A letter from Earl of Carlisle at Naworth to Joseph Williamson. Catalogue ref: SP 29/170 f152.
Naworth has a castle near Brampton in Cumbria.
Joseph Williamson (1633-1701) was the Under-Secretary of State (1660-74) and Keeper of the State Papers which he reorganised from 1661-1701. He also started the ‘Oxford Gazette’ at the time of the Great Plague in 1665, which later became established as the ‘London Gazette’.
Anabaptists, (from Greek ana, ‘again’) were a radical movement of the Protestant Reformation. They believed in the public confession of sin and faith, and baptism for adults only.
- Who does this writer believe started the fire in London?
- Why do you think the lack of regular post encouraged rumours about the causes of the fire?
- What does this letter reveal about how the country was defended?
Transcript
The post not coming according to his former use doth put us unto a great fear in these parts, that all is not well with you, and the rather because we have a rumour of a great fire that should lately had beene at London. Whether I intend to set towards upon Friday next if I remain not commanded for his Majesty’s service much interim. I shall be glad to hear from you how all things are, and if you direct your letter to me at Doncaster upon Tuesday fortnight. I hope to meet it there which is all at present from
Sir, your affectionate friend to serve, Carlisle.
Forward the 8 September 1666
Sir,
Since the writings here of I have heard the sad news of the city being set on fire by Anabaptists and other disaffected persons whereupon I have ordered the trained bands with my Lieutenants to meet and continue at such places as is most convenient for safety of the country of which I would have you to acquaint my Lord Arlington that I may have Orders sent down.
Simplified transcript
As the post is not coming as usual, there a great fear in these parts, because we have a rumour of a great fire in London. I intend to set out there on Friday next unless commanded by his Majesty to remain. I shall be glad to hear from you what is being said. If you direct your letter to the inn at Doncaster upon Tuesday fortnight. I hope to meet it there.
Sir, your affectionate friend to serve,
Carlisle.
Forward the 8 September 1666
Since writing, I have heard the sad news of the city being set on fire by Anabaptists and other disaffected persons whereupon I have ordered the trained bands with my Lieutenants to meet and continue in places that are most convenient for safety of the country. I would have you let my Lord Arlington know that I may have Orders sent down.