Petition to Lord Burghley 1595

The papers relating to the recusancy of Edward Sulyard (c1540-1605) and his grandson Sir Edward Sulyard (c1594-1674), give a detailed picture of the constant financial demands made upon them for recusancy fines, which were to have a considerable long-term impact on the family fortunes. The difficulties continued through the reign of James II before his flight in 1688. Edward Sulyard (1635-1691) received letters from Barnaby Gibson from London which reported on 17 November 1678 that Sulyard was by proclamation confined to his house and not to go beyond 5 miles. Ten years later on 21 November 1688 he says that 'at present noe money wilbe lent to any of your persuasion'; and 'I have sent you the last Saturday's Gazette, they write noe word they durst not send any news which intimates that there is none good, the king has gone down into the west, god preserve him'.

In this petition Edward Sulyard (by this time aged about 55), begs that he may be released from the house of Sir John Higham at Ely where his long imprisonment has caused him to fall ill and to be unable to manage his affairs at home or in law. He also points out that he will be unable to pay his yearly fines to the Queen if his financial affairs suffer. A note on the reverse says that he is to be confined at his own house.

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