Page:A history of the gunpowder plot-The conspiracy and its agents (1904).djvu/104

84 from their own friends. Mr. Talbot, of Grafton, near Bromsgrove—a member of the ancient house of Shrewsbury, and father-in-law of Robert Winter—not only refused them aid, or even lodging, but also threatened to detain the delegates sent to him. The rebels proceeded first to visit Norbrook, Grant's fortified house, whence a message was despatched to Garnet, at Coughton, telling him of what had occurred. From Norbrook they went to Huddington, the Winters' home, where they were visited by Father Greenway, S.J. On November 7 they attacked Hewell Grange, Lord Windsor's house, and seized all the armour they could find. Thence they marched to Holbeach, the home of their friend, Stephen Lyttleton.

So far but very few of the inhabitants had joined them, and those who had, belonged mainly to the lowest ranks of the unemployed. The rainy weather, too, helped to impede their march and to damp their ardour; and the little band of well-horsed and well-armed gentlemen that had set out so valiantly from Dunchurch, reached Holbeach in a most miserable plight. At Holbeach they were deserted by Stephen