London's FLAMES: Being an Exact and Impartial ACCOUNT OF Divers Informations Given in to the COMMITTEE of PARLIAMENT, By Divers Members of Parliament, and many other Persons of Quality (whose Names are inserted in this Book) Concerning the Dreadful Fire of LONDON in the Year 1666. and the many other strange Fires which have happened since.  
Together with what was said by Mr. Langhorn, now a Prisoner, and Condemned for the Horrid Popish Plot, concerning the Great FIRE.  
Wherein is plainly proved, That the PAPISTS were the Contrivers and Actors in the Burning of that GREAT and NOBLE CITY.  
LONDON, Printed in the Year 1679.   

INFORMATIONS Given in before the Committee, etc.  

In a Letter from Alanzon, of the 23d of August, New Style, Written from one Dural, to a Gentleman lodging in the House of a Minister of the French-Church in London, called Monsieur Herald, were these Expressions, viz.  
PRAY acquaint me with the Truth of certain News, which is common in this Country, that Fire from Heaven is fallen upon a City called Balk, situate on the side of the River of Thames; where a world of People have been killed and burned, and Houses also consumed. This name was given to London by its Godfather Cabal, who thereby inform their own, but amuse the adverse Party.  
Mrs. Elizabeth Styles saith, That in April last, in an angry dispute she had with a French Servant of Sir Vere Vane's, he hastily replied, You English Maidens will like the Frenchmen better, when there is not an House left between London-Bridge and Temple-Bar, which she answering, I hope your Eyes will never see that, He replied, This will come to pass between June and December.  
William Tisdale informs, that he being, about the beginning of July, at the Greyhound in St. Martin's, with one Fitz-Harris an Irish Papist, He heard him say; There shall be sad Desolation in September, and in November a worse. For in December all will be united into one; hereupon Tisdale ask where this Desolation would be, the said Priest answered him, in London.  
Mr. Light of Ratcliff, having some Discourse with one Mr. Langhorne of the middle Temple, Barrister, reputed a zealous Papist, about February last; after some Discourse in disputing about Religion, he took him by the hand and said to him, You expect great things in 1666. and think that Rome will be destroyed; but what if it be London?  
One Kiteley of Barking in Essex, informs, that one Yaxley a Papist, of Ilford in the said County, came into their House August the 13th. who falling into Discourse with his Mother, said, They say that next Thursday, will be the hottest day that ever was in England. She replied, I hope the hottest Season of the year is now past. To which he answered; I know not whether it be the hottest for Wether or Action: The said Yaxley, coming to the same House, the week after the Fire, Mr. Kitely said to him with some trouble; I have often thought upon your hot Thursday, To which she replied, It was not indeed upon the Thursday but it happened upon the Sunday come sevennnigt after; Mr. Yaxley bearing these Evidences produced against her, prompted her to avoid the words, saying, that upon the 13th of August, she did tell Mr. Kitely, That they say next Thursday, will be the darkest Thursday, that ever was in England, but not otherwise; Which she affirms to have received from one Fynchman. An old Woman of Ilford, who next being examined before a Justice of Peace, to discover the Truth thereof, denied that ever she said any such words to Mrs. Yaxley, or that she had any discourse with her about any such Matter; as to the subsequent words she the said Yaxley denied ever to have spoken them, but Mr. Kitely offered in her Presence, if it should be demanded, to bring his Mother and Wife to testify the same.  
William Ducket Member of the House, Informs that one Henry Baker of Chipnam, in the County of Wilts, coming from Market with one John Woodman of Rolloway in the same County, the Thursday before the Fire began in London, they had some Discourse about buying a Yoke of fat Bullocks, which Woodman was to sell, and was desired by Baker to keep them a while in his hands, but Woodman replied that he would not stay so long in the County, whereupon Baker demanding whither he was going? he refused to tell; ask, What he had to do to ask that Question? And riding a little farther, the said Woodman expressed these words; You brave Blades of Chipnam, you made Bonfires lately for beating the Dutch, but since you delight in Bonfires, you shall have your belly full of them ere it be long; adding, that if he lived but one week longer, he should see London as sad a London as ever it was since the World began, and in some short time after, he should see as bloody a time in England, as ever was since England was England: This discourse was not much taken notice of at that time when it was spoken; but when the City of London was burning, the said Baker gave this Imformation to the said Ducat; hereupon was issued out a Warrant to apprehend Woodman, but he was gone out of the Country, and cannot be yet heard of.  
Robert Hubert, of Rouen in Normandy, confessed that he was one of those that fired the House of Mr. Farmer a Baker in Pudding-Lane, from whence the Fire had its beginning; and also says, that he came out of France with one Stephen Pedilow, about four Months before the Fire began in London, and went into Sweedland with him, where he stayed also with him as his Companion four Months, and then they came together into England in a Sweedish Ship, called the Skipper, where he stayed on Board with the said Pedilow, till that Saturday night on which the Fire broke out, where Pedilow taking him out of the Ship, carried him into Pudding-lane, and he being earnest to know whither he was carrying him, he would not satisfy him, till he brought him to the Place, and then he told him that he had brought three Balls, and gave him one of them into his hand to throw into the House, but he desiring further Satisfaction about that Design before he proceeded, Pedilow began to chaff and would not hear him, seeing which, Hubert consents, and according to his Orders puts the Fireball to the end of a long Pole, which after he had lighted it with a Match, he put it in at the Window, and there stayed till he saw the House on a flame; to this Fact he confesses three Accomplices whereof Pedilow to be chief.  
Mr. Graves, a French Merchant, living in St. Marry Axe, informs; That he had known Hubert ever since he was four year old, and he ever observed him to be a Person of a mischievous inclination, and therefore fit for any villainous enterprise, and because of the knowledge he had of him, he went to visit him in Prison; when he saw him, he could not but commiserate his condition, whereinto he had brought himself; and for his better discovery of the Fact, he told him the said Hubert, that he did not believe that he had done that Fact which he had confessed himself guilty of, to which Hubert replied, Yes, I am guilty of it; and have been brought to it by the Instigation of Pedilow, and not out of any malice to the English Nation, but from a desire of that Reward he promised me, upon my return into France. [It is observable, that this miserable Creature, who confessed himself before the Commissioners to be a Protestant, was a Papist, and died so;] and as to the aforesaid Pedilow, the said Mr. Graves informs, that he had a full knowledge of him, and knew him to be a very debauched Person, and ready to any wicked Design; and moreover, for a clearer conviction of the guilt of the foresaid Hubert, Lowman the Keeper of the White Lion was commanded to set him upon an Horse, and go with him, to see if he could find out the place where he threw the Fireball; upon which Hubert, with more readiness than those who were well acquainted with the place, went to Pudding-lane, where the very House which was first fired stood, saying, Here stood the House; the Jailor did endeavour do draw him off from that Belief, and put him upon seeking for some other place, but he positively persisted in what he first said, and affirmed that to have been the said house. It being intimated to the Committee, that notwithstanding the Confession of the said Hubert, it was confidently reported, that the Fire in the forementioned Farmer his house began by accident, so the Commissioners sent for the said Farmer before them, who being examined, said, That it was impossible that any Fire should happen in his House by Accident, for that, after twelve of the clock at Night, he had gone through every Room thereof, and found no fire but in one Chimney, where the Room was paved with Brick, which fire he raked up in the Embers: He was then asked, Whether no Window or Door might let in Wind to displace those Coals? He affirmed, That it could not be conceived that Wind should there disturb them, but rather that it was absolutely set on fire on purpose.  
Dawes Williamson Esquire, one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, informs, That he saw a man apprehended near the Temple, with his pocket stuffed with combustible matter, made of Flax and Tow, and such like stuff.  
Dr. John Parker informs, That he saw a Person throw some Combustible matter into a shop in the Old Bayley, which he thinks was the shop of an Apothecary; that immediately thereupon he saw a great smoke, and smeled, as it were, the smell of Brimstone; that the person that did this immediately ran away, but upon the outcry of the People he was taken by the Guard.  
Randal Harsland and Humphrey Bowyer, they both agree, that they saw a Person fling something into a House near St. Antholins' Church, and that thereupon the House was on fire, and the smoke thereof filled the House on the other side of the way; and when this was done, there was no fire near by a quarter of a mile.  
Michael March, a Officer of the Trained-Bands, in a Company of Sir Richard Brown's, apprehended a woman in the time of the Fire, at the Nagshead in Leaden-hall-street, with an Instrument like a dark Lantern, made, as is conceived, to lay a Train of Powder, and it was filled with Gunpowder, (there were two more in her Company) they being asked for what Use they employed the said Instrument, they would give no account thereof.  
Nawson Killingworth Esquire, informs, that he apprehended a Person during the Fire, about whom he found much combustible matter, and certain black things of a large Figure, which he could not endure to hold in his hand by reason of their extreme Heat; this Person was so surprised at first, that he could not answer to any question, but being on his way to White Hall, he acted the part of a Madman, so continuing while he was present with him.  
Sir John Maynard, a Member of this House, informs, he had some of that Combustible matter in his hand, and though it was in its Natural consistency unfired, yet the Heat was scarce to be endured by the touch.  
Mr. Freeman of Southwark Brewer, whose House there was lately burned, informs, that the same day his House was fired, about a quarter of an hour before three, was found a paper with a Ball of Wildfire, containing near a pound wrapped up in it, in the nave of a wheel, in an outer house, where lay a great quantity of Timber; how this house was fired he knoweth not; but this he affirms to the Committee, it could not be by accident, because there had not been any Candle or Fire in the House where the Hay lay, that whole day; and the Hay being laid up before Midsummer very dry, it could not possibly be set on fire within itself; and moreover, he said, the Hayloft was on fire on the top of the House, and that the Fire spread from one end of the Roof to the other in an instant.  
Mr. Richard Harwood saith, That he being near the Feathers Tavern by St. Paul's, on the fourth of September, something like Wildfire by the sparkling and spitting of it, appeared, whereof he gave notice to some Soldiers there, who caused it to be quenched.   

A LETTER.  
SIR,  
HEaring that you are Chairman of the Committee, for examining the Firing of London; I thought good to acquaint you with this Information that I have received. William Champress Hatband maker, now living on Horsey-down, was on Tuesday morning September 4th 1666. in Shoe-lane, and there met with a Constable, who had apprehended a Frenchman, whom he had taken firing an House with Fire-Balls, and charged the said Champress to assist him; he carried the said Frenchman to Salisbury Court, but finding that burning down, he went into Fleetstreet, and was presently called upon by the Commander of the Guard, to know what the matter was; the Constable told him, he had apprehended one firing an House in Shoe-lane. He examined the Person in French, and committed him to the Guard of the Soldiers, and told the Constable he would secure him, and carry him along with him, the Constable asked him, if he should go along with him to give in his Evidence, he replied, He had done enough; but what became of the Frenchman, he knoweth not.  
Your most Humble Servant S. G.   

Taken up at Leeds by Mr. Thwaits' Man, a Recusant.  
Cover the Fire ye Hugonots,  
That have so branded us with Plots:  
And henceforth no more Bonfires make,  
Till ye avaunt the Stygian-Lake, etc.  
Dated the 5th. of November, Anno Salutis 1666. & Anno primo Restitutionis Romanae Religionis in Anglia.   

In a Letter directed from Ipswich, for the Honourable Sir Robert Brooks in the Parliament at Westminster, is intimated that about the 30th of August last, one of the Constables of Scoton in Horse-mear hundred, being upon the Search of that Town about Hearth-money, was told by one Mr. william Tompson a Roman Catholic in that Town, That though times were like to be sad, yet if he found any cause to alter his Religion, He would see that he should not want; and farther said to him, what would you say if you should see that London was burnt?   

An Affidavit of a Frenchman, that said, there was three hundred engaged in the firing the City of London.  
The Information of Richard Bond, of the Parish of St. Giles in the Fields, Ironmonger; Samuel Page, Francis Cogin, William Coals, Edmund Dakins, and Richard Pardoe, taken the 18th of September 1666. by me Justinian Truin, Knight, one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, upon Oath, as follows.  
Richard Bond saith, That on Thursday last, about twelve or one of the Clock at night, there was a Frenchman brought by the Watch to the Informers Fathers house, at the sign of the White Hart in King's street, taken as a suspicious Person; and the said person being questioned by them, the Informant, and others present, whether he was not one of those that fired the City, or had any hand therein, or any private knowledge thereof, or knew any that had designed it; the said person answered a great while in a perverse manner, quite differing from the questions; but being further desired to tell the Truth, and being told, that if he were guilty, it was the only way to save his life, he did at first obstinately deny that he knew of any Plot, whereupon a young man took the Prisoner aside to the end of a Room, and after some discourse between them, they both returned to the Informant, and the rest of the Company, and the said young man said to us plainly, in the hearing of the Prisoner the Frenchman, That he had confessed that there were three-hundred Frenchmen in a Plot or Conspiracy; upon this the Informant and others spoke o the Frenchman in these words; Well Master, you have done very well to confess, and no doubt but you may have your pardon if you confess all that you know of this Plot; and thereupon asked him, if there were no more than three hundred persons in the said Plot? He answered, No, there are no more than three hundred; then we enquired who they were, and how he came to know they were three hundred, to which he would give no direct answer, but put it off with other extravagant discourse, and being asked why he came to St. Giles Parish where he was apprehended, He told a story that he came from Islington Fields, where his Master's goods were, but the goods were now removed he could not tell whither; but his Master bade him go up and down the Fields, but would not tell him upon what occasion, or for what end he was so to do; and he being asked whether there were three hundred men engaged in this design? He replied, That there was three hundred engaged in it. And the names of the persons present at the Prisoner's Confession of the Plot were, Edmund Dakings Seniour, of Holbourn near Turnstile, Littingam Bell living by Holbourn, and another young man.  
The Information of William Coles of Cow-Lane London, and Samuel Page of S. Gyles in the Fields Weaver, Edmund Dakens of the same Parish, and Francis Cogin of St. Andrews Holborn, and Richard Pardoe Victualler, and one other tending to the Confirmation of the foregoing Walloone.   

An Extract of a Letter from Hiedleberge in the Palatinate, September 29th 1666.  
SIR,  
YOurs of the 6th currant came to me on Wednesday, and brought me tidings of the burning of London, constantly believed amongst the Irish to my knowledge, this fifteen years since, was to happen this year, on which they do also promise to themselves and others, the Introduction of the Public Exercise of the Catholic Religion. This was sent to Mr. John Altock, who lived in Gravel Lane in Shadwel, and negotiates the Business of the Palatinate, and will produce the Original if there be occasion.  
In a Letter to Sir John Frederick and Mr. Nathaniel Herne, from Northampton, the eighth of September 1666, subscribed Henry Chowne; wherein is mentioned, That he the said Chowne had thoughts to come to London that week, but they were in distraction concerning the Papists, fearing they would show themselves all that day; and that he had been to search a Papists house within six miles of that place, he with another Justice of the Peace met with the Gentleman's Brother, who is a Papist, going to London, whom they searched, and found a Letter which he had received, coming from his Sister, twenty miles off from him, wherein is expressed, That a great deal of business is in hand, not to be committed to paper, as the times are.   

Baker's Information to Ducat, concerning John Goodman, about the Destruction of London.  
Upon the ninth of September 1666. being the Sunday after the Fire began in the City of London, one Henry Baker of Chipnam in the County of Wilts, Butcher came and gave in this Information, That the Thursday Seven-night before the Fire began in London, coming from the Devizes Market, he happened into the Company of one John Goodman, Husbandman, who discoursed with him about a Yoke of Oxen, as is inserted before in the Report.   

The Information of one Cherrel, a Schoolmaster in Enfield.  
Upon Friday August the one and thirtieth, Mrs. St. George and her eldest Daughter Susan, both Popish Recusants, came to visit Mrs. Rebeccah Eves at her House in Enfield; where, speaking concerning the Session of Parliament drawing near, Mrs. St. George told her, That some were like to be called to account for a Plot; being asked for what? told her in her Ear, For burning the City. When Mrs. Eves heard of the Fire, going to a place where she might see it, she met with Mrs. Susanna St. George; and among other Discourse, told her, how much her Mother's words which she spoke before the Fire, did run in her thoughts, which she repeated to her Daughter; who made this reply, That her Mother was very apt to talk, and that she had been forced to keep her Mother within doors during the Fire, fearing that she should talk. After this destruction by Fire, Mrs. Eves met with Mr. Coale, another Recusant, and one of the same Family; she also related Mrs. St. George's words to him; who made this Return, That she was a worthy Woman to keep counsel. The Lady St. George at Enfield, at the Lord of Lincoln's House, declared to Mrs. Rebeccah Eves, That in few days London should be in Ashes, This was spoken about two days before the Fire happened.   

Mrs. Eves of Enfield. before Mr. Holland and Mr. Mervil, Members of Parliament, Decemb. 20. 1666. concerning Mrs. St. George.  
Mrs. Rebeccah Eves of Enfield, three or four days, or within a Week before the Fire, receiving a Visit in her own House from Mrs. St. George, among other Discourse, Mrs. St. George asked her, What News she heard? and if she knew when the Parliament sat? She replied, She thought suddenly. The other asked, If Mrs. Eves heard of any that were to be called in question before the Parliament?  
Eves. About what?  
St. George. About a Plot.  
Eves. What Plot?  
St. George. About firing the City.  
Eves. I hope God will preserve the City; people use not to be called in question before the Fact. So that Discourse was waved at that time. At the time of the Fire, Mrs. Eves and Mrs. St. George went out to look towards the Fire, and one in the company (but she cannot fix the Person) replied, A fine Woman to keep Counsel. After the Fire, Mrs. St. George's Daughter coming to Mrs. Eeves' House, Mrs. Eves asked her, if she remembered what her Mother said? who answered, My Mother is such a Woman, she will speak what she thinks. And afterwards said, That she had much ado to keep her Mother in, in the time of the Fire, for fear she should speak something that she might be questioned for. At this Discourse Mrs. eve's Daughter and others of her Family were present. Mr. St. George hereupon, with his Wife and Family, left Enfield about six weeks after, but left many more in the Neighbourhood. It's reported, that at the House of Mr. Cook and other Recusants, there was great Coaching, Drinking, and Rejoicing at the time of the Fire. December the 20th. 1666.  
Rebecca Eves.   

A Letter directed and sent by a Papist to Mr. Lamb, from Tarleton in Leicester-shire, from a Person unknown; as follows.  
My Friend,  
YOur presence is now more necessary at London than where you are, that you may determine how to disp●se of your Estate in Southwark, for it is determined by Humane Council (if not frustrated by Divine Power) that your Liberty will shortly be destroyed; your capacity is large enough to understand: proceed as your Genius shall instruct.  
Vale, cave, fuge. The Liberty of Haring in the County of Essex.   

The Information of Robert Hubert, a Frenchman▪ taken at Rumford, the 11th. of September 1666. before Cary Harvie, alias Mildmay Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace for the Liberty of the County aforesaid.  
HE saith, that about Mid-lent he came out of France, with one Stephen Pedilow a Frenchman, with whom he stayed about four Months, as his Companion, and then they came together into England in a Swedish Ship, called the Skipper, which was laden with Iron, Steel, and Copper-Plates; and saith, that the Master's name of the Ship is also Skipper, and that Pedilow kept the Examinant on board that Ship, which lay at St. Katherine's Brewhouse, but Pedilow himself went several times into the City, and came on board again, and had often private discourse with the said Master of the Ship; and saith, that when the City was on fire, he, this Examinant, was sent out by Pedilow, who had given him a Fireball, and bade him fire an House near the King's Palace, for which the said Pedilow gave him a shilling, and promised him a greater Reward when he came into France; which Fireball, this Examinant saith, he fired, and threw into the window of an House near Whitehall, on Tuesday Night, which fired the same House, and he stayed there, and saw it burn two or three hours; and further saith, that Pedilow bade him not make Use of this Fireball till he saw the City on fire, and then to do it▪ which he did accordingly, and then went to find the Ship, but it was gone▪ and further saith, that Pedilow had two Fire-balls himself; and the said Examinant saith, divers other Frenchmen have Fire-balls; and saith also, that when this Examinant came last to the Ship, the said Master directed him to find his Comrade Pedilow, at his Chamber or Lodging, but at what house he confessed not; and said, that not finding the Ship aforesaid, he came this way to go towards the Sea Coasts, in hopes, either by that or some other Vessel to get a Passage home.   

The Information of John Lowman, Keeper of his Majesty's Gaol for the County of Surry.  
IN Obedience to an Order to me directed, from the Right Honourable the Committee of the House of Commons, then sitting in the Speakers Chamber, on Thursday the 24th. of October, I carried Robert Hubert to St. Katharines-Tower by Water, to show me where the Swedish Ship lay, that brought him and other Frenchmen from Stockholm; he brought me to the Dock, over against Mr. Corsellis his Brewhouse, and did certify to me and Mr. Corsellis, that the Ship lay there till such time, as he with Mr. Pedilow and others, did go and set Fire to Mr. Farmer's house; and the Examinant saith further, that Mr. Pedilow did fix two fire-Balls to a long Pole, and that the said Robert Hubert did fix one in the same manner, and did put it in at the same Window, but with all the Enquiry and Diligence I could make or use, I could neither find, nor hear of any such Ship or Vessel; and from thence I carried the said Robert Hubert to Tower Hill, and desired him to show me the House they did fire, and he said it was near the Bridge, but we went along Thames-street, towards London-bridge, but before we came at the Bridge, the said Robert Hubert said, the▪ house was up there; (and pointed with his hand up Pudding-lane,) so I bade him go to the Place, and he went along upon the Bricks and Rubbish, and made a stand, than I asked one Robert Paine a Porter, which was the Baker's House, and he told me that was the house where Hubert stood, so I went to Robert Hubert and stood by him, turning my Back towards the Baker's house, and demanded which house it was he fired, directing to some house contrary to that house, but he turning himself about, said, This was the house, (pointing to the Baker's house) that was first fired; Then by reason of his Lameness, I set him on an Horse, and carried him to other places; but no other Place he would acknowledge, but nodded back again to the Baker's house, and said again, That was the Baker's house, pointing to the said Baker's house: And this is humbly certified, to the Honourable Committee by me John Lowman Keeper of his Majesty's Goal, for the County of Surry.   

At the Committee appointed to receive Information touching the Insolency of Popish Priests, and the Increase of Popery.  
ORdered, That the said several Informations by this Committee taken, be reported to the House in Order to the Discovery and Suppression of the Insolency of Popish Priests, and Increase of Popery.  

Concerning the Increase of Popery.  
AS to the Increase of Popery, Mr. Hancok Minister of Ghilnock informs, that meeting with one Mr. Thompson, about a month since, coming from Mass out of Somerset-House-Chappel, and discoursing with him about his Religion, asked him if there were many turned lately? To which Mr. Thompson answered, Thousands, and being demanded what encouragement there was to believe it? Replied, There will be a change suddenly.   

The Report of his carriage at the Committee.  
Mr. Thompson being summoned before the Committee, carried himself very insolently, which Behaviour of his I am commanded to report. Being asked whether he had not a Shop in Somerset-house, where Popish Books and Popish Knacks are sold? He said, he had, and that his men sold such Books and Beads and other things, and confessed a Crucifix and some Relics; he said he was a Roman Catholic, and thanked God for it; that he was no Priest, but wished he was in a Capacity to be One; that he had not taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, nor would he; that he would take any Oath that any Christian Prince should require, but not the Oath of Allegiance, intimating some mixture in it; he said further that he had then taken the Oath of Allegiance to the King of Spain, and so was his Subject.  
Mr. Ash Minister of Cluppel in Surrey, informs, that being at Cofield in Leicestershire this last Summer, he saw a great Resort on Sunday to Cofield-house, the house of a Papist; and ask some that were going thither, what the occasion of their Resort thither was? they told him they were going to Mass, and that one Mr. Robinson a Priest, did say Mass. Mr. Ash did likewise inform, that he thought the number of those that went thither to Mass that Sunday, was as great as that of the Protestants that went to the Parish-Church.  
Mr. Wiling Deputy-Ordinary of Middlesex, did inform, that in his Attendance on the Prisoners in Newgate, he had observed, that the Romish Priests, particularly one Harvey a Jesuit, did constantly, about the times of Execution, frequent that Prison, and by Persuasions endeavour to fix their Principles in the Prisoners; of whom the said Harvey had seduced many.  
Mr. Hatton informs, that on the sixth of October, he went to Newgate; and meeting with one Haward, underkeeper at the door, desired to speak with Hubert the Frenchman, who was then condemned. Haward told him he could not speak with him yet, for Mr. Harvey the Queen Mother's Confessor was in private with him, and said, that this Harvey used frequently to come to the Prison after Condemnation, and where one Prisoner, died a Protestant, many died Papists. Mr. Hatton said, that after some stay he saw Mr. Harvey come out from Hubert, after which he was admitted to him.  
Mr. Hawking Keeper of Newgate, did inform, that the said Mr. Harvey the Jesuit did frequent the Prison under pretence of the Queen's Charity, and did spend much time with the Prisoners in private, and particularly did so night after night before last Execution.  
Mr. Hawking said likewise, that of the Nine that suffered, eight died Papists, whereof some he knew to have been Protestants when they came into the Prison.  
It appeared further upon several Informations, that Mr. Harvey and other Priests, did not only resort to Newgate at times of Execution, but likewise to the White Lion in Southwark, and other places in the Country's, and used their endeavours to pervert dying Prisoners.  
Thomas Barnet, late a Papist, informs, that while he was of that Persuasion he often resorted to the houses of such Gentlemen in Berkshire as were Roman Catholics, every of which houses had its Romish Priest; and of this he gives Instances in the houses of several private Gentlemen in that County. The like Information give others against the County of Surrey.  
Mr. Cottman did inform, that one Mr. Compert (late a Preacher at S. Hall,) did in Discourse tell him the said Cottman, that the Judgements of God upon this Kingdom by the Plague last year, and lately by the Fire in London, were come upon the Land and People for their forsaking the true Roman Catholic Religion, and shaking off their Obedience to the Pope; and that if they would return to the Church of Rome, the Pope would rebuild the City at his own Charge. Compert said likewise to the said Cottman, That if he would come and hear him preach the next Sunday, at his house in Queens-street, he would give twenty reasons to prove, that the Roman Catholic was the true Religion, and his the false, and that our Bible had a thousand Falsities in it; and that there was no true Scripture but at Rome, and in their Church.  
Compert at the Committee confessed, that he had formerly taken Orders from the Church of Rome; but said he had now renounced that Church, and taken Orders in England.    

The next thing is the Information of their Insolency; and I shall begin with their scorning and despising the Bible.  
ONe Thomas Williams, an Officer in Sir William Bowyers Regiment, informs, That one Audley, a Papist, seeing a woman reading in a Bible, asked her why she read in that profane Presbyterian Bible? and said, a Playbook was as good.  
Thomas Barret of Bingfield informs, that being at one Mr. young's house in Bingfield, at Bartholomew tide last, Mr. Young said to the Brother of this Thomas Barret, in his hearing, that within two years there should not be a Protestant in England.  
Thomas Barnet informs, that being at Mr. Doncasters' house in Bingfield, one Mr. Shellers, Son in Law to Mr. Doncaster, both Papists, said to this Informant, who was then likewise a Papist, The People take me for a poor fellow, but I shall find a thousand or two thousand of Pounds to raise a party of Horse, to make Mr. Hawthorns and Mr. Blackwels fat Guts lie on the Ground; for it is no more to kill an Heretic, than to kill a Grasshopper; and that it was happy for this Thomas Barnet that he was a Catholic, for by this means he should be one of those that should be mounted.  
Mr. Linwood a Scrivener in White-chappel, informs, That about the 20th. of October last meeting with one Badley a Papist, and discoursing with him, he told him, That there was amongst the Papists as great a Design as ever was in England, and he thought it would be executed suddenly. Being asked how many Papists there were about London? He answered, About seven thousand, and in England an hundred thousand well armed.  
Mr. Oaks his Affidavit. Mr. Oaks, a Physician dwelling in Shadwell, informs, that a little after the burning of the City of London, one Mr. Carpenter, a Minister, came to his house on Tower-wharf, and spoke to him to this Purpose; I will not say I am a Papist, but this I will say, I had rather die the Death of the Papists, and that my Soul should be raised with their Resurrection, than either of Presbyterian, Independent or Anabaptist; and I tell you, the Papists have hitherto been his Majesty's best Fortification; for when Presbyterians, Independents and Anabaptists forsook and opposed him, they stood by him and helped him; and take it on my word, the Papists in a short time, will lay you all as low as that house; (pointing to an house that was demolished) for they are able to raise forty thousand men, and I believe, the next work will be cutting of Throats. This was sworn by Mr. Oaks, before Sir John Frederick Member of the House.  
Mr. Pilkington being present when the words were spoken, doth affirm them all.  
Henry Young a Distiller of Hot-waters, informs, that about the month of April in the year 1661. being in the Jesuits College in Antwerp, one Powel an English Jesuit persuaded him to turn Roman Catholic, and said, that if he intended to save his Life and Estate, he had best to turn; for within seven years he should see England of that Religion. Young replied, the City of London will never endure it. Powel answered, that within five or six years they would break the Power and Strength of London in pieces, and that they had been contriving it this twenty years. The said Young did likewise inform, that after coming into England, one Thompson and one Copernel, both Papists, did several times say to him, That within five or six years at farthest, the Roman Catholic Religion should be all over this Kingdom.  
Joseph Goodwin of Darking in the County of Surrey, informs, That about a Month since, one Edward Complin, a Papist, said to him, You must all be Papists shortly, and that now he was not ashamed to own himself a Roman Catholic, and to own his Priests, (naming two that were in Darking, in the house, with two Papists) and likewise said, that in twenty four hours warning the Papists or Roman Catholics could raise thirty thousand men as well armed as any in Christendom.  
William Weaver of Darking, informs, that the said Edward Copernel did tell him, The Roman Catholic in England could, in twenty four hours raise three thousand Horse and Arms; and upon saying so, pulled out his Crucifix and Beads, and said, He was not ashamed of his Religion.  
John Graunger of Darking, informs, that about a year since, being in his house reading the Bible, one Thomas Cooling, a Papist, said to him, Are you still a Church-goer? Had you not better turn Roman Catholic? If you stay whilst you are fetched, none will abide you. And said further, That there was a man beyond the Seas had prophesied, That Anno 1666. if the King did not settle the Roman Religion in England, he would be banished out of his Kingdom, and all his Posterity. And Cooling further said, That he, being lately turned a Roman Catholic, he would not be a Protestant again for all the World; wishing Graunger again, in the hearing of his Wife, (which she affirmed to the Committee) to turn his Religion; for all the said Prophecies would come to pass in the year 1666.  
Robert Holloway of Darking aforesaid, informs, That one Stephen Griffin, a Papist, said to him, That all the blood that was shed in the last Civil War, was nothing to that that would be shed this year in England. Holloway demanded a reason thereof, in regard the Kingdom was in Peace, and no likelihood of Trouble, and said, Do you Papists intent to rise and cut our Throats when we are asleep? Griffin answered, that is no matter, if you live you shall see it.  
Ferdinand de Marcedo a Portugal, and some few years since a Roman Catholic, but now turned Protestant, informs, That one Father Banto, a Jesuit, did the last year tell him at Paris, That if all England did not return to the Church of Rome, they should be destroyed the next year.  
Mr. Samuel Wightman of the middle Temple, Barister, informs, That about two years since, one Mr. Genison a Popish Priest, wished him to turn Catholic, and he should want neither Profit nor Preferment, Mr. Wightman objected, that he intended to practise the Law, which he could not do if he turned Papist, for he must take the Oath of Supremacy at his being called to the Bar, and if he were a Papist he must not take it. Mr. Genison replied, Why not take the Oath? It is an unlawful Oath, and void ipso facto; and after some Pause, said further, First take the Oath, and then I will convert you; And further said, That the King would not own himself Head of the Church; And also said, You in England that set up the DUTCH to destroy our Religion, they shall be the men to PULL DOWN YOURS.  
Mun Stanley, a Officer in the Duke of Ormands own Regiment, informs, That coming lately out of Ireland, and with him one Oriel, who owned himself of the Order of Jesuits, and commissionated from the Pope to be Lord Primate of Ireland, and Archbishop of Armagh; Oriel discoursing with him, told him, That there had been a Difference between him and some others of the Jesuits in Ireland, and that particularly one of the Occasions was, that one Father Walsh and some others of the Jesuits there, did dispense with the Papists in Ireland; to take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, by virtue of a standing Commission from the Pope they had, to do it during this King's Reign; and Oriel thought they ought not to do it by virtue of the standing Commission, but should take a new Commission from the Pope every year to do it. And said likewise, That he brought eight Boys out of Ireland to carry to Flanders to breed up in the Colleges. And at his taking Ship to go into Flanders, he shook his Feet towards England, and termed it Egypt, and said, He would not return to England, till he came with fifty thousand at his heels.   

An Information concerning the late Fire in Fetter-Lane.  
MR. Robert Bird, whose House it was that was set on Fire, informed, That his Wife retained one Elizabeth Oxley to be her Servant (supposing her to be a Protestant) upon Monday the 24th of February last, but she came not to her Service until the 6th of March after. That upon Wednesday night the 9th of April last, about two or three of the clock in the morning, the said Servant came to his Bedside and awaked him, telling him There was a Fire in Holborn: Whereupon he asked her, How she knew it? She answered, By the noise in the Street. Whereupon he arose, and looked into the Street, but there was little noise or light; so he stayed at his Street-door, until he was informed by two men that passed by, that there had been a Fire, but it was put out again: whereupon he returned to Bed, well pleased he had so watchful a Servant, and fearful of Fire: But none of his Family heard any thing thereof, until informed by the said Oxley, as he believeth. That on Thursday the 10th. of April, he was told, the said Oxley went not up to Bed till about eleven a Clock: That before he went to Bed, he looked to the Doors, Windows, and Rooms, to see if all were safe from Fire and Thiefs, (as his custom was) and was the last up in the Family, as he thought. That being in Bed and asleep, about twelve of the clock that night he was awaked with a great beating at the door by the Watch, and the said Oxley coming immediately to him, told him, There was a Fire: To which he said, He was sure it was not in his House, but gave her the Key of the Street-door; who ran down, and let in the Watch and Company; and he coming down, found a large Press in his Closet, (for keeping Books, Papers, and Writings, on a light Fire, but by the mercy of God, and the great help he had, the Fire was put out, and his House preserved. That his Wife with some Neighbours immediately going to the said Oxley's Lodging Room to see if all was safe, found that she had packed up her Clothes and things ready to carry away, and her Trunks locked up, but nothing left in them of value: Whereupon he demanded of the said Oxley why she had packed up her Clothes? She answered, that she and his other Maid Martha had packed up her things to save them. Then he asked the said Martha, Why she had packed up in that time, when the Lives of the Children and Family were in that danger? who positively denied that she packed up any thing; Whereupon, and for that he was sure when he went to bed there was not a spark of Fire in the Closet, and considering that the said Oxley at the first knocking at the door, though she lay two pair of stairs above his Chamber; and being informed that she had not put out her Candle into the Candlestick, nor burned it, but pulled it out, and hid the Candlestick; and from the manner of her Carriage used when she perceived she was suspected; he positively Charged the said Oxley with Firing his House, and caused her to be kept safe all that night: And the next day being Charged by the Neighbours with Firing the House, she at last Confessed the same, by setting the Press in the Closet and his Papers on Fire about Twelve of the Clock, when he and his Family were asleep. And he said▪ that she the said Oxley might have gone out at a Back door of his House, and carried away any of his Goods and Plate, if she pleased at any hour in the night, without Firing his House; the Key of the Back door lying in the Kitchen, and laid there by herself. And he said, nothing of value was found in the said Oxley's pack, made up by her, as aforesaid, but her own things.  

Elizabeth Oxleys' Examination.  
Elizabeth Oxley upon her Examination said; That about Michaelmas last she became acquainted with Nicholas Stubbs, who had several times used many persuasions to turn her Papist; and after her showing a liking to it, and that he supposed she had embraced that Persuasion; in his Discourse to her at several times, he told her, that before the 28th of June next, she should see all the Protestants destroyed that were in England; that the Pope should be King over England; that all that would turn to the Popish Religion should live far better than now they did; that all the Land were Heretics, and it were a Meritorious Act to destroy them; and that all such as were Papists should have Marks upon their Hats, whereby to distinguish them from Protestants, that they might not be destroyed amongst them. Adding, that the Nation do believe that all things will be over before the 28th day of June, but they would be deceived, for all should be destroyed at or before that time. That the Duke of York was the bravest Prince living, and that he was gone out of the Kingdom, lest the Heretics should cut off his Head, and he would not return till they were destroyed; that the Lords in the Tower would not one of them Suffer, for they would come off well enough, being to be tried by the Lords; and that the Scaffolds were set up but for fashion-sake. That she telling the said Stubbs that she was Hired to Live with one Mr. Bird about the middle of Fetter-lane, he used persuasions to her at several times to set Fire on her Master's House; telling her, if she would do it, he would give her five pound, and gave her half a Crown, and said, he would have other Houses in Holborn Fired at the same time by others: That she being with the said Stubbs on Sunday before the said Fire, promised to Fire her Master's House on Thursday or Friday night following; and accordingly on Thursday night she took a Candle and set Fire to her Master's Papers in his Study, which were in a kind of a Press; and then being on a light Fire, she shut the doors, and went up stairs into her own Chamber in the top of the House, and packed up her own Things, and Undressed herself, lest her Master should suspect her, and there stayed till a great Knocking was at the Door, and the Watchmen crying out Fire; whereupon she run down Stairs, and cried out Fire, and her Master gave her the Keys to open the Door; which done, all hands were employed to quench the Fire. And she saith, she did not set-Fire on her Master's House out of any Malice to him, nor with intent to Rob him, but merely to carry on the Design which Stubbs had proposed to her, and out of hopes of his Reward.   

The Examination of Nicholas Stubbs.  
Nicholas Stubbs upon his Examination owns, and sets forth to have used such Discourse to the said Elizabeth, as she declareth in her Examination; and saith, he did persuade her to Fire her Master's House, and was to give her five Guineas for doing it, besides half a Crown in hand: And saith, that one Father Gifford, a Priest, and his Confessor, had put him on this business, and told him it was no sin to Fire all the Houses of Heretics and Hugonites.  
That he acquainted Flower, alias Derby, a Barber in German-street, and one Roger _____ another Irish man, that Lodged at the Coach and Horses in the same Street. That the said Father Gifford promised him 100l. for the same, and told him he was to have the Money from the Church. That they used to meet the said Gifford, and other two Persons in St. James's-fields in the dark of the Evening, and to discourse of these matters; and that the several Informations that he had given the said Elizabeth Oxley, he had from the said Father Gifford; and saith, Flower and Roger _____ told the said Stubbs, they would carry on the said Fire, and that they had Fire-Balls for that purpose, and that they would Fire other Houses in Holborn at the same time: That he was at the Fire in the Temple, but was not engaged to do any thing in it. And said, that Gifford told him, that there were English, French and Irish roman-catholics enough in London to make a very good Army; and that the King of France was coming with 60000 men, under pretence to show the Dauphin his Dominions; but it was to lay his men at Diep, Bulloign, Calais, and Dunkirk, to be at an hours warning to be Landed in England, and he doubted not but it would be by the middle of June, and by that time all the Catholics here will be in readiness; all were to rise; in order to bring him in. That the Papists here were to be distinguished by Marks in their Hats; that the said Father Gifford doubted not but he should be an Abbot or a Bishop when the work was over, for the good service he had done. That, at their Meeting, Father Gifford used to tell them, it was no more sin to kill a Heretic than a Dog, and that they did God good service in doing what mischiefs they could by Firing their Houses. That it was well Sir Edmondbury Godfrey was murdered, for he was their Devilish Enemy; That Coleman was a Saint in Heaven for what he had done. And saith, he is fearful he shall be murdered for this Confession, Father Gifford having Sworn him to Secrecy; and told him he should be Damned if he made any Discovery, and should be sure to be killed; and that he should take the Oaths because he was a Housekeeper, and that it was no sin: And saith, that Gifford and Roger _____ told him, when their Forces met about the middle of June, then have at the—    
FINIS.