I neither sentence any Clerk or Bishop but my own Earl whom I made my Vicegerent in my Kingdom resolving That he shall give account of that his trust Whence he carried him into Normandy and in the Castle of Roan kept him prisoner to the end of his Reign which was four years but then was he set at liberty by King William the Second commonly called Rufus and this his Earldom of Kent restored to him Howbeit though he was thus enlarged and favored by K. William Rufus when he discerned that he had not the whole sway in disposing of all things as formerly for William de Karilepho Bishop of Duâ—ham was made Justice of England he fell off from his Allegiance and seduced many others inciting them to set up Robert Curthose in the Royal Throne as a person of a more gentle disposition and who was past his youthful Vanities And in order thereto began an Insurrection in Kent where he burnt divers Towns belonging to the King and Lanfranke then Archbishop carrying the Plunder of them to Rochester bearing an immortal hatred to that Archbishop in regard that by his Councel he had been cast into prison by King William the First with that nice distinction as he was Earl of Kent for as a Clergiman and Bishop it was not justifiable From Rochester he marched to Pevensey in Sussex and betook himself to his Castle there unto which the King presently marched and laid siege but at the end of six weeks being for want of Food forced to render it up he promised by Oath to quit the Realm and never to return until the King should command him as also to deliver up the Castle of Rochester before his departure Howbeit when he came to Rochester with those Soldiers of the Kings unto whom he was to render it he and they were all shut up at Rochester by the Garrison which he had left in that Castle Some were then of opinion that this was done by his own contrivance for there were then in that Castle many gallant Men and almost the whole Nobility of Normandy There was also young Eustace Earl of Bolein and divers Noblemen of Flanders But no sooner was the news hereof brought to the King than that he marched with his Army to Rochester and besieged the City so that within a short space those that were there rendred themselves And Odo losing all his Honor for ever abjured the Kingdom and went into Normandy where being received by Robertâ— Curthose then Duke he had the whole care of that Province committed to him The principal persons who joyned with Odo in this Conspiracy against King William Rufus on the behalf of Robert Curthose were Geffrey Bishop of Constance Robert Earl of Moreton Brother to this Odo Roger Earl of Shreasbury Robert de Molbray Earl of Northumberland and Roger Bigot Robert de Belesmo William de Owe Robert fil Baldwini de Excestre Hugh de Grentmaisnill Bernard Newmarch Roger de Lacy and Ralph de Mortimer But of these Roger Earl of Shrewsbury first fell off Being thus received in Normandy and in such high esteem with Curthose he had the whole Government of that Dukedome committed to his charge and was thereupon made his Counsellor To conclude with the words of mine Author He was Eloquent and magnanimous courtly and to speak according to the World couragious He was a great honorer of Religious Men his Clergy he stoutly defended with his Tongue and Sword and furnished his Church with rich Ornaments as his Buildings Vestments and Plate of Gold and Silver which he gave thereto do testifie In his youth in regard he was Brother to the Duke he was advanced to the Bishoprick of Bayeux in which he sate more then fifty years His carnal affections being sometimes predominant he begot a Natural Son named John who was afterwards by reason of his eloquence and ingenuity of great esteem in the Court of King Henry the First And though he was a person sometimes addicted to Secular Levities yet he had a great regard to Ecclâ—siastick Matters The Church of our Lady at Bayeux he built from the Ground and decked it with divers costly Ornaments In the Church of S. Vigor sometime Bishop of Bayeux which is situate near the Wall of that City he placed Monks and constituted the Religious and Prudent Robert de Tumbalene Prior there who amongst the rest of his learned Works left a short clear and profound Coment upon the Canticles Which Monastery he made a â—ell to the Abbey of Dijon He also sent young Schollars to â—iege and other Cities where he knew the study of Philosophy to flourish and gave them large exhibitions for their support in Learning of which so by him educated were Thomas Archbishop of York and Sampson his Brother Bishop of Worcester William de Ros Abbot of Fiscamp in Normandy Thurstan Abbot of Glasâ—onbury and many other then living So this Bishop Odo though much entangled with worldy cares yet he did many landable things and what he got indirectly be bestowed upon the Church and Poor Howbeit at length leaving the World he took a journey to Rome with Duke Robert his Nephew but died at Palermo in Sâ—câ—ly and had Sepulture in the Church of our Lady there The Lands and Possessions which he had here in England were wonderful great all which were given him by the bounty of King William his Brother for in Kent he had no less than an Hundred eighty four Lordships or the greatest part of them in Essex Thirty nine in Oxfordshire Thirty two in Hartfordshire Twenty three in Buckinghamshire Thirty in Worcestershire Two in Bedfordshire Eight in Northamptonshire Twelve in Nottinghamshire Five in Norfolk Twenty two in Warwickshire Six and in Lincolnshire Seventy six Earl of Cornwal TO this Earldom was Robert Earl of Moreton in Normandy Brother to King William by the Mother shortly after the Conquest advanced and had other great Honors given him in this Realm In the time of King William Rufus taking part with his Brother Odo Earl of Kent in that Insurrection on the behalf of Robert Curthose he held the Castle of Pevensey on that account but so soon as the King laid siege thereto rendered it up to him and made his peace This Earl having had the Standard of Saint Michael carried before him in Battle as the words of his Charter do import under which it is to be presumed he had been prosperous did out of great devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin for the health of his Soul and the Soul of his Wife as also for the Soul of the most glorious King William for those are his expressions give the Monastery of S. Michael at the Mount in Cornwal unto the Monks of S. Michael de Periculo Maris
reveal this left the credit thereof should suffer through the emulation of Vnbelievers whereunto he obeyed But to the end that the truth of this Miracle might not be concealed from posâ—â—rity wrote the particulars thereof in a Schedule and delivered it to a Monk of Worcester with command That it should be put into a Shrine and not opened until after the death of himself and the King This good Earl Leofric took to Wife Godiva a most beautiful and devout Lady Sister to one Thorold Sheriff of Lincolnshire in those days and Founder of Spaâ—ding Abbey as also of the stock and lineage of Thorold Sheriff of that County in the time of Kenulph King of Mercia which Countess Godeva bearing an extraordinary affection to the City of Coventry often and carnestly besought her Husband that for the love of God and the Blessed Virgin he would free it from that griâ—vous servitude whereunto it was subject But he râ—buking her for importuning him in a matter so inconsistent with his profit forbad her to move any more therein Nevertheless she out of her Womanish pertinacy continued to sollicite him insomuch that he told her if she would ride on Horsback naked from the one end of the Town to the other in the sight of all the people her request should be granted whereunto she returned But will you give me leave so to do And he replying Yes The noble Lady upon an appointed day got on Horsback naked with her Hair loose so that it covered all her body but the Legs And thus performing the journey returned with joy to her Husband who thereupon granted to the Inhabitants of that City a Charter of Freedom from Servitude Evil Customs and Exactions A servitute Malis Custumis 〈◊〉 saith Iorvallensis Which Immunity I rather conceive to have been a kind of Manumission from some such servile Tenure whereby they then held what they had under this great Earl than meerly a Freedom from all manner of Tâ—ll except Horses as H. Knighton affirms and as the vulgar Tradition is in memory whereof the Picture of him and his Lady were set up in a South Window of Trinity Church in that City about King Kichard the Seconds time in his right hand holding a Charter with these words written thereon I Luriche for the love of thee Do make Coventrey Toll free This excellent Lady Godâ—va was cheifly instrumental in the Foundation of that Monastery at â—oventrey so performed by Earl Leâ—fric her Husband as hath been observed for Ingulphus saith that it was Instigante 〈…〉 At the instance of his Wife And her self so 〈◊〉 thereto that she gave her own whole Treasure and sent for skilful Goldsmiths who with all the Gold and Silver she had made Crosses Images of Saints and other curious 〈◊〉 which she devoutly disposed thereto Nor did her zeal to Gods Service terminate here For besides this she Founded the Monastery of Sâ—ow near Lincoln dedicating it to the Blessed Virgin and endowed it with the Lordships of Newark Flatburgh and Martinewelle giving possession of them by a fair Jewel and rich Bracelets curiously wrought as her Charter imports whereunto were witnesses King Edward the Confessor himself Aldred Archbishop of York Wlfwi Bishop of Dorchester Earl Leofrick her Husband with divers more great Earls and others The death of this Noble Leofric was at his Mannor of Bromseage in Com ... upon the second Kalends of September in the year 1057. 13 Edw. Conf. and his Sepulture in that Monastery at Coventrey of his own Foundation unto which he bequeathed his Body to be buried giving therewith a great quantity of Gold and Silver Of his Lands I find no other mentioned in the Conquerors Survey than these only viz. Aâ—tone Nunetune and Witechesâ—aw in Com. Saloâ— Nor of the Noble Lady Godeva his Wife then these Newerch Normantone Estoches and certain Lands in Fladburg in Nottinghamshire Brotune in Worcestershire Brantestone Penne and Molesley in Staffordshire Nortone Bildestone and Appleby in Leicestershire Aâ—lespede Aderstone Ardâ—eshille Hansley Chinesbery Anesty Fochewell and Coventrey in Warwickshire To him succeeded in this Earldom his eldest Son Algar of whom I may not omit what is memorable whilst his Father Earl Leofric was alive In An. 1053. 10 Edw. Conf. Harold Son to Earl Godwyne coming to enjoy the Earldom of the West Saxons upon his Fathers death quitted his interest in the Earldom of the East Saxons to this Algar Moreover about two years after this Algar was upon deliberation had in a great Council held at London banished by King Edward for what particular cause is not said but for Treason in general Whereupon he wafted over into Ireland and soon after returning with Eighteen Ships as a Pirate incited Griffin Prince of Wales to take part with him Whereunto Griffin consenting they invaded Herefordshire with a Rebellious Army slew and routed all those Forces which Ralph Earl of Hereford had raised to oppose them and having so done marched to Hereford where by Fire and Sword they did no little mischeif Of which the King having notice he presently sent Hardd Earl of the West Saxons against them with a great power but by mediation of such as interposed all being quieted Algar was admitted to the Kings presence and had his Earldom seised on for this his Rebellion restored to him again After this about two years Earl Leofric his Father departing the World he succeeded in this Earldom howbeit the next ensuing year being banished again he lost it but by the help of Griffin Prince of Wales and the Norway Fleet which came to him unexpectedly he reobtained it and within a Twelve Moneth after departing this life was buried in the Monastery at Coventrey near to the Grave of his Father leaving Issue but by whom I have not seen two Sons Edwyne who succeeded him in this his Earldom as also Morkar Earl of Northumberland of whom I have spoke elswhere and two Daughters Algitha Wife of Harold Earl of the West Saxons and afterwards King of England and Lucia who was at length sole Heir to her two Brothers first Married to Ivo Talbois a potent Norman Earl of Anâ—ou secondly to Rogere de Romare Son of Gerold and thirdly to Ranulf Earl of Chester the first of that name Of the Lands which this Earl Algar did possess in King Edward the Confessors days these are Recorded in the Conquerors Survey viz. Clive Wiclei Boctone and Ferendone in Northamptonshire Brotone in Nottinghamshire Celdeford Phincingefeld Westrefeld Phenstade Badwen Donmanna and Glestingethorp in Essex Merlaw in Buckinghamshire Grantesdene in Huntingdonshire Alrewas Scandone Certeley Wlstanstone Pinchetel Rowcestre Crachemers Wotocheâ—hed Bertone Lee Rugely Medeveld Mera Chenet Eleford Chenevare Patingham Clistone Drayton Opewas Herulvestone Claverlege Nordlege Alvidelege Wrfeld Seglesley and Penne in Staffordshire Lidlintone Mordune Scelgy Melleburne Evresdone and Badburgham in
for that in so doing he had endeavored to deprive his eldest Son Ethelbald of his Right to succeed him and partly because in his return he had wedded Iudith Daughter to Charles then King of France Earls of Dorset THe first Earl of this Province that I find is Aethelhelme who in the year 838. King Egbert then Reigning after an honorable Victory which he had upon the Danes that then invaded this Land in pursuing them farther than was safe lost his life ¶ The next is Osric or Osred who in the year 845. in the time of King Ethelwolph joyning with Earnulf Earl of Somersetshire and Alstane Bishop of Shireburne encountred the Danes in Battle at Pedredesmuth slew a multitude of them and obtained a signal Victory This is that Osric whom some of our Historians do call Earl of Hantshire ¶ After him scil in the Reign of King Edgar Egelward of whom I have not seen any other memorial than his being Founder of the Abbey of Pershore in Worcestershire Earls of Devon THe first Earl of this County that I read of was Karl who in the year 851. Athewulph being then King of the West Saxons fought valiantly against the Pagan-Danes which did then much infest this Kingdom and obtained a great Victory against them at Winborne in Dorsetshire The next was Odda who in the year 878. King Alfred Reigning was besieged in a certain Castle by those Pagan-Daneâ— After him Edred of whom I find no other mention than that he died in the year 901. a Moneth before the death of King Alured and that he had been a faithful assistant to him in many Battles Then Ordgar in the time of King Edgar of whose beautiful Daughter called Alfrida there is a notable Relation first of her marriage with Ethelwolfe Earl of the East Angles and afterwards with King Edgar himself whereof I shall take notice at large when I come to speak of the said Ethelwolfe Of this Ordgar this is cheifly memorable viz. That he Founded the Abbey of Horton in Dorsetshire which was a Cell to Shireburne and likewise Tavestoke in Devonshire in the year 961. And dying in the year 971. was buried in that Abbey where he had a fair Tomb as also that he had a Son called Edulf of a Giant-like stature and wonderful strength of whom it is reported That coming to Exeter with King Edward Son and Successor to King Edgar and finding the Gates of the City shut up and barred he with his hands and fâ—â—t burst them open and that this Edulf had a Monument also in the same Abbey of Tavestoke in proportion suitable to the immensity of his Bulk This 〈◊〉 is sometimes called Ordulf and by some reported to have been the Founder of that Abbey of Tavestoke After Ordgar a certain Norman Earl called Hugh was made Earl of this County by Queen Emme which Hugh partly by his negligence and partly treachery suffered Sweine King of Denmark to enter Exeter and make great spoil there To him succeeded Ailmâ—â—â— who being also Earl of Cornwal is under the Title of that County spoke of And to him Odo unto whom King Edward the Confâ—ssor gave also the Earldoms of Somerset and Dorset Earls of Kent OF Kent the first Earl whereof I have seen any mention and that upon a memorable occasion was Ealhere viz. A Victory against the Danes in this County in the year of Christ Dccclii Who arriving in the Mouth of Thames with 350 Ships landed a great Army wasted the City of London and foiled Beortulph King of the Mercians in open fight But at length coming to Sandwich were encountred by King Ethelstan Son to Athelwulph the West Saxâ—n King and by the help of this Earl Ealâ—ere after great slaughter totally put to flight nine of their Ships being then also taken About two years after this valiant Earl with the assistance of Wada Earl of Surrey gave them Battle again in the Isle of Shiâ—ey where though at the first onset he had the better of the day yet at last the Danes prevailing he lost his life The next Earl of this County that I meet with was Ceolmund so constituted by King Aelfred in the year of Christ Dcccxcvii to withstand the incursion of those Pagan-Danes which then much infested this Land In the time of King Canutus Godwyne a person of great note in those days and of a most Noble Extraction was Earl viz. Son of Wolnoth Son of Egelmar Son of Egelrick Brother to that great Edric-Streona Earl of Mercia in the days of King Ethelred commonly called the Vnredy In the year 1024. this Earl Godwyne was General of the English Forces in that expedition made by King Canutus with his Army consisting of English and Danes against the Swedes in which he performed most signal service for discerning the King to have great loss in the first days fight he privily assaulted the Enemies Camp in the night following slew a multitude of them and routing the rest compelled Vlfe and Eiglafe Kings of that Nation to peaceable terms But the next thing memorable of him that I have met with was a most perfidious and ignoble Act which much clouded the honor he gained by that brave and heroick exploit the Story whereof is briefly this The year following the death of King Canutus who was in truth no other than an Invader here Aelfred Son to Etheldred late King of England by just Succession having remained in Normandy with Duke Richard his Uncle for a long time made sail hither with Five and twenty Ships full of stout Soldiers to challenge his rightful Inheritance and arriving at Sandwich advanced to Canterbury whereof Earl Godwyne having notice he went and met him and having assured him of his Fidelity feasted with him that Evening But soon after in the night time when Aelfred and his followers were asleep in their Beds at Guilford in Surrey he rushed in upon them with a multitude of armed Men and binding their hands behind them set them on a row causing them all to be beheaded except the tenth man and not satisfied with that decimated them once over again so that â—â—w were left alive After which he bound the Royal Aelfred himself a young Prince of great honor and carried him to the City of London unto Harold Son to Canutus by the power of this Earl then made King who upon sight of him commanded that he should forthwith be carried to the Isle of Ely and his eyes put out which being performed he soon died The substance of this most perfidious action of Earl Godwine doth Simoen Dunelmensis also relate but with instances of greater barbarity taking notice that upon the death of young Aelfred at Ely as is above exprest his Body
in Hantshire Nine in Middlesex Eight in Cambridgshire Eleven in Hertfordshire One in Glocestershire One in Worcestershire Two in Warwickshire Eleven in Staffordshire Thirty in Sussex Seventy seven besides the City of Chichester and Castle of Arundel and in Shropshire very near all that County besides the City of Shrewsbury As to his enterprises in Wales it is to be noted That after the Normans became thus Victorious as hath been observed they thought the whole Realm of England too little recompence for so great and hazardous an adventure and therefore observing that Robert Fitz-Hamon and those Knights who assisted him hath sped so well by their attempts in Glamorganshire desired King William to grant them what they could by power and force obtain from the Welsh Unto which request considering that by thus enlarging his Dominion his Soveraignty and Wealth would consequently be the greater he readily assented Whereupon he entred Powysland and won the Castle and Town of Baldwine which he fortified and called after his own name Montgomery So likewise Cardigan and did homage for them to the King There is this also farther memorable of him viz. That he built a strong Castle at Shrewsbury upon that neck of Land situate betwixt the stream of Severn on each side which River so admirably environeth all the rest of that Beautiful Town as that it is now well defended on every part And next that he was a person of extraordinary devotion to God for he not only Founded and most amply endowed that great Abbey of S. Peter and Paul in the Eastern Suburbs of Shrewsbury but also three other Religious Houses in Normandy One in the Suburb of the City of Sais the second at â—roarn upon the River Dive and the third at Almanacha for Nuns He was also a great Benefactor to that Abbey of S. Stephens at Caen in Normandy Founded by the most famous King William the Conqueror giving thereunto certain Lands in those parts So likewise to the Abbey of Vtica in Normandy as appears by his Grant of the Lordships of Melâ—eburne in Cambridgshire 〈◊〉 now called Dnne and Mercston in Staffordshire with one Hide of Land at Graphan Likewise of certain Lands at Chichester with the Tithes of Cheese and Wool of Pulton and Tithes of Senegay in Cambrdgshire Moreover to the Monks of S. Peter at Cluni in Burgundy by his Grant of Chelton And lastly by his Structure of the Church at Quadford near Bruggenorth in Shropshire the occasion whereof was as followeth Upon the first passage of Adeliza his second Wife out of Normandy into England there hapning so great a storm at Sea as nothing but Shipwrack was expected by the Mariners a certain Priest who was her Chaplain being much wearied with long watching fell very fast asleep in which sleep there appeared to him a comely Matron who said thus If your Lady would be preserved from the danger of this dreadful Tempest let her vow to God that she will build a Church to the honor of S. Mary Magdalen in the place where she shall first meet the Earl her Husband in England and specially where an hollow Oak groweth near an Hogstie All which when he awaked he told to his Lady who soon made her vow accordingly whereupon the Tempest ceased and she with her attendants came safe to shore At length after divers days journey towards her Husband she met him near Quatford in an Out-wood on Hunting at a certain place where such an Oak then grew and relating to him what had hapned moved him that he would fulfil her vow who forthwith assenting caused that Church in honor of S. Mary Magdalen to be built which he endowed with ample possessions and gave to his Collegiate Chappel in the Castle of â—rugge Norâ—â— He first took to Wife Mabel Daughter and Heir to William Talvace Son of William Son of Ivo de Belesme a person of great power and note in the time of Richard Duke of Normandy with whom he had a large inheritance in Belesme and elswhere Which Lady bearing much hatred to the Founders of the Abbey of Utica caused that House to be grievously burthened with quartering of Soldiers For which and other oppressions by her exercised towards divers of the Nobility she was afterwards murthered in her Bed and buried in the Abbey of Troarn before mentioned By this Mabel he had Issue five Sons and four Daughters viz. Robert de Belesme Hugh de Montgomery Roger of Poictou of which three I shall speak more largely Philip who applied himself to Literature and was a Priest as also Arnulph who having nothing of his Fathers Inheritance betook himself to Feats of Arms. And following his Fathers example in his Adventures in Wales won that part of Soâ—th Wales called Dyvet now Pembrâ—kâ—shire for which respect having the title of that Earldom he first began to build a Castle there which he afterwards fortified on the behalf of his Brother Robert in the time of that Rebellion against King Henry the First He also gave to the Abbey of S. Martin at Sais in Normandy so Founded by his Father as hath been said for the health of his Soul the Soul of Earl Roger his Father and of Earl Hugh his Brother who was slain that year the Church of S. Nicholas situate within his Castle of Pembroke with Twenty Carucates of Land besides Of his Daughters Emme the Eldest was Abbess at Almanisca Maud was Wife of Robert Earl of Moreton Half-Brother to the Conqueror Mabel of Hugh de Novâ— Casteko and Sibil of Robert Fitz-Hamon Lord of Corboil in Normandy His second Wife was Addeliza Daughter of Ebrard de Pusaic by whom he had Issue only one Son Ebrard who being a Clergiman was one of the Chaplains to Henry the First King of England And now as this great Earl having a venerable esteem of the Monastick Profession was Founder and Benefactor to so many Religious Houses as hath been said so at his departure out of this World he farther manifested his affections thereunto For by his last Will and Testament he bequeathed to the Monks of S. Ebrulf at Uitca Thirty shillings to be paid every year out of his Lands at â—lencion at the beginning of Lent for the maintaining of a Lamp to burn in the Church of that Abbey day and night before the Crucifix And having by the hands of Reginald then Prior of Shrewsbury obtained from the House of Cluâ—â— in Burgundy the Coat of S. Hugh sometime Abbot there for himself to put on caused himself to be shorne a Monk in the said Abbey of Shrewsbury with the consent of his Wife where it is observed of him That three days before his death he wholly applied himself to divine Conference and devout Prayers with the rest of that
that his descent for I find that having wedded Lucia Sister to those Noble Brothers Edwyne and Morkar of whom I have made mention under the Titles of Mercia and Northumberland he not only gave up those Lands of her Inheritance in lieu thereof but a large sum of Money besides which was not totally paid of a good while after For it appears that in 5 Steph. Ranulph Earl of Chester Son to this Ranulph is certified to be indebted to the King in a thousand pounds De debito Patris sui pro terrâ Hugonis Comitis This Ranulph before he thus enjoyed the Earldom of Chester was Earl of Cumberland for so I find him stiled in that Confirmation made by King William of the Mannor of Wederhale to the Abbey of S. Maries at York which afterwards became a Cell to that Monastery By some of our Historians he is called Earl of Carlisle by reason of his residence there that being the cheif City of Cumberland who farther report of him that he came over with William Duke of Normandy and gave him effectual assistance in his Conquest of England as also that he began the building of the City of Carlisle and granted divers Immunities to the Inhabitants thereof And moreover that King William in his return from Scotland discerning Carlisle to be so Royal a Town took it from him and gave him this of Chester in its stead It is likewise recorded of this Ranulph that being a person of more than ordinary valor King William the Conqueror gave him that vast Mountainous Country called Stanemore situate on the skirts of Yorkshire and Westmerland then possessed by Aliens upon condition he could recover it out of their hands and that by his singular courage having beaten out those Foreigners he Enfeoffed his two Brothers in a large portion thereof viz. William of Coupland and Geffrey of Gillesland and a multitude of others within the County of Cumberland amongst which one Waltheof a Man of note in that age as also the Morvills and sundry persons in Anandale whose Estates the King at his request confirmed But the Earldom id est of Cumberland he retained to himself with all Royalty and Dominion for a long time with as much power and freedom as if there had been another King in those parts And that after this the King proposing to him the waging War with the Marchers in Cheshire who had invaded a great part of that Countrey he undertaking the work drove them out Whereupon he gave him that whole Province and made him Count Palatine of it as he had Earl Hugh So that he thenceforth left the Earldom of Cumberland on condition that those whom he had Enfeoffed there should hold their Lands of the King in Capite and setled himself in Cheshire This Earl was Founder of the Abbey at Kaldra in Cumberland and translated the Bones of his Uncle Earl Hugh from the Church-yard into the Chapter-House at Chester at which time he gave to the Monks of the Abbey of S. Werburg there the Lordship of Uptune in Cheshire He gave also to the Abbey of S. Maries at York the Church of S. Michael and the Church of S. Laurence belonging to his Castle at Appleby in Westmerland And departing this life in the year One thousand one hundred twenty nine 29 H. 1. was buried in the Abbey of S. Werburg before mentioned leaving Issue by Lucia his Wife Daughter to Algar sometime Earl of Mercia as I have elswhere shewed two Sons viz. Ranulph and William and two Daughters Alice Wife to Richard Fitz-Gilbert Ancestor to the Old Earls of Clare and Agnes of Robert de Grent-Maisnil Which Lucia surviving him in 5 Steph. paid to the King Cclxvi l. xiii s. iiii d. for Livery of her Fathers Lands and likewise Five hundred marks fine to the end she might not be compelled to marry again within the space of five years To the Nuns of Stikeswould in Lincolnshire she have Seven Carucates and Four Ox-gangs of Land lying in Huntendon And confirmed to the Priory of Spalding in the same County the Mannor of Spalding which Ivo Talboys her first Husband had formerly given to the Monks of S. Nicholas at Angiers in France unto which Monastery this of Spalding was a Cell where she afterwards had Sepulture Ranulph Son to the last Ranulph succeeding in the Earldom of Chester being for distinction from his Father called Ranulph de Gernons was a Man of great action in his days especially in Martial Affairs in that turbulent time of King Stephens Reign taking part with Maud the Empress and her Son Henry Duke of Normandy afterwards King by the name of Henry the Second to whom he was by affinity nearly Allied for he had wedded Maud Daughter of Robert sirnamed Consul Earl of Gloceâ—â—er one of the Illegitimate Sons to King Henry the First which Robert was by his Father Brother to the Empress In 6 Steph. this Earl Ranulph de Gernons seised upon Lincoln by subtilty and manned it on behalf of the Empress Whereupon the King laid siege to it about Christmass and continued it till this stout Earl with Robert Earl of Glocester his Father-in-Law and many other of the English Nobility came at Candlemass to raise it Who then passing the Fen as in those days it was with no little difficulty disposed their Army into four parts the Van led by himself which being put in Battle Array he made a bold Oration to the Soldiers manifesting the cause of that their undertaking and of his own resolution to lead them on being therein seconded by the Earl of Glocester Howbeit before these Speeches were fully ended the fight began and the charge on the part of these Earls given with such courage that the Royal Army was soon routed and the King himself being taken prisoner sent to the Castle of Bristol there to be secured where he continued not long For though the Empress upon this success getting together all the strength she could make the King of Scots also coming to her aid marched to Winchester and laid siege to that Castle which the Kings Forces then held Yet through the perfidiousness of this Earl who leaving her fled to the adverse party her Army became soon foiled and the Earl of Glocester a prisoner for whose enlargement the King was set at liberty After this in 9 Steph. the King came to besiege Lincoln again and began to build a Fort against the Castle which being discerned by this Earl then within it he issued out upon the Workmen before they had perfected their design and destroying many of them necessitated the King to draw off his Army which within a short space after so much increased that our Earl seeing the
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
dispossessed of their rightful Inheritances as also of the Danes and named the said Castle Richmont according to the French expression which signifieth the Rich-Mount or Hill it being situate upon the highest most defensible and pleasant place of all that Territory the swift River Swale running at the skirt thereof and half encompassing it Having said thus much touching his first coming into England and setling here I shall conclude with his Works of Piety which were not few nor slender He was the devout and first beginner of the Foundation or rather restorer of that great Abbey of S. Maries in York giving thereunto the Church of S. Olave and Borough wherein the same Monastery was situate in the Suburb of that City from Galmon to Clifton towards the River of Owsel in which it was more commodiously seated than at Lestingham with nine Carucates and an half of Land lying in Clifton rendring the Advowson thereof into the hands of that King to the end he might be the perpetual Patron of it Moreover he gave thereto the Churches of Caterick and Richmund and the Chappel of his Castle there with the Tithes of all his Demesne Lands belonging unto it and likewise thoroughout all Yoâ—kâ—hire as also the Church of S. Botolph in Holland and Town of Sutton near unto it And lastly unto the Abbey of S. Sergius and Bacchus in Normandy he gave the Church of â—wavesey in Cambridgeshire with the Tithes of that place and likewise the Tithes of Bercham Papworth Wimpoâ—e Tofte and Beche which place of Swavesey became afterwards a Cell to that Foreign Monastery Add hereunto what the Monk of Vtica expresseth of him He was ever studious for Peace a great lover of the Poor an especial honorer of the Religious and that his death without Issue occasioned no little sadness to all good People He married Constance one of King William the Conquerors Daughters but died without Issue and was buried in the Abbey of S. Edmunds-â—ury in Suffolk at the South door before the Altar of S. Nicholas The Lands whereof he was possest at the time of the Conquerors Survey were these viz. In Yorkshire One hundred sixty six Lordships or the greatest part of them whereof Gilling was one within the Precincts whereof he built his Castle of Richmount in Dorsetshire One called Devenis in Essex Eight in Hantshire Two in Cambridgeshire Sixty three and Ten Burages in Cambridge in Hartfordshire Twelve in Northamptonshire One in Nottinghamshire Seven in Norfolk Eighty one and in Lincolnshire One hundred and one This last mentioned Alan sirnamed Rufus had four Brothers viz. Alanus Niger and Stephen who succeeded in this Earldom Ribald Lord of Middleham an eminent Baron in these Northern parts from an Heir-female of whose Line that great and honorable Family of the Nevils some Branches whereof do still flourish in this Kingdom as I shall shew in due place did descend and Bardulf whose Son Akar was the pious Founder of Iorevauix a famous Abbey of the Cistercian Order in this Northern Tract This Alan the Black who succeeded his Brother Alan the Red in these Earldoms of Britanny and Richmund wrote himself Comes Brittanniae Angliae and by that title confirmed those Grants which Akar the Son of Bardulf had made to the Monks of Iorevauix and granted divers Immunities and Priviledges to the Burgers of his Borough of Richmund Being in good esteem with King William Rufus upon the seisure of Hoveden and Weston belonging to William de Kairelepho Bishop of Durham who adhered to those of the Nobility that had conspired against the King he shared with Odo de Campania in the enjoyment of those Lordships He Founded a Cell at Romburge in Cambridgeshire annexing it unto the Abbey of S. Maries at York and to the same Abbey of S. Maries he gave the Church of Giâ—ling near Richmund with one Carucate of Land as also his Tithes of Baâ—â—ngburgh Two Hides of Land in Heselingfeld in Cambridgeshire and two Carucates in Skelton And confirmed to the Monks of Thetford in Noâ—folk the Tithes of Neâ—lestede But died without Issue as it seems leaving Stephen his Brother to succeed him in the Earldom and was buried in the Abbey of S. Edmunds Bury at the South door near the Altar of S. Nicholas leaving Stephen his Brother to succeed him in these Earldoms ¶ Which Stephen was the cheif Procurer of King William Rufus in the second year of his Reign to visit the Abbey then called S. Olaves in York and to reedifie the Church thereof Thereupon the King laid the first stone in that Building and bestowed very ample Possessions thereon thenceforth giving it the name of S. Maries of which Lands the Town and Soke of Fuleford were part To the Abbey of S. Edmunds Bury in Sufâ—olk this Earl gave certain Lands lying in Cambridge for the health of the Soul of Alan his Brother To the Monks of Swyneshed in Lincolnshire he was also a Benefactor To the Monastery of Swavesey in Cambridgeshire which was a Cell to the Abbey of S. Sergius and S. Bachus in Anjou he gave the Tithes of his Mills in Cambridge with the Fishings of Swavesey and the Land lying before the Gate of their Mansion To the Cell of S. Martins juxta Richmund he gave two Sheafs of all his Demesn Lands in Witton Muieton Caterick and Forcet And departing this life in the year 1104. was buried in the Monastery of Begar but his heart in the Abbey of S. Martins at York whereunto he had been a good Benefactor as he himself did desire This Earl Stephen left Issue Alan who succeeded him in those Earldoms and Maud a Daughter with whom he gave Swaledaâ—â— in Frank-Marriage unto Walter de Gant Son to Gilbert de Gant who came over into England with King William the Conqueror ¶ In An. 1142. 6 Steph. this Earl Alan standing firm to King Stephen against Ranulph Earl of Chester then holding the City of Lincoln and all the Forts belonging thereto on the behalf of Maud the Empress and her Son Henry Duke of Normandy by night time got over the Wall of that Castle there called Galclint and possessed himself thereof with much Treasure therein He also manned the Castle of Hotun now Shiriff Hotun in Yorkshire then part of the Bishop of Durhams Possessions and made great spoil at Ripon upon the Demesnes and Tenants of the Archbishop of York But soon after the Forces on each side being got together and great preparation made for Battle he fell off saith my Author before any blow strucken notwithstanding which the King adventured and fought most couragiously but was overcome and taken prisoner on the day of the Purification of our Lady and this Earl thereupon compelled
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
de Meschines THis William being Brother to Ranulph the first of that name Earl of Chester enjoyed by the gift of King William the Conqueror all that part of the County of Cumberland lying betwixt the Rivers of Dudene and â—arwent commonly called â—oupland It is elswhere said that it was by the gift of King Henry the First And had issue a Son called Ranulph who died in his life time as it seems as also a Daughter called Cecily married to Robert de Romely Lord of Skipton in Craven Which Robert and Cecily were Founders of a certain Religious House in those parts called Emesey for Canons Regular of S. Augustine afterwards translated to â—oâ—ton and had issue two Sons Ranulph and Matthew who both died issuless and one Daughter called Alice Wife of William Fitz-Duncan Earl of Murref in Scotland Nephew to Malcolm King of that Realm Which William Fitz-Duncan hast issue by her one Son called William who died young and three Daughters viz. Cecily first married to Alexander Fitz-Gerald and afterwards to William le Grossâ— Earl of Albemaâ—â—e to whom she brought the Honor of Skipton being her Purparty of the Inheritance Secondly Amabil the Wife of Reginald de Lucy who had the Honor of Egremond as her Purparty And Alice first married to Gilbert Piparâ— who had with her all Aspatrick with the Barony of Allerdaie and Liberty of Cockeâ—â—â—â— and afterwards to Robert de Courtney but died without issue But I return to William de Meschines of whom the substance of what I find memorable is That he Founded the little Monastery of S. Bega commonly called S. Bees in Coupland which was a Ceil to that of S. Mary at York and gave to the Monks of S. Werburg at Cheâ—ter the Church of Dâ—â—sato in North Wales And of Cecily his Wife that for the health of the Soul of William de Meâ—chines her Husband as also the Souls of Ranulph and Matthew her Sons she gave to the Canons of Emeâ—ey her whole Lordship of Châ—ldewicâ— with the Mill and Soke thereof likewise that of â—â—â—â—esdon and also those at â—arwood with the Sute thereto Moreover of 〈◊〉 de Romely their Daughter for so she was called though Wife of William Fitz-Duncan that in 1 Hen. 2. she translated the Canons of Emeâ—ey to â—olâ—on and gave to the Monks of Fountaines in Com. Ebor. the moity of her Mill at 〈◊〉 and a Toft in 〈◊〉 Likewise that she gave to the Monks at Pontefract one Carucate of Land and an House in Broctune for the health of the Soul of William Fitz-Duncan her Husband and all her Ancestors Souls As also free Chase in all her Lands and Woods within her Fee with liberty to Hunt and take all manner of Wild Beasts there Furthermore that she bestowed on them the tenth of all the Deer taken within her own Lands and Chases in â—raven As also a certain peece of Ground in each of her Lordships for to make a Grange for their Tithes with Common of Pasture for their Cattle together with her own in all her Woods Moors and Fields during the whole time of Autumn And being Lady of Skipton Castle ordained That the perpetual Chaplain celebrating Divine Service every day in the Chappel there should in augmentation of his maintenance receive for every Twelve weeks one Quarter of Wheat and Thirteen shilling four pence yearly upon Christmass day for his Robe out of the Rents of that Castle and Mannor Vesci AMongst other the valiant Normans that assisted Duke William in his Conquest of England were Robert and â—vo de Vesci as may seem from those favors which both of them obtained from his munificent hand For Robert at the time of the General Survey was found to possess the Lordships of 〈◊〉 in Com. Northam 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in com Warr. Helpericham 〈◊〉 Branâ—une Rosby Suaniton Steveninges and Hechinton in Com. Lincoln And Morton Scenton Cleveliord Godmundelay Sancton Torp Basurd Cliburne and Newton in Com. Leic. As to the Parentage of Eustace Fitz-Iohn all I have seen is That he was Nephew and Heir to Serio de Burgh the Founder of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Castle in Com. 〈◊〉 And that Iohn his Father was 〈◊〉 Monoâ—ulus in regard he had but one eye For as much therefore as those who afterwards bore the name of Vesci are thus lineally descended from this Eustace I shall here take notice of what is most memorable touching him An old Historian who lived in that time saith That he was one of the cheifest Peers of England and of intimate familiarity with King Henry the First as also a Person of great Wisdom and singular Judgment in Counsels Which character of him is not like to be fictitious in regard he had such vast Possessions bestowed on him by that King viz. The Mill at Warnet also Bodele and Spilsham with their Appurtenances and all the Fee of Ralph de Gaugi id est Ellingham Docford Elwike and Heyton Likewise Neeforton with its Appurtenances and Morton and Burgton with theirs which did belong to Walter Fitz-Eld and Eylam his Brother together with Winton Caldebeck and Ravenstandale and all the Fee and Service of Payne de Mesnilwarine Moreover all those Eleven Carucates of Land and the Service of Serlo de Burgh viz. In the two Steinleys four Carucates in Branton four in Cayton one in Sothsack one in Killinghale one in Burton six and in Walington two Likewise divers Lands and Tenements in the City of York and whatsoever he held of David King of Scotland or of Earl Henry his Son as well in Demesn as in Knights Fees Also what he held of the Archbishop of Yoâ—k and of his Fee as well in Demesn as in Knights Fees Furthermore all that he held of the Fee of the Bishop of Duresm viz. Weltesale and Landmot with the two â—hiltons and the Fee and Service of Geffrey Escoland and Richard Fitz-Pain with whatsoever else he held of the same Bishop and of the Fee of the Earl of Richmund Likewise Ellerton and all the Fee and Service of Thorfine the Son of Robert de Manefield Also Canefield with the Appurtenances and whatever else he held of that Earls Fee Moreover all that he held of the Fee of Roger de Moubray as well in Demesn as otherwise and also of William Fossard and of his Fee of William Paganel and his Fee and of the Earl of Albemarie and his viz. in Nid three Carucates in Newton one in Hewike two and in Weffwike four Likewise whatâ—oever he held of the Fee of Roger de Clere viz. Brompton with its Appurtenances and of the Fee of Gilbert de Gant viz. Parteney with its Appurtenances as also of the Fee of the Abbess of Barking and Earl of Chester Whatsoever likewise he held in Heungeby with all
Battle wherein after a suddain and total rout of their whole Army fighting stoutly he was taken Prisoner But it seem he did not long continue in restraint for the next ensuing year being one of those who taking upon them the Cross went to the Holy-Land he was at the seige of Damieta After which I find no more mention of him till his death which hapning in Ann. 1234. 19 Henr. 3. he was buried before the high Altar in the Priory of Dunmow leaving Rose his second Wife then surviving who in 20 H. 3. had for her dowry an assignation of the Mannors of Hemenhale Disce and Tâ—eye as also of six Knights Fees of all which she had been by him endowed upon the day of her Nuptials and Walter his Son and Heir by Gunnora his former Wife with Christian a Daughter married to William de Mandevil Earl of Essex Which Walter in 24 Hen. 3. paid into the Exchequer a fine of three hundred Marks for livery of the Lands of his inheritance and in 30 H. 3. upon Collection of the Aid for Marrying the K. eldest Daughter sixty three pounds ten shillings for sixty three Knights Fees and an half of his own as also thirty pounds and half a mark for those thirty and a third part which he enjoyed of the Honnor of Valoines Moreover in 38 Hen. 3. he accompted one hundred twenty seven pounds for the same sixty three Knights Fees and an half upon assessment of the Aid for making the Kings eldest Son Knight In 42 Henr. 3. this Walter had summons amongst others to attend the King at Chester well appointed with Horse and Arms for restraining the incursions of the Welch and departing this life in Ann. 1258. 42 H. 3. was likewise buried in the Conventual Church of Dunmow leaving issue Robert his Son and Heir ten years of age Which Robert was made a Knight in Ann. 1274 2 Edw. 1. and in 3 Ed. 1. had Licence to pass away the inheritance of his House called Baynards-Castle within London adjoyning to the Wall of that City with all the Walls and Ditches thereto belonging as also the Turret called Montâ—itchet-Tower unto Robert Kylwardby then Archbishop of Canterbury provided that by reason of this grant nothing should be extinguished to him and his Heirs which did belong to his barony but that whatsoever relating thereto aswel in Rents landing of Vessells and other liberties and priviledges in the City of London or elsewhere without diminution which to him the said Robert or to that Barony had antiently appertained should be thenceforth reserved Whereupon that Archbishop translated the Dominican-Friers commonly called the Black-Friers then residing in Holburn towards Lincolns-Inne fields unto this place Which Liberties and Priviledges so reserved as abovesaid in regard they are memorable I have here thought sit to note viz. That the said Robert as Constable of the Castle of London for so was Baynards-Castle then called and his Heirs ought to be Banner-Bearers of that City by inheritance as belonging to that Castle and in time of Warr to serve the City in Manner following viz. To ride upon a Light-Horse with twenty Men at Arms on Horse-back their Horses covered with Cloath or Harness unto the great dore of St. Pauls Church with the Banner of his Arms carried before him and being come in that manner thither the Mayor of London together with the Sheriffs and Aldermen to issue Armed out of the Church unto the same dore on foot with his Banner in his hand having the figure of S. Paul depicted with Gold thereon but the Feet Hands and Head of Silver holding a silver Sword in his hand And as soon as he shall see the Mayor Sheriffs and Aldermen come on Foot out of the Church carrying such a Banner he is to alight from his Horse and salute him as his Companion saying Sir Mayor I am obliged to come hither to do my service which I owe to this City To whom the Mayor Sheriffs and Aldermen are to answer We give to you as our Banner-bearer by inheritance for this City this Banner of the City to bear and carry to the honor and proffit thereof to your power Whereupon the said Robert and his Heirs shall receive it into their hands and the Mayor and Sheriffs shall follow him to the dore and bring him an Horse worth twenty pounds Which Horse shall be sadled with a Saddle of his Arms and covered with Silk depicted likewise with the same Armes and they shall take twenty pounds Sterling and deliver it to the Chamberlain of the said Robert for his expences that day This being done he shall mount upon that Horse so given him by the Mayor with the Banner in his hand and being so mounted shall bid the Mayor to chuse a Marshal for the City Army Who being so chosen shall command the Mayor and Burgers of the City to assemble the Commons who shall go under this Banner of St Paul which he shall bear to Aldgate and being come thither they shall give it to whom they shall think fit And if it shall so happen that they must march out of the City then shall the said Robert make choice of two of the gravest men out of every Ward to guard the City in their absence and their consultation shall be in the Priory of the Holy Trinity near Aldgate And before what Town or Castle this City Army shall come and continue the Seige for one whole year this Robert shall receive from the Commonalty of the City an hundred shillings for his pains and no more These were his Rights and priviledges in the City of London in the time of Warr. And in the time of Peace these following viz. ¶ That the said Robert should have a Soke id est a Jurisdiction in the same City extending from the Canonry of St. Pauls along the Street before Paul's Brewhouse unto the Thames and thence to the side of the Mill which is in the Water that comes down from Fleet-Bridge and thence up by London-Wall all about the Black-Friers unto Ludgate and so back to the House of the said Friers to the corner of the Wall of the same Canonry of Pauls id est all S. Andrews parish which was the gift of his Ancestors for that Royalty And to this Jurisdiction he shall have these following particulars viz. a Soke-man whomsoever he please of that Jurisdiction or Ward And if any of that Ward be impleaded in the Guild-Hall touching any thing whatsoever which relateth not to the body of the Mayor or Sheriffs the Soke man may demand a Court and the Mayor and Citizens must grant it and to have judgement there as in the Guild-Hall viz. that if any Theif be taken within this Jurisdiction he shall have his restraint and imprisonment within the Soke and thither shall be taken as to the Guildhall before the Major and there
de Mara and to enjoy her Estate Which Petronill was first the Wife of William de Longâ—amp and dyed not till 46 Hen. 3. leaving Henry de Longâ—amp her Son and next Heir In 17 Ioh. this Oliver de Vaux was one of the Barons who met at Stamford in an hostile manner and afterwards at Brackley whence they sent to the King then at Oxford a minatory message viz. That in case he did not restore to the people their antient Rights and Liberties they were resolved to possess themselves of all his Castles and Lâ—â—ds and thereupon joyned with them in the Siege of Northampton for which Transgression the King caused his Lordships of â—laketon Okeâ—on and Hengham in Norfolk to be seised on In 13 Hen. 3 this Oliver upon levying the Scutage of Kery in Wales answered for twenty two Knights Fâ—es and an half And being with the King in his Army in Poicton was acquitted from the payment of any Scutage upon that Expedition In 29 Hen. 3. upon collection of the Aid for marrying the King's eldest Daughter he accounted for thirty two Knights Fees and an half Of Robert the Son and Heir of this Oliver I find nothing but of William his Son that he married Alianore the Daughter of William de Ferrers E. of Derby one of the Heirs to William Marshall sometime Earl of Pembroke without the King's License for which offence upon his submission he obtained pardon and for a Fine of two hundred Marks had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance but dyed without Issue before the 37 Hen. 3. whereupon Iohn his Brother became his Heir Which Iohn for the sum of eighty Marks compounded the arrears of that debt to be paid by twenty six Marks Per Annum This Iohn in 41 Hen. 3. having paid part of the eighty Marks before-mentioned obtained the favour to satisfie the remainder being forty Marks by ten pounds per Annum and gave his Lordship of Botendone to the Nuns of Catesby in Northamptonshire In 42 Hen. 3. upon levying the Scutage of Wales he was charged with ten pounds for five Knights Fees In 46 Hen. 3. though he had been on the part of those Barons who combined together by oath at Oxford for asserting the Liberties of the Subject as they then pretended he at length fell off and assisted the King at the taking of Northampton And shortly after this was one of those who undertook that the King should stand to the determination of Lewes King of France for setling all differences betwixt him and the Barons then in Arms. Moreover the next ensuing year when he discerned the Barons to be so powerful as that they had the Tower of London Dover-Castle and divers other places of strength in their hands he joyned with those who advised the King to withdraw himself from that Parliament then held at Westminster and to betake himself to Windsore-Castle Having therefore so great experience of his fidelity the King soon after his victory at Evesham made him Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk and in remuneration of his eminent services in those troublesom and perillous times gave him certain Houses in London near Garthere part of the Possessions of Iohn Lorene an Enemy and Rebel And in 51 Hen. 3. constituted him Governour of the Castle at Norâ—ich In 5 Edw. 1. this Iohn obtained the King's Charter for a weekly Market upon the Saturday at his Mannor of Refham in Norfolk and a Fair upon the Eve day and morrow after the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul and in 10 Edw. 1. was in the King's Army in Wales In 11 Edw. 1. he was made Steward of the Dutchy of Aquitane having an allowance of two thousand pounds per Annum Turon for the support of himself in that Office And departed this life in 16 Edw. 1. leaving Petronill and Maud his two Daughters and Heirs then of full age Whereupon William de Nerford who married Petronill and William de Ros the Husband of Maud performing their respective Homages had Livery of the Lands of their Inheritance excepting a reasonable Dowry for Sibyll his Widow And upon Partition thereof the said William and Petronill had for their part these Lordships assigned to them viz. the Mannors of Therston and Shotesham in Com. Norff. Wysete in Com. Suff. excepting thirteen pounds per Annum Lands the moity of a Messuage in London called Blaunch-Apleton the Advowson of the Churches of Halt in Com. Norff. and Abyton in Cambridgshire and to the number of twenty five Knights Fees And the said William de Ros and Maud had the Mannor of Freston with certain Lands in Boston in Com. Linc. the Mannor of Hakeford with the Market of Refham belonging thereto the moity of the Mannors of Holt Cleye and Hocton in Com. Norff. fourteen pounds per Annum Lands in Wysere in Com. Suff. the moity of the Messuage called Blanch-Apleton in the City of London with the Advowson of the Churches of Cleye and Shotesham in Norfolk and to the number of nineteen Knights Fees or thereabouts Montalt UPon the Foundation of the Abbey of S. Werburge in the City of Chester temp W. Rufi Hugh the Son of Norman being at that time one of the Barons to Hugh Earl of Chester gave Gosetce and Lantrene to the Monks of that House Raphe and Roger his Brothers being witnesses thereof which Raphe joyned with him in the gift of all their right in Lostoch as also of the Church of Cotintune with the Glebe and Tithes pertaining thereto To this Raphe succeeded Robert his Son and Heir who assumed another â—irname from the chief place of his residence which was at a little Hill in Fâ—intshire then called Montalt whereon he built a Castle but of late time vulgarly Moulde and being Steward to the Earl of Chester was also one of his principal Barons After the death of Ranulph de Gernons Earl of Chester the Lands of that great Earldom were as it seems in the King's hand for some time for in 6 Hen. 2. this Robert de Montalt was one of those who accounted to the King's Exchequer for the Farm of them and likewise for what was then laid out in building of the Castle at Chester This Robert had Issue Robert his Son and Heir and he Roger. In the time of which Roger there being much Hostility betwixt the English and Welch David the Son of Lewelyn Prince of Wales invaded his Lands at Montalt but upon that Accord made in 25 Hen. 3. betwixt King Henry and the same David amongst other of the Articles then agreed on one was for the restitution of those Lands to this Roger. Which being done the next year following King Henry
acknowledged her for his Soveraign and the rightful Heir of this Kingdom and not only so but attending her to Gloucester received her there very honourably and did Homage to her Whereupon she bestowed on him S. Briavalls-Castle in that County and the whole Forest of Dene which so obliged him to her that soon after upon those great contests which hapned betwixt her and King Stephen she challenging the Crown as her hereditary right against him who then actually enjoyed it amongst other of her friends and adherents he entred into a solemn and strict league of Amity with Robert Earl of Gloucester her Brother viz. Natural Son to King Henry the First to aid him in the keeping of his Castles and all his Inheritance and likewise in getting those which were then out of his possession Also to stand to him in that War and not to make any Truce or Peace without him For the better keeping of which Agreement certain Hostages were delivered on each part And the next year following together with the same Earl of Gloucester he made Oath to the Bishop of Winchester viz. Henry de Bloys Brother to King Stephen that if he would receive the Empress as Soveraign all the chief Transactions in the Kingdom should be guided by him especially the donation of the Bishopricks and Abbies But in Anno 1141. 6 Steph. the Empress being over much elated upon the taking of King Stephen prisoner in the Battel of Lincoln not only refused notwithstanding the intercession of divers eminent persons to give that King liberty upon Hostages though he offered to quit his claim to the Crown and retire to his Devotions but being moved by the Londoners to ratine S. Edward's Laws also refused so to do which so irritated them that they forthwith entred into Conspiracies for the seising upon her Whereof having advertisement she privily fled from Westminster to Gloucester and there taking Counsel with this Milo her trusty friend returned with him to Oxford resolving to get together her dispersed Souldiers And in this distress having no other advice but from him nor any entertainment but upon his cost in remuneration of his fidelity and the more firmly to oblige him unto her she made him Earl of Hereford her Charter of Creation bearing date at Oxford upon the Feast day of S. Iames the Apostle giving thereby to him and his Heirs the Castle of Hereford with the third peny of the Rent of that Borough and third peny of the Pleas of that County the Lordships of Mawerdine Luggewardine and Wilton all in that Shire the Inclosures of Hereford and the Forest of Irivele as also the services of Robert de Candos Hugh Fitz William and Richard de Cormeills with the Fees belonging to them And this she did in consideration of his faithful services to her and especially for that by his help King Stephen being taken in the Battel of Lincoln upon Candlemass-day preceeding was then her prisoner at Bristoll But the Scene soon changed for the Empress having shortly after besieged the Bishop of Winchester in his Castle within that City and being thereupon Counter-sieged by a greater power of the King's party with the help of the Londoners which routed all her Forces she was necessitated not only to flye privily from place to place but for her more security to be put into a Coffin as a dead Corps to escape their hands her Brother Robert Earl of Gloucester with divers other of her Friends being taken in the pursuit and this our Milo forced to obscure himself and come secretly to Gloucester almost barefoot As to his Works of Piety he translated the Canons of Lanthony in Wales in regard they were frequently oppressed there by rapines and robberies unto a certain place near Gloucester called Hyde but afterward Lanthony the second and endowed them with ample possessions in Anno 1136. 1 Steph. and bestowed an yearly Rent of twenty shillings upon the Nuns of Godstow in Com. Oxon. By the before-mentioned Sibyll his Wife he had Issue five Sons viz. Roger Walter Mahell Henry and William and three Daughters Margery the Wife of Humphrey de Boâ—un Berta married to Philip de Braose and Lucie to Herbert Fitz-Herbert But at length being wounded by the shot of an Arrow in Hunting upon Christmass-Eve Anno 1144. 9 Steph. he departed this life to the great sorrow of the Empress and was buried in the Chapter-house at Lanthony near Gloucester so re-founded by him as aforesaid Which Roger succeeded him in this Earldom of Hereford and having married Cecelie the Daughter of Pain Fitz-Iohn one of King Hen. 1. chief Counsellors and then Lord of Ewyas had a confirmation from King Stephen of the whole Inheritance of the same Pain and likewise of all those Lands he had with her in Marriage which were part of the Honour of Hugh de Lacy. This Roger founded the Abbey of Flexley in Com. Glouc. and amply endowed it Moreover he bestowed on the Monks of S. Peter's Abbey at Gloucester the moity of his Fishing of Duny He was also a great Benefactor to the Monks of Brecknock there founded by Bernard de Newmarch his Grand-father for he bestowed on them all the Land of S. Pauline at the Mare and free fishing in the Mare three days every week and likewise every day in Advent and Lent He gave unto them moreover all the Tithe of his Colts Calves Lambs Cheese Wooll and Flax and whatsoever else was Tithable throughout all the Forests belonging to his Honour of Brecknock Likewise the Tithes of his whole Town of Brecknock and the Tithes of all that should be spent throughout his whole Demeans whether he were present or absent with the Tithe of all his Lands at Hâ—ye Hereunto he added the Tithe of all the Kinâ— which he should have by gift from the Welch and the Tithe of whatsoever he should take by plunder from his Enemies with Common of Pasture throughout his whole Territory of Brecknock To the Knights Hospitallers he gave his Mill at Toucester belonging to the Preceptory of Shengay and to the Knights Templars certain Lands lying in Gloucester at the head of the Bridge but afterwards took upon him the habit of Religion in gloucester-Gloucester-Abbey giving thereto one hundred shillings per Annum Rent in Herefordshire and dyed without Issue Anno 1154. 1 Hen. 2. Whereupon his Brother Walter succeeded him in his Paternal Inheritance for the Earldom of Hereford and City of Gloucester were detained from him by the King Which Walter called Walter de Hereford was Sheriff of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire in 2 Hen. 2. and 3 Hen. 2. and of Herefordshire again
after all those great Troubles and Sorrows he totally submitted to the King's Grace and Favour and delivered up his Casâ—les of Skenefrith Grossemunt and Bewcastle in Wales as also his Castle of Hethlegh with the Town and Park And that the King was thereupon pleased that he and Margaret his Wife should during their respective Lives and the Life of the Survivor of them enjoy all his other Lands whatsoever by whomsoever granted and to receive him into his full Grace and Favour Thus much as to his Secular Actings and Sufferings I now come to his Works of Piety To the Monks of Clyve in Somersetshire he gave certain Lands in Clyve Treglaston and Pothwell To the Canons of Bradsole in Kent the Church of Porteâ—â—ade To the Monks of Dore in Com. Heref. certain Lands called Linchoit which were made a Grange to that Abby and Pasturage for all manner of Cattel in his Territory of Grosmunt Likewise Paunage for their Hogs in the Forest of Grosmunt Estovers for Building at their Grange of Linchoit out of the same Forest and dead-wood for Fewel Moreover he gave unto them the Hermitage of Lanneir with the Ground thereto adjoyning and six Ox-gangs of Land in the before-specified Forest. He also founded the Hospital of our Lady at Dovor Furthermore he gave certain Houses situate betwixt the Abby of Westminster and the City of London to Laurence de St. Alban Rector of the Church of Atelbergh and Richard de Wokinden Rector of the Church of A ... lers to the intent that the Revenues of those Houses should be disposed of for the succour of the Holy Land as also for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Margaret his Wife Iohn his Son M. his Daughter and all his Forefathers and Successors Lastly in consideration of the Sum of Cxl Marks of Silver he purchased from the Monks of Westminster the Inheritance of certain Houses with a Court and Free-Chappel wherein to celebrate Divine Service for himself and his Family within the Liberties of Westminster paying yearly to them and their Successors a Wax Taper of three pound weight upon the Feast-day of St. Edward And founded the old Church of the Maeson Dieu in Dovor As to his Wives he first Wedded Ioane Daughter to William de Vernun Earl of Devon Widow of William de Briwer with whom he had in Marriage the whole Isle of Wibt and the Lordship of Christ-Church in Hantshire Secondly Beatrix Daughter to William de Warren of Wirmegay in Com. Nâ—rff Widow of Dodo Bardolf Thirdly Isabell Daughter and Coheir to William Earl of Gloucester Widow of Geffrey de Mandevill whom King Iohn had first repudiated And fourthly Margaret Daughter to William King of Scotland as before hath been observed Of his Issue all that I have seen is That he had two Sons Iohn and Hubert both by his last Wife as it seems For certain it is that Iohn succeeded him in that part of his Inheritance which remained and was by the said Margaret The Names of his Daughters were Margaret and Magot Whereof Margaret was so married to Richard de Clare Earl of Gloucester as hath been already observed Of his Death I find that it hapned at Banstede in Surrey 4 Id. Maii An. 1243. 27 H. 3. Whereupon his Corps was brought to Londoâ— and there honourably interred within the Church of the Friers-Preachers commonly called the Black-Friers then situate in Holburne on the back-side of Lincolns-Inne unto which Covent he had been a large Benefactor having amongst other things bestow'd on them his Palace at Westminster afterwards purchased by the Archbishop of Yorke and called White-Hall I come now to Iohn his Son This Iohn was girt with the Sword of Knighthood by King Henry the Third on Whitsunday in Anno 1229. 13 H. 3. In 26 H. 3. the year preceding his Father's death he was in that famous Battel of Xantoigne against the French where the English obtain'd a glorious Victory And in 27 H. 3. which was the year wherein his Father died doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance but did not enjoy the Title of Earl of Kent In 44 H. 3. upon the death of Margaret his Mother he was found to be her next Heir But after this he â—ided with the Rebellious Barons being a Party to that Agreement made betwixt the King and them in 46 H. 3. And in 48 H. 3. was in the Battel of Lewes on their part as also the next ensuing year in the Battel of Evesham Whereupon his Lands were seised This Iohn gave the Mannor of Chalk to the Monks of Bermondsey and having married Hawyse the Daughter and Heir of William de Lanvaley left Issue Iohn his Son and Heir though when he died I find no mention A word or two now of Hubert his younger Brother In 10 E. 1. this Hubert came before the King and his Council at Chester upon Sunday next ensuing the Feast of St. Peter and Paul and oblig'd himself in the Sum of a thousand Pounds for his future Fidelity to the King and his Heirs From whom descended Thomas Burgh of Sterborough-Castle in Com. Surr. Lord of Gaynesborough in Com. Linc. who in 3 H. 7. was advanc'd to the Dignity of Lord Borough But I return to Iohn Son and Heir to the before-specified Iohn In 3 E. 1. this Iohn as Heir to Hawyse de Lanvalley had Livery of the Mannors of Kingston Wakerle Waokre Hallingburie and Lexenden which Iohn his Father held by the Courtesie of England as of the Inheritance of her the said Hawyse paying C l. for his Relief And departed this Life in 8 E. 1. being then seised of the said Mannor of Wakerle in Com. Northampt. held of the King in Capite together with the Barony of Lanvaley by the Service of one Knights Fee and an half leaving Issue three Daughters and Heirs viz. Hawyse the Wife of Robert de Greilly Dervorgild the Wife of Robert Fitz-Walter and Margerie a Nun at Chiksand in Com. Bedf. He likewise then died seised of the Mannor of Porteslade in Com. Suss. Lewes with the Advowson of the Church As also of the Mannors of Halwenesheye Alryngton Hallingbury Walkerne and Kingston in Com. Somerset Of which Mannors Robert de Grelle and Hawyse his Wife had the Mannors of Waoker Hallingbury and Lexenden and the said Robert Fitz-Walter and Dervorgill the Mannors of Wakerley Kingston and Porteslade Briwere THE first mention I find of this Name and Family is in 26 H. 2. upon a memorable occasion William Briwere the Son of Henry Briwere in consideration of xxxi Marks in Silver whereof ten were acquitted for his Service belonging to the Land and the rest paid in Money then purchasing from Hawise de Iâ—esham Raphe
journey to the Holy-Land and for the better furnishing himself with money sold many of his Woods But notwithstanding this resolution he went not at that time for the next year following viz. 21 H. 3. the King being seduced by the advice of Aliens and having wasted his Treasure required a great supply from his Subjects which being granted and put into the hands of Aliens to be transported occasioned high discontents this Earl therefore dealt freely with him and represented to him the danger thereof and though he found that what he then said availed little ceased not the next year following to continue his good advice and in particular to tell him how ill he had done in permitting Simon de Montfort to marry the Countess of Pembroke his Sister Which free and plain dealing with the King did not at all alienate his affections from him for shortly after viz. in 23 Hen. 3. he obtained a Grant of the Castle of Lidford and Forest of Dertmore in Fee Before the end of which year meeting with divers of the Nobility at Northampton they did there by Oath oblige themselves to go forthwith into the Holy Land for the service of God and the Church Taking his leave therefore soon after of the Bishops and divers of the Nobles at Reading there met by the appointment of the Popes Legate many of them wept in regard he was a person wholly minding the publick welfare Whereupon he told them That had he not made his Vow he would go rather than stay to see the approaching miseries fall upon this Realm And having prepared all things ready for his journey came to the Abby of S. Albans where in full Chapter he desired the Prayers of that whole Covent for his good success Then went to London and took his leave of the King the Legate and Nobles and so hasted to Dovor Whence soon arriving in France he was nobly received by the King of that Realm and his Mother who sent the Marshal to conduct him through that Countrey and to entertain him in all places honorably thence to Avinion where he had also free and great entertainment then to Uienna whence he intended to take shipping for Arles And being in those parts was met by the Earl of Province whose Daughter King Henry had married and so hasted to the City of S. Giles there to do his Devotions and receive the Benediction of the Monks of that place which done he gave them twenty marks But before he went thence there came to him a Legate from the Pope with the Archbishop of Arles to inhibite him from proceeding farther on his journey Which he took so ill being fully resolved thereon and fitted accordingly that he refused both to obey their authority and to hearken to their disswasions Seeing therefore all their endeavors in vain they would have perswaded him to take shipping at the Port called The Dead-Water but that he liked not and so entred the Mediteranean at Marseilles In An. 1241. 25 Hen. 3. being come into the Holy Land he accepted of a Truce with the Souldan of Babylon upon condition that the French who were prisoners there might be released and that Ierusalem with all the parts adjacent should be free from any molestation as also upon divers other Articles honorable to the Christians And the next year following viz. 26 Hen. 3. returned the King therefore having intelligence thereof with the Queen met him at Dovor Soon after which a Parliament being held at Westminister where all the Nobles of the Realm were met this Earl was sent to them by the King with the Provost of Beverley to desire their advice for the recovery of his Inheritance in Normandy and other parts of France But finding that the King did not incline to follow the Counsel of those who sought the general honor and good of himself and the Realm after some sharp dispute with him thereon he associated himself with the Earls Marshal Hereford and some others and took shipping for France Before this time it was saith my Author that the King by the advice of his Nobles having given him the whole Province of Gascoigne he went thither and shewing his Charter received the homages of that people and after some years by another Charter had a Confirmation of that Grant But afterwards when the Queen was delivered of a Son that she so far prevailed with the King as he should reassume his Grant and give it to the Prince and that this Earl thereupon grew much displeased insisting still upon his right though he thus lost the possession Moreover that the King being then in Gascoigne and finding the people wavering in their obedience not well knowing which way to lean he did in great wrath require this Earl to resign his Grant and to quit his whole right thereto Also that finding him refractory he gave command that the Men of Bourdeaux should seise upon him by night and imprison him which they refused to do partly in respect of his birth and partly by reason they had done homage to him And furthermore seeing he could not prevail with them that way he corrupted some with gifts to effect his desires viz. To lay hands on him as a Rebel and cast him in prison Also That having advertisement thereof then lodging in the Monastery of S. Cross at Bourdeaux he got privily on Ship-board to come for England but without Provisions or any Necessaries for the journey And lastly to add to his affliction that he was so tossed with a fearful tempest as that being in no little peril of shipwrack he made a Vow to found an Abby for Monks of the Cistercian Order in case he should safe arrive in England The next thing memorable of him is that having taken another journey to the Holy Land with William Longespe Earl of Salisbury he returned thence in An. 1422. 26 Hen. 3. and accompanied the King into Gascoigne in aid of Hugh le Brun Earl of March who had married the Kings Mother and was with him in that Battle near Xant against the King of France After which viz. the next ensuing year he married Senchia Daughter of Reymund Earl of Province Sister to the Queen the Weding being kept at Westminstet with great pomp whom he endowed at the Church door with the third part of all his Lands whereof he then stood possessed or should afterwards acquire the Castle and Mannor of Berkhamltead being part And shortly after keeping his Christmas at Walingford entertained the King and most of the Nobility there with extraordinary feasting In 30 Hen. 3. the Templers and Hospitalers electing many secular persons into their Sociâ—ties for succor of the Holy Land and defence of those Castles then besieged
of Hungerford and Esgarston in Com. Berks. the Mannors of Colingborne Everle and Lavinton in Com. Wilts the Mannor of Kings Somborne in Com. South the Mannors of Langstoke Weston juxta Odyham and Hertele in Com. Somerset the Mannor of Newcastle under-Lyme in Com. Staff with the Mannors of Penkhâ—l Clayton Sheprâ—g Wolstanton and Shelton Members thereof the Mannor of Minsterworth and Castle of Monmouth with the Berton and Little Monmouth the Castles of Grossemont and Oken with the Berton as also Blan Castle in the Marches of Wales the Castle Town and Lordship of Kidwelly the Lordship of Carnewathâ—an with the Castle of Kaer-Kennyn the Commot of Iskennyng the Castle of Ogemore and Mannor of Ebbothe also in the Marches of Wales and the Mannor of Kingston Laci the Burrough of Wimburne-Minster the Chase of Winburne-Holt the Hundreds of Gadbury and Mayden Newâ—on with the Mannor of Shapwike in Com. Dorset Whereupon he was advanc'd to the title of Duke of Lancaster in Parliament upon the thirteenth day of November next ensuing by girding with a Sword a Cap of Furr on his head with a Circlet of Gold and Perles In 40 E. 3. he came to his Brother Prince Edward at Burdeaur on the behalf of Don Pedro King of Castile who by reason of an Insurrection of his Subjects fled into Gascoine for aid and thence passed with him into Spain under the Mountaines between St. Iohn de Pie du Port and the City of Pampylone which was strait and perillous And leading the Vantguard of his Army made Twelve Knights viz. Sir Raphe Camoys Sir Thomas Damory c. And upon the Third of Aprill leading the Van in that Battel against Henry the Bastard-brother of Don Pedro rais'd to the Kingdom by the power of the Pope he said to Sir William de Beauchamp Sir William behold your Enemies This day you shall seeme a good Knight or die in the Quarrel In 42 E. 3. the League betwixt the French and King Edward being broke he was sent with a powerful Army into France and at that time bearing the Title of Duke of Britanny he pawn'd the Castle of Becherell in those parts to King Edward his Father for a sum of Money In 43 E. 3. upon breach of the Truce he was sent with considerable Forces to give Battel to the French being retein'd to serve the King for half a year with Three hundred Men at Armes Five hundred Archers three Bannerets fourscore Knights and Two hundred sixteen Esquires but by reason of great sickness amongst his Soldiers durst not adventure to attack them In which â—ear Blanch his Wife died of the Great Pestilence and was buried in the Cathedral of St. Paul at London on the North-side the Quire In 44 E. 3. he was in that Expedition then made into Gascoine and in 46 E. 3. upon his return thence brought with him Constance the daughter and heir of Don Pedro King of Castile whom he thereupon took to his second Wife in whose right he thenceforth bore the Title of King of Castile and surrendred his Earldome of Richmond with all the Castles Mannors Lands c. to the same belonging in lieu whereof he had a Grant in general tail bearing date 25 Iunii of the Castle Mannor and Honor of â—ykhull of the Mannor of High â—eke with the Knights-Fees thereto belonging of the Advousons of the Churches of Steyndrope and Brauncepath in the Bishoprick of Durham of the Free-Chappels of â—ykhull and High â—eke of the Church of Marsfeld and Free-Chappel there of the Free-Chappel within the Castle of Pevensâ— Likewise of the Advousons of the Priorie of UUilmingdon which was a Cell to the Abby of St. Mary of Grestene in Normandy of the Priorie of UUithiham being a Cell to St. Martins at Marmonstire and of the House of St. Robert at Knaresburgh Also of the Castle Mannor and Honor of Knaresburgh of the Wapentak of Steyncâ—iff in Com. Ebor. Of the Mannors of Grynglay and UUhetelay in Com. Nott. Of the Mannors of UUighton Aâ—lesham Fakenhamdam and Snetesham with the Hundreds of North Grenhowe North Erpyngham South Erpyngham and Smetheton in the Counties of Norffolk and Suffolk Of the Mannors of Clatton and Holme in Com. Hunt Of the Mannor of Saham in Com. Cantabr Of the Castle and Leucate of Pevenese with the Mannors of UUylindon and Marsfeild and Bayliwick of Endelenewyk in Com. Suff. Of the Free-Chase of High Peke and Free-Chase of Asshedon and of the yearly Ferme of Two hundred Marks which the Abbot and Covent of St. Maries at York ought to pay for the Mannor of Whitgist Shortly after which he took Shipping at Southampton and sailed towards Rochell for the Relief of Thouars with Three thousand Men at Armes and Ten thousand Archers but after nine Moneths being at Sea crossed with contrary windes he returned In 47 E. 3. he was made the King's Lieutenant in France Aquitane and all other parts beyond Sea and passed through France without opposition but in the Dasarts and Mountains of Alverne many of his Men died for lack of Victual Froisard sayes that his greatest losses were near Douchy and Rabymont And about Christmass in 48 E. 3. coming to Burdeaux lay there with the Duke of Britanny all that Winter But upon his return for England shortly after the people of those parts almost totally revolted In this 48 th year of E. 3. he was one of the Embassadors sent to Brâ—ges to Treat of Peace with the French Which Treaty continued little less than two yeares and ended with a Truce which hardly lasted one year In 50 E. 3. thâ— King being grown aged took in this Duke as an Assistant in the Government and bestow'd on him in spâ—cial tail the Town and Castle of Bragerâ—â—â— in the Diocess of Perigort to hold in as ample manner as Henry Duke of Lancaster did ever enjoy the same In 51 E. 3. he obtained License to give his Lordships of Gryngeleye and Wheâ—eleye to Catherine Swinford his Concubine for life and procured from the King the Grant of a Chancerie in his Dukedome of Lancaster with all other Royalties pertaining to a Countie-Palatime to hold in as ample a manner as the Earl of Chester ever enjoy'd that Earldome As also License to Coyne Money for the space of two yeares from the 12 th of Iune in the City of Bayone or the Castle of Guyssen or any other place within the Seneschalsy of Lâ—ndeâ—e of Gold Silver or any other Mettal whatsoever In this year it was that Iohn Wycliff the most eminent of all the Lollards of that time being convented before the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishop of London this Iohn Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Percie at the Black-Friers in London in Favour of Wycliff he spoke some reproachful words against the Bishop