me Observations of the Plague," written by Dr. Hedges
for use of a peer of the realm, the dread malady was communicated to
London from the Netherlands "by way of contagion." It first made its
appearance in the parishes of St. Giles and St. Martin's, Westminster,
from which directions it gradually spread to Holborn, Fleet Street,
the Strand, and the city, finally reaching to the east, bringing death
invariably in its train.

The distemper was not only fatal in its termination, but loathsome
in its progress; for the blood of those affected being poisoned by
atmospheric contagion, bred venom in the body, which burst forth into
nauseous sores and uncleanness; or otherwise preyed with more rapid
fatality internally, in some cases causing death before its victims were
assured of disease. Nor did it spare the young and robust any more than
those weak of frame or ripe with years, but attacking stealthily, killed
speedily. It was indeed the "pestilence that walketh in darkness, and
the destruction that wasteth in the noonday." In the month of May, when
it was yet uncertain if the city would be spared even in part, persons
of position and wealth, and indeed those endowed with sufficient means
to support themselves elsewhere, resolved to fly from the capital;
whilst such as had neither home, friends, nor expectation of employment
in other places, remained behind. Accordingly great preparations were
made by those who determined on flight; and all day long vast crowds
gathered round my lord mayor's house in St. Helen's, Bishopsgate,
seeking certificates of health, so that for some weeks it was difficult
to reach his door for the throng that gathered there, as is stated by
John Noorthouck. Such official testimonies to the good health of
those leaving London had now become necessary; for the inhabitants of
provincial towns, catching the general alarm, refused to shelter in
their houses, or even let pass through their streets, the residents of
the plague-stricken city, unless officially assured they were free
from the dreaded distemper. Nay, even with such certificates in
their possession, many were refused admittance to inns, or houses of
entertainment, and were therefore obliged to sleep in fields by night,
and beg food by day, and not a few deaths were caused by want and
exposure.

And now were the thoroughfares of the capital crowded all day long with
coaches conveying those who sought safety in flight, and with waggons
and carts