tide to turn began to consult his own safety And for the better ingratiating himself with the King not only brought in all his Forces but with those alone took Bedford by Assault which had always set light by the Royal Authority and delivered it into the Kings hands And besides all this in 11 Steph. when the King sate down with his Army before the Castle of Wallingford he came in to him with no less than Three hundred well-appointed Horse and there stedfastly continued until a most impregnable Fort was raised for the close besieging that Garrison which had much annoyed the Countrey by frequent excursions But notwithstanding all this the King durst not trust him considering his former actings so that unless he would deliver up the Castle of Lincoln and all other places of strength then in his power it was resolved he should be secured which being afterwards accordingly done at Northampton he was by the Kings command laid hold on and cast into prison Howbeit giving Hostages and making Oath that he would no more be disobedient he had free permission to enjoy the benefit of his Earldom Yet no sooner was heat liberty than neglecting his Oath he began to flie out again seising upon the Kings Castles some by fraud and some by force Howbeit coming to Lincoln expecting to take it by assault he was repulsed with much loss Thence therefore he hasted to his Castle at 〈◊〉 whereof finding the Kings Forces possessed he presently raised a strong Fort to besiege them but the King hearing of it made all speed he could to relieve it In which attempt divers of his men were slain and wounded and the King himself hurt yet after a while having gotten more strength he again adventured and then utterly routed them In which action many lost their lives our Earl himself not escaping without Wounds About this time there hapning some variance betwixt this Earl Ranulph and Owen Prince of North Wales Ranulph gathered a power of his friends and hired Soldiers from all parts of England and with the help of Madoc ap Meredyth Prince of Powys who disdained to hold his Lands of Owen entred North Wales But Owen meeting them at â—ounsythâ— gave them Battle and utterly routed all their Army After this sâ—il in An. 1150. 15 Steph. this Earl assisted at the Knighting of young Henry Duke of Normandy at Carâ—eol by David King of Scotland and there came to an Agreement with that King touching â—arleol which he claimed as his Hereditary Right and did him homage for it it being then said That instead of Carleol he should have the Honor of Lancaster and that his Son should marry one of the Daughters of Henry Son to the King of Scotland Whereupon they all agreeing to march with what power they had against King Stephen the King of Scots and young Henry advanced with their Forces to Lancaster expecting to have met this Earl there with his as he promised but he failed them And the next year following betaking himself to his wonted treacherous courses was laid hold on by King Stephen and through very strait imprisonment put to great misery nor could he obtain any liberty until he had yielded up Lincoln and all his strong Holds into the Kings hands and given Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester his Nephew for an Hostage Howbeit after he had by that means got his enlargement he performed nothing of what he promised but exposed his Hostage to danger and for regaining his Castles did his utmost to recal young Henry out of Normandy Thus we see how restless this stout Earl was in that quarrel of the Empress and her Son yet before his death he grew more calm as may appear by those amicable Articles of Agreement made betwixt him and Robert then Earl of Leicester at that time one of the Kings most firm Champions in the presence of Robert then Bishop of Lincoln and their own respective Retinues viz. On the Earl of Chesters part Richard de Lovetot William Fitz-Nigel and Ranulph his Sheriff and on the Earl of Leicesters part Ernâ—ld de Bois Geffrey Abbot and Reginald de Bordiney the substance whereof were as followeth viz. I. THat the Earl of Leicester should thenceforth possess Mountsorel Castle to be held of Earl Ranulph and his Heirs upon condition that he should receive Earl Ranulph and his Retinue into the Borough and Fort there upon occasion And in case of necessity that Earl Ranulph himself should lodge in the Castle II. That if the King should command the Earl of Leicester to assist him against Earl Ranulph that he must not take with him above twenty Men at Arms. And in case the Earl of Leicester take any thing from Earl Ranulph in that service faithfully to restore it III. Likewise that the Earl of Leicester should not upon any occasion damnifie Earl Ranulph except he sent him a Defiance fifteen days before IV. That he should assist Earl Ranulph against all Men excepting the King and Earl Simon yea against Earl Simon also in case that he do Earl Ranulph any wrong and not make recompence for it upon request made by the Earl of Leicester V. That he should do his utmost to defend all the Earl of Chesters Lands and Possessions which were within his power VI. Moreover that Raunston Castle should be demolished unless Earl Ranulph should be otherwise content And if any person should hold that Castle against the Earl of Leicester Earl Ranulph to give his real assistance for the destroying it VII That if Earl Ranulph should have cause of Action against William de Alneto the Earl of Leiceâ—ter should bring him to tryal in his Court so long as he should hold any Lands of him And in case the said William shall recede from his fidelity unto the Earl of Leicester for demolishing that Castle or for bringing him to such Tryal in his Court Earl Ranulph not to give William de Alneto any protection By this Accord also the Earl of Leicester was to have the Castle of Witewic belonging to Earl Ranulph fortified ¶ The like Covenants were on the part of Earl Ranulph unto the Earl of Leicester and that he should assist him against all men except the King and Robert Earl Ferrers Also as to the razing of Raunston Castle if any one should hold it against the Earl of Leicester ¶ Furthermore it was agreed That neither of them should erect any new Castle betwixt Hinkley and Coventrey nor betwixt Hinkley and Hacareshul nor betwixt Coventrey and Donington nor betwixt Donington and Leicester nor at Gateham nor at Kinolton nor nearer Nor betwixt Kinolton and Belvoir nor betwixt Belvoir and Okeham nor betwixt Okeham and Rokingham nor nearer unless by the mutual assent of both Likewise That if any man should erect
within the Forest of 〈◊〉 in Staffordshire which afterwards for exchange of those Lands wherewith it was endowed King Henry the Second with Maud the Empress his Mother translated to Stonely in Warwickshire He was also Founder of the Priory of Trâ—ntham in Staffordshire for Canons Regular of S. Augustines Order To the Monks of S. Werburge at Chester he granted that their Fairs and Markets there should be held at the Gate of their Abbey And moreover gave unto them the Tenth of all his Rents in that City of Chesâ—â—â— As also the Tithes of all his Mills there and of his Mill at Leeke in Staffoâ—dshire and likewise the Lordships of Estham and Brunneburgh in perpetual Alms for satisfaction of what injuries he had ever done them To the Nuns at Chester he gave certain Crofts which Hugh Fitz-Oliver then held of him To the Abbey of Geroudon in Leicestershire he gave the Mannor of Barow in that County To the Monks of Louth-Park in Lincolnshire he gave Lands in Tetteney To the Monks of S. Peters at Glocester Forty pounds yearly Rent out of his Mill at Oiney To the Abbey of Shrewsbury two Houses in â—â—â—indred Wiche and as much Salt as they could there make without Toll To the Nuns of â—larkenwell near London divers Lands expressed within Meets and Bounds lying beyond the Bridge at Chester To the Monks of Basingwerke in Flintshire One hundred shillings yearly Rent of his Rents at Chester likewise 〈◊〉 and Fulâ—râ—ke and the Chappel of Basingwerâ—e in which they at first were seated with the Mills there To the Canons of S. Augustine at Bristol he gave the Mannor of Fiâ—hide in Dorsetshire and the Churches of S. Leonard S. Nicholas and Alhallows within the Town of Bristol To the Canons of S. Augustine at Leicester two Carucates of Land in â—oely with a Meadow adjoyning as also the Church of Barow with the Chappel of Querndon and one Carucate of Land in Barow and Querndon To the Knights Hospitalars of S. Iohn of Ierusalem one Messuage and one Acre of Land in Frodesham with the Church of Colkesby And to the Nuns of Stikeswould in Lincolnshire one Carucate and two Bovates of Land in Baresfon To the Monks of Coventrey he gave liberty to have two Carts going to and fro twice every day excepting Festivals into his Woods to fetch thence whatsoever they should need either in relation to the repair of their Buildings Fewel for their Fire or Trouse for their Hedges And departed this life the 17 Kal. of Ian. An. 1153. 18 Steph. being poysoned by William Peverel and others as it was suspected for which crime Perverel was disherited by King Henry the Second soon after and was buried near his Father scil in the Chapter-house of the Abbey of S. Werburge at Chester He was a person of extraordinary valor and undanted courage and though he favored the Cause of Duke Henry he did little for him but for King Stephen nothing at all Some great injury it should seem he had done to Walter Durdent Bishop of Chester and to the Church for which he died excommunicate For I find that Earl Hugh his Son with Maud his Widow gave the Town of Seâ—vâ—â—â—ale near Coveâ—trey with a Mill next to the Park and some Grounds thereabouts to that Bishop and his Successors for his Absolution and the health of his Soul in recompence thereof Which Maud was Daughter of Robert Consul Earl of Glocesâ—er and Foundress of the Priory of Repandun Vulg. â—epton in Derbâ—shire by whom he left Issue two Sons Hugh and Richard and surviving him in 32 Hen. 2. held the Lordship of 〈◊〉 in Dowry ¶ To this last Earl Ranulph succeeded Hugh sirnamed Keveliok or rather in Merionithshire Cyvelioc of that Countrey in Powys wherein he was born his eldest Son of whose Actions the first mention I find is That in 10 Hen. 2. he was one of those Temporal Lords who came to an accord with the King for their ancient Rights and Liberties And after this that being for some just and probable Causes disherited by King Henry the Second he joyned with the King of Scots the Earl of Leicester and others in their Rebellion at that time taking part with young King Henry whom the King had Crowned The true cause of that their Insurrection being for that the King had endeavored to restrain the Insolencies and Oppressions at that time exercised by the great Men which he did by demolishing their Castles or taking them into his own hands The issue whereof was that this Earl with the Earl of Leicester and the king of Scots their Abettor was taken at Alnwick But the young King being ere long reconciled to his Father they were enlarged for it is evident that the year following they broke out a fresh both in England and France and that this Hugh was one of the most forward having got the greatest part of Britanny into his power At which time the King being at Roan sent Forces thither which gave them Battle and scattered all their power insomuch as he was constrained to betake himself unto the Castle of Dâ—le Whereof the King having notice he presently marched in person thither and begirt it so that the besieged discerning their condition were glad to render it and put themselves upon mercy Whereupon this Earl and divers more were sent prisoners to Faleise in Normandy and thence brought over into England where being put in safe custody he continued till the Kings return into Normandy at which time he took him back and sent him again to Faleise But before the Three and twentieth of this Kings Reign the flames of Rebellion were throughly quenched and the haughty spirits of those their Ring-leaders somewhat tamed so that then the King began to manifest his clemency to them again for in his Parliament at Northampton An. 1177. 23 Hen. 2. he made restitution of their Lands whereof they had been possessed Fifteen days before the War Unto the Abbey of Bordesâ—ey in Worcestershire Founded by Maud the Empress his Mothers Aunt this Earl was a good Benefactor for he bestowed thereon his Lordship of Cumbe in Glocestershire to maintain Six Monks there perpetually for the health of his Soul the Souls of Earl Ranulph his Father Robert Earl of Glocester his Grand-father his Mothers and all Christian Souls And to the Monks of Coventrey he made a most ample Confirmation of whatsoever had been granted to them warranting their enjoyment thereof as free from any impediment or molestation by him or his heirs as their first Founder held the same Forbidding all his Officers to entermeddle within the Precincts of that Monastery or in their Soil or Market without leave and freedom from those Monks
of the Prior he had directed the particular place as also that two hundred marks should be employed by his Exetors for his Tomb and a hundred marks on his Funeral Moreover that forty marks should be distributed amongst poor Maids at their marriages as also a hundred pound in Masses Alms and other Works of Charity for his Soul He likewise ordained That on the day of his Funeral there should be offered two Coursers one of them compleatly harnessed with caparisons of his Arms as also Banners Standards and other accoutrements according as was accustomed for a person of his degree Furthermore that his Feoffees should stand seised of his Castle and Mannors of Sheriff-Hoton East Lilling West Lilling and Raskelf to the use of his Wife during her life Likewise that the Covenants of marriage of Thomas his Son with the Lady Willoughby his Wife should be fully performed according to the agreement made betwixt himself and Ralph Lord Cromwel as also the Marriage Covenants for Catherine his Daughter with the Son and Heir Apparent of the Lord Harington and William Lord Bonvile To his Son George he gave twelve Silver Dishes and a Cup with Cover gilt To Alice his Daughter a gilt Cup with Cover To his Daughter Eleanor a Silver Bowl with Cover To his Daughter Catherine the like To his Daughter Margaret a thousand marks to her marriage and a Gilt Cup with Cover and to his Daughter the Countess of Arundel a Cup of Gold Howbeit the next ensuing year viz. 38 H. 6. the tide being turned by reason that some of the old Soldiers deserted the Duke of York and came in to the King he was constrained to flee into Devonshire thence to Gernsey and so to Calais whereupon amongst others he was attained in the Parliament soon after held at Coventrey But from Calais adventuring with the Duke of York again into England he landed at Dover and within a short time giving Battle to the Lancastrians at Northampton there obtained a notable victory Whereupon the Yorkists bearing sway he was advanced to the dignity of Lord Great Chamberlain of England But see the mutability of Terrestrial things marching shortly after against the Lancastrians who had gotten head again in Yorkshire near Wakefield he was there taken prisoner in Battle in Christmass and his Son Sir Thomas Nevill slain Whereupon his head was cut off and conveyed to York and there set on a Pole over one of the Gates of that City After which viz. 15 Febr. 2 Edw. 4. I find that his Body together with the Corps of Alice his Wife and Thomas his Son were buried at Bisham Abby in Com. Berks. The issue which he had by the said Alice his Wife was as followeth viz. Richard Earl of Warwick and after his death Earl of Salisbury Iohn Marquess Mountague Sir Thomas who married ... Widow of the Lord Willoughby and was slain at Wakefield â—eorge Bishop of Exeter and Lord Chancellor of England afterwards Archbishop of York And five Daughters viz. Ioane the Wife of William Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel Cicely married to Henry Beauchamp Duke of Warwick Alice to Henry Lord Fitz-Hugh of Ravensâ—ath Eleanor to Thomas Stanley the first Earl of Derby of that name Katherine to William Bonvile Son and Heir to William Lord Bonvile and Harrington and Margaret to Iohn de Vere Earl of Oxford but afterwards to William Lord Hastings Chamberlain to King Edward the fourth Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick eldest Son to Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury THis Richard having taken to Wife Anne the Daughter of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Cousin and Heir to Anne sole Daughter and Heir to Henry Duke of Uarwick obtained by reason thereof as also in Respect of his special services about the Kings person and in the Warrs of Scotland as the Patent bearing date 23 Iulii next after the death of the same Lady Annâ— which hapned 3 Ian Ann 1449 27. H. 6. doth import a confirmation and declaration to himself andâ—his said Wife and to her Heirs of the dignity and title of Earl of Warwick with all preheminencies that any of their ancestors before the Creation of Henry Duke of Warwick used Shortly after which by Fine leavied Quind Trinit 28 Hen. 6. they entailed the Castle of Warwick with divers Lordships in that and sixteen other Counties upon the issue of their two bodies lawfully begotten and in default thereof upon the issue of her the said Anne with remainder to Margaret eldest Daughter to the same Richard Beauchamp late Earl of Warwick and her Heirs This is that Richard Nevill who was commonly called the stout Earl of Warwick and well he might be so termed in regard he bore such a great sway towards the latter end of King Henry the sixth and part of King Edward the fourths Reign having been an eminent actor in those tragick broiles betwixt the Houses of Lancaster and York as our Historians do fully manifest for about the 30 of Hen. 6 he sided with Richard Duke of York who did at that time first put himself in Armes under pretence of reforming what was amiss in the Government The true cause of this taking his part being a variance betwixt himself and the Duke of Somerset which happened in the Court of King Henry the sixth and that the Queen adhered to the Duke of Somerset therein But the Duke of York being not then powerful enough to go through with his designe submitted himself making Oath thenceforth to become a true and faithful Subject Howbeit the next year after having a stronger foundation for his enterprise chiefly through the interest he had in this potent Earl and the Earl of Salisbury his Father he broke out again and in 33 Hen. 6. at S. Albans assailed the Kings Forces where this Earl entring through a Garden gave the first onset and slew many seized upon the King himself caused a Parliament to be summoned made himself Protector of the King and this our Earl of Warwick Captain of l Calais But by the power of some others who saw what was aimed at he was at that time hindred in his speed Whereupon the King coming to Coventrie in 35 of his Reign hoped there to have reconciled all and to that end sent for the Duke by Letters as also for this Earl and his Father who came accordingly Nevertheless being there and pretending some ill intentions towards them they got away York to Wigmore in the Marches of Wales Salisbury to his Castle at Middleham in the North and this Earl of Warwick to Calais Howbeit after some fair overtures they were content to come to London so as they might have store of followers Whereupon this Earl brought with him six hundred men in Red-Coats embroidered with white Ragged-Staves before and behind This was in 36 Hen. 6. where and at which time
who adhered to Richard Earl of Cornwall in that Commotion then by him raised for freeing the Realm from the Oppressions of the Court of Rome and those Aliens under whom it then groaned And the next year following upon a Meeting at Northampton with the same Earl of Cornwal and divers other Nobles obliged himself to them by Oath That without longer delay he would go with them that year to Hierusalem for the Service of God and the Church in case he could be reconciled to the King who it seems was highly offended with him For keeping his Christmass at Winchester he denied him entrance at his Gates Whereupon the Earl retiring to his own Lodgings in that City invited all he could to his Table and on the morrow imploy'd some Persons of Honour to the King to know the cause why he was thus debarr'd the Court offering to clear himself of whatesoever might be laid to his Charge To whom the King answered Why doth he lift up his Heel against me His Brother Richard was a bloody Traytor to me and my Kingdom and was taken in Battel fighting against me and therefore worthily disherited died of his Wounds in Prison And at the importunity of Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury of meer Favour and not any Desert I restored to this Gilbert his Lands but to reassume them again at my pleasure Understanding that the King was thus moved against him he went into the North after which time neither he nor his Brother Walter ever loved him cordially Moreover the next ensuing year viz. Anno 1240. 24 H. 3. the King accused him upon some Criminal Articles whereunto he had the Octaves of Easter to make answer But by the Mediation of Richard Earl of Cornwal the King became reconciled unto him Which reconciliation was wrought as some then conceived by private Gifts and 't is like was most true for it appears that the same year upon Saturday the Eve of St. Botulph he delivered up the Castle of Pevense to the King in the Wood at Lehtone excepting those Lands formerly given him in Fee viz. Greiwell which had been bestow'd in Marriage on Isabell his Niece Daughter of William Earl Ferrers with Gilbert Basset and the Town of Ripe which had likewise been granted in Marriage to Robert Bruse with Isabell the Daughter of the Earl of Gloucester another Niece of this Earl as also the Mannor of Westcote which had been given to Iohn de Gatesden About this time also Maurice Fitz-Gerald then Justice of Ireland came over to the King at London and desired a Reconciliation betwixt this Earl and himself whom he knew to be disaffected towards him for the Death of his Brother Earl Richard so slain in Ireland as hath been observed And though he knew himself to be innocent therein and to that end offered to put himself upon Trial nevertheless for the love of Peace and to stand upon Terms of Amity with him he said he would Found a noble Monastery for the health of his Soul With which the King was so well pleased that he called this Earl before him and told him That he would be the Mediator for this Reconciliation affirming That in case the Earl should refuse it being thus desired he should be unworthy of his Princely Grace and Favour Whereupon a fair Accord betwixt them was made But all I have farther to say of this Earl Gilbert is That he first viz. in Anno 1235. 19 H. 3. took to Wife Margaret the Sister of the King of Scotland with whom he had Ten thousand Marks and more for her Portion besides a Noble Dowrie in Scotland and afterwards Maud de Lanvaley without the King's License for which Transgression his Lands were seised Likewise That for the health of his own Soul and the Soul of the said Margaret his Wife he gave to the Canons of Nutley in Com. Buck. all the Tithes of his Fishing belonging to his Mannor of Caversham with all the Tithes of his Mills at Caversham as also all his Lands called Chibbenhirst and a Rent of xvi s. yearly for the maintenance of two Lamps burning Night and Day in the Chappel of our Lady at Caversham for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Earl Richard his Brother And that in Anno 1241. 25 H. 3. being at a Tournament then held at Ware near Hartford mounted upon a lusty Italian Horse with whose Qualities he had not been acquainted first curbing him and afterwards giving him the Spur the Horse furiously mounting broke both the Reins of his Bridle and cast him out of the Saddle Whereupon hanging in one of the Stirrups he was so dragg'd about trodden upon and bruised as that he died the same Evening viz. 5 Cal. Iulii in the Abby at Hertford without Issue And the day following being carried to the New-Temple at London had Sepulture there near unto the Grave of his Father Whereupon Walter his Brother had no little ado to obtain Livery of his Inheritance For the King being highly offended with him upbraided him That Earl William his Father had Trayterously permitted Lewes of France to escape out of England Next That Earl Richard his Brother was a Publick Rebel and slain in Fight as his Enemy Moreover That this Gilbert his Brother to whom at the Instance of Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury he said he had more through Grace and Favour than of Right vouchsafed Livery of his Lands had against his express Prohibition met at his Tournament wherein he was thus unhappily kill'd And thou quoth the King in contempt of me wast also there With what Face therefore canst thou lay claim to that Inheritance Whereunto Walter replied Though I could give a reasonable Answer to what you have said nevertheless I refer my self wholly to your Highness You have hitherto been gracious to me and reputed me as one of your Family and not amongst the meanest of your Servants I never demerited your Favour but now in being at this Tournament with my Brother whom I could not deny And if all who were there should be thus disherited you would raise no small disturbance in your Realm Far be it from a good King that I should suffer for the Faults of all and that amongst so great a number be the first punisht Howbeit seeing the King much in wrath he said no more at that time But soon after through the Intercession of the Bishop of Durham who had been for a long time in the nature of a Tutor to the King and afterwards Physician to the Queen as also of some other Noble Persons together with the Queen the King was so far prevailed upon that he yielded to their Desires and vouchsafed him Livery of his Earldom and Marshals Office upon the Sunday
Hierusalem and there made his abode for some time Thence Travelling into other Countryes he came to Venice and Padua As also to Rome out of great affection he had to see the famous Vatican-Library Where he made such an elegant Oration to Pope Pius the Second that it drew Teares from the Eyes of his Holiness Likewise that he Translated into English the Orations of Publius Cornelius and Caius Flaminius and Wrote divers Learned Tracts whereof Bale maketh mention Moreover that he Founded a Fraternitie in All-Hallows-Church at Berkyng near the Tower of London Likewise that having been a firm adherer to the House of York and the Scene changing through the potency of Nevill Earl of Warwick King Edward being forc't to flee beyond-Sea and King Henry restored he was necessitated to shift for himself so that being found on the top of an high Tree in the Forest of Waybrigg in Com. Hunt he was brought to London and judg'd to suffer death by Iohn Earl of Oxford whereupon he lost his head on Tower-hill and was buried at Black-Friers in that City Furthermore that he had two Wives First Elizabeth the daughter to Robert Greyndour and by her a son called Iohn who died young Secondly Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Hopton Esquire sister of Sir Walter Hopton Knight Widow of Sir Roger Corbet of Morton Corbet in Com. Salop. Knight on whom he begot a son called Edward who was but little more than two yeares of age at his death Which Edward being restored in blood by King Edward the Fourth died without issue 12 Aug. 3 R. 3. Whereupon his three Aunts became his heires viz. Philippa Wife of Thomas Lord Roos of Hamlake Ioane Married to Sir Edmund Inglethorpe Knight and Ioyce to Edmund son and heir to Iohn Lord Dudley Piers de Gaveston Earl of Cornwall 1 Edw. 2. THere is not I think in all our English History a greater instance of an unhappy Favourite than that of this Piers de Gaveston much unhappy to himself but more to his Soveraign Who being corrupted in his youth by the leud conversation of this vain young Man became most miserable at last not only by Deposal from his Government but by the Murther of his Person Being by Birth the son of a private Gentleman in Gascoine who had merited well for his faithful services in the Wars of those parts he was for that cause in his very childhood receiv'd into the Court of King Edward the First there to wait upon Prince Edward his eldest Son Upon whose affections in tract of time he so much gained by humouring him in such sensual delights whereunto youth is naturally inclin'd that he guided and govern'd him according to his own vile humour The dangerous consequence whereof was not foreseen by the King until near the time of his own death as it seems for this Piers was with him in his Wars of Scotland in 32 d of his Reign as is evident from that Pardon which was afterwards granted to him as also to Roger Lord Mortimer Gilbert de Clare and others for departing thence at that time without leave So likewise in that of 34 Edw. 1. which was the last Expedition into those parts by that Victorious King being in order thereto made Knight at the Feast of Pentecost with Prince Edward by Bathing c. But then was it most clearly discern'd by divers of the Nobles at that time there how destructive it might be to themselves and to the whole Realm that such an ill Companion should longer continue with the Prince whereupon the King lying upon his Death-bed at Burgh upon the Sands near Carlisle forc'd him to abjure the Realm and commanded his Son the Prince upon Penalty of his Curse that he should not recall him back Nevertheless notwithstanding this strict charge of the dying King no sooner did he hear that the breath was out of his Father's Body but that he sent for him again and bestow'd on him the King's Jewels and likewise all that Treasure which had been design'd for the succor of the Holy Land viz. Thirty two thousand pounds of Silver which also upon the danger of his Father's Curse ought not to have been otherwise dipsosed of Whereof being thus possess'd he convey'd it into the hands of Forrein-Merchants for his own private benefit Amongst which Jewels there was a Table and Tressels of Gold which he had taken out of the Treasury at Westminster and delivered them to Aymeri de Frisconbaud to be carried into Gascoine And besides all this he caused Walter Langton Bishop of Covenâ—ry and Lichfield who had been Lord Treasurer to King Edw. 1. to be imprisoned Nay so great was his interest that upon the King 's going over to Boloin to Marry with the Lady Isabell daughter to Philip le Beau King of France which Marriage was solemnized 8 Cal. Febr. he obtain'd a special Patent bearing date 26 th December to be Guardian and Lieutenant of this Realm during his absence And Soon after this having Married Margaret the second sister and coheir to Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester daughter to Ioane of Acres the King's sister the Wedding being kept at Berkemsted in the presence of the King he procured a Grant to himself and her the said Margaret in tail of that great Mannor of Brustwyke in Holderness with its members Also of the Castle and Mannor of Skypton in Craven Of the Castle and Honor of High-Peke in Com. Derb. Of the Castle Mannor and Honor of Cokermuth in Com. Cumb. with its Members Of the Mannors of â—orpell and Upton in Com. North. Of the Castle of Caresbroke and other the Kings Lands in the Isle of Wight all which formerly belong'd to Isabel de Fortibus sometime Countess of Aâ—â—emaâ—le and were then valued at Three thousand Marks per annum And of the Mannors of Crokham and Berkhamsted in Com. Hertf. with Frâ—e-warren in all his Demesn-lands there as also in Byflete and Pachenesham in Com. Surr. with remainder to the King and his heirs About the same time likewise he had a Grant in Fee of the whole Earldom of Cornwall with the Castle Mannors and Lands thereto belonging as also of the Shrievalty of that County Likewise of the Stannaries and all Mines of Tin and Lead sometime belonging to Edmund Earl of Cornwall Of the Castle and Mannor of Lydeford with its Appurtenances Of the whole Moore and Free-Chase of Dertmore of the Town of Exeter of the Castle Town and Honor of Knaresburgh with Free-Chase there Of the Mannors of Routhclyve and Aldburgh of the Castle Town and Honor of Walingford with the Mannors of Watlington and Bensington of the Four Hundreds and half of Ciltrie of the Honor of St. Walerie of the Mannor of Beckley of the Castles and Mannors of Mereswell
the Castle of Norwich in 11 E. 2. Moreover in 15 E. 2. he was join'd in commission with Iohn de Vauâ— to make choice of two thousand Foot-Souldiers in the Counties of Norf. and Suff. as also to conduct them to Newcastle upon Tine thence to march against the Scots and in 17 E. 2. was in the Wars of Gascoine In 19 E. 2. he was likewise one of the Commissioners for arraying of men in the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk according to the Statute of Winchester and in 20 E. 2. being again appointed one of the Commissioners of Array in the County of Norfolk receiv'd command for the arming of five hundred Men Foot-Souldiers and Archers with Hactoons Bacinets and Gantlets of iron and to conduct them to the Port of Orwell in Suffolk thence to go to Sea against the French but died in 5 E. 3. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir Which Iohn in 10 E. 3. was constituted Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet from the mouth of Thames to the Northward whereupon he had an assignation of 153 l. 7 s. 6 d. for the Wages of himself with his Men at Arms and Archers in that service and in 21 E. 3. obtain'd a grant for a Market every week upon the Friday at his Mannour of Wygenhale in Com. Norf. and one Fair yearly upon the Eve and day of St. Mary Magdalen In which year he was again constituted Admiral of the whole Fleet to the Northwards To this Iohn succeeded Sir Robert Howard Knight who in 2 R. 2. was committed prisoner to the Tower for deteining Margery de Narford from Alice Lady Nevill her Grandmother with whom upon her petition to the King and Council she had been appointed to remain until the Cause of Divorce betwixt her and Iohn de Brewer should be determined in the Court of Rome This Sir Robert died 3 Iulii 12 R. 2. in his Fathers life time leaving Issue by Margaret his Wife Daughter to Robert Lord Scales Iohn his Son and Heir Which Iohn being soon afterwards a Knight was retein'd to serve the King for his life 10 Martii 12 R. 2. and by Margaret his first Wife Daughter and Heir to Sir Iohn Plaiz Knight had Issue Iohn his Son and Heir Which Iohn was also a Knight and dying in his Father life time left Issue Elizabeth his sole Daughter and Heir married to Iohn Earl of Oxford But after the death of the said Margaret Daughter of Sir Iohn Plaiz this Sir Iohn Howard married h to his second Wife Alice the Daughter and Heir of Sir William Tendring Knight and by her had Issue Robert Who being likewise a Knight married Margaret the Daughter and Coheir to Thomas de Moubray Duke of Norfolk but died in his Fathers life time leaving Issue Iohn Whicn Iohn in 31 H. 6. being then a Knight after the regaining of Burdeaux accompanied Iohn Talbot Vicount L'isle to Blay with twenty two thousand Men and soon after marcht with Iohn Earl of Shrewsbury to the relief of Chastillon then besieg'd by the French were that right valiant Earl had the fate to be slain And was made Sheriff of the Counties of Norf. and Suff. in 1. E. 4. as also Constable of the Castle of Norwich and one of the Kings Carvers with the Fee of xl l. per annum for that service to be received out of the Counties of Norf. and Suff. by the hands of the Sheriff for the time being Having likewise in consideration of his great services a grant in special tail of the Mannours of Leyham and Wherstede in Com. Suff. Smetheton-Hall in Com. Essex Dontishe and Donelyshe in Com. Dorset as also of the Mannour of Moyton-Hall in Com. Norf. all which were then in the Crown by the attainder of Iohn Earl of Wiltshire In 2 E. 4. being appointed together with the Lords Faâ—conbridge Clinton and others to keep the Seas having to the number of ten thousand Men in the Fleet he landed with them in Britanny where they took the Town of Conquet with the Isle of Rethe and in 8 E. 4. being then Treasurer of the Kings Houshold obtained a grant of the whole benefit of that which should accrue to the King by Coynage of Money in the City and Tower of London or elsewhere in the Realm of England to enjoy from the first of October the same year so long as he should continue in that office of Treasurer of the Houshold Also the same year with the Lord Scales Dacres and divers other persons of great quality he attended the Lady Margaret the Kings Sister into Flanders where she was solemnly married to the Duke of Burgundy And in 10 E. 4. bearing the title of Lord Howard the Lancastrians then making head again by reason of the revolt of Richard Nevill that stout Earl of Warwick the Duke of Clarence and others at that time getting into France with purpose to return powerfully he was made Captain-General of all the Kings Forces at Sea for resistance of their attempts In 11 E. 4. he was constituted Deputy-Governour of Calais and the marches adjacent unto William Lord Hastings and in 12 E. 4. first summon'd to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm In 13 E. 4. he was joined in Commission with the same Lord Hastings and others to treat with Charles Duke of Burgundy or his Agents at Bruges in Flanders for composing certain differences betwixt the subjects of England and those of that Duke And in 14 E. 4. retein'd by Indenture to serve the King in his Dutchy of Normandy and Realm of France for one whole year with xx Men at Arms and CC. Archers In which year upon the Peace concluded betwixt both Crowns it was covenanted that King Edward after the enterview and receipt of two thousand Crowns should return into England and leave in hostage till he had passed the Seas this Lord Howard and Sir Iohn Cheney Master of the Horse It was also then agreed that a Pension of six thousand Crowns should be divided betwixt the King of Englands principal servants whereof this Lord Howard had part he being at that time appointed one of the Commissioners for setting forth the place for the enterview at Picquigny which was to be upon the xxix of August following It is noted by Comines that the King of France giving great presents to all Embassadors that came to him he bestowed on this Lord Howard over and above his Pension no less than twenty four thousand Crowns in money and plate in two years Nevertheless in all his transactions he behaved himself with such fidelity and prudence as that in farther consideration thereof in 15 E. 4. he obtained a grant in special tail of the Mannours of Prestone Cokeâ—eld Aldam and Mendam in Com.