Colonel Joseph Bampfield’s Regiment of Foot

Royalist regiment of foot serving in the South and West during the First Civil War

• Bampfield commissioned Colonel
• March: Bampfield raises a regiment of foot and comes to Oxford
• March: Garrison Malmesbury
• March: Stormed at Malmesbury
• April: Battle of Caversham Bridge
• May: Join Hertford's force marching into the West Country
• June to September: Siege of Exeter
• July: Skirmish at Topsham?
• September: Siege of Barnstaple?
• October: Siege of Dartmouth
• November: Reinforce Hopton
• December: Siege of Arundel
• December to January 1644: Besieged in Arundel

• January: Surrender Arundel, Bampfield imprisoned
• March: At Cirencester
• April to July: Siege of Lyme?
• Bampfield exchanged and joins Maurice during the Lostwithiel campaign
• October: Second Battle of Newbury

• April to May: Siege of Taunton?
• July to August: Captains Moulins and Hoddinot (Hagedot) besieged and taken at Sherborne Castle

Interestingly Bampfield claimed to have commanded the Marquis of Hertford’s Regiment of Foot very early in the war and was captured, possibly at Sherborne Castle?

Bampfield also had a troop of horse, presumably serving alongside his regiment of foot.

Bampfield mentions firelocks at the siege of Exeter but it's unclear whether these were from his own regiment or not.

Joseph Bampfield had previously served as a lieutenant in Sir Thomas Wentworth’s Regiment of Foot in the Second Bishops' War. He was captured and imprisoned after surrendering Arundel, after 6 months he was exchanged for Parliamentarian officers. During and after the war he acted as a Royalist intelligence agent, then as an agent for Thurloe during the interregnum. He wrote COLONEL JOSEPH BAMFEILD'S APOLOGIE, Written by himselfe and printed at his desire. (1685) in attempt to paint his military and intelligence careers in the best light possible.

An extract concerning Bampfield's military service follows:

1. At 17 years of age, I began to serve the late King of happy memory, Charles the-First, being ancient under my Lord Ashley, General Major of the Army, in the first expedition against the Scots; an Accord was made as other agreements in those times, of very short continuance; for the spring following, the war was the second time declared in that expedition, I was first Leutenant in the Regiment of Colonel Henry Wentworth, brother to the Earl of Cleveland; shortly after, a Compagnie falling vacant in the same Regiment, by the favour of the King I obtain'd it. In the space of a year the peace was again made, and the Armies disbanded. The war betwixt the King and the Parliament followed shortly after; I continued in his Majesties interest and service; I commanded the Regiment of the late Duke of Somerset, at that time Marquess of Hartford, Generall for the King in the Westerne Provinces.

2. In the first incounter, which Arrived betwixt his Majesties and the Parlaments forces; I was hurt and taken Prisoner; brought so to London, by the late Lord Hollis, at that tyme Colonel under the Parlament. Not long after, being at liberty; the King honnoured mee with a Commission, for a Regiment; not being at that tyme, full twenty years old: having levied it, I returned to Oxford, where his Majesty held his court. Few days after, his Hyghness Prince Robbert, gave me a Commission, which he had procured of the King; to be Governour of Malmesbury; whereof I knew not any thing, before he was pleased to deliver it mee. About the month of April following; his Majesty sent mee order (being pressed for troupes) to march with three Regiments of foote, and as many Compag∣nies of horse, to Joyne his Army; for the relief of Reading; besieged by the Earle of Essex; and was rendered by Colonel Fielding, at the same tyme the King arrived there; which might greatly have endangered his Ar∣my; had the Enemy seen, and made use of their advantage.

3. In the month of June following, his Majestie sent Prince Maurits, and the Duke of Somerset with an Army into the west, whereof my Regiment was part; to Joyne with My Lord Hopton, and Lord Berkeley; who had beaten the Parlements forces, Commanded by the Earle of Stamford, not long before, in the Province of Cornwell, the Conjunction was made; the towns of Weymouth (whereof the late Earl of Shaffsbury was left Gouvernour) Taunton, and Bridwater being taken, and garrisons placed in them; the body of the Army Marched, towards Generall Waller, haveing first despatched my Lord Berkelay, with four Regiments of foote, and some few troupes of horse, to blocque up Exeter, to prevent the Earl of Stamfords raising of forces in Devonshire. Who was Generall in the West for the Parlament; but after the Battaile of Stratton reduced to the Gouvernment of that Citty.

4. The first day, wee came before it; the Enemy despising our small Number; sillied out, with a very considerable party; but was vigorously repulsed, beaten, and some of their out worcks, and the south subburbs possessed; which by reason of our want of Amunition; and our few forces wee quitted of our own accord, very many of their men where killed, and taken prisoners. The siege continued about twoe months: the Parlement endeavoured twice to succour it, once by land, from Plimouth, and Dartmouth; which where surprised in their march, beaten and totally Dissipated.

Secondly by sea, with the Parlaments fleet, commanded by the Earl of Warwick, having two thowsand souldiers aboarde, which he designed to land at Apsom, under the favour of his Cannon; but was prevented by our sinking (the night before) divers vessels with stones in the Channel. He endeavoured to land at other places on the strand, in his long Botes; but was always repulsed with loss, one of his ships was fired by us; another so raked through, by our Cannon; that they were Constrayned to fire it themselves, not able to bring it of.

5. About this time Bristol was taken by the Kings forces. Prince Maurits arrived before Exeter, with about 3000 Cornish foote, and some horse; having viewed all the quarters, and Approches; resolved on an Attaque; by the south gate; which was Committed to Colonel Chudly, and mee; with 2000 men, the manner left to our selves, at the place where wee intended to fall on; the enemy had twoe out guards, advanced from the southgate, the distance of musquet shot, of about 3 or 400 men; with a line of communication from the port, to the out works, which, wee could perceive was but slightly mand; wee resolved with fire locks, and Pikemen, with pistols by their sydes; that light matches should not discover our designe; to march silently an hower before break of day, to assault the line jointly, by way of surprise: he on the left hand neat the outguarde, I on the right, neer the port; hopeing thereby (if success full) to cut of the retreat of the Enemy, which wee did; by this meanes all in the out work, were either killed, or taken. Whereupon wee Lodged our selves under the wall, reasnably wel couvered; soe neer the port that they durst not attempt a sally: in this condition and consternation; they beat a parley, desired a treaty, sent out hostages; Sir Richard Cave and I, were employed to treat, and had the place rendered even on our owne tearmes.

6. Having refreshed the Army, twelve or fourteen days, the Prince marched to Dartmouth, though late in the year, to begin a siege; before the several Quarters were fully fixed, his Highness; the Earl of Marborow, General of the Artillery, &c. and Major General Basset, fell all three at one ti∣me dangerously sick, which caused disorder and delay; the greatest part of the Officers were inclined to raise the siege, and retire the Army into Winter-quarters: Sir Richard Cave, Colonel Chudley, and my selfe opposed it, and wrote to My Lord Berkeley, (who was Gouvernour as well or the Province, as of Exeter) to come to the Army; at whose arrival resolution was taken to attacque the Town in two places: Colonel Chudley, and my selfe were ordered (as at Exeter) to assault one post, in divers places, he entered the first, beat the Enemy out of some Workes, but being unfortunately killed, his Troupes were repulsed; those I commanded entered likewise, drove them from all their outworks, which was their chief strenght in that quarter; and commanded the Towne, which immediately treated, and rendered: whereof Colonel Seymour was made Gouvernour.

7. Towards the end of October, the King sent order to my Lord Berckely, to dispatch mee with my own Regiment, and what other troupes he could spare, with all expedition, to joyne with my Lord Hoptons Army, for the relief of Basing, then besieged by Sir William Waller. I was immediately sent away with a Brigade of Foot, consisting of his Lordships, Sir William Courtenays (not he of Devonshire, but another of the same name) Sir John Acklands, Colonel Strangeways, and my own Regiment: with three troupes of Horse: I joyned my Lord Hoptons Army; Basing was relieved, Waller retired, incamped advantagiously under Farnham Castel; General Hopton followed him; presented him Battaile; the one would not dislodge, nor the other attacque him as he lay; the day following, a Councel of war was held, about the beginning of December, where it was resolved, that the Amy should separate into four Brigades, and retire to Winter-quarters, one with my Lord Hopten to Winchester, another under Sir Charles Vavasour to Alsford, a third commanded by Colonel Boles to Alton, the fourth with mee to Petersfield, the Horse were divided accordingly, a party with every Brigade of Foote, whereof I had with mee Sir Edward Stowels Regiment of Cavallery, Sir Edward Fords, Sir Edward Bishops, four Troupes of my Lord Bellasis his Regiment, commanded by his Major Bovel, with the three Troupes which came with mee out of Devonshire. One present at the Councel, declared his opinion, that it was dangerous to divide the Army into so many open quarters, whilest Sir William Wallers remained in one entire Bodie, since he could in one night (as his custome was to march) force any of the neerest to him, before the others could be advertised, joine, and succour the quarter aetacqued; this comming from a verry youngman was neglected as of no moment, though the consequence, ten days after, made it appeare, as one of Cassandra's predictions, which though always true, were never believed, till accomplished, or past remedy.

8. Four of five days after, my Lord Berkeley arrived at my quarter, from Oxford, bringing with him Sir William Butler his Regiment of Horse, with the Kings commands, to march incontinently towards Arundel, to take it if possible. I marched all tuesday with the Horse, and as many Musquetiers as I could mount, being favoured by a great mist, without any discovery, about four of the clock, wednesday morning, wee surprised, and forced the Towne; the greatest part of the Enemie retired into the Castel, which was rendered the Saturday following (when my foote came up) that the Souldiers should goe whither they would, leaving all Armes, and Amunition, both of war, and mouth having in three or four days, given the necessary orders, touching the defence of the Town and Castel; I left Sir Edward Ford there, with 400. Foote, marching all night with the rest (at the instances of Sir William Butler, whom his Majestie had made Sherif of Kent) hoping to have taken Bramber Castel, but were prevented by Colonel Morley, and Sir Michael Livesie, who had possessed themselves of the place and passage over the River, with about 2000. Men, out of Kent, whilest I was seeking another forde, where I might pass the River with more conveniencie then in the face of the Enemy; my Lord Hopton by an Express, sent mee ad∣vertisement, that the General Waller (as was foreseen, and foretold) marching all the night from Farnham, to Alton, had forced that quarter, about breake of day, killed Colonel Boles who commanded the Brigade, and all the soldjers either out of, or taken prisonners, and totaly dissipated the Earl of Crawfords Brigade of horse, which misfortune had soe weakned his Army, that he could not hinder the enemies progress, which he was persuaded would be for the recovery of Arundel, before it could be provided of all things, necessary for its defence; which he recommended to mee with great earnestness, desiring mee to keep what forces I thought needful for the place, and to send back Sir William Butler, with the rest, to join his Army; assuring mee, that if I were besieged, he would relieve mee in eight days; exspecting suddainely forces from Oxford.

9. I retain'd neer 800 Foote, with the four Companies of my Lord Bellasis Regiment of Horse, and my own Troupe; sending back all I could, under the Command of Sir William Butler; in less then four and twenty howers after, General Wallers Army appeared before the Town, which I resolved to defend, as long as I could; and in case of necessitie to retire to the Castel, it was assaulted in three places, and no fortifications, but the ruines of an old wal, and without it (at some distance) a more ancient Line, and Ditch; but without Flanque; where I judged they might be most useful, I placed Major Bovel with his horse; and perceiving not far from mee, that a considerable bodie of the enemies Foot had passed the Line, with eight or ten blew Collours, which were of Sir Arthur Haselrigs Regiment, commanded by Colonel Birch (who I think still lives) and began to range themselves in order; I desired Major Bovel to charge them with me, for if we brake them not, the Castle might be lost as well as the town; we charg'd, routed, and drove them back over the Line: Colonel Birch was (as I remember) wounded in the bellie, and one Captaine Bedel casting himself amongst the dead bodies (as if kill'd) was discover'd, and taken prisoner: my horse was shot with a musket-bullet in the hip, and fell with mee; I had (aparently) been killed, unless rescued by some Officers of my Lord Bellasis Regiment. Another post where Major Flet∣cher commanded, was forced; he dangerously wounded, and taken prisoner; with great difficulty wee retired into the Castel, where the Enemie thought to have entered with us, but was repulsed.

10. In theise conflicts many were kill'd on both sides. I found means to advertise the King of the state of the place, both as to its strenght Amunition, and Victual; of the twoe last wee were very ill provided, by reason of the suddainess of the siege, as soon it was taken. I receiv'd assu∣rance from his Majestie, that within ten, or twelve days, I should be succoured; if I could defend it so longe, which was (in some manner) endeavoured, but succeeded not. I held it out five and twenty days, to great extremitie, it was rendered by the Councel of War, upon quarter for life: I never signed the Capitulation, and might have been deny'd the benefit of the Articles, and quarter, had General Waller been cruel. Of above 900 Officers, and Souldiers, Horse and Foote, which I retain'd before the siege; few more then 200 marehed out, the rest either killed, or dead of the bloody flux, and spotted feavour; with the first whereof I was my selfe attacqued, as soon as recovered; I was sent prisoner upon my parolle to London, without guards, were rendering my selfe; I was committed to the Tower; remaining there about six months, until I had libertie from the Earl of Essex, to procure the freedom of Sir Ellis Layton (at that time Colonel of horse under the Parliament) and of one Whyte, Capitain in the same Regiment, in Exchange, or to return again to the Tower within eight and twenty days.

11. The King granted their libertie, as soon as I arrived at Oxford, where I stayd but two days, and went post to Exeter by his Majesties commands, having dispatcht my affaires, for which I was sent, I returned towards Oxford; on the way I understood, that the Earl of Essex, and General Wal∣ler, were before it, the King brake through them, with what forces he had and retired to Worchester; Waller followed him: Essex halted some time at Burford, neer which, in my way; I fell into a small party of stragling Souldjers, without any Officer; I told them I had the Earl of Essex his pass for 28. days; that not more then halfe the time was expired, and was therefore free; that satisfyed them not; I was unwilling to be taken having papers of importance, and cyfers in my cloths, and sadle; I was wounded in my left eye, and in danger to have lost it by the blowe of a pistol, which had been fyred in vaine; I was made prisonner, brought to Essex, who caused me to be dressed by his Chirurgeon for 2 or 3 days, and set me at libertie, according to my pass: I went to Oxford, where I re∣mained till cured, and then returned to Exeter.

12. Prince Maurits, who had allways honoured mee with his favour, in whose service I had not been unlucky, employed mee in his Army; the Earl of Essex marched Westward, whereof his Highness being advertised, rose from before Plymouth, and strengthned with 2000 Cornish men, resolved to march to Exester, and there encampe, under the shelter of the Town, and River, to keep himself from the necessitie of a Battaile, being very inferior in number to the Enemy; the same day the Prince marched from Okhampton, the Earl in the evening arrived at Tiverton, we at Kirton; some Quarter-masters of both Armies encountered, to make quarters in the same places; which was the first advertissement wee had, where he was; and I believe he knew as little of us: upon the allarme the Prince dispatched mee with a thousand Foote, and some Horse, in the night to possess Exbridg, least the enemie should have been before hand; I did it, and cast up a brest worke. His Highness followed with the Armie; the Earl persued his march to Pliemouth, and thence into Cornwel; leav∣ing the Prince, which seem'd strange to most. I conjectured at his reason, and found shortly after, that I had not divined amiss, but the recite is long, and here needless.

13. The very same day, his Highness received an Express from the King in Cypher, whereby he was advertised, that his Majesty had beaten Wallers Armie, at Croplie Bridg, and was on his march to joyne both Armies in the West, if possible: His Majestie not knowing certainly, whither our Armie was come Eastward of Essex or not, thus unknown to either, things where in as good a posture, as if concerted; the Prince sent mee immediately to the King, with an account of all.

14. I met his Majestie in march towards chard, being joined, his Ma∣jestie followed Essex; wee would have come to a bataille, he not; wee encamped neer together; wee had dayly scermishes; our designe was to streigthen them for victuals; at the end of about 14. days, his horse broke through Eastward, under Lieutenant General Balfourd, the Foote disputed their post a while, and then capitulated, to leave their Arms, Col∣lours, Artillerie, Ammunition, and Bagage, and to march away with cudgels onely. Essex embarqued himself at Foy, this blemished his reputation, and shortly after lost him the Generalat.

15. The King marched towards Oxford, in his way thither was forced to the second battaile of Newbury, were his Armie was something unfortunate, and had been more soe, if the jealousies (or rather the Diametrally opposite principles, and aimes) of the Chiefs of the Enemie, had not at that time (in some kinde) favoured his Majestie.

16. The Winter following, the whole model of the Parliaments Militie was changed, the Earles of Manchester, Essex, and General Waller put out: Fairfax made General, Cromwel Leutenant General, and the officers and souldiers composing the Niew Armie; for the most part (if not all) at Cromwels devotion, almost all confiderable persons of the Presbiterean partie put out. The King had for the following somer assembled, rather a good then a great Armie, betwixt which (despising the new model) and that of the Parliament, was fought that fatal battaile of Naesby, where his Majestie lost his Armie, and as the unfortunate consequence thereof, not long after, his Crown and Life.

From original research by Victor Judge aka BCW user 1642

• Colonel Joseph Bampfield
• Lieutenant Colonel Rawlins (1) + (5)
• Sargeant Major Edward Molins (1) + (2) (apparently a surgeon at St Thomas' Hospital)

• Captain William Bayly I.O. Wiltshire
• Captain John Bonvill (7) + I.O. Somerset
• Captain Richard Carre Ment. I.O.
• Captain Peter Hagedot (See letter below)
• Captain William James I.O. L + W
• Captain Cosimo Manuche (3)
• Captain Rawlins (4)
• Captain Thomas Walsh I.O. Somerset

• Ensign George Body I.O. Somerset
• Ensign John Danyell I.O. Somerset
• Ensign Humphrey Green I.O. Devon to Capt. Carre

• Quartermaster Christopher Dale (L.J. 7.7.1645) (joined the Wiltshire clubmen)
• Quartermaster Edward White (6)

Of horse

• Sargeant Major Peter Hagedot Ment. I.O.

• Cornet John Vaad I.O. Warwick to Sgt. Maj. Hagedot

From original research by Victor Judge aka BCW user 1642

WO55.458.

Charles Rex

Our will and pleasure is that you forthwith deliver unto Colonell Bampfeild for the use of such forces marching towards the West under the command of our right trusty and entirely welbeloved Cosin William Marquesse Hartford the two small brasse peeces which were brought from hither by the said Marquesse, with their Gunners and Equippage, with two Petards, twenty hand Granadoes, and tenn Barrells of Powder, with Match and Bullett proporcionable, and for your soe doing theis shall be your sufficient warrant, Give at our Court att Oxford this tenth of May 1643.

To our trustie and welbeloved Sir John Heydon Kt.

Captaine Younger I pray faile not to vall upon the Officers and Clerks at his Majesties Magazine at New Colledge for the speedie and effectual despatch of this his Majesties order for soe much as concerneth them and accordingly to take order for the due and seasonable transportacion thereof by appointing such neccessary Carriages, Teamses, Conductors etc. as shall be requisite with particulat instructions for the better performance of the service.

Jo: Heydon.

(7) 1392 M/L 1643/25

To the Honoured John Seamer Governour of Dartmouth these I pray

Honoured Sir, Understanding that you had some armes att Mr Webbers House in St. Thomas Parish & Sir John Bartlett the Governour commanded me to see what itt was desire that you will be pleased to lend them him till he is better furnished & then they shall be restored to you againe verie safely for wee expect our armes certinually, this desire ye sender is to mr Webber for the delivery of them, I rest yours to serve

John Bonvile Exon: 15th November 1643

Sir Collo: Acland desires to be remembred unto you who is now our Deputy Governour & desires that you would be pleased to lend us the armes.

A later note on the reverse state Captain Bonviles letter to my Governor to send Armes to the Governor of Exon.

(1) Journal of the House of Lords 8.1.1644

My Lord, “On Thursday the Enemy sent a Drummer to me, with a Letter, signifying their Willingness to surrender the Castle, if they might have Honourable Conditions: I returned Answer, That when I first possessed myself of the Town, I summoned them in the Castle to yield upon fair Quarter; but they were pleased to refuse either to give or take Quarter: I now took them at their Word, and bid them yield to Mercy. That Night I heard no more of them; but the next Morning the Drummer came to me again with another Letter, wherein they disavowed that Answer to my Trumpet, laying the Fault upon One (who they said had no more Soldiery than Civility) that without their Assent or Knowledge had given that Language. I sent them Answer, That I was very much satisfied, that, in this Disavowing that Harshness, they had made room for Courtesy; and that I was contented to give them fair Quarter; and that, according to their Desire formerly expressed, if they would send out to me Three Officers of Quality, I would employ Three of equal Condition to them, to treat with them about the Particulars of the Surrender: Within a short Time after, there came out unto me Colonel Bamfeild, Major Bovill, and Captain Hodgido, who pressed very much that they might have Liberty to march away like Soldiers, otherwise they should chuse Death rather than Life; and so broke off: About Two Hours after, they sent out to me Lieutenant Colonel Rawlins and Major Moulin, who, after some Debate, came to Agreement with me, that this Morning they would deliver the Castle into my Hands, by Ten of the Clock, with Colours, Arms, &c. undefaced and unspoiled; and that the Gentlemen and Officers should have fair Quarter and civil Usage, the ordinary Soldiers Quarter: For Performance of Covenants, Sir Edward Ford and Sir Edward Bishopp were immediately to be yielded to me; which was accordingly done. This Morning we entered; and are now, blessed be God, in Possession of the Place. We have taken Seventeen Colours of Foot, and Two of Horse; we have taken One Thousand Prisoners one with another, besides One Hundred and Sixty which we took at the first entering of the Town, and such as came from the Enemy to us during the Siege. I humbly desire the London Regiments may be speedily sent hither, to secure this important Place, whilst I advance with that Strength I have towards the Enemy, who lies still at Havant. I humbly rest, “Your Excellency's Most humble Servant, Wm. Waller.” Arundell, 6 Januarii, 1643/4.

The remains of the Regiment were in Cirencester under Bampfield in March 1644

Bampfyield, Bassett Digby ? Barnstaple surrendered 3.8.1643 ROYAL INSTITUTE OF CORNWALL RBR/8 182/1942 ACCOUNT OF MILITARY CAREER OF ? (Note: dates found for Barstaple surrender variously 28th Aug, 1st or 2nd Sept - tim)

After the Regiment was captured at Arundel Castle Bampfield was imprisoned in the Tower of London and later exchanged for Sir Ellis Layton and a Captain White of the same regiment.

Ordered, That it be recommended to the Master and Wardens of Saint Thomas's Hospital in Southwarke, to discharge Mr. Molins, taken in Arms against the Parliament, and Surgeon to that Hospital, of his Employment there, and of all the Advantages and Emoluments belonging to the said Place of Surgeon; and to put Mr. Cleere, a Surgeon, that has attended the Service of the Parliament ever since the Beginning of these unhappy Differences, and hath done very faithful and good Service in his Charge ever since; and to enable him to receive the Profits belonging and Advantages accruing to the said Place, together with the Arrears due. From: 'House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 15 January 1644',¹⁾.

Saint Thomas' Hospital. Whereas there was an Order of this House, for the recommending of Henry Cleer, Surgeon, to be in the Place of Mr. Molins, in Saint Thomas' Hospital, who was taken Prisoner in Arundell Castle: And whereas, upon a Petition from the Governor of that Hospital, who desired that Mr. * might be admitted into that Place, in regard of his Skill in the Cutting of the Stone, and of Mr. Cleer's want of Experience in that Particular, That Order was withdrawn: But this House being now informed, upon the Petition of Mr. Cleere, that the said Mr. Molyns held Two Places, the one belonging to the Cutting of the Stone, and the other as an ordinary Surgeon: It is therefore Ordered, That it be especially recommended from this House to the Governors of the said Hospital, to admit the said Mr. Cleere, he being known to be able and sufficient, into the Place of an ordinary Surgeon in the said Hospital; and to receive the Profits belonging to that Place, and the Arrears due to the said Molins, as granted by the former Order. From: 'House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 30 January 1644', ²⁾.

Surgeon of Saint Thomas' Hospital. Ordered, That Mr. Cleere Surgeon be recommended to the Master and Governors of Saint Thomas' Hospital, to be chosen into the Place of Serjeant Major Moulins, Surgeon to the said Hospital, and now taken in Arms at Arundell Castle against the Parliament. From: 'House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 8 January 1644', ³⁾.

(2) SP29.82 Petition of James Molins

However

SP23.220.82 The humble peticion of Edward Molins Chirurgion dwelling in Shoe Lane London Sheweth that your peticioner being in the warres with the late King, conceives himself liable to a sequestracion but as yet not discovered. He humbly prayes that he may be admitted to his Composicion, and to have the benefitt of the Articles of Exeter. And he shall pray Ed: Molins Rec'd 24 Sept. 1650

(3) Harl. Ms.6852.f.48 Letter to John Ashburnham Treasurer at War 19.3.1643/4 Captain Cosimo Manuche of the Regiment of Colonel Bampfyld taken prisoner at Arundel but escaped, requires assistance.

(4) E.81.21 Certain propositions made by Sir William Waller at the surrender of Arundel Castle. A list of the names of the Commanders taken by Sir William Waller, at the surrender up of Arundel Castle.

(5) E.29.13 The Parliament Scout 12-19th January 1643/4. Names Major Rawlins as Walter Rawlins

(6) E.81.22 Mercurius Civicus 4-11.1.1643/4 Edward White Quartermaster-Generall of Col. Bamfields Regiment

Wiltshire Record Office A1.110.135 Hilary 1661 Petition of David Slugg of Westbury Served as Sargeant under Colonel Joseph Bampfield at Malmesbury and at Lyme siege. A1.110.134 Certificate signed by Thomas Gawen, Major to Sir Edward Fortescue in support of David Slugg.

1878. \Col^\ Jo. Bamfylde to , defending himself against No date. the charge of allowing the enemy to raise the siege of Taunton without fighting, which has occasioned a dispute between him and Lord Hopton, and desiring his correspondent to set him right with the King. Endorsed, “Jo. Bampfield, 1645, 14 May. Taunton relieved soon after that.”

Officers taken in Sherborne Castle

Capt. Moulins, Capt. Hoddinot E.262.46 MORE. WHERE WAS BAMFIELD?

Letter from Sir T. Fairfax, giving an Account of the Club-men in Wilts and Dorset, a numerous armed Body, who declare they take up Arms only for their own Defence, and not join either the King's or Parliament's Armies. “For the Right Honourable the Committee of both Kingdoms, at Darby House. “My Lords and Gentlemen,

“My former Letter acquainted your Lordships with my Resolutions to march Westwards, for the Relief of Taunton; in Pursuance whereof, I am advanced as far as Blandford. I could not hitherto give your Lordships an Account of the Conditions of these Counties of Wilts and Dorsett, in Arms under the Name of Club-men. They pretended only the Defence of themselves from Plunderers, but not to side either with the King's Forces or the Parliament's, but to give Free Quarter to both: The Heads of them are all (so far as I can learn) such as have either been in actual Service in the King's Army (nay, some having Commands at the present with the King), or those that are known Favourers of that Party. I hear they have drawn up certain Articles, whereunto they have subscribed, for the managing and maintaining this new Party. They have drawn up Petitions, one to the King, the other to the Parliament, the Copies whereof I have herewithall sent unto your Lordships. The Heads of them have had some Treaties with the Governors of the Garrisons, both of the King and Parliament, that lie nearest to them, and have agreed to pay Contribution to both; I hear, Fifty Pounds to Tolston House, and the like to Langford House. They have appointed Treasurers of their own, for receiving and paying for the same; and the Garrisons, in Consideration hereof, are not to raise any Contribution to themselves. I have sent your Lordship One of their Warrants for raising Money, and paying it in to Mr. Hollis of Salisbury, who is One of their Heads. For that Purpose, they give Passes to One of their Party, whom they call Associates, to pass freely in the Counties without Molestation. They list themselves under several Officers daily, and meet in great Bodies at their Rendezvous, and boast they can have Twenty Thousand Men at Four and Twenty Hours Warning for assembling them together. Their Heads send out to the several Towns; and, by ringing of Bells, and sending Post from one Rendezvous to another, into the several Towns and Hundreds, they draw into great Bodies. For Distinction of themselves from other Men, they wear White Ribbon, to shew, as they say, their Desires of Peace. They meet with Drums, flying Colours, and for Arms they have Muskets. Some, I hear, have been sent them from Sherborne; Fowling-pieces, Pikes, Halberts, great Clubs, and such like. They take upon them to interpose betwixt the Garrisons of either Side; and when any of their Forces meet in Places where they have a sufficient Power, as Salisbury and the like, they will not suffer them to fight, but make them drink together, and so make them Part to their several Garrisons. They come into our Horse Quarters, and steal Horses where they find them at Grass, and carry them into the Woods. They will obey no Warrants further than they are compelled, for sending in Provisions for the Army, or Draughts for the Carriages. In these Two Counties, they are abundantly more affected to the Enemy than to the Parliament; and publicly declare, what Party soever falls on them, they will join with the other; and those of the Inhabitants of these Counties who are really affected to the Parliament do not join with them, but are daily threatened by them, and suspect the Issue of it will be very mischievous. I have the Enemy before me, towards whom I am advancing with all Expedition; and in my Rear these Men, who, being very numerous, and acted by Men so dangerous as for the most Part their Leaders are, I know not what they may attempt. I desire your Lordships Advice in this Business, being uncertain what to do, until I hear from your Lordships. I am careful to prevent any just Cause of Clamour from the Country through any Disorders in the Army; and hope there will be Care taken for the sending Money to us, that they may be able to give Contentment to the People, by discharging their Quarters: But I do not at all doubt, that, if some speedy Course were taken for their quieting, or suppressing them, it would be no hard Work: I know not what it may prove to in Time; I find them generally very confident of their Cause and Party; and, if hereafter they should presume to give Laws to the Armies, as they do to the Garrisons, it might be of evil Consequence. For the present, I shall offer to your Lordships the commanding of Colonel Fines and Colonel Norton's Regiment of Horse into these Parts, who, with the Assistance of Colonel Ludlowe, the Sheriff of Wilts, (fn. *) and the Garrisons in these Parts, may be able at least to keep them from drawing into any great Bodies, to the Disturbance of the Country. I desire your Lordships speedy Answer; and remain “Your Lordships most humble Servant, Blandford, July, 3d 1645, 7 in the Morning. “Tho. Fairefax.”

Dale's Deposition concerning their Proceedings. “Christopher Dale, of Salisbury, examined, faith,

“That when he was taken Yesterday at Salisbury Town's End, by a Soldier of this Army, upon Suspicion of being a Spy, he was then returning Home to Salisbury from Wincanton, together with some Butchers of that Town, with whom he went before to Wincanton, to recover his Mare, which was taken away by Wincanton Club-men; and accordingly he had his Mare restored to him at Wincanton, and was then bringing her Home to Salisbury. He denieth that he came purposely to view the Army, or went out of his Way between Wincanton and Salisbury to view the same; but it fortuned, that he was on his Journey, the Army marched cross his Way; and he kept on his Way through the Army, making no Stay to observe it. He acknowledgeth that heretofore he bore Arms for the King, and served as a Quarter-master under Colonel Bampfeild, of the Enemy's Party: But saith, He laid down his Arms about Three Quarters of a Year ago, and hath never since served on either Side. But he further saith, That of late he hath associated himself with those that call themselves “The Club-men of Salisbury;” that he knoweth no other End of that Association, but to defend themselves and their Goods against all Plunderers, but not to oppose either Army; that, for the Town of Salisbury, there are chosen Fifteen Men, videlicet, Four out of every Parish, to be their Leaders, to guide and direct them; as namely, Mr. Hancock, Mr. Oniatt, Mr. Edmonds, and Mr. Greene, for St. Thomas Parish; Mr. Jay, Mr. Hancock Brewer, Mr. Lawes, and Mr. Choles Senior, for St. Edmond's Parish; Doctor Hales Physician, Mr. Batt, Mr. Payne, and Mr. Bee, for St. Martin's Parish; Mr. Thorpe, Mr. Thackeell, Mr. Choles Junior, and for Fisherton Parish; and Mr. Holles is Chief over all. He conceiveth that in Salisbury there (fn. *) are about Seven Hundred Club-men, which have at several Times appeared; but he conceiveth that there are more that are associated: That he believeth the Town is able to furnish these Club-men with Arms, (videlicet,) some with Pikes and Muskets, and others with Carbines and Pistols; but he thinketh there are not above Two Hundred Muskets in all: That there is the like Association of Club-men all over the County of Wilts; and that divers Gentlemen in their several Parishes do appear to conduct; but he can certainly name none, but Mr. Justice Bennett, Mr. Gold of Ashton, and Mr. Edward Topp: That (fn. †) they have met at several Rendezvous; that he was present at One Rendezvous at Grovely, where met the Club-men of Salisbury with some other Club-men of Part of the County; and at that Time there appeared about Four Thousand, as was generally said and believed; and besides this Rendezvous, there were kept other Rendezvouses for other Parts of the County; (videlicet,) by Warmister, Stonage, White Parish, and Uphaven; but what Numbers there met at those Rendezvouses he knoweth not: That, at the Rendezvous where he met at Grovely, there were certain Articles read and proposed to them, which they all assented to by giving a Shout; but what the Effect of those Articles were, more than to defend themselves against Plunderers, he cannot tell; but it (fn. ‡) was then said, they were to be sent to King and Parliament, to see how they would like them; and Two or Three Days after, some of the Garrisons of Foresley and Longford met at Salisbury with the Club-men, upon the Invitations of the Club-men, when and where the said Articles were again proposed, as he hath been ininformed; and that thereupon, in Conclusion, it was agreed that the Club-men should give Fifty Pounds a Week to each Garrison, until the King and Parliament had given an Answer to their Articles. “Christopher Dale. 2 July, 1645. Examinat. coram me, Joh'e Milles, Advocate.”

Warrant from the Club-men, to raise Money to pay a Weekly Allowance to the Garrisons of Fallersdoun and Langford, one belonging to the King, the other to the Parliament.

“Chalt Hundred: “Whereas several Petitions for Peace are intended to be agreed upon by the Inhabitants of this County of Wilts, and to be presented, the one to His Majesty, the other to the Two Houses of Parliament; it was thought fit, by divers Gentlemen and others Inhabitants of the Division of Sarum, who are already agreed and entered into an Association concerning the same, that, during such Time the said Petitions shall remain unanswered, a speedy Course should be taken, by Way of Treaty, between the said Gentlemen and Inhabitants of the said Division, and the Commanders of the several Garrisons of Langford and Fallerdowne, as well for the Peace and Safety of the Inhabitants of the aforesaid Division, and others who are charged by Way of Contribution, or otherwise charged or molested by either of the Two Garrisons, as also for the necessary Subsistence of the said Garrisons; upon Notice whereof, divers Gentlemen and Inhabitants of the said Division did meet, with the Commanders of the several Garrisons, at Sarum, the 13th of this Instant June, and there did conclude upon certain Articles, both for the Peace and Safety of the County, and the Subsistence and Maintenance of the Two Garrisons, as may appear under the Hands of the Gentlemen and Inhabitants of the said Division, and Commanders of the said Garrison, together with a Confirmation under the Hands of the Committee then at Fallersdowne, in the Behalf of that Garrison: Therefore, you, the Inhabitants of the Parish of Ebbesbourne Wake, are desired, by the Gentlemen whose Names are here subscribed, to pay, or cause to be paid, to the sworn Constable of the Hundred, the Sum of Two Pounds, Eighteen Shillings, and Four Pence Half-penny, at or before the 21th of this Instant June, being for One whole Week then last past, whereby the Constable may return and pay the same to Thomas Hollis, of New Sarum, Gentleman, who is deputed by the Gentlemen and Inhabitants to receive the same, to the Intent to discharge the Payments promised to the Garrisons, and for the same to be accomptable when he shall be thereunto required; and, upon Accompt, to pay the Remainder of his Receipts, if any such shall be, unto such as he shall be ordered therein: And you are likewise to return the several Names of every Person who stand charged therewith within your Tithing, together with the particular Sum of every such Person so taxed, and who they are within your Tithing that refuse or neglect to pay the same. “Your Friends, “Tho. Bennett. Tho. Hollis. Tho. Rose. Will. Gould. Mathew Mervin.

“It is conceived the Payments henceforward will not amount to so great a Proportion. To the Tithing-man of Ebbesboren. “Symon White, Constable.”

Petitions from the Club-men to the King and Parliament, for procuring a Peace. To the King's most Excellent Majesty. “The humble Supplication of Your Majesty's most loyal and obedient Subjects, the distressed Protestants inhabiting the County of “Sheweth,

“That Your Suppliants, having more deeply than many other Parts of this Kingdom tasted the Miseries of this unnatural intestine War, which have been the more extremely embittered unto them by the Pressures of many Garrisons both here and in the neighbour Counties, and the opposite Armies continually drawn upon them by the reason thereof, did lately hope, that, by Means of the Treaty proposed by Your Majesty to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, at Uxbridge, they might once again have reaped the blessed Issue of their long-lost Peace, in the happy Accommodation of the present Differences, without further Effusion of Christian Blood: But finding themselves utterly fallen from those Hopes, and too too justly fearing that the Extremity of these Calamities (which the Continuance of this bloody War is likely to produce) will daily grow more insupportable, unless our Christian Divisions may timely be prevented by some sudden Accomodation;

“They do here first and freely acknowledge, with Sorrow and Shame, before God and Man, that as it was their extreme Ingratitude, with the Disesteem and Abuse of their former Peace, which justly bereft them of that inestimable Blessing, so it is their manifold Unworthiness which yet withholds it from them; and therefore, in Submission to the Disposition of the Divine Clemency, they cease not heartily to pray, that, in His good Time, He would graciously answer the uncessant Supplications of His Church with a blessed Restoration of His and their Peace; and that they be not wanting to themselves, in the Search and Pursuance of those which may procure such a happy Restitution, they likewise cast themselves at Your Majesty's Royal Feet, humbly imploring, that, by lending a gracious Ear, a farther Treaty for Peace, if it shall be proffered to Your Majesty by the Two Houses of Parliament, for the Proposal whereof Your Petitioners have made like Address unto them, that such a firm Peace may once again be established amongst us, as may prove for the Advancement of God's Glory in the Maintenance of the true Reformed Protestant Religion, for the Safe-guard of Your Majesty's Royal Person, Honour, and Estate, for the securing of the Privileges and Immunities of Parliaments, and for the Preservation of the Liberties and Properties of the Subject; all which they humbly conceive to be the Four main Articles of that general Protestation, to which the Body of this Kingdom hath formerly sworn: And although they dare not presume to intromit themselvs into the Debate of those Two great Mysteries of State, concerning the Prerogatives inseparable from Your Majesty's Royal Person and Power, or the just Privileges of Parliaments, both which are lest to to their Prayers (only for a wished Determination and a happy Composition of them); yet they find themselves bound in Conscience, first and chiefly as Christians, to maintain and advance, with the utmost Hazard of their Lives and Fortunes, the true Reformed Protestant Religion; and next, as free-born English, not degenerating from the Virtues of their Fathers, by all possible and lawful Means to preserve and uphold the native Inheritance of their Laws, their Liberties, and Properties, which they equally hold in Esteem even with Life itself.

“And the said Petitioners do likewise humbly pray, that, in case such a Treaty may be mutually and unseignedly admitted, Your Majesty for Your Part would once again be graciously pleased to press the Cessation of Arms during the said Treaty, if the Two Houses of Parliament may be induced to do the same, that a Treaty of Peace may not proceed in Blood. And because Your Petitioners are no longer able to subsist under the impossible Observance of the contrary Commands of so many Garrisons and several Armies, who, under Pretence of Contribution, and by immesurable Taxes, continual Free Quarter, and uncessant Plunderings (contrary to Your Majesty's Proclamation in that Behalf), have scarcely left Your poor Suppliants sufficient for the Support of Life; they do most humbly beseech Your Sacred Majesty, that, out of Your Royal Clemency, whereby You were wont to resent the Misery of Your poor distressed Subjects, You would be graciously pleased, that the Number of Your Garrisons in this County may be lessened, in case the Two Houses of Parliament shall, upon Your Subjects Petition to them in that Behalf, do the like with the Garrisons in their Hands; and that all such Your Garrisons as shall seem necessary to be upheld within this County, for the Defence thereof, may be intrusted in the Hands of the said County, to be maintained at the Charges of the Inhabitants thereof, and not to be delivered up by them unto any Persons, but such only as, by the joint Consent of Your Majesty and the Two Houses of Parliament, shall be authorized to receive the same: And they most humbly pray, that, during their Service in maintaining the Garrisons, Your Majesty would be graciously pleased to free the said Inhabitants from all Manner of Payments, and other incumbent Charges, save only the necessary Quarter of Your Majesty's Armies in their March towards other Parts.

“And because many dissolute Persons, making Advantage of these distempered Times, and of the Abatement of the Edge of Justice, do without Restraint commit many heinous Offences, to the great Dishonour of Almighty God, and the Scandal of Your Royal Government established by the Laws of this Realm; they further humbly pray, that all Acts of Parliament unrepealed, and yet in Force, against such Offenders, may be presently put in Execution, by such Officers as the same Acts enable thereunto, without any their Disturbance in the due Execution thereof; and that all such Persons, that either (fn. *) are, or have been, in Arms, or otherwise assistant to either Party, in this unhappy War, who for Fear have absented themselves from the Places of their usual Abode, or are imprisoned only as Favourers of the other Party, may be peaceably permitted to return to their wonted Habitations, and to the Obedience of the established Laws.

“And Your said Petitioners humbly desire Your Gracious Majesty to understand, that their frequent Meetings have been hitherto, as appears, for no other End, save only for Opportunity jointly to represent their great Grievances by this innocent and humble Way of Petitioning; and to unite themselves, as by the Purport of the Protestation and Your Majesty's Gracious Proclamations in their Behalf they humbly conceive they lawfully may do, for the Maintenance of their Religion, Laws, Liberties, and Properties, against all unlawful Violence and Plundering whatsoever, until it shall please Almighty God to put a Period to those sad Distractions.

“In the last Place, for the Prevention of all Misunderstanding, and for the fuller Expression of their peaceable Intentions in whatsoever may be requirable of them as touching the Premises, they do humbly beseech Your Gracious Majesty, that they may have Your Majesty's Warrant, for the safe Intercourse of those who shall be employed by them in Address to Your Sacred Majesty.”

The like Petition to the Parliament, from the Clubmen, mutatis mutandis.

From: 'House of Lords Journal Volume 7: 7 July 1645', ⁴⁾.