r
entred the mount, but rushed upon them before they could reach home, and
tumbled into the church altogether. Then they cryed for quarter, when,
in the very point of victory, a disaster was like to befall us: a barrell
of gunpowder was fired in the church, undoubtedly of set purpose, and was
conceived to be done by one Tipper, a most virulent Papist, and Sir John
Winter's servant, despairing withall of his redemption, being a prisoner
before, and having falsified his engagement. The powder-blast blew many
out of the church, and sorely singed a greater number, but killed none.
The souldiers, enraged, fell upon them, and in the heate of blood slew
neere 20, and amongst others this Tipper. All the rest had quarter for
their lives (save one Captaine Butler, an Irish rebell, who was knocked
down by a common souldier), and an 100 prisoners taken. The service was
performed without the losse of a man on our side."

Emboldened to proceed, and anxious to take advantage of Sir John Winter's
absence at Coleford, Colonel Massy marched on forthwith to Lydney House.
He did not attack it, however, so well was it fortified and provided, and
courageously defended, by Lady Winter, who, upon being pressed to
deliver, answered--

"Sir,--Mr. Winter's unalterable allegiance to his King and Sovereign,
and his particular interest to this place, hath by his Majesty's
commission put it into this condition, which cannot be pernicious to
any but to such as oppose the one and invade the other; wherefore
rest assured that in these relations we are, by God's assistance,
resolved to maintain it, all extremities notwithstanding. Thus much
in Mr. Winter's absence you shall receive from

"MARY WINTER."

To inconvenience so daring a lady would be contrary to the Colonel's
gallantry, and he drew off to the adjoining hills towards the Forest, the
better to meet Sir John Winter and Colonel Mynne, who were reported to be
returning with a considerable strength of horse, assisted by the Lord
Herbert's forces. But the Royalists not appearing, Massy contented
himself with setting fire to Sir John's iron-mills and furnaces, and in
the evening marched back to Gloucester.

Lydney House and Berkeley Castle remained the last strongholds of the
Royalists in the county of Gloucester. The restless proprietor of the
former was perpetually engaged in attempts to restore the K