Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 4, 1629-42. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1767-1830.
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'House of Lords Journal Volume 4: 29 April 1641', in Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 4, 1629-42, (London, 1767-1830) pp. 230. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol4/p230 [accessed 26 April 2024]
In this section
DIE Jovis, videlicet, 29 die Aprilis.
PRAYERS.
Mr. St. John's Argument, to maintain the Bill of Attainder of the E. of Strafford.
* * * * * * *
Examination about the Ship prepared for the Escape of the E. of Strafford.
Then Robert Clements was called in, and asked what he could inform concerning Mr. Slyngesbye's Ship, that lies in Tilbury-hope. He said, "He sold the Ship to Mr. Slyngesby, who told him she was to go for Ireland, to be laded with Pipe-staves at Washford; that she hath lain Five Weeks in The Hope, and hath now Fourteen Men in her, and Victuals for a Month; but for any Intention of the Earl of Strafford to use her, he knows nothing of it."
Edward Clements, Master of the said Ship, was likewise called in, and witnessed to the same Effect.
Next the Lieutenant of The Tower was called in, and asked whether it is possible for the Earl of Strafford to make an Escape out of The Tower; and whether he will be answerable for him.
He answered, "It was impossible for him to judge that; and, though he is very careful, yet he will not be answerable for him, having that Liberty he hath; but will do what lies in him; and what Directions their Lordships will give him, he will observe them."
The Lieutenant withdrew.
And, after some Debate, it was thought fit, That this House should not any Ways undertake, or be charged with, the Custody of the Earl of Strafford, but be disengaged; therefore it was Ordered, That this House having committed the Earl of Strafford to the Custody of the Lieutenant of The Tower of London to be his Prisoner, their Lordships do hold him to be responsible for him, according to the Law, upon his own Peril, if the Earl of Strafford shall escape, without any Liberty or Restraint prescribed unto him by this House; but do leave it wholly to him to take such Course as he shall think best for his safe Custody.
Lieut. of the Tower charg'd to look after him.
The Lieutenant of The Tower was called in; and the Speaker told him what the House had Ordered concerning the Earl of Strafford; and their Lordships expected from him the Performance thereof.
Adjourn.
Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius de Communi Banco, Locum tenens Domini Custodis Magni Sigilli, declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque in diem Veneris, videlicet, 30m diem instantis Aprilis, hora 9a, Dominis sic decernentibus.