The Journals of Parliaments, Journal 13
THE JOURNAL OF THE House of LORDS.
An Exact and perfect Journal of the Passages of the House of Lords in the Session of Parliament holden at Westminster, Anno 23 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1580. which began there (after many Prorogations and Adjournments of the same) on Monday the 16th Day of January, and there continued until it was first Prorogued on Saturday the 18th Day of March, and lastly Dissolved on Friday the 19th Day of April, Anno 25 Reginae ejusdem, Anno Domini 1583.
THIS Session in Anno 23 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1580. maketh but one and the same Parliament with that in Anno 14 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1572. which was the first Session of it, and with that in Anno 18 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1575. which was the second Session of the same: so that this present Assembly of the Peers and Commons of the Realm in this their great Councel was but the third and last Session of it, being one and the same Parliament as aforesaid, being continued without any Dissolution, near upon the space of twelve years by fourscore several Prorogations, or thereabouts, viz. from Thursday the 8th day of May in the fourteenth year of the Queen, on which said Thursday it first began, until the Dissolution thereof upon the 19th day of April, Anno 25 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1583.
The Prorogations between that former Session in An. 18 Reginae Eliz. which was as hath been observed, the second and middle Session of this Parliament, and this in Anno 23 Reginae ejusdem (with those after it) which was the third and last Session thereof, were about threescore; of which the two first happening within the said eighteenth year, are both of them placed at the end of the Journal of the said year; of which the first was on Saturday the 18th day of March in Anno 18 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1580. by which the Parliament was Prorogued unto the 5th day of November, Anno 18 Regin. Eliz. Anno Domini 1581. at which day it was the second time Prorogued unto the 26th day of March in Anno 19 Reginae ejusdem Anno Domini 1582. upon which day it was further Prorogued by Commission unto the 3d day of June following.
On the third day of June, to which day the Parliament had been last Prorogued, it was again further Prorogued unto the 12th day of November next following; at and from which time it was Prorogued from day to day unto the 16th day of January, being Monday, on which day this Session following in Anno 23 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1580, began.
But her Majesty because it was no new Parliament, was not present, nor did the Lords wear their Robes on this said Monday, being the first day of their meeting; nor was their any solemn Speech made by the Lord Keeper, but either House assembling themselves together severally, in their due places, fell to their ordinary businesses as upon other days is usually accustomed; yet the beginning of this Session is as solemnly Entred in the Original Journal-Book as if it had been a new Parliament, where it appeareth to be in manner and form following.
Die Lunae 16 die Januarii 1580, Anno Regni Excellentissimae & metuendissimae Dominae nostrae Elizabethae, Dei gratia, Angliae, Franciae, & Hiberniae Reginae, Fidei Defensatricis, &c. Vicesimo tertio, in quem diem post varias ac diversas Prorogationes praesens haec Sessio Parliamenti Prorogata fuit, teneri & inchoari apud Westmonasterium die & loco praedict. Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales, quorum nomina subsequuntur praesentes suerunt.
Episcopus London.
Episcopus Sarisburien.
Episcopus Wigorn.
Episcopus Roffen.
Episcopus Coventr. & Litchfield.
These Bishops are thus placed in the Original Journal-Book on the dexter-side of the Lords, not by reason of preheminency, unless the Archbishop of Canterbury had been present, but by reason of their Ecclesiastical Dignity, these being all that are noted in the said Journal-Book to have been present this day; now follow the names of the Lord Keeper and the Temporal Lords.
Thomas Bromley Miles Dominus Cancellarius.
Dominus Burleigh Thesaurarius Angliae.
Marchio Winton.
Comes Lincoln. Magnus Admirallus Angliae.
Comes Arundell.
Comes Northampton.
Comes Wigorn.
Comes Cumberland.
Comes Bathon.
Comes Norwicen.
Comes Southampton.
Comes Pembrook.
Comes Hartford.
Comes Leicester.
Vice-comes Mountague.
Vice-comes Bindon.
Barones.
Dominus Burgavenny.
Dominus Willoughby de Erisby.
Dominus Dacres.
Dominus Stafford.
Dominus Dudley.
Dominus Lumley.
Dominus Stourton.
Dominus Mountjoy.
Dominus Darcy de Darcy.
Dominus Windsor.
Dominus Cromwell.
Dominus Evers.
Dominus Wharton.
Dominus Willoughbie de Parham.
Dominus Howard.
Dominus North.
Dominus St John de Bletso.
Dominus de la Ware.
Dominus Cheyney.
Dominus Norris.
Nota, There were no names of Receivors or Triors of Petitions read, because this was but the third and last Session of a former Parliament, as hath been observed; and those names are never read but in the beginning of a new Parliament.
One Bill was read this Morning, being for the reformation of Sheriffs, Under-Sheriffs, and their Ministers primâ vice.
Hodiè retornatum est Breve, quo Preregrinus Bartye, Dominus Willoughby silius & haeres Katherinae Ducissae Suff. siliae & haeredis Willielmi Willoughby nuper Domini Willoughby praesenti Parliamento interesse summonitus est, qui admissus est ad suum praeheminentiae sedendi in Parliamento locum salvo jure alieno: viz. the said Lord Willoughby was seated and took place next under the Lord Audley and above the Lord Barkley.
The like Writ returned for Edward Parker Lord Morley, who accordingly was admitted, salvo jure alieno, and placed next under the Lord Barkley, and above the Lord Dacres.
The Lords being thus set and in agitation of their own businesses, Sir Francis Knolles Knight Treasurer of her Majesties Houshold, Accompanied with Sir James Crosts Knight Comptroller of her Highness Houshold, Sir Francis Walsingham Knight one of her Majesties Principal Secretaries, and Mr Doctor Wilson Esquire, another of her Majesties Principal Secretaries, Sir Walter Mildmay Knight Chancellor of her Majesties Exchequer, and divers others, being sent up to the said Lords by the House of Commons upon some urgent and weighty occasions, desired to be admitted into the said Upper House there to make known to their Lordships somewhat of importance, wherein they should require their advice and need their assistance; upon which being admitted the said Mr Treasurer assisted with the Personages and Company aforesaid, did in comely order and discreet manner, make manifest and known unto the said Lords, that Sir Robert Bell Knight late Lord Chief Baron, and Speaker of the said House, who had been Elected to the said place in the first Session of this Parliament in the fourteenth year of her Majesty, and had continued also the second Session thereof, being in the eighteenth year of her said Highness Reign in the said place, was now dead, which had been openly and manifestly made known and testified unto them; for remedy of which defection, they humbly prayed their Lordships advice. After which the Lord Keeper first requiring the said Personages a while to withdraw themselves, and then commending the order of the matter unto the said Lords sitting in Consultation for the same, it was upon considerate advice therein had by them all, thought fitting to signifie unto the said Commons, by the Personages aforesaid who had been sent from them, that they thought it expedient and good, that such of the Lords of the said House as were of her Highness Privy-Council, with the Lord Marquess of Winchester, and the Earl of Arundel, Accompanied with such a number of the Commons House as by them should be agreed upon, should in the name of both the Assemblies duplicate page duplicate page make intimation of their said Estate, and the Petition thereupon depending, unto her said Highness; to which advice the said Commons upon knowledge had of the same wholly assented.
Then followed the Adjournment of the said Parliament by the Lord Keeper according to the usual form, which is thus Entred in the Original Journal-Book.
Dominus Cancellarius Adjournavit praesens Parliamentum usque in diem Mercurii proximum hora nona.
On Wednesday the 18th day of January, Billa for reformation of abuses in Sheriffs, Under-Sheriffs and their Ministers, secunda vice lecta.
Two other Bills also of no great moment were read primâ vice.
The Queen having been moved as it seemeth (according to the resolution of the two Houses jointly agreed upon between them, on Monday last past the 16th day of this instant January) about the Death of Sir Robert Bell late Lord Chief Baron, their former Speaker, and the choice of a new one in the House of Commons by the Marquess of Winchester, and those other right honourable Personages who were then and there named to move her Highness in it; did give Order that this present Wednesday both the Lords and Commons should assemble and meet together in the Upper House, commonly called the Lords Parliament Chamber, there to receive her Majesties Answer, where being Assembled Sir Thomas Bromley Knight Lord Chancellor of England, shewed forth a Commission from her Highness under the Great Seal of England, which was directed to him only, wherein her Majesty taking notice of the Death of Sir Robert Bell their former Speaker, did Authorize the Lord Keeper for her Majesty and in her name, to will and Command the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons to resort unto their accustomed place, and there to elect and chuse amongst themselves, one able and sufficient person to be their Speaker for the rest of this present Parliament yet to come; and after they should have made their Election, that then three or four of them for and in all their names, should signifie the same unto her Majesty: and thereupon her Highness would further signifie her pleasure unto them, what day and time they should present him so Elected before her, as it had been formerly in like Cases accustomed to be done.
Nota, That this Commission is set down at large in the Journal of the House of Commons, de isto Anno 23 Reginae Eliz. to which it more properly belongeth.
This day lastly, was returned one unusual Proxy from John Bishop of Exeter, which is thus Entred in the Original Journal-Book, the words only a little misplaced.
18 die Januarii, Johannis permissione divina Episcopi Exoniensis introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae, in quibus Procuratorem suum constituit reverendum in Christo Patrem Johannem Episcopum Wigorniensem.
Nota, That though there were no names of Triors or Receivors of Petitions read at this time, because it was but the latter Session of a former Parliament, and those said Receivors and Triors are never assigned but at the beginning of a new one; yet it is very usual for the Lords of the Upper House to send their Proxies after a Prorogation as well as at the beginning of a new Parliament, and especially if there be any long space or distance between the Sessions, as was likewise used in the former Parliaments, viz. in that second Session of Parliament held in Anno 8 Reginae Eliz. and the foregoing Session of Parliament held in Anno 18 Reginae ejusdem.
The Proxy before set down, I therefore call an unusual, because a spiritual Lord Constituted but one Proctor; whereas for the most part they seldom or never nominate fewer than two, and the Temporal Lords as seldom more than one; and therefore those ordinary Proxies are for the most part wholly omitted, and the extraordinary only transcribed out of the Journal-Book: and at this Session of three Earls and ten Barons, who sent their Proxies, only one, viz. Henry Earl of Huntington Constituted two Proctors, which Proxies with some other unusual ones are set down the 23th day of this instant January following; on which said day being Monday they are all set down in the Original Journal-Book to have been introducted.
The Earl of Leicester had this Parliamentary Session, six several Proxies sent unto him (set down in the Original Journal-Book in the same Order they here follow) viz. from Henry Earl of Darby, Henry Lord Scroope, Thomas Lord Buckhurst, George Earl of Shrewsbury, John Lord Darcy of Aston, and from Henry Earl of Huntington, who Constituted him the said Earl of Leicester his Proctor severally and jointly with Francis Earl of Bedford, all which said Proxies or Letters Procuratory, are Entred in the Original Journal-Book to have been returned, or introducted on Wednesday the 25th day of this instant January.
On Thursday the 19th day of January, Billa for avoiding of slanderous Libelling, prima vice lecta; and two other Bills of no great moment were each of them read secunda vice: after which the continuance of the Parliament is thus Entred in the Original Journal-Book.
Dominus Cancellarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us que in diem prox. hora secunda post meridiem.
On Friday the 20th day of January, the House met not till about two of the Clock in the Afternoon, when her Majesty was her Self present, with Sir Thomas Bromley Lord Chancellor, and divers of the Lords both Spiritual and Temporal; who being all set, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses had notice given them thereof, and thereupon repaired unto the Upper House with John Popham Esquire, the Queens Sollicitor, whom they had Elected and Chosen their Speaker on Wednesday the 18th day of this instant January last past.
The said Speaker or Prolocutor, with as many of the House of Commons as conveniently could, being let in, was led up between two of the most eminent Personages of the said House of Commons unto the Rail or Bar at the lower end of the Upper House, and being there placed after three Reverences made, spake to the effect following:
That whereas at the humble Suit of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House of Parliament now Assembled, it had been signified from her Majesty by the Mouth of the Lord Chancellor, and by force of her Highness Commission under the Great Seal of England; that it was her Pleasure and Command, that the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses should chuse a Learned man for their Speaker, instead of Sir Robert Bell late Lord Chief Baron and their Speaker, whom it had pleased God to take out of this World: that thereupon they had Chosen and compelled himself to take upon him that weighty Charge, for which finding himself altogether unable, and further at large pressing his own disability, he lastly, desired that her Majesty out of her gracious favour, would be pleased to free him from that great imployment; and that the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses might have Authority to Elect and Chuse some other more able and sufficient Member amongst them, to undertake and perform the same.
Then the Queen called the Lord Chancellor unto her, declaring her Opinion in that which he should Answer to the said Speaker or Prolocutor; who thereupon returning to his place, Answered the said Speaker, that her Majesty had fully heard, and did well allow of his modest and humble disabling of himself, but yet being also acquainted with his faithfulness, care and many abilities, her Majesty was resolved he should undertake this Charge, and therefore did both allow and approve of the said Election of the House of Commons.
Whereupon the said Speaker rendring his most humble thanks to her Majesty, and acknowledging her gracious favour towards him, promised his most faithful and careful endeavour for the discharge of the said place, after which he proceeded to Petition her Majesty, in the name of the House of Commons, (according to the usual course) for freedom of Speech, freedom of Access to her Majesty, and freedom from Arrests and Suits for themselves, and their necessary Attendants. And lastly, that if in any thing he should unwittingly mistake, the blame might not lie upon the House, but upon himself, and that her Majesty would be pleased graciously to Pardon him.
To which the Lord Chancellor by Command from her Majesty, Answered, that she did well accept of his humble thankfulness, and the promise of his best endeavour and diligence, and that for all his Petitions her Majesty was well pleased that himself, and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, should have and enjoy all such freedoms and priviledges, as had been formerly in like Case enjoyed and used in the times of her Majesties most Royal Progenitors.
And then he concluded with a special Admonition, that the House of Commons should not deal or intermeddle with any matters touching her Majesties Person, or Estate, or Church Government.
Nota, That in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper-House, de Anno isto 23 Reginae Eliz. the Queens presence, and the presence of the other Lords is only noted, but no mention is made who was chosen Speaker, or that he was presented this Afternoon; which happened by the very great negligence of Mr Anthony Mason at this time Clerk of the said House: wherefore this Presentment of the Speaker in manner and form, as is aforesaid, is supplied for the most part out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons in this Session of Parliament, in the twenty third year of her Majesty, being there Entred fol. 4. a.
Besides the further Adjournment of the Parliament, or continuance of it, Entred commonly in these words, viz. Dominus Cancellarius Adjournavit praesens Parliamentum, &c. or, continuavit praesens Parliamentum, &c. being but matter of course, are in this ensuing Journal omitted; unless where somewhat in it doth happen extraordinary, in respect of the time, place, or person.
On Monday the 23th day of January, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, a Bill for the maintenance of the Borders and Frontiers against Scotland, was read primâ vice; and one other Bill for avoiding of slanderous Libelling, was read secundâ vice.
This day also were introducted, or delivered unto the hands of the Clerk of the Parliament, divers extraordinary and unusual Proxies, which are thus Entred in the Original Journal-Book, or in not much different words.
23 die Januarii introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Richardi Episcopi Dunelmensis, in quibus Procuratores suos constituit Edwinum Archiepiscopum Eboracen. Johannem Episcopum Sarisburiensem, & Willielmum Episcopum Cestrensem.
Item introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Willielmi Episcopi Cestrensis, in quibus Procuratorem suum constituit Willielmum Episcopum Coventr. & Litchf.
Item introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Gilberti Episcopi Bathon. & Wellen. in quibus Procuratores suos constituit Johannem Episcopum London, Thomam Episcopum Lincoln. Johannem Episcopum Wigorn. & Johannem Episcopum Sarisburien.
Item introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Henrici Comitis Huntingtoniae, in quibus Procuratores suos constituit Franciscum Comitem Bedford, & Robertum Comitem Leicestr.
Nota, That whereas the Spiritual Lords do for the most part name but two Proctors, and not fewer than two; here the Bishop of Durham Constituted three, the Bishop of Bath and Wells four, and the Bishop of Chester but one: and in like manner whereas the Temporal Lords seldom Constitute above one Proctor, here the Earl of Huntington nominated two.
Finally it is to be noted, that none of these Lords could be thus absent, or Constitute their Proctors, but by the Queens Majesties Licence first obtained.
On Tuesday the 24th day of January, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, the Lord Chancellor and divers Lords met, but nothing was done saving the Adjournment of the Parliament by the Lord Chancellor.
It seems that no businesses or Bills being as yet sent up from the House of Commons to the Upper House, the Lords had no great imployment; and hence it is usual for them in the beginning of a new Parliament, or of a new Session after many Prorogations, to meet and without any further agitation or business, only to continue or Adjourn the Parliament to a further day.
On Thursday the 26th day of January, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, The Bill against slanderous words and rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, was read primâ vice; and two other Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading.
On Saturday the 28th day of January, to which day the Parliament had been continued on Thursday last, the foresaid Bill against slanderous words, &c. was read secundâ vice, & commissa ad ingrossandum.
Two other Bills had each of them one reading at the same time.
On Monday the 30th day of January, to which day the Parliament had been on Saturday foregoing last Adjourned, the foresaid Bill against slanderous words, &c. was read tertiâ vice & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa; and with another Bill of no great moment concluded also this day, was sent down to the Commons House by the Queens Attorney and Doctor Clerk.
There was one other Bill also for reformation of disorders and abuses in Sheriffs, Under-Sheriffs, and their Ministers, read secundâ vice.
On Tuesday the 31th day of January, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading: Two other Bills also were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons, viz. Billa for the speedy recovery of Debts, quae primâ vice lecta; and a Bill for avoiding of certain incumbrances against Purchasers, which was also read primâ vice.
On Wednesday the first day of February, Billa for the reformation of disorders and abuses in Sheriffs, Under-Sheriffs, and their Ministers, was read tertiâ vice, and then upon the Conclusion thereof, sent down to the House of Commons.
The Bill also touching John Taylor and Mr Terril being read primâ vice, was committed. Quod nota, that a Bill was committed upon the first reading, which is seldom used till the second.
Another Bill also touching Fines and Recoveries, was read and committed.
On Saturday the 4th day of February, to which day the Parliament had on Wednesday last past been Adjourned, Billa for the maintenance and strengthening of the Borders against Scotland, and two other Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading.
On Monday the 6th day of February, Two Bills were each of them once read; whereof the latter was for coming to Church, hearing of Divine Service, and receiving of the Communion.
On Tuesday the 7th day of February, Three Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the last was touching Leases made by Corporations.
On Wednesday the 8th day of February, A Bill touching the Hospital of Ledbury in the County of Hereford, was read secundâ vice & commissa ad ingrossandum.
On Thursday the 9th day of February, the former Bill touching the Hospital of Ludbury, &c. was read the third time, and upon the Conclusion thereof was sent down to the House of Commons.
On Saturday the 11th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, the Lord Chancellor and divers Lords met in the Forenoon, but nothing was done, saving the continuance of the Parliament unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon the same day; at which hour meeting also, nothing was done but only the Parliament again Adjourned to a further day.
On Monday the 13th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been on Saturday last Adjourned. There were three Bills each of them once read; whereof the last being a Bill for the fortifying of the Frontiers towards Scotland, was read the third time, and after the conclusion thereof sent down to the House of Commons.
On Wednesday the 15th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, the Lord Chancellor and divers Lords met in the Upper House, but no Bills were read, only the Lord Chancellor continued the Parliament to nine of the Clock in the Forenoon the day following.
On Thursday the 16th day of February, Billa for increase of Mariners and Navigation of England, was read prima vice; and another Bill also of no great moment had its first reading.
On Saturday the 18th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, four Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; whereof the last was an Act for Explanation of a Statute against forging of Evidences and Writings, which with the other three Bills, had each of them their first reading.
On Monday the 20th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, the Bill touching the Lord Compton, &c. was read primâ vice.
Two Bills also were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons (which are more particularly expressed in the Journal of that House.)
On Tuesday the 21th day of February, Three Bills also were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; whereof the last was an Act ratifying an award between some private persons, but there is no mention in the Original Journal-Book of any Bill read this Morning, but only of the continuance of the Parliament according to the usual form.
On Wednesday the 22th day of February, Five Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the first was a Bill against Counterfeiting of the hands of any of her Majesties Privy-Council, and for the avoiding of counterfeit Instruments and Writings under Seal, or counterfeiting of the Seal of any Office or Officer, which said Bill was read prima vice.
On Thursday the 23th day of February, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the latter being a Bill against slanderous words and rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, with a new Addition of certain Amendments, was read secundâ vice.
It should rather seem that only the Addition and Amendments which had been inserted de novo into this aforesaid Bill, were now read the second time; for the Bill it self had passed the Upper House upon the third reading on Monday the 30th day of January foregoing, and was the same Forenoon sent down to the Commons House, and there passed; and from them was sent up again to the Lords on Monday the 20th of this instant February last past, with a new Addition and certain Amendments: So that the Bill it self which hath once passed the House is never read again, but only such new Additions and Amendments as are inserted in it must be passed again de novo, because they are of the same nature as if a new Bill were brought in.
On Saturday the 25th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned; was read a Bill touching Fines and Recoveries secundâ vice; and another Bill of no great moment had also its second reading.
Memorand. that on this foresaid 25th day of February being Saturday, which day was before given to certain Parties then in difference for assignation of some Errors supposed by them to be in a certain Suit Commenced against them: Mr Cooper came in for the said Plaintiff, and openly before the Lords in the Parliament House, assigned the Errors; after the hearing whereof the Lord Chancellor with consent of the Lords, Ordered that the Plaintiff should have a scire facias returnable either the first day of the next Session, or the first day of the next Parliament.
On Monday the 27th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, the Bill for Explanation of the Statute against forging of Evidences and Writings, was read primâ vice; and another Bill of no great moment was read secundâ vice: Then were there two Bills of no great moment sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; whereof the first had its first reading.
Three other Bills finally after this, were each of them once read; whereof the last being a Bill touching my Lord Compton, &c. was after the second reading committed to be ingrossed.
On Tuesday the 28th day of February the Bill for ratifying an Award in the Chancery concerning Copyhold and Customary Tenants of the Mannors of Moore and Newman, Synderich, Knyhton and Pensokes, in the County of Worcester, was read secundâ vice: after which also seven other Bills had each of them one reading; of which the fourth Bill being as the rest of no great moment, was after the passing of it sent down to the House of Commons. But the first Bill of the said seven which was touching the Inning of Erith and Plumsted-Marsh, being upon the third reading concluded; yet it was Ordered by the Lords that the same Bill should be staid from the sending of it down to the House of Commons, until the Parties had brought in their several Bonds.
On Wednesday the first day of March, the Bill for the Explanation of the Statute against forging of Evidences was read tertiâ vice: which coming to the Question, and the numbers of the Contents on the one side, and the numbers of the Not-contents on the other side found to be equal and alike with their Proxies, it was Commanded to be laid up in the Desk till the next Parliament.
On Thursday the second day of March a Bill for the increase of Mariners and maintenance of Navigation, was after the second reading, committed to be ingrossed. Five Bills also were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; whereof the first was the Subsidy Bill, the other four of no great moment. The Bill also for the Confirmation of a Subsidy granted by the Clergy primâ & secundâ vice lecta, & commissa ad ingrossandum. There were two other Bills each of them read once this Morning; whereof the first being a Bill for the punishment of those who should counterfeit the hands of any of her Majesties Privy-Council, or the Seals of others, was after the third reading rejected. Quod nota, because it is feldom seen that any Bill after it hath passed the third reading should be rejected.
Then was the Parliament continued by the Lord Chancellor unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon; at which time the Lords meeting, there were only two Bills read primâ vice; whereof the first was the Subsidy Bill, and then the Lord Chancellor Adjourned the Parliament unto the day following.
On Friday the third day of March, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the last was a Bill that Gavelkind Lands within the County of the City of Exeter may be Inheritable as Lands at the Common Law, which was read the third time and concluded.
Nota, That this Custom of Gavelkind (by which all the Sons do Inherit the Lands of their Ancestors equally) is not only in Kent, but hath been also in the City of Exeter in the County of Devon. and as is very probable either is, or hath been in other parts of the Kingdom.
The Lord Chancellor continued the Parliament unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon; about which time the Lords meeting, the Bill for the grant of a Subsidy and two Fifteenths and Tenths by the Temporalty, was read secundâ vice.
On Saturday the 4th day of March, were four Bills of no great moment each of them once read; whereof the first being a Bill for the confirmation of a Subsidy granted by the Clergy, was after the third reading concluded.
Mr Oughtred that was sent for by Order of the Lords, made his appearance, and to him day was given for bringing of his Councel on Tuesday next, and the same day was also appointed for my Lady Marquess of Winchester.
This Forenoon finally, two Bills of no great moment were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons, and one Bill for the assurance of an yearly rent to the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield in Fee, was tertiâ vice lecta; and then sent down from the Lords to the said House of Commons.
On Monday the 6th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, were two Bills of no great moment read; whereof the first was touching Fines and Recoveries.
On Tuesday the 7th day of March, Six Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; whereof the last was for keeping of the Queens Majesties Subjects in due obedience: there were two Bills also each of them once read; whereof the last touching Fines and common Recoveries, was after the third reading sent down to the House of Commons.
This day appeared before the Lords, as was appointed, the Lord Marquess with his Councel on the one side, and the Councel of the Lady Marquess on the other side, and Mr Oughtred for himself; The Lord Chancellor with consent of the Lords, after hearing of all the Parties, and upon Conference, thought it best for the better Expedition of the matter, that certain of the Lords, if the Parties consented thereunto, should have the hearing of all the Controversies betwixt them, and of the several accompts of Mr Oughtred; to which the Parties being called again, every one for himself did personally assent, only further Order was taken that the Lady Marquess should deliver her assent the next day by her Councel. The Lords that were named to hear the said Controversies were these, which were chosen by the Parties themselves, the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Chamberlain, and the Earl of Bedford; and for the Causes between the Lord Marquess and the Lady Marquess, were chosen by the said Parties, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Lord Chamberlain, and the Lord Buckhurst.
Then the Lord Chancellor continued the Parliament unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon, at which hour the Lords meeting, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the last being a Bill touching the Lord Zouch, was read secundâ vice, and then committed to be ingrossed.
On Wednesday the 8th day of March, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the last was Billa for keeping the Queens Majesties Subjects in their due Obedience.
Two Bills also were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; whereof the last being a new Bill for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland (which they returned with a former Bill passed by the Lords before with great deliberation to the same purpose, and sent down to them so passed with the same title) it gave the Lords much distast, because they thought this course to be both derogatory to the superiority of the place, and contrary to the antient course of both Houses; and as they misliked the disorder, so was it their pleasure that this their misliking should be entred in the Records of Parliament, lest so evil an Example might hereafter be abused, as a precedent. Vide plus de ista materia die 10 Martii sequente.
Then the Lord Chancellor continued the Parliament unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon, at which the Lords meeting, four Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the first being the Bill for the Grant of a Subsidy and two Fifteenths and Tenths by the Temporalty, was read tertiâ vice & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.
On Thursday the 9th day of March, Five Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the first being a Bill for restitution in Blood of Philip Earl of Arundel, was read primâ vice.
On Friday the 10th day of March, were five Bills read; the first three being of no great moment had each of them one reading, the fourth being a Bill for restitution in Blood of two of the Saintlegers, was read secundâ & tertiâ vice, and then was sent down to the House of Commons with another Bill for the Earl of Arundels restitution, which had likewise passed the Lords this Forenoon. The new Bill lastly for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland was read primâ vice.
Nota, That though the Lords did take great offence at the House of Commons for sending up this new Bill unto them, and rejecting a former Bill by them passed and sent down to the said House of Commons, which had been framed by them to the same purpose, without acquainting their Lordships first upon what grounds or for what reasons they had rejected the former Bill (as may be seen at large on Wednesday the 8th day of March foregoing;) and though their Lordships did then likewise Order that this Act should be Entred in the Records or the Upper House as a thing derogatory to the dignity thereof, yet it pleased their Lordships not only on this Friday this 10th day of March to give the said new Bill its first reading, but on Tuesday the 14th of March following caused it to be read the second time, and on the next day following being Wednesday having added certain amendments unto it, did finally upon the third reading conclude and pass it. Vide Martii 17 postea.
One Act lastly for the repair of Dover Haven, was sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons, which was read primâ vice.
On Monday the 13th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, Five Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first being an Act for the true making, melting and working of Wax, with two others were read primâ vice.
Six other Bills also were read this Morning; of which the fifth being a Bill for restitution in Blood of Anthony Mayney, was read secundâ & tertia vice, and so concluded; but the rest had each of them but one reading and no more.
On Tuesday the 14th day of March, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being a Bill for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland was read secundâ vice.
On Wednesday the 15th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading apiece; of which the last being the Bill for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland was read tertiâ vice, and so concluded: Six Bills also were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the last being a Bill touching Iron-Mills near unto the City of London, on the River of Thames, was read primâ vice.
On Thursday the 16th day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the last being a Bill touching deceit in dying of Cloths, was read tertia vice, and then sent down to the House of Commons.
On Friday the 17th day of March, Two Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; whereof the first was for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland, with request that certain words might be left out for that they were superfluous.
It seemeth the Commons having formerly given the Lords distast about this Bill (as may appear on Wednesday the 8th day of March last past) did now send unto them about some amendments, which their Lordships had added to the said Bill, which before they would alter or once read (for the Bill it self had already passed both Houses) they gave them notice thereof on this instant Friday the 17th day of this instant March, desiring as may easily be collected) that some supefluous words might be put out of the said amendments: whereupon it seemeth the Upper House did yield to this respectful and seasonable request of the Commons (although it be not mentioned in the Original Journal-Book;) for the Bill being altered according to their desires, and sent down again to them this Forenoon, they there presently passed the said amendments, and returned the Bill concluded.
Two other Bills were also sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first being a Bill for the repressing of seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, was read primâ & secundâ vice.
On Saturday the 18th day of March, the Bill for the increase of Mariners and maintenance of the Navigation returned from the House of Commons conclusa with certain amendments, and a Proviso added by them which was read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice, & communi omnium procerum assensu conclusa est.
Two other Bills also of no great moment; (whereof the last touching Iron-Mills about the City of London, &c. was read tertiâ vice & communi omnium procerum assensu conclusa, with certain amendments, and two Provisoes to be taken out, were sent down to the House of Commons.
Then was Entred the continuance of the Parliament in these words, viz. Dominus Cancellarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us que in horam secundam post meridiem.
At which hour the Lords meeting, the two former Bills last above-mentioned, which had been sent down to the House of Commons, were returned from them up to the Lords again concluded.
Not long after the Lords were set, her Majesty came to the Upper House, and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons having notice of her Majesty being there, with John Popham their Speaker repaired unto the said House, and as many as could conveniently being let in, the said Speaker standing at the Rail or Bar at the lower end of the Upper House, after his humble reverence made, and some expressions of his zealous affection towards her Majesty, and humble acknowledgment of her many gracious favours towards him, he then proceeded according to the usual course to desire her Majesties Assent to such wholsome Laws as in this Session of Parliament had passed either House; and withal did in the name of the House of Commons humbly offer unto her Majesty the Bill of one Subsidy and two Fifteens and Tenths, as a small testimonial of their unfeigned Lovalty, and thankful acknowledgment of the great happiness they enjoyed under her Majesties most gracious Government.
To which Speech the Lord Chancellor, having received instructions from her Majesty, Answered, that she did graciously accept the said Speakers many dutiful expressions, and did well allow of those wholsome Laws they had made, hoping that all such whose places it might concern, would be careful to put them in Execution: And lastly concluded with her Majesties thankful acceptance of the aforesaid Subsidy, Fifteenths and Tenths, granted unto her by the House of Commons.
Then were the Titles of all the publick and private Acts read in their due Order, and her Majesties Assent thereunto, and then the Bill of Subsidies, to which the Clerk of the Parliament standing up, did read the Queens Answer in manner and form following:
La Roigne remercie ses loiaulx subjects, & accept leur henevolence & ainsi le veult.
The Clerk of the Parliament having read the Queens acceptance and thanks for the Subsidy given as aforesaid, did then upon the reading of the Pardon pronounce in these French words following, the thanks of the Lords and Commons for the same.
Les Prelats Seigneurs & Communes en se present Parlement assembles an nom de touts vous autres Subjects remercient tres humblement vostre Majestie, & prient a dieu que ils vous donne sante bonne, vie & longue.
Nota, That here to the Subsidy Bill, because it is the meer gift of the Subject, the Queens Consent is not required for the passing of it, but as it is joined with her thankful acceptance; nor to the Bill of Pardon, because it is Originally her free gift, is other circumstance required than that the thankful acceptance thereof by the Lords and Commons be likewise expressed, it being but once read in either House, before it come thus at last to be expedited.
Then followed the Prorogation of the Parliament, which is Entred in the Original Journal-Book in manner and form following.
Dominus Cancellarius ex mandato Dominae Reginae tune praesentis, Prorogavit praesens Parliamentum us que in vicesimum quartum diem Aprilis proximum futurum.
At which day this said Parliament was again Prorogued, and so was still continued by sixteen other Prorogations, each after other, till it was at last Dissolved upon the 19th day of April in the twenty fifth year of her Majesties Reign; the substance of all which Prorogations, with the manner of the Dissolution, doth next follow.
Nota, The word or term Adjourned is used for Prorogued throughout.
Vicesimo quarto die Aprilis, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat hoc praesens Parliamentum, Sir Thomas Bromley Knight Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of London, and the Lord Cromwell, Commissioners, &c. did Adjourn the Parliament ad & in 29 diem Maii.
Vicesimo nono die Maii, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat praesens Parliamentum, The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Darby, and the Bishop of Sarisbury, Commissioners, &c. Adjourned ad & in 12 diem Junii.
Duodecimo die Junii, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat, &c. The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, and five other Commissioners, Adjourned ad & in 28 diem jam instantis Junii.
Vicesimo octavo die Junii, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat hoc praesens Parliamentum, The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Arundell, and the Lord Dacres, Commissioners, &c. Adjourned ad & in 26 diem Julii prox. futurum.
Vicesimo sexto die Julii, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was by Sir Thomas Bromley Lord Chancellor, and three other Commissioners, Adjourned ad & in 12 diem Augusti, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, prox. futurum.
Vicesimo primo die Augusti, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat, &c. The Parliament was by the Lord Wentworth, and the Bishop of London, Commissioners, &c. Prorogued ad & in quintum diem Octobris prox. futurum.
Quinto die Octobris, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was by the Bishop of London, and the Lord Dacres, Prorogued by vertue of the Queens Majesties Commission, &c. ad & in 23 diem Novembris prox. futurum.
Vicesimo tertio die Novembris, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by Sir Thomas Bromley Lord Chancellor, and Edward Lord Stafford, by vertue of the Queens Majesties Commission, ad & in quintum diem Decembris prox. futurum.
Quinto die Decembris, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, and Edward Lord Stafford, Adjourned according to the Queens Majesties Commission in that behalf, &c. ad & in 18 diem Januarii prox. futurum.
Decimo octavo die Januarii, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Bishop of London, and the Lord Howard of Effingham, by vertue of the Queens Majesties Commission, ad & in duodecimum diem Februarii proximè futurum.
Duodecimo die Februarii, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Bishop of London, and the Lord Buckhurst, by Vertue of a Commission, ad & in 12 diem Martii prox. futurum. Upon which said 12th day of March in the same twenty fourth year of her Majesties Reign, the Lord Chancellor, and other Lords met, and Prorogued the Parliament unto a further day, which after five other Prorogations was at last Dissolved, all which follow in their several places, viz.
Duodecimo die Martii, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of London, and Gregory Lord Dacres, by vertue of a Commission, Adjourned ad & in 26 diem Aprilis prox. futurum.
Vicesimo sexto die Aprilis, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, one Earl, one Bishop, and two Lords, by vertue of a Commission, ad & in 26 diem Maii prox. futurum.
Vicesimo sexto die Maii, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, and Roger Lord Morley, by vertue of a Commission, &c. ad & in decimum diem Octobris prox. futur.
Decimo die Octobris, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, the Parliament was in usual form Adjourned by the Bishop of London, and Gregory Lord Dacres, by vertue of a Commission, &c. ad & in 29 diem Novembris prox. faturum.
Vicesimo nono die Novembris, Anno 25 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was in usual manner Adjourned by the Bishop of London, and Gregory Lord Dacres, by vertue of a Commission, &c. ad & in 24 diem Januarii prox. futurum. Nota the word Adjourned is used for Prorogued.
Vicesimo quarto die Januarii, Anno 25 Eliz. Reginae; the Parliament was in usual form Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, and the Bishop of London, by vertue of a Commission, &c. ad & in 19 diem Aprilis prox. futurum.
Memorand. quod hodierno die, decimo nono die Aprilis, Anno Regni 25 Elizabethae Reginae, in quem diem Prorogatum fuit hoc praesens Parliamentum, convenere Proceres, tam Spirituales quam Temporales, quorum nomina subseribuntur, Thomas Bromley Miles Cancellarius Angliae, Willielmus Dominus Burleigh, Dominus Thesaurarius Angliae, Philippus Comes Arundell, Franciscus Comes Bedford, Johannes Episcopus London, Edwardus Dominus Stafford, Fredericus Dominus Windefor, Henricus Dominus Hunsdon, Henricus Dominus Norris; Qui cum convenissent, Thomas Bromley Miles Dominus Cancellarius Angliae literas Regias Commissarias Anthonio Mason Clerico Parliamenti publice legendas in manus tradidit, virtute quarum Dissolutum est hoc praesens Parliamentum.
Earum autem tenor hic erat.
ELizabetha Dei gratia Angliae, Franciae & Hiberniae Regina, Fidei Defensatrix, &c. praedilecto & fideli Consiliario suo Thomae Bromley Militi Domino Cancellario Angliae, reverendissimó que in Christo Patri Edwino Ebor. Archiepiscopo Angliae Primati & Metropolitano; ac praedilecto & Consiliario suo Willielmo Domino Burleigh Domino Thesaurario Angliae, ac etiam charissimis consanguineis & Consiliariis suis, Edwardo Comiti Lincoln. magno Admirallo suo Angliae, Thomae Comiti Sussex Domino Camerario suo; Necnon charissimis consanguineis suis Philippo Comiti Arundell, Henrico Comiti Northumbr. Henrico Comiti Darby, Willielmo Comiti Wigorn. ac etiam charissimis consanguineis & Consiliariis suis, Henrico Comiti Huntingdon, Domino Praesidenti Concilii sui in partibus Borealibus, Ambrosio Comiti Warwici Magistro Ordinationum suarum, Francisco Comiti Bedford; Charissimis consinguineis que suis, Henrico Comiti Pembroke, Edwardo Comiti Hertford; ac Charissimo consanguineo & Consiliario suo Roberto Comiti Leicestr. Migistro Equorum suorum, ac etiam charissimo consanguineo suo Anthonio Vicecomiti Mountague; necnon reverendis in Christo Patribus Johanni Episcopo London. Johanni Episcopo Sarisburien. Johanni Episcopo Roffen. ac etiam praedilectis & fidelibus suis Willielmo Domino Cobham, Domino Gardiano Quin que Portuum suorum, Peregrino Domino Willoughby, Gregorio Domino Dacre, Edwardo Domino Stafford, Johanni Domino Lumley, Frederico Domino Windesor, Thomae Domino Wentworth, Lodovico Domino Mordant, Henrico Domino Cromwell, Carolo Domino Howard de Effingham, Rogero Domino North, praedilecto & fideli Consiliario suo Henrico Domino de Hunsdon, Domino Gardiano Marchiarum Orientalium versus Scotiam; ac praedilectis & fidelibus suis Thomae Domino Buckhurst, Henrico Domino Compton, Henrico Domino Cheyney de Tuddington, & Henrico Domino de Norris de Ricott, salutem. Cum nuper pro quibusdam arduts & urgentibus negotiis, Nos statum & Defensionem Regni nostri Angliae ac Ecclesiae Anglicanae concernentibus, praesens hoc Parliamentum nostrum apud Civitatem nostram Westmonasterii octavo die Maii, Anno regni nostri 14o inchoari & teneri ordinaverimus; à quo die idem Parliamentum nostrum tunc & ibidem tentum & continuatum fuerat us que tricesimum diem Junii tunc prox. sequentem; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum post diversas Prorogationes, us que octavum diem Februarii, Anno regni nostri 18o Prorogatum fuerat; ac ibidem tunc tentum & continuatum fuerat us que 15 diem Martii tunc prox. sequentem; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum post diversas Prorogationes, us que ad & in 16 diem Januarii, Anno Regni nostri vicesimo tertio, Prorogatum fuerat; ac ibidem tunc tentum & continuatum fuerat us que 18 diem Martii tunc prox. sequentem; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 24 diem Aprilis tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die Parliamentum nostrum ad & in 29 diem Maii tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 12 diem Junii tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 28 diem ejusdem Mensis Junii tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 26 diem Julii tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 21 diem Augusti tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in quintum diem Octobris tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 23 diem Novembris tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in quintum diem Decembris tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 18 diem Januarii tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 12 diem Februarii tunc prox. sequentem Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 12 diem Martii tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 26 diem Aprilis tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 26 diem Maii tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in decimum diem Octobris tunc prox. sequentem Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 29 diem Novembris tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat; Eodem que die idem Parliamentum nostrum us que ad & in 24 diem Januarii tunc prox. sequentem, Prorogatum fuerat: Nec non idem Parliamentum nostrum à praedicto 24 die Januarii us que ad & in instantem 19 diem Aprilis Prorogatum fuerat ibidem tenend. & prosequend. Sciatis tamen certis urgentibus causis & considerationibus nos specialiter moventibus, de sidelitate igitur, prudentia & circumspectione vestris plurimum confidentes, de avisamento & assensu Concilii nostri, assignavimus vos Commissionarios nostros, dantes vobis triginta & quatuor, triginta & tribus, triginta & duobus, triginta & uni, triginta, & novem viginti, & octo viginti, & septem viginti, & sex viginti, & quin que viginti, & quatuor viginti, & tribus viginti, & duobus viginti, & uni viginti, viginti, novemdecim, octodecim, septemdecim, sexdecim, quindecim, quatuordecim, tredecim, duodecim, undecim, decem, novem, octo, septem, sex, quin que quatuor vel tribus vestrum, tenore Praesentium, plenam potestatem & authoritatem hoc instante die Veneris, ad praesens Parliamentum nostrum nomine nostro plenarie dissolvendum; Et ideo vobis mandamus, quod circa praemissa diligenter intendatis, ac ea in forma praedicta effectualiter expleatis: Damus autem universis & singulis Archiepiscopis, Marchionibus, Comitibus, Vicecomitibus, Episcopis, Baronibus, Militibus, Civibus & Burgensibus, ac omnibus aliis quorum interest ad dictum Parliamentum nostrum conventuris, tenore Praesentium, firmiter in mandatis, quod vobis in praemissis faciend. agend. & exequend. pareant, obediant, & intendant, prout decet. In cujus rei testimonium has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste me ipsa apud Westmonasterium decimo nono die Aprilis, Anno Regni nostri vicesimo quinto.
Per ipsam Reginam, &c.