Portrait of R. Pierce, 



327 



circulate as money ; at least they bear no notification as to any 

 place where they were payable, the probability then is that they 

 were sold to visitors at the Spa, as memorials of their visit, and as 

 an advertisement of the proprietors that held lodgings. 



ortrait of fl W tmt 



IE portrait, lately presented to the Society by Dr. Everett, 

 is that of Richard Pierce, of Devizes, (date of the paper 

 held in the hand 1662, not 1562, as before stated). It is of con- 

 siderable interest to Wiltshire, and particularly to Devizes men. 

 Pierce was a Woollen Draper (a trade of much importance in those 

 days), and Chamberlain and Alderman of the Borough. He was 

 a stanch Royalist, and took a prominent part in the stirring 

 events of the Civil Wars, particularly during the siege of the 

 castle and town. He is referred to in the following lines, by 

 the Hon. Edward Howard (Caroloiades). 



" This exigent as Royalists deplored, 



And fruitlessly had searched for powder stored, 



A trusty townsman makes himself their guide 



Unto enough of his to aid their side. 



Provided thus with hold joy they defy, 



By peals of shot the daring enemy ; 



And with recruited fury sallies make 



Where posted foes they kill, and prisoners take. 



Scorning that works their valour should confine, 



Who durst the place defend without a line." 



It appears that he had hidden stores of powder, which in their 

 extreme want he placed at the disposal of Lord Hopton's party, 

 and thus to him may be ascribed the prolonged defence of the 

 town, and as a sequence, Waller's defeat on Roundway. 



He afterwards had to compound for his estate, as " a delinquent," 

 for his adherence unto the forces raised against the Parliament. 

 [ Vide Waylen's History of Devizes.'] 



The picture can be traced from the Pierce family, to that of the 

 late Mrs. Giffard, through family connexions. 



