I

THE RIGHTFUL QUEEN

33

are reported to have promptly responded, "If they are, we will throw them into the sea, for we are her true subjects." The captains evidently considered their position precarious, for they at once surrendered to Sir Henry, who took possession of the ships in the name of his royal mistress. About the same time a large force of militia stationed near London declared itself in favour of Mary's cause; while the Earl of Sussex and Bath seceded from the Privy Council and brought to Framlingham a considerable body of troops. The crews of certain warships in Harwich harbour followed the example of those at Yarmouth, and sent their ammunition to Framlingham for the use of Mary's men-at-arms.

Meanwhile events were moving so rapidly and favourably in other parts of the kingdom that Mary's council had little doubt that their queen would soon come to her own. Northumberland, who was in command of the Protestant army at Cambridge, and who had at first threatened to besiege Framlingham, was so terror-stricken by the rumours which came to his ears that he sought to gain Mary's favour by proclaiming her the rightful queen; while in London a large section of the populace anxiously awaited an opportunity for declaring themselves her faithful subjects. As for Northumberland, the queen had little faith in his protestations of loyalty, so sent him, in company with Northampton and Bishop Ridley, to the Tower. Then, confident that she had nothing more to fear, she broke up her camp at Framlingham and set out for London. Her journey to the metropolis differed greatly from that from Hunsdon to Suffolk; for in less than a month a great change had come about in the feeling of the country. It was a triumphal procession. Everywhere the queen who had lately been a fugitive was received with acclamation. At Ipswich, Ingatestone, and Wanstead men who had been among her bitterest enemies hastened to do her homage; and when at length she passed through Aldgate into the city, children sang their greetings and the

D

34

PUGILISM

CHAP.

streets were a-flutter with flags and banners. But all this, and what followed, has nothing to do with Framlingham, which, after a brief spell of unwonted activity and importance, relapsed into its accustomed lethargy amidst its quiet woodland shades.

It seems not at all improbable that the fiercest fighting ever witnessed at the castle was between some famous East Anglian pugilists in the first half of the eighteenth century. For it was here that John Slack, the Norfolk champion, and John Smith, the Suffolk champion, fought in 1744. The encounter lasted only five minutes, and resulted in the Norfolk man's favour. Smith, however, was not content with one thrashing, as may be seen from an advertisement issued shortly after the fight, in which it is stated that, "At the Great Castle at Framlingham, Suffolk, on Monday, 12th November, there will be a severe trial between the following champions, namely -I, John Smith, the Suffolk champion, do once more invite Mr. John Slack, the Norfolk champion, to meet and fight me at the time and place aforesaid, for the sum of forty guineas; and though I had the misfortune to be defeated by him before, I am much his superior in the art of boxing, and doubt not but I shall give him and the company entire satisfaction." This challenge the Norfolk champion accepted, agreeing to "meet the above hero for the said sum at the time and place mentioned," and adding that he had no fear of being unable to "support the character he had hitherto maintained." His confidence was justified; Smith again "had the misfortune" to be defeated. I do not know how it came about that the castle was chosen as a fitting place for these encounters, for it was then, as now, in the possession of the Master and Fellows of Pembroke Hall. Can it be that the Master and Fellows were supporters of the "Science of Manhood"?

While on the subject of pugilism, a sport which George Borrow, who was himself what we in East Anglia call a "handy man with his fists," could never praise enough, I may

I

A KNOCK-OUT BLOW

35

briefly refer to another prize-fight in which the before-mentioned Norfolk champion distinguished himself. Broughton's New Amphitheatre, London, was on this occasion the scene of the contest, and the Norfolk man had to meet John James-they were all Johns, it seems, those pugilists of a hundred and fifty years ago who was the "most famous master of the science in London." But he was no match for the sturdy East Anglian, who defeated him in less than four minutes, "so that James will never more attempt to engage him, who is so much his Superior in Manhood and the art of Boxing." The fight, we are informed by Crossgrove's Gazette, was won by a blow, "for Mr. James, making a stroke at Mr. Slack" (there were no "Sharkies" and "Brummagem Pets" in those days: they were all "Misters") "received the same in guard with his right hand, and the same instant with his left hand gave Mr. James such a sharp blow or punch on the pit of his stomach as knocked him down for dead. The blow was so home" (the phrase is singularly expressive) "and effectual that Mr. James fell, to all appearance, as if he had been shot through his heart with a bullet; he sank down without staggering and lay motionless several minutes upon the stage, and without much appearance of life. . . . It is this day reported that it is thought Mr. James is killed."

The Cliffs, Dunwich.

CHAPTER II

DUNWICH AND SOUTHWOLD

FOR an hour or more this morning I have loitered aimlessly about Yoxford, vaguely wondering why this particular district should be called the "Garden of Suffolk." I do not deny that Yoxford is a pleasant little village, nor that its surroundings are charmingly picturesque and pastoral; but the neighbourhood of Woodbridge equally deserves to be distinguished as the county "garden," and its beauty is enhanced by a river with which the insignificant Yox can bear no comparison. I suppose it is the park-like scenery, the comfortable old country houses in their well-groomed grounds, and the complacent little cottages with their half-acre patches of scarlet runners, cabbages, and potatoes that have earned for Yoxford its familiar name; but these are by no means confined to this particular part of Suffolk; they are common almost all over East Anglia. Or it may be that injudicious advertisement has had something to do with the district's flattering designation, and that if we had never heard of "Poppyland," Yoxford would have remained unknown and its mediocre charms unproclaimed. That, anyhow, was the