If the Queen were ever popular, it was that Time! What joyous Smiles and brisk Words were exchanged as People ran along the Bridge!—what Glory attended the Guards that manned the Gates!—how we revelled in every Blow that cut down the Draw-bridge! Splash! it went into the River. Spontaneously we gave three Cheers. Just before the Approach was cut off, Lord William Howard, (since, Lord Howard of Effingham,) with fifty of his Men, rode over the Bridge to St. George's Church, Southwark, to note the State of Things, and so back. I remember his looking gaily over his Shoulder as he passed, crying out in Hearing of us all, "This Bridge hath to-day a Chance of being the Thermopylæ of London!"
J Jellicoe
"Rode over the Bridge"
A Messenger from the Rebels came to parley, and was led blindfold across the Bridge, to and from Lord Pembroke, Commander in Chief.
On Saturday Morning, Wyat was proclaimed Traitor, and a Price set on his Head. There was a grand Muster of Horse and Foot in Finsbury Fields. At three in the Afternoon, Wyat advanced upon London from Deptford; and, as soon as his Movement was perceived, an eight Pounder was levelled at him from the White Tower, the Shot of which took none Effect. Immediately my Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs made Haste to London Bridge: we gave them three Cheers. The Strete was presently choaked; People removing their Stalls and Wares, Shop Shutters putting up, young Men running up and down to Weapons and Harness, young Women beginning to shed Tears, Children and Maids shutting themselves up in the upper Stories.
My Hands trembled so with Emotion I could scarce fasten a Buckle. Mistress Anne, passing, sayth, "Let me do it for you—Ladies of old Time buckled on Knights' Harness and bade them good Speed, as I bid you.... But oh! Ned, I am in Fear for my Father." I said, "But he hath no Fear, unless for you. Therefore look not forth; the only Danger is in a random Shot."
Then she asked me what I thought would happen if the worst came to the worst. I told her I had not thought about it, so sure was I the best would come to the best. She said she thought so too; at least she hoped so; and bade me tell every Word of News I heard through the Wicket. Presently I heard that Wyat, with his Army, was close beyond the further Bridge Gate; and had pointed two Pieces of Ordnance against the Bridge: which I thought needless to tell Mistress Anne.
He was a fine Fellow, Hew, in his Way, there's no gainsaying. He thought to free his Country from Harm; and, when he heard a Price was set upon his Head, he wrote his Name on a Slip of Paper and set it on his Cap.
My Master was a-foot and in Harness on the Bridge all Night. The Women kept close and quite still above-stairs, while Miles and I kept Watch below, but, I wot, they were as wakeful as ourselves. Towards Daydawn my Master comes in: Mistress Anne, in her white Wrapper over her Dress, leans over the Rail at the Stair-head, and cryeth, "Is all well?" "All well, my Heart!" returns her Father. "Oh! thank God," cries she; and meeting him half-way down the Stair, casts herself into his Arms.