Letters were also read from Maj. Gen. Lambert of the particulars of the surrender
of Pontefract Castle, 6 to be at mercy, the rest to go home. The Articles were approved
on by the House, and thankes Ordered to bee sent to Major Generall Lambert.
Morris the Governour is escaped by a Sally with one more, and a third of the
Company was slaine, 3 more would have escaped at another place, but could not.
The House of Commons Ordered that 50li. should be given to the Messenger that
brought the letters from Maj. Gen. Lambert.
It was also Ordered that Fontesr all Castle shall be demolished, And Instructions passed
the House for the Gentleman of the Country to see it done. And the materials
in, and of the said Castle, are to be disposed of by them for defraying of the charges
for the demollishing thereof.
And it was further ordered, That if there be any thing over and above of what wil
be for defraying of the said charges; that it shall be imployed for the repairing of
that Parish Church at Pontofract much decayed; and towards the building or repairing
of the Ministers house belonging to the said Church.
The House of Commons took into consideration the gallant services done by
Major Generall Lambert in reducing the North, of which this Garrison of Pontefract
is the last work; and yet he never was under any further pay then a Colonel of
Horse, notwithstanding the great charges, and faithful execution that he hath made
in reducing all the North to the obedience of the Parliament, and voted him a gratuity
for his good services.
It was ordered, That 300 l. per annum should be given to Major Generall Lambert
as a gratuity out of the honour of Pontefract, part of the estate belonging to the
late King of England; and an Act is to be brought in for confirming the same unto
him accordingly.
Some complaints were made in the House against Sir Henry Cholmley who was a
Member in the House of Commons, before he went down to his command in the
North, of some miscarriages by him, to the great disservice of the Parliament, in
hindring the peace, and settlement thereof.
The House Ordered to send for the said Sir Henry Cholmley to be brought up to
give his answer to such things as are charged against him.
Leters were read from Lancashire of the orderly disbanding of those Regiments,
(concerning which I have already given particulars) and that Col. Shuttleworth did
not; fortifie Clithero Castle with any intent to keepe it against the Parliament of England.
Some Instructions passed the House therein.
The House was moved that an Order might passe for the demollishing of Clithero
Castle, that so the danger thereof might be prevented for future.
It was ordered to be referred to the Councell of State to give out orders for the
demolishing thereof.
The House was moved also concerning Balsover Castle upon the borders of
Derby shire, that it might also be demolished, which was also ordered, and referred
to the Councell of State.
Some further motions were made to the House, whereupon it was ordered to
refer it to the Councell of State, to consider of all such Garrisons in the dominions of
England, what are fit to be demolished for the safty of the Nation, and to give order
for the same; and power was given to the Councel of State, and Instructions
passed therein.