“_Friday, the Great Fast, the 8th._ To Bridgnorth, Sir Lewis Kirke, Governor. 14 miles.” “_Sunday, the 10th._ Dinner near Wolverhampton, in campis. At Litchfield supper, the Governor’s in the Close. 22 miles.” “September, 1645.” “_Monday, the 29th._ Dinner at Chirk Castle. Supper at Halton, in Montgomeryshire. Mr. Lloyd’s. 26 miles.” “_Tuesday, the last._ in camp. Supper at Bridgnorth, the Governor’s. 30 miles.” The King on, this occasion staid here two nights, and on Thursday, the 2nd. of October, moved to Lichfield, stopping for dinner on the way at Rudge Heath. In the Diary[53] kept by Captain Symmonds, which has already been referred to, there are entries which afford additional proof of King Charles being at Bridgnorth, at different intervals during this critical juncture, and of our town being a scene of much military bustle at the time. [53] This MS. Diary, which is in the British Museum, is entitled “A Continuation of the Marches and Actions of the Royall Army, His Majestie being personally present. From the 17 of August, 1645. Liber Ricardi Symonds.” “_Sunday, September 28th._ About One of the Clock, Afternoon, ye King marched through Ruthvyn, where there is a large castle, and fortified, to Chirk Castle, County of Denbigh. Here Prince Maurice mett us with his troupe, and those of Prince Rupert’s horse that came from Bristoll. His horse in tᵒ 6 or 700.” “_Munday, 29th. September._ To Llandicilio and Llandernes, Co. Montgommery.” “_Tuesday_. From thence early at day breake marched, leaving Shrewsbury [at this time in the hands of the rebels] 3 myle on the left hand: that night, late and tediously, to Bridgnorth; ye rear guard gott to Wenlock Magna, Com, Salop. In this march, 3 or 4 alarmes by Shrewsbury horse, and 5 or 6 of them crosst the way, and killed and tooke some.” (_p. 59._) “_Thursday, October 2nd_. Ye King marched to Lichfield. This day Generall Goard’s Regiment returned from the Rendevous, quite tired, to have some refreshments under Bridgnorth garrison. Ego etiam.” (_p. 60._) “_20th. October._ Sevrall Colonels with their Regiments were in Bridgnorth: FOOT. Sir Lewis Kirke’s Governor. Col. Jo. Corbett’s. Col. Billingsley’s, ye trayned band and his Regiment in the town. Col. Sir Mich. Earnley’s one company of ym. Sir Cha. Lloyd’s, come here from ye Devises. Foot, about in all, of all sorts, 260. HORSE. Sir Fra. Ottley, ye High Sheriff. Sir Edw. Acton. 10. Governor’s troope. 60.