London Dec. 17
Letters from Winchester say, That Sir Simon Clarke, Bart. and one who says he was a Lieutenant of a Man of War, were last Week committed to Jail there, being charged with two Robberies on the Highway, near to Petersfield in Hants, and taking 12 sh. From one Man, and 26 sh. from another: The last Countryman they robbed, pursued them to Petersfield, and took ‘em at an Alehouse drinking; and they not thinking they were pursued, sate in a public Room, which shews they were but Beginners. The unfortunate young Baronet is about 24 Years old, of an ancient Family in Warwickshire, descended from Anchnel de Woodchurch, whose Son was Constable of the Tower of London, &c. during the Days of King William II. From whom descended Sir Simon de Woodchurch, who attended K. Edward in the Scots Wars; and by marrying Susan, Daughter and Heir of Henry le Clarke, and acquiring a large Inheritance, he assumed the Name of Clarke, which his Family continued. From him, after several Generations, descended Sir Simon Clerk of Salford, created a Baronet by K. James I. 1617. He married the Daughter and Coheir of John Alderford of Abbots-Salford in Warwickshire, where he purchased the Mannor of Salford, &c. The Estate of the Family (near 2000l. per annum) was sold by the Grandfather of the present Sir Simon; and he being left by his father very poor, was obliged to go to Sea in the 1726; and since his Return being in very low Circumstances, mere Necessity drove him to this rash Action. He is said to be a Person of good Understanding; and ‘tis almost impossible to describe the Affliction and Agony his Misfortunes have brought him to. He is very poor in Winchester Jail; and ‘tis hoped, from the Antiquity of his Family, the Services they have done the Publick, the Misfortunes he has suffered, and it being the first Fact he has been charged with, some generous Person will be moved to assist him.
