By the Rev. Canon Jackson. 198 



2. „ 1561. The Codncil's Instettction8~to the Justices 

 OF THE Peace. 



Thomas Howard, fourth Duke of Noefolk. 



Wiltshire Loan to Queen Eiizabeth. 



A Charge to be given by a Justice of the 

 Peace at the Quarter Sessions. 



Wilts Provision for the Queen's Household. 



Mary, Queen of Scots. 



Wilts Preparation against the Spanish Ar- 

 mada. 



I. — 12th July, A.D. 1553. The Lady Jane Grey. 

 [It is only necessary to remind the readers that on the death of King 

 Edward VI., the claim of Lady Jane Grey to the throne was put 

 forward in opposition to the Princess Maiy. It was at that mo- 

 ment the following letter, in Lady Jane's favour, was sent to the 

 Chief Officers of Co. Wilts.] 



*' Letter from the Council to the Sheriff and Justices of the County of Wilts. 



After onr most harty comendatyons. Whereas the Queue's Highnes GinEEW 

 Jane being presently by just title in full possession of th' Imperiall Crown of 

 this Realme and the dominions thereunto belonginge, The Ladt Mabt, bastard 

 daughter of the late King of famous memory K. Henry the viij**" doth not only 

 by all meanes and wayes she may, stirre and provoke the comyn people of this 

 Bealme to rebellyon, but also seketh menes to bring in gret force of papists, 

 Spanyards and other straungers for the aide of her unjust and unnatural service, 

 to the great perill and danger of the utter subversion of God's holy woord and 

 of the hole estate of this Realme : Albeit we nothing doubt but this sedytyus 

 and rebellyus doyngs of the said Lady Mabt, being well knowen unto you, 

 will of themselves well admonyshe you of your duetyes unto your and cub 

 SovEEArN Last Quene Jane and the preservation of the true Religion and 

 ancient libertie of your natural country ageynst forein powers : Yet, considering 

 what desolation may come to men of wurshyp and good doyng and worth, by 

 the seditions, rebellions and mutinies of the baser sort, we have thought good 

 to signifie unto you that our said Soveeayne Lady, Qtjene Jane's pleasure 

 and comaundment is, that you shall not onely use all manner of travell and 

 labour to kepe and preserve Hke Majesty's people inhabitting near about you, 

 in peace and good quiet, and to request all other that shall go about to move 

 any tumult other [i.e., either'] by pretence of the unjust and fayned title of the 

 Lady Mabt, being illegitimate and bastard as is aforeseyd, or by any other 

 menes ; but also to put yourselves in order with such number of horsemen and 

 foot-men as you be hable to make of your servants, tenants and other, being 

 under your rules and offyces. as you may, upon sending for, or other knowledge 

 given you, other [t.e., either'] repayr to our very good Lord the Duke of North- 



