BY Virtue of an ORDER of the Honourable the HOUSE of COMMONS, I do appoint Thomas Basset and Richard Tonson, and no others, to Print my Informations,  
Robert Jenison.   

THE INFORMATIONS OF Robert Jenison OF Gray's Inn, Esquire. Relating the Horrid Popish Plot, AS They were given in Writing upon OATH TO THE Honourable House OF COMMONS ON Tuesday the 9th day of November, 1680.  
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Basset, and Richard Tonson, at the George in Fleetstreet, and at Grayes-Inn Gate, next Grayes-Inn Lane, MDCLXXX.   

THE INFORMATIONS OF ROBERT JENISON, Esq Concerning the Horrid Popish Plot, etc.  
THis Informant saith, That about the beginning of the Year 78. he hath heard Mr. Ireland and Mr. Tho. Jenison, both Jesuits, discourse of a Design by the Roman Catholics, to obtain a Liberty, or a Toleration for the open Profession of their Religion here in England; and the way he then heard them speak of, was, by collecting a round Sum of Money among their Party, and by bribing the greatest part of the then Parliament. This Informant hath likewise heard the two forenamed Persons talk of securing the Duke of York's Succession, which they told this Informant, was to be done by granting out Commissions to those of that Religion, to the end they might be ready to rise upon the Death of the King. He hath also heard these, with other Jesuits, viz. Blunden and Fenwick, discourse in general terms, of the necessity and usefulness to their Party, of altering the Government established, and that the Roman Catholic Religion could never be settled in England till that were done, and that the present Government were brought to the French Model.  
In the Month of June, in the same year, this Informant being at Mr. Ireland's Chamber in Russel-street Covent Garden, and there happening some Discourse, that the Roman Catholic Religion would suddenly come in, and be owned in England, Mr. Ireland did then say, That there was only one in the way that hindered that Religion from flourishing in England again, and that it was an easy matter to poison the King, and that Sir George Wakeman might opportunely and easily do it; and this Informant then demanding, if Sir George Wakeman was the King's Physician? Mr. Ireland did to that Question reply, No: but that he was the Queen's, and thence might have an opportunity to do it.  
In August following, the same day this Informant came from Windsor, (which he hath great reason to remember by very good Circumstances) this Informant went to Mr. Ireland's Chamber, where he found him pulling off his Boots upon the frame of a Table, who told this Informant, he was newly come by Post from Wolverhampton in Staffordshire, and that this Informant's Relations there were well, and would have been glad to have seen this Informant there, who, after a return of thanks, and some Congratulation upon his Arrival, told Mr. Ireland he was newly come from Windsor; the said Ireland thereupon enquiring what News from thence, and of the Diversion of the Court; the Informant made Answer, he understood that His Majesty took much delight in Hawking, and Fishing, but chief in the latter, which he used to follow early in the morning, accompanied with a small Retinue of two or three. Mr. Ireland presently replied, He were easily taken off, or removed; to which this Informant returned, and made Answer, God forbidden: After some pause, No, says he, I do not say 'tis lawful. Here happened this Interruption; This Informant then asked Mr. Ireland, seeing he was newly come out of Staffordshire, what his Aunt said concerning a Letter sent to her about two Months before, relating to the same Sum, or thereabouts, which this Informant had had in the mean time of him; Mr. Ireland did then make answer, as from her, that she did not think fit to answer it; and further, That the old Gentlewoman was hard enough, and would hold her own. After this, he drew down a Discourse concerning Religion, which was shortly to be brought in, and pressed this Informant, by divers Arguments, to be instrumental in it, urging how Meritorious it would be, and how much to the Glory of God, and thereupon offered to cause the 20 l. borrowed of him by this Informant, to be remitted, and forgiven him, if he would be assisting to the taking off the King, and would be one of those that would go to Windsor about it. But this Informant did answer, that he would not for twenty times twenty pound have any hand in the Death of the King; whereupon the said Ireland replied, Will you do nothing to bring in the Catholic Religion? To which this Informant did say, that he did not believe it would ever come in by Blood. Upon which the said Ireland replied, What? Would you not have Religion to flourish in England again? Whereto th●s Informant answered, if it were done, if the King were taken of, so and well, but this Informant said he would have no hand in it.  
But the said William Ireland not being satisfied with this Informant's Answers, pursued thus, do you know any Irish men of our Religion, that are stout and courageous? this Informant replied, the Irish Gentlemen were commonly so; and did name Captain Levalin, Mr. Thomas Brahal, Mr. Karney, three Irish men, and Mr. James Wilson, being all Gentlemen that lived in or about Greys-Inn, of whose name (two of them at the least) the said Ireland took particular Notice in writing, to the best of this Informant's Remembrance. And this Informant did then tell the said Ireland, that he believed no men of Estates would be concerned in that Affair, and that he himself was Heir to an Estate, (his Brother being a Priest) and he understood, that Captain Levalin was Heir to a very good Estate, and therefore this Informant did believe he would have nothing to do in any such matter, unless the pique which he had to the King, might move him to it; and this Informant saith, that after he had upon the Importunity of William Ireland, named unto him, Captain Levalin, Mr. Karney, Mr. Brahall, and Mr. James Wilson, to be stout and courageous Gentlemen, the said William Ireland did ask and require this Informant, to go down with the said Gentlemen to Windsor, to be assistant in the taking of the King; which this Informant refused, saying, he would not have any hand in the death of the King; saying, no men of Estates would engage therein, as this Informant believed; and the said William Ireland did approve of the said four Persons, named as aforesaid by this Informant, as fit for the design, and declared that he knew Mr. Levalin, and Mr. Karney, before this Informant had named them, by the which, this Informant did apprehend, that he might have communicated with them of the said Design for Windsor, before the Nomination aforesaid; and he farther saith, at the same time when he came from Windsor, Mr. William Ireland did ask this Informant for the twenty pound lent unto this Informant upon Bond, although the same was not then due: and farther said, he wanted fourscore Pounds, having then occasion for that Sum, and this Informant did say, he would return what he owed him, assoon as he should get into the North.  
And this Informant further saith, that nigh two Months after the mustering the Forces upon Hounslow Heath, the aforenamed Thomas Jenison told this Informant, he had a matter of great Consequence to impart unto him, adding, that there was a Design on foot, so laid, as it could not well be discovered, wherein the greatest Catholics in England were embarked; that the Queen and the Duke were in the design, and several Lords by name, the Lord Bellasis, the Lord Powis, the Lord Arundel of Warder; and the said Tho. Jenison did say, that they had often attempted the Lord Treasurer, and at the last had made him theirs; further saying, that it would be of great Advantage to this Informant, to embark with them, and that he could not be in greater danger than they, and that he would acquaint this Informant with more Particulars, after he had received the Sacrament of Secrecy, which he engaged this Informant to do upon the next Holiday, at Sir Philip Tyrrwhit's house in Bloomsbury; but this Informant did not receive the Sacrament upon any account whatsoever, about the Plot; and this Informant then wishing he had had a Commission in the new Levies, the said Thomas Jenison replied, that he would get him a Commission from the Duke of York, whereunto, this Informant returning Answer, how could that be, seeing all the Commissions are now granted out, and full; the said Tho. Jenison did then in plain words tell this Informant, that there was a new Army to be raised for to bring in Religion, but would acquaint this Informant with Particulars hereafter, and therefore desired to know of this Informant, how he might send him a Commission with Safety, he knowing this Informant intended suddenly to go into the Bishopric of Durham, and, as this Informant remembers, this Commission was not to be sent, until the taking of the King was effected, whereat this Informant was somewhat surprised; but Thomas Jenison did say, he would tell him things more at large, after his Receiving the Sacrament of Secrecy: and this Informant further saith, that upon the day that this Informant received the twenty pound lent unto him, he went with the said Thomas Jenison, to Mr. William Harcourt's Chamber in Duke street, to return thanks for the obligation, in consenting to lend the Money, Mr. Tho. Jenison falling upon that common Topick, that Religion would suddenly come in, he did express himself as Dr. Oates has it in his Narrative, viz. If C. R. would not be R. C. he should not long be C. R.: which he interpreted, Si Carolus Rex non esset Rex Catholicus; non foret diu Carolus Rex: Which was not the first time this Informant heard that quibbling Expression from the said Tho. Jenison: who further then added upon Discourse, That the King being Excommunicated and Deposed, he was no longer King; and it were no sin, or no great sin at least, to take him off; and if it should be discovered who did it, perhaps two or three might die for it; but denying the Fact, (this Informant supposes his meaning to have been denying themselves to be Papists that committed so Barbarous and Villainous a Fact) the matter would soon blow over (because the Duke was to succeed).  
And this Informant further saith, being with the said Tho. Jenison and another Gentleman about the latter end of April, or beginning of May, 78, (whose Name he remembreth not) in the aforesaid Ireland's Chamber, there came one in, who after some private discourse with Mr. Ireland, departed; and after he was gone, the said Tho. Jenison told this Informant, 'Twas one Mr. Oats, who had been a Parson, but was come over to them, and that he was a Brisk Jolly Man well worth this Informant's acquaintance. And this Informant very well remembers, there happening sometime after a discourse about the said Parson that was lately come over, the said Tho. Jenison did say, that That Parson was engaged in the Design. Whereto this Informant objected, That a Reconciled Enemy ought no more to be Trusted, than an Open Foe. But the said Tho. Jenison answered, They were sure enough of him, and that being once Reconciled, they were the more Zealous, and Trusty. To which Opinion this Informant submitted, instancing Dr. Godwin, and Dr. Baley, as being Zealous Catholics, altho' they were Protestant Converts.  
And this Informant further saith, That he was in Shinfeild Parish near Reading in Berks, about the time of Coleman's Trial, where he met with Mr. Cuffell a Romish Priest and Jesuit, who then much blamed the said Coleman, saying he was Infatuated, to suffer his own Papers to be taken upon the Discovery of the Plot; when as he had given Notice to Mr. Harcourt, Mr. Ireland, and the rest of the Jesuits, to burn or secure theirs. And he very well remembers, That amongst other discourse, this Informant spoke against the Opinion that Bellarmine, Mariana, and Suarez maintained touching the Power of the Pope to Depose Kings. Upon which the said Cuffell mentioned a Sentence which he said Bellarmine did draw out of the Scripture for that Opinion, which was, Quod Papa habeat eandem potestatem super Reges quam Jehojida habuit super Athaliam.  
And this Informant further saith, That Madam Hall his Sister being present at the said Cuffel's other discourse concerning Coleman's Infatuation, in sending Notice as before, etc. upon this Informant's reflecting in the absence of Cuffell, viz. That by his side-words he seemed manifestly to own a Plot, his Sister did then say, She very much feared that they had some Bloody Design, for that she had heard the said Cuffell some little time before the breaking out of the Plot, upon a discourse that Religion would shortly come into England, say these words; viz. There must be some Blood shed before Religion could be introduced: But she told him she did not believe it ought to come in that way.  
This Informant further saith, That usually visiting Madam Harewell his Aunt, and her Daughter at their Lodgings in King's Street Covent-Garden at the least three or four times a Week, which as this Informant certainly remembers, was before the Trial of the Five Jesuits Executed for the Execrable Popish Plot, he had the opportunity of seeing, reading, and transcribing several Papers and Letters from his Brother Mr. Tho. Jenison, all tending to invalidate Mr. Oates his Testimony; the particular ways he used, doth not perfectly occur to his Memory; but this Informant remembers he told Madam Harewell and her Daughter, That he thought those Arguments would do his said Brother but little good for his Defence, unless he had better behind. But there were two Passages in the said Papers, or Letters, some whereof were superscribed to one Dr— or Sir— wherein the said Tho. Jenison thus expressed himself, Why are our Friends disgusted, I will not stir one hairs breadth. By which Expression this Informant did believe that some of the Plotters were afraid, and Jealous lest the said Tho. Jenison should detect their Plot, and therefore by these words he assured them, That he would not recede one hairs breadth from his Resolution of Secrecy. And this Informant saith, That he then communicating his said reflection, and observation to the said Ladies, they were at a stand, not knowing how to excuse his meaning. The second passage was about what the said Tho. Jenison supposed himself to have spoke to the Lady Tyrrwhit, upon his being apprehended at her Lodgings in Bloomsbury, whereof he seemed very solicitous to be ascertained in the aforenamed Papers, and that by some cunning third hand; For I believe, saith he; I said I did not know Mr. Oates. By which this Informant perceived his meaning to be, That if he had then, viz. upon his apprehension denied his knowledge of Mr. Oats to the Lady Tyrrwhit, (who, by the way, was his Proselyte) he was resolved to persist in the said denial to the last: Tho on the other hand this Informant doth certainly know the said Tho. Jenison was well acquainted with the said Mr. Oates, as appeareth by Two Remarkable Instances in the former Depositions of this Informant.  
This Informant likewise saith, That Mrs. Anne Ireland coming to this Informant's Chamber to chide him, for that she heard he was about to discover some matters touching the Plot, she to dissuade him hastily said; On my Conscience I think you'll bring yourself into the Plot, and by your discovery will own that there was a Plot, and that you was engaged in it, and so disgrace yourself. Though she probably knew this Informant was no further concerned than in what was imparted in that discourse he had with her Brother (she being there present) after this Informant's arrival from Windsor. And Mrs. Anne Ireland further said then, That this Informant was worse than Dr. Oats; for, that Dr. Oates did follow the Plot and make an early Discovery, but, this Informant came in too late.  
To which this Informant replied, That what he had to say, he remembered from the very first Discovery, and before, or at the least within 3. or 4. months of the breaking out of the Discovery of the Plot, and that he would not offer to depose any thing upon Oath, but what he could certainly charge his Memory with; and so bid her not trouble herself.  
This Informant also very well remembreth, That about the latter end of September, or the beginning of October, (78.) when he was at his Father's House in the Bishopric of Durham, Mr. Ralph Jenison a Jesuit, came to see this Informant, who before they parted asked the said Mr. Ralph Jenison how he might conveniently send 20 l. to Mr. Ireland, which this Informant said he did owe to him. Mr. Ralph Jenison replied, (which Directions this Informant did then take in a little Journal) You may send a Letter with your Bill to Mr. Ireland, and enclose them in another Letter to Mr. Oates at his Lodging at Mr. Grigsons in Drury-Lane, and your Letter, or Moneys will come safe that way to Mr. Ireland.  
Robert Jenison.  
FINIS.