Generosi filia, e trimis secunda. Obierunt, ille 13 Aug. 1666, illa 6 Sept. 1668." Fosbrooke.

Thomas Pury his son, whose name frequently occurs in these pages, according to MS. memoranda in his own hand-writing, (Booker's Almanack, interleaved for 1642, in the possession of the editor,) was in his twenty-fifth year at the time of the siege, having been born July 16, 1619, and was keeping terms in the Temple. He represented the city in the long parliament after Brett's exclusion; in Cromwell's parliament of 1656, and in the Rump parliament. Rudder seems to be in error when he informs us that he was mayor in 1653. He survived the restoration many years; he was lord of the manors of Minsterworth and Tainton, to which latter place he withdrew, and lived there in unmolested retirement to an advanced age, "loved and respected," says the above writer, "for his piety, learning, great abilities, and extensive charity." Tainton had been occupied by a garrison during the war. Tracts, 72-73. and the church had been destroyed by battery or fire. In January, 1647, an order was obtained from the parliament by his exertions for rebuilding the church. This was done upon a new site; and it remains a monument of his peculiar religious notions, being placed north and south, and, till lately, having the communion table in the centre of the building. His attachment to literature induced him to found the college library at Gloucester, in the situation and form in which it now appears; and whatever may be thought of his taste in the decoration of it, he was certainly a great benefactor to the collection of books. It was finished in 1649, as is evident from a date upon one of the figures that surmount the screen on the right hand. Evelyn, who visited it in 1654, calls it "a noble tho' a private designe." Memoirs. I. 282. This is confirmed by his epitaph upon a tomb in the church yard at Tainton, in which his character is sketched with a mixture of apology and commendation.

"Post vitam occupatissimam et fere octoginta annorum fastidio gravatam, "hic tandem requiescit THOMAS PURY, qui indolem natura vegetam, ac "ad summa comparatam, vel studiis humanioribus ita excoluit, vel rebus agendis a deo exercuit, ut sive artium peritia, sive negotiorum varietate, "vix in pari fortuna quenquam sibi habuerit parem. Tot privatis occupa"tionibus, tantisque publicis aliquando motibus agitato, quidquam (temporis vitio magis quam suo) humanitus accidisse non tam culpandum, quam mi"randum potius, cuiquam inter rebelles versanti, pietatem et religionem, inter "milites, artes et scientias impensius placuisse., Edificatum in proximo templum extructaque in celebriori loco Bibliotheca hoc eousque testantur: ut nec hisce literarum ornamentis, nec sacrato lapide, nec posterorum me"moria indignus esse videatur."

He married Barbara, daughter of James Kyrle, Esq. of Walford Court in Herefordshire. Rudder.

Backhouse, serjeant major to Massey, was an attorney at Gloucester, and author of the pamphlet inserted in this collection, p. 283. He was a diligent co-operator with the governor, and seems to have been a favourite with him. He died, as will be seen, in consequence of a wound received at Ledbury, just before Massey was removed from Gloucester.

[168.] Letter, ut supra, dated August 2. Both Clarendon and the Mercurius Aulicus, Aug. 20. 27. assert, that the governor was wont to intoxicate his men with wine and spirituous liquors, when he sent them out upon sallies.

(169.) John Gwynne, an ensign in the royal army, furnishes us withone of the current opinions respecting the cause of the king's ill success. Military Memoirs. Pt. I. c. 4. I was at the siege of Gloucester, where then it was "reported, that had there been as much care taken in making one mine ready, 'as in making of the other two which stayed for it, probably we had car "ried the town, and consequently put a period to a great deal of farther "trouble."

[170.] The following officers may be ascertained among the killed, wounded, and prisoners on the king's part. Lieutenant Colonel Edwards; Captain Rumney of the Worcester forces; a captain of the queen's black regiment under Sir Edward Blackwall; Serjeant Major Wells, killed. Sir Jacob Astley wounded in the arm; Captain Bassett of the Worcester forces, mortally wounded; Lieutenants Tipper, Anderson and Trappes, prisoners.

[171.] It may indeed be alleged that greater part of the slain fell in the sallies, and could not be carried off for burial; though the "True Relation," p. 261, informs us, "it was reported that most of those who were killed, were shot in the head in peeping through some holes at the enemy;" but the fact given in the text serves at least to shew that no extensive injury was done by the artillery of the besiegers to the inhabitants within the walls.

[172.] Sunderland's Letter.

[173.] These were not a novelty in this instance: they had been employed at the siege of Hull, where they set buildings on fire. Hutchinson's Memoirs, p. 92. At the siege of Lyme the royalists shot red hot balls, and iron bars, which are called fire arrows. The latter were, perhaps, what are styled bolts in archery; and "that they might hang on whatsoever they lighted, they were "crooked at the ends." Journal of the siege of Lyme, in Hist. of Lyme regis. p. 60. They were very effectual upon thatched houses, and once fired the magazine there. At the assault of Bridgewater part of the town was set on fire by red hot slugs. Sprigge.

[174.) The Tolsey suffered in some degree by fire during the siege, but in what way or at what precise time is uncertain. The repairs on this occasion are mentioned in the Steward's Accounts.

[175.] They amused themselves in the same way at the siege of Worcester in 1646. Nash. Hist. of Worcestershire. II. App. XCIX. How the royalists laughed off their mortification at the affair of Gloucester, may be seen in some of the attempts at wit, with which the Oxford Newsbook at this period abounds. These, though they might please the temper of the cavaliers at the moment, now rather convey an impression of melancholy to the mind as "merry descants on a nation's woes." The following are instances. They are chiefly in answer to the parliamentarian reporters, whose falsehoods and exaggerations no doubt challenged reproof. "The Gloucestrians have slain "two of the king's colonels, five lieutenant colonels, twelve captains, Sc." The royalist then replies, "Lieutenant Colonel Edwards was slaine at the first ap"proach; name one other officer and wee'll beg thy pardon" The king hath raised his siege there and is come away. "He hath razed the wall in several "places, and will make thee eat thy words." Merc. Aulic. Aug. 13—20. 1643. "His excellency, that able gentleman (the Earl of Essex) this week is advanc

"ing towards Oxford, which hath made the London newesmen stretch "divers truths beyond the line of communication." They say, (1.) "That the king himself never came within ten miles of Gloucester; (that is, he came almost "within musket shot.) (2.) That the Earl of Essex will send 200 of his horse "to relieve Gloucester, and leave much horse remaining, (take two out of two "and there remains Essex.) (3) That the souldiers in Gloucester have killed "1500 of his majestie's army; (you are either a lecturer, or a close committeeman, for you lye but 1400 in 1500.) (4.) That the Earl of Crawford, Lord "Grandison, Lord Herbert, Lord Beauchamp, Lord Wilmot, Lord Rich, Master "Russel, brother to the Earl of Bedford, Sir John Byron, Sir William Russell, "&c. were all slain on Sunday last at Gloucester. (not one of these but are confident they shall live to see thee hanged.) (5.) That Colonel Massey enticed 8 whole troopes of the king's horse into Gloucester, and "then let downe the percullis, and took them all prisoners; (a very pretty 66 story; 'tis a pity it is a lie.)" Id. Aug. 20.-27. Among the false reports it is noticed. that Sir Jacob Astley and some other chiefe "commanders were lately slaine at Gloucester; (were they slain with 66 a musket or a cannon bullet? Sir Jacob himself desires to know.)" Id. Aug. 27.-Sept. 3. "Soon after was another report, that the recorder of Gloucester was hanged in that city for being an incendiary; (it was the governor "set the suburbs on fire.)" Id. Sept. 3.-10. These sallies are chiefly attributed to Sir John Birkenhead, who conducted the Mercurius Aulicus at Oxford. Peter Heylyn occasionally wrote in the same paper, but his productions were of a graver cast. Wood. Athenæ Oxon. in Birkenhead and Heylyn.

[176] A paper containing one of these threats was shot into the town upon an arrow, and an answer returned in the same way. It is well known that cross bows were still used in killing deer; (witness the accident that occurred to Archbishop Abbott in the park at Ashby de la Zouch. Granger. II. 45,) and they were sometimes employed perhaps by irregular troops or club men, during this war. They are mentioned in a Tract giving an account of a skirmish in Shropshire, when the king was at Shrewsbury. Gwynne gives a curious anecdote respecting an arrow, at the siege of the Devizes by Fairfax and Cromwell. "I having the guard by the river side, and standing "by Sir Jacob Ashley, a bearded arrow struck into the ground betwixt his legs. He pluckt it out with both his hands, and said, “You rogues you mist your aim." Memoirs. Pt. I. c. 6.

[177] Furney. MS. He received this information from one who had been town clerk of the city; and the severity of this threat, in his opinion, rendered the garrison more resolute. There were just twelve inns in Gloucester at that time; but many houses were presented at the Michaelmas sessions, as common tipling houses selling ale without license, which had been probably opened for the use of the garrison: and several in Upton St. Leonards, in the king's quarters. C. R. MS W. 6. in anno.

p. 54.

[178.] "The straitness of the siege debarred all intelligence." Tracts. The divines in Gloucester, as well as in every other place, were most instrumental in stirring up and encouraging the people. Mr. Halford, one of them, told his congregation that though "their passages were stopt on "earth, there remained a way open to heaven." Dorney. Speeches, p. 2.

y

[179.] Hist. of the Rebellion. II. 343.

Two spies, mentioned by Corbet, and noticed in p. lxviii. having made their way to Warwick, when the king's horse drew off, the governor thought their intelligence of so much importance that he forwarded instantly a despatch to Sir Samuel Luke, the scout-master-general, (Butler's master, and the prototype of his Hudibras); and the letter was published in London. Printed for Edward Husbands, Sept. 1, 1643.

66

66

"For the Honorable Sir Samuel Luke, at his quarters.

"Honorable Sir,

"I sent an answer to yours of the 26, this morning, and in obedience "to his Excellencies commands presently dispatched away a messenger to "Gloucester; since which time (i. e.) this day about twelve of the clock, came "hither two substantiall men from the town; by whome I perceived, none "of these messengers I formerly sent, came into the town; yet they assured me, the town was in a very good condition and full of courage, having every day put the enemy to much losse. Yesterday morning upon an outfall they killed Sir Jacob Astley (as the soldiers report) I heard by a prisoner "that a man of principal respect was killed: It was agreed between then " and the governor, at their coming away, that in case relief were coming, they should this night, about twelve of the clock, make fires upon Bredon "hill; which the town was to answer, by doing the like upon the college "steeple; wherupon I shewing them your letter for their satisfaction, accom❝modated them with horses, and sent them speedily away, to put their "designe in execution."

"Sir, I finde, the king's foot there are few, and those in very ill condition, so that whensoever the town makes a sally, the quarter they fall upon, runs "without striking a blow. The town hath not lost above ten persons, of "men, women, and children slain.

"If in any thing I have a capacity to serve you, if you please to honor me "with your commands, you shall find ready and cheerfull obedience from Your affectionate humble servant,

"Sir,

"Warwick Castle, 28 Aug. about 9 at night."

"Jo. BRIDGES."

Bridges was governor of Warwick Castle during the whole war.

[180.] The royalists talked of taking Coventry and Northampton in their way to London. Sunderland. ut supra.

[181.] Ludlow. Memoirs. I. 66.

[182.]"Some members of parliament (of which my father was one) were sent to inspect their condition, that their wants being known, might be better supplied." Id. ut supra C. J Aug. 3. 15. 16.

[183.] This was politic, and might answer a double end. It would prevent the public from seeing and noting the fact, of how many apprentices the town was drained. Such an expedient had been resorted to before. Lord Say recommended it to the citizens in his speech at Guildhall after the battle of Edge-hill. "This is not now a time for men to think with themselves, that

they will be in their shops to take a little money. This is a time to do "what you do in common dangers; let every man take his weapons in his "hands. Let every man shut up his shop; let him take his musquet; let him "offer himself willingly." Parl. Hist. XI. 484. Denham ridicules the practice in his second Western Wonder.

"Now shut up your shops, and spend your last drops

"For the laws of your cause, you that loath 'em ; "Lest Essex should start, and play the second part

"Of Worshipful Sir John Hotham."

Birkenhead has an unfortunate hit upon this order to the citizens." to shut up their shops, and to continue them shut up till Gloucester be relieved, "-which will be when Say and Pym become good christians." Merc. Aulicus. Aug. 20---27.

[184.] Some of the trained bands, in spite of this, deserted after the first day's march. Tracts. 253. At Norton, on the night of Sept. 7, they refused to obey their orders to march. Tracts. p. 260.

[185.] Printed at London by Richard Cotes, 1643.

[186.] "Intelligence from London brought every day the resolution of "parliament to relieve Gloucester, and that if their levies did not supply "them with men soon enough, the trained bands of the city would march out "with the general for that service" Clarendon II. 334. The anxiety of the Londoners was wrought up to the highest pitch when Essex had taken his departure. A despatch of his from Chipping Norton, dated Sunday, Sept. 3, was first read in the house of commons. Wednesday, Sept. 6, was post day from the west, and all were in eager expectation to hear, for a report was prevalent that Gloucester was taken. On the next day the first messenger that brought news of the raising of the siege came to the committee sitting that night at Guildhall; a second messenger soon appeared to confirm the intelligence. He had left Gloucester on the 6th, and Essex marched in on the 8th; this confirms the fact, that messengers could go to London immediately after the king drew off. Weekly Accompt, Aug. 28-Sept. 6. Perfect Diurnall. Sept. 4-11.

[187.] On the 31st of August, a trumpeter was sent from the royalists ostensibly to procure a passport for some lady, (see Tract. p. 276,) but more probably to view the army. A London Newsbook works up the incident in the following way "It was then also further certified that the cava"liers at Gloucester understanding that the Earl of Essex with his ar"mies was near at hand, according to their usual dissimulation sent a trumpeter with some propositions from his majesty to treat with his excellency "before he should advance no further near Gloucester; but his excellency "who had been too well verst in their deceit that way further to trust them, "returned speedy answer that he had no commission to treat, but to releive "Gloucester, which he was resolved to do or lose his life there; and the "soldiers, understanding a trumpet was come with propositions to treat, with a unanimous acclamation, cryed out for a long time together. 'No proposi"tions,' No propositions!' and with a loud echo sent the trumpeter back to "the king's army." Perfect Diurnall. Sept. 4---]].