ENGLAND'S MONUMENT OF MERCIES, IN HER MIRACULOUS PRESERVATIONS FROM Manifold Plots, Conspiracies, Contrivances and attempts of foreign and homebred treacherous Enemies, against the Parliament, Kingdom, and purity of Religion: Discovering the Time, Persons and places of these attempts; with all their most remarkable proceed. Published purposely to raise up the hearts of all the faithful in the Kingdom, unto a continued Thankfulness unto GOD. depiction of various enemies of the Crown W: Laud A.B. of Canterbury depiction of William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury (1573-1645) Deputy of Ireland depiction of the Lord Deputy of Ireland Prince Rupert depiction of Prince Rupert Earl of Newcastle depiction of the Earl of Newcastle Sr. Bazill Brooke depiction of Sir Basil Brooke of Madeley (1576-1646) Lord Digbie depiction of Lord Digby Lady Aubignye depiction of Katherine Stuart, Lady Aubigny (1618-50) Lord jarmin depiction of Lord Jermyn Earl of Montross depiction of the Earl of Montrose Anno 1641. 1 A Great plot to bring the English Army in the North against the Parliament, and to advance this design, the Deputy of Ireland attempted his escape out of the Tower, promising Sir William Balfoure 20000. l. and to marry his son to his daughter: but Sir William's loyalty appeared above treachery. The chief Actors in this design were Sir John Suckling, Captain Chidley, and Col. Goring, who should be Lieutenant-generall, (endeavouring to get Portsmouth into their hands) and the Earl of Newcastle should have met them with 1000 horse; and to further this design, the Bishops proffered to maintain 1000 horse. 2 Another wicked design was to make the Scots Army newness, by many wicked suggestions: but this design prevailed not. 3 The breaking forth of the rebellion in Ireland, which had been all lost in a moment, had not the Lo●d miraculously delivered Dublin but the evening before, by a Messengers escape, who was rewarded by the Pa●liament. And here note, that after this Rebellion had been broke forth four months, to the loss of many thousand Protestants lives, yet but 14 Proclamations must be printed to proclaim them Rebels, with S cretary Nicholas his hand for the Printers discharge. 4 The L. Cottingtons' being made high Constable of the Tower, who did not a little trouble the City, by planting Ordnance against it, but by their care this was frustrate. 5 Cottington being displaced by the importunity of the Parliament to His Majesty, (one as bad as he, a prisoner in Newgate not long before, fit for Newgate then the Tower) Col. Lunsford, who with great difficulty by the City & Parliament, importuning His Majesty, was at last displaced likewise. 6 Sir john Byron was put in by His Majesty, who was something better than the former, yet this crused suspicion in the person, and therefore the City petitioned, that he might be removed also. 7 In November a devilish plot to have murdered many of the Nobility, with the Members of the House of Commons, and some Members of the upper House; many of the Papists conspired to set upon some of the strong holds in Cheshire, Lancashire and the parts adjacent, the plot being so contrived, that at the same time the City of London should have been surprised, and all the Protestants throats cut: the main plotter of this design was the Earl of Worcester, who was to supply them with Forces, and two Jesuits, Father Andrews and Father jones, who were apprehended according to an Order of Parliament, that all those that should discover any Popish Priests or Jesuits, and cause them to be apprehended, should be rewarded by the Parliament. Subscribed, Novemb. 15 Io. Brown Cler. Parliament. 8 The Popish Lords and Prelates fitting in Parliament interrupting Parliamentary proceed, being petitioned against, the Petitioners were affronted by Col. Lunsford in Westminster Hall, being assisted by Ruffianl●e Courtiers from White-Hall. 9 The Bishops petition the King to protest against the Parliaments proceed, but the Parliament voted 12 Bishops guilty of high Treason, for endeavouring to subvert the fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, ten of which were committed. 10 The taxing and demanding of the five Members by the King, coming in an hostile way to the Parliament, and accusing them of high treason. J●n. 4. 11 The Malignants petition against the Militia of London, Binion a Silkman being the chief, but another Petition being framed against the former, the former was censured to be burnt by the common hangman, Binion fined 3000 l. and two year's imprisonment for his insolency. 12 Malignant spirits discover themselves in a Kentish Petition framed by Sir Edward Deering, who for publishing that and other things, was cast out of the House, imprisoned in the Tower, his book burnt, and the Petitioners returned with much disgrace. 13 The King and Prince departed from London, attended by divers Cavaliers to York, who in a hostile way go to demand Hull, which caused the Parliament to put the Militia in execution in most parts of the Kingdom. Anno 1642. 14 A treacherous conspiracy of the Archbishop of York against the Parliament, in providing 150 arms, with many pistols, muskets and ammunition for military affairs, intending to riase a party, but his design was frustrate. 15 A dangerous plot against the City of York, whereby it should have been betrayed, by causing of an insurrection, to the amazement of the Governor; the rude Apprentices running in the streets, and throwing up their hats, crying, For the King, for the King; and then in the midst of the night following, the Watch hearing a cry, Horse, Horse, Arms, Arms. 16 A plot against Sir john Hotham (in the time of his fidelity) and the inhabitants of Hull, the design being to fire the houses next the Fort, and thereby overcome the town, which they did perform, but were prevented. 17 The Cavaliers plots against the Parliament, and sharing out the city in several proportions beforehand, which confirmed the relation from Rotterdam, which was to this effect: that divers gentlemen and others in Rotterdam resolved to come for England, whereupon two ships were provided with guns of 12 foot long, which shot bullets of 44. pound weight, the furthering of this design was the pawning the Jewels, in which M. Webster a Merchant in Amsterdam was a great assistant. P. Rupert proved a buyer to carry horse for England and jacob Lightfoot a Merchant brought 15000 weight of powder for England; and for their encouragement jermyn sent to Rotterdam 40000. gilders to be delivered to P. Rupert, P. Maurice, L. Devinant, L. Digby, Oneale, Hid, and divers others. 18 Sir Richard Gurney L. Mayor of London proclaiming the Commission of Array in affront to the Parliament, is imprisoned for the same. 19 A bloody plot attempted against Sir Thomas Fairfax Sir W. Brereton, Sir Tho. Middleton Sir William Fairfax, Col. Ashton, Col. Mitton, Col. Moor, and divers more Officers in the Parliaments Army in false accusations laid against them before the Judges at the Assizes at Chester, where they were arraigned of high treason for taking up arms for the Parliament, the King's Attorney was prosecutor, and the Jury making oath against them in Court, but God delivered them out of their hands, and some of them lie in hold for the same fact. 20 The Catholic cause is advanced, and many Papists that would take the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy, are the greatest in the King's favour, and have power from him to exercise their Religion. 21 The sifting of the Scots, what they would do for the Catholic cause, to further which design a Letter was f●amed from the King to the privy Council of Scotland, who returned answer, they desired the King to return to his Parliament, and they would do their utmost endeavour for the good of this Kingdom. 22 Another design by casting aspersions on the Parliament, concerning vast sums of money to be purloined from the public, and bestowed on private persons, as 10000 l. to the E. of Holland, 6000 to M. Pym, and other persons in places of public trust. 23 The E. of Northumberland (being Admiral of the Seas) is disp●ced by the King, and Sir john Penington plac●d in his room, upon this the Parliament made the E. of Warwick Admiral, but the King demanded of his Honour to deliver up his place to Sir Io. Penington on pain of high treason, but this honourable Patriot with the advice of Parliament faithfully prosecutes his duty. 24 Divers Letters intercepted by the Earl of Warwick, one to Capt. Slingsby desiring him (rather than to discover the design) to die a Martyr in His Majesty's cause. 25 Beck with a P●pist, with his confederates, would have fired Holl in four places, and then the King's Forces were to assault the town, the signs to be given to those that would have fi●ed the town was when they saw fire on Beverl● Minster, but this was timely discovered by an Officer of the town, who was solicited by Beckwith for to act the same. 26 Neutrality plotted in Yorkshire, to stand neither for King nor Parliament, whereby many honourable persons had been betrayed, had not the Parliament declared against them. 27 A ship laden with ammunition (sent by the Q een) was taken at Yarmouth by Captain johnson, with 400 barrels of powder, 10 piece of Ordnance, 50 Commanders, many soldiers with Letters, one especially from the Queen concerning the design. 28 In the midst of October a plot was invented to blow up the L. General's Magazine by a Scotch man, one David Alexander, under Sir john Meldrum, he confessed he was to have 500 l. that Sir john Culpepper had given him 10 l. and the rest he was to have from a great person, whom he refused to name. 29 This was that Alexander who was formerly set on by Sir john Hinderson to kill Sir john Hinderson (for a sum of money) to kill Sir john Hotham, Alexander said, it was the work of a butcher, and not of a soldier. 30 The design of Sir Faithless Fortescues revolt at Edgehil, who ran away to the King with his whole troop, and immediately charged on the Parliaments Forces. 31 A base plot acted at Brainford under a pretence of a Treaty for peace, Prince Rebel, thinking to archieve his design (our Forces being unprovided) to march to London; but let the reward of treachery, and the valour of London Apprentices never be forgotten. 32 A plot contrived by the King's party, for electing of new high Sheriffs, the most of them being either Papists or Commissioners of Array, or Deliquents, but the Parliament declared by the Laws of the Kingdom, that they were not lawfully deputed to their places, and by vote disabled them. 33 A design at Oxford to proceed against the Parliaments Officers and Soldiers as Traitors, using them worse than the Turks would have done, whereupon the Parliament declared the same Laws here against them, which by God's mercy prevented the same. 34 Sir W. Waller having entered Chichester, a train of powder was laid from his lodging to part of the magazine, but by diligent search prevented. Anno 1643. 35 A design against the City of London, by some malignants in and about the same, preferring a Petition to His Majesty at Oxford from two Aldermen and 4 Commoners, to return to the City, in reply to which the King sent his messenger Capt. Herne, and a special Common-hall was called, Herne read his message, and but one man appeared of the Malignant party, the rest crying out, they would live & die with the Parliament. 36 A Letter (by the procurement of the City malignants) dated Jan. 17. to the Citizens of London, ordered that all sorts should hear it at several Halls, but the Letter being found of dangerous consequence, was not suffered to be read. 37 A conspiracy to betray Bristol to P. Rupert the manner thus: Rupert with 4000 horse and 2000 foot were to be ready on Durdan Downes, directed by Robert Yeoman, john Butcher, and their assistants, Butcher ordered a company of rude fellows to be about the gates to let in the enemy, and to give notice by the tolling of a bell, when they were ready; the conspirators & their abettors were distinguished from the rest by a white ribbon in their hats, using the word Charles, but this being discovered not above two hours before the time of action by a poor boy, rupert's design was frustrate. 38 A villain of the Lord Roberts his Regiment who fled to the enemy was hired to blow up the L. General's magazine, and confessed that he was to have 5. l. for doing it, but was only hanged for it. 39 London assayed to be betrayed, by petitioning for peace, to surprise the City and to let in the King's Army, 4000 were to be within 15 miles the same night the plot was to be acted. The actors were some members of both Houses, others of the Court and City, crisp, Royden, Brown and Binion, were to hold correspondency with both Armies, the Commission of Array was to be put in execution, and 17 Citizens to be of a Council of war to execute martial law, Royden and Challenor to be the chief, Waller and Tomkins were great actors, their design was to seize upon the magazine, they wearing white ribans, their meeting place was to be at Black-heath, the parties to be seized on were the L. Say, L. Wharton, M. Pym, M. Strode, the L. Mayor, the Committee for the Militia, and divers others specified in their Commission. M. Hern, M. Hamden, and the Lady Aube●y brought the Commission. This plot was (by God's providence) brought to light, and the two chiefest Actors Tomkins and Challenor were executed. 40 Hull endeavoured to be betrayed by Sir john Hotham, Capt. Hotham, and Sir Edward Roads, this was discovered by M. Ripley, who surprised the Blockhouses, castle, and all the Commanders, the main Guard, and all the Ordnance, and sent presently to apprehend Sir john, who escaped out of the town, but was pursued and apprehended; Sir Edward Roads and Cap. Hotham were also taken, and Sir john and his son executed. 41 A plot to betray Lincoln by two Captains belonging to Hull, who attempted to let in Forces for the Qoeen, who let in about 60. but the City being informed of the plot, seized on these two Commanders, and at 12 a clock at night thought to seize on the magazine, they were discovered by a Cannoneer, who discharged at them, the town risen and put them all to the sword, except the two Commanders, Cap. Alison, Capt. Williamson, and some other of quality. 42 The rued women about London petition for a peace, who came in an abusive way to the House of Parliament, affronting them with ill language swearing that they would have a peace, there was amongst them 500 whores as is conceived, but some of the women came short home, and some dis figured, one of them without a nose. 43 The Queen's design to persuade the King to come for London, but was frustrate. He takes his way for Gloucester, but they being all true, it was no gain for them to go thither. 44 Kentish malignants oppose the proceed of Parliament, 2000 and more of them gathered together being led by Sir Edward Bathurst, capt. Stansby, and M. Leigh, 200 of them attempted to seize on Dartford magazine, but a troop of horse prevented that design, and by Col. Browne they were quelled at Tunbridge, where many of them were slain and taken prisoners. Sir Michael Livesay opposeth the rebels at Yawlding, enters the town, and takes a considerable prize. 45 Canterbury and Feve●sham malignants begin to fortify themselves, but the well-affected of Canterbury raised 3 or 400 Dragoons and appeased them. Sir Edward Hal●s and his grand-soun● were chief sticklers in this design. The chief ringleaders of this commotion were imprisoned in the Tower and other prisons. 46 Oxfordian Achitophel's plot to preven● traiding and commerce with, and to hinder vitals from London, thinking to starve it, but the Country know that London's pay was better than Oxford's plots, and choose rather to embrace the pay, then ro reserve it for an Oxford prise. 47 A plot hatched at Oxford intended to have it perfected at London, is petitioned against, that the Lords would not give ear to any such pretended peace. 48 Sir Alexander Caries endeavouring to betray Plymouth, discovered, and he executed. 49 Four Proclamations sent to the Lord Mayor of London the first to alter the monthly Fast, the second to make all Irish money current in England, the third to command all Counties to accept of those high-Sheriffs that were chosen at Oxford, the fourth to disannul the taking of the solemn Oath and Covenant, the Lord Mayor sent the Messenger to the Parliament, who gave him his just reward. 50 A design against the City, the King's endeavour to break into the Association, to attain this Sir Ralph Hopton is desired to advance to Winchester and Chichester, and so forward to Kent: but this design was frustrate also. 51 Malignants next plot was for Scotland, the Queen Regent of France sent into Scotland to persuade the Scots from coming into England, but they vowed they would maintain the true religion and the Power of Parliament to the loss of their lives. 52 The King sends two Letters into Scotland to prevent their coming, the first was against the Scots Proclamation for all to be in readiness, the second was against the Covenant, desiring them not to aid the Parliament of England, which he said were in Rebellion against him. 53 The King sends into Ireland for those to come to aid him, who came and landed at Bristol, the King pretending they fought for him and the Parliament, and would have forced an oath on them, they seeing the contrary, refused and came to Colonel Massey. 54 A Declaration printed at Oxford for the Irish Cessation for a year, to further this design in England, which hath been acted in Ireland. 55 Gl●c●ster assaved by plots by popish Winter who should have surprised the town of Gloucester, by the help of the traitorous party in the town, which the watchful Governor hearing, prevented it. 56 A plot to convey away the King's children, but Letters being intercepted they were secured and the servants about them removed. 57 Another pl●t to betray N●ttingham-Castle, and many circumstances used to corrupt Colonel Hutchison, who was offered by Decres 10000 l. if he would procure the same, but fidelity scorned treachery. 58 Prince rupert's endeavour to betray Bristol the second time, but prevented. 59 The Earl of Crafords' proffers to Captain Sidenham to betray Pool, but this brave Captain scorned his proffers. 60 The Earl of Crafords' plot to betray Alisbury in bringing a written copy with large proffers signed wi●h C. R. but was denied to his great shame. 61 The Protestant Religion, plotted against in most parts of Christendom, Holland and Denmark have raised contributions to maintain that cursed crew against the Parliament. 62 Another divillish design to divide the Parliament and Cite by Col. Reed a Rebel of Ireland and Sir B●z●ll Brooke, and Ʋilet a Goldsmith and Ril● y a Bed-maker, Scout-Master-General, for the City of London, but the plot being discovered, Read writ a Letter with a Superscription To the man in the moon, who came to Oxford and acquainted the King with the design, he desiring to advise with him, with the assistance of the Queen, Lord Digby, Duchess of Buckingham, wife to that rebellious E. of Antrim, with whom a way to send Propositions was considered, a Letter is sent with many l●ving expressions to the Lord Mayor and Alderman, calling them his loving Subjects; His Majestye sent two Signets as a New-year's Gift to these Plotters, but God's providence now appears by private intelligence, Rily is apprehended and examined, Sir Baz●ll Bro●k being sent for confessed all suddenly, after Ʋilet was apprehended, who had the King's Letter about him, are confessed all: these three were committed close prisoners in the Tower, and Ʋilet was to be tried as a spy. 63 A wicked plot endeavoured by the instigation of the E. ●f Bristol, and Serjeant-Major Ogell, to betray the City of London, by causing a division between the Presbyterians and Independents, M. Goodwin and M. Nye are tampered with to further their design, who speedily discovered the same to the House, the manner as followeth. Propositions were drawn up that they would grant Toleration, and divers Letters sent to those Ministers promising them preferment: but this plot failed also. 64 Endeavours to betray Windsor Castle, bu● the Governor scorned the base treachery of such cursed Courtiers. 65 In Jan. another plot to betray Alisbury by Mayor Ogl●, he promising the Governor 1000 l. for his reward, whereof the Governor received 100 l. present and a brave horse and sword, with a safe conduct under the Kings own hand; but the faithful Governor discovered the same and he was rewarded according to his treachery. 66 In Jan. Nottingham town and castle is once again endeavoured to be betrayed, but the faithful Governor Col. Hutcheson scorned their treacherous design. 67 In Jan. a treacherous design to betray Southampton by the L. Hopton, and two Lords more, who offered 1000 l. and His Majesty's pardon under the great Seal, but the worthy Governor denied to condescend to their base treacherous demand. 68 In F●bruary, A sad exploit performed by Bishop Usher, that in after ages may be a warning to such unfaithful Messengers, who joining all to take the pernicious oath at Oxford, wishing that all those that would not take it, might die in prison; whereupon many were persuaded to take it, some since being much perplexed in mind concerning it, and some dying in that condition. 69 In February, Another design was to prevent the Scottish march, Rupert that Rebel to meet them with twelve ships of Irish Rebels, but was prevented by Captain Swanley. 70 In the same month a third design against Nottingham castle; divers horses laden with sacks, and about 30 Cavaliers in women's apparel, and others like poor countrymen, as if they had been going to Nottingham market, but they being discovered, were all taken prisoners, and more that were coming to assist them in that design. 71 In March, a Devilish plot to betray Weymouth and Melcombe Regis to Sir Lewis Dives, the manner thus; that the gates were to be set open to let in Sir Lewis Div●●, and the 〈…〉 to surprise the Forts, which was done, and the townsmen were to assist them, and th●● they might the better be known, 〈◊〉 word was Crab Church, and the sign was a handkerchief about their arms, but the plot being discovered, and God giving courage to the Soldiers, they were beaten out, and the chief Conspirators executed. 72 Gloucester is again attempted to be betrayed by Edward Stanford a Papist, Esquire, labouring with a Captain belonging to Col. Massey proffering him 5000 l. and whereof he received 200 l. in hand, but he discovered the design. 73 A plot in Scotland by the marquis Huntley, L. Montrosse, and the Earl of Craford, by a sad insurrection to force the Scots our of England: but the noble Earl of Argile and the Earl of Calendar went with a strong party to repel them, & took all their ordnance, arms, and ammunition. 74 Sunderland delivered from a plot intended by the Mayor of Newcastle, but discovered by the Seamen on the river, who planted two pieces of Ordnance, and betook themselves to their Arms, for which service the House ordered them 200. l. 75 A bloody exploit in Cornwall intended against Major Gen. Skippon, to have put all to the sword, and having taken 30. put 28 to the sword, whereupon the Major declared he would live and die with them before they should suffer under such bloody rebels. 76 Plots attempted against the town and castle of Stafford, but prevented by Sir W. Brereton. 77 D●ver attempted to be betrayed, but by God's mercy prevented. Anno 1645. 78 Abbington assayed to be betrayed by Digby, who ●ff●red Major General Brown 10000 l. but he scorned his treacherous pro●er, and Digby was repulsed with great disgrace. 79 Alesbury should likewise have been betrayed, but by God's mercy prevented. 80 Reading endeavoured to be betrayed, but prevented by the mercy of God. 81 Plymouth in danger to be betrayed into the hands of merciless enemies, but by the faithful Governor prevented. 82 Lime was in great danger to be betrayed, but the faithful Governor Captain Lemon disc●v●red the design, who was proffered 1000 l. to yield it to the King's service, which town the King valued as his Crown. 83 Buckinghamshire Malignants dangerous petition presented to the Commissioners at Uxbridge, on purpose to dissolve the Treaty. 84 A cursed design to draw the hearts of the people from the Parliament, persuading them that the Parliament sought to enslave them, whereupon the Parliament put forth a Declaration to the contrary, which did not a little content them. 85 The King's design for York prevented by major-general Poyntz, the King near Doncaster makes Proclamation for all to come in unto him, but they knowing his service, would not obey his command. 86 The peace with the Irish Rebels. Published according to Order. Septemb: 21th Printed for S. W. and I. P. and are to be sold at their sh●ps in great Woodstreet, and in the great Old-Baily, near the Sessions-House. 1646.