John Pell, Esq.: You are desired to attend the funeral of the most serene and most renowned Oliver, late lord protector, from Somerset house, on Tuesday the 23d of November, instant, at eight of the clock in the morning at the furthest, and to bring with you this ticket, and that by Friday night next you send to the herald's office, near Paul's, the names of your servants that are to attend in mourning, without which they arc not to be admitted, and also to take notice that no coaches are to pass on that day in the streets between Somerset house and Westminster.^

Mr. Pell was admitted to holy orders by the i3ishop of Lincoln in 1661, and obtained from the crown the rectory of Fobbing in

» Vaughan's Protectorate of Cromwell, vol. li. 341, 342.

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534 HISTORY OF THE

Essex, to whicli the Bishop of London added the rectory of Laviiigdon, or Lainden, in tlie same county, A. D. 1677-S.

Among the Pell papers occurs the following letter from his curate, the Rev. John Nye, dated,

Lainden^ Feb, 10, 1677-8.

Reterend Sir, -- You expect, I presume, some intimations concerning the place and people where, as your substitute, 1 serve the cure ; after tedious deliberation, I thought to give your worship the following notice, viz. : -- As far as the winter extremities, the inconiiguity of country houses, and private necessities do permit, our churches enjoy full congregations, the people being reverent and observant, and lovers of the desk as well as pulpit. I know not one perfect dissenter ; only Mr. Andrews, of Lainden, once held a conventicle in his house since my coming. The appearance at C'hristmas communion was tolerable -- abont twenty persons: and we hope Easter will exceed.