[218]. Clarendon’s “Correspondence.”
With regard to the rebuilding of St Paul’s, we find Clarendon’s name as concerned in it in a letter from Henchman, Bishop of London, to Sancroft, then Dean.
“Mr Deane,—How this evening since five a clock Sr Philip Warwick sends me frô the Archbp of Canterburie that the Lord Chancelour hath appointed that his Grace and I should come to morrow to Worcester House at ten in the morning about St Paul’s first I doubt whether you may with safety come out, next whether Mr Webb on such a sodaine warning can be convened. If you may without prejudice to your health come and Mr Webb can be met with I hope Jo Tillison hath prepared all that we are to lay before them. I intend to be there, only I seuerely charge you that unless Jo Barwick[[219]] gives leave without scruple you appeare not.
[219]. John Berwick was Prebendary of Durham and Chaplain to Bishop Morton. He was successively Dean of Durham and St Paul’s. (Walker’s “Sufferings of the Clergy.”)
“Your very affectionate friend,
“Humfr: London.”
“Fulham, March 26, 1666.”[[220]]
[220]. Additional MSS. Harleian, 3785.
It will be seen that this letter is dated just six months before the Great Fire made all plans for restoration and repair abortive, and also that the Chancellor was still at Worcester House, his own not being ready for him. The Bishop wrote again a month later on the same subject.
“Deare Sr,—At Worcester Howse on Thursday morning about ten the L. Prest will be with some other Lords about the business of St Paul’s. I desire you to be there and the Deane of Canterburie. Let not Mr Tillison fayle to attend and give notice of it to Mr Hugh May and Mr Webb: and lett him be prepared concerning objections agaynst the Account. I shall be at K. Henry 7th Chappell to morrow at nine to prorogue the Convocation.