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brought to the bar of the House of
Commons, committed prisoner to the
Tower for two months, and another
Mayor chosen in his room.
At the inauguration of Cromwell in
1657, as Lord Protector, the Lord Mayor
carried the city sword before him, accom-
panied by the Earl of Warwick, who
carried the sword of state, and during the
ceremony stood on the right side of
Cromwell's chair, while the Lord Mayor
stood on the left.
But after the death of Cromwell, the
Common Council opposing the Com-
mittee of Safety, declaring for a free Par-
liament, and refusing to pay or advance
money to the Parliament, General Monk
was ordered to march with his army into
the city, and the streets became planted
with soldiers; when several of the Alder-
men and Common Council were ta-
ken into custody, the whole body dis-
qualified, and a new Common Council
ordered to be chosen; after which the
city gates were broke and cut to pieces,
the portcullises taken down and destroyed,
and the posts and chains taken down.
After this, the city heartily and zea-
lously joined with General Monk, in
bringing about the restoration. The Lord
Mayor and Aldermen, on the 29th of
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May 1660, went out to meet Charles II.
in St. George's Fields, where the city had
erected a magnificent pavilion, provided
with a sumptuous collation, of which that
Prince having participated, was conducted
through the city by a very noble caval-
cade, the Lord Mayor carrying the sword
bare-headed before the King, accom-
panied by the Duke of Buckingham and
General Monk, who were also bare. Up-
on this occasion the city was adorned with
the richest silks and tapestries, and the
streets lined with the city corporations
and Trained Bands, while the conduits
flowed with wine, and the windows,
balconies, and scaffolds were crouded with
an infinite number of spectators.
In the year 1663, King Charles II.
granted the city a confirmation of all their
former charters, privileges, liberties, rights
and customs; and the next year the city,
in return, advanced several considerable
sums for his Majesty, to enable him to
carry on a war with the Dutch, for which
the citizens received the thanks of both
Houses of Parliament.
About the beginning of May 1665,
one of the most terrible plagues that ever
was inflicted on this, or perhaps any other
kingdom, broke out in this city: and as
this was happily the last visitation of this
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