Note 468 — Chapter X
Reading edition
As early as Nov. 18, 1630, the justices of Berkshire were uneasy and ordered the constables of several parishes not to allow the people to assemble, to charge the churchwardens and overseers to double the poor rates; to forbid the brewers to serve the alehouse keepers and the alehouse keepers to sell ale at all. (Cal. of State Papers, Nov. 18, 1630.)
In Kent the Sheriff reports signs of disorder; the people, he said, fell on the carriers of corn and the following lines of doggerel were picked up in the minister's porch:—
The corne is so dear I dout mani will starve this yeare If you see not to this Sum of you will speed amis Our souls they are dear For our bodyes have sume ceare Before we arise Less will safise Note. The poor there is more Than goes from dore to dore etc.
Cal. of State Papers, Nov. 22nd, 1630.
There were several attacks on carts at Newbury and elsewhere; and there were rioters at Gloucester.