Charles the Second by the Grace of God King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the faith &[c]. : To all and singular archbishops, bishops, archde[a]cons, deans, and their officials, parsons, vicars, curates, and all othe[r] spiritual persons: And also to all justices of pe[a]ce... Whereas we are credibly given to understand, by the humble petition of the Mayor... of Our Town of Northampton... That upon Monday the twentieth day of September last past... there happened a sudden and most dreadful Fire in the said town of Northampton, which broke forth so violently and furiously, that in less than the space of six hours it burnt to the ground and consumed the Dwelling-houses and Habitations of above seven hundred Families, together with their Shops, and greatest part of their Wares in their Shops, their Malt-houses, Stables, and other Out-houses... the loss amounting to the Sum of One hundred two thousand and eight pounds, four shillings, and six pence... know ye therefore... We have given and granted... do give and grant unto the said poor distressed Sufferes, and to their Deputy and Deputies... full power, license, and authority, to ask, gather, receive, and take the Alms and charitable Benevolence of all Our loving Subjects...