THE INFORMATION OF Symeon Wright, BARBER CHIRƲRGEON IN CHANCERY-LANE IN LONDON, Taken upon Oath this 17th. day of December, 1680. before me Edmond Warcup Esq; One of His Majesties Justices of the Peace in the said County and City.

Mr. Plessington coming from beyond the Seas went into Stafford-shire, and at the Right Honorable Lady Gerards at Saudon, he became acquainted with a Sister of mine, that then waited on the young Lord, by whose meanes, he came to the knowledg of [Page 2] my Father and Mother, who then and still live at Stone in Stafford-shire; at his return to London he brought recommendations from them to me, to my Masters a Barber and Periwig maker in Chancery-lane. This was the beginning of our ac­quaintance, which was afterwards improved to those wicked ends, I am now about to relate.

This was about the year 1672 or 1673, and to the best of my memory he did then belong to Lincolns-Inn, from thence he went to serve the Lady Marchioness of Clinrickard in Covent-Gar­den, and was from thence advanced to be the Lord Bellasis his Steward, which place I suppose he still holds.

After the discovery of the Hellish and dam­nable Popish Plot I gave him a visit in German­street, and told him the talk of the Town about his Lord, whereupon he replyed, dear Child it is a false thing, and my Lord is as clear as the Child unborn, and is with the King at New-Market, and as great a Favorite as any one what­ever. It is well, said I, if it prove so, and he told me I need not fear it.

When strict enquiry was made after the Murtherers of Sir Edmond-bury Godfrey, Mr. Plessington was upon suspition taken into the Custody of Mr. Wickham a Messenger, and up­on a Saturday Night came to the Ship Tavem without Temple Barr with his Keeper, whether he sent for me, and when I came to him, after [Page 3] some other discourse, told me his condition, and pull'd out a small book with a lock and key to it, which his keeper immediatly searched, but upon perusal of it, restored it to him again; then at his request I went to the Lord Marques of Win­chesters to acquaint his Lordship with the great­ness of his Charge, and to beg his Lordships favour: his Lordship sent for me into his Bed-Chamber, and asked me how Mr. Plessington did, and after I had delivered my Message, he bad me remember his kind respects to Mr. Ples­sington, and tell him he did not think it conveni­ent so soon to move for his enlargment, but that it should not be long before he should hear from him. It was upon the Lords day, that I waited on the Marques, and on the Tusday following he was discharged and came to return me thanks for my care and paines, adding, that he would not be ungrateful to me when occasion should serve. Whereupon I replyed; Sir I am very glad that you have so good a friend, meaning my Lord Marques of Winchester, to which he thus answered, Ah Child if you were in my condition, you would have as good and better.

Upon the first rumour of Mr. Stephen Dug­dales discovery Mr. Plessington was very in­quisitive whether I knew him, I told him yes very well; upon which, he answered, that he was sorry that I knew such a base fellow or words to that effect.

[Page 4] And after Mr. Dugdales coming to Town, he observing a great intimacy betwixt us; Told me, that he would come oftner to see me, but that he did not care to see Dugdale; and yet at the same time would express his desire to see him, but would bid me take no notice of it to Dugdale, and was very frequently asking questions con­cerning him, alwayes speaking very scurrilously of him.

He told me he was very well satisfied of my truth and honesty, and that it should not be long before I should know more of his mind, which discourse was soon over.

Not long after he came to me again, and told me he wanted some secret discourse with me, and thus went on. You are (said he) Dugdales Barber still; yea (said I) I am; pray (said he) where do you trim him? I answered in my shop, with three or four Souldiers about him. Do you, said he, never trim him privatly? I told him I never yet had, but was once asked by him to trim him at his Cham­ber at the Cock-pit. VVell said he, if that fellow were aside it would be well for him that did it, and he thought me a very fit man to be imployed in that affair, and went on making me very fair promis­es of great rewards, and at length came to a sum certain, saying that If I would destroy him or blast his Evidence, I should have seven hundred pounds paid me. And to confirm me that he was real, he bid me make provision to have it secured [Page 5] to me, accordingly I spoak to Mr. Reaves an Apothecary, and one Mr. Cross, at the Horshoo-Tavern, both in Chancery-lane, about security for such a summe, Mr. Cross went twice with me to speak with Mr. Plessington about one of the hun­dred pounds, but my great necessity dayly encreas­ing upon me, I was the more inclined to attempt Mr. Dugdales person, which accordingly I did, after this manner. Mr. Dugdale being late one Evening at the Horseshoo-tavern in Chancery-lane, sent so me (as he used frequently to do,) to ac­company him home to his Lodging at the Cock­pit, and calling a Coach we two only went into it, this was an opportunity I had expected, and ac­cordingly had provided a Dagger, which cost me 3s. and 6d. which I bought at a shop near Wal­ling ford house; when we came into the Strand near Summerset House, I sitting opposite to Mr. Dug­dale in the Coach felt how low his bodice came, that I might know were to stab him securely, but Mr. Dugdale mistrusted me so far that he called to the Coach-man to stop, but I perswaded him on, but at Charing-cross, I again was attempting him, and he again was calling to the Coach-man to let him out▪ but I endeavoured to perswade him that I intended him no harm, yet he still so far mistrust­ed me, that when we came to the Cook-pit, he im­mediatly stept out of the Coach, and paid the Coach man, and gave him a 1 s. more then his pay [Page 6] to carry me back to the Hors-shooe Tavern, I would have come out with a design to follow him, pretending to return by water, but he would not admit of it, but would have the Coach-man carry me back. When I saw I had missed this opportunity of Murthering him, I bid the Coach­man take notice where I had left him well, fear­ing he might be dispatcht by some other hand, and that I should be questioned for it. The Coach stood at the Sarazens head in Camomil-street near Bishops gate, this was in the Month of July, 1679. Mr. Dugdale perceiving his person was attempt­ed, obscur'd himself for several dayes, and then his Enemies reported, that he was run away from his Evidence, which Mr. Plessington un­derstanding, he beleived I had given Mr. Dug­dale his Pas-port for another world, and com­ming to me then at the Horseshooe Tavern, he gave me thirty Guinnies; but Mr. Cross comming into the room at that instant of his delivering them me, I immediatly return'd them him a­gain, not desiring any Eye witnesses of my re­ceiving his gold, at which he seemed to be very angry.

Some time after this some unexpected trou­bles overtaking me, I was for the security of my person obliged to quit my Habitation, and the Night before I went, I met with Mr. Plessing­ton, near middle row in Holbourn, and told him I feared I could not performe my promise to [Page 7] him, because I wanted mony to carry on the de­sign, he desired me to be as true to him as he would be to me, and then gave me three Guin­nies, and ordered me to meet him the Monday following at Billings-gate, this was in September 1679, but I failed then meeting him.

I then took a lodging in Wapping, unknown to Mr. Plessington, but he meeting Mr. Leacroff of Walton in Stafford shire, my very good friend, en­quired of him where I was, and pretended that I had much damnified him, in not meeting him at Billings-gate according to appointment, Mr. Leacroff told him that I was under a Cloud, at which he seemed very sorry, and said, he might notwithstanding have met me, for he knowes I design him no hurt but should have met him for his advantage.

After this he understanding that I was remov­ed to a Cheesmonger in Ratcliff, caused me fre­quently to visit him in the Tower, and if at any time I was questioned whether I went, he order­ed me to make use of my own Friends names in the Tower, as Mr. Shenton in the Minte, Mr. Hubbard at Sir George Whartons, or Mr. Spen­ser at Sir Jonas Moores, any of which names would have gained me admittance.

At one of our meetings there, I told him that Mr. Dugdale had appointed me to meet him on such a day (which day I then told him) at the Fleece Tavern at Billings-gate, then he desired [Page 8] me to call of him, that day before I went to Dug­dale, which I did, and dined with him at his Lords Lodging in the Tower, it was the day after His Grace the Duke of Monmouth returned from be­yond the Seas or thereabouts.

When we had dined Mr. Plessington convey­ed me to an Ale-house in the Tower near the Lieu­tenants House, the House had the Model of a ship or two hanging in it. There came two or three Gentlemen with Mr. Plessington, who impor­tuned me to get Mr. Dugdale away from Billins-gate by water, designing to attempt him upon the water, as I supposed. I told them I would go to him to the Fleece and see what Company was with him, and if he were alone would acquaint them. Accordingly I went, and found two per­sons with him, and a third came to him whilst I was with him, but I had staid there longer than they expected, so that when I returned back to the Dog, they were gone, and had taken with them my Cane, which I left there.

The next day I went to Mr. Plessington for my Cane, who said to me we missed a brave opportuni­ty Yesterday, I replyed, not as good as when I mis­sed my designe upon him in the Strand, no said he, but have at the third time, and then he seemed to suspect me for refusing the thirty Guinnies at the Horseshoo-tavern, which I told him I did fearing Mr. Cross should discover something of our designe, hang him (said he) if he do, weel tell him another story.

[Page 9] I then asked him what I should say to per­sons that asked me how I came so soon to want monies, when I so lately had seven hundred pound to put out to use; Pugh (said he) tell them that it was mine, and that I being (as you feared) concerned in the Plot, you were to put it out in your name for my use, in which I ob­served his directions.

But be sure said he, that you continue to blast Dugdale all you can, for we can have no fitter person for the purpose than your self, but I will suddainly be with you again, and contrive a way for you to do it more easily and effectually.

Accordingly he came on a Saturday ni [...]ht and lay with me, an then told me that I being a witness or Mr. Dugdale in the Trial of Price, might do them the service they desired, by swearing that Mr. Dugdale profered me I mo­nies, maintenance, and protection as a Kings E­vidence, if I would swear against Sir James Symons, Mr. Gerard, and others, this I promis­ed to do; but before the trial having seriously considered what it was that I was about to do, my purpose was altered, and therefore desired Mr. Plessington to put it off, and told him I would be out of the way before I was subpaena'd, designing to go to Chelmsford in Essex, but he would by no meanes consent to it, and so I was at the trial of Anne Price and John Tasborough, but did not swear against Dugdale as I had promised, and as they expected, at which I after perceived they were much startled.

[Page 10] Soon after Mr. Plessington coming to me; told me that I had lost my self, and that I was not the man he took me for, and after some other dis­course, said that if I would yield my self forsworn in what I had witnessed at the Trial, he would get a Friend to speak to the Duke of York, and did not in the least question but by his meanes to get me a Pardon for Perjury. And he then in­structed me to say that Mr. Dugdale threatned me (if I owned a word of our meeting at Billings-gate, or of his promises to me) that he would bring two to swear Treason against me and have me hanged, or at least such Crimes as should cause me to be Pillored.

And at his instigation I did tell several in and about London, that Dugdale was a Rogue, and that I would do his business for him 'ere long, that he had made me forswear my self to do him a kindness, with more such notorious fal­shoods.

About four days after the Trial, I was upon suspition apprehended for a Priest, and carryed before Sir William Waller, but was releast by the meanes of a Letter from my Honored Friend, Sir Humphery Doleman, this was in February, 1679.

After this I began to stand firm to the Popish [Page 11] Interest, and was intended to be a witness against Mr. Dugdale in the Trial of the Lord Aston and Sir James Symons, this was in the beginning of the year, 1680.

That which confirmed me more to their In­trest was the misinformation I had receiv'd by their meanes concerning Mr. Dugdale, viz. That he was the cause of my being apprehended for a Priest, and that he designed mischief against me, and that he had profered ten pounds, to take me before the Lord Astons Tryal; with which I acquainted Sir Thomas Whitegrave, who bid me if any trouble of that Nature came upon me, to send to Mr. Thomas Robinsons in Cursit­ors Alley, where he and his Son Bromley lodg­ed, and either of them would be my Baile. Sir Thomas was subpaena'd as a witness for the Lord Aston, and was a witness for the Lord Stafford, I therefore was forced frequently to shift my lodgings, and was entertained at Ma­jor General Egertons, he being from home: with­in a short time Mr. Germin Drayton, Butler both to Mr. Heningham and Sir James Symonds, and one Samuel Holt a Black smith to the Lord Aston of Tixal, which Holt was also a witness in the Lord Staffords trial, came to me frequently to the Bull-tavern in Southampton street, Mr. Drayton oftner than the other, and did interceed with me to write somthing that might blast Dug­dale, [Page 12] which I did, and he called for it at the time appointed.

Two or three dayes after Mr. Drayton told me that he must bring a Gentleman to speak with me, but would not name him, accordingly the next day he called me, and we went together to the Crown in Kings street in Blooms-bury, whether he brought one Mr. Longner, repu­ted to be the Lord Staffords Solicitor, vvho thus accosted me; that he was glad to see so ho­nest a good face appear in their cause, and that any one would take me for an honester man than ever Dugdale was, adding that Sir James Symons was better able to perform than Dug­dale was to promise, and that I should not need to fear a gratuity; for they were the strongest side. Upon this I replyed, that I was I ready to serve them in such ways, as they should propose to me, then they desi­red me to write a Paper to Destroy Dug­dales Evidence, I told them that I had al­ready written one, yea said Mr. Drayton, but this we now desire, is to satisfie Sir James Symonds, yet I often denyed them for that very reason, because I had before given them one, but at last agreed to vvrite a Paper in their method, and they vvere to pick the best out of both for their purpose, which when done, I vvas to svvear to, I cannot undertake [Page 13] to remember the very vvords of it, but they dictated to me, and I wrote to this pur­pose.

Sir, I can, I bless GOD for it, with a safe Conscience swear, that Mr. Dugdale did at a private meeting betwixt him and my self prof­fer me money and a maintenance, and protecti­on as one of the Kings Evidence, if I would stand by and swear for him against Sir James Symons, and Mr. Gerard and others; this I do neither for fear nor favour, nor in hopes of a­ny future gratuity, as I hope to be saved.

SIMEON WRIGHT.

This was by their direction, and then Mr. Drayton invited me to the Kings-bench Prison, whither I went, and after Dinner, Sir James Symonds sent for me to him to Mr. Coolings, and when I came, told me he hoped I was sensible how great his future gratitude should be, and that he hoped I would stand and fall by them when occasion should serve, and that he was sorry that he had no occasion for me at present, and then thrust twenty shillings into my hand.

Many other contrivances they had which [Page 14] I omit, because I would not be tedious, but can easily prove this, and a great deale more. This paper before mentioned, is the Paper that Wil­liam Viscount Stafford produced in Court, up­on his Trial.

They have another Paper of this nature; would they be so just to produce it, which I delivered to Mr. Drayton, but I know not in whose hands it is now; Mr. Henry Lee (Bay­liff to Walter Heningham Esq; who was ac­cused to be one concern'd in this Hellish Po­pish Plot,) did frequently make it his business to revile and asperse Mr. Dugdale, especially about the beginning of October last, to one Mr. Moore, at the House of Thomas Aspery, of Ast­on, in Stafford-shire, which Mr. Moore then questioning him for, and asking his name, he re­ply'd his name was Simeon VVright a Barber, in Chancery-lane; by which it is very plain, that he was knowing to my being imployed to ruine Mr. Dugdale, as aforesaid, as indeed he was, and therefore made use of my Name to obscure his own.

They had within three Monthes last past, told me, that theirs is the strongest side, and have given me severe charge to stand or fall with them, and not be danted, from which en­couragement, [Page 15] I did all that in me lay, to blast Mr. Dugdale whereever I came; but it hath pleased God to bring me to an acknowledgment of the truth, partly by meanes of His Majest­ies late Proclamation, for the encouragment of witnesses, and partly by the good Advice of severall Friends, but especially my own Consci­ence prompting me to this Declaration of the truth, for the clearing of the Innocent and ex­posing the Guilty.

THE INFORMATION OF Thomas Lander OF Shutborrow in the County of Stafford, Taken upon Oath the 24th of December, 1680. before me Edmund Warcup, Esquire, one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, and City and Liberties of Westmin­ster, as followeth; viz.

THIS Informant saith, That having been employed as a Workman several times at the House of my Lord Aston at Tixall in the County aforesaid, he was sollicited by Mr. Francis Hind, Steward to the Lord Aston, to become a Witness against Stephen Dugdale, late Steward to the Lord Aston, any way to invalidate or take off his Evidence in relation to the Popish Plot, and he served this Informant with a Subpoenae to come up to London for that purpose, at the [Page 2] late intended Tryal of the said Lord Aston in June last past; but before his coming up, the said Mr. Hind, Francis Aston, Son to the Lord Aston, and Thomas Sawyear, Servant to the said Lord Aston, &c. sent for this Informant into a private Room in the said Lord Aston's House; and there told him, That if he would swear such things as should be dictated to him by the Persons aforesaid, to invalidate or take off the said Dugdale's Evidence, he should have such a Reward as should be to his own con­tent, and not want for Money and Horse, as might become a man of better Quality than him­self. And this Informant agreeing to their Propo­sals, came up to London accordingly.

They perswaded this Informant likewise to swear that Dugdale was a Cheating Rogue, and had cheated this Informant and many more in the Country, whilst he was the Lord Aston's Steward. To which this Informant answered he would, and saith that Hind told him, That if he would do according as they directed him, that he should (besides the Rewards agreed upon) have his Char­ges born in coming to Town, in staying here, and going down again. And likewise saith, that he was to swear that James Ansell, (being a Witness in some things relating to the Discovery of the Plot) was a Perjured Rogue, and a Thief, and had perjured himself several times; and all such other things as they should dictate to him when he came up to London, in order to take off both their Evi­dence. And saith those that promised to make good his Reward for so doing, was Mr. Herbert Aston, his Lordships Uncle, Francis Aston, Son to [Page 3] the Lord Aston, and Thomas Sawyear, Servant to the said Lord Aston.

And this Informant saith, That being in London, and my Lord Aston's Tryal not being come on, he received no more of his Reward but his bare Charges; however they faithfully promised him when he had made good what he had promised them to swear, he should have his full Reward made good to him.

And this Informant saith, That in September last going up to my Lord Aston's House, he was made very welcome, and after some time was ask­ed by one of the Servants of my Lord Aston's, where Mr. Dugdale lay; and this Informant told him, at one Richard Perkins next House to his own in Shutborrow, about a Mile distant from my Lord Aston's; the said Servant, after some discourse had with this Informant, told him that he might do them good service, and have a good Reward for his pains, if he could devise to set fire on the Room where Mr. Dugdale lay, and burn him in his Bed. To which this Informant answered, that if he should do so, he should burn his own House, and endanger the whole Town: To which the Servant replyed, that it were better that his House and the whole Town were burnt, rather than he (meaning Mr. Dugdale) should escape, who was a Rogue, and had betray'd his Lords Secrets, with several other Gentlemen; he at the same time tel­ling this Informant, that he should if he would undertake it) be well rewarded to his own con­tent; but perceiving this Informant not to be ve­ry [Page 4] willing? told him he was a Coward, he would not undertake to do so good a piece of service. The said Servant at the same time went to one Wal­ter Moore▪ another Servant of my Lord Aston's, who was to join with this Informant in the said Fact; and this Informant going home, saw the said Walter Moore walking about the said House that was so to be fired; and this Informant not being willing that such a wicked Act should be done, acquainted one of his Neighbours with it, and so a Watch was set to preserve the said House where Mr. Dugdale lay, and all the Town, that night, and all the time after so long as Mr. Dug­dale stayed there: This Informant having like­wise heard the said Moore say, that Dugdale was a Rogue for having betrayed his Lords Secrets: And likewise saith, that when this informant was to be a Witness for the Lord Aston, one Samuel Holt who was another Servant of my Lord Aston's, and also one Sawyear, being Subpoena'd up as Wit­nesses for my Lord Aston; they told this Infor­mant, that Mr. Dugdale was a Perjured Rogue, for laying the Plot of the Presbyterians upon the Papists, and if they or either of them could meet the said Mr. Dugdale conveniently, they would do his business for him: And saith, That the said Holt had received a sum of Money for the said ser­vice, as likewise the said Walter Moore.

And this Informant saith, That all those things which were so by them, as aforesaid, dictated to him, were altogether false, to any knowledge of this Informant, in relation to the said Mr. Dugdale [Page 5] and the said Mr. James Ansell. And saith that several other Matters and Persons he knows of that were concerned herein (this Informant be­ing always made privy to most of their Con­trivances in this nature) that would almost hang them, which he is unwilling to discover against them, for that they are related to him.