July, 1654
[4 July, 1654.]
Whereas it hath pleased the Lord to discover and bring to
light divers Mischievous Plots and Designs which have been
lately contrived by the Enemies of the peace and welfare of this
Commonwealth, who are ready to lay hold of all opportunities
for instilling such their purposes into ye minds of others who
are peaceably affected, and to take advantage of publique
meetings, and concorse of people at Horse-races, and other
sports, to carry on such their pernicious designs, to the
Disturbance of the Publique Peace, and indangering new
troubles.
Horse-races and racemeetings forbidden for six months from 6 July, 1654.; Penalty for transgression.; Horses brought to such race or meeting to be seized, and persons present apprehended and proceeded against.
For prevention thereof, it is thought fit at this time to Ordain,
and be it Ordained by His Highness the Lord Protector by and
with the Consent of His Council, That from and after the sixth
day of July, one thousand, six hundred fifty and four, for and
during the space of six Moneths from thence next ensuing,
there shall be no Horse-races, nor meetings of any persons
whatsoever upon pretence or colour of any such horse-races in
any place within England or Wales. And that all and every
person and persons who shall, from and after the said sixth day
of July for and during the time aforesaid, appoint any Horserace, or shall assemble and meet together, upon or by colour of
any appointment of an Horse-race, or shall be present at any
such Horse-race shall forfeit and lose all and every the Horse
and Horses which they shall bring with them, or send unto
such place or meeting. And all Mayors, Sheriffs, Justices of the
Peace, Constables, and all other Ministers of Justice, calling to
their Assistance, if they shall find cause, any officers and
souldiers of the Army, quartered or lying in or near such place,
be, and they are hereby authorized and required, upon notice
of any such Horse-race or appointment for the same, to repair
unto such place and places, and to seize or cause to be seized
all and every horse and horses, which shall come or be sent unto
such place and places for the purpose aforesaid, or under colour
thereof, and to apprehend or cause to be apprehended all and
every person and persons who shall be present at, assemble, or
meet together under pretence of any Horse-race, and bring or
cause them to be brought before the Council to be further
proceeded against for their Contempt of this Ordinance as shall
be agreeable to Justice.