A PLAIN RELATION OF MY SUFFERINGS, by that Miserable Combustion, which happened in Tower-street through the unhappy firing of a great quantity of Gunpowder, there the 4. of January 1650.  
Now Printed that the World may see what just Cause I had to complain of the injuries then done me, and how little reason Mr. Glendon Minister of that Parish had (especially after three years' time and more) to defame me in Print as a malicious slanderer of him (who though I had strong reason to suspect, I did never positively charge with any thing.) Yet he with as much malice as impertinency, hath inserted his Vindication (as he calls it) into his Epistle to the Reader, put before a Sermon of his, lately printed, Entitled, Justification justified; wherein, however he hath justified his Doctrine, he hath condemned himself (as in reference to me) in the judgement of all rational Persons.  Prov. 18.17. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just, but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 
London Printed, 1653.   

To the Reader.  
I Am necessitated to publish this Narrative, in Answer to a Relation of my sufferings by that sad accident of Gunpowder which befell me and others the 4 of January 1650 made and set forth by Mr. Thomas Glendon Minister in that Parish. You may please to believe, I can have no pleasure in reviewing that direful Tragedy; wherein so many of my dear relations perished, together with the increase of above forty years toilsome gleaning in the way of my laborious Calling. But finding myself crowded into print with calumny and reproach; I was the rather prevaled upon by some of my best friends, not to be silent lest mine innocency might thereby suffer. I have therefore according to my capacity, in the the plain stile of a weak woman (with all sincerity and meekness, however provoked) laid before you the grounds and reasons, why I have so frequently complained of that hard measure dealt me (before and after the fire happened) as well by the Magistrate as by my Minister and neighbourhood; Ye that have or may read Master Glendons charge against me, look also on my defence, and then judge as the Lord shall direct, for unto him have I always left my cause;  
Hester Shaw.   

LOng before that sad blow in Tower street by Gunpowder, (some years before the Fire in Thames street) I had intelligence given me of Gunpowder which was in that house, where the disaster after happened, and that to a great quantity, so that the neighbourhood were much afraid of it. My house being next adjoining I went to my neighbour and told him what I had heard, nor could he deny it to be so; I did therefore pray him, it might be removed speedily, which he pretended could not be done that night without increasing our danger, but promised to remove it the next morning betimes, and in the mean time to watch it all that night himself, but this his promise not being performed, I urged him to it again, withal telling him that otherwise I would acquaint a Magistrate therewith before whom said I, you cannot answer for it, it being prohibited any man to keep above six or eight pounds of Gunpowder at the most in his house, and that too, not allowed any where, but in an upper room: Thus not without divers hot words, I constrained him to remove eighteen Barrels, which he said was all, but I, (suspending my belief) sent for a Constable to search his house, whereupon we found twelve barrels of powder more; I than understood that it had been long his custom to keep great store of powder in his house, notwithstanding he had often been warned thereof: Therefore when the Wardmoo● Enquest sat, I wit● the Constable, went and complained thereof unto them, telling them I went in danger of my life, and entreating them to take some order about it; afterwards also, I (being at home) seeing them when they came about their view, went out unto them, and bespoke them to this effect; Gentlemen, I pray, search that house now, whereof I have complained unto you, and judge whether it be a fit storehouse for Gunpowder. I had fair promises of them, but nothing at all was done about it.  
Afterwards when the sire broke out in Thames-street, this was complained off again to the Aldermen there present, who promised to take care about it but yet nothing was done: wherefore M. Singleton who was then Constable, did (through mine instigation) make complaint there of at the Session's house divers times, from time to time, and by his continual solicitation procured it to be taken into examination, but (as appears) it was laid aside again, and no result (to any purpose) came thereof. Wherefore (for my part) I looked every night (when at home) to be blown up, and would say to my maid at my lying down, I am now laid sit for my Coffin, and it may be before to morrow morning, I shall be blown into the Churchyard for it.  
It happened that the morning preceding that unhappy accident, I was sent for by my Lady Brent to come to her she being very ill, and with her I continued until that sa●● report came to mine ears, which was not until two of the Clock in the morning after, for my Lady (being desirous to rest) had commanded all out of the Chamber, but myself, so that when first the messenger came, I could receive no intelligence, but yet my Lady's Gentlewoman, and Mistress Terry with her, commanded my Lady's Coach to be made ready, and went to the fire, and continued thereabout up and down, until they could inform themselves how things went, and had seen my daughter carried wounded into Mr. Loes house in Rood-Lane; after which they returned, and came into my Lady's Chamber, telling her that she must needs let me go unto my daughter, which my Lady (as not knowing how soon she might have need of me) was very unwilling to suffer, until they promised her to accompany me, and bring me back to her; then after they had brought me out of the Chamber, that a disaster had happened near my house; I answered them, that truly I thought what I feared was fallen upon me, and said, doubtless my next neighbour hath blown me up with Gunpowder, (which guess of mine they confirming) said I, 'tis no more than I expected; and therefore (blessed be God) I am in some measure prepared for it, having laid up my treasure above the reach of Gunpowder, and being I had nothing, nor could have, but what I received from mine heavenly Father, I was most willing to suffer his righteous will, if to his only wise providence it had seemed meet to call for away again, what he had once bestowed on me; and was desirous to lay mine hand upon my mouth, preventing all complaints with this Consideration, that the greatest evil on this side hell, was less than my demerit, by this time we took Coach, and then came to Mr. Lo the Chirurgeon his house, where I met him coming from my daughter, he having newly dressed her wounds, who when she saw me, fell into a great passion, but I exhorted her to look up unto God, and to compose herself to take some rest, and leave the care of her children to me, for whom I would do mine endeavours. There were present there divers Friends, amon wghom was the Lady Mayoresse that now is, whose courteous and charitable care I must ever acknowledge, for she lent my daughter of her own  to cover her nakedness, and she with Mr. Lo and his wife were good Samaritans to me in the time of my extremity. I went thence unto the Lord Mayor his house that now is, by whose advice Mr. Osburn the Bricklayer, and his workmen, and labourers, were employed to look after the materials of my house, and lay them up, whilst others of my friends-enquired after my goods scattered by the powder, and also having taken order for that present concerning the Bodies of my son in Law, his three children and maid, whom I found all slain. I again returned to my Lady Brent, whom I found somewhat eased of her pain, therefore I again left her about 6 of the clock in the morning went to Mr. Lo his house, and sent for my Cousin White, and my Cousin Dewit, who (in convenient time) went with me, together with Mr. Lo, unto Mr. Glendons house, where we were desired to go into the Church, which we did, and Mr. Glendon came to us, to whom I said, that I was informed, that some bags of money had been brought into his house, and if any of them are mine, said I, they are sealed with mine own Seal (showing him my ring, whereon was engraven the Arms of my Father's house) or else with my sons seal (whereon was engraven the Arms of the Donns, quartered with the Binghams' Arms) and then and there also Mr. Abraham Parrot (who also went with me unto Mr. Glendons) testified unto him, that but a little before, he had paid me nine hundred and fifty pounds of a Mortgage, all which said he was sealed up with Mr. Donns' seal, and the best of the money marked with the figure of 8. Mr. Glendon answered, that what had been brought to him he had sent to Mr. Gasteels house in Crutched Friars, which (said he) was but two bags, not once naming aught else, as my friends then present with me can witness. I did then press him to let me have my money, because of my present necessity, but no argument would prevail with him to supply me with one penny, nor did he express any sense of my affliction, nor give me any word of comfort, and this was the very next day after the fire; and not some days after, as Mr. Glendon hath falsely (though in Print) represented to the world.  
When I came back to my daughter, she had (as I found) sent my Chamber maid to see if she could hear what was become of any of our goods, who hearing that great store of goods had been carried into Mr. Glendons house (after she had gleaned up some things in the Church yard, which she put into her apron) she went thither, where she was civiliy admitted by Mistress Clendon, but when Mr. Glendon saw her, he was very angry, and would let her look no longer, so she came back and told me of it, and also certified me that she saw a black Chest of Drawers of my Daughters, (where she put her wearing Linen) and my silver Salt also in M. Glendons house, this my Lady Mayoresse, Mrs. Lo, with divers others then present know; but when afterwards the Chest was brought home, all my daughter's best Laces, and finest Linen which lay at the bottom were taken away, and the courser which were put uppermost were only left, but who did it I know not, it seems that they had time and place to pick and choose.  
My occasions for money increasing, I desired Mr. Lo (at noon) to go for my money again to Mr Glendon, who went but in vain, than Mr. Hall (at my desire) went for it, after that Mr. Gail, than Mr. Love the Minister, and at night Mr. Lo again; but no person, nor importunity, nor argument, would prevail with Mr. Glendon.  
The same day in the afternoon, came to me one Mistress Hall with her son Henry, and brought with them Mr. Twigs man, who informed me, that four bags of money had been carried into Mr. Glendons house; but said I to him, Mr Glendon saith, he had but two bags, to which Mr. twigs man replied again, there were four bags carried into Mr. Glendons house, for saith he two of them, I carried in myself, and then also I with others sealed up other bags and money besides in a blue Apron, and delivered them at Mr Glendons; afterward finding a bunch of Keys on a silver chain and this bag, (showing me a bag which he had in his hand, and ask me if that were my seal on it) I put the money, said he that was in it, into a Napkin, and left it also at Mr. Glendons; and after that also, seeing Mr. Sanders and his wife in the Churchyard, I delivered the Key, & bag to them, praying Mr.  to take care that the seal might not be broken, and telling them I was glad to finde some body that I knew, and as I was telling them, what I had done, a young man that was by hearing me, said to us, that he also had carried two bags into Mr. Glendons, and said, he was a Gunsmiths' man in East Smithfield, but before we could question him further, he was suddenly gone.  
On the Lord's day after the fire, I being at supper with my Lord Mayor (that now is) at his house, took occasion to acquaint his Lordship with Mr. Glendons hard usage of me, in detaining from me my moneys, though I had requested it of him myself, and also by divers of my friends, as Mr. Love, Mr. gale, Mr. Hall; and Mr. Lo who had been twice or thrice for it, and that for the supply of my present necessity: my Lord told me that he also had sent M. gale about it, but as yet, said he, I have received no account of it: Then said I to my Lord I perceive what is the reason of M. Glendon's evil dealing with me; It is because I have withdrawn my accustomed Benevolence from him: When he came first to our Parish, many of our parishioners were gone into the Country, whose houses were left empty; and because also I saw he had a charge of children, I did over and above the accustomed Tithes of my house, paid for 60 years by my husband and his father, also pay unto him an additional private Benevolence of eight pounds a year, at such times as I saw fit; and this I continued till after Mr Graves the Gun-smith was chosen Churchwarden, with whose wife falling into discourse one day, as I went by, she told me from Mr. Glendon, that he would take it very kindly if I would subscribe what I had given him, because it might move other of the parishioners to a more liberal Contribution: I told her that Mr. Glendon shown himself an unworthy man, in ●ot being contented with what I had freely done, but also in seeking to make me his Lure to draw others on to it; and oblige us all by a public Subscription to a thing which is but arbitrary; but (said I) therefore I will withdraw my hand, and so I did And this is the cause of his dealing thus with me; but (said I) to morrow I will know whether the money be his or mine; If his, 'tis fit he should keep it, if mine, I know no reason why he should detain it. I know moreover, that in all probability all the bags of money must be mine; for none of my neighbours who suffered by that sad blow could lose much in money by it; some of them being known to be necessitous persons, especially at that instant, for Mr. Porter in whose house, and by whose remisnesie it came, had purposely brought that Powder into his shop to send it away for moneys to be lent upon it; the Shoemaker also next door to him, confessed that he then wanted money to buy Leather for his shop, (being always thought a poor man) and the other sufferers which were of quality (as Mr Wormell the Vinetener at the Rose on the one side; and Captain Compton on the other side, had their Closers quite backwards where the powder could have no such power: But I was needest too the power of the powder, and had at that time onhappily drawn in my money for a purchase. I told my Lord also, what occasion I had for my money, saying, I was loath to borrow so long as I had any of mine own left me: And since I could not obtain it of Mr. Glendon by fair means, I was resolved to seek it by public Justice; My Lord then desired that he might first speak with Mr. Glendon before I took any other course: I said, if he pleased to do it from himself, he might, but n●● as from me. Then my Lord would have sent presently for Mr. Glendon, but said, I, 'tis the Lord's day, and therefore no sit time, so after supper I went home to Mr Loes.  
And the next day being the first Monday after the fire, I went again to my Lord Mayors (that now is) who lent me a room to secure some of my goods preserved for me by some faithful friends, and while I was there, my Lord came in, but some other occasion called him suddenly back again, so that I saw him no more that day; afterwards being in the Parlour, by and by, came in Alderman Andrews, and Mr Glendon, who stood by the Chimney, but the Alderman walked up and down the room, seemingly very angry, saying, it was no marvel that my name was up almost in every one's mouth, I asked for what, he said, for that I took upon me so plainly to blame the Magistrate for not preventing that sad accident. Sir (said I) I will own what I have said as to that business, having complained thereof in mine own person, several times, and caused complaint thereof to be made to the Enquest of the Ward, to the Aldermen, and at the Session's house; the Alderman then said, that he he marvelled that he had never heard of it. So after some more discourse (to that purpose) he went with me to Mr Felgates house, where he had secured some of my monies, which had been gathered up, and delivered to him in the time of that miserable combustion, but when we came there, we found a padlock upon the door, and understood that the money was carried to St. Katherine's, (so the Alderman gave me order to receive it there (which afterward I did accordingly) Than we came back to Mr Glendons house, where the Alderman whispered Mr Glendon in the car, and so departed. After this the blue Apron was brought forth sealed up, and also the money in the Napkin with my name upon it (as Mr Twigs man had me) which Apron and Napkin, with two bags mo●● also I received, and gave Mr Glendon my bond to sav● him harmless, which he needed not to have feared, the bags being sealed with my sons seal, and the other things all evidently appearing to be mine, and more also than I received; for whilst I was there, I saw one 〈◊〉 my new green Aprons in the hands of one of Mr Glendons daughters, who was stringing it with mine own strings, but being busy, talking with the Lieutenant 〈◊〉 the Tower, and Colonel Witchcot (my very goo● friends) she was suddenly called away before I could challenge it. By and by, Mrs Glendon came in bringing two half Crowns in her hand, which she said he children had taken up on the Church Leads; I the● told her I was informed, that great store of money w●● (by the powder) seartered there, but I would receive nothing, but what was marked with mine own name or mark, nor did I. So when I had given Mr Glendon m● Bond for his security, I said to him, Sir, (as I understand) you have a silver Salt of mine in your house, which sure you cannot but know, it having my name on it, 〈◊〉 had it not, you have been oft enough at my Table 〈◊〉 take notice of it; 
this it ●●●urs 〈◊〉 that ●●er Salt ●s not ●●led up in 〈◊〉 blue ●●ron, as 〈◊〉. Glen●●● deli●●●s in ●●●nt.  at which words he went in, and fetched it to me; and I, taking it into my hand turned the mark towards him, (and shaking my head) sa●● pray Mr Glendon, whose Salt is this; but he gave m● never a word, as my friends then present can testify for this was not done in a corner. I did expect that Mr Glendon would have invited me to look what Goo● of mine might be in his house, which liberty he cou●● allow unto strangers, but deny to me, which was m● only an unneighborly discourtesy, but great injustice and I think, had I fallen into the hands of heathens, I should have found more righteous dealing than I did from Mr Glendon and others. For besides the difficulties I met with, before I obtained that little remnant of money out of the Parson's hands, it pleased the Churchwardens of his Parish, to take from me the materials of mine house (unto the use of the Parish) which cost me unto Mr Osburn the Bricklayer (before named) 12 l. odd money (as by his receipt appears) for his pains and his Labourers to lay them up in the Churchyard for me, yet this I suffered, being taken off from seeking to right myself, somewhat by the persuasion of my Lord Mayor (that now is) but more by the duties of my Calling, having the lives of divers under my care (at that time) whom my conscience did command me to wait upon, how evilly soever the world requited me. And thus Ytossed ●ost an estate of above three thousand pounds, without any remedy or recompense, but of my good God who hath kept me in my wits, given me strength to labour, and blessed me in my labours.  
As for Mr. Blackwells coming to me from Mr. Glenden, I suppose it was thus occasioned; Mr. Perk a Minister (now deceased) met me at Mr. Cutler's child's baptising; where falling into discourse of the fire, he told me, that he was one of the first that after came to Mr. Glendon, who told him that when the blow was given two bags of money were blown into his Study over the Table (he sitting at it) and 'twas a great mercy that they hit him not, (for said he) they would have killed me then: and Mr Perk told me also that he then went upon the Church-leads, and saw there much money lie scattered; I told him, sure he was mistaken, for Mr. Glendon, (said I) hath no more than what others brought in his house, which he saith, are but two bags, and nothing was blown in; to which Mr. Perk answered, that he had told me nothing but the truth: I replied to him again, that I marvelled that Mr. Glendon would conceal the having of any thing that was not his own from me, who in all probability had right to it. Mr. Peck then willed me to call him in question about it; but then I must (said I) examine all his family; and there is one of them hath reported in the Minories, that there were two Gown-rols belonging to my Lady Baker (who once lay at my house) which Gown-rowls were quilted with gold, blown up with the powder from my house, and that these rowls lay in Mr. Glendon's Garrets, until the Inventory of some chief things which were lost, was printed, and then the gold was ripped from the rowls, and the rowls were burnt which (said I) by the Law is Felony yet thought lose all I have in the world, I will not endanger any man's life about; and though they get never so much unjustly, yet it will do them no good in the end but rather prove a Moth to them; and I know (said I my heavenly father will provide things convenient for me; Mr. Perk then told me that he would speak with Mr. Glendon about it; and after this Mr. Blackwell came to me from Mr. Glendon, to whom, when I had related how jewishly Mr. Glendon had dealt with me, he seemed to be very sorry, and wished that the business might 〈◊〉 taken up by some Ministers or others; But Sir, said I, 〈◊〉 thing of this nature is more fit to be decided by a Magistrate, so Mr. Blackwell departed; And as for Mr. Calamy and Mr. Cranford, they never come to me from Mr. Glendon, and believe them to be wiser men then to meddle with the matter.  
Thus, as well as I could, and without injury to the truth, I have set down a review of that late unhappy blow by Gunpowder, with those circumstances which were necessary to vindicate mine own innocency, and make up a clear representation of Mr. Glendons dealing towards me; For which, if any shall Judge him worthy of thanks, let them give credit unto what Mr. Glendon delivers in his printed Vindication (as he calls it) viz. That Mr. Lo came to him, to give him thanks in my name, for preserving so much of mine estate for me. Indeed, I sent Mr. Glendon twenty shilling by Mr. Lo, for the burying the bodies of my Children, and what Mr Lo in way of Compliment might say to him, I know not; but as for that particular, that I should give him thanks, etc. Since, I perceive, Mr. Glendon by the relation of that, would insinuate, that after I had found and was fully satisfied of his neighbourly and upright dealing towards me (for else sure none will think I gave him thanks) I should (being through malice & covetousness inclined to give credit to every flying report) slander him and detract from his good name. I must out of love to the truth, and respect to mine credit, utterly deny, and profess, that I never sent him one word of thanks for preserving any of mine estate; and how he preserved it, these particulars may show: 

First, Neither he nor his Wise ever sent me word of money or aught else that were brought into their house; and for aught, I know, I should never have known he had any, had I not heard of it by others; and those more than a few, who told me, that great store of money and goods were carried into Mr. Glendons house.  
Secondly, he never permitted me to see what goods of mine were in his house, nor would he suffer my Maid to see, but chid her forth after his wife had let her in.  
Thirdly, though Mr. Glendon had my silver Salt in his house (marked with my name) yet he never gave it me of himself, nor told me of it, no, though I had received other things of him, and given him my discharge and had not my maid told me, she saw it there, whereupon I challenged it, I think I should have lost it.  
Fourthly, when I came with my friends to Mr. Glendon's and shown him my Seal, and told him of my Sons; he then confessed but two bags he had, which he had sent to Mr. Casteels (as he said) though Mr. Twigs man told me of four bags, two which himself had carried in and two others which a Gun-smiths man had carried in: And also Mr. Perk the minister told me of two more which Mr. Glendon himself confessed were blown into his Study. Had others dealt no better with me, all the Evidences of my Land had been lost, but they were sent me home safe, and that by Strangers, who sought me out, when Mr. Glendon, whose wife I had laid of two Children, and one mischance freely, and done other courtesies besides to them both, would not easily let me have mine own with entreaty.    
It now remains, that I make use of this opportunity, to clear the truth from that false report, which makes me a gainer by this blow, (if considering the loss of my Son, and three Grandchilds I may be said to be so) But abstracting that, compare three thousand pounds, (which is within the value of what I lost there) with all which I after received from others (by way of gift) whether in Money, Linen, woollen or Stuffe, whose utmost value amounts not to above fifteen pounds, (excepting a silver Tankard, which was given me by Alderman Viner (mine ever honoured friend) and I say, if this exceed 3000 l. I will then confess myself a gainer by my loss. However I desire to be content and thankful that God hath given me an honest Calling, and strength to follow it in mine old age, and doth continue his blessing to me in it, and as my long continued experience of his mercy doth encourage me, so also I desire to cast myself wholly upon him with full confidence, that (as he hath said) so he will defend the widow & fatherless, and though men be unrighteous, I doubt not but God the righteous judge will plead my cause which I leave to him, praying him to show them more mercy than they did me; for their mercy to me was cruelty, and had my life (as my goods were) been in their hands, perhaps they would have taken that too; but all the powers of darkness I know are limited; Satan could not touch Jobs substance, nor person without Commission; nor can all the world do more to me then God hath appointed, who will (I hope) give me a willing mind to bear what he seethe good to lay upon me, and also sanctify it unto me. By his grace, I not only pray thy will be done, but also endeavour to do and suffer it, desiring so to be crucified to the world and it to me, that being lose from creature comforts and relations, I may with more freedom aspire unto him, and finish my course here with joy to receive an inheritance hereafter with him, where I shall know no more sorrow, for which come Lord Jesus, come quickly.  
FINIS.