recorded so often confirmed nay so often purchased I though a Woman and all the free-born people do appeal to the Tribunal of God against you and Heaven and Earth shall bear witness how injuriously you have dealt with us and the God of Vengeance will vindicate us At which Speech the King much astonished knowing his own guilt said Do not you desire my grace and favor as you are my Kinswoman Whereunto she replied Forasmuch as you have denied me that which is right what hope have I of favor but I do in the presence of Christ appeal against those who have by evil councel so misled you from Justice and Truth for their own private ends Albini I Now come to Nigel de Albini younger Brother to William de Albini from whom the antient Earls of Arundell descended This Nigel de Albini being a person of Noble extraction and by the Mothers side a Moubray came into England with William Duke of Normandy and was after his Conquest one of those Captains who marcht with him into Northumberland The Lands which he possessed by the bounty of that King were these viz. the Lordships of Tillebery and Eye in Buckingamshire Craweâ—ai Tingrei Prestelai Herlingdone Merstone Melebroc Ammefelle Meldone Wescote Tlopelle Cainehou Siwileâ—hou Polochessete Stradley Mildentone Carlentone Redewelle Wiboldestune Holme Herghetone Clistone Hornslau and Aldriceseia in Bedfordshire Aldulvestreu and Altone in Warwickshire and Sele and Duntone in Leicestershire Moreover he was a Servant in Court to King William Rufus holding the office of Bow-bearer to him and being girt with the Sword of Knighthood by King Henry the first had the Mannor of Egmanton with divers Parks in the Forest of Shirewood of his gift which Lordship after a short time he gave to his special friend Robert D'avil But when King Henry had farther experience of his great Valor and military Skil he augmented his bounty to him and enfeoffed him of the Vavassories of Camvile and Wyvile which so endeared him to that King that he spared not to adventure his life in his quarrell in the most perilous encounters as is manifest by that his signal performance in the famous Battle of Tenerchebray being the last of those conflicts which King Henry had with his brother Curthose where this Nigel slew his Horse and brought him captive to King Henry whereupon he obtained by the gift of that King all the Lands of Robert Baron of Fronteboef viz. Stutevile in England which by that adherence to Curthose Fronteboef had forfeited And afterwards King Henry beseiging a Castle in Normandy this Valiant Nigel first entred the same and delivered it to his hands in farther remuneration of which service he bestowed on him all the lands of Robert de Molbray Earl of Northumberland both in Normandy and England then forfeited by reason of Molbrays conspiracies as also all his Castles and moreover the Castle of Bayeux with its appurtenances so that then he had no less than an hundred and twenty Knights Fees in Normandy and as many in England Besides all this it is evident that all those large possessions of Geffrey de Wirce viz. twelve Lordships in Warwickshire twenty seven in Leicestershire and twenty four in Lincolnshire whereof the Isle of â—xhoime was part came to the hands of this Nigel whether by forfeiture or otherwise I cannot say which were enjoyed for many ages by his posterity Being thus possessed of all those Lands which were of great extent especially in the north he became not only very powerfull but somewhat oppressive for he took from the Monks of Durham two fair Lordships viz. Berningham and Skirningham and divers lands from some other Monasteries which afterwards being visited with sickness he penitently restored As to his works of piety certain it is that he founded a little Priory of Canons regular of of St. Augustines order at Hirst in the Isle of Arholme which became a Cell to Nostell Abby in Yorkshire And gave the Grange of Aldeburgh to the Monks of Fountains All that he else gave to any Religious House in England was the Church of Newbold super Avon to the Monks of Kirkby in Com. Warwic This Nigel had two Wives first Maude Daughter to Richard de Aquila whom by the permission of Pope Paschall he Married in the life time of her Husband Robert de Molbray Earl of Northumberland before mentioned whilest the said Robert was in Prison for his rebellion against King William Rufus from whom afterwards being divorced because she was his Kinsmans Wife he secondly Married to Gundred Daughter to Girald de Gornay viz. in Iune Ann. 1118. 18 Hen. 1. by the special advice of King Henry the first Which Gundred in her Widowhood had a corrody of forty one pound twelve shillings and three pence before she was dispossessed of the Castle of Brichelaw and gave to the Hospital of S. Leonards in York four Ox-gangs of Land lying in Baggaby By which Maud he had no children but by Gundred he left issue Roger who possessing the Lands of Molâ—ray as hath been said did by the special command of King Henry assume the Surname of Molbray It is reported of this Nigel de Albini that soon after he had received the Kings Writ to take possession of the County of Northumberland whereof Robert de Molbray whose Lands were given to him was dispossessed for his rebellion he fell sick at Roan and there departing the World very aged was buried with his ancestors in the Abby of Bec in Normandy whereunto he had given twenty pound Lands in Duntone in Com. Leic. and other large possessions in this Realm in which Abby he was shorn a Monk before he died ¶ To him succeeded Roger who bore the Surname of Moubray for the causes above expressed and being under age at his Fathers death was in Ward to King Stephen In Ann. 1138. 3 Steph. upon that great Invasion made by David King of Scotland King Stephen being then in the South this Roger though then in minority was one of those Northern Barons who at that time met at York and there consulting with the Venerable Archbishop Thurstan for the defence of those parts was one of the chief Commanders in that memorable Battle near North-Alverton commonly called Bellum de Standardo where the English obtained a glorious Victory over the Scots In 7 Steph. ann scil 1142. adhering to the King against Maude the Empress he was with him in the Battle of Lincoln and there taken prisoner And in ann 1148. 13 Steph. accompanied Lewes King of France in that famous expedition into the Holy-Land then made where to his immortal honor he vanquished a stout and hardy Pagan in single combate In 12 Henr. 2. this Roger was
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
his eldest Son with some other Persons as Hostages for the Remainder the King at the humble Suit of Reginald seeing no other means for his Enlargement gave way thereto authorising Sire William de Roos Sire Richard de Grey Sire William de Willughby Sire William le Zouche and Sire Hugh Huls as also Iohn Harvey William Vaus Iohn Lee Iohn Langeford Thomas Payne and Iohn Elnestow and every of them to treat with Owen and his Council and to conclude with him in what they should conceive most expedient to be done for his Redemption Whereupon they consenting to give that Sâ—m for his deliverance the King gave Licence to Robert Braybroke Bishop of London as also to Sire Gerard Braybroke the Father and Sire Gerard the Son then Feoffees of divers Lordships for this Reginald to sell the Mannor of Hertelegh in Kent towards the raising of that Sum. And for the better enabling him to pay so great a Fine was pleased to grant That whereas it was enacted That all such Persons who were Owners of Lands in Ireland and did not there reside should for such their neglect forfeit two parts of the Profits of them to the King that notwithstanding this Act he should forfeit nothing for his Non-residence there during the term of six years then next ensuing This is the same Reginald who had the great Contest in the Court of Chivalry with Sire Edward de Hastings touching the Title of Lord Hastings and bearing the entire Arms of Iohn de Hastings late Earl of Pembroke unto whom he was Heir as hath been observed Which Cause coming to a definitive Sentence in 11 H. 4. the Right and Title to the said Name and Arms was adjudged to him and his Heirs as Lord Hastings and Sir Edward de Hastings thenceforth prohibited to bear them was sentenc'd to pay such Costs of Suit as should be appointed by the Court. After this viz. in 4 H. 5. he was retain'd by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of France And the same year serv'd him in his Fleet at Sea In 9 H. 5. he was again retain'd to serve him in his Wars beyond-Sea for half a year with six Men at Arms himself accounted one and eighteen Archers mounted according to their respective Conditions taking per diem for himself two Shillings and for each of his Men at Arms Twelve Pence with the accustomed Reward and Six Pence apiece for his Archers As also to have the benefit of all Prisoners they should take excepting Kings Princes or any of the Royal Blood and especially Charles the Dâ—â—phin of Viennois or any one that murthered Iohn Duke of Burgeyne or were consenting thereto And in 3 H. 6. was in like sort retain'd to serve the King in his Wars of France under the Command of Iohn Duke of Bedford the King's Uncle then Regent of France with twenty Men at Arms and sixty Archers on Horseback for the like Wages This Reginald had two Wives viz. Margaret the Daughter of William Lord Ros and Ioane Daughter and Heir to William Lord Astley By the first of them he had Issue Sir Iohn Grâ—y Knight who in 13 R. 2. serv'd the King in his French Wars Which Iohn departing this Life whilst his Father lived left Issue Edmund and Thomas Which Thomas being a Knight in 28 H. 6. was advanc'd to the Dignity of Baron of Rugemont-Grey in Com. ... And having in 38 H. 6. obtain'd the Stewardship of the Lordships of Wendover and Whaddon in Com. Buck. forfeited to the King had in farther consideration of his special Services in those Wars which King Henry underwent with his Adversariâ—s of the House of Yorke a Grant of Forty Pounds per annum out of those Lordships above-mentioned But for this his Fidelity to the House of Lancaster he paid dear for in 1 E. 4. he was with many others of that Party attainted in Parliament being then seised of the Mannor of Langton in Com. Ebor. and Merton in Com. Westmerl leaving no Issue for ought I have seen By his second Wife the said Reginald had Issue three Sons viz. Edward who married Elizabeth the Daughter and Heir to Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby of whom and his Descendents I shall speak by and by Iohn Grey of Barwell in Com. Leic. and Robert Grey of Enfeild in Com. Stâ—ff And died in 19 H. 6. leaving Edmund his Grandson viz. Son of Iohn his eldest Son who died in his Life-time his next Heir Which Edmund the same year in consideration of his special Services to that King perform'd in Aquitane and other Parts beyond Sea as also in the Realm of England by attendance on his Person to his very great expence and for a Fine of Three hundred Pounds paid into the Exchequer as well in satisfaction of the Profits of his Lands which belong'd to the King from the death of the said Reginald as the Relief thereupon had a special Licence to enter upon all his Castles Lordships and Lands not onely in England Wales and the Marches of Wales but those in Ireland and the Town of Calais without any Inquisition to be taken after the death of his said Grandfather or other Livery of them This Edmund having a fair Estate in Bedfordshire did not a little augment it by the addition of Anthill and certain other Lands of the Lord Fanhope But how he came by them let us hear In the time of the Civil War betwixt King Henry the Sixth and King Edward the Fourth there was a Battel fought saith Leland without the South-Suburbs of Northampton The Lord Fanhope took totally King Henry's part The Lord Grey of Ruthyn did the same in countenance but a little afore the Field he practised with King Edward Other saying that he had a Title to the Lord Fanâ—ope's Lands at Antehill and thereabout or depraving him with false Accusations so wrought with King Edward that he with all his strong Band of Walschemen fell to King Edward's part upon promise that if Edward wan the Field he should have Antehille and such Lands as Fanhope had there Edward wan the Field and Gray obtained Antehille cum pertinentiis c. So far my Author That he had great esteem from King Edward is plain enough for upon the twenty fourth of June in 3 E. 4. he made him Lord Treasurer of England and within two years following viz. 3 Maii 5 E. 4. using then the Titles of Lord and Baron of Hastings Weysford and Ruthyn created him Earl of Kent and to the Heirs-male of his Body After which viz. in 11 E. 4. he was one of those Pâ—ers who upon the third of July King Edward having again recovered the Crown subscrib'd and gave their Oaths of Fealty to Prince Edward the King's Son And after the death of King Edward obtain'd from King Richard the Third a
being Usher of the Chamber to Queen Margaret he had the title of Esquire and soon after being Knighted was made Constable of Baâ—â—burgh-Castle in Northumberland Iohn Heron Esq the former Governour being deceased In 28 H. 6. he became Chamberlain to that Queen And in 33 H. 6. being in the first Battel of St. Albans on the Kings part was â—ore wounded But in those offices and employments he thrived so well as that the King wanting money borrowed of him the sum of one thousand thirty three pounds six shillings eight penâ—â— for the payment whereof he had an assignation out of the fifteenth and tenth granted in the Parliament of 35 H. 6. And in 36 H. 6. was sent to Antwerp in Brabant and other places within the Dominion of the Duke of Burgundy for dispatch of the most important affairs in those parts Soon after which he was made Knight of the most noble order of the Garter Howbeit notwithstanding his obligations to that Queen and what other favours he had received from the King in 38 H. 6. when he saw the Duke of York appear in Arms he sided with him for which cause with many other of that partie he was attainted in the Parliament held at Coventre the same year But by this his attainder he lost not much For King Henry's deposal hapning soon after he marcht with King Edward to Towton-field and upon that great and absolute Victory there obtain'd a grant of the Office of Chief Butler of England as also of the stewardship of the Castle and Lordship of Berkhamsted in Com. Hertf. And the same year being advanced to the degree and dignity of a Baron for the Record calls him Lord Wenlok as also one of the Kings Privy Council he was constituted one of the Embassadours then imploy'd to the Duke of Burgundy to treat for an amicable entercourse of Trade betwixt the Merchants of England and those of his allegiance being then likewise summoned to Parliament And the next ensuing year was again sent Embassadour to the same Duke to treat touching the prorogation and continuance of that Truce which had been concluded betwixt King Edward and him as also for the like free entercourse betwixt the subjects of England and those of Burgundy He likewise the same year attended the King in his Northern Expedition the Lancastrians having again possessed themselves of divers strong holds in Northumberland and assisted at the Siege of Dunstanburgh Castle Moreover in 4. E. 4. he was imply'd in that Embassy with Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick and others to treat of Peace with King Lewis of France and in 5 E. 4. was again sent with others to treat with the Commissaries of Philip Duke of Burgundy touching matters of Trade as also with other Commissioners of Francis Duke of Britanny for a league of amity betwixt King Edward and the Duke In 6 E. 4. he was again sent to treat of peace with the French and had summons to the Parliament held that year In all which services he behaved himself so acceptably as that in 7 E. 4. by way of remuneration he obtain'd a grant of all the moveable goods of Henry Duke of Somerset and Andrew Trollop and their servants forfeited to the King for their respective rebellious actings and in 10 E. 4. was constituted Lieutenant of Calais and the marches adjacent But as Nevill Earl of Warwick had been the chief Instrument in advancing King Edward to the Royal Throne so was he the principal of those who through private respects endeavoured to pull him down In which adventure this Iohn Lord Wenlok took part with him for it appears that after the Battel at Barnet wheâ—ein the Earl was slain when Queen Margaret landing at Weymouth came to Beaulieu-Abby in Hantshire he was one of those that hasted to her with endeavor to raise new Forces for the restoring of King Henry then kept prisoner in the Tower of London but in that great attempt he unhappily miscarried being slain fighting stoutly in the Battel of Tewksbury which fell out soon after viz. 4 Maii An. 1471. 11 E. 4. leaving neither Wife nor Issue that ever I could see Some say that the Duke of Somerset who with his Brother Iohn led the Van coming out of his Station and finding this Lord Wenlok who with the Prince commanded the Middle-Ward standing still whom he expected to have followed him turn'd to him and calling him Traytor knockt out his Brains with his Axe Howard 12 E. 4. THere are those perhaps who will expect that I should ascend much higher in manifesting the greatness of this honourable and large spreading Family in regard I do not make any mention thereof above the time of King Edward the first Some supposing that their common Ancestor in the Saxons time took his original appellation from an eminent Office or Command others afterwards from the name of a place And some have not stuck to derive him from the famous Hereward the Chief Conducter of those Forces which so stoutly defended the Isle of Ely for a time against Kind William the Conqueror and his Army But to this last I cannot well assent by reason that Inguâ—ph then Abbot of Crouland who was his contemporary affirms that Hereward left no other Issue than an Heir female named Turfrida Wife to Hugh de Evermue Lord of Deping in Com. Linc. I shall therefore after much fruitless search to satisfie my self as well as others in this point begin with William Howard a learn'd and reverend Judge of the Court of Common-Pleas for a great part of King Edward the first 's and beginning of Edward the Second's Reign before whom there are memorials of Fines which were levyed from xv Ioh. Bapt. 26 E. 1. until crastin S. Ioh. Bapt. 2 E. 2. This William had large possessions in Wigenhale in the North-West part of Norfolk as also in divers other places thereabouts being one of the Commissioners of Sewers for the repair of the Banks and Drains in Middelton Rungeton and Sechithe in that part of Norfolk in 22 E. 1. And in 23 E. 1. had summons amongst the rest of the Judges of the Courts at Westminster and the Kings learned Council unto the Parliament then held there So likewise to those Parliaments of 25 28 and 32 E. 1. as also of 1 E. 2. To whom succeeded Iohn his Son and heir Which Iohn in 34 E. 1. being one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Bedchamber obtain'd the wardship of the land and Heir of Iohn de Crokedake a person of note in those parts And in 4 E. 2. was in that Expedition then made into Scotland He was also Sheriff for the Counties of Norf. and Suff. from 11 E. 2. till 16. of that King's Reignâ— inclusive and Governour of
of the said Edward And the next day following was created Duke of Somerset and to the heirs male of his body by the before-specified Anne As also upon the seventeenth of February Earl Marshal of England for life Moreover upon the 12 th of March following he had a Patent for that great Office of Protector and Governor of the King and Realmes And upon the third of November next ensuing a special grant that he should sit alone and be placed at all times as well in the King's presence in Parliament as in his absence upon the midst of the Bench or stool standing next on the right hand the King 's Seat-royal in his Parliament Chamber Shortly after which he was sent into Scotland with Ten thousand foot and Six thousand horse besides Thirteen hundred Pioneers and Artificers and fifteen Brass pieces of Ordnance and on the third of September made an hostile entrance into that Realme the design thereof being to procure a Marriage betwixt King Edward and the young Queen But the Scots refusing the offer gave Battel to the English at Muscâ—eborough where they receiv'd a mighty overthrow In 2 E. 6. by another Patent bearing date 24 Dec. he was again constituted Protector both of the King's person and the whole Realme during his minority Thus have we beheld his Rise Now follows the story of his fall but before I proceed to speak of that I shall take notice of the Character which an eminent Historian gives of him He was a man saith he little esteemed either for Wisdome Personage or Courage in Armes but being in favour with King Henry and by him much imployed was alwayes observed to be both Faithful and Fortunate as well in giving advise as in managing a charge About five years before being Warden of the Marches against Scotland the Invasion of James the Fifth was by his direction encountered and broken at Selome-Mosse where divers of the Scotish Nobility were taken prisoners The next year after he and the Earl of Warwick with an handful of men to speak of fired Lieth and Edenborough and returnâ—d by a leisurely march forty four miles through the body of Scotland The year next ensuing he invaded the Scotish borders wasted Tividale and the Marches and deformed the Country with 〈◊〉 and spoile The year then next following being appointed to view the Fortifications upon the 〈◊〉 of Calais he not only did that but with the hardy approach of Seven thousand Englishmen raised an Army of One and twenty thouâ—â—â—â— French encamped over the River before Boâ—ome 〈◊〉 their Ordnance Carriage Treasure and Tents with the loss only of one man and returning from thence by Land to Guisnes won in his way within 〈◊〉 and rescue of Arde the Castle of Outing commonly called the Red-pile The year next ensuing this he invaded and spoiled Picardy began the Forts of Newhaven 〈◊〉 and Buâ—â—â—ngberge and so well applyed his endeavors that in a few weeks and 〈◊〉 his departure they were made tenable Vpon thâ—se and other the like successes his succeeding 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 esteemed alwayes rather new 〈…〉 his only presence was reputed a a sufficient surety for an Army And yet did he never rise hereby either in haughtiness in himself or contempt of others but remained courteous and affable choosing a course least subject to envy betwixt stiff stubborness and filthy flattery never aspiring higher than to be the second person in State But after all this Honor Greatness and prosperous success in those his high imployments comes now the Tragick part of his life which was short and woful to be spoke of his absolute ruine being both projected and perfected as all our Historians do agree by the subtile artifices of Iohn Vicount L'isle afterwards Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland to make way for his own ambitious and aspiring designs Which when he had so far accomplisht as in all humane probability he fully expected to have reapt the benefit whereat he aimed the like fatal destruction and no less sudden fell deservedly on himself as in its proper place is already sheâ—â—d And now to the matter in the words of my Author This Duke had a Brother called Thomas Lord Seymour of Sudley Lord High Admiral of England of whom I shall more particularly speak by and by Which Thomas was a person of great courage Courtly in fashion in Personage stately in voice magnificent but somewhat empty of Matter Both of them being so well affected to the King that the one might well be term'd his Sword the other his Target The Duke greatest in favour with the People the Lord Sudly most respected by the Nobility both highly esteemed by the King both fortunate alike in their advancements both ruin'd alike by their own vanity and folly Whilst these two Brethren held in amity they were like two Armes the one defending the other and both of them the King But many things did move together to dissolve their love and bring them to ruine first their contrary dispositions the one being tractable and milde the other stiff and impatient of a Superior whereby they lived but in cunning concord as Brothers glued together but not united in grain Much secret envy was borne against them for that their new lustre did dim the light of men honoured with antient Nobility They were openly minded as hasty and soon moved so uncircumspect and easie to be ruin'd By these the knot not only of Love but of Nature between them was dissolv'd so much the more pity for that the first cause proceeded from the pride the haughty hate the unquiet vanity of a Mannish or rather of a Develish woman For the Lord Sudley had taken to wife Katherine Parre Queen Dowager to King Henry the Eighth a woman adorn'd with many excellent virtues especially humility the beauty of all other The Duke had taken to wife Anne Stanhope a woman for many imperfections intolerable but for pride monstrous She was exceeding both subtile and violent in accomplishing her ends for which she spurned over all respects both of Conscience and Shame This woman did bear such invincible hate first against the Queen Dowager for light causes and womens quarrels especially for that she had precedency of place before her being wife to the greatest Peer in the Land next to the Lord Sudley for her sake that albeit the Q. Dowager dyed by Child-birth yet would not her malice either die or decrease but continually she rub'd into the Duke's dull capacity That the Lord Sudley dissenting from him in opinion of Religion sought nothing more than to take away his life as well in regard of the common cause of Religion as thereby haply to attain his place Many other things she boldly feigned being assured of easie belief in her heedless hearers alwayes fearful and suspicious as of feeble spirit but then more than ever by reason of some late opposition against him Her perswasions she cunningly
there any Answer return'd from them After this he wrote two Letters one in his own name to the Earl of Warwick the other in the name of those Lords at Windsore to the Lords at London in both which he so weakly complain'd expostulated intreated and yeilded under their Hand as it was sufficient to have breathed courage into any Enemy once declared against him Hereupon the Lords at London forthwith publisht a Proclamation under the hands of Seventeen of them wherein they charged the causes of all the calamities and losses which had lately before hapned and had cost the lives of many thousands of the King 's good Subjects Likewise the loss of divers Pieces beyond Sea which had been won by the great Adventure of the late King's Person and consumption of his Treasure to have been through the evil Government of this Protector and desired and in the King's Name prohibited all subjects from farther giving obedience to any of his precepts Soon after the publishing whereof they directed three Letters to Windsore one to the King himself another to this Protector and a third to the Houshold Which Letter to the Protector was guilded with many smooth words fair promises and full of hope But the other two fouly setting forth his Obstinacie Avarice Ambition his rash engagements into Wars in the Kings unsetled age and estate his negligences deceits and all other insufficiencies before-mentioned Wherewith Sir Robert Wingfeild Captain of the Guard being sent to Windsore he so well perswaded the King both of the Loyal affection of the Lords towards him and of their moderate desires against the Protector then present that he was remov'd from the King's person and a Guard set upon him till the next day when the Lords at London were appointed to be there Who came accordingly but the Earl of Warwick not with them though all moved from him Which Lords coming before the King repeated their former complaints advising him to beware of such as were both Powerful Ambitious Mischeivous and Rich Affirming that it would be better security unto him that this Power should be committed to many who cannot so readily knit together in Will or in Action as when the whole managery resideth in one Whereupon this Duke being no longer called Protector was put into their hands and commited to custody in Beauchamp's Tower within that Castle and the next day brought to London where he rode through Holburne betwixt the Earls of Southampton and Huntington followed by Lords and Gentlemen to the number of Three hundred all mounted on horsback and at Sopher-lane being received by the Lord Mayor Sheriffs Recorder and divers Knights of note with their Attendants bearing Halberts was convey'd to the Tower Where having breath'd a small time certain Lords of the Council were sent to him who after a short Preface in such termes as hate and dissimulation could temper together remembring how great the Amity had formerly been between them and of what continuance Then acknowledging what Offices and Services he had done for the Common-wealth yet enterlacing some errors and defects wherewith they seem'd to reproach him they presented to him certain Articles as from the rest of the Privy-Council desiring his pâ—â—sent Answer whether he would acknowledge them to be true or stand upon his Justification Which Articles were these 1. That he took upon him the Office of Protector upon express condition that he should do nothing in the Kings Affairs but by assent of the late King's Executors 〈◊〉 the greatest part of them 2. That contrary to this condition he did hinder Iustice and subvert Laws of his own authority as well by Letters as by other command 3. That he caused divers persons Arrested and Imprisoned for Treason Murther Manslaughter and Felony to be discharged against the Laws and Statutes of the Realm 4. That he appointed Lieutenants for Armies and other Officers for the weighty Affairs of the King under his own writing and seale 5. That he communed with Embassadors of other Realmes alone of the weighty Matters of the Realme 6. That he would taunt and reprove divers of the King 's most honorable Counsellors for declaring their advice in the King 's weighty Affairs against his opinion sometimes telling them that they were not worthy to sit in Councill and sometimes that he needed not to open weighty matters to them and that if they were not agreeable to his opinion he would discharge them 7. That against Law he held a Court of Requests in his House and did enforce divers to answer there for their Freehold and Goods and did determine of the same 8. That being no Officer without the advice of the Councill or most part of them he did dispose of the King's guift for Money grant Leases and Wards gave Bishopricks and made sale of the King's Lands 9. That he commanded Alchimye and multiplication to be practised thereby to abase the Kings coyne 10. That divers times be openly said that the Nobility and Gentry were the only cause of Dearth whereupon the people rose to reform matters of themselves 11. That against the mind of the whole Council be caused Proclamation to be made concerning Inclosures whereupon the people made divers Insurrections and destroyed many of the Kings Subjects 12. That he sent forth a Commission with Articles annexed concerning Inclosures common High-ways Cottages and such like matters giving the Commissioners authority to hear and determine those causes whereby the Laws and Statutes of the Realm were subverted and much Rebellion raised 13. That he suffered Rebels to assemble and lye armed in Camp against the Nobility and Gentry of the Realm without speedy repressing of them 14. That he did comfort and encourage divers Rebells by giving them money and promissing them Fees Rewards and Services 15. That he caused a Proclamation to be made against Law and in favor of the Rebels that none of them should be vexed or sued by any for their offences in their Rebellion 16. That in time of Rebellion he said that he liked well the actions of the Rebels and that the Avarice of Gentlemen gave occasion for the people to rise and that it was better for them to die than to perish for want 17. That he said the Lords of the Parliament were loath to reform Inclosures and other things therefore the people had good cause to reform them themselves 18. That after Declaration of the defaults of Baloine and the pieces there by such as did survive them he would never amend the same 19. That he would not suffer the Kings pieces of Newhaven and Blackness to be furnished with Men and provision albeit he was advertised of the defaults and advised thereto by the Kings Council whereby the French King was emboldned to attempt upon them 20. That he would neither give authority nor suffer Noblemen and Gentlemen to suppress Rebels in time convenients but wrote to them to speak the Rebels fair and use them gently 21. That upon the fifth of October
notice that the antient Bounds of that Territory known by the name of Northumberland was the whole Tract of England from the River Humber Northwards to Scotland together with Lancashire Westmerland and Cumberland and so it continued during the time that it was governed by Kings being divided into two parts viz. Deira which is that lying betwixt Humber and the River Teise and Bernicia that betwixt Teise and the River Twede But when it began to be governed by Earls or Consuls their Jurisdiction was for the most part restrained to the Banks of Tine and Derwent towards the South Westmerland and Cumberland towards the West Scotland to the North and the Sea to the East as it is at this day so that few of them had to do beyond those Bounds Admitting therefore for truth what hath been said it must be concluded That those two Earls viz. Brithric or Berth and Offere who ruled here in the time of Egfrid King of Northumberland were Ministerial under him only for the whole extent from Humber to Scotland Of which Earls there is cheifly this memorable First That Brithric being sent by King Egfrid into Ireland with an Army notwithstanding that the Irish then were a harmless people and always Friends to the English Nation he miserably wasted that Countrey but were not long unrevenged for the year ensuing Egfrid invading that part of Scotland then inhabited by the Picts though S. Cutbbert earnestly disswaded him therefrom was slain And that Brithric soon after making another in-road upon the Picts to vindicate King Egberts death lost his life The like fate also had Offere who within few years after made another adventure against them for the same cause ¶ From which time until the year 953. I find no mention of any other Earl but then the people submitting to the Dominion of King Edred the West Saxon Monarch to preserve their Countrey from destruction which he had threatned in regard that contrary to their Faith solemnly made to him they had advanced Eiric a Dane to be King of those Northern Parts Osulph was constituted Which Osulph afterwards in the Reign of King Edgar receiving Oslac to be his Companion in the Rule govern'd all the Countrey on the North of Tine leaving Yorkshire and the rest South thereof to Oslac ¶ To Osulph succeeded Waltheof commonly called Waltheof Senior in whose time scil An. 969. Malcolme King of Scotland Son to Kyneth invading Northumberland with a numerous Army and making great devastation there with Fire and Sword advanced to Durham and laid Siege thereto Aldune then governing that Territory betwixt Tine and Teise which was S. Cuthberts Patrimony as Bishop there This Earl Waltheof making no opposition in regard of his extream age which rendred him unfit for Military Services so that for his own safety he was constrained to shut up himself in Bambrough Castle ¶ But Vchtred the Son of this Earl Waltheof being a Person of an active disposition and very valiant discerning that the Scots had thus wasted that Countrey and besieged Durham and that his Father let them alone raised what power he could out of Northumberland and Yorkshire and therewith though much inferior in number to the Enemy flew the greatest part of them so that the King himself with some few were forced to save themselves by â—light And being thus victorious caused the Heads of the cheif of those bold Invaders to be cut off and carried to Durham where he fet them upon Poles round the Walls of that place Whereupon King Ethelred hearing of this most heroick exploit sent forth with for Vchtred and though his Father Earl Waltheof was then living confeâ—ed upon him this Earldom adding the Couâ—ty of York thereto ¶ But afterwards scil in An. 1013. King Edmund Ironside Reigning Swane King of Denmark invading England this Earl Vchtred gave the first example of defection submitting himself to his power and swearing fealty to him Whereupon all the Northern parts of the Land did the like Howbeit after the death of King Swane Canute his Son entred England again with a very great power and at his Landing sent to this Earl Vchtred knowing him to be a person of no small power and therefore solicited his utmost aid with promises that he should enjoy all his Honors and much more Nevertheless Vchtred refused saying That he had already plighted his Faith to King Ethâ—â—red his Liege Lord and Father in Law of whose gift he had enough already and that he would never betray him At length King Ethelred departing this life Cnute by his power took upon him the Dominion here and sent again to Vchtred requiring his attendance on him as his Leige Lord and King Whereupon Vchtred obtaining safe conduct for his going and return went to the Court but as he was passing towards the King through the wicked contrivance of one â—urebrand sirnamed Hold a great Person in that age divers armed Men who lay secretly behind a Traverse rushed in upon him and murthered him with no less than forty of his Attendants who were then at his heels This Earl Vchtred gave great assistance unto Bishop Aldune in his Building of Durham And first took to Wife Eâ—gfrid Daughter of that Bishop with whom he had these Lordships viz. Bermetune Skirningheim Eltune Carltune Heaclif and Heaseldene upon condition that he should maintain her honorably as his Wife so long as she should live but after his Victory over the Scots he grew so elated that he turned her home to her Father who thereupon entred upon those Lordships again and married Sigen Daughter of a rich Citizen called Styr the Son of Vlf who was given unto him by her Father for that he the said Earl Vchtred had killed Thurebrand before-mentioned an utter Enemy to Styr And after this growing highly in favor with King Ethelred in respect of his Military knowledge he obtained Elgiva Daughter of that King for his third Wife by whom he had a Daughter named Aldgitha given in marriage to Maldred the Son of Crinan an eminent Thein in those days and Progenitor to that Noble Family of the Nevills as I shall farther shew in due place Upon this Earl Vchtred's forsaking of Ecgfrid his first Wife Daughter to Bishop Aldune a Theine of Yorkshire called Kilvert Son of Ligulf married her by whom she had issue a Daughter named Sigrid wedded to Arkil Son of Ecgfrid which Arkil had by her a Son called Cospatric who wedded ... Daughter of Dolfin Son of Turfin and had issue Cospatric who was to have fought against Waltheof Son of Elfi But at length Kilvert forsaking his said Wife her Father Bishop Aldune received her again
being a courageous young Man with some Troops of stout Soldiers relieved it which being signified to the King he returned again thither and reinforced the siege Earl William therefore excites Curthose and this Robert de Belesme and all others on whom he could by any means prevail to aid him in the raising thereof Whereupon Curthose with all the strength he could make formed an Army the principal persons therein being this Robert de Belesme William Earl of Moreton Robert de Stotevil and William de Ferrers Of which Army William Earl of Moreton commanded the Van and Robert de Belesme the Rear But such was the fate of Curthose and his Adherents that the Flank of their Army being fiercely charged by Heliâ—s Earl of Mayne on the Kings Party became so disordered that our Robert de Belesme who was with Rear presently fled by which means the King obtained a clear and absolute Victory Curthose himself being there taken prisoner as I have elswhere shewed with divers others of greatest note on his side But Belesme thus escaping endeavored by all the means he could to draw off Heliâ—s Earl of Mayne from the King and by his help to set up Curthose again Which when he saw he could not effect he then made use of him to work his reconcilation and obtained it The King thereupon restoring to him Argentoil and whatsoever of his cheif Inheritance he had formerly enjoyed Howbeit all these gracious favors from King Henry wrought nothing on him but when he saw any opportunity he was stâ—ll for more mischeif afterwards conspiring to set up William the Son of â—obert Curthose then in banishment stirring up Lewis King of France William Duke of 〈◊〉 Henry Duke of Burgunâ—y Alan Earl of 〈◊〉 and all other potent men that he could to his aid And afterwards both by his Counsels and Power abetted Foâ—ke Earl of 〈◊〉 and other King Henries Enemies The King therefore considering that no Favor could win him nor Oath or Promise oblige him convented him before his Court of Justice at 〈◊〉 for these his wicked practises which being not able to gainsay he was by Judgment thereof committed to close imprisonment at 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 and his Possessions at 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with other Lands in those parts disposed r to Theobâ—ld Earl of 〈◊〉 Brother to Stephen afterwards King of England And the next year following brought over into England and at â—â—ham sufficiently secured all the days of his life Having thus with as much brevity as I could run through the story of this turbulent spirited Earl I shall conclude with that which Henry de Huntendon one of our ancient Writers expresseth of him inter alis in that excellent Epistle of his De Contemptu Mundi written to a familiar Friend of his in the time of King Henry the Second Vidiâ—ti Robertum de Beleeme qui princeps Normannensis in Carcerem positus erat Pluto Megerâ— Cerberus c. Thou hâ—â—t seen Robert de Beleeme a Priâ—â—e in Normandy cast into Prison He was a Pluto Megera Cerberus or whatsoever else can be exprâ—ssed that is most horrid He would not permit poor Captives to be redeemed but murther them under pretence of playing with his own little Godson he thrust out his eyes with his thumbs He used to thrust sharpe stakes through the bodies of men and women from the fundament to the mouth and the greatest slaughter of people was his cheifest delight So that it was commonly said of him as in a Proverb The wonders of Robert de Beleeme But let us come to his end a thing most desirable He who had so tortured others with imprisonment was himself cast into prison by King Henry and there long tormented till his death which be so much endeavord to effect by hunger that it was scarce discernable whether be were living or dead and being speechless could not express the sense he had of death This sometime great Earl took to Wife Agnes the Daughter of Guy Earl of Ponthieu whom he used most barbarously keeping her a long time a prisoner in his Castle at â—elesme until by the means of a Servant she made her escape and fled to the Countess of â—hartres never returning to that her cruel Husband By her he left issue one only Son viz. William sirnamed Talvace against whom King Henry the First was much incensed but at the earnest intreaty of Maud the Empress his Daughter he at last received him to his favor and permitted him to enjoy all his Fathers Inheritance in Normandy But afterwards upon those differences which unhappily arose betwixt King Henry and his Son-in-Law Geffrey Earl of Anjou this William Talvace being much suspected by the King to favor and abet the Earl of Anjou against him and for that cause divers times summoned to come to his presence but refusing King Henry seised upon all his Lands and Honors Whereupon he fled to the said Earl of Anjou and after the death of King Henry adhered to him having the title of Earl of Ponthieu as also of Sais This William Talvace by Ala his Wife Daughter to Odo Duke of Burgundy had Issue two Sons Guy who was made Earl of Ponthieu in his Fathers life time and Iohn as also two Daughters the one married to Iuhel the Son of Walter de Meduana and the other to William Earl Warren the Third and afterwards to Patrick Earl of Salisbury I come lastly to Roger of Poictou the Third Son of the before mentioned Roger de Montgomery Earl of Shrewsbury This Roger sirnamed Pictaviensis id est of Poictou because he married a Wife of that County had nothing at all of his Fathers Inheritance but was a Military Man Whereupon being advanced to the title of an Earl he lived for a time in wealth and power having the Earldom of Lancaster and all that part of Lancashire which lieth betwixt the Rivers of Ribble and Mersey and other great Possessions in that and other Counties of the Conquerors gift So that he became not only a good Benefactor to the Abbey of Shrewsbury which was of his Fathers Foundation as I have already shewed by giving thereto the Churches of Kirkeham Waleton and Biscopeham as also the Lordships of Pulton Oxciton and Biscopeham with the Fishing of Thelewell all in Lancashire but was so liberal to the Monks of S. Martins at Sais in France by bestowing on them the Church of our Lady at Lancaster with divers Lands belonging thereto as also the Churches of Hessen with the third part of the Lands in that Town the Churches of Cotgrave Cropill Wikelay Croston the moity of the Church of Aicleton the Churches of Ridwell and Preston
the Castle of â—amburgh and laid siege thereto but discerning it invincible in regard of the Lakes and Waters hindering any near access he raised a strong Fort at some distance for defence of the Countrey as also for restraint of the Rebels Sallics and Manned and Victualled the same sufficiently Which with the numerous Field Forces that the King then had being discerned caused many of the party to revolt This Rebellious Earl being therefore thus besieged and finding his condition desperate fled out of that Castle by night but passing from Castle to Castle was at length taken by the Kings Soldiers and kept prisoner for the space of almost thirty years where he died as my Author saith leaving no issue Others report that he did thus put himself in Arms against King William Rufus for Gods cause viz. For his banishing of Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury and destruction of divers Churches for his making the New Forest in Hantshire But certain it is that being taken as is already observed he was carried prisoner to Windsore and there detained by Rufus and afterwards by King Henry the First for the space of almost thirty four years that he died Howbeit in some sort to expiate for these his enormities let us now look upon his Works of Piety which had precedence in point of time unto these his Rebellious Actions Certain it is that he was the great restorer of the Church of S. Oswyne at â—inmouth which had lain long desolate unto that glory it after had and procured from Paul the then venerable Abbot of S. Albans some of his Monks to be transmitted thither amply endowing the same with Lands and Possessions and annexing it as a Cell to that great Monastery Afterwards he was shorn a Monk in the Abbey of S. Albans where he departed this life in the year 1106. 7 Hen. 1. This Earl took to Wife Maud the Daughter of Richerius de Aquila Neece to Hugh Earl of Chester by Iudith Sister to the said Hugh but of this marriage she had little joy the Rebellion of her Husband so soon ensuing and afterwards his long imprisonment So that considering she had not the Society of him as an Husband she was by the special leave of Pope Paschal permitted to marry unto Nigel de Albani who by the gift of King Henry the First had all the Lands of the said Earl given unto him Which Nigel after he had lived a while with her had a mind to another Wife wherefore taking advantage of the death of Gilbert de Aquila her Brother he put her away because she was the Wife of his Kinsman and wedded another as I shall shew in due place Earls of Huntendon and Northampton OF these Counties Siward the great Earl of Northumberland was Earl before the Norman Conquest as I have already manifested in my Discourse of him under the title of Northumberland ante Conquestum and after him Waltheof his Son by the gift of King Edward the Confessor as Ingulphus testifieth notwithstanding others do say that he had them in marriage with Iudith Neece to King William the Conqueror by that Kings donation Both which expression may very well stand together for though Earl Waltheof first possessed them by the gift of King Edward yet considering that after the Norman Duke had made an absolute Conquest here whereby he obtained the Crown of this Realm no Englishman continued the possession of any estate he formerly had but by his special favor So that this Waltheof was then necessitated to submit to the pleasure of the new King and accept of Northumberland upon condition of his true allegiance to the Victorious Norman and of these Counties of Huntendon and Northampton as a Marriage Portion with the same Iudith the Conquerors Neece to the intent he should by the Bond of Affinity as well as Gratitude become a good and Faithful Subject unto that King But having spoken at large of this Waltheof and Iudith under the title of Northumberland post Conquestum where it will appear that he being charged for conspiring with Raphe Earl Norfolk and Roger Earl of Hereford to destroy or expel King William and for that pretended Crime lost his Life and Honor. Moreover that thereupon the King disposed the Government of Northumberland to Walcher Bishop of Durham and offered Iudith his Neece Widow of the said Waltheof unto Simon S. Liz a Noble Norman Son of Randulph le Rich who with his Brother Garnerius le Rich came over into England with the Conqueror I shall here observe that she refusing him in regard he halted of one Leg the King grew so displeased with her as that he seised upon the Castle and Honor of Huntendon which she then held in Dower it having been formerly granted to her and her heirs exposing her and her daughters to shift for themselves in the Isle of Ely and other obscure places and bestowed upon the said Simon the Town of Northampton with the whole Hundred of Falkeley then valued at Forty pound per annum to provide Shooes for his Horses Simon therefore not gaining the Mother by the advice of his Friends took to Wife Maud her eldest Daughter and thereupon had this Earldom of Huntendon given unto him by the King It doth not directly appear at what time it was that the Conqueror advanced him to these Earldoms of Huntendon and Northampton but certain it is that he had them both for Ingulphus also who lived then expresly affirms as much This Earl Simon built the Castle of Northampton as also the Priories of S. Andrews there about the Eighteenth year of the Conquerors Reign which Priory stood near to that Castle plentifully endowing it and making it subordinate to the Abbey of our Lady of Charity in ... He gave to the Priory of S. Fridiswide in Oxford the Church of Pidington in that County As also to the Knights-Templers the Mannor of Meriton And confirmed to the Priory of Daventrey these several Churches situate in Northamptonshire viz. Foxton Lubenho Scaldford Guthmundley Bitlesbroc and Braybroc Moreover he was one of the Witnesses to those Laws which were made by King Henry the First in An. 1100. that being the first year of his Reign After which in the same Kings time he went into the Holy Land but in his return died at the Abbey of Charity before expressed and was there buried He took to Wife Maud the eldest Daughter of Earl Waltheof as I have already inâ—â—anced and died in France leaving Issue by her Simon his eldest Son Waltheof Abbot of Melros in Scotland and Maud hath first married to Robert Son of Richard de Tonebrigge Progenitor to the Noble Family of the Fitz-Walters antiently Barons of this Realm and afterwards to William de Albani of Belvoir ¶
he was buried in the Priory of S. Andrew at Northampton Whereupon the King gave this of Huntendon to the before specified William King of Scots who immediately delivered it unto David his Brother This last Earl Simon took to Wife Alice sole Daughter and Heir to Gilbert de Gant Earl of Lincoln with whom he enjoyed her Fathers Honor during her time but she dying without issue was buried at Bridlingâ—on in that Monastery of the Foundation of Walter de Gant her Grand-father whereupon it returned to Robert her Uncle Earl of Buckingham THe first Earl of this County after the Conquest was Walter Giffard Son of Osberne de Bolebec and Aveline his Wife Sister to Gunnora Dutchess of Normandy Great Grand-Mother to the Conqueror Who being one of those Noble Normans who accompanying the valiant Duke Wilâ—iam to whom he was thus Allied in his expedition hither courageously assisted him in that great Battle against King Harold whereby he obtained the Crown of England for which respect he became soon after advanced to this Earldom of Buckingham and was one of the principal Persons sent by the King with Remigius Bishop of Lincoln and others at the time of the Conquerors General Survey into Worcestershire and some other Counties to take notice of the Extent and Value of all the Kings and other Mens Lands in those parts The Possessions which he himself had as appears by that Survey being as followeth In Berkshire two Lordships in Wiâ—â—shire one in Somersetshire one in Huntingdonshire one in Cambridgshire five in Oxfordshire nine in Bedfordshire nine in Suffolk three in Norfolk twenty eight and in Buckinghamshire forty eight This Walter gave the Lordship of Blakeham in Suffolk to the Monks of Bec in Normandy which was afterwards made a Cell to that Abbey Afterwards adhering to King William Rufus against Robert Curthose he fortified his Mansions in Normandy on the said Kings behalf and was a cheif Commander in his Army there behaving himself very honorably in that service and persisting therein to the utmost He was likewise one of the Witnesses to those Laws of King Henry the First which he established here at the beginning of His Reign Yet afterwards scil in An. 1102. being the next year he sided with Robert Curthose but the year following departed this life here in England and had Sepulture at the entrance of the Abbey Church of Longavâ—liâ— in Normandy which he Founded and gave divers Lordships and Lands lying in England thereto with this Epitaph upon his Tomb. Stemma Gifardorum Galterius ingenuorum Quae meruit vivens busta sepultus habet Templi Fundator praesentis aedificator Hoe velut in proprio conditus est tumulo Qui se magnificum Patriaeque probavit amicum Dux virtute potens pietate nitens Religiosorum sed praecipue Monachorum Cultor multimodè profuit Ecclesiae His memory continuing in high veneration by all the Cluniac Monks who by their daily Prayers ceased not to commend his Soul to God for those benefits which they had plentifully reaped in Longaville by his Charity This Walter took to Wife Agnes one of the Daughters of Gerard Flaitell Sister to William Bishop of Eureux by whom he left issue Walter his Son who succeeded him in this his Earldom of Buckingham and divers Daughters whereof one viz. Rohais was Wife to Richard Fitz-Gilbert Ancestor to that great Family of Clare ¶ Which second Walter being most faithful to King Henry the First against all those Rebellious attempts that disturbed his quiet gave most high Testimonies of his valor in that notable Battle at Brennevill in An. 1119. against Lewes King of France who was there in person in which fight the French were beaten And though at first he did incline to King Stephen yet he afterwards made his Peace with Geffrey of Anjou Husband to Maud the Empress This Earl Walter in 12 Hen. 2. upon Assessing of the Aid for marrying of the Kings Daughter certified That he had Ninety four Knights Fees and an half De Veteri Feoffamento and one and an half De Novo and with Ermetrude his Wife Founded the Abbey of Nutâ—ey in King Henry the Second's time at his Park of Trendon near Tame in Backinghamshire but dying without issue the Lands of his Barony came to be shared amongst his Relations as it seems For in ... Rich. 1. Richard de Clare Earl of Hertford in respect of his Descent from Rohais Sister of this Earl and Wife of Richard Fitz-Gilbert his Linâ—al Ancestor and William Mareschal Earl of Pembroke in Right of Isabel his Wife Daughter and Heir to Richard Earl of Strigul obtained a confirmation from that King of all the Lands of this Walter Earl of Buckingham both in England and Normandy Of which Lands Richard Earl of Hertford was to have the cheif Seat in England and William Earl of Hemâ—roke and Isabel the head or cheif Seat of those in Normandy the residue both in England and Normandy to be equally divided betwixt them Earl of Albemarle and Holderness THe first who had this Honor conferred upon him was Odo Earl of Champaigne a person nearly allied to King William the Conqueror by Consanguinity being Grand-Son of Maud Daughter to Richard Duke of Normandy Wife of Odo Earl of 〈◊〉 and Chartres This Odo being a valiant young Man and having slain a great person of that Countrey where his Father lived fled to his Kinsman William then Duke of Normandy where by the help of the Archbishop of Roan obtaining the Dukes Sister Adeliza for his Wife He intreated the Archbishop to move the King for some maintenance and told him the cause of forsaking his own Countrey At his request therefore King William gave him the Isle as he calls it of Holderness And to add thereunto the Archbishop himself bestowed on him the City of Albemarle to the intent that in all the expeditions where the Archbishop went in person he should be his Standard-Bearer with Twelve Knights Which Territory of Holderness was given by the same King William unto one Drew le Brever a Fleming who accompanied him hither at the Conquest being a skilful and courageous Man in Arms Whereupon Drew built the Castle of Skypse the strongest Fort on all that side but having afterwards killed a Kinsman of the Kings and therefore constrained to flee for it getting away into Flanders King William bestowed it upon Odo de Campania as hath been said Holderness upon this occasion being given unto Odo and at that time was a barren Countrey bearing no other grain but Oats so soon as his Wife had brought him a Son whom he named Stephen he intreated
Archbishop of Canterbury and some others to receive Fealty from the rest of the Nobles he sent this Eustace de Vesci to William King of Scotland to let him know that upon his return out of Normandy where he then was he would give him satisfaction in all things concerning his rights here and in the mean time to be at amity with him Upon Collection of the Scutage of Scotland in 13 Ioh. This Eustace had a special discharge for Twenty four Knights Fees and a third part and the same year was acquitted of Scutage for Twelve Knights Fees upon payment of the Scutage of Wales In 14 Ioh. the King having raised a great Army with purpose to march into Wales by reason of the many Hostilities which the Welsh had exercised on his English Subjects having intelligence of a sudden Insurrection against him by many of the great Men of England forthwith disbanded his Army and hasted to London fetching thither all those whose fidelity he suspected requiring them to give pledges for their peaceable demeanor Which being thus surprised they forthwith performed some sending their Sons and others their nearest kinred But this Eustace who with Robert Fitz-Walter stood most suspected fled thereupon into Scotland whereupon all his possessions in England were seised into the Kings hands and special command given to demolish his Castle of Alnwike the Ground of their Exceptions as they pretended being the Kings disobedience to the Pope for which he then stood excommunicate by his Holiness But a reconciliation being soon after made by Pandulph the Legate this Eustace had restitution of his Lands Yet notwithstanding all this the great Men were not so qualified but that their discontents ere long broke out in a far higher measure than before the real Ground of them arising from another cause which I shall briefly here relate King John saith my Author continuing his wonted licentiousness thereby provoked many of his Nobles to wrath For though he had a modest countenance he was a most libidinous Man excesively lusting after Women and deriding their Husbands on whose Wives he had taken his pleasure Amongst these his practises hearing that this Eustace de Vesci had a very beautiful Lady but far distant from Court earnestly studying how to accomplish his desires towards her sitting at Table with her Husband and seeing a Ring on his Finger he laid hold on it and told him That he had such another Stone which he resolved to set in Gold in that very form And having thus got the Ring presently sent it to her in her Husbands name by that Token conjuring her if ever she expected to see him alive to come speedily to him She therefore upon sight of the Ring gave credit to the Messenger and came with all expedition But so it hapned That her Husband casually riding out met her on the Road and marvelling much to see her there asked What the matter was And when he understood how they were both deluded resolved to find out a Common-whore and put her in apparel to personate his Lady All which being accordingly done the King soon after bragged thereof and said Eustace thou hast a most lovely Wife and a pleasant Bed-follow To which he answered How do you know that Quoth the King I have had experience thereof No quoth Eustace you are mistaken it was not my Wife but a Common-Whore Whereat the King grew so enraged that he threatned to kill him Eustace therefore apprehending the danger hasted into the North and in his passage wasted some of the Kings Houses divers of the Nobles whose Wives the King had viciated accompanying him And being grown strong by the confluence of their Friends and others seised his Castles the Londoners adhering to them Whereupon the King raised an Army and marching Northwards caused them to flee into Scotland but they increasing in strength returned and forced him to retreat Soon after which viz. in An. 1255. 17 Ioh. this Eustace was one of the cheif of those Rebellious Barons who having put themselves in Arms met at Stamford in a Warlike Posture and afterwards at Brackley Whereat the King was so much startled that he desired a fair composure with them declaring publickly That it was not their Moneys which he coveted but their Loyalties and therefore proffered his safe conduct to this Eustace and some others in case they would come unto him But such was his obstinacy as that he stood out and became so active in that great Insurrection as that upon the Agreement whereunto the King was then forced to submit He was one of the Five and twenty elected by the rest for managing the whole Government of the Realm for which respect the year following he was amongst others of those turbulent Spirits excommunicated by the Pope And continuing thus violent accompanied Alexander King of Scotland whose Sister he had married with purpose to welcome Lewes of France into England whom the Barons had called in with purpose to make their King and do homage to him for the Realm of Scotland Who as he marched through the Bishoprick of Durham came before Barnard Castle belonging to Hugh de Baillol intending to see if it could be easily won where this our Eustace approaching too near was shot through the head with an Arrow from that Garrison Being thus slain the one moity of all his Land was by King Iohn bestowed on Philip de Vlecot that being the last year of His Reign Whereupon King Henry the Third commanded Possession accordingly to be given and sent a Precept to Margaret his Widow that she should forthwith send William her Son and Heir unto William Mareschal Earl of Pembroke whose custody that Earl being then Governor of the King and Kingdom in regard of the Kings minority had assigned to the King Whereupon the King granted his marriage with all the Lands and Fees to him by Inheritance appertaining to William Earl of Salisbury the Kings Uncle and the custody of the Castle of Alnwike to R. Bishop of Durham This was the time doubtless that the Castle of Knaresborough which descended to Eustace Fitz-Iohn Grand-father to this last mentioned Eustace by the death of Serlo de Burgh his Uncle without issue was taken away and given to William de Stutevil For certain it is That King Iohn so disposed of it upon some displeasure which he had towards the said Eustace Which William being thus in the tuition of the Earl of Salisbury with purpose that he should marry Isabel his Daughter as he did In 10 Hen. 3. obtained Livery of all his Lands the Earl of Salisbury being then deceased So likewise of his Castle at Alnwike which then was in the hands of Everard de Tyes After which I find no more of him till 29 H. 3. that he
the City of â—ublin and Justice of Ireland Unto which City of Dublin the same King thereupon ordained That these following places should thenceforth belong scil All the Land of O-Felana Offalia Kildare Wichelon and Methe as also the Service of Four Knights which was due from Robert Poâ—er by reason of his Castle of Dunavel But afterwards incurring the Kings displeasure because he had married the Daughter to the King of Cannoc according to the mode of that Countrey without his leave He was devested of the custody of that City viz. in An. 1181. 27 Hen. 2. All that I have farther to observe of him is That after he came to the Possession of those Territories in â—reâ—and and before he Infeoffed any of his Free Tenants there by the consent of some of the Archbishops and Bishops of that Realm and their Chapters he gave to the Canons of 〈◊〉 the Church of â—alp with the Tithes of Comingeby and 〈◊〉 the Church of Marmeâ—â— with the Tithes of the Fishing there the Churches of Anye and the Vale of â—lonalewy the Church of Oggary in Methe the Church of Stathmolin and Advowson of the Vicaridge of Lillen the Churches of Kilmessan Kâ—caly and Kilâ—methe As also the Church of the Town of Reginald de Tâ—rbervil and likewise those of Kilkarvam Dunboyn Rathbegan Kilbruy and Drumrath together with the Lands of Balibin and whatsoever Gilbert of Cornwal held in the Honor of Rashouthe with the Chappels thereunto appertaining Also that he was the Founder of the Abbey of Trim in the County of Methe or a cheif Benefactor to it And that of Duleke in the County of East Methe which was a Cell to the Abbey of Lanthony near Glocester Likewise that he gave to the Canons of S Thomas near Dublin the Church of Dunelinsahlin with a certain Grange there and the Churches of Domenathmore Grenocks killeglan Maglisloine Knocmarek and all the Churches and Chappels in the Territory of Leonisse de Bromiard Likewise the Church of the Town of William de Scorlagge and Church of Lethercor Moreover that he gave to the Abbey of Keulys in the County of Kilkenny Balingoddan and Athaiaarg with their Appurtenances And that in An. 1185. 31 Hen. 2. 8 Kal. Aug. being too severe with the Workmen by him imployed for the Building of his Castle at Lurheydy in Ireland he was murthered at Derelagh by one Malva-Miadaich a very mean person who cut off his Head leaving issue two Sons Walter and Hugh and a Daughter called Elayne who became the Wife of Richard de Beaufo Which Walter in 6 Rich. 1. upon Collection of the Aid for the Kings Redemption paid Fifty one pound ten shillings And in â—0 Rich. 1. gave the King Two thousand marks for his favor and to have Livery of his Lands But this being the last year of King Richards Reign King Iohn immediately succeeding exacted of him no less than Twelve hundred pounds for the like Favor and Livery In 2 Ioh. William de Braose gave Twenty marks and a Palfrey to the King for his Confirmation of that Grant which this Walter de Laci had made to him of his Lands in England and Normandy viz. That he the said Walter should not Sell nor Mortgage them without the permission of the said William In 7 Ioh. upon Collection of the Sixth Scutage of that King then assessed at two marks This Walter paid an hundred and two marks and an half for his Fees in Herefordshire and Fifteen pound thirteen shillings and four pence for his Fees in Glocestershire And in 9 Ioh. obtained a confirmation of his Dominion of Methe to be held by him and his Heirs for the service of Fifty Knights Fees As also of all his Fees in Fingall in the Valley of Dublin to be held by the service of seven Knights Fees Howbeit in 12 Ioh. the King passing into Ireland with his Army this Walter being forced to deliver up himself and all he had there into his power and to abjure that Realm was soon afterwards banished with all his out of England But after this viz. in 16 Ioh. he was permitted to repossess Ludlow with the Castle And the same year being at Glocester with some other of the Barons-Marchers received the Kings command to come to Cirencester upon Munday next ensuing the Clause of Easter well accoutred with Horse and Arms and all the power he could bring And thus standing again on fair terms with the King the next ensuing year for the sum of Four thousand marks he obtained the possession of his Lands in Ireland which had been so taken from him as abovesaid excepting the Castle of Drogheda and all his Lands in Drogheda which were to remain in the Kings hands for three years Moreover in 18 Joh. he was made Sheriff of Hereâ—ordshire and Governor of the Castle of Hereford yet with this Caution That if Lewes of France whom the Rebellious Barons had called in should come with his Army to besiege it he should not personally stay there but place such therein of whose fidelity there could be no doubt And in 2 Hen. 3. was again made Sheriff of Herefordshire in which year likewise upon levying the first Scutage of that King he paid an hundred and two marks and an half for his Fifty one Knights Fees and an half and continued in the said Office of Sheriff until the seventh year of that Kings Reign inclusive But in 8 Hen. 3. for what cause I find not he rendred up the Governorship of Ludiow Castle to William de Gamages by the Kings special command That which I next find most memorable of this Walter is That in An. 1230. 14 Hen. 3. when the King of Connac rose in Arms to expel the English out of those parts he with the help of Geffrey de Marisco then Justice of Ireland and Richard de Burgh utterly subdued all his Forces and took him prisoner But notwithstanding these Services in that doubtful year of 17 Hen. 3. being one of the Barons-Marchers he was constrained to give up Roger â—ichard as a Pledge for his fidelity until the Kingdom should be setled in Peace Thus much as to his Secular Actings As to his Works of Piety I find that he confirmed to the Canons of Lanthony all those Lands and Churches in Ireland given to them by Hugh de Laci his Father and of his own bounty gave them the Church of our Lady at Drogheda in that Realm as also the whole Valley wherein the Abbey of Lanthony was situate viz. From Kenentesset and Askarswey by the Ruggeway to Antefin and from Haterell from the Land of Seisil Fitz-Gilbert by the Ruggewey to the Bounds of Talgarth Moreover that he was a special Benefactor to the Monks of Gresswil in Herefordshire by the
though the title of Earl was most known by Arundell and Chichester at which places his chief residence used to be yet it was of the County of Sussex that he was really Earl by the Tertium Denarium of the pleas of Sussex granted to him which was the usual way of investing such great men in antient times with the possession of any Earldom after those ceremonies of girding with the Sword and putting on the Robes performed which have ever till of late been thought essential to their creation That which I find farther memorable of him in this Kings Reign is that in ann 1164. 10 Hen. 2. upon that high displeasure conceived by the King towards Thomas Becket then Archbishop of Canterbury whereupon Becket privately fled beyond Sea this Earl William with divers Bishops and others was sent to the King of France and to the Pope with Letters from King Henry representing him to be fled as a Traitor and desiring that King that he would not receive him into any of his Territories Also intreating the Pope that he would not give credit to his suggestions Likewise after they came to the Pope at Senes in Tuscany where the Bishops represented the great misdemeanors of Becket which the Pope endeavored to extenuate and that the Bishop of Exeter desired that his Holiness would appoint certain Legates to hear and determine in that business this Earl stood forth and said Sir we being illiterate are ignorant what the Bishops have expressed but we are not to be instructed to what purpose we are sent We come not to do any thing contumeliously in the presence of so great a person to whose authority the whole world doth stoop but we are to declare in the presence of this whole Court how great a devotion our King hath born and doth bear to your Holiness and that if he could have found out any persons more great and Noble to have signified the same than these now sent he would have imployed them on this Errand And then after he had magnified the Pope for his great abilities he concluded with very temperate expressions concerning Becket beseeching that his Holiness would vouchsafe to use his best endeavor for the reconciling of this difference In 12 Hen. 2. upon levying the Ayd for marrying the Kings Daughter the Knights Fees belonging to this Honor of Arundell were certified to be ninty seven and those in Norfolk whereof William his Father was enfeofft by King Henry the first forty two Afterwards viz. in ann 1173. 19 Hen. 2. when Lewes King of France had invaded Normandy King Henry being there in person in the head of his Army near the Castle of Brethvil this Earl then one of his cheif Commanders made a notable Speech to the Souldiers putting them in mind of the effect of their valor formerly manifested in other parts as also the justness of their Cause their danger by Flight and that there could be no safety but in Conquering In 20 Hen. 2. he undertook for the Kings performance of those Covenants which were made by him with Hubert Earl of Maurien id est Savoy touching the marriage of Iohn son to King Henry and Alice Daughter of the same Earl Moreover he joyned the same year with Richard de Lucy Justice of England in raising forces against Robert Earl of Leicester then in rebellion to whom they gave Battle and having routed his Army took him prisoner near St. Edmundsbury in Suffolk And upon the appeasing of that great contest which was betwixt William de Longchamp Bishop of Ely and Iohn Earl of Moreton in the time of King Richard the first had the Castle of Windsore delivered into his hands to be kept for the King Lastly in the time of King Stephen out of great devotion to God in honor of the Blessed Virgin and S. Iames the Apostle he founded the Abby of Buckenham in Norâ—oâ—k for the good estate of himself and the soul of Queen Adeliza his Wife and their Childrens Souls near to his Castle which he had there built giving thereto inter alia the site of that Castle eighty Acres of Land Moreover he founded the little Priory of Pynham near Arundell and amply endowed it Likewise the Chappel of Saint Thomas the Martyr in Wymundham And bestowed upon the Cathedral of Chichester the Prebend of West-Dene and East-Dene He was also a Benefactor to the Monks of Boxgrave in Sussex by his grant of part of his Wood colled Bessesole adjoyning to the Woods of Hannac and of forty Acres of Land in Stocton with common of pasture there for fifty Sheep ten Oxen two Horses and twenty Hoggs and land of seven shillings per annum value in Mildentone for maintenance of a Lamp in their Chapter house And departing this life at Waverley in Surrey 3 Id. Octobr. Ann. 1176. 22 Hen. 2. had Sepulture in the Abby of Wymundham of his Fathers foundation leaving issue by Queen Adeliza four Sons viz. William Godfrey ... and ... and three Daughters viz. Alice married to Iohn Earl of Ewe Oliva and Agatha who were interred in the Abby of Boxgrave Which William in that great Councel held at Northampton 23 Henr. 2. had also a grant from the King of this Earldom of Sussex and in 1 Ric. 1. had a confirmation from that King of the Castle and Honor of Arundell as also of the Tertium Denarium de placitis Com. Suss. as his Father had from King Henry the second And the next ensuing year had livery of the Honor of Arundell the Castle and Mill with the Honor of Petvorth which was held thereof only excepted for which livery he gave two thousand Marks In 6 Ric. 1. upon collecting the Aid for the Kings redemption he paid eighty four pounds ten shillings for his Scutage And in 7 Ric. 1. accounted an hundred pound for his Relief for his Lands in Norfolk In 4 Ioh. the King accquitted him of all such debts as he then owed to the Jews And in 6 Ioh. he gave a thousand Marks for the Wardship of the Heir of William de Montchensi unto whom he afterwards married ... his Daughter Moreover the same year he obtained a grant of all the Lands and Fees of Gilbert de Aquila as also of all those which belonged to the Mother of the said Gilbert In 16 Ioh. he was one of the great Lords under whom those persons had safe conduct that came to London for making their peace with the King after the relaxation of the interdict as also who went to Northampton for the same purpose Farthermore in 17 Ioh. he attended the King at Runnimede at that time when the Great Charter and the Charter of the Forest were confirmed being then on the Kings part But afterwards was one of those who took oath to obey the
of Land at his Lordship of Thornbury in Gloucestershire And that in 10 Hen. 8. by the Covenants betwixt him and Margaret Countess of Salisbury for the Marriage of Henry his Son and Heir with Vrsula Poole Daughter of that Countess by Sir Richard Poole Kt. her Husband it appears that the Mannors of Somerton Chedsey â—oneyate Yarlington and Shipton in Com. Somerset as also the Mannors of Stokenham Yalmeton Pyworthy Woneford and Clifte S. Mary with the appurtenances two hundred Messuages three hundred Cottages two thousand Acres of Land one thousand Acres of Meadow two thousand Acres of pasture five hundred Acres of Wood and fifty pounds in Rent in Stokenham Yalmeton Pyworthy Woueford and Clift S. Mary in Comitat. Devon were setled by the said Margaret upon them the said Henry and Vrsula and the Heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten But after this about two years viz. in 12 Henr. 8. though he liked not of that profuse expence which was occasioned cheifly by Cardinal Wolsey at that magnificent Enterview of King Henry the eighth and Francis the first of France betwixt 〈◊〉 and â—rdres he sitted himself in a greater splendor than any other Noble man and being prepared for the journey before the King was ready went to see some of his Lands in Kent Where finding his Tenants somewhat clamorous against Charles Knevet his Steward there for exacting upon them he discharged him of his imployment Which peice of Justice so farr irritated Knevet as that he became principally instrumental in his ruine For growing about this time viz. 13 Hen. 8. eminent for his high Blood and ample Revenue he drew on himself a dangerous suspition of aspiring higher which jealousie was fomented by the Cardinal who dissafected him for some words he had cast forth yet could not have overthrown him had not some indiscretion of his own concurred As for Knevet he watched his opportunity and finding that the Duke began to be weakned in two of his cheif Friends and Allies viz. Henry Earl of Northumberland whose Daughter he had married and Thomas Earl of Surry who had married his Daughter viz. Northumberland for claiming certain Wards which after close commitment he was forced to relinquish and Surry for drawing his Daggar at the Cardinal on some occasion being sent away upon an honorable imployment upon private discourse with the Cardinal discovered to him sundry particulars of this Dukes life viz. that he had said if King Henry died without issue how he would punish the Cardinal Moreover that he had treated with one Hopkins a Carthusian Monk of Hinton touching some prediction about the succession of the Crown Likewise the Hopkins should say to the Earl of Westmoriand this Dukes Son in law that if ought but good came to the King the Duke of Buckingham was next in Blood to the Crown the K. having then no issue Also that he told Knevet if he had been committed to the Tower whereof he was in some danger by occasion of Sir Wilâ—iam Bulmer he would have so wrought that the principal doers thereof should have had no great cause of rejoycing for he would have plaid the part which his Father intended to have put in practise at Salisbury against K. Richard the third who made earnest sute to have come into the Kings presence which had he obtained he would have stab'd him with his Dagger and that in speaking these words he maliciously laid hold on his Dagger swearing that if he were so evil used he would do his best to accomplish his purpose Likewise that being in speech with George Lord Bergavenny he should say that if the King died he would have the rule of the Realm in spight of whosoever said the contrary And swore that if the Lord Bergavenny revealed this he would fight with him These were the principal things charged against him But upon his Indictment and Trial by his Peers he denied all alledging that what he was charged with was false conspired and forged Whereupon Knevet and others being produced against him and deposing to what was alledged in the Articles he had sentence of death pronounced against him by the Duke of Norfolk then High Steward Whereunto he replied thus My Lord of Norfolk you have said as a Traitor should be said to but I was never any I nothing maligne you for what you have done to me but the Eternal God forgive you my Death I shall never sue to the King for life though he be a gracious Prince and more grace may come from him than I desire And so I desire you and all my fellows to pray for me Whereupon he was Beheaded on Tower-hill 17 Maii anno 1521 13 Hen. 8. Nevertheless the Tragedy ended not so for though the Lord Bergavenny after a few months imprisonment was through the Kings favor enlarged yet Hopkins after a serious repentance that he had been Author of so much mischeif died of Greif Being thus put to death he was buried in the Church of the Friers-Augustines near Broadstreet in the City of London leaving issue by Alianore his Wife Daughter to Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland one Son called Henry and three Daughters viz. Eliz. married to Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Katherine to Ralph Nevill Earl of Westmorland and Mary to George Nevill Lord Bergavenny Which Elianore by her Testament bearing date 24 Iunii ann 1528 20 Hen. 8. appointed her Heart to be buried in the Church of the Gray-Friers within the City of London before the Image of S. Francis and her body in the Church of the Whit-Friers at Bristol if she should happen to decease in those parts But after execution thus done upon this Duke viz. in the Parliament begun 15 Apr. 14 Hen. 8. though there then passed an Act for his Attainder yet there was likewise an Act for the restitution in blood of Henry his eldest Son but not to his Honors and Lands Nevertheless the King out of his special grace and favor by his Letters Patents bearing date 25 Sept. in the same fourteenth year did grant to the same Henry and Vrsula his Wife Daughter of Sir Richard Pole Knight by Margaret his Wife Daughter to George Duke of Clarence the Mannors of Norton in the Moores Tillington Eyton Church-Eyton Wood-Eyton Dorlastone Forbrigge Bradwelle Dâ—dyngton Pakynton Blyminhull Holdych near New-Castle Tentynshull and Barlaston in Com. Staff with the Advowsons of the Churches to the same belonging As also the Mannors Tenements and Rents of Menlefeâ—id and Crystelton in Câ—m Cestr. with the Advowsons of the Churches thereunto belonging Likewise all the Lands Tenements Rents and Services in Briggenoâ—th in Com. Salop. with all and singular the Castles Lordships Mannors and Lands in the same County of 〈◊〉 and South-Wales together with the 〈◊〉 of Hay Hope Aston-â—â—gers 〈◊〉 Parke Myniterley Mannor 〈◊〉 Bâ—rgh Worthyn-Mannor 〈…〉
the death of Ioane the Wife of Iohn de Coupland upon them the said Ingelram and Isabel and the Heirs of their two Bodies Moreover in 8 R. 2. he procured from the King a grant of â—uensborough Castle in Kent to â—â—ld for terme of the Kings life and his own and in â—ase he should be the surviver then to himself and the heirs male of his body for ever and the same year was reteined to serve the King in his Scottish Warrs for forty daies Besides all this in 9 R. 2. the K. having reteined him into his imployment did in consideration of the great Costs and expences he was at in his service give him the Castle and Lordship of Okeham in Rutland with all the Forest of Rutland to hold for terme of his life and then to the Heirs Male of his Body And purposing to exalt him to much higher dignity viz. to confer on him the title of Marquess of Dublin that he might the better support that Honor assigned unto him in reversion after the death of Iames de Audeleigh the Castle Mannor and Burrough of Barnestaple the Mannors of Fremington Ilferecombe Combe-Martyn South-Molton Holdesworthy Nemet-Bowe Uppeye Body-Tracy Holne Dertyngton Kyngeston Blackdon and Lang-aâ—re with all other the Lands of the said Iames de Audeleigh lying in the Counties of Devon Cornwall and Somerseâ— which after the death of him the said Iames were to descend to the King And upon this his creation of Marquess which was done in Parliament the same year granted him the Land and Dominion of Ireland with all profits c. as amply as the King himself ought to have the same excepting to the King the Homages Resort and Superiority of that Countrey Which title of Marquess had never till then been heard of in Enâ—land and therefore was much distasted by others of the Nobility in regard that thereby he was set higher than themselves not being superior to them in Wisdom or Valor as my Author saith And moreover bestowed upon him all the benefit and advantage which might be had by Iohn the Son of Charles de Bloys then Prisoner in Gloucester Castle to the intent he might be the better enabled to maintain five hundred men at Arms and a thousand Archers at the accustomed Wages of Warr by the space of two years after he should arrive in Ireland which he intended about Candlemass the same year in order to the Conquest of that Realm And in another Parliament held at London about Michaelmas after esteeming that Honor so lately conferred upon this his cheif favorite too low for his merits advanced him to the title of Duke of Ireland upon the Feast day of S. Edward the Confessor and having so done ordained that the Heir of Charles de Bloys who challenged the Dukedom of Britanny and whose ransom he had obtained should sell it to the French for thirty thousand Marks to the intent that this new Duke with that money might by force get the Dominion of Ireland which the King had so given him and Land there before Easter ensuing Whereunto the Lords and Commons readily assented being rather content to want the money there than be troubled any longer with his Company Soon after which the King gave him liberty to reâ—ide at Berhamstede-Castle one of his own Royal Palaces affording him fuel to burn out of his Woods and Park there Being therefore thus pufft up with Wealth and Honor he grew libidinous and insolent and put away the fair Lady Isabel his Wife kinswoman to the King with purpose to take another of mean extraction who came out of Bohemâ—a with Queen Anne which gave great distast to the Nobility though the King favored him in every thing especially to the Duke of Gloucester the Kings Uncle who though he could not at present vindicate his neice so repudiated reserved himself for an opportune time to do it But soon after this Easter being passed and the expectation of his going for Ireland still continuing the King to prevent any tumult by the Nobles accompanied him into Wales where continuing retired for a while they laid their heads together how they might murther the Duke of Gloucester and likewise the Earles of Arundell Warwâ—â—k Derby and Nottingham And having staid in those remote parts till the people had forgotten this so much talked of voiage into Ireland returned with the King to Notingham Castle there to consider farther how they might best act the designed murther of those great men before mentioned The Nobles therefore discerning what was like to befall them raised all the power they could and met together at Haringhay Park near Higate in Com. Midd. in an hostile manner which so startled the King and those then about him who were the cause of those high discontents that all of them then began to desire an accommodation and to that end sent to the Lords so met at Haringhay to come to Westminster that there upon a calme debate together the business might be quietly composed Who meeting there accordingly after a short speech made to them by the Bishop of Ely then Lord Chancellor in the closure whereof he told them that the King desired to know the Cause of this their Insurrection they answered that it was for his advantage viz. to rid him of those Traitors which he then had about him amongst whom the first they nominated was this Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland But the King giving them fair words and taking them into his Chamber where he made them drink together told them they should all meet together in Parliament and equal justice should be done to each Matters at present being therefore thus qualified the Duke of Ireland by the Kings connivance hasts forthwith into Wales there to raise what power he could but discerning his danger privily got away being disguised as it was reported in the habit of a Servant with a Bow and a Quiver of Arrows on his Back and so with five others in his company alike accoutered came to Chester and soon after that fled beyond-Sea with Michael de la Pole Earl of Suffolk But long it was not e're he landed in England again with about four or five thousand men and being got into Oâ—fordshire came to Radcote Bridge upon the River Isis on the Feast day of S. Thomas the Apostle which Bridge Henry Earl of Derby had broken in three places and fixed Souldiers there to stop his farther passage The Duke therefore seeing himself in this desperate condition and that the E. of Derby with his power was not far distant displaid the Kings Banner and animated his men to fight advancing before them to the Bridge which being not passable he allighted from his Horse and
Parish Church of Wyvehâ— by the Corps of William Viscount Beaumont her first Husband and appointed that her Executors should cause to be said or sung for her Soul as also for the Souls of her Father and Mother and for her Husbands Soul two hundred Masses viz. fifty of the Trinity fifty of the Holy-Ghost fifty of the five Wounds and fifty of Requiem and to reward the sayers twelve pence in Money By this her Testament she also bequeathed to Iohn de Vere then Earl of Oxford seven Tappets of counterfeit Arras of the story of Solomon c. and to the Lord Bulbeck her Godson her Ring of Gold with a Rose of Diamonds and to the Lady Dorothy his Wife a Tablet of Gold Moreover to his Brother Alberic her Godson also her Ring of Gold with a Saphire of divers Squarâ—s and to the Lady Surrey his Sister a Book of Gold Likewise to her God-daughter Eliz. Darcy his Sister her largest Ring with a sharp Diamond and to the Lady Anne Vere his Sister a Book of Gold c. To her Sister the Lady Mary wife of Sir William Kingston Knight her Iesus of Diamonds set in Gold To her Sister Iane Brews a Bason and Ewer chased and gilt and to her Brother Sir Iohn St. Clare Knight a Bason and Ewer of Silver chased and gilt Besides this I have not seen any thing farther memorable of him except 24 H. 7. that by his Testament bearing date 10 Apr. he bequeathed his Body to be buried before the high Altar of our Lady-Chapel in the Priory of â—olne under a Tomb which he had prepared for himself and Margaret his first Wife there already buried And appointed that his Executors should cause two thousand Masses of Râ—quiem to be said or sung for his Soul by Priests viz. every Frier being a Priest and abiding in any of the Houses of Black-Friers in Cambridge Black-Friers in Oxford White-Friers at Lynne all which were of his Ancestors foundation and Brethren of the Charter-house in London Shene and Syon being Priests Moreover that every Monk Canon and every other religious person being a Priest and abiding within any House of Religion of the foundation of any of his Ancestors should also sing Placebo and Dirige with Commendations And that by his last Will he ordained that his Castle and Honor of Hedingham and Gelham with his Mannors of Bumsted Canfield Praiers Bowre-hall Grays in Hedingham Sibille Earles-Colne Bentley Crepinghall Downham Lavenham Overhall Netherhall Cookefield Walsham-Hall Campes Abingdon Saxton Swafham Bulbeck Kensyngton and his Place near Bishops-gate in London all which were of the old Inheritance belonging to this Earldom and whereof he stood seised to himself and the Heirs male of his Body as by old gifts thereof made to his Ancestors manifestly did appear should be and remain to the Heirs male of his body lawfully begotten and for default thereof to his Nephew Iohn Vere and the Heirs male of his body according to the old Entail and for default thereof to his Cousin Iohn Vere Son of Sir Robert in regard he was next Heir male and privy to those old Entails And departing this life upon Thursday 10 Martii 4. Henr. 8. was buried in the Priory at Colne To whom succeeded Iohn his Nephew and Heir viz. Son of Sir George Vere Knight Brother to this last Earl Iohn by Margaret the Daughter and Heir of William Stafford of Froâ—â—e in Com. Dorset Esquire Which Iohn being commonly called Little Iohn of Camses had a special Livery of all those Lands whereunto he was Heir This Iohn took to Wife Anne Daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk but died without issue 14 Iulii 18 Hen. 8. Whereupon his three Sisters became his Heirs viz. Elizabeth the Wife of Sir Anthony Wingfield Knight Dorothy married to Iohn Nevill Lord Latimer and Vrsula to Edmund Knightly Esquire To whom Succeeded as Earl of Oxford and to all that part of the Inheritance which was Entailed Iohn Son of Robert second Brother to that Iohn Earl of Oxford who was beheaded in 1 Edw. 4. Which Iohn in 21 Hen. 8. was one of the Peers who subscribed the Articles exhibited to the King against Cardinal Wolsey So likewise in 22 Hen. 8. that Letter sent by the greatest part of the Nobility of England with divers Bishops and Abbots to Pope Clement the seventh whereby they gave his Holiness to understand that unless he did comply with King Henry in that great cause of his so much desired Divorce from Queen Katherine his Supremacy in this Realm was not like to be long acknowledged And in 28 Hen. 8. was one of the Kings Privy-Councel And having married Elizabeth the Daughter to Sir Edward Trussâ—l of Cubleston in Com. Staff Knight Banneret Sister and Heir to Iohn had issue by her five Sons viz. Iohn who succeeded him in his Honor Auberie who married the Daughter of ... Spring of Lanham in Com. Suff. and had issue Hugh Secondly Geffrey Vere Father of Iohn Vere of Kirkby-Hall Thirdly Sir Francis Vere Knight sometime Governor of Brill in the Netherlands and fourthly Sir Horatio Vere Knight who in 1 Car. 1. was created Lord Vere of Tilbury and having married Mary the third Daughter to Sir Iohn Traâ—y of â—â—dington in Com. Clouâ— Knight had issue by her five Daughters his Heirs viz. Elizabeth Wife to Iohn Lord Haughton Son and Heir to the Earl of 〈◊〉 Mary first married to Sir Roger Tounshend of Raynham in Comitat Norâ— Baronet afterwards to Mildmay Earl of Westmerland Katherine to Oliver St. Iohn Son and Heir to Sir Iohn St. Iohn of Lidyard Knight and Baronet and afterwards to Iohn Lord Paulet Anne to Thomas Lord Fairfax of Cameron in Scotland and Dorothy to Iohn Wolstenholme Son and Heir to Sir Iohn Wolstenholme late of Nosteâ— in Comit. Ebor. Baronet This last mentioned E. Iohn departed this life at his Mannor of Colne on Saturday 21 Martii 31 H. 8. and was buried at Castle-Heningham on Munday the 12 of April following To whom succeeded Iohn his Son and Heir who in 32 Hen. 8. had a special Livery of all those Lands which descended to him by Elizabeth his Mother Sister and Heir to Iohn Trussel Esquire and in 36 â—en 8. was in that famous expedition then made to Boloine being in the Rear of the Kings Army under the conduct of Iohn Lord Russel at that time Lord Privy-Seal This Iohn first took to Wife Dorothy the Daughter to Ralph Earl of Westmerland by whom he had only issue Katherine married to Edward Lord Windsor And to his second Wife Margaret the Daughter of Iohn Golding Sister of Sir Edward Golding Knight by which Margaret he had issue Edward his Son and Successor and Mary Wife to Peregrine Bartu Lord Willoughby of Ersâ—â—y And by his Testament bearing date
had by the gift of that King the Church of Christ Church in Com. Southampt which being Collegiate of Canons Secular he bestowed on a Priest of his called Peter de Oglandes with all the Liberties which Ranulph and Gilbert formerly Deans thereof did ever enjoy and gave him all the Prebends belonging thereto viz. The Town of Hurne the Lands of Gosâ—el Stamput Huburne Strode Dudecompe and the two Prestunes And in the Isle of Wight the Lands of Apse and Hamstead the Church of Hordull with the Chappel of Melnford the Church of Bolra with the Chappels of Brokehurst Holehurst and Soppele and the Prebend at Pidelton And to this he added of his bounty the Town of â—ingwerle in the same Isle of Wight with certain Lands in Southampton belonging to that Lordship Moreover being a person of very great Piety he gave to the Abby of 〈◊〉 in Normanâ—y the Mannor of 〈◊〉 in Dorsetshire with the Church which afterwards was made a Cell to that Monastery as also the Chappel of Beâ—ementone with the Tithes likewise the Mannor of Eâ—mouth in Devonshire with the Church Chappels and Tithes thereto belonging Furthermore with William called de Vernon his Son he gave thereunto all his Right in the Church of Reâ—vers with the Tithes and Tithes of the Mills of that Town And afterwards in his age growing more devout gave all his Lands of Brightley within the Honor of Okehampton An. 1133. 33 Hen. 1. to Found an Abby there of the Cistercian Order and in the first year of King Stephen placed twelve Monks therein Shortly after which he died viz. 2 Steph. An. 1137. and being there Interred was translated to Ford when those Monks were removed from Brightley thither In the History of the Foundation of which Abby viz. Ford it is said That this Richard de Redvers died without issue and left all his Inheritance to Adeliza his only Sister as also that she was thereupon called Adeliza Vicecomitissa and that from this Adeliza the Courtneys at length Barons of Okehampton and Earls of 〈◊〉 did descend But by other Authorities it appeareth that he had three Sons viz. Baldwin who succeeded him in his Honor William sirnamed de Vernon and Robert de S. Mariae Ecclesiâ and a Daughter called Hadewise de Rumara Countess of Lincoln which Hadewise gave to the Monks of Quarreâ—â— one yard Land lying in Pydeâ—â—on I come now to Baldwin his son This Baldwin upon the death of King Henry the First adhering to Maud the Empress was the first that appeared for her by fortifying his Castle at Exeter against King Stephen and likewise the Isle of Wight which was of his Inheritance for the better defending of which Castle he spent much treasure in making of certain Military Engines Whereupon the King raised an Army of English and Flemings wherewith he marched into Oevonshire and after a short Siege having taken that Castle seised upon the Isle of Wight with all other his Possessions and expelled him with his Wife and Children out of England It is said by some that the cause of this his Rebellion against King Stephen was for that the King refused to confer upon him some Honor which he desired yet afterwards he again enjoyed his Earldom of Devon but was commonly called Exoniensis Comes by reason of his dwelling in that City This Baldwin was Founder of the Abby of Brummore in Wilthshire and for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Adeliza his Wife as also for the Souls of Richard his Father Adeliza his Mother and of King Henry the First who bestowed that Land on his Father gave to the Monks of S. Peter of Elunâ— and of S. Martin de Champa in the Suburb of Paris his Land and Chappel of S. Iames with the Tithes thereto belonging situate without the Walls of Exeter as also the Church of Tiverton which Chappel of S. Iames thenceforth became a Cell to that Forein Monastery To the Monks of Plimpton he was likewiâ—e a Benefactor by the Grant of a Conduct for Water unto that Priory through the Gardens of his Tenants at Plimpton as also of the Lordship of Garston Moreover he was Founder of the Abby of Quarrera for Cistercian Monks in the Isle of Wight in An. 1122. 33 Hen. 1. As also of the Priory of Christ Churâ—h Twincham for Canons of S. Augustines Order which was before a Collegiate Church for Canons Secular By Lucia his Wife having issue three Sons Richard William and Henry he departed this life at Quarrera upon the second Nones of Iune An. 1155. 1 Hen. 2. And was there buried with Adeliza his Wife and Henry his Son who died in his youth Which Richard succeeding him in this Earldom held the Sheriffalty of Devon in 2 Hen. 2. And having in 7 Hen. 2. confirmed that Foundation and Endowment of the Priory of Twineham which had been made by himself and Earl Baldwin his Father died the year following viz. 8. Hen. 2. in the City of Maunt leaving issue by Dionysia his Wife Daughter of Reginald Earl of Cornwal two Sons Baldwin and Richard In 12 Hen. 2. upon the levying of that Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter then assessed there being no Certificate sent as from others of the Knights Fees which this last Earl Richard held by reason of his death so lately before It appears That upon the Collection of that Aid in 14 Hen. 2. Reginald Earl of Cornwal answered for them Fifty nine pound six shillings eight pence viz. a mark for each Fee they being in number Eighty nine I now come to Baldwin his eldest Son This Baldwin wedded ... the Daughter and Heir of Ralph de Dols in Berry but died without any issue by her Whereupon she was by King Richard the First in the first of his Reign given in marriage to Andrew de Chavenni To whom succeeded Richard his Brother and Heir who also departing this life without issue this Earldom resorted to William sirnamed de Vernun his Uncle so called because he had his education at that place Which William in 5 Rich. 1. upon the second Coronation of that King was one of the four Earls that carried the silken Canopy at that solemnity being then stiled Earl of the Isle of Wight And in 6 Rich. 1. upon levying the Scutage for that Kings Redemption paid fifteen pound accounting for forty five pounds more which he gave to the King upon his going out of England Moreover he gave two hundred twenty marks at that time to the King for obtaining his favor and restitution of his Lands upon the Kings return out of Almaine In 6 Ioh. he gave five hundred marks to be paid in two years to be repossessed of his
Spiritual and Temporal had interceded for them Whereupon divers who saw their Remonstrance approved of those their endeavors and extolled their faithfulness which they thus pretended to the publick But afterwards that they might the sooner captivate the people they caused it to be told throughout the Countrey that King Richard was alive and with them and that in his name and on his behalf they thus took up Arms whom they might see in the Castle at Chester if they would repair thither well accoutred to joyn with them Which fictitious pretences did really stagger many for a great part of the common people stoâ—d cordially affected to King Richard and specially those who knew him and had obtained Gifts and Fees at his hands It is said by some that this Hotspur raised a great part of his Army in the Marches of Scotland under colour of advancing into that Realm And that all his Soldiers wore King Richard the Seconds cognisance viz. An Hart. The King therefore to undeceive such as they had thus deluded represented to several persons by his Letters that the Earl of Norâ—humberland and this Henry his Son had received a great part of the Money granted in Parliament for the defence of the Marches of Scotland as he could clearly manifest And whereas they had reported they could not be admitted to his presence by reason of the false suggestions of their enemies without the modiation of the Prelates and Temporal Lords that he had under his Royal Signet declared They should have free access to him and recess again without damage Adding That it was their head-strong insolence scorning his Royal Favor which prompted them thus to rebel and march to Shrewsbury in hopes of assustance from Owen Glendowr and Edmund Mortimer with certain of the Cheshiremen and Welsh But seeing no fair means would avail considering the haughty spirit of this Hotspur though the Earl his Father did not at that time go out of the bounds of his own Countrey he resolved to give him a speedy meeting before he had got together a powerful Army And therefore hasted towards him he being then near Shrewsbury with purpose to get into that strong Town But Hotspur hearing of the Kings approach made a stand and boldly encouraged his Soldiers to fight with those that thus pursued them saying Stand to it valiantly for this day will either advance us all if we conquer or free us from the Kings power if we be overcome it being more honorable to fall in Battle for the publick good then after the fight to die by the Sentence of an Enemy With whom all his Army concurred which was to the number of Fourteen thousand choice Men who had resolved to live and die with him having got the advantage of the Ground Both sides being thus prepared the Abbot of Shrewsbury and Clerk of the Privy Seal were sent by the King to offer pardon to this stout Hotspur in case he would lay down Arms. Whereupon he sent his Uncle Thomas Earl of Worcester to the King to let him know the cause of this their hostile appearance and to require effectual satisfaction It is said that the King did assent to whatsoever was reasonable and stooped farther then became His Royal Dignity to do But that the Earl when he returned to his Nephew misrepresented his expressions and exasperated him though unwillingly to fight so that he forthwith began the Battle upon the Eve of S. Mary Magdalen An. 1403. which was fought with extraordinary courage on both sides insomuch as great slaughter ensuing many of the Royalists forsook the Field supposing the King had been slain In which heat Hotspur himself and the Earl Douglas whose valor was beyond expression bent all their aim at the person of the King with their Swords and Lances furiously making towards him Which being discerned by the Earl of Dunbar he withdrew him from his station whereby his life was then saved for they flew his Standard-Bearer and those who were with it and missing of him most desperately charged into the midst of their Enemies whereupon Hotspur suddenly fell though by what hand not known Whose death immediately occasioned an utter rout of his whole party in which the Earl Douglas was taken so likewise the Earl of Worcester the unhappy instrument of all this mischeif By Elizabeth the eldest Daughter to Edmund Mortimer Earl of March this courageous Hotspur left issue one Son viz. Henry and one Daughter called Elizabeth first married to Iohn Lord Clifford and afterwards to â—alph Nevill the second Earl of Westmorland of that Family Which Elizabeth in 5 Hen. 5. had Livery of the Mannor of Newburne in Com. Northumbr setled on her for term of life by Henry Earl of Northumberland her late Husbands Father This Henry the Son of Hotspur being young when his Father was slain and carried into Scotland by the Earl his Grandfather had much compassion shewed him by King Henry the Fifth who purposing to restore him to the Title and Dignity which by the Rebellion of his Grandfather was thus lost commanded That he should not want any thing that was necessary for him to have and sent the Lord Grey of Codnovre and Sir Iohn Nevill to bring him thence into England again Moreover in regard that Iohn Duke of Bedford Brother to the King had then the possession of his whole Inheritance so forfeited by his Father and Grandfather as hath been observed he gave unto that Duke in recompence thereof an Annuity of Three thousand marks whereof one thousand to be paid out of his Exchequer and two thousand out of his Receipt of the Dutchy of Cornwal until he should settle other Lands upon him and his heirs of an equivalent value And in the Parliament begun in the second year of His Reign did accordingly restore him to that Honor. Whereupon by his humble Petition shewing how the King had enabled him to be Earl of Northumberland notwithstanding the forfeitures of Henry his Father or of Henry his Grandfather he prayed restitution in Blood and to all those Hereditaments of his Ancestors formerly entailed Which being granted he then did his homage and for better confirmation of the dignity of Earl obtained a formal Charter of Creation thereunto with the Fee of twenty pound per annum Nomine Comitis out of the profits of that County All which being thus done in 4 〈◊〉 5. he was constituted General-Warden of the Marches of Scotland and retained to serve the King in his expedition then designed for France In 5 Hen. 5. he continued in the Wars of France and in 6 Hen. 5. was made Warden of the East Marches as also Governor of Barwick Likewise in 1 Hen. 6. he was again
one of the Lords that subscribed those Articles exhibited to the King against the Cardinal So likewise to that Letter sent to Pope Clement the Seventh whereby intimation was given to him from most of the English Nobility that in case he did not comply with King Henry in that cause of his intended divorce they would quit his Supremacy And in 22 Hen. 8. being sent by the Kings Commission to arrest the Cardinal and to deliver him to George Earl of Shrewsbury at Sheffield Castle he undertook the service but told the Earl That the King commanded he should be used kindly as one whom he highly favored And having married Mary Daughter to that Earl which his Father had caused him to do to prevent him of Anne Boleigne died without issue at his House in Hackney 29 Iunii 29 Hen. 8. And was burled in the Quire there But considering sometime before his death that his younger Brother Sir Thomas Percy Knight had been in that Insurrection in Yorkshire called The Pilgrimage of Grace in 29 Hen. 8. and was therefore attainted having suffered death at Tiburne he gave away a great part of his Lands to the King and others By reason of all which the title of this Earldom slept until Queen Mary revived it to Thomas Percy Son to the said Sir Thomas so attainted as abovesaid Which Thomas upon the thirtieth of April 3 4 Phil. Mar. was first by the favor of that Queen advanced to the degree of a Baron by the title of Lord Percy with an Intail of that Honor upon the Heirs-male of his Body and the day following to the dignity of Earl of Northumberland with limitation likewise of that Honor to the Heirs-male of his Body and for default of such issue to Henry his Brother and to the Heirs-male of his Body And not long after this viz. in 4 5 Phil. Mar. was constituted a Commissioner with Thomas Lord Wharton joyntly or severally for the guarding of the Middle Marches toward Scotland as also in those Wars of Scotland which hapned in that Queens time And in 1 Eliz. being made General Warden of the East Marches and Middle Marches was soon after constituted one of the Commissioners for treating of Peace betwixt 〈◊〉 and Scotland and likewise betwixt England and France But in 12 Eliz. being privy to the intended Marriage of Mary Queen of Scotland then prisoner in England with the Duke of Norfolk and sensible of the danger was constrained to submit himself to the Earl of Sussex at that time President of the North desiring his intercession unto Queen Elizabeth on his behalf Howbeit after this there being a rumor that multitudes of people resorted to him and likewise to the Earl of Westmorland the Lord President sent for them both and representing to them what he had heard they utterly disclaimed the guilt of any conspiracy at all assuring him that they would adventure their lives against all Traytors whatsoever Nevertheless certain it is that he endeavored to raise what Forces he could whereof the Queen having advertisement she sent her Letters to him requiring his speedy repair to the Court. Which when he had read being a person of an easie temper and conscious of his own affection to the Romish Religion and beign not a little exasperated by reason that a rich Mine of Copper in his own Land was adjudged a Mine-Royal and consequently to belong to the Crown he became so staggered that he knew not which way to turn himself whether to submit to the Queens mercy â—rgeâ— away by flight or break out into open Rebellion His friends and followers therefore discerning him thus to waver caused one Beckwith his servant to come to his Chamber door in the night and to alarm him with a report that his enemies viz. Sir Oswald Vlstrop and Master Vaughan had beset his Park with a great number of Men And to the end he might not be wanting to himself his relations and friends and to the Religion of his Forefathers they told him that all the Catholicks in England were ready prepared to assert that Religion and caused the Bells to ring backwards to raise the Countrey Which put him into so great a consternation that he presently rose out of his Bed and fled privily to his Keepers House near Topcliffe for at Topcliffe he then was and thence the next night to Branspeth in the Bishoprick of Durham to the Earl of Westmorland where a multitude of their Confederates being met they set out Proclamations in the Queens Name commanding the people to put themselves in Arms for the defence of Her Majesties Person Sometimes affirming That what they did was with the advice and consent who died young 〈◊〉 married to Philip Earl of Chesterfield Elizabeth to Arthâ—r Earl of Essex and Lucy who died young And to his second Wife Elizabeth Daughter to 〈◊〉 Earl of Suffolk by whom he had issue Ioceline his Son and Heir as also one Daughter called Elizabeth who died in her Childhood And departing this life 13 Oct. An. 1668. was buried at Petworth Which Iosceline succeeding him in his Lands and Honors took to Wife Elizabeth the third Daughter and Coheir to Thomas Earl of Southampton Lord Treasâ—â—â—â— of England sole Daughter and Heir to Elizabeth his second Wife Daughter and Coheir to Francis Earl of Chichester by whom he had issue one Son called Henry who died an Infant and two Daughters viz. Elizabeth now surviving and Henrietta who died soon after her Baptism And departing this life beyond the Seat at Turin in Savoy at May An. 1670. was buried with his Ancestors at Perworth Sir Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester a Younger Brother to Henry the First Earl of Northumberland THis Sir Thomas in 44 Edw. 3. was with the Black Prince at Bergerath to defend the Frontiers against the French and shortly after marched with the Duke of Lancaster to Mountpaon which was then rendred to him Moreover in 46 Edw. 3. he was Seneschal of Lymosin and after that the same year taken prisoner by the French but the year following had his enlargement the Castle of Lymosin being â—iven up for his Redemption And in 50 Edw. 3. in consideration of his good services had an annuity of one hundred marks per annum given to hiâ— out of the Excheâ—â—er during his life As also for the like services to the Block Priâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Grant from him of an hundred marâ—â—â— per 〈◊〉 out of his Excheqâ—er at Carnarvon In 1 Rich. 2. he was at the Coronation of that King his Brother Henry being then Marshal of England And in â— Rich. 2. being made Admiral of the Northern Sâ—as associated with Sir Hugh 〈◊〉 Knight then recalled from Calais had of their Reciâ—ue
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
Moreover he saith That this Earl never used to fight on foot but his manner was when he had led his Men to the Charge then to take Horse And if the victory fell on his side to fight among his Soldiers otherwise to depart in time But at this Battle that he was constrained by his Brother the Marquess Montacute a valiant Knight to alight on foot and send away his Horse Of his extraordinary Hospitality I also find this observed That at his House in London six Oxen were usually eaten at a Breakfast and every Tavern full of his Meat For who that had any acquaintance in his Family should have as much sodden and roast as he might carry upon a long Dagger Nay it appears That being Admiral to King Henry the Sixth he was stiled Great Captain of the Sea having for his support in that place not only all the Tonnage and Poundage belonging to the King in any wise but a thousand pounds per annum out of the Revenues of the Dutchy of Lancaster as also that by the same Kings favor he had a Grant of preheminence above all the Earls of England and moreover to add to his greatness a peculiar Officer at Arms for his service in martial imployments called Warwick Herauld But after his death his Countess underwent no little distress being constrained to take Sanctuary in the Abby of Beaulieu in Hantshire where she continued for a long time in a very mean condition and thence privately got into the North where also she abode in great streights all her vast Inheritance being by authority of Parliament taken from her and setled upon Isabel and Anne her two Daughters and Heirs the first of them Wife to George Duke of Clarence and the other to Richard Duke of Glocester as if she her self had been naturally dead which was withheld from her till 3 Hen. 7. that the King having himself a mind thereto her Daughters being then both dead by a new Act of Parliament annulled the former As against all Reason Conscience and course of Nature and contrary to the Laws of God and Man as the words thereof import And in consideration of the true and faithful service and alleagiance by her born to King Henry the Sixth as also that she never gave cause to such disherison restored unto her the Possession of the premises with the power to alien the same or any part thereof But not with purpose that she should enjoy it as it seems for it appears that the same year by a special Feoffment bearing date 13 Dec. and a Fine thereupon she conveyed it wholly to the King Entailing it upon the Issue-male of his Body with Remainder to her self and her heirs The names of the particular Lordships contained in that Grant being as followeth viz. the Mannors of Warwick Toneworâ—h Lighthorne Morton Berkswell Brayles Claverdon Suttun Winterton Buddroke Haseley Sniterfield and Pipe-Hall in Com. Warr. Albotley Shraveley Elmley-Lovet Salwarpe Hall-place Wich Elmley Castle Chadssey Hervington Sheriffs-Lench Yerdley Crombe-Simonds Warpdel Hanley Bushley Ridmerley Upton super Sabrinam with the City of Worcester in Worcestershire Tewksbury Stoke Archer Whitington Fairford Sobbury Tredington Panington Fidington Northey Muth Berton Regis juxta Bristol Barton Hundred Kenmerton Chedworth and Lidney in Glocestershire Burford Shipton Spelsbury Chadlington Hundred and Langley in Oxfoâ—dshire â—aversham and Stanford in Berkshire Chiriel Sherston and Brodton in Wilthshire Dertford Willington and Hendon in Kent Walthamstow and Franceys in Essex Flampstead in Hertfordshire Potters-Piry Ashrugge Hundred Querendon Alisbury Buckland Agmondsham Slingsbury Hansiape Olney and Merlaw in Com. Bucks Multon Conesgrave and Yelvertoft in Com. Northampt. Walshal Piry Bar Patingham and Shenston in Com. Staff Barnard Castle in the Bishoprick of Durham Kibworth in Com. Leic. Kimworth Bautrey and Hotham in Com. Ebor. Essingdon Shellingthorp Gâ—eetham Barowden Preston and Uppingham in Com. Rutl. Stillingthorp in Com. Linc. Kirtling in Com. Cantabr Snodel and Faunhope in Com. Heref. Saham Toney Out Sokin Neckton Panworthal and Gressingham Parva in Com. Norf. Carnaunton Hoston Toney Bliâ—ton and Lantran in Cornwal Glamorgan Burgavenny Elvell Snodehill Llangtrey Llangew and Wale Bikeneour in Wales and the Marches thereof South Tanton and Seal with the Hundred of South Tanton in Com. Devon The Isles of Iersey Gernsey Serk and Aureney with the Castles therein and certain Houses in Southwark Which Countess was living in 5 Hen. 7. as appears by an Assignation from the King of the Mannor of Sutton in Com. War at that time for her maintenance but how long after I know not for of her death there is no mention in Record that I can find By this great Earl her Husband she left left issue two Daughters as before is observed viz. Isabel and Anne Which Isabel was born in Warwick Castle 5 Sept. An. 1451. 30 Hen. 6. And on Tuesday 11 Iulii An. 1469. 9 Ed. 4. married at Calais by the Archbishop of York to George Duke of Clarence Brother to King Edward the Fourth by vertue of a Dispensation from Pope Paul the Third in regard that they stood allied in the second and third and third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity As also in respect that the Mother of the Duke was Godmother to this Isabel. Which Dispensation bears date at Rome Prid. Id. Martii An. 1468. 7 Edw. 4. The other Daughter Anne was first married to Edward Prince of Wales Son of King Henry the Sixth stabbed at the Battle of Tewksbury in cool blood by Richard Duke of Glocester as our Historians affirm and afterwards to Richard Duke of Glocester who by reason thereof possest himself of all Warwicks Lands imprisoning her Mother as long as she lived and poysoning her as it was thought to make way for his marriage with his Brothers scil King Edward the Fourth eldest Daughter Iohn Nevill Marquess Mountague THis Iohn being second Son to Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury by Alice Daughter and Heir to Thomas Mountague Earl of Salisbury stoutly adhering to the House of York with his Father and elder Brother upon the success of that party was in the first year of King Edward the Fourth summoned to Parliament by the title of Iohn Nevil Lord Mountague And in 2 Edw. 4. in consideration of his good services had as a reward for the same a Grant to himself and the Heirs-male of his Body of the Mannors of Wirmingey and Matsall in Com. Norf. Haloughton in Com. Leic. Stoke Bardolf and Bedding in Com. Nottingh Hellow in Com. Linc. As also of Wilby and Strowerdy with the Advowsons of the several Churches belonging to those Lordships all which divolved to the Crown by Act of Parliament the preceding year upon the Attainder of ... Moreover in 3 Edw. 4. he was constituted General Warden of the East Marches toward Scotland and the next ensuing year 23 May advanced to the
the said Iohn Lord â—atimer whose Cosin and next Heir Sir Iohn Willoughby was that of such Lands she should give two parts and he the said George the third And in case of any Suâ—e Commenced by Sir Iohn Willoughby against them for any of those Lands she to bear two parts of the costs and he the third Which Maud died upon Friday next after the Feast of S. Bartholoâ—ew the Apostle 25 H. 6. leaving Thomas Lord Clifford her Nephew and Heir viz. Son of Iohn Lord Clifford her Brother then thirty years of age This George Lord Latimer took to Wife Elizabeth the third Daughter by the first Wife of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick by whom he had issue one Son viz. Sir Henry Nevill Knight and a Daughter that died without issue but in his later days he grew an Idâ—ot For which cause King Edward the Fourth in the first year of His Reign committed the custody of all his Lordships and Lands to Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick his Nephew And departed this life 30 Dec. 9 Edw. 4. being then seised of the Mannors of Mersham and â—ercop with the third part of the Mannor of Moreland in Com. Westmorl The Mannor of Belton in Com. Cumbr. The Mannors of 〈◊〉 Senington â—hornton in Pickering-Lithe and Sâ—â—mston in Com. Ebor. The Mannor of 〈◊〉 Latimer and the Hundred of Cranley in Com. Buck. The Mannors of Stow Kistingbury Brampton Burton Boseyate and the Mannor and Hundred of Corby in Com. Northampt The Mannors of Helpringham Sâ—redington and Folkingham the Mannors of North Pikenham South Pikenham Foulden Houton and Mannor of Karbroke called Woodhal in Com. Linâ— And the Mannors of Wolton Ronhall Cardington Bromham and Diâ—wike in Com. Bedf. Leaving Richard Nevill his Grandson viz. Son of Sir Henry Nevill Knight his only Son who deceased in his life time his next Heir and at that time about two years of age To which Sir Henry King Edward the Fourth in the eighth year of His Reign taking into consideration his laudable services and that the Mannor of Iselhamstead Latimer in Com. Buck. had been long in the possession of the Lords Latimer granted it and to the Heirs-male of his Body This Sir Henry married one of the Daughters of the Lord Berners and being slain at Edgcoâ—e Field near Banbury in 9 Edw. 4. his Father then living was buried at Warwick in that beautiful Chappel on the Southside the Quire of the Collegiate Church there built by the Executors of Richard Beauchamp sometime Earl of Warwick for the Sepulture of that Earl from whom by Elizabeth his third Daughter this Henry did descend leaving issue two Sons viz. Sir Richard Nevill Knight who succeeded his Grandfather in the title of Lord Latimer and Thomas a younger Son Which Richard was one of the Commanders of the Kings Forces in the Battle of Stoke juxta Newark upon Trent in 1 Hen. 7. against Iohn Earl of Lincoln and his Rebellious Adherents who were there happily vanquished And in 6 Hen. 7. had special Livery of all the Lands which descended to him by the death of his Grand-father Moreover in 8 Hen. 7. when the Scots had besieged Norham Castle he was an eminent Commander in the English Army upon the advance whereof under the conduct of the Earl of Surrey they fled As also in 5 Hen. 8. at Floddon Field where King Iames the Fourth of Scotland lost his life And in 22 Hen. 8. one of the Peers who subscribed that Letter to Pope Clement the Seventh intimating That if he did not comply with King Henry in that cause of his intended Divorce from Queen Catherine he must expect no other then to lose his Supremacy here And having married Anne the Daughter of Humphrey Stafford of Grafton in Com. Wigorn. Esquire by whom he had issue six Sons viz. Iohn William Thomas Marmaduke George and Christopher and six Daughters viz. Margaret married to ... Son and Heir to ... Willoughby Lord Brooke Dorothy Elizabeth Catherine Susan and Ioane departed this life in the same Two and twentieth of Henry the Eight as it seems for then had Iohn his Son and Heir a special Livery of his Lands Which Iohn first took to Wife Dorothy one of the three Sisters and Coheirs to Iohn Earl of Oxford And upon that Insurrection in Yorkshire in 28 Hen. 8. called The Pilgrimage of Grace with the Lords Scrope Lumley and Darcy was made choice of by the Rebels to treat with the Duke of Norfolk General of the Kings Forces then advancing against them By his Testament bearing date 12 Sept. An. 1542. 34 Hen. 8. bequeathed his Body to Sepulture on the Southside of Well Church where his Ancestors lay buried in case he should die in Yorkshire appointing that the Master of the Hospital and Vicar there should take and receive all the Rents of the Parsonage of Askham Richard in the County of the City of York during the space of forty years as also of the Parsonage of S. Georges Church in York for the like term therewith to find a Schoolmaster at Well before specified during that term of forty years for teaching of Grammar and to pray for him the said Iohn and all others for whom he was bound to pray And having secondly married Catherine Daughter to Sir Thomas Parr of Kendal Knight who became the last Wife to King Henry the Eighth departed this lifâ— shortly after for the Probate of this his Testament bears date 11 Martii next ensuing and was buried in S. Thomas Chappel near the North door of S. Pauls Cathedral in London leaving issue by her Iohn his Son and Heir and a Daughter called Margaret Fitz-Alan of Clun IN the time of William the Conqueror Alan the Son of Flathald or Flaald obtained by the gift of that King the Castle of Oswaldâ—ter with the Territory adjoyning which belonged to Meredith ap Blethyn a Britton This Alan having married the Daughter and Heir to Warine Sheriff of Shropâ—hire in the time of King William the Conqueror had in her right the Barony of the same Warine and confirmed all those Grants which his Ancestors or Tenants had given to the Monks of S. Peters Abby at Shrewsbury soon after the Foundation thereof To him succeeded William his Son and Heir who â—eing called William Fitz-Alan in 1 Hen. 1. Founded the Abby of 〈◊〉 in Com. Salop. for Canons Regular of S. Augustines Order For which respect he had afterwards a Grant of the Patronage thereof in all vacancies made unto him by King Henry the Second He likewise Founded the Priory of Wombrâ—gge in the same County for Canons of that rule and bestowed on the Knights-Templars the Lordships of â—arditon and Huâ—hemerse with the moity of Chattewell as also two Messuages in Shrewsbury Moreover
called Mary and died in 3 Hen. 7. Which Thomas succeeding him in his Lands and Honors in 5 Hen. 7. was sent over into Flanders amongst divers other of the English Nobles in aid of Maximilian the Emperor against the French He had also Summons to Parliament by the name of Thomas Arundel de Matravers Chivalier in 22 Edw. 4. And 1 Hen. 7. his Father being then alive And having married Margaret the Daughter of Richard Widvile Earl Rivers had issue by her two sons viz. William and Edward and two Daughters Margaret the Wife of Iohn de la Pole Earl of Lincoln and Ioane married to George Nevill Lord Bergavenny This Earl Thomas by his Testament bearing date 12 Octob. An. 1524. 16 Hen. 8. bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Chancel of his Collegiate Church at Arundel where the Corps of his Lady lay interred constituting William Lord Matravers his Son one of his Executors and departing this life in his Park at Dauley 25 Octob. An. 1524. 16 Hen. 8. was buried in the same Collegiate Church at Arundel Which William in 2 Hen. 8. his Father living and then called Sir William Arundel Knight Lord Matravers having Wedded Anne the Sister to Henry Earl of Northumberland obtained a Grant to himself and Heirs of his Body from the King of the Mannors of Warbâ—â—ton Duriate and Dunpole in Com. Somers and Hunton in Com. Southampt To hold by the service of a Red Rose yearly And in 16 Hen. 8. upon the death of his Father had a special Livery of all his Castles Lordships and Lands In 22 Hen. 8. this Earl William was one of the Lords in Parliament who subscribed that Letter sent to Pope Clement the Seventh whereby he might easily discern that In case he did not comply with King Henry in that cause of his Divorce from Queen Catherine his Supremacy here would be shaken off And in 33 Hen. 8. when the King by Cromwels Policy obtruded much of the Monastery Lands upon his Nobles and others in exchange for Lands of their own he had in lieu of the Mannors of Shillingley Hâ—â—ernhoo Palingham Wollavington Alversham Codham Bignore Stopeham â— and Eartham with four Woods in Sussex the Inheritance of the site of the Priory of Micheâ—ham with all the Buildings thereto belonging as also all the Lands in Michelham Arungton Hailesham Hellingley Chedingley Pewensey Westham Willingdon Sharnford Fockington and Ievington in the same County all which were esteemed at the time of the dissolution of that Priory the Demesn Lands thereof As also the Mannors of Michelham Parkgate Sharnford and Down-Ashe Cawdeane and Holiwich in the same County and in Kent with the Water-Mill of Michelham Parkgate And moreover all the Lands called Sextery-Lands lying in the Towns of Hellingley Willingdon Ievington and Hailesham in that County of Sussex with the Advowson of the Rectory of Ripe lately pertaining to the Monastery of Lewes And likewise all those Mannors and Lordships of Swanborough and Horsted in Com. Suss. Imberhorne in the County of Sussex and Surrey and the Parks called Horsted Park in Com. Suss. belonging also to the said Monastery of Lewes This Earl William by his Testament bearing date 23 Ian. An. 1543. 35 Hen. 8. gave to direction thereby for his Burial but making the Lady Anne his Wife and Henry Lord Matravers his Son his Executors departed this life at Downley in the Parish of Singleton in Com. Suss. upon the twenty third of the same Moneth of Ianuary and was buried at Arundel By his first Wife Anne Daughter to Henry Earl of Northumberland he had issue Henry his Son and Heir and likewise two Daughters Anne and Catherine who died unmarried And by Elizabeth his second Wife Daughter to Robert Willoughby Lord Brook two Daughters Margaret and Elizabeth who died also unmarried Which Henry who succeeded him having been in 36 Hen. 8 Field-Marshal of the Kings Army at the Siege of Boâ—â—â—gne was in 38 Hen. 8. constituted one of the Assistants to that Kings Executors And in 4 Ed. 6. upon a Peace concluded by the King with the Scots and French wherein also the Emperor was comprehended was one of the Hostages for Ratification of the Articles About this time after the Duke of Somerset Uncle to the King and Protector was brought to the Block by Dudley Earl of Warwick the chief contriver in his Tragedy he endeavored to draw this Earl to his party who at that time was discountenanced and therefore by Warwick singled out as the most fit person for his purpose But after many secret Conferences which were often held betwixt them in the night seeing that he could not prevail he found means to discharge him from the Council and to confine him to his house objections being framed against him that he had taken away Bolts and Locks at Westminster and given away the Kings Stuff being Lord Chamberlain for which he was fined at twelve thousand pounds to be paid by a thousand pounds yearly and the next year following committed to the Tower upon pretence that he had been one of those who did conspire to draw in some of the Lords unto the Lord Pagets house under colour of a Banquet there to take off their heads This Earl Henry after the death of King Edward the Sixth cordially inclined to the Right of Mary the eldest Daughter of King Henry and when that Dudley then Duke of Northumberland was gone out towards Cambridge with what power could at present be had on the behalf of the Lady Iane Grey whom through his influence the Lords of the Council had proclaimed Queen upon a meeting of divers Lords at Baynards Castle in that despeâ—ate juncture of time he bitterly inveighed against him laying open his injustice and cruelty in the time of King Edward and declaimed boldly against that treacherous act of his touching the disherison of the Daughters of King Henry Which stout Speech put such a courage into the rest of the Lords then present that they forthwith resolved to maintain the Right of Mary against all opposers and accordingly proclaimed her Queen in Cheapside Moreover he was again made Constable of England for the day immediately preceding the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth Likewise High Steward of England for the fifteenth of Ianuary on which day she was solemnly Crowned and soon after that one of her Privy Council But in 3 Eliz. having fed himself with some hopes of obtaining Queen Elizabeth for his Wife and failing therein after he had spent much upon these vain imaginations his Friends in Court failing him he grew troubled in mind and thereupon to wear off the grief got leave to travel In 11 Eliz. being constituted one of the Commissioners to
the fourth then King of that Realm was slain and for his special service there received the honor of Knighthood at the hands of Thomas Earl of Surrey the then General In 14 Hen. 8. he executed the Sheriffs Office for the County of Glocester And in 22 Hen. 8. was one of those Lords who subscribed a Letter to Pope Clement the seventh importuning him to give his definitive sentence in that cause of Matrimony concerning the King and Queen Katherine which not only to the two Universities of this Realm but divers other in forrein parts as also many learned men had deemed unlawful being there placed next after the Lord Dacre and next before the Lord Morley And in 24 Hen. 8. was made Constable of Berkley-Castle in which year by his Testament bearing date 11 Ian. he ordained that his Body should be buried without great pomp or pride in the Parish Church of Mangotts-field in Com. Glouc. near to the place where he used to kneel under the partition between the Quire and his own Chappel and afterwards viz. within one quarter of a year be brought to the Abby of St. Augustines near Bristoll and there buried near unto his first Wife Willing that the Executors of Maurice Lord Berkley his Brother should pay to the Abbot and Covent of that House all Legacies by him the said Maurice given He likewise bequeathed to the Lady Cecilie then his Wife his Chain with the Cross And appointed his Executors to find a Priest to sing where his Body should be buried for the space of ten years as also that they should bestow forty pounds upon a Tombe to be raised over his Grave This Lord Thomas married two Wives first Elianore Daughter of Sir Marmaduke Constable of ... in Com. Ebor. Knight Widow of Iohn Iâ—gelby Esq Son and Heir to Sir William Ingelby Knight Secondly Cecilie Widow of Richâ—â—d Rowdon of ... in Comâ— Glouc. Esq And departing this life 22 Ianâ—â—r Ann. 1532. 24 Hen. 8. was first buried at Mangoâ—s-field but afterwards removed to that new Tombe which he had set up in the Abby Church of St. Augustines near Bristoll leaving issue two Sons and two Daughters viz. Thomas his Son and Heir who succeeded him and Maurice who taking to Wiâ—e Frances the Daughter and Coheir of Richard Rowdon Brother and Heir of Walter Son of Iohn left issue by her Sons and Daughters The Daughters were these Mary married to Sir Robert Throgmorton of Coughton in Com. Warw. Knight and Iane to Sir Nicholas Poinz of Acton Knight Which Thomas being of full age had Livery of his Lands the same year and had also two Wives first Mary the Daughter of George Lord Hastings by whom he had no issue and secondly Anne Daughter to Sir Iohn Savage of Frodsham in Com. Cester Knight and departing this life at Stone in his journey from his House at Yale in Gloucestershire towards London 19 Sept. An. 1534 26 H. 8. was there buried leaving issue Elizabeth a Daughter then scarce three quarters of a year old afterwards married to Thomas Boteler Earl of Ormund and Henry a Son born nine weeks and four days after his death Which Henry by the death of King Edward the sixth the last heir male to King Henry the seventh came to 〈◊〉 Berkley-Castle and all those other Lordâ—hips so given to that King by William Marquess Berkley as hath been observed and by the special Grace and Favor of of Queen Mary had Livery of them in 1 2 Phil. Mar. before he arrived to his full age Which Castle and Lordships had rested in the Crown by the space of sixty one years four months and twenty days and were then of the value of six hundred eighty seven pounds and five shillings per annum in old Rent not accounting the Parks and Chases in them contained This Henry thus repossessing the old Barony of his Ancestors being summoned by Writ to Parliament in 4 5 Phil. Mar. was there placed 25 Ian. He first took to Wife Katherine third Daughter to Henry Howard Earl of Surrey by Frances his Wife Daughter to Iohn Earl of Oxford Which Katherine died at Calaudon 7 Apr. Ann. 1596. 38 Eliz. and was buried in the North Isle of S. Michaels Church in Coventre Secondly Iane Daughter of Sir Michael Stanhope Knight Widow of Sir Roger Tounsend Knight who survived him and died 3 Ian. Ann. 1617. 15 Iae. without issue By Katherine his first Wife he had issue two Sons viz. Thomas born at Caloudon 11 Iulii Ann. 1575. 17 Eliz. and Ferdinand who dying at â—ale in Gloucestershire was there buried And four Daughters viz. Mary Wife of Iohn Zouch Son and Heir to Sir Iohn Zouch of Codnore in Com. Derb. Knight and Frances Wife of George Shirley of Aâ—â—well in Com. Northamp Esquire afterwards a Baroner Which Thomas married Elizabeth only Child of Sir George Carey Knight then Knight Marshal and Governor of the Isle of Wight Son to Henry Lord Hunsdon and after his Fathers death Lord Hunsdon Chamberlain of the Queens Houshold and Knight of the Garter But all that I have seen farther memorable of this Thomas is that upon the death of Queen Elizabeth he rode into Scotland to carry the News thereof to King Iames and being made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of that King died at Caloudon 22 Novemb. 9 Iac. and was buried in St. Michaels Church in Coventre near to the Grave of his Mother in his Fathers lifetime leaving issue George his Son and Heir and Theophila a Daughter married to Sir Robert Coke Knight Son and Heir to Sir Edward Coke Knight Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. This Henry Lord Berkley lived to a very great age for his death hapâ—ed not till the 26 Nov. An. 1613. 11 Iac. at Caloudon before-mentioned Whence his Body was honorably conveyed to Berkley and buried in the Chancel there over which a Fair Tombe hath since been erected to his Memory To whom succeeded George his Grandson and next Heir who took to Wife Elizabeth the second Daughter and Coheir of Sir Michael Stanhope of Sudburne in Comit. Suff. Kt. 13 Apr. 12 Iac. he being then of the age of thirteen years and she nine Which George departed this life ... Ann. 1658. leaving issue two Sons viz. Charles drowned at Sea in his passage towards Diepe in France ... Ian. Ann. 1640. unmarried and George now Lord Berkley As also Elizabeth a Daughter married to Edward Coke Son and Heir to Iohn Coke of Holkham in Com. Norf. Esquire Son of Sir Edward Coke Knight sometimes Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. This George now Lord Berkley took to Wife Elizabeth the eldest Daughter and Coheir to Iohn Maâ—â—ingberd Merchant of London of the East-India Company and hath issue by her two Sons viz. Sir Charles Berkley made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of
of Iohn Son of the said Iohn Which Margery so married to Conyers made proof of her age at Matham in Com. Eboâ— upon the twenty nineth of April 11 Hen. 6. where it was found that she was born at Ravenswath in Com. Ebor. upon the Feast day of S. Giles the Abbot 6 Hen. 5. and Baptized in the Church of Kirkby on the Hill so that she was at the time of taking that Inquisition fourteen years of age and upwards But Iohn the Brother of the before mentioned Philip Lord d'Arcy was his next Heir-male and then fifteen years old and upwards Which Iohn during the time of his minority whilst he was in Ward to the King taking to Wife Ioane the Daughter of Iohn Lord Greystoke without License for pardon of that transgression afterwards paid two hundred marks And making proof of his age in 6 Hen. 6. had respite for doing his homage as also Livery of his Lands But upon Saturday next after the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord in 32 Hen. 6. he departed this life leaving William d'Arcy his Cosin and Heir viz. Son of Richard who died in his Fathers life time then four years of age Which William died in 3 Hen. 7. leaving Thomas his Son and Heir twenty one years of age and upwards This Thomas in 12 Hen. 7. was one of the Norhern Lords that marched with Thomas Earl of Surrey towards Norham Castle unto which the King of Scotland had then laid Seige Upon whose retreat they followed him and after some plunder of the Borders returned In 13 Hen. 7. being a Knight for the Kings Body he was made Constable of Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland and in 14 Hen. 7. Captain of the Town and Castle of Barwick as also Warden of the East and Middle Marches toward Scotland In 15 Hen. 7. he had a special Commission to exercise the Office of Constable and Marshal of England in all points against certain Rebels and was the same year made Constable of Sheriff-Hoton Castle in Com. Ebor. As also Steward of that Lordship In 17 Hen. 7. being still Captain of Barwick he was made Treasurer and Chamberlain there as also Customer of that Port. And the next year following constituted one of the Kings Commissioners for receiving the Oath of Iames the Fourth King of Scotland upon a Treaty of Peace Moreover in 21 Hen. 7. being then one of the Kings Privy Council he was made General Warden of the Marches towards Scotland And in 1 Hen. 8. had the like Commission Sir Thomas d'Arcy Knight being then joyned with him In which year also the title and dignity of a Baron was revived to him through the special favor of that King by Writ of Summons to Parliament Which title of Honor enjoyed by many of his Ancestors ceased in the Daughters and Heirs of Philip Lord d'Arcy so married to Strangeways and Conyers as hath been already observed In this first year of Henry the Eighth his Commission for the Office of Treasurer and Chamberlain of Barwick and Customer there being also renewed he was made Steward and Surveyor of all the Kings Lands beyond Trent during the minority of the Earl of Westmorland as also Surveyor General of the Castles and Lordships of Sheriff-Hoton Middleham Richmond Cotingham Sandall Wakefield Hatfield and Coningsburgh and likewise cheif Warden and Justice of all the Kings Forests in those parts In this year he was also elected and installed Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and one of the Kings Privy Council In 2 Hen. 8. he was sent with fifteen hundred Archers to Ferdinand King of Arragon And in 3 Hen. 8. being sent into Spain with fifteen hundred Auxiliary Archers in four Ships of the Navy Royal to the aid of Ferdinand King of Arragon Father to Queen Catherine against the Moors of Affrica then in hostility with that King Upon his arrival news being brought that a Peace was made he and his soldiers were liberally rewarded and dismissed In 21 Hen. 8. he was one of the Lords which exhibited the Articles against Cardinal Woolsey and in 22 Hen. 8. subscribed that Letter to Pope Clement the Seventh intimating to him the loss of his Supremacy here in case he did not comply in that cause of King Henries Divorce In 26 Hen. 8. in regard of his age and debility of Body which was the pretence he procured a special License to be absent from Parliament But I rather conceive the true reason to be because he foresaw the ruine of the Religious Houses under the colour of that Authority near approaching wherein he had no mind to give his Vote the contrivance in order thereto having been laid long before though the work was not fully perfected until the following year viz. 27 Hen. 8. And that this was the real cause of such his deserting the Parliament is evident enough from his after-actings For in 28 H. 8. the next year ensuing the dissolution of the lesser Houses it being then diâ—cernable enough what was like to become of all the rest sundry persons being imployed by the most subtile practises imaginable to accomplish the work upon that Insurrection of the Yorkshire Men under the command of Robert Aske and by them called The Pilgrimage of Grace This Thomas Lord d'Arcy being with the Archbishop of York in Pontfract Castle delivered it up to the Rebels and took the Oath viz. TO enter into the Pilgrimage of Grace for the love of God the preservation of the Kings Person and Issue the purifying of the Nobility expulsing all Uillain-blood and Evil-Counsellors for no particular profit to themselves nor to do displeasure to any nor to stay nor Murther any for Envy but to put away all Fears and to take afore them the Eross of Christ his Faith the reâ—titution of the Church and the suppression of Hereticks and their Opinions Certaâ—â— it is that though this Lord d'Arcy and the Archbishop pretended want of Provision to hold out that Castle yet were they suspected to render it in favor of the Rebels And that they did so is evident enough for upon that Treaty afterwards had betwixt the Duke of Norfolk and others trusted by the King he was with Aske himself and some of that party imployed to treat for them And notwithstanding he afterwards excused it to the Lord Cromwel saying That what he did was meerly for retaining so much credit with the Commons as might better enable him to do the Kings service It did not satisfie for together with Aske and some others being brought prisoner to London he was arraigned at Westminster and being found guilty of High Treason was beheaded on Tower-Hill 20 Iune 30 H. 8. and buried in the Church of S.
In 2 Ric. 1. he gave the King a thousand marks for the Wardship of the Heirs of Gilbert de Monemuthe And in 4 5 6 7 8 9 and 10 R. 1. was again Sheriff of Herefordshire In 6 Ric. 1. he paid fifteen pounds for Iohn de Monmouth upon levying the Scutage for the Kings Redemption but was acquitted from the Scutage of Normandy the same year in regard he was then in person with the King About this time Rese Prince of Wales besieging the Castle of Payne in Elvel belonging to this William was pleased to draw off his forces upon an amicable composition then made between them In 7 Ric. 1. this William and Oliver de Traci the other sharer in the Honor of Berstaple came to an accord touching that Barony by which it appears that Oliver did pass his title to the inheritance thereof unto this William he thereupon being content that Oliver should hold all those Lands for his life and receive an Annuity of twenty pounds from him for terme of his life also And in case the said Oliver should die leaving no issue by his then Wife and born after the date of this agreement that then all those Lands should remain to this our William and his Heirs for ever But if the same Oliver should have such an Heir so born as aforesaid then that the Mannor of Freminton with the appurtenances should come to this William and his Heirs with five Knights Fees there mentioned In 1 Ioh. upon levying the Scutage assessed after the Kings Coronation he accounted thirty marks for the Scutage of Iohn de Monmouth and forty five marks and an half for the Scutage of Adam de Port. In 2 Ioh. the King granted unto this William and his Heirs a special Charter dated at Faleise in Normandy that no Sheriff or other of his Officers should for the execution of their Offices lodge within the Lands of his Honor of Bâ—aose but that his own Officers should give Summons for all the Pleas there belonging to the King As also that the King's Justices Itinerant whensoever they were to come into the Baliwick of Faleise should sit at Braose and there hold plea of all things belonging to the King receiving entertainment for one day at the cost of this William And moreover by this his Charter granted to all the Tenants of this William within that his Mannor at Braose that they should be exonerated not only from all Carriages and Aid to the Sheriff or Constables of Faleise but from all Customs of Victual whatsoever which should be bought or sold at Faleise In the same year this William de Braose purchased of King Iohn for the summe of five hundred marks all the Lands of Philip de Wirecestre and Theobald Walter in Ireland but Philip de Wyrecestre recovered part of his again by a strong hand and Theobald by the help of his Brother Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury compounding for five hundred marks repossessed his again and became his liegeman If this were the Honor of Limeric as I suppose it was then is our Historian mistaken in the Summe for the Record expresly says that in this second year of King Iohn he gave the King five thousand marks for the Honor of Limerit excepting the City and Advouson of the Bishoprick and Abbies In 5 Ioh. the King bestowed upon him ten pound Lands at Frome in Herefordshire which were part of the Possessions of Stephen de Longchamp To this William and his Heirs it was that King Iohn granted or rather confirmed the whole Land of Gowher lying within the precincts of Kaermerdynshire in Wales to hold by the service of one Knights Fee In 5 Ioh. he gave a Fine of a thousand pounds to the King for the Widdow of Hugh Bardulf to be Wife unto one of his Sons It should seem that she thereupon married Iohn de Braose and that he died soon after For in 6 Ioh. the King issued out his Precept to the Barons of his Exchequer requiring them that in case fifty pounds of that money were then paid they should take no more then twenty five pounds of the remainder and acquit this William of all the rest Within two years following that Widdow gave to the King two hundred marks and five Palfries that she might not be distrained to marry again but continue a Widdow as long as she pleased and that she might enjoy her right to her Fathers Barony In 7 Ioh. this William de Braose gave eight hundred marks three Horses for the great Saddle five ... Chacuros twenty four ... Senâ—as and ten Grey-hounds to have Livery of the Castles of Grosmont Skenefrith and Lantelio which were of his inheritance and which he held of the King by the service of two Knights Fees In 10 Ioh. the King perceiving that this his Realm was interdicted by the Pope and therefore fearing more mischief sent Souldiers to all the great men of England especially to those of whom he stood in any doubt requiring Hostages from them to the end he might the better reduce them to his Obedience in case they should be absolved from their due Allegiance by his Holiness Whereupon some delivered up their Sons and others their Nephews and near Allies Coming at length to this William and requiring from him the like Hostages they found a Rub for Maud his Wife stept out and told them in short that she would not suffer any of her Children to come into the Kings Hands in regard he had basely murthered his own Nephew Arthur whom he ought to have treated honorably But William rebuked her for speaking thus rashly and said if he had in any thing offended the King he was ready to make satisfaction according to the judgement of the Court and the Barons his Peers upon assignation of a certain day and place without giving any Hostages Whereupon the Messengers returning and reporting to the King what had passed he presently sent his Souldiers and Officers to seize upon him privily and bring him to his presence but William having notice thereof fled forthwith together with his Wife and Family into Ireland As to this story of King Iohn's dealing with him it is in another manner related by some One saith viz. a Monk of Lanthony that this William having Warr with his great Adversary Gwenhunewyn conquered him and slew more then three thousand of the Welch in one day at Elvel viz. on the morrow after the Feast of St. Laurence the Martyr Ann. 1198. which falls out in the last year of King Richard the first and that for this cause King Iohn disherited him and banished him the Kingdom without any formal judgement and that in this Exile he died As also that Maud his Wife with William his Son and Heir were then likewise cast into Prison and there died which Prison was the Castle of Corf Another delivers it thus This
Alexander being of the Retinue with that magnificent Prelate Anthony Beke Bishop of Durham and Patriarch of Ierusalem in that Expedition which King Edward the First made into Flanders in 25 of his Reign he had all his Lands in Scotland restored unto him which had been seised on by King Edward the First for his former Rebellion He was likewise again in Scotland in his service of King Edward in 31 Edw. 1. so also in 32 Edw. 1. And in 34 Edw. 1. 〈◊〉 again into Scotland in his service In 〈◊〉 Edw. 2. he had command to attend Iohn de Britannia Earl of Richmond then the King's Lieutenant in Scotland with Horse and Arms and to yield him his best assistance against the Scots But Alexander his Son for what cause I find not was imprisoned in the Tower of London Howbeit upon security given by this Alexander his Father and two of the Lindseys for his future fidelity to the King he was enlarged This Alexander took to Wife Isabell the Daughter and Heir to Richard de Chilham Widow of David de Strabolgy Earl of Aâ—holl Mother to Iohn Earl of Asceles who was hanged for Felony in right of which Isabell he held by the courtesie of England during his life the Castle and Mannor of Chilham in Kent He was also Lord of Caures in Scotland and summoned to the Parliament of England by King Edward the First from the 28 till till 34 year of his Reign inclusive Vaux OF this Family there were three Brothers who first setled here after the Norman Conquest viz. Hubert de Vallibus Ranulph and Robert Of these Hubert had the whole Barony of Gillesland granted to him by Ranulph de Meschynes on whom King William the First had bestowed the whole County of Cumberland Ranulph had Sowarby Carlaton and Hadbrughtly and Robert the Barony of Dalston To this Hubert succeeded Robert his Son and Heir to whom King Henry the Second granted divers Priviledges throughout all those his Lordships in Cumberland which he enjoyed as Heir to Hubert his Father viz. Soc Sac Tol Theam and Infangtheof and freed him from the payment of the common Tax called Neutgeld This Robert Founded the Priory of Lanâ—rcost in Cumberland for the health of the Soul of Hubert his Father Graecia his Mother his own with all his Ancestors and Successors Souls And in 5 Steph. gave a Fine to the King of Liij l. vj s. viij d. â—or Livery of the Mannor of Hactâ—n in Norfolk which was of his Wifes Inheritance In 15 Hen. 2. he paid two Marks for two Knights Fees whereby he held Gillesland upon levying the Aid for marriage of the King's Daughter and in 18 Hen. 2. accounted forty shillings for Scutage of those Knights Fees he held in regard he was not in that Expedition then made into Ireland In 21 Hen. 2. he was Sheriff of Cumberland which County yielded no benefit to the King that year by reason of the War He was also Governour of Carlisle at the same time and after a long Siege laid thereto by William King of Scotland wanting victual was â—eâ—â—ssitated to come to this conclusion viz. That it King Henry did not relieve him before Michaelmass he should then render it And continued Sheriff of that County from the 22 till the 30 of Hen. 2. inclusive To the Canons of Carlisle he gave the Church of Helton with one Carucate of Land lying in that Lordship In 23 Hen. 2. he was one of the witnesses to that memorable Award then made by King Henry for appeasing the differences betwixt Aldefonsus King of Castile and Sanctius King of Navarre touching divers Caâ—â—les and Territories This Robert married Ada the Daughter and Heir of William de Engaine and by her had Issue Robert who in 12 Ioh. gave the King seven hundred and fifty Marks for regaining his favour In 13 Ioh. the Lands of this Robert were assigned to Alice his Mother Wherein he had offended I find not but in 16 Ioh. he gave another Fine of Dâ—lxvj l. xiij s. iv d. to pacifie the King To this Robert succeeded Ranulph de Vallibus his Brother And to that Ranulph his Son another Robert to whom in 17 Ioh. the custody of the County of Cumberland and Castle of Carlisle were committed Which Robert soon after took part with those Barons then in Arms against the King as 't is like for before the end of that year all his Lands in Cumberland Norfolk Suffolk Somerst and Dorsetshires were seised on by the King and given to Robert de Vipount But those froms being over in 6 Hen. 3. he took upon him the Cross and went on Pilgrimage to Ierusaleâ— having License to lett his Lands for the term of three years after he began his journey according to a Constitution of the Lateran Council In this 6 year of Hen. 3. he paid four Marks upon levying the first Scutage of that King for the two Knights Fees he held in Gillesland In 7 Hen. 3. he was constituted Governour of the Castles of Caermerdin and Cardigan In 13 Hen. 3. he accounted four Marks upon levying the Scutage of Kery which sum was paid in Norfolk And in 18 Hen. 3. executed the Sheriff's office for the County of Devon for the first quarter of that year To this Robert succeeded Hubert his Son who left Issue one sole Daughter and Heir called Maud Wife of Thomas de Multon whereby the Barony of Gillesland first came to that Family ¶ I now come to Robert de Vallibus the youngest of those three Brothers that had such large Possessions in Cumberland by the gift of Ranulph de Meschines about King Stephen's time This Robert seating himself in Norfolk there Founded the Priory of Penteney for the health of his Soul and the Souls of Agnes his Wife and their Children and left Issue three Sons William Oliver and Henry Moreover he gave to the Monks of Casâ—le-Acre in that County for the health of his own Soul the Souls of his Wife and Children as also for the Souls of his three Brethren viz. Robert the Fat Gilbert and Hubert his Mill at Pentney called Middel-milne and a Meadow thereto adjoyning with certain Lands in Gaâ—elai and Masâ—â—gham Which Grant William his Son and Successor confirmed This William had also three Sons viz. Robert Adam and William Prior of Pentney Which Robert had seven Sons viz. Robert William Oliver Iohn Philip Roger and Hugh But of these Robert the eldest dying without Issue Oliver his Brother became Heir to the Estate And in 13 Ioh. gave five hundred Marks and five Palfreys for License to marry Petronill the Widow of Henry
bestowed his Lands of Etheberge on the Monks of Montacute and departing this life in 9 Ioh left Issue Henry his Brother and Heir who gave three hundred Marks and seven Palfries for Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance Which Henry in 13 Ioh. paid three hundred Marks and three good Paltries upon his passage into Ireland As also twenty three Marks for eleven Knights Fees and an half and thirteen Marks for six Fees and an half of the Fees of Montacute upon collection of the Scutage of Wales To this Henry succeeded Richard Lovell who in 2 Hen. 3. giving Security for his Relief viz. one hundred pounds had Livery of his Barony of Karri and all other his Lands in Com. Somerst And in 15 Hen. 3. obtained Free-warren in all his Lands belonging to that Honour In 26 Hen. 3. he gave a Fine of fifteen Marks to be exempted from going into Gascoigne in that Expedition then made thither And in 38 Hen. 3. upon collection of the Aid for making the King 's eldest Son Knight answered for eleven Knights Fees and an half of the Fees of Morton but died soon after as it seems for in 39 Hen. 3. Henry his Son and Heir paid an hundred pounds for his Relief and had Livery of his Lands Which Henry died in 47 Hen. 3. being then seised of the same Mannor of Castel-Kary by him held in Capite of the King for a whole Barony by the service of finding two Souldiers in the King's Army at his own costs for forty days leaving Richard his Son twenty eight years of age who thereupon doing his Homage and paying an hundred pounds for his Relief had Livery of his Lands From which Richard descended Sir Richard Lovell Knight who in 9 Edw. 3. with Muriell his Wife had the custody of the Castles of Corff and Purvek committed to him and was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm in the 22 d 23 d and 24 th years of King Edward the Third's Reign Which Muriell was Daughter to ... Earl Douglas in Scotland by whom he had Issue one Son called Iames and two Daughters viz. Ioane the Wife of Iohn de Moels and Alianore of Sir Roger Ruhaut and departed this life ult Ianuarii 25 Edw. 3. being then seised of the Mannor of Wynfrid-Eagle in Com. Dorst as also of the Mannors of Castle-Cary and Mersh in Com. Somerst leaving Muriell the Daughter of Iames Lovell Son and Heir of him the said Richard his next Heir nineteen years of age and at that time Wife of Nicholas Seymour ¶ Of this Family I presume was Robert Lovell who in 16 Ioh. held Langecestre and Thornton up the weye in the Bishoprick of Durham whereof there was Livery at that time made to Robert de Gaugi who had wedded Beatricc Daughter of Isolde Niece and Heir to the same Robert Which Robert in 17 Ioh. being in Arms against the King was taken in Kochester-Castle and committed prisoner to Peter de Mauley ¶ So likewise as 't is probable was Philip Lovell who in 34 Hen. 3. being one of the King's Counsel was with some others signed with the Cross in order to a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land This Philip in 35 Hen. 3. having been a Clerk and Steward to the Earl of Winchester was advanced to the King's service and being Guardian of the Jews was accused of great Bribery for taking Plate of much value to exempt some of them from the Tallage at that time imposed Whereupon the King grew highly offended with him purposing to have punished him severly but at length through the earnest intercession of Iohn Maunsell at that time in great power at Court he came off for a thousand Marks Fine But being not fully reconciled applyed himself to the King and Qâ—â—en of Scotland Daughter to King Henry to intercede for him having been well acquainted with that King and presented him with Gifts when he was Steward to the Earl of Winchester in Galâ—eye which being effectually done by them he was soon received into his former Employment and Trust. Nay so highly did he then stand in the King's esteem having still Iohn Maunsell so sure to him that upon the death of Wiâ—liam de Haverhull the King's Treasurer he was shortly admitted to that great office in his stead But after this ere long viz. in 42 Hen. 3. for the causes formerly alledged he was by the judgment of the whole Baronage put from that high Trust and the next ensuing year departed this life at his Rectory of Hâ—mestable for grief as 't was said that the King's displeasure thus continued towards him having required at his hands a vast sum of money for trespasses done in his Forests whereupon all his Estate was seised on till satisfaction given ¶ I now come to Iohn Lovell of this Family likewise without doubt In 41 Hen. 3. this Iohn amongst other the great men of that time had summons to be at Bristoll upon the Octaves of S. Peter well fitted with Horse and Arms to attend the King into Wales And in 45 Hen. 3. being constituted Sheriff of the Counties of Cambridge and Huntendon he continued so till the end of 47 Hen. 3. Moreover in 48 he was made Governour of the Castle at Northampton but in 54 Hen. 3. he was signed with the Cross in order to a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land And in 56 Hen. 3. made Governour of the Castle at Marleberge after which I have seen no more of him till his death which hapned in 15 Edw. 1. he being then seised of the Mannor of Mynster in Com. Oxon Elecumbe in Com. Wilts and Tichemerse in Com. Northt leaving Sir Iohn Lovell Knight his Son and Heir at that time thirty two years of age who performing his Fealty had Livery of his Lands the same year In 22 Edw. 1. this Iohn attended that King in his Wars of Gascoigne and was first summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm in 25 Edw. 1. After which ere long viz. in 31 and 32 Edw. 1. he was in the Scotish Wars and deserved so well for his service there that in 33 Edw. 1. the King granted him License to make a Castle of his house at Tichmerse in Com. Northt as also for a Market there every Monday with a Fair yearly upon the Eve and day of the Holy Trinity and seven days next ensuing This Iohn dyed in 4 Edw. 2. being then seised of the Mannor of Tichmerse in Com. Northt Mynster-Lovell in Com. Oxon. Elecumbe and Bluntesdon-Gay in Com. Wilts leaving Issue by Ioane his Wife daughter to
Marks per Annum And in 22 E. 4. the like from the Abbot and Covent of Merevale in Com. Warr. of all their Lordships and Lands with the Fee of xx Marks per Annum Comines who knew him well reporteth That he was a Person of singular Wisdom and Virtue in great Authority with his Master and not without cause having ever serv'd him faithfully And making mention of the Bounty of the then King of France to King Edward the Fourth's Officers saith That he gave to this Lord Hastings at one time a Present of Plate to the value of Ten thousand Marks Moreover he saith That this Lord Hastings was long laboured ere he could be won to be the King of France his Pensioner and that he himself was the onely Man that wrought him thereto Instancing That he first woâ— him to the Friendship of the Duke of Burgundy whom he served and that he advertised the King of France thereof saying That he would in like manner make him his Friend and Pensioner Adding That he thereupon began his Friendship by Letters Whereupon that King gave him a Pension of Two thousand Crowns per Annum which was double to what he had from the Duke of Burgundy And that upon the Payment thereof he not onely refused to give any Acquittance but to give him three Lines in Writing to testifie the Receipt of the Money saying Put it here it being in Gold into my Sleeve for other Testimonial you get none of me for no Man shall say That King Edward's Lord Chamberlain hath been Pensioner to the French King nor that my Acquittances be found in his Chamber of Accompts He further saith That the King of France more esteem'd him than all the King of Englands other Servants and that his Pension was ever paid without Acquittance And now besides all this to make a farther manifestation of his Greatness in that King's time I shall here exhibit a Catalogue of the Names of such Persons of Note as were retain'd to serve him both in Peace and War during their respective Lives as I find them extracted from the very Indentures themselves in an ancient Roll in the Custody of this present Earl of Huntington his Lineal Descendent ¶ The Names of such Persons as by Indenture of their own Free Wills and mere Motions Covenanted Belafte and faithfully Promised to Aid and Assist the Right Honourable William Lord Hastings and his Part to take against all Persons within this Realm of England during their Lives as well in Peace as Wars their Allegiance to the King's Majesty His Heirs and Successors onely reserved and excepted with so many able Persons as every of them might well make to be Furnished and Arrayed at the Costs and Charges of the said Lord For the which the said Lord promised them to be their good and true Lord in all things reasonable and them to Aid and Succour in all their Rightful Causes so far forth as Law Equity and Conscience required Anno Edwardâ— Quarti decimo quarto Iohn Blount Lord Mountjoye Henry Lord Grey of Codnor William Trussell Knight Bryan Stapleton Knight Walter Gryffith Knight Robert Tailboys Knight Iohn Gryselye Knight Simon Mountfort Knight Thomas Stathom Knight Nicholas Longford Knight Robert Harecourt Knight Thomas Chaworth Esq Iohn Harecourt Esq Iohn Aston Esq Iohn Bonington Esq Rauffe Longforth Esq William Langhton Esq Iohn Thyrley Esq Thomas Cokyn Son and Heir of Iohn Cokyn Esq Iohn Danvers Esq Thomas Greene Esq Richard Boughton Esq Philip Leche Esq Iohn Sacheverell Son of Raufe Sacheverell Esq Hugh Perchall Esq Maurice Barkley Esq Iohn Curson Son and Heir of Thomas Curson Esq Iohn Stanley Esq Nicholas Knevington Esq William Nevill of Rolston Esq William Palmer Esq William Moton Esq Thomas Entwisell Esq Nicholas Kniveton Esq Thomas Staunton Esq Raufe Vernon Esq Henry Longeford Esq Thomas Meverell the Elder Esq Thomas Meverell junior Esq Nicholas Meverell Esq Rauf Shirley Esq Richard Savile Esq Thomas Curson of Croxall Esq Iames Blount Esq William Gryffith of North-Wales Esq Raufe Delves Esq Iohn Babington Esq Iohn Staunton Esq Iohn Cokeyn of Ashburne Esq Thomas Danvers Esq Iohn Gryffin Esq Humfrey Bradburne Esq Henry Columbell Esq Gerves Clifton Esq William Basset Esabque Nich. Montgomerie Esq Robert Leigh of Adlington Esq Raufe Poole of Radborne Esq Robert Slyngesby Esq Robert Eyre of Peelye Esq Thomas Greslye Esq Iohn Wistoe Esq Henry Vernon Esq Son and Heir of William Vernon Knight Raufe Sacheverell Esq Roger Draycote Esq Iohn Turvile Esq Iohn Miners Esq Henry Willâ—ghby Esq ¶ Nich. Agard Gent. Henry Columbell of Darley Gent. Raufe Agard Son and Heir of Iohn Agard Gent. Roger Brabason Gent. Robert Bradshaw Gent. Richard Eyre Gent. Iohn Agard Gent. Iohn Thyrkild Gent. Henry Eyre Gent. William Staunton Gent. William Dethick Gent. Laurence Loe Gent. Humphrey Stanley Gent. Iohn Knyveton of Vnderwood in Com. Derb. Gent. Iasper Rostyn Gent. Reinold Leigh Son of Robert Leigh of Adlington Raufe Fitz-Herbert Gent. William Woodford Gent. Nicholas Ruggeley Gent. Thomas Ruggeley Gent. In toto Two Lords Nine Knights Fifty eight Esquires and Twenty Gentlemen But King Edward's Death which hapned within few years after altered the Scene For having then a new Game to play wherein the Duke of Gloucester had the chief Hand though he was the first who gave that Duke advertisement of King Edward's Death Gloucester being then in Yorkshire yet not complying with him in the destruction of his Nephews as the Duke of Buckingham and some others did he was soon destroy'd himself by that Monster whose sole aim was his own Advancement to the Throne Certain it is that the Queen I mean the Wise of King Edward bore a private grudge towards this Lord Hastings in regard she saw he was so powerful with the King but chiefly for that she suspected him to be a Favourer and Furtherer of his wanton doings with light Women Nor did her Kindred at all brook him by reason he got the Office of Captain of Calais which had been formerly promised to the Lord Rivers the Queen's Brother And therefore upon the death of King Edward he joyn'd with the Duke of Buckingham in the removal of all those of that Kindred from the young King Edward the Fifth and in his Journey towards London at Northampton was of Counsel with the Duke of Gloucester in his taking away the Lord Rivers the Queens Brother and Sir Richard Grey the Queens Son and sending them to Pontfract Castle where shortly after they were basely murthered And so little did he doubt of the Duke of Gloucester's Favour towards himself as that upon the meeting of the Lords when the King got to London he assured them of the Duke of Gloucester's Fidelity affirming That Rivers and Grey were under Arrest for Matters attempted against the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham And when the Lord Stanley began to distrust the Duke of Gloucester he used all the Arguments he could to satisfie him that
Money Also That a Priest being one of that Covent should daily say a Mass of Requiem at an Altar to be ordained in the said Abby for his Soul and the Souls before rehearsed Moreover That his Executors at the time of his Burial or before so soon as notice might come to them of his Dâ—ath in all haste should procure a thousand Priests to say a thousand Placebo's and Dirges as also a thousand Masses for his Soul â—vâ—ry Priest to have for so doing vi d. And that all that Service be done on one day if reasonably possible Likewise That C l. should be disposed to Poor Folk after his Decease and to the Freres of Notingham Northampton Leicester and Derby Furthermore Whereas George Earl of Shrewsbury whose Wardship and Marriage he had obtained by the King's Lâ—tters Patents had married Anne his Daughter he willed That if the said Earl should die before any Carnal knowledge betwixt him and her had that then Thomas Brother to the same Earl should take her to Wife in case the Law of the Church would allow it And likewise ordained That his Feoffees should make an Estate immediately after his Decease unâ—o Kâ—therine his Wife of the Mannors of Stokâ— D'aubeney Wilberston and Sutton in Com. Northampt. Edmonton in Totenham in Com. Midd. Kiâ—kâ—y Lubbesthorpe Braunston Bagwâ—rth Thornton and the Parks of Bagworth and Kirby in Com. Leic. and of the Mannors of Welborne and Assakby in Com. Linc. for term of her Life so that she release her Dowrie in the Mannors of Bewyke Thurkilby Barow Bolton Percy Fyncheley the Rape of Hastings Everiâ—gham-Fee the Hundred of Framland and all other Lands before assigned to perform his Will This his untimely Death hapned on Fryday 13 Iunii 1 Edw. 5. the Bastard for so the Inquisition calls him he dying then seised of the Castle Lordship and Rape of Hastings in Com. Suss. of the Mannors of Burton-Hastings and Drakenage in Com. Warr. of the Mannor and Lordship of Bewmaner with the Mannors of Barowe Querndon Whitwyke Rotby Stâ—chaston Hewton Dokelscote Donyngton Merkseld and Whitington of the Office of Steward of the Honour of Leicester of the Mannors of Shepeshed Botisford Ashâ—y lâ— Zouche Bagâ—orâ—h Thornton Kirby Lubbesthorpe Fleckne◠〈◊〉 Newton Harcourt Braundston Ashbâ— parva and the Hundred of Framland all in Com. Leic. of the Mannor of Lyghe and Office of Chief Forester in the County of Rutland Of the Mannors of Welford Stoke D'aubency and Sutton in Com. Northampt. Of the Mannors of Hekyn on Folkyngham the Castle and Lordship of Belvoir with the Mannors of Welborne Lavington Saperton Avelthorpe Asâ—ake by Birthorpe Repinghale Kirkby Walcote Graby Hadyngton and the third part of the Mannor of Bicar in Com. Linc. Of the Castle and Mannor of Slingesâ—y with the Mannors of Bewâ—ke Formonby Allerstane and Wodehaue in Com. Ebor. Of the Mannors of Dronefelde in Com. Derb. and of the Mannors of Lameley Bleseby â—â—rrone Giopesmore Arnall and Everyngham Fee in Com. Nott. leaving Issue by Katherine his Wife Daughter of Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury Widow of William Lord Bonvile Edward his Son and Heir at that time xvii years of age and upwards as also Richard and William two younger Sons and Anne a Daughter married to George Earl of Shrewsbury No sooner was this Lord Hastings thus destroy'd than that the Protâ—ctor to countenance the Fact sent speedily for divers eminent Citizens and at their coming appearâ—d to them accompanied with the Duke of â—uckingham in old Harness and told them That the Lord Hastings with others of his Party having conspired to murther him and that Duke upon that very day as they sate in Council he was advertised thereof before ten of the clock that Morning and therefore became necessitated in that exigent to put on what Harness was next at hand And the better to satisfie the People therein he forthwith sent an Herald at Arms to declare through the City of London the Tenor of that Conspiracy and that the Lord Hastings had a purpose after the accomplishment of that his designed Murther of him and the Duke to take upon him the Government of the young King and the Realm Moreover That he had been an evil Counsellor to the late King Edward the Fourth and that he had also lived Adulterously with Shore's Wife Also That she was one of the Persons in that Plot with him and That he lay with her the very preceding Night Adding That in case his Execution should have been delay'd some Commotion might have hapned for his Rescue But this Proclamation being so plausibly Penn'd fair Engrossed and Publish'd within two hours after his Death made it clearly manifest that the Design for thus cutting him off was privily laid before-hand It is said by some That the real cause of the Protector 's thus dealing with him was That knowing him to be an Enemy to the Queen and all her Kindred as Buckingham also was he easily allur'd him to condescend that Rivers the young King 's Maternal Uncle and Grey his half Brother should first be severed from him then Imprison'd and lastly to avoid future inconvenience wrought his consent to cut off their Heads And having gone thus far urg'd that Argument so far viz. To depress those whom they had injur'd and destroy those whâ—m they had depress'd as nothing but the Death of the young King himself could fashion the Conclusion And though he had satisfied Buckingham That whensoever the King and his Brother should arrive to able years they would take a most severe Revenge of that unpardonable Wrong thus done to their Uncle and Brother yet with this Lord Hastings whose Fidelity to his Masters Sons was without suspicion he took another course which was by Catesby to sound him and in case he found him not plyable then to kill him sitting in Council and if that failed to make use of the Hangman in cutting off his Head Besides all this I am further to observe That in Anno 1477. 17 E. 4. the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate Church of our Lady at Leicester by their Instrument bearing date 12 Febr. whereunto their Common Seal is affix'd covenanted That whensoever he should fortune to depart this Life they would keep a special Obit for him in their Church upon the day of his Funeral As also every year to celebrate his Anniversary for the health of his Soul and the Soul of the Lady Catherine his Wife And that the Provost of that Collegiate Church should yearly upon that day at the end of Mass pay to the Dean iii s. iv d. and to every Canon then present ii s. To every Vicar of that Quire then also present xii d. To every Clerk vi d. To every Chorister iv d. Likewise to the Virger iv d. And to every poor Man and Woman then being in the Almshouse within that College a Peny our of the Issues and Profits
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
Lviii s. v d. Rent of Assize issuing out of divers Burgages in Keneford all in the County of Devon as also the Mannor of Hillesdon in Com. Buck. Which Anne in 11 H. 6. obtain'd Licence from the King to marry Iohn Botreaux Esq and died 16 Ian. 19 H. 6. Of Thomas the next succeeding Earl I find That in 8 H. 6. being then within age he covenanted to serve the King for one whole year with six Men at Arms and xxi Archers in a Voyage-Royal then made into France for the accustomed Wages of War And in 14 H. 6. that he did again covenant by Indenture to serve the King for the Relief of Calais with one Knight xxiv Men at Arms and CCCClxx Archers Moreover That in 19 H. 6. he had Livery of his Lands and his Homage respited Likewise That in 30 H. 6. favouring the Title of Richard Duke of Yorke who aimed at the Crown he entred into Counsel with him for attaining thereof and that he departed this Life upon the Feast-day of St. Blase the Bishop scil 3 Febr. 36 H. 6. as also That Thomas his Son and Heir being then xxvi years of age had shortly after Livery of his Lands doing his Homage Which last-mention'd Thomas stoutly adhering to King Henry the Sixth in those Wars with the House of Yorke had in consideration thereof an Annuity of an hundred Marks per Annum for his Life given him in 38 H. 6. to be yearly receiv'd out of the Profits of the Mannor and Borough of Milberton and Mershwâ—â—e then forfeited to the Crown by the Rebellion as it was then called of Richard Duke of Yorke But long he enjoy'd it not for the House of Yorke prevailing Edward Son to that Duke got the Crown within little more than one year aâ—ter and within one Month more after that viz. 3 Abr. 1 E. 4. he himself viz. this Earl died leaving Thomas his Son and Heir who being at Lowâ—on-Field with his Father upon Palm-Sunday Martii 29 the same year was for that Offence attainted in the Parliament begun at Westminster 4 Nov. following But did not suffer death as it seems for it appears that in 11 E. 4. being again in Arms on the behalf of King Henry the Sixth at the Battel of Tewkesbury he there was slain and buried in that place Notwithstanding all which Henry Courtney Esq for so he is called his Brother and Heir in Blood found so much favour from King Edward that upon the twenty seventh of July in the first year of his Reign without any proof of his Age he gave him Livery of the Mannor of Topesham and of all other the Lands Tenements Boroughs and Lordships which his said Brother was seised of at the time of his death or Thomas Earl of Devon Father of them both But of this special Livery he had small Benefit for in February following King Edward gave the Borough of Tiverton with a great part of the Possessions of the same Thomas late Earl of Devon so attainted as hath been observed unto Sir Humphrey Stafford of Suthwyke Knight and to the Heirs-male of his Body whom he afterwards advanced to the Title of Earl of Devon as I shall shew in due place Howbeit long it was not ere the Scene became chang'd For no sooner had King Henry the Seventh obtain'd the Crown of this Realm but highly favouring those Families who stood firm to the Lancastrian Interest he did not onely advance Sir Edward Courtney of Haccombe Knight Son to Sir Hugh Courtney of Boconnok Knight Son of Hugh younger Brother to Edward late Earl of Devon unto the Title of Earl of Devon as by his Letters Patents bearing date 26 Oct. the same year appeareth but upon the same day by other Letters Patents gave him the Honours Borough and Mannours of Plimpton and Okehampton the Castle and Mannor of Tyverten the Mannors of Sampford Courtney Chalvelegh Cornwood Morton Dawney Topesham Exiland Ken Ecrmynster Colyton Whycaford Whimbel Aylesbere Raylesford Musbury and Chulmelegh as also the Hundreds of Plympton Tyverton Colyton West-Burleghe Est-Burleghe Exrminster Harige and Wâ—nforde with the Advowsons of the Churches of Alfrington Ken Throughen Miltonâ— Damorell and All-Saints in the City of Exeter with the Advowsons of the Prebends of Hayes Coticors and Ken in the Chappel of our Lady within the Castle of Exeter Also of the Chantry of Stiklepath with Free-fishing in the River of Exe and three Mills in Exiland all in the County of Devon Likewise the Mannor of Webington in Bedfordsh the Mannors of Shebrok West-Tanton Landulp Northil Porthloe Porth-pigham Legh-Durant Landzean Trelowyn Trevervyn Courtney Tregamare and Tregulan as also the Boroughs of Crofthole and Port-Pigham with the Advowson of the Churches of Cheviok Landulâ— and Northill and Free-Chappel of Lamana in Cornwale all which were part of the Possessions of Thomas Courtney late Earl of Devon Son of Thomas sometime Earl of Devon And in March following constituted him Governour of the Castle of Restormell in Cornwall This Edward was in that Expedition made into France in 7 H. 7. for assisting of Maximilian the Emperour against the French which succeeded not And in 13 H. 7. with the help of William his eldest Son a Person of great Valour stoutly defended the City of Exeter then besieged by Perkyn Warbeck and that Power which he had newly Landed in Cornwall until the Men of Note in those Western Parts came to the Relief thereof Having married Elizabeth Daughter to Sir Philip Courtney of Maland Knight he had Issue by her Sir William Courtney Knight his Son and Heir and by his Testament bearing date 27 Martii â— H. 8. bequeathing his Body to be buried in the Chappel at Tibertone near the Grave of his Wife gave Lands of iv l. per Annum value for the founding of a Chantry therein He had also four Sisters whose Issue at length became Heirs to the Inheritance viz. Elizabeth Maude Isabell and Florence the first of which was Wife of Iohn Tretherfe the second of Iohn Arundel of Telverne the third of William Mohun and the fourth of Iohn Trelauny To this last Edward succeeded William his Son and Heir who towards the later end of King Henry the Seventh's Reign more for Suspicion than any just Cause was cast into Prison together with William his Uncle Howbeit when King Henry the Eighth came to the Crown he was receiv'd into Favour and in high esteem but when he should have return'd to his Military Exercises he died of a Pleuriâ—ie on the ninth of June 3 H. 8. at Grenewiche before he had either Letters Patents of Creation or was formally Created with Ceremony Nevertheless through the special Favour of the King he was Interred as an Earl on the South-side of the High-Altar in the Black Friers Church
four Daughters viz. Margaret married to Sir Iohn Constable of Burton Constable in Com. Ebor. Knight Elizabeth to Thomas Pudsey of Bolton in Craven Esq Alianore to Richard Tempest of Braswell Esq and Catherine Which Henry in 5 Eliz. was constituted Governour of the Castle at Carlisle and Warden of the West Marches toward Scotland and in 12 Eliz. upon that Insurrection of the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland joyn'd with the Earl of Cumberland in the Fortifying of Carlisle and in 13 Eliz. upon that Incursion of the Scots when the Earl of Sussex in vindication of that wrong invaded them by the way of Tividale entred on the West-part and wasted Anandale and soon after assisted him in demolishing the Castles of Heris and Caerlaveroc Which so terrified those of that Nation that Huntley Duke of Chastelâ—-Herald and Argyle sign'd a Writing and sent it to them signifying That they would thenceforth be quiet and not abet those who were Enemies to the English After this being one of the Knights Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter and Warden of the West-Marches he departed this Life in Anno 1592. 34 Eliz. leaving Issue by Margaret his Wife Daughter to Henry Earl of Surrey and Sister to Thomas Duke of Norfolk Thomas his Son and Heir and Henry And by Alianore his Second Wife Daughter to Edward Lord North a Daughter called Mary married to William Bowes of Streâ—lam in the Bishoprick of Durham Which Thomas took to Wife Philadelpha Daughter of Henry Lord Hunsdon and left Issue Emanuell who was made Lord President of the King's Council in the North 6 Febr. 16 Iac. and Earl of Sunderland 19 Iunii 3 Car. 1. And having married Elizabeth Daughter of Iohn Earl of Rutland died without any lawful Issue Scroope of Masham OF this Family also was Geffrey le Scrope who in 5 E. 2. obtain'd a Charter for Free-Warren in all his Demesn-Lands at Coverham Caldbergh and Aglethorpe in Com. Ebor. And in 11 E. 2. the like Charter for Free-warren in his Lands at Carleton in Kesteven in Com. Linc. as also in those at Little Benton and Halywell in Com. Northumbr granted to him and Ivetta his Wife Likewise a Confirmation of the Mannor of Eltham Mandevil with all those Hereditaments in the County of Kent which had been part of the Possessions of William de Vesci of Kildare and were granted to him by Sir Gilbert de Aton Knight Moreover he obtain'd Licence the same year to make a Castle of his House at Clifton upon Yore in Com. Ebor. as also for Free-warren in all his Demesn-Lands at â—liâ—â—on upon Yore and Yarnewik in Com. Ebor together with those at Whalton in Com. Northumbâ— And in 15 E. 2. procur'd another Charter for a Market every Week upon the Friday at Burton Constable in Com. Ebor. as also for one Fair every year upon the Eve and Day of St. Mary Magdalen And in 17 E. 2. was constituted Chief Justice of the King's-Bench-Court Shortly after which viz. in 20 E. 2. upon the Attainder of Roger Lord Clifford he had a Grant of the Castle and Honour of Skypton in Craven And in 1 E. 3. upon Testimony of the Prelates Earls and Barons in Parliament That he had behaved himself Loyally to the late King Edward the Second and since he obtain'd a special Pardon for the Cause of that Displeasure which the King had concâ—ived towards him and was again made Chief-Justice of the King's-Bench After which in 2 E. 3. he procur'd another Charter for Free-warren in all his Demesn-Lands at Mâ—ssham Belleâ—â—y Gertheston Hunton Silton Thirne Aglethorpe Upsâ—le Thornebergh and â—ilvington in Com Ebor. Muskham in Com. Nott. as also for one Market every Week upon the Wednesday at Massham and two Fairs yearly one on the Eve and Day of St. Barnabas the Apostle and the other on the Eve and Day of the Assumption of our Lady And grew in such favour that in 4 E. 3. bâ—ing again made Chief-Justice of the King's Bench the King gave him the Inheritance of the Mannor of Eâ—â—hamâ—g Mandevile to hold by the Services accustomed and in 6 E. 3. made him again Chief-Justice of the same Bench But being the next year following sent beyond Sea upon the King's Affairs he quitted his Justiceship of that Court. And in 8 E. 3. obtain'd a Grant of the Sum of C Marks to be received out of the Temporalties of the Bishop of Durham in recompence of those Horses which he had lost in the Wars of France and Scoâ—â—and by his Service After which viz. the next ensuing year he was constituted one of the Commissioners then sent to treat and conclude with Sir Andrew de Murref a Knight of Scotland on the behalf of himself and his Adherents touching the Differences betwixt the People of both Realms And in 10 E. 3. had a Grant from the King to himself and his Heirs of the Mannors of Boudon and Harebourgh in Com. Lâ—ic to hold in Fee-farm paying yearly to the Exchequer vi l. vi s. vii d. In 11 E. 3. he was one of the Commissioners then sent to acquaint those Noble-men and others who were to march into Scotland with the King's Pleasure concerning their Service and stay there And in 12 E. 3. was in that Expedition with the King then made into Flanders having special Licence to transport a certain Quantity of Wooll with Provision of Victual from Kingston upon Hull to the Parts beyond-Sea for the better Support of himself and his Retinue in that Service At which time he was at the Treaty of Arras for Peace betwixt both Crowns viz. of England and France And before the end of that year in Scotland upon the like Treaty In 13 E. 3. he was again in Flanders So likewise in 14 E. 3. And having been advanc'd to the Stile and Dignity of a Banneret with CC Marks per Annum given him for the Support of that Honour departed this Life in the same thirteenth year of King Edward the Third's Reign being then seised of the Mannor of Carleton in Kâ—â—teven in Com. Linc. Neyland in the Borders of Essex and Suff. Whalton Newham and the moytie of Halywell in Com. Northumbr Muskham in Com. Nott. Cotesele West-Boulton and divers other Lordships in Com. Ebor. leaving Issue by Ivetta his Wife Daughter of William Rosse of Igmanthorpe Henry his Son and Heir twenty five years of age and Iohn a younger Son who married Elizabeth one of the Daughters and Coheirs to David de Strabolgi Earl of Athol Which Henry in 15 E. 3. was in the Wars of Scotland and in consideration of his Father's Services both here and in Foreign Parts obtain'd the Benefit of the Wardship of his own Lands
Moreton the King's Brother when Windsore-Castle which was the Earl of Moreton's has Siege laid to it by all the Nobility of England this Hugh being then the King's Justice and Sheriff of Yorkshire joyn'd with the Archbishop of Yorke and William de Stuteville who having rais'd a great Power fortified Doncaster but would not take part with that Archbishop in the Siege of Tickhill-Castle belonging to the Earl of Moreton in regard of his special Obligations unto him In 6 R. 1. he was Sheriff of Northumberland Westmerland and Yorkshire Howbeit upon the return of King Richard from his Restraint in Almaine he took the Sheriffalty of Yorkshire and Westmerland from him and likewise the Custody of the Castles of Yorke and Scarborough Nevertheless the next year following he was again Sheriff of Northumberland Westmerland Lancashire Yorkshire Warwick and Leicester-shires and sent with Earl Roger Bigot William de Warren and others to hear and determine that great Controversie betwixt the Archbishop of Yorke and Canons of that Church Moreover he was then constituted one of the Justice Itinerant throughout all the Counties of England And upon the death of Hugh Bishop of Durham had the Custody of the Castles of Durham and Norham This Hugh had the Inheritance of the Honour of Baenton given to him by King Henry the Second â— upon the forfeiture of Fulke Painel as it seems and in S R. 1. passed it back to the King in exchange for the Mannor of Hau. In that year he continu'd Sheriff of Westmerland and again executed the same Office for that County in 10 R. 1. and 1 I h. So likewise for Notingham and Derby-shires Devon and Cornwall for the one half of that year In 9 R. 1. he was again constituted one of the Justices-Itinerant for the Counties of Linc. Nott. Derb. Yorke Northumb. Westmerl Cumberland and 〈◊〉 And in 3 4 and 5 Ioh. executed the Sheriffalty for Notingham and Derby-shires But in 5 Ioh. he died without Issue unto whom succeeded his Brother Robert as his Heir who then gave M l. for Livery of his Lands And â—or his Widow William de Braose gave M l. to the King that he might have her to be Wife for one of his Sons to whom she accordingly was married as in my Discourse of that Family appeareth This Robert had the Lordship and Hundred of Hou in Kent which after his death were given to Hubert de Burgh Justice of England And died without Issue in 9 H. 3. Whereupon his Lands were shared amongst his Nephews and Heirs he being their Uncle viz. Iordan Foliot Isold Gray Raphe Paynel Hugh Poinz and Maude Bardolf ¶ There was also of this Family another William Bardulf Son to the first Thomas I suppose which William first married the Daughter of Almarick le Dispenser and afterwards Elizabeth the Daughter of William Fitz-William with whom he had all the Thenage which the said William Fitz-William held in Hepedale and Kokedale But this William lived not long for in 7 Ioh. Iohn Bec a great Baron in Lincolnshire gave C l. and four Palfreys for Licence to marry his Widow Yet he did not then enjoy her as it seems for it appears That in the year following she viz. Elizabeth gave to the King C l. Fine and two Palfreys that she might not be compell'd to marry and that in 13 Ioh. Ivo Tailboys on her behalf gave xcvi l. iv s. v d. and two Palfreys to the King upon the same account Heriz THE first mention I find of this Name is in 18 H. 2. under the Title of the Scutage of those Barons who did neither attend the King in Person into Ireland upon his Expedition at that time thither nor sent him either Soldiers or Money for that Service Where it appears That there was iv l. then paid into the Exchequer for those Knights Fees which did belong to William de Heriz For this neglect I presume it was that the Lands of this William were about this time seised into the King's hands for in 20 H. 2. he gave C Marks Fine to be repossess'd of them again This William had his Residence at Wyverton now vulgarly called Worton in Com. Nott. and took to Wife Maude the Daughter of Raphe Lord Basset of Drayton in Staffordshire with whom he had in Frank-marriage certain Lands in Wyndesclive of Six Marks per annum value but died in 26 H. 2. or before leaving Robert de Heriez his Brother and Heir who then paid C l. for Livery of his Inheritance Aeliva another Wife surviving him who gave C Marks to the King that she might not be compelled to marry any other than whom she her self pleased To this Robert succeeded Ivo his Son and Heir who in King Richard the First 's time obtain'd a special Charter from Iohn Earl of Moreton the King's Brother to himself and his Heirs for free liberty of Hunting in all his Lands and Woods in Winefeld in Com. Derb. with divers other ample Privileges And in 1. Ioh. gave ten Marks of Silver to the King for confirmation thereof In 16 Ioh. this Ivo gave a Fine to the King of CCC l. for certain Lands of Raphe Basset And about the later end of King John's Reign when those high Contests were betwixt that King and divers of the great Barons he adhered to them for which cause his Lands were seised But upon the coming of King Henry the Third to the Crown those Stirs being quieted he return'd to his due Allegiance and had restitution of them again To this Ivo called also Iohn the King gave respite until the Feast of Pentecost in that year for receiving the Honour of Knighthood and a strict Command to the Sheriff of Notinghamshire that he should not molest or trouble him for not receiving it at Easter But all that I have farther seen of him is That he held Winefeld Tybechelf and Orâ—roft for two Knights Fees and died before 30 H. 3. leaving Sarra his Wife surviving who afterwards was married to Iollan de Nevill a Person of great Note in those days being a Justice-Itinerant in that time To which John de Heriez succeeded Henry and to Henry another John as Brother and Heir Which last-mention'd Iohn died before 27 E. 1. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir who then doing his Homage had Livery of his Inheritance Comyn OF this Name there have been two eminent Families in Scotland viz. of Boghan and Badenagh both which by Heirs female came at length to possess fair Estates in England But before I come to speak of them I shall take notice of what I have otherwise seen of this Name in order of time though I cannot discover how they
to obtain the Crown of Scotland in case she should survive her Brother 4. That he had stollen a Precious Stone out of the King's Treasury which had such vertue that whosoever carried it about him should be victorious in Battel and sent it unto Leoline Prince of Wales the King's Enemy 5. That by reason of his Traiterous Letters to the same Prince of Wales William de Braose a Person of great Nobility was hang'd as a Thief Upon which Charge thus brought in against him he was put in close Prison but craving time of answer thereto had respite afforded to him for a while The Scene therefore being thus chang'd he was forsaken of all excepting the Archbishop of Dublin who with Tears earnestly moved for him but could not be heard It being also now seen that the King 's former Favoâ—rs to him were turned into Hatred his Enemies made such advantages thereof as that they accus'd him with poysoning of William de Longespe Earl of Salisbury the reason thereof being for that the Earl of Salisbury coming from beyond-Sea to the King at Marlborough complained to him that this Hubert being in those Parts had sent Reymund de Burgh his Nephew to sollicite the Chastity of the Countess of Salisbury his Wife Moreover That he had poysoned William Mareschall Earl of Pembroke As also that by the like wicked Practises he had destroyed Falcase de Breant and Richard Archbishop of Canterbury and that the King's Favours to him were obtain'd by Enchantments and Sorcery Likewise That in the Sea-fight wherein he had such success as hath been already observ'd he took divers Persons from the Mariners who were their Prisoners and made benefit of them to himself Others also made great Clamours of his Oppressions and Exactions The Londoners likewise seeing him thus in disgrace accused him for causing one of their chief Citizens called Constantine to be hang'd and claim'd Justice against him for it And as if all this were not enough the King appointed publick Proclamation to be made That whosoever had any cause of complaint against him should be heard Of which so soon as he had notice he fled to the Priory of Merton in Surrey and there took Sanctuary amongst the Canons of that House And having so much cause to fear the Effects of the King's wrath towards him though he had time given for the Answer to his Charge he durst not appear it being told him that the King had a purpose to put him to death he therefore still lurkt at Merton hoping of better days But the King signifying to him That he should appear in Court and abide the Law he return'd answer That fearing his wrath he had thus fled to Sanctuary as the utmost Refuge in all Distresses and that thence he would not come till he had cause to have better hopes of his Safety Whereupon the King grew highly incensed and directed his Precept to the Mayor of London that he should forthwith send all the Citizens who could bear Arms unto Merton-Abby and to bring him thence dead or alive The Multitude therefore being joyful of this Opportunity for revenge towards him made themselves soon ready accordingly But some of the graver sort fearing the Issue in regard of the Rabble address'd themselves to the Bishop of Winchester then at his Palace in Southwark representing to him the Danger but could obtain from him no other answer than that they were to obey the King's Command So that no less than twenty thousand of them well armed thereupon march'd towards Merton Whereof when he had notice he forthwith fled to the High Altar and kneeling there devoutly committed himself Body and Soul to the tuition of God But the Earl of Chester hearing thereof repair'd suddenly to the King and gave him notice of it intimating That if great heed were not taken it would be very difficult to appease that rude Company when the Work was over as also what a Scandal it would be throughout the whole World that he should be thus cruel to those whom he had formerly so cherish'd Which Advice prevailing by the means of Raphe Bishop of 〈◊〉 a very good Man and sensible of Hubert's Sufferings the giddy Multitude thus thirsting for Blood were recall'd And after this the Archbishop of Dublyn through great intreaties obtain'd time till the Octaves of the Epiphany for his Answer to the Charge thus laid against him with Licence that he might go to St. Edmunds Bury to see his Wife Whereupon lodging in a Town of Essex belonging to the Bishop of Norwich and in the Bishops Mannor-house there the King being advertised thereof grew exceeding angry and fearing lest being thus at liberty he might raise a Disturbance in the Realm sent Sir Godfrey de Crawcumbe Knight with CCC Soldiers requiring him upon peril of his Life to bring him back and imprison him in the Tower of London Whereupon Sir Godfrey hasted thitherwards accordingly and finding him in a Chappel near the House devoutly holding the Cross in one Hand and the Host in the other for having intimation of their coming he suddenly rose out of his Bed naked and fled thither he requir'd him to come out and go with him to the King at London Which he refusing to do Sir Godfrey and his Soldiers snatch'd the Cross and Host from him and tying him with Cords sent for a Smith to make Fetters for his Legs Which Smith asking for whose Legs They said For the Legs of Hubert de Burgh a Fugitive and Convicted Person Whereupon the Smith fetching a deep sigh said Do what you please with me God have mercy on my Soul I will rather suffer death than put Fetters on him Is not this quoth he that faithful and stout Hubert who hath often preserv'd England from Ruine by Aliens who hath serv'd so faithfully and constantly in Gascoine Normandy and other Places in the time of King Iohn so that he was at some times necessitated to eat Horse-flesh his Enemies admiring his Constancy Who for a long time kept Dovor the Key of England against the King of France and all his Power Who subdued our Enemies at Sea What shall I say of his Noble Exploits at Lincolne and Bedford God be Iudge betwixt him and you for thus inhumanely dealing with him recompensing to him Evil for Good and the worst Rewards for his best Deserts But all this prevailed nothing upon Sir Godfrey and his Company for they took him away nevertheless and brought him to the Tower of London with his Legs tied under the Bâ—lly of the Horse Whereof when they made relation to the King who had sate long up to hear the News he went merrily to Bed Howbeit the next
appropriated to his College of Astley to the intent that the Dean of that College and his Brethren should specially pray for the Souls of King Edward the Fourth Queen Elizabeth his Wife Mother to this Marquess as also for his Fathers his own his Wifes Soul and all Christian Souls He also Willed That his Son and Heir apparent should after his Decease have and enjoy his Mannors of Groby Bradgate Rotby Newton Ansty Cobentre Glenfeild with all the Members to them appertaining as also the Mannor of Higham in Com. Leic. with Winchester Fee and the Mannors of Graâ—ton Hertwelle Ashehenne Rooâ—e Wyke Hâ—mund Wyke Dive Stoke upon Tearne Wuttâ—n under Wyvor Broughton Astley the Lee 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Lee Bancors and Levisham with all his 〈◊〉 in Calais And that Cecilie his Wife should have the Mannor of Astâ—â—â— with its Appurtenances Likewise for the performance of his Legacies and that every of his Daughters unmarried might have a thousand Pounds the Revenues and Profits of his Mannors of Lutterworth Creke Clay-Coton Willougâ—oâ— Waterlesse Wedyngton Trelawne Tregewell Trewardreth Colrige West-Kington and Leysthorp should be received by his Executors And That if the Lord Ferrers who had then married Mary his Daughter should die before Carnal Copulation or disagree to the Marriage then that Thousand Pounds to return And lastly That all Covenants betwixt the Lord Dudley and him for the Marriage of his Son and Hâ—ir to Cecilie his Daughter should be in all points perform'd By this Cecilie his Wife who was Daughter and Heir to William Lord Bonvile and afterwards married to Henry Earl of Wiltshire he had Issue seven Sons viz. Edward and Anthony who died young Thomas who succeeded him in his Honours Richard Iohn and Leonard and George a Clergy-man and eight Daughters Dorothy first married to Robert Willoughby Lord Broke and afterwards to William Blount Lord Montjoy Cecilie to Iohn Sutton Lord Dudley Eleanor to Iohn Arundell of Lanherne in Cornwall Esq Elizabeth to Gerald Fitz Gerald Earl of Kildare in Ireland Mary to Walter Devereux Lord Ferrers of Chartley afterwards created Viscount Hereford Margaret to Richard Wake of Blisworth in Com. Northampt. Esq Bridget died young and Anne to Richard Clement And departed this Life 20 Sept. 17 H 7. Shortly after which viz. 18 Nov. 18 H. 7. Thomas his Son and Heir had Livery of his Lands Which Thomas in 3 H. 8. was General of that Army sent about the beginning of May into Spaine consisting of Ten thousand Men whereof Five thousand were Archers who besides their Bows and Arrows carried Halberts which they pitched in the Ground till their Arrows were shot and then took up again to do Execution on the Enemy wherein were also his three Brothers with the Lord Thomas Howard Son and Heir to the Earl of Surrey the Lords Brooke Willoughby and Ferrers Which Army arriv'd at Passage a Port in Guipuscoa and though design'd to joyn with the Forces of Ferdinand the Emperor to invade Guyenne a Territory belonging to the King of France yet being landed and the Emperor proposing other Actings from it than were consonant to the Commission and Instructions which the King had given after many of the Soldiers by ill Diet lost and the General himself sick return'd for England about the end of November following without performing any thing of moment In 5 H. 8. this Thomas and four of his Brothers together with the Duke of Suffolk and some other gallant Englishmen upon Proclamation of a Justs at St. Dennis in France which Francis de Valois next Heir to the Crown of France having married Claude eldest Daughter to Lewes the Twelfth by Anne Inheritrix of Bretaigne to give some proof of his Valour had obtain'd leave of the King to be performed went thither and behaved himself so bravely therein that he return'd home with singular Honour In 12 H. 8. at that famous Meeting of King Henry and Francis the First of France between Ardres and Gisnes in Picardy he carried the Sword of Estate before the King of England naked as the Duke of Bourbon did before the King of France And after that was one of the Aiders in those renowned Justs and Tournaments which were held at that time there betwixt the English and French In 14 H. 8. he was sent to Calais to attend the Emperor Charles the Fifth into England which was the time that the Emperor was so magnificently entertain'd by King Henry being himself lodg'd in Black-Friers and his Train in the King's then new-beautified Palace at Bridewell And in 15 H. 8. was together with Sir Thomas Lovel Knight constituted Chief Justice-Itinerant of all the King's Forests and then had a Grant from that King to himself and the Heirs-male of his Body of the Mannors of Wawens-Wotton Sheldon and Lalleford in the County of Warwick part of the Possessions of Edward Duke of Buckingham lately attainted And in 19 H. 8. in exchange from the King the Mannors of Loughborough and Shepesheved in Com. Leic. with the Advousons of the Churches thereto belonging which came to the Crown by the Attainder of Francis Lord Lovell in consideration of the Lordships of Grafton and Hartwell in Com. Northampt. of his own Inheritance And moreover by another Grant obtain'd the Inheritance of Bardon-Park in Com. Leic. In 19 H. 8. Cecilie the Mother of this Marquess then Widow of Henry Earl of Wiltshire by her Testament bearing date the sixth of March bequeath'd her Body to be buried in the Chappel at Astley in the Tomb where the late Lord Marquess her Husband lay And appointed That soon after her death a thousand Masses should be said for her Soul in as convenient haste as might be Moreover That a goodly Tomb should be made in the Chappel of Astley over the Lord Marquess her Husband and another over her self And that her Executors should provide two Priests daily to sing in the said Chappel of Astley by the space of Lxxx years to pray for the Soul of the said Lord Marquess and her own Soul and each of them to have viii l. yearly Stipend for their pains In 21 H. 8. this Marquess being one of the Witnesses produc'd in that Cause of Divorce betwixt King Henry and Queen Katherine his first Wife deposed to the Age of Prince Arthur and for his Abilities as to Carnal Copulation and the same year was one of the Lords who subscrib'd and presented to the King that sharp Complaint contain'd in Forty four Articles against the then Great and Potent Cardinal Wolsey In 22 H. 8. he was one of those English Lords that subscrib'd a Letter to Pope Clement the Seventh whereby they importun'd his allowance of the Divorce before-mentioned And upon the second of June Anno 1530. 22 H. 8. did by his Testament bequeath his Body to be buried in the same Chappel at Astley
he sent for all his Knights and Esquires which held of the English party having twelve hundred men at Armes two thousand Archers and three thousand Foot and passing the Garone betwixt Burdeaux and Blay entered Poiâ—ou where he took the Town and Castle of Mirabell by assault Likewise the Town and Castle of Alnoy the Towns of Surgeres and Benon as also Mortain on the Sea side burnt the Town of Lusignen wone the Town and Castle of Taylbourg obtained the Town of St. Iohn d' Angle by render took the Town of Burg St. Maximien by assault So likewise Monstrell Boyvin and the City of Poitiers But these last passages are somewhat otherwise reported by Tho. Walsingham who saith that in this year viz 20 Edw. 3. upon a Counsel held at Brigerak in Aquitane by this Earl and the great men of that Countrey he being then Seneschall there Iohn the eldest Son to the King of France who had long besieged Aguilon but could not take it sent to him for a Truce which was expresly denied and seeing he could not obtain his desire quitted the Siege by night in much disorder leaving his Tents and Baggage behind And that this Earl thereupon fixed himself in Aguilon Reas and several other places as also in the Castles of Agenoys and Tonynges Likewise that marching by Seintonge with a thousand men he lodged at Salveterre which was rendered to him for fear and that after this having taken the Towns of St. Iohn d'Angelyn and Isyngham by assault as also the Castle coming to Poytiers after a short Siege he took it and having refreshed his Army there for eight days returned with great boâ—ty and triumph to Burdeaux About this time also Calais being besieged by the English King Edward took care that the avenues thereto should be strictly guarded so that the French might not approach to raise that siege Whereupon he sent this Earl to keep Newland Bridge with a choice number of men and Archers Shortly after which that strong garrison was rendered At this Siege bearing then the Title of Earl of Lancaster Derby and Leicester and Steward of England he was appointed by the King together with William de Clinton Earl of Hunâ—endon Renaud de Cobham Sir Walter Maney William Lovell and Stephen de Cosintone to hear and determine all disputes touching Armes and thereupon did by a certain Instrument under his and their Hands and Seals bearing date in the Camp there on the Eve of St. Margaret 21 E. 3. give judgement for Iohn de Warbelton in a certain cause then controverted betwixt him the said Iohn Son and Heir to Sir Iohn de Warbelton and Tibaud the Son of Sir Tibaud Russell who assumed the Sirname of Gorges for bearing his Armes viz. Lozengè d'Or d'Asure without any difference it being sufficiently proved that the ancestors of the said Iohn de Warbelton had time out of mind born the same Likewise that Sir Raufe de Gorges Grandfather of this Tibaud forsook his own proper Armes and of his own accord assumed these At this time he had of his own Retinue eight hundred men at Armes and two thousand Archers as also thirty Banners untill the Truce and kept such Hospitality that he spent an hundred pounds a day and eight or nine marks After which Truce it was found also upon account that he had expended in those Wars of France of his own treasure above seventeen thousand pounds Sterling besides the pay which he had from the King In consideration therefore of his Glorious Achivements in the Dutchy of Aquâ—â—tane and elsewhere by many Victories in open Fight as also in taking of divers Cities Towns and Castles as the Record it self doth express he obtained a Grant bearing date in the Camp before Calais 1 Iunii 21 Edw. 3. to himself and the Heirs male of his Body of the Castle and Town of Bragerac which was one of those places he had taken by strong assault Likewise of all the Lands and goods of those prisoners which he had taken at St. Iohn de Angely until their Ransoms were satisfied And soon after that procured another Grant to himself and the Heirs male of his Body of Horestan Castle in Com. Derb. and the annual Rent of forty pounds issuing out of the Town of Derby In this year there being a Tourneament held at 〈◊〉 in â—ent amongst other accouterments prepared for that Heroick Exercise this Earl had a Hood given to him by the King made of white Cloath and embroidered with Dancing men in blew habits and buttoned before with great Pearls In 22 Edw. 3. he was the principal of those persons unto whom the King gave Commission to treat with the Earl of Flanders upon certain differences betwixt the Subjects of England and people of Flanders As also made choice of to treat with the Constable of France upon a Truce for six weeks in order to a Peace throughout Picardy Normandy Arrois Beulongne and Flanders And upon the 25 of Septemb. the same year was constituted the Kings Lieutenant throughout the parts of Flanders Calaâ—s and all other places in France with power to treat and agree with any of the Kings adversaries or their adherents And in December following was sent to Denemere to receive the Fealty and Homage of the Earl of Flanders In this year likewise he obtained a Charter for Free-Warren in all his Lordships of Gymingham Methwolde Thefourd and Beston in Comitat. Norff. And in 23 Edw. 3. by Letters Patent bearing date 20 Aug. was advanced to the title and dignity of Earl of Lincoln having therewith the Annual Fee of twenty pounds granted to him to be paid by the Sheriff of that Shire in lieu of the Tertium Denarium of that County as Thomas his Uncle late Earl of Lincoln had Soon after which he was constituted the Kings Lieutenant and Captain-General in the parts of Poictou with power to treat of Peace and Amity as also for observation of the Truce with the French And upon his journey thither obtained License to grant a thousand pounds per Annum Lands and Rents to certain persons to dispose of according to his own direction for the terme of twelve years In this year he marched into Gascoine with thirty thousand men and for ten days space made great spoil in the Countrey for ten leagues with Fire and Sword At which time he took forty two Towns and Castles Then came with his Army to Tholouse and chalenged them out to fight which they declining he burnt the Suburbs of that City About this time also he was elected into that Honourable Society of Knights of the most noble order of the Garter then newly founded And not long after viz. in 25 Edw. 3. having merited so highly by his prudent conduct and renowned exploits in the wars he was farther advanced to
Munchensi 561 Musard 512 Muscamp 557 N. Nevill 287 of Raby 289 Nevill 287 E. of Westmorland 297 Nevill 287 E. of Salisbury 302 Nevill 287 Lord Furnivall 301 Nevill 287 E. of Warwick 304 Nevill 287 Marq. Montague 307 Nevill 287 Lord Fauconbrigg 308 Nevill 287 Lord Bergavenny 309 Nevill 287 Lord Latimer 311 Newmarch 435 Norfolk Earls ante Conq. 16 Norfolk Earls post Conq. 67 Northampton Earls 57 Northumberland Earls ante Conq. 2 Northumberland Earls post Conq. 54 Novant 521 O. OXford Earls ante Conq. 18 Oxford Earls post Conq. 188 P. PAganel 431 Pantulf 434 Peche 676 Perci 269 Earl of Northumberland 276 Perci 269 Earl of Worcester 285 Perci 269 Lord Egremont 286 Peverel of Nottingham 436 Peverel of Dovor 437 Peverel of Brun. 438 Pinkney 556 Plessets Earl of Warwick 772 Pomerai 498 Port of Basing 463 Port of Herefordshire 465 Q. QVinci Earl of Winchester 686 R. REdvers Earl of Devon 254 Ribald de Middleham 52 Ridel 555 Rie 109 Romare 346 Ros of Hamlake 545 Ros of Werke 554 Ros of Kendall 555 S. St. Iohn of Basing 464 St. Iohn of Stanton 539 Salisbury Earles 174 Say 510 Say of Ricards-Castle 453 St. Walerie 454 Scales 616 Scoteni 676 Scroop of Bolton 654 Scroop of Mashaâ— 657 Scroop of Vpsale 659 Scroope Earl of Wiltshire 661 Segrave 671 Somerie 612 Somerset Earles ante Conq. 11 18 Stafford 157 Earls of Stafford 160 Stafford 157 D. of Buckingham 165 Stafford of Hooke 172 Stafford of Suthwike 173 Stafford Earl of Devon 173 Stafford Lord Bourchier 173 Stafford Earl of Wiltshire 174 Strange of Knokin 663 Strange of Blackmere 666 Stutevile 455 Sudley 428 Surrey Earles ante Conq. 15 Surrey Earles post Conq. 73 Southampton E. ante Conq. 16 T. TAlbot 325 Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 329 Talbot of Ricards-Castle 335 Tani 508 Taâ—shall 439 Tindale 543 Todeni 111 Toeni 469 Traci 621 Traili 543 Tregoz 615 Trusbut 542 Turnham 662 V. VAlence 774 Valoins 441 Valletort 522 Vaux 525 Vere Earl of Oxford 188 Verdon 471 Vesci 89 Vicount 643 Vipount 347 Vmfravill 504 W. WAhull 503 Wake 539 Waleran 670 Walter 633 Warren Earl of Warren Surrey 73 Warren of Wirmgay 82 Warwick Earls 68 West-Saxon Earls ante Conq. 18 Wiltshire Earls ante Conq. 7 Windsore 509 Wolverton 54â— Worcester Earls ante Conq. â— Z. ZOuch of Ashby 688 ZOuch of Haringworth 690 ZOuch of Mortimer 153 THE BARONAGE OF ENGLAND OR An Historical Account OF THE LIVES and most memorable ACTIONS OF Our English Nobility Which had their Rise after the end of KING HENRY the THIRD'S Reign And before the Eleventh Year of KING RICHARD the SECOND DEDUCED From Publick Records Antient Historians and other Authorities BY WILLIAM DUGDALE NORROY King of Arms. TOME the Second LONDON Printed by Tho. Newcomb for Abel Roper Iohn Martin and Henry Herringman at the Sun in Fleetstreet the Bell in S. Pauls Churchyard and at the Anchor in the Lower-walk of the New Exchange 1676. SERENISSIMO CELSISSIMOQVE CAROLO SECUNDO DEI GRATIA MAGNAE BRITANNIAE FRANCIAE HIBERNIAE MONARCHAE Fidei Defensori GULIELMUS DUGDALUS NORROY Rex Armorum MAJESTATI Ejus Humillimus ac Fidelis Subditus Servus HOC OPUS D. D. The Preface HAving in my former Preamble represented the Distribution of this Work into Three Parts that is to say The First of such Barons as had their Original by Tenure The Second of them that primarily arrived to that Honor by Writ of Summons to Parliament and the Third of those who had their Rise by Letters-patents of Creation or Summons to Parliament Now that I have dispatcht with those by Tenure that is to say who held some Territory of the King whereupon he reserv'd to himself a Tenure in Chief by common Knights-Service or Grand-Serjeantie or Both though not of any limited number of Knight's-Fees whose Reliefs did Antiently consist in Horse and Armes with other things in that kind until King Henry the Second in 27 of His Reign upon the Assise of Armes then establisht converted them into Money In the next place I come to the second sort that is to say of those and their Descendents who first obtain'd that Honor by Writs of Summons to the Parliaments of this Realm and sitting there amongst the Great Earls and Barons by Tenure had thereupon the Title of Peers or equals in those Grand Councils attributed to them As to the certain time when these Writs of Summons whereby such other as the King thought worthy of that Honor who had not any Possessions as were Honorary-Baronies in reality first began it will be a hard matter to make a clear discovery Mr. Selden a person famous for his knowledge in Antiquities being of opinion that they were introduced by some Law made in King John's time not long after his Confirmation of the Great Charter Others from the authority of an Antient Writer that it was toward the latter end of King Henry the Third's Reign after Simon de Montfort and those Rebellious Lords then in Armes were totally vanquisht the expression of that Writer being positive therein viz. Ad summum Honorem pertinet ex quo Reâ— Henricus tertius ex tantâ multitudine quae seditiosa turbuâ—enta fâ—it optimos quosque Rescripto ad Comitia Parliamentaria evocaverit Ille enim post magnas perturbationes enormes vexationes inter ipsum Regem Simonem de Monteforti alios Barones motas sopitas statuit ordinavit quod omnes illi Comites Barones Regni Angliae quibus ipse Rex dignatus est Brevia summonitionis dirigere venirent ad Parliamentum suum non alii nisi fortè dominus Rex alia illa Brevia eis dirigere voluisset I shall therefore conclude that unto the Parliaments of 51 and 52 H. 3. as also to all those of his Son and Successor King Edward the First from 3 till 22 of his Reign of which the particular Statutes then enacted do make mention not only they who were Barons by Tenure I mean those in whose Fidelity the King did repose confidence but such other persons of Note of whose wisdome and integrity there did not appear any cause of doubt had particular Summons and sate accordingly but cannot thence infer that their then â—iting upon one or more Summons did entitle their Descendents to an hereditary right thereto forasmuch as it is most evident that not only throughout the Reign of that King but afterwards for a long time some there were who had never more than one Summons and others though more yet not their Descendents as whosoever looks into the Records of those days will clearly discern Of which Summons the first I have seen is that of 22 of King Edw. 1. which bears date at Westminster 8 Junii requiring their speedy repair unto him wheresoever he should then be quia super quibusdam certis arduis negotiis Coronam Regnum nostrum nos ac vos Honorem nostrum vestrum tangentibus
Moreover having been summoned to attend the King in 7 E. 3. in his Scotish-Wars but by reason of some extraordinary accidents hindred so that he could not perform that service in 9 E. 3. upon his humble Petition to the King whereby he represented the cause of his absence he obtained pardon for that neglect And in 10 E. 3. was again in the Scotish-Wars In 19 E. 3. being then a Banneret and residing in Shropshire he had Summons to attend the King with Horse and Arms and his whole Retinue in that Expedition then made into France And in 20 E. 3. was in that famous Battel of Durham where David King of Scots having invaded the North parts of this Realm with a mighty Army was vanquishe'd and taken Prisoner And having been summon'd to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm from 11 E. 3. until 22 of that King's Reign inclusive departed this Life in 22 E. 3. without Issue whereupon the Mannor of Sylferton and moyetie of two parts of the Mannors of Hurberton and Brixtham with the Advouson of the Church of Sylverton having been by a Fine levyed in 4 E. 3. setled upon the Issue of his Body with remainder to his right Heirs and for want of such Issue onthe right Heirs of Beatrice his Wife Iohn de Beauchamp of Somersetshire was found to be Cosin and next Heir to her the said Beatrice and at that time Twenty years of Age. LaWarre 27 Edw. 1. THe first mention I find of this Family is in 8 Ioh. at which time that King Ratified to Iohn la Warre the Grant which he had formerly made to him before he attained the Crown of this Realm at the Request of Isabel then his Wife Sister and Co-heir to William Earl of Gloucester of the Lordship of Bristolton a Member of the Honor of Gloucester to hold by the Service of half a Knight's Fee This Iohn died in 14 Ioh. leaving Issue Iordan la Warr his Son and Heir who then paid Two hundred pound for Livery of his Lands Which Iordan soon after taking part with the Rebellious Barons of that Age return'd to his Obedience in 17 Ioh. whereupon giving two Palfreys for his Fine Falcase de Breant and William de Cantilupe being also Pledges for his future Fidelity he was receiv'd into the Kings favor Nevertheless in 48 H. 3. he flew out again but after the Battle of Evesham made his Peace About this time also there was another Sir Iohn de la Warr called junior who after that Battle assisting Henry de Hastings in holding out Kenâ—worth-Castle against the King was casually slain with an Arrow shot from a Cross-bow by the Besiegers To the before mention'd Iordan la Warr succeeded another Iohn which Iohn in 3 E. 1. was Sheriff of Herefordshire To whom succeeded Roger la Warr who in 13 E. 1. obtained the Kings Licence for a Market every week upon the Tuesday at his Mannor of Warre-Wike in Com. Glouc. and for a Fair yearly upon the Munday in Whitson-week and two days following as also for a Fair yearly at Rusteshal in Com. Wilts upon the Eve Day and Morrow of St. Mathew the Apostle Likewise for Free-Warten in all his Demesne-Lands at Strengesham in Com. Wigorn. Lamburne in Com. Berks. Warr-Wike and Rusteshall before mention'd Fokington Torring Chelington Yeverington Beverington and Isefeild in Com. Sus. In 10 E. 1. this Roger having been in that Expedition then made into Wales had scutage of all his own Tenants which held of him by Military Service and in 22 E. 1. the King being then resolved of a Voyage-Royal into France was one of those who had Summons 8 Iunii to repair speedily to him and to yield his advice touching the most important affairs of the Realm Shortly after which having received further Command to be at Porcsmouth well fitted with Horse and Arms upon the first of September next ensuing thence to sayl with him into France he attended him thither accordingly and continued in those parts the next following year So likewise in 25 E. 1. As also in 26 E. 1. being then Governor of the Castle of Burgh upon the Sea in Gafcoigne In 26 E. 1. 28 E. 1. and 29 E. 1. he was in the Wars of Scotland as also in 34 E. 1. and 7 E. 2. and in 8 E. 2. had Summons to be at Newcastle upon Tine on the Festival of the Blessed Virgin 's Assumption well fitted with Horse and Arms to restrain the Incursions of the Scots This Roger Married Clarice the elder of the two Daughters and Co-heirs of Iohn de Tregoz an eminent Baron in Herefordshire And having been summon'd to Parliament from 27 E. 1. to 4 E. 3. inclusive departed this life in 14 E. 2. being then seized of the Mannors of Midleton and Yffeld in Com. Suss. as also of the Mannors of Wyke-Warâ— and Bristlington in Com. Glouc. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir Forty years of age Which Iohn in 25. E. 1. his Father then living was in that Expedition then made into Flanders Likewise in 26 E. 1. in that of Scotland And in 29 E. 1. upon the Death of Clarice his Mother the eldest of the two Daughters and Co-heirs of the before specifyed Iohn de Tregoz had for his purpartie an assignation of the Moyetie of the Lands whereof the said Iohn died seiz'd viz. the Mannor of Emyas-Harold in Com. Heref. Alyngton in Com. Wilts Cheleworth in Com. Somerss and Albrighton in Com. Salop. as also certain Lands in Eskenet in Com. Wilts and Dodington in Com. Northamp In 31 E. 1. this Iohn was again in the Wars of Scotland and the same year obtained the King's Charter to hold a Court-Leet at his Mannor of Albrighton in Com. Salop. In 34 E. 1. in order to that great Expedition then made into Scotland he was one of those which then receiv'd the Honor of Knighthood by Bathing c. having allowance of all his Robes and other Accoutrements out of the King 's great Wardrobe and went thither accordingly but came back without Licence for which respect his Lands and Goods being seised he was constrained to sue out his Pardon But in 35 E. 1. he was again in those Warrs and in 8 E. 2. had Command to be at Newcastle upon Tine on the Festival of the Blessed Virgins Assumption well fitted with Horse and Arms to restrain the Incursions of the Scots In 4 E. 3. he bestowed the Advowson of the Church of UUyketoft in Com. Linc. upon the Monks of Dore in Com. Heref. and in 13 E. 3. was with the King at Uiâ—onfosse ready to give Bâ—ttle to the French would they have stood Also in 14
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
ten Constable and Marshal that his Quarrel was just repaired to the Lists and having so done sheathed his Sword which before he had held naked and putting down his vizor made a Cross on his Horse and with his Sphear in his hand entred Moreover that descending from his Horse he sate down in a chair of green Velvet at the end of the Lists there reposing himself in expectance of his Adversary Furthermore that after Proclamation made by a King at Arms that no Man should approach any part of the Lists upon pain of death except such as were appointed to order or marshal the Field a Herauld cryed Behold here is Henry of Lancaster Duke of Hereford Appellant who is entred into the Lists-Royal to do his devoir against Thomas Moubrary Duke of Norfolk upon pain to be found false and recreant Likewise that the Duke of Norfolk hovered on Horseback at the entry of the Lists his Horse being barded with crimson Velvet richly embroidered with Lyons and Mulberry-Trees and having made his Oath before the Constable and Marshal that his Qurrrel was just and true entred the Lists also and said God ayd him that hath the right and then alighting from his Horse sate down in a Chair of Crimson-velvet curtained about with white and red Damaske Also that after the Earl Marshal had viewed their Sphears to see that they were of equal length and delivered the one to this Duke and sent the other to the Duke of Norfolk by a Knight an Herald proclaimed that the Traverses and Chairs of the Champions should be removed and commanded them both in the Kings Name to mount their Horses and address themselves to the Combat Moreover that hereupon this Duke having got up and closed his Bavier and placed his Sphear in the Rest he set couragiously forward six or seven paces at the found of the Trumpet But that the Duke of Norfolk was not fully set forward when the King cast down his Warder and the Heraulds cryed Ho Ho. And that all this being done the King caused their Sphears to be taken from them commanding them again to their Chairs until he and his Council had deliberated what was best to be concluded in this case Which being done and the Heraulds crying silence the Kings Secretary Sir Iohn Bushie read the Sentence which was That this Duke should within fifteen days depart the Realm not to return for the space of ten years except the King should otherwise think fit And in regard that the Duke of Norfolk had sowed Sedition in the Kingdome he should also be gone and never return nor approach the Confines of England on pain of death Likevvise that the Revenues of his Lands should be stopped till such Moneys of the Kings Treasure as he had taken up for the Garrison of Calais vvere fully paid And that then the King calling them both before him caused them to Svvear that neither of them vvould come in place vvhere the other vvas nor keep company together in any Forreign Countrey Whereupon they departed the Duke of Norfolk going into Almaine and so to Uenice vvhere he died of grief as ' t vvas said And this Duke taking his leave of the King at Eâ—tham vvhere he had four years Release of his Banishment vvent first to 〈◊〉 and then farther into France where having an honorable reception by King Charles the Sixth he had obtain'd the only daughter to the Duke of Berry Uncle to the King in Marriage but that King Richard hindred it Being thus departed he received Letters from his Father advising him rather to go into Castâ—le than into Hungary But his Father growing sick here in England he removed not from Paris where within a short time he had advertisement of his death Soon after which it so hapned that King Richard being necessitated to go into Ireland for suppressing the Irish then in Armes this Realme grew into great distraction Whereupon the Londoners sent for this Duke promising him their assistance in case he would accept of the Government Having therefore such encourâ—gement as also considerable aide from the Duke of Britanny he took shipping at le port Blanc and landed at Ravenspur upon the mouth of Humber in Yorkshire Whereupon divers of the Northern Lords repaired k to him so that when he came to Doncaster he had a considerable Army the Commons in all places inclining to him Whence Marching to Evesham in Worcestershire and so to Berkeley in Com. Gloc. he came to Bristoll all the Castles in those parts yielding to him Of which King Richard having Advertisement he hasted back into England and landed in Wales Where finding that he was almost totally forsaken he went to Conway-Castle in Com. Caernarvon This Duke therefore understanding where he was bent his course to Chester and thence sent for a safe Conduct that he might speak with him Which being granted he imployed the Earl of Northumâ—erland upon that Affair Who proposed that a Parliament might be called wherein Justice might be had against those Enemies of the Common-wealth who had been procurers of the Duke of Glocester's death and the death of other Noble Men as also Pardon for this Duke for what he had done Soon after which he came himself thither And having mustred his Army in the sight of the Castle walkt in to the outer Ward where seeing the King come out he made a reverend obeysance towards him and going on did so a second and third time the King then taking him by the hand and bidding him welcome Whereupon humbly thanking him he said That the cause of his coming was to have restitution of his Inheritance Unto which the King readily assented and called for Wine After which mounting on Horsback they rode to Flynt and so to Chester Thence to Nantwich and so the common rode to London Where he was receiv'd with all expressions of joy But the King being sent to the Tower though a Parliament was called in his Name divers Articles were exhibited there against him whereby he was thought worthy to be Deposed with intimation how fit it might be for him to resign his Right in the Government to this Duke Seeing therefore no remedy but to assent an Instrument was drawn to that purpose as also an open Clayme to the Crown made by this Duke Whereupon he was solemnly placed on the Royal Throne But the particular Formalities at that time used in this business and what else is memorable of him after he became King by the Name of Henry thâ— Fourth I leave to the Relation of our Historians Froisard saith o That King Richard fearing his own life sent for this Duke to the Tower and bewayling his condition offer'd a Resignation of the Crown to him And that this Duke
And in consideration of these his great services was by Letters Patents bearing date 24 Iunii 21 H. 6. advanced to the dignity of Marquess Dorâ—et In 23 H. 6. being still in these Wars he gain'd much plunder from the Cities of â—ritanny and in 24 H. 6. was constituted Regent of Noâ—mandy the Duke of York being then discharged of that trust In which time of his Regency Caen being besieg'd he rendred it to the French upon Articles Whereat the Duke of York then in Ireland took such distast that he never rested till he brought him to ruine In 26 H. 6. he was by a special Charter bearing date ult Martii created Duke of Somerteâ— and in 27 H. 6. endeavoured to recover Larch by a Treaty Shortly after this he was with the Lord Talbot at Roan when that City was taken by the French being constrain'd to retreat to the Castle In 29 H. 6. he was made Constable of England 10 Sept. And the same year being again in Normandy discerning all lost was necessitated to betake himself to his Ships Soon after which to add to his misfortunes though the Insurrection of Iack Cade was quieted the Duke of York taking advantage of these Tosses and Troubles aiming at no less than the Royal Throne endeavoured to make new Disturbances Whereupon this Duke spared for neither paines nor cost to withstand him And in 30 H. 6. having intelligence that the Duke of York was come into Wales attended the King into those parts York therefore bending his course another way came up to Black-heath in Kent with a great Power and there accused this Duke for an evil Counsellor but finding himself not strong enough at that time to carry on the worke he offered that if this Duke to whose charge he laid all the Miscarriages which had hapned and as the greatest disturber of the Publick Peace might be secured he would readily lay down Armes Whereunto by way of Recrimination he answered that York ought to be condemn'd as a Traytor for conspiring the death of the King to the end he might Reign himself Which sharp return increased the Rancour of York more and more so that he insinuated to the People that this Duke had been the chief cause of all the miseries and Mischiefs which had befallen the Realm Whereupon he was Arrested in the Queen's Chamber and sent to the Tower of London and not only so but Articles exhibited against him in Parliament But the King favouring him all he could upon the fourth of Febr. 33 H. 6. sent his Precept to the Constable of the Tower for his Enlargement Which so highly discontented York that he fell to raising what Power he could and having gain'd the two Nevills viz. the Earl of Salisbury the Father and Warwick the son most potent Men in that time to his Party met him and the chief strength of the Lancastrians at St. Albans Where after a sharp and bloody Fight from break of the day to nine of the Clock amongst divers other persons of Quality he had the fate to be slain Whereupon his Corps had Burial in the Abby-Church there Leaving issue by Alianore his Wife one of the daughters and coheirs to Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick three sons viz. Henry Beaufort his immediate Successor Edmund who succeeded him and Iohn slain in the Battel of Tewksbury As also five daughters Alianore first married to Iames Boteler Earl of Wilthshire after to Sir Robert Spenser Knight Ioane to the Lord Hoth of Ireland afterwards to Sir Richard Fry Knight Anne to Sir William Paston Knight Margaret first to Humphrey Earl Stafford after to Sir Richard Darell Knight and Elizabeth to Sir Henry Lewes Knight Which Henry Beaufort so succeeding him in his Lands and Honors bearing the Title of Earl of Morteigne in his Fathers life-time was sent in 14 H. 6. to Calais with Fifteen hundred Men and store of Victual for the reinforcing of that Garrison upon intelligence that the Duke of Burgundy did then make preparations to assault it And in 17 H. 6. arriving at Chierburgh with Four hundred Archers and three hundred Speares passed through Normandy till he came into the County of Maine and there lâ—ying siege to the Castle of Anian took it by storme and soon after that the Castle of Alegerche Adhering also to the Lancastrian Interest as his Father did in 36 H. 6. he was constituted Lieutenant and Governor of the Isle of Wiht with the Castle of Caresbroke In 37 H. 6 made Captain of Calais and in 38 H. 6 retein'd to serve the King as Captain of Calais and Tower of Kysbank with the Marches thereabouts for Twelve yeares And soon after this it being observ'd that Edward Earl of March with the Earles of Salisbury and Warwick were gotten thither with a considerable strength he had a special Commission authorizing him to receive any of those who had thus rebelliously possess'd themselves of that Garrison to the King's grace and Favour in case they would submit thereto But herein being not powerful enough to effect what he desired he went to 〈◊〉 and there made Skirmishes with the adverse party Which thenceforth increased to fast and grew so potent that within eight Moneths following giving Battel to the King's Forces at Towton in Yorkshire upon the Twelfth of March An. 1461. 39 H. 6. they obtained an absolute Victory whereby the Earl of March who through the power of Nevill Earl of Warwick and assistance of great numbers from Essex Kent and other Counties upon his entrance of London had been declared King was strengthened in the Royal Throne That day therefore proving thus fatal to the Lancastrians this Henry then being with the King at York as some say fled with him forthwith to Newcastle and thence to Barwick which was thereupon delivered to the Scots in hope of some aid from them in this desperate condition But others affirm that after the King came to Barwick this Duke despairing of any help left him and to engratiate himself with King Edward delivered up the Castle of Bamburgh to him and thereupon siding with him obtained a Grant of a Thousand Marks per annum Also that the next year following scilicet An. 1463. 3 E. 4. hearing that Queen Margaret was returned out of France into Scotland with considerable Forces and that she had entred Northumburland taken the Castle of Bamburgh and was marching on towards the Bishoprick he revolted again and fled to the Lancastrian party But this shifting proved fatal to him For Iohn Nevill then Lord Montacute upon the Newes thereof being sent into Northumberland with a great Power gave them Battel near
Indenture of Covenants reteyned Iames Earl of Ormund to be his Deputy there But in 29 H. 6. so great were the losses in France Burdeaux and Baâ—on the last Cities of Gascoine rendring to the French that with the Duke of Somerset he became necessitated to quit the Countrey and went into Ireland Whence shortly after taking advantage of those losses and the great disturbances at home by domestique Insurrections whereof that of the Kentishmen headed by Iack Cade was not the least he returned and bethinking with himself how to set the Crown upon his own Head being the lineal Heir made to Edmund of Langley fifth Son to King Edward the Third and right Heir to Leonel Duke of Clarence third Son to the same King by Anne his Mother Daughter to Roger and Sister and Heir to Edmund Mortimer Earl of March he entred into consulation with Thomas Courtney Earl of Devon Edward Broke Lord Cobham and some others how he might effect it without any blemish of disloyalty In regard therefore that Edmund Duke of Somerset was the chief prop to King Henry both in Council and Action it was resolved in the first place to take him off But keeping his main purpose secret it was concluded that he should raise what power he could under pretence of removing certain evil Councellors and to vindicate the peoples Injuries thereby occasioned Of which Evil Councellors the Duke of Somerset was the person only pointed at in regard the vulgar â—ort had a bad opinion of him for the loss of Normandy To which end he levyed an Army of about ten thousand Men in the Marches of Wales openly declaring that what he did therein was for the general good of the Realm The King therefore being aware of the danger got together what Forces he could and marcht towards him but he through notice thereof diverting his intended course another way came up into Kent and about a mile from Dertford encamped Of which the King being advertised he marcht to Black Health And whilst he lay there sent the Bishop of Winchester and others to him to know the true cause of his appearance in such a Warlike posture Whereunto he answered that it was neither to injure him nor any good Man but to remove some evil disposed persons of his Council who were oppressors of the Nobility Clergy and Commons instancing the Duke of Somerset whom if the King would commit to ward to answer the charge that should be laid against him he would disband his Army and submit himself as an obedient Subject Whereupon for prevention of more mischief it was condescended to that the said Duke should be secured or confined to his own House But so it hapned that the Kentish-men falling off and the Kings Forces increasing he discerned his danger and came to the King submissively by mediation of some of the Nobles whereupon he obtained pardon for what had passed and attending him to London there publickly made Oath in the Cathedral of St. Paul that thenceforth he would never attempt any thing against him or any of his Liege-people but remain a True Loyal and Obedient Subject and for farther confirmation thereof solemnly took the Sacrament Howbeit after this coming again to the King and finding the Duke of Somerset at liberty he boldly accused him of Treason but had the like charge by that Duke retorted on himself Which caused the King to take him to Westminster where having called a great Council of his Nobles the Duke of Somerset moved that he might acknowledge his offence and suffer death being well assured that his design was to set up himself in the Royal Throne Nevertheless his submission and solemn Oath again made salved all for the present so that till he found a fit opportunity he continued quiet But then viz. in 32 H. 6. he began to stir again using all his endeavor for the destruction of the Duke of Somerset concluding that if he were taken away his own design would thrive the better He likewise then practised to beget a dislike of the King in the hearts of the people as a person wanting discretion not fit to govern And the better to accomplish his ends took the Nevills into his Party viz. Richard Earl of Salisbury the Father and Richard the Son Earl of Warwick persons of no small power and interest at that time his Wife being Sister to the Earl of Salisbury And having thus linked himself with these great Men so ordered the matter that the Duke of Somerset was arrested in the Queens great Chamber and sent to the Tower Articles of High Treason being also exhibited against him in the Parliament then assembled whereby the loss of Normandy and other places were laid to his charge At that time likewise the King being desperately sick his strength and power did not a little increase Which when he saw he made his address to the Pope for Absolution from those Solemn Oaths which he formerly made But the Kings recovery altered the Scene puting such courage into the Lancastrians that the Duke of Somerset was set at liberty and made Captain of Calais which gave much discontent to the people and many of the Nobles whereof this Duke made such advantage as that through the help of Salisbâ—ry and Warwick with other of his party he raised another Army in the Marches of Wales The King therefore hearing thereof did the like about London Whereupon after some Messages and Answers meeting at St. Albans they had a sharpe Battle in which this Duke having the day many brave Men lost their lives amongst whom his greatest Antagonist the Duke of Somerset was one Upon which notable Success coming to the King he told him that he had much cause to rejoyce for that the common Enemy of the Realm was dispatched meaning the Duke of Somerset and that now both himself and his Adherents would during life remain his faithful and liege people After which a Parliament being called he was made Protector of the Realm until Prince Edward should arrive to years of discretion the Earl of Salisbury Lord Chancellor and the Earl of Warwick Captain of Calais so that the Kings name should be only made use of and the power of Rule wholly in him But thereat some of the most potent of the Nobles started not a little of which number Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset whose Father had been so slain at St. Albans and Humphrey Stafford Duke of Buckingham whose eldest Son also lost his life there in that quarrel were the chief who consulting with the Queen caused him to be discharged of his Protectorship and Salisbury from his Office of Chancellor Whereupon 4 Martii 33 H. 6. he resigned his
but marching downwards came in to the King his Brother about three Miles Southward from the Town of Warwick Nevertheless though he so did he left no means unassayed to work a Reconciliation betwixt that Earl and King Edward unto which he found the King inclinable enough So that it might very well have been effected had it not been for the obstinacy of that haughty spirited Earl of Warwick Whereupon he marcht with the King towards the City of London into which entring upon the eleventh of Aprill King Henry was delivered up to them In the mean time the Earl of Warwick being come up to St. Albans and King Edward resolving to encounter him both Armies met on a plain called Gladmore-â—eath near Barnet upon Easter-day 30 April where King Edward placing his Brother the Duke of Glocester in the Van and with the assistance of this Duke leading the main Battel himself the Lord Hastings commanding the Rear a sharp Fight ensued wherein Warwick was slain and his whole Army routed Shortly aftger which viz. 4 Maii next following those of the Lancastrian-pary then unsubdued making head again in Glocestershire were met with at Tewksbury and there utterly destroyed At which time Prine Edward son to King H. 6. being taken prisoner and asked by King Edward How he durst bear Armes against him Answering To recover his Fathers Kingdome and Heritage this George Duke of Clarence with his Brother Richard Duke of Glocester and the Lord Hastings suddenly Murthered y him in cold blood A most barbarous and unmanly Act not one of them afterwards enjoying much content in this World but coming in a short space to untimâ—ly deaths Having therefore in these greatest Exigencies stuck thus stoutly to his Brother in the very same year viz. 11. E. 4. the Parliament then siting he did there with divers other of the Peers recognize his Right and Swear Fealty to Edward his eldest son And in 12 E. 4. in consideration of that his Marriage with Isabel the eldest daughter and coheir to the said Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick and Salisbury was by special Letters patents bearing date 25 Martii created Earl of Warwick and Salisbury with the Fee of Twenty pounds per annum issuing out of each of the Counties of Warwickshire and Wiltshire to himself and the heirs male of his Body for the better support of those dignities Moreover he obtain'd a Grant for life of the Lordship of Clavering in Com. Essex as also of the Mannor of Newport paynell and Parke of Tyford in Com. Buck. with the Mannor of Solâ—hull and Park of Fulbroke in Com. Warr. And likewise of a certain House called The Herber in the City of London and of the Castle and Lordship of Nore-end After which in 14 E. 4. he was retein'd by Indenture to serve the King with One hundred and twenty men at Armes and a Thousand Archers And by Letters Patents bearing date 18 Iulii had a grant in special tail of two parts of the Mannor of Ros in Holdernessâ— In 15 E. 4. he was at the Enterview at Piquenni near Amiens betwixt King Edward and the King of France And in 16 E. 4. had a grant in special tail of the Lordship and Mannor of Ludgarsale in Com. Wilts with all the Knights Fees thereto belonging As also in 17 E. 4. another in reversion after the death of Margery Lady Roos of the Castle and Mannor of Helmesâ—ey in Com. Ebor. But after all this the King being jealous k of him designâ—d his destruction It is reported by our Historians that he did endeavour to possess the people that the King his Brother used by Negromancie or Poison to make away those that he hated Also that he was a Bastard and therefore not fit to Reign Moreover that he himself had procured divers of the Kings subjects to be sworn to him and his heirs without reservation of their Allegiance to the King It was likewise then said that the King was much tâ—rrified by a Prophesie that a person whose name began with G should succeed him in the Government which afterwards in truth was fulfilled in the Duke of Glocester Others gave out that this Duke having buried his Wife did by the help of Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy his sister endeavour to obtain Mary the only daughter to Charles Duke of Burgundy and that King Edward maligning his advantage thereby hindred it which revived the old Grudge betwixt them Which of these in particular was the chief cause of the distast then taken against him by the King is hard to say but certain it is that being offended with him he caused him to be imprison'd and that soon after he was Murthered by drowning in a Butt of Malmsey By the Inquisition taken after his death it was found that he died that is to say that he was so Murthered 18 Feb. 17 E. 4. being then seised of the Mannor of Bretâ—ys in Com. Essex As also of the Mannors of Hauâ—bere Iwarn Courtney Ebberton Ramsam Wroxhall Child-Frome Ientcome Maperton Pound-Knoll Hoggs-Toller and of the Castle and Mannor of Corff in Com. Dorset of the Mannors of Somerâ—on Erle Kyngesdone Crukerne Hunspill Misterton Grove Exton Charleton Makerell Dunhede and Stoke Michell in Com. somerset of the Mannor and Burrough of Tyverton the Mannors and Lorships of Plympton and Okehampton of the Burrough of Challeghe and Mannors of Collcome and Whiteford in com Devon of the Mannors of Shemoke Weston Tony Trelowye Portlo Port-pigham Crofthale Northyll and Landeer in com Cornub. of the Mannor of Bassyngburne in Com. Cantabr of the Mannors of Frampton Wykes Boston on the East-side of the Water Gayton with the Soke Momby with the sokes Washyngburgh Futâ—ek Ledenham two parts of the Mannors of Freston and Boston on the West-side the Water of the Castle and Lordship of Somerton of the reversion of the Mannors of Barton and Stewton immediately after the death of Katherine then Dutchess of Norffolk and of the reversion of the third part of the said Mannors of Freston and Boston on the West-part the Water after the death of Margery Lady Roos Likewise of two parts of the Mannor of Ros in Holderness as also of the reversion of the Castle and Mannor of Helmesley in Com. Ebor. after the decease of the said Margery Lady Roos and of the Mannor of Solyhull in Com. Warr. Edward his son and heir being at that time three years of age and upwards Soon after which he was attainted in the Parliament begun at Westminster upon the sixteenth day of Ianuary He likewise left issue by the same Lady Isabell his Wife one daughter called Margaret married to Sir Richard Pole Knight of whom I shall say more when I come to speak of Henry her son who was advanced to the title of Lord Montague by King Henry the Eighth But
I return to Edward who bore the title of Earl of Warwick only This Edward soon after the death of King Edward the Fourth being then about eight years of age was sent from York to the Castle of Shiriff-Hoton in that County by Richard Duke of Clocester his Uncle there to be secured that Duke then designing to Murther his two Nephews sons to King Edward the fourth and to make himself King Where he continued till Henry Earl of Richmund having slain King Richard in Battel at Bosworth-Field attain'd the Crown And then King Henry being jealous that some time or other being the last and only remaining Male-branch of the House of Yorke he might disturb his quiet caused him to be removed to the Tower of London where he was kept up in a more close and strait Imprisonment During which restraint an Insurrection being raised in Ireland under colour of setting him up as the only Male Plantaginet then alive one Lambert Simnell was instructed to personate him Whereupon to manifest that Lambert was a Counterfeit this Edward was brought forth and exposed to view in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul at London being then about fifteen years of age But afterwards viz. in 13 H. 7. upon that other endeavor by the Dutchess of Burgundy and some others who were Adversaries to the Lancastrian Family to set up Perkyn Warbeâ— another counterfeit instead of Richard the younger Son of King Edward the Fourth under colour that the said Richard had escaped that cruel Murther with his elder Brother King Edward the Fifth which t was generally believed he then suffered and got beyond Sea King Henry the Seventh to prevent any farther danger by this Edward pretended that he knew something of an Escape which Perkyn intended to have made out of the Tower whence strange Inferences were at that time raised took advantage thereby to cut off his Head Whereas in truth the real cause was that King Henry being upon a Treaty with Ferdinand King of Spaine for a Marriage on the behalf of Prince Arthur his eldest Son and the Lady Catherine Daughter to the same Ferdinand and finding that the Spaniard thought King Henry's Title to have no sure Foundation whilst this Branch of a Plantaginet was extant had a mind to dispatch him out of the World for the fairer effecting whereof a Commission was granted to Iohn Earl of Oxford then High Steward of England to Arraign him for that pretended offence Which was accordingly done 21 Nov. 15 H. 7. care being taken to instruct him that by confessing himself guilty he should be sure to find mercy from the King With which fair promises being caught he pleaded as they directed him and so betraying his life into the hands of those that so eagerly sought it had Judgment of death passed upon him and accordingly was Beheaded on Tower Hill upon the 28 th day of the same Month of November After which viz. 25 Ian. 19 H. 7. the better to countenance what was done he was attained in the Parliament then held So that all the favor he had was that being thus put to death his Body should be sent to the Abby of Bisham in Com. Berks. and there buryed with his Ancestors Which cruel dealing we may well fear to have been some cause of Gods Judgments upon K. Hen. the Seaventh's postesity as well as upon that noble Lady Katherine who became so sensible thereof when King Henry the Eighth her Second Husband prosecuted the Divorce betwixt them that she expressed as some have observed that it was the hand of God for that to clear the way to her Marriage the innocent Earl of Warwick was put to unworthy death And if it be seriously considered what befel that Earl of Oxford who gave Sentence of death upon him we may have cause enough to think that he did not well therein For having within a short time after lost the Kings favor and been fined at thirty thousand pounds for a very small offence he spent the rest of his life in discontent and departed this World without any lawful Issue ¶ I now come to Richard the other Son to the before-specified Richard Duke of Yorke and younger Brother to George Duke of Clarence This Richard being advanced to the Title of Duke of Gloucester in the Parliament held in 1 E. 4. shortly after the Coronation of that King was thereupon constituted Lord Admiral of England and for the better support of his dignity obtained a grant of the Fee Farm of Gloucester as also of the Office of Constable of Corf-Castle with the Lordship of Kyngeston Lacy in Com. Dors. Likewise of the Honor and Lordship of Richmund in Com. Ebor. Also of the Town of Chepyng-Norton in Com. Oxon. and of the Mannors of Saxton great-Campes Abiton magna and Swasham in Com. Cantab. of the Mannors of Polenethorn Penhal Tremokret Crevelyn Argalles Trewynyan and Droungolan in Com. Cornub. of the Mannors of Over-Hall and Nether-Hall in Levenham and Mannors of Aldham Preston Mendham and Cokefeld called Erles-Holl in Com. Suff. of the Castles and Mannors of Henham and Gelham parva with the Mannors of Uaux Bumstede called Countes-Medwe in Bumstede Nelion Canfeld magna Stansted Moâ—stchet Bumstede ad Turrim called Gebons Earles-Colne Creppyng Bentlegh magna Crustwiche Fyngrythe Dodynghurst Preyers Boure-Hall in Hyngham Creyes Eston-Hall Tileby Beamond Dounham and the Office of Forester in Com. Essex of the Mannors of Kensyngton and Watehurst in Com. Midd. Calverton in Com. Bedf. Milton and Paston in Com. Northampt. Market-Oâ—erton in Com. Rut. Flete and Batelesmere in Com. Cantii all which were part of the possessions of Iohn Earl of Oxford attainted And the next ensuing year another Grant of all the Castles Lordships Mannors and Lands both in England and UUales which did belong to Henry de Beaufort late Duke of Somerâ—et likewise attainted Moreover in 8 E. 4. he obtained a Grant of the Mannor of Fareley with its Members in Com. Somers Haightesbury and Tefont in Com. Wilts and of divers othe Mannors and Lordships part of the possessions of Robert Lord Hungerford attainted Likewise of the Town of Bedmynster with its Members in Com. Glouc. with all other the Lands in that County and in the Realm of England late belonging to Alianore Dutchess of Somerset and which by the attainder of Henry late Duke of Somerset and Edmund his Brother escheated to the Crown In 9 E. 4. he was made Constable of England as also Justice of North-Wales and South-Wales In 10 E. 4. Warden of the West-Marches towards Scotland Also the same year when King Edward his Brother being in such danger through the power of Nevill Earl of Warwick as I have elsewhere where shewed that he saw himself necessitated to get into Flanders he accompanied him thither in that his distress And upon his
deteins by thy wicked Council or such as thou art which will neverâ— be for his Advantage I think If thou beest so much concerned for the Kings profit why hast thou coveteously taken from him a thousand Marks per annum since thou wast made an Earl Which expression soon silenced the Chancellor In this year being a Banneret he was reteined to serve the King in his Scotish Wars for forty days and obtained a Grant to himself and the Heirs Male of his body of five hundred pounds per annum Lands part of the Possessions of William de Vfford late Earl of Suffolk deceased viz. the Castle Town Mannor and Honor of Eye and a Discharge from the farther payment of twenty eight shillings and five pence Renâ— which he had usually paid for the Mannor of Costley in Com. Norff. as also of ten pound yearly Rent payable to the Queen for the same Mannor Likewise of ten pound per annum more due out of the same Mannor to the Abbot of Bona Requie in France and of twenty pound yearly due to the King out of the Issues of the County of Suffolk by which Patent he had also a Grant of twenty pound per annum to be paid unto him as Earl of Suffolk out of the Issues of the same County In this year he caused a great number of Souldiers from all parts of the Realm to come up near London to the end they might be ready to resist the French in case they should attempt an Invasion But the Parliament then sitting he was much complained of by the Commons for divers Misdemeanors and Frauds and in particular for purchasing Lands whilst he was Chancellor in deception of the King and being found guilty therein was adjudged worthy of death and that all his Estate should be forfeited Whereupon Sentence was given that all his Lands so puâ—â—hased should be seised into the Kings hands Nevertheless upon dissolving of that Parliament divers wealthy Men obliging themselves for him in great sums of Money the King received him into his protection but to quit his Office of Chancellor It is said that the King by the consent of Parliament having promised Ayde to the Inhabitants of Gant in Flanders then besieged by the French and to send them Men at Arms and Archers to the charge of six thousand Marks they were defrauded thereof by this Michael Also that Baldwin de Radinton having taken two Ships from the French for a great summe of Money he gave a Warrant under the great Seal to let them go Likewise that being accused and convicted of divers transgressions frauds and abuses to the great damage of the King and his people he was sent Prisonor to Windsore-Castle and that his Lands and Possessions then valued at a thousand pounds per annum were by judgment of Parliament confiscated to the King besides that he was condemned in the summe of twelve thousand pounds more for satisfaction of the Commons Whereupon and fearing danger from the Duke of Gloucester and other of the great Lords then powerful he attended the King into Wales at such time as he accompanied the Duke of Ireland towards the Sea Coast. But soon after this the King discerning the potency of those Lords in order to the regaining of his own power endeavored to raise what Forces he could Whereof the Duke of Gloucester having notice to quality his wrath made Oath that he never had thought of evil towards him but had used all the means he could to promote his Honor and Profit in every thing yet ingeniously confessed that he loved not the Duke of Ireland and that he neither looked nor could look with a cheerful countenance upon him in regard he had abused his and the Kings Kinswoman by repudiating her and that he resolved to be revenged on him Of all which the Bishop of London making relation to the King and expressing what credit he gave to that which the Duke of Gloucester had sworn this Michael being present and fearing that in case the King and the Duke of Glocester should well accord it might tend much to his detriment he thereupon spoke certain words against the Duke with purpose to irritate the King against him Which occasion'd the Bishop of London to say Hold thy peace Michael it doth not become thee to speak thus Whereunto replying Why say'st thou so The Bishop return'd Because thou wast condemn'd in the last Parliament and 't is meerly through the King's grace and favour that thou livest But the King being not well pleased with the Bishop for saying thus bad him be gone to his Church Discontents therefore daily increasing the Great Lords put themselves in Armes and met at Haringey-Parke near High-gate Whence coming to Westminster-Hall they laid Treason to the charge of this Michael and many others Hereupon seeing himself in such danger he fled privily to â—alais and being got thither Shaved his Beard and changed his Habit carrying meat upon his shoulders as if it had been to sell until he came to the Gates of the Castle the Captain thereof being at that time Edmund de la Pole his Brother to whom he was hardly known by reason of that disguise But at length discerning the cause of his coming in such a sort with desire to be there concealed he said Brother you must know that I dare not be false to the King of England for the sake of any Kindred whatsoever nor admit you in without the privity of William de Beauchamp Governor of this Town And accordingly sent to acquaint him therewith desiring his leave to shelter him for a time Which he thereupon obtaining had liberty to go at large wheresoever he pleased Others say that he did not only shave his Beard but his Head and feigning himself to be a Flemish Poulterer carried Capons in a Panyer to the Gates of the Castle to sell to the end he might by this Disguise come to this Brother then Captain of that Castle without suspicion but that being discovered he was taken and brought before William de Beauchamp then Governor of the Town and that he carried him to London to the King Also that the King being highly displeased with Beauchamp for so doing discharged him of his Governorship of Caâ—ais and gave leave to this Michael to go to Hull Moreover that after this being summon'd to the Parliament and appearing not to make answer to such Articles as were then exhibited against him he was Cut-lawed Which of these Relations is truest I cannot say but that he fled out of England is out of doubt and never return'd For certain it is that he died at Paris upon the fifth of September 12 Rich. 2. And that at the time of his forfeiture
two Faires the one on the Festival of the Apostles Peter and Paul the other on the Feast day of St. Hugh in Winter And in 18 H. 6. obtained a grant of the Mannors of Neddyng and Ketelberston in Com. Suff. to himself and the heirs of his Body by the before-specified Alice his wife Which Lordships by reason of a former grant to the said Sir Iohn Phelip and her the said Alice and to the issue of their Bodies he dying without issue were at that time in the Crown as parcel of the possessions of Henry Lord Scrope of Masham then attainted Moreover in 21 H. 6. in consideration of his manifold services formerly perform'd and the services of Alice his Wife he obtain'd a Grant to himself and the said Alice and to the issue-male of their two Bodies in case Humphrey Duke of Glocester should happen to die withâ—â— issue of his Body of the Name Title and Honor of Earl of Pembroke and for the better support of the same Honor of the Castle and Lordship of Kilgaran and Commots of Estrelaw Treyne and Seyn-Clare with their Appurtenances As also of the Lordship of Landstephan all in Wales To hold to himself and the said Alice and the Issue-male of their two Bodies but for lack of such issue to revert to the Crown In 22 Hen. 6 th being one of the Embassadors sent into France to treat of Peace betwixt both Realmes he was specially instrumental for accomplishing the Marriage betwixt King Henry and Margaret daughter to Reiner King of Sicily Furthermore in 23 H. 6. in consideration of his great merits he was advanced to the Title of Marquess of Suffolk and to the heirs-male of his body by Cincture with a Sword and putting a Coronet of Gold upon his head with a grant of Thirty five pounds yearly out of the Issues of the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk his Patent bearing date at Eltham 14 Sept. Whereupon he obtained another Grant to himself and the said Alice his wife and to the heirs of their two Bodies of the before-specified Mannors of Neddyng and Kettilberston to hold by the service of carrying a Golden Scepter with a Dove on the head of it upon the Coronation-day of the Kings heirs and successors As also another Scepter of Ivorie with a Golden Dove on the head thereof upon the day of the Coronation of the then Queen and all other Queens of England in time to come At the same time likewise he obtain'd License to hold a Court-Leet of all his Tenants and Inhabitants within the Towns and Lordships of Est Wordlam and West Wordlam in Com. Southampt with Assise of Bread and Ale and divers other Liberties with a Grant of the Wardships of Anne Countess of Warwick and of Margaret sole heir to Iohn Duke of Somerset Being at that time also great Steward of the Kings Houshold he was sent into Sicilie to perform the solemnity of Marriage with Margaret the daughter to the King of that Province as a Proxie on the behalf of King Henry and to conduct her into England Whereupon in the moneth of November the same year with his wife and divers noble persons he began his journey through France to that purpose and at Tours in Tureine honorably espoused her in the Church of St. Martin The same year he was also one of the Embassadors sent with the Arch-bishop of York and Humphrey Duke of Buckingham into France to treat of peace betwixt both Realms And in consideration of his long stay and great expences there upon that occasion and touching that Marriage obtain'd a Grant to himself and the said Alice in case he should depart this life leaving his heir in minority that she the said Alice with his Executors should have the Wardship and Marriage of his heir In 24 Hen. 6. he was again one of the Embassadors sent to treat of Peace with the French And upon his return 2 Iunii in the first Session of that Parliament then heldâ— he openly declared what he had done and thereupon advised that Provisions necessary for a War should be forthwith made left the French discerning an advantage might lay hold thereon and break the Truce The like he did the next day to the Commons desiring that what he had effected for the Publick in that great Embassie might for his discharge be Enrolled in the Records of Parliament Wherein the Lords concurring it was done accordingly Shortly after which being highly in favour with the Queen he was made Lord Chamberlain viz. 24 Febr. And in August following Lord High Admiral of England And obtained the Wardship of the Body and Lands of the Countess of Warwick as also of the Lady Margaret sole daughter and heir to Iohn Beaufort Duke of Somerset afterwards Mother to King Henry the Seventh causing the King to create Iohn de Foix son to Gaston de Foix Earl of Longavile Earl of Kendal Which Iohn had married his Neice And procured Gaston himself and him the said Iohn to be elected Knights of the Garter as also a Grant to him the said Iohn de Foix of a Thousand pounds per annum Furthermore through his great power with the Queen in 26 Hen. 6. bearing at that time the Title of Marquess of Suffolk and Earl of Pembroke he was created Duke of Suffolk and to the heirs-male of his Body with the Fee of Forty pounds per annum out of the Fee-ferme of Ipswich his patent bearing date 2 Iunii Which advancement is reputed to have been for advising the Murther of the Duke of Glocester But soon after this all things succeeding unprosperously both at home and abroad through want of prudence in Government the common sort of people made grievous Exclamations against him laying to his charge whatsoever was amiss and in particular that he was the only cause of the loss of Anjou and Maine and likewise of all Normandy Next that by his contrivance the good Duke of Glocester viz. Humphrey the King's Uncle had been Murthered Moreover that he had devoured the King's Treasure Removed those Counsellors which were good and virtuous and advanced such as were wicked and vicious Likewise that he had wasted the Publick Treasure of the Realm detein'd the Soldiers pay and not sent them fit supply And though the Queen having a sight of the approaching storme caused the Parliament begun at Black-friers in London to be Adjourn'd to Leicester supposing thereby to divert the danger thereof from him and her self yet would it not avail For so few of the Nobility came to Leicester that they were necessitated to Adjourn it back to Westminster Where being met the Commons exhibited divers Articles against him containing matter of Treason and Misprision besides many great Misdemenors Whereupon he was commited to the Tower But within a
of xx l. To the said Preacher and his Successors x l. And to the Chantry Priest of Winburne x l. Likewise where King Henry the Sixth of blessed memory did purpose to have ordained in a place in Cambridge then called God's-House Scholars to the number of threescore there to learn and study in all liberal Science in which place was formerly never above the number of four for lack of exhibition She obtained farther Licence and did found in the same place a Colledge called Christ-Colledge consisting of a Master twelve Scholars-Fellows and forty seven Scholars-Disciples there to be perpetually maintained She also appointed that her Executors should cause to be made in the Chappel where her Body was to be Interred a convenient Tomb and one Altar or two in the same Chappel for those two Chantry-Masses there perpetually to be said Likewise that the Hospital of St. Iohns in Cambridge should be dissolved thereof to found a Colledge of secular persons viz. a Master and fifty Scholars with divers Servants and that the said Colledge should be new built and sufficiently endow'd with Lands For the performance of all which things she willed that her Executors should take the Issues and profits of her Lands put in Feoffment in the Counties of Devon Somerset and Northt And having liv'd to see the Coronation of her Grandson King Henry the Eighth departed this life upon the 29 th of Iune in the first year of his Reign Whereupon she had Burial on the South side of that Royal Chappel according to her appointment with this Epitaph upon her Tomb Margaretae Richmondiae septimi Henrici Matri Octâ—vi Aviae quae stipendia constituit tribus hoc Coenobio Monachis Doctori Grammatices apud Wimborne perque Angliam totam divini verbi Praeconi duobus item Interpretibus literarum sacrarum alteri Oxoniae alteri Cantabrigiae ubi Collegia duo Christo Iohanni ejus discipulo struxit Moritur an Domini 1509. tertio Calend. Iulii Having thus brought this great Lady to her Grave I pass on to Henry Earl of Richmund her Son the happy uniter of the long divided Houses of Yorke and Lancaster who was but fifteen Weeks old at his Father's Death in 35 H. 6. as before is observ'd Of this Earl that which I first find memorable is that upon the readeption of the Throne by King Henry the Sixth in an 1470. 10 E. 4. which he enjoy'd not many Months his Uncle Iasper Earl of Pembroke coming into Wales took him from the Wife of William Herbert whom King Edward gaining the Crown had made Earl of Pembroke with which Lady he had been well educated and brought him to London being then scarce ten years of Age unto King Henry and that he looking stedfastly upon him beheld such a Soveraignty in his Countenance that he prophetically said This is he unto whom we and our Adversaries must give place meaning that he should afterwards enjoy the Crown of this Realm But the Tide soon turning the other way through the restoration of King Edward by those Victories which he obtain'd against the Lancastrians first at Barneâ—-field the same year and soon after at Tewksbury Iasper being closely pursued thought it neither saâ—e for himself nor for this Earl his Nephew to stay longer in England and therefore set Sail with him and some other of his Friends from the Port of Tynby in Pembrokeshire with purpose to get into France but by accident landed in Britanny Whereupon he address'd himself to Francis then Duke of that Province and making known the cause of their coming thither humbly besought his Protection which he most readily granted giving them both very honourable entertainment and promising them full freedom to go and return at their pleasure Of all which King Edward having notice and fearing that in time he might again receive some disturbance from thofe of that party he employ'd Dr. Stillington and two other private Messengers to that Duke with offer of large gifts for the delivery of either of these Earls into his Hands But to this he answered that though he could not assent thereto by reason that he had given them Protection he would be sure to take care that King Edward should not receive any damage thence And finding that his detinue of them there would be of such high consequence remov'd their own Servants placing of his own about them to be in the nature of a Guard Notwithstanding all which King Edward was not yet satisfied and therefore once more by his Embassadors attempted that Duke with fresh offers of most ample Rewards in Case he would deliver him up and to the end that those his desires might seem plauâ—ible instructed them to assure him that there was nothing but good intended therein and that he would match him unto some one of his near relations in blood by which means all discords and animosities betwixt those long divided Families of York and Lancaster might be the better reconciled and all antient feuds be utterly extinguished By which smooth Arguments and earnest Importunities with large Gifts to boot the Duke being at length thoroughly wrought upon delivered him up to them but with Letters of Recommendation to King Edward where in he told him he was sure that he had not given up the Sheep to the Wolf but the Son to the Father so great a confidence had he in his sincerity and that he would Marry Elizabeth his eldest Daughter to him Having therefore thus got this young Gentleman into their Clutches away they hasted to the Port of St. Malos thence to hoise Sale for England the sense whereof so afflicted him that he suddenly fell into an high Feaver But it so hapned that an eminent person of that Country called Iohn Chenlet who had much interest with the Duke being in the Country near at hand and hearing of this business became so apprehensive of the unworthiness of the act as that he posted to the Court with all the speed he could and according to his former usage went immediately to the Duke Yet when he came into his presence stood silent with excessive grief Whereat the Duke much wondring asked him the reason of this his dejected condition Whereunto he answered that his sad Countenance was the Messenger of Death Which quoth he would have been much more tolerable had it hapned before this day that I am reserved for such a weight of sorrow as now by your late scarce credible act doth so heavily oppress me and which will certainly bring me to my death and make me live till then most miserably You have had quoth he the reputation of a worthy and virtuous Prince by reason of your former good Deeds but now alas by your favour you seem to have had the least regard thereof that may be in this
Stop-ford bridge but that he rais'd his Siege upon the 27th of May an 1644. and marcht to Bolton a strong Garrison of the Enemy Where with the addition of other Forces to two thousand of his own he made up a Body of two thousand five hundred Foot and five hundred Horse Upon notice whereof to the Prince he marcht directly thither and gave Order for an assault Which though gallantly attempted succeeded not at the first he therein losing two hundred men the Enemy killing all they took upon the Walls in cold blood in his sight Whereupon a second affault being resolv'd this Earl desired to have the Command of two Companies of his own old Foot and the honour of the forlorn Which at his importunity being granted and all things ready the Town was entred in the space of half an hour on every side he himself being the first man that set foot into it upon the 28th of May. Whereupon Rigby made his escape leaving two thousand of his men behind amongst which there was one Bootle a Captain formerly a Porter in Lathom and upon his leaving that House voluntarily swore that he would never bear Arms against the King who being in the heat of the storm encompassed with Souldiers beg'd Quarter of this Earl who answered him thus I will not kill thee my self but I cannot save thee from others Nor did he Nevertheless his death was afterwards most falsly laid to his charge Upon the taking of this rebellious Town Prince Rupert sent all the Colours to the Countess at Lathom And so marcht to Leverpole for reducing that Thence to Lathom where he staid four or five days but before his departure gave directions for repairing and fortifying the House and at the request of the Countess disposed the Governorship thereof to Captain Edward Rawsthorne whom he made Colonel of a Foot Regiment and two Troops of Horse for its defence by which Captain it was stoutly defended for full two years more in a second Siege but at last by his Majesties Order delivered up having cost the Enemy no less than six thousand men and the Garrison about four hundred it being one of the last places in this Realm that held out for the King After all these great things done by this noble Earl and his incomparable Lady who were then gone into the Isle of Man their Children perfidiously seized and made close Prisoners and he himself tempted with the promise of a peaceable enjoyment of his whole Estate in Case he would deliver up that Isle he stoutly refused even when the Cause was given by all for lost saying be would never redeem his Children by his disloyalty In which Isle he continued until the year 1651. that upon the advancing of our present Sovereign King Charles the Second out of Scotland towards Worcester he receiv'd Command to attend him upon assurance that the Presbyterians would cordially join with the Royalists in Order to his Restauration At which time when he discern'd that their Ministers did obstinately refuse any Conjunction unless he would take the Covenant he said If I perish I perish but if my Master perish the Blood of another Prince and all the ensuing miseries of this Nation will lie at your doors His next misfortune was at that time the Engagement he had with a party which endeavoured to hinder the King in this his march with whom he met in Wigan lane Where with six hundred Horse he maintain'd a Fight for two hours against three thousand Horse and Foot Commanded by Colonel Lilburne in a place of much disadvantage In which encounter he received seven shot on his Breast-plate thirteen Cuts on his Bever over a Steel-Cap and five or six wounds upon his Arms and Shoulders having two Horses kill'd under him nevertheless through all these difficulties he made his way to the King at Worcester Whence upon the loss of the day there 3 Sept. an 1651. he fled with him into Staffordshire Where having seen him hopefully secured in such a place and with such trusty persons by whose means he most happily escaped the cruel Hands of those blood-thirsty Wretches that then sought his Life shifting for himself he had the hard hap to be taken in Cheshire by one Major Edge but upon condition of Quarter Nevertheless against the Law of Arms was most barbarously sentenced to Death by a certain number of faithless men who calling themselves a Court-Marshal sate at Chester viz. Colonel Humphrey Mackworth Major Mitton Colonel Robert Duckenfeild Henry Bradshaw Thomas Croxton George Twisleton Lieu. Col. Henry Birkinhead Simon Finch Alexander Newton Captain Iames Stepford Sam. Smith Iohn Downes Iohn Delves Iohn Griffith Thomas Portington Edward Alcock Ralph Pownall Richard Grantham Edward Stelfax Vincent Corbet Where having voted him guilty of the breach of the Act of 12 Aug. 1651. Intituled An Act for prohibiting correspondency with Charles Stuart or his Party and Sentenced him to be put to Death at Bolton in Lancashire upon the fifteenth of October he there suffered most Christianly and was buried with his Ancestors at Ormeskirk to the no little sorrow of all loyal people unto whom he was known After which his Lady continued in the Isle of Man until it was betray'd by one who had been her own Servant who having corrupted the Inhabitants seised upon her and her Children and kept them Prisoners without any other relief than what she obtained from the Charity of her impoverished Friends until his Majesties most happy Restauration This Noble Earl married the Lady Charlote Daughter to Claude Duke of Tremoüille in France by the Lady Charlote his Wife Daughter to the Renowned Count William of Nassau Prince of Orange and Charlote de Bourbon his Wife by reason whereof the Dukes of Tremüille stand allied to the Kings of France as also to the Houses of Bourbon Monpensier Bourbon Conde Dukes of Anjou Kings of Naples and Sicilie Arch-Dukes of Austria Kings of Spain Earls and Dukes of Savoy Dukes of Millian and divers other Soveraign Princes By which Lady Charlote he had Issue three Sons Charles who succeeded him in his Honours Edward and William who both died unmarried As also three Daughters the Lady Mary married to William Earl of Strafford the Lady Catherine to Henry Marquess of Dorchester and the Lady Emilia to Iohn Earl of Athol in Scotland Which Charles so succeeding him married Dorothy Helen Rupa Daughter to the Baron Rupa a German by whom he had issue which survived him four Sons William Robert Iames and Charles and two Daughters viz. Charlote now married to Thomas eldest Son to Thomas Earl Rivers and Mary who died unmarried And departing this life upon the xxi day of December An. 1672. was buried at Ormeskirk Which William his eldest Son and successor hath married Elizabeth Daughter to Thomas Earl of Ossery eldest Son to Iames Duke of Ormund Sir William Stanley Knight HAving thus done with the principal branch of this most Noble Family I come to the collaterals
war doon to hym and to hys Realme and he gave to hym then at his depertyng greatt gyftes And at the comyng home agayn of the seid Erle for the truste that the Kyng our Soverayn Lord hed to hym hys Grace made hym one of hys Executors And after the dethe of Kyng Henry the seventh Kyng Henry the eighth made hym lykewise of his prevay Counsayll and still continued Tresourer of Englond and made hym high Marshall of the same and for the syngler truste that the Kyng had aswell to his truthe as to hys wysdome and actyvytte at hys goyng into Fraunce with hys pussunce havyng wyth his Highnes the moste part of hys Nobles of this Realme lefte the seyd Erle wyth a certâ—yn power in the Northe partys and made hym Lyvetenaunte-generall from Trente Northward to defende the Realm ageynste the Kynge of Scottys whom hys Highnes had no trust unto for cause of the leege betwyxt Fraunce and them in case the seid Kyng wold invade thys hys Realme whiche he dide in deede contrary to his Oth and promyse wyth the hoole power of the Realme of Scotland Whiche when the seid Erle hard of he made as greatt haste towardis hym as he coude wyth the Kyngys power of the North-partys and toke hys lodgyng in the Campe or playn callyd Wollar-haugh in the Countie of Northumbreland which was in the sight of the Kyng of Scottys and of all hys Army then lying on Flodden-Hill a ground more like a Campe or Forteres than any meete ground to gyve Batayle on Contrary to hys promyse made to Rogeâ—ras Pursesâ—vaunte at Armys before sent unto hym from the seid Erle wyth Message that the seid Erle wyth the Lord Howard then Admerall of Englond hys Son and the nobull men of the North-partis wyth other the Kyngs Subgettis of the same North partys was come thedir to represse and resiste hys Invasyons of hys Soverayn Lordis Realme desyring the seyd Kyng of Scottis to gyve him Betayle Which his Message the Kyng of Scottis take very thankfully and joyusly promysing hym to abyde ther on the same grounde wher he than was Whyche hys promyse he brake as is aforesaid and tooke Flodden-Hillys a ground impregnable and shot at hym hys grete Ordenaunce where as he lay like one mynded to kepe it like a forteres And when the seid Erle did perceyve that â—e had broken hys promys and takyâ— so stronge a grounde as Floddâ—n Hillys he then the seyd Erle removed all hys Batâ—yle into a playn besydis Barmenâ— Wood to the eâ—tente to get betwene hym and hys own realme of Scotlond and ther leygeed but one nyght and on the next mornyng toke hys passage over the water of ... at â—wyfull-forthe and than be marched the sayd Kyng and his oâ—te in such maner as he gat betwene hym and hys aâ—ne Reame of Scotlond by force whereof the seid Kyng was fayne to leve hys Campe and to prepare hymself to Batayle witthe seyd Erle on a Hyll besydis Bramston in Northumbrelond very near unto Sandyford wher the seyd Erle witthe good assistauns of the nobull men and the power of the seyd North partys fought witthe seyd Kyng and hym vanqueshed and slew in plain Batayle derectely before hys own Standard In which Batayle were slayne on the Scottyshe parte two Byshoppes Eleven Erles seventene Barons four hundred Knyghtis besydes other Gentilmen with seventeen thousand in nombre whiche ware nombred asweel by Scottyshe-men as by them that dyd bury the most part of them And of trouth divers Gentylmen and others aswel of the seyd Erlys servantys as of the North-partyes and of Cheshire and Lankashire war ther slayne for hard it ys and half impossible yn such a conflicte and Batayle to be wonne wythout losse of men whoys deth may be joyed among ther frendis to dye in so hygh a servys doon to ther Prynce And thys noble act was don by the helpe of Almyghty God to the hygh Honour of the Kyngis Hyghnes honour and prayse to the seyd Erle and to all other noble men and other the Kyngis Subgettis that war ther wyth hym atthe Batayle the nynth day of Semtembir in the fivth yere of our Soverayn Lord Kyng Henry the viii th And this doon the seyd Erle went to Barwike to establyshe at thyngys well and in good order and sent for the dede Body of the Kyng of Scottis to Barwike and when the Ordenaunce of the Kyng of Scottis was brouth off the Feld and put in good sueâ—â—e and all other thyngys in good order then the seyd Erle toke his Iorney toward Yorke and ther abode during the Kyngis pleasure and caryed with him the dede Body of thafforseyd Kyng of Scottis and ther lay unto such tyme as the Kyngis Hyghnes cam from beyond the See after hys wynnyng of Tyrwin with Torney and then hys Hyghnes sent for the seyd Erle to mete hym at Richemond and so he dide and ther delyvered unto his Hyghnes the dede body of the Kyng of Scottis whych dede Body was delyvered in the Charter-hous ther andther to abyde duryng the Kyngis plesur And for the service that the seid Erle dide he was honourably restored unto hys right name of Duke of Norfolk and also had geven unto hym great possessyons by the Kyngis Hyghnes And whan the Warre betwyxt the Kyng our Soverayn Lord and the Frenche Kyng was eended then the seyd Duke was sent into Fraunce as chieff Commyssioner wyth Lady Marye the Kyngis Suâ—ter to be marryed unto the French Kyng Lewes And after when the Kyng and the Quene were both out of the Reame to mete wyth the Frenche Kyng Fraunces at Guynes and the Prynces remaynyng in the Reame beyng a Childe the seyd Duke was left behynde as Protector and defender to mynister Iustice and to see good rule and governaunce in the Reame in the absons of the Kyngis Hyghnes and so continued about the Kyng and of hys prevye Counsayle tyll he was of age of fourescore yeeris and then the Kyngis Highnes was content that the seid Duke shuld go home into hys own Countrey unto the Castell of Framlyngham wher he contynued and kepte an honourable Howse unto the houre of his dethe and ther dyed like a good Crysten Prynce I now to wytnes whose sowle Iesu pardon And at hys depertyng out of Framlyngham-Castell towards his Buryall he coude not be askyd one Grote for his dette nor for restitution to any person and so was had to this present Abbâ—y of Thetford with moche honor accompanyed wyth many greatt Lordis and the Neble-men of both Schires of Norfolk and Suffolk Levyng then lyvyng these hys Children hereafter named that is to sey hys Son and Heyre the Lord Thomas Duke of Norfolk the Lord Edmond Howard the Lord Willyam Howard and the Lord Thomar Howard witthe Lady Elysabeth Wyffe to the Vicount Rocheford the Lady Agnes Countes of Oxenford the Lady Kateryn espoused to the Heir of Sir Rice ap Thomas of Walys the Lady
that the allowance of his Supremacy here would be endangered in case he did not comply with King Henry in that Cause of his divorce from Queen Katherine In 24 H. 8. he attended King Henry amongst other of the Nobility to Calais and thence to Boloin where the King was most magnificently receiv'd by the King of France And shortly after this upon advertisement that the Pope the Emperour and the King of France were to meet at Nice he was one and indeed the chief of the Embassadors sent to the King of France to accompany him thither and there to commune with his Holiness concerning his delay touching that divorce In this year also he obtain'd a grant in Fee of the Mannors of Acton Burnell Holgat Abbiton Millenchop Langdon Chatwall Smythcote Wolstanton Uppyngton and Rushbury in Com. Salop. with the advowsons of the Churches thereunto belonging And in 25 H. 8. 28 Maii upon the Surrender of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk was Constituted Earl Marshal of England as also Vice-Roy of Ireland Soon after that likewise he was imployed together with the Lord Rochford to King Francis of France to attend him to Marfleles where the Pope and that King were to have an Enterview but when he came into France and acquainted King Francis with his Instructions he declin'd the Journey In 27 H. 8. he was again sent into France with the Bishop of Ely to treat with the Commissioners of King Francis touching a revocation of that censure which the Pope had given against King Henry by reason that he had divorced himself from Queen Katherine and in 28 H. 8. marcht with considerable Forces into Yorkeshire to the assistance of the Earl of Shrewsbury for the suppressing of that Insurrection there called the Pilgrimage of Grace raised by reason of the dissolution of the lesser Monasteries the preceding year In 31 H. 8. having purchased from the Abbot and Covent of Sibton in Com. Norff. the scite of that Religious House and all the Lands thereto belonging he procur'd a special Act in the Parliament then held that the same purchase should not be prejudicial to him Which shews that the King then resolv'd to unite the rest of the Abby-Lands to the Crown In 32 H. 8. 29 Ian. he was constituted Lieutenant-General of all the Kings Forces beyond Trent and shortly after sent Embassador into France to offer the assistance of King Henry for the recovery of Millaine In 34 H. 8. 1 Sept. being made Captain-General of all the Kings Forces in the North he entred Scotland with an Army in October following and wasted the Marches there staying without any offer of Battel by the Scots till the midst of November And in 36 H. 8. being made Captain-General of the Rereward of the Kings Army then design'd for France as also General of the whole until the King 's coming over he was sent to Besiege Montrueil Also upon the King 's advance to Boloine he led the Vantguard of his Army which was clad in Blew-Coats guarded with Red having Caps and Hose party-colour'd and sutable But after all these great and signal Services in 38 H. 8. 12 Dec. divers of the Nobility who bore no good will to him by reason he had used some expressions tending to their dishonour as new-rais'd men took advantage of the Kings weakness he then declining apace and being not far from Death and put jealousies into his Head of some danger by his greatness his own Ladies discontents towards him not a little furthering it she having been separated from him for more than four years before he was suddenly apprehended and committed to the Tower the King being so far incensed against him through sinister suggestions that he did not only give order to seize his Goods but to advertise his Embassadors in Foreign parts that he and his Son had conspired to take upon them the Government during his Life and after his Death to get the Prince into their Hands Of his great merits for his manifold services both to the King and Realm having been so famous for his noble exploits both in France and Scotland that which hath already been said is testimony sufficient but notwithstanding all that he had done and that he submitted himself with all humility to the King's mercy had not the Death of the King which hapned soon after prevented it 't is thought he should have lost his Head as his most noble Son the Earl of Surrey did the one as hath been said by a judicious person whose deservings he knew not how to value having never omitted any thing that concern'd his own Honour and the Kings service the other never having committed any thing worthy of his displeasure the one exceeding valiant and advised the other no less valient than learned and of excellent hopes For they were both of them attainted by special Bills in the Parliament then held the Bills passing upon the 20 th of Ianuary which was but eight days before the King departed this Life and then languishing And notwithstanding the Death of King Henry so powerful were his Enemies in the beginning of King Edward the Sixths Reign that pardon was given by Proclamation to all persons for all Crimes whatsoever six only excepted whereof he as one observes was the chief By his Testament whereunto is no date but proved 8 Nov. an 1554. 1 2 Ph. M. he bequeath'd his Body to be buried where his Executors should think most convenient and dyed at Kenynghall in Com. Norff. He Married twice First Anne one of the Daughters to King Edward the Fourth by whom he had Issue one only Son called Thomas who dying young 3 Aug. 23 H. 7. was buried at Lambeth Secondly Elizabeth Daughter to Edward Duke of Buckingham by whom he had Issue two Sons Henry Earl of Surrey beheaded in his life time as I shall farther shew by and by and Thomas Also one Daughter call'd Mary Married to Henry Fitz-Roy Duke of Richmund natural Son to King Henry the Eighth Which Thomas the second Son having Married Elizabeth second of the two Daughters and Coheirs of Iohn Lord Marney and Christian his Wife Daughter and Heir of Sir Roger Newburgh Knight in 22 H. 8. had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance and in 1 Mariae was restored in blood In 1 Eliz. he was also by Letters Patent bearing date 13 Ian. advanced to the dignity of a Vicount by the Title of Vicount Howard of Bindon in Com. Dors. And upon the 25th of the same Month being summon'd to the Parliament then held took his place accordingly By this Elizabeth he had Issue four Sons 1. Henry who succeeded him in his Honour 2. Thomas 3. Francis and 4. Giles and two Daughters Elizabeth
Earl of Wiltshire and Ormund viz. Wiltshire to the Heirs Male of his Body and Ormund to his Heirs General And upon the 24 th of Ianuary following was made Lord Privy-Seal Soon after which he was again sent Embassadour to the Emperour Charles the fifth And having married Elizabeth Daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norf. departed this life in 30 H. 8. By whom he had Issue one Son called George and two Daughters Which George bearing the title of Vicount Rochford in his Fathers life time amongst other of the Nobles of England sitting in Parliament in 22 H. 8. subscribed that Declaration sent to Pope Clement the seventh whereby intimation was given to his Holiness that his Supremacy here would be much endangered unless he did comply with the King in that business of his divorce from Queen Katherine And in 24 H. 8. the King having privately married the Lady Anne his Sister whom he had created Marchioness of Pembroke was sent over to the King of France to acquaint him therewith as also to desire him not to fail his promise and likewise to intreat his advice how it might be best to publish it since it could not be long concealed In 25 H. 8. he was imploied with the Duke of Norf. to attend the designed enterview betwixt the Pope and the King of France In 26 H. 8. he was made Constable of Dover-Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports Before the end of which year he obtained a grant in Fee of the Mannour of South in Kent which came to the Crown by the Daughter of Edward Duke of Buckingham And in 27 H. 8. was again sent Embassador into France to qualify those demands which the King had made upon that overture for a marriage betwixt the Duke of Angolesme third Son to the King of France and the Princess Elizabeth King Henry's Daughter But soon after being committed to the Tower 2 Maii arraigned and beheaded 17 Maii having no Issue he was buried in St. Peters Chapell there The occasion this The Kings affections being withdrawn from Queen Anne Sister to this Vicount Rochford and placed on the Lady Iane Seamour in order to the free enjoyment of the Lady Iane he took occasion to remove Queen Anne Whereupon he caused her to be commited to the Tower arraigned condemned and put to death What was laid to her charge is not expressed by our Historians 'T is said that upon a Justs held at Greenwich upon the first of May that year this Vicount Rochford her Brother was the chief Challenger and Henry Norris principal defendent and that the King suddenly departed thence no cause appearing unless it were the Queens letting her Handkerchief fall which the King perceived to be taken up by one supposed her Favorite who wip't his Face with it The Daughters of this Thomas Earl of Wiltshire were this Anne and another called Mary Wife of William Carey Esquire of the Body to King Henry 8. from whom the Earls of Dover and Monmouth are descended Of these this Anne in 5. H. 8. attended the Lady Mary the Kings Sister into France to her marriage with King Lewes the xii th and after the solemnizing thereof at Abbevile when divers of her servants were sent back continued still with her But being a great beauty the King himself divers years after she being then one of Queen Catherine's Maids of Honour became so enamoured of her as that he resolved to make her his Wife and in order thereto by his own absolute power to break the bonds of his marriage with Queen Catherine by a formal Divorce quitting the Popes Supremacy by reason he would not comply therein and for her greater Honour advanced her to the title of Marchioness of Pembroke 1 Sept. 24 H. 8. with place and precâ—dence above all other persons of that degree Soon after which he solemnly married her viz. 25 Ian. 24 H. 8. But this suddain greatness she enjoied not long For after he had seen another in whom he more delighted he took occasion to rid her out of the way as before is observed Parker Lord Morley and Montegle 21 H. 8. HAving in my discourse of the Family of Morley shewed how the title of Lord Morley descended through the Issue of a second Son of that stock to Alice the Sister and Heir of Henry Lovel Which Alice became the Wife of Sir William Parker Knight I now come to Henry Parker Son and Heir to the same William and Alice This Henry had summons to Parliament in 21 H. 8. by the title of Lord Morley and in 22 H. 8. being one of the Peers at that time sitting in Parliament subscribed that Declaration then sent to Pope Clement the seventh whereby intimation was given to his Holiness that unless he did comply with King Henry in that cause of his divorce from Queen Katherine the farther acknowledgment of his Supremacy in this Realm would be in danger and in 25 H. 8. upon a dispute in Parliament betwixt him and the Lord Dacres of Gillesland for precedence had judgment therein given on his behalf He married Alice Daughter to Sir Iohn St. Iohn of Bletso in Com. Bedf. Knight and by her had Issue Henry made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of Queen Anne Bullen in 25 H. 8. Which Henry having married Grace Daughter and Heir to ... Newport of ... in Com. Hertf. Knight died in his Fathers life time leaving Issue Henry his Son and Heir and two Daughters Iane married to George Lord Rochford Son to Thomas Bullen Earl of Wiltshire and Ormund and ... to Sir Iohn Shelton Knight Which last mentioned Henry took to Wife Elizabeth Daughter of Edward Earl of Derby and by her had Issue Edward his Son and Heir and two Daughters Alice married to Sir Thomas Barington Knight and Mary to Sir Edward Leventhorpe Knight This Edward Lord Morley being summon'd to Parliament in 23 Eliz. took his place there upon the sixteenth of Ianuary and in 29 Eliz. was one of the Peers who gave judgment of death upon Mary Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay So likewise upon Philip Earl of Arundel in 32 Eliz. as also upon Robert Earl of Essex in 43 Eliz. He married Elizabeth the sole Daughter and Heir of William Stanley Lord Montegle fifth Son to Thomas Earl of Derby and departing this life at Sâ—epney in Com. Midd. 1 Apr. an 1618. 16 Iac. was buried in the Parish-Church there leaving Issue three Sons William his successor in that honour Henry and Charles and three Daughters Mary married to Thomas Abington of Hinlip in Com. Wigorn Esq Elizabeth to Sir Alexander Barlow of Barlow in Com. Lanc. Knight and Frances to Christopher Danby of Leighton in Com. Ebor. Esq
intermixed with Teares affirming that she would depart from him as willinger to hear both of his disgraces and dangers than either to see the one or participate of the other The Duke therefore imbracing this womans cousel yeilded himself both to advise and devise for the destruction of his Brother The Earl of Warwick had his finger in the business and drew others also to give either furtherance or way to her violent desires being well content she should have her mind so as the Duke might thereby incur Infamy and Hate Hereupon the Lord Sudley was Arrested and sent to the Tower and in very short time after condemn'd by Act of Parliament and within few dayes after his condemnation a Warrant was sent under the hand of this his Brother the Duke whereby his Head was delivered to the Axe His own fierce courage hastning his death because equally balanced betwixtâ—â—â—oubt and diâ—dain he was desirous rather to die at once then to linger long upon curtesie and in fear The Accusations against him contained much â—rivolous matter The Act of Parliament expresseth the causes of his Attainder to be the attempting to get the person of the King into his custody and Governing the Realme Also making much provision of Money and Victuall and endeavouring to marry the Lady Elizabeth the King's Sister Likewise for perswading the King in his tender age to take upon him the rule and order of himself But he was never call'd to answer so that the Protestations which he made at the point of his death and the open carriage of his life did clear him in the opinion of many Hereupon a general hatred arose in the People towards the Protector for being thus instrumental in the death of his Brother whereby it was observed that with his left hand he had cut off his right many of the Nobility crying out upon him for a Blood-sucker and a Murtherer and that it was not fit the King should be under the Protection of such a ravenous Wolfe Besides all this many well disposed mindes conceived a very hard opinion of him for causing a Church near Strand-Bridge and two Bishops Houses to be pull'd down to make a â—eat for his new Building called Somerset-house in digging the foundation whereof the Bones of many who had been there buried were cast up and carried into the Fields And because the stones of that Church and those Houses were not sufficient for that work the Steeple and most part of the Church of St. Iohn of Hierusalem near Smithfield were mined and overthrown with Powder and the stones carried thereto So likewise the Cloister on the North-side of St. Pauls Cathedral and the Charnel-house on the South-side thereof with the Chapel the Tombes and Monuments therein being all beaten-down the Bones of the dead carried into Finsbury-fields and the stones converted to this Building and it was confidently affirm'd that for the same purpose he intended to have pull'd down St. Margarets Church at Westminster but that the standing thereof was preserved by his fall The Earl of Warwick therefore spying this fit opportunity drew to him no less than Eighteen of the Privy-Councel to joyn with him against this Protector Whereupon they withdrew from the Court and fell to secret Consultations walking in the streets of the City with many servants in new Liveries Which so startled the Protector that he sent Secretary Petee to them in the King's name to understand the causes of such their assembling and to declare unto them that he would thank them for hating him in case they did it in love to the King intreating them for the King's sake if not for his safety that they would forbear open shew of Hostility and resort unto him peaceably that they might commune together as Friends But in the mean time he Armed Five-hundred men part the Kings and part his own rampier'd the Court-gates caused many men to be raised both by Letters and Proclamation to aid the King and the more to increase the present terror remov'd the King by night from Hampton-Court to Windâ—ore with a Company more resembling an Army then a Train Hereupon the Lords at London took possession of the Tower sent for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City to Ely House where the Earl of Warwick lodg'd and there presenting themselves secretly Armed caused the Lord Rich then Lord Chancellor to make a Speech to them Wherein first laying open to them the Imperfections of the Protector as want of Eloquence Personage Learning or good Wit and that nevertheless he was so peevishly opiniative and proud that he would neither ask nor hear the advice of any but was absolutely ruled by that obstinate and imperious woman his wife whose ambitious and mischievous will so guided him in the most weighty Affaires of the Realm that though he was Counselled by others what was best he would do quite contrary lest he should seem to need their advice In general he said he was guilty of Bribery and Extortion and that he had laid his hands upon the King's Jewells and Treasure left by his Father which were known to be of an inestimable value and had given forth that King Henry died so poor as that had he lived one quarter of a year longer he had been utterly shamed Moreover that he had upon pretence of necessity made Sales and Exchanges of the King's Lands as also of Offices and Preferments nothing regarding the worthiness of the person erected a Mint at Dureâ—me Place for his own private advantage made sale of Colledges and Chanteries Levied Subsidies under colour of War imbezelled the Kings Treasure extorted Money by Loanes yet left the King's Soldiers and Servants unpaid buried much Treasure in his sumptous Buildings Adding his unnatural endeavors for the death of his Brother and his practises to dispatch such of the Nobility as were like to oppose his mischievous drifts Also his endeavor to win the Common people by strained Curtesies and Looseness of life And to make the French King his Friend by betraying unto him the King's Forts beyond the Seas Likewise that he intended to procure a resignation of the King's Sisters Rights and others who were intitled to the Crown and entail the same upon his own issue Urging the Citizens upon all these confiderations to joyn with the Lords of the Council to take him away And the next day the Lords at London dispatch'd a Letter to the Lords at Windsore wherein they charged him with many disorders both in his private Actions and manner of Government requiring that he would disperse the Forces that he had raised withdraw himself from the King and be content to be ordered by Justice and Reason Hereupon the King fearing farther mischief dissolv'd all his Companies excepting his Guard And the Protector sent Secretary Petâ—e once more to the Lords at London to perswade them that for the Publick good all either private grudges or unkindnesses might be laid aside but neither did he return nor was
that present year at Hampton-court for defence of his own private causes he procured seditions Bills to be written in counterfeit bands and secretly to be dispersed in divers parts of the Realm beginning thus Good people intending thereby to raise the Kings Subjects to Rebellion and open War 22. that the Kings Privy Council did consult at London to come to him and move him to reform his Government But he hearing thereof declared by his Letters in divers places that they were high Traytors to the King 23. That he declared untruly as well to the King as to other young Lords attending his person that the Lords at London intended to destroy the King and desired the King never to forget to revenge it and required the young Lords to put the King in remembrance thereof with intent to make Sedition and Discord between the King and his Nobles 24. That at divers times and places he said That the Lords of the Council at London intend to Kill me but if I die the King shall die and if they famish me they shall famish him 25. That of his own head he removed the King so suddainly from Hampton-court to Windsore without any provision there made that he was thereby not only in great fear but cast into a dangerous disease 26. That by his Letters he caused the Kings people to assemble in great numbers in Armor after the manner of War to his ayde and defence 27. That he caused his Servants and Friends at Hampton-court and Windsore to be apparalled in the Kings Armor when the Kings Servants and Guard went unarmed 28. That he intended to fly to Iernsey and Wales and laid Post-Horses and Men and a Boat to that purpose Now albeit saith my Author there was little doubt but that some of these Articles were meerly devised others inlarged or wrested or others inforced by odious interpretation yet he subscribed with his own hand that he did acknowledge his offences contained in them and humbly upon his knees submitted himself to the Kings Mercy As also in like manner intreated the Lords to be a means to the King that he would conceive that his offences did proceed rather from negligence rashness or other indiscâ—etion than from any malicious thought tending to Treason and that he would take some gracious way with him his Wife and Children not according to extremity of Laws but after his great clemency and mercy This was written with his own hand 23 Dec. An. 3 Edw. Regis My Author also thus goeth on To this I make no other defence but intreat the Reader not to condemn him for perishing so weakly and for that he who should have lost his Life to preserve his Honor cast away both his Life and his Honor together Notwithstanding for that present his Blood was respited but he was stripped of his great Offices of Protector Trasurer and Marshall lost all his Goods and near two thousand pounds Lands After this he sent Letters to the Lords of the Council wherein he acknowledged himself much favoured by them in that they had brought his cause to be finable which although it was to him importable yet as he never did intend to contend with them nor in any action to justifie himself as well for that he was none of the wisest and might easily err as for that it is scarce possible for any Man in great place so to bear himself that all his Actions in the Eye of Justice should be blameless so he did then submit himself wholy to the Kings Mercy and their discretions for some moderation desiring them to conceive that what he did amiss was rather through rudeness and for want of Judgment than from any malicious meaning and that he was therefore ready both to do and suffer what they should appoint Finally he did again most humbly upon his knees intreat pardon and favor assuring them that they should ever find him so lowly to their Honors and obedient to their Orders as that he would thereby make amends for his former follies Which subjection of his wrought such compassion towards him from the King that he was forthwith released from his Imprisonment his Fines pardoned his goods and lands restored exeept such as had been given away the malice of the Lords being either appeased or their power not sufficient to resist Within a short time after which he was entertained and feasted by the King with a great shew of favor and sworn again of the Privy-Council and a seeming perfect amity made betwixt him and the Lords and that all might appear to be knit up in a comical conclusion his Daughter was soon after joyned in Marriage with the Lord L'Isle Son and Heir to the Earl of Uarwick and the Earl himself made Lord Admiral of England 3 Iunii Ann. 1550. 4 E. 6. But these ill cemented affections continued not long firm bursting out into open enmity the next ensuing year insomuch as he resolved to Murther the Earl of Warwick then newly made Duke of Northumberland as some report and to that end under colour of a visit came privily armed to his Lodging attended by Seconds where he found him in his Bed but being courteously entertained and with smooth Language did not execute what he purposed Whereupon at his departure one of the Company asking him whether he had done the feat and he saying No the party replyed then you are undone Northumâ—erland therefore being now in title of Honor inferior to none and superiour to all in authority and power could not restrain his haughty hopes of aspiring to an absolute command but before he could level directly at his Mark it was thought fit that this Duke should be taken away Speeches were therefore spread abroad that he had caused himself to be proclaimed King in divers Countries Which though they were known to be false yet the very naming him so to be either as desired by himself or esteemed worthy by others brought with it a distastful relish apt enough to cause a suspition of truth After this he was charged to have persuaded divers of the Nobility to choose him Protector at the next Parliament For which being questioned he neither held silence as he might nor confidently denied it but entangled himself in his doubtful tale Sir Thomas Palmer a great Creature of Northumberlands also affirmed that being upon a Journey with him towards the North in case Sir William Herbert Master of the Horse had not assured him that he should receive no harm he would have raised the people and that he had sent the Lord Grey before to know who would be his friends Also that the Duke of Northumberland the Marquess of Northampton and the Earl of Pembroke should have been invited to Banquet and that if they had come slenderly attended then to have been set upon by the way if strongly then that their Heads should have been cut off at the place of their Feasting He likewise farther declared that
succeeding him in his honors married the Lady Frances daughter to Leonel Earl of Middlesex and at length heir to Iames Earl of Middlesex her Brother and by her hath issue three sons viz. Charles called Lord Buckhurst Edward and Richard And three daughters viz. Elizabeth married to the Lord Broghill son and heir to the Earl of Orrory in Ireland Anne to the Earl of Hume in Scotland and Frances to Sir George Lane Knight Which Charles hath married Elizabeth daughter of Hervey Bagot of Pipe-Hall in Com. Warr. a younger son to Sir Hervey Bagot of Blithfeild in Com. Staff Baronet widow of Charles Earl of Falmouth and was created Earl of Middlesex by Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster 4 Aprilis 27 Car. 2. Compton Earl of Northampton 14 Eliz. TOuching this Family which assum'd their surname from that Lordship of Compton in Com. Warr. antiently distinguisht from those other Towns of the same appellation by the addition of the Vineyard and thereupon called Compton at the Vineyard certain I am that it is very antient for of that name there were some in the same County in King Henry the Second's time Also it appears that Robert de Compton was in the Wars against the Welch in 15 E 2. Likewise that in 6 E. 3. Iohn de Compton being then a Knight was one of the Knights for that County in the Parliament at that time held and that Thomas de Compton was one of the Coroners in the same County in 23 E. 3. and so continued till 50 E. 3. So likewise his son Edmund in Richard the Second's time that being in those dayes an Office of high repute But the person who laid the Foundation for that Honor which of later years hath been enjoy'd by his Descendents was William the son of another Edmund de Compton who though but eleven years of age at his Father's death in 8 H. 7. became first a Page to Henry Duke of York second son to that King and afterwards so soon as the same Henry ascended to the Royal Throne being one of the Grooms of his Bed-chamber stood so high in his favour as that before the revolution of one year he was chosen for one of the Gentlemen thereof And in 2 H. 8. made Groome of the Stole Soon after which he was made Constable of Sudley-Castle in Com. Gloc. and in 3 H. 8. had the like trust for the Castle at Glocester In 4 H. 8. in consideration of his good and faithful services he obtained a special grant to himself and his heirs of an honorable Augmentation to his Armes out of the King 's own Royal Ensignes and Devises viz a Lyon passant guardant Or and for his Crest a demi-Dragon erazed gules within a Coronet of gold upon a torse Argent and Vert as by a special Instrument under the Kings own Sign Manual bearing date at Westminster 7 Nov. and exemplified by Thomas Wriothesley at that time Garter Principal King of Armes with his Seale and the Seal of his Office annexed thereunto 14 Decembris following appeareth And upon the 4 th of February next ensuing had a Grant of the Office of Vsher of the Black Rod to bear the same at St. Georges Feast within the Castle of Windsore and the Fee of Twelve pence per diem allowance for that service He had likewise the same year by the bounty of that King another Grant to himself and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten of the Mannor of Wyke in Com. Midd. sometime part of the possessions of George Duke of Clarence and of a certain Mansion called Lovells-Inne scituate in Pater-noster-Row within the City of London with divers Tenements pertaining thereto Also of the Mannor of Aldwike in Com. Northampt. called Holand's Mannor with one Wood there called Baro-shanke Likewise of Twenty four Acres of Meadow in Brantsy Twenty four in Swillingholm all in Aldwincle in the same County Also of the Mannor of Deyncourt in Com. Buck part of the possessions of Francis Lord Lovel with the Mannors of Rockholds Cobeham and Rishams part of the Lands of Sir Richard Charleton Knight In 5 H. 8. being then a Knight he had a Commission to retein men in any of those Lordships belonging to such Monasteries whereof he was then Steward for the service of the King in his wars And in that Expedition to Therouene and Tournay the same year led the Rere-ward of the King's Army Shortly after this he was made one of the Knights for the King's Body as also Chancelor of Ireland with liberty to execute that Office by a sufficient Deputy but held it not long for the Archbishop of Dublin obtain'd it in 7 H. 8. In 6 H. 8. he had a Grant to himself and Werburge his wife and to the heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten of the Mannors of Elcombe and Ufcote in Com. Wilts Also of the Mannor of Pole-place in Com. Berks. part of the possessions of Francis Lovel and William Vicount Lovel And in 9 H. 8. of the Mannors of Salthrope alias Saltrop Chilton and Blagrave in Com. Wilts And of Two hundred Acres of Pasture called Blagrove with their Appurtenances in Blagrove and Wroughton in the same County Likewise of the Mannor of Wythynden aliâ—â— Myhunden in the Parishes of Wronghton and Lydegerd Kregoce in the same County of the Mannor of Elcomb with the Park called Elcombe Parke of the Mannor of Watlescote alias Wykilscote of the Mannor of Westcote One hundred Acres of Land Sixty Acres of Pasture in Wigleste and Wroughton of the Mannor of Uffecote two Messuages a Thousand Acres of Land a Thousand Acres of Pasture Three hundred Acres of Meadow and Three hundred Acres of Wood in Brode-Hinton all in the â—ame County And of Eight pounds per annum Rent issuing out of the Mannor of Denford in Com. Berks late Francis Vicount Lovell's attainted The same year also he was made Constable of Hanley-Castle in Com. Wigorn. And in 10 H. 8. was charg'd with providing Fifty Archers for the King's service in his Wars In 11 H. 8. he obtained License to make a Park at his Mannor of Compton Vineyatys in Com. War of certain inclosed grounds and to include Two thousand Acres more of Land and Wood therein In 13 H. 8. upon the Attainder of Edward Duke of 〈◊〉 he obtain'd a Grant in special tail of the Mannor Castle and Park of 〈◊〉 in Com. Warr. as also of the Mannors of Scotton and Breâ—eton in Com. Ebor. in reversion after the death or surrender of Simon Coniers In 15 H. 8. he was imploy'd in those hostile Incursions then made into Scotland Cardinal Welsey being the cause thereof as some thought who perceiving in what favour he grew with the King contrived to pack him out of the way left in time he might diminish his greatness In
Iames now Earl of Northampton first married the Lady Isabella one of the two daughters and coheirs to Richard late Earl of Dorset by the Lady Anne his wife sole daughter and heir to George Earl of Cumberland by whom he had issue two sons William and Iames who both died in their childhood and three daughters Anne and Isabella who also died young and Alathea yet living To his second wife he married Mary daughter to Baptist Vicount Campden and by her hath issue two sons George and Spenser and two daughters Inliâ—nâ— and Mary Lord Norris 14 Eliz. THough none of this Family did arrive to the dignity of Peerage until Q. Elizabeths Reign yet was it of great note and honour'd with divers Matches from sundry Noble Houses many ages past For it appears that they were of Speke in Com. Lanc. long before King Edward the Third's time and most of them Knights And that in 35 E. 3. Iohn a second son to Sir Henry Norris of Sâ—eke lived at Bray in Com. Berks. as did also his son and grandson Likewise that in the time of King Henry the Sixth Iohn his great grandson was first Usner of the Chamber next Squyer of the Body and afterwards Master of the Wardrobe to that King Lastly Sheriff of the Counties of Oxon. and Berks. in 36 of his Reign As also Squyer of the Body to King Edward the Fourth And residing at Yatenden in Com. Berks. departed this life 1 Sept. 6 E 4. whereupon he was buried at Bray in an Isle of that Church built at his own cost To whom succeeded Sir William Norris of Yatenden Knight his son and heir one of the Knights for the Body to King Edward the Fourth And in 2 H. 7. a Commander in the King's Army at the Battel of Stoke juxta Newark against Iohn Earl of Lincoln and his adherents This Sir William was a person learned in the Laws as it seems for in that second year of H. 7. he had an Annuity of Twenty Marks out of the Mannor of Swarford in Com. Oxon granted to him by Iohn Duke of Suffolk pro bono consilio impenso impendendo And in 19 H. 7. 5 Maii for the like consideration of his Counsel obtain'd a grant from that King of the custody of the Mannor of Langley which Mannor was then in the Crown by reason of the minority of Edward son and heir to Isabel late wife of George Duke of Clarence as also of the Stewardship of the Mannors of Boreford Shipton Spillesbirie and Hundred of Cadlyngton all in Com. Oxon. which Mannors were then also in the Crown by reason of the minoritie of the said Edward He first Married Isabel the daughter and heir of Edmund Ingaldesthorp widow of Iohn Nevill Marquess Mountagu and by her had issue three sons William Leonel and Richard all which died young and three daughters ... married to Sir Iohn Langford of Bradfeild Knight Ioane to Iohn Cheney of Wodhey in Com. Berk Esquire and Elizabeth to William Farmer of Somerton in Com. Oxon. Esq. He afterwards married Iane daughter to Iohn Earl of Oxford and by her had issue Sir Edward Norris Knight who married Fridiswide the daughter and coheir of Francis Vicount Lovel and by her had issue z two sons Iohn and Henry Which Iohn was Squyer of the Body to King Henry the Eighth and having married Elizabeth the sister of Edmund Lord Bray died without any legitimate issue 21 Oct. 6 Eliz. â—o that Henry became heir to the Estate Which Henry upon the surrendring of Sir William Compton Knight was made Usher of the Black Rod 23 Oct. 18 H. 8. to bear the same before the King or his Lieutenant at St. Georges Feast in the Castle of Windsore He was also Squyer of the Body to that King and in 20 H. 8. one of the Gentlemen of his Privy-Chamber Likewise in 27 H. 8. 29 Nov. made Constable of Walingford Castle But upon the first of May following there being a solemn Just held at Grenewich wherein George Bullen Vicount Rochford was chief challenger and this Henry principal defendent the King suddenly departed thence no cause for it being at all known which much discomposed the whole Company especially the Queen Some say that she let fall her Handkerchief wherewith one supposed her Favourite did wipe his face and that it was perceived by the King But whatever it was the next morning this Henry with the Lord Rochford were committed to the Tower So likewise the Queen Who when she came thither fell upon her knees beseeching God so to help her as she was not guilty of what she was accused Others were also committed at that time upon the same account It is reported that she seem'd to exclaim against this Henry as if he had accused her yet said they should both die together But so they did not nor on the same day she being Tryed before the Duke of Norfolk High Steward for that occasion and found guilty by her Peers He also with the rest soon after and beheaded on the Fourteenth of that Moneth It is likewise reported that the King greatly favoured this Henry and that he much grieved that he was to die with the rest Also that thereupon he offer'd pardon to him conditionally that he would confess that whereof he stood accused but he answered resolutely That in his conscience he thought the Queen guiltless of the objected crime but whether she were or not he could not accuse her of any thing and that he had rather undergo a thousand deaths than betray the Iâ—nocent upon relation whereof to the King he cryed out Hang him up then Hang him up then Hereupon he was Attainted in Parliament â— Iunii the same year viz. 28 H. 8. leaving issue by Mary his wife daughter to Thomas Lord Daâ—res of the South Henry his son and heir and Mary a daughter first married to Sir George Carew Knight and afterwards to Sir Arthur Champernon Knight Which Henry liv'd at Wytham in Com. Berks. being Thirty years of age in 7 Eliz. In An. 1566. 8 Eliz. he was Knighted at his own House at Rycot And in 14 Eliz. sent Embassador into France Where he managed his business with such prudence and honor as that by reason thereof and his fathers sufferings for her Mother's sake he was advanced to the dignity of a Peer of this Realme by Summons to Parliament and took his place in the House of Lords upon the Eighth of May the same year By his Testament bearing date 24 Sept. An. 1589. 31 Eliz. he bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the Chapel of Rycot and by Margerie his wife the younger of the two daughters and coheirs to Iohn Lord Williams of â—ame with whom he had that Lordship
Chamberlain the Earls of Arundel and Montgomery with the Vicounts L'isle Walingford and Fenton being witnesses thereto And upon the Thirtieth of Ianuary the next year following made him Lord High Admiral of England Ireland and Principality of Wales After which upon the fourth of February he was sworn of the Privy-Council As also about this time made Chief Justice in Eyre of all the Parks and Forests South of Trent Master of the King's Bench-Office High-Steward of Westminster and Constable of Windsore Castle In 21 Iac. being sent with the Prince into Spain to accelerate the marriage then in agitation with a daughter of that King they began their Journey from Court on Tuesday 18 Feb. 1623. with disguised Beards and Names viz. Thomas Smith and Iohn Smith attended only by Sir Richard Grabam Master of his Horse Riding post to Canterbury where they took fresn Horses they were stopt by the Mayor as suspicious persons whereupon this Marquess was constrain'd to take off his Beard and to tell him that he was going in that covert manner to take a private view of the Fleet being Admiral At Dovor they found Sir Francis Cottington the Prince his Secretary and M r Endymion Porter who had provided a Vessel to transport them And landed at Boâ—oâ—ne whence they rode that night to Monstruel and came to Paris on Friday following 22 Febr. Thence having spent one whole day there to view the City and Court they got to Bayâ—ne the utmost Town of France in six dayes and so in four dayes more viz. Wednesday 5 Martii to Madrid Where within a short time there had like to have hapned a great difference betwixt him and Conde d' Olivares upon pretence that he had given some intimation of the Prince his Conversion to the Romish-Religion which he dissavowed As to what passed there in reference to that Match or otherwise I shall not take upon me to make any relation referring it wholly to our Annalists only taking notice that during his stay there a Present was made to him by the Governor of that Rich Cloth of State which was borne over the King of Spain and Prince of England upon the Princes solemn entrance into that Town Also that he there receiv'd a Complemental Letter from the Pope Gregory the Fifteenth inciting him to be instrumental for restoring the Romish Religion in these Dominions Moreover that being there disrelish'd for his heighth of spirit French garb and taking upon him overmuch familiarity with the Prince he receiv'd some affronts which did not a little enrage him against the Conde de Olivares and that before his departure thence he obtained another Patent from King Iames bearing date 18 Maii 21 Iac. whereby he was created Earl of Coventre and Duke of Buckingham His departure with the Prince from Madrid was upon the 12 th of September An. 1623. and arrival at Portsmouth upon the fifth of October ensuing Upon his return he was made Lord Warden of the Cinque-ports and Steward of the Mannor of Hampton-Court That Match being thus broke 't is said that he drew the Prince to take a Popular way and to close with those of the Privy-Council and Nobility who were most opposite to Spaine and best liked by the Puritans and that thereupon he projected the calling of a Parliament to gain the greater credit with the people Which so incensed the Spaniard that their Embassadors aspersed him with a design to take off K. Iames and dispose of him to his Country-Houses and Pastimes the Prince having years and abilities sufficient for publick Government and that he had strucken in with all popular men viz. Oxford Southampton Essex Say and others endeavouring to raise an opinion of his own greatness and to lessen the King As also that thereupon they advised His Majesty to rid Himself of this Captivity But long it was not after this that King Iames died at Theobalds Whereupon he was made Lord High Steward for the Coronaâ—â—on-day of King Charles the First and sent with the Earl of Holand to the States of the United Provinces to Treat with them and with the Ministers of other Confederate-Princes touching a common diversion for recovery of the Palatinate At which time being in those parts he purchased a choice Collection of Arabick Manuscripts gained in remote Countries through the Industry and diligence of Erpinius a famous Linguist Which Manuscripts were after his death bestowed on the University of Cambridge whereof he was Chancelor whereunto he intended them As he had been the chief Favourite of King Iames so was he to King Charles whose marriage with a daughter of France being consummated by a Proxie there he was sent to conduct her into England and accordingly came to Paris upon the 24 th of May An. 1625. Also after his return he was imploy'd with the Earl of Holand to the Hague for entring a League with the States of the United Provinces against the Emperor and King of Spain But before the revolution of that year a Parliament being call'd at Westminster and therein a great noise made of sundry Grievances notwithstanding he had much pleased the people in being the chiefest Instrument for breaking the Spanish-Match the Commons fell sharply upon him as the prime cause of all Publick-miscarriages framing divers Articles against him chiefly grounded on Common Fame Against all which clamour the King Himself did most graciously vindicate him Notwithstanding all which in the Parliament at Westminster the next ensuing year the Earl of Bristoll who had been Embassador in Spain in order to the Prince's Marriage exhibited Articles against him of high concernment the House of Commons also impeaching him very sharply But therein nothing was done by reason of that Parliaments dissolution soon after That which I find in the next place most memorable of him is That the King discerning the House of Austria to aime at the ruine of the Reform'd Religion through Christendome and that they had prevailed with the French to obstruct the landing of Count Manfeild's Army contrary to promise with whom they should have joyn'd for Relief of the Palatinate which proved the loss of the whole Protestant-Party in Germany Also that notwithstanding His Majesty had by His Mediation prevailed for a Peace betwixt the King of France and his Protestant subjects that King did not only block up their Towns and Forts making great spoil upon them but seized no less than an Hundred and twenty English Ships with their Merchandize and Artillery He therefore raised considerable Forces to vindicate these their injurious dealings making this Duke General of them as also Admiral of his whole Fleet to the end that he might demand just reparation therein Whereupon setting saile from the West of England upon Wednesday 27 Iunii An. 1627. 3 Car. 1.
the Navy consisting of an Hundred Saile wherein were about Seven thousand Land-souldiers about the tenth of Iuly he landed in the Isle of 〈◊〉 in aid of the Rochellers then besieged by the French In which finding two strong Forts he fruitlesly attempted one of them And after three moneths stay discerning fresh-forces brought in by the French which were too powerful for him to deale with made his Retreat but without any defence for the securing thereof so that he there lost at least Two hundred brave Gentlemen which were suddenly Horst and near Two thousand of his Foot soldiers ere they could reach to his Ships Which imprudent conduct for it was judged no better occasioned a sharp debate against him by the House of Commons in the next ensuing Parliament Wherein it being Voted that his excessive power was the cause of all the evils and dangers to the King and Kingdome a Remonstrance of Grievances was then drawn up whereby he stood charg'd to be the principal occasion of them Which touching him so nearly in point of Honor his hopes were by a second Expedition thither to regain what he had so lost in that unhappy attempt To which end having made a large preparation he came to Portsmouth in August the next ensuing year Where staying a while to put all things in order for the service and Iohn Felton born in Suffolk and bred a Soldier but of a melancholy constitution being Lieutenant of a Foot-Company in Sir Iames Ramsey's Regiment pressed into an inner-Chamber where he was at breakfast with Monsieur de Soubiez Sir Thomas Fryer and divers other persons of Quality Whence expecting his passage through a kind of Lobbye betwixt that and the next Roome where there stay'd many expecting him In his passage through this Lobby which was somewhat darker than the other Room Sir Thomas walking by his side and privately discoursing with him in the very moment that they parted Felton with a back blow stab'd him into the left side leaving the knife in his body which the Duke himself pulled out but immediately sunk down and expired Which sudden act did so much amaze all that were near at hand that no man took notice of the Assassiâ—ate so that he might easily have passed away undiscovered but that glorying in what he had thus done he freely revealed himself This hapned upon Saturday the 23 d of August An. 1628. when he had fully compleated the Thirty sixth year of his age and three dayes more his Dutchess being then in the same House in an upper Room scarce out of Bed and the Court not much more than six miles distant Being thus barbarously murthered his Corps was brought to Walingford House at Westminster and honorably buried in King Henry the Sevenths Chapel on the North-side where he hath a most noble Monument erected to his memory It was then said that the cause which moved Felton to this wicked Act was that the Duke had denyed him his Captains place upon a vacancie his Colonel then moving for one Powell a person of known valor Also that he bore an old grudge to a Knight of Suffolk whom the Duke had admitted to some degree of favour Moreover that about this time there was a Libellous Book written against the Duke by one Eggleston a Scotish Physitian which represented him Monstrous and not worthy to live in a Christian Court And that being questioned as to his Motives therein he confessed that he had long lookt upon him as an evil Instrument in the Common Wealth Likewise that he was convict thereof by the Remonstrance of the House of Commons in Parliament but that he did it partly for private displeasure having read some Books which defended the lawfulness to kill an Enemy to the Republick The Knife wherewith he did it he acknowledged that he had bought in an obscure Cutlers shop on Tower Hill for Ten pence and that he fixt the sheath to the lyning of his pocket to the end he might draw it out with one hand his other being maym'd Also that he hasted to Portâ—mouth partly on horseback and partly on foot being indigent of Money But for this he became a great Penitent wishing at his Tryal that his Right hand might be cut off as a true testimony of his hearty sorrow for destroying so Noble and Loyal a Subject This great Duke took to wife Catherine the daughter and sole heir to Francis Earl of Rutland by whom he had issue three sons Iames George and Francis and one only daughter called Mary on whose behalf her father then living obtained certain Letters-patent bearing date 31 Aug. 3 Car. 1. whereby in case he should depart this life without issue-male she should enjoy the Title of Dutchess of Buckingham with all priviledges belonging to a Duke Which noble Lady first married to Charles Lord Herbert son and heir to Philip then Earl of 〈◊〉 who departing this life at Florence in An. 1635. without any issue by her she after became the wife of Iames Duke of Richmund and Lenox Of those his three sons Iames the eldest dying in his infancie George the second succeeded him in his honors which George was made Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter by our present Sovereign King Charles the Second as also Master of the Horse and Lord Lieutenant for the County of York And married Mary sole daughter and heir of Thomas Lord Fairfax of Cainrone in the Realm of Scotland The third son the Lord Francis born after his father's death being a person of a very high courage and bearing most Loyal affections to His late Majesty King Charles the First of blessed Memory put himself in Armes together with the Earl of Holand and others for His rescue out of the hands of those barbarous Usurpers who then kept him close-Prisoner in the Isle of Wiht in order to his Woful Murther which shortly after hapned But before he could raise such a considerable strength as might probably have accomplisht this Right Noble attempt he was upon the seventh of Iuly An. 1648. met by a much greater Power of the Enemy at Kingston upon Thames and there in a sharp Skirmish most unhappily slain Villers Vicount Purbeck ¶ I Now come to the rest of the most near Relations to this late Duke Of these the first was Sir Iohn Villers Knight his elder brother who by Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster 19 Iunii 17 Iac. was made Baron of Stoke in Com. Buck. and likewise advanced to the dignity of a Vicount by the Title of Vicount Purbeck of Purbeck in in Com. Dors. This Iohn married twice first Frances the youngest daughter of Sir Edward Coke Knight by Elizabeth his wife fourth daughter to Thomas Earl of Exeter Widow of Sir William
18 Iac. advanced to the dignity of Vicount St. Alban his solemn Investiture being then performed at Theobalds his Robe carried before him by the Lord Carew and his Coronet by the Lord Wentworth Whereupon he gave the King seavenfold thanks first for making him his Sollicitor secondly his Attorney thirdly one of his Privy Council fourthly Lord Keeper of the Great Seal fifthly Lord Chancellor sixthly Baron Verulam and lastly Vicount St. Alban But long he enjoyed not that great Office of Lord Chancellor for in Lent 18 Iac. Corruption in the exercise thereof being objected against him of which 't is believed his servants were most guilty and he himself not much accessory the Great Seal was taken from him and committed to the custody of Henry Vicount Mandevill at that time President of the Council and certain other Lords Commissioners and upon the tenth of Iuly after to Doctor Iohn Williams Dean of UUestminster afterwards Bishop of Lincolne Towards his rising years he married Alice one of the daughters and coheirs to Benedict Barnham Alderman of London with whom he had an ample portion but by her had no Children to perpetuate his memory which his learned Works being for the most part composed in the five last years of his life will amply supply being then totally retired from all civil affairs and applying himself daily to contemplation and studie the particulars were these viz. ¶ The History of the Reign of King Henry the Seaventh Abcedarium Naturae or a Metaphisical piece now lost Historia Ventorum Historia vitae mortis Historia Densi Rari not yet Printed Historia Gravis levis which is also lost A Discourse of a War with Spaine A Dialogue touching an Holy War The Fable of the New Atlantis A Preface to a digest of the Laws of England The beginning of the History of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth ¶ De Augmentis Scientiarum or the advancement to Learning put into Latin with several enrichments and Enlargements ¶ Councils Civil and Moral Or his Books of Essays likewise enriched and enlarged ¶ The Conversion of certain Psalmes into English Verse The Translaion of the History of King Henry the Seventh into Latine as also of the Councils Civil and Moral and Dialogue of the Holy War ¶ His-Book de Sapientiâ veterum revised ¶ Inquisitio de Magnete ¶ Topica Inquisitionis de Luce Lumine Not Printed ¶ Silva Silvarum or his Natural History He departed this life upon the ninth day of April 1626. being Easter day in the sixty sixth year of his age at the Earl of Arundel's House in Higngate near London to which place he casually repaired about a week before and was buried in the North side of the Chancel in St. Michaels Church at St. Albans according to the appointment by his last Will and Testament because the Body of his Mother lay there interred it being the only Church remaining within the precinct of old Verulam where he hath a Monument of white Marble representing his full body in a contemplative posture siting in a chair erected by Sir Thomas Meautys Knight formerly his Secretary but afterwards Clerk of the Council to King Iames and King Charles the first On which is this following Epitaph composed by the learned Sir Henry Wotton Knight Franciscus Bacon Baro de Verulam S. Albani vicecomes seu noâ—ioribus titulis Scientiarum lumen facundiae lex â—ic sedebat Qui postquam omnia Naturalis sapientiae Civilis Arcana evolvisset Naturae decretum explevit composita solvantur An. Dom. MDCXXVI Aetatis Lxvi Tanti viri memoriae Thomas Meautus superstitis câ—ltor defuncti Admirator H. P. Hamilton Earl of Cambridge 17 Iac. THe first of this Family that enjoyed this Honor was Iames Marquess of Hamilton in Scotland son to Iohn Earl of Arran Which Iohn being the first in that Realm who bore the Title of Marquess was son to Iames Earl of Arran Regent of Scotland upon the death of King Iames the fifth and made Duke of Chasâ—all-Herauld in Poictou by Henry the second King of France and he Grandson to Sir Iames Hamilton Knight created Earl of Arran by King Iames the third whose sister Mariana he had married In the year 1619. 17 Iac. this Iames Marquess of Hamilton was by Letters Patents bearing date 16 Iunii advanced to the dignity of Baron of Ennerdale in Cumberland and Earl of Cambridge also made Gentleman of the Kings Royal Bedchamber 4 Martii An. 1620 18 Iac. and Lord Steward of his Houshold likewise Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter towards the latter end of that Kings Reign And having married Anâ—e Cunningham daughter to Iames Earl of Glencaâ—ne by her had issue two sons Iames and William as also three daughters Anne married to ... Lindsey Earl of Craford in Scotland Margaret and Mary and dying at UUhitehall 2 Martii An. 1624. 22 Iac. towards the end of which year King Iameâ— himself departed this life was buried at Hamilton in Scotland with his Ancestors Whereupon Iames his eldest son succeeding him as well in these his English as other his Scotish honours grew in such favor with King Charles the first then newly arrived to the Crown as that he was shortly after made one of the Gentlemen of his Bedchamber Knight of the Garter and Master of the Horse And in An. 1638. 14 Car. 1. upon those Tumults raised in Scotland under colour of asserting the Religion there established was about the end of May imployed thither in order to the appeasing thereof whence he returned in November following Moreover upon that great Insurrection oâ— the Scots in An. 1639. 15 Car. 1. which occasioned his Majesty to raise considerable Forces by Sea and Land himself also marching in person thither this Marquess had the whole Fleet prepared for that service committed to his trust and conduct And after that upon a farther Insurrection theâ—e being sent again into that Realm in order to his Majesties Service for the better countenancing him therein had the Title of a Duke conferred upon him Where he continued until the year 1643. At which time the Scots having levyed another Army consisting of eighteen thousand Foot and two thousand Horse in ayd of the English Rebels whose power at that time began much to decline by reason of the many Victories which the king had obtained in sundry parts of the Realm against them He hasted to the King then at Oxford accompanied with his Brother Lanerick giving out to all the Governors of such Towns and Castles as lay in his road that being banished their Country for their Loyalty to his Majesty and plundered of their Estates by the Covenanters they were at that time thus constrained to â—lee for the safety of their lives What cause of suspition the King then had of his Fidelity is unknown to me