| Description | This rare pamphlet dates back to the bloody days of the English Civil War (1642-1651). Following the Battle of Edgehill in October 1642 King Charles I had retreated to Oxford. The city's university soon became a hotbed of Royalist activity, acting as the headquarters for the King and his supporters. However, many Londoners were less than happy with this arrangement. In this petition, inhabitants of the City of Westminster, St Martin in the Fields and St Clement Danes petition the King to return to the capital. They claim they are suffering not only from "by these intestine wars, but more especially by the reason of your Majesties so long absence from your royall Palace at White-Hall, where wee were usually blest wiht the beames of your Majesties countenance".Their wish was not granted; the King remained at Oxford, lodging at Christ Church College until 1646. |