ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY in Norfolk, and that any who be touched with like infection be apprehended.^ The Bedingfields seem to have developed much ill-health in their enforced confinement, and Edmund Bedingfield, a prisoner for matters of religion, had permission, 4 May, 1579, being greatly afflicted with sickness, to repair to Bath until Michaelmas next, giving bonds, etc.- That this was only an interlude in a long period of imprisonment is shown by his release, 26 May, 1580, until the end of Michaelmas term, on bonds, sureties, etc., to arrange the marriage of his son with the daughter of Henry Jerningham.' A very actual picture of this company of ' gentlemen prisoners committed for religion,' who were not allowed to communicate with each other except at meal times, and then only under strict surveillance, is afforded by the evidence in an examination made by the bishop, 24 October, i 580, as to a letter received by Robert Downes of Great Melton, from Salomon Aldrede, sometime hosier in Burchin Lane, London, and dated from Rheims in France.* Robert Downes deposed that one Raph Downes of Lincoln's Inn delivered the letter to him 17 October, and that he had it of Mr. Ferneslie, dwelling nigh unto Fyncham, that he read about half the same in the presence and hearing of Mr. Roger Martin, and Mr. Humphrey Bedingfield, and their keeper the gaoler's servant, called Christopher ; and until he got to that part where it was signified he would be honourably received beyond the seas, in presence of Mr. Martin aforesaid, Mr. Edward Sulyard, Mr. Bedingfield, and one or two of their servants. Mr. Michael Haire was also present at the reading ■of the said letter. The prisoner declares he read the letter aloud because of the mirthful nature of its contents, but it is evident that it was not for that reason he was being examined ; and his statement ' that he knew nothing of the bull in the said letter because he did not read the letter through,' must be received with some reserve. A letter from the bishop to ' Mr. Ferdinando Paris, esq.,' at Pudding Norton, dated 13 March, 1581, and signed 'your loving friende,' says: — Having of late received very sharpe reprehension from my lordes of the Counsaill for my lenity extended tovi'ardes you and the reste in question for rehgion in these parts, upon some complaints made against me for that your liberty, I am hereupon urged to call you and the reste to prison, requiring you therefore not to fail in your repair to James Bradshav/'s in Norwich within tenne dayes after the receipt hereof, there remayning as before, and so I bid you farewell in Christe.* An order of the Privy Council of the same year deals with the escape of certain persons from the house of Sir Henry Bedingfield, and directs that search shall be made for Woodall and Colwell, also that Yelverton, from whom they have taken bonds, with sureties for his appearance to answer his doings touching the escape of Woodall, shall appear before the Council.* In 1588 James Bradshaw, the gaoler at Norwich before mentioned, was charged with negligence in keeping recusants,^ and Walter Norton, Edward Downes, Robert Lovell, Ferdinando Paris, and Humphrey Bedingfield were to be removed from Norwich to Wisbeach.* In that year Father John •Gerard, the Jesuit, returned as a missionary to England and landed in ' Act! P. C. xi, 355. ' Ibid. 116. ' Ibid, xii, 38.
- Lansd. MS. 96, No. 59. ' Hist. MSS Com. Rep. v, 486a.
' Jas P. C. xiii, 25. ' Ibid, xvl, 247. ' Ibid. 317. 271
