House of Commons Journal Volume 2: 13 April 1640

Luno, 13 Aprilis, 16 Caroli Regis.

Parliament meets.

BETWEEN Eight and Nine this Forenoon, the Earl Marshal of England, Lord Steward of his Majesty's honourable Household, came into the outward Room of the Commons House, accompanied with Mr. Treasurer of the Household, Mr. Secretary Windebanke, and others; where the Clerk of the Crown, attended by the Cryer of the Chancery, called over the Names of all such Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and Barons of the Cinque Ports, as were then returned. And the said Lord Steward, having sworn about Forty, did make his Deputation, under his Hand and Seal; which was read, and which did nominate many of the Privy Council and other Members of this House, thereby authorizing them, or any One or more of them, to minister the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance to all the Members of the said House of Commons during this Parliament; and so departed, to wait upon the King: who, about Twelve of Clock, in great Solemnity, accompanied with all his Nobles, and other principal Officers, rode in State from Whitehall to Westminster Abbey, and there heard a Sermon preached by the Bishop of Ely, and then came to the Lords House, where his Majesty briefly, and the Lord Keeper more at large, delivered the Causes of summoning this Parliament. * * * *

Serj. Glanvile chosen Speaker.

After the Commons were returned from the Lords House, and set; Mr. Treasurer brake the Silence, putting them in mind of the King's Command for choosing a Speaker;-not one by the King appointed, but freely amongst ourselves;-and nominated Mr. SerjeantGlanvile.

Serjeant Glanvile accounts it an Honour to be named; but, to be accepted, a Disadvantage to this House;- cxcuses it upon occasion of the Summons, which was Matter of War.

His Excuse more raised their Acclamations to the Chair; and so at length, between Secretary Vane and Secretary Windebank, he was brought to the Chair:

Where again he excused himself, and afterwards appealed to the Royal Judgment of his Majesty.

Adj. Domus, to meet on Wednesday at Two Clock post Meridiem.