Through the power of the internet, we have accessed the journals of both houses of the English parliament through the marvellous web site British-History.ac.uk and looked up some of Lyme's great history.  There are many, many entries as you would expect for a town with the 4th largest port in the country at the time these were recorded.  Some of them bring unexpected humour such as the first one, which tells of Sir George Somers, one of the Burgess of Lyme, bringing a Doctors note to parliament for his colleague the other Burgess.  This was recorded the same day as they had foiled the Gunpowder Plot, November 5th 1605.

The language, terminology and spelling of the time is a little different now than it was over 300 years ago including spelling Dorset with two "t's".  There is also the abbrevaition of the first names from George to Geo while nowadays it's popular to shorten the last names of our friends and colleagues.

Penal Statutes.
1. Reading - AN Act for the better Execution of Statutes.
Absence of a Member by Sickness. Sir Geo. Somers, One of the Burgesses for Lyme Regis, bringeth in Certificate of the Sickness of the Gout of one John Hassard, the other Burgess, and desireth to have him discharged.

Writs during Prorogation.
A Committee to consider of that, and of the Granting of Writs by the Lord Chancellor, during the Time of Prorogation.

Committee of Privileges.
Privileges and Returns: - Sir Geo. Moore, Sir Rob. Wingfield, Mr. Fuller, Sir Fr. Hustings, Sir Jo. Heigham, Sir Edw. Hext, Sir Rob. Knolles, Mr. Tate. Sir Geo. Somers, Sir Edw. Mountague, Sir Rob. Cotton, Sir Rob. Worth, Sir Edw. Hobby, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Solicitor: - Tomorrow, in the Temple Hall.

Spanish Merchants.
Sir Geo. Somers moveth, touching an Incorporation of Merchants, since the last Parliament, granted by Letters Patents from his Majesty: - Mr. Secretary Herbert, Sir Geo. Moore, Sir Geo. Somers, Sir Wm. Stroud, Sir Tho. Ridgeway, Sir Jo. Heigham, Mr. James, Sir Herbert Crofts, Mr. James of Newport, Sir Christofer Perkins, Mr. Tolderby, Mr. Martin, Mr. Edw. Manne, Mr. Chapman, Sir Walter Cope, Sir Tho. Freak, Sir Jo. Williams, Sir Henry Billingsley, Sir Rob. Johnson, Mr. Gore, Sir Edwyn Sandys, Sir Dan. Dun, Sir Rob. Maunsell, Sir John Trevor, Sir Carye Rawley, Sir Tho. Waller, Knights of Maritime Counties, Mr. Adrian Staughton, Sir Rich. Spencer, Sir Geo. Smyth, Mr. Prowse, Mr. Fuller: - To consider of the Incorporation of the Spanish Company: - Tuesday 4 Februarii, Temple Hall.

Burgesses Members for Lynne.
The Burgesses of Lynne: - To-morrow, in the Temple

Gunpowder Plot.
This last Night the Upper House of Parliament was searched by Sir Tho. Knevett; and one Johnson, Servant to Mr. Thomas Percye, was there apprehended; who had placed Thirty-six Barrels of Gunpowder in the Vault under the House, with a Purpose to blow King, and the whole Company, when they should there assemble. Afterwards divers other Gentlemen were discovered to be of the Plot.

From: 'House of Commons Journal Volume 1: 05 November 1605', Journal of the House of Commons: volume 1: 1547-1629 (1802), p. 256. URL: British-History.ac.uk

Defence of Lyme Regis.

Upon Reading of the humble Petition of the Mayor, Burgesses and Inhabitants of Lyme Regis, in the County of Dorsett, by which is made known the Approaching of Sir Ralph Hopton, with his Forces, towards that Town, and the Danger they are in; having been already threatened, for their good Affections, and hearty Endeavours for the Publick; and the Consequence of that Place, in regard of the many Ships now being in that Harbour, and the Guns and Ammunition there (the said Ships being lately come home, loaden with much Goods and Merchandize, which will be a Means to invite them to come thither); and the Place not being able, by the Strength in it, to make Opposition or Resistance; It is this Day Ordered, by the Commons in Parliament assembled, That Sir Walter Earle, and the rest of the Deputy Lieutenants in the County of Dorset, are required to send such Forces into the Town of Lyme Regis, for Aid and Defence of the same, as Occasion shall require: And the Forces so by them directed, are hereby required not to fail in yielding their Obedience thereunto, as they will answer the

Neglect of so important a Service: And the better to enable the said Town to defray the Charge and Expence of this great Work, it is likewise Ordered, That they may take out of their own Subscription Money the Sum of Two hundred Pounds: And Allowance shall be given thereof upon their Account.

From: 'House of Commons Journal Volume 2: 02 January 1643', Journal of the House of Commons: volume 2: 1640-1643 (1802), pp. 910-11. URL: British-History.ac.uk

Die Lunæ, 10 Junii, 1644.

Military Affairs at Lyme.

A Letter from the Earl of Warwicke, of the Thirtieth of May, from aboard his Ship before Lyme, was read; relating the Condition of that Town, and how valiantly they still defend that Town against Prince Maurice; and that the Enemy, when they last stormed the Town, being on the last Fast-day, were beaten off with the Loss of Four hundred of the Enemy, slain on the Place; and informing the House, what Supplies of Men, and Ammunition, and Victuals, his Lordship hath sent into the Town, for their Relief: And also sent a Relation of every Day's Proceedings since the Siege of Lyme: Both which were read, and ordered to be printed.

Ordered, That a Letter of Thanks be written to the Earl of Warwicke, and to the Commanders of the several Ships that have done such Service for the Relief of Lyme: And also, that a Letter be written to the Town of Lyme, and the Commanders in Chief there, from this House, taking notice of the special Service done by them, in the Defence of that Place: And the Committee for the West are to prepare these Letters; and present the same to the House.

Mr. Solicitor reports from the Committee of both Kingdoms, a Letter from Edw. and Tho. Ceeley, dated Lyme, 3 Junii, and sent to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to hasten Relief by Land with all Speed, or the Town will be lost: A Letter from my Lord General, of the Sixth of June, to the Committee of both Kingdoms, declaring his Resolution to march with his Army to the Relief of Lyme.

Ordered, That Mr. Prideauxe and Mr. Strode do presently withdraw, and prepare a Letter to be sent to my Lord General, to hasten with all Speed, by sending a strong Party of Horse and Dragoons for the Relief of Lyme; and to acquaint him with the Streights and Condition of that Town.

Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Perepointe proceeded further in the Report of the State of the Armies; and of the several Letters they have sent to all the Generals, and Commanders in Chief, concerning the Motions of the Army; and what Answers they have received.

Mr. Prideauxe reports the Letter to be sent by both Houses, to my Lord General, for his speedy March for the Relief of Lyme: Which was read; and, upon the Question, assented unto; and ordered to be sent up to the Lords, by Sir Rob. Harley: Who went up with the same accordingly; and also with Colonel Fox his Ordinance; and an Ordinance for Fifty Pounds to Colonel Cunningham.

Dr. Walker was called in; and related the Condition of Lyme, from whence he came on Tuesday last; relateing, in Effect, the Substance of my Lord of Warwick's Letter.

From: 'House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 10 June 1644', Journal of the House of Commons: volume 3: 1643-1644 (1802), pp. 523-25. URL: British-History.ac.uk

I wonder if Somerset and Devon know about this? they may ask for their money back!

DIE Mercurii, 7 die Augusti.

Ordinance for settling a Garrison in Lyme Regis.

"Whereas the Garrison and Inhabitants of the Town of Lyme Regis, in the County of Dorsett, by their late Valour and Vigilance in defending that Place, through God's great Mercy, against the Enemy's Forces which lately besieged it, deserved all due Encouragement and Maintenance: For their own future Security, and better Defence of the Western Parts, the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, have thought fit, and do hereby Order and Ordain, That there shall be a Garrison of Six Hundred Foot, and a Troop of One Hundred Horse, settled and maintained in the said Town, as long as both Houses of Parliament shall deem it necessary; and that, for the better Maintenance of the said Garrison, the Sum of Nine Hundred Pounds a Month shall be henceforth levied and paid, by the several Committees of the respective Counties hereafter named, to William Keirridge Mayor of the said Town, upon Accompt, for the Use and Maintenance of the said Garrison, in Manner and Form following; (that is to say), Three Hundred Pounds a Month out of the County of Dorsett, Three Hundred Pounds a Month out of the County of Som'sett, and Three Hundred Pounds a Month out of the County of Devon, out of the Monies raised by the said Committees by Weekly and Monthly Assessments, Sequestrations of Papists and Delinquents Estates, the Fifth and Twentieth Part, and other Taxes in the said respective Counties; which said Sums of Money the said Committees and their Treasurers are hereby ordered and required to pay in Monthly to the said William Kerridge, or as soon as they shall levy the same by the Means aforesaid."

From: 'House of Lords Journal Volume 6: 7 August 1644', Journal of the House of Lords: volume 6: 1643 (1802), pp. 662-64. URL: British-History.ac.uk

...how times do change (or not!)

Die Veneris, 16 Julii, 1647.

Lyme Regis Pier.

THE House being informed, That, by reason of a late Storm, the Pier of Lyme Regis in the County of Dorset, is in such Decay, as not only the Trade, and consequently the Customs, will be much diminished, and prejudiced; besides the Danger of Shipping resorting to that Port; It is thereupon Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of the Navy, to give Order for the Payment of the Sum of One thousand Pounds out of the Customs arising in the Port of Lyme Regis, to such Person or Persons as the said Committee shall appoint to receive the same; the said One thousand Pounds to be employed for the Repairs of the decayed Pier; called The Cobb, and of the ruinated Sea-works there.

From: 'House of Commons Journal Volume 5: 16 July 1647', Journal of the House of Commons: volume 5: 1646-1648 (1802), pp. 245-47. URL: British-History.ac.uk

..and finally we have an election result from 21st May 1689.

Lyme Regis Election.

Colonel Birch reports from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, to whom the Matter, touching the Election of Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament in the Borough of Lyme Regis in the County of Dorset was referred, the State of the Case, as it appeared to the Committee: Which he produced in Writing; and, being read at the Clerk's Table, is as followeth;
Upon the Petition of Sir William Drake, Knight and Baronet, against John Burridge, Esquire, touching the Election of Lyme Regis in the County of Dorsett, came to be heard for the Petitioner.

That the Counsel insisted, That the Right of Election was in the Mayor, Burgesses, and Freemen at large; and that Lyme Regis was made a Borough 12 Edw. I.; and, at the same time, a Corporation; so the Corporation was co-evous with the Borough: And delivered in a Copy of a Grant, 12 Edw. I mi. Quod Villa de Lyme in Com. Dors. de cætero liber Burgus sit, & quod Homines ejusdem Villæ sint liberi Burgenses; ita quod habeant Gildam mercatoriam. 12 Edw. IV. Sub Sigillo Majoris.

30 Elizabethæ. Mayor and Burgesses elected-Return, under the Seal of Mayor and Burgesses.
1° & 2° Phil. & Mariæ. Mayor and Burgesses elected under the Common Seal.
16 Car. I mi. Major, per majorem Partem capital. & aliorum liberorum Burgens. elegit sub Sigillo Majoris.
13 Car. IIdi. Majorem cum Assensu residuorum Burgensium liberorum Hominum Villæ predictæ sub communi Sigillo.
31 Car. II. 32 Car. II. Mayor and Burgesses, with Consent of the whole Mind, elected under the Hands of the Mayor and Burgesses, and Common Seal.

It appeared, upon the Poll delivered in, That Sir Wm. Drake had Twenty-nine Votes, with himself; and that Mr. Burridge had Thirty Votes, with himself: But it was allowed, That, of the Twenty-nine, that voted for Sir Wm. Drake, there were Five foreign Freemen; viz. Fra. Alford, William Bragg, John Fry, Antony Floyer, and Rich. Henvill.
And they called Mr. Gregory Arnold: Who said, He had been Mayor of the Town, Anno 1663, and then came the Act of Regulations; and then he called in Sir John Strode, Colonel Bishop, and others, to his Assistance, and they gave their Voices, and they have come in ever afterwards into the Common Council House, and voted for Mayors and other Officers: That Sir John Strode and Colonel Bishop were Out Burgesses, as these Five excepted against are: That he remembered Sir John Strode and Colonel Bishop have been at the Election of Parliament Men; and, to the best of his Remembrance, have voted in the Elections of Parliament Men; and, particularly, at the Election of the Lord Clarendon: That several Freeholders have come and claimed their Vote, but never were admitted nor returned: That he believed, particularly when the Sitting Member Mr. Burridge was Mayor, the Freeholders were rejected; and that Mr. Burridge made a Return by the Mayor, Burgesses, and Freemen: That whoever are free of Lyme, are free from many Tolls at Bristoll, and enjoy several Privileges there; but says, The foreign Freemen take not the same Oath with the other: That it appeared, that the Charter of Lyme Regis had been surrendered to the King.

And it was agreed, Those Acts that were done under the new Charter, to be void; and, thereupon, the Counsel for the Petitioner produced the Surrender of the Charter of the 20 Oct. 1684: And called One Bragg, a Witness; Who said, That Thomas Pitts, Thomas Fitz Jerrard, and Robert Fowler, who polled for Mr. Burridge, were made free under the new Charter; viz. Tho. Pitts 2 March (84), Thomas Fitz Jerrard 5 Oct. (85), Robert Fowler 4 Feb. 1687: That James Pitts, another Person that voted for Mr. Burridge, was a Freeman by the Old Charter, but disfranchised for some Misdemeanor, and restored by the New Charter; he was disfranchised in a full Corporation, for bringing in several Things contrary to his Oath: That John Case and Matthew Sprag are Freemen of the Town of Lyme, but both live out of the Town; one Six Miles, the other Two.
For Mr. Burridge: That the Counsel insisted, That the Right of Election consisted in all Freemen of Lyme, being Inhabitants and Freeholders of the same.

The Counsel, for the Petitioner, granted, If the Freeholders had a Right, Mr. Burridge was elected.
The the counsel, for Mr. Burridge, produced Returns, 1° Elizabethæ: Mayor, Burgesses, and Inhabitants, elected under the Seal of the Mayor and Burgesses.

1° Mariæ. Mayor, Burgesses, with Inhabitants, elected under the Common Seal.
13 Car. II. produced also by the Petitioner: And called John Davis: Who said, He had known Lyme from a Child; and that Freeholders had given their Vote; particularly Thomas Bragg, Wm. Trickey, * Short, and * Mincent, gave their Vote, as he thinks, at the Election of Esquire Henley and Sir John Shaw; but says, He never knew any Freeholders, or Freemen, out of the Town, admitted to vote.

Mr. Short being called, Exception was taken to him, as being a Freeholder; but, afterwards, allowed to be a Witness as to the Right of foreign Freemen; and said, He never knew any honorary Freemen demanded to vote till the last Election.
George Brayholt said, He had known several Elections of Mr. Henley, and others, and that Freemen and Freeholders have their Votes: That Esquire Henley made several Freeholders to that purpose: That no outlying Freemen had a Vote, to his Knowledge.

* Tytherley said, He had been a Freeman Twenty Years: and that he has known some Freeholders come and claim their Right at Elections; and they used to cry, Up with them.

James Pitts said, He known Spragg very well; and that Spragg had a House, in the Town, that paid to the Poors Rate: That John Case traded, as a Merchant, in the Town; but his Mother-in-law dying, he was gone to take Possession of the Estate: That Thomas Pitts was made a Freeman by the new Charter: And it being said, He was not a Freeman, he came to the Corporation, and desired to have his Fine, or be re-admitted; and the Corporation told him, There was no need; he was a good Freeman.

Upon the whole Matter, the Committee came to several Resolutions: Which he read in his place; and afterwards, delivered the same in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were read; and are as followeth; Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That John Burridge, Esquire, is not duly elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Lyme Regis in the County of Dorsett.
Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That Sir Wm. Drake, Knight and Baronet, is duly elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Lyme Regis in the County of Dorsett.

The first of the said Resolutions being read a Second time;
The Question was put, That the House agree with the Committee therein: The House divided.

Tellers for the Yeas:Sir Rob. Cotton, 82. Mr. Brewer,
Tellers for the Noes:Sir John Guise, 121. Mr. Coninsby,

So it passed in the Negative.

From: 'House of Commons Journal Volume 10: 21 May 1689', Journal of the House of Commons: volume 10: 1688-1693 (1802), pp. 139-42.  URL: British-History.ac.uk

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