Catalogue description The Examination of SIR GEORGE COTTON, at Lambeth

--Saith that for about fourteen or fifteen years space he hath dwelt in the parish of St. Martin's, near Charing Cross, and in all that time he hath not heard divine service after the manner of the Church of England, only, about seven years since, being in some trouble for matter of religion, he went one day to church to Westminster, but since then, hath not done any such thing. Did never take the oath of allegiance, neither was he ever called into question for the same until yesterday, in the King's Bench, before the Lord Chief Justice, where for refusing to take the oath, he was committed to the King's Bench, and there remaineth.

John Cotton, now in the Tower, is his elder brother, but he hath not seen him, since his examination before the King's learned Counsel, save only twice, the last time being four or five weeks ago, although he hath divers times gone to the Tower. His speaking with him was in this manner, "John Cotton being above, upon a walk of brick which was paved and mended by the Earl of Northumberland, which walk he supposeth to be about forty or fifty yards in length, and at the one end whereof Mr.Talbott lieth, and at the other end thereof the said John Cotton hath his chamber." At those times, John Cotton was above, alone upon the walk, and examinate was in the garden adjoining the bottom of the wall where the walk is, being brought thither by John Cotton's keeper, one Williamson, and his speech with his brother was only to know how he did and what he lacked.

Doth now remember that he hath been four times at the Tower since his brother's commitment, but the last time he did not see him. The first was the day when John Cotton was examined before the King's learned Counsel, as he was returning to his lodging, Mr. Lieutenant being then in company. The second time, he went to Mr. Lieutenant to pray that he might speak with John Cotton, and was answered that his keeper, Williamson, was abroad; but at his coming forth he met Williamson, and was by him brought into the garden, as mentioned before. The third time, as he thinketh, Mr. Lieutenant was not within, but Williamson brought him to speak with his brother. The height of the walk is about ten feet and there are no battlements on the garden side. Believes that on the top of the Tower where John Cotton lieth there are leads.

He saith further that once, coming into the garden, he found Mr. Talbott walking alone upon the walk, and prayed him (not knowing who he was) to knock at John Cotton's door and ask his keeper to let him come forth, which accordingly was done. Does not believe that Mr. Talbott remained on the walk, but he and John Cotton might be there together and yet not speak, for one may walk at the one end and one at the other, which examinate thinketh that sometimes they do.

Knows of no writing paper being brought into the Tower to his brother, but remembers that soon after his commitment, Williamson brought certain pieces of paper to examinate's house, with requests from John Cotton for linen and directions about money, which papers were always sent open. Signed twice by deponent.

Endorsed by the Archbishop.