Difference between revisions of "MRP: London Fire, 1666"

From MarineLives
Jump to: navigation, search
m
 
(7 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 9: Line 9:
 
'''Overview'''
 
'''Overview'''
  
This page is a research notes page, rather than a finished product.  It captures references in Sir George Oxenden's correspondence to the London fire of 1666.
+
This page lists references in Sir George Oxenden's correspondence to the London fire of 1666.
 
----
 
----
==Suggested links==
 
  
----
 
==To do==
 
 
(1) Find Sir William Ryder's earlier comments on the fire
 
----
 
 
==Descriptions of the fire==
 
==Descriptions of the fire==
  
 
'''Sir John Lewis''', London merchant and ironmonger, fellow part owner of the ''Loyal Merchant'' with Sir George Oxenden.  His county residence was at Ledstone Hall, West Yorkshire, and his London house had been spared in the fire:
 
'''Sir John Lewis''', London merchant and ironmonger, fellow part owner of the ''Loyal Merchant'' with Sir George Oxenden.  His county residence was at Ledstone Hall, West Yorkshire, and his London house had been spared in the fire:
  
''[December 20th, 1666] y:e sad disolation of y:e late merciless fire brought me to towne to look after my pticular Concernmen:ts, & dispose of my house w:tch providence had spared from soe great a Consumaton & am now by fowle weather forced to keepe my Christmas in London, & not w:th my family more y:n my wife, who came heither to y:e buriall of her mother''<ref>[[MRP: 20th December 1666, Letter from John Lewis to Sir GO, London|20th December 1666, Letter from John Lewis to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
+
"[December 20th, 1666] The sad disolation of the late merciless fire brought me to towne to look after my particular concernments, and dispose of my house which providence had spared from soe great a consumaton and am now by fowle weather forced to keepe my Christmas in London, and not with my family more than my wife, who came heither to the buriall of her mother"<ref>[[MRP: 20th December 1666, Letter from John Lewis to Sir GO, London|20th December 1666, Letter from John Lewis to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
  
 
'''Nicholas Buckeridge''', London merchant and former factor in Persia, detailed the progress of the fire:
 
'''Nicholas Buckeridge''', London merchant and former factor in Persia, detailed the progress of the fire:
  
''[December 26th, 1666] the most lamentable relation is yet to come; for on y:e 2:d 7:ber hapned in London neare the bridge in An Ally by Thams Street A most rageing fire To begin in a Bakers house a bout 2 A Clock in the Morning whether by designe or accid:t yet doubtfull though one be Executed for it, but it soo pleased God in Justice to punish us for our Sinns, that by reason of the Closenesse of the houses & violence of the wind it rann & spread it selfe soo farr, that it was not to be mastered, untill it had burned downe 94 Parishes & Churches both to windward & to Leeward, and hath consumed all by the River side from the Tower to the Temple, and there is left onely w:thin the walles pt of Fanchurch Street, all Leaden Hall Street Bishopsgate Street, and what betweene Algate and Bishopsgate, with a little by the Walls to Moorgate, the fier lasted 3 dayes & Nights and was Not then quenched with out much labor & Industrie, wherein the King and Duke of Yorkes presence and Assistance was Exceeding Usefull and pleaseing to the people, I leave you to Imagine in what A deplorable condition the devouring fire have left us; for our losse is not to be accounted, nor our distractions Expressed''<ref>[[MRP: 26th December 1666, Letter from Nicholas Buckeridge to Sir GO, London|26th December 1666, Letter from Nicholas Buckeridge to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
+
"[December 26th, 1666] The most lamentable relation is yet to come; for on the 2d September happened in London neare the bridge in an ally by Thams Street a most rageing fire To begin in a bakers house a bout 2 a clock in the morning whether by designe or accidident yet doubtfull though one be executed for it, but it soo pleased God in justice to punish us for our sinns, that by reason of the closenesse of the houses and violence of the wind it rann and spread it selfe soo farr, that it was not to be mastered, untill it had burned downe 94 parishes and churches both to windward and to leeward, and hath consumed all by the river side from the Tower to the Temple, and there is left onely within the walles part of Fanchurch Street, all Leaden Hall Street Bishopsgate Street, and what betweene Algate and Bishopsgate, with a little by the walls to Moorgate, the fier lasted 3 dayes and nights and was not then quenched with out much labor and industrie, wherein the King and Duke of Yorkes presence and assistance was exceeding usefull and pleaseing to the people, I leave you to imagine in what a deplorable condition the devouring fire have left us; for our losse is not to be accounted, nor our distractions expressed'"<ref>[[MRP: 26th December 1666, Letter from Nicholas Buckeridge to Sir GO, London|26th December 1666, Letter from Nicholas Buckeridge to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
  
'''James Oxenden''', Sir George Oxenden's young nephew, wrote from the family home of Deane in East Kent. He described the people fleeing the City, with laps full of paper, children in their arms, and bed ridden fathers on their backs.  He doubted the popular theory that the French were behind the fire:
+
'''James Oxenden''', Sir George Oxenden's young nephew, wrote from the family home of Deane in East Kent. He described the people fleeing the City, with laps full of paper, children in their arms, and bed ridden fathers on their backs.  He doubted the popular theory that the French were behind the fire:
  
''w:cth fury y:e fire preyd upon y:e Citty, & how a strong wind (w:ch they say) blew in all points) did advance y:e flames, into w:t Confusion y:e frighted people were running by & downe halfe distracted & dispairing of quenching y:e mersiless (flames; some w:th their Laps full of papers, others of Jewells others w:th Children in their armes, & otheres their bedred Farthers upon their backs each striving to save their dearest Objects from y:e devouring Tyrant ffire w:ch at last by an unusuall & unheard of remedy, was subdewed, & y:t w:th one would thinke should incresse y:e Conflagration, was y:e meanes of its XXXXtion, there was no way of mastering it but by its own weapons, ffire against ffire was aply’d & a great numb: of houses were blown up w:th Gunpowder before y:e fflames, w:ch at last by making a vast separation at y:e Temple put a period to their fury, & now o:e mighty Citty y:t was o:e Glory & y:e whole worlds Envy, for XXXX & Traffic, lys ?fured in its own Ruins there being scarce a six pt: standing (with in ye walls) w:ch is not reduced to Ashes, some think it a plott of y:e Romanitts, others a wicked contrivance of y:e King of ffrance, others accidentall, & y:e hand of God; it were tedious to tell yo:w y:t many frivolous storyes w:ch run abroad, but certaine it is a frenchman hath been executed for Confessing himselfe and Actor in this fflaming Tragedy, whome yett some would have to be a Lunatick, The poore XXXXX among y:e wchis consumed not razing to ?stand since its support was gone & now proves a ?Rogue or funerall pile for its ancient Patroness, whose memory though she be dead will religiously survive in y:e hearts of her Hononourers''<ref>[[MRP: January 1666/67, Letter from James Oxinden to Sir GO, Deane|January 1666/67, Letter from James Oxinden to Sir GO, Deane]]</ref>
+
"Which fury the fire preyd upon the citty, and how a strong wind (which they say) blew in all points) did advance the flames, into what confusion the frighted people were running by and downe halfe distracted and dispairing of quenching the mersiless (flames; some with their laps full of papers, others of jewells others with children in their armes, and otheres their bedred farthers upon their backs each striving to save their dearest objects from the devouring tyrant ffire which at last by an unusuall and unheard of remedy, was subdewed, and that with one would thinke should incresse the conflagration, was the meanes of its [?extinction], there was no way of mastering it but by its own weapons, ffire against ffire was aply’d and a great number of houses were blown up with gunpowder before the fflames, which at last by making a vast separation at the Temple put a period to their fury, and now oure mighty citty that was oure glory and the whole worlds Envy, for [?XXXX] and traffic, lys [?fured] in its own ruins there being scarce a six part standing (with in the walls) which is not reduced to ashes, some think it a plott of the Romanitts, others a wicked contrivance of the King of ffrance, others accidentall, and the hand of God; it were tedious to tell you that many frivolous storyes which run abroad, but certaine it is a frenchman hath been executed for confessing himselfe and actor in this fflaming Tragedy, whome yett some would have to be a lunatick, The poore [?XXXXX] among the which is consumed not razing to [?stand] since its support was gone and now proves a [?rogue] or funerall pile for its ancient patroness, whose memory though she be dead will religiously survive in the hearts of her Hononourers"<ref>[[MRP: January 1666/67, Letter from James Oxinden to Sir GO, Deane|January 1666/67, Letter from James Oxinden to Sir GO, Deane]]</ref>
  
 
'''Sarah Wainman''', former maid to Sir George Oxenden's sister and London agent, Elizabeth Dallison, wrote of her need to move home due to Lamberth due to the destruction of her home near Ludgate Hill:
 
'''Sarah Wainman''', former maid to Sir George Oxenden's sister and London agent, Elizabeth Dallison, wrote of her need to move home due to Lamberth due to the destruction of her home near Ludgate Hill:
  
''[January 5th, 1666/67] S:r [[MRP: The Corner or Old Corner, near Ludgate (and Old Bailey), London| y:e old Corner]] being Consumed by fire w:th the greatest part of y:e Citty, M:rs Priren [Prizen?]<ref>Edith Perrin, who had been living as a lodger at Tobell Aylmer's house at the Old Corner, Ludgate Hill. Elizabeth Dallison and Sarah Wainman had also lived there in the late 1650s</ref> & her family are gon to live at [[MRP: House in Lambeth| Lambeth]] & I remain w:th her fo y:e present''<ref>[[MRP: 5th January 1666/67, Letter from Sarah Waynman to Sir GO, Lambeth|5th January 1666/67, Letter from Sarah Waynman to Sir GO, Lambeth]]</ref>
+
"[January 5th, 1666/67] S:r [[MRP: The Corner or Old Corner, near Ludgate (and Old Bailey), London| The old Corner]] being consumed by fire with the greatest part of the citty, Mrs Priren [Prizen?]<ref>Edith Perrin, who had been living as a lodger at Tobell Aylmer's house at the Old Corner, Ludgate Hill. Elizabeth Dallison and Sarah Wainman had also lived there in the late 1650s</ref> and her family are gon to live at [[MRP: House in Lambeth| Lambeth]] and I remain with her for the present"<ref>[[MRP: 5th January 1666/67, Letter from Sarah Waynman to Sir GO, Lambeth|5th January 1666/67, Letter from Sarah Waynman to Sir GO, Lambeth]]</ref>
  
'''Ann Master''', one of Sir George Oxenden's sisters, wrote to him from Langdon, East Kent. She blamed the scurilous French for starting the fire:
+
'''Ann Master''', one of Sir George Oxenden's sisters, wrote to him from Langdon, East Kent. She blamed the scurilous French for starting the fire:
  
''[January 15th, 1666/67] The Lord hath soore afflicted this poore nation this last yeares w:th grievous Judgm:ts y:e Plague & warr & burning of y:e City of London w:ch is a generall Judgm:t too all pts & people it makes such a damp in trade & is felt very much in o:e Country, I supposs yo:e have a full acco:tt from good hands, I can only say w:t I have heard & y:t was burnt from London bridge to temple barr & lies all in a confused case , I am of y:e beleife it was purposly set on fire by scurilos french it was believed by y:e most for they are a mallisious people''<ref>[[MRP: 15th January 1666/67, Letter from Ann Master to Sir GO, Langdon|15th January 1666/67, Letter from Ann Master to Sir GO, Langdon]]</ref>
+
"[January 15th, 1666/67] The Lord hath soore afflicted this poore nation this last yeares with grievous Judgments the plague and warr and burning of the city of London which is a generall Judgment too all parts and people it makes such a damp in trade and is felt very much in oure country, I supposs you have a full accountt from good hands, I can only say what I have heard and that was burnt from London Bridge to Temple Barr and lies all in a confused case, I am of the beleife it was purposly set on fire by scurilos french it was believed by the most for they are a mallisious people"<ref>[[MRP: 15th January 1666/67, Letter from Ann Master to Sir GO, Langdon|15th January 1666/67, Letter from Ann Master to Sir GO, Langdon]]</ref>
  
 
'''Edward Master''', New College, Oxford educated doctor of civil law, nephew of Sir George Oxenden:
 
'''Edward Master''', New College, Oxford educated doctor of civil law, nephew of Sir George Oxenden:
  
''[February 26th, 1666/67] I shall for bare to recount any newes to you either publique or private, being well assured that you will have it from abler pens and persons, that are sonere y:e stage of Affayres, whereas my Concerne is so farr distant from London; that I am beholding to my ffreinds there to send mee an acco:tt of all ?oassagis thence, but for the the future I am resolved not to bee so much a stranger to London; and to that end I am procuring my selfe some Accomodations with my Bretheren in ye Advocats yt: were heretofore at Doctors Commons; but are now removed to Exeter House in the Strand, their former Lodgings being consumed by the fire''<ref>[[MRP: 26th February 1666/67, Letter from Edward Master to Sir GO, Exeter|26th February 1666/67, Letter from Edward Master to Sir GO, Exeter]]</ref>
+
"[February 26th, 1666/67] I shall for bare to recount any newes to you either publique or private, being well assured that you will have it from abler pens and persons, that are sonere the stage of affayres, whereas my concerne is so farr distant from London; that I am beholding to my ffreinds there to send mee an accountt of all [?passages] thence, but for the the future I am resolved not to bee so much a stranger to London; and to that end I am procuring my selfe some accomodations with my bretheren in the advocats that were heretofore at Doctors Commons; but are now removed to Exeter House in the Strand, their former lodgings being consumed by the fire"<ref>[[MRP: 26th February 1666/67, Letter from Edward Master to Sir GO, Exeter|26th February 1666/67, Letter from Edward Master to Sir GO, Exeter]]</ref>
 
+
'''Humphrey Gyffard''', former London merchant, now Keeper of the Poultry Counter.  His home, possessions, and prized cabinet of curiosities, had been destroyed, as had the Poulty Counter:
+
 
+
''y:e plague hath weakned us, y:e late dredfull fire hath ruined many much damaged most , & consumed to ashes o:e grand metropolis, y:e generall supporture; & succour:e of both king & kingdom in all straits & exignecies, y:e great boddy o:e seamen are by sufferance gone & but late by tradeing voyages to smirna west Indias & other long voyages, most of o:e greatest ships yet in y:e dockes, & tis well if o:e ?lesser be fitted, stored & mand fitt for service by midsom:e moone, w:t thinke yo:w now, & not take y:e encrease of all sins & ?XXXiresin, will it be lessy:n a miracle to fight a boate; soe many soe potent enmies, confederated & joind, or will it be easier feizable to outwit, or over[XXXX] such united heads, in a treatie against their knowme interest, but this is not to trouble yo:w tis onely y:e weake opinions of an inconsiderable pson, to apt to jelousies & fearr who looks into & knowes littell of y:e world, lesse of y:e polliticks,
+
 
+
& now I am to hearten yo:w w:th y:e [XX]lazed confidences of a more knowing partie, whoe tell for trueth, y:t at Court they are merry frollick & please’d, y:t all y:e designes & plotts of o:e Enemies are well understood & counter plotted, & y:t a peace is not only like to be, but is agreed & y:t theis Comiss:res are onely sent over to conferme it, in modo & forma, & this & more to their knowledg, this is affirmatine positive; mine meer supposition, ayer, words, & pray God in heaven conferme it by his power & goodness, That o:e Noble brave King & kingdome may flourish in a lasting peace & prosperity, the East India trade, & all be advanced to y:e height of yo:e Ambition shipps of Golde flow in daylie from Affrica, silver from America, silks from Italie, ?sackes from Canaries, Clarets from ffrance, suger from Portugall, etc from etc, & nothing from Holland, y:t o:e Byshops & Priests may sing te Deums, pray to God in y:e language of y:e Church & all y:e people ?flock & agree in volleys of Gloria Patri:s, & Amens.
+
 
+
Nor can I tell yo:w as others may be will, y:t tis likely o:e Cittie will be speedillie rebuilt, confidence & words contribute little, tis true y:e King Plim:t & Cittie have beene very intentive, & designed things as well as can be in order to it, but he y:t will Considers all Circomstances, cannnot but know y:e Vastness of y:e devastation, y:e numb: of houses halls Churches, y:t it will require noe small time to disroubish it, to separate, & ascertaine to each proprietor his demands & ground, to his satisfaction; to judge & resolve y:e intrigues of grand land lords, tenn:ts, & subtenn:ts; so as to proportion each his just sheare in y:e loss, & towards y:e rebuilding, to set out y:e due widening of y:e streets as ordered for Grandour, safety, & convenience,
+
  
& most are in y:e mind; y:te require quantities of timber, brick, stone, & other materialls, are not easily or soone to begotten, & prepare, twill require an infinet number of workmen, Carpinters bricklayers, stonecuters, smiths, glaziers, plumers, plaisterers, & other handycrafts men, & labourers, & all meterials & workemen will be very scarce, & exceeding deere mainye ruined, most impoverisht, mony very scarce, trade little, & yet war, & how or how soone it will, it can be rebuilt, I humbly referr to yo:selfe to judge,
+
'''Humphrey Gyffard''', former London merchant, now Keeper of the prison called the Poultry Counter. His home, possessions, and prized cabinet of curiosities, had been destroyed, as had the Counter:
  
& besides buildings, is not to be imagined how infinitely y:e fire consumed wares, household goods, monys, accounts, Jewells, & all things to an incredible vallue, beyond expectations, or feare, men were amazed, ?h[azed], infatuated, & first careless, w:th expectations of a quenching, before it came neere y:m some came to pilfer & steale, others to helpe & were weried out, others to see & stare on, till at last all thought it unconquerable, & best to shift for y:mselves & save w:t they could of their owne, carts not to be had but at expensive rates, 5:ll – 10:8; 50: ll a load, & y:e poores prest, forced a way by y:e commands or bribes of y:e grandees, & y:e x[ith] [?], y:e streets pestered & clogd up soe as to be unpassible, either w:th carts, packs, howshold goods, men, woen; Children; yo:w may Judge,
+
"The plague hath weakned us, the late dredfull fire hath ruined many much damaged most, and consumed to ashes oure grand metropolis, the generall supporture; and succoure of both king and kingdom in all straits and exignecies, the great boddy oure seamen are by sufferance gone and but late by tradeing voyages to Smirna West Indias and other long voyages, most of oure greatest ships yet in the dockes, and tis well if oure [?lesser] be fitted, stored and made fitt for service by midsommere moone, what thinke you now, and not take the encrease of all sins and [?XXXiresin], will it be less than a miracle to fight a boate; soe many soe potent enmies, confederated and joind, or will it be easier feizable to outwit, or over[XXXX] such united heads, in a treatie against their knowme interest, but this is not to trouble you tis onely the weake opinions of an inconsiderable person, to apt to jelousies and fearr who looks into and knowes littell of the world, lesse of the polliticks, and now I am to hearten you with the [XX]lazed confidences of a more knowing partie, whoe tell for trueth, that at Court they are merry frollick and please’d, that all the designes and plotts of oure enemies are well understood and counter plotted, and that a peace is not only like to be, but is agreed and that theis Comissioners are onely sent over to conferme it, in modo and forma, and this and more to their knowledg, this is affirmativee positive; mine meer supposition, ayer, words, and pray God in heaven conferme it by his power and goodness, That oure noble brave King and kingdome may flourish in a lasting peace and prosperity, the East India trade, and all be advanced to the height of youre Ambition shipps of Golde flow in daylie from Affrica, silver from America, silks from Italie, [?sackes] from Canaries, Clarets from ffrance, suger from Portugall, etc from etc, and nothing from Holland, that oure byshops and priests may sing te Deums, pray to God in the language of the Church and all the people [?flock] and agree in volleys of Gloria Patris, and Amens.
  
y:e fire began on satterday night & consumed not o:e dwellings in y:e poultrey till monday yett I saved but one cartload & a little by hand carage of all ye goods in my howse & ye prison, burnt: 26 bedstieds beds bedinge & sheats w:ch in y:e Country, a great pt of my howshold goods, my whole Closet of rarities, w:ch were very many & of a good vallue, being good & of all sorts, stones, shells meddalls pictures prints & w:t not, naturall & artificiall, my beloved books in three studdies to y:e vallue of 300:ll cost more, & none of all this saved, when packt up, for want to begett reflections in us for w:t;
+
Nor can I tell you as others may be will, that tis likely oure Cittie will be speedillie rebuilt, confidence and words contribute little, tis true the King parliament and cittie have beene very intentive, and designed things as well as can be in order to it, but he that will considers all circomstances, cannnot but know the vastness of the devastation, the number of houses halls churches, that it will require noe small time to disroubish it, to separate, and ascertaine to each proprietor his demands and ground, to his satisfaction; to judge and resolve the intrigues of grand land lords, tennants, and subtennants; so as to proportion each his just sheare in the loss, and towards the rebuilding, to set out the due widening of the streets as ordered for grandour, safety, and convenience, and most are in the mind; that require quantities of timber, brick, stone, and other materialls, are not easily or soone to begotten, and prepare, twill require an infinet number of workmen, carpinters bricklayers, stonecuters, smiths, glaziers, plumers, plaisterers, and other handycrafts men, and labourers, and all meterials and workemen will be very scarce, and exceeding deere mainye ruined, most impoverisht, mony very scarce, trade little, and yet war, and how or how soone it will, it can be rebuilt, I humbly referr to yourselfe to judge, and besides buildings, is not to be imagined how infinitely the fire consumed wares, household goods, monys, accounts, Jewells, and all things to an incredible vallue, beyond expectations, or feare, men were amazed, ?h[azed], infatuated, and first careless, with expectations of a quenching, before it came neere them some came to pilfer and steale, others to helpe and were weried out, others to see and stare on, till at last all thought it unconquerable, and best to shift for themselves and save what they could of their owne, carts not to be had but at expensive rates, 5: ''li'' – 10: ''s''; 6 ''li'' a load, and the poores prest, forced a way by the commands or bribes of the grandees, and the x[ith] [?], the streets pestered and clogd up soe as to be unpassible, either with carts, packs, howshold goods, men, woen; Children; you may Judge,
  
from where, to w:t ends all this, & I wish we did sitt to purpose; see o:e sins trewly, repent of y:m heartily & amend sincerely resolve & doe; live a more Godly life w:thout offence to God, to men, or scandal & certainty to o:selves, families & kingdome, y:t God might once againe bless us, w:th peace prosperity, & hono:e; to be loved or feard, but in w:t kings reigne, Ime sorry I cannot divine''<ref>[[MRP: April 1667, Letter from Humphry Gyffard to Sir GO|April 1667, Letter from Humphry Gyffard to Sir GO]]</ref>
+
The fire began on Satterday night and consumed not oure dwellings in the Poultrey till Monday yett I saved but one cartload and a little by hand carage of all the goods in my howse and the prison, burnt: 26 bedstieds beds bedinge and sheats whch in the country, a great part of my howshold goods, my whole closet of rarities, which were very many and of a good vallue, being good and of all sorts, stones, shells meddalls pictures prints and what not, naturall and artificiall, my beloved books in three studdies to the vallue of 300: ''li'' cost more, and none of all this saved, when packt up, for want to begett reflections in us for what; from where, to what ends all this, and I wish we did sitt to purpose; see oure sins trewly, repent of them heartily and amend sincerely resolve and doe; live a more Godly life without offence to God, to men, or scandal and certainty to ourselves, families and kingdome, that God might once againe bless us, with peace prosperity, and honoure; to be loved or feard, but in what kings reigne, I'm sorry I cannot divine"<ref>[[MRP: April 1667, Letter from Humphry Gyffard to Sir GO|April 1667, Letter from Humphry Gyffard to Sir GO]]</ref>
  
 
'''Thomas Fox''', London merchant, wrote with reports of severe fianncial losses of a number of merchants on the exchange, with further casualties expected:
 
'''Thomas Fox''', London merchant, wrote with reports of severe fianncial losses of a number of merchants on the exchange, with further casualties expected:
  
''[April 10th, 1667] Times are here very badd occationed pty by these unhappy warrs, & partly by a dreadfull fire, w:ch began in Pudding layne sep:t 1:th Sunday morning 2 a Clock & Continued till Wensday y:e 4:th at night w:ch burnt & consumed in howses goods & Merchandize attending y:e best Calculations at least : 7500000: [could be 150000, but less likely] here are six: kn:ts, & Aldermen marcht of y:e Change sence Christmass & severall otheres eminent Marchts (as reported) besides more very much feard to followe''<ref>[[MRP: 10th April 1667, Letter from Thomas Fox to Sir GO, London|10th April 1667, Letter from Thomas Fox to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
+
"[April 10th, 1667] Times are here very badd occationed partly by these unhappy warrs, and partly by a dreadfull fire, which began in Pudding layne September 1st Sunday morning 2 a clock & continued till Wednsday the 4th at night which burnt and consumed in howses goods and merchandize attending the best calculations at least [?£7500000} here are six kights, and aldermen merchant of the Change sence Christmass and severall otheres eminent marchants (as reported) besides more very much feard to followe"<ref>[[MRP: 10th April 1667, Letter from Thomas Fox to Sir GO, London|10th April 1667, Letter from Thomas Fox to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
  
 
'''Sir William Ryder''', London merchant, noted that many of Sir George Oxenden's friends had suffered losses, and that goods Oxenden had sent had been destroyed in an English East India Company warehouse.  Samuel Pepys used William Ryder's house in Bethnal Green to store his own househould goods after the fire:
 
'''Sir William Ryder''', London merchant, noted that many of Sir George Oxenden's friends had suffered losses, and that goods Oxenden had sent had been destroyed in an English East India Company warehouse.  Samuel Pepys used William Ryder's house in Bethnal Green to store his own househould goods after the fire:
  
''[April 16th, 1667] I have alredy advised yo:w of y:e sad fire w:ch hapned in y:e Cittie began y:e 2nd 7ber last where most of yo:e friends have been sufferers w:th M:rs Terells goods w:ch yo:w sent being detained y:e Comp:a warhouse were Consumed so y:t she & others must have patience''<ref>[[MRP: 16th April 1667, Letter from William Rider to Sir GO, London|16th April 1667, Letter from William Rider to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
+
"[April 16th, 1667] I have alredy advised you of y:e sad fire which hapned in the cittie began the 2nd September last where most of youre friends have been sufferers w:th Mrs Terells goods which you sent being detained the Company's warhouse were consumed so that she and others must have patience"<ref>[[MRP: 16th April 1667, Letter from William Rider to Sir GO, London|16th April 1667, Letter from William Rider to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
  
 
'''Henry Chowne''', London merchant, whose son was in the East Indies with Sir George Oxenden:
 
'''Henry Chowne''', London merchant, whose son was in the East Indies with Sir George Oxenden:
  
''[April 20th, 1667] it is supposed a peace will be, we had brought y:e Dutch upon their kneews before y:s time, if y:e maior of London had not been burnt y:e last septemb: upon a high easterly winde, y:e fire began ?intemstreet, neare biilings gate, blessed be God y:e Company suffered but little by this greate conflagration, some suposes y:e fire began not by accident y:e Cittie is to be rebuilt by an act of parlim:t w:th briff [?] in a uniforme way, & narrow strets, to be made broad, & to take of all impedim:ts in y:e rebuilding of it, all differences are to be desided betweene landlords & tennants, by y:e 12 Judges, or any five of y:m, w:th out any expense''<ref>[[MRP: 20th April 1667, Letter from Henry Chowne to Sir GO, London|20th April 1667, Letter from Henry Chowne to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
+
"[April 20th, 1667] It is supposed a peace will be, we had brought the Dutch upon their kneews before this time, if the maior of London had not been burnt the last september upon a high easterly winde, the fire began in temstreet, neare billings gate, blessed be God the Company suffered but little by this greate conflagration, some suposes the fire began not by accident the cittie is to be rebuilt by an act of parliment with [?briff] in a uniforme way, and narrow strets, to be made broad, and to take of all impediments in the rebuilding of it, all differences are to be desided betweene landlords and tennants, by the 12 Judges, or any five of them, with out any expense"<ref>[[MRP: 20th April 1667, Letter from Henry Chowne to Sir GO, London|20th April 1667, Letter from Henry Chowne to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
  
 
'''Ann Master''', one of Sir George Oxenden's elder sisters, who had two nephews with Sir George Oxenden in the East Indies:
 
'''Ann Master''', one of Sir George Oxenden's elder sisters, who had two nephews with Sir George Oxenden in the East Indies:
  
''[April 20th, 1667] England hath suffered very grevously this last yeare, by plague fire and sowurd, this evuooll warr being not yet ended which Makes great want of trade, and Exsessive taxing y:e Subiects. We hope the Lord willnot allwayes afflict, but in the midst of Judgements remember us, & show mercy at last and lett y:e swete showers of his blessings destill (upon us; and shine forth to our Comforts''<ref>[[MRP: 20th April 1667, Letter from An Master to Sir GO, Langdon, Kent|20th April 1667, Letter from An Master to Sir GO, Langdon, Kent]]</ref>
+
"[April 20th, 1667] England hath suffered very grevously this last yeare, by plague fire and sowurd, this evuooll warr being not yet ended which Makes great want of trade, and exsessive taxing the subiects. We hope the Lord willnot allwayes afflict, but in the midst of judgements remember us, and show mercy at last and lett the swete showers of his blessings destill (upon us; and shine forth to our comforts"<ref>[[MRP: 20th April 1667, Letter from An Master to Sir GO, Langdon, Kent|20th April 1667, Letter from An Master to Sir GO, Langdon, Kent]]</ref>
  
 
'''Samuel Barnardiston''', London merchant, noted the poor conditions for trade, and low diamond prices:
 
'''Samuel Barnardiston''', London merchant, noted the poor conditions for trade, and low diamond prices:
  
'' these are to accumpany y:e ship Charles who was as yo:w will understand first designed for y:e Coast & tis very doubtfull whether may not be y:e sole ship y:e Comp:a may this yeare send for India, o:e Nation is now at everylow Condition in poynt of trade; late pestilence, dredfull fire & present warr hath extremely Impoverished a many, tis hardly Credable w:t an alteration these Judgment of y:e allmightyes have made a mongst us, y:e greate dangers y:t merchants now run at sea y:e little satisfaction of expectations when goods arrrive welll, makes me resolve to doe lite in trade, untill I see an alteration, I did some time since sell my diamonds you sent me p:y Royall Charles, to good profitt though not answereable to former times''<ref>[[MRP: 20th April 1667, Letter from Samuel Barnardiston to Sir GO, London|20th April 1667, Letter from Samuel Barnardiston to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
+
"These are to accumpany the ship ''Charles'' who was as you will understand first designed for the Coast and tis very doubtfull whether may not be the sole ship the Company may this yeare send for India, oure Nation is now at everylow condition in poynt of trade; late pestilence, dredfull fire and present warr hath extremely Impoverished a many, tis hardly credable what an alteration these judgment of the allmightyes have made a mongst us, the greate dangers that merchants now run at sea the little satisfaction of expectations when goods arrrive welll, makes me resolve to doe lite in trade, untill I see an alteration, I did some time since sell my diamonds you sent me per the ''Royall Charles'', to good profitt though not answereable to former times"<ref>[[MRP: 20th April 1667, Letter from Samuel Barnardiston to Sir GO, London|20th April 1667, Letter from Samuel Barnardiston to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
  
 
'''Colonel Richard Oxinden''', Sir George Oxenden's cousin, who had been with him in Surat in the late 1650s:
 
'''Colonel Richard Oxinden''', Sir George Oxenden's cousin, who had been with him in Surat in the late 1650s:
  
''[October 1st, 1667] since ye Dredfull fireing of ye sinfull Citty of London, her old inhabitance are scattered up & downe, I am at present w:th my Cozon Perimoure ye ?Master at Lambeth here is allso yo:s & yo:e never to be forgotten Sister Dallysons old faithfull servant Sarah Waynman who desires to have her most humble service presented to you''<ref>[[MRP: 1st October 1667, Letter from Richard Oxinden to Sir GO, Lambeth|1st October 1667, Letter from Richard Oxinden to Sir GO, Lambeth]]</ref>
+
"[October 1st, 1667] Since the dredfull fireing of the sinfull citty of London, her old inhabitance are scattered up and downe, I am at present with my Cozon Perimoure the [?Master] at Lambeth here is allso yours and youre never to be forgotten sister Dallysons old faithfull servant Sarah Waynman who desires to have her most humble service presented to you"<ref>[[MRP: 1st October 1667, Letter from Richard Oxinden to Sir GO, Lambeth|1st October 1667, Letter from Richard Oxinden to Sir GO, Lambeth]]</ref>
  
 
'''Sir Henry Oxenden''', Sir George Oxenden's brother, writing from XXX:
 
'''Sir Henry Oxenden''', Sir George Oxenden's brother, writing from XXX:
  
''[November, 1667] My Sisters Jewells (by reason of y:e late fire & warr, w:th Jjane [?Hane] made a vast [best?] numb [sum?] of xxx, poore & most people thrifty) lie still dead upon o:r hands, & ar so like to do yet a whille, unless we would sell y:m to vast lose by this meanes her debts increase to great greife, The Citizens wives w:ch (as M:r Dunker7 saith) hath been ?y:d ?littlest buyers are now grown poore, & live upon their owne Jewells & plate, y:e Jewes are y:e theife [cheife?] Chapmen, but they are all for rough diamonds, I wish none may ?read my lre but y:e selfe, not y:e Copier if possible''<ref>[[MRP: November 1667, Letter from Henry Oxinden to Sir GO Letter 2|November 1667, Letter from Henry Oxinden to Sir GO Letter 2]]</ref>
+
"[November, 1667] My sisters jewells (by reason of the late fire and warr, which [?XXX] made a vast number of [?XXX], poore and most people thrifty lie still dead upon our hands, and ar so like to do yet a whille, unless we would sell them to vast lose by this meanes her debts increase to great greife, The citizens wives which (as Mr Dunker saith) hath been the [?littlest] buyers are now grown poore, and live upon their owne jewells and plate, the jewes are the [?cheife] chapmen, but they are all for rough diamonds, I wish none may read my letter but yure selfe, not the Copier if possible"<ref>[[MRP: November 1667, Letter from Henry Oxinden to Sir GO Letter 2|November 1667, Letter from Henry Oxinden to Sir GO Letter 2]]</ref>
  
 
'''Thomas Freeman''', ?London merchant, writing from London:
 
'''Thomas Freeman''', ?London merchant, writing from London:
  
''[November 2nd, 1667] I may thank my Cozen Warde y:t I had not my returns severall years past for hee write me himselfe y:t if he would have given yo:w under his hand to serve yo: worp: from XX my exertions he might a had ye mony to invest it into ye same yt is come now praised be God, our great plague & Warrs & ye fireing of our City hath caused Diamonds to be in very little esteem there will bee but a small matter got by y:m, by shipps next ?March I shall be able to say more''<ref>[[MRP: 2nd November 1667, Letter from Thomas Freeman to Sir GO, London|2nd November 1667, Letter from Thomas Freeman to Sir GO, London]]</ref>
+
"[November 2nd, 1667] I may thank my Cozen Warde that I had not my returns severall years past for hee write me himselfe that if he would have given you under his hand to serve youre worship: from [?XX] my exertions he might a had the mony to invest it into the same that is come now praised be God, our great plague and warrs and the fireing of our city hath caused diamonds to be in very little esteem there will bee but a small matter got by them, by shipps next [?March] I shall be able to say more"<ref>[[MRP: 2nd November 1667, Letter from Thomas Freeman to Sir GO, London|2nd November 1667, Letter from Thomas Freeman to Sir GO, London]]</ref>

Latest revision as of 12:54, June 1, 2015

London Fire, 1666

Editorial history

24/01/12, CSG: Created page






Overview

This page lists references in Sir George Oxenden's correspondence to the London fire of 1666.


Descriptions of the fire


Sir John Lewis, London merchant and ironmonger, fellow part owner of the Loyal Merchant with Sir George Oxenden. His county residence was at Ledstone Hall, West Yorkshire, and his London house had been spared in the fire:

"[December 20th, 1666] The sad disolation of the late merciless fire brought me to towne to look after my particular concernments, and dispose of my house which providence had spared from soe great a consumaton and am now by fowle weather forced to keepe my Christmas in London, and not with my family more than my wife, who came heither to the buriall of her mother"[1]

Nicholas Buckeridge, London merchant and former factor in Persia, detailed the progress of the fire:

"[December 26th, 1666] The most lamentable relation is yet to come; for on the 2d September happened in London neare the bridge in an ally by Thams Street a most rageing fire To begin in a bakers house a bout 2 a clock in the morning whether by designe or accidident yet doubtfull though one be executed for it, but it soo pleased God in justice to punish us for our sinns, that by reason of the closenesse of the houses and violence of the wind it rann and spread it selfe soo farr, that it was not to be mastered, untill it had burned downe 94 parishes and churches both to windward and to leeward, and hath consumed all by the river side from the Tower to the Temple, and there is left onely within the walles part of Fanchurch Street, all Leaden Hall Street Bishopsgate Street, and what betweene Algate and Bishopsgate, with a little by the walls to Moorgate, the fier lasted 3 dayes and nights and was not then quenched with out much labor and industrie, wherein the King and Duke of Yorkes presence and assistance was exceeding usefull and pleaseing to the people, I leave you to imagine in what a deplorable condition the devouring fire have left us; for our losse is not to be accounted, nor our distractions expressed'"[2]

James Oxenden, Sir George Oxenden's young nephew, wrote from the family home of Deane in East Kent. He described the people fleeing the City, with laps full of paper, children in their arms, and bed ridden fathers on their backs. He doubted the popular theory that the French were behind the fire:

"Which fury the fire preyd upon the citty, and how a strong wind (which they say) blew in all points) did advance the flames, into what confusion the frighted people were running by and downe halfe distracted and dispairing of quenching the mersiless (flames; some with their laps full of papers, others of jewells others with children in their armes, and otheres their bedred farthers upon their backs each striving to save their dearest objects from the devouring tyrant ffire which at last by an unusuall and unheard of remedy, was subdewed, and that with one would thinke should incresse the conflagration, was the meanes of its [?extinction], there was no way of mastering it but by its own weapons, ffire against ffire was aply’d and a great number of houses were blown up with gunpowder before the fflames, which at last by making a vast separation at the Temple put a period to their fury, and now oure mighty citty that was oure glory and the whole worlds Envy, for [?XXXX] and traffic, lys [?fured] in its own ruins there being scarce a six part standing (with in the walls) which is not reduced to ashes, some think it a plott of the Romanitts, others a wicked contrivance of the King of ffrance, others accidentall, and the hand of God; it were tedious to tell you that many frivolous storyes which run abroad, but certaine it is a frenchman hath been executed for confessing himselfe and actor in this fflaming Tragedy, whome yett some would have to be a lunatick, The poore [?XXXXX] among the which is consumed not razing to [?stand] since its support was gone and now proves a [?rogue] or funerall pile for its ancient patroness, whose memory though she be dead will religiously survive in the hearts of her Hononourers"[3]

Sarah Wainman, former maid to Sir George Oxenden's sister and London agent, Elizabeth Dallison, wrote of her need to move home due to Lamberth due to the destruction of her home near Ludgate Hill:

"[January 5th, 1666/67] S:r The old Corner being consumed by fire with the greatest part of the citty, Mrs Priren [Prizen?][4] and her family are gon to live at Lambeth and I remain with her for the present"[5]

Ann Master, one of Sir George Oxenden's sisters, wrote to him from Langdon, East Kent. She blamed the scurilous French for starting the fire:

"[January 15th, 1666/67] The Lord hath soore afflicted this poore nation this last yeares with grievous Judgments the plague and warr and burning of the city of London which is a generall Judgment too all parts and people it makes such a damp in trade and is felt very much in oure country, I supposs you have a full accountt from good hands, I can only say what I have heard and that was burnt from London Bridge to Temple Barr and lies all in a confused case, I am of the beleife it was purposly set on fire by scurilos french it was believed by the most for they are a mallisious people"[6]

Edward Master, New College, Oxford educated doctor of civil law, nephew of Sir George Oxenden:

"[February 26th, 1666/67] I shall for bare to recount any newes to you either publique or private, being well assured that you will have it from abler pens and persons, that are sonere the stage of affayres, whereas my concerne is so farr distant from London; that I am beholding to my ffreinds there to send mee an accountt of all [?passages] thence, but for the the future I am resolved not to bee so much a stranger to London; and to that end I am procuring my selfe some accomodations with my bretheren in the advocats that were heretofore at Doctors Commons; but are now removed to Exeter House in the Strand, their former lodgings being consumed by the fire"[7]

Humphrey Gyffard, former London merchant, now Keeper of the prison called the Poultry Counter. His home, possessions, and prized cabinet of curiosities, had been destroyed, as had the Counter:

"The plague hath weakned us, the late dredfull fire hath ruined many much damaged most, and consumed to ashes oure grand metropolis, the generall supporture; and succoure of both king and kingdom in all straits and exignecies, the great boddy oure seamen are by sufferance gone and but late by tradeing voyages to Smirna West Indias and other long voyages, most of oure greatest ships yet in the dockes, and tis well if oure [?lesser] be fitted, stored and made fitt for service by midsommere moone, what thinke you now, and not take the encrease of all sins and [?XXXiresin], will it be less than a miracle to fight a boate; soe many soe potent enmies, confederated and joind, or will it be easier feizable to outwit, or over[XXXX] such united heads, in a treatie against their knowme interest, but this is not to trouble you tis onely the weake opinions of an inconsiderable person, to apt to jelousies and fearr who looks into and knowes littell of the world, lesse of the polliticks, and now I am to hearten you with the [XX]lazed confidences of a more knowing partie, whoe tell for trueth, that at Court they are merry frollick and please’d, that all the designes and plotts of oure enemies are well understood and counter plotted, and that a peace is not only like to be, but is agreed and that theis Comissioners are onely sent over to conferme it, in modo and forma, and this and more to their knowledg, this is affirmativee positive; mine meer supposition, ayer, words, and pray God in heaven conferme it by his power and goodness, That oure noble brave King and kingdome may flourish in a lasting peace and prosperity, the East India trade, and all be advanced to the height of youre Ambition shipps of Golde flow in daylie from Affrica, silver from America, silks from Italie, [?sackes] from Canaries, Clarets from ffrance, suger from Portugall, etc from etc, and nothing from Holland, that oure byshops and priests may sing te Deums, pray to God in the language of the Church and all the people [?flock] and agree in volleys of Gloria Patris, and Amens.

Nor can I tell you as others may be will, that tis likely oure Cittie will be speedillie rebuilt, confidence and words contribute little, tis true the King parliament and cittie have beene very intentive, and designed things as well as can be in order to it, but he that will considers all circomstances, cannnot but know the vastness of the devastation, the number of houses halls churches, that it will require noe small time to disroubish it, to separate, and ascertaine to each proprietor his demands and ground, to his satisfaction; to judge and resolve the intrigues of grand land lords, tennants, and subtennants; so as to proportion each his just sheare in the loss, and towards the rebuilding, to set out the due widening of the streets as ordered for grandour, safety, and convenience, and most are in the mind; that require quantities of timber, brick, stone, and other materialls, are not easily or soone to begotten, and prepare, twill require an infinet number of workmen, carpinters bricklayers, stonecuters, smiths, glaziers, plumers, plaisterers, and other handycrafts men, and labourers, and all meterials and workemen will be very scarce, and exceeding deere mainye ruined, most impoverisht, mony very scarce, trade little, and yet war, and how or how soone it will, it can be rebuilt, I humbly referr to yourselfe to judge, and besides buildings, is not to be imagined how infinitely the fire consumed wares, household goods, monys, accounts, Jewells, and all things to an incredible vallue, beyond expectations, or feare, men were amazed, ?h[azed], infatuated, and first careless, with expectations of a quenching, before it came neere them some came to pilfer and steale, others to helpe and were weried out, others to see and stare on, till at last all thought it unconquerable, and best to shift for themselves and save what they could of their owne, carts not to be had but at expensive rates, 5: li – 10: s; 6 li a load, and the poores prest, forced a way by the commands or bribes of the grandees, and the x[ith] [?], the streets pestered and clogd up soe as to be unpassible, either with carts, packs, howshold goods, men, woen; Children; you may Judge,

The fire began on Satterday night and consumed not oure dwellings in the Poultrey till Monday yett I saved but one cartload and a little by hand carage of all the goods in my howse and the prison, burnt: 26 bedstieds beds bedinge and sheats whch in the country, a great part of my howshold goods, my whole closet of rarities, which were very many and of a good vallue, being good and of all sorts, stones, shells meddalls pictures prints and what not, naturall and artificiall, my beloved books in three studdies to the vallue of 300: li cost more, and none of all this saved, when packt up, for want to begett reflections in us for what; from where, to what ends all this, and I wish we did sitt to purpose; see oure sins trewly, repent of them heartily and amend sincerely resolve and doe; live a more Godly life without offence to God, to men, or scandal and certainty to ourselves, families and kingdome, that God might once againe bless us, with peace prosperity, and honoure; to be loved or feard, but in what kings reigne, I'm sorry I cannot divine"[8]

Thomas Fox, London merchant, wrote with reports of severe fianncial losses of a number of merchants on the exchange, with further casualties expected:

"[April 10th, 1667] Times are here very badd occationed partly by these unhappy warrs, and partly by a dreadfull fire, which began in Pudding layne September 1st Sunday morning 2 a clock & continued till Wednsday the 4th at night which burnt and consumed in howses goods and merchandize attending the best calculations at least [?£7500000} here are six kights, and aldermen merchant of the Change sence Christmass and severall otheres eminent marchants (as reported) besides more very much feard to followe"[9]

Sir William Ryder, London merchant, noted that many of Sir George Oxenden's friends had suffered losses, and that goods Oxenden had sent had been destroyed in an English East India Company warehouse. Samuel Pepys used William Ryder's house in Bethnal Green to store his own househould goods after the fire:

"[April 16th, 1667] I have alredy advised you of y:e sad fire which hapned in the cittie began the 2nd September last where most of youre friends have been sufferers w:th Mrs Terells goods which you sent being detained the Company's warhouse were consumed so that she and others must have patience"[10]

Henry Chowne, London merchant, whose son was in the East Indies with Sir George Oxenden:

"[April 20th, 1667] It is supposed a peace will be, we had brought the Dutch upon their kneews before this time, if the maior of London had not been burnt the last september upon a high easterly winde, the fire began in temstreet, neare billings gate, blessed be God the Company suffered but little by this greate conflagration, some suposes the fire began not by accident the cittie is to be rebuilt by an act of parliment with [?briff] in a uniforme way, and narrow strets, to be made broad, and to take of all impediments in the rebuilding of it, all differences are to be desided betweene landlords and tennants, by the 12 Judges, or any five of them, with out any expense"[11]

Ann Master, one of Sir George Oxenden's elder sisters, who had two nephews with Sir George Oxenden in the East Indies:

"[April 20th, 1667] England hath suffered very grevously this last yeare, by plague fire and sowurd, this evuooll warr being not yet ended which Makes great want of trade, and exsessive taxing the subiects. We hope the Lord willnot allwayes afflict, but in the midst of judgements remember us, and show mercy at last and lett the swete showers of his blessings destill (upon us; and shine forth to our comforts"[12]

Samuel Barnardiston, London merchant, noted the poor conditions for trade, and low diamond prices:

"These are to accumpany the ship Charles who was as you will understand first designed for the Coast and tis very doubtfull whether may not be the sole ship the Company may this yeare send for India, oure Nation is now at everylow condition in poynt of trade; late pestilence, dredfull fire and present warr hath extremely Impoverished a many, tis hardly credable what an alteration these judgment of the allmightyes have made a mongst us, the greate dangers that merchants now run at sea the little satisfaction of expectations when goods arrrive welll, makes me resolve to doe lite in trade, untill I see an alteration, I did some time since sell my diamonds you sent me per the Royall Charles, to good profitt though not answereable to former times"[13]

Colonel Richard Oxinden, Sir George Oxenden's cousin, who had been with him in Surat in the late 1650s:

"[October 1st, 1667] Since the dredfull fireing of the sinfull citty of London, her old inhabitance are scattered up and downe, I am at present with my Cozon Perimoure the [?Master] at Lambeth here is allso yours and youre never to be forgotten sister Dallysons old faithfull servant Sarah Waynman who desires to have her most humble service presented to you"[14]

Sir Henry Oxenden, Sir George Oxenden's brother, writing from XXX:

"[November, 1667] My sisters jewells (by reason of the late fire and warr, which [?XXX] made a vast number of [?XXX], poore and most people thrifty lie still dead upon our hands, and ar so like to do yet a whille, unless we would sell them to vast lose by this meanes her debts increase to great greife, The citizens wives which (as Mr Dunker saith) hath been the [?littlest] buyers are now grown poore, and live upon their owne jewells and plate, the jewes are the [?cheife] chapmen, but they are all for rough diamonds, I wish none may read my letter but yure selfe, not the Copier if possible"[15]

Thomas Freeman, ?London merchant, writing from London:

"[November 2nd, 1667] I may thank my Cozen Warde that I had not my returns severall years past for hee write me himselfe that if he would have given you under his hand to serve youre worship: from [?XX] my exertions he might a had the mony to invest it into the same that is come now praised be God, our great plague and warrs and the fireing of our city hath caused diamonds to be in very little esteem there will bee but a small matter got by them, by shipps next [?March] I shall be able to say more"[16]
  1. 20th December 1666, Letter from John Lewis to Sir GO, London
  2. 26th December 1666, Letter from Nicholas Buckeridge to Sir GO, London
  3. January 1666/67, Letter from James Oxinden to Sir GO, Deane
  4. Edith Perrin, who had been living as a lodger at Tobell Aylmer's house at the Old Corner, Ludgate Hill. Elizabeth Dallison and Sarah Wainman had also lived there in the late 1650s
  5. 5th January 1666/67, Letter from Sarah Waynman to Sir GO, Lambeth
  6. 15th January 1666/67, Letter from Ann Master to Sir GO, Langdon
  7. 26th February 1666/67, Letter from Edward Master to Sir GO, Exeter
  8. April 1667, Letter from Humphry Gyffard to Sir GO
  9. 10th April 1667, Letter from Thomas Fox to Sir GO, London
  10. 16th April 1667, Letter from William Rider to Sir GO, London
  11. 20th April 1667, Letter from Henry Chowne to Sir GO, London
  12. 20th April 1667, Letter from An Master to Sir GO, Langdon, Kent
  13. 20th April 1667, Letter from Samuel Barnardiston to Sir GO, London
  14. 1st October 1667, Letter from Richard Oxinden to Sir GO, Lambeth
  15. November 1667, Letter from Henry Oxinden to Sir GO Letter 2
  16. 2nd November 1667, Letter from Thomas Freeman to Sir GO, London