•56 HISTORY OF 



sonment in the Tower for three years and a half, 

 the bishop was released, and his talents were em- 

 ployed by Charles in endeavouring to appease the 

 seditions and troubles that now began to wear a 

 serious aspect. Although Cliarles would not lis- 

 ten to the advice of the bishop, who remonstrated 

 against his going to Scotland, he soon after raised 

 him to the archbishopric of York. In the diffi- 

 culties to which the bishops were subjected by the 

 parliament, we find his grace, notwithstanding the 

 strong opposition, an able champion in defence of 

 episcopacy ; but, as the parliament was now taking 

 up arms against the king, the archbishop w as com- 

 pelled to leave his diocese, and he came to his na- 

 tive town of Aberconwy in 1642. As the castle 

 and the fortifications of the town required but a 

 little charge to be put in proper repair, he imme- 

 diately set about gathering forces, raising money, 

 and strengthening the king's interest in this coun- 

 try: although this was done without any order, 

 and at his own cost ; the king, upon hearing of his 

 loyalty, wrote to him several kind letters ; one of 

 which, as more immediately relating to the castle, 

 is here inserted. 



