Instruction from Charles II at Whitehall to the Justices of the Peace, Aldermen, and local officers, 9 September 1666. Catalogue ref: SP 29/171 f9.
- What has Charles II ordered the authorities to do to prevent further fire?
- How is this order to be enforced?
- What is the value of this document for finding out about the Great Fire?
Transcript
September 9, Whitehall
Whereas we are given to understand that notwithstanding all the care for the removing and taking away whatsoever might foment [cause] or revive the late dreadful fire, there are yet found remaining in several parts, great stacks of faggots, bavins, and quantities of other combustible matter to the great hazard of those parts. In case of further Accident of Fire, which we endeavour everywhere and by all means to provide against, Our Will and Pleasure is and we do hereby authorize and require you and every of you to cause further diligent search to be made in your respective parishes, precincts, quarters and divisions for all such stacks, heaps, stores and quantities of faggots, bavins and other combustible matter of all kinds, and to warn and require several owners to remove and carry away the same into some remoter parts within the space of forty eight hours next after such warning and in case of failure or refusal by them, Our Majesty’s Will and Pleasure that you do then give order to have of same removed and disposed of as, you shall think fit for the security of those parts, taking care in the meantime that the respective Parishes where they are so found do keep a good and sufficient watch upon them. Whereof you nor they may fail and for so doing this shall be your and their warrant. Given at Our Court at Whitehall 9th Day of September by His Majesty’s Command.
To our truly Beloved Justices of the Peace within the limits of communication, And the respective Aldermen of the several wards adjoining and their deputies and to all other our officers and ministers whom it may concern and every one of them.
Simplified transcript
The King understands that despite all the care for the removing anything that might cause the fire to start again, there remain in parts of the city great piles of sticks and bundles of wood which are very dangerous. In case of further fire, it is the King’s wish you have the authority to search in parishes, precincts, quarters, and divisions for all such stacks, heaps, stores and quantities of faggots [bundles of sticks], and other matter which is a fire hazard and to warn and the owners to remove it and take away to safer places in the next forty-eight hours. If there is failure or refusal to do this, his Majesty gives the authorities permission to get rid of it, to secure the safety in these places, taking care to keep a good watch on the parishes.
Given at Our Court at Whitehall 9th Day of September by His Majesty’s Command. To Justices of the Peace, Aldermen and their deputies and other officers and ministers whom it may concern.