2o6 THE HISTORY OF NEWMARKET. [Book X. 



the Lord in his Providence hath given against the Secret and 

 Mischievous Plots, which have been laid and contrived by- 

 persons disaffected to the Peace and Wellfare of this Common- 

 wealth, in the timely Discovery of them, whereby the same 

 have been hitherto hindered from being brought to effect ; 

 Yet forasmuch as due Care ought to be taken for preventing 

 whatsoever may minister an Opportunity to give any Disturb- 

 ance to the Public Peace, His Highness the Lord Protector 

 being informed that several Horse-Races are appointed in 

 divers parts of the Commonwealth, and considering how great 

 a Concourse of People do usually frequent such Meetings, 

 and the evil Use made thereof by sugh ill-disposed Persons 

 as watch for opportunities to raise New Troubles ; For the 

 better preventing of the evils which may arise thereby to the 

 People of this Commonwealth, His Highness by the advice of 

 His Council, Doth hereby prohibit and forbid all Horse-races, 

 and all meetings of any persons whatsoever upon pretence 

 or colour of Horse-races, in any Place within England or 

 Wales, for the space of six Months, from the six and twentieth 

 day of February, one thousand six hundred fifty and four. 

 And doth hereby straightly charge and command, That no 

 Person or Persons whatsoever, during the space of the said 

 six Months, from the said six and twentieth day of February, 

 do appoint any Horse-race, or do assemble or meet together 

 upon, or by colour of any appointment of any Horse-race, or 

 be present at such Horse-race, as they would avoid being 

 guilty of the Danger that may ensue thereupon, and as they 

 tender the Peace and Security of this Nation. And His 

 Highness doth likewise charge and enjoin all Mayors, Sheriffs, 

 Justices of the Peace, Bayliffs, Constables, and all other 

 Ministers of Justice, to use their utmost diligence and care. 

 That all meetings upon Pretence or colour of any Horse-race 

 or Horse-races, during the time aforesaid, be prevented and 

 hindered, as they will answer the contrary at their perils. 

 And all Officers and Soldiers of the Army, quartered or lying 

 in or near such Place and Places, are hereby authorised and 

 required; upon notice, to be aiding and assisting to the said 



