To be executed for involvement in the Rye Houses Plot...

Item # 689359

October 29, 1685

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 29, 1685 The top of the front page has a report from Rome beginning: "Yesterday was celebrated here the anniversary of the Pope's Coronation, who entered that day into the tenth year of his Pontificate...".
The back page has a report noting: "...Richard Nelthorp and John Ayloff were...asked what they had to say why execution should not be awarded against them, they standing attainted by outlawry of High Treason for conspiring the death of the late King of Ever Blessed Memory...having nothing to say for themselves, the court made a rule that they should be executed on Friday next."
John Ayloffe was an English lawyer, political activist, and satirist, described as "one of the most consistently committed radicals of the century". According to his contemporary and political opponent Sir Roger L'Estrange, publisher of The Observator, there were few 'more daring men for a desperate exploit'. His sentence was for involvement in the Rye House Plot.

The back page has an interesting ad for the sale of coffins.

Complete as a single sheet newspaper, 6 1/2 by 11 inches, some front page foxing, good condition.