"He further told me that Milton, and some other creatures of the Commonwealth, had instituted this Club [the Calves-head Club], as he was inform'd, in opposition to Bp. Juxon, Dr. Sanderson, Dr. Hammond, and other divines of the Church of England, who met privately every 30th of January; and though it was under the Time of Usurpation, had compil'd a private Form of Service for the Day, not much different from what we now find in the Liturgy."
Do any of Milton's biographers mention his connexion with this club? Does the form of prayer compiled by Juxon, Sanderson, and Hammond exist?
K. P. D. E.
David Rizzio's Signature.—Can any reader of "Notes and Queries" furnish the applicant with either a fac-simile or a minute description of the signature and handwriting of David Rizzio? The application is made in order to the verification of a most remarkable alleged instance of clairvoyance, recorded at large in a volume on that and its kindred subjects just published by Dr. Gregory of Edinburgh.
F. K.
Lambert Simnel—Was this his real Name?—It occurs to me that we are not in possession of the real name of Lambert Simnel, the famous claimant of the crown of England. We are told that he was the son of a baker; and we learn from Johnson's Dictionary that the word "simnel" signified a kind of sweet-bread or cake. Now, considering the uncertainty and mutability of surnames in former times, I am led to suspect that "Simnel" may have been a nickname first applied to his father, in allusion to his trade; and I am strengthened in my suspicion by not finding any such name as "Simnel" in any index of ancient names. Could any of your correspondents throw light on this question, or tell whether Lambert left any posterity?
T.
Honor of Clare, Norfolk.—I have seen a letter, dated about 1702, in the possession of a gentleman of this town, which alludes "To His Majesty's Honor of Clare;" and I shall feel obliged if any of your correspondents can render me any information as to whether there are any documents relative to this "Honor" in existence: and if so, where they are to be met with? for I much wish to be informed what fragments were made from South Green (a part of this town), which was held of the above mentioned "Honor," and by whom made; and further, who is the collector of them at this period?
J. N. C.
Sponge.—When was the sponge of commerce first known in England?