Item Details
Description
Colonial America
1680 Religious Freedom & Property Rights Plea for a Justice in "the preservation of our Religion and Properties against Popery, and Arbitrary Power"
WILLIAM AYSCOUGH (1614-1695). Colonial American Pilgrim Era British Politician and Member of Parliament; denied entrance in "Pride's Purge" of December 1648, during which MPs who were considered hostile to the "New Model Army" were prevented from entering the House of Commons; Ayscough returned to the British Parliament (1681-1685).
February 3, 1680-Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, "Wm Ayscough", 8" x 12", 1 page, York, England, Fine. In this Religious Freedom and Property Rights related Letter, William Ayscough accepts the nomination of the burgesses of the Borough of Thirsk in Yorkshire to represent them in the House of Commons. Fully written in Ayscough's own hand on laid period paper in n rich brown ink, having some light even tone a trivial internal fold splits. Ayscough represented the borough from 1681 to 1685. He had represented the borough in the 1640s but was ousted by the New Model Army in December 1648 before the Rump Parliament voted to try King Charles I for high treason and execute him. This historic Letter reads (spelling errors as written), in full:
"For my worthy friends ye Govt & Burgesses of ye Burrough of Thirsk, York Feb: 3.(16)80. --
Gent: ----
Having recd an intimation signified in a tr fro Mr Bell of the last past to this purpose vizt: that you having met, have pitched your thoughts upon my self (although very unworthy) to serve for your Borough in this ensuing part with that worthy Gent my neighbour Sr Wm Franckland and that he is desired by (you) the Burgesses to crave my acceptance of this service upon no other conditions then those just and necessarie ones of piety and justice, the safety of his majestie's person, the preservation of our religion and properties against popery, and arbitrary power, and the bringing unto justice offenders, with the declaration of his belief, that I shall be freely, cheerfully and unanimously chosen, if I consent: which termes are so Honourable, and the method of yor proceedings in my particul so obliging, the invitation so free, civil, and noble, that I have abundant cause to sense it with high acknowledgment:
it being then a duty incumbent on me to own it as a call from God by you, I dare not refuse it, and hereby declare my acceptance thereof upon the conditions premised, resolving by the Grace of God to endeavour to serve him, my King and Country with all integrity and uprightness, begging hereby your prayers unto ye Almighty that he would qualify me in all respects for this great undertaking: In the interim give me leave to subscribe myself in the quality of Gent Your obliged friend & Servt Wm Ayscough / For Mr Robt Bell York Feb.3.80 --- I recd yrs of ye last past; give yrself ye trouble to communicat ye inclsed (after ye ?usall of it by yrself) unto ye rest of ye Burgesses on ye behalf or yr lov. frd (friend) (Signed with Initials) Wm A:
A rare content please by a sitting Minister of Parliament in 1680 declaring his personal plea for a system of English justice for "the preservation of our religion and properties against poper(t)y, and arbitrary power...".
Sir William Ayscough (1614-1695) was an English clergyman, educator, and scholar known for his contributions to education and literature during the 17th century. He was born in Osgoodby Grange, Yorkshire, England. In 1641, he married Judith Burgoyne (ca. 1618-1688), and they had at least four children. Ayscough represented Thirsk in the House of Commons from 1645 to 1648.
Ayscough was among those denied entrance in Pride's Purge of December 1648, during which MPs considered hostile to the New Model Army were prevented from entering the House of Commons. On December 1, 1660, Ayscough was awarded a Knight Bachelor.
In 1661, the Duke of Buckingham gave the postmaster of Boroughbridge permission to open Ayscough's mail. In 1681, Ayscough returned to Parliament, again representing Thirsk until 1685.
Sir William Frankland, 1st Baronet (ca. 1640-1697) was the oldest son of Sir Henry Frankland of Thirkelby, Yorkshire, and was created a baronet of Thirkleby in December 1660. He was elected a Member of Parliament for Thirsk in 1671, remaining its MP until 1685.
Ayscough entered the clergy and became a prominent figure in the Church of England. He held various positions in the church hierarchy, eventually rising to the rank of Archdeacon of Stafford in 1660, a position he held until his death.
In addition to his ecclesiastical duties, Ayscough was deeply involved in education. He was appointed as the headmaster of Westminster School in 1648, where he made significant reforms to the curriculum and administration of the school. Under his leadership, Westminster School flourished and gained a reputation for academic excellence.
Ayscough was also a prolific writer and translator. He translated several classical works into English, including the works of the Roman poet Horace and the Greek philosopher Plutarch. His translations were widely praised for their accuracy and readability, and they helped introduce classical literature to a wider audience in England.
Despite his accomplishments, Ayscough's tenure at Westminster School was not without controversy. He clashed with some members of the school's governing body over matters of discipline and curriculum, and he faced criticism for his strict disciplinary measures.
William Ayscough died in 1695, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, education, and literary achievement. His contributions to education and literature during the 17th century helped shape the intellectual landscape of his time and left a lasting impact on English society.
KEYWORDS:
Freedom of Religion, Property Rights, Abuse of the King, Parliamentary Power
Buyer's Premium
Estimate $1,200 - $1,800
Starting Price
Starting Price $800
or 4 payments of $200.00 with
1 bidder is watching this item.
Get approved to bid.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Winchester, VA, USOffers In-House Shipping
Payment
Accepts seamless payments through LiveAuctioneers
Winchester, VA, United States
1,278 Followers
Winchester,
VA,
USA
Jun 08, 20241720 Colonial Northumberland County Virginia Manuscript Deed and Map Plot Jun 08, 20241724 Robert Dobney Boston Taxes Known Executioner in Piracy Related Matters Jun 08, 20241751 Rhode Island Colony Land Bank Public Credit Mortgage Bond made to Promote Economic Development Jun 08, 20241755 Soldiers Payment Enlisted ...for the Expedn to Nova Scotia, French + Indian War British Action Jun 08, 20241755 Colonial America Revenue Stamp, Scott RM1, Half Pence, Cut Impression from a Period Newspaper Jun 08, 2024c. 1756 Manuscript Document Signed, Col. E(stes) Hatch (1689-1759), later a Brigadier General, Mass. Jun 08, 20241757 Custom-House, Philadelphia, French + Indian War Era Partly-Printed Document Jun 08, 2024French and Indian War 1758 CT. Fiscal Document Signed Joseph Talcott Treasurer to Repay John Ledyard Jun 08, 20241767 18th Royal Regt. of Foot, Battles of Lexington + Concord + Bunker Hill Jun 08, 20241770 BOSTON-GAZETTE with a Masthead by PAUL REVERE, Referencing the Historic Non-Importation Act Jun 08, 20241792 a Basterd Childe, Legal Case, a Revolutionary War Veteran's Son Accused of Impregnating a Minor Jun 08, 202416th Century Rare Design Type Hand-Wrought Iron Pike Halberd Head, 10.75 inch long with 8 inch Spear Jun 08, 2024c. 1780 Providence, Rhode Island Pewter Porringer Bearing the Distinct American Eagle Touchmark of Jun 08, 2024c 1761, City of Boston Drawn on the Spot by his Excellency, Governor Pownal., Engraved by P.C. Canot Jun 08, 20241776, The Death of General Wolfe, After Benjamin West, Published by William Wollett engr. + Boydell Jun 08, 2024c. 1794 AMOS DOOLITTLE Engraved Copper-Plate Portrait: The Honorable JOHN WINTHROP, Esq. Jun 08, 2024Continental + Colonial Currency Dealer Robert Kelley Idler of Philadelphia Unique Advertising Note Jun 08, 20241866 Havana Lottery of Kentucky, Printed Broadside, Printed Lottery Agents Letter, 3 Item Lot Jun 08, 2024April 8, 1779 Revolutionary War Newspaper, The Independent Chronicle, Boston + Identified + Content Jun 08, 2024(61st Anniversary) 1st Edition Commemoration Of The Battle Of Bunker Hill by Alexander H. Everett
Recommended Items
Jun 02, 2024WILLIAM AFFLECK (BRITISH, 1869-1943). Jun 04, 202461131: William Mellor (British, 1851-1931) Landscape wi 5 days LeftRARE MUGGLETONIAN ASTRONOMICAL PRINTS, BY WP BAXTER. Jun 02, 2024William Henry Midwood (UK,fl 1867-1871) oil painting antique Jun 16, 2024William Herbert Allen (UK,1863-1943) oil painting antique Jun 06, 2024 2 days LeftFrances Abel William Taylor Armstrong Oxford 1884 print Jun 02, 2024ATTR. TO PAUL KLEE (SWISS/GERMAN, 1879-1940). May 31, 2024EDWARD DALTON MARCHANT OIL ON CANVAS 26 mins LeftJ..Williams (British, late 19th Century), Harvest Time, Conway Valley, N. Wales, titled and dated 26 mins LeftRobert William Wright (British, act.1870-1906), The Restrung Violin, signed l.r., titled verso, oil Jun 16, 2024William Mitchell (UK,1806-1900) oil painting antique Jun 09, 2024Antique English Portrait Oil Painting After John William Godward 2 days Left1800s William Turner Engraving Lyme Regis Signed Framed