hearer of two of y^e most Renowned y^t ever was, King William and queen
Marys, the Queen Dying before the king he ommitted noe Ceremony of
Respect to her memory and remains w^{ch} Lay in State in Whitehall in a
bed of Purple velvet all open, the Cannopy y^e same w^{th} Rich gold
fring, y^e middle being y^e armes of England Curiously painted and Gilt,
y^e head piece Embroyder’d Richly w^{th} a Crown and Cyphers of her
name, a Cusheon of purple velvet at y^e head on w^{ch} was y^e Imperiall
Crown and Scepter and Globe, and at y^e feete another such a Cusheon
w^{th} y^e sword and Gauntlets on the Corps w^{ch} was rowled in Lead,
and over it a Coffin Cover’d w^{th} purple velvet w^{th} the Crown, and
Gilt in Moldings very Curious. A Pall on all of a very Rich tissue of
gold and silver, Ruffled round about w^{th} purple velvet w^{ch} hung
down on y^e ground, w^{ch} was a halfe pace railed as y^e manner of the
Princes beds are. This in a roome hung w^{th} purple velvet full of
Large wax tapers, and at y^e 4 Corners of the bed stood 4 of y^e Ladyes
of y^e bed Chamber—Countesses—w^{th} vailes; these were at severall
tymes relieved by others of y^e same. Y^e anty Chamber hung with purple
Cloth and there attended four of y^e Maids of honnour all in vailes, and
y^e Gentlemen of the bed Chamber, pages in another roome all in black,
y^e staires all below the same. Y^e Queen dyeing while y^e parliam^t
sate, y^e King gave mourning to them, 500 and Clerks, w^{ch} attended
thus: their Speaker haveing his traine bore up, then y^e Lord Major y^e
same, and attended by y^e aldermen and officers all in black, and y^e
Judges; then y^e officers of the houshold, then y^e Guards, then y^e
Gentleman master of y^e horse Led the queens Led horse Cover’d up w^{th}
purple velvet, next Came the open Chariot made as y^e bed was, the
Cannopy y^e same all purple velvet, a high arch’d teister Ruffled,
w^{th} y^e Rich fring and pall, w^{ch} was supported by Six of y^e first
Dukes of y^e Realme that were not in office. This Chariot was drawn by
the Queens own 6 horses Covered up with purple velvet and at y^e head
and feete was Laid y^e Emblems of her dignity, the Crown and Scepter on
a Cushion at y^e head, and Globe and Gauntlets at y^e feete, after which
the first Dutchess in England as Chief mourner walked supported by these
Lords, the Lord president of y^e Councill and y^e Lord privy Seale, she
haveing a vaile over her face, and her traine of 6 yards Length being
bore up by the next Dutchess assisted by four young Ladyes. After w^{ch}
two and two y^e Ladies followed and Lords, all Long traines according to
their ranke, y^e Bishops Likewise all on foote on black Cloth strained
on boards, from Whitehall to Westminster abby where was a sermon, in
w^{ch} tyme y^e body of y^e queen was reposed in a masulium in form of a
bed w^{th} black velvet and silver fringe round, and hanging in arches,
and at y^e four Corners was tapers and in y^e middle a bason supported
by Cupids or Cherubims shoulders, in w^{ch} was one Entire Great Lamp
burning y^e whole tyme. Then after y^e service of burial w^{ch} is done
with solemn and mournfull musick and singing, ye sound of a Drum
unbraced, the breakeing of all y^e white staves of those that were y^e
officers of y^e queen, and flinging in y^e keys of the rest of y^e
offices devoted by y^t badge into y^e tomb. They seale it up and soe
returne in same order they went. There is allwayes a high steward made
for all solemnityes of y^e Kings and Queens and he is only soe for that
day, and he goes just before the Led horse. The pages also Lead all y^e
horses that draws y^e Chariot, and the yeaumen of y^e guard walks on
Each side all y^e way. This is y^e manner of publick funeralls but if it
be Kings then the Ladyes attend not. Y^e next Ceremonys is the Crowning
the Kings and Queens of England w^{ch} is done in this manner as I have
seen it. The Prince by Letters Summons all the nobility to be ready to
attend them such a day—its usually on S^t Georges day—by the Earle
marshall at Westminster Hall, another Greate Building which containes
the Parliament houses and the courts of justice, and requests all—w^{ch}
shall Describe hereafter. But as I said they being Come to this
Westminster Hall y^e Dean of Westminster abbey w^{th} prebends &c comes
with the Crown, scepter, swords and orb and all the Regalias, it being
in their Custody w^{ch} are all put on y^e table. Y^e prince does
appoynt these all to be Carryed by severall Lords; then there being blew
Cloth spread from y^e Hall to y^e Abby w^{ch} is all railed in and Lined
with foote and horse Guards, the Procession beginns thus. First four
drums two and two as is the whole procession, these beate y^e March;
then the 6 Chancery Clerkes, then the Chaplaines that have Dignityes,
then the aldermen of London and y^e masters in Chancery, y^e Solicitor
Generall, y^e Attorney General, then the Gentlemen of the privy Chamber,
next the judges, then the Children of the Kings Chappel, then the Choir
of Westminster, then the gentlemen of the Chapple, next y^e Prebends of
Westminster, then the Master of y^e jewel house, then goes the Privy
Counsellors y^t are not Peers of the realme, then two Pursuivants goe,
next them goes y^e Barronesses in Crimson velvet Robes Lined w^{th}
Earmine, and Cut waved in a Long traine Lined with white sarsnet, the
sleeves were open to the shoulder, tyed up there with Silver Cords and
tassells hanging down to y^e wast, the sleeves being fringed w^{th}
silver, under w^{ch} fine point or Lace sleeves and Ruffles, w^{th}
Gloves Laced or w^{th} Ribon gold and white, their peticoates were
white; some tissue Laced w^{th} gold or silver, and their stomatchers
some were all Diamonds; over all they had mantles of y^e same Crimson
velvet Lined w^{th} Earmine and fastened to the shoulder, on w^{ch}
there was a broad Earmine Like a Cape reaching to y^e waste powder’d
w^{th} rowes according to their Degree, y^e barroness 2 rows, the
viscountess 2 rows and halfe, the Countesses 3 Rowes, the Marchoness 3
rows and a halfe, the Dutchesses 4 Rows, the Queen 6; these all having
Long traines suiteable to their Robes and were in Length as their
Degree. Y^e Barronesses had their traines 2 yards and a quarter drawing
on the ground, the Viscountess 2 yards and halfe, y^e Marchionesses 2
yards 3 quarters, y^e Dutchess 3 yards drawing on the Ground. Their
heads were dress’d w^{th} much haire and Long Locks full of
Diamonds—some perfect Peakes of bows of Diamonds as was the Countess of
Pembrook,—their heads so dress’d as a space Left for their Coronets to
be set, all y^e rest is filled w^{th} haire, Jewells and gold, and white
small Ribon, or Gold thinn Lace, in form of a peake, and gold gause on
their rowles, they have also Diamond necklaces and jewels on their
habitts. Each Carry their Corronets in their hands w^{ch} does also
Distinguish their Dignityes. The Barrons is a velvet Cap w^{th} a
Coronet of Gold, w^{th} six great pearles or what resembles them a white
Gilding in that form. Y^e Viscounts Coronet is a Gold set w^{th} 16
pearles of Like sort set very Close together. Ye Earles Coronet is of
Gold w^{th} spikes, on y^e tops of which are Laid pearles w^{ch} stands
at a Distance; and have Leaves at y^e frame. Y^e Marquess’s Coronet is
Gold alsoe w^{th} spikes of Leaves of y^e same at distances, between
w^{ch} are those pearles much Lower just proceeding from y^e frame. The
Dukes are a Double row of Leaves y^e one standing up at distances, y^e
others between, Low by y^e frame.
The Dukes, Marquess’s, Earles, Viscounts, and Barrons, are Differenced
as the Ladyes are by their Rows of Earmine on their Mantles—they all
being Clad w^{th} Rich vests under their Robes, and trimm’d gloves of
Lace or fringe, fine Linnen, and Carry their Coronets in their hands.
Only those that are knights of y^e garter weare a Chaine of Gold S S on
their shoulders upon their Earmine Cape, and have their George hanging
to it, their Starr on y^e breast of their Robes and a Diamond garter on
their Leg w^{th} blew Ribon. In this manner habited proceeds y^e
Barronesses and Barrons, then the Bishops that sit in y^e Parliam^t as
peeres their habit is Lawn sleeves and Black, their Capps are flatt Like
a 4 square trencher put on Cornerwise; after which went a pursuivant,
then in same order y^e Viscountesses and next y^e Viscounts; then two
Heraulds, then in same order the Countesses and next the Earles, then a
Herauld, then in y^e same order y^e marchionesses next y^e marquisses,
then two heraulds, then in the same order the Dutchesses, next them the
Dukes, then two Kings at armes, after which y^e Lord Privy Seale, next
him Lord President of y^e Councill. Then y^e ArchBishops w^{ch} are
Esteemed in higher Rank than y^e Dukes, then a Duke w^{ch} is of y^e
Royal family w^{th} their traine bore up, Prince George of Denmarke
being Royal Consort to Queen Ann walked so haveing his traine bore by
the vice-Chamberlaine, the Prince is Duke of Cumberland w^{ch} is y^e
first Duke; next goe two personages in Robes of state, but of an antique
forme, velvet and Earmine w^{th} Hatts of Gold tissues, personateing y^e
two Dukes of Acquitaine and Normandy w^{ch} belongs to y^e English
Crown. Next them went the Lord w^{ch} bore S^t Edmunds staff, w^{th} a
Lord that bore the Gold Spurrs, another Lord with y^e Scepter Royal, 3
other Lords following w^{th} y^e sword of justice, y^e Curtana sword of
mercy, and another poynted sword, next which S^r Garter King at armes
between my Lord Major and the usher of y^e black Rod. These Heraulds
dress in Coates full of y^e Kings armes all about with Gildings, and
hang short w^{th} Long sleeves and sleeves hanging behind alsoe. Next
y^e Lord High Chamberlaine single, then next an Earle beares y^e sword
of State between y^e Earle Marshall and y^e Lord high Constable, made
for y^t Dayes Solemnity. Next goes an Earle Beareing y^e Scepter of y^e
Dove, next y^t a Duke Carrying y^e Globe orb, next went a Duke w^{th}
y^e Crown w^{ch} must be Lord High Steward for that dayes Solemnity,
next went a Bishop w^{th} y^e Bible between two other Bishops y^t
Carryed y^e pattent and y^e Challice w^{ch} Last appertaines to y^e Dean
of Westminster. Next this the Cannopys and in Case there is a King then
his Consort goes before him in this manner under a Cannopy of Cloth of
Gold borne up by 8 Barrons of y^e Cinque ports, and is supported by two
Bishops, and her Coronet or Crown is alsoe Carryed by a Lord before, and
alsoe a silver Rod by another Lord, w^{ch} when she returns she holds in
one hand and the Little scepter. Her traine is bore up by y^e first
Duchess of y^e Realme assisted by 4 maiden Daughters of Earles and her
Robes ought to be only Crimson velvet, but King James’s Queen would have
purple, but never Changes them as doth a Queen that is Regent in her
self y^e Principal, as Queen Ann and her sister Queen Mary joinct in y^e
throne w^{th} King William. All w^{ch} in some things makes a Difference
as shall show, for y^e Queen Consort as King James’s queen was not
anoynted nor sworne unless as a subject to y^e King and walked thus
before him, after which y^e King Came under another Cannopy of gold
tissue supported by 8 more of y^e Barrons of the Cinque-ports; he leaned
on two Bishops, his traine borne up by the Lord w^{ch} is Master of his
robes assisted by four Lords sonns. These Cannopyes have silver staves
for Each person to hold them up by. In y^e Case of King William and
Queen Mary that were set joynctly on the throne anoynted both and sworne
by y^e Coronation oath, they Likewise walked both under one of these
Canopyes made very Large supported by y^e 16 Barrons, and on y^e outside
of Each went a Bishop on whome they Leaned, Leading Each other; and
their traines were bore, the Kings by y^e Lord w^{ch} is master of y^e
Robes, the Queen by y^e first Dutchess and young Ladies. And soe their
throne was Entire two seates and their Cannopyes one at y^e table, but
now as in Case of our present Majesty Queen Ann I saw her thus; her
Cannopy was Large bore by y^e sixteen, and she because of Lameness of
y^e Gout had an Elbow Chaire of Crimson velvet w^{th} a Low back, by
w^{ch} meanes her mantle and Robe was Cast over it and bore by the Lord
Master of y^e Robes and y^e first Dutchess, w^{th} 4 maiden Ladies,
Earles Daughters on Each side Richly Dress’d in Cloth of Gold or Silver,
Laced, w^{th} Long traines, Richly Dressed in fine Linnen, and jewells
in their hair, and Embroider’d on their Gowns. The Queens traine was 6
yards Long, the Mantle suitable of Crimson velvet with Earmine as y^e
other of y^e nobility, only the rowes of powdering Exceeded, being six
rowes of powdering. Her Robe under was of Gold tissue, very Rich
Embroydery of jewellry about it, her peticoate the same of Gold tissue
w^{th} gold and silver lace, between Rowes of Diamonds Embroyder’d, her
Linnen fine. The Queen being principall of the order of y^e Garter had a
row of Gold S S about her shoulders, y^e Georges w^{ch} are allwayes set
with Diamonds and tyed with a blew Ribon. Her head was well dress’d
w^{th} Diamonds mixed in y^e haire w^{ch} at y^e Least motion Brill’d
and flamed. She wore a Crimson velvet Cap with Earmine under y^e
Circlet, w^{ch} was set with Diamonds, and on the middle a sprig of
Diamonds drops transparent hung in form of a plume of feathers, for this
Cap is y^e Prince of Wales’s Cap w^{ch} till after y^e Coronation that
makes them Legall king and queen—they weare. Thus to y^e quire doore she
Came, then Leaveing y^e Cannopy—(y^e Chaire she Left at y^e Abby doore—)
she is conducted to y^e Alter which was finely deck’d w^{th} Gold tissue
Carpet and fine Linnen, on the top all y^e plaite of y^e abby sett, y^e
velvet Cushions to place y^e Crown and all y^e regallias on. She made
her offering at y^e Alter, a pound weight or wedge of gold, here the
Dean of Westminster and y^e prebends which assists the Arch-Bishop in
the Cerimonyes are arrayed in very Rich Coapes and Mitres, black velvet
Embroyder’d w^{th} gold Starrs, or Else tissue of gold and silver. Then
the Littany and prayers are sung and repeated by two Bishops w^{th} a
small organ, then the Queen being seated on a green velvet Chaire
faceing the pulpit attends y^e words of y^e sermon w^{ch} was by y^e
arch-Bishop of York, w^{ch} being ended y^e Queen arose and returned
thanks for y^e Arch-bishops Sermon, is shewed to y^e people by saying a
form, Will you take this to be your Souveraigne to be over you? thus I
saw the Queen turn her face to y^e four sides of y^e Church, then the
Coronation oath is repeated to her, w^{ch} she distinctly answered each
article, which oath is very Large in three articles, relateing to all
priviledges of y^e Church and State to which she promised to be the
security and to maintaine all to us. Then she kiss’d y^e Bible, then a
Bible was presented to her to maintaine y^e true Protestant religion.
Then she being on a Little throne by the alter, Cover’d all w^{th} Cloth
of Gold, she has y^e spurrs of gold brought her and they toutch her
heele, then the sword of state is presented her which she offers up on
the alter, w^{ch} a Lord appoynted for it redeemes y^e sword for 100
shillings, and draws it out and beares it naked all y^e day. After the
other swords are brought and presented her w^{ch} she delivers to y^e
severall officers, then the ring is put on her finger to witness she is
married to the Kingdom, then the orb I saw brought and presented to her
and y^e Scepters. Then she was anoynted in this manner; there was a
Cloth of silver twilight Embroyder’d, held a Little shaddowing over her
head. I saw y^e Bishop bring y^e oyle on a spoone soe annoynted y^e
palmes of her hands, her breast and her forehead, Last of all y^e top of
her head, haveing taken off y^e prince of Wales’s Cap and y^e haire
being Cutt off Close at y^e top y^e oyle was poured on and with a fine
Cloth all Dryed againe. Then Last of all y^e arch Bishops held the Crown
over her head w^{ch} Crown was made on purpose for this Cerimony vastly
Rich in Diamonds, y^e borders and y^e Globe part very thick sett w^{th}
vast diamonds, y^e Cross on y^e top with all diamonds w^{ch} flamed at
y^e Least motion, this is worth a vast summe, but being made for this
Cerimony and pulled to pieces againe, its only soe much for the hire of
such Jewells that made it. This I saw was fix’d on y^e Queens head
w^{th} Huzza’s and sound of Drumms trumpets and gunns, and at the same
tyme all y^e peeres and peeresses put on their Coronets on their heads.
There are divers forms of speech that belong to each Cerimony. Y^e Queen
after this goes to y^e alter and there I saw her receive the Sacrament,
I saw the deane bring her y^e bread and wine. Then she is Conducted with
her Crown on, her Globe and Scepter in her hand and seated on y^e Royal
throne of y^e Kingdom w^{ch} is of gold finely wrought, high back and
armes set on a theatre of severall steps, assent rises on four sides to
it. She being thus seated is followed w^{th} a second Huzza and sound of
drums and trumpets and Gunns, then all y^e Lords and Bishops pay their
homage to her; the Eldest of Each ranke swears fidelity to her in his
own name and in y^e name of all of his ranck. They all singly come and
touch her Crown and some kiss her Right Cheeke—they make all do soe,—she
kisses the Bishops. All this while anthems are sung and the Medals are
Cast about by the treasurer of y^e houshold, after w^{ch} the Queen
arose and went and made her second offering, sate down on the throne on
w^{ch} she was annoynted and Crown’d. After, an anthem is sung proper
for the tyme, after w^{ch} the Queen retired into King Edwards Chappel
to private prayer, w^{ch} being ended and her Crimson velvet mantle
being taken off and one of purple velvet made just y^e same put on, in
y^e same manner they returned Each one in his station, only the Lords
y^t Carryed the Regalias now tooke their places as peers with y^e rest,
y^e Queen walked to y^e doore of y^e abby w^{th} obligeing Lookes and
bows to all y^t Saluted her and were spectatours, w^{ch} were prodigious
numbers in Scaffolds built in the Abbey and all the streetes on each
side reaching to Westminster hall, where the Queen againe quitted her
Chaire w^{ch} was Carryed by four men, the whole procession being both
going and comeing attended by y^e gentlemen pensioners Clad in Scarlet
Cloth w^{th} gold Lace, Holding halberds w^{th} gold tops Like
pick-axes. These make a Lane for the queen to pass and follow two and
two, next them y^e groomes of the bed Chamber, then the Captaine of y^e
guards went between y^e Captaine of y^e pensioners band and the Captain
of y^e yeaumen, and were attended by their officers and yeamen.
The queen being Come up to her table w^{ch} was a great rise of stepps
she was seated on her throne w^{ch} was under a fine Cannopy. When King
James was Crown’d he sate soe: at his Left hand sate his Queen under
another Cannopy, but King William and Queen Mary being both principalls
sate under one Large Cannopy on one Large throne, but our present Queen
should have sate alone as she did in the upper End under y^e Cannopy,
but she sent and did invite Prince George her Consort to dine with her.
So he Came and at her request tooke his seate at her Left hand without
the Cannopy. The first Course was served just before the Queen Came in,
She being ushered in by the Earle Marshall, Lord High Steward, and Lord
high Chamberlaine on horseback, their horses being finely dress’d and
managed, and the Cookes Came up with their point aprons and towells
about their shoulders of poynt; after w^{ch} Comes up the Lord high
steward againe on horseback, with the other two Lords, and acquaints the
king or queen there is their Champion without ready to Encounter or
Combate with any that should pretend to dispute, after w^{ch} he is
Conducted in on horseback by the Earle Marshall and y^e Lord high
steward, and they Come up to the stepps of the throne, and there the
Champion all dress’d in armour Cap-a-pe and declares his readyness to
Combate w^{th} any that should oppose the Right of their Majestyes, and
there upon throws down his guantlet w^{ch} is giving Challenge, after
w^{ch} the King or Queen drinks to him in a Gold Cup w^{th} a Cover, y^e
same w^{ch} is Carryed to y^e Champion and he drinks, and then he
retires back and Carrys it away being his Due as is the best horse in
the kings stable, y^e best suite of armour in y^e armory. This belongs
to S^r John Dimmocks familly y^t hath a yearly salery from the Crown. My
Lord Major here officiates as y^e kings Butler, and hath for a Reward
such another Cup of gold Covered and thus the Ceremony Ends and they all
retire. Westminster Hall is as full of spectatours sitting on scaffolds
on Each side, under w^{ch} are severall Long tables spread and full of
all varietyes prepared for the Lords and Ladies, others for the judges,
aldermen &c.
When there is a Rideing Coronation they proceed on from y^e abbey when a
king is Crowned, all on horseback thro’ y^e Citty in y^e same order as
at the Entry at y^e peace, quite to y^e Tower all richly dress’d and
their horses w^{th} fine trappings, Led on both sides by Each Lords
pages, and when its a King only, then only y^e Lords attend as in y^e
Coronation of King Charles the second, but at Queen Elizabeths the
Ladies alsoe attended to y^e Tower which is at the utmost extremity of
y^e Citty of London, where the Governour presents the King with y^e
Keyes which he returns againe and after some other Cerimonyes and
makeing some Knights of y^e Bath Either six or Eight I Cannot tell
which. These are an order that prefferr such a knight above all other
knights, but is not so high as a Barronet and it alsoe expires at their
Death descending not to y^e son; they wear a scarlet Ribon round their
shoulder Like a belt: then they all return back to the pallace; Usually
the rideing Coronation holds two dayes.
The tower is built just by y^e Thames, thereon many gunns are placed all
round, its built of free stone, four towers. In one is y^e amunition and
powder, Called y^e white tower, w^{ch} is kept very secure w^{th} 6
keyes w^{ch} are kept by six persons. In another part the Coynage is
where they refine, melt, form, stamp and Engrave all y^e money w^{ch} is
managed by severall over w^{ch} there is y^e Comptroler of y^e mint. In
another part is kept severall Lyons w^{ch} are named by y^e names of y^e
kings, and it has been observ’d that when a king has dyed y^e Lion of
y^e name has alsoe dyed.
There are also other strange Creatures kept there, Leopards, Eagles &c
&c w^{ch} have been brought from forreign parts. In another place is
kept the Crowns and all y^e Regalias, as orb, scepters, swords. The
Crown that is made on purpose to Crown a prince is pulled to pieces
againe and they only reserve an old large Crown of King Harry y^e
seventh in form of a Ducall Coronet, and y^e Crown w^{ch} is used for
the passing of bills, of w^{ch} here after. This hath Large pearles on
y^e Cross and an Emerauld on y^e top of y^e head w^{ch} Closes the bands
w^{ch} goes every way of y^e sides to y^e round frame full of Diamonds
and Saphyr’s and Rubies w^{ch} y^e frame at y^e bottom is also enchased
with. This Large Emerauld is as bigg as an Egg all transparent and well
Cut: the Globe is alsoe sett w^{th} diamonds representing y^e Lines on
the Celestial Globe. The middle or body of y^e Tower is full of armour
of all sorts and placed in Each roome w^{th} great Curiosity Like a
ffurniture on y^e walls and kept very bright and fine. And now I shall
return to y^e Hall att Westminster where are all y^e Courts of justice
kept. There are severall parts out of y^e hall for y^e Court of y^e
Kings Bench for tryal of all Causes by jurys, Grand juryes and petty
jurys, to manage w^{ch} there is a Lord Chief Justice and three other
Judges his assistants, where matters are heard by Councellors, attornys
and solicitors to plead y^e Cause in the Court. All these formerly were
but few in number when buisness was not delayed but brought to a quick
jssue and persons had matters decided quicker, but now they are
increased extreamely and Consequently buisness Lengthened out for their
profit. There is alsoe another Court of y^e Common pleas to w^{ch} is
another Chiefe Justice, the first is Call’d the Lord Chiefe Justice of
the Kings Bench Court, y^e other the Lord Chiefe Justice of y^e Common
pleas—he hath alsoe three Judges assistants. This Court is in something
the same nature managed as y^e former, only that matters of Life and
death are not here tryed or determined, that belongs to y^e Kings Bench.
There is alsoe the Exchequer Chamber which is another Court and managed
by a Lord Chiefe Baron and 3 other Barrons assistants, w^{ch} are all
judges, and all first sergeants and in this manner are fitted, having
been Entred at such an age into any of y^e jnns of Court of w^{ch} there
are many in y^e town, Lincolns-inn, Grays-inn, Ffurnifulls-inn,
Clemens-jnn, Cliffords-inn and others. The Temples Likewise are such
where they are students in the Law and goe to hear Causes and are
trained up in that Learning w^{ch} is grounded on our Laws, the Magna
Charta Law of the whole kingdom by w^{ch} all matters are or may be
decided. After soe many yeares studdy and being thus Entred they are
Called to y^e barr—y^t is to plead as Councellors and Barristers in
these Courts, and out of such that have been thus Barristers many yeares
they Commence serjeants, and are made in this manner the first day of a
terme. They walk two and two in their Gowns from y^e Temple to
Westminster Hall where Each that is designed for serjeants stand with
their Back to y^e Barr of the Court at a Little distance, y^e puny judge
on the Bench sayes to the Lord Chief Justice, my Lord I think I spye a
Brother; the Lord Chief Justice replies truly Brother I thinke its soe
indeed, send and bring him up to be examined whether capable or well
quallify’d; w^{ch} is done and after severall questions he is sworn and
has a Coiffe put on his head, which is a black satten Cap w^{th} a white
Lace or Edge round y^e bottom and thus he is received into their number
and soe returned. They have a feast and pay their fees which is
considerable all to maintain the Court out of such as are sergeants. The
king makes judges and gives them salleryes; all the judges doe weare
scarlet robes Lined with furr. These twelve judges sitt in the House of
Lords on wooll packs, not as peers but as Councellors to informe the
house of what is their former Laws, and to decide matters that Come
before them if relating to the Law, and soe are only their officers and
Cannot put on their Caps without permission of y^e Lords. There is alsoe
another Court for justice w^{ch} is Called the Court of Equity or
Chancery. The other Courts properly Judges of the matters of Right by
Law this as to the Equitty of it, w^{ch} is managed by a Lord Chancellor
or a Lord Keeper, w^{ch} is not in soe high a station nor at so vast
expence, but answers the Ends of the other as to the Buissness—is Called
Lord Keeper because he keepes the great seale of England w^{ch} makes
all authentick that passes it. This sometymes is managed in Commision by
three, but many tymes by one single person, he allwayes sitts in the
house of Lords alsoe and is y^e speaker of y^e house of Lords. Under him
there is the Master of the Roles w^{ch} is his deputy and in the others
absence acts in the Court as Chiefe. This Court keeps all the Records
and statutes, there are two registers belongs to it with six masters
which are alsoe the under justices, and six Clerks w^{ch} have all their
Respective offices and Enter all things. Under them is the 60 Clerks and
other under writers. This formerly was the best Court to relieve the
subject but now is as Corrupt as any and as dilatory. The Causes in the
Chancery are heard and Refferr’d to some of the masters and they report
the matter againe, and soe from the notion of this being a Court of
Equitty and so gives Liberty for persons to make all the allegation and
reasons in their Cause, which much delayes y^e dispatch, which formerly
was of a very good advantage to prevent a huddling up a Cause without
allowing tyme for y^e partys to produce their evidences or Right, but
now by that meanes is soe ill managed that it admitts of heareing,
Re-heareing over and over on the Least motion of y^e Contrary party,
that will pretend to offer new reason matter for delaying judgment, that
by this it accrues great advantage to y^e Lawyers that have all their
fees each motion and may be so Continued many yeares to sometyme y^e
ruin of the Plaintiffs and deffendants. A small gratuiety obteine an
order to delay till the next terme and so to another.
There are four termes in a yeare, one at Easter, another at Midsumer,
and at Michaelmas, and Candle-mass, at which tymes these Courts of
justice are open for tryal of y^e Causes belonging to their Courts, and
holds a fortnight or more, one three weekes, another a month, one 5
weekes; but there are sealeing dayes w^{ch} hold much Longer and this
between Easter and Midsumer terme joyns the tymes. Y^e Last terme is the
shortest but the seales hold Longer. After this is the Long vacation
being the heate of the weather and tyme of harvest in which tyme alsoe
are the assizes in all the Countys in England, for at y^e End of the
Midsummer terme y^e Judges takes y^e Circuites assigned Each, usual the
Lord Chiefe Justice of England w^{ch} is of y^e Kings Bench Chuses the
home Circuit w^{ch} is the County adjacent all about London, w^{ch} is a
Less fatigue and more Easily perform’d. Two judges must goe in Each
Circuite and in all places the one sitts on the Bench of Life and Death,
y^e other on buisness de-nise-prises, and soe they exchange in all the
places they Come, y^e judge y^t was on the Life and death at one County,
in the next takes y^e barr of the nais prisse and so on. There is one
Called the Northern Circuit w^{ch} is a Long one and takes in Wales;
there is the Western Circuite alsoe: this takes up 6 of y^e 12 judges
and Barrons.
But all this while there must be two at Least Left in London to heare
and attend y^e sessions of y^e Old Bayly which is kept once a month both
of Life and death and Common pleas.