Europe, British Isles, England, City of London, Farringdon Without, Smithfield [Map]
Smithfield is in Farringdon Without.
1305 Execution of William Wallace
1441 Trial and Punishment of Eleanor Cobham
1535 Burning of the Anabaptists
1538 Execution of Friar John Forest
1544 Wyatt's Rebellion Executions
On 23 Aug 1305 William Wallace was hanged at the Elms in Smithfield [Map]. His head being displayed on London Bridge [Map].
On 08 Apr 1956 a plaque was unveiled on the wall of St Bartholomew's Hospital near to the site of his execution the text of which reads ...
To the immortal memory of Sir William Wallace Scottish patriot born at Elderslie Renfrewshire circa 1270 A.D. Who from the year 1296 fought dauntlessly in defence of his country's liberty and independence in the face of fearful odds and great hardship being eventually betrayed and captured brought to London and put to death near this spot on the 23rd August 1305.
His example heroism and devotion inspired those who came after him to win victory from defeat and his memory remains for all time a source of pride, honour and inspiration to his Countrymen.
"Dico tibi verum libertas optima rerum nunquam servili sub nexu vivito fili"
Translation: I tell you the truth, son, freedom is the best condition, never live like a slave
"Bas Agus Buaidh" aka Death and Victory, a traditional Scottish battle cry.
On 15 Jun 1381 King Richard II of England (age 14) met with Wat Tyler at Smithfield [Map]. During the course of the meeting Wat Tyler was wounded by William Walworth. Wat Tyler was then captured and beheaded at Smithfield [Map]. His head was placed on top a pole and carried through the city, then displayed on London Bridge.
Chronicle of Gregory 1403-1419. 1416. Ande that same yere was brent in Smethefild [Map] John Claydon, schynner, and Rychard Turmyn, baker, for heresye that they were convycte a-pon.
Chronicle of Gregory 1438. 14 May 1438. And the same yere on Estyr day there was on John Gardyner take at Synt Mary at the Axe in London, for he was an herytyke; for whenne shulde have benne houselyd he wypyd hys mouthe whithe a foule clothe and layde the oste there yn; and so he was takyn by the person of the chyrche, and the xiiij day of May he was i-breht in Smethefylde [Map].
Chronicle of Gregory 1440. 1440. Ande that same yere werre the barrys in Smethefylde [Map] newe made, for Syr Rycharde Woodevyle (age 55), knyght, was chalengyd of a knyght of Spayne for to donne certayne poyntys of armys in the felde.
Chronicle of Gregory 1441. 27 Oct 1441. And on Syn Symon and Jude ys eve was the wycche (age 26) be syde Westemyster brent in Smethefylde [Map], and on the day of Symon and Jude the person of Syn Stevynnys in Walbroke, whyche that was one of the same fore sayde traytours, deyde in the Toure [Map] for sorowe.
Note 1. Necromancy.
Chronicle of Gregory 1442. 30 Jan 1442. Ande the xxx day of Janyver was certayne poyntys of armys done in Smethefylde [Map] by twyne a knyght of Catelan and a Engelysche squyer, i-callyde Syr John Ascheley; of the whiche tyme the sone of the sayde knyght, in presens of alle the pepylle there, was made knyght opynly by the kyngys (age 20) owne hondys. And the sayde John Ayschelay also was made knyght att the same tyme.
Chronicle of Gregory 1445. 04 Oct 1445. Ande that same yere there was a pechyng i-made uppon the Erle of Ormounde (age 52) by the pryour of Kylmayn (age 24)1 for certayne poyntys of treson, the whyche was takyn in to the kyngys grace, where uppon hyt lykyd oure soverayne lorde (age 23) to graunte a generalle pardon unto the sayde Erle (age 52). But nevyrtheles the sayde pryour (age 24) appayryde in Smethefylde [Map] the iiij day of the monythe of October, as hyt was apoyntyde, fulle clenly harnyssyd, redy whythe alle hys fetys and whythe alle hys wepyns, kepynge the fylde tylle hyghe none.
Note 1. Thomas Fitzgerald (age 24) grandson of Thomas Earl of Kildare, was at this time Prior of the Knights of St. John at Kilmainham in Ireland.
Chronicle of Gregory 1446. 1446. And in that same yere was a nothyre chalenge i-made in Smethefylde [Map] by on Arblastre and a-nothyr man of London, but hyt was putte of by trete, and the same Arblastre ranne yn to the contente.
Chronicle of Gregory 1447. 31 Jan 1447. Ande in that same yere there was an armyrer and hys owne man fought whythe yn the lystys in Smethefylde [Map] the laste day of Januer, ande there the mayster was slayne and dyspoylyde owte of hys harnys, and lay stylle in the fylde alle that day and that nyght next folowynge. And thenne afty[r]ward, by the kyngys (age 25) commaundement, he was d[r]awyn, hanggyde, and be-heddyde, and hys hedde sette on London Brygge [Map], and the body hynggyng a-bove erthe be-syde the towre.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1510-1519. 04 Dec 1514. This yeare on Monday, the 4th of December, Richarde Hunn, taylor, of London, was hanged in the Lowlardes Tower at Powles [Map]. He was made an heretique for suinge a Præmunire against Dr. Fitz-James, Bishopp of London, and Dr. Horsey, his Chauncellor; and they saide he hanged himselfe, but it was fownde contrarie. His bodie was burnt in Smithfeilde [Map], on the even of St. Thomas th' Apostle next followinge.g
Note g. Arnold's version is as follows: "This yere, in Octobre, one Richard Hoone, dwellyng in the parysh of Saynt Margaret in Brydge Stret, was appeached of heresy, and put into the Lollar's Tower, at Powles, and therin was founde hangyd in prison, whereupon grete exclamacyon was amonge people, how, by whom, or by what meane, he was hangyd; the dowt was denyd by the temporall lawe, and was sayd that one Kok Charls, a sumner, and the Bell Rynge of Powles, sholde, in a nyght, hang the sayd Hoone; howe be it, aftyr he was hanged, he was jugyd an herctyck by the spirituall lawe, and brnyed in Smythfeld."
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 20 Nov 1531. This yeare, in November, on St. Edmonds day,a there was oneb convict of heresie which was some tyme a moncke in St. Edmondsburie, and was disgraded in Powles by the Bishop of London (age 56) of the orders of priesthoode, and so delivered to the Sherifies of London; and the 4th day of December followinge he was burnt in Smythfeilde [Map].
Note a. Norember 20.
Note b. Bayfield.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. Dec 1531. This yeare was a purser of London burnt in Smythfeilde [Map] for heresie, who bare a fagott at Powles Crosse [Map] the yeare afore.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. Apr 1532. The last day of Aprill, 1532, one Baynam, a gentleman, was burnt in Smythfeild [Map] for heresie.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 04 Jul 1533. This yeare, in Julie, on a Fridaie, one Frith (age 30), a servingman, a great clearke in the Greeke and Latten tonge, was brent in Smithfielde [Map], and a tailor of London with him, for heresie.b
Note b. John Frith (age 30) and Andrew Hewit, both Protestants; the former, a yonng man of learning and piety, was condemned for his book against the doctrine of Purgatory and his opinions on Transabstantiation.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 04 Jun 1535. This yeare, the 4th day of June, were diverse Dutch men and weomen convicted for heresie to the number of 22,a of the which 14 were condemned, and two of them, that is to say a man and a woman, were brent in Smythfeild [Map] this day at three of the clocke in the aftemoone, and the other 12 were sent to diverse good townes in England, there to be brent; and the residue were converted and commaunded to departe out of this realme within 14 dayes into their countries, on payne of death at the Kings pleasure.
Note a. On the 25th May, in St. Paul's church at London, 19 men and 6 women, born in Holland, were examined, of whom 14 were convicted as Anabaptists.—Stow.
On 25 May 1537 Margaret Stafford (age 26) was burned at the stake at Smithfield [Map].
Hall's Chronicle 1537. 02 Jun 1537 In June the lord Darcy (age 70) and the lord Hosey [Map] were arraigned at Westminster before the Marques of Exceter (age 41), then High Steward of England, and they were both found guilty and had their judgement as in cases of high treason.
After 02 Jun 1537. Shortly after were also arraigned Sir Robert Constable (age 59), Sir Thomas Percy (age 33), Sir Fraunces Bygod (age 29), Sir Stephin Hamelton, Sir Jhon Bulmer and his wife (deceased), which some reported was not his wife but his paramour, also William Lumley, Nicholas Tempest (age 57), and the Abbots of Jerney (age 35) and Rivers, and Robert Aske (age 37), and all found guilty of high treason, and all put to death at Tiborne [Map], saving Sir Robert Constable (age 59), which was hanged in chains on Beverley gate at Hull and Aske (age 37) was also hanged in chains in Yorke on a Tower, and Sir John Bulmer’s Paramour (deceased), was burned in Smithfclde [Map] in London. And in the latter end of June, was the Lord Darcy (age 70) beheaded at Tower Hill [Map], and shortly after was the Lord Hosey (age 70) beheaded at Lyncolne [Map].
In 1538 Friar John Forest (age 67) was burned at the stake at Smithfield [Map] for heresy ie he refused to acknowledge the King as head of the church.
Hall's Chronicle 1538. May 1538. In May there was a Friar, called Friar Forest, one of the Observant Friars, but he might have bene more truly named as after shall appear, an Obstinate Friar, this obstinate friar had secretly in confessions declared to many of the King’s subjects that the King was not Supreme Head, and being hereof accused and apprehended, he was examined how he could say that the King was not Supreme Head of the Church, when he himself had sworn to the contrary, he answered that he took his oath with his outward man, but his inward man never consented thereunto: At this answer the lords who examined him looked very strangely at the dissimulation of the Friar, but being farther accused of diverse heretical and damnable articles, that he held contrary to the scripture of god, he was after sundry examinations convinced and confuted, and gladly submitted himself to abide the punishment of the church. But upon this his submission, having more liberty than before he had, as well to talk with whom he would, as also, who that he would to talk with him, certain such outward men as he was so talked with him and so incensed him, that the outward Freer was as far from his open submission as ever he was, and when his abjuration was sent him to read, and loke upon, he utterly refused it, and obstinately stood in all his heresies and treasons before conspired, al gentle meanes that was possible to be sought for his reconciliation was had, but the more gentler that the magistrates were to him, the more obstinate was the friar, and would neither argue nor answer wherefore justly he was condemned, and after for him was prepared in Smithfeld [Map] in London a gallows on the which he was hanged in chains by the middle and armholes all quick, and under the gallows was made a fire, and he so consumed and burned to death. At his coming to the place of execution, there was prepared a great scaffold, on which sat the nobles of the realm, and the King’s Majesty’s most honourable counsel only to have granted pardon to that wretched creature, if any spark of repentance would have happened in him there was also prepared a pulpit where a right reverend father in God and a renowned and famous Clerck the bishop of Worcester called Hugh Latimer (age 51), declared to him his errors, and openly and manifestly by the scripture of God confuted them, and with many and godly exhortations moved him to repentance, but such was his forwardness that he neither would hear nor speak. And a little before the execution, a huge and great image was brought to the gallows, which image was brought out of Wales, and of the Welshmen much sought and worshipped. This image was called Darvel Gatheren, and the Welshmen had a prophesy that this image should set a whole forest on fire, which prophesy now took effect, for he set this friar Forest on fire and consumed him to nothing. This Friar when he saw the fire come, and that present death was at hand, caught hold upon the ladder, which he would not let go, but so unpatiently took his death, that no man that ever put his trust in God never so unquietly nor so ungodly ended his life. If men might judge him by his outward man, he appeared to have little knowledge of God and his sincere truth, and less trust in him at his ending.
Upon the gallows that he died on, was set with great letters these verses following.
David Darvel Gatheren
As sayth the Welshmen
Fetched Outlawes out of Hell.
Now is he come, with spere and shild
In harnes to burne in Smithfeld
For in Wales he may not dwel
And Foreest the Freer
That obstinate Iyer
That wylfully shalbe dead.
In his contumacie
The Gospel doeth deny
The King to be supreme heade.
Hall's Chronicle 1540. Dec 1540. In this yere was burned in Smithfeld [Map], a child named Richard Mekins, this child passed not the age of fifteen years, and somewhat as he had heard some other folks talk, chanced to speak against the Sacrament of the Altar. This boy was accused to Edmond Boner (age 40) Bishop of London, who so diligently followed the accusation, that he first found the means to indite him, and then arraigned him, and after burned him. And at the time he was brought to the stake, he was taught to speak much good, of the Bishop of London, and of the great charity, that he showed him and that he defied all heresies, and cursed the time that ever he knew Doctor Barnes, for of him had he learned that heresy, which he died for. The poor boy would for the safeguard of his life have gladly said that the twelve Apostles taught it him, for he had not cared of whom he had named it, such was his childish innocence and fear. But for this deed many spoke and said, that it was great shame for the Bishop, who they said ought rather to have laboured to have saved his life, then to procure that terrible execution, seeing that he was such an ignorant soul, as knew not what the affirming of an heresy was.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 12 Feb 1544. The xij day of February was mad at evere gate in Lundun a newe payre of galaus and set up, ij payre in Chepesyde, ij payr in Fletstrett [Map], one in Smythfyld [Map], one payre in Holborne, on at Ledyn-hall [Map], one at sant Magnus London [-bridge], on at Peper allay gatt, one at sant Gorgeus, on in Barunsay [Bermondsay] strett, on on Towr hylle [Map], one payre at Charyngcrosse [Map], on payre besyd Hyd parke corner.
Wriothesley's Chronicle 14 Feb 1554. 14 Feb 1544. The 14 of February divers of the rebells were putt to death, that is to saye, Bothe, one of the Queenes footemen, one Vicars, a Yeoman of the Garde, great John Norton, and one Kinge, were hanged at Charinge Crosse [Map]. And three of the rebells, one called Pollarde, were hanged at the parke pale by Hide Parke; three allso in Fleet street, one at Ludgate, one at Bishopsgate [Map], one at Newgate [Map], one at Aldgate [Map], three at the Crosse [Map] in Cheape, three at Soper Lane ende in Chepe, and three in Smithfield [Map], which persons hanged still all that daye and night tyll the next morninge, and then cutt downe.a And the bodies of them that were hanged at the gates were quartered at Newgate [Map], and the heades and bodies hanged over the gates where they suffred.
Note a. The Grey Friares Chronicle (p. 88) adds "the whych ware of London that fled from the Dnke of Norfoke."
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1547. The eight daie of October my Lord Protectors Grace (age 47) came from North home, and in Finsburie Fields my lord major, with the aldermen in their skarlett gownes, with certaine of the comens in their liveries with their hoodes, mett his Grace, the major and aldermen on horsebacke, and he ever tooke one of them by the handea, and after my lord major rode with him to the pounde in Smythfield [Map], where my Lord Protector tooke his leve of them, and so rode that night to his place at Shene [Map], and the morrowe after to the King (age 9) at Hampton Court [Map].
Note a. Probably a clerical error for "he tooke every one of them by the hand."
Henry Machyn's Diary. 14 Mar 1551. The xiiij day of Marche was hangyd, in Smyth-feld [Map], on John Mosbe and ys syster, for the death of a gentyll man of Feyversham, one M. Arden the custemer, and ys owne wyff was decaul.... and she was burnyd at Canturbery [Map] and her sarvand hangyd ther, and ij at Feyversham and on at Hospryng, and nodur in the he way to Canturbery, for the death of M. Arden of Feyversham. [and at Flusshyng was bernyd Blake Tome for the sam deth of M. Arden. [Note. This last line was added to the entry some time after it was written.]
Note. The murder of master Arden of Feversham. The particulars of this memorable domestic tragedy will be found very fully narrated in Holinshed's Chronicle; and from the Wardmote Book of Feversham in Jacob's History of that town, 8vo. 1774, p. 197. See also a long narrative among Stowe's transcripts, MS. Harl. 542, ff. 34-37. It created so great a public interest that it became the subject not only of a Ballad which will be found in Evans's collection, 1810, vol. iii. pp. 217-225; but also of a Play published in 4to. 1592, again in 1599 and 1633, and lastly in 1770, when the editor, Edward Jacob, esq. who afterwards published the History of Feversham above mentioned, in his preface offered "some reasons in favour of its being the earliest dramatic work of Shakspeare now remaining." Mr. Collier's remarks on this subject will be found in his History of the Stage and of Dramatic Poetry, iii. 52. Lillo also began a tragedy founded on the same story, which was finished by Dr. John Hoadly, and printed in 12mo. 1762.
The concern taken by the government in the prosecution of the parties guilty of this murder, is shown by the following extracts from the Privy Council book:-
"1551, 5th Marche. A Lettere to the Justyces of Peace in Kente, advertesinge them the order taken for the punishmente of those that murdered Mr. Ardeyrn; Videliset, Sicely Pounder, widowe, and Thomas Mosbye, to be hanged in Smithfield, in London; Alice Ardeyrn, to be burned at Canterburye, and Bradshawe, to be hanged there in cheanes; Michaell Saunderson, to be hanged, drawne, and quartered, at Feversham, and Elizabeth Stafford to be burned there." (MS. Harl. 352, fol. 156.) On the same day, "A Letter to the Sherifes of London, to receave of the Sherife of Kent, Cicelye Poundere, widowe, and Thomas Mosbye, to be hanged in Smithfield, for the Murder of Thomas Ardeine of Fevershame; and a Letter to the Maiore of Canterburye, to receave of the Sherife of Kente Alice Ardeine, to be burned at Canterburye, and Bradshawe, to be hanged there, for the Murder of Mr. Ardeine." (lb. fol. 157.)
The actual murderer, and also one Greene, a confederate, had escaped. The following entries will be found to correct and explain Holinshed's account of their capture.
"1551, 28th May. A Lettere to Mr. North, to enlarge one Bate out of thecountere, who convayed away one Greene, of Fevershame, after the Murdere of Mr. Ardeine was ther don, and undertaketh to brynge forthe Greene again, yf he may have libertie; providinge that he take sufficient sureties, either to become prisonere againe, or else to bringe forthe the said Greene." (lb. fol. 174.)
"1551, 15th June. A Letter to Sr. William Godolphine knighte, of thankes for his dilligence in the apprehencione of Blacke Will, that killed Mr. Arderne of Feversham, and to send him in saufe garde, with promise of paymente for the charges of the bringeres "It appears from Holinshed and from our Diary (in which this person is called Black Tom,) that he was not sent home, according to this request, but was "burnt on a scaffold, at Flushing, in Zealand."
Henry Machyn's Diary. 22 Jan 1555. The xxij day of January whent in-to Smythfeld [Map] to berne betwyn vij and viij in the mornyng v men and ij women; on of the men was a gentyllman of the ender tempull, ys nam master Gren; and they wer all bornyd by ix at iij postes; and ther wher a commonment thrughe London over nyght that no yong folke shuld come ther, for ther the grettest [number] was as has byne sene at shyche a tyme.
Foxe's Book of Martyrs. 04 Feb 1555. Now when the time came, that he, being delivered to the sheriffs, should be brought out of Newgate [Map] to Smithfield [Map], the place of his execution, first came to him Master Woodroofe, one of the aforesaid sheriffs, and calling Master Rogers (age 50) unto him, asked him if he would revoke his abominable doctrine, and his evil opinion of the sacrament of the altar. Master Rogers (age 50) answered and said, "That which I have preached I will seal with my blood." "Then," quoth Master Woodroofe, "thou art a heretic." "That shall be known," quoth Rogers, "at the day of judgment." "Well," quoth Master Woodroofe, "I will never pray for thee." "But I will pray for you," quoth Master Rogers: and so was brought the same day, which was Monday the fourth of February, by the sheriffs towards Smithfield, saying the psalm Miserere by the way, all the people wonderfully rejoicing at his constancy, with great praises and thanks to God for the same. And there, in the presence of Master Rochester, comptroller of the queen's household, Sir Richard Southwell (age 52), both the sheriffs, and a wonderful number of people, the fire was put unto him; and when it had taken hold both upon his legs and shoulders, he, as one feeling no smart, washed his hands in the flame, as though it had been in cold water. And, after lifting up his hands unto heaven, not removing the same until such time as the devouring fire had consumed them - most mildly this happy martyr yielded up his spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father. A little before his burning at the stake, his pardon was brought, if he would have recanted, but he utterly refused. He was the first protomartyr of all the blessed company that suffered in Queen Mary's time, that gave the first adventure upon the fire. His wife and children, being eleven in number, and ten able to go, and one sucking on her breast, met him by the way as he went towards Smithfield. This sorrowful sight of his own flesh and blood could nothing move him; but that he constantly and cheerfully took his death, with wonderful patience, in the defence and quarrel of Christ's gospel.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 04 Feb 1555. The sam day was Rogers (age 50) cared be-twyn x and xj of the cloke in-to Smyth-feld [Map], and bornyd, for aronyus [erroneous] apinions, with a grett compene of the gard.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 16 Mar 1555. The xvj day of Marche was a veyver [weaver] bornyd in Smyth-feld [Map], dwellyng in Sordyche [Map], for herese, by viij of the cloke in the mornyng, ys nam was (Tomkins).
Henry Machyn's Diary. 30 May 1555. The xxx day of May was burnt in Smythfeld [Map] master Cardmaker sum-tyme veker of sant Bryd and master Varren (age 29) clothworker dwellyng aganst sant Johns in Walbroke, an hupholster, and ys wyff behyng in [Newgate].
On 30 May 1555 two Protestants were burned at the stake at Smithfield [Map]:
John Warne (age 29)
Henry Machyn's Diary. 18 Dec 1555. The xviij day of Dessember be-twyn [8 and 9] of the cloke in the mornyng, was cared in-to Smythfeld [Map] to be bornyd on master (Philpot, archdeacon of Winchester ) gentyllman, for herese.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 06 Apr 1557. The vj day of Aprell was bornyd in Smythfeld [Map] v, iij men and ij women, for herese; on was a barber dwellyng in Lym-strett; and on woman was the wyff of the Crane at the Crussyd-frers be-syd the Towre-hylle, kepyng of a in [inn] ther.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 12 Nov 1557. The xij day of November ther was a post sett up in Smythfeld [Map] for iij that shuld have beyn bornyd, butt boyth wod and colles; and my lord abbott of Westminster (age 42) cam to Newgatt [Map] and talked with them, and so they wher stayd for that day of bornyng.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 13 Nov 1557. The xiij day of November was sant Erkenwald eve, the iiij and v yere of king and quen, whent owt of Newgatt [Map] unto Smyth-feld [Map] to be bornyd iij men; on was [blank] Gybsun, the sun of sergantt Gybsun, sergantt of armes, and of the reywelles [revels], and of the kynges tenstes [tents]; and ij more, the whyche here be ther names-Gybsun, Hali[day,] and Sparow, thes iij men.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 22 Dec 1557. [The xxij day of December were burned in] Smyth feld [Map] ij, one ser John Ruffe [the] frere and a Skott, and a woman, for herese.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 24 Aug 1559. [The xxiiij day of August, the lord] mare (age 50) and the althermen and the [sheriffs? w]her at the wrastelyng at Clarke-in-well [Map], and it was the fayre day of thynges kept in Smyth-feld [Map], [being] sant Bathellmuw (day), and the same day my lord [mayor] came home thrugh Chepe, and a-gaynst Yrmonger [lane] and a-gaynst sant Thomas of Acurs ij [2] gret [bonfires] of rodes and of Mares and Johns [sculptures of Saint Marys and Saint Johns] and odur emages [images], ther thay wher bornyd [burned] with gret wondur.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 14 Jul 1561. The xiiij day of July was nuw graveled with sand from the Charterhowse through Smyth feld [Map], and under Nuwgate, and through sant Nycolas shambull [Map], Chepe-syd, and Cornhyll, unto Algatt and to Whyt-chapell, and all thes plases where hangyd with cloth of arres and carpetes and with sylke, and Chepe-syd hangyd with cloth of gold and cloth of sylver and velvett of all colurs and taffatas in all plases, and all the craftes of Londun standyng in ther leverey from sant Myghell unto Algatt, and then cam mony servyng-men rydyng, and then the pensyonars and gentyll men, and then knyghtes, and after lordes, and then the althermen in skarlett, and the serjant(s) of armes, and then the haroldes of armes in ther cottes armurs, and then my lord mare (age 52) bayryng here septer; [then the lord Hunsdon (age 35) bearing the sword; and then came the Queen's (age 27) grace, and her footmen richly habited; and ladies and gentlemen; then] all lordes' men and knyghtes' [men in their masters' liveries; and at] Whytt-chapell my lord mare and the althermen [took their leave of] here grace, and so she toke her way to-ward [her pro]gresse.
On 20 Dec 1583 Edward Arden (age 50) was hanged, drawn and quartered at Smithfield [Map] for having plotted against Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 50) with his son-in-law John Somerville (deceased) who had implicated him during torture. He was tried by Christopher Wray (age 59).
Evelyn's Diary. 10 May 1652. Passing by Smithfield [Map], I saw a miserable creature burning, who had murdered her husband. I went to see some workmanship of that admirable artist, Reeves, famous for perspective, and turning curiosities in ivory.
Pepy's Diary. 12 May 1661. From thence homewards, but met with Mr. Creed, with whom I went and walked in Grayes-Inn-walks, and from thence to Islington [Map], and there eat and drank at the house my father and we were wont of old to go to; and after that walked homeward, and parted in Smithfield [Map]: and so I home, much wondering to see how things are altered with Mr. Creed, who, twelve months ago, might have been got to hang himself almost as soon as go to a drinking-house on a Sunday.
Pepy's Diary. 22 Jul 1661. Back to the inn, and drank with him, and so to horse again, and with much ado got to London, and set him up at Smithfield [Map]; so called at my uncle Fenner's, my mother's, my Lady's, and so home, in all which I found all things as well as I could expect. So weary and to bed.
Calendars. 06 Sep 1666. Whitehall. Proclamation ordering that as the markets are burned down, markets be held at Bishopsgate Street, Tower Hill [Map], Smithfield [Map], and Leadenhall Street [Map], which shall be well protected, and ordering the magistrates in counties whence provisions are sent to London to forward supplies; also forbidding men to disquiet themselves with rumours of tumults, but attend to the business of quenching the fire, troops being provided to keep the peace; also ordering Gresham College, Bishopsgate Street, to be used instead of the Royal Exchange, which is burnt. [Printed. Proc. Coll., Charles IT, p. 229.]
Pepy's Diary. 07 Sep 1666. So home, and did give orders for my house to be made clean; and then down to Woolwich, Kent [Map], and there find all well: Dined, and Mrs. Markham come to see my wife. So I up again, and calling at Deptford, Kent [Map] for some things of W. Hewer's (age 24), he being with me, and then home and spent the evening with Sir R. Ford (age 52), Mr. Knightly, and Sir W. Pen (age 45) at Sir W. Batten's (age 65): This day our Merchants first met at Gresham College, which, by proclamation, is to be their Exchange [Map]. Strange to hear what is bid for houses all up and down here; a friend of Sir W. Rider's: having £150 for what he used to let for £40 per annum. Much dispute where the Custome-house shall be thereby the growth of the City again to be foreseen. My Lord Treasurer (age 59), they say, and others; would have it at the other end of the towne. I home late to Sir W. Pen's (age 45), who did give me a bed; but without curtains or hangings, all being down. So here I went the first time into a naked bed, only my drawers on; and did sleep pretty well: but still hath sleeping and waking had a fear of fire in my heart, that I took little rest. People do all the world over cry out of the simplicity of my Lord Mayor in generall; and more particularly in this business of the fire, laying it all upon' him. A proclamation1 is come out for markets to be kept at Leadenhall [Map] and Mileendgreene [Map], and several other places about the towne; and Tower-hill [Map], and all churches to be set open to receive poor people.
Note 1. On September 5th proclamation was made "ordering that for supply of the distressed people left destitute by the late dreadful and dismal fire.... great proportions of bread be brought daily, not only to the former markets, but to those lately ordained; that all churches, chapels, schools, and public buildings are to be open to receive the goods of those who know not how to dispose of them". On September 6th, proclamation ordered "that as the markets are burned down, markets be held in Bishopsgate Street, Tower Hill [Map], Smithfield [Map], and Leadenhall Street [Map]" (Calendar of State Papers, 1666-67, pp. 100, 104).
Pepy's Diary. 02 Dec 1666. Away round by the wall and Cow Lane [Map]1, for fear it should break again; and in pain about the coach all the way. But to ease myself therein Betty Michell did sit at the same end with me.... Being very much pleased with this, we at last come home, and so to supper, and then sent them by boat home, and we to bed. When I come home I went to Sir W. Batten's (age 65), and there I hear more ill newes still: that all our New England fleete, which went out lately, are put back a third time by foul weather, and dispersed, some to one port and some to another; and their convoys also to Plymouth, Devon [Map]; and whether any of them be lost or not, we do not know. This, added to all the rest, do lay us flat in our hopes and courages, every body prophesying destruction to the nation.
Note 1. Cow Lane [Map], West Smithfield [Map] (now named King Street), was famous for its coachmakers.
Pepy's Diary. 08 Jan 1667. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon home to dinner, where my uncle Thomas with me to receive his quarterage. He tells me his son Thomas is set up in Smithfield [Map], where he hath a shop-I suppose, a booth.
Pepy's Diary. 06 Oct 1667. Lord's Day. Up, and dressed myself, and so walked out with the boy to Smithfield [Map] to Cow Lane [Map], to Lincolne's, and there spoke with him, and agreed upon the hour to-morrow, to set out towards Brampton [Map]; but vexed that he is not likely to go himself, but sends another for him. Here I took a Hackney coach, and to White Hall, and there met Sir W. Coventry (age 39), and discoursed with him, and then with my Lord Bruncker (age 47), and many others, to end my matters in order to my going into the country to-morrow for five or six days, which I have not done for above three years. Walked with Creed into the Park a little, and at last went into the Queen's (age 28) side, and there saw the King (age 37) and Queen (age 28), and saw the ladies, in order to my hearing any news stirring to carry into the country, but met with none, and so away home by coach, and there dined, and W. How come to see me, and after dinner parted, and I to my writing to my Lord Sandwich (age 42), which is the greatest business I have to do before my going into the country, and in the evening to my office to set matters to rights there, and being in the garden Sir W. Pen (age 46) did come to me, and fell to discourse about the business of "The Flying Greyhound", wherein I was plain to him and he to me, and at last concluded upon my writing a petition to the Duke of York (age 33) for a certain ship, The Maybolt Gallyott, and he offers to give me £300 for my success, which, however, I would not oblige him to, but will see the issue of it by fair play, and so I did presently draw a petition, which he undertakes to proffer to the Duke of York (age 33), and solicit for me, and will not seem to doubt of his success.
Pepy's Diary. 04 Dec 1668. By and by comes my uncle, and then to dinner, where a venison pasty and very merry, and after dinner I carried my wife and her to Smithfield [Map], where they sit in the coach, while Mr. Pickering (age 50), who meets me there, and I, and W. Hewer (age 26), and a friend of his, a jockey, did go about to see several pairs of horses, for my coach; but it was late, and we agreed on none, but left it to another time: but here I do see instances of a piece of craft and cunning that I never dreamed of, concerning the buying and choosing of horses. So Mr. Pickering (age 50), to whom I am much beholden for his kindness herein, and I parted; and I with my people home, where I left them, and I to the office, to meet about some business of Sir W. Warren's accounts, where I vexed to see how ill all the Comptroller's business is likely to go on, so long as ever Sir J. Minnes (age 69) lives; and so troubled I was, that I thought it a good occasion for me to give my thoughts of it in writing, and therefore wrote a letter at the Board, by the help of a tube, to Lord Brouncker (age 48), and did give it him, which I kept a copy of, and it may be of use to me hereafter to shew, in this matter. This being done, I home to my aunt, who supped with us, and my uncle also: and a good-humoured woman she is, so that I think we shall keep her acquaintance; but mighty proud she is of her wedding-ring, being lately set with diamonds; cost her about £12: and I did commend it mightily to her, but do not think it very suitable for one of our quality. After supper they home, and we to bed.
Pepy's Diary. 11 Dec 1668. Up, and with W. Hewer (age 26) by water to Somerset House [Map]; and there I to my Lord Brouncker (age 48), before he went forth to the Duke of York (age 35), and there told him my confidence that I should make Middleton appear a fool, and that it was, I thought, best for me to complain of the wrong he hath done; but brought it about, that my Lord desired me I would forbear, and promised that he would prevent Middleton till I had given in my answer to the Board, which I desired: and so away to White Hall, and there did our usual attendance and no word spoke before the Duke of York (age 35) by Middleton at all; at which I was glad to my heart, because by this means I have time to draw up my answer to my mind. So with W. Hewer (age 26) by coach to Smithfield [Map], but met not Mr. Dickering (age 50), he being not come, and so he [Will] and I to a cook's shop, in Aldersgate Street; and dined well for 19 1/2 d., upon roast beef, pleasing ourselves with the infinite strength we have to prove Middleton a coxcomb; and so, having dined, we back to Smithfield [Map], and there met Pickering, and up and down all the afternoon about horses, and did see the knaveries and tricks of jockeys. Here I met W. Joyce, who troubled me with his impertinencies a great while, and the like Mr. Knepp who, it seems, is a kind of a jockey, and would fain have been doing something for me, but I avoided him, and the more for fear of being troubled thereby with his wife, whom I desire but dare not see, for my vow to my wife. At last went away and did nothing, only concluded upon giving £50 for a fine pair of black horses we saw this day se'nnight; and so set Mr. Dickering (age 50) down near his house, whom I am much beholden to, for his care herein, and he hath admirable skill, I perceive, in this business, and so home, and spent the evening talking and merry, my mind at good ease, and so to bed.
Pepy's Diary. 08 Apr 1669. At noon home to dinner, and then to the office again till the evening, and then with my wife by coach to Islington [Map], to pay what we owe there, for the late dinner at Jane's wedding; and so round by Kingsland and Hogsden home, pleased with my wife's singing with me, by the way, and so to the office again a little, and then home to supper and to bed. Going this afternoon through Smithfield [Map], I did see a coach run over the coachman's neck, and stand upon it, and yet the man rose up, and was well after it, which I thought a wonder.
Pepy's Diary. 15 Apr 1669. Thence I away, and through Jewen Street, my mind, God knows, running that way, but stopped not, but going down Holborne hill, by the Conduit, I did see Deb. on foot going up the hill. I saw her, and she me, but she made no stop, but seemed unwilling to speak to me; so I away on, but then stopped and 'light, and after her and overtook her at the end of Hosier lane in Smithfield [Map], and without standing in the street desired her to follow me, and I led her into a little blind alehouse within the walls, and there she and I alone fell to talk and baiser la and toker su mammailles, but she mighty coy, and I hope modest.... [Missing text "but however, though with great force, did hazer ella par su hand para tocar mi thing, nut ella was in great pain para be brought para it."] I did give her in a paper 20s., and we did agree para meet again in the Hall at Westminster on Monday next; and so giving me great hopes by her carriage that she continues modest and honest, we did there part, she going home and I to Mrs. Turner's (age 46), but when I come back to the place where I left my coach it was gone, I having staid too long, which did trouble me to abuse the poor fellow, so that taking another coach I did direct him to find out the fellow and send him to me. At my cozen Turner's I find they are gone all to dinner to Povy's (age 55), and thither I, and there they were all, and W. Batelier and his sister, and had dined; but I had good things brought me, and then all up and down the house, and mightily pleased to see the fine rooms: but, the truth is, there are so many bad pictures, that to me make the good ones lose much of the pleasure in seeing them. The. (age 17) and Betty Turner (age 16) in new flowered tabby gowns, and so we were pretty merry, only my fear upon me for what I had newly done, do keep my content in. So, about five or six o'clock, away, and I took my wife and the two Bateliers, and carried them homeward, and W. Batelier 'lighting, I carried the women round by Islington [Map], and so down Bishopsgate Street home, and there to talk and sup, and then to bed.
Europe, British Isles, England, City of London, Farringdon Without, Smithfield, Cock Lane
Cock Lane is a small street in Smithfield [Map] that was one of the few places in London where brothels were legal.
Europe, British Isles, England, City of London, Farringdon Without, Smithfield, Cock Lane, Pie Corner
Pie Corner is the corner of Cock Lane and Giltspur Street that is traditionally the furthest extent of the Great Fire of London which is commemorated by the Golden Boy of Pye Corner.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 04 Feb 1560. The sam tyme besyd Pye corner a man dyd hang ym-seylff.
Europe, British Isles, England, City of London, Farringdon Without, Smithfield, Cock Lane, Pie Corner, Golden Boy of Pye Corner
The Golden Boy of Pye Corner is a small gold statue of a boy, or putti, made of wood, covered in gold, formerly winged. Below is an inscription "This Boy is in Memmory Put up for the late FIRE of LONDON Occasion'd by the Sin of Gluttony 1666." A lower inscription reads ...
The boy at Pye Corner was erected to commemorate the staying of the Great Fire, which, beginning at Pudding Lane, was ascribed to the sin of gluttony when not attributed to the papists as on the Monument, and the boy was made prodigiously fat to enforce the moral. He was originally built into the front of a public-house called "The Fortune of War" which used to occupy this site and was pulled down in 1910.
"The Fortune of War" was the chief house of call north of the river for resurrectionists in body snatching days. Years ago the landlord used to show the room where on benches round the walls the bodies were placed labelled with the snatchers' names, waiting till the surgeons at Saint Bartholomew's could run round and appraise them.
Europe, British Isles, England, City of London, Farringdon Without, Smithfield, Cow Lane [Map]
Pepy's Diary. 02 Dec 1666. Away round by the wall and Cow Lane [Map]1, for fear it should break again; and in pain about the coach all the way. But to ease myself therein Betty Michell did sit at the same end with me.... Being very much pleased with this, we at last come home, and so to supper, and then sent them by boat home, and we to bed. When I come home I went to Sir W. Batten's (age 65), and there I hear more ill newes still: that all our New England fleete, which went out lately, are put back a third time by foul weather, and dispersed, some to one port and some to another; and their convoys also to Plymouth, Devon [Map]; and whether any of them be lost or not, we do not know. This, added to all the rest, do lay us flat in our hopes and courages, every body prophesying destruction to the nation.
Note 1. Cow Lane [Map], West Smithfield [Map] (now named King Street), was famous for its coachmakers.
Pepy's Diary. 06 Oct 1667. Lord's Day. Up, and dressed myself, and so walked out with the boy to Smithfield [Map] to Cow Lane [Map], to Lincolne's, and there spoke with him, and agreed upon the hour to-morrow, to set out towards Brampton [Map]; but vexed that he is not likely to go himself, but sends another for him. Here I took a Hackney coach, and to White Hall, and there met Sir W. Coventry (age 39), and discoursed with him, and then with my Lord Bruncker (age 47), and many others, to end my matters in order to my going into the country to-morrow for five or six days, which I have not done for above three years. Walked with Creed into the Park a little, and at last went into the Queen's (age 28) side, and there saw the King (age 37) and Queen (age 28), and saw the ladies, in order to my hearing any news stirring to carry into the country, but met with none, and so away home by coach, and there dined, and W. How come to see me, and after dinner parted, and I to my writing to my Lord Sandwich (age 42), which is the greatest business I have to do before my going into the country, and in the evening to my office to set matters to rights there, and being in the garden Sir W. Pen (age 46) did come to me, and fell to discourse about the business of "The Flying Greyhound", wherein I was plain to him and he to me, and at last concluded upon my writing a petition to the Duke of York (age 33) for a certain ship, The Maybolt Gallyott, and he offers to give me £300 for my success, which, however, I would not oblige him to, but will see the issue of it by fair play, and so I did presently draw a petition, which he undertakes to proffer to the Duke of York (age 33), and solicit for me, and will not seem to doubt of his success.
Pepy's Diary. 21 Oct 1668. At noon to dinner to Mr. Batelier's, his mother coming this day a-housewarming to him, and several friends of his, to which he invited us. Here mighty merry, and his mother the same; I heretofore took her for a gentlewoman, and understanding. I rose from table before the rest, because under an obligation to go to my Lord Brouncker's (age 48), where to meet several gentlemen of the Royal Society, to go and make a visit to the French Embassador Colbert (age 43), at Leicester House, he having endeavoured to make one or two to my Lord Brouncker (age 48), as our President, but he was not within, but I come too late, they being gone before: but I followed to Leicester House; but they are gore in and up before me; and so I away to the New Exchange, and there staid for my wife, and she come, we to Cow Lane [Map], and there I shewed her the coach which I pitch on, and she is out of herself for joy almost. But the man not within, so did nothing more towards an agreement, but to Crow's (age 51) about a bed, to have his advice, and so home, and there had my wife to read to me, and so to supper and to bed. Memorandum: that from Crow's, we went back to Charing Cross [Map], and there left my people at their tailor's, while I to my Lord Sandwich's (age 43) lodgings, who come to town the last night, and is come thither to lye: and met with him within: and among others my new cozen Creed, who looks mighty soberly; and he and I saluted one another with mighty gravity, till we come to a little more freedom of talk about it. But here I hear that Sir Gilbert Pickering is lately dead, about three days since, which makes some sorrow there, though not much, because of his being long expected to die, having been in a lethargy long. So waited on my Lord to Court, and there staid and saw the ladies awhile: and thence to my wife, and took them up; and so home, and to supper and bed.
Pepy's Diary. 05 Nov 1668. Thence with Mr. Povy (age 54) spent all the afternoon going up and down among the coachmakers in Cow Lane [Map], and did see several, and at last did pitch upon a little chariott, whose body was framed, but not covered, at the widow's, that made Mr. Lowther's fine coach; and we are mightily pleased with it, it being light, and will be very genteel and sober: to be covered with leather, and yet will hold four. Being much satisfied with this, I carried him to White Hall; and so by coach home, where give my wife a good account of my day's work, and so to the office, and there late, and so to bed.
