being despoil'd by Sueno King of Danemark about the Year of our Lord 1013. 4. Shirburn 't is pleasantly seated on an hanging Hill and is the most remarkable and best frequented Town in all this Country it gaineth exceedingly by Clothing Anno Dom. 704. an Episcopal Seat was Erected in this place by Aldeme the First Bishop there Consecrated it was afterwards remov'd to Sarisburg Shirburn being kept in reserve for a retiring place 5. Winburn a fair Town seated on a piece of an Hill between Two Rivers 't is large in Compass replenished with Inhabitants but few fair Buildings except that its Church claims our observation upon the account of the Sepulchre of Ethelred King of the West Saxons who lieth there Interr'd however it retaineth even to this day divers tokens of the Majesty of the Romans Somersetshire Belgae COmitatus Somersettensis is bounded on the North with the Severn Sea on the West it confineth on Devonshire on the South it bordereth first upon Devonshire and then upon Dorsetshire on the East it hath Wiltshire and North-East a part of Glocestershire It is a large and wealthy Region the Soil of which is very rich yielding exceeding plenty of Corn and Pasture 't is very Populous and sufficiently furnished with commodious Ports and Havens The Principal Towns are these 1. Taunton a proper Town pleasantly situated 't is reputed to be one of the Eyes of the Shire 2. Bridgewater a great and populous Market-Town agreeably situated near the Banks of the Severn Sea and is by some thought to have been so called from the Bridge and Water which is near it 3. Bruiton a Town memorable for little else than that the Noble Family of the Mohuns is here Entomb'd unless we mention the late extraordinary Processions which the Women of the Town made on the Conclusion of the late Peace Near this place was Founded the Abbey of Glastenbury fetching its original even from Joseph of Arimathea who Enterr'd the Body of our Saviour In the first Age of the Primitive Church very Holy Men applied themselves diligently to the Service of God in this place who were maintained by an Allowance from Kings they Instructing Youth in Religion and in the Liberal Sciences these Men embrac'd a Solitary Life that they might the more quietly study the Scriptures till at length Dunstan a Man of a subtle Wit when he had once by an Opinion of his Holiness and Learning wound himself into an Acquaintance with Princes he brought in the Benedictine Monks he being made Abbot of the Convent after that he had obtain'd from the hands of many good Princes a Royal Revenue When they had flourished 600 Years they were dispossessed by King Henry the VIIIth the Monastry being raz'd even to the ground nothing now but the Ruines appearing of it Arthur the Brittish Worthy is thought to have been Buried in this place 4. St. Philips Norton a large great Market-Town so nam'd from a Church Consecrated to St. Philip. 5. Welles a Town so nam'd from the Springs found in it like as Susa in Persia Croia in Dalmatia and 〈◊〉 in Macedonia for multitude of Inhabitants and for stately Buildings it justly challengeth the Preheminence of this Province It hath a noble Market-place sustain'd with Columns as also a stately Church and Colledge Endowed with many rich Livings and Revenues the Church throughout is very beautiful but especially the Frontespiece thereof at the West end is a Master-piece the Cloysters adjoining to it are likewise very fair and spacious 6. Bath an ancient City so called from the Baths in it beautified throughout with very fair and noble Buildings for the receipt of Strangers 't is seated in a low plain environ'd about with Hills of an equal height out of which certain pleasant Streams of fresh River Water continually descend into the City to the advantage and comfort of the Citizens within the City Three Springs of Hot Water boil up of a Blewish or Sea Colour sending up from them thin Vapours and a kind of strong Scent by reason that the Water is drill'd and strain'd through Veins of Brimstone and a clammy kind of Earth called Bitumen which Springs are very Medicinable and of great Virtue to Cure Bodies overcharg'd with Corrupt Humours for they open the Pores resolve attenuate digest consume and draw forth Superfluities and at the same time strongly heal and dry the whole Habit of the Body In the Reign of Henry the Ist A. D. 1110. Johannes de Villula being Elected Bishop of this place translated his See to Bath since which time the Two Sees growing into one the Bishop beareth the Title of both and is called the Bishop of Bath and Wells 7. Bristol this City standeth partly in Somersetshire and partly in Glocestershire it is sufficiently defended both by Art and Nature being situated on the meeting of the Frome and Avon not far from the influx of the Severn into the Ocean a City exceeding Populous and exceeding Cleanly there being Sinks made under ground for the conveyance of all the filth and nastiness into the Rivers It hath Twenty Churches reckoning the Cathedral and that of Ratliff into the Number the Cathedral was first Built by Robert Fitz-Harding Son to one of the Kings of Danemark An. Dom. 1248. and honoured with a Bishops See by King Henry the VIIIth Anno Dom. 1542. The principal Building next the Church is an ancient Castle of such great strength that Maud the Emperess having taken King Stephen Prisoner thought this the safest place to secure him in 't is furnished with all things necessary for Man's Life that next after London and York of all the Cities of England it may justly challenge the chief place 't is so commodiously seated for Trade and Traffick that the Haven admitteth Ships with full Sail into the very bosome of the City which hath drawn People of many Countries thither the Citizens are for the most part rich Merchants who Traffick all over Europe and make Voyages even to the remotest known parts of America Wiltshire Belgae IN Latin Wintonia is enclos'd with Somersetshire on the West Barkshire and Hampshire on the East on the North with Glocestershire and on the South with Dorsetshire and a part of Hampshire 'T is a Midland Region plentiful in all things and for its variety pleasant and delightful The Principal Towns are these 1. Malmsbury a fair Town famous for Clothing not far from hence dwelt Aldeme a very Learned Man he was the first of the English Nation that wrote in Latin and the first that taught Englishmen the measures of a Latin Verse Primus ego in patriam mecum modo vita supersit Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas Geer Lib. 3. 2. Chipenham a large Town of great note for a Market kept there 't is pleasantly seated on the River Avon 3. Edindon a small Town remarkable for Clothing here King Alfred in a memorable Battel most fortunately Vanquished the Danes reducing them to such Extremities that they all
Swore in a set form of Oath made for that purpose immediately to depart from England 4. Trubridge a fair Market-Town of great repute for the great number of Clothiers which Inhabit it it sheweth the remains of a Castle belonging to the Dutchy of Lancashire 5. Werminster a Town very remarkable for a great Corn Market which is kept Weekly here and exceedingly much frequented it being almost incredible to relate what great numbers of people resort to it 6. Wilton formerly the head Town of the whole Shire 't is a place well watered but is now fallen to decay through the Bishop of Salisbury's turning away the passage that lay through it into the West Country 7. Salisbury Sorbiodunum or Sarum a City well Inhabited seated on the River Avon which watereth every Street of it 't is plentiful in all things but especially in Fish 't is adorned with a very stately Market-place wherein standeth their Common-Hall made of Timber a very Beautiful Building It is particularly famous for its Minster which has Three hundred sixty five Windows Twelve Gates and as many great and small Pillars as there are Hours in a Year nor is its Cloyster for largeness or Workmanship inferior to any in England 8. Marlborough a fair large Town pleasantly situated and well frequented in this Town King Henry the IIId held a Parliament N. B. Toward the North about 6 Miles from Salisbury is to be seen an huge and monstrous piece of work Insana Substructio for in the circuit of a Ditch there are erected in form of a Crown in three ranks one within another certain large mighty unwrought Stones whereof some are Twenty eight foot high and Seven broad which are so artificially or rather wonderfully plac'd one upon another that the whole frame seemeth to hang 't is much wonder'd at both from whence they were brought the Country affording none such as also by what means they were set up Some have thought them to be no Natural Stones but Artificially made of pure Sand and of some unctious matter incorporated together Pliny tells us that the Sand of Putcoli covered over with Water becometh forthwith a very Stone which if true our Conjecture is the more probable it seeming to confirm what Historians tell us That they were erected by the Britans in Memory of Ambrosius Aurelianus who was Slain here by the Saxons as he was Fighting manfully for the Defence of his Country Hampshire IN Latin Hamptonia is bounded on the West with Dorsetshire and Wiltshire on the South with the Brittish Channel on the East it hath Sussex and Surrey and on the North Barkshire 'T is a small Province fruitful in Corn furnished with well grown Woods abounding with Pasture and for Sea Commodities rich and happy The Principal Towns are these 1. Ringwood a Town in ancient times of great Fame but now little better than other good frequented Market-Towns 2. Christ-Church a Town so named from a Church therein Dedicated to Christ 't is seated between two Rivers it was Fortified in old time with a Castle and Beautified with an ancient Church and Twelve Prebendaries endowed with considerable Rents and Revenues which continued in great repute till the time of King Henry the VIIIth 3. Southampton a Town so named from its situation 't is situated in a very commodious place between two Rivers for a great number of fair Built Houses much renown'd for Inhabitants and concourse of Merchants Wealthy fenced round with a double Ditch strong Walls and Turrets standing thick between for the defence of the Haven it hath a strong Castle of square Stone cast up upon a Mount of great heighth several of the Roman Emperors Coins are now and then digged up here which sufficiently shew the Antiiquity of this place Memorable it is for that Canutus the Puissant King of England and of Denmark rebuked a Sycophant in this Town who flattered him That all things in the Realm were at his Command He ordered his Chair to be set upon the Shore when the Sea began to flow and then in the presence of many he said unto the Sea as it flowed Thou are part of my Dominions and the ground on which I sit is mine neither was there ever any that durst Disobey my Commands and escape Unpunished wherefore I charge thee that thou come not upon my Land neither wet the Cloaths and Body of thy Lord but the Sea flowing on still without any Reverence of his Person wet his Feet then he retiring back said Let all the Inhabitants of the World know That vain and frivolous is the Power of Kings and that none is worthy of so sacred a Name but He to whose Command the Heaven Earth and Sea by bond of an everlasting Law are Subject and Obedient after which he never put his Crown upon his head 4. Alrefford a fair Town standing on the bank of the River Alre it hath a very spacious Market-place built by Lucy Bishop of Winchester An. Dom. 1220. 5. Winchester Wintonia formerly the Seat-Royal of the Kings of the West-Saxons a City adorn'd with several Magnificent Churches as also with a Bishop's See it hath been oftentimes defaced both by Fire and other Misfortunes but it seems now perfectly to have recovered its self Edward the IIId appointed in this place a Mart for Wool and Cloth which was generally called the Staple it is well Peopled hath plenty of Water and containeth about a Mile and an half in Circuit within the Walls as concerning the round Table in the Hall of this City vainly fancied by some to have been King Arthur's any man that vieweth it well may easily perceive that it is not so ancient This City slourished in the time of the Romans in which the Emperors of Rome seem to have had their Houses of Weaving and Embroidering peculiar to their own Persons and Uses 6. Portsmouth a Port Town strongly Fortified both with a Wall and Block-Houses a Garison being continually kept in Pay for the defence of it 't is situated on the very mouth of the Haven and is always but especially in time of War well frequented as being more favourable and better affected to Mars and Neptune than to Mercury 7. Basingstoak a Market-Town well frequented situated on the descent of an Hill on the North side of which standeth a very fair Chappel Consecrated to the Holy Ghost by William the first Lord Sands who was Buried there Isle of Wight VEcta Insula it belongeth to and is opposite to Southampton from East to West it stretcheth out near 20 Miles in length and spreadeth in the midst where it is broadest 12 Miles the place of greatest repute is 1. Newport the chief Market-Town of the whole Isle it hath several Castles and Block-houses for its defence Barkshire Attrebates IN Latin Barcheria on the North part 't is sever'd from Oxfordshire and afterwards from Buckinghamshire by the River Isis on the South it beareth towards Hampshire where the River Kenet cutteth through it till it runs
adorn'd with Meadows Corn-Fields and Groves which afford a delightful Prospect The Principal Towns are these 1. Chichester a City well Inhabited having very fair and regular Buildings the Streets crossing one another exactly in the middle in which is erected a fair Stone Market-place supported with Pillars round about it hath a very stately Cathedral the Bishop's See is kept here 't is encompass'd almost round with the Lavant which falls not far off into the Sea it was Built by Cissa King of the South-Saxons A. C. 514. 2. Arundel a good frequented Market-Town memorable for a magnificent strong Castle Built near it belonging to the Earl of Arundel 3. Lewis a fair Town seated upon a rising Ground which for its greatness and multitude of Inhabitants is reputed one of the Chiefest Towns in all this County famous it is for the bloody Battel between King Henry the IIId and his unruly Barons An. 1263. in which the King lost the day upon Prince Edward his Son 's pursuing a Troop of the Enemy too far which he had first routed by his Valour 4. Hastings one of the Cinque-Ports the Landing-place of the Normans famous for the overthrow of King Harold in the Fields adjoining 't is Inhabited by a War-like People who are Skilful Sailors 't is well stor'd with Barks it serving both the Country and London in Fish which they have here in great Plenty 5. Winchelsey 't is situated on an high Hill very steep on that side which looketh towards the Sea it was enclos'd with a Rampier and afterwards with very strong Walls but it no sooner began to flourish but it was unfortunately Sack'd by the French and Spaniards it beareth now only the countenance of a fair Town it having lost its chiefest Beauty upon the Seas leaving it 6. Rhye it lay for a good while unknown in former Ages but upon the decay of Winchelsey it began to flourish it was Wall'd about by King Edward the IIId and had then a very commodious Haven it being an usual passage from hence to Normandy it is now in a manner deserted by the Sea yet notwithstanding it hath very many Fishing Vessels so that it serveth London with variety of Fish Thus far Sussex which together with Surrey was the Habitation of the Regni in the time of the Brittains and was afterwards the Kingdom of the South-Saxons but in the 306th Year after the beginning of it it came under the Dominion of the West-Saxons Kent Cangi IN Latin Cantium 't is bounded on the North by Essex on the East by the Channel it hath Sussex on the South and Surrey on the West to confine upon it 't is every where full of Meadows Pastures and Corn-Fields abounding wonderfully in Apple-Trees and Cherry-Trees which being brought out of Corasus a City of Tontus by Lucullus into Italy in the 608th Year after the Building of Rome and the 120th Year after that translated from thence into Brittain which was 24 Years ante Christum The Principal Towns are these 1. Deptford a Town where the King's Ships are usually Built and such as are decay'd Repair'd there is also a Storehouse and College erected here for the use of the Navy 't is remarkable for the Monument of Sir Francis Drake's Ship which by the Command of Queen Elizabeth was drawn on shore in this place the Carkass of it is yet to be seen 2. Greenwich a very beautiful Town but especially in respect of the King's House which Humphrey Duke of Glocester Built and nam'd Placence 't is likewise particularly famous for the Birth of Queen Elizabeth 3. Eltham a fair well Built Town formerly the retiring place of the Kings of Kent 4. Sevenoke in this place Sir William Sevenoke an Alderman of London being a Foundling and brought up here and therefore so namâ—d built in grateful remembrance an Hospital and School he liv'd in the Reign of King Henry the Vth. 5. Dartford a large great Market-Town well frequented and well Watered here King Edward the IIId Built a Nunnery which King Henry the VIIIth converted into a House for himself and his Successors 6. Gravesend a Town as well known as any in England for the usual passage by Water between it and London King Henry the VIIIth when he Fortified the Sea-Coast rais'd two Platforms here and two other on the side of Essex opposite to it 7. Tunbridge a Town well Inhabited famous in old time for a fair large Castle fenc'd with a River and deep Ditches which Richard Lord of Briony Built there the very Ruins of it at this time manifestly declare the greatness of it 8. Maidstone the largest and most beautiful Town in all this Shire most commodiously seated for publick Business one of the two common Prisons of all this County is appointed here its Inhabitants are particularly noted for their Manufacture in Thread 9. Rochester a City seated on the River Medway but of no greatness in former times called Durobrivis but afterwards Roffa 't is honoured with a Bishop's See and is the Second City for Antiquity in all this Island 10. Chetham the Station of the Royal Navy where our Kings have always one ready for any Service whatever it was Built with exceeding great Cost by the Command of Queen Elizabeth who for the defence thereof raised a Castelet by the River side Our Ships in this place to the dishonour of our Nation were burnt by the Dutch A. C. 1667. 11. Queensborough a Port-Town well Inhabited it hath Westward in the Front a very fine strong Castle Built by Edward the IIId 12. Feversham a Town very commodiously situated the most plentiful part of all this Country lying round about it it hath a little Creek sit for bringing in and exporting Commodities so that at this day it flourisheth among the neighbouring Towns 13. Canterbury an ancient City famous in the time of the Romans 't is neither very great nor very small it has little or nothing in it worth Observation besides the Cathedral famous it is in regard of St. Augustine its first Archbishop who is here Interr'd 14. Isle of Tanet a very pleasant fruitful place its Inhabitants are very Industrious getting their Living both by Sea and Land they being both Fishermen and Plowmen Husbandmen and Mariners they are always ready appointed for both Elements they in a manner going round and keeping a circle in these their Labours 15. Sandwich one of the Cinque-Ports 't is on the North and West sides Fortified with walls and on the other parts fenc'd with a Rampier River and Ditch The Haven upon the account of the Sands choaking it and a Ship of Burthen's being accidentally sunk in the Channel is not deep enough for any Tall Vessels 16. Sandon Deal Walmer Three neighbouring Castles Built by King Henry VIII 't is generally reported that Julius Caesar Landed first at this place 17. Dover 't is seated on the Sea-shore where the passage is shortest into France for that cause Fortified with a strong and impregnable Castle
Pembrokeshire Cardiganshire Montgomeryshire Merionethshire Carnarvonshire Isle of Anglesey Denbighshire Flintshire Yorkshire Bishop of Durham Lancashire Westmorland Cumberland Northumberland Cornwall Danmonii IN Latin Cornubia it lieth most Westward of all Brittain and shooteth into the Sea with little Promontories in manner of an Horn it hath on the North side the Severn Sea on the West the Vergivian or Western Ocean on the South the Brittish Channel and on the East Devonshire Both which Counties were in ancient time Inhabited by the Danmonii which Name is thought to have been given them from the Mines of Tin which abound in this Place The Principal Towns are these 1. Pensance a very pretty Market-Town near which is that famous Ambrose Stone which being a great Rock is advanced upon some other of a lesser size with so equal a Counterpoise that a Child may stir it with a push of a Finger yet a great number of Men are not able to remove it from its place 2. Falmouth an Haven as noble as Brundusium its self in Italy 't is able to receive an Hundred Ships so apart from each other that neither can see the others Masts 't is defended from the violence of the Wind by the many rising Banks with which it is enclos'd 't is fortified on the East with the Castle of St. Maudit and on the West with the Fort Pendinas 3. Foy a Town renown'd in former Ages for the many Sea Engagements which have been fought near it 't is pleasantly seated on the Banks of the River which bears its Name near the Haven it hath several Bulwarks rais'd for its defence by Edward the IVth A. D. 1460. 4. Padstow the Situation of this Town is very commodious for Traffick with Ireland to which Men may easily Sail from hence in 24 Hours 5. Launston a proper little Town Situate upon the pitch of an Hill remarkable upon the account of the Common Goal of the Country and the Assizes being kept there 6. Bodman a Town of great resort Situate between two Hills and lying out in length East and West its Inhabitants Populous Beautiful in its Buildings famous in ancient times for the Bishops See being kept there which in the Danish Wars was remov'd to St. Germans 7. Leskerd a Town seated on the top of a very high Hill much frequented for its Market and renown'd for an ancient Castle which stands there Devonshire IN Latin Davonia it hath Cornwall on the West on the South the Brittish Channel on the East it is bounded with Dorsetshire and Somersetshire and on the North with the Severn Sea it is a Country enrich'd with very good Mines especially towards the West it hath commodious Harbours on both sides of it it is adorn'd with pleasant Meadows and great store of Woods and is throughout replenished with fair Towns and beautiful Buildings The Principal Towns are these 1. Plimouth a Port Town seated near the Rivers Plime and Tamar which meeting near this place fall together into the Ocean of so great a repute that for the number of its Inhabitants it may be compared with a City such is the commodiousness of the Haven that it admitteth into its bosome the greatest Ships without striking Sail before the midst of its mouth lieth the Isle of St. Nicholas Fortified both by Art and Nature the Haven hath likewise Fortifications on each side and is Chained over when there is an occasion upon an Hill near adjoining it hath a fair Castle for its defence the Town is divided into Four Wards over which a Mayor was ordain'd by King Henry the VIth An. Dom. 1430. 2. Dartmouth a Port Town seated on an Hill near the River Dartmore it hath two Castles for its defence and by reason of its commodious Haven is much frequented by Merchants and furnished with very good Shipping It hath oftentimes bravely defended it self against the French but especially in the Reign of Henry the IVth An. Dom. 1404. 3. Torbay a safe Road and Harbour for Ships near it is a little Village called by its Name 4. Exeter Exonia Isca a City of great Traffick much frequented by Merchants situated on the East Bank of the River Ex upon a little Hill gently arising by an easy ascent to a pretty heighth the Pendant whereof lyeth East and West 't is environ'd about with Ditches and very strong Walls having many Turrets orderly interposed 't is in Circuit a Mile and an half having Suburbs running out a great way on each side it containeth 15 Parishes hath a Castle called Rugemont the Seat of the West-Saxon Kings and afterwards of the Earl of Cornwall which at this day is commendable for little else but its Antiquity and Situation 't is beautified with a stately Cathedral founded in the Reign of Henry the 1st An. Dom. 1110. it hath been thrice Besieg'd but hath always bravely defended its self First by Hugh Courtney Earl of Devonshire in the Civil War between the Houses of York and Lancaster then by Perkin Warbeck that Young imaginary pretended Prince who feign'd himself to be Richard Duke of York Second Son to Edward the IVth Thirdly by seditious Rebels of Cornwal An. Dom. 1549. at which time the Citizens endured so great a Famine that for Twelve Days together they were forced to Eat Horses and to make Bread of coarse Bran moulded in Cloaths till they were at length reliev'd by my Lord Russel and Gray who forced the Rebels to raise the Siege upon which King Edward the VIth for a reward of their Loyalty gave the Mannor of Evyland to this City the Civil Government of which is in the Power of Twenty four Persons out of whom there is from Year to Year a Mayor Elected who with Four Bailiffs has the sole Command of the City 5. Bediford a Town of good resort famous for a Stone Bridge with Arch'd Work where it windeth its self into the River Taw. 6. Axminster a Town renown'd in ancient History for the Tombs of the Saxon Princes slain in the Battel of Brunabrug Dorsetshire Durotriges THE Latin Name Dorcestria it is bounded on the North with Somersetshire and Wiltshire on the West with Devonshire and some part of Somersetshire on the South it lieth open for 50 Miles to the Brittish Ocean On the East it hath Hampshire The Soil of this Country is very fruitful the North part is overspread with Woods and Forests and from thence adorn'd with an innumerable many pleasant Pastures and fruitful Vallies The Principal Towns are these 1. Burport a little Town plac'd between two small Rivers remarkable for its yielding the best Hemp and for the skill of the Inhabitants in making Ropes and Cables for Ships those of the Navy being formerly twisted there 2. Weymouth a little Town join'd to Kings-Melcomb by a Bridge famous in regard of its Haven it is grown of late much greater than it formerly was by Sea-Adventures 3. Dorchester Durnovaria the Head Town of the whole Shire yet it is neither great nor beautiful
of Winchester 6. Lincoln a place in former days of great Strength and Note being one of the best Peopled Cities in all the Saxon Heptarchy and of great Merchandise and Trassick both by Sea and Land it had formerly Fifty Churches but is now much decay'd it having suffered much damage in the Wars of King Stephen and of Henry the IIId with his Barons as also both by Fire and Earthquakes the chief Fame it now hath is for its Minster one of the stateliest Piles in England and perhaps in Christendom high seated on an Hill and from thence discern'd over all the Country The City is seated on the side of an Hill where the River Witham bendeth his course Eastward famous it is in respect that Vortimer the Warlike Briton who often discomfited the Saxon Armies ended his days and was here contrary to his Commandment Buried 7. Wainfleet a Town deservedly remarkable in that it Bred William Wainfleet Bishop of Winchester the Founder of Maudlin College in Oxford Nottinghamshire IN Latin Nottingamia hath on the East Lincolnshire on the North Yorkshire on the West Derbyshire and on the South side Leicestershire The Air is pleasant and healthful the Soil rich and clayey and for Corn and Grass so fruitful that it claims the second place before any other in the Realm The Principal Towns are these 1. Stoke a little Village famous for the Victory obtain'd by King Henry the VIIth against Sir John de la Pool Earl of Lincoln who being by King Richard the IIId declared Heir apparent to the Crown Rebelliously opposed himself against his Sovereign and in this place sighting Manfully both he and most of his Followers lost their lives 2. Nottingham a fair Town seated on the Trent but very high upon an Hill which overlooks it for Buildings fair Streets and a spacious Market-place not giving way to many Cities but of most fame for a Royal and magnificent Castle which for Strength Stateliness and Prospect may justly challenge the Precedency of most in England it is mounted upon an huge steep work on the West side of the City it was Built by William the Conqueror to bridle the English David the IId King of Scots and Roger Mortimer Earl of March were detain'd a long time Prisoners in this Castle Memorable it is for that King Charles the I st first set up his Standard in this place occasion'd on the unhappy Differences between him and his Parliament August 22. 1642. 3. Southwell it is adorn'd with a very beautiful Church Consecrated to the Virgin Mary 't is a Town not very fair to outward view but strong ancient and of great fame the Archbishop of York has a stately Palace in this place Derbyshire IN Latin Darbia hath on the East Nottinghamshire on the South Leicestershire on the West Steffordshire and on the North-side Yorkshire it resembles the Form of a Triangle but not with equal sides The Air is good and healthful and the Soil rich and fertile especially in the South and East Parts The Principal Towns are these 1. Derby a fair Town well traded and resorted situated on the River Darwent which on the East side of it affords to the Eye a pleasant and delightful Prospect running down and carrying a full and chearful Stream under a beautiful Stone-Bridge upon which formerly a fair Chappel was Erected which is now gone to decay it is adorn'd with Five Churches the greatest of which named Alhallows and Dedicated to the Memory of All Saints is peculiarly remarkable for its lofty Spire and the Tomb of the Countess of Shrewsbury 2. Peak so called from its Hills and Mountains from this place we have our Lead and Milstones and the Apothecaries their Antimony 3. Buxton a Town memorable for Nine Water-springs which arise out of a Rock within the compass of Eight Yards Eight of them are Warm but the Ninth is very Cold these run under a very fair square Building of Free-stone and about Sixty Paces off receive another Hot Spring from a Well inclos'd with Four flat Stones called St. Anns near unto which another very Cold Spring bubbles up The Inhabitants report that great Cures have been effected by these Waters and daily experience sheweth that they are good for the Stomach and Sinews and very pleasant to Bathe the Body in The Town is lately adorn'd with very beautiful Buildings Having now Describ'd the Regions of the Coritani we will next survey the Provinces of the Cornavii who if we may believe Ptolomy seem to have Possessed Warwickshire Worcestershire Staffordshire Shropshire and Cheshire Warwickshire Cornavii IN Latin Warwicus hath on the East Northamptonshire and Leicestershire on the South Oxfordshire and Glocestershire on the West Worcestershire and on the North Staffordshire It s Air and Soil are equally desirable the Air is extreamly healthful and the Soil in the South part yieldeth such a plentiful Harvest that the Husbandman smiles to behold his pains so well rewarded The Principal Towns are these 1. Warwick this Town was the ancient Praeciduum of the Romans it standeth on the River Avon upon a steep and high Rock and all the Passages to it are wrought out of the very stone it is yet apparent that it was formerly Fortified with a Wall and Ditches towards the South-West it sheweth a Castle strongly Fortified both by Art and Nature 't was in a good state upon the entrance of the Normans but hath lately suffered much by Fire 2. Henly a pretty Market-Town which had formerly a Castle adjoining to it belonging to the Family of the Montforts 3. Killingworth a beautiful strong Castle encompassed with Parks given by Queen Elizabeth to Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester 4. Bremicham a Town full of Inhabitants resounding always with Hammers and Anvils they being most of them Smiths 5. Coventry a City so called from an old Convent and Religious House which gave Name to it beautified it is with a well-Built Wall large Streets handsome Houses and two fair Churches Dedicated to the Holy Trinity and St. Michael it was formerly the only Mart and City of Trade in all these Parts notwithstanding that it is destitute of all the advantages which a Navigable River might afford it 6. Edgehill a small Village famous for the Battel fought between the Forces of King Charles the I st and those of the Parliament in which both sides claim'd the Victory Worcestershire IN Latin Wigornia hath on the East Warwickshire on the South Glocestershire on the West Herefordshire and Shropshire and on the North Staffordshire The Air of this Shire is temperate and the Soil fertile abounding with Corn Woods Pasture and every thing that is necessary for the Life of Man The Principal Towns are these 1. Kidderminster a fair Town hath a great Market it is well frequented divided into two parts by the River Stour it is adorn'd with a very beautiful Church 2. Worcester the principal City of this Shire it being truly admirable both in respect of its Antiquity and Beauty
A DESCRIPTION Of all the Shires Cities and Towns c. IN ENGLAND Anglia Rediviva Being a full DESCRIPTION Of all the Shires Cities Principal Towns and Rivers in ENGLAND With some useful Observations concerning what is most Remarkable whether in relation to their Antiquity Situation Buildings Traffick or Inhabitants To which is Prefix'd A short Account of the first Origine of our Nation of its being Conquer'd by the Romans As also the occasion of the Saxons and Danes first entring England Collected from the best Historians By Mr. DUNSTAR Vincit amor Patriae Virg. London Printed for T. Bennet at the Half Moon in St. Paul's Church-yard C. Coningsby at the Turk's Head in Fleetstreet and D. Midwinter and T. Leigh at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church-yard 1699. To the HONOURED Sir Thomas Twisden In the County of Kent BARONET SIR THE desire I always had to serve You encouraged me to prefix Your Name to this following Treatise Which being Collected from the best of our English Historians whose Writings You have frequently conversed with I presum'd that what was here so compendiously Digested would revive in Your Mind some remarkable Observations not unworthy Your remembrance You have here SIR a short view both of the ancient and present state of England as also an account of the most memorable Battels annex'd to the places near which they were Fought I have spar'd for no Pains and Industry to make it Perfect I being earnestly desirous that it might in some manner Merit Your Favour and Esteem which being once gain'd would be a great means in engaging others who are ambitious of emulating Your Example to receive it kindly How happy I have been in this Performance the Reader can best determine this I am sure of That if Learning and Sense Wit and Humour join'd with an Address that is every way becoming and agreable are accomplishments fit to recommend a Gentleman All those who know You and those who are to know You will applaud my Judgment in chusing You for my Patron Be pleased then SIR to afford a kind Reception to these my first Offerings let the fulness of my Joy for Your safe return amongst us plead in my behalf and make an atonement for the Faults You will here meet with Give me leave to hope that this short Description of Your own Country which cannot but be very dear unto You may find some place among those excellent Remarks which You have so lately made Abroad SIR since the greatness of Your Quality forbids me to come near You as a Friend Permit me to Subscribe my self with all imaginable sincerity SIR Your most Humble Servant S. DUNSTAR Anglia Rediviva UNDER the Title of ENGLAND we comprehend the better part of one of the best and greatest Islands of the whole Earth which together with that of Scotland is generally term'd both by Ancient and Modern Writers Great Brittain or Albion It is bounded on the North with the Hyperborean Ocean on the West with the Vergivian or Western Ocean which parts it from Ireland on the South it is divided from France with the English Channel and on the East it is separated from Germany Belgium and Danemark with the Brittish or as some call it the German Ocean It is in length from Berwick in the North to the Isle of Wight in the South 375 Miles whereof 73 make a Degree and from Dover in the East to the Lands-end in the West about 328 in compass 1300. In shape it is Triangular it having Three Promontories shooting out into divers parts viz. the Cape of St. Burien in Cornwall the Foreland of Kent and the Point of Catness in Scotland it contains according to Mr. Morden's computation near 30 Millions of Acres being about the 1 1000 part of the Globe and the 1 â—33 part of the Habitable World It s Air is Temperate the Cold in Winter being neither so extream nor the Heat in Summer so vexatiously scorching as in some parts of the World which have either a more Southern or Northern Scituation The whole Country is exceeding Fruitful 't is Bless'd with all the Commodities of Heaven and Earth it has Corn in abundance it is rich in Pasture it hath innumerable quantities of Cattel plenty of Wild and Tame Fowl and variety of all sorts of Fish The People are Bold and Warlike very Tenacious of their Liberty of a Generous and Noble Disposition see what the Ingenious Mr. 〈◊〉 says of them in his late Poem See in the Ocean yon fair Western Isle Whose Three sharp Points th' insulting Waves divide See with what beauteous Rivers 't is suppli'd How rich the happy Fields thro' where they glide Well knew the Old Phoenicians that blest place Enur'd to Pain there lives an hardy Race Daring as Virtues self for Conquest made Peace but their Recreation War their Trade Jealous of Liberty they Chains refuse Fair Death before Inglorious Life they chuse Force cannot bend but Kindness may improve And mildly melt their generous warmth to Love Book the 3d. C. 1147. As concerning its Name and its First Inhabitants Historians have left us in so great an uncertainty that we scarce know what to resolve on but we need not wonder at so great an Obscurity if we consider that the First Inhabitants of Countries had other Cares to employ their Thoughts than to deliver their Beginnings to Posterity and possibly had they been never so willing so to do they could not have effected it seeing their Life was so uncultivated and void of all Literature that it was almost impossible for them to preserve the Memory of things and to make over the same to succeeding Ages Besides their Druides and Bardi who Rehearsed and Sung the Actions of their Heroes not only like other Heathen Priests Monopolized that little Learning they had wholly to themselves and were by this means the only Persons suppos'd to be able to give an account of what was past thought it not lawful to Write any thing Nor indeed have we any better account of ancient times even in those Civiliz'd parts of the World wherein Learning chiefly flourished when a profound Ignorance overspread the face of Greece its self as well as other Nations for if we would take the pains to enquire strictly into the matter we shall there find as much darkness and obscurity as to their Original as in these our European Parts What Fabulous Stories would the subtle Greeks impose upon us if we had the Faith to believe them Who as a Learned Father of our Church affirms had not learn'd to speak plain truth till the World was about 3173 Years old for so it was when the Olympiads began If we would enquire further into the Succession of the Latins and would take the trouble to examine the two first Dynasties the first before Aeneas's coming into Italy and the second of the Aeneadae after fo certainly it will be sufficient ground to question the account of times before if in
sinibus illis Agricola incurvo terram molitus aratro Exesa inveniet Scabrâ rubigine pila Aut gravibus rassris galeas pulsabit manes Grandiaque essossis mirabitus ossa Sepulchris 4. Colchester a proper fair Town pleasantly seated it is Wall'd about and Beautified with 15 Churches the ancient Coins daily dug out here do shew that it flourished in the time of the Romans The Trade of the Inhabitants consists chiefly in making of Cloth and Bays with other sort of Stuff 5. Harwich a Port-Town not very great but well Peopled Fortified both by Art and Nature 't is Memorable for a Battle at Sea fought between the English and Danes An. Christ 884. 6. Saffron-Walden a fair Market-Town famous for the great Quantity of Saffron which grows there which Commodity was at first brought into England in the Reign of Edward the IIId Suffolk Iceni SUffolcia hath on the West Cambridge on the South the Stour divideth it from Essex on the East it hath the German Sea and on the North Norfolk The Air of this place is thought by some Physicians to be the very best in the whole Island the Soil is fruitful and replenished with all things The Principal Towns are these 1. Bury a very fair beautiful Town remarkable for an Abbey Built by Canutus to Expiate the Sacrilegious Impiety of his Father Suenus against this Church it appears still beautiful even in its very Ruins Near this place was fought a great Battel between Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester and King Henry the IId the Victory falling to the King's Party A. C. 1173. 2. Sudbury formerly the chief Town of this Shire 't is Populous and Wealthy the Inhabitants making great advantages by Clothing 3. Ipswich the principal Town of this Shire well Peopled beautiful in its Buildings has 14 Churches and a very commodious Haven 't is fenc'd with a Rampier it was Sack'd by the Danes An. 991. and again in the Year 1000 yet it perfectly recovered its former Beauty and was the finest Town in England had a very noble Harbour which was most convenient for the Northern and Eastern parts of the World in this state it continued till through the severe Injunctions of Bishop Laud in the Reign of King Charles the First concerning matters in Religion several Thousands of Families were frighted out of Norfolk and Suffolk into New-England Norfolk NOrfolcia it is bounded on the East and North by the German Ocean on the West the Ouse divideth it from Cambridge on the South it confineth upon Suffolk The Air is sharp and piercing especially in the Champion and near the Sea upon which account the Spring and Harvest is not so soon here as in other Countries 't is a Champion Country large and spacious abounding with Rivers pleasant Springs good Corn and Pasture The Principal Towns are these 1. Thetford a large Market-Town but thinly Inhabited in times past it was very Populous and besides other tokens of Antiquity it hath still to be seen a great Mount fenc'd with a double Rampier and Fortified in ancient times with Walls it was formerly the Seat of the Kings of the East-Angles and known to the Romans by the Name of Sitomagus 2. Norwich a famous City pleasantly situated on the River Yare which runs thence to Yarmouth lying out in length from South to North a Mile and an half and in breadth about half so much it drawing in it self by little and little at the South end in manner of a Cone in that Circuit it comprehendeth about Thirty Parishes well Walled about with many Turrets and Twelve Gates but it hath in it much waste ground the City suffering great loss both in Wealth and Buildings by Ket's Rebellion in the time of King Edward the Sixth it hath recovered its first blow by the Dutch Manufactures but of the last it still languisheth though at this present it glories in the Beauties of a fair Cathedral the Three Palaces of the Bishops the Dukes of Norfolk and the Earls of Surrey and the ruins of an ancient Castle of the Saxons Building 3. Yarmouth a Port-Town having a very convenient Haven 't is beautifully Built and strongly fenc'd both by Art and Nature 't is almost encompassed with Water on the West side with a River that hath a Draw-bridge over it on the other parts with the Ocean unless Northward where it is firm Land it is defended by a strong Wall which together with the River make a square Form of Four sides somewhat long upon the Wall towards the East a great Mount is cast up on which are planted several pieces of Ordinance 4. Lynn a large Town encompass'd with a deep Trench and Walls for the most part 't is divided by Two small Rivers which have Fifteen Bridges over them 't is of no great Antiquity yet by reason of its Havens Buildings and Merchants 't is the Second Principal Town of this Shire Cambridgeshire CAntabrigia on the East it lieth on Norfolk and Suffolk on the South on Essex and Hertfordshire on the West on Bedford and Huntingtonshire 't is divided into two parts by the River Ouse or Cam. This Province is not so large as some others nor the Air so temperate and pleasant it being infected by the Fens the North part is for the most part Fenny and surcharg'd with Waters but the South is Champion yielding Corn in abundance The Principal Towns are these 1. Cambridge a Town particularly famous for its University which as it is reported was first begun and Founded by Cantaber a Spaniard 375 Years ante Christum as also that Sigebert or Sebert King of the East-Angles restor'd it again An. Dom. 630. Being drstroyed afterwards by the Danes it was for a long time of no account until it reviv'd under the Normans Government at this day it hath Sixteen stately Colleges and Halls which for Buildings Beauty Endowments and Number of Students are so replenished that Oxford excepted the like is hardly to be found in Europe 2. Ely a City not so great as ancient situate in the Isle so nam'd occasioned by the divided Streams of Ner and Ouse with the overflowings of other Rivers turning a great part of this Tract into Fenns and Marshes remarkable for little else but its Cathedral which was erected An. Dom. 1110. in the 10th Year of King Henry the First Huntingtonshire IN Latin Huntingtonia is bounded on the South by Bedfordshire on the West and North by Northamptonshire and on the East by Cambridgeshire The Soil is fruitful yielding Corn in great abundance towards the East where it is Fenny it is very rich and plentiful for the Feeding of Cattel in all the other parts 't is extreamly pleasant on the account of the Woods and Groves with which it aboundeth The Principal Towns are these 1. St. Neets a Market Town so named of one Neutus a Learned and Holy Man who Travelled all his Life-time in Propagating Christianity his Body was translated from Neotstock in Cornwall to this place 2.
Shires of Wales but those Two also beyond the Severn viz. Herefordshire and Monmouthshire which are now reckoned among the Counties of England according to Ptolomy the Silures inhabited the South part called by one Name Dehubarth but now Herefordshire Radnorshire Brecknockshire Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire The Inhabitants are generally impatient of Servitude very Valiant and given to War Herefordia is bounded on the East with Worcestershire and Glocestershire on the South with Monmouthshire on the West with Radnor and Brecknockshires and on the North with Shropshire This Counties Climate is healthful and temperate and the Soil so fertile for Corn and Cattel that no place in England yieldeth more The Principal Towns are these 1. Hereford the principal City of this Shire seated on the Banks of the River Wye in the middle of most flourishing Meadows and no less plentiful Corn-Fields it was raised out of the ruins of the ancient Ariconium 't is encompass'd almost round with Rivers it was Walled about in the Reign of Henry the First who Founded in this place a most beautiful Cathedral Church 2. Lemster a Town famous for exceeding fine Wool Radnorshire IN Latin Radnora hath on the North Montgomeryshire on the East Herefordshire on the South Brecknockshire on the West where 〈◊〉 groweth very narrow Cardiganshire The Air of this Province is very sharp and Cold and the Soil lean and barren its riches consists chiefly in the brood of Cattel The Principal Towns are these 1. Radnor the principal Town of this Shire fair Built after the manner of the Country with thatch'd Houses in times past it was fenc'd with a Wall and Castle which are now grown to decay 2. Prestan a Market-Town so fair and beautiful that it in a manner putteth down Radnor it is of late Years wonderfully frequented 3. Knighton a Town scarce inferior to Prestian near this place is King Offa's admirable Ditch reaching from Dee Mouth up to Wy Mouth by this Town for the space of Fourscore and ten Miles made by him to separate the Brittons from his Englishmen Brecknockshire IN Latin Brechinia is bounded on the East with Herefordshire on the South with Monmouth and Glamorganshires on the West with Caermardhenshire and on the North with Radnorshire The Air is very Temperate the whole County is full of Hills and uneven for Travelling but the Soil is very fertile yielding in the Vallies both plenty of Corn and Pasture The Principal Town is 1. Brecknock the Shire-Town seated in the very heart of the Country its Walls are strong and of good repair it hath Three Gates for entrance with Ten Towers for its defence on the West side it hath a stately Castle that it was Inhabited in the Romans time is evident from the Coins of the Roman Emperors oftentimes digged up here Monmouthshire IN Latin Monumethia is bounded on the North by the River Munow that separateth it from Herefordshire on the East the River Wye divideth it from Glocestershire on the West the River Remney severeth it from Glamorganshire on the South 't is bounded by the Severn Sea The Air is healthful and clear the Soil is Hilly Woody Rich and in all places very Fruitful The Principal Towns are these 1. Monmouth the chief Town of this Province 't is encompassed almost round with the Rivers Munow and Wye on the North side where it is not defended with Rivers it was formerly Fortified with a Wall and Ditch 2. Chepstow a Town situate on the side of an Hill rising from the very River Fortified round about with a Wall of a large Circuit it hath a very fair Castle situate over the River Wye the Town generally speaking is of good resort 3. Abergevenny a Town well frequented Fortified with Walls and a Castle which of all the Castles in Wales as Giraldus says has been most defam'd on the account of Treason 4. Newport a Town lately Built not unknown upon the account of its Castle and the Commodiousness of its Harbour Glamorganshire IN Latin Glamorgania on the South it has the Severn Sea on the East Monmouthshire on the North Brecknockshire and on the West Caermardhenshire The Air is temperate and giveth more content to the Mind than the Soil doth fruit or ease to Travellers The Principal Towns are these 1. Cardiffe a proper fair Town having a commodious Haven Fortified by a strong Wall and Castle by Fitz-Haimon memorable it is for that Robert Curthouse William the Conqueror's Eldest Son being quite put by his hopes of the Crown of England and depriv'd of both his Eyes by his Brother King Henry the First lived until he was an Old Man in this Castle 2. Cowbridge a fair Market-Town well frequented 3. Landaffe a small City and of as small reputation situate somewhat low but adorn'd with a Bishops's See and a Cathedral Consecrated to St. Gelean Bishop of the place West-Wales Caermardhenshire Dimetae IN Latin Maredunum is limited on the East with Glamorganshire and Brecknockshire on the West with Pembrokeshire on the North 't is severed from Cardiganshire by the River Tovy and on the South it hath the Ocean The Air is pleasant and delightful the Soil being not so full of Hills as its neighbouring Counties is therefore much better for Corn and Pasturage The Principal Town is Caermardhen the chief Town of this County compass'd about with Brick Walls part of which is yet standing upon the River Tovy which is able to bear small Ships although there be now a Bar of Sand cast up against the mouth of it 't is pleasant for its Woods and Meadows and venerable for its Antiquity memorable it is for the Birth of the Sage Merlin Pembrokeshire IN Latin Pembrocia the Sea presseth upon every side of this County unless it be on the East where Caermardhenshire and on the North where a part of Cardiganshire boundeth upon it The Air is passing temperate and the Soil very fruitful The Principal Towns are these 1. Tenby a fair Town strongly Walled towards the Land it looketh into the Sea from a dry Cliff famous it is for its commodious Roads for Ships and for an abundance of Fish taken there 2. Milford-Haven than which there is not another in all Europe either nobler or safer there are reckoned within it Sixteen Creeks Five Bays and Thirteen Roads known every one by its several name 't is particularly famous for the arrival of King Henry the Seventh who released England from the Domestick Calamities and Civil Miseries it then groan'd under 3. Pembroke the principal Town of this Shire it standeth on the East Creek of Milford-Haven it was formerly Fortified with Walls and a Castle which are now decayed 4. Haverford situate in the Demy Island of this County by the Welsh called Ross by the English Little England beyond Wales by reason of the English Tongue there spoken it is a Town the best Traded and frequented of all South-Wales it was Fortified with a Rampier and Wall on the North side by the Earls of
term'd The West Riding The East Riding The North Riding West-Riding IS compass'd by the River Ouse with the bound of Lancashire and South limits of the Shire and beareth towards the West and South The Principal Towns are these 1. Sheffield a Town of great repute both for its Inhabitants who are generally Smiths as well as for the many Iron Mines which are found thereabouts 't is Fortified with a strong and ancient Castle 2. Halyfax a famous Town lying from West to East upon the steep descent of an Hill it is not many Years since it took this Name it being formerly called Horton is is so very populous that it is thought to have 12000 Inhabitants 3. Wakefield a great Market-Town well frequented its Buildings are very beautiful famous it is for its Inhabitants getting great store of Wealth by making Cloth nor is it less remarkable for its Bridge upon which King Edward the Fourth erected a beautiful Chappel in memory of those who lost their Lives in Battel his own Father being slain in the Field by those that sided with the House of Lancaster 4. Leeds formerly a House of the Kings but now grown to be a populous rich Town by reason of Clothing 5. Towton a little Country Village which may not be unfitly termed England's Pharsalia famous it is for the Battel between the Houses of York and Lancaster where the Lancastrians received so terrible an overthrow that they left more than 30000 dead upon the place 6. York the second City of England the fairest in all this County it being a singular safeguard and Ornament to all the Northern parts a pleasant place large and stately well fortified and beautifully adorn'd as well with private as publick Buildings rich populous and to its greater dignity it hath a stately Cathedral consecrated to St. Peter and an Archiepiscopal See which beside Twelve Bishopricks in England exercised formerly the Power of a Primate over all the Bishops of Scotland but it hath now but Four within its Diocese viz. the Bishoprick of Durham of Carlisle of Chester and of the Isle of Man Memorable it is for the Death of Severus the Emperor and of Constantine the Father of Constantine the Great East-Riding ON the North and West side 't is bounded with the River Darwent on the South with the Salt Water of Humber and on the East with the German Ocean The Principal Towns are these 1. Beverly a great Town very populous and full of Trade so named from John de Beverly Archbishop of York a Godly and Learned Man who after he had given over his Bishoprick as weary of this World came hither and ended his Life in Contemplation An. Dom. 721. 2. Hull a Town Founded by King Edward the First which by little and little hath rose to that Dignity that for stately and sumptuous Buildings for strong Blockhouses for well-furnished Ships for store of Merchants and abundance of all things it is become now the most famous Town in all these parts the Inhabitants make a great Trade of Island Fish dried and hardened which they term Stock-Fish whereby they gather a mass of Riches 3. Patrington a Town pleasantly seated having a most delightful Prospect on one side lieth the main Sea on the other the Humber and over-against it the fresh and green Borders of Lincolnshire The Inhabitants glory much on the account of their Antiquity and the commodiousness of their Haven North-Riding OR the North part of this County stretcheth it self Westward 60 Miles together even as far as to Westmorland 't is limited on the one side with Darwent and for a while with the River Ure on the other side with the River Tees running all along by it which on the North Coast separateth it from the Bishoprick of Durham The Principal Towns are these 1. Pickering a large Town belonging to the Dutchy of Lancaster situate upon an Hill and defended by an old Castle to which a great number of small Villages lying round about do appertain 2. Scarborough-Castle is seâ—â—ed on a Rock of a wonderful heighth and bigness which by reason of steep Cliffs is almost inaccessible on every side it was at first Built by William le Grosse Earl of Albermarle which being in process of time fallen down it was afterwards Rebuilt by King Henry the Second here the Hollanders Fish for Herrings demanding first License of the Lord of the Castle 3. Rhidal a pleasant beautiful Market-Town adorn'd with Twenty three Parish-Churches through the midst whereof runneth the River Rhy 4. Malton a large Market-Town well frequented for Corn Horses Fish and Implements of Husbandry here are to be seen the Foundations of an old Castle belonging to the Family of the Vescys 5. Richmond a fair beautiful Town seated on the River Swall it seems to have been formerly Fortified with a Wall whose Gates yet stand in the midst of the Town so that the Suburbs are extended far without the same it is indifferently populous and well frequented the People are most employed in Knitting of Stockings wherewith even the Decrepit and Children get their own Livings Durham IN Latin Dunelmus is bounded on the North by Northumberland on the West where it is more narrow by Westmorland and Cumberland on the South it hath Yorkshire and on the East the German Ocean The Air is sharp and piercing and would be more violent were it not for the Vapours of the German Sea which dissolving the Ice and Snow make the Air more mild and temperate As for the Soil the East part is by far the richest The Principal Towns are these 1. Hartlepool a very large Town of good resort it has a very safe and convenient Harbour for Shipping 2. Durham a noble City seated on high and shap'd in form of an Egg environ'd on all sides but on the North with the River Were 't is Fortified with a Wall its Buildings are beautiful but especially its Cathedral which standing on the South side where the River windeth its self about maketh a solemn and gallant show having an high Tower in the midst anâ— two Spires at the West end Famous it is likewise for its Castle which standeth between two stone Bridges over the River as also for its spacious Market-place and for St. Nicholas's Church which is a beautiful Fabrick Near unto this City at Nevils Cross a sore Battel was Fought between the English and Scots wherein David Bruce King of Scotland with many of his Nobility were taken Prisoners by Queen Philippa Wife to that glorious Prince King Edward the Third who in Person was present in the Field Lancashire IN Latin Lancastria is enclos'd between Yorkshire on the East side and the Irish Sea on the West on the South side where it boundeth on Cheshire it is broader and by degrees the more Northward it goeth where it confineth on Westmorland it is narrower The Air is subtle and piercing not troubled with gross Vapours but the Soil for the most part is lean and barren yet it
into the Thames on the West 't is bounded by Wiltshire and on the East by Surrey On the West part it hath plenty of Command Fruit but on the East part where it consineth with Surrey the Soil is very barren and unfruitful 1. Farendon a Town seated on a rising ground famous for a Market kept there but in times past for a certain Fort which Robert Earl of Glocester Built and defended against King Stephen who having won it by many bloody Assaults levelled it to the ground so that now it is not to be seen 2. Abington a Populous Town pleasantly seated on the plain of an Hill since the Year 1416. in which King Henry the Vth Built a Bridge over the River and turned the Kings high-way hither to make a shorter passage it began to be so frequented that it is now the chief Town of the whole Shire it is famous for its great Trade in Malt. 3. Wallingford in old time it was compass'd about with Walls it had a very large Castle situate upon the River which was thought to be invincible it was oftentimes Besieged by King Stephen but all in vain This Town was so dispeopled by reason of a grievous Pestilence which happened in the Year 1348 that whereas before it was well Inhabited and had Twelve Churches it can shew now no more than One or Two 4. Newbury a famous Town raised out of the Ruins of Spine which was formerly a place of great repute it is situated in a champion plain being watered throughout with the River Kenet 't is well Inhabited and is very remarkable for its Trade in Clothing 5. Reading a Town famous for fair Streets well built Houses as also for the Riches of the Townsmen and for their Name in making Cloth it hath lost the greatest Ornaments it had viz. a beautiful Church and a most ancient Castle which was razed by King Henry the IId because it was a Refuge for King Stephen's followers 6. Maidenhead a large spacious Town fill'd with good Inns for the reception of Strangers it is well frequented 7. Windsor-Castle 't is situated on an Hill that riseth with a gentle Ascent and enjoyeth a most delightful Prospect round about on the front it overlooketh a spacious Vale behind it arise Hills every where neither rough nor high so that 't is dedicated as one would say to Hunting-Game it was Built by King Henry the Ist An. 1100. and enlarg'd by King Edward the IIId who was Born here 't is in bigness equal to a pretty City Fortified with Ditches and Bulwarks made of Stone in this place King Edward the IIId Instituted the Noble Order of the Garter to increase Virtue and Valour in the Hearts of his Nobility or as some report in honour of the Countess of Salisbury of which Lady the King had formerly been Enamour'd The Garter was given to it in Testimony of that Love and affection wherewith the Knights of it were bound one to another and all of them jointly to the King as Sovereign there are of it Twenty six Knights of which the King of England is always Chief the Ensign is a Blew Garter Buckled on the Left Leg on which these words are Embroider'd Honi Soit qui mal y Pense about their Necks they wear a Blew Ribbond at the end of which hangeth the Image of St. George upon whose Day the Installations of the new Knights are commonly Celebrated THese Regions which I have hitherto Describ'd viz. of the Danmonii Durotriges Belgae Attrebatii when the Saxons Rul'd in Brittain fell to the Kingdom of the West-Saxons who under the Command of their King Egbert United the English Heptarchy into a Monarchy which afterwards through the Cowardise of their Kings soon vanished For after this the Danes brake in upon the Northumbers and though often Vanquished yet being as often Victorious they at last seiz'd on the Monarchy of England which was sometime held by the Danes sometimes by the Saxons till William Duke of Normandy took it from Harold and established the Monarchy which hath ever since continued in a Succession of Twenty eight Princes down to our Gracious Sovereign King William REGNI NEXT unto the Attrebatii Eastward those Regions which we commonly term Surrey Sussex with the Sea-Coast of Hampshire were Inhabited by the Regni Surrey IN Latin Surria is bounded on the West by Barkshire and Hampshire on the South by Sussex on the East by Kent on the North 't is Water'd by the River Thames and by it divided from Middlesex It is a plain and Champion Country yielding Corn and Forage in abundance especially towards the South The Principal Towns are these 1. Farnham a Market-Town so named from the great quantity of Fern growing near it near this place Hâ—nry of 〈◊〉 erected a noble Castle which being afterwards demolished by Henry the IIId was again rebuilt by the Bishops of Winchester 2. Guildford a Market-Town well frequented full of fair Inns in old time it was a Royal Mansion of the English Saxon Kings 3. Kingston a Market-Town well Inhabited famous in old time by reason of a Castle therein belonging to the Clares Earls of Glocester it took its name from a little Town which stood near it in which when England was almost ruined by the Danish Wars Athelstan Edwin and Etheldred were Crowned Kings in the Market-place 4. Richmond a Town very beautiful and glorious in respect of its Buildings famous for the Death of several Kings but in particular of that most Mighty Prince King Edward the IIId Here also Died Ann Wife to King Richard the IId Daughter to the Emperor Charles the IVth who first taught English Women the manner of sitting on Horseback which is now in use whereas before they rode very unseemly astride as Men do Memorable it is likewise for that King Henry the VIIth and Queen Elizabeth of glorious Memory yielded unto Nature in this place 5. Croidon a Market-Town well frequented whose Inhabitants gain to themselves great advantages by selling of Char-Coal 6. Lambeth a Town famous in former times for the Death of Canutus the Hardy King of England who there Revelling with his Lords amidst his Cups yielded up his Breath but at this time 't is much frequented by reason of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Palace which is in this place 7. Southwark the most famous Market-Town and place of Trade in all this Shire 't is so large and populous that it gives place to few Cities in England in the Reign of King Edward the VIth it was annexed to the City of London and is at this day reckoned as a part of it Sussex IN Latin Sussexia is bounded on the West by Hampshire on the North by Surrey and part of Kent on the East by Kent on the South it lieth upon the Brittish Ocean on the Sea-Coast it hath many green Hills of an exceeding heighth called the Downs which standing on a Chalky sort of Mould yield great plenty of Corn the middle part of it is