The following letter,[81] written from Bridgnorth in the year 1642, affords evidence of the fact, that there were partizans of the Parliament in the town, who doubtless did their best to alienate the minds of the people from the King’s cause; and also that the rude conduct of the soldiers, in the royal army, greatly aggravated the evil. The statements made on this latter subject must however be taken with some allowance, as they are made under the influence of strong party feeling.
“Bridgenorth, Octob. 1. 1642.
“Our Countrey is in a most miserable condition, there is nothing can be expected but a totall ruine thereof, except God do miraculously help us with assistance from the Parliament. The Kings Souldiers are altogether bent on mischief, taking, wasting, and spoyling those things we should live by: they do take our Corn unthresht to litter their horses, spoyling that which many a poor creature wants; if any one speak, be it man or woman, either a Pistoll or a Sword is straight set to the party, with many grievous oathes; They know what they do, they are the King’s servants, and will not be limitted of their will: you may judge by this what a case we are in; and for any thing we can perceive, like to be worse; for as long as these outrages are permitted, no question but the King’s Army will encrease: What with Papists, Atheists, and all desperate Ruffians, they have made Shrewsbury strong, as it is reported to us; many Pieces of Ordnance, 300 Carts laden with Ammunition; and our County of Shropshire is very much awed, many wel-affected people withdraw themselves: The Sheriff here hath lately seized certain thousands of pounds at our Town of Bridgenorth, intended to be sent down Severn lately to Bristoll, by M. Charlton of Ayley, M. Baker of Hamond, and others: We have many brags here of the Cavaliers, what victories they have had at Worcester, though we know for certain they are notorious lyes; yet we dare not contradict them: it grieves the soul of every good Christian, to see how His Majestie is misled. We are glad to hear of your constancy to the King and Parliament; our affections are the same, though we dare not shew it: for all the reports you have heard, you may perhaps understand by the next, that Shropshire is not altogether so malignant as it is reported; fear makes us yeild to many things. I am in haste.
Yours, T. C.”
There is a copy of a letter among the Blakeway Papers from Prince Maurice, addressed to His Majesty’s Commissioners for the county of Salop, dated 1645, which also affords evidence of some disaffection to the royal cause among the people of Bridgnorth, or, at least, some slackening of zeal in the King’s service, produced most likely by the causes above referred to.
“Gentlemen,
“This day I received a letter from Sir Lewis Kyrke, Governor of Bridgnorth, alleadging that his warrant for the advancement of the works at Bridgnorth were disobeyed, which I cannot avoyde to take notice of, being sent downe by His Majesty to advance the affayres of these parts, for the good of His Majesty’s service. To the intent that I may ease and cherish your county as much as may bee, therefore I desire to knowe what their grievances and dislikes are, and why and upon what ground the Governor’s warrants were neglected, that if reason be shewed, I may doe the country that right, which in justice they may expect, or however see those things perfected, which conduce to the security of those parts, and the better serving His Majesty, which is all att present I have to say, but that I am,
Gentlemen,
Your lv. ffriend,
Maurice,
Comr. of Salop.”
Worcester,
19 of January, 1645.
ffor his Majesty’s Commissioners of the County of Salop.