Note 57 — Library of Peterborough.
Reading edition
In the beginning of the Book Mr. Austin has entered the acknowledgment given upon that occasion in these words:
“I pray let this Scripture Book alone for he hath paid me for it, and therefore I would desire you to let it alone. By me Henry Topclyffe Souldier under Captain Cromwell, Colonel Cromwell’s son, therefore I pray let it alone.”
“Unto which godly Warrant for its Security,” adds Dean Patrick, “the fellow signed his name.”
The soldiers also destroyed the Records in the Chapter House, mistaking them for Papal Bulls. “A short and true narrative of the Rifling and defacing of the Cathedral Church of Peterburgh in the year 1643,” which occupies pp. 333 to 340 in the Appendix to Gunton’s History of that Church will amply repay perusal. Dean Patrick, the editor of that Work, has devoted his Preface to a particular Account of “the Book called Swapham,” and its reputed Author.