House of Commons Journal Volume 9: 21 April 1679

Lunæ, 2 die Aprilis, 1679.

Prayers.

Leave of Absence.

ORDERED, That Mr. Turner of Lynn, and Sir William Coventry, have Leave to go into the Country.

Ordered, That Mr. Thurborne have Leave to continue in the Country, in order to the Recovery of his Health.

Message from the King.

Mr. Secretary Coventry acquaints the House, That his Majesty had commanded him to let the House know, that his Majesty did intend to come to the House of Peers this Day about Twelve of the Clock, in his Royal Robes; and did intend to send for this House to attend him there.

A Message from his Majesty, by Sir Edward Carteret Usher of the Black Rod;

Mr. Speaker,

The King commands this honourable House to attend Him immediately in the House of Peers.

And accordingly Mr. Speaker, with the House, went up to attend his Majesty in the House of Peers.

And the House being returned;

Mr. Speaker reports the Effect of his Majesty's Speech: Which is as followeth; viz.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

The King's Speech respecting the Privy Council.

I Thought it necessary to acquaint you, what I have done this Day: Which is, That I have established a new Privy Council, the constant Number of which shall never exceed Thirty.

I have made Choice of such Persons, as are worthy and able to advise Me: And am resolved, in all My weighty and important Affairs, next to the Advice of My Great Council in Parliament (which I shall very often consult with), to be advised by this Privy Council.

I could not make so great a Change without acquainting both Houses of Parliament: And I desire you all to apply yourselves heartily (as I shall do) to those Things which are necessary for the Good and Safety of the Kingdom; and that no Time may be lost in it.

Norfolke Election.

The House then took into Consideration the Matter touching the Election for the County of Norfolke; and examined the Witnesses on the Part of the Petitioners.

And then the House adjourned till Three of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Post meridiem ejusdem diei.

Norfolke Election.

THE House took into further Consideration the Matter touching the Election for the County of Norfolke; and examined all the Witnesses on the Part of the Sitting Members.

Resolved, &c. That Sir Christopher Caltcorpe is not duly elected to serve in this present Parliament, as One of the Knights of the Shire for the County of Norfolke.

Resolved, &c. That Sir Nevill Cataline is not duly elected to serve in this present Parliament, as One of the Knights of the Shire for the County of Norfolke.

The Question being put, That Sir John Hobart is duly elected to serve in this present Parliament, as One of the Knights of the Shire for the County of Norfolke;

The House divide.

The Noes go forth.

And so it passed in the Negative.

Resolved, &c. That Sir John Hobart is not duly elected to serve in this present Parliament, as Knight of the Shire for the County of Norfolke.

Ordered, That Mr. Samuel Verdon, an Attorney, acting as Under Sheriff for the County of Norfolke, be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House; to answer his Miscarriages and ill Practices, in Electing of Knights of the Shire to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Norfolke.

Ordered, That Dr. John Hildyard be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House; to answer his Contempt in not attending this House, according to the Summons to him given.

Resolved, &c. That this House will, on Wednesday next come Sevennight, take into Consideration the Matter of the Miscarriages touching the Election for the County of Norfolke.

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Eight of the Clock.