“Last Thursday, about five in the morning, the heads of Thomas
Siddal and Thomas Deacon were fixed upon the Exchange. Great
numbers have been to view them; and yesterday, betwixt eight
and nine, Dr. Deacon, a non-juring priest, and father to one
of them, made a full stop near the Exchange, pulled off his
hat, and made a bow to them with great reverence. He afterwards
stood some time looking at them. A gentleman of the town was
with him, and a considerable number of spectators were present.
He and some of his flock have been seen to do so before several
times.”
This act, innocent and natural enough in itself, was regarded as popery—a
worshipping of saints—and gave birth to not a few squibbs and verses. The
following was by a Quaker:—
“Doffing the hat I hold no sign of grace,
Saving in prayer, which was perhaps the case;
But yet, my friend, I hope it may be said,
I’d rather see a hat off than a head.”