(Prince Charles had been sent for his safety from plague-stricken Bristol to Barnstaple, where he stayed at the house of Grace Beaple (d.1651), widow of the merchant Richard Beaple (d.1643), thrice Mayor of Barnstaple, from about 15 June to 8 July) Amongst the provisions purchased for the occasion were lobsters, artichokes, raspberries and masards, a cherry long grown in the locality.A cook was brought in from nearby Barnstaple and payments were made to the Prince's own cooks and musicians.