62 - 6 May To Richard Cluett, archdeacon of Middlesex

Summary

After my hearty Commendations.

I am desired by the Lord Mayor of the Cittie of London the Lord Cheife Justice of the Kings Bench and others his Maiesties Justices for the Goale deliverie for the Cittie of London to give order and Commaund that the Statute made in the One and twentith yeare of the raigne of King James of blessed memorie for the preventing of the destroying and murthering of bastard Children be publiquelie reade in every Parish Church within the Cittie of London and County of Middlesex att such tymes as I shall thincke fittest, because many lewd weomen being often convicted of such offences haveing nothing to alledge for themselves but that their bastard children were borne dead and that they were ignorant of the said Statute which request I hold to be pious and iust and having acquainted my Lords Grace of Canterbury herewith with his Grace his advice and aprobation of the said order I have thought fitt to give you charge that you require all Parsons Vicars and Curates in your Archdeaconrie within the county of Middlesex to read the said Statute publiquelie in their parish Churches twice every yeare vizt on the Sonday before Michaelmas day and on the Sonday before our Lady day immediately after the endinge of morning prayer before the whole Congregation to the end that all persons may take notice thereof, and the mischeifes which too often happen in that kinde may by gods grace be prevented. And soe comendinge you to the grace of god, I rest

your loving frend,

Guil: London

From our Palace in London Maij 6 1633.

To the right worshipfull Mr Doctor Cluett Archdeacon of Middlesex deliver, these