Parson’s Green is in Middlesex. When he returned from France in 1669, Sir John, 1st Viscount Mordaunt lived quietly at Parson's Green in Middlesex, where he died in June 1675. http://bcw-project.org/biography/…
T. Clayton appears to have been the MP for Oxford University, so I think he is the same man:
Thomas Clayton defeated former Speaker William Lenthall at the general election of 1660.
Clayton was a moderately active Member of the Convention Parliament. He was appointed to 26 committees and made 11 recorded speeches, mostly on religion. He spoke against receiving the petition of the intruded dons on 25 June, but was the first to be nominated to the committee to report on it. He was as violent in supporting the referral of the religious settlement to a synod as Denzil Holles was in opposing it, and he considered the bill inadequate because it failed to mention the Thirty-Nine Articles as well as scripture. "Religion must be founded on the law of God, but must also conform with the law of the land." "Discipline [was] as necessary with doctrine as life in a natural body."
He not enthusiastic about the bill for settling ministers in livings, proposing to defer the second reading for 10 days, but was appointed to the committee. He supported the proposal to except Sir Arthur Hesilrige from the indemnity.
On 24 Aug. he was added to the committee to recommend measures for regulating printing. He was teller for the bizarre motion that the serjeant-at-arms should assist in searching for smuggled tobacco. He helped to manage the conference on settling ministers.
In the second session he moved for an additional tax on all who had accepted Cromwellian titles or falsely assumed the style of Doctor of Physic, and his name was the first on the committee list. He was among those ordered on 17 Nov. to bring in a bill for modified Episcopacy. He supported the proviso introduced by John Mylles MP to exempt the university letter-carriers from the nationalization of the postal services.
Clayton was ready to contest the general election of 1661, but was bought off by his brother-in-law, Sir Charles Cotterell. He was knighted on 27 March, 1661, made warden of Merton College, and allowed to buy a forfeited regicide estate in Buckinghamshire for £9,500.
His position as warden of Merton brought him into conflict with the university chronicler, Anthony à Wood, who described him as impudent and lascivious, and one who had ‘sided with all parties’. He was regarded by the local Quakers as a persecutor.
His record of compliancy was ended by James II. To the lord lieutenant’s questions in 1688, he answered: "He shall think fit that the Penal Laws against the dissenters in matters of religion be repealed, but not the Tests till he shall be convinced that he ought to do so. ... He is not able to assist at any elections of persons of what judgment or persuasion soever by reason of his very great age and the many infirmities thereby."
I wonder if the T. Clayton in John Evelyn's Diary is the same man:
13 March, 1661.
I went to Lambeth, with Sir R. Browne's pretense to the Wardenship of Merton College, Oxford, to which, as having been about 40 years before a student of that house, he was elected by the votes of every Fellow except one; but the statutes of the house being so that, unless every Fellow agree, the election devolves to the Visitor, who is the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr. Juxon), his Grace gave his nomination to Sir T. Clayton, resident there, and the Physic Professor: for which I was not at all displeased, because, though Sir Richard missed it by much ingratitude and wrong of the Archbishop (Clayton being no Fellow), yet it would have hindered Sir Richard from attending at Court to settle his greater concerns, and so have prejudiced me, though he was much inclined to have passed his time in a collegiate life, very unfit for him at that time, for many reasons.
So I took leave of his Grace, who was formerly Lord Treasurer in the reign of Charles I.
This afternoon, Prince Rupert showed me, with his own hands, the new way of graving, called mezzotinto, which afterward, by his permission, I published in my "History of Chalcography"; this set so many artists on work, that they soon arrived to the perfection it is since come to, emulating the tenderest miniatures.
Our Society now gave in my relation of the Peak of Tenerife, in the Great Canaries, to be added to more queries concerning divers natural things reported of that island.
I returned home with my Cousin Tuke, now going for France, as sent by his Majesty to condole the death of that great Minister and politician, Count Mazarine.
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This Sir Richard Browne was John Evelyn’s father-in-law, the former owner of Sayes Court, and former Resident from the King in Paris during the Interregnum. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Sir Francis Drake raided the Canary Islands repeatedly in the 1580s. Between commerce (they traded for sweet potatoes and Canary wines) and war, English, Irish, and Flemish sailors turned up in Spanish prisons on the Canary Islands where the Holy Inquisitors took an increased interest in them.
In 1587 the Canaries boasted a population of about 35,000, half on Tenerife.
There was an Auto de Fe at Tenerife, celebrated on July 22, 1587, in which there were burnt 3 effigies of a remnant of the Lanzarote fugitives.** ** In 1569, a Morisco merchant named Juan Felipe, hearing the Inquisition meant to arrest him, fled with about 30 fellow Muslim converts to Morocco. These refugees were punished in Auto de Fe effigies in 1569, 1581, and this case.
But there was also the death of a living man — the first since 1526. He was an English sailor named George Gaspar who, in the royal prison of Tenerife, had been seen praying with his back to a crucifix. On being questioned, had said that prayer was to be addressed to God and not to images. Gaspar was transferred to the tribunal, where he admitted being a Protestant. Torture did not shake Gaspar, and he was condemned, a confessor being sent to his cell the night before the Auto to seek his conversion. He asked to be alone and the confessor, on his return, found him lying on the floor, having thrust a knife into his stomach. The official account piously says it pleased God the wound was not immediately mortal and Gaspar survived until evening, so the dying man was carted to the quemadero and ended his misery in the flames.
Gaspar presents an atypical case. Usually, discretion bought the life of a heretic from a hostile power, and most preferred that way:
An Englishman, Edward Francis, was found wounded and abandoned on the shore of Tenerife. He saved his life under torture by professing himself a fervent Catholic who had been obliged to deny his religion, a fault punished by 200 lashes and 6 years of galley service.
Another Englishman, John Reman, a sailor from the ship Falcon, asked for penance and, as there was no money to support him in prison, he was transferred to the public gaol. The governor released him but he talked with a women in which he expressed Protestant opinions. A second trial ensued in which, under torture, he expressed contrition and begged for mercy, which he received along with 200 lashes and 10 years of galleys.
In addition, there were the crew of 12 from the bark Prima Rosa, 11 English sailors and one Fleming. One of them died in prison; the rest, with or without torture, professed conversion and were sent to the galleys, some of them with 100 lashes in addition.
In short, the life of a sailor included diplomacy and not lingering too long in Spanish ports.
SOURCE: The Inquisition in Spanish Dependencies, available free from Google books.
Tenerife island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife provincia (province), Canary Islands, an autonomous community, Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean opposite the northwestern coast of Africa. It is the largest of the Canary Islands.
The narrower northeastern part rises sharply to a jagged mountain ridge of volcanic origin, except near San Cristóbal de la Laguna, where a corridor-like depression forms the island’s only extensive lowland.
The remaining two-thirds of Tenerife is a vast composite dome surmounted by Teide Peak, the highest point on Spanish soil (12,198 feet [3,718 metres]).
The area continues to be the site of volcanic activity; perhaps the most destructive eruption occurred early in the 18th century, when a lava flow buried much of the town and harbor of Garachico, on the northern coast.
This Galileo question bothered me, so I read the March correspondence, and in a footnote there appeared: "This must be Thomas Galilee, captain of the Relief. In a letter of 6–16 April Winchelsea says he has obtained the release of three slaves, but gives no names. Hist. MSS. Comm. Finch Papers Vol. i, page 110." So we have no way of knowing if young Galilee made it out of Barbery slavery or not.
As Galileo died in 1642, my guess is that Old Galileo is a code name for someone. No doubt, if I read more of their communications, more information will follow.
PART 2 of the letter from the Venetian Ambassador to the Court of St. James to the Doge:
Some time ago a dispute arose between the duke of Richmont and Sir Convalles, treasurer of the king's household, and some time after the duke struck the treasurer in the king's own chamber. For this Richemont was immediately confined to his house by the king's order, where he remains and no one knows what the issue of the affair may be. It is ugly because the deed was deliberate since the duke did not strike in the heat of the quarrel but many hours later, and it was against one in actual service in contempt of the king's apartment, which is sacrosanct. [CHARLES STUART, DUKE OF RICHMOND = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl… ]
The king being in deep mourning for the princess of Orange and it being impossible to have everything ready for the coronation by the 16th February, they have decided to have it on the 23rd April, old style. As that is the usual day for the king to go to Windsor to instal the knights of St. George, they have decided to anticipate that ceremony by some weeks, to have the place free and available for the coronation. So in a few days will take place two of the most splendid functions which are performed in this country, when there will be inexpressible pomp and a heavy expenditure.
The ambassadors of Spain, Denmark and Holland are working with the deputies appointed for them by the government, but in spite of frequent conferences they cannot arrive at any conclusion in their negotiations as everything proceeds here with incredible and most tiresome slowness.
Prince Maurice of Nassau is expected at Court soon in the capacity of ambassador extraordinary for the elector of Brandenburg, and for the Grand Duke of Tuscany the Marquis Salviati is coming with great pomp and a numerous suite, from what they say, bills having reached here already in the hands of the merchants Mico for many thousands of pounds sterling. Old Galileo here finding that he has not yet been able to get anything in spite of the efforts of his agents with the Savio of the Exchequer for his debts and with the General of the Fleet for the ransom of his son, in spite of many promises from your Serenity, has again petitioned the king, showing how little his royal interposition has effected and asking for it again. A secretary of the palace has been to see me to-day and urged me again in the king's name to write on the subject to your Excellencies and ask for the payment of some portion of this debt, after so many promises and delays and to direct the General, before he sails for the Levant, to ransom the slave Galileo.
I submit this to the Senate having enlarged to the messenger upon the good will of the state.
Francesco Giavarina, Venetian Resident in England, to the Doge and Senate.
The judges sentenced to death 17 of the rebels recently taken, and they have been executed these last days, their quarters being set on the city gates. One or two repented their wickedness and confessed the king for their sovereign, but the others remained obstinate and were sorry for the miscarriage of their abominable designs, confessing that if they were not to die they would try again, and blaspheming Heaven for not helping them, denying absolutely any worldly authority, and so they have gone to the Devil.
Despite these punishments which should have checked those who hold such ridiculous beliefs it is discovered that some of them were devising fresh insurrections, so vigilance is redoubled and in searching suspect houses they have found arms, powder and other munitions of war which these ruffians kept hidden to use at a suitable moment. With the seizure of these and the arrest of other persons this danger has been averted, and by close watch in the capital and elsewhere on the behaviour of the sectaries one may feel confident that any hope left them of realising their flimsy pretensions have altogether vanished. As during these suspicions it was lawful for soldiers to enter the houses of fanatics to take away arms and anything else of military character, many persons not disaffected had their houses searched at the caprice of the soldiers, who took away arms intended for the king's service and many other things of value having no connection with war. Complaints about this reached the king's ears and to prevent such abuses his Majesty at once issued a severe proclamation forbidding the search of houses under any pretext unless by a written order signed by a member of the privy council or a lord lieutenant and directed to the ordinary constables and other law officers, in accordance with the ancient constitutions of the realm. (fn. 1)
The queen [HENRIETTA MARIA] with the Princess Henrietta [ANNE], who has almost entirely recovered remains stranded at Portsmouth because of the wind, but it seemed to have turned yesterday and they hope to hear soon that she has crossed the water safely.
Oh I was confused 3 years ago when I joined the Diary mid-session!
Of course Capt. Dick had nothing to do with Pepys' position at the Navy Board; Pepys is just doing him a favor, as they both were attached to Adm. Montagu, Earl of Sandwich, and that favor was either prepaid or will be repaid.
You will recall that it was necessary for Pepys to first to buy out Thomas Barlow, who had been Clerk of the Acts under King Charles, and Pepys, observing that he was 'an old, consumptive man,' offered him £100 a year on 17 July, 1659/60.
Dr. Allestree preached at the Abbey, after which 4 Bishops were consecrated, Hereford, Norwich, ... [I THINK THIS MEANS EVELYN INTENDED TO ADD THE OTHER NAMES, BUT NEVER GOT AROUND TO IT]
This night was suppressed a bloody insurrection of some FIFTH-MONARCHY ENTHUSIASTS. Some of them were examined at the Council the next day; but could say nothing to extenuate their madness and unwarrantable zeal.
I was now chosen (and nominated by his Majesty for one of the Council), by suffrage of the rest of the members, a Fellow of the Philosophic Society now meeting at Gresham College, where was an assembly of divers learned gentlemen. This being the first meeting since the King's return; but it had been begun some years before at Oxford, and was continued with interruption here in London during the Rebellion.
There was another rising of the fanatics, in which some were slain.
Fellow of the Philosophic Society, he’s made a member of what will be referred to as the Royal Society for the rest of the Diary = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
"The Queen’s things were all in White Hall Court ready to be sent away, and her Majesty ready to be gone an hour after to Hampton Court to-night, and so to be at Portsmouth on Saturday next."
SPOILER: The Queen Mother is taking Princess Henrietta Anne back to France to marry Philippe, Duc d'Orleans in March.
John Evelyn agrees this happened today:
2 January, 1661. The Queen-Mother, with the Princess Henrietta, began her journey to Portsmouth, in order to her return into France.
This being the substance of what he said, the Lords desired it might be published, as containing matter of; great satisfaction to a jealous people upon this change, which his Majesty consented to. Then were the Council sworn, and a Proclamation ordered to be published that all officers should continue in their stations, that there might be no failure of public justice, till his further pleasure should be known.
Then the King rose, the Lords accompanying him to his bedchamber, where, while he reposed himself, tired indeed as he was with grief and watching, they returned again into the Council chamber to take order for the proclaiming his Majesty, which (after some debate) they consented should be in the very form his grandfather, King James, was, after the death of Queen Elizabeth; as likewise that the Lords, etc., should proceed in their coaches through the city for the more solemnity of it.
Upon this was I, and several other gentlemen waiting in the Privy gallery, admitted into the Council chamber to be witness of what was resolved on. Thence with the Lords, Lord Marshal and Heralds, and other Crown officers being ready, we first went to Whitehall gate, where the Lords stood on foot bareheaded, while the Herald proclaimed his Majesty's title to the Imperial Crown and succession according to the form, the trumpets and kettledrums having first sounded three times, which ended with the people's acclamations.
Then a herald called the Lords' coaches according to rank, myself accompanying the solemnity in my Lord Cornwallis's coach, first to Temple Bar, where the Lord Mayor and his brethren met us on horseback, in all their formalities, and proclaimed the King; hence to the Exchange in Cornhill, and so we returned in the order we set forth
2I0 DIARY OF LONDON
Being come to Whitehall, we all went and kissed the King and Queen's hands. He, had been on the bed, but was now risen and in his undress. The Queen was in bed in her apartment, but put forth her hand, seeming to be much afflicted, as I believe she was, having deported herself so decently upon all occasions since she came into England, which made her universally beloved.
Thus concluded this sad and not joyful day.
I can never forget the inexpressible luxury and profaneness, gaming, and all dissoluteness, and as it were total forgetfulness of God (it being Sunday evening), which this day se'nnight I was witness of, the King sitting and toying with his concubines, Portsmouth, Cleveland, and Mazarin, etc., a French boy singing love songs in that glorious gallery, while about 20 of the great courtiers and other dissolute persons were at Basset round a large table, a bank of at least 2,000 in gold before them; upon which two gentlemen, who were with me, made reflections with astonishment.
Six days after, was all in the dust. It was enjoined that those who put on mourning should wear it as for a father, in the most solemn manner.
The King afterward proceeds to say: "No one can wonder that Mr. Finch should word the speech as strong as he could in favor of the Established Religion, nor that the King in such a hurry should pass it over without reflection; for though his Majesty intended to promise both security to their religion and protection to their persons, he was afterward convinced it had been better expressed by assuring them he never would endeavor to alter the Established Religion, than that he would endeavor to preserve it, and that he would rather support and defend the professors of it, than the religion itself; they could not expect he should make a conscience of supporting what in his conscience he thought erroneous: his engaging not to molest the professors of it, nor to deprive them or their successors of any spiritual dignity, revenue, or employment, but to suffer the ecclesiastical affairs to go on in the track they were in, was all they could wish or desire from a Prince of a different persuasion; but having once approved that way of expressing it which Mr. Finch had made choice of, he thought it necessary not to vary from it in the declarations or speeches he made afterward, not doubting but the world would understand it in the meaning he intended. —— 'Tis true, afterward it was pretended he kept not up to this engagement; but had they deviated no further from the duty and al-legience which both nature and repeated oath obliged them to, than he did from his word, they had still remained as happy a people as they really were during his short reign in England.' — "Life of James II" ii. 435. The words printed in small caps in this extract are from the interlineations of the son of King James II.
His Majesty being dead, the Duke, now King James II, went immediately to Council, and before entering into any business, passionately declaring his sorrow, told their Lordships, that since the succession had fallen to him, he would endeavor to follow the example of his predecessor in his clemency and tenderness to his people; that, however he had been misrepresented as affecting arbitrary power, they should find the contrary; for that the laws of England had made the King as great a monarch as he could desire; that he would endeavor to maintain the Government both in Church and State, as by law established, its principles being so firm for monarchy, and the members of it showing themselves so good and loyal subjects;* and that, as he would never depart from the just rights and prerogatives of the Crown, so he would never invade any man's property; but as he had often adventured his life in defense of the nation, so he would still proceed, and preserve it in all its lawful rights and liberties.
* This is the substance (and very nearly the words employed) of what is stated by James II in the MS. printed in his life; but in that MS. are some words which Evelyn has omitted. For example, after speaking of the members of the Church of England as good and loyal subjects, the King adds, "and therefore i shall always take care to defend and support it." James then goes on to say, that being desired by some present to allow copies to be taken, he said he had not committed it to writing; on which Mr. Finch (then Solicitor-General and afterward Earl of Aylesford) replied, that what his Majesty had said had made so deep an impression on him, that he believed he could repeat the very words, and if his Majesty would permit him, he would write them down, which the King agreeing to, he went to a table and wrote them down, and this being shown to the King, he approved of it, and it was immediately published.
Thus died Charles II, of a vigorous and robust constitution, and in all appearance promising a long life. He was a prince of many virtues, and many great imperfections; debonair, easy of access, not bloody nor cruel; his countenance fierce, his voice great, proper of person, every motion became him; a lover of the sea, and skillful in shipping; not affecting other studies, yet he had a laboratory, and knew of many empirical medicines, and the easier mechanical mathematics; he loved planting and building, and brought in a politer way of living, which passed to luxury and intolerable expense.
1685 JOHN EVELYN 207
He had a particular talent in telling a story, and facetious passages, of which he had innumerable; this made some buffoons and vicious wretches too presumptuous and familiar, not worthy the favor they abused.
He took delight in having a number of little spaniels follow him and lie in his bedchamber, where he often suffered the bitches to puppy and give suck, which rendered it very offensive, and indeed made the whole court nasty and stinking.
He would doubtless have been an excellent prince, had he been less addicted to women, who made him uneasy, and always in want to supply their unmeas-urable profusion, to the detriment of many indigent persons who had signally served both him and his father. He frequently and easily changed favorites to his great prejudice.
As to other public transactions, and unhappy miscarriages, 'tis not here I intend to number them; but certainly never had King more glorious opportunities to have made himself, his people, and all Europe happy, and prevented innumerable mischiefs, had not his too easy nature resigned him to be managed by crafty men, and some abandoned and profane wretches who corrupted his otherwise sufficient parts, disciplined as he had been by many afflictions during his banishment, which gave him much experience and knowledge of men and things; but those wicked creatures took him from off all application becoming so great a King.
The history of his reign will certainly be the most wonderful for the variety of matter and accidents, above any extant in former ages: the sad tragical death of his father, his banishment and hardships, his miraculous restoration, conspiracies against him, parliaments, wars, plagues, fires, comets, revolutions abroad happening in his time, with a thousand other particulars.
He was ever kind to me, and very gracious upon all occasions, and therefore I cannot without ingratitude but deplore his loss, which for many respects, as well as duty, I do with all my soul.
Those who assisted his Majesty's devotions were, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of London, Durham, and Ely, but more especially Dr. Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells.*
* The account given of this by Charles II's brother and successor, is that when Charles II's life was wholly despaired of, and it was time to prepare for another world, two Bishops came to do their function, who reading the prayers appointed in the Common Prayer Book on that occasion, when they came to the place where usually they exhort a sick person to make a confession of his sins, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who was one of them, advertised him, it was not of obligation; and after a short exhortation, asked him if he was sorry for his sins? which the King saying he was, the Bishop pronounced the absolution, and then, asked him if he pleased to receive the Sacrament? to which the King made no reply; and being pressed by the Bishop several times, gave no other answer but that it was time enough, or that he would think of it.
James adds that he stood all the while by the bedside, and seeing Charles II would not receive the Sacrament from them, and knowing his sentiments, he desired the company to stand a little from the bed, and then asked the King whether he should send for a priest, to which the King replied: "For God's sake, brother, do, and lose no time."
The Duke said he would bring one to him; but none could be found except Father Huddleston, who had been so assistant in the King's escape from Worcester; he was brought up a back staircase, and the company were desired to withdraw, but he (the Duke of York) not thinking fit that he should be left alone with the King, desired the Earl of Bath, a Lord of the Bedchamber, and the Earl of Feversham, Captain of the Guard, should stay; the rest being gone, Father Huddleston was introduced, and administered the Sacrament.— "Life of James II"
206 DIARY OF LONDON
It is said they exceedingly urged the receiving Holy Sacrament, but his Majesty told them he would consider of it, which he did so long till it was too late. Others whispered that the Bishops and Lords, except the Earls of Bath and Feversham, being ordered to withdraw the night before, Huddleston, the priest, had presumed to administer the Popish offices.
He gave his breeches and keys to the Duke who was almost continually kneeling by his bedside, and in tears. He also recommended to him the care of his natural children, all except the Duke of Monmouth, now in Holland, and in his displeasure.
He entreated the Queen to pardon him (not without cause; who a little before had sent a Bishop to excuse her not more frequently visiting him, in regard of her excessive grief, and withal that his Majesty would forgive it if at any time she had offended him.
He spoke to the Duke to be kind to the Duchess of Cleveland, and especially Portsmouth, and that Nelly might not starve.
I went to London, hearing his Majesty had been the Monday before, (2 February) surprised in his bedchamber with an apoplectic fit, so that if, by God's providence, Dr. King (that excellent chirurgeon as well as physician) had not been accidentally present to let him bleed (having his lancet in his pocket), his Majesty had certainly died that moment; which might have been of direful consequence, there being nobody else present with the King save this Doctor and one more, as I am assured.
1685 JOHN EVELYN 205
It was a mark of the extraordinary dexterity, resolution, and presence of mind in the Doctor, to let him bleed in the very paroxysm, without staying the coming of other physicians, which regularly should have been done, and for want of which he must have a regular pardon, as they tell me. This rescued his Majesty for the instant, but it was only a short reprieve.
He still complained, and was relapsing, often fainting, with sometimes epileptic symptoms, till Wednesday, for which he was cupped, let bleed in both jugulars, and both vomit and purges, which so relieved him, that on Thursday hopes of recovery were signified in the public "Gazette," but that day about noon, the physicians thought him feverish. This they seemed glad of, as being more easily allayed and methodically dealt with than his former fits; so as they prescribed the famous Jesuit's powder; but it made him worse, and some very able doctors who were present did not think it a fever, but the effect of his frequent bleeding and other sharp operations used by them about his head, so that probably the powder might stop the circulation, and renew his former fits, which now made him very weak.
Thus he passed Thursday night with great difficulty, when complaining of a pain in his side, they drew twelve ounces more of blood from him; this was by six in the morning on Friday, and it gave him relief, but it did not continue, for being now in much pain, and struggling for breath, he lay dozing, and, after some conflicts, the physicians despairing of him, he gave up the ghost at half an hour after 11 in the morning, being the 6th of February, 1685, in the 36th year of his reign, and 54th of his age.
Prayers were solemnly made in all the churches, especially in both the Court Chapels, where the chaplains relieved one another every half quarter of an hour from the time he began to be in danger till he expired, according to the form prescribed in the Church offices.
The marriage of the Chancellor's daughter being now newly owned, I went to see her, she being Sir Richard Browne's intimate acquaintance when she waited on the Princess of Orange; she was now at her father's, at Worcester House, in the Strand.
We all kissed her hand, as did also my Lord Chamberlain (Manchester) and Countess of Northumberland. This was a strange change — can it succeed well?
I spent the evening at St. James's, whither the Princess Henrietta was retired during the fatal sickness of her sister, the Princess of Orange, now come over to salute the King her brother.
The Princess gave my wife an extraordinary compliment and gracious acceptance, for the "Character" [64] she had presented her the day before, and which was afterward printed.
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Footnote 64: "A Character of England," reprinted in Evelyn's "Miscellaneous Writings," pp. 141-67.
This Sir Richard Browne was John Evelyn’s father-in-law, the former owner of Sayes Court, and former Resident from the King in Paris during the Interregnum. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Elizabeth Wriothesley Percy, Countess of Northumberland (1646 – 19 September 1690), was a British courtier. She was one of the Windsor Beauties, painted by Sir Peter Lely.
She married twice: • Firstly on 23 December 1662 she married Joceline Percy, 11th Earl of Northumberland (1644-1670), of Petworth House in Sussex, and owner of vast estates elsewhere in England. She traveled with her husband to Italy, where he was taken ill and died in Turin in 1670. By Northumberland she had two children: o Henry Percy, Lord Percy (1668–1669), who predeceased his father and died an infant. o Lady Elizabeth Percy (1667–1722), who became the heiress of the great Percy estates and who at the age of 15 married (as her third husband) Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset (1662-1748).
• Secondly on 24 August 1673 at Titchfield, Hampshire, Elizabeth Wriothesley Percy married Ralph Montagu, by whom she had two children: o John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu (c.1690 – 5 July 1749). o Anne Montagu, wife of Alexander Popham.
During her marriage to Ralph Montagu, he inherited his father's barony and later acquired the title "Earl Montagu", making Elizabeth a countess once again. After her death he was created 1st Duke of Montagu.
Information from: 1. "Person Page". thepeerage.com. Retrieved 19 April 2020. 2. ^ Leslie Stephen (ed.). Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 38. p. 263. Retrieved 2 November 2009. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli…
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Second Reading
About Parson's Green, Middlesex
San Diego Sarah • Link
John Evelyn's Diary – he and Mary Browne Evelyn live at Saye's Court, Deptford.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4…
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26 February, 1661.
I went to Lord Mordaunt's, at Parson's Green.
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Henry Mordaunt, 2nd Earl of Peterborough KG PC FRS https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Parson’s Green is in Middlesex. When he returned from France in 1669, Sir John, 1st Viscount Mordaunt lived quietly at Parson's Green in Middlesex, where he died in June 1675.
http://bcw-project.org/biography/…
About Sir Thomas Clayton
San Diego Sarah • Link
T. Clayton appears to have been the MP for Oxford University, so I think he is the same man:
Thomas Clayton defeated former Speaker William Lenthall at the general election of 1660.
Clayton was a moderately active Member of the Convention Parliament. He was appointed to 26 committees and made 11 recorded speeches, mostly on religion.
He spoke against receiving the petition of the intruded dons on 25 June, but was the first to be nominated to the committee to report on it.
He was as violent in supporting the referral of the religious settlement to a synod as Denzil Holles was in opposing it, and he considered the bill inadequate because it failed to mention the Thirty-Nine Articles as well as scripture.
"Religion must be founded on the law of God, but must also conform with the law of the land."
"Discipline [was] as necessary with doctrine as life in a natural body."
He not enthusiastic about the bill for settling ministers in livings, proposing to defer the second reading for 10 days, but was appointed to the committee.
He supported the proposal to except Sir Arthur Hesilrige from the indemnity.
On 24 Aug. he was added to the committee to recommend measures for regulating printing.
He was teller for the bizarre motion that the serjeant-at-arms should assist in searching for smuggled tobacco.
He helped to manage the conference on settling ministers.
In the second session he moved for an additional tax on all who had accepted Cromwellian titles or falsely assumed the style of Doctor of Physic, and his name was the first on the committee list.
He was among those ordered on 17 Nov. to bring in a bill for modified Episcopacy.
He supported the proviso introduced by John Mylles MP to exempt the university letter-carriers from the nationalization of the postal services.
Clayton was ready to contest the general election of 1661, but was bought off by his brother-in-law, Sir Charles Cotterell.
He was knighted on 27 March, 1661, made warden of Merton College, and allowed to buy a forfeited regicide estate in Buckinghamshire for £9,500.
His position as warden of Merton brought him into conflict with the university chronicler, Anthony à Wood, who described him as impudent and lascivious, and one who had ‘sided with all parties’.
He was regarded by the local Quakers as a persecutor.
His record of compliancy was ended by James II. To the lord lieutenant’s questions in 1688, he answered:
"He shall think fit that the Penal Laws against the dissenters in matters of religion be repealed, but not the Tests till he shall be convinced that he ought to do so. ... He is not able to assist at any elections of persons of what judgment or persuasion soever by reason of his very great age and the many infirmities thereby."
Sir Thomas Clayton MP died on 4 Oct. 1693.
https://www.historyofparliamenton…
About Sir Thomas Clayton
San Diego Sarah • Link
I wonder if the T. Clayton in John Evelyn's Diary is the same man:
13 March, 1661.
I went to Lambeth, with Sir R. Browne's pretense to the Wardenship of Merton College, Oxford, to which, as having been about 40 years before a student of that house, he was elected by the votes of every Fellow except one; but the statutes of the house being so that, unless every Fellow agree, the election devolves to the Visitor, who is the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr. Juxon), his Grace gave his nomination to Sir T. Clayton, resident there, and the Physic Professor: for which I was not at all displeased, because, though Sir Richard missed it by much ingratitude and wrong of the Archbishop (Clayton being no Fellow), yet it would have hindered Sir Richard from attending at Court to settle his greater concerns, and so have prejudiced me, though he was much inclined to have passed his time in a collegiate life, very unfit for him at that time, for many reasons.
So I took leave of his Grace, who was formerly Lord Treasurer in the reign of Charles I.
This afternoon, Prince Rupert showed me, with his own hands, the new way of graving, called mezzotinto, which afterward, by his permission, I published in my "History of Chalcography"; this set so many artists on work, that they soon arrived to the perfection it is since come to, emulating the tenderest miniatures.
Our Society now gave in my relation of the Peak of Tenerife, in the Great Canaries, to be added to more queries concerning divers natural things reported of that island.
I returned home with my Cousin Tuke, now going for France, as sent by his Majesty to condole the death of that great Minister and politician, Count Mazarine.
@@@
This Sir Richard Browne was John Evelyn’s father-in-law, the former owner of Sayes Court, and former Resident from the King in Paris during the Interregnum. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Archbishop William Juxon = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Col. Samuel Tuke, Evelyn’s cousin -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Cardinal Jules Mazarin (1602 - 9 March 1661) = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Miniatures - https://theframeblog.com/2017/12/…
fbclid=IwAR2JY3ApzsSYaNXrMay6gVvFB7MGt6Fc2qVSzpb0iUTJ9Di5hEikSrT2TF8
Royal Society = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Tenerife = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Rupert and Mezzotinto = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Tenerife
San Diego Sarah • Link
Sir Francis Drake raided the Canary Islands repeatedly in the 1580s. Between commerce (they traded for sweet potatoes and Canary wines) and war, English, Irish, and Flemish sailors turned up in Spanish prisons on the Canary Islands where the Holy Inquisitors took an increased interest in them.
In 1587 the Canaries boasted a population of about 35,000, half on Tenerife.
There was an Auto de Fe at Tenerife, celebrated on July 22, 1587, in which there were burnt 3 effigies of a remnant of the Lanzarote fugitives.**
** In 1569, a Morisco merchant named Juan Felipe, hearing the Inquisition meant to arrest him, fled with about 30 fellow Muslim converts to Morocco. These refugees were punished in Auto de Fe effigies in 1569, 1581, and this case.
But there was also the death of a living man — the first since 1526. He was an English sailor named George Gaspar who, in the royal prison of Tenerife, had been seen praying with his back to a crucifix. On being questioned, had said that prayer was to be addressed to God and not to images.
Gaspar was transferred to the tribunal, where he admitted being a Protestant.
Torture did not shake Gaspar, and he was condemned, a confessor being sent to his cell the night before the Auto to seek his conversion. He asked to be alone and the confessor, on his return, found him lying on the floor, having thrust a knife into his stomach.
The official account piously says it pleased God the wound was not immediately mortal and Gaspar survived until evening, so the dying man was carted to the quemadero and ended his misery in the flames.
Gaspar presents an atypical case. Usually, discretion bought the life of a heretic from a hostile power, and most preferred that way:
An Englishman, Edward Francis, was found wounded and abandoned on the shore of Tenerife.
He saved his life under torture by professing himself a fervent Catholic who had been obliged to deny his religion, a fault punished by 200 lashes and 6 years of galley service.
Another Englishman, John Reman, a sailor from the ship Falcon, asked for penance and, as there was no money to support him in prison, he was transferred to the public gaol.
The governor released him but he talked with a women in which he expressed Protestant opinions.
A second trial ensued in which, under torture, he expressed contrition and begged for mercy, which he received along with 200 lashes and 10 years of galleys.
In addition, there were the crew of 12 from the bark Prima Rosa, 11 English sailors and one Fleming. One of them died in prison; the rest, with or without torture, professed conversion and were sent to the galleys, some of them with 100 lashes in addition.
In short, the life of a sailor included diplomacy and not lingering too long in Spanish ports.
SOURCE: The Inquisition in Spanish Dependencies, available free from Google books.
http://www.executedtoday.com/2017…
About Tenerife
San Diego Sarah • Link
Tenerife island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife provincia (province), Canary Islands, an autonomous community, Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean opposite the northwestern coast of Africa. It is the largest of the Canary Islands.
The narrower northeastern part rises sharply to a jagged mountain ridge of volcanic origin, except near San Cristóbal de la Laguna, where a corridor-like depression forms the island’s only extensive lowland.
The remaining two-thirds of Tenerife is a vast composite dome surmounted by Teide Peak, the highest point on Spanish soil (12,198 feet [3,718 metres]).
The area continues to be the site of volcanic activity; perhaps the most destructive eruption occurred early in the 18th century, when a lava flow buried much of the town and harbor of Garachico, on the northern coast.
https://www.britannica.com/place/…
About Monday 4 February 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
This Galileo question bothered me, so I read the March correspondence, and in a footnote there appeared:
"This must be Thomas Galilee, captain of the Relief. In a letter of 6–16 April Winchelsea says he has obtained the release of three slaves, but gives no names. Hist. MSS. Comm. Finch Papers Vol. i, page 110."
So we have no way of knowing if young Galilee made it out of Barbery slavery or not.
About Monday 4 February 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
As Galileo died in 1642, my guess is that Old Galileo is a code name for someone. No doubt, if I read more of their communications, more information will follow.
About Monday 4 February 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 2 of the letter from the Venetian Ambassador to the Court of St. James to the Doge:
Some time ago a dispute arose between the duke of Richmont and Sir Convalles, treasurer of the king's household, and some time after the duke struck the treasurer in the king's own chamber.
For this Richemont was immediately confined to his house by the king's order, where he remains and no one knows what the issue of the affair may be.
It is ugly because the deed was deliberate since the duke did not strike in the heat of the quarrel but many hours later, and it was against one in actual service in contempt of the king's apartment, which is sacrosanct.
[CHARLES STUART, DUKE OF RICHMOND = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl… ]
The king being in deep mourning for the princess of Orange and it being impossible to have everything ready for the coronation by the 16th February, they have decided to have it on the 23rd April, old style.
As that is the usual day for the king to go to Windsor to instal the knights of St. George, they have decided to anticipate that ceremony by some weeks, to have the place free and available for the coronation. So in a few days will take place two of the most splendid functions which are performed in this country, when there will be inexpressible pomp and a heavy expenditure.
The ambassadors of Spain, Denmark and Holland are working with the deputies appointed for them by the government, but in spite of frequent conferences they cannot arrive at any conclusion in their negotiations as everything proceeds here with incredible and most tiresome slowness.
Prince Maurice of Nassau is expected at Court soon in the capacity of ambassador extraordinary for the elector of Brandenburg, and for the Grand Duke of Tuscany the Marquis Salviati is coming with great pomp and a numerous suite, from what they say, bills having reached here already in the hands of the merchants Mico for many thousands of pounds sterling.
Old Galileo here finding that he has not yet been able to get anything in spite of the efforts of his agents with the Savio of the Exchequer for his debts and with the General of the Fleet for the ransom of his son, in spite of many promises from your Serenity, has again petitioned the king, showing how little his royal interposition has effected and asking for it again.
A secretary of the palace has been to see me to-day and urged me again in the king's name to write on the subject to your Excellencies and ask for the payment of some portion of this debt, after so many promises and delays and to direct the General, before he sails for the Levant, to ransom the slave Galileo.
I submit this to the Senate having enlarged to the messenger upon the good will of the state.
London, the 4th February, 1661.
[Italian.]
https://www.british-history.ac.uk…
About Monday 4 February 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
1661. Feb. 4.
Senato, Secreta.
Dispacci, Inghilterra.
Venetian Archives. 277.
Francesco Giavarina, Venetian Resident in England, to the Doge and Senate.
The judges sentenced to death 17 of the rebels recently taken, and they have been executed these last days, their quarters being set on the city gates.
One or two repented their wickedness and confessed the king for their sovereign, but the others remained obstinate and were sorry for the miscarriage of their abominable designs, confessing that if they were not to die they would try again, and blaspheming Heaven for not helping them, denying absolutely any worldly authority, and so they have gone to the Devil.
Despite these punishments which should have checked those who hold such ridiculous beliefs it is discovered that some of them were devising fresh insurrections, so vigilance is redoubled and in searching suspect houses they have found arms, powder and other munitions of war which these ruffians kept hidden to use at a suitable moment.
With the seizure of these and the arrest of other persons this danger has been averted, and by close watch in the capital and elsewhere on the behaviour of the sectaries one may feel confident that any hope left them of realising their flimsy pretensions have altogether vanished.
As during these suspicions it was lawful for soldiers to enter the houses of fanatics to take away arms and anything else of military character, many persons not disaffected had their houses searched at the caprice of the soldiers, who took away arms intended for the king's service and many other things of value having no connection with war.
Complaints about this reached the king's ears and to prevent such abuses his Majesty at once issued a severe proclamation forbidding the search of houses under any pretext unless by a written order signed by a member of the privy council or a lord lieutenant and directed to the ordinary constables and other law officers, in accordance with the ancient constitutions of the realm. (fn. 1)
The queen [HENRIETTA MARIA] with the Princess Henrietta [ANNE], who has almost entirely recovered remains stranded at Portsmouth because of the wind, but it seemed to have turned yesterday and they hope to hear soon that she has crossed the water safely.
About Monday 30 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oh I was confused 3 years ago when I joined the Diary mid-session!
Of course Capt. Dick had nothing to do with Pepys' position at the Navy Board; Pepys is just doing him a favor, as they both were attached to Adm. Montagu, Earl of Sandwich, and that favor was either prepaid or will be repaid.
You will recall that it was necessary for Pepys to first to buy out Thomas Barlow, who had been Clerk of the Acts under King Charles, and Pepys, observing that he was 'an old, consumptive man,' offered him £100 a year on 17 July, 1659/60.
About Sunday 6 January 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
Thank you, Terry -- it took me months to get the hang of posting links. Everyone was very patient with me, so feel free to do likewise.
@@@
John Evelyn's Diary – he and Mary Browne Evelyn live at Saye's Court, Deptford.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4…
@@@
6 January, 1661.
Dr. Allestree preached at the Abbey, after which 4 Bishops were consecrated, Hereford, Norwich, ... [I THINK THIS MEANS EVELYN INTENDED TO ADD THE OTHER NAMES, BUT NEVER GOT AROUND TO IT]
This night was suppressed a bloody insurrection of some FIFTH-MONARCHY ENTHUSIASTS. Some of them were examined at the Council the next day; but could say nothing to extenuate their madness and unwarrantable zeal.
I was now chosen (and nominated by his Majesty for one of the Council), by suffrage of the rest of the members, a Fellow of the Philosophic Society now meeting at Gresham College, where was an assembly of divers learned gentlemen. This being the first meeting since the King's return; but it had been begun some years before at Oxford, and was continued with interruption here in London during the Rebellion.
There was another rising of the fanatics, in which some were slain.
@@@
This was Venner’s Uprising; Pepys tells more about it tomorrow. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Dr. Richard Allestree (1619-1681) = https://www.apuritansmind.com/pur…
Edward Reynolds, Bishop of Norwich = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Herbert Croft, Bishop of Hereford = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Fellow of the Philosophic Society, he’s made a member of what will be referred to as the Royal Society for the rest of the Diary = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Fanatics = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Wednesday 2 January 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
"The Queen’s things were all in White Hall Court ready to be sent away, and her Majesty ready to be gone an hour after to Hampton Court to-night, and so to be at Portsmouth on Saturday next."
SPOILER: The Queen Mother is taking Princess Henrietta Anne back to France to marry Philippe, Duc d'Orleans in March.
John Evelyn agrees this happened today:
2 January, 1661.
The Queen-Mother, with the Princess Henrietta, began her journey to Portsmouth, in order to her return into France.
@@@
Princess Henrietta Anne (aka Minette) -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
John Evelyn's Diary –
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4…
About Charles Stuart (II, King)
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 6
1685 JOHN EVELYN 209
This being the substance of what he said, the Lords desired it might be published, as containing matter of; great satisfaction to a jealous people upon this change, which his Majesty consented to.
Then were the Council sworn, and a Proclamation ordered to be published that all officers should continue in their stations, that there might be no failure of public justice, till his further pleasure should be known.
Then the King rose, the Lords accompanying him to his bedchamber, where, while he reposed himself, tired indeed as he was with grief and watching, they returned again into the Council chamber to take order for the proclaiming his Majesty, which (after some debate) they consented should be in the very form his grandfather, King James, was, after the death of Queen Elizabeth; as likewise that the Lords, etc., should proceed in their coaches through the city for the more solemnity of it.
Upon this was I, and several other gentlemen waiting in the Privy gallery, admitted into the Council chamber to be witness of what was resolved on. Thence with the Lords, Lord Marshal and Heralds, and other Crown officers being ready, we first went to Whitehall gate, where the Lords stood on foot bareheaded, while the Herald proclaimed his Majesty's title to the Imperial Crown and succession according to the form, the trumpets and kettledrums having first sounded three times, which ended with the people's acclamations.
Then a herald called the Lords' coaches according to rank, myself accompanying the solemnity in my Lord Cornwallis's coach, first to Temple Bar, where the Lord Mayor and his brethren met us on horseback, in all their formalities, and proclaimed the King; hence to the Exchange in Cornhill, and so we returned in the order we set forth
2I0 DIARY OF LONDON
Being come to Whitehall, we all went and kissed the King and Queen's hands. He, had been on the bed, but was now risen and in his undress. The Queen was in bed in her apartment, but put forth her hand, seeming to be much afflicted, as I believe she was, having deported herself so decently upon all occasions since she came into England, which made her universally beloved.
Thus concluded this sad and not joyful day.
I can never forget the inexpressible luxury and profaneness, gaming, and all dissoluteness, and as it were total forgetfulness of God (it being Sunday evening), which this day se'nnight I was witness of, the King sitting and toying with his concubines, Portsmouth, Cleveland, and Mazarin, etc., a French boy singing love songs in that glorious gallery, while about 20 of the great courtiers and other dissolute persons were at Basset round a large table, a bank of at least 2,000 in gold before them; upon which two gentlemen, who were with me, made reflections with astonishment.
Six days after, was all in the dust. It was enjoined that those who put on mourning should wear it as for a father, in the most solemn manner.
About Charles Stuart (II, King)
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 5
The King afterward proceeds to say: "No one can wonder that Mr. Finch should word the speech as strong as he could in favor of the Established Religion, nor that the King in such a hurry should pass it over without reflection; for though his Majesty intended to promise both security to their religion and protection to their persons, he was afterward convinced it had been better expressed by assuring them he never would endeavor to alter the Established Religion, than that he would endeavor to preserve it, and that he would rather support and defend the professors of it, than the religion itself; they could not expect he should make a conscience of supporting what in his conscience he thought erroneous: his engaging not to molest the professors of it, nor to deprive them or their successors of any spiritual dignity, revenue, or employment, but to suffer the ecclesiastical affairs to go on in the track they were in, was all they could wish or desire from a Prince of a different persuasion; but having once approved that way of expressing it which Mr. Finch had made choice of, he thought it necessary not to vary from it in the declarations or speeches he made afterward, not doubting but the world would understand it in the meaning he intended. —— 'Tis true, afterward it was pretended he kept not up to this engagement; but had they deviated no further from the duty and al-legience which both nature and repeated oath obliged them to, than he did from his word, they had still remained as happy a people as they really were during his short reign in England.' — "Life of James II" ii. 435. The words printed in small caps in this extract are from the interlineations of the son of King James II.
About Charles Stuart (II, King)
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 4
208 DIARY OF LONDON
His Majesty being dead, the Duke, now King James II, went immediately to Council, and before entering into any business, passionately declaring his sorrow, told their Lordships, that since the succession had fallen to him, he would endeavor to follow the example of his predecessor in his clemency and tenderness to his people; that, however he had been misrepresented as affecting arbitrary power, they should find the contrary; for that the laws of England had made the King as great a monarch as he could desire; that he would endeavor to maintain the Government both in Church and State, as by law established, its principles being so firm for monarchy, and the members of it showing themselves so good and loyal subjects;* and that, as he would never depart from the just rights and prerogatives of the Crown, so he would never invade any man's property; but as he had often adventured his life in defense of the nation, so he would still proceed, and preserve it in all its lawful rights and liberties.
* This is the substance (and very nearly the words employed) of what is stated by James II in the MS. printed in his life; but in that MS. are some words which Evelyn has omitted. For example, after speaking of the members of the Church of England as good and loyal subjects, the King adds, "and therefore i shall always take care to defend and support it."
James then goes on to say, that being desired by some present to allow copies to be taken, he said he had not committed it to writing; on which Mr. Finch (then Solicitor-General and afterward Earl of Aylesford) replied, that what his Majesty had said had made so deep an impression on him, that he believed he could repeat the very words, and if his Majesty would permit him, he would write them down, which the King agreeing to, he went to a table and wrote them down, and this being shown to the King, he approved of it, and it was immediately published.
About Charles Stuart (II, King)
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 3
Thus died Charles II, of a vigorous and robust constitution, and in all appearance promising a long life. He was a prince of many virtues, and many great imperfections; debonair, easy of access, not bloody nor cruel; his countenance fierce, his voice great, proper of person, every motion became him; a lover of the sea, and skillful in shipping; not affecting other studies, yet he had a laboratory, and knew of many empirical medicines, and the easier mechanical mathematics; he loved planting and building, and brought in a politer way of living, which passed to luxury and intolerable expense.
1685 JOHN EVELYN 207
He had a particular talent in telling a story, and facetious passages, of which he had innumerable; this made some buffoons and vicious wretches too presumptuous and familiar, not worthy the favor they abused.
He took delight in having a number of little spaniels follow him and lie in his bedchamber, where he often suffered the bitches to puppy and give suck, which rendered it very offensive, and indeed made the whole court nasty and stinking.
He would doubtless have been an excellent prince, had he been less addicted to women, who made him uneasy, and always in want to supply their unmeas-urable profusion, to the detriment of many indigent persons who had signally served both him and his father. He frequently and easily changed favorites to his great prejudice.
As to other public transactions, and unhappy miscarriages, 'tis not here I intend to number them; but certainly never had King more glorious opportunities to have made himself, his people, and all Europe happy, and prevented innumerable mischiefs, had not his too easy nature resigned him to be managed by crafty men, and some abandoned and profane wretches who corrupted his otherwise sufficient parts, disciplined as he had been by many afflictions during his banishment, which gave him much experience and knowledge of men and things; but those wicked creatures took him from off all application becoming so great a King.
The history of his reign will certainly be the most wonderful for the variety of matter and accidents, above any extant in former ages: the sad tragical death of his father, his banishment and hardships, his miraculous restoration, conspiracies against him, parliaments, wars, plagues, fires, comets, revolutions abroad happening in his time, with a thousand other particulars.
He was ever kind to me, and very gracious upon all occasions, and therefore I cannot without ingratitude but deplore his loss, which for many respects, as well as duty, I do with all my soul.
About Charles Stuart (II, King)
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 2
Those who assisted his Majesty's devotions were, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of London, Durham, and Ely, but more especially Dr. Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells.*
* The account given of this by Charles II's brother and successor, is that when Charles II's life was wholly despaired of, and it was time to prepare for another world, two Bishops came to do their function, who reading the prayers appointed in the Common Prayer Book on that occasion, when they came to the place where usually they exhort a sick person to make a confession of his sins, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who was one of them, advertised him, it was not of obligation; and after a short exhortation, asked him if he was sorry for his sins? which the King saying he was, the Bishop pronounced the absolution, and then, asked him if he pleased to receive the Sacrament? to which the King made no reply; and being pressed by the Bishop several times, gave no other answer but that it was time enough, or that he would think of it.
James adds that he stood all the while by the bedside, and seeing Charles II would not receive the Sacrament from them, and knowing his sentiments, he desired the company to stand a little from the bed, and then asked the King whether he should send for a priest, to which the King replied: "For God's sake, brother, do, and lose no time."
The Duke said he would bring one to him; but none could be found except Father Huddleston, who had been so assistant in the King's escape from Worcester; he was brought up a back staircase, and the company were desired to withdraw, but he (the Duke of York) not thinking fit that he should be left alone with the King, desired the Earl of Bath, a Lord of the Bedchamber, and the Earl of Feversham, Captain of the Guard, should stay; the rest being gone, Father Huddleston was introduced, and administered the Sacrament.— "Life of James II"
206 DIARY OF LONDON
It is said they exceedingly urged the receiving Holy Sacrament, but his Majesty told them he would consider of it, which he did so long till it was too late. Others whispered that the Bishops and Lords, except the Earls of Bath and Feversham, being ordered to withdraw the night before, Huddleston, the priest, had presumed to administer the Popish offices.
He gave his breeches and keys to the Duke who was almost continually kneeling by his bedside, and in tears. He also recommended to him the care of his natural children, all except the Duke of Monmouth, now in Holland, and in his displeasure.
He entreated the Queen to pardon him (not without cause; who a little before had sent a Bishop to excuse her not more frequently visiting him, in regard of her excessive grief, and withal that his Majesty would forgive it if at any time she had offended him.
He spoke to the Duke to be kind to the Duchess of Cleveland, and especially Portsmouth, and that Nelly might not starve.
About Charles Stuart (II, King)
San Diego Sarah • Link
John Evelyn's Diary – he and Mary Browne Evelyn live at Saye's Court, Deptford.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4…
@@@
4 February, 1685.
I went to London, hearing his Majesty had been the Monday before, (2 February) surprised in his bedchamber with an apoplectic fit, so that if, by God's providence, Dr. King (that excellent chirurgeon as well as physician) had not been accidentally present to let him bleed (having his lancet in his pocket), his Majesty had certainly died that moment; which might have been of direful consequence, there being nobody else present with the King save this Doctor and one more, as I am assured.
1685 JOHN EVELYN 205
It was a mark of the extraordinary dexterity, resolution, and presence of mind in the Doctor, to let him bleed in the very paroxysm, without staying the coming of other physicians, which regularly should have been done, and for want of which he must have a regular pardon, as they tell me. This rescued his Majesty for the instant, but it was only a short reprieve.
He still complained, and was relapsing, often fainting, with sometimes epileptic symptoms, till Wednesday, for which he was cupped, let bleed in both jugulars, and both vomit and purges, which so relieved him, that on Thursday hopes of recovery were signified in the public "Gazette," but that day about noon, the physicians thought him feverish.
This they seemed glad of, as being more easily allayed and methodically dealt with than his former fits; so as they prescribed the famous Jesuit's powder; but it made him worse, and some very able doctors who were present did not think it a fever, but the effect of his frequent bleeding and other sharp operations used by them about his head, so that probably the powder might stop the circulation, and renew his former fits, which now made him very weak.
Thus he passed Thursday night with great difficulty, when complaining of a pain in his side, they drew twelve ounces more of blood from him; this was by six in the morning on Friday, and it gave him relief, but it did not continue, for being now in much pain, and struggling for breath, he lay dozing, and, after some conflicts, the physicians despairing of him, he gave up the ghost at half an hour after 11 in the morning, being the 6th of February, 1685, in the 36th year of his reign, and 54th of his age.
Prayers were solemnly made in all the churches, especially in both the Court Chapels, where the chaplains relieved one another every half quarter of an hour from the time he began to be in danger till he expired, according to the form prescribed in the Church offices.
About Saturday 22 December 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
John Evelyn's Diary – he and Mary Browne Evelyn live at Saye's Court, Deptford.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4…
@@@
22 December, 1660.
The marriage of the Chancellor's daughter being now newly owned, I went to see her, she being Sir Richard Browne's intimate acquaintance when she waited on the Princess of Orange; she was now at her father's, at Worcester House, in the Strand.
We all kissed her hand, as did also my Lord Chamberlain (Manchester) and Countess of Northumberland. This was a strange change — can it succeed well?
I spent the evening at St. James's, whither the Princess Henrietta was retired during the fatal sickness of her sister, the Princess of Orange, now come over to salute the King her brother.
The Princess gave my wife an extraordinary compliment and gracious acceptance, for the "Character" [64] she had presented her the day before, and which was afterward printed.
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Footnote 64: "A Character of England," reprinted in Evelyn's "Miscellaneous Writings," pp. 141-67.
This Sir Richard Browne was John Evelyn’s father-in-law, the former owner of Sayes Court, and former Resident from the King in Paris during the Interregnum. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Anne Hyde, Duchess of York -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Queen Mother Henrietta Maria -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Princess Henrietta Anne (aka Minette) -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
The Princess Royal, Mary, Princess of Orange = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Lord Chamberlain Gen. Sir Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Elizabeth Wriothesley Percy, Countess of Northumberland = https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Closet = https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Elizabeth Percy (Lady Northumberland)
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Elizabeth Wriothesley Percy, Countess of Northumberland (1646 – 19 September 1690), was a British courtier. She was one of the Windsor Beauties, painted by Sir Peter Lely.
She married twice:
• Firstly on 23 December 1662 she married Joceline Percy, 11th Earl of Northumberland (1644-1670), of Petworth House in Sussex, and owner of vast estates elsewhere in England. She traveled with her husband to Italy, where he was taken ill and died in Turin in 1670.
By Northumberland she had two children:
o Henry Percy, Lord Percy (1668–1669), who predeceased his father and died an infant.
o Lady Elizabeth Percy (1667–1722), who became the heiress of the great Percy estates and who at the age of 15 married (as her third husband) Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset (1662-1748).
• Secondly on 24 August 1673 at Titchfield, Hampshire, Elizabeth Wriothesley Percy married Ralph Montagu, by whom she had two children:
o John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu (c.1690 – 5 July 1749).
o Anne Montagu, wife of Alexander Popham.
During her marriage to Ralph Montagu, he inherited his father's barony and later acquired the title "Earl Montagu", making Elizabeth a countess once again. After her death he was created 1st Duke of Montagu.
Information from:
1. "Person Page". thepeerage.com. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
2. ^ Leslie Stephen (ed.). Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 38. p. 263. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli…