WHereas notwithstanding the many Eminent Testimonies the Lord in his Providence hath given against the Secret and Mischievous Plots, which have been laid and contrived by persons dis-affected to the Peace and Welfare of this Commonwealth, in the timely Discovery of them, whereby the same have been hitherto hindered from being brought to effect; Yet forasmuch as due Care ought to be taken for preventing whatsoever may minister an Opportunity to give any Disturbance to the Publique Peace, His Highness the Lord Protector being informed that several Horse-Races are appointed in divers parts of this Common­wealth, and considering how great a Concourse of People do usually frequent such Meetings, and the evil Vse made thereof by such ill-disposed Persons as watch for opportunities to raise New Troubles; For the better preventing of the Evils which may arise thereby to the People of this Commonwealth, His Highness by the advice of His Council, Doth hereby prohibit and forbid all Horse-races, and all meetings of any persons whatsoever upon pretence or colour of any Horse-races▪ in any Place within England or Wales, for the space of six Moneths, from the six and twentieth day of February, one thousand six hundred fifty and four. And doth hereby straightly charge and command, That no Person or Persons whatsoever, during the space of the said six Moneths, from the said six and twentieth day of February, do appoint any Horse-race, or do as­semble or meet together upon, or by colour of any appointment of any Horse-race, or be present at such Horse­race, as they would avoid being guilty of the Danger that may ensue thereupon, and as they tender the Peace and Security of this Nation. And His Highness doth likewise charge and enjoin all Mayors, She­riffs, Iustices of the Peace, Bayliffs, Constables, and all other Ministers of Iustice, to use their utmost diligence and care, That all meetings upon Pretence or colour of any Horse-race or Horse-races, during the time aforesaid, be prevented and hindred, as they will answer the contrary at their perils. And all Of­ficers and Soldiers of the Army, quartered or lying in or neer such Place and Places, are hereby authori­zed and required, upon notice, to be aiding and assisting to the said Mayors, Sheriffs, Iustices, Bayliffs, Constables, and other Ministers of Iustice herein.

Given at White-Hall the 24. day of February 1654.