Numb. 1.
VOTES Of the HOUSE of COMMONS, At OXFORD.
A Message from the King was delivered by Thomas Duppa, Esq;. Deputy Gentleman-Usher of the Black Rod.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
The King Commands this Honourable House to Attend Him immediately in the House of Peers.
And accordingly the House went up to attend His Majesty, who was pleased (after having made a Speech) to command the Commons to return to their House, and proceed to the choice of their Speaker.
And the House having returned from His Majesty, William Williams Esq; Speaker of the last Parliament, was unanimously chosen by the House for their Speaker in this Parliament, and Conducted to the Chair by two of the Members, and there in a Speech accepted the Service of the House.
The House being informed that His Majesty had appointed to Morrow Three of the Clock in the Afternoon, for the House to present their Speaker.
THe House being met, and Mr. Speaker having taken the Chair.
A Message was delivered from the King, by Thomas Duppa, Esq;. Deputy Gentleman-Usher of the Black Rod.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons.
The King Commands this Honourable House to Attend Him immediately in the House of Peers.
And accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to attend his Majesty, and Mr. Speaker with a Speech, humbly represented to his Majesty, That the House of Commons had chosen him [Page 2]their Speaker; and he made claim by humble Address to his Majesty in the Name of the Commons of England in Parliament Assembled, of the Antient Rights of the Commons for them and their Servants, in their Persons and Estates, to be free from Arrests and other Disturbances, in all their Debates to have Liberty and Freedome of Speech, and as occasion shall require, to have access to his Majesties Royal Person.
Which were allowed by the King.
The House being returned, and Mr. Speaker having taken the Chair, and made Report thereof to the House,
The House Adjourned.
THe House being met, proceeded to the taking the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and making and subscribing the Declaration directed by an Act made in the Thirtieth Year of his now Majesties Reign, Entituled, An Act for the more effectual preserving the King's Person and Government, by disabling Papists from Sitting in either House of Parliament.
And Mr. Speaker and a great number of the Members of the House, having taken the said Oaths, and made and subscribed the said Declaration,
The House Adjourned.
I Appoint Gabriel Kunholt to Print these VOTES, Perused by me according to the Order of the House of Commons; And that no other Person person presume to Print them. March 23. 1680/1.
London, Printed for Gabriel Kunholt Book-binder to his Highness Prince RUPERT; And are to be sold at his Shop at the King's-Head over against the Meuse.
Published by Langley Curtis in Goat Court upon Ludgate-Hill.
Numb. 2.
VOTES Of the HOUSE of COMMONS At OXFORD.
A Bill to correct vexatious Actions of Trespass was Read the first time.
Resolved, That the Bill be Read a second time.
Ordered, That where there is any double Returns of Members to serve in this present Parliament, such Members do forbear to Sit until the said Returns be decided.
A Petition of Richard Duke Esq; touching the Election for the Burrough of Ashburton in the County of Devon.
A Petition of the Burgesses and Inhabitants of the Burrough of Southwark in the County of Surrey touching the Election for the said Burrough.
A Petition of Sir Richard Stevens Knight touching the Election for the Burrough of Port smouth in the County of Southhampton.
A Petition of Sir Peter Tyrret Baronet, and Charles Blount Esq; touching the Election for the Burrough of Buckingham in the County of Bucks.
A Petition of Denzell Onslow, and Francis Dorrington Esquires touching the Election for the Burrough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey.
A Petition of Humphrey Burlace, and Nicholas Burlace Esquires touching the Election for the Burrough of Mitchell in the County of Cornwall.
A Petition of Francis Paulett Esq; and Sir Robert Henley Knight touching the Election for the Burrough of Andover in the County of Southhampton.
A Petition of Sir Roger Hill Knight, touching the Election for the Burrough of Agmondesham in the County of Bucks.
A Petition of Algernon Sidney Esq; touching the same Election.
A Petition of Edward Hungerford, and John Eyles Esquires touching the Election for the Burrough of Devises in the County of Wilts.
A Petition of John Turton Esq; touching the Election for the Burrough of Tamworth in the Counties of Warwick and Stafford.
A Petition of George Rodney Bridges Esq; touching the Election for the City of Litchfield.
A Petition of Thomas Hooper Esq; touching the Election for the Burrough of Christchurch in the Burrough of Southhampton.
A Petition of Humphrey Courtney, and Thomas Kendall Esquires touching the Election for the Burrough of Westow in the County of Cornwall.
A Petition of Sir John Duncombe Knight, and George Walsh Esq; touching the Election for the Burrough of Eye in the County of Suffolk
A Petition of Samuel Rolls, and James Vernon Esquires touching the Election for the Burrough of Penryn in the County of Cornwall.
A Petition of Sir John Trevor Knight, touching the Election for the Shire-Town of Montgomery.
A Petition of Thomas Neale, and John Garrard Esquires touching the Election for the Burrough of Ludgarshall in the County of Wilts.
A Petition of Sir John Talbot Knight, and John Smith Esquires, touching the same Election.
A Petition of William Strode, and John Speake Esquires touching the Election for the Burrough of Ilchester in the County of Somerset.
A Petition of Sir Robert Henley Baronet, touching the Election for the Burrough of Bridport in the County of Dorset was Read.
Ordered,
That the said several Petitions be referred to the consideration of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to examine the matter thereof, and to Report the same with their Opinions therein to this House.
A Petition of Sir Robert Atkins Knight of the Bath, Sir John Knight Knight, and other Burgesses and Freeholders of the City of Bristol touching the Election for the said City, was Read.
Ordered, That the matter of this Petition be heard at the Bar of this House on next Monday sevenight.
A Petition of Richard Middleton Esq; touching the Election for the County of Denbigh, was Read.
Ordered, That the Merits of this Petition be heard at the Bar of this House next Wednesday sevenight.
A Petition of Thomas Harris Esq; touching the Election for the City of Worcester, was Read.
Ordered, That the Merits of this Petition be heard at the Bar of this House upon the Debate on next Monday fortnight.
A Petition of the Citizens and Freemen of the City of Exon touching the Election for the said City, was Read.
Ordered, That the Matter of this Petition be heard at the Bar of this House next Monday three weeks.
William Levison Gore being Elected, and Returned to serve in this present Parliament, as one of the Knights for the County of Salop; and also a Burgess for the Burrough of Newcastle Ʋnderline in the County of Stafford, made his Election to serve for the County of Salop.
Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do Issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a New Writ for the Electing of a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Newcastle Ʋnderline, in the room of the said William Levison Gore.
Resolved,
That the Votes and Proceedings of this House be Printed, and that the Care of the Printing thereof, and the Appointment of the Printers be committed to Mr. Speaker.
Ordered, That the Thanks of this House be given to Mr. Speaker for the Speech by him made in the House of Lords, upon his being presented to His Majesty, and that he be desired to Print the same.
The House taking notice that a Bill which passed both Houses the last Parliament, Entituled, An Act for the Repeal of a Statute made in the 35th year of the Reign of the Queen Eliz. was not presented to His Majesty (as the rest of the Bills were) for His Royal Assent.
Resolved,
That this House will to Morrow Morning at Ten of the Clock, take into consideration by what means the said Bill miscarried.
Resolved Nemin [...] Contradicente.
That this House will on Saturday Morning next, at Ten of the Clock, consider of means for the Security of the Protestant Religion, and for the Safety of the King's Person.
I Appoint Gabriel Kunholt to Print these VOTES, Perused and Signed by me, according to the Order of the House of COMNONS; And that no other Person presume to Print them. March 24. 1680.
London, Printed for Gabriel Kunholt, Bookbinder to His Highness Prince RƲPERT; And are to be Sold at his shop at the King's-Head over against the Meuse.
Publish'd by Langley Curtis upon Ludgate-Hill. 1681.
Numb. 3.
VOTES of the HOUSE of COMMONS, At OXFORD.
A Petition of Henry Whitehead Esq; Touching the Election for the Burrough of Stockbridge in the County of Southampton, was read.
Ordered,
That the said Petition be referr'd to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to examine the Matter thereof, and Report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.
Ordered,
That Mr. Hampden, Sir Francis Winnington, &c. or any Three of them, do inspect the Journals of the Late Parliaments relating to the Impeachment of Thomas Earl of Danby, and do immediately make Report thereof to the House.
A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin, and Sir Edward Low.
Mr. Speaker,
The Lords have sent you the Answer of Sir William Scroggs, Knight, Chief Justice of His Majesties Court of Kings-Bench, to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against him by the Commons in the Late Parliament assembled; as also a Petition from him to the Lords.
A Petition of Thomas Wise Esq; Touching the Election for the Burrough of Banbury in the County of Oxon. was read.
Ordered,
That the said Petition be referr'd to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges, to examine the Matter thereof, and Report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.
A Petition of the Burgesses of the Burrough of Marlborough in the County of Wilts. Touching the Election for the said Burrough, was read.
Ordered,
That the said Petition be referr'd to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to Examine the Matter thereof, and Report the same, with their Opinions therein to the House.
A Petition of Sir Tho. Littleton, Baronet, and Tho. Cooke, Esq; Touching the Election for the Borough of Truro in the County of Cornwal, was Read.
Ordered,
That the said Petition be referr'd to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges, to examine the matter thereof, and Report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.
Ordered,
That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to take away the Court, holden before the President and Councel in the Marches in Wales.
It being Represented to this House, by several Members, that many Counties, Cities and Burroughs, have freely without Charge, Elected many of their Members in this present Parliament, according to the antient Constitution of Elections of Members to serve in Parliament.
Wherefore this House doth give their Thanks to such Counties, Cities and Burroughs, for their said Elections.
Ordered,
That a Committee be appointed to consider of a more convenient Place in Oxon, for the Sitting of the Commons in Parliament now Assembled, and to make Report thereof to the House.
The House then according to their Order, took into Consideration the matter relating to the Bill, which passed both Houses in the last Parliament, Entituled, An Act for the Repeal of a Statute made in the 35th. Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, but was not Tender'd to his Majesty for his Royal Assent.
Resolved,
That a Message be sent to the Lords, desiring a Conference with their Lordships, in matters relating to the Constitution of Parliaments, in passing of Bills.
Ordered,
That a Committee be appointed to Consider of, and Prepare the subject matter to be offer'd at the said Conference.
Mr. Hampden Reports the Proceedings of the late Parliaments, relating to the Impeachment of the Commons of England, against the Earl of Danby.
Ordered,
That a Message be sent to the Lords, to mind their Lordships, That the Commons in Parliament Assembled, have formerly by their Speaker Demanded Judgment at the Bar of the Lords House, upon the Impeachment of the Commons, against Thomas Earl of Danby, of High Treason, and to desire their Lordships to appoint a Day to give Judgment against the said Thomas Earl of Danby, upon the said Impeachment, and that the Lord Cavendish do go up with the said Message.
Sir George Treby acquaints the House, That he, together with Sir Robert Clayton, had taken the Examination of Edward Fitz-Harris, relating to the Popish Plot, which he read in his place, and afterwards deliver'd the same in at the Clerks Table.
Ordered,
That the said Examination be forthwith Printed.
Resolved,
That the same Edward Fitz-Harris be Impeached of High Treason, in the name of all the Commons of England, and that Mr. Secretary Jenkins do to Morrow Morning go up and Impeach him, at the Bar of the Lords House.
Ordered,
That it be Referr'd to Sir Francis Winnington, Sir William Jones, &c. to draw up and prepare Articles of Impeachment against the said Edward Fitz-Harris.
Ordered,
That Sir George Treby do to Morrow Morning give the House an account of the Information given by Mr. Serjeant, relating to the Popish Plot.
And then the House Adjourned till 8. to Morrow Morning.
I Appoint Gabriel Kunholt to Print these VOTES, Perused by me accordding to the Order of the House of Commons; And that no other Person presume to Print them. March 25, 1681
London, Printed for Gabriel Kunholt, Book-binder to his Highness Prince RUPERT; And are to be sold at his Shop at the King's-Head over against the Meuse.
Published by Langley Curtis in Goat Court upon Ludgate-Hill.
Numb. 4.
VOTES Of the HOUSE of COMMONS, At OXFORD.
SIR Robert Howard Reports from the Committee appointed to consider of a more convenient place in Oxford for this House to Sit in, That the Theatre was the most convenient place they could find for that purpose.
Resolved,
That an Humble Address be Presented to His Majesty from this House, by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, humbly representing to His Majesty the inconvenience of the place where the Commons now Sit in Parliament; And that the House having by a Report from a Committee appointed to consider of a more convenient Place for their Sitting, been informed, that the Theatre in Oxford is a more convenient Place for their Sitting; Wherefore the Commons Humbly beseech His Majesty to command the Theatre may be fitted and prepared for their Sitting there.
Sir William Jones reports from the Committee appointed to prepare the Subject matter of the Conference, desired to be had with the Lords in matters relating to the Constitution of Parliament in passing Bills, the matter agreed upon by the said Committee.
Ordered,
That the Lord Dursley do immediately go up to the Lords to desire such Conference.
Sir John Fagg being returned a Knight of the Shire to serve for the County of Sussex, and likewise a Burgess to serve for the Burrough of Steyning in the said County, made his Election to serve for the said County.
Ordered,
That Mr. Speaker do Issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the Election of a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough of Steyning, in the room of the said Sir John Fagg.
A Petition of the Citizens and Inhabitants of New-Sarum, touching the Election for that City, was read.
Ordered,
That the said Petition be referred to the consideration of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges, to examine the matter thereof, and to report the same, with their Opinions therein, to the House.
Sir George Treby reports several Examinations taken from Mr. John Serjeant and David Maurice, relating to the Popish Plot, which he Read in his place, and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table, where the same being Read,
Ordered,
That the said several Informations be forthwith Printed.
This House having taken into solemn debate and consideration, the means for the security of the Protestant Religion, and for Safety of the Kings Person, doth resolve, That a Bill be brought in for excluding James Duke of York from Inheriting the Imperial Crowns of England and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging.
Ordered,
That a Committee be appointed to prepare and draw up the said Bill, and it is referred to Sir William Jones, &c.
Adjourned to 5 of the Clock Post Meridiem.
THe House being informed, That the Lords had refused upon the Impeachment of the Commons against Edward Fitz-Harris, and had directed that he should be proceeded against at the Common-Law, and aDebate arising in the House thereupon,
Resolved,
That it is the Undoubted Right of the Commons in Parliament assembled, to impeach before the Lords in Parliament any Peer or Commoner for Treason, or any other Crime or Misdemeanour: And that the Refusal of the Lords to proceed in Parliament upon such Impeachment, is a Denial of Justice, and a Violation of the Constitution of Parliaments.
Resolved,
That in the Case of Edward Fitz-Harris, who by the Commons has been Impeached for High Treason before the Lords, with a Declaration, That in convenient time they would bring up the Articles against him; for the Lords to Resolve, That the said Fitz-Harris should be proceeded with according to the course of Common Law, and not by way of Impeachment in Parliament, at this time, is a Denial of Justice, and a Violation of the Constitution of Parliaments, and an Obstruction to the further discovery of the Popish Plot, and of great danger to His Majesties Person, and the Protestant Religion.
Resolved,
That for any Inferiour Court to proceed against Edward Fitz-Harris, or any other Person lying under an Impeachment in Parliament, for the same Crimes for which he or they stand Impeached, is and high Breach of the Priviledge of Parliament.
Ordered,
That a Bill or Bills be brought in for the better Uniting of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects.
Ordered,
That a Bill be brought in for Banishing the most Considerable Papists of England out of His Majesties Dominions by their Names.
Adjourned, &c.
I Appoint Gabriel Kunholt to Print these VOTES, Perused by me according to the Order of the House of Commons; And that no other Person presume to Print them. March 26. 1681.
London, Printed for Gabriel Kunholt Book-binder to his Highness Prince RUPERT; And are to be sold at his Shop at the King's-Head over against the Meuse.
Published by Langley Curtis upon Ludgate-Hill.
☜ Whereas Benj. Harris in his Domestick Intelligence, last Week presumptuously without order published an imperfect account of the Speakers Speeches upon his being Elected Speaker: This is to give notice, that the true Speeches published by the Speaker's own Order and Authority, are Printed for Gabriel Kunholt, and are to be Sold at his Shop over against the Meuse, and by Langley Curtis on Ludgate-Hill.
Numb. 5.
VOTES of the HOUSE of COMMONS, At OXFORD.
APetition of Sir John Sidnam, touching the Election of a Knight, to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Somerset was read.
Ordered,
That the said Petition be referred to the consideration of the Committe of Elections and Priviledges.
Ordered,
That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant for sending for Rersons, Papers and Records, in such Elections, as are appointed to be heard at the Bar of the House.
A Petition of Edward Nosworthy Esq; touching the Election for Leskaid was read, and referred to the Committee of Elections and Priviledges.
Ordered,
That every Knight of the Shire do pay ten Shillings, and every Citizen and Burgess five Shillings to be distributed amongst the Officers attending the House.
A Bill for Excluding James Duke of York, to inherit the Imperial [Page 10]Crown of England and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging.
Ordered,
That the Bill be read a Second time to morrow morning at Ten of the Clock in a full House.
A Message from His Majesty by Mr. Edward Duppa, Deputy-Usher of the Black Rod.
Mr. Speaker,
The King Commands this Hounourable House to Attend Him immediately in the House of Peers.
And accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to Attend His Majesty, where His Majesty was pleased to Dissolve this present Parliament.
I Appoint Gabriel Kunholt to Print these VOTES, Perused by me accordding to the Order of the House of Commons; And that no other Person presume to Print them. March 28, 1681
London, Printed for Gabriel Kunholt, Book-binder to his Highness Prince RUPERT; And are to be sold at his Shop at the King's Head over against the Meuse.
Published by Langley Curtis upon Ludgate-Hill.
☜ There are Printing for Gabriel Kunholt, by appointment of Mr. Speaker, the Informations of John Serjeant and David Morris Gentlemen, relating to the Popish Plot (delivered by them upon their respective Oaths) reported to the House of Commons upon Saturday the 26th day of March, 1681. Then order'd by the Commons in Parliament to be forthwith Printed.