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The Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough, a canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: "In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed." Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
A True Account of the Horrid Conspiracy is in Stewart Books.
Upon the whole Process he was found guilty of High Treason. But in stead of Drawing, Hanging and Quartering, the usual and legal Penalty of that Crime,the Execution was by his Majesties Clemency changed into that of Beheading. Though it is well known,this very Prerogative of the Kings having it in his Power to alter the Punishment of High Treason, had been vehemently disputed by the Party, and particularly by the Lord Russel himself in the Lord Stafford's Case.
The said Lord Russel (age 43) at the time of his Death, which was the 21st of that Month [21st July 1683], deliver'd a Paper to the Sheriffs, and left other Copies of it with his Friends, whereby it was immediately dispers'd amongst the People, the general drift of it being to make odious Insinuations against the Government, invidious Reflections on the Ministers of his Majesties Justice and undue Extenuations of his own Fault.
But the whole Evidence against Walcot being elear and positive Testimony, and what he pleaded for himself being only his own single Affirmation and Negation, without any support of Witnesses,the Jury immediately brought him in Guilty of High Treason. According to which Sentence he was Executed on the 20th of the said Month [20th June 1683]. At the time of his Execution he again acknowledg'd what he had told the King, and writ to the Secretary of State, 'That the Business was laid very deep he said, An Act of Indulgence would do well, because the King had a great many Men to take Judgment of: He persisted, he was to have had no hand in his Majesties Death, though he confess'd it was proposed when he was present: He declared he did not know that this Conspiracy was older than the August or September before: but so old he own'd it was.'
Then was he [Thomas Armstrong (age 51)] order'd to be Executed June the 20th [1684]. At the place of Execution he likewife deliver'd the Sheriffs a Paper, wherein he continued to Object against the legal Course of the Proceedings upon him, complaining, 'That with an unordinary roughness he had been condemned and made a President, though HoIIoway, being also Outlaw'd, had his Tryal offer'd him a little before.'
As to the new Evidence against him, which the Kings Atturney mention'd at theKings-Bench, he only answer'd it by a bold and flat denial, affirming upon his Death, He never had any Design against the Kngs Life, nor the Life of any Man both which may be easily allowed to be equally true.