy what goods soeuer they should take during the said Voyage, be­longing to the King of Spaine, or to any of his Subiects, accor­ding to the tenour of their seuerall Commissions.

And whereas diuers of them, sithence our comming by the grace and fauour of God to the Imperiall Crowne of these our Realmes and Dominions, haue taken by colour of the said com­missions, diuers Ships and goods belonging to the subiects of the King of Spaine, not knowing of any alteration or disconti­nuance of the former warre betweene Spaine and England, and thereby are like to be extremely hindred, or rather many of them vndone (being a great number of our good & seruiceable subiects) if they may not be suffered to enioy such goods as they haue so ta­ken, before any notice giuen vnto them of the discontinuance of the said late warre: We in our Princely condition, hauing (aboue all things) tender care of the good estate of our louing and dueti­full Subiects, and willing to giue encouragement to all others [Page 24] hereafter, in time of our warres, to shewe like forwardnesse in venturing their liues and goods for the weakening of the publike enemie, and benefiting of this their Countrey: Haue thought good to signifie to all men by these presents, that our wil and plea­sure is, that all such as haue set out, or furnished to the Seas, a­ny ships of warre, by vertue of any the said Commissions, and not hauing notice of our entrance into this Kingdome, haue at any time before the foure and twentieth day of Aprill last (which time we limit vnto all men of warre at Sea as a sufficient space, with­in which they may haue taken knowledge of the discontinuance of the said warre) thereby taken any ships, or goods belonging to any the subiects of the King of Spaine, and are already returned into any of our Dominions, shall quietly enioy the said ships and goods taken as aforesaid.

And further our will and pleasure is that whatsoeuer ships or goods belonging to any subiect of the said King of Spaine, hath bene or shall be taken at Sea, or land by any of our subiects by co­lour of any commission whatsoeuer, after the said 24. day of Aprill last: the same shall be forthwith sequestred from the Takers, to the vse of the true Proprietaries, and restored vnto them vpon the first claimes and proofes of their propertie, without any long or chargeable suit of Law.

And wee further will and command, that all such our men of warre, as be now at Sea, hauing no sufficient Commission as a­foresaid, and haue taken, or shall goe to Sea hereafter, and shall take any the ships, or goods of any subiect of any Prince in league or amitie with vs, shall be reputed and taken as Pirates, and both they and all their accessaries, maintainers, comforters, abettors, and partakers shall suffer death as Pirates, and accessaries to pi­racie, with confiscation of all their lands, and goods, according to the ancient lawes of this Realme. Commanding all our Of­ficers of the Admiraltie to see our commandement seuerely execu­ted, and commanding all other Officers of our Kingdomes and Dominions whom it may concerne, to giue their best assistance to the officers of the Admiraltie, for the better execution of our sayd commandement, as they and euery of them failing therein, will answere to the contrary at their vttermost perils.

Giuen at our Mannour of Greenwich the 23. day of Iune, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France, and Ire­land, and in the sixe and thirtieth of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the adiourne­ment of part of Trinitie Terme.

FOrasmuch as the infection of the Plague is at this present greatly increased and dispersed aswell in the Cities of Lon­don and Westminster, as also in the Suburbs thereof, The Kings most excellent Maiestie considering that great perill and danger might insue, not onely vnto his Royall person, the Queenes Maiestie, the Prince, and Princesse, the honourable Embassadors from sundry forreine Princes, the Lords & others of his Maiesties honourable Priuie Councell, the Nobles of this Realme, and other his Maiesties louing Subiects, if the people of all sorts, and out of all parts of this Realme, should resort or continue together for their Suits & causes this instant Terme, commonly called Trinitie Terme, and hoping that by dispersing of the multitude of people now being in or about his said Cities, and by staying the accesse of others to the same about Suits in Law, and by due obseruation of such good and necessary Orders and di­rections, as are and shalbe prescribed in that behalfe, through the mercifull goodnesse of Almighty God, the sayd infection shall bee stayed, so as the Coronation and Inauguration of his most Ex­cellent Maiesty, to the inestimable and vniuersall reioycing of all his louing and true hearted Subiects, with all Princely solem­nities and honors thereunto apperteyning, may be accomplished and performed, at such time and place as his Maiesty hath alrea­dy bene pleased to appoint, Hath therefore thought good by the aduice of his Priuie Councel, and Iustices of his Courts at West­minster, to adiourne part of the same Terme, That is to say, in and from the second Returne of this instant Terme, cōmonly cal­led Octabis Trinitatis, vntil the fourth Returne of the same Terme, commonly called Tres Trinitatis, and that to bee for such causes onely, and for such intent and purpose, as hereafter is declared.

And therefore his Maiestie doeth hereby signifie and declare, that his wil and pleasure is, That Writs of Adiournement shalbe directed to the Iustices of either Bench, and to the Iudges of all other his Maiesties Courts, to whom like Writts haue bene vsu­ally directed, giuing them authority to adiourne this instant Terme, in and from Octabis Trinitatis next, vntill Tres Trinitatis then next following, And the sayd Adiournement to be made the first day of the said Octabis Trinitatis, called the day of Essoines.

And whereas his Maiesty considering in his princely wise­dome [Page 26] what great preiudice might grow to many his good and lo­uing Subiects in their causes and Suits, if this Terme should be wholly adiourned, Hath therefore by the aduice of his sayd Counsell and Iustices, determined to haue some part thereof to be holden and continued for some few dayes in the beginning and ending of the same, as is aforesayd, His highnesse most gracious intention in that behalfe is, That the same dayes for which some part of this said Terme is to be holden, shalbe vsed onely for the better expediting and continuing of Causes and Suits, and re­turning and suing out of Processe, and for such other like things, which may be performed and done in the absence of the parties by their Attourneyes. And therefore his Maiestie doeth by this his Proclamation signifie to all his louing Subiects, that his will and pleasure is, That in and from the said Octabis Trinitatis next, there shall not be any Trials by Iuries, or any Iudgements vpon Demurrers, or speciall Verdicts or such like, in any of his highnesse Courts of Kings Bench, Common Pleas, or Exche­quer. And also that there shall not be any Iudiciall hearing or determining of any Causes or matters in any of his Maiesties Courts of Starre Chamber, Chancery, Exchequer Chamber, Court of Wards, Duchy Chamber, or Court of Requests, in or from the said Octabis Trinitatis next, during the sayd Terme: And that no party shall need to be present in person for any such causes or Suites, but the same may bee attended and done by their At­tourneys.

And his Maiesty doth hereby further notifie and declare, That no party shall be compelled or need to appeare in person in any of his Maiesties sayd Courts, in or from the said Octabis Trinitatis next, at any time during this said Terme, but may make their ap­parance by their Attourneys, sauing only in Cases of Outlawry, and other the Cases mentioned in the Prouiso hereafter follow­ing: And also that no Iuries or any whō the same may concerne, shalbe compelled or need to appeare in any of his highnesse Courts at Westminster in or from the said Octabis Trinitatis next, at any time during the sayd Terme for any cause or matter whatsoeuer, vnlesse it be for some speciall and important cause for his Maie­sties seruice onely.

Prouided neuerthelesse, and his Maiesties pleasure and com­mandement is, That all Collectors, Receiuers, Sheriffes, and o­ther Accomptants, and all other persons that should or ought to accompt or pay any summe or summes of money in any of his Maiesties Courts of Exchequer, Court of Wards and Liueries, or of his Duchy of Lancaster, or in any of them, or enter into any [Page 27] accompt in any of the sayd Courts, shal repaire to the accustomed places at Westminster, and there to pay and doe in euery behalfe as though no such Proclamation or Adiournement had bene had or made.

And his Maiesties further pleasure and commandement is, That all Sheriffes shall returne into his Maiesties Court of Ex­chequer, Court of Wards and Liueries, and Duchy of Lancaster, all maner of Writs and Processe issued out of the same Courts, and returnable this Terme, which in any sort concerne his Ma­iesties Reuenewes, Debts, or Dueties, at or before the dayes of Returnes thereof, into such Offices from whence the sayd Writs and Processe did issue: And that all Commissioners likewise re­turne all maner of Commissions and Inquisitions returnable this Terme, and from the sayd Courts sent, whereby his Maie­stie is to receiue profit and commoditie: And all Sheriffes, Col­lectors, all maner of Accomptants, and euery person that is to pay any kinde of debt or duety vnto the Kings Maiesty in any of the sayd Courts, doe either by themselues, their deputies, or Attour­neys, pay the same in such sort as they ought to haue done if no such Proclamation or Adiournement had bene made, or else to su­staine such damage of Issues, Seasure, Fine, Amerciament, and penaltie to be imposed vpon them, as hath bene accustomed, with­out any hope to be discharged thereof: And that all Sheriffes, by themselues or their sufficient Deputies, shall giue their atten­dance at the day appointed for their opposall in the Court of Ex­chequer, to answere their Returnes before his sayd Barons, as hath bene heretofore accustomed: And if any default shall bee made by any of the persons aforesaid, that then in respect of the Kings present necessary and extraordinary charges, Sergeants at Armes and Pursuiuants shall be sent to bring them vp to an­swere their contempt and slacknesse in payment.

Giuen at our Manour of Greenwich the 23. day of Iune, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and the sixe and thirtieth of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the appre­hension of Anthony Copley.

ALthough it cannot be without griefe to vs to publish, that in this our Kingdome we should finde any Subiect so con­trary to all the rest of our louing people, who in so great [Page 28] multitudes haue made perfect proofe of their vnspotted loyalty to vs: Yet hath there such an accident happened so farre beyond our expectation, as We could not conceale it without preiudice to our Selfe, and our Estate, whereof we assure our selues, that all our good subiects will be very sensible, that is, that it hath bene disco­uered to Vs by seuerall persons, that one Anthony Copley, the yonger brother of one Copley that is lately returned from forreine parts into this Countrey, hath dealt with some to be of a conspi­racie to vse some violence vpon our Person, whereby must either haue followed perill to our life, or danger of innouation in our State. Which Anthony Copley, hauing bene sought for since his practising with others, by the ordinary Officers and ministers of our State, in places about our Court, and our Citie of London, cannot yet be found: So as it seemeth he lurketh very closely, a­waiting opportunitie to attempt his treasonable purposes, or to procure other of our Subiects to conspire with him in so disloy­all a fact.

Wherefore we haue found it necessary to make publike declara­tion to all our people of his wicked purpose, knowing well that all true and loyall Subiects, howsoeuer diuided from the State in matter of Religion, wil abhorre so vngracious and traiterous a minde, of which good affection Wee require them all to make proofe, by doing their endeuours to discouer and apprehend the said Anthony Copley wheresoeuer he may be found: Charging all Lieutenants, Deputie Lieutenants, Iustices of peace, Maiors, Shiriffes, Constables, and all other our Ministers whomsoeuer, to bee diligent in enquiring and searching for the saide Anthony Copley: whom if they shall happen to take, Our pleasure is they send him presently to our Priuie Counsell, or to some of our ordi­narie Magistrates, to abide the triall of our Lawes for his fact. And doe further declare, That if any person of our Realme shall conceale, harbour, keepe or maintaine the saide Anthony Copley, after they haue by this our Proclamation, or otherwise, notice of his traiterous purpose: We must, as there is iust cause, extend a­gainst them the power of our indignation, and the rigour of our Lawes, though We shall be sory to finde any such occasion giuen by any of our Subiects whom we doe hold so deare.

Giuen at our Honour of Windsor the 2. day of Iuly, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and the sixe and thirtieth of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for reformation of great abuses in Measures.

WHereas for the auoyding of variety and deceits of Weights & Measures, diuers Statutes, Acts and good Ordinances haue heretofore bene made, That one Weight, and one Measure should bee vsed throughout the Realme, And where, according to the Statutes made in the ele­uenth and twelfth yeres of the reigne of the late King of famous memory King Henry the seuenth, there were made, sent, and de­liuered into diuers Cities and Townes, specified in a Schedule vnto the sayd Act of 11. H. 7. annexed, Weights and Measures of brasse according to the Standards thereof remaining in the trea­sury of the Exchequer, to remaine in the keeping of the Maior, Bayliffe, or other head Officer for the time being, of euery of the same City or Towne, as the Kings Standard of Weight and Measure, with authority and power giuen by the same Statute, to the sayd Maior, Bailiffe, or other head Officer, hauing the said Waights and Measures, to make, signe and print like Weights and Measures vnto euery of the Kings Subiects, duely requi­ring the same, as by the sayd Statutes more at large appeareth: And whereas also our late Soueraigne Lady Elizabeth late Queene of England, being enformed that the sayd Standard measures remayning in those Cities and Townes, for the most part were by long continuance of time, or for want of good kee­ping, or other defects or abuses, differing and not agreeing with the ancient Standard or Measures remayning in her highnesse Exchequer at Westminster, by occasion whereof the Measures commonly vsed within the Realme were vncertaine, and vary­ing one from another, to the great slander of the same, the disquie­ting of the Subiects, and the deceyuing of many both buyers and sellers, Did giue order and commandement to the L. Treasurer and vnder Treasurer, to cause all the ancient Standard mea­sures of all those seuerall Cities and Townes to bee brought in before them at the Exchequer at Westminster, to be examined and tried by the Standard measure there remayning, according to which her Maiesties commandement, the Lord Treasurer and vnder Treasurer haue caused al the ancient Standard measures of all those seueral Cities and Townes to be brought before them into the sayd Exchequer, where diuers of them vpon diligent and due triall and examination haue bene found defectiue, differing [Page 30] and disagreeing from the true and ancient Standard of the said Exchequer.

Whereupon the sayd late Queene intending the common and publique good of all her louing Subiects, and to auoyd all diffe­rences and deceits of Measure within her highnesse Realme, vp­on good and deliberate aduise, and due consideration therein had, Did not onely establish the foresayd true and ancient Standard of Measures remayning in the said Exchequer, there to continue and be, as her Maiesties Standard, to examine, try, and size all other Measures of the Realme by, from time to time as occasion shall require: But also did giue commandement to the L. Trea­surer & vnder Treasurer, to cause all the other Measures which were brought before them (from the Cities and Townes afore­said) found vpon triall to be differing and disagreeing from the true and ancient Standards of measures of the sayd Exchequer, to be broken.

And further her Maiesty did giue order and commandement vnto the sayd Lord Treasurer and vnder Treasurer, foorthwith to cause new Standards of measures in Brasse to be made, tried, and approoued by the said true and ancient Standard of the Ex­chequer, and after true and iust examination and triall thereof had and made, to size and Seale (with the letter E. crowned) such and so many Standard measures, for euery of the sayd seuerall Cities and Townes limitted to haue the custody of Weights and measures, according to the Queenes Standard for euery Shire by the sayd schedule annexed vnto the sayd Statute made in the eleuenth yeere of the reigne of King Henry the seuenth, there to remaine for euer in the keeping of the Maior, Bayliffe, or other head Officer for the time being of the said City and Towne as her Standard of measure, as to them should seeme necessary and con­uenient. And also as many as may serue and be conuenient for the Clarke of the Market of her highnesse houshold (and through the Realme) or his Deputies, according to the Statute of Anno 16. R. 2. Cap. 3. And also as might or should serue for any other her Maiesties Officers or Subiects within this Realme as should make suite for the hauing and obtayning of the same.

And now our Soueraigne Lord the Kings Maiestie, minding likewise the quietnes and publike good of all his louing subiects, and for the right and iust maintenance, and execution of all those good and godly Lawes in that behalfe heretofore made by his most noble Progenitors, to be daily vsed and put in execution a­mongst all his said Subiects of this his Highnesse Realme of England, aswell within Liberties as without; His Maiesties [Page 31] will and pleasure is, That the Maiors, Bayliffes, Portreues, Wardens, and other head Officers of euery of the sayd Cities, Boroughs, Townes, Cinqueports, and places mentioned in the schedule annexed to the said Statute of Anno 11. H. 7. which haue not already receiued the sayd new Standard measure from the sayd Exchequer, before the feast of S. Bartholomew next com­ming, at the common charge of the same place, shall send some suf­ficient person vnto the said Exchequer, authorized to receiue such Standards as shalbe deliuered vnto him, by the order & appoint­ment of the said L. Treasurer & vnder-treasurer, for the said City, Borough, Towne, or place, and to pay such reasonable prices for the same, as vpon true valuation of the same shall bee by the sayd L. Treasurer and vnder Treasurer rated or assessed: which Stan­dards euery of the sayd Maiors, Bayliffes, and other head Offi­cers vnto whom it shall appertaine, shall safely keepe or cause to be kept in some sure and conuenient place in the same Citie, Bo­rough, or Towne, and by them make or size, or cause to be made or sized, other common measures for the vse of all maner of people in the same Citie, Borough, Towne, or place that shal haue cause to vse Measures. And shall also make, signe, and print with the first letter of the name of the same City, Borough, Towne, or place where the same shall be so made, sized, and printed, like mea­sures vnto euery of the Kings subiects duely requiring the same, taking such fees for the doing thereof as by the Statutes of the Realme are allowed, and no more. And euery of the said Maiors, Bayliffes, & other head Officers of Cities, Boroughs, Townes, and places within this Realme, shall further doe and cause to bee done, all such other Acte and Actes, thing and things, for the pro­uiding, hauing, and vsing of the sayd Standards of Measures, as be limitted and appoynted to their or any of their authority by the said Statutes made in the eleuenth and twelfth yeeres of the late King Henry the seuenth, or any other Statute or Ordinance whatsoeuer: So as al the Measures through the Realme may be reformed and made agreeable according to the Standard of the Exchequer, as by the sayd Statutes in such case is required. And his Maiesty further straitly chargeth and commandeth, That no person or persons shall from the aforesayd feast of S. Bartholo­mew next comming, vse any other Measure or Measures, but such as shalbe made or sized, and respectiuely agreeing with the sayd Standards, and printed and marked with the letter I. crowned, with such markes and letters for euery towne as before is limitted, vpon paine to be apprehended, committed to prison, fined and punished, as contriuers and vsers of false Measures, [Page 32] according to the Statutes in that case made and prouided. And that this Proclamation for the better instructing of all his Ma­iesties Subiects, shall before the feast of All Saints now next com­ming, be proclaimed in euery Market towne thorow the Realme, and be hanged vp, and fastened in a Table in the Market place by an Officer, where it may continue to be seene and read by any that will. And that the defaults of Officers, of euery towne in this behalfe, shall be enquired of and punished by the Iustices of Assise, and Iustices of Peace in their Sessions, according to their discretions, as contemners of his Maiesties commaundement. And that all the Standards and measures whatsoeuer, not sized, marked and printed, and made respectiuely agreeing to and with the foresaid Standard, and the true meaning of this Proclama­tion, shall from the sayd feast of All Saints next comming, which shalbe in the yeere of our Lord God 1603. be reputed and taken for vntrue Measures, and shalbe broken, defaced and destroyed by the owners of the same, or by such officers as haue or shall haue authority to enquire of false Weights and measures.

And for the better execution hereof, his highnesse expresse com­mandement is, That all Maiors, Bayliffes, and other head offi­cers of euery City, Shire, Towne, Borough or Market within this Realme, shall immediatly after the said feast of All Saints, and so from time to time according to the sayd Statute, as all other Corporate, Borough, or Market Townes within this Realme, cause to be brought before them all the Measures, within the same Cities, Boroughs, Corporate or Market Townes, to bee duely viewed and examined, and such as they shall finde defectiue or disagreeing vnto the foresayd Standard measures, either in greatnesse or smalnesse, to cause to be broken and defaced, and fur­ther punishment to be done vpon the offenders therein, according to the Statute. And that the Iustices of Peace, or two of them (whereof one of them to be of the Quorum) shall with all diligence and from time to time, by examination or enquirie heare and de­termine the defaults of all Maiors, Bayliffes, and other head Of­ficers of Cities, Boroughs, Corporate or Market Townes with­in their limits or authorities on that behalfe, and to set Fines and Amercements vpon the offenders in that behalfe by their discre­tions, and those to estreat into the Court of Exchequer, and that vpon paine of the punishment due for such contempt.

And lastly, his Maiesty straitly chargeth and commandeth all Iustices of Assize, Iustices of Peace, his highnesse Clarke of the Market, his deputie or deputies, Maiors, Bayliffes, Stewards of Liberties, and all other his Maiesties Officers and ministers [Page 33] whatsoeuer, to cause this present Proclamation, and all Lawes, Statutes, and Ordinances, for the hauing and vsing of true mea­sures, and for the abolishing the vse of false measures, to be put in execution according to their seuerall Authorities and Iurisdicti­ons, as they herein tender the good seruice of his Maiestie, and the Common wealth of this Realme.

Giuen at his Maiesties Castle of Windsor the fift day of Iuly, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ire­land, and of Scotland the sixe and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation signifying the Kings Maiesties pleasure, touching the resort of people to his Coronation.

FOrasmuch as we finde that the infection within our City of London doeth dayly increase, and is like (to our griefe) ra­ther to augment then to diminish, aswel by reason of the sea­son of the yeere, as by the great Concourse of people to our sayd Citie against the time of our Coronation, some to doe their duties in such necessarie seruices, as to them belongeth at that solemni­tie, and some for comfort they take in the sight of our Person, of the Queene our deare wife, and of our children; Although there could be no greater ioy to vs then the presence and confluence of all sorts of good Subiects at such a time, when the more there should be partakers of that publike reioycing, the more should bee our particular comfort: yet such is our feare lest this their resort should worke a contrary effect both to their and our expectation, namely to be a meanes not onely of increasing the infection with­in our Citie, but of dispersing it into all places of this Realme, as we had rather forbeare some part of our ornament and custome, which is due to the honour and solemnitie of our Coronation, then by hauing the vttermost thereof perfourmed, be the occasion of so great an euill to our people, as is the spreading of the infe­ction amongst them,

Wherefore wee haue thought it best to forbeare of that solem­nitie, whatsoeuer is not essentiall to it, and to deferre all shew of State and pompe accustomed by our Progenitors, which is not of necessitie to be done within the Church at the time of our Co­ronation, as also to omit our solemne entry and passage through our Citie of London for this time, intending to performe the same [Page 34] hereafter in the winter, when we shall perceiue our City to be free from sickenesse. And of this our purpose and of the causes there­of, we haue thought good to giue notice to all our Subiects by Proclamation, to the end that aswell those of our said Citie may forbeare to proceed in such Shewes & Ornaments, as we heare they out of their loue haue in hand to honour our saide entry, as also all other people may abstaine from resorting to our said Citie at this time, other then such, as haue necessary employment in that Solemnitie, and chiefly about such parts thereof as are to be performed onely within the Church: whom also we require to bring with them no greater Traine of seruants, then of necessity they must vse each of them in his degree about their persons, wherein they shall both prouide for their owne good, and giue vs great satisfaction in conforming themselues dutifully to this our Admonition.

Giuen at our Castle of Windsor, the sixt day of Iuly, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland, the sixe and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for Iustice to be indifferently ministred to the Subiects of England and Scotland.

WEe haue since our entry into this Realme of Eng­land, had speciall care to make all our Subiects know, with how equall affection we resolued to pro­ceed in all things which should concerne the safety or honour of our Kingdomes, for both which we know we are to make one and the selfe-same accompt to Almighty God, vnder whom wee hold all earthly things; In which respect, we were very curious to preuent at our first comming all maner of offences or affronts, which naturally do arise betweene seuerall Nations at their first ioyning in society and conuersation, neuer ceasing to lay seuere commandement vpon our greatest Subiects that came in with vs, to suppresse any iniurious Actions of any of their Seruants or traine, towards the meanest subiect of English birth, in whom from the highest to the lowest we haue obserued so great loue and generall obedience to vs and our commandements: And when­soeuer it hath come to our eares that any offence hath bene done by any of them, We haue made them know how much it hath dis­pleased vs. Notwithstanding, because we doe heare of many in­solencies [Page 35] reported to be committed by our Nation of Scotland to our English Subiects, with this addition further, That the Ma­gistrates and Iustices are thought to be remisse towards such, in doubt lest the same should be offensiuely reported to vs: We haue thought it conuenient aswel for the satisfaction of the one sort, as for admonition to the others, to publish by open signification, That seeing it hath pleased Almighty God to call vs to the Su­preme power ouer both, We are purposed to be an vniuersall and equal Souereigne to them both, and to administer Iustice where there shall be occasion, without any worldly respect to either of them. And therefore do hereby enioyne all Lieutenants, Depu­ty Lieutenants, Iustices of Peace, and all other our Officers and ministers of this kingdome, that whensoeuer complaint shall be made to any of them, that breach of Peace is committed by those of our nation of Scotland, vpon the Subiects of England, or by the Subiects of England vpon those of the nation of Scotland, In both which kindes wee heare of many great abuses, though sometimes aggrauated according to the humour of the repor­ters, they shall carefully vpon euery complaint, examine with all indifferencie the particulars of euery such Action, and cause pu­nishment to be inflicted vpon the party offending, without respect of nation, according to the Lawes of this Realme.

And to the end they may not doubt to proceed to the execution thereof: As we doe hereby not onely assure them that wee will strengthen and maintaine all Officers and Magistrates in the execution of their Offices, for the preseruation of the publike Peace of this Realme: So if we shall see at any time that any Magistrate shalbe slow to redresse such grieuances, or punish the Offenders, We shall haue cause to thinke, that they are willing to nourish some cause of such rumors, the rather to serue for colour or cause of further alienation, and so by consequence of sedition a­mongst our people, & an hinderance to that Vnion betweene both States, which is one of the greatest benefits that we bring with vs to our people for their strength and safety; in gouerning of whom, though we must vse, as all other Princes doe, the mini­stery of subordinate Ministers, yet God Almighty knoweth, that in our owne minde there is not a thought of partialitie towards either of them, but an internall desire and resolution to affoord indifferent grace and Iustice to all: For demonstration whereof we haue bene forced to publish thus much, lest the iniquitie of fac­tion and vnruly spirits might blemish the innocencie and inte­gritie of our heart towardes all our Subiects, whom wee hold dearer then our owne life.

Giuen at our Castle of Windsore the [Page 36] eight day of Iuly, in the first yere of our Reigne of England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the sixe and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the deferring of S. Iames Faire, for certaine dayes.

THe care we haue to preuent all occasions of dispersing the Infection amongst our people, doeth sufficiently appeare by our former Proclamations, and that for that cause we are contented to forbeare at our Coronation all such ceremonies of honour and pompe vsed by our Progenitors, as may draw ouer great confluence of people to our Citie. For which cause also be­ing informed that vsually about the day of our Coronation inten­ded, and for some dayes after, a Faire hath bene vsed to be kept in the fields neere our house of S. Iames, and City of Westminster, commonly called S. Iames Faire, which if it should hold at the time accustomed, being the very instant of our Coronation, could not but draw resort of people to that place, much more vnfit to bee neere our Court and Traine, then such as by former Proclama­tions are restrained. Wherefore we haue thought it necessary to put off the keeping of that Faire for some few dayes: And to the end that all men may take notice thereof, doe publish the same to all mens knowledge, Requiring those who are Lords of the Faire, or otherwise interessed therein, That according to this our pleasure, they doe forbeare to hold the sayd Faire, and to resort thither, for the space of eight or ten dayes after the first day of the vsuall holding thereof: Licensing them after that time to keepe the same, as they haue vsed to do.

Furthermore, to auoyd ouer great resort to our Cities of Lon­don and Westminster at that time, for the cause of our Coronati­on, we haue thought good to limit the Traines of Noblemen and Gentlemen, hauing necessary Seruice or attendance there, to a number certaine, Viz. Earles to sixteene, Bishops and Barons to ten, Knights to sixe, and Gentlemen to foure: which numbers we require each of them to obserue, and not to exceed, as they tender our fauour.

Giuen at our Castle of Windsor, the 11. day of Iuly, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland, the sixe and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the apprehen­sion of certaine Conspirators.

WEe haue by our late Proclamation, published for the apprehension of one Anthony Copley, signified what griefe it was vnto vs, that any subiect of this Realm, of how meane condition soeuer, should giue vs iust cause to put in vse the power of our Lawes for any offence against vs in matter of Loyaltie. And although we haue no litle comfort in the expe­rience which that first occasion gaue vs, of the loue and obedience of the vniuersal number of our Subiects, by whose diligence and care of our person the said Copley hath bin apprehended: yet hath the same brought vs withall, cause of further griefe, in that by the said Copleys confession, there is discouered a conspiracie of a great number of others to haue made an attempt not onely dangerous to our person, but to our whole state: wherof some principal gen­tlemen of qualitie are already apprehended, some others cannot yet be found by the ordinary ministers of our iustice. Wherfore, we haue thought good to giue knowledge of thē to all our subiects by open proclamatiō, not doubting but to find as good fruits of their loue in their diligent enquirie after these persons, as wee did of Copley: Requiring and charging all Lieutenants, deputy Lieu­tenants, Iustices of peace, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bayliffes, Con­stables, and all other our Officers and Ministers whatsoeuer, to vse all care and diligence in the enquiring, searching for, and ap­prehending of Sir Griffin Markham Knight, and such other per­sons, as are here in the foote of this Proclamation described. And if they shall be so happy as to finde any of them, to send them pre­sently vp to some of our Councell. And though we doubt not but that we shall finde good proofe of the care of all good Subiects in doing their dueties herein: Yet seeing it is a cause that doeth so neerely concerne not onely our Person, but the subuersion of the State of this Realme, Wee cannot but adde this further charge, That if we shall perceiue that any shal vse remissenes, negligence, or other omission of their duetie in pursuing this our pleasure, we shall haue cause to iudge otherwise of them, and to proceede other­wise with them, then willingly we would haue cause to do with any Subiect of this Realme: in whome we must acknowledge that in generall we haue found as much loue and duetie, as could possibly be expressed.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the 16. day of Iuly, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France, and Ireland, and in the 36. of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

[Page 38]¶ The description of the persons.

SIr Griffin Markham hath a large broad face, of a bleake complexion, a bigge nose, one of his hands is maimed by an hurt in his arme, receiued by the shot of a bullet, hee hath thinne and little haire vpon his beard; All his brethren are tall of stature, yong, and without any haire of their faces, of exceeding swarthy and bad complexions, and haue all very great noses.

VVIlliam Watson priest is a man of the lowest sort, about xxxvi. yeeres of age, his haire betwixt a bram & flaxen, he looketh asquint, and is very purblind, so as if he reade any thing he putteth the paper neere to his eyes, he did weare his beard at length of the same coloured haire as is his head. But information is giuē that now his beard is cut.

VVIlliam Clarke priest is a man of middle stature, inclining to the lower sort, about the age of xxxvi. yeeres, his haire is betwixt red and yellow, he keepeth his beard close cut, he is not leane nor corpulent, but betwixt both, rather leane.

¶ A Proclamation enioyning all Lieu­tenants, and Iustices of Peace to repaire into their Countreys, and all idle persons to depart the Court.

THe Solemnities of our Coronation being now performed according to the vsages and customes of this our Realme of England, and with mutuall contentment, aswell of Vs in the zeale and loue of our people at the performance thereof ex­pressed, as of them in the expectation of our gouernment; Wee haue entred into consideration of the state of the seuerall parts of the body of our Realme, and therein doe finde, that the absence of the Noblemen and Gentlemen which are vsed to reside there in seuerall quarters, is accompanied with great inconuenience, as well in the want of reliefe which the poorer sort did receiue by their ordinary Hospitality, as also chiefly in the defect of gouerne­ment, whereby besides other inconueniences, through lacke of order, the infection of the plague spreadeth and scattereth it selfe into diuers places of the Realme, and is like further to increase, if by the presence and care of such as are in authority and credit a­mongst our people, they be not contained in some good course, for the preuenting of that contagion.

Wherfore hauing taken order for the returning home into their Countreys of diuers of the Nobility of our Nation of Scotland, and others also, who to doe vs honour at our Coronation, haue attended here since the entring of Vs and the Queene our deare wife into this Kingdome: We haue thought good also to publish to all other good Subiects of this Realme, that our pleasure is, and wee command that all such as are not our seruants in ordi­nary, or be not bound to attendance about our Court by expresse [Page 39] commandement of vs, or our Councell, shall immediatly depart home into their Countreys; Specially all deputy Lieutenants, and all such as are in Commission of the Peace, there to attend their seuerall charges, and chiefly to preuent by all good meanes the spreading of this contagion of the Plague. For seeing now there is no necessary cause why any man should abide either a­bout our City of London, or about our Court, who is not our or­dinary seruant, we shall haue iust cause to be offended with such, as shall contrary to this our pleasure, voluntarily absent them­selues frō the places where their dueties do require they should a­bide. And whereas we are giuen to vnderstand, That notwith­standing our former Proclamation, there do continually hang vp­on our Court, a great number of idle & masterlesse persons, aswell Scottish as English, who can giue no accompt of their abode here: For preuenting hereof our pleasure is, That all Noblemen and Gentlemen our ordinary seruants or attendants in Court, shall presently within three dayes after the publishing hereof, deliuer in to our Chamberlaine, to the officers of our Greencloth, and to our knight Marshall, to each of them a Roll of the names of such as be their seruants in ordinary, wherein we require them to haue care to reteine no more then they must needs be serued with: With which Roll wee haue giuen charge, that the said Knight Marshall shall continually ride, both in the day time and in the night about our Court, and whomsoeuer they shall finde not con­teined in the said Roll, they shall punish according to the Lawes of our Realme, or otherwise as shalbe thought meet for such con­tempts. And for that our pleasure also is, during the time of this infection, That our Court be not followed with vnnecessary multitudes vnder pretence of Suites, We doe charge all Sutors to abstaine from following of vs for this time, sauing onely such as haue Suits, or cause of attendance of our Councell for neces­sary seruices. For the discerning whereof, wee haue appointed, that the Masters of our Requests, or one of them, with one of the Clearks of our Councel, or of our Signet, shall reside at Kingston til Wednesday next, of purpose to receiue the petitions of all such as suppose they haue any necessary cause to attend for the seruice at the Court, and shall allow such as they shall see cause why for our seruice they should be pursued, and all others deferre till the Winter: And after that day passed no Suitor shall be allowed to follow the Court, vpon what pretence soeuer, during this Con­tagion.

Giuen at our honour of Hampton the 29. day of Iuly, in the first yeere of our reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scot­land the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation, prohibiting the keeping of Bartholomew Faire, and Sturbridge Faire.

THe spreading of the infection in our City of London, and in the places next about it, doeth giue vs iust cause to be as prouident as a carefull Prince can be, to take away all occasion of increasing the same. And if such directions as we gaue, and our Councell, at our first approching to the City, had bene o­beyed, it is like that (with Gods fauour) the sicknesse had neither growen to that height, nor spread so farre as now it is. But that hauing bene omitted by the negligence of such whom it most con­cerned to haue had it performed, The same care of our peoples welfare mooueth vs as much as we may, to prouide for the time to come. And forasmuch as there are at hand two notable Faires, vnto which there is vsually extraordinary resort out of all parts of the kingdome, one in Smithfield neere our City of London, commonly called Bartlemew Faire, and the other neere Cambridge commonly called Sturbridge Faire, which if they should be held at the vsuall times, would in all likelyhood be the occasion both of the increase, and of dispersing of the contagion into all the parts of our Realme: Wee haue thought good by open declaration of our pleasure, not onely to admonish, and to require all our louing Subiects, to forbeare to resort at this time to any of the sayd two Faires, of Bartlemew neere London, and of Sturbridge, but also to enioyne to the Lords of the said Faires, and others interessed therein, and of all other Faires within fifty miles of our City of London, that they shal not hold the said Faires, nor any thing ap­pertayning to them, at the times accustomed, nor any time till they shall be licensed by vs, vpon paine of such punishment, as for a contempt so much concerning the vniuersall safety of our peo­ple, they shall be adiudged to deserue, Which they shall be assured that we will cause to be inflicted vpon them with all seuerity. For such is our desire to preuent an vniuersall contagion among our people, which this infection threatneth, as we will not spare any one who shalbe cause of dispersing such an euil among them. And we do further charge and enioyne vnder like penaltie, to all Citi­zens and inhabitants of our City of London, that none of them shall repaire to any Faires held within any part of this Realme, vntill it shall please God to cease the infection now reigning a­mongst them.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the eight [Page 41] day of August, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland, the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation against Inmates and multitudes of dwellers in strait Roomes and places in and about the City of London: And for the rasing and pulling downe of certaine new erected buildings.

WHereas it falleth out by wofull experience, that the great confluence and accesse of excessiue numbers of idle, indigent, dissolute and dangerous persons, And the pestering of many of them in small and strait roomes and ha­bitations in the City of London, and in and about the Suburbs of the same, haue bene one of the chiefest occasions of the great plague and mortality, which hath not onely most extremely a­bounded in and about the said City, and Suburbs thereof, and especially in such strait roomes and places, and amongst persons of such qualitie, but also from thence hath most dangerously ouer­spread, and infected very many principall, and other parts of this Realme, (which Almighty God cease at his good pleasure) His Maiesty tendering the safety of his louing Subiects, and min­ding, as much as in him lyeth, to auoyd the continuance or re­newing of such mortalitie, doeth by the aduice of his Priuy Coun­cell, not onely straitly require and command that his Maiesties good and profitable Orders and directions already published for the staying (if God so please) of the same Infection, be carefully, speedily, and duely executed, but also doeth straitly prohibit and forbid, That no new Tenant or Inmate, or other person or per­sons, be admitted to inhabite or reside in any such house or place in the said City, Suburbs, or within foure miles of the same, which haue bene so infected, during the continuance of this Plague and mortalitie, in or about the sayd City, nor after, vntill such time and as it shalbe thought safe and expedient by the prin­cipall Officers there for the time being, That is to say, if it be within the said City, by the Alderman of the Ward, or his Depu­tie; if without, then by the next Iustice of the Peace. Wherein his Maiesty straitly doeth charge and require euery of the said Al­dermen, and their Deputies, and euery Iustice of the Peace to whom it shall appertaine, That they take speciall care, that none of the foresaid roomes, houses, or places be hereafter pestered with [Page 42] multitudes of dwellers, or with any Inmates. And that such of the said roomes, houses, or places as by Proclamation heretofore published, are ordered or appointed to be rased or pulled downe, shall foorth with, the same being now voyd, or as the same shall hereafter become voyde, be rased and pulled downe accordingly. And being once pulled downe, that they or any of them at any time afterwards, suffer not any of the same to be newly erected, as they will answere the contrary at their vttermost perill.

Giuen at his Maiesties Mannor of Woodstocke, the 16. day of Sep­tember, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the adiourne­ment of part of Michaelmas Terme.

FOrasmuch as the Kings Maiestie our Soueraigne Lord is credibly informed, that the infection of the Plague is at this present in sundry places in and about the City of London, and in other places neere adioyning to the same, Whereas by the continuance thereof, through the greater repaire and resort of his louing Subiects, great perill and danger might not onely ensue vnto his most royal Person, but also to his most louing Subiects repairing thither for their Suites and causes, and thereby also giue occasion of dispersing of the same into other parts of the Realme: His Maiestie for the said necessary considerations, and hoping that the same wil by the goodnesse of Almighty God with the coldnesse of the yeere, and such wholesome Orders as are ta­ken in the said City, the rather cease by the adiournment of part of this next Terme of S. Michael now at hand, from the Vtas of the same, vntil the fourth returne of the said Terme, called Mense Michaelis next comming His Maiesty therefore of his especiall fa­uour and clemencie is pleased and contented to adiourne the said Terme of S. Michael (that is to say) from the Vtas thereof, vnto the said fourth returne of the said Terme called Mense Michaelis next comming, which his Maiestie signifieth to all and singul [...] his louing Subiects of this his Realme, to the intent that they and euery of them which hath cause or commaundement to ap­peare in any of his highnesse Courts at Westminster in or at any day or time from and after the said Vtas of S. Michael, may tary at their dwellings, or where their businesse otherwise shall lie, without resorting to any of the said Courts for that cause before [Page 43] the said Mense Michaelis next comming, and that without danger of forfeiture, penaltie, or contempt to incurre towards his high­nesse in that behalfe. And neuerthelesse, his Maiesties pleasure is, that two of his Iustices, (that is to say) of either Bench one, shall the first day of Michaelmas Terme, called Octabis Michaelis, according to the ancient order of the Lawes, keepe the Essoines of the said Octabis Michaelis: at which Vtas of S. Michael, writs of adiournment shalbe directed to the said Iustices, giuing them authority to adiourne the said Terme of S. Michael (that is to say,) From the Vtas thereof, vntill the fourth returne, as before is said: And the said Adiournment shalbe made in the first day of the said Vtas, commonly called the day of Essoines. And further his Maiesties pleasure is, that all matters, causes and Suits depen­ding in any of his other Courts betweene party and party, as in his Highnes Courts of Chancery, Starchamber, & Exchequer, Courts of Wards and Liueries, Duchy of Lancaster, and Court of Requests, shal haue continuance, and the parties shall haue day from the date of these presents vntill the said fourth Returne, as before is said.

Prouided alway, and his Maiesties pleasure and commande­ment is, that all Collectors, Receiuers, Sheriffes and other Ac­comptants, and all other persons that should or ought to accompt or pay any summe or summes of money in any of his Maiesties Courts of Exchequer, Court of Wards and Liueries, and of his duchie of Lancaster, or in any of them, or to enter into any Ac­compt in any of the said Courts, shall repaire vnto his Maiesties house of Richmond, where his highnesse hath appointed such Of­ficers & ministers, as for that purpose his Maiestie hath thought expedient, and there to pay and doe in euery behalfe, as though no such Proclamation of Adiournement had bene had or made. And his highnesse further pleasure and commandement is, that all Sheriffes shall returne their Writs and Processe, against all such Accomptants and debters, at the dayes therein appointed. And if any person or persons who ought to accompt or pay any summe or summes of money to his Maiesty in any of the Courts and pla­ces aforesaid, do make default therein, That then his highnesse Writs and Processe shalbe awarded and sent foorth against euery such person and persons, and the same to be duely and orderly ser­ued, and returned by the Sheriffes and Officers thereunto ap­pointed, in such like maner and forme, as the same should haue bene if this present Proclamation had not bene made. And if a­ny Sheriffe or other Officer shall make default, or be negligent in seruing, executing, or returning of any the Writs and Processe a­foresaid, [Page 44] That then euery such Sheriffe and other Officer, shall incurre such paines and penalties, as by the said Courts or any of them shalbe taxed and assessed. Willing and commanding all and euery his Maiesties Sheriffes, officers, ministers and Sub­iects to whom it doeth or shall appertaine, to obserue and keepe their assemblies and apparances, with all their Returnes and Certificates, in his highnes said Courts at Westminster in Mense Michaelis next comming, then and there to be holden and kept, and there to doe their offices and dueties in euery behalfe, in like maner and forme as they should or ought to haue done, if this pre­sent Proclamation had not bene had or made, as they will an­swere to the contrary at their perils.

Giuen at his Maiesties Mannour of Woodstocke, the 16. day of September, in the first yere of his highnes Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland, the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the due and speedy execution of the statute against Rogues, Vagabonds, idle, and dissolute persons.

WHereas at a Parliament holden at Westminster in the nine and thirtieth yeere of the reigne of his Ma­iesties late deare sister deceased Queene Elizabeth, a profitable and necessary Law was made for the repressing of Rogues, Vagabonds, idle and dissolute persons, wherewith this Realme was then much infested, by the due execution of which Law, great good ensued to the whole Common weale of this Realme, but now of late by the remissenesse, negligence, and con­niuencie of some Iustices of the Peace, and other Officers in di­uers parts of the Realme, they haue swarmed and abounded eue­ry where more frequently then in times past, which will grow to the great imminent danger of the whole Realme, if by the good­nesse of God Almighty, and the due and timely execution of the said Law the same be not preuented.

And where to the end that no impediment might be to the due and full execution of the same Law, his highnesse Priuie Coun­cell, according to the power to them in that behalfe giuen by the said Law, haue by their Order assigned places and parts beyond the Seas, vnto which such incorrigible or dangerous Rogues should according to the same Law be banished and conueyed, as by the Order in that behalfe made, and vnder this present Pro­clamation [Page 45] particularly mentioned and set downe, more at large appeareth: His Maiestie purposing (for the vniuersall good of the whole Realme) to haue the same Law duely and fully execu­ted, doeth by aduise of his Priuie Councell require all Iustices of Peace, Maiors, Bailiffes, Hedboroughs, Constables, and other Officers whatsoeuer to whom it appertaineth, to see that the said Law be in all the parts, and branches of the same carefully, duely and exactly executed, as they and euery of them will answere the contrary at their vttermost perils.

Giuen at his Maiesties Mannour of Woodstocke the 17. day of Sep­tember, in the first yere of his highnesse Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and the seuen and thirtieth of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ THE ORDER.

FOrasmuch as it hath appeared vnto vs aswell by our owne viewes in our trauailes in this present progresse of his Ma­iestie, as also by good and credible information from diuers and sundry parts of the Realme, that Rogues grow againe and increase to be incorrigible, and dangerous not onely to his Ma­iesties louing Subiects abroad, but also to his Maiestie and his honourable houshold and attendants in and about his Court, which growing partly through the remissenesse of some Iustices of the peace, and other Officers in the Counttey, and partly for that there hath bene no suit made for assigning some place beyond the seas, to which such incorrigible or dangerous Rogues might be banished, according to the Statute in that behalfe made: Wee therefore of his Maiesties priuie Councel, whose names are here­unto subscribed, finding it of necessitie to reforme great abuses, and to haue the due execution of so good and necessarie a Law, doe according to the power limitted vnto vs by the same Statute, hereby assigne and thinke it fit and expedient, that the places and parts beyond the Seas to which any such incorrigible or dange­rous Rogues shalbe banished and conueyed according to the said Statute, shalbe these countreys and places following, viz. The Newfound Land, the East and West Indies, France, Germanie, Spaine, and the Low countreys, or any of them.

¶ A Proclamation to represse all Pi­racies and Depredations vpon the Sea.

THe Kings Maiestie being certainly enformed through the manifold and dayly complaints made to his highnesse, as­well by his owne Subiects as others, of the continuall Depredations, and Piracies committed on the Seas by certaine lewd and ill disposed persons; and finding that the ordinary pro­ceedings held of late times for the suppressing of these enormi­ties and offences, haue wrought lesse reformation then was ex­spected: In his Princely care to preserue Iustice, as one of the maine pillars of his Estate, and for the speedier suppressing of all such Piracies and Depredacious crimes, most hatefull to his minde, and scandalous to his peaceable gouernment, and for the better continuance of amitie with all other Princes and States; Hath with the aduise of his Priuie Counsell, for the speedy pre­uention or seuere punishment hereafter of such fowle crimes and Piracies, Set downe certaine Articles hereunto annexed, which his highnesse commandeth all his Officers whom it may con­cerne, of what degree soeuer, to see duely executed, Wherein if any maner of person shalbe found culpable or wilfully negligent, con­temptuous, or disobedient, His Maiestie declareth hereby, that punishment shalbe inflicted vpon him or them with such seuerity, as the example thereof shall terrifie all others from committing any so odious crimes, or contemptuous offences.

FIrst, that no man of Warre be furnished or set out to Sea by any of his Maiesties Subiects, vnder paine of death and confiscation of Lands and goods, not onely to the Captaines and Mariners, but also to the owners & Victuallers, if the com­pany of the said ship shall commit any Piracie, Depredation or murther at the Sea, vpon any of his Maiesties friends.

Item, that if any porson whatsoeuer shall vpon the Seas take any Ship that doeth belong to any of his Maiesties friends and Allies, or to any of their Subiects, or shall take out of it by force any goods of what nature or qualitie soeuer, he or they so offen­ding shall suffer death, with confiscation of Lands and goods, ac­cording to the Law in that case prouided.

Item, that all Admirall causes (except the causes now depen­ding before the Commissioners for causes of Depredations) shal­be summarily heard by the Iudge of the high Court of the Admi­raltie, without admitting any vnnecessary delay.

Item, that no appeale from him be admitted to the defendant or defendants in causes of Depredation, either against the offen­ders, or their accessaries, before or after the offence committed, or those in whose possession the goods spoyled are found, Vnlesse first by way of prouision, the summe adiudged be payd to the plaintife vpon Sureties to repay it, if the Sentence shalbe reuersed.

Item, that no prohibition in such cases of spoile and their ac­cessaries or dependances be granted hereafter.

Item, that no ship or goods taken from any his Maiesties friends, shall bee deliuered by any other order then vpon proofe made in the said Court of the Admiraltie, before the said Iudge or his deputie, to the end that a Record may be kept of all such re­stitutions made to strangers, to serue when occasion shal require.

Item, that euery Viceadmirall is enioyned by this Proclama­tion (whereof he shall take notice at his perill) to certifie into the sayd Court of the Admiralty euery quarter of the yere what man of Warre hath gone to the Sea, or returned home within that time, with any goods taken at Sea, or the procedue thereof, vpon paine to lose to his Maiestie (by way of Fine) for euery such de­fault forty pounds of currant money of England, to be answered into his Maiesties Receipt of the Exchequer, by Certificate from the said Iudge of the Admiralty vnder the great Seale of that Office, to bee directed to the Lord Treasurer and the Barons of the Exchequer.

Item, that all the Kings Subiects shall forbeare from ayding or receiuing of any Pirate or Sea-rouer, or any person not being a knowen Merchant, by contracting, buying, selling or exchang­ing with them, or by victualling of them or any of their company, whereby they or any of them shalbe the more enabled to goe or re­turne to the Seas to commit any Piracie or disorder, vpon paine for so doing to be punished presently, as the principall offendors and Pirats ought to be.

Item, that the Viceadmirals, Customers, and the other Offi­cers of the Ports, shal not suffer any ship to goe to the Seas before such time as they respectiuely in their seuerall Ports haue duely searched and visited the same, to the intent to stay such persons as apparantly shall be furnished for the Warres, and not for Mer­chandize or fishing. For if there shalbe any maner of suspicion that the said person, though he shall pretend to trade for Merchandize or Fishing, hath, or may haue an intent by his prouisions or fur­niture, otherwise then to vse the trade of Merchandize or fish­ing, that in such case of suspicion the Officers of the Ports shall stay, and in no wise suffer the same to passe to the Seas without [Page 48] good bonds by sufficient Sureties first had, to vse nothing but a lawfull trade of Merchandize or fishing. And if the said Officers shall suffer any person otherwise to repaire to the Seas then a­boue is mentioned, they shall not onely answere for any Piracies which any such person shall chance hereafter to doe vpon the Seas, but shall suffer imprisonment vntill the offendours may bee apprehended, if they shall bee liuing. And generally his Ma­iestie declareth and denounceth all such Pirats and Rouers vpon the Seas to be out of his Maiesties Protection, and law­fully to bee by any person taken, punished, and suppressed with extremitie.

And whereas diuers great and enormous spoiles and Piracies haue bene of late time committed within the Straits of Gyblaltar by Captaine Thomas Tomkins gentleman, Edmond Bonham, Wal­ter Ianuerin, Mariners, and diuers other English Pirats, and the goods, moneyes and Merchandizes brought into England by them, haue bene scattered, solde, and disposed of most lewdly and prodigally, by the meanes of their Receiuers, comforters & abet­tors, to the exceeding preiudice of his Maiesties good friends the Venetians, whom they haue robbed, and to the great displeasure of God, and dishonour of this State: His Maiestie doeth expresly command al Lieutenants, deputy Lieutenants, Admirals, Vice-admirals and their deputies, and all other Officers of the Admi­ralty, and al Iustices of the Peace, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bailiffes, Constables, and all other his Officers and ministers whatsoe­uer, to vse all care and diligence in the inquiring, searching for, and apprehending of all such Pirats, their receiuers, comforters, and abettors. And if they shall by their trauailes and cares finde any of them, to send them presently vnder safe custody to the com­mon gaoles of Hampshire or Dorsetshire, there to remaine with­out Baile or Mainprise, till the Lord high Admirall of England, or his Lieutenant the Iudge of the high Court of the Admiral­tie shall dispose of them according to the Lawes in that case pro­uided.

Giuen at his Maiesties Citie of Winchester the thirtieth day of Sep­tember, in the first yere of his highnesse Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and the seuen and thirtieth of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the further ad­iournement of part of Michaelmas Terme from Westminster to Winchester.

WHereas the Kings most excellent Maiestie, vpon in­formation giuen to his Highnesse of the infection of the plague growen & dispersed in his cities of London and Westminster, did by his proclamation dated at his Mannor of Woodstock the sixteenth day of September last past, for the con­siderations therein expressed, cause the Terme of S. Michael to be adiourned vnto the fourth Returne thereof, commonly called Mense Michaelis, Hoping by that time, through the goodnesse of Al­mightie God, and such orders as by his Maiesties especiall com­mandement were appointed to be kept and obserued, and by the coldnes of the aire, the saide infection of the plague might haue bene so much diminished, as that the residue of the Terme might, without danger to his louing subiects, which his Maiesty great­ly desireth, haue bene continued at Westminster: Forasmuch as his Maiestie hath since receiued knowledge, by Certificates sent from London and Westminster, that the plague still continueth, and therefore doubteth that if the saide Terme should bee kept at Westminster from the said Mense Michaelis, it could not bee but dangerous to such his louing subiects, who for Suits and other causes should make their necessary repaire thither; Therefore vpon the considerations aforesaid, his Maiesty hath by aduice of his Highnes Councell, thought it very expedient, that the Terme should be adiourned from the said Returne commonly called Men­se Michaelis, vntill the Returne commonly called Crastino Sancti Martini next ensuing, and thereby the rest of the vsuall Terme to be continued and kept, for which purpose especiall choise is made of his Maiesties Citie of Winchester, in his County of Southam­pton, and at which place his Maiesties pleasure is, that now the residue of the Terme shall bee kept: doeth therefore declare, and hereby signifie his will and pleasure, that Writs of Adiournment shall be directed to the Iustices of either Bench, and to the Iud­ges of all other his Maiesties Courts to whome like Writs haue bene vsually directed, giuing them authoritie to adiourne the re­sidue of the said Terme from Westminster aforesaid, vnto the sayd Citie of Winchester, there to begin in the saide Crastino Martini next ensuing, and so to continue.

And his Maiesties pleasure is, that two of his Iustices, that is [Page 50] to say, of either Bench one, shall on the first day of the saide Re­turne, called Mense Michaelis, according to the ancient Order of the Lawes, keepe the Essoynes of the said Mense Michaelis, and in the first day thereof, commonly called the day of Essoynes, the same Adiournement shall be made from the said Mense Michaelis, vntill Crastino Martini as aforesaid. And further his Maiesties pleasure is, that all matters, causes and suits betweene party and partie, in his Highnesse Courts of Chancery, Starre-chamber, Exchequer, Courts of Wards and Liueries, Dutchie of Lanca­ster, and Court of Requests, shall haue continuance, and the par­ties shall haue day from the said Mense Michaelis vntill the sayd Crastino Martini, at the said Citie of Winchester. Willing them and euery of them to whome it doeth appertaine, to obserue and keepe their apparances and assemblies in all and euery his High­nesse said Courts at the sayd Citie of Winchester in the sayd Cra­stino Martini, in like maner, forme, and condition, as they would, should, or ought to haue done, if the sayd Terme and Courts had bene holden and kept at Westminster, as they and euery of them will answere at their perils, Any thing in his Maiesties said for­mer proclamation to the contrary notwithstanding. And yet ne­uerthelesse his Maiesties pleasure and commandement is, for the greater safety of his louing Subiects (which of any thing in this world hee chiefly desireth) in this infectious time, that no Issue triable by twelue or more Iurors this next Terme, shall receiue triall in any of his Maiesties Courts of Kings Bench, Common Pleas, or Exchequer, And that neither any Iurors summoned, or to be summoned to appeare at any Returne or day of this next Terme, shall appeare for triall of any such Issue, vnlesse it be for high Treason, or any matters or causes Criminall, Nor any wit­nesse either serued, or to be serued with Processe or otherwise, shal appeare, or giue in euidence for triall of any such Issue, (Trea­sons, and matters or causes criminall excepted) but that both Iu­rors and Witnesses may safely, according to his Maiesties graci­ous meaning herein expressed, reside and employ them in or about their owne affaires, without any forfeiture, penaltie, or losse whatsoeuer in that behalfe.

And whereas by the sayd former Proclamation his Maiesties pleasure and commandement was, That notwithstanding the sayd former Adiournement, All Collectors, Receiuers, Sheriffes, and other Accomptants, and all other persons that should or ought to accompt, or pay any summe or summes of money in any of his Maiesties Courts of Exchequer, Courts of Wards and Li­ueries, and of his Dutchie of Lancaster, or in any of them, or to [Page 51] enter into any Accompt in any of the same Courts, should repaire vnto his Maiesties house of Richmond, where his highnesse had appointed such Officers and ministers, as for that purpose his Maiesty had thought expedient, and there to pay and doe in eue­ry behalfe, as though no such Proclamation of Adiournement had bene had or made: And his highnesse further pleasure and commandement was, That all Sheriffes should returne their Writs and Processe against all such Accomptants and debters at the dayes therein appointed: And if any person or persons, who ought to accompt or pay any summe or summes of money to his Maiestie in any of the Courts and places aforesaid, should make default therein, That then his highnesse Writs and Processes should be awarded and sent foorth against euery such person and persons, and the same to be duely and orderly serued and returned by the Sheriffes and Officers thereunto appointed, in such like maner and forme as the same should haue bene, if the said former Proclamation had not bene made: And if any Sheriffe or other Officer should make default, or bee negligent in seruing, execu­ting, or returning of any the Writs and Processe aforesayd, That then euery such Sheriffe and other Officer shall incurre such paines and penalties, as by the said Courts or any of them should be taxed and assessed: Now his Maiesties pleasure and comman­dement is, That all the said Collectors, Receiuers, Sheriffes, and other Accomptants, and all other persons that shall or ought to accompt or pay any summe or summes of money, in any of his Maiesties said Courts of Exchequer, Courts of Wards and Li­ueries, and of his Duchy of Lancaster, or in any of them, or to en­ter into any Accompt in any of the sayd Courts, shall from hence­forth vntil the end of the next Terme, repaire vnto his Maiesties said house of Richmond, where his highnesse hath appointed such Officers and ministers as for that purpose hath bene thought ex­pedient, and there al and euery thing and things to be performed, done, obserued, and proceeded with in such maner and forme, as by the sayd former Proclamation herein before recited, is prescri­bed and commanded.

And further, his Maiestie considering that if there should hap­pen to be any accesse and apparance of his louing Subiects at the said City of Winchester during the residue of the Terme, of such as haue had the Plague in their houses, or haue bene themselues infected therewith, There might ensue great perill and damage to those that haue as yet bene cleare thereof, and so further incon­uenience might grow thereby to the rest of the Realme: His high­nesse therefore, for the auoyding thereof, doeth straitly charge and [Page 52] command, That no such person or persons who haue bene so in­fected, or haue had the Plague in their houses at any time since the twentieth day of Iuly last, of what estate or degree soeuer he or they be, shall repaire to the said City of Winchester during the residue of the said Terme, except he or they shalbe commanded by speciall Processe, or otherwise haue speciall commandement for his or their personall appearance. And yet neuerthelesse, euery such person or persons so infected before his or their repaire to the said City of Winchester, shall before hee or they enter into any house within the said City or Suburbs thereof, openly notifie and declare by some message his or their estate touching his or their infection, with the cause for the which he or they shalbe called by Processe or other commandement, to such person or persons as shalbe appointed by the Lord Chancellor of England, to haue the charge of the gates and entries into the sayd City; So as if the sayd party shalbe ordered to come into the City, or into any Court within the sayd City, the same shall after during the time of his or their abode there, beare or hold vp in his or their hand vpright to be seene one red Rod of the length of one yard or more, vpon paine of his Maiesties displeasure, and imprisonment of their bo­dies during his highnesse pleasure.

And further his Maiesty straitly chargeth and commandeth all Iustices of Peace of the said County of Southampton, dwel­ling within twelue miles of the said City, and all Bayliffes, Con­stables, and head Officers of any Boroughes, townes, villages or hamlets within eight miles of the said City, That they and euery of them shall from and after the day of the proclayming of this Proclamation within the sayd County, doe their best indeuours to make, set forth, obserue, and cause to be obserued such good Or­ders, as by the goodnesse of God may tend most to the preseruati­on of all places within the same circuit of eight miles from infec­tion of the plague: And for that purpose to assemble themselues together weekely at some conuenient place in the sayd County from the time of the publishing of this Proclamation, vntill the end of the residue of the said Terme, aswell for the deuising, as for the execution of such good Orders. And that the said Iustices of Peace shal in the first day of the sitting in the residue of the Terme, signifie and declare vnto the Lord Chancellor of England, all that they and the said Constables and other the said Officers shal then haue done in and about the premisses, and shall also from time to time folow such directions as they shal receiue from the said Lord Chancellour and other of his Maiesties Councell at the sayd Ci­ty, tending to the preseruation of the places within the circuit [Page 53] aboue specified from the said infection of the Plague, Not doub­ting but that aswell the said Iustices, as other the inferiour Of­ficers will carefully discharge their duety in that behalfe, as they tender the continuance of his Maiesties fauour, and wil answere for the contrary at their perils.

Giuen at his Maiesties Citie of Winchester the 18. day of Octo­ber, in the first yeere of his reigne of England, France and Ire­land, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation concerning such as seditiously seeke reformation in Church matters.

AS we haue euer from our infancie had manifold proofes of Gods great goodnesse towards vs in his protecting of vs from many dangers of our Person, very neerely threat­ning vs, and none more notorious then his happy conducting of vs in the late case of our succession to this Crowne, which contra­ry to most mens expectation we haue receiued with more quiet and concurrencie of good will of our people (otherwise perhaps of different dispositions) then euer in like accident hath bene seene: So doe we thinke that the memory of his benefits ought to be a continuall solicitation to vs to shew our selues thankefull to his diuine Maiestie, wherein soeuer opportunitie shalbe offered vs to doe him seruice, but especially in things concerning his honour and Seruice, and the furtherance of the Gospel, which is the due­ty most beseeming Royall authority. Wherefore after our entry into this Kingdome, when we had receiued information of the state thereof at the decease of the Queene our sister of famous me­mory, Although we found the whole Body thereof in generall by the wisedome of her selfe and care of those who had the admini­stration therof vnder her, in such good state of health as did great­ly commend their wisedomes, as well in the Politique part of it, as also in the Ecclesiasticall, whereof since we haue vnerstood the forme and frame, wee are perswaded that both the constitution and doctrine thereof is agreeable to Gods word, and neere to the condition of the Primitiue Church: Yet forasmuch as experience doeth shew dayly, that the Church militant is neuer so well con­stituted in any forme of Policie, but that the imperfections of men who haue the exercise thereof, doe with time, though vn­sensibly, bring in some corruptions: As also for that informations [Page 54] were dayly brought vnto vs by diuers, that some things vsed in this Church were both scandalous to many seeming zealous, and gaue aduantage to the aduersaries, We conceiued that no subiect could be so fit for vs to shew our thankefulnesse to God, as vpon serious examination of the state of this Church, to redeeme it from such scandals, as both by the one side and the other were layd vpon it. For our instruction wherein, we appointed a mee­ting to be had before our selfe and our Counsell, of diuers of the Bishops and other learned men, the first day of the next moneth, by whose information and aduice we might gouerne our procee­ding therein, if we found cause of amendment. But by reason of the sicknesse reigning in many places of our kingdome, the vn­seasonable time of the yeere for trauaile, and the incommoditie of the place of our abode for such an assembly, we were constrained to deferre it till after Christmas: At which Consultation we shall both more particularly vnderstand the state of the Church, and receiue thereby light to iudge whether there be indeed any such enormities as are pretended, and know how to proceed to the re­dresse. But this our godly purpose we finde hath bene miscon­strued by some mens spirits, whose heat tendeth rather to combu­stion then reformation, as appeareth by the cour [...] they haue ta­ken, Some vsing publique Inuectiues against the state Ecclesi­asticall here established, some contemning their Authoritie and the Processes of their Courts, some gathering subscriptions of multitudes of vulgar persons to Supplications to be exhibited to vs to craue that Reformation, which if there be cause to make, is more in our heart then in theirs. All which courses it is appa­rant to all men are vnlawfull and doe sauour of tumult, sedition, and violence, and not of such a Christian modestie as beseemeth those, who for pieties sake onely desire redresse of things they thinke to be amisse, and cannot but be the occasions of dissenti­ous partialities, and perhaps of greater inconueniences among our people.

For preuenting whereof, We haue thought it necessary to make publique declaration to all our Subiects, that as we haue reason to thinke the estate of the Church here established, and the degrees and orders of Ministers gouerning the same, to be agreeable to the word of God, and the forme of the Primitiue Church, hauing found the same blessed in the reigne of the late Queene, with great increase of the Gospel, and with a most happy & long peace in the politique State, which two things, the true seruice of God, and happinesse of the State doe commonly concurre toge­ther: So are wee not ignorant, that time may haue brought in [Page 55] some corruptions, which may deserue a reuiew and amende­ment, which if by the assembly intended by vs we shall finde to be so in deed, we will therein proceed according to the Lawes and customes of this Realme by aduise of our Councell, or in our high Court of Parliament, or by Conuocation of our Clergie, as we shall finde reason to leade vs; not doubting but that in such an or­derly proceeding, we shall haue the Prelates and others of our Clergie no lesse willing, and farre more able to affoord vs their duety and seruice, then any other whose zeale goeth so fast before their discretion. Vpon which our Princely care, our pleasure is, that all our Subiects doe repose themselues, and leaue to our conscience that which to vs onely apperteineth, auoyding all vn­lawfull and factious maner of proceeding, for that hereafter if a­ny shall either by gathering the subscriptions of multitudes to Supplications, by contemptuous behauiour of any authority by the Lawes resting in Ecclesiasticall persons, by open inuectiues and vndecent speeches either in the Pulpit or otherwise, or by disobedience to the processes proceeding from their Iurisdiction, giue vs cause to thinke that he hath a more vnquiet spirit then becommeth any priuate person to haue toward publike authori­tie, We wil make it appeare by their chasticement, how farre such a maner of proceeding is displeasing to vs, and that we finde that these Reformers vnder pretended zeale affect Noueltie, and so confusion in all estates, whereas our purpose and resolution euer was, and now is to preserue the estate aswell Ecclesiasticall as Politike, in such forme as wee haue found it established by the Lawes here, reforming onely the abuses which wee shall appa­rantly finde prooued, And that also to doe by such mature aduise and deliberation, as we haue aboue mentioned. Wherefore we admonish all men hereby to take warning, as they will answere the contrary at their perill.

Giuen vnder our hand at Wilton the 24. day of October, of our Reigne of England France and Ireland the first, and of Scotland the thirtieth and seuenth yeere. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation against the vnlaw­full conueying of goods betweene the two Realmes of England and Scotland.

WHereas wee are giuen to vnderstand, that since our entrie into this Kingdome, many of our Subiects of our Realme of Scotland, and some also of England [Page 56] (who by ancient Lawes and customes of this Realme are bound to bring all such goods and merchandizes as passe betweene the two Realmes, either to the Citie of Carlile, or towne of Barwicke (if the same be caried by land) or else to ship the same at some port, whereby our Customes and dueties may be iustly answered to vs, do not obserue our Lawes, but to the intent to defraud vs of our said Customes, doe go with their goods and merchandizes ouer the Fels, and other by-passages, whereby great damage hath bin done to vs, and more is like to be, if the same bee not preuented: We haue therfore thought conuenient hereby straitly to charge and command all our Subiects, as well of the one Realme, as of the other, That none of them presume hereafter to passe any goods from ech Realme to other, but either shipped at some know­en Port, or else through our sayd Citie of Carlile or Towne of Bar­wicke, vnder paine of confiscation of all goods that shall be sea­zed passing any other way. And we hereby straitly enioyne all Lieutenants, Deputy-Lieutenants, Iustices of Peace, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bailiffes, Constables, Customers, Comptrollers, Searchers, and all other our Officers, ministers, and louing sub­iects whatsoeuer, to haue a speciall care and watch to the obser­uation of this our pleasure, and to bee aiding and assisting to any that shall giue them information of the passing of goods by indi­rect wayes, and to seaze or cause the same to be seazed to our vse, as they will answere the contrary at their vttermost perill.

Giuen vnder our hand at Wilton, the fourth day of Nouember, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ire­land, and the 37. of Scotland. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for Transplan­tation of the Greames.

FOrasmuch as all our Subiects in the North parts, who haue felt the smart of the spoiles and outrages done vpon them at our first entrie into this Kingdome by diuers Bor­derers, but specially by the Greames, cannot bee ignorant what care we haue had that punishment should be done vpon the offen­ders, hauing for that purpose to our great charge, maintained both Forces to apprehend them, and Commissioners to trie them according to the Law, by whose trauell, namely of our cousin the Earle of Cumberland our Lieutenant there, with assistance of o­ther Commissioners, things are brought to that point, that the [Page 57] Offenders are all in our mercy, and doe all (but specially the Greames) confesse themselues to be no meete persons to liue in those Countreys, And therefore haue humbly besought vs that they might be remoued to some other parts, where with our gra­cious fauour, they hope to liue to become new men, and deserue our mercy. Although we doe confesse that we haue rather incli­ned to this course of mercy, as a thing more agreeable to our Na­ture, then the taking of so much blood as would be shed if wee should leaue them to the iust censure of the Law: Neuerthelesse, lest our good Subiects seeing no such execution presently follow of our said Commission, should make other construction thereof, then is cause; We haue thought good to make knowen to them, that this course for the present proceedeth from no alteration of our former detestation of such iniury, or want of care and affecti­on to our good Subiects, oppressed by such heynous offenders; but onely for lacke of meanes to prouide presently for the Trans­plantation of these Greames elsewhere, to the intent their lands may be inhabited by others of good and honest conuersation. We haue thought it not amisse for better effecting hereof, and for ease of the prisons, to dismisse the vulgar sort of them, retayning their heads and principals for pledges, not onely to be answerable for their foorthcomming when they shall be called for, but for their good behauiour also in the meane season. Of all which our re­solution, we require all persons to take notice, and to comfort themselues with full assurance, that they shall finde the effects at all times of our promises in all things tending to the weale of our people.

Giuen at Wilton, the 4. day of December, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation concerning the choice of Knights and Burgesses for the Parliament.

WE haue (before this time) made knowen to our Sub­iects vpon diuers occasions, that we haue receiued so great contentment in their generall conformitie and submission to all such courses, as might best establish the pos­session of this Crowne, according to the right of our Succession, as it would euer nourish in vs an earnest desire to shew our selues carefull in all things, to preserue their greatest affection, and to [Page 58] answere that expectation, which (by their ioyfull maner of recei­uing vs) Wee perceiued they had conceiued of our gouernment: Whereof, as we well know, that Princes cannot yeeld, more ge­nerall, more cleare, or profitable proofe to their people, then by re­dressing abuses, wherewith they finde their Subiects iustly grie­ued, either in constitution, or administration of their Lawes in being, or by seeking to establish new Lawes for them, agreeable to the rules of Iustice, whensoeuer time doeth discouer any de­fects in the former Policy, or when accidents in the State of any Common wealth require new ordinances: So seeing both these things (which are of so great moment in a State) haue accusto­med to be considered and ordered (as in this, so in other well go­uerned Common wealths) by a Lawfull assembly of the three Estates of the Realme, commonly called The Parliament; Wee were desirous to haue summoned them long since for that pur­pose, if the Infection (reigning in the City of London, and other places of our Kingdome) would haue permitted the concourse of so great a multitude into one place, as that Assembly must neces­sarily bring with it. Which great contagion being now by the goodnesse of God abated, and likely (as we hope) to be shortly quite extinguished in and about the said City, we haue resolued to hold a Parliament at our City of Westminster, as soone as we shall finde, that the same may be done without the perill aforesaid. In which, as God doeth know, that we haue nothing to propound for satisfaction of any priuate desire, or particular profit of our owne, but meerely and onely to consult and resolue with our lo­uing Subiects of all those things, which may best establish the publike good, with the generall safety and tranquillity of this Realme: (on which it hath pleased God to multiply so many blessings) so to the intent that this assembly of our Parliament (being grounded vpon so sincere an intent on our part) may be matched with a like integritie on theirs, And as it is the first in our Reigne, so to be found not onely worthy of the high Title it beareth, to be the highest Counsell of the kingdome, but also to be a president for hereafter of the true vse of Parliaments, We haue bethought our selfe, of as many wayes and meanes, as may be, to preuent those inconueniences, which dayly arise and multiply by the peruerting of those ancient good orders, which were deuised by the wisedome of former times to bee obserued in calling of Parliaments.

Amongst which, because there is no one point of greater conse­quence, then the well chusing of Knights and Burgesses, who as they doe present the body of the third estate, so being eligible by [Page 59] multitude there are often many vnfit persons appointed for that Seruice: And where it is so well knowen to euery priuate man of wit and iudgement (much more to vs who haue had so long ex­perience of Kingly gouernment) how ill effects doe follow, when such as haue to doe in matters of Common wealth, shall come to that great & common Councell, with other then publike minds, sincere, and voyd of any factious humour or dependencie: We doe hereby straitly charge and admonish all persons interessed in the choise of Knights for the Shires, First, that the Knights for the County be selected out of the principall knights or Gentlemen of sufficient hability within that County wherein they are chosen: And for the Burgesses, that choice be made of men of sufficiency and discretion without any partiall respects, or factious combi­nation, which alwayes breed suspitions, that more care is taken to compasse priuate ends, then to prouide for making good and wholesome Lawes for the Realme. And because it is no more pos­sible to draw sound Counsels and resolutions from inconsiderate or insufficient spirits, then to haue a sound or healthfull body composed of weake and imperfect members: We doe likewise ad­monish all persons to whom it doeth appertaine, That seeing the dealing in causes of Parliament, requires conueniencie of yeeres and experience, there may be great heed taken by all those that will be accompted louers of their Countrey, That both Knights and Burgesses may be chosen accordingly, without desire in any particuler men to please parents or friends, that often speake for their children or kinne, though they be very yong, and little able to discerne what Lawes are fit to binde a Common-wealth, To the consultation whereof those persons would be selected princi­pally, of whose grauitie and modest conuersation men are likest generally to conceiue best opinion.

Next and aboue all things, concerning that one of the maine pillars of this Estate, is the preseruation of Vnitie in the profes­sion of sincere Religion of Almighty God: We doe also admonish, that there be great care taken, to auoyd the choice of any persons either noted for their superstitious blindnesse one way, or for their turbulent humors other wayes: because their disorderly and vn­quiet spirits, will disturbe all the discreet and modest proceeding in that greatest and grauest Councill. Further we do command, that an expresse care be had, that there be not chosen any persons Banquerupts or Outlawed, but men of knowen good behauiour and sufficient liuelyhood, and such as are not onely taxed to the payment of Subsidies and other like charges, but also haue ordi­narily payed and satisfied the same, Nothing being more absurd [Page 60] in any Common wealth, then to permit those to haue free voices for Law making, by whose owne actes they are exempted from the Lawes protection. Next, that all Shiriffes be charged that they doe not direct any Precept for electing and returning of any Burgesses to or for any ancient Borough towne within their Counties, being so vtterly ruined and decayed, that there are not sufficient Resiants to make such choice, and of whom lawfull e­lection may be made, Also to charge all Cities and Boroughes, and the inhabitants of the same, that none of them seale any Blanckes, referring or leauing to any others to insert the names of any Citizens or Burgesses, to serue for any such City or Bo­rough, but that the inhabitants of euery such City or Borough, doe make open and free Election according to the Law, and set downe the names of the persons whom they choose, before they seale the Certificate.

Furthermore we notifie by these presents, that all Returnes and Certificats of Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, ought and are to be brought to the Chancery, and there to be filed of Record. And if any shall be found to be made contrary to this Proclama­tion, the same is to be reiected as vnlawfull and insufficient, and the City or Borough to be fined for the same. And if it be found that they haue committed any grosse or wilfull default and con­tempt in their Election, Returne, or Certificate, That then their Liberties according to the Law, are to be seized into our hands, as forfeited. And if any person take vpon him the place of a knight, citizen, or burgesse, not being duely elected, returned, and sworne according to the Lawes and statutes in that behalfe prouided, and according to the purport, effect and true meaning of this our Proclamation, Then euery person so offending to be fined and imprisoned for the same.

We do also hereby giue warning to the Lords and others that are to serue in this Parliament, to haue special care, (as they ten­der our displeasure) That they admit none to haue the name or countenance of their seruants and attendants, during the Par­liament, seeing such questions of Priuiledge haue in times past consumed a great part of the time appointed for the Parliament, whereby the seruice for the Realme hath bene hindered, and the Subiects drawen to great charges and expences, by attending much longer then otherwise needed.

Hau ng at this time bene the more carefull to set downe a par­ticular Order and forewarning for preuenting of these seuerall abuses afore mentioned, that thereby there may arise at that pub­like and solemne meeting, such a comely proportion and laudable [Page 61] sympathy betweene the honourable, iust, and necessary Lawes that are to be made and established at this Parliament, and the commendable discretion, with all other wise and vertuous quali­ties meet for such persons as are to be the members and assisters of vs, in so honourable, lawfull, and necessary an Action, as may both put vs, and all our good Subiects in a sure expectation of a happy issue to follow thereupon: We doubt not but these our di­rections thus made manifest, shalbe duely obserued, according to the important consequence thereof, and the perill of our heauy displeasure to all those that shall offend in the contrary.

Giuen at our honour of Hampton Court, the 11. day of Ianuary, in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation, commanding all Iesuits, Seminaries and other Priests, to depart the Realme by a day appointed.

HAuing after some time spent in setling the Politique affaires of this Realme, of late bestowed no small labour in composing certaine differences wee found among our Cleargie about Rites and ceremonies heretofore established in this Church of England, and reduced the same to such an order and forme, as we doubt not but euery spirit that is led onely with pietie, and not with humor, shalbe therein satisfied: It appeared vnto vs in the debating of those matters, that a greater contagi­on to our Religion, then could proceed from those light differen­ces, was imminent by persons common enemies to them both, Namely, the great number of Priests both Seminaries and Ie­suits abounding in this Realme, aswell of such as were here be­fore our comming to this Crowne, as of such as haue resorted hi­ther since, vsing their functions and professions with greater li­berty, then heretofore they durst haue done, partly vpon a vaine confidence of some Innouation in matters of Religion to be done by vs, which we neuer intended, nor gaue any man cause to ex­pect, and partly vpon the assurance of our generall Pardon, gran­ted according to the custome of our progenitors at our Corona­tion, for offences past in the dayes of the late Queene, which Par­dons many of the said Priestes haue procured vnder our great Seale, and holding themselues thereby free from the danger of the Lawes, doe with great audacitie exercise all Offices of their [Page 62] profession, both saying Masses, perswading our Subiects from the Religion established, and reconciling them to the Church of Rome, and by consequence seducing them from the true perswa­sion, which all Subiects ought to haue of their duety and obedi­ence to vs. Wherefore, forasmuch as by way of prouidence to preserue their people from being corrupted in Religion, pietie and obedience, is not the least part of Royall duety, we hold our selfe obliged both in conscience and in wisedome, to vse all good meanes to keepe our Subiects from being infected with super­stitious opinions in matter of Religion, which are not onely per­nitious to their owne soules, but the ready way and meanes to corrupt their duety and allegiance, which cannot be any way so surely performed, as by keeping from them the ministers and in­struments of that infection, which are the Priests of all sorts or­dained in forraine parts, by authority prohibited by the Lawes of this land, Concerning whom therefore we haue thought it fit to publish to all our Subiects this open declaration of our plea­sure. That where there be of Priests at this present within our kingdome, be they Regular or without Rule, diuers sorts, some in prison, some at libertie, and of both, some hauing obtained our pardon vnder our great Seale, and some hauing no such pardon: And againe some that were here before our comming into this Realme, and some commen hither since: For all such as are in prison we haue taken order that they shalbe shipped at some con­uenient port, and sent out of our Realme as soone as possibly may be, with commandement not to returne againe into any part of our dominions, without our Licence obtained, vpon paine and perill of the Lawes being here in force against them, And for all others who are at libertie, whether hauing sued out our Pardon or not, which we doe aduertise them and all our Subiects, that extending onely to matters done before the death of the late Queene, doth not exempt any Priest from the danger of the Law for his abode here since our succession to the Crowne aboue the time by the Statute limitted.

We doe hereby will and command all maner of Iesuits, Semi­naries, and other Priests whatsoeuer, hauing Ordination from any authoritie by the Lawes of this Realme prohibited, to take notice That our pleasure is, that they doe before the nineteenth day of March next ensuing the date hereof, depart foorth of our Realme and dominions, And that for that purpose it shalbe law­full to all Officers of our Ports, to suffer the said Priestes to de­part from thence into any forreine parts, betweene this and the said nineteenth day of March: Admonishing and assuring all [Page 63] such Iesuits, Seminaries, and Priests of what sort soeuer, That if any of them shalbe after the said nineteenth day taken within this Realme or any our dominions, or departing now vpon this our pleasure signified, shall hereafter returne into this Realme or any our dominions againe, that they shalbe left to the penaltie of the Lawes here being in force concerning them, without hope of any fauour or remission from vs.

Wherefore we will and command all Archbishops, Bishops, Lieutenants, Iustices of Peace, and all other our Officers and ministers whatsoeuer, to be vigilant and carefull after the sayd nineteenth day of March past, to doe their dueties and diligence in discouering and apprehending of all Priests that shall remaine here contrary to this our declaration. Which though perhaps it may seeme to some to presage a greater seueritie towards that sort of our Subiects, who differing in their profession from the Religion by Law established, call themselues Catholikes, then by our proceedings with them hitherto we haue giuen cause to ex­spect: Yet doubt we not, but that when it shalbe considered with indifferent iudgement, what causes haue mooued vs to vse this prouidence against the said Iesuits, Seminaries, and Priests, all men will iustifie vs therein. For to whom is it vnknowen, into what perill our person was like to be drawen, and our Realme vnto confusion not many moneths since, by a conspiracie first con­ceiued by persons of that sort, who hauing preuailed with some, had vndertaken to draw multitudes of others to assist the same, by the authority of their perswasions and motiues grounded chiefly vpon matter of conscience and Religion? Which when other Princes shall duely obserue, we assure our selues they will no way conceiue that this alteration groweth from any change of disposition now more exasperate then heretofore, but out of ne­cessary prouidence to preuent perils otherwise ineuitable, consi­dering that their absolute submission to forreine Iurisdiction at their first taking of Orders, doeth leaue so conditionall an autho­rity to Kings ouer their Subiects, as the same power by which they were made, may dispense at pleasure with the straitest band of loyalty and loue betweene a King and his people. Amongst which Forreine powers, although we acknowledge our selues personally so much beholding to the now Bishop of Rome for his kinde Offices and priuate temporall cariage towards vs in many things, as we shall bee euer ready to requite the same towards him, (as Bishop of Rome in state and condition of a Secular Prince) Yet when we consider and obserue the course and claime of that Sea, we haue no reason to imagine, that Princes of our [Page 64] Religion and profession, can exspect any assurance long to con­tinue, vnlesse it might be assented by mediation of other Princes Christian, that some good course might be taken (by a generall Councell free and lawfully called) to plucke vp those roots of dan­gers and iealousies which arise for cause of Religion as well be­tweene Princes and Princes, as betweene them and their Sub­iects, and to make it manifest that no State or Potentate either hath or can challenge power to dispose of earthly Kingdomes or Monarchies, or to dispense with Subiects obedience to their na­turall Soueraignes: In which charitable Action, there is no Prince liuing, that will be readier then we shall be to concurre euen to the vttermost of our power, not onely out of particular disposition to liue peaceably with all States and Princes of Chri­stendome, but because such a setled amitie might (by an vnion in Religion) be established among Christian Princes, as might en­able vs all to resist the common Enemie.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the xxij. day of February, in in the first yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ire­land, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the Authori­zing and Vniformitie of the Booke of Common Prayer to be vsed throughout the Realme.

ALthough it cannot be vnknowen to our Subiects by the former Declarations wee haue published, what our pur­poses and proceedings haue bene in matters of Religion since our comming to this Crowne: Yet the same being now by vs reduced to a setled forme, we haue occasion to repeat somewhat of that which hath passed; And how at our very first entry into the Realme being intertained and importuned with informati­ons of sundry Ministers, complayning of the errors and imper­fections of the Church here, aswell in matter of Doctrine as of Discipline; Although we had no reason to presume that things were so farre amisse, as was pretended, because we had seene the Kingdome vnder that forme of Religion which by Law was esta­blished in the dayes of the late Queene of famous memory, blessed with a peace and prosperitie, both extraordinary and of many yeeres continuance (a strong euidence that God was therewith well pleased,) Yet because the importunitie of the Complayners [Page 65] was great, their affirmations vehement, and the zeale where­with the same did seeme to be accompanied, very specious; Wee were mooued thereby to make it our occasion to discharge that duety which is the chiefest of all Kingly dueties, That is, to settle the affaires of Religion, & the Seruice of God before their owne. Which while wee were in hand to doe, as the Contagion of the sickenesse raigning in our City of London and other places would permit an assembly of persons meete for that purpose; Some of those who misliked the state of Religion here established, prefu­ming more of our intents then euer wee gaue them cause to doe, and transported with humor, began such proceedings as did ra­ther raise a scandal in the Church, then take offence away. For both they vsed formes of publique seruing of God not here al­lowed, held assemblies without Authority, & did other things ca­rying a very apparant shew of sedition, more then of zeale: whom we restrained by a former Proclamatiō in the moneth of October last, and gaue intimation of the Conference we intended to be had with as much speede as conueniently could be, for the ordering of those things of the Church, which accordingly followed in the moneth of Ianuary last at our Honour of Hampton Court, where before our selfe, and our Priuy Counsell were assembled many of the grauest Bishops and Prelats of the Realme, and many other learned men, as well of those that are conformable to the State of the Church established, as of those that dissented: Among whom, what our paines were, what our patience in hearing and replying, and what the indifferencie and vprightnes of our Iudg­ment in determining, we leaue to the report of those who heard the same, contenting our selfe with the sinceritie of our owne heart therein. But we cannot conceale, that the successe of that Conference was such as happeneth to many other things, which moouing great expectation before they be entred into, in their issue produce small effects. For we found mighty and vehement Informations supported with so weake and slender proofes, as it appeared vnto vs and our Councell, that there was no cause why any change should haue bene at all in that which was most im­pugned, the Booke of Common Prayer, conteyning the forme of the publike Seruice of God here established, neither in the doc­trine which appeared to be sincere, nor in the Formes and Rites which were iustified out of the practise of the Primitiue Church. Notwithstanding we thought meete, with consent of the Bishops and other learned men there present, That some small things might rather be explaned then changed; not that the same might not very well haue bene borne with by men who would haue [Page 66] made a reasonable construction of them: but for that in a matter concerning the Seruice of God we were nice, or rather iealous, that the publique forme thereof should be free not onely from blame, but from suspition, so as neither the common Aduersary should haue aduantage to wrest ought therein conteined, to other sence then the Church of England intendeth, nor any trouble­some or ignorant person of this Church be able to take the least occasion of cauill against it: And for that purpose gaue foorth, our Commission vnder our great Seale of England to the Archbi­shop of Canterbury and others, according to the forme which the Lawes of this Realme in like case prescribe to be vsed, to make the said explanation, and to cause the whole Booke of Common Prayer, with the same explanations, to be newly printed. Which being now done, and established anew after so serious a delibera­tion; Although we doubt not, but all our Subiects, both Mini­sters and others will receiue the same with such reuerence as ap­perteineth, and conforme themselues thereunto euery man in that which him concerneth: Yet haue we thought it necessary, to make knowen by Proclamation our authorizing of the same, And to require and enioyne all men, aswel Ecclesiasticall as Tem­porall, to conforme themselues vnto it, and to the practise there­of, as the onely Publike forme of seruing of God, established and allowed to be in this Realme. And the rather, for that all the lear­ned men, who were there present, aswel of the Bishops as others, promised their conformitie in the practise of it, onely making sute to vs, that some few might be borne with for a time.

Wherefore we require all Archbishops, Bishops, and all other publique Ministers aswell Ecclesiasticall as Ciuill, to doe their dueties in causing the same to be obeyed, and in punishing the of­fendours according to the Lawes of the Realme heretofore esta­blished, for the authorizing of the said Booke of Common Prayer. And we thinke it also necessary, that the said Archbishops, and Bishops, doe each of them in his Prouince and Diocesse take or­der, That euery Parish doe procure to themselues within such time as they shall thinke good to limit, one of the said Bookes so explaned. And last of all we doe admonish all men, that hereaf­ter they shall not expect nor attempt any further alteration in the Common & Publique forme of Gods Seruice, from this which is now established, for that neither will wee giue way to any to presume, that our owne iudgement hauing determined in a mat­ter of this weight, shalbe swayed to alteration by the friuolous suggestions of any light spirit: neither are we ignorant of the in­conueniences that doe arise in gouernment, by admitting inno­uation [Page 67] in things once setled by mature deliberation: And how necessary it is to vse constancie in the vpholding of the publique determinations of States, for that such is the vnquietnesse and vnstedfastnesse of some dispositions, affecting euery yeere new formes of things, as, if they should be followed in their vncon­stancie, would make all actions of States ridiculous and con­temptible: whereas the stedfast maintayning of things by good aduise established, is the weale of all Common wealths.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the fifth day of March, in the first yeere of our reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1603,

¶ A Proclamation for the true win­ding or folding of Wools.

WHereas in the Parliament holden in the seuen and twentieth yeere of the Reigne of our most noble Progenitor Edward the third late King of Eng­land, It is enacted, and ordeined a­mongst other things, That all Wool­packers, and Winders of wools should be sworne, and take a corporall oath before the Maior of the Staple for the time being, truely and iustly to winde and packe all the Wools within the Realme; By force of which Statute the fellowship of Wool-win­ders, otherwise called Woolmen, are bound iustly and truely to winde and packe all such wools, as they meddle with throughout the Realme, to the publike good and commoditie of the whole Realme, By force of which Statute, and by the good Ordinan­ces made by the said fellowship, the said wools haue bin euer since iustly and truely wound and packed, vntill now of late diuers and many persons (contrary to the same Statute) taking vpon them to be Woolwinders in many places of this Realme, neither being sworne, nor expert in winding & folding of wools, of which some be Glouers, Tailers, Weauers, Cordwainers, Barbers, Hus­bandmen, and other Artifiters, haue gone about, and daily doe goe about thorowout this Realme in many places, practizing themselues in winding and folding of the sayd wools, by the pro­curement and meanes of the Owners, and Breeders of the sayd wools, and doe wind vp, and deceitfully put into the sayd Fleeces of wooll, sand, stones, dust, pitch, tarre, clay, yron, lead, double markes, shorlocks, doung, lambes wooll, clockets, lockes, hinder­shankes, tailes, washlocks, cummer, and many other deceiueable things, not onely to the great slander of this Realme, but to the great losse and preiudice of his Maiesties subiects, vsing the craft [Page 73] and feat of Clothmaking within this Realme, and to the great a­buse and deceit of Merchants, and others, buyers of the same.

For reformation and redresse whereof, The Kings most excel­lent Maiestie, by the aduice of his Priuie Counsell, straitly char­geth and commandeth, That no manner of person or persons, whatsoeuer he or they be, at any time hereafter goe about, or take vpon him or them to winde or fold any manner of Wools in any Countrey where woolls are accustomed to be wrought, had or v­sed, or in the Counties of Northampton, Lincolne, Leicester, or Rutland, for any Merchant of the Staple, Clothier or buyers, before he or they shall be admitted and allowed, by the Master and Wardens of the Company and fellowship of the Woolmen of the Citie of London, or one of them for the time being, to the intent that he and they shalbe expert, and haue knowledge in the sayd craft or mysterie, for the true winding and folding of wools. And that euery person and persons so allowed and admitted for an able and lawfull workeman, or workmen in forme aforesaid, shall haue a Testimoniall or Certificate of his allowance and admit­tance, vnder the Seale of the Maior of the Staple at Westmin­ster for the time being; And that none of the sayd persons so al­lowed and admitted, or that shalbe so allowed and admitted, shal goe about, or take vpon him or them, to Winde or fold any wools before he or they haue taken a corporal othe before the said Maior for the time being, That he or they shall truely and iustly without deceit, winde, or fold all and singuler such Wooll, or Wools, as he or they shall take vpon him or them to winde or fold, and shall not commit, vse, or practise any deceit or guile therein, vpon paine that euery person which shall take vpon him to winde or fold any maner of Wools being not admitted and sworne, as is aforesaid, or which shall commit, vse, or practize any deceit or guile therein against this our Proclamation, or against any the Lawes and sta­tutes, in that behalfe made and prouided, shall suffer imprison­ment ten dayes, and to be set vpon the pillorie in the next Market towne, with a fleece of Wooll hanging about his necke, according to the tenour of a Proclamation heretofore set foorth in the fifth yere of the reigne of our late deceased brother of famous memory King Edward the sixt, And of one other Proclamation set out by our late sister Elizabeth the Queenes Maiestie deceased, bearing date the tenth day of August in the fourth yeere of her reigne.

And his Maiestie further straitly chargeth and commandeth that no Grower, Breeder, Brogger or gatherer of any Wools in any his Highnesse Counties where Wools are accustomed to be wrought by sworne men, or in the said Counties of Northamp­ton, [Page 74] Lincolne, Leicester, and Rutland, shall at any time hereafter set on worke any Woolfolder, or Woolwinder, to fold or winde his or their Wooll or Wools, vnlesse the said Woolfolder, or Wool­winder bring with him or them a Testimoniall, or certificat, vn­der the Seale of the said Maior of the Staple at Westminster for the time being: Testifying him or them to be sworne and admit­ted for an able workeman to fold and winde Woolls in maner and forme as is aforesaid, vpon like paine as is aboue expressed.

And further where by an Act made in the 23. yeere of the reigne of our most noble predecessour King Henry the eight of famous memory yet standing in force, It was enacted that no maner of person doe winde or cause to be wound any fleece of Wooll, not being sufficiently Riuered or washed, ne winde, or cause to bee wound within any Fleece any deceiuable things particularly mentioned in the same Act, or any other thing, whereby the fleece may be the more waightier, to the deceit and losse of the Buyer, vpon paine the Seller of any such deceitfull Wools, to forfeit for euery such Fleece sixe pence; His Maiestie hath beene certainely informed, That notwithstanding the sayd good Act and Statute, much deceit is vsed in washing, winding, folding and packing of Woolls, and that for the most part of vnskilfull persons, contrary to the sayd Act and Statute: His highnesse therefore minding to haue the sayd clauses of the said Statute, and all Acts and Sta­tutes touching or in any wise concerning the auoyding of the said deceits, or made, and prouided for the true and lawfull winding, folding, and packing of the said Woolls, by expert and skilfull persons, shalbe from hencefoorth duely obserued, and put in exe­cution, and the offenders against the same, to be corrected and pu­nished according to the effect and true meaning thereof, doeth straitly charge and command all and euery his Subiects whatso­euer, to whom it shall and may appertaine, To obserue the true meaning of the sayd Acts, vpon paine of forfeiture of the penal­ties therein contained, and as they will auoyd his highnesse fur­ther displeasure. And further his Maiestie by the aduice afore­saide, straitly chargeth and commaundeth all and euery Iustices of peace, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bailiffes, and all other his highnes Officers and Ministers whatsoeuer, to whom it may appertaine within their seuerall Liberties, and precints, That they and eue­ry of them cause euery such Offender and Offenders, to bee puni­shed for euery such offence and offences aboue mentioned, in such sort as is aboue limitted, appoynted and declared. And that euery and whatsoeuer Iustice of Peace, Maior, Shiriffe, Bai­liffe, or other Officer, doe refuse, or doe not punish, or cause to bee [Page 75] punished euery such person or persons, so to him or them presen­ted, according to this present Ordinance, his or their faults be­ing duely prooued, shall forfeit to the Kings Maiestie twentie pounds to be payd into his Highnesse Court of Exchequer; And further shall incurre his Highnesse displeasure.

Giuen at our Mannour of East-Greenwich the 18. day of Iune, in the second yeere of our Reigne of England, France & Ireland, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation forbidding Lon­doners to resort to Bristoll Faire.

FOrasmuch as it hath pleased God of his exceeding goodnes, to stay his heauy hand wherewith the last yeere he punished our Citie of London by the infection of the Plague, Wee haue iust cause giuen vs both to be thankefull to his Diuine Ma­iestie for his goodnesse, & to bee as prouident as a carefull Prince can bee, to take away occasion of reuiuing the same. Wherefore, for that there is at hand a notable Faire at Bristoll, commonly called S. Iames Faire, whereunto there is great resort, especially from our Citie of London, and the sickenesse raigning now in the said Citie of Bristoll, and places there-abouts: We haue thought good by open declaration of our pleasure, to admonish & require all our louing Subiects of our said Citie of London, to forbeare to resort at this time to the sayd Faire, vpon paine of such punish­ment, as for a contempt so much concerning the vniuersall safety of our people of our sayd Citie, they shall be adiudged to deserue, which we shall haue so much the more cause seuerely to inflict, be­cause our returne to our sayd City of London is like to bee very soone for our abode there, about great and waighty causes, from which by reuiuing of the sickenesse in that place (which God for­bid) we might be put off, to the great hinderance of our affaires.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the eight day of Iuly, in the second yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the 37. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation for the prices of Victuals within the Verge of the Court.

WHereas diuers Bakers, Brewers, Inholders, But­chers, and other Victualers through their greedy de­sire of vnlawful gaine, not cōtented with reasonable profit in vttering and selling of Victuals vnto our Subiects in the Common wealth, and specially in our Progresse within the Verge of our Court, where our Nobilitie, Seruants and Traine (daily attending vpon our Person) are lodged and placed by our Harbingers, are vnlawfully exacted vpon with vnreasonable and extreme prices by the said Victuallers, enhaunsing the same Victuals, Horsemeat, Lodgings, and all other necessaries, at a more deere price then it was sold for before our comming in Pro­gresse: Therefore our Will and pleasure is, and wee doe hereby straightly charge and command, That euery man doe obey and keepe all such Prices as is and shall be prized, assessed and rated by the Clarkes of the market of our Houshold within the Verge of our Court, aswell within Liberties as without, and the Iurie before him, or his lawfull deputie, by vertue of his Office, sworne and charged from time to time: The same Rates and Prices not onely to be certified by our sayd Clerke of the market or his De­putie, into our Compting house; But also fixed and set vpon the gates of our Court and other places within the Verge, as well within Liberties as without: And that no manner of person or persons of what estate or degree soeuer he or they be, doe in any wise pay more for Corne, Victuals, Horsemeat, Lodging, or any other thing, then after the Rate and forme aforesaid, vpon paine of imprisonment, and to be Fined, with further punishment that shall thereof follow: The same paines and punishments, and e­uery part thereof to be executed, aswell vpon them and euery of them which doe or shall presume to vtter and sell any manner of thing or things contrary to the true meaning of this our Procla­mation, As vpon all those which doe or shall presume to pay any more for any kind of Victuals, horsemeat, Lodging, or any other necessaries, then is or shalbe rated and prized as aforesaid.

And moreouer we doe straightly charge and command, That no maner of person or persons, now vsing, or which hereafter shall vse, or of right ought to vse, to serue any Citie, Borough, Towne or other place, where our repose and abode is or shall be, or else­where, [Page 76] within the Verge of our Court, aswell within liberties as without, with any kind of corne, victuals or any other necessa­ries, aswell vpon the market day, as at any other time, shalbe any thing the more remisse or slacke in making of prouision for the same, then they or any of them now be, or heretofore haue beene, nor vse any colour of craft to deceiue the buyers thereof, nor hide or lay aside the same their corne, victuals, horsemeat, Lodgings, or any other necessaries, to diminish the market, whereby our whole Traine, within any Citie, Borough, Towne, or other the Inhabitants of the same, and other our Subiects thereunto re­sorting, should not be aswell serued and as plenteously furnished in euery behalfe, as it was before, or of right ought to haue bene, in defraud of this our Ordinance.

And furthermore we straightly charge and expresly command all our Iustices of Peace, our Clerke of the market, his deputy or deputies, Maiors, Bailiffes, Shiriffes, Constables, and all other our faithfull officers, and euery of them, of Cities, Boroughs, Townes, Hundreds, and other places within the Verge of our Court, aswell within liberties as without: From time to time, when and as often as need shall require, (vpon complaint by any partie iustly made) diligently euery of them within their autho­rities, forthwith to endeuour themselues, to see iust punishment and due Reformation of the premisses, against such person or per­sons as shall offend herein, according to Iustice, and Prices as a­foresaide.

Giuen at our Court of Whitehall the tenth of Iuly, in the second yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation enioyning con­formitie to the forme of the Seruice of God established.

THe care which we haue had, and paines which we haue taken to settle the affaires of this Church of England in an Vniformitie as well of Doctrine, as of Gouernment, both of them agreeable to the word of God, the doctrine of the Primitiue Church, and the Lawes heretofore established for those matters in this Realme, may sufficiently appeare by our former actions. For no sooner did the Infection of the Plague, raigning [Page 77] immediatly after our entry into this kingdome, giue vs leaue to haue any Assembly, but we held at our honour of Hampton Court for that purpose a Conference betweene some principall Bishops and Deanes of this Church, and such other learned men as vn­derstood or fauoured the opinions of those that seeke Alteration, before our selfe and our Councell. Of which Conference the issue was, That no well grounded matter appeared to vs or our sayd Councell, why the state of the Church here by Law established, should in any materiall point be altered, Nor did those that before had seemed to affect such Alteration, when they heard the contra­ry Arguments, greatly insist vpon it, but seemed to be satisfied themselues, and to vndertake within reasonable time to satisfie all others that were misse-led with opinion that there was any iust cause of Alteration. Whereupon we published by our Pro­clamation what had bene the Issue of that Conference, hoping that when the same should be made knowen, all reasonable men would haue rested satisfied with that which had bene done, and not haue mooued further trouble or speech of matters, whereof so solemne and aduised determination had bene made. Notwith­standing, at the late Assembly of our Parliament, there wanted not many that renewed with no little earnestnesse the Questions before determined, and many more aswell about the Booke of Common Prayer, as other matters of Church gouernment, and importuned vs for our Assent to many Alterations therein: But yet with such successe, as when they had heard both our owne speaches made vnto them at sundry times, shewing the reasons of our former proceedings in those matters, And likewise had had Conference with some Bishops, and other Lords of the Vpper­house about the same, they desisted from further prosecution thereof; finding, that of all things that might any way tend to the furtherance of Religion, and establishment of a Ministery fit for the same, we had before with the aduise of our Counsell, had such consideration, as the present state of things would beare, And taken order how the same should bee prosecuted by such meanes, as might be vsed without any publique disturbance or Innouation: And so the end of all their motions and ouertures falling out to be none other in substance, then was before at the Conference at Hampton Court, That is, that no apparant or grounded reason was shewed, why either the Booke of Common Prayer, or the Church discipline here by law established should be changed (which were vnreasonable) considering that particular and personall abuses are remediable otherwise, then by making generall Alterations: We haue thought good once againe to giue [Page 79] notice thereof to all our Subiects, by publike Declaration, who we doubt not but will receiue great satisfaction, when they shall vnderstand that after so much impugning, there appeareth no cause why the forme of the Seruice of God, wherein they haue bene nourished so many yeeres, should bee changed: And conse­quently to admonish them all in general to conforme themselues thereunto, without listning to the troublesome spirits of some persons, who neuer receiue contentment, either in Ciuill, or Ec­clesiasticall matters, but in their owne fantasies, especially of cer­taine Ministers, who vnder pretended Zeale of Reformation, are the chiefe Authors of diuisions and Sects among our people. Of many of which, we hope that now, when they shall see that such things as they haue proposed for Alteration, proue vpon triall so weakely grounded, as deserue not admittance, they will out of of their owne iudgement conforme themselues to better aduice, and not omit the principall and substantiall parts of their duties, for shadowes and semblances of Zeale, but rather bend their strength with our intent to ioyne in one end, that is, the establish­ing of the Gospel, and recouering of our people seduced out of the hands of the common aduersaries of our Religion, which shal ne­uer be well performed but by an Vniformitie of our endeuours therein. But if our hope herein faile vs, we must aduertise them, that our duety towards God requireth at our handes, that what vntractable men doe not performe vpon admonition, they must be compelled vnto by Authority, whereof the Supreme power re­sting in our hands, by Gods ordinance, wee are bound to vse the same in nothing more, then in preseruation of the Churches tran­quillitie, which by Gods grace we are fully purposed to doe: And yet by aduise of our Councell, & opinion of the Bishops, although our former Proclamations both before the Conference and since, ought to be a sufficient warning and admonition to all men, who are within the danger of them, Wee haue thought good to giue time to all Ministers disobedient to the Orders of the Church and to Ecclesiasticall Authority here by Law established, and who for such disobedience, either in the dayes of the Queene our sister of famous memory deceased, or since our Reigne haue incurred any censures of the Church, or penalties of Lawes, vntill the last of Nouember now next ensuing, to bethinke themselues of the course they will hold therein.

In which meane time both they may resolue either to conforme themselues to the Church of England, and obey the same: Or els to dispose of themselues and their families some other wayes, as to them shall seeme meete: And the Bishops and others whom it [Page 80] concerneth, prouide meete persons to be substitutes in the place of those who shall wilfully abandon their Charges vpon so sleight causes: Assuring them that after that day, we shall not faile to do that which Princely prouidence requireth at our hands: That is, to put in execution all wayes and meanes that may take from a­mong our people, all grounds and occasions of Sects, diuisions, and vnquietnesse: Whereof as we wish there may neuer be occa­sion giuen vs to make proofe, but that this our admonition may haue equall force in all mens hearts, to worke an vniuersall con­formitie: So we doe require all Archbishops, Bishops, and other Ecclesiastical persons, to doe their vttermost endeuours by confe­rences, arguments, perswasions, and by all other wayes of loue and gentlenesse to reclaime all that be in the Ministery, to the o­bedience of our Church Lawes; For which purpose onely wee haue enlarged the time formerly prefixed for their remoue or Re­formation, to the end that if it be possible, that Vniformity which we desire, may be wrought by clemencie, and by weight of Rea­son, and not by rigour of Law. And the like aduertisement doe we giue to all Ciuill Magistrates, Gentlemen, and others of vn­derstanding, as well abroad in the Counties, as in Cities and townes, Requiring them also, not in any sort to support, fauour, or countenance any such factious Ministers in their obstinacie: of whose endeuours we doubt not, but so good successe may fol­low, as this our admonition, with their indeuours, may preuent the vse of any other meanes to reteine our people in their due obe­dience to vs, and in vnitie of minde, to the Seruice of Almigh­tie God.

Giuen at our Mannour of Otelands the 16. day of Iuly, in the second yeere of our reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation appointing the day and place for the meeting of the Commis­sioners of England and Scotland.

WHere at the late Session of our Parliament of this our Realm of England, one Act is made authorizing certaine persons of both Houses to assemble and meete, and thereupon to treat and consult with certaine selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authoritie of the Parliament of our Realme of Scotland, for the weale of both [Page 81] Kingdomes, at any time before the next Session of this Parlia­ment; And a like Acte is passed in our Parliament of our Realme of Scotland, to giue authority to Commissioners nominated for that Nation, For the performance whereof, it is necessary that a certaine time be prefixed: We doe therefore hereby make knowen, and publish to all our louing Subiects who are Commissioners by the Acte appoynted for that Treatie, aswell of the one Nation, as of the other, That we haue found it expedient for the Commis­sioners of both Realmes, to appoynt the first day of the sayd mee­ting, to be on the twentieth day of October next ensuing the date hereof, at our Citie of Westminster, in the Chamber of our Pal­lace there, called the Painted Chamber. Whereof we require them all, and all others whom it may concerne, to take knowledge, and to keepe the day and place accordingly.

Giuen at our Castle of Windsor the fifteenth day of September, in the second yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ire­land, and of Scotland the eight and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation against selling of Ships.

THe Kings most Excellent Maiestie being certainely ad­uertised of many English Ships with their furniture sold of late into forreine parts beyond the Seas, contrary to the Law and Statutes in that case prouided, and to the great do­mage and hurt of his louing Subiects; Doeth expresly charge and command all Merchants, Owners of Ships, Mariners, and all other his Subiects whom it may concerne, That from henceforth they and euery of them shall forbeare to sell, trucke, ex­change or alienate any English ship or Vessel, directly or indirect­ly, without speciall licence first obtained for the same, vnder the great Seale of England, Vpon paine for euery such offence, to suffer imprisonment during the Kings pleasure, and to vndergoe such forfeitures and Fines as by the Statutes, Lawes and Customes of this his Maiesties Realme of England may bee in­flicted vpon them in that behalfe, as vpon transgressers of the Lawes and Statutes, and contemners of his Maiesties most Royall Proclamation.

And his Maiestie doeth hereby straitly charge all Admirals, Viceadmirals, and other Officers of the Admiraltie, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bailiffes, Customers, Comptrollers, Searchers, and [Page 82] all other his Officers, whom it may concerne, that they doe care­fully inquire after all such as shall offend in the premisses, and cause them to be apprehended, and committed whome they shall finde guiltie, to the next Gaole, there to remaine vntill they and euery of them shall bee bound with sufficient Sureties, in com­petent summes, for their appearance before the Lords of his high­nesse most honourable Councel at the next Starre-chamber day, and not to depart thence without special leaue first obtained. And if it shall appeare that any of the saide Officers haue vsed negli­gence or conniuence herein, His Maiestie will extend the paine of his displeasure vnto them, and cause them to feele the smart thereof.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the 15. day of Octo­ber, in the second yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the eight and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation concerning the Kings Maiesties Stile, of King of Great Britaine, &c.

AS often as we call to minde the most ioyfull and iust Re­cognition made by the whole body of our Realme, in the first Session of our high Court of Parliament, of that bles­sing which it hath pleased God to reserue many yeeres in his pro­uidence to our Person, and now in the fulnesse of the time of his disposition, to bestow vpon vs; Namely the blessed Vnion, or ra­ther reuniting of these two mightie, famous, and ancient King­domes of England and Scotland, vnder one Imperial Crowne: So often doe we thinke, that it is our duetie to do our vttermost endeuour, for the aduancement and perfection of that worke, which is of his beginning, and whereof hee hath giuen so many palpable signes and arguments, as hee that seeth them not, is blinde, and he that impugneth them, doeth but endeuour to sepa­rate that, which God hath put together. For, to omit those things which are euident to sense, That the Isle within it selfe hath al­most none but imaginarie bounds of separation without, but one common limit or rather Gard of the Ocean Sea, making the whole a litle world within it selfe, the Nations an vniformitie of constitutions both of body and minde, especially in Martiall prowesses, a communitie of language, the principall meanes of Ciuil societie, An vnitie of Religion, the chiefest band of heartie [Page 83] Vnion, and the surest knot of lasting Peace: What can be a more expresse Testimonie of Gods authoritie of this worke, then that two mightie Nations, hauing bene euer from their first separati­on continually in blood each against other, should for so many yeeres immediatly before our Succession, be at peace together, as it were to this end, That their memory being free from sence of the smart of former iniuries, their minds might, in the time of Gods appointment, more willingly come together, That it hath pleased him so to dispose, that this Vnion is not inforced by Con­quest and violence, nor contracted by doubtfull and deceiuable points of transaction, but naturally deriued from the Right and Title of the precedent Princes of both Kingdomes, concurring in our person, alike lineally descended from the blood of both through the sacred coniunction of wedlocke, An Vnion which is the work of God and Nature, and whereunto the works of force and policy cannot attaine? We may adde hereunto that which we haue re­ceiued from those that be skilfull in the Lawes of this land, That immediatly vpon our succession, diuers of the ancient Lawes of this Realme are Ipso facto expired, As namely, that of Escuage, and of the Naturalization or the Subiects, And that there is a greater affinitie and concurrence betweene most of the ancient Lawes of both kingdomes, then is to be found betweene those of any other two Nations, As namely, in states of inheritance and Freehold, as Fee-simple, Fee-taile, Tenant for life, by Courtesie, Dower and such like, In Cases of descents of inheritance, In te­nures of Lands, as of Knights seruice, socage, Franke Almoigne, Burgage, Villenage, and such like, In writts and formes of Pro­cesse, In cases of Triall by Iuries, Grand Iuries, And lastly in Officers and ministers of Iustice, as Sheriffes, Coroners, and such like, which we leaue to be further considered by the Commis­sioners of both Realmes.

All which being matter prepared onely by the prouidence of Al­mighty God, and which by humane industry could not haue bene so ordered; We, and all our Subiects ought first with reuerence to acknowledge his Handy-worke therein, and to giue him our most humble thankes for the same, and then to further by our en­deuours that, which his Wisedome doeth by so many signes point out to be his will: Whereof many particularities depending vp­on the determinations of the States and Parliaments of both Realmes, wee leaue them there to be discussed, according to the Commissions granted by the seuerall Acts of both Parliaments. And some other things resting in our owne Imperiall power, as the head of both, we are purposed towards the building of this ex­cellent [Page 84] worke, to doe by our selfe that, which iustly and safely we may by our absolute power do. And for a first stone of this worke, whereupon the rest may be layed, seeing there is vndoubtedly but one Head to both peoples, which is our selfe; And that vnfained­ly we haue but one heart and minde to communicate equally to both States, as lines issuing from one Center, Our Iustice, our fauours, and whatsoeuer else dependeth vpon the Vnitie of our supreme power ouer both, (God hauing ministred to vs so iust cause to embrace them both with equall and indifferent loue, in as much as our birth, and the first part of our life hath bene in the one, and the later part thereof is like to be for the most part in the other:) Wee thinke it vnreasonable, that the thing, which is by the worke of God and nature so much in effect one, should not be one in name; Vnitie in name being so fit a meanes to imprint in the hearts of people, a Character and memoriall of that Vnitie, which ought to be amongst them in deed.

Wherefore we haue thought good to discontinue the diuided names of England and Scotland out of our Regall stile, and doe intend and resolue to take and assume vnto vs in maner & forme hereafter expressed, The name & stile of KING OF GREAT BRITAINE, including therein according to the trueth, the whole Island. Wherein no man can imagine vs to be led by any humour of vaineglory or ambition, because we should in that case rather delight in a long enumeration of many Kingdomes, and Seigniories, (wherof in our inheritance we haue plenty ynough, if we thought there were glory in that kinde of Stile) but onely that we vse it as a signification of that, which in part is already done, and a significant prefiguration of that, which is to be done hereafter; Nor that we couet any new affected name deuised at our pleasure, but out of vndoubted knowledge doe vse the true and ancient name, which God and Time haue imposed vpon this Isle, extant, and receiued in histories, in all Mappes and Cartes, wherein this Isle is described, and in ordinary Letters to our selfe from diuers forreine Princes, warranted also by Authenti­call Charters, exemplifications vnder Seales, and other Records of great Antiquitie, giuing vs president for our doing, not borrow­ed out of forraine Nations, but from the actes of our Progeni­tors, Kings of this Realme of England, both before and since the Conquest, hauing not had so iust and great cause as we haue.

Vpon all which considerations we do by these presents, by force of our Kingly power and Prerogatiue, assume to our selfe by the cleerenesse of our Right, The Name and Stile of KING OF GREAT BRITAINE, FRANCE, AND IREAND, [Page 85] DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, &c. as followeth in our iust and lawfull Stile, And doe hereby publish, promulge and declare the same, to the end that in all proclamations, Missiues forreine, and domesticall, Treaties, Leagues, Dedicatories, Im­pressions, and in all other cases of like nature, the same may be v­sed and obserued. And to the end the same may be the sooner and more vniuersally diuulged both at home and abroad: Our will and pleasure is, That the same Stile be from hencefoorth vsed vpon all Inscriptions vpon our currant Moneys and Coines of Gold and Siluer hereafter to be minted. And for that we do not innouate or assume to Vs any new thing, but declare that which is and hath bene euident to all; Our will and pleasure is, That in such Appellations or Nominations, as shall be hereafter made by force of these presents, the same shall bee expressed in such and the same maner and forme, and after such computation, as if wee had assumed and declared the same the first day of our Reigne of our Realme of England; Forbearing onely for the present that any thing herein conteined doe extend to any Legall proceeding, instrument, or assurance, vntill further order bee taken in that behalfe.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the twentieh day of October, in the second yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ire­land, and of Scotland the eight and thirtieth. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation for the Search and apprehension of certaine Pirates.

WHereas it hath appeared vnto vs by the Records of our high Court of the Admiralty, That William Hull Captaine of a Ship called the Talbot of Topisham in our County of Deuon, And Philip Ward Captaine of a Ship cal­led the Thomasine of Dartmouth in the said Countie, Christopher Newman, Edward Follet, and Henry Burt, with diuers others their Complices and Associats, seruing as Mariners or Souldiers in the said Ships, respectiuely stand indicted, for that they in No­uember 1602. with their Shippes in warlike manner appoynted within the Mediterranean Seas, did rob and spoile a Ship called la Serene of Olona in France, and the goods therein laden, belonging vnto diuers subiects of our good brother The most Christian King: And not content therewith, did also in most sauage maner com­mit wilfull murther (a crime most foule, odious and detestable in [Page 86] the sight of God, & man) vpon the persons of diuers of the French men, being in the sayd Ship, against the Lawes and Statutes of this Realme: We of our Princely care for the administration of Iustice (the maine pillar of our Estate) doe with no lesse zeale, as well for the fatisfaction of forreine Princes, as for the example of others in like cases offending, intend to prosecute them, and all their Abettors, Complices and Accessaries, with the greatest se­neritie of our Lawes in that case prouided: And therfore we will, and strictly command all and euery our Officers and louing sub­iects, that immediatly after the sight of this present Proclamati­on, they and euery of them doe make diligent search and inquirie in all places aswell exempt, as not exempt, for the sayd persons, and all and euery of them, and the same, or any of them so found, to apprehend and commit to the next Gaole, there to be detained, vntill our high Admirall, or his Lieutenant Iudge of our high Court of the Admiraltie, vpon notice giuen vnto either of them, of the persons so committed, shall take order in that behalfe.

And moreouer our pleasure is, that no person or persons what­soeuer, shall wittingly or wilfully receiue, conceale, harbour, in­tertaine or lodge the sayd Pirats and murtherers, or any of them, or any of their sayd Complices and associats, into their house or houses, after the sight and knowledge of this Proclamation, (knowing them by circumstances, credible informatiōs, or other­wise, to be the persons aforenamed) vpon paine vnto euery such person and persons so receiuing, concealing, harbouring, inter­teining or lodging any of the sayd Pirates and murtherers, or a­ny of their complices, of death and forfeiture of all their landes, goods and chattels, according to the Lawes and statutes in that case prouided.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster, the 12. day of Nouember, in the second yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation for Coynes.

ALthough it be most certaine, that nothing is more appro­propriate to the Soueraigne dignitie of Princes, then the ordering of their Moneys, and setting them at such prices and valuations, as they shall thinke conuenient vpon necessary causes; Yet haue we alwayes bene of opinion, that iust Princes should not vse the libertie of their power in abasing or enhaun­sing [Page 87] the prices of Moneys, without all respect to the common be­nefite of their Subiects. In which consideration it is euident to all men, that since our entrie into this Realme, we haue bene so farre from changing the ancient and honourable Standard of the Starling Money of this our Realme of England, as wee haue on the contrary restored to our Realme of Ireland Moneis of pure Siluer, in lieu of the base Coyne, with which the necessi­tie of the time, by accident of the warres, constrained our sister the late Queene of happy memory to pay the Armies.

Neuerthelesse, it falling out at our first comming out of Scot­land, (where wee had Coynes of Gold and Siluer not then cne­rant in this Realme) to be impossible for our Nobilitie and other seruants and Subiects attending vs in our iourney hither, to be prouided of currant Moneys of this Realme for their expenses so soone as our speed required; Wee did then giue valuation to the Coyne of Golde of Scotland, called the Sixe pound piece, to be currant here for ten shillings of Siluer, and to be equall to the English Angel or Soueraigne of Gold: The authorizing where­of comming lately into consideration, among other points recom­mended by vs to be treated for the weale of both Kingdomes, by some of our Counsell of each of them, It hath appeared that the inconuenience is fit to be remoued, which groweth by our autho­rizing it to be equall to the Gold Coynes of England: Not that it is not worth in true value ten shillings of our Siluer moneys of England, but because that the English Coynes of Gold are not in regard of the Siluer Coynes, of the true proportion betweene Gold and Siluer accustomed in all Nations.

Whereupon our Councell hauing occasion to enter into fur­ther consideration of the Moneys of this Realme, with the assi­stance of the Officers of the Mint, it appeareth very visibly, that this errour in the proportion of the Gold moneys of England to the Siluer, hath bene a great cause of the transportation of Gold out of this Realme into forraine Countreys in such quantity, as of late yeeres hath bene vsed, because the sayd Gold moneys are more worth in their true value, then here they were allowed. To which inconuenience long endured, being now resolued to giue remedy, we haue caused new Coynes both of Gold and Siluer to be made of seuerall stampes, weights and values, but of one vniforme Standard and allay, to be currant within this our Kingdome of GREAT BRITAINE: that is to say, One piece of Gold of the value of Twentie shillings sterling, to be called The Vnite, stamped on the one side with our Picture formerly vsed, with this our Stile, IACOBVS D'. G'. MAG'. BRIT'. [Page 88] FRAN'. & HIB'. REX. And on the other side, our Armes Crowned, and with this word, Faciam eos in gentem vnam. One other Gold money of Tenne shillings, to bee called, The double Crowne, And one other Gold money of Fiue shillings, to be called, The Britaine Crowne. On the one side with our Picture accusto­med, and our Stile as aforesaid, and on the other side, our Armes, and this word, Henricus Rosas, Regna Iacobus. One other piece of Foure shillings, to be called, The Thistle Crowne, hauing on the one side a Rose crowned, and our Title, IA'. D'. G'. MAG. BR. F. & H. REX: and on the other side, a Thistle flowre crowned, with this word, Tueatur vnita Deus. Also pieces of Two shil­lings sixe pence, to be called, Halfe Crownes, with our Picture ac­customed, and this word, I'. D'. G'. Rosa sine spina: and on the o­ther side, our Armes, and this word, Tueatur vnita Deus. And for Siluer moneys, pieces of Fiue shillings, and Two shillings sixe pence, hauing on the one side our Picture on horsebacke, and our Stile aforesaid: And pieces of Twelue pence and Sixe pence, hauing our Picture formerly vsed, and our Stile as aforesaid, And on the other side our Armes, and this word, Quae Deus con­iunxit, nemo separet. Also pieces of Two pence, hauing on the one side a Rose crowned, and about it, I'. D'. G'. Rosa sine spina: And on the other side a Thistle flowre crowned, and about it, Tueatur vnita Deus. And one Pennie, hauing on the one side a Rose, and about it, I'. D'. G'. Rosa sine spina: And on the other side a Thistle flowre, and about it, Tueatur vnita Deus. And the Halfe-pennie hauing on the one side a Rose, and on the other side, a Thistle flowre.

All which seuerall Coynes both of Gold and Siluer, we doe hereby publish, declare, and authorize to be amongst others here­tofore vsed our Moneyes currant for this our Kingdome of Gteat Britaine, to bee vsed and receiued by all the Subiects thereof, in all Receits and Payments, and in all manner of Traffiquing, Bargaining, and dealing betweene man and man, at the seuerall Rates and Values conteined in the Table hereunder written, ex­pressing their true Values and weights, according to the accompt of the Mint men of both Nations.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster, the sixteenth day of No­uember, in the second yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1604.

IT is to be remembred that the pound weight English, being 12. ounces Troy, doth ouer-poix the pound weight of Scotland 4.d. weight, and 9. graines English: Whereupon this Table is made, to distinguish euery [Page 89] seuerall piece of Gold and Siluer Coine, according to the true weight of both Nations.

¶ A Proclamation for the Proroguing of the Parliament.

WHereas at the late rising of the first Sesion of our Parliament, We did prorogue the same vntill the se­uenth day of February next, intending then to holde at that time another Session thereof: We haue since bene infor­med from diuers parts of our Realme, that some contagion of sickenesse doeth yet so continue in many of our principall Cities and Townes, and is also scattered in diuers other places of lesse note, as if we should against the Spring of the yeere draw so great a concourse of people together, as the assembly of the Parliament bringeth with it, (the continuance wherof is vncertaine) it were much to be doubted, that the infection of the plague might be re­newed againe in our City of London, which is our Chamber, and the place of our most ordinary residence, as it did the first yeere of our entry, by reason of the great assembly at our Coronation, which if the setling of our State here had not necessarily requi­red to be then performed, Wee would haue forborne. And foras­much also as for these two yeeres past, by reason of our entry into this our Kingdome, our Coronation, the holding of our Parlia­ment, and such other solemnities, requiring the presence of per­sons of the best sort, the most part of the Gentlemen of qualitie of this Realme haue bene absent from the places of their ordinary aboad, whereby the Countreys haue wanted their assistance in the gouernment of them, and our people the comfort of their pre­sence and Hospitalitie: We haue therefore thought it conuenient to prorogue our sayd Parliament vntill the third day of October next ensuing, at which time we intend by Gods grace to holde a­nother Session thereof, And in the meane time all those, who re­paired hither about the Commission concerning the Vnion, or doe now reside here in expectation of that Session of our Parliament at the time appointed, may returne to their owne homes vntill the sayd third day of October, when we will expect againe their attendance. And in the meane time we doe straitly charge and command them, and all other who haue any trust to them from vs, either in the Commission of the peace, or otherwise for the good gouernment of our people, that they doe immediatly repaire home to their owne dwellings, to attend to such Seruices as to them belong to doe, whereof by their absence both wee and our Subiects are defrauded.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westmin­ster [Page 91] the 24. day of December, in the second yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation concerning Leases and Asserts.

HIs most Excellent Maiestie calling to his remembrance, that the Imperiall Crowne of this Realme hath euer bene enriched with Honours, Pallaces, Castles, Lord­ships, Mannors, Forrests, Parkes, Chases, Lands, Tenements, Reuenues and hereditaments, of a greater yeerely value, then a­ny [Page 96] King or Prince in Europe, And not finding any of them to haue bene by any of his Progenitors (Kings and Queenes of this Realme) so indiuidually annexed to the sayd Imperiall Crowne, but that the same hath bene seuered or diuided: And where it hath pleased Almighty God of his infinite and vnspeakeable mercy to­wards this Realme, both in present, and to all future posteri­ties, not onely to blesse and enrich his Maiesty with such a plen­tifull and Royall progenie, aboue the most of the Kings of the world, as his louing Subiects and their posterities shal, by Gods prouidence, for euer be freed from all former feares, and liue in all happinesse and safety, vnder the certaine and blessed gouernment of his Maiesty, and his Royall issue, vntill all the Kingdomes of the earth shal haue an end, but also with such Issues, as God hath endued with so many rare and excellent vertues and gifts both of body and minde, the multiplication of which his Royall poste­ritie (to our further comfort) remayneth in Gods secret pleasure: His Maiestie intending to begin and leaue an example both to his owne and others, of his Royall and naturall care, as well for the certaine supportation and amplitude of his Royall successors, Kings of this Realme, and for honourable Ioinctures to be made to the Queenes of this Realme for the time being, as also for com­petent sustentation and aduancement of the Kings yonger chil­dren, in honourable and prosperous estate, as appertaineth; Hath (out of his Princely wisedome and prouidence, by aduice of his Priuy Councell) resolued to haue all those Honours, Pallaces, Castles, Lordships, Manours, Forrests, Parkes, Chases, Lands, Tenements and hereditaments, parcell of the possessions of his Maiesties Crowne of England, and of the Duchie of Lancaster, as are set downe and expressed in fourteene Schedules, to be indiui­dually and inseparably, for the purposes and intents abouesayd, at the next Session of Parliament, by Authoritie and consent of the same, vnited and annexed for euer hereafter to the Imperiall Crowne of this Realme. His most excellent Maiestie vnderstan­ding, that the greatest part of the premisses be in Lease for liues or yeeres in possession, and most of them in Reuersion for terme of yeeres, All which be subiect not onely to strict conditions, but also to diuers other questions and ambiguities, which cannot so per­fectly and effectually be salued and remedied after the sayd Annex­ation, as they may now be, and in his Princely care and fauour to his louing Subiects tendering their quiet, without seeking such aduantages, as his Maiestie might by the Lawes of this Realme, by reason of the sayd Conditions, and other defects: And to the end there may be a meane, whereby his Highnesse said sub­iects [Page 97] may with lesse charge and attendance attaine to a conueni­ent Composition in such cases; Hath by his Highnesse Commis­sion vnder the great Seale of England, giuen full power and Au­thority vnto certaine Commissioners in the sayd Commission mentioned, from time to time to giue and take order, aswell for the Surrender of any Estate, Lease, or terme for yeeres, life or liues, mentioned to be demised by any Letters Patents, Inden­tures, or writings, of any of the aforesayd premisses or any part thereof, as thereupon, for such reasonable and moderate conside­ration as shalbe thought fit by the sayd Commissioners to grant, demise, and let to Farme to euery such person or persons so sur­rendring the Estate, Terme, or Interest, claimed by them as a­foresayd, or to such persons as they shal nominate in that behalfe, such, and so many of the premisses, as shall be so mentioned to be surrendred, for the terme of Fourty yeeres or vnder in possession (other then Marsh or surrounded Grounds, and certaine other hereditaments, which may be demised for a longer Terme, as hath bene heretofore accustomed) or for terme of sixe liues or vn­der, or for such terme of yeeres, life, or liues, as shall be by any per­son or persons mentioned to be Surrendred. And further to grant, demise, and let to Farme to any person or persons in Re­uersion for reasonable consideration, for the terme of one and twenty yeeres, or for such number of yeeres in Reuersion, as shall be so mentioned to be Surrendred as is aforesayd, any of the fore­said premisses now in Lease, or Estate to any person or persons, to commence and take effect after the Determination, Surren­der, or forfeiture of the present Interest, terme or estate.

And his Maiestie hath further for the great quiet and safety of his louing Subiects, (whom it doeth concerne) authorized the said Commissioners to containe in euery Lease by force of the said Commission to be made, such penalties of Nomine poenae or other reasonable clauses (in steed of the strict Prouisoes and Conditi­ons) as the sayd Commissioners shall in their wisedomes and dis­cretions thinke fit, as by the sayd Commission more at large ap­peareth. And whereas his most excellent Maiesty, being infor­med that many of his louing Subiects, and their Ancestors, haue for very small Rent of long and ancient time bene in quiet posses­sion of diuers Messuages, Lands, tenements, and hereditaments called Asserts, Wasts, or Prepastures, which are, or were within the limits of some of his Maiesties Forrests, Hath for the com­mon good and quiet of all his louing Subiects, and for auoyding of chargeable and tedious Suits, by one other Commission vn­der the great Seale of England, giuen full power and authority [Page 98] vnto certaine Commissioners in the sayd Commission mentio­ned, for such considerations as are therein expressed, to bargaine, sell and conclude for his Maiesty, and in his Highnesse name, for any of the sayd Assert lands, Wasts or Prepastures, to and with a­ny person or persons, and their heires in Feefarme, or other estate of inheritance, with a discharge of the meane profits thereof, as by the sayd Commission more at large also appeareth. In consi­deration whereof, and for that the time being runne out, and the sayd Annexation once established, the sayd Farmers, Leassees, oc­cupiers, possessours, and others clayming vnder them, cannot ob­taine to themselues so certaine and assured meanes of their bene­fit, quiet and freedome from Questions, Suits, and troubles, for the comfort of themselues, their wiues and children, as they now may: His most excellent Maiesty hath of his aboundant grace (with aduise of his Priuie Councell) caused this his Royall and Princely care and fauour to all his louing Subiects, to be by these presents openly and vniuersally diuulged and published, to the end that all of them (whom it concerneth) may in time appre­hend, and take the benefit thereof, and none of them may be pre­uented of so great a benefit, for want of timely knowledge or vn­derstanding.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the xvij. day of February, in the second yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation for reuocation of Mariners from forreine Seruices.

WHereas within this short time since the Peace conclu­ded betweene vs and the king of Spaine and the Arch­dukes our good brothers, it hath appeared vnto vs that many Mariners and Seafaring men of this Realme, ha­uing gotten a custome and habite in the time of the Warre to make profite by Spoile, doe leaue their ordinary and honest voca­tion and Trading in Merchantly Voyages, whereby they might both reape conuenient maintenance, and be seruiceable to their Countrey, And doe betake themselues to the seruice of diuers for­reine States, vnder the title of men of Warre, to haue thereby oc­casion to continue their vnlawful and vngodly course of liuing by spoile, vsing the seruice of those Princes but for colour and pre­text, but in effect making themselues commonly no better then [Page 99] Pirats to robbe both our owne Subiects their Countreymen, and the subiects of other Princes our neighbours, going in their honest Trade of Merchandize: By which courses they doe im­peach the quiet traffique of Nations one with other, leaue our Realme vnfurnished of men of their sort, if we should haue cause to vse them, and inure themselues to an impious disposition of li­uing by rapine and euill meanes, although by reason of the Vni­uersall peace wherein wee are at this present with all Christian Princes and States, they may haue a more plentifull employ­ment in an orderly and lawfull Nauigation, then at any time of late yeeres they could haue had: We haue thought it necessary in time to preuent the spreading of such a corruption amongst our Subiects of that sort and calling, whereby our Nation will be so much slandered, & our Realme so greatly disaduantaged. Where­fore we doe will and command all Masters of ships, Pilots, Ma­riners, and all other sort of Seafaring men, who now are in the Martiall seruice of any forreine States, that they doe presently returne home into their owne Countrey, and leaue all such for­reine Seruices, and betake themselues to their vocation in the lawfull course of Merchandize, and other orderly Nauigation, vpon such paines and punishments as by the Lawes of our Realme may be inflicted vpon them, if after this declaration of our pleasure, they shall not obey. And we doe also vpon the same paines straitly charge and command al our Subiects of that pro­fession, that none of them shall from hencefoorth take Letters of Marke or Reprisall, nor serue vnder any that hath such letters of Marke or Reprisall from any forreine Prince or State whatso­euer, Nor otherwise employ themselues in any warlike Seruices of any forraine State vpon the Sea, without speciall License obtained from our selfe, or from our high Admirall, as they will answere the contrary at their perils.

And forasmuch as although we are in Peace with all Christian Princes and States, yet during the continuance of the Warre betweene the King of Spaine, and the Archdukes on the one side, and the vnited Prouinces of the Low-Countreys on the other side, many chances may happen, as some already haue hap­pened, of difficult interpretation to our Officers and Sub­iects how to behaue themselues in such cases, vnlesse they be ex­planed vnto them: Wee haue thought it conuenient to make an open declaration how our said Officers and Subiects shall de­meane themselues towards the Subiects aswell of the King of Spaine and Archdukes, as also of the States vnited in the cases following.

First our pleasure is, That within our Portes, Hauens, Rodes, Creekes, or other places of our Dominion, or so neere to any of our sayd Portes or Hauens, as may bee reasonably con­strued to bee within that Title, Limit, or Precinct, there shall be no force, violence, surprise, or offence suffered to be done either from Man of warre to Man of warre, or Man of warre to Mer­chant, or Merchant to Merchant of either party, but that all of what Nation soeuer, so long as they shall bee within those our Ports and places of our Iurisdiction, or where our Officers may prohibite violence, shall bee vnderstood to be vnder our pro­tection to bee ordered by course of Iustice, and be at peace each with other.

And whereos some of the Men of warre of ech side haue vsed of late, and it is like will vse in time to come, though not to come within our Ports, because there they know wee can re­straine violence, yet to houer and hang about the skirts of our Ports, somewhat to Seaboard, but yet so neere our coastes and the entrie of our Harbours, as in reason is to be construed to be within the extent of the same, and there to await the Merchant of the aduerse part, and doe seaze and take them at their going out of our Ports, which is all one in a manner, as if they tooke them within our Port, and will bee no lesse hinderance to the trade of Merchants: Our pleasure therefore and commaunde­ment is to all our Officers and Subiects by Sea and Land, That they shall prohibite, as much as in them lyeth, all such ho­uering of Men of warre of either side, so neere the entrie of any of our Hauens or our Coastes, And that they shall rescue and suc­cour all Merchants, and others that shall fall within the dan­ger of any such as shall await our Coastes in so neere places, to the hinderance of Trade and Traffique outward and homeward from and to our Kingdomes. And for the better instructions of our Officers in the execution of these two Articles, Wee haue caused to be sent to them plats of those Limits, within which we are resolued that these Orders shalbe obserued.

And where it hath happened, and is like to doe often, that a Ship of warre of the one side may come into some of our Ports, where there shall bee a Merchant of the other side: In such case, for the benefit and preseruation of the lawfull Trade of Mer­chants, Our pleasure is, That all Merchants Ships, if they will require it, shall bee suffered to depart out of the sayd Port, two or three Tydes before the Man of warre, to the intent that the Merchant may bee free from the pursuite of his aduersary. And if it so happen, that any Ship or Ships of warre of the one [Page 101] side, doe finde any Ship or Ships of warre of the other side in a­ny our Ports or Roades aforesayd; Like as our pleasure is that during their abode there, all violence be forborne: So doe wee likewise commaund our sayde Officers and Subiects both on Sea and Land, That the Ship of warre which came in first, bee suffered to depart a Tyde or two before the other which came in last, And that for so long time they shall stay and detaine any ship of warre, that would offer to pursue another out of any our Ports immediatly.

And where wee are infourmed, that notwithstanding the se­ueritie of our Lawes against receiuers of Pirats goods, many of our Officers of our Ports, and other inhabitants within and neere vnto them, doe receiue dayly Goods brought in from Sea by such as are indeed Pirats, if they, and the getting of their Goods, were well examined: We doe hereby admonish them all, to auoyd the receiuing or buying of any Goods from Sea, com­ming not into the Realme by lawfull course of Merchandise, for that they shall finde, wee are resolued so to preuent all occasion and encouragement of Pirats to bee vsed by any our Subiects, as wee will cause our Lawes to bee fully executed according to their true meaning, both against the Pirats, and all Receiuers and Abetters of them, and their Goods.

Giuen at Thetford the first day of March, in the second yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation for Buil­dings, in and about LONDON.

THe Kings most Excellent Maiestie seeing of what neces­sary vse Timber is, aswell for the maintenance of the Shipping and Nauie of this Realme, being a principall meane for the defence thereof, As for Building, and other needfull vses: And vnderstanding withall, how much and how extraordinarily the same hath beene, and is decayed and consu­med in all parts of this Realme, In so much as in the very City of London (being the principall Citie of this Realme) they are now dayly driuen to build with Beech, and other like kinde of Timber, being of small continuance, which in time will bee [Page 102] (if the same be not preuented) the notorious perill and decay of the same Citie: Doeth therefore straitly charge and commaund, that aswell all Statutes and Lawes heretofore made, and now in force, for the preseruation of Timber, As that also concer­ning Inmates, and the erecting and continuing of Cottages, bee from henceforth duely and exactly put in execution. Forbid­ding withall, that none bee so hardly vpon paine of Contempt, and his Maiesties High displeasure, as to conuert any part of any Tree, that may serue for any vse of Timber, to any Coale or Fire-wood. And for the better preseruation of Timber, and to auoid the vnnecessary consumption thereof, His Maiestie also straitly chargeth and commandeth, That betweene this and the feast of S. Michael the Archangel next comming, no New house bee built within the same Citie of London, or the Suburbes thereof, or within one mile of the same Suburbes, contrary to the Proclamations in that behalfe heretofore made. And that from and after the sayd feast of S. Michael the Archangel, no person shall build or erect any New house, or the forefront of any House in any new Building, where any former Building was, within the same Citie or Suburbs, or within one mile of the sayd Suburbs, except all the vtter wals and windowes thereof, and the forefront of the same be wholly made of Bricke, or Bricke and stone, And the forefront thereof in euery respect shall bee made of that vniforme order and forme, as shall be prescribed vn­to them for that Street where such Building shall happen to be, by the chiefe Magistrates of the same Citie, being within the Citie and the Liberties thereof, and being out of the Citie by such Iustices of the Peace or other Magistrates, as haue the go­uernment in that place, vpon paine to bee fined and imprisoned for the same, by order of the Court of Starchamber.

And to the end that some fitting and orderly course may bee ta­ken and set downe for vniformitie to bee kept in euery Sreete, where such Buildings shall bee, His Maiestie purposeth to di­rect out his Commission to discreet and skilfull persons, to con­sider of, and set downe some fit Orders and direction for the same. And his Maiestie further expresly chargeth and com­maundeth all Maiors, Iustices of the Peace, Constables, Stewards of Leets and Lawdayes, and all others his Maie­sties louing Subiects, to whome it shall or may appertaine, carefully to looke into, and execute the premises, and not to per­mit or suffer any thing to be done contrary to the true intent and meaning of this Proclamation. And that they take order that [Page 103] such offenders or workemen, as shall persist in doing any thing to the contrary thereof after admonition to them in that behalfe to bee giuen, be bound to appeare in the sayd Court of Starre-Chamber at the next sitting day of the same Court, there to bee proceeded against as contemners of his Maiesties expresse Commaundement, Proclamation and Prerogatiue Royall.

Giuen at Thetford the first day of March, in the second yeere of his Maiesties Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1604.

¶ A Proclamation concerning Assart lands.

WHereas by our Proclamation giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the 18. day of February, in the second yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ire­land, we did publish & make it knowen to our louing Subiects, that for their common good and quiet, and for auoy­ding of chargeable and tedious Suits, wee had by our Commission vnder the Great Seale of England, giuen full power and authority vnto certaine Commissioners in the sayd Commission mentioned, for vs, and in our name to bargaine, sell and conclude for diuers our Mes­suages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments called Assarts, Wasts or Purprestures, which are or were within the limits of some of our Forrests, to and with any person or persons, and their heires in Fee-farme, or other estate of inheritance, with a dis­charge of the meane profits, as by our sayd Proclamation may more at large appeare: Whereupon wee doubted not but our lo­uing Subiects whom it did concerne, and who haue bene long in possession of the sayd Landes at very low Rates, would haue taken care in time to haue prouided for their owne profit, safetie and peace therein. And neuerthelesse wee are of late enformed, that hitherto very few of them haue appeared before our sayd Commissioners to compound or conclude for any of our said Mes­suages, Lands, Tenements or Hereditaments, as was expected, presuming (as it seemeth) that they may take their owne times and leasure for it, and in the meane time some others neuer pos­sessed of the sayd Messuages, Landes, Tenements or Heredita­ments, haue in their default offered to compound and conclude with vs for the same. Wherein our desire is, that the long and ancient possessors of the sayd Lands, should herein be preferred before all others.

These are therefore to signifie our further pleasure, That all such as be possessed of any the sayd Messuages, Lands, Tene­ments or Hereditaments, and do purpose or thinke good for their owne profit, safety and quiet, to compound or conclude with our said Commissioners for any the said Messuages, Lands, Tene­ments or Hereditaments called Assarts, Wasts, or Purprestures, which are or were within the limits of any of our Forrests or Chases, shall come in and attend our said Commissioners concer­ning the same, betwixt this and the first of October, now next en­suing, otherwise in their default we will dispose thereof to others as we shall see cause.

Giuen at our Mannour of East-Greenwich the 12. day of May, in the 3. yere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation with certaine Or­dinances to be obserued by his Maiesties Subiects toward the King of Spaine.

WHereas the Kings Maiesty hath alwayes bene ready to imbrace and cherish such a perfit amitie and friend­ship betweene him and the King of Spaine, and the Archdukes his good brethren, as might stand with his owne Ho­nour, and the common good of his people (For the better & more particuler obseruation whereof, there hath beene lately passed a Treatie, wherein his Maiesties Royall will and pleasure is made so notorious to the world in all things, as whosoeuer doeth, or shall crosse the sinceritie of his Maiesties intention by any action of theirs, cannot auoyd the censure of high and wilfull contempt against his person and State,) Although his Maiestie is not ignorant, that these offences for the most part, are dayly com­mitted by such, as (partly out of their owne originall corruption, and partly by habite of spoile and rapine) are become so insensi­ble or desperate of the perill they draw vpon themselues, and the imputation they cast vpon the honour of their Soueraigne (so precious to him) as his Maiestie is driuen for repaire thereof, to make open profession of his sinceritie in this kinde, more often then otherwise he would: Neuerthelesse, his Maiestie hauing lately found by many circumstances, that most of these great faults doe growe and multiply, by negligence of inferiour Offi­cers, (especially such as are resident in the Ports, and dwell in the Maritime Counties,) from whome his Maiestie expecteth so [Page 106] continuall care and vigilancie (not onely out of feare of his Ma­iesties displeasure, but euen for conscience sake,) as they should be rather industrious watches ouer those that runne such wicked courses, then (in any degree) Receitors or abettors of the same, considering that those are as well accomptable to God, that hin­der not the euill of others (being in their power, and incident to their peculiar places and dueties) as those that are the personall Actors, or contriuers of the same: His Maiestie hath thought it necessary once again to publish to all persons of what place or con­dition soeuer within his Maiesties Dominions, these Rules and Ordinances following, as things whereunto he commaun­deth all persons (whatsoeuer) to yeelde their duetifull obedience, vpon perill of his heauy indignation, and the grieuous paines be­longing to the same.

FIrst, his Maiestie commandeth that no Seaman or Mari­ner whatsoeuer, shalbe suffered to put himselfe into any war­like seruice at Sea of any forreine Prince or State, straitly char­ging all that are in any such seruice already, to leaue the same pre­sently and without delay, and to record their apparance in their natiue Countrey, to some of his Maiesties Officers, vpon paine to be held and punished as Pirates.

Item, If any person offending, do at any time hereafter come into any port, or place of his Maiesties Dominions, vpon what pretext soeuer: his Maiestie expresly chargeth all his Officers forthwith to apprehend the same, and to commit them to prison without Baile or Mainprise, and the Certificate thereof to bee presently returned into the Admiraltie Court, to the end that they may be proceeded withall, according to the Lawes of the Realme, and the contents of his Maiesties former Proclamations.

Item, His Maiestie commandeth all his Subiects, (as they will auoyd his heauie indignation) to forbeare to be aiding or re­ceiuing of any Pirats, or such persons as shall continue in any such warlike seruice, as aforesaid, or any person not being a know­en Merchant, by contracting, buying, selling, or by vicualling of them, or any of their Companie, vpon paine for so doing, to be punished presently, as the principall Offenders and Pirates ought to be.

Item, That no shipping, or men of warre, of what estate or condition soeuer, going forth with commission of reprisall, or in any other warlike maner to serue at Seas, shall bee permitted in any of his Maiesties ports, or in the members thereof to victuall or relieue themselues with any warlike prouisions, thereby to en­able themselues the better, to any acts of hostilitie at Sea against [Page 107] any of his Maiesties friends: but onely in their returne home­wards, if they happen to come into any of his Maiesties ports, that then it shall be lawfull for them to relieue themselues with victuall or other necessaries to serue them onely for the space of twentie dayes and no more, which is a proportion reasonable to vse in trade of merchandize.

Item, That all viceadmirals, Customers, or other Officers of the Ports shall not suffer any ship of his Maiesties Subiects to goe to the Seas, before such time as they (respectiuely in their se­uerall ports) haue duely searched and visited the same, to the in­tent to stay such persons as apparantly shall bee furnished for the warres, and not for merchandize or fishing. And if there shall be any maner of suspition, that the sayd person (though he shall pre­tend to trade for merchandize or fishing) hath or may haue any other intent by his prouisions or furniture, then to vse the trade of merchandise or fishing, that in such case of suspition, the officers of the Ports shall stay, and no wayes suffer the same to passe to the seas, without good bands with sufficient sureties first had, to vse nothing, but the lawfull trade of merchandise or fishing. And if the sayd officers shal suffer any persons otherwise to repaire to the Seas, then aboue is mentioned, they shall not onely answere for any Pyracies, which any such person shall chance hereafter to commit vpon the Seas, but shall suffer imprisonment vntill the offenders may be apprehended, if they shall be liuing.

And further, as his Maiestie declareth and denounceth gene­rally all such Pirates and Rouers vpon the Seas to be put out of his protection, and therefore to bee lawfully pursued and puni­shed to the vttermost extremitie: so because his Maiesty presu­meth, that all other States and persons in peace and friendship with him, will thinke it iust and honourable to proceede towards him, with the same sinceritie, which he obserueth towards them: His Maiestie doeth also hereby notifie to the world, that where it falleth out that diuers of his Subiects are or may be entertained to serue at Sea vnder Captaines and Commanders belonging to some forreine Prince or State, (which are now or may bee in termes of Hostilitie with any of his Maiesties friends) thereby imagining, when they shall (vpon occasion) enter with their ships into any of his Maiesties Harboroughs, that they shall bee free from any interruption, according to the libertie of Common A­mitie and correspondencie which is vsually obserued betweene Princes in such cases, onely because the Commander or Captaine with some few persons besides are strangers, and the rest onely discouered to be his Maiesties Subiects: For as much as his [Page 108] Maiestie (hauing made his iust and equall intentions thus appa­rant to all men by his publike Proclamations) would be loath to frustrate the expectation of any his friends whom it doeth or may concerne: He doth hereby declare to all the world, that if he shall hereafter finde any such fraudulent course taken, in hope colou­rably to auoid the true construction of his so iust and necessary or­dinances, the breach whereof giues cause of further trouble and iealousies to arise betweene his Maiesty and other Princes in the mutuall exercise of their Subiects free trade and entercourse: he will make absolute stay of any such ships and persons, which shalbe so brought into his Ports or Harboroughs, as persons and things wholly exempted from that protection and fauour, which he intendeth to maintaine and affoord to all others which shall not in such kind go about to abuse his Maiesties integrity, whose desire is to receiue no better measure in any thing, then he is wil­ling to yeeld to others vpon the like occasions.

Giuen at our Castle of Windsor the eight day of Iuly, in the third yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation for proroguing the Parliament.

WHereas at the rising of the late Session of our Par­liament, We prorogued the same vntill the third day of October now next ensuing: Wee haue since consi­dered, that the holding of it so soone, is not so conuenient, aswell for that the ordinary course of our Subiects, resorting to the Ci­tie for their vsuall affaires at the Terme, is not for the most part vntill Al-hallowtide, or thereabouts: As also for that the con­course of people which followeth the assembly comming from all parts of the Realme, in many whereof there may yet remaine some dregs of the late Contagion, may be an occasion to reuiue it in that place, where our most abode is. And therefore wee haue thought it fit to prorogue it further for one moneths space, which will fall out vpon Tuesday the fifth day of Nouember next, at which day our purpose is (God willing) to hold the same. And do hereby giue notice to all, whom it concerneth, that they may frame their affaires accordingly, and attend at the sayd fifth day of Nouember to that Seruice.

Giuen at our Honour of Ampthill the 28. day of Iuly, in the 3. yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. An. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation to redresse the mis-imployment of Lands, Goods, and other things giuen for Charitable vses.

WHereas Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments, goods, chattels, money, and other things haue bene hereto­fore giuen, limitted, appointed and assigned, aswell by his Maiesties most noble Progenitors, as by sundry other wel disposed persons; Some for reliefe of aged, impotent, and poore people, some for maintenance of sicke and maymed souldiers and Mariners, Schooles of learning, Free-schooles, and Schollers in Vniuersities; Some for repaire of Bridges, Ports, Hauens, Cause-wayes, Churches, Seabanks, and High-wayes; Some for education and preferment of Orphans; Some for or towards reliefe, stock, or maintenance for houses of Correction; Some for marriage of poore Maydes; Some for supportation, ayde, and helpe of yong Tradesmen, Handicrafts men, and persons decaied; And others for reliefe, or redemption of prisoners, or Captiues, and for ayd or ease of any poore inhabitants, concerning paiment of Fifteenes, setting out of Souldiers, and other Taxes: Which Lands, Tenements, hereditaments, goods, chattels, money, and other things neuerthelesse haue not not bene imployed according to the charitable intent of the giuers and Founders thereof, by reason of frauds, breaches of trust, and negligences in those, that should pay, deliuer, and employ the same. For redresse and refor­mation whereof, remedy and reliefe haue bene prouided, in and by one Act of Parliament, made in the 43. yeere of the Reigne of the late Queene of famous memory, Elizabeth late Queene of England. By the due execution of which Act, in diuers and ma­ny parts of this Realme, much good hath ensued, by the diligence and traueile of diuers of our charitable and well affected Sub­iects, by restoring, and true employing of diuers and many of the said Gifts and Endowments, according to the true institution, ordinance, and intention of the Founders and donors in that be­halfe: And much more good his Maiestie dayly expecteth should be done in so Religious a case, acceptable to God and al good men.

And whereas such as haue the care, charge and gouernment of the Colledges, Halles, and houses of learning within either of the Vniuersities of Cambridge or Oxeford, or of the Colleges of West­minster, Eaton, or Winchester, or of any Cathedrall or Collegiate Church, were presumed by the makers of the said Act, in respect [Page 110] of their professions and Offices (which ought to put them in con­tinuall memory of their dueties) to need no Law to enforce them to the performance of so iust and charitable a worke, And there­fore did by special Prouiso except and exempt them out of the said Act: His most excellent Maiestie, in his godly meditations, cal­ling to his blessed remembrance, how good and necessary it is, That the deuout, godly, and charitable intents of the said Foun­ders and giuers should be exactly and duely performed, And no­thing doubting, but that the sayd persons, bodies Politique and Corporate so excepted, will aswell in discharge of their owne con­sciences (albeit they be not bound by the said Act) as for example to all others (that may be enforced thereby) wil speedily, Christi­anly, and exactly performe their said duety: Yet lest that any in so great a number should be found either so remisse, as to neglect the speedie employment of the same, or so vncharitable and vncon­scionable, as in any sort, by fraude or deuises to seeke to peruert or ouerthrow the true institution and meaning of the sayd Foun­ders or Giuers; His most excellent Maiestie, in his Princely and Royall care, That the sayd good and godly vses and intents may be duely and speedily employed, as is abouesayd, And that no per­son or persons bodies Politike or Corporate (presuming to passe away with impunitie) neglect, or not performe their dueties in that behalfe, Doeth (by aduise of his Priuie Councell) straitly charge and command aswell all and singuler person and persons, bodies Politike and Corporate, within either of the sayd Vniuer­sities of Cambridge or Oxeford, or within Westminster, Eaton, or Winchester, or any Cathedrall or Collegiate Church aforesaid, as all other person and persons, bodies Politique and Corporate whatsoeuer hauing any Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments, profits, goods, chattels, summes of money, or other things men­tioned to be giuen, limited, assigned or appointed to or for any of the good and charitable vses abouesaid, That they and euery of them doe wel and faithfully imploy the said Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, summes of money or other things, according to the true meaning, ordinance, and institution of the Founders, or giuers of the same, vpon paine of his Maie­sties high displeasure, and of such penalties and punishments, as they shall iustly deserue for contemning of his Royall commande­ment, in a cause so iust and necessary to be performed, and for their demerits in that behalfe.

And albeit his Maiesty knoweth, that for and concerning such person and persons, bodies politique and Corporate as be exemp­ted out of the said Act, such sufficient remedy and reformation by [Page 111] visitations, and other lawfull meanes may be had in the cases a­bouesaid: Yet forasmuch as these proceedings will require time, and draw the parties exempted out of the said Act, from their stu­dies, and exercises of learning, and put them to no small charge; His most excellent Maiestie, hath for their ease and profit taken this more speedy course by these presents in maner and forme a­bouesayd; Giuing all and singuler the person and persons, bo­dies Politique and Corporate abouesayd assuredly to know, That whosoeuer shall violate, or not performe his Maiesties Royall commandement hereby published, that he, or they, or any of them shall not hope to passe away with impunity, but shall vndergoe such paines, penalties, and punishments, as by the seuerity of the Lawes of this Realme, may be inflicted and imposed vpon so grie­uous and vncharitable offendours.

Giuen at his Maiesties Castle of Rockingham the 11. day of August, in the third yeere of his Maiesties Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation, against certaine calumnious surmises concerning the Church gouernment of Scotland.

WHereas we haue euer since it pleased God to establish vs in the Imperial Crowne of Great Britaine, equally regarded the good of both the late Kingdomes of Scotland and England, now happily vnited in our Royal person in one Monarchie, euer minding to maintaine and continue the good and lowable customes and Lawes whereby each of them hath bene these many ages so worthily gouerned: neuerthelesse some malitious spirits, enemies to that common tranquilitie so much desired by vs (forgetting the many proofes both publique and priuate, which we haue giuen of that our gratious affection to that our natiue and ancient countrey of North Britaine. of the freedome, libertie and priuiledges whereof we haue at all occasi­ons taken so speciall a patrociny, as the solemne assemblies of the Estates of South Britaine, and Commissioners from the Estates of both Kingdoms haue bene eye witnesses) haue not bene ashamed to labour to peruert the minds of our best affected subiects, That whereas the insolent and factious cariage of some of them hath merited most seuere animaduersion, they would insinuate them­selues in the commiseration of the multitude, by assuming vnto them a glorious profession of the maintaining of the Priuiledges [Page 112] and auctorized discipline, intended by vs (as they affirme) to be vt­terly ouerthrowne by a sudden and vnseasonable laying vpon them at this present the Rites, Ceremonies, and whole Ecclesia­sticall order established in the Church of this part of our King­dome of Britaine. And as we haue euer carefully regarded how conuenient it is to maintaine euery Countrey in that forme of gouernment which is fittest and can best agree with the constitu­tion thereof, and how dangerous alterations are without good aduice and mature deliberation, & that euen in matters of order of the Church, in some small Ilands vnder our Dominions, wee haue abstained from suffering any alteration: So doubt we not, but our good Subiects will neuer be that credulous contrary to the knowen trueth, which hath euer appeared clearely in all our Actions, as to be in any doubt, but as in all our proceedings wee haue bene a Patrone of Religion and Iustice, (two inseparable conseruers of all Monarchies,) So hath all our study and care euer bene to retrench and reforme all courses that caried any pre­iudice to that integritie whereat we haue euer aymed, and as by so many good Lawes set forth in our gouernment, Iustice hath attained to another perfection and splendor, then it had in any our predecessors times, and with painefull and vnpleasant busi­nesse, wee haue in the discipline of the Church taken away innu­merable abuses and corruptions, which if they had not bene re­medied, had brought the puritie of Religion in extreeme danger. Yet we hope that none dare be so impudent as to affirme that by our Soueraigne power, or absolute commandement we did the same (although we enioyed our auctoritie as freely as any King or Monarch of the world) but as the disease of the Ciuil body was euer cured by the aduise of our three Estates, So the defects of the Church by the helpe and counsell of those who had greatest in­terest in them, So as the presumption of our by-gone actions in our administration, whiles we were present, the proofe of our fa­therly care towards this part of our kingdome since our residence here, may be sufficient to secure vs against all such malitious ca­lumniations. And how euer in rule of pollicie we cannot but iudge it conuenient that two estates so inseparably conioyned, should be drawen to as great conformitie in al things as the good of both may permit; And that no Monarchy either in Ciuill or Ecclesiasticall pollicie hath yet attained to that perfection, that it needs no reformation, or that infinite occasions may not arise whereupon wise Princes will foresee for the benefite of their States, iust cause of alteration: Yet are we and haue euer bene resolued, not to make any sudden or hasty change in the gouerne­ment [Page 113] of that part of our Kingdome, either Ciuil or Ecclesiastical, but with graue aduice and consent of our Estates, and the wisest and best sort of them whom it most properly concerns, much lesse to trouble them with any vnnecessary alteration of indifferent and Ceremoniall matters, and that vpon such foreseene aduan­tages, and preuention of confusion and euill to come, as the grea­test enemies of all Peace, obedience to Princes, and order in all gouernments shal not obtrude any inconuenient to the contrary. And as by Gods holy assistance, we haue drawen that part of our Kingdome out of infinite troubles, factions, and cruel barbari­ties, and reduced the vttermost borders and confines thereof to Gods obedience, and acknowledging of our Lawes; (an Estate neuer heard of before, since this Iland hath bene inhabited) So by the same diuine prouidence and our fatherly care ouer the whole Iland, we intend to transmit the same in good order, hap­py quietnesse, and flourishing pollicie to that posteritie where­with God hath blessed vs, and after them to the worlds end; Like as for the more verification of our Honourable intention, and to stop the mouthes of these vnquiet spirits, raisers of that false scandall of alteration, We haue appointed a generall assembly to be holden at Dundee the last Tuesday of Iuly, whereat we expect reparation of those disorders in so farre as belongeth to their cen­sure, and to be freed in time comming of all such calumnies.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the 26. day of September, in the third yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation for the annihila­ting of Commissions formerly granted for taking vp of Hounds, &c.

WHere vpon our first comming to the succession of this Kingdome, at the sute of diuers persons, who had or pretended to haue from the Queene of famous me­mory our sister deceased, Commissions as annexed of course to se­ueral Offices which they held, for the taking vp of Hounds, Grey­hounds, Spaniels, and dogges of other sorts accustomed for Ve­nery, Faulconry or other sports of Princes, Wee did renew vnto them their said Commissions, and grant the like to some others who had no offices, vpon diuers suggestions made vnto vs, which Commissions we haue since bene informed from diuers parts of our Realme, that inferiour Officers who haue bene trusted with [Page 114] them, haue abused and do dayly abuse, contrary to the meaning of the same, which was to be executed no further foorth then the necessity of our seruice should require: And forasmuch also as we haue had good proofe that Gentlemen & others, who delight in the like pastime of hunting and hauking, haue & wil be ready at all times of their owne good will and respect to our recreations, to furnish vs of sufficient number of dogges of all sorts, which we shall haue cause to vse, when they shall be informed that we haue need of them: We haue therefore found it vnnecessary to con­tinue the execution of any our Commissions heretofore giuen for that purpose, And do hereby notifie the same to all our Subiects, and expresly charge and command all thosc, who haue any such Commissions or Warrants from vs vnder our great Seale, or a­ny other our Seales, that they doe not onely forbeare to put the same in execution from henceforth, but also do bring in and deli­uer vp the said Commissions and Warrants, into our Chancery, or any other Office, where they haue bene Sealed, within the space of Twentie dayes after the publishing hereof, as they will answere the contrary at their perill. Willing also and comman­ding our Attourney generall, and all other of our Counsell lear­ned, that whensoeuer they shall receiue information, that any person, who hath had such Commission from vs, shall after the time aboue limitted execute the same, that they do prosecute their offence therein as in case of contempt by all such wayes and meanes, as in like case is vsuall.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the 27. day of September, in the third yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation for the search and apprehension of Thomas Percy.

WHereas one Thomas Percy a Gentleman Pensioner to his Maiestie, is discouered to haue bene priuie to one of the most horrible Treasons that euer was con­triued, that is, to haue blowen vp this day, while his Maiestie should haue bene in the vpper House of the Parliament, attended with the Queene, the Prince, all his Nobilitie & the Commons, with Gun-powder (for which purpose a great quantitie of Pow­der was conueyed into a Vault vnder the said Chamber, which is this morning there found) the Chamber where they should bee assembled, which Percy is sithens fled: These are to will and com­mand [Page 115] all our Officers and louing Subiects whatsoeuer, to doe that which we doubt not but they will willingly performe accor­ding to the former experience we haue had of their loue and zeale toward vs, That is, to make all diligent search for the said Percy, and him to apprehend by all possible meanes, especially to keepe him aliue, to the end the rest of the Conspirators may be discoue­red. The said Percy is a tall man, with a great broad beard, a good face, the colour of his beard and head mingled with white haires, but the head more white then the beard, he stoupeth somewhat in the shoulders, well coloured in the face, long footed, small legged.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster, the fift day of Nouember, in the third yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation denouncing Thomas Percy and other his ad­herents to be Traitors.

VVHereas Thomas Percy Gentleman, and some o­ther his Confederates, persons knowen to bee so vtterly corrupted with the superstition of the Ro­mish religion, as seduced with the blindnesse thereof, and being other wise of lewde life, insolent disposition, and for the most part of desperate estate, haue bin discouered to haue contriued the most horrible treason that euer entred into the hearts of men, against our Person, our Children, the whole Nobilitie, Cleargie, & Com­mons in Parliament assembled, which howsoeuer cloaked with zeale of superstitious religion, aymed indeed at the subuersion of the State, and to induce an horrible confusion of all things, In which they and all others of bankerupt and necessitous estate, might haue those of better abilitie for a pray to repaire their beg­gerly Fortunes, and haue proceeded so farre some of them in their deuilish attempts, as to assemble in Troupes in our Counties of Warwicke and Worcester, where they haue broken vp a Stable, and taken out Horses of diuers Noblemen and Gentlemen, with­in our Towne of Warwicke, And no doubt but doe proceed fur­ther in their purposes, seeking to raise some Rebellion in our Realme, and wil with many fained & false allegations seeke to se­duce diuers of our subiects, especially with shew of religion: Al­though wee are by good experience so well perswaded of the loy­altie of diuers of our Subiects (though not professing true Reli­gion) that they doe as much abhorre this detestable conspiracie [Page 116] conspiracie as our Selfe, and will be ready to doe their best ende­uours (though with expence of their blood) to suppresse all At­temptors against our safetie and the quiet of our State, and to discouer whomsoeuer they shall suspect to be of rebellious or trai­terous disposition: Yet haue we thought good by this our open declaration, to giue warning and aduertisement to all our Sub­iects whatsoeuer, of that horrible purpose of Percies and his Com­plices, and to distinguish betwene all others, calling themselues Catholickes, and these detestable Traitors: And therefore doe de­nounce and publish all the persons hereunder named, Adherents to Percy, to be Traitours knowen, and that all others are in the same case, who shall in any wise either receiue, abette, cherish, en­tertaine, or adhere vnto them, or not doe their best endeuours to apprehend and take them.

Wherfore we will and command all our Lieutenants, Deputy lieutenants, Sheriffes, Iustices of Peace, Maiors, Bailiffes, Constables, and all other our Officers, Ministers and louing Subiects to take knowledge thereof, and to doe their best duties herein, as they wil answere the contrary at their vttermost perill: Not doubting, but that they all, without regard of their pretence of Religion, will with one heart and will, employ themselues for the suppressing, apprehending, detecting, and discouering of all sorts of persons any wayes likely to bee priuie to a Treason so hatefull to God and men, and implying in it the vtter subuersion of this Realme, and dignitie thereof.

And where we doe heare that many do spread abroad, that this Conspiracie was intended onely for matter of Religion, and that forreine Princes our neighbours are interessed therein, which ru­mors are diuulged by busie persons both to scandalize the Amitie wherein we stand with all Christian Princes and States, and to giue vnto lewde persons hope that they shall be backed in their en­terprises by great Potentates: We doe delare, that we cannot ad­mit so inhumane a thought, as to conceiue that any Prince, of what Religion soeuer, could giue eare to so sauage and barbarous and imagination: And that by such examinations as hitherto haue bene taken, we find them all, and their ministers cleere from any suspicion of priuitie thereunto; whereof one infallible Ar­gument to vs is, That all the Ministers of forraine Princes, which are now here, made earnest sute to vs to bee present in the place that day. And therefore wee doe admonish and charge all our Subiects, that they shall not speake of any the Princes our neighbours, or their Ambassadours, otherwise then reuerently, vpon paine of our displeasure, and to be punished as persons see­king [Page 117] the disturbance of the Peace wherein we liue with our sayd neighbours.

¶ A Proclamation, promising reward to him that shall apprehend Tho. Percy.

FOrasmuch as it appeareth now in part, who were the Com­plices of Percy in his detestable Treason published by our former Proclamations, in their assembling together to moue our people to Rebellion, Although perhaps many of them did ne­uer vnderstand the secret and depth of his abhominable purpose; and that amongst those which do flee for feare of our power, and for the guiltinesse of their offence, Wee are informed that the sayd Percy is: Wee haue thought it good to make knowen to all men, both that we put great odds betweene his part of the Trea­son and other mens; And also, that forasmuch as it importeth greatly that he should be taken, to the end that by his confessions, the whole plot and the partners thereof might be discouered, and from himselfe the horrible purpose opened, which it is likely that many whom he hath seduced did neuer vnderstand, And also that by the exemplary punishment of him, others be terrified frō such Treasons, as tend not onely to our destruction, but to the confu­sion and vtter dissolution of the State: If any person shall ap­prehend the said Percy, and bring him to vs or any our Officers a­liue; if that person be an offendour and paxtner with him in his Treason in whatsoeuer degree, we will not onely giue him par­don of his life, lands, and goods, but also bestow on him a reward of the value of one Thousand pounds at the least. And if he be no offendor, yet shall he haue that or a greater reward. And for their assurance we doe hereby giue our pricely word.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the 8. day of Nouember, in the third yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation for the searching for, and apprehending of Robert Win­ter, and Stephen Littleton.

VVHere amongst other persons discouered to be confe­derats in the late horrible Treason, for the destruc­tion of our person and the whole Estates of the Realme, one Robert Winter Esquire, is knowen to be a principall, who is fled for the same, and being not found among the company taken and defeated by the Sheriffe of our Countie of Worcester, doeth lurke in some places of our Realme: Although we doubt not, by that experience which in this cause we haue had of the di­ligence of our ministers in the apprehending of al persons, whom they shall haue cause to suspect; Yet because the said Winter is vn­knowen to many, we haue thought it conuenient to publish a de­scription of him, to the end he may the sooner be found by those who shall lay wait for him, And to will and command all our Of­ficers, ministers and louing Subiects whatsoeuer, to make all di­ligent search for the said Winter, and him to apprehend by all pos­sible meanes, especially to doe their best to keepe him aliue, to re­ceiue condigne punishment for his detestable crime. The like di­ligence we doe also will and require them to vse in the apprehen­ding of Stephen Littleton Gentleman, whose description is also hereunder written.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the 18. day of Nouember, in the 3. yere of our reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

Robert Winter is a man of meane stature, rather low then o­therwise, square made, somewhat stouping, neere fourtie yeeres of age, his haire and beard browne, his beard not much, and his haire short.

Stephen Litleton is a very tall man, swarthy of complexion, of browne coloured haire, no beard or little, about 30. yeeres of age.

¶ A Proclamation, warranting She­riffes to prosecute Rebels into other Counties.

WHereas the custody and safe keeping of our seuerall Counties and Shires of our Realme of England, are by our ancient Common lawes committed to [Page 119] seuerall Sheriffes, being ancient conseruators of the Peacr, and ministers of Iustice within the same, who by force of their Offices may assemble, and take the power and strength of our said Coun­ties and Shires committed to their charge, not onely for the due execution of Iustice, but also for the preseruation of our Peace, and the speedy and timely dissolution and suppressing of all In­surrections, Rebellions, outragious Riots, Routes, and other ex­orbitant and vnlawfull assemblies, to the ende that such dange­rous attempts might be suppressed in their beginnings, and our louing Subiects liue and exercise their scuerall vocations in all peace & plentie; The good effect of the execution of which Lawes hath well appeared, in that the most detestable and diabolical Re­bellion of Percy and his complices in our Counties of Warwicke, Worcester, and Stafford, (that had bene so secretly contriued, and so long in hatching,) was by the peaceable ministers of our Lawes, and by due execution of their Offices, without any extra­ordinary power or forces, most loyally, resolutely, and speedily sup­pressed: And whereas some question or scruple hath bene (as we are enformed) moued amongst some of the vulgar, Whether any of our Sheriffes, may, with the power of their seuerall Counties or Shires, in pursuit of Rebels and Traitors, follow them into any other County, Albeit by the Lawes of this Realme, Sheriffes, as it falleth out in dayly experience, in priuate cases betweene party and party (matters of no such eminent and publike danger and consequence as this is) iustly and lawfully do the like, where­of we presume few or none can be ignorant: Yet we meaning to giue satisfaction to all, doe hereby publish and declare, That such pursuit of Rebels and Traitors into other Counties, is not onely in such cases lawfull and iustifiable, But, that if any of our Sub­iects being thereunto required by any of our Sheriffes, shall not follow and assist them in such pursuit, that they are to be seuerely and sharply punished for their high contempt and offence in that behalfe. But if in such pursuit the Sheriffe of the same Coun­tie of Shire (whereunto such Rebels or Traitors shall flie or es­cape) shall also come with the power of his County before such Rebels or Traitors be apprehended or suppressed, Then the She­riffe so pursuing from any other County or Shire shall assist and ioyne with the Sheriffe in his proper County or Shire, for the apprehension or suppressing of such Rebels and Traitors, And if such Rebels or Traitors shall flie or escape into any house or other place of strength and defence, and shal not yeeld themselues being thereunto required by the Sheriffe or any of his company that so shall pursue them, but obstinately and wilfully make resistance, [Page 120] That then it shall be lawfull for euery such Sheriffe so pursuing with such power & strength, as he shall collect, or shal assist him, to beat downe, burne, or otherwise wast any such house or place of defence for the better apprehension or suppressing of such Rebels and Traitors. And albeit we desire that such industry and care may be taken, as that such offendors may be apprehended aliue, Yet we let it be knowen, that if otherwise through their rebelli­ous obstinacy and resistance, such Rebellion cannot be suppressed, That it shall be lawfull and iustifiable in those cases of necessitie, for the Sheriffe and his company assisting him, to kill and destroy such Traitors and Rebels. And as the faithfull endeuours of our louing Subiects with such alacrity as they haue shewed in this late Rebellion, is very acceptable vnto vs; So if in any such case any person or persons shall vnder pretence of our publique seruice, maliciously and vniustly seeke to reuenge any priuate quarrell, we let them know that they shall not escape without se­uere and condigne punishments according to their demerits in that behalfe.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster, the 19. day of Nouember, in the third yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation for the apprehen­sion and discouerie of Iohn Gerrard, Henry Garnet, and Oswald Tesmond.

IT is so manifest to the world by all our proceedings hitherto towards those Subiects of ours, which doe professe the Ro­mish religion, how slow we haue bene to extend the seuerity of our Lawes (in matter of life) euen against the Romish Priests themselues, who seditiously incite and warrant the ignorant Papists to forsake their naturall loue and loyaltie; as we assure our selues that all which wee shall now require hereby at the hands of our people, will appeare most iust by the Lawes of na­ture, and by the straight bonds of our peoples affections to vs their Soueraigne, and to their Countrey (although there were no such certaine positiue Lawes as there are, so straitly to enioyne the same, and vnder so heauy paines.) And therefore seeing it is now made plaine and euident by diuers examinations of many of those prisoners that haue bene the principall Conspirators in the barbarous practise to destroy (with powder) our owne Person and Posteritie, with the whole State of the Realme in Parlia­ment [Page 121] assembled, that those three Iesuites vnder named, Iohn Gerrard aliâs Brooke, Henry Garnet aliâs Walley, aliâs Darcy, aliâs Far­mer, Oswald Tesmond aliâs Greenway, haue all three peculiarly bene practisers in the same; and being throughly perswaded that (in this treason so foule and odious to euery good Subiects eares and hearts) we shall find no man so blind or impious, as for any distinction whatsoeuer, to forbeare to doe their vttermost dueties for the discouery and apprehension of them that haue so extraor­dinarily sinned against God, and betrayed vs:

We haue now thought good (in that consideration the rather) not onely to make knowen to all men, the bloody and cruel crimes whereof these particuler persons are guilty, but also to declare to all our Subiects hereby, That although the conformitie of all our Subiects to our commandements herein, shall be no more then that which we doe assuredly promise our selues from such lo­uing people, of whose fidelitie wee haue had so extraordinary ex­perience in like cases; Neuerthelesse we are resolued, that whoso­euer shall be found to haue bene the particular occasion or instru­ment of their apprehensions, or any of them, shall be particularly rewarded by vs, as diuers haue beene already, that haue shewed their zeale and forwardnesse for the prosecution and apprehension of some of these Conspirators: Adding thereunto this further protestation, That if it shall appeare by any confessions hereaf­ter, that any persons within our Dominions or Countreys (af­ter this declaration of these mens guiltinesse in crimes so farre beyond example) shall presume to be a Harbourer, maintainer, or Concealer of any of these three persons, or shall not doe his best for their discouery and apprehension, That we are resolued (without hope of mercy or forgiuenesse) to suffer the Lawes of the Realme, to be most seuerely executed vpon them, as vpon those whom wee esteeme to be no lesse pernicious to our Person, State and Com­mon wealth, then those that haue bene Actors and concealers of the maine treason it selfe.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster, the 15. day of Ianuary, in the third yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

Description of the seuerall parties aboue named.

IOhn Gerrard, aliâs Brooke, of stature tall, and according there­unto well set: his complexion swart or blackish: his face large: his cheeks sticking out, and somewhat hollowe vnderneath the cheeks: the haire of his head long, if it be not cut off: his beard cut close, sauing litle mustachoes, and a litle tuft vnder his lower lip: about fourtie yeeres old.

[Page 122]

HEnry Garnet, aliâs Walley, aliâs Darcy, aliâs Farmer, of a midling stature, full faced, fat of body, of complexion faire: his fore­head high on each side, with a litle thinne haire comming downe vpon the midst of the forepart of his head: the haire of his head and beard grisled: of age betweene fiftie and threescore: his beard on his cheeks cut close, on his chinne but thinne, and somewhat short: his gate vpright, and comely for a fat man.

OSwald Tesmond, aliâs Greenway, of meane stature, somewhat grosse: his haire blacke: his beard bushie and browne, some­thing long, a broad forehead, and about fourtie yeeres of age.

¶ A Proclamation touching a se­ditious rumour suddenly raised.

WHere a seditious rumour hath bene raised this mor­ning, that some ill accident should bee befallen our person, and thereupon the people thereabouts haue bene raised in Armes by direction from Constable to Constable, but with vncertaine knowledge from whom the first ground should be raised, or by what Warrant; Which we hold to be done purposely by some tumultuous spirits, to draw our Subiects together in Armes, to what intent we know not, vntill further examination may make it manifest; Wee doe hereby make it knowen to all our louing Subiects, that (God be thanked) we remaine in good and perfect health: And doe require them to con­teine themselues from assemblies, or gathering together in Armes or in conuenticles; Assuring themselues, that after due examination of this seditious Rumour, we will make knowen to them the Authors and intent thereof. And whosoeuer shall not obey this our commandement, we shall hold them for seditious, and breakers of our peace. And doe command all our Lieute­nants, deputie Lieutenants, Iustices of Peace, Maiors, She­riffes, and all other our Officers, ministers and louing Subiects, to doe their dueties in conteining our people within their due obedience, and to aduertise vs, or our Priuie Counsel, of all disturbers thereof.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster, the 22. day of March, in the third yere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1605.

¶ A Proclamation declaring what Flaggs South and North Britaines shall beare at Sea.

WHereas some difference hath arisen be­tweene our Subiects of South and North Britaine traueyling by Seas, a­bout the bearing of their Flagges: For the auoyding of all such contentions hereafter, We haue with the aduise of our Councell ordered; That from hencefoorth all our Subiects of this Ile and kingdome of Great Britaine, and the members thereof, shall beare in their Mainetop the Red Crosse, com­monly called S. Georges Crosse, and the White Crosse commonly called S. Andrewes Crosse, ioyned together according to a forme made by our Heralds, and sent by vs to our Admirall to be pub­lished to our said Subiects: And in their Foretop our Subiects of South Britaine shall weare the Red Crosse onely as they were wont, and our Subiects of North Britaine in their Fore-top the White Crosse onely as they were accustomed.

Wherefore we will and command all our Subiects to be con­formable and obedient to this our Order, and that from hence­foorth they doe not vse to beare their Flagges in any other sort, as they will answere the contrary at their perill.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster the twelfth day of April, in the 4. yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1606.

¶ A Proclamation for preuention of future abuses in Purueyance.

SVch is the zeale and inward affection which we haue found in all sorts of our louing and loyall Subiects of this our Kingdome, as we are content to acknowledge, that (besides [Page 124] the Christian care which all Kings are bound by the Law of God and nature to take ouer all their people) our owne sence and ap­prehension of their complaints, doeth dayly increase with the fee­ling we haue of their honest merits. In which respect, hauing ta­ken some more particular paines in the examination of diuers circumstances, then is common to many princes; we did not only command all our Officers to be very diligent to trie out and pu­nish the offences of Purueyours with all seueritie, but to fall into serious consideration, how all occasion may bee taken away here­after, whereby those inferiour Ministers, which are vsed there­in, may make themselues (vnder colour of our prerogatiue royal) the instruments of corruption and rapine: A matter most odious to our owne nature, who haue alwayes more desire to giue then to receiue from any our Subiects, except it be where necessitie in­forceth vs thereunto, euen for the support and preseruation of that state and dignitie wherein Almightie God hath placed vs. For better assurance whereof, We haue thought it very conueni­ent at this time, to take some occasion in this maner to expresse the fruits of our care and consideration concerning this particu­lar point of Purueyances.

FIrst, when wee were informed that some inferiour ministers had presumed to goe so farre beyond their Commission, as they haue aduentured not onely to take timber trees growing (which being parcell of our Subiects inheritance were neuer intended by vs to be taken) without the good will and full contentment of the Owners, but haue accustomed also to take vp farre greater quantities of prouisions for our house and stable, then euer came or were needfull for our vse (as most especially in wood, coale, hay, and cariage vpon our Progresse iourneys or remoues:) Although we haue no cause to doubt, but that our Officers of our Green-cloth haue bene and will be euer most ready to search out and pu­nish all such offences vpon iust complaints, Yet we did not leaue the pursuit and triall thereof to them onely, but did particularly direct our Attorney generall to informe against them on our be­halfe in our Court of Starre-chamber, where some of them vpon their confession, haue already receiued (by censure of that Court) condigne punishment by Fine, imprisonment, pillorie, and loo­sing of their eares, And some others seeking to saue themselues by denying that wherewith they were charged, doe still remaine vnder examination to receiue the like punishment, vpon due proofe thereof to be made against them. By which example wee perswade our selues, that all honest men will rest so well assured of our good intention to reforme abuses (euen to their greatest sa­tisfaction [Page 125] when there is iust occasion) as they will carefully and willingly. continue their obedience and conformitie to those cour­ses for furnishing such prouisions as are necessary for vs which were taken by the consent of most of the principall Gentlemen, and good Patriots in seuerall Counties, And whereof aboue six­teene Shires haue had continuance by the space of forty yeeres, Especially considering how many good, and wise Princes of this Realme, that haue gone before vs, where such agreements haue not bin made, haue held themselues to their right of purueyance, which is one of the most ancient flowers of the Crowne in our Progenitors, and must descend to our posteritie, whom God (we hope) both hath, and will so farre enable with his blessings, and graces, as they shall prooue themselues no lesse able, nor worthy then any others, to enioy and preserue the right, of a iust and law­full Monarchie. Wherein, because all wise men knowe suffici­ently, that wheresoeuer there must be a trust in vulgar persons, it is not possible to keepe their actions from errors, and abuses; We haue thought it fit for a further demonstration of our great care to preuent the same, to publish that which followeth, as well to terrifie the euil, as to comfort the well affected, whose iust griefe shall euer lie as neere vs, as our owne.

BE it therefore knowen hereby, that we doe giue expresse charge and commandement, that none of our Purueyours, nor other of our Officers or ministers whatsoeuer, that now are, or hereaf­ter shall be, or any of them, or any of their deputies or seruants, shall take for vs, or in our name, or to or for any vse whatsoeuer, any timber trees of any our Subiects, growing in any place, or places whatsoeuer, without the expresse consent, and agreement of the owner thereunto had and obtained. Of which particular abuses we cannot conceale our mislike, both in respect of the iniu­rie done thereby to that laudable policie of the Realme for main­taining of timber, & also in the particular feeling we haue in our own affections how grieuous it is for any man to behold y^e fruits, and honest pleasures of his owne labors or his ancestors, defaced and spoiled by the lewde & rauenous malice of base companions.

SEcondly, because we haue considered that our Subiects may be sometime ouer burthened (against the meaning of our prin­cipall Officers) by the vnreasonable taking of wood, coale, hay, oats and such like prouisions in time of progresse: We do expresly charge and command all our Officers, ministers, or any of their deputies and seruants, to forbeare to take either wood, coale, hay, or oats in larger proportion, then shall bee found necessary to bee expended for the Seruice of our house and stable.

ANd further our pleasure is, that none of our Purueyours or takers of cariage, or Cart takers (for the time being) nor any of their deputies or seruants, nor any other of our Officers or mi­nisters whatsoeuer, shal vpon our iourneys, remoues, or progresse, take vp any carts or cariages for any Noble man, gentleman, ar­tizan, or others whatsoeuer, not being our seruants in ordinary, and necssarily for that time to attend vs. In which point that it may the better appeare, how sparingly it shalbe vsed, we do expres­ly command, that there be no more cariages taken, then shall bee particularly comprised in a list, which shall be made for that pur­pose, and signed with the hands of the principall officers of our Chamber, houshold, and stable: And for the rest, whatsoeuer they be, either noble men, gentlemen, artizans, or others that doe fol­low vs, our expresse pleasure and commandement is, That they from hencefoorth at all times hereafter prouide their cariages (such as they shall like to haue or vse) at their owne proper costes and charges, and by their owne meanes, without vsing in any sort either our name or authority, or any of our Purueyours, or ny of their deputies or seruants, for, or about the same.

ANd we doe withall hereby signifie vnto all and euery our pur­ueyors, their deputies and seruants, and all others that may receiue any order from them touching purueyance of cariages, or the making of any the prouisions aforesayd for any our progresse, iourneys, or remoues, That if in any point therein they doe carry themselues contrary to this our expresse prohibition in that be­halfe made, that for such their offences they shall be proceeded a­gainst in the seuerest maner, and receiue such exemplary punish­ment, as by our Lawes may be inflicted vpon them.

ANd we do straitly charge our principall Officers of our house­hold and stable, and other officers of our Greencloth, vpon due information, and proofe made before them of any our mini­sters offending in any the kindes before specified, to deliuer the sayd offenders into the hands of some of the Iustices of Peace of the sayd shire or Countie, where the sayd offence, or offences were committed, to the end they may proceed against them in as seuere maner, as the Law and Iustice of our Realme requireth, or al­loweth. And if any of the offences aforesayd shall seeme fitter to be proceeded withall in the Court of Starre chamber, then in the Counties where the offences shall bee committed; Then we doe straitly charge and command our Atturney generall for the time being, that if information be giuen vnto him by any our Iustices of Peace of the misdemeanor of any person so deliuered, to see the sayd offender prosecuted, and duely punished. Prouided alwayes, [Page 127] that our meaning is not hereby to prohibite any our Iustices of Peace, vpon iust complaints of any of our louing Subiects, to examine, to binde ouer to the Sessions, or (if neede require it) to commit any such offenders in their seuerall Shires: And then, certifying the cause of such commitments to the Officers of our Greenecloth, to proceed (vpon good proofes) in further punishment of the faults, according to the Lawes of the Realme.

ANd We doe in like manner expresly prohibite and forbid all persons, after the end of this Session of Parliament, to make and Purueyance without Commission for euery seuerall Shire, containing the kindes, and quantities (so neere as may bee) which they are to puruey in such a Shire. And that to the same Commissions blanke Scedules bee annexed, which cannot bee taken off, wherein they shall truely, in presence of such high Constable, or Constables, pettie Constable, or Constables, Headborough, or Headboroughes, as shall (by precept to him or them directed) bee priuie to the deliuery of any the prouisions in the sayd Commission specified, enter their takings presently, whereunto the sayde Constable, &c. shall subscribe their names or signe Manuell. And that the Owners or Sellers, if they will, may presently likewise subscribe their names or marks to the same. And that when they haue finished their takings in any such Shire, That then they deliuer a Duplicate of the sayde Schedule containing their takings, and a true Copie of their proportions appoynted, to one of the next Iustices of Peace, to the ende it may appeare that their takings exceede not their Warrants.

FVrthermore, where We haue beene informed, that diuers complaints haue bene made of some hard course taken by our Officers of our Greene-cloth towards diuers of our louing Subiects, at such times as they haue enformed against Pur­ueyours and such like Officers vpon abuses; Although Wee haue no doubt, that any of our Officers will in any such case so much forget their respect to Iustice or Duety to Vs (the princi­pall Officers being Counsellers of State, and the rest Knights and Gentlemen of good qualitie and discretion) yet to the intent our people may be satisfied that we haue no purpose to suffer any interruption of Iustice, vnder pretext of our authoritie; We doe hereby declare it, and so is our will and pleasure, that in case any of our louing Subiects shall be imprisoned for so doing, that the Iudges of our High Court at Westminster shall award a Habeas corpus for their reliefe, according to our Lawes.

ANd for the better satisfaction of our people, of whose loyaltie and inward affections we stand so much assured, as they will not repine at any prouision deliuered by vertue of our Commissi­on, if it may appeare to come to our vse, our wil & pleasure there­fore is, that our Iustices of Peace in euery seuerall County or Countrey where any prouision shalbe taken by vertur of our Commissions, shall at their quarter Sessions take particular reckning of the high and pettie Constables of all warrants com­ming vnto them from any minister of ours, together with what prouisions or carriages they haue deliuered vnto them by vertue of our Commission, the true and iust Certificate whereof they shal halfe yeerely at the least, vnder the hands and Seales of some of them certifie to our Treasurer and Comptroller, or other our Of­ficers of Greencloth, who presently by the parcels and accompts of our house shall duely examine the receit from such Purueyors. And if it be found by Certificate of the said Iustices or otherwise, that they haue taken more then they haue deliuered for our vse or expence, vnlesse it shall appeare to haue had iust cause of miscarry­ing by the way: then we require our Officers of Houshold, vpon paine of our displeasure, without delay to send the party so offen­ding into the County where such offence or offences shalbe com­mitted, there to receiue punishment of life and member as the good and ancient Lawes of our Realme haue formerly ordeined and appointed.

FVrthermore, as we did in our returne out of Wiltshire, being our first progresse, vpon the examination of some abuses, draw downe the number of our carriages to such a proportion as two full third parts was diminished of the numbers before time vsed: euen so at this time, because we conceiue that the matter of car­riages is the greatest grieuance, And that it is oftentimes no lesse trouble to our people to come emptie with their carts to Court to take in carriages, then to conuey them; We doe therefore here­by also command all persons vsed in the seruice of Cart-taking for our remoues, to forbeare to take either more carriages then are of necessitie to be vsed, or to warne or charge carts in any Ci­tie, Towne, Burrow, or hundred aboue fourteene miles at any time distant from the place where they are to receiue their loding, vpon paine of loosing their Office and Seruice, and such further punishment as is to be inflicted vpon them for their contempts. And we doe likewise require all high Constables, vpon receipt of any Warrants from any our Cart-takers, their seruants or depu­ties for warning of Carts within their hundreds, that they pre­sume not to warne any but in such part of the hundreth as shalbe [Page 129] within compasse of the fourteen miles aboue specified, vpon paine of the penalties before expressed; vnlesse it shall appeare by the iudgement and Order of the Iustices of that County, or sixe of them at the least, that it shalbe more for the ease of the Countrey to inlarge the extent of the number of miles aforesaid.

FVrther, wee charge and commaund the Purueiors of our Woodyard and Scullary, vpon taking of any proportion of Wood or coale for our prouision, not to medle or assume authority vnto themselues for warning any Carts for carriage of the same, but by direction of two at the least of our Iustices of Peace next adioyning of that County, where such Wood, or coales shalbe ta­ken, to the end the same may be performed with the greatest ease to our louing Subiects, vpon paine of loosing their Office, and such further punishment, as their contempt shall require: Not doubting, but those Iustices, which are made priuy to their Com­mission, wil vse such care, and expedition at all times, for the fur­therance of our seruice, and for the good and quiet of their Coun­trey, as wee shall not be forced by their remisnesse, to returne the wonted authoritie into the hands of the Purueyors.

ANd lastly, as a further demonstration of our inward affection to our people, notwithstanding our ancient Right and Pre­rogatiue of Purueyance so long continued, we haue caused some of our Priuie Councell, (together with our chiefe Officers of the Greenecloth) to fall into present consideration how to prouide (as soone as may be) some such conuenient number of Carts, wholly to be maintained vpon our owne charge, as may serue vs when­soeuer we shall make any sudden remoue, or priuate iourneyes for our exercise, and recreation, without being forced to vse any Com­mission, or to put the Countreys to any charge for furnishing vs vpon any of those vncertaine occasions.

Giuen vnder our Signe manuell at our Palace of Westminster the 23. day of April, in the fourth yeere of our Reigne of Great Bri­taine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1606.

¶ A Proclamation, charging all Ie­suites, Seminaries &c. to depart the land.

WE doe not doubt but that all our Subiects (embrace­ing the true Religion professed in this Church of England, & by Law established within this Realme) are throughly perswaded of our constant resolution for the main­tenance and defence of the same; Not onely because we found it [Page 130] here so many yeeres setled, and blessed of God in the long peace and prosperity of our people, wherewith it hath bene accompa­nied since the first setting the same free from the Romish seruitude, But also and chiefly, because our owne knowledge and vnderstan­ding (illuminated by the Spirit of God) doeth assure vs that the same is agreeable to his Diuine word, and to the doctrine of the Primitiue Church. Of which our purpose and determination, besides all other our former proceedings (since our entry into this kingdome) we haue giuen a new and certaine demonstration by our consent to such two Acts, as haue bene passed in this Session of our Parliament, both tending to preuent the dangers, and di­minish the number of those, who adhering to the profession of the Church of Rome, are blindly led (together with the superstition of their Religion) both into some points of doctrine, which cannot consist with the loyaltie of Subiects towards their Prince, and oft times into direct actions of Conspiracies and coniurations a­gainst the State wherein they liue, as hath most notoriously ap­peared by the late most horrible and almost incredible Coniura­tion, to blow vp vs, our children, and all the three Estates in Par­liament assembled. All which notwithstanding, and although by these late Treasons aboue mentioned, contriued and pursued (as they haue bene) with the priuitie and warrant of so many of the principall Priests of that profession, & grounded vpon points of doctrine, (in that Church held and mainteined) there is suffici­ent cause (if there had neuer bene any other enterprise vpon the same ground) to iustifie the proceedings of vs and our said Par­liament, in the making and execution of these last, and all other former Statutes, tending to the same end: Neuerthelesse, seeing the Soueraigne care appertaineth to vs, who haue the Soue­raigne power of Iustice in our hand, and the supreme dispensa­tion of clemencie, and moderation of the seueritie of our Lawes is likewise as proper to vs to vse, whensoeuer we shall finde it rea­sonable, the same deseruing to be no lesse allowed in vs (being in our Dominions Gods Lieutenant) then it is praised in him, a­mong whose highest Titles it is, That his Mercy is aboue all his workes: Although both Natures iust offence might be excused, if we suffered our selfe to be transported with such passions, as so vile and barbarous prouocations do excite in humane sense, And our prouidence would be also commended, if we did with all vio­lence indeuour to extirpate out of our Realme, not onely such as were guilty of the attempt, but all others that gaue any cause to be suspected of bearing fauour to it, or of whom there is any iust occasion to conceiue that they may be corrupted with the like poy­son: [Page 131] Yet cannot any prouocation or other respect, extinguish in vs so vtterly the exercise of that clemencie, whereunto Nature hath so farre inclined vs, as we can be withholden from renew­ing some course of lenitie againe in some particulars, so farre foorth as it may be without the perill of our Religious and loyall people, that concurre with vs in the profession of the Gospel.

And therefore to the end we might not haue any further sub­iect ministred vnto vs, whereby we must be prouoked to execute Iustice vpon those, who (being called Religious persons, and pro­fessed in diuers orders of their Church, as Priests, Iesuits, Se­minaries, and such like) haue not onely declared themselues to be the stirrers vp of our people to disobedience, But when we were pleased formerly out of our meere Grace to signifie our Royall pleasure for their departure out of this Realme vnpunished, haue few or none of them taken hold of our Gracious fauour, but wil­fully, and (as it were) in scorne of the penalties which our iust Lawes could impose, haue still continued their former practises, and contempt in their returnes: As we doe purpose to send away out of our Realme euen those of that condition, whose liues are in our hands to take euery houre, if we were so disposed, (except­ing onely those that are guilty of that horrible Treason;) So we haue once againe resolued, and for the last warning doe denounce it by these presents, (according to the tenor of our Lawes, and our former Proclamations) That they shall all of them, that is to say, Iesuits, Seminaries, Friers, or any other Priest whatso­euer, Regular or Secular, being made by authority of the church of Rome, depart out of this Realme of England and Wales, before the first day of August next ensuing, vpon paine to incurre the vt­termost danger of our said Lawes. And for their better meanes to depart according to this our pleasure, we doe hereby signifie to them, That if at any time before the said first day of August, they or any of them, excepting Gerrard or Greenwell, shall resort to any Port Towne of our Realme, and there declare himselfe to the Magistrate of the said Towne, or other Officers of our Port, that he is a Priest of any sort whatsoeuer, and that he is there to take shipping for his passage, they shall suffer him or them quietly to depart, and shal see them shipped and sent away, and giue them therein furtherance for their departure.

And because there may be some Priests in hold in diuers parts of our Realme, not yet knowen to vs, We doe will and command all Sheriffes, Bayliffes, and Keepers of prisons, within twentie dayes after the publishing of this Proclamation, to aduertise our Priuie Counsell, or some of them, of the names of all such priests, [Page 132] Iesuits, Seminaries, or of any other sort that are in their custo­dy, and by whom, and for what cause they were committed, to the end that thereupon we may giue order for their transportation.

And now least happily this vnexpected course of our so oft rei­terated clemencie after such an example, should either serue to en­courage the Priests themselues to affront our Iustice, or discou­rage those good and deare Subiects of ours, whose danger and destruction wee know shall neuer bee seuered from our owne, whensoeuer any such Proiects shall be in motion; We doe hereby protest, that this is done with no other purpose, but to auoyd the effusion of blood, and by banishing them presently out of our Do­minions, to remoue all cause of such seueritie, as we shall other­wise be constrained to vse towards the other sort of our people, as long as those Seducers shall haue opportunitie to betray their consciences, and corrupt their loyaltie, towards whom our affec­tions doe so vary with the Obiect, as we confesse, that we desire still to make it appeare in the whole course of our Gouernment, that we are farre from accompting all those Subiects disloyall, that are that way affected, and that we doe distinguish of such as be caried onely with blinde Zeale, and such as sinne out of pre­sumption, and vnder pretext of zeale make it their onely occu­pation to perswade disobedience, and to practise the ruine of this Church and Common-wealth. And therefore as after times must giue vs triall of all mens behauiour, so must all men expect that their owne deserts must be the onely measure of their fortunes at our hands, either one way or other.

Giuen at our Mannour of Greenwich the 10. day of Iune, in the 4. yeere of our reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1606.

¶ A Proclamation for the search and apprehension of certaine Pirates.

WHereas it hath appeared vnto vs by sundry credible informations and certificates from forreine parts, That Richard Gifford Captaine of a Ship or Flyboat, lately called the Fortune, and Richard Lux Master of a Ship cal­led the Hope well, William Mellon, Humfrey Rastoll, Thomas Bet­ter, Robert Gyles, Iohn Thomas, Iohn Burrage, Baldwin Barber, Henry Radcliffe, Iohn Banister, William Smith, with diuers others their Complices, and Associats, seruing as Mariners or Souldiers in the sayd ships, haue vnder colour of friendship and peaceable traf­fique, [Page 133] committed most foule outrages, murders, spoiles and depre­dations within the Streits, and Mediterranean Seas, aswell with­in the ports as without, to the great offence of all our friends, to the extreme losse and hurt of our Merchants trading those parts, both in their persons and goods, and to the great displeasure of God and men; We of our Princely care for the administration of Iustice (the maine pillar of our Estate) doe with no lesse zeale, aswell for the satisfaction of forreine Princes, as for the example of others in like cases offending, intend to prosecute them, and all their Abettors, Complices and Accessaries with the greatest seue­rity of our Lawes in that case prouided:

And therefore we will and straitly command all and euery our Officers and louing Subiects, that immediatly after the sight of this present Proclamation, they and euery of them doe make diligent search and inquirie in all places aswell exempt as not ex­empt, for the sayd persons, and all and euery of them, and them, or any of them so found, to apprehend and commit to the next Gaole, there to be deteined vntill our high Admirall, or his Lieu­tenant the Iudge of the high Court of the Admiraltie, vpon no­tice giuen vnto either of them of the persons so committed, shall take order in that behalfe.

And moreouer our pleasure is, that no person or persons what­soeuer, shall wittingly or wilfully receiue, conceale, harbour, en­tertaine or lodge the said Pirats and murtherers, or any of them, or any of their sayd Complices or Associates into their house or houses, after the sight or knowledge of this proclamation (know­ing them by pregnant circumstances, credible informations or o­therwise to be the persons before named) vpon paine to euery such person and persons so receiuing, concealing, harbouring, entertaining or lodging any of the sayd Pirates and murtherers, or any of their complices, of death and forfeiture of all their lands, goods and chattels, according to the Lawes and Statutes in that case prouided.

Giuen at our Mannour of Greenwich the 13. day of Iune, in the fourth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France & Ireland. Anno Dom. 1606.

¶ A Proclamation touching Passengers.

WHereas in the first Session of our Parliament hol­den at Westminster the nineteenth day of March in the yeere of our Reigne of England, France and Ire­land [Page 134] the first, and of Scotland the seuen and thirtieth; It was amongst other things enacted, That no woman nor any childe vnder the age of one and twenty yeeres (except Sailers or Ship­boyes, or Apprentice, or Factor of some merchant in trade of mer­chandize) should be permitted to passe ouer the Seas, except the same should be by licence of vs, our Heires or Successors, or some sixe or more of our Priuy Councel, thereunto first had vnder their hands, vpon paine that the Officers of the Port that should wil­lingly or negligently suffer any such to passe, or should not enter the names of such Passengers licensed, should forfeite his Office, and all his goods and chattels, And vpon paine that the Owner of any Ship or Vessell, that should wittingly or willingly carie any such ouer the Seas, without licence as is aforesayd, should forfeit his Ship or Vessell, and all the tackle, And euery master or mariner, of or in any such Ship or Vessell, offending as is afore­sayd, should forfeit all their goods, and suffer imprisonment by the space of twelue moneths without Baile, or Maineprise, As by the sayd Acte of Parliament amongst other things may more at large appeare:

And whereas many such our Subiects, That is to say, Wo­men and persons vnder the age of 21. yeeres, haue from time to time iust and necessary causes and occasions to goe and passe ouer the Seas, In which cases for euery such women and persons vn­der the age of twentie and one yeres to obteine such licence, either from our selues, or from sixe of our sayd priuie Counsell according to the sayd Law, is very inconuenient, and almost impossible; We haue therefore thought conuenient, for the ease aswell of our selfe and our sayd Counsell, as of such of our Subiects as are of the condition mentioned in the sayd Act of Parliament, to grant our Commission to persons of trust in certaine Ports of our Realme, lying most apt and conuenient for passage, That is to say, Lon­don, the Cinque Ports, Harwich, Yarmouth, Hull, and Way­mouth, to licence such women and persons vnder the age of 21. yeeres, as shall haue iust cause to passe out of our Realme, vpon due examination had of them, to passe without perill to them­selues, or the Officers of our sayd Ports, Notwithstanding the sayd Statute or any thing therein conteined. And wee haue thought it fit to giue publique knowledge hereof to all our Sub­iects, and to all our Officers whom it may concerne, to the ende they may know what shal be lawfull for them to do in those cases.

Giuen at the Castle of Farneham the 23. day of August, in the fourth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1606.

¶ A Proclamation for the ad­iournement of part of Mi­chaelmas Terme.

THe Kings most excellent Maiestie, finding that the infec­tion of the plague is at this present in sundry places of the Citie of London, and neere adioyning to the same, though not (God be thanked) with the mortalitie of great numbers; yet so dispersed in diuers of the best and most open streets of the sayd Citie, as doe giue iust cause to doubt, that the contagion thereof, by great resort of people, might be further spread, aswell in the Citie, as into other parts of the Realme, whereby both danger might ensue to his Royall Person, the Queene his dearest wife, and his children, and to his most louing Subiects repairing thi­ther for their Suits and causes, and likewise by such increase of the infection, if it should happen (which God forbid) the next Ses­sion of his Highnesse Parliament, appoynted for the great and waightie affaires of the Realme, might be prorogued: His Ma­iestie, for these necessary considerations, and hoping that the in­fection will, by the goodnesse of Almightie God, with the coldnes of the yeere, and such wholesome Orders as are taken in his sayd Citie, the rather cease by the adiournement of part of this next Terme of S. Michael now at hand, from the Vtas of the same, vntill the fourth Returne of the sayd Terme called Mense Micha­ëlis next comming. His Maiestie therefore, of his speciall fauour and clemencie, is pleased and contented, to adiourne the sayde Terme of S. Michael, that is to say, From the Vtas thereof, vnto the said fourth Returne of the sayd Terme, called Mense Michaëlis next comming; Which his Maiesty signifieth to all and singular his louing Subiects of this his Realme, to the intent that they and euery of them, which hath cause or commandement to ap­peare in any of his Highnesse Courts at Westminster, in or at any day or time from and after the said Vtas of S. Michael, may tarry at their dwellings, or where their businesse otherwise shall lie, without resorting to any of the sayd Courts for that cause, before the sayd Mense Michaëlis next comming, and that without danger of forfeiture, penaltie, or contempt to incurre towards his High­nesse in that behalfe. And neuerthelesse his Maiesties pleasure is, That two of his Iustices, that is to say, of either Bench one, shall the first day of Michaelmas Terme, called Octabis Michaë­lis, according to the ancient order of the Lawes, keepe the Es­soignes [Page 136] of the sayd Octabis Michaëlis. At which Vtas of S. Mi­chael, Writs of adiournement shall be directed to the sayd Iusti­ces, giuing them authoritie to adiourne the sayd Terme of Saint Michael, that is to say, From the sayd Vtas thereof, vntill the fourth Returne, as before is sayd. And the sayd adiournement shall be made in the first day of the sayd Vtas, commonly called, the day of Essoignes. And further his Maiesties pleasure is, That all matters, causes and Suits, depending in any of his other Courts betweene partie and partie, as in his Highnesse Courts of Chancery, Starchamber, and Exchequer, Courts of Wards and Liueries, Duchy of Lancaster, and Court of Requests, shall haue continuance, and the parties shall haue day from the date of these presents, vntill the saide fourth Returne, as before is sayd.

Prouided alway, and his Maiesties pleasure and commande­ment is, That all Collectors, Receiuers, Sheriffes, and other Accomptants, and all other persons, that should or ought to Ac­compt or pay any summe or summes of money in any of his Ma­iesties Courts of Exchequer, Court of Wards and Liueries, and of his Duchie of Lancaster, or in any of them, or to enter into a­ny Accompt in any of the sayd Courts, shall repaire vnto the ac­customed places at Westminster, where his Highnesse hath ap­pointed such Officers and ministers, as for that purpose his Ma­iestie hath thought expedient, and there to pay and doe in euery behalfe, as though no such Proclamation of adiournement had bene had or made. And his Highnesse further pleasure and com­mandement is, That all Sheriffes shall returne their Writs and Proces against all such Accomptants and Debtors, at the dayes therein appointed. And if any person or persons, who ought to accompt or pay any summe or summes of money to his Maiestie in any of the Courts and places aforesaid, doe make default there­in, That then his Highnesse Writs and Proces shall be awarded and sent foorth against euery such person and persons, and the same to be duely & orderly serued, and returned by the Sheriffes and Officers thereunto appoynted, in such like maner and forme, as the same should haue beene, if this present Proclamation had not bene made. And if any Sheriffe or other Officer shall make default, or be negligent in seruing, executing, or returning of a­ny the Writs and Proces aforesayd, That then euery such She­riffe and other Officer, shall incurre such paines and penalties, as by the sayd Courts, or any of them shall be taxed and assessed; Willing and commanding all and euery his Maiesties Sheriffes, Officers, Ministers and Subiects, to whome it doth or shall ap­pertaine, [Page 137] to obserue and keepe their assemblies and apparances with all their Returnes and Certificates, in his Highnesse sayd Courts at Westminster, in Mense Michaëlis next comming, then and there to be holden and kept, and there to doe their Offices and dueties in euery behalfe, in like maner and forme, as they should or ought to haue done, if this present Proclamation had not bene had or made, as they will answere to the contrary at their perils.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court, the 23. day of September, in the fourth yeere of his Maiesties Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1606.

¶ A Proclamation forbidding all Lon­doners and other inhabitants of places in­infected, to resort to the Court.

THe Kings most Excellent Maiestie, considering what pe­rill oftentimes ensueth by the meanes of great assemblies of people in time of infectious diseases; Doeth therefore straitly charge and command, that no maner of person or per­sons, of what estate, degree, or condition he or they be, inhabiting within the Cities of London, and Westminster, and the Suburbs of the same, or any other place where the Infection of the Plague is, or hath bene within sixe weekes next before the date hereof, do presume to resort, or come vnto his Highnesse Court at White­hall, or wheresoeuer it shall please the King, the Queene, or the Prince to lie or abide, vntil such time as his highnes pleasure shal be further knowen therein, except the Lords the Bishops of this Realme, the Iudges of the Law, his Maiesties learned Councel, the principal Magistrates of the Cities of London, and Westmin­stcr, and all Houshold seruants of his Maiesties, and other neces­sary persons for prouisions of his Highnesse houshold, not hauing the Infection of the Plague in their houses, or neere vnto them, by the space of sixe weekes, as aforesaid.

It is also further by his Maiestie thus prouided, That if any other (except before excepted) shall haue necessary cause to resort or come vnto the Court from any of the places before named, the same persons shall not come within the vtter gates of the Court, vntill they haue first sent one of the Kings Maiesties Porters at the Gates, and to him declared, vnto whom they haue necessary occasion to repaire within the Court, And thereupon the sayd Porter shall cause the parties to stay abroad, without entring in­to [Page 138] any House, Tent, or company of any person, and shall certifie the Lord Steward, the Lord Chamberlaine, the Treasourer, the Comptroller, the Secretary, the Vicechamberlaine, or any other of his Maiesties Priuie Councell, or some of the prin­cipall Officers of the Greenecloth, if the matter shall appertaine to the Kings Maiesties Houshold, according to the qualitie of the matter, and of the persons with whom the parties haue to doe in the Court: and by a Warrant in writing vnder the hands of a­ny of the said Lords Counsellers, or Officers, or by signification from some principall person about them, certified to any of the Kings Maiesties Porters, that the sayd persons shall or may come into the Court: then the sayd Porter shall permit and suffer them so to doe: otherwise the sayd persons shall be comman­ded to returne without any longer abiding, vpon paine of his Maiesties grieuous displeasure, and seuere punishment in the Marshalsey.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster, the first day of Nouember, in the fourth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1606.

¶ A Proclamation for suppressing of persons riotously assembled for the laying open of Inclosures.

WHereas some of the meaner sort of our people did of late assemble themselues in riotous and tumultuous maner within our County of Northampton, sometimes in the night, & sometimes in the day, vnder pretence of laying o­pen enclosed grounds of late yeeres ta­ken in, to their dammage, as they say; The repressing whereof we did first re­ferre onely to the due course of Iustice, and the ordinary proceedings of the Commissioners of the Peace, and other our Ministers in such cases: Forasmuch as wee haue perceiued since, that lenitie hath bred in them, rather encouragement then obedience, and that they haue presumed to gather themselues in greater multitudes, as well in that County, as in some others adioyning, We finde it now very necessary to vse sharper remedies.

Wherefore, wee will and command all Lieutenants, deputy Lieutenants, Sheriffes, Iustices of Peace, Maiors, Bailiffes, Headboroughs, Constables, and all other our Officers and mini­sters to whom it may appertaine, if the said persons shal continue so assembled after Proclamation made, or any such new Assem­blies be gathered in those, or any other parts of our Realme, im­mediatly to suppresse them by whatsoeuer meanes they may, be it by force of Armes, if admonitions and other lawfull meanes doe not serue to reduce them to their dueties. For we cannot but be iustly moued to such seueritie against those, who vniustly throw a slander vpon our gouernment, by taking that pretence for their disobedience: Seeing it is manifest by Act of Parliament, passed since our comming to this Crowne, that we haue bene carefull to preuent such Enclosures, and Depopulations, and that it hath bene an ordinary charge giuen by vs to our Iustices of Assises, [Page 140] when they went to their Circuits, to enquire of all vnlawful De­populations and Enclosures, and to take order to remedy the same, and to punish the Offenders therein according to the due course of Law. And it is well knowen to many, that we were now also in hand with some course to be taken by aduise of our Counsell for the performance thereof: From which our good pur­pose and intent, this their presumptuous and vnduetifull procee­ding, might rather giue vs cause to desist, then increase in vs any affection to relieue such disordered persons, so farre attempting a­gainst our Crowne and dignity, who chuse rather to trust to their owne pride and rashnesse, then to the care and prouidence of their Souereigne. Willing and commanding all our said Lieute­nants, Deputie Lieutenants, Sheriffes, and other our Officers and ministers aboue mentioned, to attend diligently to the exe­cution of this our pleasure, and all other our louing Subiects to be obedient to them in the performance thereof, as they will an­swere the contrary at their perill.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster the 30. day of May, in the fifth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation signifying his Ma­iesties pleasure aswell for suppressing of riotous Assemblies about Inclosures, as for re­formation of Depopulations.

IT is a thing notorious that many of the meanest sort of our people in diuers parts of our Kingdome, either by secret com­bination, wrought by some wicked instruments, or by ill ex­ample of the first beginners, haue presumed lately to assemble themselues riotously in multitudes, and being armed with sundry weapons, haue layd open in forcible manner a great quantitie of seuerall mens possessions, some newly inclosed, and others of lon­ger continuance, making their pretence that some townes haue bene depopulated, and diuers families vndone by meanes of such Enclosures. In which seditious courses they haue persisted not onely after many prohibitions by our Ministers in the seuerall Counties, but after particular Proclamations published by our Royall Authoritie, and which is more, when so many meanes of lenitie and gentlenes were offered to reclaime them, as no prince would haue vsed, but such a one as was both confident in the loy­all affections of his Subiects in generall, and compassionate to­wards [Page 141] the simplicitie of such Offenders: many of them stood out most obstinately, and in open field rebelliously resisted such forces as in our Name, and by our Authoritie came to represse them, whereupon insued by necessitie in the end that some blood was drawen as well by martiall execution, as by ciuill iustice.

Vpon this accident it seemeth good vnto Vs to declare to the world, and specially to our louing Subiects, as well that which concerneth our affections (which vpon seuerall respects are diui­ded betweene comfort and griefe) as that which concerneth also our Princely intentions, which likewise are bent vpon the con­trary obiects and courses of grace and iustice. For first of all wee find cause of comfort in our selues in regard of the clearenesse of our conscience (to whome God hath committed the care and su­preme gouenment of our people) from giuing cause or colour of such complaint; the matter whereof is such, as we take our selues more interessed therein then any our Subiects can bee: For as we cannot but know, that the glory and strength of all Kings consisteth in the multitude of Subiects, so may wee not forget that it is a special and peculiar preheminence of those Countreys, ouer which God hath placed vs, that they doe excell in breeding and nourishing of able and seruiceable people, both for warre and peace, which we doe iustly esteeme aboue all treasure and commo­dities, which our sayd Dominions doe otherwise so plentifully yeeld vnto vs. Neither in this particular case of depopulation, can any man make doubt but it must be farre from our inclinati­on to suffer any tolleration of that which may be any occasion to decay or diminish our people, if we did consider nothing else, but that vse and application which we may make (as other Princes doe) both of the bodies of our people to carry armes for defence of our Crowne, and of their goods and substance to supply our wants vpon all iust and reasonable occasions, so as wee may by many reasons sufficiently iustifie our care herein towards God and the world (forasmuch as appertaineth to our Kingly Office) seeing the sayd Inclosures (lawfull or vnlawfull) were all or the most part made before we had taken the Scepter of this gouern­ment into our possession. Whereunto wee may adde (as wholy cleansing and washing our hands from the tolleration of these grieuances) the continuall and strict charges & commandements giuen by vs to our Iudges and Iustices, for the care and refor­mation of those things which may be in any wise grieuous to our people in their seuerall Countreys, although in this point there is some defence alledged by our subordinate Ministers, and speci­ally by the Iustices of Assise, that our people haue bene wanting [Page 142] to themselues in the due and ordinary meanes which they ought to take, by presentment of such as are or haue bene guiltie of these oppressions. But as we take comfort that the causes of these com­plaints haue not proceeded from our gouernment, hauing con­trariwise (before these seditious courses first brake foorth) taken into our Princely consideration this matter of depopulating and decaying of Townes and families (whereof we are more sensible, then any other) with resolution to cure whatsoeuer is amisse, by iust and orderly remedies: So are we grieued to behold what the disloyaltie and obstinacie of this rebellious people hath forced vs vnto, who being naturally inclined to spare shedding of blood, could haue wished that the humble and voluntary submission and repentance of all those Offenders, might both haue preuented the losse of the life of any one of them, and the example of Iustice vpon some might haue preuented the losse of more. And seeing it was of such necessitie, that some in regard of their intollerable obstinacie in so pernicious Treason should perish, rather then the sparkes of such a fire in our Kingdome should be left vnquenched, that it may yet serue to put others in mind of their duetie, and saue them from the like ruine and destruction, for such and so traiterous attempts hereafter: In all which considerations, for that which may concerne our Royall intention, as wee would haue all men know and conceiue, that neither the pretence of any wrongs receiued, nor our great mislike of depopulation in gene­rall, can in any wise stay vs any longer, from a seuere and iust pro­secution of such as shall take vpon them to be their owne iudges and reformers, either in this or any other pretended grieuance: So on the other side, we are not minded that the offences of a few (though iustly prouoking our Royall indignation) shall alter our gracious disposition to giue reliefe in this case, where it apper­teineth, were it for none other cause then in respect of so many o­thers our good and louing Subiects, which might haue alledged like cause of griefe, and neuerthelesse haue contained themselues in their due obedience.

And therefore we doe first declare and publish our Princely reso­lution, that if any of our subiects shall hereafter vpon pretences of the same or like grieuances, either persist in the vnlawfull and rebellious Act already begun, or renew and breake forth into the like, in any parts of our Kingdome; We will preferre the safetie, quiet, and protection of our Subiects in generall, and of the body of our State, before the compassion of any such Offenders, bee they more or lesse, and howsoeuer misled: and must forget our na­turall clemencie by pursuing them with all seuerity for their so [Page 143] hainous treasons, as well by our Armes as Lawes, knowing well, that wee are bound (as the head of the politike body of our Realme) to follow the course which the best phisitians vse in dan­gerous diseases, which is, by a sharpe remedie applied to a small & infected part, to saue the whole from dissolution & destruction. To which end we doe accordingly charge & command all our Lieute­tenants, deputy lieutenants, sheriffes, Iustices of peace, & al other Magistrates of Iustice vnder vs, and all other our louing Sub­iects to whom it shall any wayes appertaine, to doe and imploy their vttermost indeauors and forces for the keeping of our Sub­iects in peace and obedience, for preuention of all such riotous and rebellious Assemblies, and destroying them, (if any doe re­maine, or shall happen to arise) by force of Armes, and by execu­tion (euen to present death) of such as shall make resistance.

On the other side we doe notifie and declare to all our louing Subiects, That we are resolued, not out of any apprehension or regard of these tumults and disorders (which we know well to be onely dangerous to those that attempt them, and which expe­rience may teach them, that they are in a moment to be dispersed) nor to satisfie disobedient people, be they rich or poore: But meere­ly out of loue of Iustice, Christian compassion of other of our sub­iects, who being likewise touched with this griefe, auoyded the like offences, As also out of our Princely care and prouidence to preserue our people from decay or diminution, to cause the abuses of Depopulations and vnlawfull Inclosures to be further loo­ked into, and by peaceable and orderly meanes to establish such a reformation thereof, as shalbe needfull for the iust reliefe of those that haue iust cause to complaine, and therein neglect no remedy, which either the Lawes of our Realme doe prescribe, or our owne Royall Authority, with the aduice of our Councell can supply.

For which purpose we haue already assembled our Iudges, and giuen them in charge straitly, to make it one of their princi­pall cares aswell to discouer the sayd offences, as to consider how farre they may be touched in Law, and in what course, and accor­dingly to proceed against them with all seueritie. And yet because the execution thereof requireth some time, though no more then must of necessitie be employed therein, if any turbulent or sediti­ous spirits by their impatience, or through their desire to satisfie their owne wicked humors, by moouing common troubles shall seeke to preuent the course of Iustice by any such vnlawfull at­tempts, as haue bene lately vsed, and abusing our gracious dispo­position shall take the presumption to be Reformers of the said in­conuenience by any force, because they perceiue hereby how much [Page 144] we mislike of it: We do once againe denounce vnto them the same seuere punishment, which belongeth to Rebels in the highest de­gree, And doe require all and euery our Magistrates, Officers and ministers of Iustice (according to their place of authoritie) and all our loyall Subiects according to their duety of assistance (laying aside all slackenesse or fond pitie) to see it duely put in exe­cution: As on the other side we doe promise, and are resolued gra­ciously to lend our eares to humble and iust complaints, and to affoord our people Iustice and fauour both in this and all occasi­ons fit for a King to doe for his good Subiects in generall and in particular.

Giuen at our Mannour of Greenwich the 28. day of Iune, in the fifth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation for repeale of a Sta­tute made Anno 5. Ric. 2. and to restraine the Kings Subiects from departing out of the Realme; And also concerning the transportation of Gold and Siluer.

WHereas at a Parliament holden at Westminster in the fift yeere of King Richard the second, the King de­fended the passage vtterly of all maner of people, as­well Clearkes as others in euery Port, and other Towne and place vpon the coast of the Sea, vpon paine of forfeiture of al their goods, except only the Lords and other great men of the Realme, and true and notable Merchants, and the Kings souldiers; And further prohibited diuers other things vpon paine that the offen­ders should forfeit, as much as they might forfeit, as by the sayd Act appeareth: which statute was seldome or neuer (especially of late) put in execution, for that it was in some cases too rigorous, in others very darke and obscure, and now, forasmuch as concer­neth the passage of the English Subiects into the kingdome of Scotland, become voyd and extinct in respect of the happy Vni­on of both Kingdomes vnder one Soueraigne: His most Excel­lent Maiestie (preferting alwayes the tranquilitie of his louing Subiects, before such and so great aduantage as he might reape by recouery of such penalties) hath not onely suffered that parti­cular branch of the Statue aforesayd to fall to the ground, (the continuation whereof were both vniust, and an apparant marke of separation) but hath bene content, besides that particular [Page 145] clause which was included in the Act passed at the last Session of Parliament, for abolishing of Hostilitie, and the memorie of all things that depend thereon, to assent (in fauour of the Subiect) to repeale the whole Statute it selfe of Richard the second. And yet his Maiestie (whose care doeth euer watch ouer the weale of his Subiects) considering that the principall duetie and allegi­ance of al his Subiects, doeth chiefly consist to attend at all times the seruice and defence of their naturall Liege Lord, and of their deare and natiue Countrey, with all cheerefull readinesse and a­lacritie, either within the Realme, or without, when they shalbe thereunto required: And foreseeing in his Princely prouidence and wisedome what danger (especially in these dangerous daies) might insue to the whole State, if his Subiects might at their pleasure passe and depart out of this Realme into the Kingdoms, Countreys, Dominions and territories of forreine Kings, Prin­ces, States and potentates, hath vpon mature deliberation pro­uided remedy for the preuention of such mischiefe as might follow thereupon: And therefore his Maiesty doeth (according to his Maiesties Lawes and the resolution of his Iudges, with whom consultation hath bene had, and agreeable to diuers Presidents in the reignes of King Edward the first, & King Edward the third (two most prudent and renowmed Kings) and other of his noble Progenitors before the making of the sayd late Act by these pre­sents with the aduice of his Priuy Councell,) straitly prohibite and forbid all maner of persons being naturall borne Subiects of this Realme, or any of the Dominions of the same, of what estate or degree soeuer they be, that they of any of them (other then such persons as were excepted in and by the sayd Act, and other then Souldiers, Merchants, Mariners, and their Factors and Ap­prentices) shall not any time hereafter without speciall licence of his Maiesty, or of any foure or more of his Priuy Councel (where­of the principall Secretary for the time being to be one) passe or depart out of this Realme of England, or any of the dominions of the same, into the Kingdomes, Countreys, territories or domini­ons of any forreine King, Prince, State, or Potentate, vpon such corporall and other great and heauy paines and penalties as by our Lawes may be inflicted vpon such as shall offend therein, for their so heinous and vnnaturall offences against their naturall Liege Lord and Countrey in that behalfe.

Prouided alwayes, that if any of the persons before excepted, shall after his departure out of this Realme, doe, commit, put in vre, attempt, or assent vnto any Act, deuice, plot, or thing against his most Excellent Maiesty, or any of his Kingdomes or domini­ons, [Page 146] or against any of his Lawes or Statutes, that euery such person so offending, shal lose the benefite of the said exception, and shall to all intents and purposes be taken and adiudged to be as one that maliciously and contemptuously passeth or departeth out of this Realme contrary to the tenour and effect of these presents.

And whereas by errour and vulgar opinion it is conceiued and giuen out by some, That all men at this present be at liberty to transport and carry out of this Realme any Golde or Siluer in Coyne, Iewels, Bullion, Plate or Vessell, His Maiesty vnder­standing thereof, caused the Iudges of the Realme to be consul­ted withall in that point; who vpon due consideration and con­ference had amongst them, haue with one consent resolued, that the transportation of all maner of Golde and Siluer in Coyne, Iewels, Bullion, Plate or Vessell is absolutely prohibited and forbidden as well by the Statutes in the twentieth yeere of King Edward the first, in the ninth yeere of King Edward the third, and in the second yeere of king Henry the sixt, as by diuers other Sta­tutes vpon great and grieuous penalties and forfeitures. Vpon signification of which resolution, his most excellent Maiestie, to the intent that none of his louing Subiects through any erroni­ous conceit or opinion might be deceiued and indamaged, hath in his Princely clemencie caused aswell the said resolution of his Iudges, as the Statutes themselues to bee particularized and published for the safety of his louing Subiects: And further doeth by these Presents straitly charge and command that all the said Lawes and Statutes concerning Transportation of Gold or Siluer be firmely holden, and kept and put in due execution. And doeth further prohibit and forbid all and all maner of per­sons whatsoeuer, to cary or transport out of this Realme any Gold or Siluer in Coyne, Iewels, Bullion, Plate, or Vessel, con­trary to any of the sayd Lawes or Statutes, as they wil answere the contrary at their vttermost perill.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster, the 9. day of Iuly, in the fifth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation signifying his Maiesties gracious Pardon for the Offenders about Inclosures.

IN calling to our Princely remembrance, that in the late Re­bellion vpon pretence of Depopulation and vnlawfull Inclo­sures, the greatest number of the offenders haue not bene pro­ceeded [Page 147] with according to Iustice and their traiterous deseruings, no nor so much as apprehended or touched for the same, although they be in no better case or degree, then those few which haue suf­fred or bene called in question: There want not some reasons and circumstances which (if we would consult onely with policie or passion) mought induce vs to further seueritie, and a more gene­rall execution of the Law vpon the same offenders. For wee are not ignorant, that of all other seditions and rebellions, none doeth bring such infinite waste and desolation vpon a Kingdome or State, as these popular Insurrections, which though they do seldome shake or indanger a Crowne, yet they doe bring a heape of calamities vpon multitudes of innocent Subiects, and chiefly vpon the Authors and Actors themselues.

And againe, We do obserue, that there was not so much as any necessitie of famine or dearth of corne, or any other extraordinary accident, that might stirre or prouoke them in that maner to of­fend; but that it may be thought to proceed of a kind of insolencie and contempt of our milde and gracious gouernment, which mought (in some Prince) turne the same into more heauy wrath and displeasure. But wee neuerthelesse hauing at the very en­trance of our Reigne, in the highest treasons against our owne Person, intermingled mercie with iustice, are much more incli­ned in this case, which concerneth a number of poore and simple people, to extend our naturall clemencie towards them. Where­upon we haue resolued to set wide open the gate of our mercy vn­to them, and to bestow vpon them our free grace and Pardon, without further suit or supplication.

And therefore we doe hereby take and receiue all the sayd Of­fenders, and euery of them, to our mercy, and of our grace and meere motion, freely pardon vnto them their sayd Offences, and all paines of death or other punishment due for the same, and pro­mise vnto them, in the word of their naturall Liege Lord and King, that they shall not be in any wise molested or impeached, in life, member, lands or goods for their sayd Offences, or any of them. So as neuerthelesse, that before Michaelmas next they doe submit themselues, and acknowledge their sayd Offences be­fore our Lieutenant, deputie Lieutenant, or Sheriffe in the County where they shal remaine, whereof we will and command a note or entrie to be made and kept.

And we are further graciously pleased, that if any of them seue­uerally or ioyntly shal desire for their better assurance, to haue out Pardon vnder our great Seale, that our Chancellor shall make the same vnto them without further warrant in that behalfe. [Page 148] Not intending neuerthelesse to preiudice any our Subiects pri­uate suit or Action, but so much as in vs is, absolutely to acquite and discharge them against vs, our Heires and Successours.

Giuen at our Castle of Windsor the 24. day of Iuly, in the fift yere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Publication signifying his Ma­iesties pleasure touching a Licence gran­ted by his Maiestie to Sir Edward Hobby Knight, for buying and selling of Woolls.

IAMES by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Know ye that we of our speciall Grace, certaine knowledge and meere mo­tion, &c. Haue giuen Licence, liberty, power and authority, and by these Presents for vs, our heires and successors doe giue Li­cence, liberty, power and authority vnto our welbeloued seruant Sir Edward Hobbie Knight, his Executors, Administrators, As­signes, Factors and Deputies, and to euery of them, that he and they and euery or any of them, by themselues may prouide and buy, or cause to be prouided and bought yeerely during the space of fifteene yeeres next ensuing the date hereof, in any place or pla­ces within the Counties of Warwicke, Stafford, Salop, North­hampton, Leicester, Nottingham, Darby, Lincolne, Rutland, Cambridge, Huntington, Lancaster, Hertford, Buckingham, Bedford, Hereford or Monmouth, or any of them, or in any of the Counties within Northwales or Southwales, at one time or se­uerall times at his and their pleasure and liberty, so much Wooll as in the whole in any one yeere shall not exceed the number and quantity of fiue hundred Seplars of English or Welsh wools; So as the same be prouided and bought, and euery part thereof be be­stowed and kept in any County or Counties, where Clothes, Bayes or Kersies are vsually vsed to bee made, or in the City of Norwich, &c. And that the same and euery part thereof bee by them sold in any of the said Counties, place or City of Norwich, which shall and may there bee done vnto any our Subiects or o­ther person or persons whatsoeuer, to the most profit and aduan­tage of the sayd Sir Edward Hobbie, his Executors, Administra­tors or Assignes, without incurring any danger, forfaiture or pe­naltie, one Act made in the fifth yeere of the late King Edward the sixt, late King of England, or any other Act, Statute, Acts or sta­tutes, [Page 149] Lawes, Custome, Proclamation, Ordinance, restraint or Commandement heretofore made by vs, or any our Progenitors, or hereafter by vs our Heires or successors to be made to the con­trary in any wise notwithstanding. To haue and to hold, exer­cise and enioy the sayd Licence, liberty, power and authoritie a­foresaid, and all and singular the premises before by these presents giuen and granted, or mentioned to be giuen and granted vnto the said Sir Edward Hobbie Knight as is aforesaid, to the same Edward Hobby knight, his Executors, Administrators, Deputies and Assignes, from the day of the date hereof, vntill the full ende and terme of 15. yeeres from thence next ensuing, and fully to be complete and ended. Yeelding and paying therefore yeerely, &c.

And further in consideration of the yerely rent before in and by these presents reserued and paiable to vs, our heires and successors as is aforesayd, and to the intent that he the said sir Edward Hob­bie Knight, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, may be the better able to pay to vs, our heires and successors, the said rent or summe by these Presents reserued or mentioned to be payed, We do by these Presents for vs, our heires and successors, promise and grant to and with the sayd Edward Hobby Knight, his execu­tors, administrators and Assignes, That we, our heires or succes­sors, or any of vs, shall not, or will not make or grant any further or other Licence, grant or Letters Patents after the date of these Presents, during the continuance of this our Grant or Licence, to any other person or persons whatsoeuer, for, or concerning the buying of any Wools, to the intent to sell or vtter the same againe by Retaile or otherwise. Wherefore we do by these Presents for vs our heires and successors, straitly charge and command all our louing Subiects, as they tender our pleasure, and vpon paine of our displeasure, that they permit and suffer the sayd Edward Hob­by Knight, his Executors, Administrators, Factors and Depu­ties, and euery of them to vse, exercise and execute the sayd Licen­ces, powers and priuiledges, in these Presents mentioned, and to take the sayd benefit hereof to his and their proper vse, according to the tenour and effect of these Presents, without let, disturbance or interruption of them or any of them. Willing and requiring all Iustices of Peace, Maiors, and other our ministers and Offi­cers where any person shalbe found disturbing or resisting the exe­cution of the Licence, liberties, powers or Priuiledges mentio­ned in these our Letters Patents, or any of them, to cause the disturbers and resisters from time to time to be attached as con­temners of our Regall power and authority, and to bee impriso­ned vntill they shall become bound with sufficient Sureties to [Page 150] obey these our Letters Pattents, and not to disturbe, interrupt or resist the execution of them.

And further we doe for vs, our heires and successours straitly charge, command and prohibit all and euery our louing subiects, that none of them doe sue, implead or vexe in any Court of record whatsoeuer the sayd Sir Edward Hobby Knight, his executors, administrators, assignes, factors and deputies or any of them, for and concerning buying of wools, to the intent to sell them againe by retaile or otherwise, so long as the sayd wools shall be bought and sold and vttered, according to the true intent of this our pre­sent Licence and Graunt. And if any Suit shall bee brought or prosecuted in any Court of Record against the sayde Sir Edward Hobby Knight, his Executours, Administratours, Assignes, Deputies and Factors, or any of them vpon any Statute or Ordinance whatsoeuer, made against Engrossing and buy­ing of Woolles, to the intent to sell them againe by Retaile, or otherwise, then and so often wee doe by these presents for vs, our heires and successors, will, charge and require all and eue­ry Iustices and Iudges, of vs our heires and successors, of all and euery Courts of record of vs, our heires and successors, where a­ny such Suit shall be brought and prosecuted, and the Barons of the Exchequer, of vs, our heires and successors, that they and eue­ry of them shall vse and imploy the vttermost of their authoritie, and take all courses, and do all things which may stand with law and Iustice, for the speedy stopping, repressing and extinguishing of all clamorous and contentious suits and troubles, which may in any wise tend to the hinderance of the execution of this our Li­cence and Letters Patents, or to the impeaching or derogating from our Prerogatiue Royall in the granting of the same. And yet neuerthelesse our will and pleasure is, that if it shall appeare or be alledged, that this our present Licence is or shalbe exceeded, or apparantly abused, then our said Iustices, Iudges and Barons shall or may proceed to the examination thereof, and punishment for such excesse, or apparant abuse, according to the Lawes and Statutes of this our Realme.

And further also we doe by these presents will and commaund the Treasourer, Chancellour, and Barons of the Exchequer, of vs, our heires and successours, vpon the complaint of the sayde Sir Edward Hobby, his executors, administrators, and assignes, factors and deputies, and euery of them at all times during the sayd Terme, to assist, protect and defend the sayd Sir Edward Hobby, his executors, administrators and assignes, factors and deputies, and euery of them, in all things needfull and necessary, [Page 151] touching the lawfull exercise and vsing of this our Licence and Grant for buying of Woolls as aforesayd, by all such wayes and meanes, as to their discretion shall seeme meete and agreeable to the Lawes of this our Realme.

And forasmuch as it is found very profitable for our Realme of England, that the said Statute made in the fift yere of the reigne of the late King Edward the sixt, should in other places of our Realme elsewhere then within the Counties and places before mentioned be obserued and kept, and to the end that other our lo­uing Subiects in any places or Counties within our Realme, beside the sayd Sir Edward Hobby should not be encouraged to breake the sayd Statute in regrating and engrossing Woolls, We therefore doe by these Presents for vs, our heires, straitly charge, command, prohibite all and euery our louing Subiects other then the sayd Sir Edward Hobby, his Executors, Administrators, Deputies and Factors during the continuance of this our Grant, that they nor any of them during the Terme aforesayd, doe pre­sume to buy and sell any maner of Woolls by way of regrating or engrossing contrary to the sayd Statute, vpon paine of the forfai­tures in the sayd Statute contained, and of Fine and imprison­ment, and incurring our high displeasure and indignation. And if any man shalbe found in any place within this our Realme, of­fending contrary to the said Statute, and this our prohibition in regrating or engrossing of Woolls, then we doe by these Presents for vs, our heires and successors straitly charge and command all Iustices of Peace, Maiors, Bayliffes, and all other our Officers and ministers, to whom it shall appertaine, to attach all such per­sons as shalbe found so offending contrary to the sayd Statute, and this our Prohibition, and cause to be committed them, and euery of them to prison, vntil they shall become bound with suffi­cient Sureties for their good behauiours, and not to buy any Woolls to sell againe, contrary to the sayd Statute, And not to be released vntil they shew full conformitie and obedience to these our Letters Patents, &c.

Witnesse our selfe at Westminster, the 21. day of August, in the 5. yeere of our reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation concerning Starch.

IT is not vnknowen to most of our louing Subiecs, That in the time of the late Queene of famous memory, the making of Starch within this Realme of England, being a thing newly [Page 152] taken vp, and growen in few yeeres very frequent, and to bee much vsed, the inconuenience thereof was found to be so great, by the wasting and consuming of corne fit for peoples food, That many Proclamations were then made from time to time, for the repressing and vtter abolishing of the same. Howbeit, afterwards some particular persons, hauing procured a speciall License, as well for the making of Starch within the Realme, as also for bringing in the same from forreine parts, the libertie of the Sub­iect was so preiudiced, by reducing of that into few mens power, which in the Common libertie of the Subiect was free to all, That much offence did arise thereby, Insomuch as the said grant, being afterwards by her, in fauour to the Subiects, taken away vpon the complaints of the grieuance arising thereby, and the making of that stuffe within this Realme being then left to the libertie of all men to vse it at their pleasure, the same hath euer sithence bene continued in many places of this Realme. In which small time of continuance, it falleth out by experience, that the toleration thereof to be made here, is accompanied with so much offence to our people, as we perceiue by the Information which thereof we haue receiued, That her intent and purpose to represse the making thereof, and to take away the inconuenience of the same, was not without good cause and iust ground. For it appea­reth by collection gathered, That the waste of corne spent and consumed in the making of this Stuffe in most places of this our Realme, is so excessiue, as it is not fit to bee spared from peoples Food, to serue in so vaine and slender an vse; For that it cannot be, but the spending thereof in Starch (especially in times where­in the plenty of Corne shall not be very abundant) must needs en­crease both the scarcitie, and the prices thereof, aboue that which is fit to be suffered. And further it appeareth by the Complaints and Certificats, to vs and our Councell sent from diuers Iustices of the Peace of seuerall parts, (especially about our City of Lon­don, and the Counties neere adioyning) That the making there­of is not without exceeding annoyance to the people dwelling neere the places where it is made, by reason of the noisome stench and vnsauoury smells arising of and by the same: which breeding infectious aires, cannot but encrease most contagious sicknesses and diseases, especially in these times of common Infection: A danger fit to be preuented, in that prouidence which wee owe to the welfare of our people, as in euery part of the Realme general­ly, so especially in our City of London, being our Chamber, the ordinary place of our abode for the best part of the yeere, and of the resort of all sorts of our Subiects for their necessary affaires.

Which incommodities, hauing bene by vs, with the aduice of our Councel, throughly considered, We had a determination for the redresse thereof, and for the policie of our Realme, vtterly to take away the making of Starch within it, of what Stuffe, or vnder what pretence soeuer. Neuerthelesse, vpon the humble suit of a great number of our louing Subiects lately made vnto vs, it being apparant, that the vtter abolishing and taking away there­of, would be a great hinderance to them in their trades, and be­reaue many of them of the meanes of their necessary liuing and maintenance; And being likewise enformed, that there may wel be spared, both in our City of London, Westminster, and other the great Cities and Townes of the Realme, great quantities of Branne, and other such courser Stuffes, of which the best and fi­nest Starch is vsually made; We, tendering the good and benefit of our said Subiects, and being well pleased, in our Princely care and desire of the Publike good, to yeeld vnto them the libertie and free vse of their needfull Trades, and of all due and conuenient meanes of their necessary maintenance, And yet holding it as fit and needfull to prouide for the redresse of all abuses and inconue­niences, growing both by the needlesse wasting of the store of Corne within our Realme, and also by the publike annoyance and offence giuen vnto our Subiects, by the noysome making of Starch in most places of our Kingdome as aforesaid, Haue there­fore, with the aduice of our Councell, thought it good to giue au­thoritie vnto certaine persons of good qualitie and credite, by Commission vnder our great Seale of England, from time to time to view and suruey, & allow al places and houses within any part of our Kingdome, where any Starch is or shalbe made, and with the assistance of the Maior, or chiefe Magistrate of that place which shall be next adioyning to any such place of Starch-ma­king, to see that none be from hencefoorth made of Wheat, but onely of cleane Branne, and such like courser stuffe; And that none shall hee made in any such place, as may bee to the iust an­noyance and offence of our louing Subiects, but onely in such places, and in such order, as by the discretion and appointment of our sayd Commissioners, and such Magistrates next adioyning, shalbe thought fit.

And to the end all men may thereof take knowledge, and may conforme themselues thereunto accordingly, we haue thought it meet to publish our pleasure herein by Proclamation, willing and commanding all maner of persons whatsoeuer, that now doe or shall hereafter vse the making of Starch within any place of this our Kingdome wheresoeuer, presently from hencefoorth to for­beare [Page 154] to make any more Starch of Wheat, either whole, bruised, or grosse grounden, or of meale, Rubbles, or any such like stuffe. And we doe also will and command all persons whatsoeuer, to forbeare and surcease the making of any Starch in any place or places of this our Realme of England whatsoeuer, except onely in such places as by the view, allowance, and appointment of our said Commissioners thereunto by vs to be ordained, with the assi­stance of the Magistrates as aforesaid, shalbe thought fit and con­uenient, vpon paine not onely of the forfeiture of all such Starch so made contrary to our expresse will and pleasure hereby signi­fied, of which the one halfe shall be to the party seizing the same, and the other halfe to vs, our heires and successors, but also to in­curre such further punishment as for their contempt in a matter tending so much to the good and benefite of our people, shall bee thought fit to be inflicted vpon them.

And we doe also require all Iustices of Peace, Maiors, She­riffes, Bayliffes, Headboroughes, and all other our Officers, mi­nisters, and louing Subiects whatsoeuer, that they be from time to time ayding and assisting to our said Commissioners, or such person or persons as shalbe by them deputed and appointed to see this our Ordinance executed, and that they be carefull euery one within his charge to cause this our pleasure to be obeyed, and to interrupt and suppresse all persons who shall attempt to make a­ny Starch otherwise, or in any other places then such as shall be so allowed and appointed as aforesaid, after the publishing of this our pleasure to the contrary. And also to seize their stuffe, or to dispose and destroy the same as things noysome and offensiue to all our people. And for the doing thereof, these shall be to you and euery of you a sufficient Warrant.

And furthermore for vs, our Heires and successors we will and command, That all persons now vsing to make Starch in any part of this our Realme of England, hauing a desire to continue the same, of Branne and Pollard onely, vpon the publishing of this our Proclamation, if they dwell within forty miles of our City of London, vpon the last day of September next ensuing, and if their dwelling be further off, then vpon the last day of Octo­ber now next following shall make their repaire, or cause their names to be giuen and sent vp in writing vnto our sayd Com­missioners, at the Founders Hall in London, together with a Cer­tificate from some Iustice of Peace, or from the Maior, or chiefe Magistrate of the Citie, Towne, or place in or neere where their dwelling is, signifying thereby their desire and intent to continue the making of Starch as aforesayd, to the intent our sayd Com­missioners [Page 155] may take order for the same according to our pleasure hereby signified and expressed. And if any person or persons now vsing to make Starch, shall neglect or refuse to make their re­paire, or to giue vp his or their names with such Certificate in writing, so signifying his or their desire and intent to continue the making of Starch as aforesaid, Our wil and pleasure is, that all and euery such person and persons, shall for euer after bee de­priued of the libertie to make any starch of any stuffe whatsoeuer.

Giuen at Salisbury the 23. day of August, in the fifth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation for proroguing the Parliament.

WHereas at the rising of the late Session of our Par­liament, we prorogued the same vntill the sixteenth day of Nouember now next ensuing, For as much as the infection of the plague is now in some parts of our City of London, So that it is to be feared that if the Terme and Parlia­ment should meet together, and thereby draw a double concourse of people from all parts of the Realme thither, it might giue oc­casion both to increase the sayd sicknesse thereabouts (where our most abode is) and to disperse it into other parts of the Realme, Wee haue therefore thought it fit to prorogue it further into the Winter, that is to say, to the tenth day of February next, at which day our purpose is, God willing, to hold the same; And doe here­by giue notice to all whom it concerneth, that they may frame their affaires accordingly, and attend at the sayd tenth day of Fe­bruary to that seruice.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the last day of September, in the fift yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France, & Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation for Iurors.

AS it is a principall part of our Kingly Office, to admini­ster Iustice to our people, by which our Crowne and scep­ter is also established and confirmed: So we conceiue, that we may truely and iustly thus farre reape the fruit of a good con­science, as to be witnesse to our selfe, and likewise to report our selues, not onely to our Priuie Counsell, (which are acquainted [Page 156] with our more secret cares and cogitations) and our Iudges and Counsell at Law (with whom we haue had more frequent confe­rence, then Princes formerly haue vsed) but generally also to all other our louing subiects, in regard of some our publike actions, Whether in these few yeeres of our Reigne (notwithstanding we could not be at our first entrance so well enformed, as now we are, in the Lawes and Customes of this our Realme) we haue not ex­ercised and employed our Princely care, power and meanes, for the furtherance and aduancement of Iustice duely and speedily to be administred to all our louing Subiects. For it appeareth, that we haue to that end bene at charge to encrease the number of our Iudges in our principall Benches, haue endeuoured to mo­derate some differences and contentions amongst our Courts in point of Iurisdiction, to auoyd double vexation of Suits, and haue from time to time, in person giuen more strait charge and admonition to our Iudges before the Circuits and visitations, and receiued againe from them more strait accompts and reports at their returnes, then hath bene heretofore accustomed. And as we haue bene thus carefull concerning our Courts, and Iudges of the Law: So may wee in no wise omit to extend our Princely care to persons of another condition, on whom (though they bee not to bee termed Iudges) there lieth a principall part of Iu­dicature: which are those, who by the Custome of the Realme are called Iurors, which serue to trie and decide the Issues & points of fact in all controuersies and causes. A matter no lesse impor­tant to the summe of Iustice, then the true and iudicious exposi­tion of the Lawes themselues. For euen that Iudgement which was giuen by a King in Person, and is so much commended in the Scriptures, was not any learned exposition of the Lawe, but a wise sifting and examination of the fact, where testimony was ob­scure and failed. To which sort of persons also the Law of this our Realme doeth ascribe such trust and confidence, as it doth not so absolutely tie them to the euidences and proofes produced, but that it leaueth both supply of testimonie, and the discerning and credit of testimonie to the Iuries consciences and vnderstanding.

But herewithall we consider with our selues, That this pro­ceeding by Iurie (which is one of the ancient lawes and customs of this our Iland of Great Britaine, and almost proper and sin­gular vnto it, in regard of other Nations) as it is an excellent in­stitution in it selfe, so neuerthelesse it is then laudable and good, when those persons, which serue vpon the sayd Iuries, are men of such qualitie, credit and vnderstanding, as are worthy to bee trusted with so great a charge, as to trie mens liues, good names, [Page 157] lands and goods, and whatsoeuer they hold deare in this world. Wherein we cannot but obserue, and highly commend the wise­dome of the Lawes of this our Realme (taking them in their owne nature, before abuses crep [...] in) which haue in this poynt so well prouided. For as in the triall of any Peere of this Realme, the Law doeth not admit any to passe vpon him but Peeres: So in the triall of any of the Commons (which the Lawe beholdeth but as one body) there is no person whatsoeuer of that body by rule of Law exempted, in respect of his qualitie and degree onely, from the seruice vpon Iuries: whereas on the contrary part the Law hath limitted, that none serue, except hee haue a certaine proportion of Freehold. And yet notwithstanding, time and a­buse haue so embased the estimation of this seruice, and altered the vse thereof, as Sheriffes, Vndersheriffes, Bailiffes, and other inferiour Ministers, do not onely spare Gentlemen of quality, in a kinde of awe, and vnwillingnesse to offend them, but doe like­wise for lucre, gaine and reward, forbeare to returne many of the ablest and fittest persons; So that the Seruice oftentimes resteth vpon such as are either simple and ignorant, and almost at a gaze in any cause of difficultie, or else vpon those that are so accustomed and indured to passe and serue vpon Iuries, as they haue almost lost that tendernesse of Conscience, which in such cases is to be wished, and make the seruice, as it were an occupa­tion and practise.

Vpon these grounds therefore, and vpon aduise taken with our Priuie Councell, and conference with our Iudges and Councell at Law, We haue resolued to giue some remedy to those abuses, and to restore the forme of trials in this our Realme of England, to the ancient integrity and credit, as much as in vs lyeth. And therefore we doe hereby publish and declare to all our louing sub­iects, that they take light from vs of the greatnesse of this seruice, and that the Gentlemen of best qualitie doe put away that vaine and vntrue conceit, that they are any wayes disgraced, or disestee­med, if they be called vpon or vsed in this part of Iustice, to be tri­ers of the fact, Knowing that all Iudgement is Gods principally, and by him committed vnto vs within the Precinct of our King­domes, as his minister vpon earth, to whom likewise they are subordinate. And wee doe likewise charge and command all our Iudges, Iustices, sheriffes, Vndersheriffes, Bayliffes and others to whom it may appertaine, To take knowledge that this is our expresse wil and pleasure, That all persons which haue Freehold, according to the Law, shalbe returned to serue vpon Iuries, as occasion shall require. Foreseeing also that they vse a respect, that [Page 158] the same persons be not too often returned and troubled, but that the seruice may rest more equally & indifferently vpon the whole body of sufficient Freeholders i [...] euery county, the one to ease and relieue the other, and that there be a discretion vsed, as well in re­turning the most principal persons vpon the greatest causes, as in sorting men of quality with their equals, as neere as may be.

And now that we haue thus declared our earnest care and zeale for the furtherance of Iustice in this kind, seeing it hath bin vsual for sheriffes and other ministers (to whom it appertaines) to for­beare the returning of diuers persons, in respect that they were sonnes to Péeres of our Realme, or men of extraordinary place and calling, which we haue no way misliked, & do wel allow: In­tending likewise that such, & so conuenient respect be vsed parti­cularly to our Iustices of Peace, in regard of the place they hold, and their cōtinual imploiments, as they may be no oftner vsed in seruices of that nature, then shal be necessary: And forasmuch as we do wel consider that it may so fall out many times, that diuers persons besides those aboue named, and such other as the Lawe for naturall impotency dispenseth withall in an ordinary course, may like wise be found meet to be forborne in these seruices: we do hereby declare, that we are also resolued by vertue of our preroga­tiue (and according to the ancient presidents of our progenitors) to grant special exemption by our letters Patents to some such per­sons, and vpō such special causes as we shall thinke iust and reaso­nable, not meaning from henceforth to leaue it in the power of a­ny other, but in the special cases aforesaid, to do that which is on­ly proper to our selfe. In which course (as in al the rest of our pro­ceedings) although it appeareth vnto vs by a Certificate lately made frō the sheriffes, of the state of the Freeholders in this king­dome, that the multitude of them is great & are otherwise as cer­tainly enformed, that the one halfe is not certified: and although we haue bene & are daily importuned for some particular exemp­tiōs by diuers persons, aswel knights & gentlemen, as other free­holders of good ability: neuerthelesse, because it may appeare that we do and euer will preserre the precious care of Iustice before an other second considerations, we resolue there shalbe so good a mo­deration in the number, aswell as in the choice of the persons, as no preiudice shal arise therby in the ordinary course of Iustice, al­though our meaning be, that all such Grants so to be made by vs, shal extend aswel to al causes concerning our selfe, our heires and successors, as our subiects. All which we haue thought fit to noti­fie by this our Proclamation.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the 5, day of October, in the 5. yere of our Reigne of Great Bri­taine, &c. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation touching new Buildings and Inmates.

THe Kings Maiestie perceiuing the great inconueniences, which dayly doe arise by the continuall additions of a mul­titude of new buildings in the Citie of London and the Suburbs and Confines thereof, and the filling and pestering of houses with Inmates and seueral dwellers (& those of the worse sort) almost in euery seueral Roome, whereby both the people in­creasing to so great numbers, are not well to be gouerned by the wonted Officers and ordinary Iurisdiction of the same, and like­wise the prices of Victuals are by that meanes excessiuely in­haunced, and the health of his louing Subiects, not onely those which inhabite in and about the sayd Citie, but also all others repairing thither from all parts, (in respect either of the vsuall resiance of his Maiesties Court thereabouts, or otherwise for or­dinary Iustice) indangered (whereof the present Infection in and about this Citie, makes his Maiestie the more sensible) And moreouer the other good Townes and Boroughs of his King­dome by reason of so great receit for people in and about the said City, are much vnpeopled, and in their trading, & otherwise decay­ed, for remedie of which inconueniences, there haue been diuers politique and necessary Proclamations, aswell in the time of the late Queen Elizabeth of famous memorie, as since his Maiesties most happy reigne, published & deuised: His Maiestie mindes to require accompt aswell of those that haue neglected the execu­tion of them, as to punish the offenders against the same: And further by the deliberate aduise of his Priuy Councell hath de­termined, to take yet a more strait and seuere course, for the auoi­ding of the like inconueniences hereafter. For although there be manifest cause of greater concourse of people to the said Citie, and by consequence, of habitation and receit for them, by reason of the largenesse of his Highnesse dominions, & the vniuersall peace wherein his Maiestie liues and gouernes: yet notwithstanding his Maiesty (considering that the foundations already laid with­in the saide City and Suburbs and Confines of the same cannot but be sufficient for all that shall haue iust cause to dwell or abide hereabouts) hath therfore resolued, that vnlesse it bee in some rare cases, and by special Licence, as hereafter in these Presents shalbe prescribed, there shall bee no more new buildings erected in or neere the sayde City of London: and also that those that [Page 160] shall bee erected vpon olde foundations, shall bee such as shall both adorne and beautifie his sayde Citie, and bee lesse subiect to danger of fire, and cause lesse waste of Timber (fitter to be re­serued for the shipping of his Realme) and likewise such as in regard of the charge of building, can not bee inhabited but by persons of some ability. And because the former Proclamati­ons of this kinde heretofore published are seuerall, and in some points defectiue: therefore his Maiesty hath thought good (not intending thereby to dispense with former offenders) to make and publish one cleare Proclamation digested into plaine and distinct Articles, that the offenders hereafter may be without all colour of excuse, as they are already without all iust defence. And there­fore his Maiesty doeth straitly charge and command all maner of persons, of what quality soeuer they bee, duely to obserue and fulfill, and all Officers and persons in Authority whom it may concerne, duely, carefully, and diligently to see obserued, fulfil­led, and put in execution these Articles folowing.

FIrst, That no manner of buildings, bee they dwelling Hou­ses, Stables, Shops, Stalles, or any other building whatsoe­uer, be from hencefoorth erected, or attempted to be erected with­in the City of London, or the Suburbs thereof, or within the di­stance of two miles, to be taken from any of the gates of the sayd city (except it be vpon the foundation of a former dwelling house, or in or vpon some inner Court or Yard of the same house:) And if any building contrary to this Article of his Maiesties prohibi­tion shall happen to be begun, that the same bee foorth with by the Iustices of Peace within that limit, or Alderman of the Ward, or any of them, stayed from any further proceeding. And aswell such Builder, as the workemen vpon such building to bee com­mitted to prison, and bound ouer to answere their contempt in the Starre Chamber, and the Timber or other stuffe imployed or to be imployed thereupon, to be sold by the sayd Iustices, or Aldermen, or any of them, to the reliefe of the poore of the Parish where the sayd building shall happen to bee. And in case through neglect, or ouersight, any such building happen to be finished, or in part done before stay made thereof: that neuerthelesse the same may be & shall be by the said Iustices or Aldermen, or any of them at any time within seuen yeres after the finishing of the said buil­ding, pulled downe, and the offenders punished, and the stuffe and matter of the saide building bestowed as is before expressed.

ALso all newe buildings that are already erected contrary to that which is prohibited by the former Article, concerning buildings to be erected hereafter, and are not at this present fini­shed, [Page 161] shal be immediatly pulled downe, and the offenders and stuffe ordered as is before expressed.

ALl such new buildings as aforesaid, which haue bene ere­cted at any time within fiue yeeres before the date of this Proclamation, shal not in any wise be pulled downe: but neuer­thelesse, if they be at this present voyde of a Tenant, they shall not be inhabited nor let to any vnlesse the owners shalbe content that the Churchwardens and Minister by allowance of two or more of the Iustices of Peace of that diuision, or Alderman of the Ward shall dispose of them to some of the poore of the Parishes that are destitute of houses, or for the good and behoofe of the said poore, and at and vnder such rents as they shall allow: and in case any such building bee alreadie demised, that then such house be not let againe, either in reuersion, or vpon the expiration of the for­mer estates, but in such sort and order as is before expressed.

ANd if any house shall be let contrary to this Article, as well the taker as the Leassor to be deemed an offender, and to be committed to prison, and bound ouer to answere the same in the Starrechamber.

PRouided neuerthelesse, that if any person shal erect, or hath ere­cted for the inlargement of his dwelling house, any building ioyning to the same, he shall not be taken or helde to be an offender against this Proclamation, so as the precinct of ground within the said addition or enlargement, amount not to any more then a third part of the precinct of ground within the olde foundation, and that it be vsed with the former for one onely habitation.

ALl Sheds and shops which haue bin builded or set vp with­in the limits aforesaide at any time within fiue yeeres last past, shalbe forthwith pulled downe, and the stuffe of them ordered as is before directed touching other buildings to be pulled down: And no Cellars erected within this fiue yeeres last past, to bee v­sed for lodgings, or tipling or victualling houses.

NO new buildings shall be hereafter erected vpon the founda­tion of any former dwelling house, or within the precincts thereof, within the Citie or Limits aforesaide, except the fore­front of the same, and all the vtter walles and windowes thereof shalbe wholly made of Bricke and Stone, or one of them: and the forefront also thereof shall bee made in that vniforme sort and order, which shall bee prescribed by the Alderman of the Ward within the Citie and the Liberties thereof, and by two or more Iustices of Peace within the Suburbs and other Precinct afore­said, for the better beautifying of the Streete where the sayde Building shalbe erected, vpon paine that euery person offending [Page 162] against this Article, shall be Fined, and Imprisoned for the same by Order of the Court of Starrechamber.

ALl new Buildings that for the time already passed haue bene built since the first day of March in the second yeere of his Maiesties Reigne, and haue not their forefronts and walles of Bricke as aforesayd, contrarie to his Maiesties Proclamation in that behalfe at that time published, shall bee certified by the Iustices or Aldermen vnto his Maiesties learned Councell, that there may bee a present proceeding against the offenders in that behalfe.

ANd forasmuch as the Diuiding of Houses into seuerall Te­nements and Habitations, and the letting of part of Houses and Chambers to Inmates and Vndersitters, is no lesse incon­uenient then excessiue Building as well in regard of surcharge of people, specially of the worse sort, as for breeding and spreading of Infection, besides other inconueniences proper to this abuse, His Maiestie doeth further charge and straightly command, that these Articles following bee also duely obserued and obeyed.

FIrst, That no person within the Citie or Limits aforesaid, doe diuide any dwelling House by Lease, sufferance, or other­wise, into any more Tenements or dwellings then are at this present vsed within the same.

THat no person doe hereafter receiue into any House any In­mates or Vndersitters, or any more families then one.

THat no man that shall erect a new house vpon or within the precincts of an olde Foundation, shall diuide the same into more Tenements or seuerall dwellings, then were vsed in the sayd former houses.

ANd for the more certaine execution of euery Article of this his Maiesties Proclamation, His Maiestie further com­mandeth, that the Alderman in euery Ward, and the Iustices of Peace within the Limits aforesaid, doe make diligent view, per­ambulation, and enquirie of euery of the said offences, and them to certifie to his Maiesties learned Counsell once in the begin­ning of euery Terme, that there may be a strict and seuere pro­ceeding therein, as appertaines. And such Iustices or Aldermen which shall be found negligent or remisse in the execution of these Articles, his Maiestie will haue censured and punished as con­temners of his Royall commandement, and to be remoued from being Iustice of Peace, as vnworthy so to be.

Giuen at Royston the 12. day of October, in the fifth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation for restraint of the inhabitants of places infected, from comming to the Court.

THe Kings most Excellent Maiestie considering what peril oftentimes ensueth by the meanes of great assemblies of people in the time of infectious diseases, Doeth therefore straitly charge and command. That no person or persons of what estate, degree or condition he or they be, inhabiting within the Cities of London or Westminster, the Suburbs of the same, or any other place where the infection of the Plague is, not being hous­hold seruants to his Maiestie, or necessary persons for prouisions of his houshold, doe presume to resort or come vnto his Highnesse Court at Whitehall, or wheresoeuer it shall please his Maiestie to lye or abide, vntill such time as his Highnesse pleasure shall bee further knowen herein, (except the Lords, the Bishops of this Realme, the Iudges of the Law, the King and Queenes learned Councell, the principall Magistrates of the City of London, his Highnesse houshold seruants, and necessary persons for prouisions of his Maiesties houshold, not hauing the infection of the plague in their houses, or neere vnto them, during the time aforesaid.)

It is also further by his Maiestie thus prouided, That if any other (except before excepted) shall haue necessary cause to come vnto the Court from the said Cities of London, Westminster, the said Suburbs or other places before declared, the same persons shall not come within the vtter gate of the Court, vntil they haue first sent vnto one of the Kings Maiesties Porters at the gates, and to him declared vnto whom he hath necessary occasion to re­paire within the Court, and thereupon the said Porter shal cause the party to stay abroad, without entring into any house, tent, or company of any persons, and shall certifie the Lord Steward, Lord Chamberleine, Master Treasourer, Master Comptroller, the Vice chamberlein, or one of them, or some of the principall Of­ficers of the Greencloth, if the matter appertaine to the Kings Maiesties houshold, or to some other of the Lords, or other of his Maiesties Priuie Councell, according to the qualitie of the mat­ter, and of the persons with whom the party hath to doe in the Court, and by a Warrant in writing, signed with the hands of any of the said Lords, Councellers, or Officers, certified to any of the Kings Maiesties Porters, that the said person shall, or may come into the Court, then the said Porter shall permit and suffer him [Page 164] so to doe: otherwise the sayd persons shall be commanded to re­turne without any longer abiding, vpon paine of his Maiesties grieuous displeasure, and seuere punishment in the Marshalsea.

Giuen at his Maiesties Palace of Westminster, the second day of No­uember, in the fifth yeere of his Highnesse Reigne of Great Bri­taine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation touching the Earles of Tyrone and Tyrconnell.

SEeing it is common and natural in all persons of what con­dition soeuer, to speake and iudge variably of all new and sudden accidents, And that the flight of the Earles of Ty­rone and Tyrconnell, with some others of their fellowes out of the North parts of our Realme of Ireland, may haply proue a subiect of like discourse: Wee haue thought it not amisse to deliuer some such matter in publique, as may better cleare mens iudgements concerning the same; not in respect of any worth or value in these mens persons, being base and rude in their Originall; but to take away all such inconueniences as may blemish the reputation of that friendship which ought to be mutually obserued betweene vs and other Princes. For although it is not vnlikely, that the report of their Titles and dignities, may draw from Princes and States some such courtesies at their first comming abroad, as are incident to men of extraordinary rancke and qualitie: Yet when we haue taken the best meanes we can to lay them open in euery condition, we shal then expect from our friends and neighbors all such iust and noble proceedings, as stand with the rules of honour and friendship, and from our Subiects at home and abroad, that duety and obedience (in their carriage toward them) which they owe to vs by inseparable bonds and obligations of Nature and Loyalty, whereof we intend to take strait accompt. For which purpose we doe hereby first declare that these persons aboue men­tioned, had not their creations or possessions in regard of any line­all or lawfull descent from ancestors of blood or vertue, but were onely preferred by the late Queene our sister of famous memory, and by our selues for some reasons of State before others, who for their qualitie and birth (in those prouinces where they dwel) might better haue challenged those honours which were confer­red vpon them. Secondly we do professe, That it is both knowen to vs and our Counsel here, and to our Deputie and State there, and so shall it appeare to the world (as cleare as the Sunne) by [Page 165] euident proofes, That the onely ground and motiue of this high contempt in these mens departure, hath bene the priuate know­ledge and inward terrour of their owne guiltinesse: Whereof be­cause we heare that they doe seeke to take away the blot and infa­mie by diuulging that they haue withdrawen themselues for matter of Religion, (a cloake that serues too much in these dayes to couer many euil intentions) adding also thereunto some other vaine pretexts of receiuing iniustice, when their rights & claimes haue come in question betweene them and vs, or any of our Sub­iects and them, we thinke it not impertinent to say somewhat thereof.

And therefore, although we iudge it needlesse to seeke for many arguments to confirme whatsoeuer shall bee sayd of these mens corruption and falshood, (whose hainous offences remaine so fresh in memory since they declared themselues so very monsters in na­ture, as they did not onely withdraw themselues from their per­sonall obedience to their Soueraigne, but were content to sell o­uer their natiue Countrey to those that stood at that time in the highest termes of hostilitie with the two Crownes of England and Ireland) yet to make the absurditie and ingratitude of the allegations aboue mentioned, so much the more cleare to all men of equall iudgment, We doe hereby professe in the word of a King, that there was neuer so much as any shadow of molestation, nor purpose of proceeding in any degree against them for matter con­cerning Religion: Such being their condition and profession, to thinke murder no fault, mariage of no vse, nor any man worthy to be esteemed valiant that did not glory in rapine and oppression, as we should haue thought it an vnreasonable thing to trouble them for any different point in religion, before any man could per­ceiue by their conuersation, that they made truely conscience of a­ny religion. So we doe also for the second part of their excuse af­firme, (that notwithstanding all that they can claime, must be ac­knowledged to proceed from meere grace vpon their submission after their great and vnnaturall treasons) there hath neuer come any question concerning their rights or possessions, wherein wee haue not bene more inclinable to doe them fauour, then to any of their Competitours, except in those cases wherein we haue plain­ly discerned that their onely end was to haue made themselues by degrees more able then now they are, to resist all lawfull au­thoritie (when they should returne to their vomit againe) by v­surping a power ouer other good Subiects of ours, that dwell a­mong them better borne then they, and vtterly disclaiming from any dependancie vpon them.

Hauing now deliuered thus much concerning these mens e­states and their proceedings, We will onely end with this conclu­sion, That they shall not be able to deny, whensoeuer they should dare to present themselues before the Seat of iustice, that they haue (before their running out of our Kingdome) not onely en­tred into combination for stirring sedition and intestine rebellion, but haue directed diuers instruments, as well Priests as others, to make offers to forreine States and Princes (if they had beene as ready to receiue them) of their readinesse and resolution to ad­here to them, whensoeuer they would seeke to inuade that King­dome. Wherein amongst other things, this is not to be forgotten, That vnder the condition of being made free from English go­uernment, they resolued also to comprehend the vtter extirpation of all those Subiects that are now remaining aliue within that Kingdome, formerly descended from the English race. In which practises and propositions, folowed and fomented by Priests and Iesuits (of whose function in these times the practise and perswa­sion of subiects to rebell against their Soueraignes, is one special and essential part and portion) as they haue found no such encou­ragement as they expected and haue boasted of: so Wee doe assure our selues, that when this declaration shall bee seene and duely weighed with all due circumstances, it will be of force sufficient to disperse and to discredit all such vntrueths, as these contempti­ble creatures so full of infidelitie and ingratitude, shall disgorge against vs, and our iust and moderate proceeding, and shall pro­cure vnto them no better vsage then they would wish should be af­forded to any such packe of Rebels, borne their Subiects, and bound vnto them in so many and so great obligations.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster, the 15. day of Nouember, in the 5. yere of our reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation for the appre­prehending of the L. Maxwell.

WHereas the Lord Maxwell, a noble man of our realme of Scotland, being our prisoner in our Castle of E­dinburgh, for great disorders there committed, hath broken prison, which by the Lawes of that our Realme is trea­son, and in his breach hath done violence to the Porter of the Ca­stle, hauing sore wounded him, And likewise attempted to haue deliuered Sir Iames Mac Donnell, a person guiltie of many hey­nous [Page 167] offences, prisoner in the same place: After which escape hee is now (as we are informed) fled into this our realme of England, and lyeth lurking in and about our Citie of London: Hauing had heretofore good proofe of our peoples loue and deuotion towards vs, in their readinesse to discouer and apprehend an [...] [...]ersons guil­tie of Treasons against vs and our estate, We haue thought it fit to publish vnto them the escape of the sayde L. Maxwell, and the cause thereof; And to require and charge all Lieutenants, deputy lieutenants, Iustices of peace, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bayliffes, Constables, Headboroughes, and all other our officers, ministers and louing Subiects, to doe their best endeuour to discouer and apprehend the sayd L. Maxwell, and to deliuer him, if he shal light into their hands, to some of our Officers, and to giue knowledge thereof to vs or our Priuie Councell.

And to the end they may the better finde and discouer him, they shall know him by these signes, Hee is about the age of three [...]nd twentie yeeres, tall and slender, of a whitish complexion, his face full of pockholes, his nose short and low in the midst, a litle haire on his chinne of a white colour, the haire of his head somewhat darker, and his legs are very long and small.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster, the nineteenth day of De­cember, in the fifth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation for proroguing of the Parliament.

WHereas we did lately prorogue our Parliament till the tenth day of February now next ensuing, Wee haue for diuers speciall causes vs moouing, thought fit to prorogue the same againe till the seuen and twentieth day of October now next ensuing, at which day our purpose is (God willing) to holde the same, And doe therefore hereby giue notice to all whome it may concerne, that they may frame their affaires accordingly, and attend at the same seuen and twentieth day of October to that seruice.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster the 10. day of Ianuary, in the fift yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1607.

¶ A Proclamation against Trans­portation of Leather.

WHereas we vnderstand, that diuers of our louing Subiects haue made com­plaint, that the price of Neates-Lea­ther is lately raised to such a height, as it proueth very grieuous to the poorer sort, who haue dayly vse thereof: Such is and shalbe euer our care and resolu­tion to preuent, or reforme all things that may be burthensome to any of our people ouer whom Almighty God hath committed to vs the vniuersall care, as wee haue bene no lesse curious to finde and search out the true cause, then to prouide for the remedy of the inconuenience, And therein particularly to be sure to take away all meanes or colour for any such grieuance, that may (either in trueth or apprehensi­on) arise from any action of our owne. For which purpose, al­though we doe dayly see by common experience, that excessiue prices grow vpon our Subiects by the practise and greedinesse of priuate persons, who either by Forestalling and ingrossing of commodities, or by combyning to keepe them at high prices, or by conueying them out of our Realme by stealth, doe increase the rates aswell of foraine, as home bred commodities, without any Act of ours: Neuerthelesse, because we haue obserued that some euil affected people, in this, as in diuers other things, are more in­clined to impute the cause of grieuance to some thing done by vs, then to resort to the maine and original grounds of the same; We haue for more surety, caused our Councell to take information what Licences we haue giuen, (which haply may haue bene some pretext for abuse in that kinde) and thereby finding that some small quantitie of that commoditie hath bene Transported by vertue of a License granted at our first comming, at the Suite of some forraine Princes our Allies, whom we could hardly then re­fuse, although it be knowen to the world, that we did not giue Li­cence [Page 172] for any Leather by name, but generally for the Transpor­ting of forbidden commodities, and that onely to the summe of sixe thousand pounds in value, which could be no occasion of such scarcitie: Yet because it is not vnlikely but that some Neates-Leather might he hereafter issued by vertue of that Licence (as some hath bene already) contrary to our meaning, We did not onely (so soone as this came to our eares) giue present order to our Treasourer of England to restraine all vse of Licences (if any there were or be) concerning the transportation of such Leather, whereof there is no such plentie within our kingdome, but that whatsoeuer is caried away, may be soone felt in the scarcitie and dearenesse thereof at home, But for the more sure preuention of this grieuance, and that all our louing Subiects may be wit­nesses of our care in this behalfe, We doe now by these Presents reuoke and disanull all Licences and Tolerations concerning Transportation of Neates-Leather, (if any there be) And do fur­ther expresly prohibite and forbid all maner persons whatsoeuer, That they attempt not from hencefoorth to cary or conuey away, or cause or consent to be caried or conueyed away out of this our Realme, any Neates-Leather, or Neates-Hides raw before they be perfect Leather.

And likewise we doe by these Presents straitly charge and com­mand al our Customers, Comptrollers, Searchers, Surueyors, and other our Officers of our Ports, That they doe not onely in­forme our said Treasourer, what Neates-Leather, or Neates-hides raw they haue knowen to be Transported at any time since the beginning of our Raigne, at what Ports, and by whom; But also that they be from henceforth watchfull that none passe by a­ny practise, pretence, or colour whatsoeuer, as they, and euery of them will answere the contrary at their vttermost perils. Know­ing that from hencefoorth they shall haue no excuse by pretence of Licences or other Tolerations, inasmuch as wee haue reuoked and disauowed them (if any such there bee) by these Presents. Willing yet further all our Subiects that can learne or vnder­stand and abuse in this behalfe, That they also resort to our said Treasourer and informe him thereof, whereby he may detect the fraud, corruption, and confederacie of our said Officers, if they shall conceale the same. And such discouerers shall receiue such reward as their seruice shall deserue.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster the 31. day of March, in the 6. yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation commanding the the Oath of Allegiance to be tendred to all the Kings Maiesties Subiects comming from beyond the Seas, except Merchants and men of qualitie.

IT hath beene our desire and disposition in all the course of our gouernment (as one of the best and safest remedies) to extend our natural clemencie in forewarning Offenders, where rea­son of State will not permit vs to vse the same in dispensing with their offences; And hauing lately obserued that diuers of our Subiects haue repaired into our Realme of England from the parts beyond the Seas (being persons of meane condition, and of wandring course of life, and vnknowen to any of credit that might vndertake for them) who haue refused to take the Oath of Allegiance, lately by our Parliament deuised: Wee cannot but conceiue that such persons are not vnlike to become bad instru­ments of practise and perill against our State. For considering that wee had neuer any intention in the forme of that Oath to presse any poynt of Conscience for matter of Religion, but onely to make some discouery of disloyall affection: the refusall thereof in any person must both induce a vehement suspitiō in it selfe, and much more in such a one as may bee probably supposed to haue come from such parts, where he may haue conuersed with Trai­tours and Fugitiues, and is also of a needie fortune, which may make him apt for any dangerous or desperate imployment: And therefore we haue resolued, and accordingly doe charge and com­mand all persons authorized by Law, to minister the sayd Oath, that taking information from the Officers of our Ports, and by all other good wayes and meanes, they faile not to tender the same Oath at the Ports to all our Subiects comming from be­yond the Seas, (not being knowen merchants or men of some qualitie) and vpon refusall thereof the Law to be seuerely execu­ted, which willeth to commit them to prison vntill the next Assi­ses, or generall quarter Sessions, and so vpon a second refusall to be brought within the degree of a Praemunire. Wherein, because the penaltie is so grieuous (of which neuerthelesse we can not in our Princely prouidence make any alteration) We haue thought good to notifie our resolution, and order giuen therein, which we doubt not, but will be in small time dispersed abroad; to the end that such as now are, or hereafter shall bee in forraine parts, [Page 174] and finde in their owne hearts such affections, as can not stand with the sayd Oath, may know their perill, and thereby either refraine their comming in, or expect the execution of our Lawes.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the 29. day of Aprill, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation for the preuen­ting and remedying of the dearth of Graine, and other Victuals.

THe Kings Maiestie hauing taken knowledge of the high prices of Graine and other victuals, lately and very sud­denly growen in sundry parts of this Realme, And finding no sufficient reason thereof, doth iudge that the rich Owners of Corne doe keepe their store from common markets, thereby to en­crease the prices therof, Or els that the same is engrossed vnduely into few hands, and so the multitude of poore people hauing no Graine of their owne growing, must needs sustaine great lacke. His Highnesse therefore for remedie thereof, hath caused speciall Orders to be made and published through all parts of this realme, bearing date the first day of Iune 1608, and Intituled, Orders ap­poynted by his Maiestie, &c. By which the Iustices of Peace in all parts of the Realme, are directed to stay all Engrossers, Forestal­lers and Regraters of Corne, and to direct all Owners and Far­mers, (hauing Corne to spare) to furnish the markets rateably and weekely, with such quantities as reasonably they may and ought to doe, and to see diuers other Articles obserued and perfor­med, tending to the preuention and remedy of this inconuenience. Neuerthelesse, because his Maiestie doth well know, that the life of these his gracious, godly, and politique Constitutions, depends vpon the carefull and diligent execution of the same: His High­nesse doth therefore by this his Proclamation (to the end that no person whome it may concerne, shall or may pleade ignorance) straitly charge and command all Sheriffes, Iustices of Peace, Maiors, Bayliffes, Constables, and other his Officers and Sub­iects whatsoeuer, That they take knowledge of the sayd Orders, and obserue and cause the same to be obserued, as shall appertaine vnto them, as they tender his displeasure.

And because there may be iust cause to feare, that notwithstan­ding all the strait prouisions that are lately taken against trans­portation of Graine, yet vnder colour of conueying of it from port [Page 175] to port within the lande, some may bee conueyed into forraine parts: Therefore for further prouision in that behalfe, besides the bonds in that case appoynted to be taken, His Maiestie comman­deth and giueth licence to any person that shall haue cause to sus­pect that any such corne is or should be shipped, or prouided to bee shipped by lawfull authoritie to be caried to any other Port, that the same may be by fraud caried out of the Realme; such person hauing such cause to suspect, shall giue information thereof to a­ny Iustice of peace, or publike officer dwelling neere to the Port, Which Iustice or Officer shall with the sayd Informer, repaire to the Custome house of any such Port or Creeke where Corne is shipped, or prouided to be shipped, and there shall duely examine both the Officers of the Custome house, and the sellers, buyers, and shippers of the corne vpon their seuerall oathes, whether they know of any intention directly, or indirectly, to haue the sayd Corne to be caried out of the Realme. And further also, when by their Oathes they shall cleare themselues of any such intention (thereby the suspition conceiued being cleared) yet the Officers of the Ports that haue authority to take bonds, shall shew the par­ties, who vpon pregnant suspition shall require the same, and giue them in writing the contents of the bond, with the names of the parties bound, being sufficient to answere the same, the true quantitie of the graine, and the ports to which it is intended to haue the same caried: And if notwithstanding such prouision of good assurance taken, there shall afterwards any doubt followe, that notwithstanding the sayd bonds the sayd corne shall be caried out of the realme, The partie that shal haue cause so to suspect the same, shall repaire to some Iustice of peace, whome his Maiestie doeth hereby command to examine the trueth at the Port where­unto the said Corne was appoynted. And for that purpose the of­ficers of that port shall make plaine declaration whether any such corne, or what quantity therof came to that port within the time limitted; And if by good proofe it shall any wayes appeare, that there hath beene any fraud in any officer of the Port, or falshood in the Transporter by carying it out of the Realme, the Officer of the Port shall bee depriued of his Office, and suffer imprison­ment, and make Fine to his Maiestie at his pleasure; And the Transporter for carying it out of the Realme, and the seller and buyer, or either of them being priuie thereto, shall be committed to prison for the space of one yeere, and the ship forfeited; And the Informer for his labour and reward, shall haue both the halfe of the value of the corne transported, and the halfe of the Fines im­posed vpon the offenders. And for the triall of these offences, and [Page 176] execution of the punishments and Fines, the same shall bee tryed in his Maiesties exchequer, as all Informations are vpon penall Statutes, where all expedition shall be vsed, or before the Iusti­ces of Assise in their Circuits, or before any Iustices of Peace in the Sessions where the offence shall bee committed, hauing any authoritie to heare and determine any penall Law.

Finally, his Maiestie is particularly informed of some inten­tions of sundry persons of abilitie to keepe Hospitalitie in their Countreys, to leaue their Hospitalities, and to come to the Citie of London, and other Cities and Townes corporate, thereby lea­uing the reliefe of their poore neighbours, as well for food, as for good rule, and with couetous mindes to liue in London, and a­bout the Citie priuately, and so also in other Townes corporate, without charge of company. For withstanding whereof, his Maiestie chargeth all maner of persons, that shall haue any such intention during the time of this Dearth, not to breake vp their housholds, nor to come to the sayd Citie, or other townes corpo­rate, And all others that haue of late time broken vp their house­holds, to returne to their houses againe without delay. Of the performance and execution of which his Maiesties orders, It is his Highnes pleasure that the Iustices doe make certificate vpon all occasions to his Maiesties Priuie Councell, and more parti­cularly for his Highnesse better satisfaction, what price Corne and victuals doe beare.

Giuen at our Mannour of Oatlands, the second day of Iune, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation against making of Starch.

ALbeit our great care to prouide for the good and welfare of our louing Subiects, hath at all times appeared in the whole course of our Proceedings since our comming into this Kingdome, aswel for preuenting, as for remouing all abuses and inconueniences; And knowing, that there is not any one thing, that can be more bitter and grieuous vnto all sorts of peo­ple (especially those of the poorer sort) then the feare or feeling of scarcitie and dearth of Corne, and other Victuals, Wee haue not onely in regard thereof, giuen former commandement by our pro­clamation, and other Orders lately published, to prouide against the great scarcitie and dearth of corne, but also for the more sure­tie, [Page 177] in a matter of so great consequence to our people, vpon diuers Certificats and complaints to vs and our Counsel sent from sun­dry the Iustices of Peace of seuerall parts of this Realme, We did both giue strict direction for restrayning the excessiue making of Starch, because we conceiued it might be a meanes to waste the Corne and Graine of this our Realme, and vpon the humble suit of the better sort of the Starch makers themselues, did authorize certaine selected persons, by Commission vnder the Great Seale of England, with the assistance of the Magistrates in all places of this Kingdome, to see and take order, that no Starch should bee made of Wheat, or of any other stuffe fit for the food & sustenance of man, but onely of cleane Branne, or such like courser stuffe. Since which time, hauing bene enfourmed, that our great care and earnest desire in that behalfe, hath not sorted to that good ef­fect which was then purposed, by reason that many bad and ill disposed persons, which neuer before had vsed the making of Starch, haue since that time, out of a greedy desire, and for coue­tousnesse of gaine, newly set vp, and erected Starch-making in sundry places of this land, without any allowance from our said Commissioners, and the Magistrates authorized thereunto, And that many others also, who formerly vsed Starch-making, haue since continued to make it of Wheat, and other stuffe, which might haue serued in times of dearth, for the reliefe of the poorer sort of our people, Whereby we doe perceiue and foresee, that by the vse of Starch-making, both the scarcitie and dearth of Corne, may be also continued or increased, if it should not speedily be preuented: Although wee haue vouchsafed of late to release the payment of Custome to all persons which would bring in any forreine Corne, thereby the better to supply the present want at home; And albeit we shall by this course which followeth, lose great part of the be­nefit which ariseth vnto vs from the voluntary contributions of the Starch-makers: Neuerthelesse, in our Princely care, and de­sire of the Publique good, and to the intent that all occasions may be remoued and taken away, which shall or may in any sort be pre­iudiciall to our Subiects, whose welfare we preferre before pro­fit or aduantage to our selfe, by expending or employing either any Corne, Graine, or other stuffe in the making of Starch, that may be of vse to them within this Realme, especially in this time, wherein so great a shew of scarcity and want appeareth, as by the expence of so great quantities of sundry sorts of Graine dayly brought from forreine parts into seuerall Ports of this our Realme appeareth, but principally into our Port of London: From whence, forsomuch as we are certified, that amongst sundry [Page 178] great quantities of Corne and graine that now are daily brought thither from forreine parts, good sweet; and merchantable, to the great reliefe of our Subiects, there are also some parcels of corne brought, which by foule weather and contrary winds happening to take wet, and to be long deteined at Sea, one thereby become so much decayed, mustie, and vnsauory, as the lame is altogether vnholsome for the food and sustenance of man, and not fit for any other vse, then onely to be conuerted and made into Starch, and that for the good of such Merchants, whom such misfortune shall so befall.

Wherefore we hauing with the aduice of our Councell concei­ued, that it is very requisite for the time to prohibit and suppresse the making of Starch in all places of this our Realme and Do­minion aforesaid, and to giue order that no person or persons whatsoeuer shal hereafter make, or cause to be made, any Starch of any Corne, Graine, or other stuffe whatsoeuer in any place or places within our said Realme of England and Dominion of Wales, except onely in such maner, and of such stuffe as is herein prouided, and hereafter expressed, and to that end haue thought fit to signifie our pleasure to all louing Subiects by our Procla­mation: Willing and straitly charging and commanding all, and all maner of persons whatsoeuer which now doe, or heretofore haue vsed the making of Starch within any place or places of our Kingdome of England and dominion of Wales whatsoeuer, and which haue or shall haue an intent or purpose to make starch, from henceforth to surcease and forbeare to make any Starch at all, either of Wheat, Pollard, Branne, or any other stuffe whatso­euer, and also that they do not presume at any time or times here­after to steepe or cause to be steeped or put in water, or to prepare or prouide any Wheat, Pollard, Branne, or other stuffe whatsoe­uer, with intent and purpose to make the same into Starch, vn­lesse it be onely of such decayed and musty Wheat, bare Branne, or such other stuffe, not fit for mans sustenance as aforesaid, and that onely by such persons as shalbe thereunto appointed, nominated and allowed by some of our Priuy Councell, or by such other dis­creet persons as they shall thinke [...]t to select, nominate, and au­thorise for that purpose, and the same to be done onely in or neere our Cities of London and Westminster, and other places neere ad­joyning, where such corrupt Wheat and stuffes are most vsually had in greatest quantities, and not elsewhere, and the rather, for that in other places more remote from our said City of London, the due obseruance and execution of this our command cannot be so well and carefully looked vnto as is meete.

To which end, and that none shall or may vnder colour of such corrupt Wheat and other stuffes, make or cause to be made into Starch any Wheate, Meale, Flower, Rubbles, or other stuffe whatsoeuer fit for mans food; Our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby straitly charge and command, that there shalbe appoin­ted by our said Councell, certaine honest and discreet persons, who shall and may haue full power and authoritie at all times hereafter to view all and euery parcell of musty Wheat, Branne, and other stuffes whatsoeuer which shalbe offered to be steeped or made into Starch, before such time as the same stuffe or any part thereof shalbe put in water, steeped, or made into Starch by any person or persons so for the time being to be allowed by our sayd Councell to make Starch as aforesaid. And if any person or per­sons whatsoeuer shall attempt or presume after the last day of Iu­ly instant, to offend or do contrary to our expresse wil and pleasure hereby signified: Wee doe by these Presents let them know and vnderstand that our will and pleasure is, that he or they so offen­ding, shall not onely loose and forfeit all the Starch so made or to be made, of which the one halfe shalbe to the party seising the same, and the other halfe to vs, our heires and successors: But our mea­ning also is with all seuerity to proceed against all such offendors, and for their contempt of our prerogatiue Royall in a matter ten­ding so much to the good and benefit of our people, to inflict such further punishment as is vsuall in cases of such contempt. And whereas the manifold abuses heretofore committed in the ma­king of Starch, contrary to our expresse command in our Procla­mation last published, haue for the most part growen and bene oc­casioned through the slacknesse and remissenesse of Iustices of Peace, and other our Magistrates and Officers whom we haue charged and trusted to haue the care and ouersight hereof: We do now therefore straitly charge and command all and singular Iu­stices of Peace, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bailiffes, Constables, Head­boroughes, and all other our Officers and subiects whatsoeuer, That they do at all times carefully and diligently see and take or­der, that this our Ordinance and Royall commandement hereby signified and expressed, be in all points duely performed, and that they doe not suffer any person or persons whatsoeuer within any of their precincts, from and after the last day of this moneth of Iuly instant, to make or cause to be made directly or indirectly a­ny Starch in any place or places within this Realme of Eng­land and dominion of Wales aforesaid, but that they doe to their vttermost power and endeuour by all lawful meanes hinder and suppresse the same. And we doe further wil and command them [Page 180] and euery of them, and doe also for vs, our heires and successors, giue and grant vnto them and euery of them full power and au­thoritie not onely to breake and teare in pieces the vessels of all such persons wherein any such Starch shalbe found to be made, contrary to our expresse will and pleasure herein signified, but al­so that they doe cause all and euery such offendors to be bound o­uer with Sureties in good bonds to our vse for their appearance before vs and our Priuie Councell in our Court of Starcham­ber, there to answere to their said contempts. And if they or any of them shall refuse to enter into such bonds, then to commit eue­ry person so offending vnto prison, there to remaine vntill further order by vs and our Councell shalbe taken for their enlargement and release.

Giuen at our Castle of Windsor the fift day of Iuly, in the sixt yere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation for Buildings.

THe continuall new Buildings, and addition and increase of buildings in & neere about the City of London is grow­en to that excesse, and doeth draw together such an ouer­flow of people, specially of the meaner sort, as can hardly be either fed and susteined, or preserued in health or gouerned, which doth not onely threaten, but hath already bred and brought foorth at diuers times dearth of victuals, infection of plague, and mani­fold disorders, which his Maiestie in his Royall wisedome before this time foreseeing, hath since his happy comming to the Crowne, by two seuerall Proclamations, The one in the second yeere of his Highnesse Reigne concerning building with Bricke, the other in the fift yeere of his Reigne concerning building vpon new foundations, (wherein neuerthelesse the former ordinance touching Bricke buildings is continued) sought to giue remedie and prouision for the same; But such hath beene and is the coue­tous desire of gaine and priuate benefit arising of such buildings, ioyned with a neglect of Iustices and Officers in executing his Maiesties sayd Proclamations, as many persons haue presumed and aduentured to offend against them, both to the continuance and increase of the former euils and inconueniences, and to the manifest ill example of contempt and disobedience in a case so no­torious, and in the view of the whole Kingdome: His Maiestie neuerthelesse not forgetting (though vpon so iust cause of indig­nation) his accustomed clemencie, hath thought good to make a [Page 181] difference betweene the offenders and their cases, and for such as haue offended in not building with Bricke, in as much as the of­fenders were in great multitude, and might haue some colour of necessity, or pretended impossibilitie, though vniustly, as them­selues must needs confesse, if they looke abroad, and see what is done in other well polliced Cities of Europe, His Highnesse gaue order that after some exemplar censure of a few offenders by sen­tence in the Star-chamber, the residue should be admitted to compo­sition according to his Maiesties Commission of grace for that purpose granted, wherein his Maiesties expresse pleasure was, That the Fines should bee so milde and moderate as might make the Offenders themselues sensible of his Maiesties lenitie and gracious disposition, and might make all others perceiue, That it was not his Maiesties profit that was sought, but onely the re­pressing of the inconuenience, and the preseruing of the authori­tie of his Maiesties Royall commandements for the publique good, from contempt. But for the second sort of offenders, which haue erected new foundations where no buildings were before, which had no maner of circumstance to extenuate their offence, but many to aggrauate the same, being against a Proclamation so lately published, and so straitly penned, and immediatly after a seuere sentence in the Star-chamber, his Maiesty hath directed that all such Offenders, (the number of which cannot be many being within the compasse of one yere) shalbe proceeded with in the Star-chamber. But as his Maiestie doth not thinke fit to admit at all to grace that kind of Offenders, so his Highnesse doth publish and declare, That for the other point of Bricke building, no man doe hereafter expect any the like fauour of Composition, as his Ma­iestie was pleased onely at this time for the auoyding of rigor and extremitie to grant and extend: But his Maiesties will and plea­sure is, That his sayd ordinance bee hereafter straitly obserued, and maintained, and the offenders against the same with all seue­ritie punished. And to the end to remoue and take away all colour of pretended necessity in that point, His Maiestie is graciously pleased that his former proclamations be explained and qualified in maner and forme following, That is to say, That if any per­son that shall hereafter erect any building vpon an old foundation within the precincts limitted in the proclamation published in the fift yeere of his Highnesse raigne, shall make it appeare, That ei­ther the quantitie of the ground whereupon the olde foundation standeth, is of too small a proportion to receiue a Bricke building, or that the house is situate in so obscure or meane a Lane or Alley, as is not fit for such a building, or that the trade of such person as [Page 182] intendeth such building, is the trade of a retailing shopkeeper, and of such a nature as his shop and building cannot with any conue­nience be built with Bricke, and thereupon shall obtaine certifi­cate vnder the hands of the L. Maior, the Recorder, and the Al­derman of the Ward, if the building be within the Citie or the li­berties thereof, and vnder the hands of two Iustices of the peace, whereof one to be of the Quorum, if it be out of the Citie and Li­berties, And shall further vpon the sayd Certificate, procure a li­cence vnder the hands of any foure of his Maiesties priuy Coun­cell, whereof, the Lord Chancellour, L. Treasourer, L. Priuie Seale, and Chancellour of the Exchequer for the time being, to be two in allowance of the same, That in such case such person so building, shall not be deemed and taken for an offendour against his Maiesties proclamations, any thing in the sayd Proclamati­ons, or either of them to the contrary hereof in any wise notwith­standing.

Giuen at our Mannour of Tuddington the 25. day of Iuly, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation for restraint of the Shipping, and transpor­ting of Horses.

WE are informed that there hath bene of late (through neglect of the Lawes of our Realme, and such good orders as haue bene taken) so great a transportation of Horses into forraine parts, aswell for the number, exceeding reason, as in regard of the qualities and statures forbidden, as it hath both already caused an excessiue price of Horses among our Subiects, and will with time vnfurnish the Realme of sufficient number for vse and Seruice. For preuenting whereof, wee doe straitly charge and command all our Customers, Comptrollers, Searchers, & all other officers of our Ports, and other Officers whatsoeuer, that they suffer not any horses to be shipped within any of their charges, or transported by what License or warrant soeuer, except it be vnder our owne hand, or vnder the hand of the Master of our Horse, vntill vpon some consideration had thereof by vs and our Councell, order be taken how (in some cases agree­able to the Lawes of the Realme, and without inconuenience to our Subiects) Horses of some condition may in reasonable num­ber be permitted to be transported, and by what Warrant the [Page 183] same shalbe done, and the better sort stayed within the Realme for vse and Seruice.

Giuen vnder our hand at Holdenby the 14. day of August, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation for proroguing the Parliament.

WHereas we did lately prorogue our Parliament till the seuen and twentieth day of October now next comming; Forasmuch as the late encrease of the sick­nesse in and about our City of London, maketh vs loth to draw a concourse of people together, so great, as the Terme and Parlia­ment holding at one time would make, lest thereby an augmen­tation of infection should folow: We haue thought fit to prorogue the same againe vntill the ninth day of February now next ensu­ing, at which day our purpose is (God willing) to holde the same, And do therefore hereby giue notice to all whom it may concerne, that they may frame their affaires accordingly, and attend at the same ninth day of February to that seruice.

Giuen at Windsor the fourth day of September, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation concerning Fines for Alienations of Lands holden in Chiefe, made without Record.

WHereas it is acknowledged by all men (as it must needs be) that Fines for Alienations of lands holden in Chiefe, are of right due vnto vs & our Crowne, as one of the most ancient, iust, and Royal reuenues belonging to the same; And yet it is as well knowne, that Lands of that na­ture haue beene, and are often aliened by Feoffements, Grants of Reuersions, Wills, Exchanges, Couenants, and other like con­ueyances made without Record, for which no Fines are answe­red, onely because the Conueyances are not of Record, and there­fore cannot come (without great charge) to the knowledge of our Officers, to whose care the same doeth appertaine, but are wil­fully, and against conscience by the Purchasers hidden and con­cealed, whereas Fines are as well due in that case, as if the same [Page 184] Conueyances were of Record, and are accordingly required and payed without exception, wheresoeuer they are discouered: In which respect, there was about a yeere past, in diuers Counties a course taken, as well to finde out such Alienations without Re­cord by Commissions of enquiry, and other lawfull meanes, as al­so to require and take such Fines as should be found due according to the Law, of all those that should appeare to bee liable to the same Fines.

Forasmuch as we haue euer bene enclined to vse grace and fa­uour, rather then seuerity, euen in those things which all men know to be most clearly due to vs, as in this case amongst others, wherein no man can challenge any exemption in course of Iu­stice from payment of a full yeeres value of the Lands so Aliened, especially being such as haue so ill deserued any fauour at our hands, from whom they haue so long withheld our due, & meant still to doe, vnlesse they should be by some extraordinary care and charge laied open and discouered, we haue bene pleased (notwith­standing all their former courses, so farre to the preiudice of vs in our iust dueties and demands) both to make stay of execution of all and euery of those Commissions, and other enquiries formerly sent out, whereof the charge and disquiet would fall heauily vp­on our Subiects: and haue also resolued by this our gracious Proclamation to make knowen to all those who know them­selues answerable for any such Fines, that we will be content out of our princely fauour to forbeare those meanes which will easily discouer trueth, & remit vnto them the greater part of our Fines, according to the Articles hereunto annexed. Prouided alwayes, that they shall willingly and duetifully pay the rest of that which we shall not forgiue, for our owne proper vse into the Office of A­lienations, where our ministers wil bee ready to giue them a dis­charge vpon receit thereof.

Of which great fauour, ease and benefite, though we are well perswaded that most of our louing Subiects, as well in discreti­on as in duety, wil be glad to take hold, and to yeeld vs a gratefull acceptation; Neuerthelesse, because we haue had good experience that many persons are more apt to shew themselues backward in taking hold of grace and fauour, when the same is offered, then o­therwise, we finde it likewise necessary for vs in cases of this na­ture (where by fraud and couine our ancient Rights are sought to be concealed or extinguished by the practise of priuate men, or are omitted or neglected by those that should search after things of that nature) to declare hereby, that whosoeuer shall not offer himselfe to make such satisfaction as is expressed in the Articles [Page 185] hereafter mentioned, before the end of Hillary Terme next, at the furthest, must not expect any further fauour at our handes, then that which they may challenge by the course of our lawes, which no man can binde vs to mitigate further then he should deserue, or we shall be disposed to doe out of our inward clemencie, which Princes seldome vse, when wilfully the same is not accepted, ac­cording to that grace and bounty wherewith it is offered.

Giuen vnder our hand at our Honor of Hampton Court the first day of October, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ The Articles in this Proclamation mentioned.

1 NO Fines shalbe required for Alienations without Re­cord, but where those Alienations were made sithence the fourteenth yeere of the late Q. Elizabeth.

2 The Fines for Alienations of Estates of inheritance past, shalbe for such as come in, and offer Composition vpon this Pro­clamation, but a third part of the yeeres value: But if they come not in betweene the date of this Proclamation, and the ende of Hillarie Terme next, then to pay, (as by Lawe they ought) the yeeres value.

3 And for Alienations of Estates for liues past, the Fines shall be the fourth part onely of the yeeres value, if they yeeld them­selues voluntarily within the time aforesayde, Or otherwise to pay the whole yeeres value, As in the case of Estates of Inheri­tance, the Law making no difference in these cases.

4 Vpon Alienations of Estates of inheritance that shall bee made hereafter without Record, there shall bee payed but two parts of the three, of so much as shall be due by Law, in such cases both vpon pardons and licences, if the parties themselues within foure moneths after such Alienations made, shal first discouer the same, and offer Composition at our office of Alienations.

5 Vpon Estates for liues that shalbe made hereafter without Record, there shalbe payd vpon licences and pardons both, but the halfe of that, that by Law ought to be payd in such cases, if the parties themselues discouer the same, and offer composition with­in the foure moneths as aforesayd.

6 The valuation of lands in these cases, shall not be made ac­cording to the very value, but as is vsed in the Office of Alienati­ons, where these Alienations shall bee ordered as all others are: And therefore for instruction in that behalfe, it will be necessary that the Conueyances be brought & shewed to the Officers there.

7 No Fine at all shall be required vpon Alienation of Estates [Page 186] for life or liues past, where the Estate is ended without fraud.

8 Such as shall pay their Composition for Alienations past, shall haue this ease in passing of their Pardons, that many may be ioyned in a Pardon, and pay among them but the charge of one Pardon, and the same charge shal be no more then the charge was for the Pardons granted vpon the Coronation.

9 Such as shall pay their composition in such case for the time past, shall not be compelled to plead their Conueyance in the Ex­chequer at large, as the vse is.

¶ They that shall compound shall not appeare in person, but may take order by Attorneys or Solicitors to dispatch that businesse in the Terme time at the Office of Aliena­tions, where they shall finde the Officers ready to giue them dispatch.

¶ A Proclamation touching Mault­sters, Common-brewers and Alehouse-keepers.

VVHereas the Kings Maiestie, for the better reliefe and sustentation of the poorer sort of people within this his Kingdome, in this time of scarcity & dearth of Corne and Graine, did out of his Princely and gracious dispo­sition, lately cause certaine Orders to be generally published and sent into all the Counties, Cities, and principall places of this Realme, for the seruing of the Markets from time to time with conuenient quantities of Corne and Graine, whereby the poore might be chiefly prouided for with so much thereof, as should bee necessary for them at reasonable rates: And whereas it hath plea­sed God to giue this yeere greater increase of Barley then of other Graines, which of it selfe, or being mingled with Wheat or Rye, wil make good Bread, especially for the poorer sort of people: His Maiestie is giuen to vnderstand, that of this great quantitie of Barley (whereof the greatest part ought and might be made into Bread as aforesaid) much is by the infinite multitude of Mault­sters, like to be turned into Mault as hitherto it hath bene, and then againe by Common-brewers brued into strong Beere and Ale, which consumes double the Mault that is needfull, and serues not for vse, but for drunkennes and excesse; Although both by the Lawes now in force, and by the said Orders lately pub­lished, there is prouision against these abuses. His Maiestie therefore continuing his Princely care for the preseruation and [Page 187] reliefe of his poore Subiects, And to the ende that the great waste and consumption of Barley in making of mault may bee preuen­ted, and that the poore may haue sufficient store of Barley to make bread for their sustenance at reasonable prices, in this time of scar­citie of Wheat and Rye, Hath therefore thought good, and by this his Proclamation doeth straitly charge and command all Iusti­ces of peace, Maiors, Constables, Headboroughes, and other his Officers to whom it appertaineth, That they forth with after the publishing of this his Proclamation, doe carefully and diligently cause the Lawes and Statutes of this his Realme, concerning mault & Maultsters, and concerning the assize and price of beere to be put in due execution, and by all meanes to diminsh the num­ber of Maultsters, and to establish good Orders to such as they shall allow still to mault for the sparing of Barley, as much as may be, As also to see that common Bruers, Alehouse keepers, and all others that sell Ale or Beere, make their Beere and Ale not too strong, but of such rate and price, as may occasion least ex­pence of mault, and whereby they may vtter their Beere at lowe and reasonable prices, that the poorer sort may haue the greater proportion for their money.

And his Maiestie doth likewise straitly charge and commaund all Maultsters, common Bruers, Alehouse keepers, and such as sell Beere or Ale, to obserue and keepe aswell the Lawes and sta­tutes of this Realme in that behalfe made, as his Maiesties sayd orders lately published, and all other Orders and directions of the sayd Iustices of peace, Maiors, Bailiffes and other Officers here­after to be made, according to his Maiesties gracious comman­dement in this Proclamation conteined.

Giuen vnder our hand at Thetford the 12. day of December, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation for the proroguing of the Parliament.

WHereas we did lately prorogue our Parliament till the ninth day of February now next comming: For­asmuch as the dearth and scarsitie of all kinde of Vic­tuall is at this present great, And if it should draw so great a con­course of people hither as the Parliament wil bring, it would not onely more increase the prices of all things hereabouts (which are already very high) but also draw many Gentlemen out of [Page 188] their Countreys, where their Hospitality will giue much reliefe to their poore neighbors. Wee haue therefore thought fit to pro­rogue the same againe vntill the ninth day of Nouember now next ensuing, Whereof we doe hereby giue notice to all whom it may concerne, that they may frame their affaires accordingly, and attend at the same ninth day of Nouember to that seruice.

Giuen at our Pallace of Westminster the 4. day of Ianuary, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation against Pirats.

THe Kings Maiestie, hauing bene informed through the manifold complaints made to his Highnesse by his owne Subiects as others, of the many depredations and Pira­cies committed by lewd and ill disposed persons, accustomed and habituated to spoile and rapine, insensible and desperate of the pe­rill they draw vpon themselues, and the imputation they cast vp­on the honour of their Soueraigne so precious to him, as for re­dresse therof he is inforced to reiterate and inculcate his loathing and detestation not onely of the crimes, but also to manifest to the world his sinceritie and exceeding desires for the due and speedy suppressing of the delinquents; And hauing lately found by ma­ny pregnant circumstances, that most of these great faults are continued by the conniuence, or corruption in many the subordi­nate Officers, especially such as are resident in & neere the Ports and Maritine Counties: In his Princely care to preserue Iu­stice, as one of the maine pillars of his Estate, and for the speedy preuention of such fowle crimes, and the seuere punishment and extirpation of such enormious offendors (most hatefull to his minde, and scandalous to his peaceable gouernment) and for the preseruation and continuance of amitie and good corresponden­cie with all other Princes and States, hath with the aduise of his Counsaile thought it necessary at this present, to publish these Articles and Ordinances insuing: Wherein if any shall be found culpable, refractory, or contemptuous, his Maiestie is resolued and hereby declareth, that such punishment shall bee inflicted on him or them so offending, that others may bee exemplarily fore­warned, from committing so odious factes, and be deterred from ayding, relieuing, comforting, or abetting such and so enormious malefactors.

IF any person whatsoeuer shall vpon the Seas, or in any Port or hauen, take any Ship that doeth belong to any of his Maie­sties [Page 189] Subiects, friends, or Allies, or shall take out of it by force, a­ny goods of what nature or quality soeuer: he or they so offending shall suffer death, with confiscation of lands and goods, according to the Law in that case prouided.

IF any person or persons so offending, doe at any time hereafter come into any Port or place of his Maiesties dominions, his Maiestie expresly chargeth all his Officers foorthwith to appre­hend him and them, and to commit them to prison, without baile or Mainprize, and that the name of the person and cause of his imprisonment, be foorthwith certified into the Admiraltie, that speedy order may be taken for further proceeding, and execution according to Law, and the contents of his Maiesties former Pro­clamations.

ALl his Maiesties Subiects shall forbeare from furnishing, victualling, ayding, receiuing, relieuing, comforting or abet­ting any Pirate or Sea-rouer, or any person not being a knowen Merchant, by contracting, buying, selling, bartring or exchang­ing with him or them, vpon perill of his Maiesties heauie indig­nation, and the grieuous paines by Law belonging to the same.

ALl Admirall causes shalbe summarily heard by the Iudge of the Admiraltie without admitting any vnnecessary delay, and no Appeale from him shall be allowed to the defendant or de­fendants in cases of depredations or spoile, either for the Offen­ders, or their accessaries before or after the offence committed, or those in whose possession the goods spoyled are found, vnlesse first by way of prouision the summe adiudged be payd to the plaintife vpon Suerties to repay it, if the Sentence shalbe reuersed. And no prohibition in such causes of depredation and spoile, and their accessaries and dependants shall be hereafter granted against the Admiraltie.

NO Ship or goods taken from any his Maiesties friendes, shall bee deliuered vpon any other order, then vpon proofe made, or certificate exhibited in the said Court of the Admiraltie, to the end that a Record may be kept of all such restitutions made to strangers, to serue if occasion shall require.

ANd for the preuenting of future mischiefes, euery Viceadmi­rall is enioyned by this Proclamation (whereof he is to take notice at his perill) to certifie into the said Court of the Admiralty euery quarter of the yeere, what Ship or Ships warlikely ap­pointed, hath gone to the Sea, or returned within that time with any goods taken at Sea, or the procedue thereof, vpon paine to lose to his Maiestie (by way of Fine) for euery such default, forty pound of currant money of England, to be answerable into his [Page 190] Maiesties receipt of the Exchequer, by certificate from the sayd Iudge of the Admiraltie, vnder the great Seale of that Office, to bee directed to the Lord Treasourer, and the Barons of the Ex­chequer.

THe Viceadmirals, Customers, and other Officers of the Ports, shall not suffer any Shippe to goe to Sea, before such time as they respectiuely in their seuerall Ports, haue due­ly searched and visited the same, to the intent to stay such as appa­rantly shalbe furnished for the warres, and not for merchandi­zing or fishing. And if there shalbe cause of suspition by the proui­sions, or furniture, or extraordinary number of men, or suspected persons therein, that the said Ship & company is otherwise to be imployed then in Merchandize or Fishing; then in such case of su­spition, the Viceadmirals and Officers of the Ports, shall stay and in no wise suffer the said Ship to passe to Seas, without good Bonds with sufficient Sureties had in the double value of the Ship, and her furniture, to vse nothing during their sayd Voy­age, but lawfull trade of Merchandize or Fishing. And if they shall suffer any such persons otherwise to repaire to the Seas then is aboue mentioned, they shall suffer imprisonment vntill the offendors may be apprehended, and shall be answerable to the parties grieued, for their contempt and offence in this behalfe committed.

ANd whereas diuers great and enormious spoiles and Pira­cies haue bene heretofore committed within the Straits of Giblatar and other places by Captaine Iohn Ward and his adhe­rents, and other English Pirats, and the Goods, Moneyes and Merchandizes haue bene and are sold, dispersed and disposed of, most lewdly and prodigally by the meanes of their receiuers, com­fortors and abettors, to the great preiudice of his Maiesties good friendes the Venetians, and others in league and amitie with his Maiestie, whom they haue so robbed and spoyled: His Maiestie doeth hereby expresly charge and command all Lieutenants, de­puty Lieutenants, Viceadmirals and their Deputies, Iustices of Peace, Captaines of his Maiesties Ships, and all other Offi­cers of the Admiraltie, and all Maiors, Sheriffes, Bailiffes, Con­stables, and other his Officers whatsoeuer, as they and euery of them tender his Maiesties seruice, and vpon perill of his Maie­sties indignation, to vse all care and diligence, and their best and vttermost indeuours, in the inquiring, searching for, and appre­hending of all such Pirats, their receiuors, comfortors and abet­tors. And if they shall by their traueiles and care finde any of them, to send them presently to the next common Gaole, there [Page 191] to remaine without Baile or Maineprize, till the Lord high Ad­mirall of England, or his Lieutenant the Iudge of the Admiral­tie may be aduertized thereof, and shall dispose of them according to the Lawes in that case prouided.

LAstly, forasmuch as his Maiestie is aduertized that this Pi­rate Ward and others, are made the more able to continue in strength and power, to infest the Subiects of all Christian Prin­ces and Estates, by meanes of that receipt and protection which is giuen them in Tunis, Argiers, and the places adioyning, His Maiesty doeth hereby straitly prohibite all his Subiects what­soeuer that shall goe to Sea, that they nor any of them, shall sell, alien, barter, or exchange any Ordinance, powder, cordage, or any prouision whatsoeuer, seruiceable for the warre or shipping, dire­ctly or indirectly, to or with the said Ward, or his adherents, or a­ny other Pirate or Pirates whatsoeuer, vnder paine of death as accessaries in cases of Piracie. Neither shall any of his Maiesties Subiects, residing for the time in Tunis, Argiers, or in any other place in Barbary, or the places adioyning, or hereafter resorting thither, dare to buy, barter, exchange, or receiue directly or indi­rectly any goods taken at the Seas, vpon any pretext whatsoe­uer, vnder paine of confiscation of his owne proper Goods, lands and chattels here in England, and such other punishment as by Law may bee inflicted vpon so contemptuous and grieuous an offendour.

Giuen at Whitehall the eight day of Ianuary, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation for preseruation of Woods.

FOrasmuch as by a late view and Suruey had and made of the most part of our Woods in diuers Counties of this Realme, It is certified vnto vs that great spoiles and deua­stations are committed, both within our Forrests, Chaces, Parks and Wasts, not onely by bordering Inhabitants, but euen by Woodwards, Keepers, and other of our owne inferiour Officers, such as ought to haue had the chiefe care of the preseruation ther­of, and also in and vpon our Mannours, Lordships and demesne Lands, by Tenants, Bailiffes and Reeues, by their vniust ta­king, and improuident assigning Timber trees and Woods, farre beyond all reasonable proportion of allowance: And forasmuch [Page 192] also as diuers apparant abuses, are likewise committed in the said places by sundry sinister practises to decay our said Woods, and to make them Windfals and pretended Fees; the continuance wher­of hath bene so long and dangerous, as without present reforma­tion, there is like suddenly to follow such want of Timber and Wood, as by no future prouidence can be in meete time supplied; Forasmuch as we out of our desire to preserue and increase our Woods, of our Princely care haue hitherto forborne to draw any benefit to our selues by sale thereof, And also for that we find, that by the practises aforesayd, and other the like, our sayd Woods are dayly more wasted, spoiled, and defaced, then if wee did make an yeerely competent Reuenue of the same: We therefore (as respec­tiue of the good of our posterities, as our owne) haue endeuoured to take course to stop the sayd abuses, and all others too long pra­ctised, and to worke the meanes not onely of better preseruation of our sayd Woods in times to come, but also of a present multi­plication and increase of Timber and Wood to all future ages. And to the end that our care may appeare to extend to the preser­uation and increase of timber, aswell in generall to others, as to our selues, We haue thought meet by this our Proclamation, not onely to diuulge our speciall pleasure touching our owne woods, But also strictly to command and charge all our louing Subiects in generall, That in their owne woods they presume not hereaf­ter to defraud the true meaning of our Statutes in those cases prouided, by cutting and falling the yong storers, when they vsu­ally fell their Vnderwoods, which the Statute intended and ap­pointed to be altogether preserued for Timber: Wherein if they shall be found to offend, they are to expect no fauour, as doing an apparant wrong to the Common wealth, besides the breach of Law, and our Royall commandement.

And wee doe also straitly command all our louing Subiects, That for auoyding of future spoiles, they nor any of them presume from henceforth to commit any Act, vnder whatsoeuer colour or pretence, not warranted by the true intent of our Lawes, or the Grants made vnto them, whereby our sayd Woods may be dimi­nished, defaced or abused. And further, that neither our Keepers of Walkes, or Rangers, or other Officer or Officers whatsoeuer, in Forrests, Chaces or Parks, doe vnder colour of browse for our Deere, Feewood or fuell for themselues, or other pretence what­soeuer, presume to cut or take more then shall necessarily suffice, without wastefull expence or colourable sale; Neither that they nor any of them, nor any other Subiect whatsoeuer, aduenture to head or shred any Timber tree or trees, but to take onely such [Page 193] lops for browse, as the trees which haue bene vsually lopped shall affoord, and that not in greater proportion then is meete and ne­cessary. And that no inhabitant in or neere any of our Forrests, Chaces or Wasts, cut off the head or principall branches, or spall out, chip, barke or girt the bodies of any timber tree, or likely to proue timber tree, nor to cut or take any yong saplings of Oake, Elme, Ashe, Beech, or any other tree likely to proue timber, grow­ing in any of our sayd Forrests, Chaces or Wasts, nor to enter in­to any of our Coppises or Vnderwoods, to cut, spoyle or waste the same vnder any pretence or colour, except it be for necessary vses, and the same lawfully warranted. And that no Tenant of any our Honors, Mannors, Lordships or Lands, Lessee or Copihol­der, doe take any timber for Building, or decaying tree for their fuell, nor any Steward, Bailiffe, Reeue, or other Officer, doe as­signe any tree or trees for any vse, but that hee and they see good warrant from our Treasourer or Chanceller of our Exchequer, or Duchie respectiuely, except in smal reparations which may re­quire haste, Or such as may be amended with an allowance of a tree, two, three or foure at the most. In which cases the Suruey­ors of the Woods of that County, or Steward of the Mannour, or three of the better sort of the Tenants of the sayd Mannour, dwelling in or neere the same, shall and may view and consider of the cause of the said reparation or allowance, and allot vnto them supply without such vnlawfull practises of fauour or partialitie, as haue bene too common and frequent. Vnto which view and allowance, if it be made by the sayd Surueyour of the woods, or Steward of the Mannour, some three of the better sort of the sayd Tenants, if there be so many, or foure, where there be not so many, shalbe also made parties and acquainted therewith, And thereupon such allowance being from time to time by such war­rant or assignement made, we doe straitly charge and commaund the same to be at the next Court of the sayd Mannour by the sayd Tenants presented vpon their Oathes, that shall so view the said wants, or shall be acquainted with the same, Setting downe in writing what and how many trees haue beene deliuered, vpon what land, to whom, and to what vses, and specially by what warrant. And whether the same were necessary or not, the same to be done truely and without partialitie, as they will answere the contrary.

And furthermore, whereas for the better maintenance and present supply of the especiall wants of our Nauie, wee haue ap­pointed and authorized our Officers of the same, by some skilfull and expert persons by them to be chosen sor that purpose, to elect [Page 194] and make choice in euery of our Counties assigned for present sale all such timber and trees, as by the commissions to them directed, and the seuerall articles therein contained, shall be thought fit to be reserued for the especiall vse of our sayd Nauie, and the same to marke for that purpose; We doe now likewise by these presents straitly charge and command, aswel all our seuerall officers with­in our seuerall Forrests, Parkes, Chaces, Mannours and lands, as all other our louing Subiects to whome in any sort it may appertaine, that neither they nor any of them, doe at any time hereafter cut or lop, or suffer to be cut or lopped, any trees appoin­ted and marked by our sayd Officers, or any of them, to and for the vse of our Nauie, for any other vse whatsoeuer, notwith­standing any Warrant that shall bee produced or pretended for the same, except the same Warrant bee signed with our owne Royall hand.

Giuen vnder our hand at Royston the fourteenth day of February, in the sixt yere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation giuing a further day for Fines for Alienations of Lands holden in Chiefe, made without Record.

WHereas to moderate and qualifie the Fines, forfei­tures and losses, which we in our wisedome did fore­see might prooue heauy vnto very many of our Sub­iects, that had made Alienations of their Lands holden in Chiefe without Licence, by priuate Conueyances without Record: We did of our Gracious inclination and Royall regard of the quiet, ease, and benefit of all such of our said Subiects (whose Lands or estates were by such Alienations without Licence, made subiect to answere vnto vs any Arrerages, Issues or meane profits) by our Proclamation bearing date the first day of October last past before the date hereof, publish, propound, and offer certaine fa­uours, remedies and meanes of reasonable and easie Compositi­ons for such Alienations, So as they did come in and take the benefite of our said Princely offers, and fauours, before the end of Hillary Terme then next ensuing the date of our sayd Procla­mation, although such persons making those secret conueyances, of purpose to defraud vs of our due, deserued no fauour: Foras­much as we doe vnderstand that diuers of our Subiects whome it concerneth, hauing sithence the publishing of our said Procla­mation [Page 195] aduised and considered with their learned Councell aswel of the losses, forfeitures & damages, which they haue incurred by reason of such Alienations, as also of the great fauour and bene­fit offered vnto them by our sayd Proclamation, haue and dayly doe humbly compound with our Officers of our said Alienations, thereby very thankfully and duetifully accepting of our grace and fauour in that behalfe:

And being further giuen to vnderstand, that the knowledge of our sayd Proclamation did so lately come into diuers parts of our Realme, and to the vnderstanding of many our Subiects, as they could not (through the shortnesse of the time prescribed by our said Proclamation) consider and resolue of their seuerall Cases; Wee haue therefore thought good, according to our Princely and gra­cious disposition and purpose in this behalfe, not to binde, or con­fine our fauours to such straitnesse of time, as that our louing sub­iects should not be able therein to make vse of the same. And ther­fore considering the waightinesse of the cause, and well allowing that our subiects should haue conuenient time to take counsel and aduise for the performance of their sayd Composition; And to the end that they may haue no iust excuse, if they shall bee put to an­swere vs our due, according to the Lawe, when they shall haue wilfully refused our fauour: We doe by this our Proclamation, publish, signifie and declare, That all such of our Subiects as shal before the Feast of All Saints next ensuing, offer Composition to our sayd Officers of the sayd Alienations, according to the Arti­cles conteined in our sayd former Proclamation, shalbe admitted to make their Compositions accordingly, and shall haue and enioy all such benefit, profit and fauour, as they might or should haue had, if they had compounded within the time limitted by our said former Proclamation, Any thing in our sayd former Proclama­tion conteined to the contrary notwithstanding.

Prouided that such as shall not take benefit of this extent of our fauour, are not to expect afterward any further enlarge­ment of time, nor other dispensation whatso­euer in that behalfe.

Giuen at our Court at Royston the 18. day of February, in the sixt yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1608.

¶ A Proclamation signifying his Ma­iesties pleasure, to confirme by all meanes the estates of his Subiects against all defects in their Assurances, and all concealed Titles.

THe Kings most Excellent Maiestie (ha­uing alwayes before his eyes a serious consideration of that great and weigh­tie charge which is committed to him for the gouernment of so many famous Countreys and people, ouer whom the KING of Kings hath made him Su­preme head and Ruler, and doeth expect at his hands (out of duety to his diuine Maiestie) the same care and feeling of all things concerning his Subiects, which the naturall head (by instinct of Nature) hath of the least member of the naturall body; is pleased now, aswell out of his long experience of Regall Authoritie, exercised in another great and ancient Kingdome, before his comming to the Crowne of England, as out of the Rules of his owne Iustice and moderate disposition in all things, to seeke to be enformed particularly and fully, Whether the courses that haue bene taken, or may hereaf­ter for enquiry or recouery of his Maiesties rightfull Titles (cast vpon him by Law) may not more disturbe and endomage his good and louing Subiects, then stands with the iust measure of his owne desires; who esteemeth his greatest riches to be inclu­ded in the treasury of his Subiects hearts. In which respect, although his Maiestie is not ignorant, that by the rule of Law no time can preiudice the Rights of the Kings of this Realme, but that contrarywise, the continuance of time is sayd in Law rather to increase, and aggrauate the wrong, then to extenuate or purge the same; And that in many cases betweene Subiect and Sub­iect (by common experience) ancient possessions are euicted and ouerthrowen by titles more ancient: Yet such is his highnes disposition, as he is willing to make them finde, both the effects of [Page 197] his bountie and grace, and the due measure of his integritie and conscience. And therefore being enformed by his Maiesties Com­missioners and Officers, (employed aswell ordinarily, as extra­ordinarily, in the care of his Reuenues) That the possessions of his Subiects, haue, and doe dayly fall within the danger of Law (aswell concerning their Lands of Inheritance, as their Leases from his Maiestie or his Progenitors for liues or yeeres) by ma­ny wayes and meanes; Not onely vpon points of defect in forme, but euen in points of substance most iust and weightie; As in re­spect of exchanges with the Crowne, not duely conueyed or execu­ted on the Subiects part; Of the falsitie of considerations mate­riall, vpon which the Letters Patents haue bene obteined; Of the falsitie of suggestions, whereby the King hath bene deceiued, and sometimes ancient Crowne Lands haue bene caried away, as if they had bene but new augmentations of Reuenues by At­tainder, or the like; Of Intailes made to the Kings of this Realme, or descended to them from their Ancesters, whereby it appeareth, that the King hath not bene truely enformed of his estate, when he made his grant, hauing no intention of disinheri­son of his Issue in Taile, against the Law; Of referring to other Letters Patents, where many times there are none such, as by the recitall are supposed; Of insufficient sauing, or prouiding for that estate or benefite, which is intended to the King vpon the Letters Patents, by way of Exception, Reseruation, or other­wise; Of want of proper and apt words, such as the Law doth re­quire, euen in a case betweene Subiect and Subiect; Of passing their Grants vnder a wrong Seale, contrary to the grounds of Law, or expresse Acts of Parliament; Of want of Offices, or in­sufficiencie of Offices, whereby the Kings Title not rightly ap­pearing, his Grants could not but passe in darkenesse; And many other the like defects in matter and substance, besides the defects, errours, omissions, and misprisions in writing & in forme, which are no lesse dangerous in strictnesse of Law: And his Maiesty be­ing further enformed, That the possessions of his louing subiects may also be impeached and brought in question vpon other Ti­tles not hauing any dependance vpon defectiue letters Patents, but vpon other points of diuers natures, and yet all warranted by the Lawes of this Land; As vpon Escheats by Attaindors or otherwise, vpon Title accrued by Dissolution, Surrender, Sup­pression, or relinquishing of Monasteries, encrochments vpon his Maiesties Wastes and high wayes, which is a meere vsurpation and intrusion vpon his Maiesties possession, not coloured by any pretence of Title; Vpon occupation of drowned land by time re­couered [Page 198] from the Sea, which by his Maiesties Prerogatiue be­longeth to the Crowne; Vpon Tythes detained, which lie out of all Parishes; vpon Alienations in Mortmaine, purchases by A­liens, and the like; And lastly vpon condition broken for non pay­ment of Rent at the dayes appointed, and other the like Acts not performed: His Maiestie conceiueth it to bee a worke worthy of himselfe to settle (as much as in him is) at once, a peace and quiet­nesse in the possessions of his Subiects.

And as his Maiestie hath heretofore suspended the rigour of a Legall prosecution in these cases, and turned it into a gracious composition, vpon a summary consideration of the title, whereby both the charge of Suit, and the extremitie of Euiction mought bee auoided: So his Highnesse vnderstanding, that euen that course of fauour doth not answere or attaine (in some circumstan­ces) to that measure of grace, which he intendeth to his louing Subiects; Is pleased, that there be a cessation also of that former proceeding. And therefore although his Maiestie knowes, that no ordinary forme of Legall proceeding, concludes the interest, nor time extinguisheth the right of Soueraigne Princes, that many prerogatiues assist him, that the voyce of the Lawes inter­prets the best to be taken for him, and that hee hath all aduanta­ges, sauing a heart that will take no aduantage: And although the present necessitie of his estate (whereof the splendor and great­nesse is so enlarged) may iustly perswade any lawfull improoue­ment of the profits of the Crowne; Yet it hath pleased him, as a pledge of greater fauour intended towards his Subiects, then euer they receiued from his Predecessors, (setting apart all other considerations of profit to himselfe, or power ouer his good Sub­iects in this kinde) by this Proclamation to declare, that he is fully resolued, that all his louing Subiects shall partake of this grace, to haue all the states of their lands confirmed and made perfect, and to be discharged of all meane profits and issues what­soeuer heretofore due or incurred, notwithstanding any of the de­fects or imperfections before mentioned, or any other whatsoe­uer; So as their estates bee not by time expired and determined before, as in case of Intailes already spent and runne out: In which case the deteining of any Land from his Maiestie is so in­iurious, as no priuate man could willingly endure to be so defrau­ded. For which grace and fauour, as the Subiect shall be no fur­ther charged for euer hereafter, then by payment of fiue yeeres Fine at the vttermost, according to the old Rent, and the same to be Rated onely as it appeareth to be in value by former Office, by particuler, or els by Oath or Affidauit, before some Commissio­ners [Page 199] without further examination thereof, or any maner of dis­couery or declaration of any imperfection or inualidity of their Titles in any of those things for which they made offer of Com­position: So his Maiestie doeth not doubt, but his discreet and louing Subiects (comparing all circumstances together, aswell considerable in his owne person as theirs) with due acknowledg­ment and gratitude wil imbrace this fauour so graciously offered, and not to foreslow the time of acceptation of it, which his Ma­iestie doeth hereby limit to bee before the ende of Michaelmas Terme next, seeing they and their posteritie may thereby bee so well secured in their estates and patrimonies for euer. For the perfit accomplishment of which his Maiesties gracious intenti­on towards his louing Subiects, thus expressed by this declara­tion, his Highnesse is pleased by his Commission vnder the great Seale of England, to giue full and absolute power and authority to certaine selected Commissioners of his Maiesties priuy Coun­sell and others, to giue order and warrant for such Gifts, Grants, Confirmations, and other Assurances to be made and passed vn­der the Great Seale of England, or Seale of the Duchie of Lan­caster, or by Fines to be leuied, or by all or any other those wayes and meanes as shalbe found needfull and requisit for the seuerall Cases, And as by the Counsaile learned of the parties that shall desire such assurances respectiuely, vpon conference with his Maiesties learned Counsaile shall be thought fit and reasonable. And for their better and more absolute Assurance against all fu­ture doubts or questions whatsoeuer, his Maiestie doeth by these presents publish and declare, that he is so willing to confirme and establish their estates, and possessions against all Claimes, Titles and exceptions whatsoeuer, that he is pleased that it be propoun­ded to the next Parliament, That such Gifts, Grants, Confirma­tions, and other Assurances as shalbe made in performance and execution of this his Princely intention, may be ratified and con­firmed against him, his heires and successors for euer, by authori­tie of Parliament; And also to giue his Royall assent thereunto, when they shalbe brought to that point: And doeth likewise here­by promise to giue to any his louing Subiects (that shall seeke it) his Royall couenant to be inserted into the Bookes of their Assu­rances to the effect aforesaid. And for the ease of charge to the Subiect in passing such their Assurances; It hath pleased his Highnesse aswell to giue order that there shalbe an abatement of the ordinary Fees payed at the Seales, as also to permit diuers persons to ioyne in one Patent, til their seuerall purchases doe a­mount to fortie Pounds according to the old Rent, whereupon [Page 200] the Composition shalbe grounded. And because the said Commis­sioners being most of them of his Maiesties Priuy Counsel, (and therefore ordinarily imployed in the greatest affaires of the King­dome) shall not haue so fit meanes at all times to receiue & heare the first motions of his Maiesties Subiects, that shall desire such new assurances as aforesaid; His highnes hath therefore appoin­ted his Atturney and Sollicitor generall, to be ready from time to time to heare and conferre with his Subiects and their. Counsell concerning the premisses, that they may bee sure to receiue their dispatch with all possible expedition and fauour.

Giuen at White-hall the 22. day of April, in the seuenth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1609.

¶ A Proclamation touching Fishing.

Although we doe suf­ficiently know by our experience in the Office of Regall dignitie (in which by the fauour of Almighty God, we haue bene placed and exercised these many yeres) as also by the obseruation which wee haue made of other Christian Princes exemplary Actions, how farre the absolutenesse of Soueraigne power extendeth it selfe, And that in regard thereof we need not yeeld accompt to any person vnder God, for any Action of ours, which is lawfully grounded vpon that iust prerogatiue: Yet such hath euer bene, and shalbe our care and desire to giue satisfaction to our neigh­bour Princes, and friends, in any Action which may haue the least relation to their Subiects and Estates, as we haue thought good (by way of friendly premonition) to declare vnto them all, and to whom soeuer it may appertaine, as followeth.

Whereas wee haue bene contented since our comming to the Crowne, to tolerate an indifferent and promiscuous kinde of li­bertie to all our friends whatsoeuer, to fish within our streames, and vpon any of our coasts of Great Britaine, Ireland, and other adiacent Islands, so farre foorth as the permission or vse thereof might not redound to the empeachment of our Prerogatiue Roy­all, nor to the hurt and damage of our louing Subiects, whose preseruation and flourishing estate we hold our selfe principally bound to aduance before all worldly respects: So finding that our conniuence therein, hath not onely giuen occasion of ouer great encrochments vpon our Regalities, or rather questioning [Page 201] for our Right, but hath bene a meanes of much dayly wrongs to our owne people that exercise the trade of Fishing, as (either by the multitude of Strangers, which doe preoccupy those places, or by the iniuries which they receiue most cōmonly at their hands) our Subiects are constrained to abandon their Fishing, or at the least are become so discouraged in the same, as they hold it better for them, to betake themselues to some other course of liuing, whereby not onely diuers of our Coast-townes are much decayed, but the number of Mariners dayly diminished, which is a matter of great consequence to our Estate, considering how much the strength thereof consisteth in the power of Shipping, and vse of Nauigation: We haue thought it now both iust and necessary (in respect that wee are now by Gods fauour lineally and lawfully possessed, aswell of the Island of Great Britaine, as of Ireland, and the rest of the Isles adiacent) to bethinke our selues of good lawfull meanes to preuent those inconueniences, and many o­thers depending vpon the same. In the consideration whereof, as we are desirous that the world may take notice, that we haue no intention to deny our neighbors and Allies, those fruits and benefits of Peace and friendship, which may be iustly exspected at our hands in honour and reason, or are affoorded by other Prin­ces mutually in the point of Commerce, and exchange of those things which may not prooue preiudiciall to them: So because some such conuenient order may be taken in this matter, as may sufficiently prouide for all these important considerations which doe depend thereupon; Wee haue resolued first to giue notice to all the world, That our expresse pleasure is, that from the begin­ning of the Moneth of August next comming, no person of what Nation or qualitie soeuer, being not our naturall borne Subiect, be permitted to fish vpon any of our Coasts and Seas of Great Britaine, Ireland, and the rest of the Isles adiacent, where most vsually heretofore any Fishing hath bene, vntill they haue order­ly demanded and obtained Licenses from vs, or such our Com­missioners, as we haue authorized in that behalfe, Viz. at London for our Realmes of England and Ireland, and at Edenborough for our Realme of Scotland; Which Licenses, our intention is, shall be yeerely demanded, for so many Vessels and ships, and the Tonnage thereof, as shall intend to Fish for that whole yeere, or a­ny part thereof, vpon any of our Coastes and Seas as aforesaid, vpon paine of such chastisement, as shalbe fit to bee inflicted vpon such wilfull offendors.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster the 6. day of May, in the 7. yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, &c. Anno Dom. 1609.

¶ A Proclamation forbidding any person to cary Pacquets or Letters to or from any City or towne, by foot or on horsebacke, except such as are allowed by Authoritie.

WHereas heretofore sundry wayes haue bene deuised to redresse the disorders among the Pos [...]es of our Realme in generall, and particularly to preuent the [Page 205] inconueniences both to our owne seruice, and the lawfull trade of the honest Merchants, by prohibiting that no persons what­soeuer, should take vpon them publiquely or priuately to procure, gather vp, receiue, bring in or cary out any Pacquets, or Letters to or from any Port, City or Towne, by foote or on horsebacke within the Realme, and to or from the Countreyes beyond the Seas, except such our ordinary Foot-postes, Posts and Messen­gers for those vses, as either by our Master of the Postes, or the Masters of the Postes generall of those Countreys reciproquely, should be found nominated for that kinde of seruice, or otherwise be able to shew sufficient warrant for their Voyages & dispatches, vnder the hands of our principal Secretaries, any Ambassadors, or others sufficiently authorized; Which notwithstanding, di­uers disauowed persons haue vsed to intrude themselues, contra­ry to all good order: In consideration of which inconueniences past, We doe hereby straitly prohibite and forbid all persons what­soeuer, directly or indirectly, to gather vp, receiue, bring in or cary out of this Realme, any Letters or Pacquets, without the allow­ance or ordinary addresse and dispatch of the said Masters and Comptrollers of the Postes reciproquely, or their Deputies, or shalbe sufficiently authorized as is aforesaid. And therefore our will and pleasure is, That you the Lord Treasourer of England, and Lord Warden of our Cinque-ports, together with our Master and Comptroller generall of all our Posts, cause publique know­ledge to bee giuen thereof vnto all Merchants, both Strangers and others of our City of London, and all others whom it may or ought to concerne, that neither they nor any for them, doe hereaf­ter take vpon them openly nor vnderhand, to employ any disa­uowed person in the carying of their Letters, but to vse such one­ly as shalbe found lawfully appointed for that seruice. To which effect also we doe expresly will and command by these presents all Maiors, Sheriffes, Iustices of Peace, Bailiffes, and all speciall Commissioners, And more specially all Searchers of our Ports, and all other our Officers, and Ministers wheresoeuer in their seuerall Iurisdictions and Offices, to make diligent search of all Males, Bougets, and other carriages, of all such disauowed Cur­riers, messengers or suspected persons, comming in, or going out the Realme with Pacquets or Letters, and all such so discouered, to apprehend and stay, keeping them in safe custody, vntill by the view of their writings sent vp to our Priuie Counsell, it be seene and aduised what shalbe further done with them.

Giuen at our Mannor of Greenwich the 15. day of May, in the 7. yere of our reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. An. Do. 1609.

¶ A Proclamation against Hunters, stealers and killers of Deare within any the Kings Maiesties Forests, Chases or Parks.

WE had hoped, seeing it is notorious to all our Sub­iects, how greatly we delight in the exercise of Hun­ting, aswell for our recreation, as for the necessary preseruation of our health, that no man in whom was either re­uerence [Page 212] to our person, or feare of our Lawes, would haue offered vs offence in those our sports, considering especially, that the na­ture of all people is not onely in things of this qualitie, but in matters of greater moment so farre to conforme themselues to the affections and disposition of their Soueraigne, as to affect that which they know to be liking to them and to respect it, and to auoyd the contrary: And wee must acknowledge that we haue found, that Gentlemen and persons of the better sort (who know best what becommeth their duetie) haue restrained their owne humors, and framed themselues therein to giue vs contentment: yet falleth it out notwithstanding, that neither the example of them, nor respect of the Lawes, nor duety to vs, hath had power to reforme the corrupt natures and insolent dispositions of some of the baser sort, and some other of a disordered life; By diuers of which condition (since our offence manifested against those that trespasse in that kinde) and since our last comming forth into this Progresse, in places where wee lately tooke our pleasure in our owne grounds, and neere our owne houses of abode, there haue bene more frequent offences offered in that kinde, then at any time heretofore, or in the late Queenes dayes were attempted: Neuerthelesse, howsoeuer in her later dayes (being a Lady whose sexe and yeeres were not so apt to that kinde of recreation, hauing no posteritie, and therefore lesse carefull of conseruation of that kinde of Royaltie, which her progenitors Kings of this Realme had mainteined) people might perhaps for those respects presume of more libertie then became them, or the Lawes of the Realme doe permit; Yet in our time, being a Prince that haue manife­sted our afftction and delight in that exercise, and hauing posteri­tie like to continue in the same disposition, when either their re­creation or their exercise shall require it; It seemeth strange that men will now attempt to offend with more licentiousnesse, then at any time heretofore, and offer to vs in our grounds, that which they will not endure each at others hands in their owne. Wee are not ignorant, that there are some passions in mens mindes so strong, as hard it is but they will breake foorth at times beyond the bounds of reason, where commoditie, pleasure or reuenge prouoketh: But this offence being a trespassing against reason which hath no end in it, whereof can redound to the offender ei­ther profit or pleasure, honour or other recompense; We cannot interprete that the transgressions that are done therein doe pro­ceed, but either out of a barbarous and vnciuill disposition, not fit to bee suffered in an ordered Estate, or out of an insolent humor and vnrespectiue to our person, no wayes to be endured. And see­ing [Page 213] that we haue manifested our Princely disposition to the main­tenance of Iustice, and giuen as free and liberall scope to the exe­cution of the Lawes of this Realme, as euer did any of our Pro­genitors, We cannot but wonder that men should conceiue that in these kinds of trespasses being so offensiue to vs, we would not be iust to our selfe and right the wrongs and insolencies offered to vs, in so speciall a branch of our Prerogatiue, where the Lawes and Statutes of the Realme, both Ancient and Moderne, doe af­foord vs so full and strong remedies, as appeares by the Charter of our Forrest, as ancient and authenticall, as the great Charter of the Lawes of the Realme, and by other Lawes and Statutes, some inforcing the Offendors (besides other grieuous punish­ments of Fine and imprisonment) to abiure the Realme, some punishing them with death, as iudging them vnworthy to liue, at least in this well ordered Kingdome, that cannot bridle so inor­dinate an humor, which reigning with so great violence in one excesse, will passe on (if it be not checked) to all other extremities. Being therefore thus deepely prouoked, and minding to vse as strait and as seuere meanes for the preseruation of our right, and punishing of offendors in these cases, as the Lawes of our Realme will affoord; Wee haue bene pleased notwithstanding out of our gracious disposition, to forewarne men of our purpose, by propo­sing to them the seueritie we intend to vse hereafter, for redresse of such enormities, knowing that such warning wil either restraine them from giuing vs offence, or (if their vnduetifull humor can be reformed by no admonition) make them the more inexcusable to vs and our Lawes for their punishment. And therefore we doe hereby signifie to all men, that after the publishing of this Pro­clamation, our meaning is to proceed in this maner against all Hunters, Stealers, and killers of Deere, either Red or Fallow, within any our Forrests, Chases, or Parkes.

First, to extend against them all penalties whatsoeuer, which by the Lawes of the Forrests, or by any other Lawes or statutes of the Realme are to be inflicted vpon them. To giue a good re­ward to all such as shall informe vs, or our Iustices of our For­rests, or any Lieutenant, or any other hauing charge of any our Forrests, Parks, or Chaces, of any offendors in hunting, stealing or killing of our Deere by any vnlawfull wayes. And if the fault be found in any of our Seruants, or any towards our Court, or person of quality, he shalbe assured not onely to loose our fauour, but to be debarred of our presence, or resort to our Court. And if it appeare that none of those penalties shall haue power to re­straine insolent mindes from committing outrages so wilful and [Page 214] vnreasonable: We will make no doubt but that our Parliament finding the Lawes now in force too weake to roote out such an euil, will assist vs with their aduise, to prouide some further and more sufficient remedies for that purpose, wherein they are in­teressed aswell as we: for they that dare presume vpon vs wil not spare them. But our hope is, that our Subiects, knowing now againe the offence we take at these insolencies, and being warned of our intent, will not giue vs cause to exercise the least of these penalties, which we shall be glad to finde, aswell to see the confor­mitie of our peoples minds to our disposition, as for the clemen­cie of our Nature, vnwilling to haue any cause of punishment against the least of them, especially in matter concerning our selfe.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the 9. day of September, in the 7. yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1609.

¶ A Proclamation for the ad­iournement of part of Mi­chaelmas Terme.

THe Kings most excellent Maiestie, finding that the infec­tion of the plague is at this present in sundry places of the Citie of London, and neere adioyning to the same, though not (God be thanked) with the mortalitie of great numbers; yet so dispersed in diuers of the best and most open streets of the sayd Citie, as doe giue iust cause to doubt, that the contagion thereof, by great resort of people, might be further spread, aswell in the Citie, as into other parts of the Realme, whereby danger might ensue both to his Royall Person, the Queene his dearest wife, and his Royall issue, and to his most louing Subiects repairing thither for their Suites and causes: His Maiestie, for these necessary considerations, and hoping that the infection will, by the goodnesse of Almightie God, with the coldnesse of the yeere, and such wholesome Orders as are taken in his sayde Ci­tie, the rather cease by the adiournement of part of this next Terme of S. Michael now at hand, from the Vtas of the same, vntil the fourth Returne of the said Terme called Mense Michaëlis next comming. His Maiestie therefore, of his speciall fauour and clemencie, is pleased and contented, to adiourne the sayd Terme of S. Michael, that is to say, in and from the Vtas thereof, vnto the said fourth Returne of the sayd Terme, called Mense Michaëlis [Page 215] next comming; Which his Maiesty signifieth to all and singular his louing Subiects of this his Realme, to the intent that they and euery of them, which haue cause or commandement to ap­peare in any of his Highnesse Courts at Westminster, in or at any day or time from and after the said Vtas of S. Michael, may tarie at their dwellings, or where their businesse otherwise shall lye, without resorting to any of the sayd Courts for that cause, before the sayd Mense Michaëlis next comming, & that without incurring danger of forfeiture, penaltie, or contempt towards his High­nesse in that behalfe. And neuerthelesse his Maiesties pleasure is, That two of his Iustices, that is to say, of either Bench one, shall the first day of Michaelmas Terme, called Octabis Michaë­lis, according to the ancient order of the Lawes, keepe the Es­soignes of the sayd Octabis Michaëlis. At which Vtas of S. Mi­chael, Writs of adiournement shall be directed to the sayd Iusti­ces, giuing them authoritie to adiourne the sayd Terme of Saint Michael, that is to say, From the Vtas thereof, vntill the fourth Returne, as before is sayd. And the sayd adiournement shall bee made in the first day of the sayd Vtas, commonly called, the day of Essoignes. And further his Maiesties pleasure is, That all matters, causes and Suits, depending in any of his other Courts betweene partie and partie, as in his Highnesse Courts of Chancery, Starchamber, and Exchequer, Courts of Wards and Liueries, Duchy of Lancaster, and Court of Requests, shall haue continuance, and the parties shall haue day from the date of these presents, vntill the saide fourth Returne, as before is sayd.

Prouided alway, and his Maiesties pleasure and commande­ment is, That all Collectors, Receiuers, Sheriffes, and other Accomptants, and all other persons, that should or ought to Ac­compt or pay any summe or summes of money in any of his Ma­iesties Courts of Exchequer, Court of Wards and Liueries, and of his Duchie of Lancaster, or in any of them, or to enter into a­ny Accompt in any of the sayd Courts, shall repaire vnto the ac­customed places at Westminster, where his Highnesse hath ap­pointed such Officers and ministers, as for that purpose his Ma­iestie hath thought expedient, and there to pay and doe in euery behalfe, as though no such Proclamation of adiournement had bene had or made. And his Highnesse further pleasure and com­mandement is, That all Sheriffes shall returne their Writs and Proces against all such Accomptants and Debtors, at the dayes therein appointed. And if any person or persons, who ought to accompt or pay any summe or summes of money to his Maiestie [Page 216] in any of the Courts and places aforesaid, doe make default there­in, That then his Highnesse Writs and Proces shall be awarded and sent foorth against euery such person and persons, and the same to be duely & orderly serued, and returned by the Sheriffes and Officers thereunto appoynted, in such like maner and forme, as the same should haue beene, if this present Proclamation had not bene made. And if any Sheriffe or other Officer shall make default, or be negligent in seruing, executing, or returning of a­ny the Writs and Proces aforesayd, That then euery such She­riffe and other Officer, shall incurre such paines and penalties, as by the sayd Courts, or any of them shall be taxed and assessed; Willing and commanding all and euery his Maiesties Sheriffes, Officers, Ministers and Subiects, to whome it doth or shall ap­pertaine, to obserue and keepe their assemblies and apparances with all their Returnes and Certificates, in his Highnesse sayd Courts at Westminster, in Mense Michaëlis next comming, then and there to be holden and kept, and there to doe their Offices and dueties in euery behalfe, in like maner and forme, as they should or ought to haue done, if this present Proclamation had not bene had or made, as they will answere to the contrary at their perils.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court, the 22. day of September, in the seuenth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1609.

¶ A Proclamation for the pro­roguing of the Parliament.

WHereas we did lately prorogue our Parliament till the ninth day of Nouember now next comming: For asmuch as the sickenes hath of late somewhat increa­sed in and about our Citie of London, by reason whereof we haue already by our Proclamation published the adiournement of part of Michaelmas Terme now at hand, The same cause doth much more require the proroguing of the parliament, lest so great a con­course of people as the Terme and Parliament (holding at one time) must draw together, should giue occasion to continue or spread the Infection, both in the citie it selfe, and other parts of the Realme, which our care is to preuent.

Wee haue therefore thought fit, to prorogue our sayde Parlia­ment againe vntill the ninth day of February now next ensuing, At which day our purpose is (God willing) to hold the same, And doe therefore hereby giue notice to all whom it may concerne, that [Page 217] they may frame their affaires accordingly, and attend at the same ninth day of February to that seruice.

Giuen at our Honour of Hampton Court the 26. day of September, in the seuenth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1609.

¶ A Proclamation giuing a further time for the amendment of de­fectiue Titles.

THe Kings most Excellent Maiestie, continuing still his Royall intention, to extend his grace to such of his louing Subiects as shall seeke the same, for confirmation of such Grants, as haue bene passed to any of them, or their Ancestours from the Crowne, by which his Princely fauour, they and their posterity may be secured from the manifold dangers in which they stand, if by varietie of time his Maiesties Title to their possessions should be set on foot, and pressed to their ouerthrow in succeeding ages: And hauing for that purpose lately published his Procla­mation touching defectiue Titles, with a limitation of a day pre­fixed, which is now vpon the point to be expired, Doeth well per­ceiue by report of great numbers that doe craue the benefit there­of (which cannot conueniently be dispatched) that it was not any generall neglect of his Maiesties grace and fauour, that caused this late comming, but meerly the accident of time in most men, whereof the greatest part passed on in the long Vacation, during which space, the Commissioners did not sit, nor the Counsell lear­ned remained in Towne, and the chiefest time, whereupon most men did rest their expectation (which was after Michaelmas) was likewise by the doubtfulnesse and shortnesse of the Terme much disappointed: His Maiestie is therefore pleased, for these and such like considerations, (by the aduise of his Priuy Counsel) to giue once more, a prolongation of the same vntill the sixt of Fe­bruary next ensuing, to the intent that all such as haue any desire to receiue this grace, may enioy the benefit of Confirmation of his Maiesties grants of that nature by this Parliament, which is so immediatly to follow, as that oportunitie would not bee neglec­ted, which happeneth not but vpon other extraordinary and vr­gent occasions.

Giuen at Newmarket the last day of Nouember, in the seuenth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1609.

¶ A Proclamation inhibiting the Im­portation of Pepper from forraine parts, by any other persons then those of the East Indian Company.

FOrasmuch as it is not vnknowen, That in former times when all or the greatest part of Pepper, and other Spices of the grouth of the East Indies, was brought into this our Realme of England and Principalitie of Wales by strangers onely the same was then sold at very high Rates, vntil such time as some of our owne Merchants did themselues trade into those parts, and bringing in good quantities of those Commodities, did sell the same at much lower prices, to the great reliefe and benefit of all our Subiects in generall: And forasmuch as wee doe finde, That the establishment and continuance of this Trade, hath and will bee more and more an occasion to imploy and encrease the great Shipping of this Kingdome, which hath heretofore bene out of vse, as being not so necessary for Trade in Countreys that are not so farre remote: For these, and some other reasons which haue bene deliuered vnto vs, being desirous to encourage this Company, and to maintaine that Trade by all good and lawfull meanes; And experience teaching vs, That if there should be, till the Trade were better setled, a free and generall libertie for all persons whatsoeuer to bring in those Commodities, it would be an occasion to ouerlay the Trade, and strangers would of pur­pose vent their Spices at smal rates, thereby to enforce our owne Subiects to desist from trading into those Countreys: We with the aduise of our Priuie Councell, haue thought fit, for some time to restraine the Importation of Pepper from forraine parts, by any others then by the merchants ioyntly of the East Indian Com­pany. And therefore we doe hereby will and command all per­son and persons whatsoeuer, either our natural borne Subiects, Denizens, or Strangers (not being the Company aforesaid) to forbeare to bring into these our Dominions of England and Wales, any Pepper, directly or indirectly, vpon paine of forfeiture of the goods, and what other punishment they may incurre by a­ny contempt and default herein. And to the end, this our plea­sure may be more duely obserued, Wee doe likewise charge and command all Customers, Comptrollers, Searchers, Waiters, Farmours of our Customes and their Deputies, and all other our Officers of the Ports, within our Territories aforesaid, That [Page 219] they doe not giue any Bills of Entrie for Pepper that is brought in from forraine Countreyes, by any other then those who shalbe knowen to be of the Company aforesaid: Neither shall they suffer it to be landed, or being so, shall seize the same to our vse as iustly forfaited. And moreouer, they and euery of them, shall vse their best meanes and endeuours to hinder and preuent all secret and fraudulent practizes of such as shall seeke to bring in that Com­moditie, Notwithstanding this our pleasure published to the contrary.

ANd because we are carefull to preuent all inconueniences to the generalitie of our Subiects, in case they should be hard­ly dealt with vnder this restraint, by those that haue the whole masse of Pepper in their owne handes; Although wee hold the Company to be compounded of many good & honest Merchants and others, yet because there is no Societie wherein all are of one temper, And out of the care we haue alwayes had for the com­mon good of all our people more then of any particuler Society; we thought it not safe to repose so much confidence in a part of our people, as to leaue the whole body subiect to their wills, in matter of this nature. And therefore hauing well examined what might bee an indifferent price to yeeld to the Merchants competent gaine for the maintenance of so great & long a Trade, and so needfull for the support of Nauigation, and yet not be ouer­chargeable to the rest of our people, who haue on the other side dayly vse of that kinde of Spice; Wee haue conditioned with them, and limitted, That they shall vtter Pepper at the rate of two shillings sixe pence the pound, and not exceeed, to any that shall come or send for it, vpon paine of our high displeasure.

Which prouision, and limitation being made by vs in fauour of the communitie of our Subiects, we haue thought good to pub­lish and make knowen to all men, To the ende that if it fall out, that such as by way of Retaile doe vtter to our people dwelling in places remote from our Citie of London, and other parts where Shipping doeth ariue, that kinde of Spice, there bee exacted any prices excessiue, it may appeare that the same is not for want of due prouision made to preuent it, but by the ouergreedinesse of those which shall sell it. In which consideration, although we know, that there are many reasons, why those that sell by Re­taile, should demaund a further price then they pay for it here, as well in respect of the distance of place, forbearing of their money, as many other things incident to that kinde of Trade: Yet the better to containe them within the bounds of reasonable gaine, we haue thought good to make knowen thus much, thereby to ex­presse [Page 220] our owne care of our louing Subiects, and to shew them the meanes whereby they may auoyde such further burden, as may be cast vpon them by any that shall goe about by any vndue practise, to raise immoderate gaine, vnder colour or pretext of that course which we haue taken for the reasons aforesaid.

Giuen at Newmarket the last day of Nouember, in the 7. yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1609.

¶ A Proclamation forbidding the making of Starch.

FOrsomuch as in the time of the late dearth and scarcitie of Corne and Graine within this our Realme of England and Dominion of Wales, We hauing receiued Certificats from sundry parts and places of this Realme, that great quantities of Wheate and other stuffe, fit and wholesome for the food and su­stenance of our louing Subiects, being daily in great abundance spent and consumed in making of Starch, were a great meane to continue the sayd dearth and scarcitie; And that the making thereof into Starch in places vnfit for that purpose, was also ve­ry noysome vnto the Inhabitants neere adioyning; Whereupon, out of that tender care which we haue alwayes had of our Sub­iects welfare, for remedy of the same, and of all inconueniences thereby incident, We were then pleased, to cause our Proclama­tion to be published, and by the same did will and command, That the making of Starch of any kinde of stuffe whatsoeuer, should be suppressed in all parts of our said Realme and Dominion; Onely giuing thereby some small tolleration, that some few selected per­sons, dwelling neere our Cities of London & Westminster, should be suffered to spend and worke out into Starch, certaine small quantities of Wheate, which hauing taken wet at Sea, were be­come musty, vnsauoury, and vnwholesome, and altogether vn­fit for our sayd Subiects food, and were affirmed to bee at that time lying vnsold, and decaying, on the hands of such merchants, as had formerly brought in the same from forreine Countreys, As by our sayd Proclamation may more at large appeare.

And whereas wee are now againe enformed by the credible Certificats of seuerall Iustices of Peace of sundry of our Coun­ties, and chiefe Magistrates and Officers of Cities and Townes Corporate, That out of the same our small tolleration (tending [Page 221] rather to the benefite of the sayd Merchants, then to the increase or encouragement of Starchmaking) a farre greater number of persons, euen in all parts and places of the same our Realme and Dominion, euer since that time haue, and daily more and more do set vp and begin Starch-making in sundry places noysome and inconuenient, and that in the same they do cōsume greater quan­tities of Wheat, rubbles of wheat, Pollard, and other stuffe fit for our Subiects food, then at any time before the publishing of our said Proclamation, And that the sayd Starch is altogether made directly of Wheat, and other stuffe fit for mans food, And that the making thereof cannot be continued within this Realme, but that the same wil be a great meanes to helpe and further the con­tinuance of dearth and scarcitie within the same, to the great and intollerable dammage of the Common wealth; And that likewise the making thereof in places procuring such noysomnesse, may be one great cause to continue that dangerous Infection of the Plague, which hath (to our great griefe) bene generally dispersed amongst our people of late yeeres, by meanes of the same; And that it is no way beneficiall to the Common wealth, but a thing of late time inuented, and may more properly be termed matter of vanitie, and pride, as it is vsed by inferiour persons, then of any necessitie: And therefore, to the ende it shall appeare, as well in this, as it hath done in all other our Actions since our comming vnto this Kingdome, what care wee alwayes haue of the health, welfare and profit of our louing Subiects; And how much wee preferre any cause importing their good, before any gaine or ad­uantage to our selfe, And that we rather desire, that all such be­nefit, as by the voluntary contributions of the makers of Starch within our Realmes, did formerly, and would still haue accrued, and become due and payable vnto vs, our heires and Successors, by meanes of the same Toleration giuen vnto them, as afore­sayd, should bee forborne and vtterly lost, then that our people should alwayes be subiect to such, and so many euils and incon­ueniences, occasioned as aforesayd, or our Priuie Counsell trou­bled with so many and often complaints against a thing offensiue so many wayes, besides that which is of greatest consequence, which is, the consuming of that which ought to bee respected for the food of man.

And therefore, hauing with the aduice of our Counsell concei­ued, and seriously resolued, that it is very requisite, for the causes afore mentioned, absolutely to suppresse, and vtterly to abolish the making of Starch in all places of our sayd Realme and Domi­nion; [Page 222] We haue thought good to signifie our pleasure touching the same, to all our louing Subiects by our Proclamation, Willing, and straitly charging and commanding all and all maner of per­son and persons whatsoeuer, who at this time doe vse, heretofore haue vsed, and who doe and shall intend at any time hereafter to vse and exercise the making of Starch within any place or pla­ces of the same our Realme and Dominion whatsouer, as fol­loweth: Viz. That all, and euery person and persons whatsoe­uer, who haue presumed, and now do presume, in contempt of our former Proclamations in this behalfe, wilfully to make Starch within our said Realme, not being allowed, shall, and doe imme­diatly after the publication hereof, surcease, and for euer forbeare, as well to make Starch, as to prepare or steepe any maner of Wheat, Bran, Pollard, or other stuffe whatsoeuer for that pur­pose, And that all, and euery person and persons heretofore al­lowed to make Starch, do from and after the x. day of February next ensuing after the date hereof, absolutely giue ouer, and for­beare to prouide, prepare, steepe, and put in water, and to cause to be prouided, prepared, steeped, and put in water, any Wheate, Rubbles of Wheat, Pollard, Branne, or any other stuffe or stuffes whatsoeuer, with intent and purpose to make the same into Starch, and so to vent and sell the same. And also that they and euery of them doe, and shall from and after the tenth day of the moneth of March next after the date hereof; absolutely surcease, and for euer vtterly forbeare and giue ouer to make or cause to be made, dressed, dryed, and prepared any Starch at all of any kinde of stuffe or stuffes, by what name or title, names or titles soeuer the same or any of them are, or may be called, in any place or pla­ces whatsoeuer within our sayd Realme and Dominion. And if any person or persons shall presume or attempt to doe contrary to our expresse pleasure and commandement before declared, We doe let them know by these presents, That he or they so offending, shall not onely forfeit and loose all the Starch by them so made, and all and singuler their Tubs, Vessels and instruments where­with they or any of them doe and shall so make, or cause the same Starch to be made contrary to our will and pleasure signified as aforesayd, The one halfe of all which forfeitures shall bee, and Wee doe by these presents giue and graunt vnto the partie fin­ding out and seizing the same, and the other halfe thereof to Vs, our heires and successours, but that wee intend and are fully re­solued to proceede against all such Offenders with all seueritie to the due punishment of the same their contempts of our Prero­gatiue [Page 223] Royall, in a matter tending so much to the good and bene­fit of our people, and to inflict vpon them such further paines, pe­nalties and punishments, as are vsuall in cases of such conse­quence.

Wherefore wee doe by these presents straitly charge and com­mand all and singuler Iustices of Peace, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bailiffes, Constables, Headboroughs, and other our Subiects whatsoeuer, that (albeit they haue much neglected our other Proclamations in this behalfe) they doe now carefully and dili­gently see and take order, that our Pleasure declared in these pre­sents bee from hencefoorth in euery point fully obserued and du­tifully obeyed, and that neither they nor any of them doe, or shall suffer any person or persons within their seuerall precincts to of­fend, or doe any thing in this behalfe contrary to the Tenour of this our Proclamation, vpon paine of incurring such penalties and punishments to bee at our will and pleasure inflicted vpon them or any of them, being found negligent as aforesayd, as shall be thought requisite and due for their deserts.

And furthermore, for that it shall appeare that our purpose herein is not that the better sort of our saide Subiects should bee altogether depriued of the necessary vse of Starch, and to the end the price and value of Starch may not by this meanes in any sort be raised or augmented, But that the same may at all times hereafter bee solde and vented at as cheape and reasonable rates, as at any time heretofore whiles the same was permitted to bee made within our saide Realme and Dominions; Wee haue also thought good to signifie and declare by these Presents; That from and after the publication hereof, it shall and may bee law­full to and for all manner of person and persons whatsoeuer, to transport and bring, and cause to bee brought from any forreine parts or places whatsoeuer (being with vs in league and amitie) into any the Ports and places of the same our Realme and Do­minion, such quantitie and quantities of Starch as to them or any of them shall seeme most meete, And (hauing payed and an­swered vnto our Collectours and other Officers of our Cu­stomes, all and singuler such summe and summes of Money, and other dueties as at the time of publication of this our Proclama­tion and from thencefoorth are and shall bee due vnto vs, our Heires and Successors, for and vpon the same) to vent and make sale of the same Starch in any place or places of the same our Dominion, to their best benefite and aduantage, as heretofore hath bene accustomed. Any thing in these presents before spe­cified, [Page 224] or in any other our former Proclamations or otherwise in this behalfe, to the contrary thereof in any wise notwith­standing.

Giuen at our Palace of Westminster, the tenth day of Ianuary, in the seuenth yeere of our Reigne of Great Britaine, France and Ireland. Anno Dom. 1609.