Hierusalem and there made his abode for some time Thence Travelling into other Countryes he came to Venice and Padua As also to Rome out of great affection he had to see the famous Vatican-Library Where he made such an elegant Oration to Pope Pius the Second that it drew Teares from the Eyes of his Holiness Likewise that he Translated into English the Orations of Publius Cornelius and Caius Flaminius and Wrote divers Learned Tracts whereof Bale maketh mention Moreover that he Founded a Fraternitie in All-Hallows-Church at Berkyng near the Tower of London Likewise that having been a firm adherer to the House of York and the Scene changing through the potency of Nevill Earl of Warwick King Edward being forc't to flee beyond-Sea and King Henry restored he was necessitated to shift for himself so that being found on the top of an high Tree in the Forest of Waybrigg in Com. Hunt he was brought to London and judg'd to suffer death by Iohn Earl of Oxford whereupon he lost his head on Tower-hill and was buried at Black-Friers in that City Furthermore that he had two Wives First Elizabeth the daughter to Robert Greyndour and by her a son called Iohn who died young Secondly Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Hopton Esquire sister of Sir Walter Hopton Knight Widow of Sir Roger Corbet of Morton Corbet in Com. Salop. Knight on whom he begot a son called Edward who was but little more than two yeares of age at his death Which Edward being restored in blood by King Edward the Fourth died without issue 12 Aug. 3 R. 3. Whereupon his three Aunts became his heires viz. Philippa Wife of Thomas Lord Roos of Hamlake Ioane Married to Sir Edmund Inglethorpe Knight and Ioyce to Edmund son and heir to Iohn Lord Dudley Piers de Gaveston Earl of Cornwall 1 Edw. 2. THere is not I think in all our English History a greater instance of an unhappy Favourite than that of this Piers de Gaveston much unhappy to himself but more to his Soveraign Who being corrupted in his youth by the leud conversation of this vain young Man became most miserable at last not only by Deposal from his Government but by the Murther of his Person Being by Birth the son of a private Gentleman in Gascoine who had merited well for his faithful services in the Wars of those parts he was for that cause in his very childhood receiv'd into the Court of King Edward the First there to wait upon Prince Edward his eldest Son Upon whose affections in tract of time he so much gained by humouring him in such sensual delights whereunto youth is naturally inclin'd that he guided and govern'd him according to his own vile humour The dangerous consequence whereof was not foreseen by the King until near the time of his own death as it seems for this Piers was with him in his Wars of Scotland in 32 d of his Reign as is evident from that Pardon which was afterwards granted to him as also to Roger Lord Mortimer Gilbert de Clare and others for departing thence at that time without leave So likewise in that of 34 Edw. 1. which was the last Expedition into those parts by that Victorious King being in order thereto made Knight at the Feast of Pentecost with Prince Edward by Bathing c. But then was it most clearly discern'd by divers of the Nobles at that time there how destructive it might be to themselves and to the whole Realm that such an ill Companion should longer continue with the Prince whereupon the King lying upon his Death-bed at Burgh upon the Sands near Carlisle forc'd him to abjure the Realm and commanded his Son the Prince upon Penalty of his Curse that he should not recall him back Nevertheless notwithstanding this strict charge of the dying King no sooner did he hear that the breath was out of his Father's Body but that he sent for him again and bestow'd on him the King's Jewels and likewise all that Treasure which had been design'd for the succor of the Holy Land viz. Thirty two thousand pounds of Silver which also upon the danger of his Father's Curse ought not to have been otherwise dipsosed of Whereof being thus possess'd he convey'd it into the hands of Forrein-Merchants for his own private benefit Amongst which Jewels there was a Table and Tressels of Gold which he had taken out of the Treasury at Westminster and delivered them to Aymeri de Frisconbaud to be carried into Gascoine And besides all this he caused Walter Langton Bishop of Covenâ—ry and Lichfield who had been Lord Treasurer to King Edw. 1. to be imprisoned Nay so great was his interest that upon the King 's going over to Boloin to Marry with the Lady Isabell daughter to Philip le Beau King of France which Marriage was solemnized 8 Cal. Febr. he obtain'd a special Patent bearing date 26 th December to be Guardian and Lieutenant of this Realm during his absence And Soon after this having Married Margaret the second sister and coheir to Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester daughter to Ioane of Acres the King's sister the Wedding being kept at Berkemsted in the presence of the King he procured a Grant to himself and her the said Margaret in tail of that great Mannor of Brustwyke in Holderness with its members Also of the Castle and Mannor of Skypton in Craven Of the Castle and Honor of High-Peke in Com. Derb. Of the Castle Mannor and Honor of Cokermuth in Com. Cumb. with its Members Of the Mannors of â—orpell and Upton in Com. North. Of the Castle of Caresbroke and other the Kings Lands in the Isle of Wight all which formerly belong'd to Isabel de Fortibus sometime Countess of Aâ—â—emaâ—le and were then valued at Three thousand Marks per annum And of the Mannors of Crokham and Berkhamsted in Com. Hertf. with Frâ—e-warren in all his Demesn-lands there as also in Byflete and Pachenesham in Com. Surr. with remainder to the King and his heirs About the same time likewise he had a Grant in Fee of the whole Earldom of Cornwall with the Castle Mannors and Lands thereto belonging as also of the Shrievalty of that County Likewise of the Stannaries and all Mines of Tin and Lead sometime belonging to Edmund Earl of Cornwall Of the Castle and Mannor of Lydeford with its Appurtenances Of the whole Moore and Free-Chase of Dertmore of the Town of Exeter of the Castle Town and Honor of Knaresburgh with Free-Chase there Of the Mannors of Routhclyve and Aldburgh of the Castle Town and Honor of Walingford with the Mannors of Watlington and Bensington of the Four Hundreds and half of Ciltrie of the Honor of St. Walerie of the Mannor of Beckley of the Castles and Mannors of Mereswell
at his Fathers death and having married Anne the daughter to Robert Earl of Essex by her had issue Philip his son and heir and two daughters Mary married to ... Gower of ... in Com. Ebor. and Anne to VVilliam VVolrich of ... in Com. Sussex Esquire and died 14 Eliz the said Philip being at that time seventeen years of age Which Philip took to wife Frances daughter to Henry â—arl of Cumberland and by her had issue two sons viz. Sir George Wharton Knight of the Bath who married Anne daughter to Iohn Earl of Rutland and was slain in a Duel by Sir Iames Steward Knight upon the eighth of November An. 1609. leaving no issue And Sir Thomas VVharton Knight Which Sir Thomas took to wife Philadelphia the daughter to Robert Earl of Monmouth and having issue by her two sons Philip and Thomas died in his fathers life time viz. 17 Apr. 20 Iac. and was buried at Easby near Richmund in Yorkshire This Philip had likewise issue three daughters Margaret married to Edward Lord VVotton Eleanore to VVilliam Thwaytes of Long Marston in Com. Ebor. Esquire and Frances to Sir Richard Musgrave of Edenhale in Com. Cumbr. Knight of the Bath and Baronet And departing this life upon the Twenty sixth day of March An. 1625. was buried at Healey in the County of the City of York Leaving Philip his grandson viz. eldest son to Sir Thomas who died in his life time his successor in his honor Which Philip arrived to his full age in An. 1634. and married three wives Elizabeth daughter of Sir Rouland Wandesford of Pickhay in Com. Ebor. Knight Attorney of the Court of Wards by whom he had issue one only daughter called Elizabeth married to Robert then Lord VVilloughby of Eresby now Earl of Lindsey and Lord Great Chamberlain of England Secondly Iane the daughter and heir of Arthur Goodwyn of Upper Winchendon in Com. Buck. â—squire by whom he hath had issue two sons Thomas and Goodwyn and four daughters Anne married to VVilliam Carr a Scotchman only son to VVilliam Carr Groom of the Bedchamber to King Iames. Margaret to Major Dunch of Pusey in Com. Berk. Esquire Mary to VVilliam Thomas son and heir of Edmund Thomas of Wennoe in Com. Glamorgan Esquire and Philadelphia He thirdly married Anne daughter to the said VVilliam Carr Groom of the Bedchamber to King Iames widdow of Edmund Popham Esquire by whom he hath one son called VVilliam Which Thomas son and heir apparent to this Philip Lord VVharton hath married Anne one of the two daughters and coheirs to Sir Henry Lee of Dichley in Com. Oxon. Baronet Lord Paget 4 E. 6. THe first mention I find of any bearing this name who arriv'd to the dignity of Peerage is VVilliam Paget a person naturally endowed with excellent parts as may seem by his ascent from so low a condition to those high Preferments whereunto by sundry degrees he attained being son a to ... Paget one of the Serjeants at Mace in the City of London who was born near Wednsbury in Staffordshire of mean Parentage where 〈◊〉 were some of that generation till of late years remaining so that he might well say with the Poet Et quae non fecimus ipsi Vix ea nostra voco For in 23 H. 8. by reason of his great abilities he came to be one of the Clerks of the Signet And in 32 H. 8. Clerk of the Council As also Clerk of the Privy-Seale with the Fee of Thirty pounds per annum and soon after that Clerk of the Parliament for life In all which employments he deported himself with such sedulity and prudence as that in 33 H. 8. he was sent Embassador into France and upon his return from that honorable Negotiation made one of the principal Secretaries of State for so I find him in 35 H. 8. Moreover in 36 H. 8. being then a Knight he was constituted one of the Commissioners to Treat with Mathew Earl of Lenox touching the advancement of King Henry the Eighth's Interst in Scotland whereupon l that Earl was to marry the Lady Margaret Douglas King Henry's Neice And the same year attending that King in his Expedition to Boloin was associated with the Earl of Hertford and others to Treat with the Embassadors of France in order to a general accord betwixt both Realms In 37 H. 8. he obtained a grant to himself and Iohn Mason Esquire then Secretary to the King for the French Tongue and the survivor of them of the Office of Master of the Posts with the Fee of Sixty six pounds thirteen shillings four pence per an And in 38 H. 8 was one of the Commissioners which treated of and concluded a Peace with the French Shortly after which the King lying on his Death-bed he was constituted one of his Executors and appointed one of the Council to his successor King Edward the Sixth In the second year of whose Reign he obtained a grant in Fee of that House without Temple-Barr in the City of London then called Exeter-place formerly belonging to the Bishops of that See as also of a certain parcel of ground lying within the Garden of the Middle-Temple adjoyning thereto Which House he transformed into a new Fabrick for his own habitation and called it Paget-House But long it held not that name being from after-owners called next Leicester-House and at length Essex-House The next thing which I find memorable of him is that in 4 E. 6. he was sent Embassador to the Emperor Charles the Fifth to signifie how King Edward being on the one side distressed by the Scots and on the other by the French likewise miserably rent by intestine divisions at home necessity required speedy Succors from him else that he must submit to an inconvenient Peace with France And upon the Third of December the same year being then Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter Comptroller of the Kings Houshold Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster and called by Writ to the Parliment then sitting by the name of Lord Paget of Beaudsert in Com. Staff he took his place there amongst the rest of the Peers After which upon the 19 th of Ianuary next ensuing he had his solemn creation to that honor and within three dayes following was sent with the Earl of Bedford and Sir Iohn Mason again to treat of Peace with the French Notwithstanding all which great services such enemies he had that in 5 E. 6. upon the fall of the Duke of Somerset whose ruine was effected by the contrivance of Dudley Duke of Northumberland against whom the principal charge was that he had designed the Murther of some Noblemen at Pager-House this Lord was sent to the Tower and bereav'd of his Ensignes of the Garter But Money being not a little wanting at that time whereupon several persons
of the Hospital of St. Leonard situate near the Abby of Leicester by reason that this Lord Hastings had obtain'd that Hospital from the King and given it unto that College for ever And lastly That according to the appointment of his Testament he was buried in the North-Isle of the Royal Chappel of St. George within the Castle of Windsore near to the Tomb of King Edward the Fourth where his Monument is still to be seen I come now to Edward his Son and Heir In 15 E. 4. this Edward was made a Knight of the Bathe with Edward then Prince of Wales And when King Henry the Seventh obtain'd the Crown had such respect from him considering the Sufferings of his Noble Father that he forthwith restored unto him all his Lands as by his Letters Patents bearing date 22 Nov. 1 H. 7. appeareth as also all the Lands of Sir Thomas Hungerford Knight his Wifes Father reversing his Attainder which was at Salisbury on Munday next after the Feast of St. Hillary 8 E. 4. This Edward Lord Hastings therefore to manifest his Gratitude for so high a Favour upon that Insurrection of Iohn Earl of Lincoln in 2 H. 7. fought stoutly against him and his Fellow-Rebels in the Battel of Stoke near Newarke upon Trent and worthily shared in the Honour of that Victory there obtained Shortly after which he was sent into Flanders by King Henry in Aid of Maximilian the Emperor against the French In 3 H. 7. being then of full Age he had Livery of all the Lands whereof William his Father died seised bearing then the Title of Lord Hastings and Hungerford In 7 H. 7. he was by Indenture retain'd to serve the King in his Wars beyond the Seas for one whole year with five Men at Arms each of them having his Custrel and Page fifteen Demilances sixteen Archers on Horseback forty Arches on Foot and two hundred Bills In 11 H. 7. I find him stiled Edward Lord Hastings Hungerford Botreaux Molins Moels and de Homet His first Summons to Parliament was in 22 E. 4. the Writ being thus directed viz. Edwardo Hastings de Hungerford Chivalier So likewise in the time of King Richard the Third and King Henry the Seventh By his Testament bearing date 4 Nov. 22 H. 7. he bequeath his Body to be buried in the College of Windosore near to his Father's Tomb appointing That an honest Priest should be provided to pray for his Soul and for the Souls of his Father and Mother in the Chappel or Church where his Body should be Interred by the space of seven years next after his Decease and that his Feoffees should make sale of his Mannors of Welford in Com. Northampt. Lubbesthorpe Wistow and Braunston in Com. Leic. Bewyk Alacborough and Slingsy in Com. Ebor. to pay his Debts and to perform his Will And departing this Life upon the eighth day of the same Month of November was buried in the Church of the Friers-Preachers commonly called the Black-Friers in the City of London leaving Issue by Mary his Wife Daughter and sole Heir to Sir Thomas Hungerford Knight Son of Robert Son of Walter Lord Hungerford George his Son and Heir and Anne a Daughter married to Thomas Earl of Derby Which Mary surviving him afterwards became the Wife of Sir Richard Sacheverell Knight This George the next ensuing year viz. 23 H. 7. had a special Livery of all the Lands of his Inheritance and in 5 H. 8. was in that Expedition made by King Henry into France at which time Therouene and Tâ—urnay were won In 19 H. 8. by the Favour of that King he obtain'd a Grant to himself and the Heirs male of his Body of the Mannor of Evington in Com. Leic. which came to the Crown by the Forfeiture of Sir William Stanley Knight And upon the eighth of December in 21 H. 8. at York Place now White-Hall was advanced to the Title of Earl of Huntington Moreover in 22 H. 8. he was one of the Peers who subscribed that Letter to Pope Clement the Seventh intimating to him That in case he did not comply with King Henry in that Business of the Divorce betwixt him and Katherine of Spain then his Queen he must expect that they would shake off his Supremacy And in 28 H. 8. upon that Insurrection in the North call'd the Pilgrimage of Grace occasion'd by the Dissolution of the Monasteries he offered his Service to the King against those Rebels By his Testament bearing date 13 Iunii 26 H. 8. which was many years before his death wherein he stiles himself Earl of Huntington Lord Hastings Hungerford Botreaux and Molines he bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the Parish Church of St. Elyne in Ashby de la Zouche in Com. Leic. and gave to that Church his best Pair of Altar-Clothes of Crimson-Velvet which were Embroydered with the Blessed Name of IESVS as also the Copes and whole Sute of Vestments belonging thereto Likewise one Pair of Candlesticks of Silver gilt a Pair of Basins Silver gilt a Pair of Censers of Silver a Cross of Silver and gilt with a Flower-de-Luce on the top and a Flower-de-Luce on either side Also one flat Ship of Silver and gilt and his best Chalice of Silver gilt Likewise his Water-stock of Silver gilt with the Sprinkle belonging thereto His best Pax of Silver and gilt with a Crucifix whereon were Mary and Iohn a Pair of Cruets of Silver gilt and a Sepulchre-Cloth of Crimson-Velvet Embroyder'd with Drops of Gold Likewise another Sute of Vestments of White Tinsell with two Copes of the same as also a Sute of Vestments of Crimson-Velvet which had the Cross thereof Embroyder'd with Acorns To the Abbot and Covent of Repyndon in Com. Derb. he bequeath'd the Vestment with the Tunicles and Stuff thereto belonging of Black Tinsell And to the Chappel of St. Bartholomew at Kirby in Com. Leic. he gave another Vestment To every Gentlewoman unmarried that had done Service in the Houshold to his Wife within the space of six years before his Decease he bequeath'd six Pounds Sterling and ordain'd That his Executors should cause a thousand Masses to be said or sung in as short a time as might be after his Decease by Secular Priests and others in Com. Leic. and other Places adjoyning To Francis his eldest Son he bequeathed all his Furrs of Sables And appointed That all the outsides of his Gowns and Apparel fit for that purpose should be made in Vestments and deliver'd to poor Churches within his Lordships To his Daughter Dorothy he bequeath'd a thousand Pounds to her Marriage To his Daughter Catherine the like Sum. And ordained That his Executors out of the Revenues of his Lands in Wodcote and Burton Hastings in Com. Warr. should provide two Priests to sing in the Parish-Church of Ashby for the space of xx years
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
descended to him and it so clog'd with Debts that for the disengaging thereof he Married the said Frances his Grand-Daughter and Heir to Humble Ward the only Son of William Ward a Wealthy Goldsmith in London Jeweller to the late Queen of which Humble I shall speak farther in due place And departing this Life 23 Iunii an 1643. was buried in St. Edmund's Church at Dudley since pull'd down in the time of the late troubles by reason of its nearness to the Castle ¶ Having now done with this Line of the Barons of Dudley I come to Iohn the second Son to Iohn Lord Dudley This Iohn by Elizabeth his Wife one of the two Daughters and Coheirs of Iohn Bramshot Esq Lord of the Mannors of Eatton Calbourne and Whitwell in the Isle of Wiht as also of the Mannor of Brâ—mshot in Com. Suth had Issue Edmund his Son and Heir which Edmund upon her Death 12 Oct. 14 H. 7. was found to be thirty six years of Age. And having been trained up to the Study of the Laws in Grays-Inne as it seems by his Arms then set up and still remaining in a Window of the Chappel there became so great a proficient therein as that though then but young in 1 Henr. 7. he was made choice of to be one of the Privy Council to that prudent Prince proper prudentiam singularem fidem gravitatem saith Polyd. Virg. In 19 H. 7. being then Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament he should have been made Sergeant at Law upon the 13th of November But for what reason appears not he did Petition that he might be discharg'd from assuming that Dâ—gree Whereupon the King directed his Precept to William Bishop of London then Lord Keeper of the Great Seal Commanding his forbearance to make out any Writ for his Call and in 22 H. 7. he obtain'd the Stewardship of the Rape of Hastitings in Com. Suss. This Edmund wrote a Book called Arbor Reipublicae Whether he with Richard Empson another Lawyer Son to a Sive-maker in Touceter as our Historians affirm discerning King Henry to be of a frugal disposition did first project the taking advantage against such as had transgressed the penal Laws by exacting from them the forfeitures according to those Statutes Or whether the King perceiving so fair a gap open to rake vast sums of money from his subjects finding those persons to be fit Instruments for his purpose did put them upon such courses for filling his Coffers 't is hard to say But certain it is that these were they whom he constituted his Iudices fiscales Dudley being an eminent man and one that could put hateful business into good Language as the Lord Verulam saith And merited so well in that imployment as that he obtain'd a grant of the Wardship and Marriage of Elizabeth one of the Daughters and Coheirs to Edward Grey Viscount L'isle whom he made his Wife and by her had issue divers Children But after King Henry had long made use of the services of him and Empson to that end he exposed them to such advantages as the discontented people had any colour to take against them for their manifold Extortions For their course was to proceed secretly to the Outlary against men and then seize their Estates Besides this having also packt-Jurors upon all occasions who were sure to them in any Verdict which serv'd for their purpose they at length had their just reward for those oppressions For King Henry the Eighth in the first year of his Reign being desirous of popularity did by his Proclamation divulge that whosoever had received Injury by the Injustice of any should upon complaint to him have redress Which liberty did so incourage the vulgar who were sufficiently imbittered against them that nothing would then satisfie but their lives so that the King to appease the multitude gave way that they might be legally proceeded against which accordingly was done Whereupon this Edmund being arraign'd at Guild-Hall in London upon Munday next after the xv m e of St. Iohn Bapt. 1 H. 8. before Edward Duke of Buck. Henry Earl of Northumb. Thomas Earl of Surrey George Earl of Shrewsbury Thomas Earl of Derby Thomas Prior of St. Iohns of Hierusalem in England Sir Charles Somerset Knight Lord Herbert Stephen Iennings then Mayor of the City of London Sir Iohn Fineaux Knight Sir Robert Rede Knight Sir William Hodie Knight Robert Brudnell Humphrey Coningesby Sir Iohn Fisher Knight Iohn Boteler William Grevil Sir Thomas Lovel Knight Sir Edward Poynings Kt. Sir Henry Marney Knight Sir Thomas Englefeild Knight and Sir Thomas Drury Knight Justices to inquire c. upon an Indictment of divers high Treasons and thereupon convicted he was on Wednesday next preceeding the Feast of St. Margaret the Virgin attainted in Parliament and had his Head smitten off on Tower Hill with Empson who had been-tryed at Northampton for the Peoples satisfaction upon the 28th of Aug. 2 H. 8. by virtue of the Kings Special Precept to that purpose leaving Issue three Sons Iohn Andrew and Ierome and a Daughter Married to William Lord Stourton Which Andrew being afterwards a Knight and in that Conspiracy upon the Death of King Edward the Sixth for raising the Lady Iane Gray to the Royal Throne had with others sentence of Death in 1 Mariae for the same Of these Iohn the Elder scarce of eight years of Age at his Fathers Death had to his Guardian Edward Guilford Esq of the Body to the King Who by his Petition exhibited in Parliament 3 H. 8. obtained a special Act for the Repeal of the said Edmunds Attainder and restitution of this Iohn in name blood and degree so that he might enjoy all his Fathers Lands Being therefore thus young many years passed before he appeared in any publick Employment so that till 15 H. 8. I have not seen any farther mention of him but then it appears that he was Knighted by Charles Brandon Duke of Suff. General of those forces sent into France against the Duke of Bourbon Also that in 19 H. 8. he accompanied Cardinal Woolsey into France who then went Ambassador thither and that in 26 H. 8 being the Kings Servant he was made Master of the Armory in the Tower of London for life with the Wages of xiid. per diem for his Groom in that Office Moreover that in 31 H. 8. he was Master of the Horse to the Lady Anne of Cleve then landed in this Realm in order to her Marriage with King Henry And in 32 H. 8. in those triumphal Justs held at Westm. upon the first of May and several days after was the first and principal of the Challenges against all Comers his Horse being trapt with white Velvet After which about two years by reason of his Descent on
of the Isle of Iersey but in 28 H. 8. surrendred that trust And having Married Elizabeth Daughter and Heir to Sir Thomas Cheney of Irâ—lingburgh in Com. Northt Knight had Issue by her two Sons William and Nicholas and two Daughters Anne Married to Reginald Bray of Eâ—on in Com. Northt second Son to Reginald Bray Brother to Edmund Lord Bray of 〈◊〉 in Com. Bedf. and Maud who died unmarried Which William being Summon'd to Parliament in 4 5 Ph. M. took his place there upon the xx th of Ianuary and by his Testament bearing date 20 Aug. an 1593. 35 Eliz. bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the Chappel on the Southside the Parish-Church of St. Peter in Irtlingburgh by his Grandfather Sir Thomas Cheney Knight appointing that a Tomb should be made in the same Chappel over his Mother's Grave Also that after his Funeral-Expences Debts and Legacies discharged the remainder of the mony due to him from Sir Thomas Cecill Knight should be imploy'd in the erecting of an Almeshouse at Irtlyngburgh and died in anno 1595. 38 Eliz. This William Lord Vaux had two Wives First Elizabeth Daughter to Iohn Beaumont of Graeedieu in Com. Leic. Esq Master of the Rolls in Chancery by whom he had Issue Henry who died in his life time and three Daughters Alianore Married to Edward Brokesby of Sholdby in Com. Leic. Esq Elizabeth a Nun at Roan in Normandy and Anne Secondly Mary Daughter to Iohn Tresham of Rushton in Com. Northt Esq on whom he begot three Sons viz. George Edward and Sir Ambrose Vaux Knight and two Daughters Muriel the Wife of George Foulshurst and Catherine Which George his eldest Son Wedded Elizabeth the Daughter of Sir Iohn Roper of Welle-Place in Com. Cantii Knight afterwards Created Lord Tenham but died in his Father's life time leaving Issue three Sons Edward William and Henry and three Daughters Catherine Married to Sir Henry Nevill Knight Son and Heir to Henry Lord Bergaveny Mary to Sir George Simeon Knight and Ioice Which Edward succeeding his Grandfather took to Wife Elizabeth the Daughter of Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolk Widdow of William Earl of Banbury and dying in an 1661. without any lawful Issue Nicholas Son of the same Elizabeth his Wife born in the life time of the said Earl of Banbury enjoys all his Estate Henry Fitz-Roy Duke of Richmund and Somerset 17 H. 8. THis Henry being natural Son to King Henry the Eighth begotten on the Lady Elizabeth Tailboys Widdow of Sir Gilbert Tailboys and Daughter of Sir Iohn Blount Knight was upon the 18th of Iune 17 H. 8. first made Knight of the Garter then advanced to the dignity of Earl of Notingham as also the same day Created Duke of Richmund and Somerset the Ceremony thereof being performed at the Royal Palace call'd Bridewell in the City of London at which time he had arrived to little more than six years of age Upon the same day also he was Constituted Lieutenant-General of all the Kings Forces North of Trent and Warden of the Marches of Scotland Likewise upon the 26th of Iuly next ensuing Admiral of England And in 19 H. 8. had a new Patent for his Wardenship of the Marches of Scotland In 22 H. 8. being made Lieutenant of Ireland Sir William Skeffyngton Knight by reason of his tender years was constituted his Deputy there Having for a time his Education with Henry Earl of Surrey in the Castle of Windsore in November an 1532. 24 H. 8. they went both of them of Paris there to study In which year King Henry passing the Seas with a Royal Train to Calais for an Enterview with King Francis of France this young Duke being bravely attended met them there Making the Earl of Surrey his Companion during his abode in France there grew so great a Friendship betwixt them that he Married Mary the Sister to that Earl Daughter to Thomas Duke of Norff. but never had carnal knowledge with her It is observed by our Historians that being very personable and of great expectation he was thought to be not only for ability of Body but of mind one of the rarest youths of his time For which reason and because the King had then no Male Issue he was much cherished by him But he departed this life upon the 24 th of Iuly an 1536. 28 H. 8. being then about seventeen years of age and was buried at Thetford in Com. Norff. the King mourning for him a long time after Thomas Bullen Earl of Wiltshire 17 H. 8. AS to the Parentage of this Thomas he was Grandson to Sir Geffrey Bullen Knight a wealthy Mercer in London as also Lord Mayor of that City in an 1458. 37 H. 6. by Anne his Wife eldest Daughter and Coheir of Thomas Lord Hoo and Hastings and Son to Sir William Bullen of Blickling in Com. Norf. Knight by Margaret his Wife Daughter and Coheir to Thomas Boteler Earl of Ormund In 12 H. 7. this Thomas Bullen was in Arms with his Father and divers other persons of Note for suppressing that Insurrection of the Cornish Men then endangering the Realm And in 3 H. 8. being one of the Knights for the Kings Body was constituted Governour of the Castle at Norwich jointly with Sir Henry Wyat Knight Master of the Kings Jewel-house In 4 H. 8. he was one of the Embassadors then imploied to Maximilian the Emperour touching a War with France and in 7 H. 8. made Constable alone of that Castle at Norwich In 11 H. 8. being Embassador in France he transacted the business for that famous enterview of King Henry and Francis the first betwixt Guisnes and Ardres and in 13 H. 8. was again sent Embassador to the Emperour In 14 H. 8. being then Treasurer of the Kings Houshold he was sent Embassadour into Spain to advise with King Charles what was farther to be done in order to the War with France Where he continued in 15 H. 8. In 17 H. 8. by reason of the great affection which the King bore to the Lady Anne Bullen his Daughter upon the 18 th of Iune he was advanced to the title of Vicount Rochford at the Kings Palace of Bridewell And in 19 H. 8. accompanied the Bishop of Bath and Wells and Sir Anthony Browne Knight to the King of France with the ensigns of the most noble order of the Garter as also to take his Oath not to violate the late league formerly made In 21 H. 8. with divers other Lords he subscribed the Articles then exhibited in Parliament against Cardinal Wolsey And upon the eighth of December the same year being then Knight of the Garter was created
buried in the Parish Church of Turvey in the Wall next above his Father's Tomb Appointing that the Body of the Lady Elizabeth his Wife should be removed and â—aid on his right side Likewise that a Tomb of Marble with the Images of himself and the same Lady his Wife in Alablaster should be there placed in memory of them And upon the day of his Burial C. Marks distributed in Alms unto the poor of Turvey Stageden Carleton Chelington Harrolde Steventon Felmersham Radwell Lavenden Brafelde Newton Bloâ—mefelde Hardemeade Ashwode Watton and Cranfelde as also C. Marks towards the repair of the Church and Steeple of Turvey and rough-casting the Walls of the Church and for the repair of Turvey-bridg xâ— l. The Probate of which Testament bears date 1 Sept. an 1562. By Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Coheir to Henry de Vere Lord of Drayton and Adington in Com. Northt he had Issue Iohn his Son and Heir and Dorothy a Daughter Married to Thomas Moore Esq Which Iohn in 25 H. 8. his Father then living was made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of Queen Anne Bolein and upon the Death of King Edward the Sixth though the Lady Iane Grey was Proclaimed Queen by direction of the whole Privy Council appeared in Arms with the first on the behalf of Queen Mary This Iohn Lord Mordam Married Ellen Courin and Heir to Sir Richard Fitz-Lewes of West Tbornton in Com. Essex Knight And by his Testament bearing date 16 Apr. 13 Eliz. bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the Church of Turbey appointing that his Mannors and Lands called Tiptofts Pinkneys and Warleys should be assured â—o the Kings-Hall and Brasen-nose-Colledge in Oxford for the maintenance of certain Scholars to those Houses and other Deeds of Charity and that those Scholars should be successively named from time to time by his Executors and afterwards by his Heirs for â—ver The Probate of which Testament bears date 19 Oct. 14 Eliz. To him succeeded Lewes Lord Mordant his Son and Heir who is an 1572. 15 Eliz. was one of the Peers who sate in judgment upon Thomas Duke of Norfolk So likewise in 29 Eliz. upon the Queen of Scots at Fotberinghay and departing this life at his Mannor-House of Drayton 16 Iunii an 1601. 43 Eliz. was honourably buried at Turbey upon the 29 th of Iuly next following leaving Issue by Elizabeth his Wife Daughter of Sir Artbur Darciâ— Knight Henry his Son and Heir Which Henry Married Margaret Daughter of Henry Lord Compton and by her had issue Iohn who by Letters Paâ—ents bearing date 9 Martii 3 Car. 1. was advanc'd to the dignity of an Earl by the Title of Earl of Peterborough Which Iohn Married Elizahetb sole Daughter and Heiâ— to William Howard commonly called Lord Effyngham Son and Heir to Charles Earl of Notigham by Anne Wife of the said William Daughter and sole Heir to Iohn Lord St. Iohn of Bâ—etso and by her had Issue two Sons Henry now Earl of Peterborough and Iohn and Elizabeth a Daughter Married to Thomas Son and Heir to Edward Lord Howard of Esâ—rick And departing this life I8 Iunii an 1642. was Buried at Turbey in com Bedf. Which Henry shortly after the Marriage of King Charles the Second our prefent Sovereign with the Royal Princes Catherine a Daughter of Portugal took possession of Tangier in Africa for his Majesty He Married Penelope Daughter to Bâ—rnâ—bâ—â— Earl of Thomond in Ireland and by her hath Issue the Lady Mary a Daughter I now come to Iohn second Son to Iohn Earl of Peterboroâ—gh This Iohn beaâ—ing most loyal afâ—â—ctions to the late King Charles the First in the time of his greatest distresses aâ— scil 1618. adventured his life in raising what Forces he could under the Conduct of Hâ—nry then Earl of Holand for redeeming him out of the cruel hands of those Usurpers who then kept him Prisoner in the Isle of 〈◊〉 and soon after most barbarously took away his life And since that time not ceasing to bazard himself again in order to the Restauration of our present Soverign King Charles the Second in an 1658. In consideration thereof as a mark to future Ages of his abundant Loyalty he was by Letters Patent bearing date 10 Iulii 11 Car. 2. advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Mordant of â—ygate in Com. Surr. as also to the Honour of Vicount of Avalon in Com. Somerset He Married Elizabeth Daughter to Thomas Carey second Son to Robert late Earl of Monmouth by whom he had Issue four Sons Charles Henry Lewes and Osmund as also four Daughters Charlote Carey Sophia and Anne and departing this life upon the fifth day of Iune an 1675. was buried ... Arthur Plantaginet Vicount L'isle 25 H. 8. OF this Arthur natural Son to King Edward the Fourth by Elizabeth Lucie a Concubine as 't is supposed I have not seen any thing memorable till 5 H. 8. At which time being in that bold adventure with the Lord Edward Howard a younger Son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk Admiral of the English Fleet before Brest in Britanny and his Ship cast away on a blind Rock he was sent with a dispatch to the King signifying their want of Victuals The next is that in 15 H. 8. having Married Elizabeth Daughter to Edward Grey Vicount L'isle Sister and Heir to Iohn her Brother upon the surrender of that Title of Vicount L'isle which Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk then had he was advanced to the same dignity the Kings Palace of Bridewell in the City of London 26 Apr. 25 H. 8. with limitation thereof to the Heirs Male of his Body by the same Elizabeth Moreover in November an 1527. 19 H. 8. he was one of those whom King Henry then sent with Sir Thomas Wriothesley Garter principal King of Arms to 〈◊〉 at which time the Ensigns of the Garter were presented to King Francis the First And in 24 H. 8. 24 Martii constituted Lieutenant of Calais During which Trust being suspected for being privy to the design of some of his Servants for the delivery of that Garrison to the French whereupon two of them suffered Death he was sent for and Committed to the Tower But upon farther Examination his Innocency being fully manifested the King did not only give Order to release him but for his more satisfaction sent him a Diamond Ring and a gracious Message Which so over-joy'd him and dilated his Spirits that he died the night following viz. 3 Martii 33 H. 8. leaving Issue three Daughters his Heirs Bridget Married to Sir William Carden Knight Francis first to Iohn Basset of ... in Com. Devon Esq and afterwards to Thomas Monke of Potheridge in the same County Esq and Elizabeth to
Title of Lord Willoughby of Eresby whilst his Father lived and firmly adhering to the King from the first appearance of that Grand Insurrection commanded the Royal Regiment of His Majesties Guards And being near to his valiant father when he had that mortal wound for perservation of his person from the violence of the Soldiers in the heat of Battel voluntarily yielded himself to a Commander of Horse on the other side And not long after having his liberty by exchange faithfully served the same King in divers other Battels throughout the whole course of that Unhappy War and otherwise being one of the Gentlemen of His Royal Bedchamber and of His Privy-Council whereby he had his share in those sufferings which all the True-hearted Royallists cheerfully underwent during the long continuance of the late Woful Usurpation Moreover living to see the joyful Restauration of our present Sovereign King Charles the Second whose Royal Coronation was shortly afterwards solemnized he exhibited his Claime for the exercise of that great hereditary Office of Lord High Chamberlain of England and for the reception of such Fees and Benefits as his noble Ancestors had heretofore thereupon enjoy'd Which was allowed Being also elected into the Society of the most Noble Order of the Garter he was Install'd with others 16 Apr. An. 1661. 13 Car. 2. And on the day of His Majesties most happy and solemn Coronation at Westminster which was the 23 d of the same moneth of April then exercising the said Office of Lord High Chamberlain did receive those Fees and Benefits which were of right thereupon due This Earl married twice first Martha daughter of Sir William Cokain Knight Alderman of the City of London widow of Iohn Earl of Holderness and by her had issue five sons Robert Peregrine Richard Vere now one of the Barons of the Exchequer and Charles and three daughters Elizabeth married to Baptist Vicount Compden Bridget to Sir Thomas Oâ—burne Baronet now Earl of Danby and Lord High Treasurer of England and Catherine to Robert Dormer of Dorton in Com. Oxon. Esquire Secondly Bridget daughter and sole heir of Edward Wray Esquire Groome of the Bedchamber to King Iames third son to Sir William Wray of Gâ—entworth in Com. Linc. Knight and Baronet by Elizabeth his wife daughter and heir to Francis Lord Norris Earl of Berkshire By which Bridget he had issue three sons Iames now Lord Norris by descent from his Grandmother Edward and Henry and the Lady Mary a daughter And departing this life at the Lord Camdens House in Kensington 25 Iulii An. 1666. was buried at Edenham in the Vault with his Noble Father To whom succeeded Robert his son and heir who married thrice first Mary daughter and coheir to Iohn Massingberd a Merchant in London of the East-India Company descended of an antient and worshipful Family of that name in Com. Linc. by whom he had issue only one daughter named Arabâ—lla Secondly Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Lord Wharton by whom he hath issue five sons Robert Peregrine Phillip Norris and Albemarle Thirdly Elizabeth daughter and sole heir to Thomas late Earl of Downe in Ireland by whom he hath issue Elizabeth a daughter Sidney Earl of Leicester â— Iao. THis Family antiently seated at Cxaâ—leigh in Com. Surr. and Kyngesham in Com. Suss. do derive themselves linâ— ally from Sir William Sidney Knight who came out of Anjou with Henry the son of Maud the Empress afterwards King by the name of Henry the Second whose Chamberlain he then was made From which Sir William descended another William who in 3 H. 8. being then one of the Esquires of the King's House accompanyed Thomas Lord Darcie into Spain for the assistance of the Spaniard against the Moores and when other persons of quality received the dignity of Knighthood at the hands of King Ferdinand excused himself from partaking thereof In 4 H. 8. he was Captain of one of those ships which being then imployed against the French encountred them upon the Coast of Britany So likewise in 5 H. 8. at which time the English intended to have fallen upon them in the Haven of Brest but by a mischance hapning to one of their ships which fell on a Rock were prevented Before the end of which year being a Knight upon an Invasion of the North by the Scots he was one of the Chief Commanders of the English Army then victorious at Floddon-Field And in 6 H. 8. accompanied the Duke of Suffolk the Marquess Dorâ—et and sundry other honourable persons unto Paris there to make proof of their skill in Armes against the Dolphin of France and nine other select persons whom he had taken for his assistants at those solemn Justs there held in the moneth of November for all comers being Gentlemen of Name and Armes Whereupon they landed at Calais all in Green Coats and Hoods because they would not be known Which Justs were kept two dayes after the Coronation of Q. Mary wife to Lewes the Twelfth King of France and sister to King Henry the Eighth And in 12 H. 8 upon the going over of the King and Queen with great State into France at which time he met King Francis betwixt Guisnes and Ardes Justs being thereupon held for fourteen dayes he was one in the second Band of the English at those Martial Exercises He was also Chamberlain and Steward to K Henry the 8 th In 15 H. 8. he accompanyed the Duke of Suffolk then General of the English Forces into France at which time divers Castles and places of strength in those parts were won by the English And departs this life 11 Feb. 7 E. 6. being at that time 70 years of age left issue Henry his son and heir and four daughters Frances married to Thomas Earl of Sussex ... to Sir William Fitz-Williams Knight Mary to Sir William Dormer Kt and Lucie to Sir Iames Harington Kt. Which Henry in 3 E. 6. was Knighted by that King and sent Embassador into France being at that time but Two and twenty years of age and in 4 E. 6. constituted Chief Cup-bearer to the King for life In 2 3 Ph. M. he was made Vice-Treasurer and general Governor of all the King and Queens Revenues within the Realm of Ireland And in 4 5 Ph. M. Justice of Ireland in the absence of the Earl of Sussex then Lord Deputy In 2 Eliz. he was appointed Lord President of Wales and in 5 Eliz. sent into France to discover the certainty of that design which the Duke of Guise and his party were driving on against Q. Elizabeth as also to promote the peace of both Realmes But when he found them averse thereto return'd Then he was sent into Scotland to the Queen there for deferring the Conference which she desired with Queen Elizabeth until another year or
same consideration the like Grant of the Forestership of Thornwoods on the Southern part of Shirewoâ—â— in that County with the Fee of four pence a day for executing that Office Nevertheless no sooner did the Earl of Richmund land in this Realm though but with a very slender strength that that he with his six valiant Brothers viz. another Sir Everard then also of Tilton Iohn Digby of â—etilby Rouland Digby of Welby both in Leicestershire Lybeus Digby of Luffâ—am in com Rotel Thomas and Benjamin not forgetting the old Lancastrian Interest came in freely unto him and fought stoutly on his part at Bosworth-Field against King Richard where the Victory falling to that Earl being thenceforth King by the name of Henry the Seventh he advanced Iohn and Thomas to the dignity of Knighthood making the former also Knight-Marshal of His Houshold and the other one of the Gentlemen Huishers of His Chamber conferring on him the Bailywick of â—â—ney in com Buck. and Keepership of the Park there where he thenceforth made his residence But none of them had better advantages for their faithful services to that King than Simon for in the first year of his Râ—ign he obtained the Stewardship of certain Lordships in com Rutl. viz. Uppingham Preston Barouâ—hdon Esenden and Greteham and of all the Lands formerly belonging to George Duke of Clarence to hold for life as also the like Office and Receivership for the Mannor of Bâ—dale in com Ebor. And having in the second year of his Reign been a Commander in His Army at the Battel of Stoke had in consideration of his acceptable services a Grant of the Mannor of â—avysbâ—ry in the parish of Micham in com Surr. and to the heirs male of his body and the next ensuing year a Grant of the Office of Comptroller of the Petty-Customes in the Port of London as also of the Forestership of Thornwoods in Shirewood formerly conferred upon him by King Edward the 4 th and in 11 H. 7. of the Lordship of Coâ—eshill before-specified in special Tail being at that time Deputy to Iohn Earl of Oxford Constable of the Tower of London Which Lordship came to the Crown by the attainder of Sir Simon Montfort Knight for his adherence to Perkâ—n Warbeck After this in 12 H. 7. he had a Commission to exercise Marshal-Law in the Counties of Devon and Cornwall against divers Malefactors and having been Sheriff of the Counties of Warwick and Leicester in the first and ninth years of King Henry the Eighth by his Testament bearing date 22 Aug. 9 H 8. bequeathed his body to be buried in the Chancel of the parish Church of Coleshill under a fair Toâ—b there erected in his life time and departed this life 24 Febr. 12 H. 8. leaving issue by Alice his wife daughter and heir to Iohn Waleys of Est Raddon in com Devon Esquire Reginald Digby his son and heir as also a younger son called Thomas from whom the Digby's of Mansfeild Woodhouse in com Nott. are descended Which Reginald by Ann his wife daughter and coheir to Iohn Danvers of Cothorpe in com Oxon. Esquire had issue Iohn who took to wife Ann the daughter of Sir George Throkmorton of Coughton in com Warr. K t And he George who being at the siege of â—utphen in 28 Eliz. had there the honor of Knighthood conferred on him and by Abigail his wife daughter to Sir Arthur Heveningham of ... in com Norff. Knight left issue l three sons Robert Philip and this Iohn Which Robert being afterwards a Knight and taking to wife Lettice the Grandchild and heir female to Gerald Earl of Kildare in Ireland left issue Robert his son and heir created Lord Digby of Geashill in that Realm by K. Iames whose descendents do still enjoy that honor As to the advancement of this Iohâ— it was his own meer merits which brought it to pass For having first been a Fellow-Commoner in Magdalen-Colledge Oxon. and afterwards travelled into France and Italy whereby he became singularly qualified upon that designed Insurrection on Dunsmore Health in Warwickshire by those Unparallel'd Gunpowder-Conspirators about the beginning of November 3 Iac. in order to the surprisal of the Princess Elizabeth the King's daughter then residing at Combe in that County whereof the Lord Harington her Guardian had private intimation he was by that Lord dispatcht to the Court to acquaint His Majesty therewith Where his abilities and fidelity being amply discern'd by that prudent King he was admitted Gentlâ—man of the privy-chamber and one of His Majesties Carvers Also upon the sixteenth of March 4 Iac. Knighted at Whitehall And in the moneth of April An. 1611. 9 Iac. imployed Embassador into Spaine so likewise in October An. 1614. 12 Iac. Moreover 3 April An. 1616. 14 Iac. made Vice-Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold and one of his Privy Council And the next ensuing year 15 Iac. being sent again into Spaine upon his return was advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm 25 Nov. 16. Iac. by the title of Lord Digby of Shireburne in com Dors. After which scil An. 1620. 18 Iac. he was sent Embassador to the Arch Duke Albert and the next year following to Ferdinand the Emperor as also to the Duke of Bavaria Whence returning in October An. 1621. he was again scil in An. 1622. 20 Iac. employed Embassador extraordinary to the Spaniard touching a Marriage betwixt Prince Charles and the Lady Maria daughter to Philip the Third then King of that Realm and created Earl of Bristol 15 Sept. the same year He married Beatrice daughter to Charles Walcot of Walcot in com Salop. Esq widdow of Sir Iohn Dive of Bromham in com Bedf. Knight by whom he had issue two sons George born at Madrid in Spaine in the month of October An. 1612. and Iohn born in England in March An. 1617. who dyed in France unmarried As also two daughters Mary married to Sir Arthur Chichester now Lord Dunegal in Ireland and Abigal to George Freake â—ldest son of Iohn Freake of Shroughton in â—om Dors. Esquire And departing this life at Paris in France 16 Ian. An. 1653. was there buried in the common burial place of the Hugâ—enots in that City To whom succeed George his son and heir installed Knight of the Garter An. Apr. 1661 which George married Anne daughter to Francis late Earl of Bedford and by her had issue two sons viz. Iohn his son and heir who first married Alice the only child of Robert Bourne of Blake-Hall in the Parish of Bovenger in com Essex Esquire by whom he had no issue secondly Rachel daughter of Sir Hugh Windham Knight one of the Justices of the Court of Common-Pleas the name of his second son was Francis slain in that sharp Fight at Sea
by another Patent bearing date 4 Nov. the dignity of Earl Rivers after the death of the said Vicount Colchester without issue male of his body he being then advanced to that degree of honor By which Elizabeth he had issue seven sons first Iohn his next successor in those Titles secondly Thomas who married Bridget daughter and coheir to William Witmore of Leighton in com Cestr. Esquire by Margaret his wife daughter of Sir Hugh and sister and heir to Sir George Beeston of Beeston in com Cestr. Knight widow of Sir Edward Somerset Knight fifth son to Edward late Earl of UUorcester thirdly Francis fourthly William fifthly Iames sixthly Richard and seventhly Charles As also six daughters Iane married to Iohn Marquis of UUinchester Dorothy to Charles Vicount Aâ—dover son and heir to Thomas Earl of Berkshire Elizabeth to Sir Iohn Thimelsby of Iâ—nham in com Linc. Knight Anne to Robert son and heir to Thomas Lord Bâ—ndnell afterwards Earl of Cardigan Catherinâ— a Nun at Dunkirke and Henrietta Maria to Raphe Sheldon of Beoley in com Wigora Esquire and departing this life at his house on Tower Hill in the City of London 20 Nov. An. 1635. 11 Car. 1. was honourably buryed with his Ancestors at Marfeild in Cheshire upon the sixteenth day of December next ensuing To whom succeeded Iohn his son and heir who by the death of the before specified Thomas Earl Rivers in An. 1639. enjoyed that title and by Catherine his first wife daughter of William Lord Morley and Mont Eagle had issue three sons Thomas Iohn and Richard as also five daughters Elizabeth wife of William Lord Petre Iane first married to George Lord Chandois next to Sir William Sidley of Aylesford in com Cantii Barronet and lastly to George Pitts of Stratfeild-Sey in com South Esquire Catheâ—ine to Charles Sidley brother to the same Sir William Mary to Henry Killegrew Groom of the Bed Chamber to his Royal Highness Iames Duke of Yorke and Frances who died young To his second wife he married Mary daughter of Thomas Ogle of South Diâ—â—ington in com Northumbr Esquire and by her had issue one only son called Peter This Earl died 10 Oct. An. 1654. and was buried at Maxfeild Whereupon Thomas his eldest son succeeded him in his Honours and married Elizabeth one of the natural daughters of Emanuel late Earl of Sunderland by whom he hath issue two sons viz. Thomas called Lord Colchester and Richard as also two daughters Elizabeth and Arabella Which Thomas Lord Colchester having married Charlot daughter of Charles late Earl of Derby hath issue by her one daughter called Charlot Cranfeild Earl of Middlesex 19 Iac. OF this County until the time of King Iames none were ever dignified with the Title of Earl but then Lionel Cranfeild a Merchant of London son to Thomas Cranfeild of the City of London Esquire who received the honor of Knighthood at Otelands 4 Iulii An. 1613 11 Iac. having for his great abilities been first made Master of the Requests 20 Nov. 14 Iac. Next Master of the Kings Great Wardrobe Then scil 15 Ian. 16 Iac. Master of the Wards Afterwards 15 Ian. 18 Iac. a Privy Councellor and upon the ninth of Iuly 19 Iac. advanced to the degree of a Baron this Realm by the title of Lord Cranfeild of Cranfeild in com Bedf. Also upon the thirteenth oâ— October following Lord Treasurer of England was by Letters Patents bearing date 16 Sept. An. 1622 20 Iac. created Earl of Middlesex but in the Parliament of 22 Iac. deprived of his office of Lord Treasurer fined at fifty thousand pounds and committed Prisoner to the Tower of London This Earl first married Elizabeth daughter of Richard Shepard a Merchant in London by whom he had issue three daughters Martha wedded to Sir Henry Carey Knight of the Bath afterwards Earl of Monmouth Elizabeth to Edmund Lord Sheffeild grandson and heir to Edmund Earl of Mulgrave and Mary who died unmarried And to his second wife Anne daughter to Iames Brett of Howby in com Leic. Esquire by Anne his wife sister to Mary Countess of Buckingham by whom he had issue four sons Iames Edward and Leonel who succeeded him in his honors Edward who departed this life unmarried and William who died young as also two daughters Frances wife of Richard now Earl of Dorset and Susan who died young And departing o this life upon the sixth of August An. 1645. being at that time 70 years of age 1 was buried in St. Michaels Chapel in the Abby Church at Westminster where there is a fair Monument erected to his memory with this Epitaph M. S. Leonelli domini Cranfeild Middlesexiae Comitis à Iacobo sagacissimo principe in Aulam acciti pro nativo ingenii vigors amplis tuâ—â— honoribus tùm muneribus munificentissimè decorati à supplicum libellis Rei Vestiariae Orphanorum tutelae praefectus à sanctioribus consiliis subiit novissimè totius Angliae Thesaurarii splendidissimam atque lubricam provinciam in quibus quà m sedulò navarit operam indicant tituli Equitis aurati Baronis de Cranfeild Middlefexiae demùm Comitis atque alii variè collati Hinc gliscente invidiâ urgentur adversae rerum procellae dum animosè movet lucentes quae innocentiae conscientiá fortè jactatus tantum non naufragiis enatavit sedatâ bieme figit anchoram in re lautâ sereno senectutis ocio respiravit expiravit Hîc depositus dum lassum prius jam luxatum corpus Nauclerus ille resuscitatum in fusiore navigio coelesti aeternitatis portu collocarit Obiit Augusti 6 Anno MDCXLV aetatis plus minus 70. Duas successivè conjuges accepit ex utrisque suscepit prolem Elizabetha prior peperit faeminas Elizabetham hodie Comitissam de Moulgrave Martham Comitissam de Monmouth Mariam quae ante nuptias diem obiit Ex Annâ relicta hodie Comitissâ de Middlesex communi tumulo modò Deus velit inhumandâ cujus apponitur effigies nati sunt Iacobus Honorum haeres Middlesexiae Comes Lionellus Edoardus superstites Alterius sexus Francisca domina Buckhurst Susanna ante octennium denata Infans Haec Iunii 25. 1647. To whom succeeded Iames his son and heir who married Anne the third daughter and coheir to Edward Earl of Bath which Iames having issue by her one sole daughter called Elizabeth wedded to Iohn Lord Brackley eldest son to Iohn now Earl of Bridgwater departed this life without any issue So that Lionel his Brother became his successor in his Honors and having married Rachel daughter to Francis Earl of Westmorland widow of Henry Earl of Bath died in October An. 1674. without issue whereupon he had Burial in the same Chapel of St. Michael at Westminster where his Father lyeth interred being the last Earl of Middlesex of this Family Finch Earl of Winchelsey 21 Iac. OF this Family which do
Duke of Richmund sister and heir to Esme Duke of Richmund Which Richard having couragiously given battel to the Rebels in Ireland at Carickfergus and subdued them and behaved himself with exemplary valour in the late perillous Sea-fight with the Dutch His Royal Highness the Duke of York being then Admiral was by reason of these his faithful Services created a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Butler of Weston in the County of Huntingdon by Letters-patent bearing date at Westminster upon the Twenty sevenâ—h day of August in the Twenty fifth year of his Majesties Reign And surviving that wife mâ—â—â—ried ... daughter of Iohn Ferrers 〈◊〉 Tamworth-Castle in the County of â—arwick Esquire And thirdly Iohn He had also â—â—o daughters viz. the Lady Elizabeth maâ—â—ied to Philip Earl of Chesterfeild and Mâ—ry to William Lord Cavendish son and heâ— to William Earl of Devonshire But I â—eturn to Thomas Earl of Ossory the eldest sâ—â— This Thomas having been by His Majesties Writ of Summons bearing date 14 Sept. â— 18 Car. 2 â— called to the Parliament then sittâ—ng at Westminster by the Title of Lord Buâ—â—r of Moore-Parke took his place there aâ—ordingly upon the 18 th day of September â—ext ensuing In September An. 1672. he was elected Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and upon the 17 th day of May An. 1673. was made Rere-Admiral of the Blew-Squadron of His Majesties Fleet in order to that great Sea-fight against the Dutch which hapned shortly after He married the Lady Amelia of Nassau daughter to Lewes de Nassaw Lord Beverwaert son to the Illustrious Maurice late Prince of Orange and Count of Nassau and by her hath had issue three Sons Iames and Charles another Iames dying young and four daughters now living Elizabeth married to William Earl of Derby Amelia Henrietta and Catherine two others viz. Mary and Henrietta deceasing in their Childhood Hyde Earl of Clarendon 12 Car. â— SHortly afterwards Sir Edward Hyde Knight descended from an antient Family of that name in Cheshire was in like sort advanced to sundry Titles of Honor. Having been trayn'd up to the Study of the Laws in that Honourable Society of the Middle-Temple London and manifesting his fidelity to the late King Charles of blessed memory in an eminent measure he was first made Chancellor of his Exchequer and one of His Privy-Council After the expulsion of our present Soveraign attending him in Forrein parts he was sent Embassador into Spain made his Secretary of State and lastly Lord Chancellor In all which imployments he deported himself with such prudence judgment and integrity as that soon after His Majesties Happy Restauration he was by Letters-patent bearing date upon the Third day of November in the Twelfth year of His Reign raised to the degree of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Hyde of Hindon in com Wilts and to the heâ—â—s male of his body also upon the Twentieth of April next ensuing to the dignity of Vicount Cornbury in com Oxon. and Earl of Clarendon Which office of Lord Chancellor he held until towards the end of August An. 1667. that the Great Seal was taken from him and committed to the Custody of Sir Orlando Bridgman Knight and Baronet Whereupon he retired into France and departing this life in the City of Râ—an in Normandy 19 Dec. An. 1674. was buried on the North side of the Capella Regum in the Collegiate-Church of St. Peter at Westminster He married Frances daughter and at length sole heir to Sir Thomas Aylesbury Knight and Baronet sometime one of the Masters of the Requests and by her had issue four sons Henry commonly called Lord Cornberie Laurence now Master of the Robes to His Majesty Edward who died unmarried and Iames As also two daughters the Lady Anne married to his Royal Highness Iames Duke of York and the Lady Frances to ... Which Henry now Earl of Clarendon first took to wife Theodosia one of the daughters of Arthur late Lord Capell by whom he had issue one only son called Edward Secondly Flower daughter and sole heir to William Backhouse of Swallowfeild in com Berks. Esq widow of Sir William Backhouse Baronet Grandson to Rowland Backhouse sometime Alderman of London by whom as yet he hath no issue Annesley Earl of Anglesey 13 Car. 2. AMongst the rest of those eminent persons whom our present Soveraign for the greater splendor of His Royal Coronation advanced unto sundry degrees and Titles of Honor was Sir Arthur Annesley Baronet Lord Mount-Norris and Vicount Valencia in Ireland son of Sir Francis Annesley Baronet Lord Mount-Norris and Vicount Valencia Vice-Treasurer and Secretary in that Realm to King Charles the First of blessed Memory Paternally descended from the antient and worshipful family of Annesley in the County of Notingham and by the Mother from that of Philips of Picton-Castle in Pembrokshire Which Sir Arthur in the late most perillous times having served His Majesty that now is to the no little hazard of life and Fortune with great integrity was by Letters-patent bearing date upon the twentieth day of April in the Thirteenth year of His reign created a Baron of this Kingdom by the Title of Lord Annesley of Newport Paynell in com Buck. as also raised to the dignity of an English Earl by the Title of Earl of Anglesey and to the heirs male of his body Since which time by reason of his singular prudence and fidelity he hath had that great Office of Lord Privy-Seale conferred upon him which he still enjoyeth He married Elizabeth one of the two daughters and coheirs of Sir Iames Altham Knight son and heir to Sir Iames Altham Knight sometime Baron of the King's Exchequer by whom he hath had issue seven sons viz. Iames commonly called Lord Annesley Altham Richard Arthur and Charles two other both named Arthur dying in their childhood And six daughters 1. Dorothy married to Richard Earl of â—iroen in Ireland 2. Elizabeth to Alexander Mac-Donald second son to the Earl of Antrim 3. Frances first to Iohn Wyndham of Felbrigge in com Norf. Esquire and afterwards to Sir Iohn Tompson of Haversham in com Buck. Baronet 4. Philips to Charles Lord Mohun 5. Anne and 6. Bridget who died young Which Iames Lord Annesley having wedded Elizabeth daughter to Iohn Earl of â—utland hath issue by her two sons Iames and Iohn and two daughters Frances who died in her Infancy and Elizabeth Grenevil Earl of Bathe 13 Car. 2. THat this Family is not only of very great Antiquity but famous for divers Martial exploits is evident from sundry Authorities Harmo dentatus the common Ancestor thereof who was Earl of Corboil as also Lord of Thorigny and Graneville in Normandy being lineally descended from the Warlike Rollo sometime Duke of that large Territory Which Hamon had issue two sons Robert surnamed Fitz-Hamon Earl of Corboil Lord of Thorigny and Graneville who left no issue male as
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
Richmund and Derby by Reginald Bray her trusty instrument for bringing in of Henry Earl of Richmund afterwards King by the name of Henry the seventh who seeing Henry Duke of Buckingham one of the chief in that designe he so unhappily surprized before it could take effect got with other wellwishers to it into Britanny And after that succesful day at Bosworth where King Richard being slain the Crown was set on that victorious Henries Head he was made one of his chief Councellors Constable of the Castle at Bristol Master of the Mint and upon the twelfth day of March the same year advanced to the dignity of a Baron Moreover in 2 Hen. 7. he was retained by Indenture to serve the King in his Fleet at Sea with three hundred and fifty Souldiers in four Ships for the space of six weeks from the twentieth day of February And in 3 Henr. 7. constituted one of the Chamberlains of the Kings Exchequer In 4 Henric. 7. being then Governor of Calais he was sent into Flanders with three thousand Souldiers to the aid of Maximilian the Emperour there being a Rebellion then raised in those parts where he had a notable Skirmish with the Enemy near Dixmew in which he slew many took divers prisoners and returned with much Booty And in 7 Hen. 7. was imployed as Embassador with Richard Fox then Bishop of Exeter for reconciling all matters betwixt King Henry and the French In 9 H. 7. he was made Justice-Itinerant of all the Kings Forests on the south of Trent Sir Reginald Bray being his associate And upon the fall of Sir William Stanley in 10 H. 7. constituted Lord Chamberlain of the Kings Houshold In 12 Hen. 7. being prepared to march as General with an Army into Scotland to vindicate those injuries which King Henry had received thence having of his own retinue five Lances fifteen Demi-lances two hundred fifty four Archers and Bills for two hundred and fifty Souldiers six Lances twelve Demi-lances seventy one Archers and Bills for three hundred Souldiers and seven Lances four Demi-lances five hundred forty four Archers and Bills for three hundred and sixteen Souldiers he was prevented from that expedition by the Rebellion of the Cornish-men who were headed by Iames Lord Audley and had his share in the honor of that victory over them at Black-Heaâ—h in Kent which was then through the happy conduct of the Kings forces under the command of Thomas Earl of Surrey so successfully obtained And the next year following was in the head of that Army against those forces near Tanton in Com. Somers which were newly landed in Cornwall on the behalf of Perkin Warbeck where they were utterly vanquished In 19 Hen. 7. he was made Constable of the Castle of Bridgwater And by his Testament bearing date the 19 Maii 23 H. 7. bequeathing his Body to be buried in the Abby of S. Peter at Westminster appointed that his Feoffees would stand seised of and in his mannors of Wynderstow in Comit. Willts and Grychell-Gover in Com. Dorset of the yearly value of twenty six pound thirteen shillings and four pence to the intent that with the issues of the same there should be three Priests suâ—ained perpetually to sing for his Soul and the Souls of his Father and Mother viz. two in the Church where he was to be buried and the third in the Parish Church of South-Pederton in Com. Somerset where divers of his ancestors lay interred every of them to have for his Salary ten Marks Sterling And to Elizabeth his wife Daughter to Sir Iohn Arundel of Lanhern in Cornwall Knight he gave an hundred Marks worth of Plate He died at London 28 Maii 23 H. 7. and lieth buried in the Chapel of S. Paid within the Abby Church of Westminster as by the Epitaph on his Monument there appeareth Leaving issue Henry his only son and one daughter called Cecelie married to Iohn Bouchier Lord Fitz-Warren afterwards Earl of Bathe Which Henry in 6 Hen. 8. had a special livery of all the Lands whereof his said Father died seised And was created Earl of Bridgewater upon the nineteenth day of Iuly 30 H. 8. at the Kings Mannor house of Ocking being the second who had the title of some eminent City or Town But this Henry though wedded to Catherine daughter of Thomas Duke of Norfolk died without issue William de Albini Pincerna THis William de Albini son of Roger de Albini by Amicia his wife and elder brother to that famous Nigel de Albini whose posterity assumed the sirname of Moubray as I have elsewhere shewed coming first hither with William Duke of Normandy at his Conquest of England and being much aiding to him in that service had divers Lands in Norfolk and other place conferred upon him whereupon he ejected several persons out of their possessions amongst which one Edwyne a Dane who first came hither with King Knute was by him dispossessed of the Lordships of Snetsham Sharneburne and Stanho in that County Edwyne therefore with some others who suffered in like sort went to King William and told him that neither before his entrance nor since his Conquest they had ever acted or conspired against him but lived inoffensively as they were ready to prove Upon which complaint the King forthwith caused enquiry to be made through the whole Realm and commanded that those who had lived peacably should have restitution of their Lands so seized on to enjoy as freely as they had done before and thenceforth to be called Drenges And in pursuance of that his Command appointed that this William de Albini then his Butler and William de Warren his Forester should restore unto Edwyne all those Lands which they had thus taken from him But notwithstanding this Mandate all he could get at present was only three hundred Acres of Land and three Folds in Snetesham and after that four hundred Acres of Land and four Folds in Stanho to be held of him by certain services As also four hundred Acres of Land and as many Folds in Sharneburne from William de Warren Howbeit ere long the King having sent Edwyne into Normandy for his Bastard Daughter there begotten before the Conquest of England gave her in marriage to Asceur his Son from which time the said Edwyne had protection so long as he lived To this William de Albini and his heirs was the Lordship of Bokenham also given by King William the first to hold by the service of being Butler to the Kings of England on the day of their Coronation For which respect he was afterwards stiled in divers Charters Pincerna Henrici Regis Anglorum This William de Albini founded the Abby of Wymundham in Norfolk and gave to the Monks of Rochester the Tithes of
his stead Unto which Instrument her Seal of Arms is affixed viz. Stafford and Basset quartered and that he dying in 2 Ed. 2. was buried in the Fryers Minors at Stafford leaving issue two Sons viz. Ralph his Son and Heir then nine years of age and Sir Richard Stafford Knight his younger Son who in 30 33 Ed. 3. was in the Wars of France So likewise in 34 Edw. 3. and in 35 Edw. 3. being made Seneschal of Gascoigne continued there the next ensuing year being then called Sir Richard Stafford of Clifton Knight which Lordship he then possessed by reason of his marriage with Maud the Daughter and Heir to Richard de Camvile of that place Which Sir Richard Stafford had issue Richard who in 36 Edw. 3. was in that expedition with his Father then made into Gascoigne and in 40 Edw. 3. went again to those Wars Moreover this Richard had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons from 44 Edw. 3. until 4 Rich. 2. inclusive and then viz. upon the Thirteenth of August departed this life being seised of the Mannors of Childecote in Com. Derb. Norton in Hales in Com. Salop. Clifton Camvile Pipe and Bruggeford in Com. Staff The moity of the Mannor of Campeden and the Mannors of Aston under Egge Charingworth and Winton in Com. Gloc. As also of the Mannor of Sibbertoft in Com. North. leaving Edmund his Son and Heir then a Priest Thirty six years of age Which Edmund being afterwards Bishop of Exeter and Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England Sir Thomas Stafford Knight his Brother came to possess the Estate who having issue Thomas that died without issue the Inheritance thereof descended to Catherine his Sister married to Sir Iohn Ardern Knight But I return to Ralph Son and Heir of Edmund This Ralph coming of full age in 17 Ed. 2. and then doing his homage had Livery of his Fathers Lands and the next ensuing year being made a Knight by Bathing and other Sacred Ceremonies had Robes with all other accoutrements as a Banneret allowed him out of the Kings Wardrobe for that solemnity After which he soon grew an active person in the Wars of that heroick Prince King Edward the Third For it appears that in 1 Edw. 3. he was in that expedition then made into Scotland and in 4 Edw. 3. one of those Lords who stoutly pursued that then potent Man Roger de Mortimer Earl of March and took him in the Castle of Nottingham Moreover in 8 9 Edw. 3. he was again in the Scotish Wars as also in 10 Edw. 3. Margaret his Wife being then with him So likewise in 11 Edw. 3. and in 13 Edw. 3. in that expedition then made into Flanders Furthermore in 14 Edw. 3. King Edward having entred the North parts of France with a powerful Army in order to the recovery of that Realm as his Hereditary Right and discerning how he was illuded by Iohn Stratford then Archbishop of Canterbury whom he trusted in his absence in not helping him to that supply of Money from England whereon he depended for support of these Wars so that he was then necessitated to return from that hopeful adventure without success he sent this Ralph Lord Stafford then Steward of his Houshold unto that Archbishop to offer him safe conduct in coming to him to the end he might understand what defence he could make for that his neglect In 15 Edw. 3. he was again in the Wars of Scotland and the same year obtained the Kings Charter for a Market every week upon the Tuesday at his Mannor of Madley under Lyme in Com. Staff as also two Fairs yearly the one on the Eve and Day of S. George the Martyr and two days following and the other on the Eve and Day of S. Leonard and two days after And likewise a weekly Market at his Mannor of Tisho in Com. War on the Wednesday with a Fair every year upon the Eve and Day of S. Peter ad Vincula commonly called Lammas as also view of Frank-Pledge and divers other Priviledges viz. For Tryal and Execution of Malefactors c. In 16 Edw. 3. being sent into Britanny with divers other eminent persons he had of his Retinue fifty Men at Arms and fifty Archers all on Horsback whereof himself and two other were then Bannerets sixteen Knights and thirty one Esquires having for his and their support in that service fifty seven Sacks of the Kings Wools. Moreover being then in the City of Uannes at that time besieged by the French he escaped by a Postern but afterwards was taken prisoner before Nants then besieged by the English and exchanged for the Lord Clysson In 17 Edw. 3. he was joyned with the Earls of Lancaster Glocester Warwick Northampton and others in another expedition for Scotland to raise that Siege which the Scots had laid to the Castle of Lough Mabar whereof the Earl of Northampton viz. William de Bohun had then the custody And shortly after this was imployed again with Henry de Lancaster Earl of Deâ—by and some other grave persons to the Court of Rome there to treat with the Pope not as a Judge but as a private Person and Friend touching the right of King Edward to the Crown of France He was likewise the principal person then sent in Commission with Sir William Trussel Knight and some others to the Governors and Burger-Masters of divers good Towns in Flanders to treat touching the well regulating of that Countrey as to the Staple of Wools and Sheep Skins as also to treat and conclude touching the Coynage of good Money Gold and Silver to be current as well in England as in Flanders and by another Commission impowred to treat with the Princes and others of Almaine touching a League of Friendship betwixt King Edward and them and to obtain their assistance to him upon occasion Moreover in 18 Edw. 3. being sent into Gascoigne with Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby upon the assault of Bergerath by that Earl on the Land part this Ralph commanded the Fleet to attack it by Sea and was with him likewise at the siege of Auberoche In 19 Edw. 3. he had that great office of Seneschal of Aquitane conferred upon him and continuing thereupon in those parts command was given to the Sheriff of Glocestershire to send thither to him One hundred Bows and six hundred Arrows for the Kings service there In 20 Edw. 3. he went again into Gascoigne and being then in Aguillon when Iohn Son and Heir to Philip King of France came to besiege it he placed empty Wine Hogsheads upon that part of the Town which was not Walled putting Stones into them and though he was besieged
of Land at his Lordship of Thornbury in Gloucestershire And that in 10 Hen. 8. by the Covenants betwixt him and Margaret Countess of Salisbury for the Marriage of Henry his Son and Heir with Vrsula Poole Daughter of that Countess by Sir Richard Poole Kt. her Husband it appears that the Mannors of Somerton Chedsey â—oneyate Yarlington and Shipton in Com. Somerset as also the Mannors of Stokenham Yalmeton Pyworthy Woneford and Clifte S. Mary with the appurtenances two hundred Messuages three hundred Cottages two thousand Acres of Land one thousand Acres of Meadow two thousand Acres of pasture five hundred Acres of Wood and fifty pounds in Rent in Stokenham Yalmeton Pyworthy Woueford and Clift S. Mary in Comitat. Devon were setled by the said Margaret upon them the said Henry and Vrsula and the Heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten But after this about two years viz. in 12 Henr. 8. though he liked not of that profuse expence which was occasioned cheifly by Cardinal Wolsey at that magnificent Enterview of King Henry the eighth and Francis the first of France betwixt 〈◊〉 and â—rdres he sitted himself in a greater splendor than any other Noble man and being prepared for the journey before the King was ready went to see some of his Lands in Kent Where finding his Tenants somewhat clamorous against Charles Knevet his Steward there for exacting upon them he discharged him of his imployment Which peice of Justice so farr irritated Knevet as that he became principally instrumental in his ruine For growing about this time viz. 13 Hen. 8. eminent for his high Blood and ample Revenue he drew on himself a dangerous suspition of aspiring higher which jealousie was fomented by the Cardinal who dissafected him for some words he had cast forth yet could not have overthrown him had not some indiscretion of his own concurred As for Knevet he watched his opportunity and finding that the Duke began to be weakned in two of his cheif Friends and Allies viz. Henry Earl of Northumberland whose Daughter he had married and Thomas Earl of Surry who had married his Daughter viz. Northumberland for claiming certain Wards which after close commitment he was forced to relinquish and Surry for drawing his Daggar at the Cardinal on some occasion being sent away upon an honorable imployment upon private discourse with the Cardinal discovered to him sundry particulars of this Dukes life viz. that he had said if King Henry died without issue how he would punish the Cardinal Moreover that he had treated with one Hopkins a Carthusian Monk of Hinton touching some prediction about the succession of the Crown Likewise the Hopkins should say to the Earl of Westmoriand this Dukes Son in law that if ought but good came to the King the Duke of Buckingham was next in Blood to the Crown the K. having then no issue Also that he told Knevet if he had been committed to the Tower whereof he was in some danger by occasion of Sir Wilâ—iam Bulmer he would have so wrought that the principal doers thereof should have had no great cause of rejoycing for he would have plaid the part which his Father intended to have put in practise at Salisbury against K. Richard the third who made earnest sute to have come into the Kings presence which had he obtained he would have stab'd him with his Dagger and that in speaking these words he maliciously laid hold on his Dagger swearing that if he were so evil used he would do his best to accomplish his purpose Likewise that being in speech with George Lord Bergavenny he should say that if the King died he would have the rule of the Realm in spight of whosoever said the contrary And swore that if the Lord Bergavenny revealed this he would fight with him These were the principal things charged against him But upon his Indictment and Trial by his Peers he denied all alledging that what he was charged with was false conspired and forged Whereupon Knevet and others being produced against him and deposing to what was alledged in the Articles he had sentence of death pronounced against him by the Duke of Norfolk then High Steward Whereunto he replied thus My Lord of Norfolk you have said as a Traitor should be said to but I was never any I nothing maligne you for what you have done to me but the Eternal God forgive you my Death I shall never sue to the King for life though he be a gracious Prince and more grace may come from him than I desire And so I desire you and all my fellows to pray for me Whereupon he was Beheaded on Tower-hill 17 Maii anno 1521 13 Hen. 8. Nevertheless the Tragedy ended not so for though the Lord Bergavenny after a few months imprisonment was through the Kings favor enlarged yet Hopkins after a serious repentance that he had been Author of so much mischeif died of Greif Being thus put to death he was buried in the Church of the Friers-Augustines near Broadstreet in the City of London leaving issue by Alianore his Wife Daughter to Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland one Son called Henry and three Daughters viz. Eliz. married to Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Katherine to Ralph Nevill Earl of Westmorland and Mary to George Nevill Lord Bergavenny Which Elianore by her Testament bearing date 24 Iunii ann 1528 20 Hen. 8. appointed her Heart to be buried in the Church of the Gray-Friers within the City of London before the Image of S. Francis and her body in the Church of the Whit-Friers at Bristol if she should happen to decease in those parts But after execution thus done upon this Duke viz. in the Parliament begun 15 Apr. 14 Hen. 8. though there then passed an Act for his Attainder yet there was likewise an Act for the restitution in blood of Henry his eldest Son but not to his Honors and Lands Nevertheless the King out of his special grace and favor by his Letters Patents bearing date 25 Sept. in the same fourteenth year did grant to the same Henry and Vrsula his Wife Daughter of Sir Richard Pole Knight by Margaret his Wife Daughter to George Duke of Clarence the Mannors of Norton in the Moores Tillington Eyton Church-Eyton Wood-Eyton Dorlastone Forbrigge Bradwelle Dâ—dyngton Pakynton Blyminhull Holdych near New-Castle Tentynshull and Barlaston in Com. Staff with the Advowsons of the Churches to the same belonging As also the Mannors Tenements and Rents of Menlefeâ—id and Crystelton in Câ—m Cestr. with the Advowsons of the Churches thereunto belonging Likewise all the Lands Tenements Rents and Services in Briggenoâ—th in Com. Salop. with all and singular the Castles Lordships Mannors and Lands in the same County of 〈◊〉 and South-Wales together with the 〈◊〉 of Hay Hope Aston-â—â—gers 〈◊〉 Parke Myniterley Mannor 〈◊〉 Bâ—rgh Worthyn-Mannor 〈…〉
in Poictou and then of very tender years she being Neece to the King who gave her five thousand marks portion Soon after which he went beyond Sea with William de Valence partly to compleat the marriage and partly to shew his Military skill and valor with the agility of his Horses in a Tourneament there held In 47 Hen. 3. which was the year next following his Fathers death doing his homage he had Livery of his Castles of Kacrdiff 〈◊〉 and Lantrissan and soon after had the like Livery of all his Castles Mannors and Lands in England and Ireland but ere long affociating himself with Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester and the rest of the mutinous Barons he was one of the framers of those unreasonable Ordinances called Provisiones Oxonii whereby they did in effect wholly devest the King of his Regal Power which occasioned him soon after to Arm. Moreover after the defeat given to those Barons by the Royal Army at Northampton in 48 Hen. 3. he hasted to London to stir up the Rebellious Citizens to their farther aid And when they came to Lewes in Sussex was there Knighted by that insolent Montfort Earl of 〈◊〉 in the Head of their Army of which he together with Iohn Fitz-Iohn and William de Montchensi commanded the second Brigade And having obtained such a victory there as that the King and Prince were made their prisoners and thereupon the full sway of the whole Realm in their power he first procured a Grant under the great Seal of all the Lands and Possessions lying in England of Iohn de Warren Earl of Surrey who had faithfully stuck to the King in that great time of tryal excepting the Castles of â—igate and Lewes to hold during the Kings pleasure id est so long as he should be in their power and soon after that was one of the cheif of those that extorted a Commission from the King authorising Stephen then Bishop of Chichester Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester and himself to nominate nine persons of the most faithful prudent and most studious of the Publick Weal for so they then called them as well Prelates as other to manage all things according to the Laws and Customs of the Realm until those Determinations made at Lewes and other whereof they might better like should be compleated But after their Victory that day being slenderly rewarded by Montfort Earl of Leicester who had the King and Prince in his custody he grew highly discontented and observing that the Sons of Montfort who were four in number grew insolent he demanded the cheif of those prisoners to be delivered to him which he had taken in the Battle amongst which Richard Earl of Cornwal the Kings Brother was one But Montfort refused replying It was sufficient that he had preserved his own Lands by that days fight Whereat he became so enraged as that he speedily sent Thomas his Brother unto Roger de Mortimer who had always stood firm to the King to have private Conference with him who fearing danger refused to come without an hostage delivered for his safety But when they met relating to him his grief and telling him how much he repented himself of what he had done assured him that he would endeavor to expiate his crime and thereupon sent privily the same Thomas his Brother one of Montforts cheif confidents and with him then at Hereford where he held the King and Prince in restraint and urged him that he should use the utmost of his skill in contrivance of the Princes escape Which being soon after dexterously effected by Mortimer as in my story of him I shall more fully relate he met him at Ludlow and having lain privily at Bristol and the parts thereabouts for a while appeared the first in Arms with him whereby such forces were presently raised as that within a very short time after that King was rescued out of the hands of that Rebellious pack by a glorious victory over them in the Battle of Evesham wherein he commanded the second Brigade of the Royal Army For which service in the first place he obtained his full pardon for all his former misdoings wherein Thomas his Brother was also involved and soon after the custody of the Castle of Bergavenny during the minority of Maud the Wife of Humphrey de Bohun Howbeit in An. 1267. 51 Hen. 3. some of the Nobility who were discontented betaking themselves to the Isle of Ely with endeavor to make head again This Earl having raised a great Army came to London as though he intended to aid the King but being got into the City upon that fair pretence summoned the Tower wherein the Popes Legate then lay The Legate therefore discerning the danger went to Pauls and there to divert this dangerous storm moved the People for an expedition to the Holy Land whereunto many inclined and amongst others Thomas de Clare Brother to this Earl who had been so instrumental in the Kings preservation Which Speech being ended by the Legate he turned himself to this Earl and conjured him to return to his due obedience But this good counsel was not regarded at present howbeit the next ensuing year he was reconciled to the King who at the instance of Prince Edward became so indulgent to him as that whereas by the Award of the Pope he was to give his eldest Daughter in Hostage for three years or else his Castle of Conebruge into the hands of Henry the Kings Nephew Son to Richard King of Almaine for security of his future peaceable demeanor The King was content to acquit him of all and receive him into his full favor and grace Whereupon he was signed with the Cross at Northampton for that expedition to the Holy Land whereunto the Legate had excited many as hath been already observed Notwithstanding all which there was no perfect reconciliation made betwixt him and the King until the year 1270. 54 Hen. 3. but then demanding from Prince Edward to be repaid his expences and costs which he had sustained in the Battle of Evesham wherein he had been so instrumental for the Kings restauration with the Livery of all his Castles and Lands which his Ancestors had enjoyed he obtained performance therein about the Feast of Pentecost next following and thenceforth became so firm to the Royal Interest as that upon the death of King Henry Prince Edward being at that time in the Holy Land he was one of the chief of the Nobles who then met at the New Temple in London and proclaimed him King causing him likewise so to be declared throughout the whole Realm Moreover upon his arrival in England he entertained him with his whole retinue most honorably for many days in his Castle
the same year made Constable of Dover-Castle Warden of the Cinque-ports for Life and Admiral of the Seas for the South North and West-Coasts He was likewise one of the Founders of the most Noble Order of the Garter and departing this Life without issue 2 Decem. 34 E. 3. lyeth buried betwixt two Pillars on the South part of the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in London before the Image of our Lady where he had a Noble Monument which was usually called Duke Humphreys Tombe He had summons to the Several Parliaments from 24 unto 34 Edw. 3. inclusive And for his residence in the City of London built a fair house in the Parish of S. Andrew near Baynard's-Castle which by his Executors being sold to King Edward the third was afterwards made use of for the Kings great Wardrobe I now returne to Thomas the succeeding Earl born in Warwick-Castle having to his Godfathers Thomas Earl of Lancaster and Henry his Brother with Thomas de Warington Prior of Kenilworth This Thomas was not two years old at his Fathers Death yet who had the Custody of him during King Edward the second 's Reign I find not Most like it is that Hugh le Despencer the great favorite of that time having a grant of his Lands as hath been observed had also the tuition of his person But certain it is that in 12 Ed. 2. which was about three years after his Fathers death the King wrote to the Pope that there having been great Contention and Discord betwixt Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick then lately deceased and Roger de Mortimer Lord of Wigmore touching certain Lands in the Marches of Wales he desired for the future appeasing of them that this Thomas thus in minority should marry one of the Daughters of the same Roger de Mortimer and therefore besought his Holiness for a special Dispensation to that purpose by reason they were allied together in the third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity And in 18 of his Reign sent other Letters to the Pope representing the animosities and discontents amongst divers of his Nobles with the dangers imminent to the whole Realm thereby and for the quieting whereof desired his Dispensation for several intermarriages of their Children which otherwise by reason of their near alliance to each other in blood could not be lawful and in particular instanced for this Thomas the young E. of Warwick and one of the Daughters of Edmund Earl of Arundel Howbeit notwithstanding these last Letters the first became most prevalent as I shall shew by and by for in order thereto the Lord Mortimer in 1 Edw. 3. obtained the custody of Warwick-Castle and the rest of his lands untill he should come to full age but in 3 E. 3. the King being minded to do him a special favor as the words of his precept do import accepted of his Homage though he was not then of full age commanding that he should have Livery of all his Fathers Lands and the next ensuing year admitted him to the Sheriffalty of Worcestershire which was of his inheritance as also to his Office of Chamberlain in the Exchequer with power to appoint whomsoever he should think fit for the executing of both those services in such sort as in his ancestors times had been used And in 5 E. 3. made him Governor of the Isles of Gernsey Serke and Aureney And now that he arrived to years of Action he was scarce ever out of some great and memorable imployment for in 7 Edw. 3. he attended the King in his Scottish Expedition at which time Edward de Baillol did Homage to King Edward for the Realm of Scotland with the adjacent Isles In 9 Edw. 3. he was again in the Warrs of Scotland and had the Guardianship of the Marches then committed to his trust In 10 Edw. 3. he continued still there And in 11 Edw. 3. was the principal person in Commission to conferr with those of the Nobility and others who were marching into that Realm and to declare unto them the Kings pleasure as to their actings and stay there All this being whilest he lived a Batchelor for in 12 Edw. 3. the King having in satisfaction of a great summe of money which he owed to Roger Lord Mortimer for the time he was his Lieutenant of Ireland granted unto him the benefit of the marriage of this Earl he thereupon took to Wife the Lady Catherine Mortimer his Daughter In 13 Edw. 3. he was with King Edward at Uyronfosse and commanded in a Wing of the Army there drawn up to give Battle to the French After this his marriage viz in 14 Edw. 3. he attended the King in that expedition then designed for Flanders in which passage the King obtained a notable Victory at Sea upon the French Fleâ—t that lay to obstruct his landing there In 15 Edw. 3. he was at that famous Feast and â—usts held at London by King Edward for the love of the Countess of Salisbury And in 16 Edw. 3. in order to a Voyage-Royal which the King intended for France was sent with the Bishop of London and some others as Commissioners to treat with the Kings friends and allies in Brabant and Flanders touching that affair and likewise with Philip de Valois upon other particulars In the same year being in that expedition then made into Britanny he had an assignation of an hundred and twenty sacks of Wooll for the wages of fourscore men at Arms himself accounted one Baneret eighteen Knights threescore Esquires and an hundred Archers on Horseback and being at the Siege of Nants Skirmished so stoutly with the Army upon a Sally then made that they were forced in again The next ensuing year he marched into Scotland with Henry Earl of Lancaster for raising the Seige of Loughmaban-Castle whereof William de Bohun then Earl of Northampton was Governor And before the end thereof was sent with the Earl of Lancaster and others to the Pope for ratifying the peace then concluded on betwixt King Edward and Philip de Valois In 18 Edw. 3. he had a grant of the Sheriffalty of Warwick and Leicestershires for terme of his life and was the same year constituted Marshal of England In this year likewise he went again into France and continued in the Warrs there the greatest part of the next ensuing year In 20 Edw. 3. he attended the King in another expedition thither where ariving with him at Hoggs in Normandy in the Month of Iuly he manifested his valor to admiration by making the first attempt there with one Esquire and fix Archers though he had but a weak Horse with which and those few men he encountred with an hundred Normans whereof he slew sixty thereby making way for the Army to Land And in the
prisoner without any fight and delivered him to the King In 10 Hen. 4. he procured the Kings Charter for Free-chase in all his Demesn-Lands at Kettâ—ewel beforementioned And in 12 Hen. 4. was again constituted one of the Commissioners to treat with those from Scotland upon a General Truce In 3 Hen. 5. he obtained a Charter from the King for Free-chase in all his Lands of Burton in Bishop dale Walden West Witton and Penhil In 6 Hen. 5. he was with the King at the Siege of â—ame in Normandy And in 1 Hen. 6. again constituted one of the Commissioners to treat with Iames King of Scotland for a firm Peace betwixt both Realms This Earl Ralph â—ounded the Collegiate Church at Staindrope in the Bishoprick of Durham for one Master six Priests six Clerks six Esquires six Grooms and six poor people amply endowing it with Lands and Revenues And having wedded two Wivâ—s viz. Margaret Daughter of Hugh Earl Staâ—ford for which Marriage a special Dispensation from Pope Vrban the Fifth was obtained in regard they were within the third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity who dying â— Iunii An. 1370. 44 Edw. 3. was buried in the Quire at Brancepath and Ioane the Daughter of Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster Widow of Sir Robert Ferrers of 〈◊〉 Knight who died 13 Nov. 19 Hen. 6. and was buried at Lincoln departed this life 21 Ocâ—ols 4 Hen. 6. and lieth buried in the midst of the Quire at Staindrâ—pe undeâ—â—â— stately Tomb whereon are the Figures of himself and both his wives being then seised of the Mannor of Stiford in Com. Northumbr As also of the Mannor of Bostou called Burtâ—â—all on the East part of the River the Seke of Muniby the Mannors of Wikes Frompton Ledenham Fiâ—â—eck and Wasâ—ingâ—â—â—gh in Com. Linc. The Mannor of Chesthunt in Com. Hertf. Clavering and Calmore in Com. Essex the Castle and Mannor of Sheriff-Hoton the Mannors of Elinington Sklepembeck Yaresthorp Raskel Howke Soreby Wiberfosse Stanfordbrigge Haunt-Burton Kâ—ayton Rise Sutton super Daâ—went Shithorne in Herford-Lithe Apelton in Ridale the Castle Mannor and Lordship of Middelham the Mannors of Carlton Coverdale West Witon Woodhal Kettlewel in Craven Thoraldby New-Biggâ—â—g with Bishopdale Bainbrigge Esiâ—gwold and Hoby Gilling Aldeburgh â—owes Forset Danby Catrike Arkelgarthdale and New forest also of the Castle of Richmond with its Members the Mannors of Snape Well Crakhal Rand Newton East Hawkeswel Ruskby Faceby Earlton in Eleveland Hllderwel Caldingston South Couton Fergherby Leybourne Sutton in Galtres with the Bailiwick of Longbergh all in the County of York Likewise of the Mannor of Balingbourne in Cambridgeshire Penreth Soureby the Hamleâ—s of Langwathby Scoutby Carleton Lidell Gamelesby Blenerâ—asset Wigton in Allerdase and Bolton in Allerdale all in Com. Cumbr. Leaving Ralph Nevill his Grandson viz. Son of Iohn his eldest Son who deceased in his life time his next heir then Nineteen years of age Which Ioane the second Wise of this Earl Ralph Founded a Chantry at the Altar where Katherine Swinford her Mother lay buried in the Cathedral Church of Lincolne for two Priests to celebrate Divine Service daily thereat for the good estate of King Henry the Sixth Henry Cardinal of England and of her self during this life and for their Souls after their departure hence As also for the Souls of K. Henry the Fourth Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster Katherine Swinford his wife Ralph Earl of Westmorland her late Husband and all their Ancestors and Benefactors and departed this life 13 Nov. 19. Hen. 6. leaving Richard Nevill then Earl of Salisbury her Son and Heir forty years of age But I return to Iohn eldest Son to this last mentioned Ralph This Iohn in 12 Hen. 4. was made Governor of the Castle of Roxborough in Scotland for ten years And in 2 Hen. 5. constituted Warden of the West Marches toward Scotland Moreover in 3 Hen. 5. joyned in Commission with the Lord Grey of Codnore to receive Henry the Son of Sir Henry Percy Knight at the hands of the Duke of Albany Governor of Scotland and to bring him to the King In 5 Hen. 5. being still Warden of the West Marches and the Kings Lieutenant there he had a special Commission to conclude a Truce with the Scots from two Moneths to two Moneths In which year he was made Governor of the Town and Castle of Ueruoil in France and soon after had another Commission to receive all and all manner of Castles Lordships Forts Cities Towns and other places in France and Normandy into his hands for the Kings behoof as also to assault and subdue those which yielded not and to place Garrisons in them Lastly having married Elizabeth Daughter of Thomas Holland Earl of Kent he departed this life in An. 1423. 2 Hen. 6. his Father then living and lieth buried in the Gray Friers Church in London Which Elizabeth being the fifth Sister and Coheir to Edmund Earl of Kent upon Partition of the Lands of Edmund her Brother had for her Purparty an Assignation of the Mannors of Hornlington and Aton as also a certain Pasture called Colpighil Youland Northaverflat on the North Raulinflat Senederningham Westhel Langlands Twelfhendes Northaverflat on the South the Leys near Thurstanslat a certain Pasture called Benerclolt extending to Hulgot in Com. Ebor. The Mannor of Athford in the Peke in Com. Derb. And Allerton in Shirewood in Com. Nottingh As also the Mannor and Hundred of Liston the Mannors of Kenton Shaftbery Chatescumb A Fee-farm of eighteen pound four shillings four pence Rent from the Abbot of Clive for the Mannor of Brompton in Com. Dorset And twenty six pound twenty pence Fee-farm of the Mannor and Town of Balingstoke with the Hundred and departed this life upon Friday next before the Feast of the Epiphany 1 Hen. 6. ¶ The other Children of this Earl Ralph were these viz. By Margaret his first Wife Ralph who wedded Mary the Daughter and Coheir to Sir Robert Perrers of Oversky in Com. War Knight Maud married to Peter Lord Mauley Alice to Sir Thomas Gray of Heton and after to Sir Gilbert de Lancaster Philippa to Thomas Lord Dacres of Gillefland Margaret to Richard Lord Scrope of Bolton Anne to Sir Gilbert de Humfranvile Knight Margery Abbess of Berking and Elizabeth a Nun at the Minoresses in London And by Ioane his second Wife eight Sons viz. Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury William Lord Fauconberge George Lord Latimer Edward Lord Bergavenny Robert Bishop of Durham of all which I shall speak farther by and by Cuthbert Henry and Thomas who died without issue And five Daughters viz. Catherine first married to Iohn Monbray Duke of Norfolk and afterwards to Sir Iohn Widvile Knight Son of Richard Earl Rivers Eleanor elswhere called Elizabeth first to Richard Lord Spenser and
of the Prior he had directed the particular place as also that two hundred marks should be employed by his Exetors for his Tomb and a hundred marks on his Funeral Moreover that forty marks should be distributed amongst poor Maids at their marriages as also a hundred pound in Masses Alms and other Works of Charity for his Soul He likewise ordained That on the day of his Funeral there should be offered two Coursers one of them compleatly harnessed with caparisons of his Arms as also Banners Standards and other accoutrements according as was accustomed for a person of his degree Furthermore that his Feoffees should stand seised of his Castle and Mannors of Sheriff-Hoton East Lilling West Lilling and Raskelf to the use of his Wife during her life Likewise that the Covenants of marriage of Thomas his Son with the Lady Willoughby his Wife should be fully performed according to the agreement made betwixt himself and Ralph Lord Cromwel as also the Marriage Covenants for Catherine his Daughter with the Son and Heir Apparent of the Lord Harington and William Lord Bonvile To his Son George he gave twelve Silver Dishes and a Cup with Cover gilt To Alice his Daughter a gilt Cup with Cover To his Daughter Eleanor a Silver Bowl with Cover To his Daughter Catherine the like To his Daughter Margaret a thousand marks to her marriage and a Gilt Cup with Cover and to his Daughter the Countess of Arundel a Cup of Gold Howbeit the next ensuing year viz. 38 H. 6. the tide being turned by reason that some of the old Soldiers deserted the Duke of York and came in to the King he was constrained to flee into Devonshire thence to Gernsey and so to Calais whereupon amongst others he was attained in the Parliament soon after held at Coventrey But from Calais adventuring with the Duke of York again into England he landed at Dover and within a short time giving Battle to the Lancastrians at Northampton there obtained a notable victory Whereupon the Yorkists bearing sway he was advanced to the dignity of Lord Great Chamberlain of England But see the mutability of Terrestrial things marching shortly after against the Lancastrians who had gotten head again in Yorkshire near Wakefield he was there taken prisoner in Battle in Christmass and his Son Sir Thomas Nevill slain Whereupon his head was cut off and conveyed to York and there set on a Pole over one of the Gates of that City After which viz. 15 Febr. 2 Edw. 4. I find that his Body together with the Corps of Alice his Wife and Thomas his Son were buried at Bisham Abby in Com. Berks. The issue which he had by the said Alice his Wife was as followeth viz. Richard Earl of Warwick and after his death Earl of Salisbury Iohn Marquess Mountague Sir Thomas who married ... Widow of the Lord Willoughby and was slain at Wakefield â—eorge Bishop of Exeter and Lord Chancellor of England afterwards Archbishop of York And five Daughters viz. Ioane the Wife of William Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel Cicely married to Henry Beauchamp Duke of Warwick Alice to Henry Lord Fitz-Hugh of Ravensâ—ath Eleanor to Thomas Stanley the first Earl of Derby of that name Katherine to William Bonvile Son and Heir to William Lord Bonvile and Harrington and Margaret to Iohn de Vere Earl of Oxford but afterwards to William Lord Hastings Chamberlain to King Edward the fourth Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick eldest Son to Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury THis Richard having taken to Wife Anne the Daughter of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Cousin and Heir to Anne sole Daughter and Heir to Henry Duke of Uarwick obtained by reason thereof as also in Respect of his special services about the Kings person and in the Warrs of Scotland as the Patent bearing date 23 Iulii next after the death of the same Lady Annâ— which hapned 3 Ian Ann 1449 27. H. 6. doth import a confirmation and declaration to himself andâ—his said Wife and to her Heirs of the dignity and title of Earl of Warwick with all preheminencies that any of their ancestors before the Creation of Henry Duke of Warwick used Shortly after which by Fine leavied Quind Trinit 28 Hen. 6. they entailed the Castle of Warwick with divers Lordships in that and sixteen other Counties upon the issue of their two bodies lawfully begotten and in default thereof upon the issue of her the said Anne with remainder to Margaret eldest Daughter to the same Richard Beauchamp late Earl of Warwick and her Heirs This is that Richard Nevill who was commonly called the stout Earl of Warwick and well he might be so termed in regard he bore such a great sway towards the latter end of King Henry the sixth and part of King Edward the fourths Reign having been an eminent actor in those tragick broiles betwixt the Houses of Lancaster and York as our Historians do fully manifest for about the 30 of Hen. 6 he sided with Richard Duke of York who did at that time first put himself in Armes under pretence of reforming what was amiss in the Government The true cause of this taking his part being a variance betwixt himself and the Duke of Somerset which happened in the Court of King Henry the sixth and that the Queen adhered to the Duke of Somerset therein But the Duke of York being not then powerful enough to go through with his designe submitted himself making Oath thenceforth to become a true and faithful Subject Howbeit the next year after having a stronger foundation for his enterprise chiefly through the interest he had in this potent Earl and the Earl of Salisbury his Father he broke out again and in 33 Hen. 6. at S. Albans assailed the Kings Forces where this Earl entring through a Garden gave the first onset and slew many seized upon the King himself caused a Parliament to be summoned made himself Protector of the King and this our Earl of Warwick Captain of l Calais But by the power of some others who saw what was aimed at he was at that time hindred in his speed Whereupon the King coming to Coventrie in 35 of his Reign hoped there to have reconciled all and to that end sent for the Duke by Letters as also for this Earl and his Father who came accordingly Nevertheless being there and pretending some ill intentions towards them they got away York to Wigmore in the Marches of Wales Salisbury to his Castle at Middleham in the North and this Earl of Warwick to Calais Howbeit after some fair overtures they were content to come to London so as they might have store of followers Whereupon this Earl brought with him six hundred men in Red-Coats embroidered with white Ragged-Staves before and behind This was in 36 Hen. 6. where and at which time
of Us Ree Lemusteâ— Rochell Olum and Olerum which he plundered putting to flisght all the French and Britons that made any resistance Howbeit not long after this being again discontented as it seems he obtained License to travel with twenty persons of his retinue and to be absent as long as he should think fit The next mention I find of him is That in 15 Rich. 2. upon payment of a Finâ— of four hundred marks to the King he had in consideration thereof pardon for marrying to his second Wife Philippa Daughter to Edmund Mortimer Earl of Marâ—â— the Widow of Iohn the Son and Heir of Iohn de Hastings Earl of Pembroke which Iohn died before he accomplished his full age and thereupon an Assignation of her Dowry The same year also he obtained a Charter for a weekly Market upon Thursday at his Mannor of Eastleacre in Com. Norf. But about this time the Scene much altered for the King growing more powerful then before held a Parliament at Westminster in the Moneth of May wherein he displaced divers of the great Officers and Judges substituting others in their stead Amongst whom this Richard Earl of Arundel was removed from his command of Admiral And in 17 Rich. 2. the Parliament then sitting there being great variance betwixt the Duke of Lancaster and this Earl The Duke charged him that about the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Crâ—ss he lay at his Castle of â—olt in Cheshiâ—â— with armed Men at that time when there was an Insurrection in those parts against himself but the Earl flatly denying it and plainly excusing the matter the storm at present ceased Howbeit seeing the times thus dangerous to preserve himself from future mischeif he thought a retirement best and to that end obtained a special Dispensation from attending the Parliament or any other publick imployment But this would not then serve turn for whatsoever outward shews there were of kindness there lurked an implacable hatred towards him in the Kings Brest and likewise towards all those who had been formerly active against any of his favorites as is manifest by the sequel For in the twentieth of His Reign having surprised the Duke of Glocester and the Earl of â—arwick and discerning that this Earl was then potent enough to have rescued them he overcame him with fair words till he had got him in his power then sent him prisoner to the Isle of â—ight and having so done brought him to tryal upon S. Matthews day next following At which time notwithstanding he pleaded the Kings promises and Charter of Pardon he received a most severe sentence viz. To be drawn hanged his bowels ript out and burnt and then to be beheaded and quartered But the rigor of this judgment was somewhat allayed so that he only lost his head in Cheapside within the City of London the King himself being a spectator Thomas Moubray Earl Marshal that married his Daughter being the Executioner â— who bound up his eyes After which that Pardon which he pleaded dated at Windsor 30 Apr. 16 Ric. 2 was revoked in Parliament It is said by some that the Chief reason of the Kings wrath towards him was that at the solemn Funeral of the Queen and carrying her Corps from St. Pauls to Westminster he came too late and was the first that desired leave to return It is also said that when he saw the Earl-Marshal his Son in Law and the Earl of Kenâ— his Nephew viz his Daughters â—on guarding him to his Execution he told them it had been much more fit that they should have absented themselves For the time will come said he when as many shall wonder at your misfortunes as they now do at mine Being thus put to death his Body was carried to the Friers Augustines in London and there buried and his Lands bestowed on those whom the King had then advanced to higher Honors viz. the Earl Marshal to be Duke of Norfolk the Earl of Kent to be Duke of Surrey c. A Testament he made divers years before when he little dreamed of this untimely death of which it being memorable I shall here take some brief notice By this Testament bearing date 4 Martii Ann Dom 1382. 6 R. 2. which is about fourteen years before he bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Priory of Lewes behind the high Altar and ordained that whereas the Chantry of six Priests and three Clerks designed by his Father in the Chappel of the Castle at Arundell was not perfected in his lifetime that his Fathers mind should therein be fulfilled and added five more Secular Priests in the stead of five Monks which had wont to be there as also two more to make the whole number thirteen whereof three to be Deacons three Sub-Deacons two Accolites seven Choristers and two Sacrists with three Yeomen and two Grooms to attend them thenceforth to be according to the will of his Father a perpetual Colledge of thirteen Priests whereof one to be the Master and five Clerks in honor of the blessed Trinity to pray for the Souls of his Father and Mother his own Soul his Wives Soul and all Christian Souls To his Son Richard he thereby bequeathed his Chappel with all the Furniture thereunto of Cloath and red Velvet embroydred with Angels and Archangels To his Son Thomas an hundred pounds yearly for his maintenance untill the Lordships of Begenever Sullyngton and Schapewyk should be setled on him To his Daughter Charleton one little Tablet enameled and gilt To his Daughter Elizabeth a Nouche To his Daughter Mareshall id est Ioane Wife of William Beauchamp Lord Bergavenny Marshal of the Kings Host a Bed of Arras To his Daughter Margaret ten Marks yearly for her maintenance till she should be married To his Sister of Hereford a Cup and Cover To his Sister of Kent his Cup of Trefoiles and to his Mother of Norfolk a Cross of Gold By Elizabeth the Daughter of William de Bohun Earl of Northampton he left issue three Sons viz. Thomas who succeeded him as also Richard and William who died young and four Daughters viz. Elizabeth first married to Wilâ—iam de Montacute eldest Son to Wilâ—iam Earl of Salisbury Which William being unhappily slain in a Tilting at Windsor by the Earl his Father in 6 R. 2. she secondly married to Thomas Lord Moubray Earl Marshal and Notingham thirdly to Sir Gerard Vsflete Knight and fourthly to Sir Robert Coushill Knight who had been an Esquire to the Duke of Norfolk Ioane Wife of William de Beauchamp Lord Bergavenny Margaret married to Sir Rouland Lenthall Knight and Alice to Iohn Charleton Lord Powys Which Thomas was restored in Blood in the Parliament of 1 H. 4. the judgement against Richard his Father being
King Edwards right to the superiority in Dominion of the Realm of Scotland in which he is written Robertus de Clifford Castellanus de Appelby And in 24 E. 1. being in the Scotish Warrs with King Edward worthily shared in the Glory of that signal Victory which the English then obtained at â—unbar upon Saturday next after the Feast of St. Mark In the 25 of Ed. 1. upon the death of Richard Fitz-Iohn a great Baron in Essex this Robert de Clifford Son of Isabel the Daughter and Coheir of Robert de Vipount by Isâ—bel his Wife Sister and Coheir to Richard Fitz-Iohn was found to be one of the Cousins and next heires to the same Richard Fitz-Iohn Moreover after this the same year a little before Christmass he was sent with an hundred men at Armes and twenty thousand foot from Carlisle to plunder in Scotland whence having made great spoil in Anandale by burning of whole Towns and much â—laughter he returned on Christmas Eve with store of Booty And the same year was constituted Justice of all the Kings Forests beyond Trent In 26 Edw. 1. he was made Governor of Notingham Castle and went again to the Warrs in Scotland And in 27 Edw. 1. being constituted the Kings Lieutenant and Captain-general in the Counties of Cumberland Westmorland and Lancaster as also throughout all Anandale and the Marches of Scotland was joyned in Commission with the Bishop of Durâ—am and divers other great Lords to conâ—ider of Garisoning the Castles in that Realm as also for guarding of the Marches And the same year upon partition of the Lands of Richard Fitz-Iohn had assigned unto him in right of Isabel his Mother deceased and to Idonea de Leyburne his Aunt the Lordship of Multon in Northamptonshire the Hamlet of Cinteleberwe in Com. Buck. the Mannor of Wyntreslawe in Com. Wilts the Rent of ten pounds fifteen shillings and nine pence out of the Mannors of Potâ—ers-pirye in Com. Northampt. the Hamlet of Agmondesham in Com. Buck. excepting thirty four shillings and four pence yearly Rent paid out of it to Richard de Burgh Earl of Ulvesâ—er and likewise the Mannor of Cleydone in Com. Buck. In 28 Edw. 1. he was again in the Warrs of Scotland so also in 32 and 33 Ed. 1. and in 34 Edw. 1. in consideration of his many great Services obtained a Grant from the the King of the Borrough of Hertilpole and of all the Lands of Robert de Brus Earl of Carrick then called an Enemy and Rebel lying in the Bishoprick of Durham and belonging to the Mannor of Herte formerly given to this Robert de Clifford for the like services In the same year the King himself marching towards Scotland with a great Army sent this Robert with Aymer Earl of Pembroke and some others before him against Robert de Brus who then assumed the title of King of Scotland in derogation of King Edward and in farther remuneration of his services gave him the Lands of Christopher de Seyton then attainted which lay in Skelton and Alemby in Cumberland as also all those Lands in Lambindy which were of the inheritance of Erminia Mother of the same Christopher In this 35 of Edw. 1. being again in Scotland he came to the King when he lay on his death-bed at Burgh upon the Sands in Cumberland being one of the Lords then desired to take care that Piers Gaveston might not any more return into England to debauch Prince Edward In 1 Ed. 2. he was again made Governor of Notingham Castle in which year by a special Instrument under his Seal bearing date at Boloigne the last day of Ianuary he joyned with that great Prelate Anthony then Bishop of Durham the Earles of Lincolne Warren and Pembroke the Lords Tibetot Gray and Botetourt whereby they engaged themselves to support the honor and dignity of the King with their Lives and Fortunes In 2 Edw. 2 he was first constituted Warden of the Marches of Scotland towards Carlisle and afterwards Captain-general and Governor of that whole Realm with power to give protection to all those who should submit to King Edwards Authority In 3 Edw. 2. he had a Grant for Life of the Castle of Skypton in Cravene performing the like services to the Crown as the Earles of Albemarle formerly Lords thereof used to do As also of two hundred pounds per annum Lands with the Knights Fees and Advousons of Churches belonging to that Castle and that after his life an hundred pounds per annum of those Lands should remain to him and the Heirs of his Body lawfully begâ—◠〈◊〉 And the next year following obtained anotâ—â— Grant that his Heirs should enjoy so many 〈◊〉 â—ousons of those Churches as according to a râ—table proportion did belong to the same hundred pounds per annum But within the compass of that year in exchange for certain Lands in Monmouth the Valley of Monmouth with the Town and Wood of Hodenake he obtained the Inheritance of the Castle Mannor Lands Knights Fees and Advousons of Churches above expressed as by the Kings special Charter dated at Newcastle upon Tine 7 Sept. 4 Edw. 2. appeareth In the same year receiving Command amongst other the great men to be at Rokesbâ—â—â—â— in Scotland well fitted with Horse and Armes to march against the Scots together with Robert de Brus attended with sixty men at Armes he was there accordingly And in 6 Edw. 2 was joyned in Commission with the Earl of Hereford and others to continue a Treaty begun at Markyate with Lodowike E. of Eureux the Bishop of Poitou and others concerning matters of great importance touching the King himself and some of the chief men in England which Treaty was to be held at London but none of the Commissioners or any of their retinue were to lodge within the City And sate in all the Parliaments from 28 E. 1. till 7 Ed. 2. inclusive This Robert was one of those potent men who joyned with Thomas Earl of Lancaster in putting Piers de Gaveston that great favorite of King Edward to death for which transgression he had his pardon about this time And in 7 E. 2. was again in the Warrs of Scotland and there slain in that fatal Battle at Banâ—ock-moore near Stryvelyn with many other gallant English men but his body was sent to King Edward then at Barwick to be buried as he should think fit leaving Roger his Son fifteen years of age during whose minority the King granted the custody of the Castles of Skypton in Craven Appelby Bruham and Pendragon as also two parts of the Lands and profits of the Shirifalty of Westmorland to Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Henry de Percy and Bartholomew de Badlesmere and unto Maude his Widdow Aunt and one of the Heirs
in 46 E. 3. at which time he was retain'd by Indenture to serve the King in those Wars with xl Men at Arms himself being then a Banneret xv Knights xxxiv Esquires and Lx Archers This William in 5 R. 2. had a Resolution to found a Monastery of the Carthusian Order in Honour of St. Anne near to the City of Coventre but was by death prevented whereupon King Richard the Second accomplish'd that Work for on Wednesday the Feast of St. George the same year he departed this Life leaving Sir William la Zousche of Braunfeild Knight his Son and Heir then xl years of age as also a younger Son called Thomas who afterwards had the Mannors of Ightam and Eynesford in Com. Kanc. being then seised of the Castle and Mannor of Torneys with its Members viz. Lodeswalle and Hiwishe as also of the Mannor of Cornewâ—rthie in Com. Devon of the Mannors of Eygâ—reham and Eynesford in Com. Cantii of the Hundred of Calne with the Mannor of Calston and Mannor of Ambresbury called le Coâ—ynger in Com. Wiltes of the Mannor of Kingesw 〈◊〉 in Com. Suthampt. of the Mannor of Kilpesham in Com. Rotel Haryngworth Bulwyke Beâ—ghâ—y and Mannor called Souches-Mannor in Rothwell in Com. Northampt. of the Mannor of Ilkeston in Com. Derb. Zouches-Mannor in Docking in Com. Norff. Bluenlegh in Com. Suff. Mule Bracy in Com. Salop. Eyton with its Members viz. Henlawe Berston and Wymington Totenshe Houghton and Weston Inge in Com-Bedf Hamme in Com. Buck. Wythkall Lavnton and Lynthorpe in Com. Linc. Thorpe Ernauld with its Members viz. Brentyngby Busseby Thurneby and Houghton as also of the Mannor of Claybroke in Com. Leic. and likewise of the Mannor of Weston in Com. Warr. Elizabeth his Wife surviving who by her Testament bearing date upon the Feast-day of St. Ambrose Anno 1408. 9 H. 4. bequeath'd her Body to be buried in the Abby of Tewkesbury where the Corps of her Brothers lay Interred with xx l. to that House and gave to Edmund and Thomas her Sons all her Silver Vessel to be equally divided betwixt them Which William viz. Son and Heir to the last-mention'd William doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands and in 7 R. 2. was in the Wars of France This William was he who being accused by a Frier-Carmelite that he had scandalized Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster with evil Machinations against the King was brought before the Parliament though at that time very sick to answer the Charge but stoutly denying all he was at length acquitted And in 8 R. 2. was retain'd by Indenture to serve the King in his Scoâ—â—sh Wars for xl days the King resolving to go in 〈◊〉 thither But in 10 R. 2. being then called William Lord Zousche of Torneys residing there at that time as it seems obtain'd Licence from the King to make a Castle of his Mannor-house at Haringworth in Com. Northampt. Which Licence was afterwards confirm'd to Sir William la Zousche Knight his Cousin and Heir in 10 H. 6. In 12 R. 2. this William was banish'd the Court as one of the King 's Evil Counsellors by those Great Lords who then met in Arms at Haringey Park After which viz. in 15 R. 2. he was by some Inquisitions found to be next Heir to Iohn de Hastings Earl of Pembroke viz. Son of William Son of Eudo Father of William Son of Milisent Daughter and one of the Heirs to William de Cantilupe Brother of Nicholas Father of William Father of Nicholas Father of William Father of William who died without Issue And in 19 R. 2. upon the Saturday next preceding the Feast of St. Dunstan being the thirteenth of May departed this Life leaving William his Son and Heir xxii years of age Which William doing his Homage the year following had Livery of his Lands This William the same year viz. 20 R. 2. being in the Wars of France was of the Retinue of Edward Earl of Rutland and in 22 R. 2. went again to those Wars Moreover in 1 H. 4. in consideration of his good Services to that King he had a Grant of C l. per annum out of the Exchequer And in 3 H. 4. attended Blanch the King's Daughter to Celein where she was married to the Emperor's Son Furthermore in 7 H. 4. upon the death of Thomas la Zouche his Uncle who held the Mannors of Middle Claydon and Elesyngburgh in Com. Buck. for term of Life the Reversion appertaining to him he then came to the Possession of those Lordships And in 8 H. 4. was again in the Wars of France In 1 H. 5. being at that time Lieutenant of Calais he was one of the Embassadors sent to Cbarles King of France for the Observation of the Truce made by King Richard the Second and that King And having married Alice the Daughter and Heir of Sir Richard de St. Maur the younger Knight and of Mary his Wife as also Cousin and Heir of Ela the Wife of Sir Richard St. Maur the elder Knight Father of Richard the younger and made proof of her age had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance doing his Fealty This William died 3 Nov. 3 H. 5. being then seised of the Mannor of Drey Docking in Com. Norff. Kilpham in Com. Rotel Haryngworth Bulwyke Braunfeild Houghton and Berughby in Com. Northampt. Ilkeston in Com. Derb. of the Castle of Greisele in Com. Nott. of the Castle of Totneys with the Borough and Mannor of Cornworthy in Com. Devon of the Mannors of Lavington Withâ—all and Kinthorpe in Com. Linc. Weston in-Arden and Folkeshull in Com. Warr. Claybroke and Thorpe Ernauld with its Members in Com. Leic. Colston with the Hundred of Calne in Com. Wiltes Meole Bracy in Com. Salop. Hergrobe Odâ—cumbe and the Borough of Briggewater in Com. Somerset Esulburgh Claydo Stoke Mandevile and Hamme in Com. Buck. as also of the Mannors of Thorâ—bury and Eyton in Com. Bedf. leaving William his Son and Heir xiii years of age whose Marriage was granted by the King to Raphe Earl of Westmorland but the Benefit of his Lands to Iohn Holand Earl of Huntendon to hold during his Minority As also Iohn a younger Son who married Elizabeth the Aunt and Heir to Henry Lord Grey of Codnovre from whom the Zouches of Codnobre did descend and two Daughters viz. Margaret the Wife of Sir Thomas Tresham Knight and Elizabeth Which William his Son and Heir upon the death of Elizabeth his Mother in 4 H. 6. doing his Fealty had Livery of all those Lands which she held in Dower and in 2 E. 4. being then above xxx years of age and bearing the Title of Lord Zouche and St. Maur having perform'd many special Services
also one of the Wardens of the Marches towards Scotland whereupon he entred that Country forty miles spoyled the Market at Fowyke and brought many Prisoners back In 13 R. 2. he had the Castle of Chirburgh in France committed to his charge from the Feast of St. Peter ad vincula until the end of five years and about that time received a special prohibition that he should not exercise any feats of Arms with the French without the leave of Henry de Perci Earl of Northumberland In 14 R. 2. he went again into France and in 16 R. 2. being reteined to serve the King during his whole life he had in consideration thereof a Grant of one hundred pounds per annum out of the Issues of Lincolnshire In this year likewise he was made Constable of Dovor-Castle and Warden of the Cinque-ports and in 19 R. 2. constituted one of the Kings Commissioners to contract Marriage for him with the Lady Isabell eldest Daughter to the King of France As also Warden of the West-Marches towards Scotland And having been summoned to Parliament from 7. until 18 R. 2. inclusive departed this life upon Saturday the Morrow after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady in 20 R. 2. being then seised of the Mannor of Whytewyke and two parts of the Mannor of Shepeshed in Com. Leic. Of the Mannors of Dicheburne Cartyngton Rill North-Charleton and third part of the Mannor of Toggesden in Northumb. of the Mannor of Bruscombe in Com Cantii Edmunton called Wylby-Mannor in Com. Midd. Thoreswaye Lyndewode Welburne the Castle of Folkyngham the Mannors of Edenham Barton Buckminster Hall in Billingburgh Lopingthorpe Hekinton Stenton and Uessci Hall in the City of Lincolne leaving Henry his Son and Heir sixteen years of age Katherine his Wife Daughter to Thomas de Everingham of Laxton in Com. Bott surviving Which Henry in 1 H. 4. received the Honor of Knighthood at the Coronation of that King with many other persons of note by Bathing c. having allowance of Robes for that Solemnity And in 11 H. 4. was constituted one of the Commissioners to Treat with others sent from France upon a firm and lasting Peace betwixt both Realms And having been summoned to Parliament from 5 H. 4. till 1 H. 5. inclusive departed this life on Thursday next after the Feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle being then seised of the Castle and Mannor of Folkyngham and Mannors of Hekynton and Barton upon Humber with the Ferry there as also of the Mannors of Thoresway and Steneton all in Com. Linc. Likewise of the Mannors of Loughborough and Whytewyke with their respective Members in Com. Leic. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir three years of age and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter to William Lord Willoughby of Eresvy surviving Who representing to the King that Iohn her Son and Heir was within age but without any thing for his support obtained an assignation of forty pounds per annum for him during his Minority Which Iohn in 8 H. 6. being reteined to serve the King in his Wars of France with twenty Men at Arms and sixty Archers then atttended q him in his Army to Calais And in 9 H. 6. making proof of his age and performing his Homage had Livery as well of those Lands which Elizabeth his Mother held as of those which Catherine the Wife of Iohn Father to him the said Henry possessed during her life In 14 H. 6. he obtained a Grant to himself and the Heirs Male of his Body of the Earldome of Boloine by Letters Patents dated at Canterbury 27 Iulii being at that time on his journey for the Relief of Calais and reteined by Indenture to serve the King with twenty Men at Arms and eighty eighty Archers In which service he merited so well as for that very respect the King gave him License to grant his Mannors of Barton upon Humber and Steneton in Com. Linc. unto Sir William Phelip Knight and others and to their Heirs for ever And in 18 H. 6. in consideration of his farther Merits and the special Services of his Ancestors advanced him to the Honor and Dignity of a Vicount a Title not till then used in England by the Name of Vicount Beaumont with precedency above all Barons of this Realm and twenty Marks yearly fee out of the Revenues of the County of Lincolne as by Charter bearing date at Readyng 12 Feb. appeareth In 19 H. 6. considering the great loss he had sustained by the death of Elizabeth his Wife Daughter to William Phelip Lord Bardolf and by reason of his continued Services he obtained a Grant of the custody of all the Castles Mannors and Lands which by the death of her the said Elizabeth came to Henry his Son and Heir and in case of his death to William his younger Son with remainder to Ioane his Daughter Moreover in 23 H. 6. he had a farther grant to himself and the Heirs Male of his Body of Place and Precedence above all Vicounts thenceforth to be created as also above the Heirs of all Earles and to take place next and immediately unto Earls in all Parliaments and publick Meetings Furthermore in 24 H. 6. he was made Constable of England and in 25 H. 6. with Sir Raphe Boteler Lord Sudley had the custody of the Isles of Ieresey and Garnesey Serk and Erme during the Minority of Anne the Daughter and Heir to Henry Duke of Warwick In this year he was found to be Brother and Heir to Elizabeth Lady Deincurt Wife to Sir Thomas Nevill Knight being at that time thirty years of age And in 27 H. 6. procured to himself and William then called Lord Bardolf his Son a Charter of divers Priviledges in sundry of his Lordships viz. at Folkynham in Com. Linc. Whytewyk in Com. Leic. and Wyrmgay in Com. Norff. Return of Writs and all Precepts Assise of Bread and Ale Soc Sac Weyf Estrey Felons-goods Treasure-trove Felo's de se Escape Gallows Pillory Wreck of Sea c. In which year Walter Lord Hungerford in consideration of the descent of this Iohn from the Noble Dukes of Lancaster by his last Will and Testament bequeathed unto him a Cup of Silver with a cover as also a Bordure and knop of Gold in which Cup Iohn Duke of Lancaster was often served and used to drink as long as he lived The next ensuing year he was constituted Lord High Chamberlain of England And in 29 H. 6. joyned in Commission with the Bishops of Durham Carlisle and some other eminent persons for Treating with the Ambassadors of Scotland in order to a Peace betwixt both Realms Also in 35 H. 6. in farther consideration of his great and eminent Services he obtained a Grant of the chief Stewardship
March one of the Daughters to Thomas the elder late Earl of Kent and one of the Sisters of Edmund Brother of the said Thomas Son of Thomas Ioane Dutchess of Yorke then the Wife of Sir Wiliam de Willoughby Knight another Sisteâ— of the said late Earl Margaret first Married to Iohn Earl of Somerset and afterwards to Thomas Duke of Clarence third Sisterâ— Alianore Wife of Thomas Earl of Salisbury fourth Sister and Elizabeth the Wife of Sir Iohn Nevil Knight fifth Sister his next Heirs Which Co-heirs soon after had Livery of their respective purparties so by descent divolving to them The said Luciâ— his Widdow haveing likewise for her Dowrie an assignation of the Site of the Mannor of Cotingham with divers Lands in Com. Ebor. thereto belonging as also certain Lands in Berhem Stow Est-Depyng and West Depyng in Com. Linâ— which she enjoyed many years and by her Testament baring date ... in 2 H. 6. bequeathed her Body to be buried wheresoever it should please God ordained that the Abby of Brunne where the said Earl her Husband lay buried should have a thousand Crowns and the Prior and Covent of the Holy Trinity without Algate in London the like sum of a thousand Crowns upon condition that they should provide a â—itting Priest to celebrate Divine Service daily to the end of the World in every of these hereafter named Religious Houses viz. St. Mary Oueries in Suthwarke the Carthusians Minoresses and Holy Trinity without Algate and Abby of Brunne as also in the four Houses of Friers Mendicames in London for the health of the Souls of King Henry the Fourth and King Henry the Fifth late Kings of England Likewise for the Soul of Edmund late Earl of Kent her Husband as also for her own Soul and the Souls of all the faithful deceased And that in every of those Houses they should yearly celebrate the Anniversaries of him the said Edmund and her the said Lucie Likewise that every Brother and Sister in each of those Houses should every day say the Psalm of De profundis with the wonted Orison for the dead for the Souls of him the said Edmund and her the said Lucie by name Moreover that every Covent in each of those Houses should once every Month in their Quire say Placebo and Dirige by note and on the morrow Mass of Requiem by note for the Souls of them the said Edmund and Lucie by name and once every year a Trental of St. Gregorie for their said Souls by name By this her Testament she also bequeathed to the Provost and Canons of our Lady de la Scala of Millaine a thousand Crowns To the Church of St. Iohn at Conquet where her Father lay buried a thousand Crowns And likewise appointed that two honest and fitting Priests should celebrate Divine Service for ever for the health of her Soul and the Soul of her said Husband viz. one of them in that Church wherein her Body should be Buried and the Church of the Minoresses without Algate After which viz. 4 Apr. 2 H. 6. she departed this life leaving Galeas le Viscont her Brother and Heir forty years of age and had Burial in the Augustine Friers near Broadstreet in the City of London ¶ I now come to Iohn de Holland third Son to Thomas Earl of Kent by Ioane his Wife Daughter and Heir to Edmund of Wodstoke Earl of Kent In 29 E. 3. this Iohn being in that Expedition then made into Scotland was of the Retinue with Roger de Mortimer Earl of March After which time I have not seen any more of him till 4 R. 2. that he had the Office of Justice of Chester confirmed upon him but thenceforth he was seldome out of some great imployment for in 5 R. 2. the King sent him with divers other persons of quality to conduct Anne Daughter to the Emperor Charles the Fourth into England whom by Proxie he had Espoused And in 7 R. 2. attended the King in that Expedition then made towards Scotland in which bearing himself over much upon the King by reason of his near alliance in Blood upon some words which hapened betwixt him and Raphe the eldest Son to the Earl Stafford occasioned by a quarrel betwixt their Servants in their passage on the way he there killed Raphe with his Dagger Some say that this Raphe was then going to the Queen having a great respect from her as well as from the King with whom he had been bred from his childhood and that the fact was done near Yorke towards Bishops Thorpe as also that this Iohn thereupon fled to Sanctuary at Beverley Likewise that the King became so highly incensed thereat that he caused him to be indicted and outlawed for the same according to the Law and seised upon all his Lands and Offices It is also said that the Princess Ioane his Mother hearing that the King had vowed he should for this Fact suffer according to the Law sent earnestly to him imploring his favor she being Mother to them both and that upon return of the Messenger to Walingford where she lay finding that her Request availed not she fell into such grief that she died within five days whereupon her Body being wrapt in Cerecloth and put in Lead was kept till the Kings return from Scotland to be buried in the Gray Friers at Stamford But afterwards through the Mediation of the Duke of Lancaster and other Lords he was received again into favor and obtained pardon from the Earl of Stafford In so much as before the end of that year he was sent with the Duke of Lancaster and others to Treat with the Earl of Flanders touching those differences then depending betwixt the English and Flemings as also to Treat of Peace with the French Moreover in 8 R. 2. he was reteined by Indenture to serve the King in his Scotish Wars for forty days And in 9 R. 2. being in Castle with the Duke of Lancaster he tilted at Besances with Sir Reginald du Roy in the presence of the King of Portugal being then Constable of the Duke's Host. About that time being also in the Wars of France for the better support of his estate he obtained a Grant of five hundred Marks per annum during his life And at length for expiation of that Murther committed by him upon Raphe the Son and Heir to the Earl Stafford came to an Accord with the same Earl to find three Priests to celebrate Divine service every day to the Worlds end for the Soul of him the said Raphe in some such place as the King should nominate Whereupon the King appointed that two of the Priests should perform it in the very place where the Murther was committed and the third in some place near unto it Which afterward was assigned to be
Husband in his life time obtained the custody of the Mannors of Westlee in com Suff. and Dâ—kenham in com Essex which were part of the Lands whereof he died seised to hold during the Minority of the said David her Son Which David in 29 E. 3. was in that Expedition then made into France with Prince Edward then made Duke of Aquitane and in 33 E. 3. in that into Gascoigne So likewise in 43 E. 3. And having been summoned to Parliament in 39 42 and 43 E. 3. departed this life upon the tenth day of October 49 E. 3. being then seised of the Mannor of Brabourne in com Cantii Possewyke West-Lexham Stokey and Holkeham in com Norff. Gaynesburgh in com Linc. Hunteshalgh Thornton in Tindale Kildrehais UUainhopeside Newburgh as also of the Castle and Mannor of Mitford with its Members viz. the third part of the Mannor of Pont-Eland Little-Eland Calverton Valence Merdisfen Franclington Est-Kaldworth Bechfeld and Melteston in com Northumb. leaving Issue by Elizabeth his Wife Daughter to Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby his two Daughters his Heirs viz. Elizabeth and Philippa both in Minority Elizabeth his Widdow dying the same year who was buried at Ashford in Kent with this Epitaph upon her Tombe-stone Icy gist Elizabeth Counte D'Athels le file Seigneur de Ferrers que Dieu assoit Que morust le xxii jour d'Octobre l'an du grace MCCCLxxv Whereupon Henry Lord Perci obtained the Wardship of these Co-heirs But in 5 E. 3. Elizabeth the elder of them making proof of her age had for her maintenance an assignation of the Mannor of Brabourne in com Cantii Colingham Valence in Com. Wilts Possewyke and Holkham in com Norff. Thornton with the Hamlets of Thornton Neweburgh les Bowes and les Belles UUayneshope and Wayneshopeside with the Park of Waynshope Poltrenerot Emelhoppe Keldre and Keldre-Hays parcels of the said Mannor of Thornton within the Liberty of Tindale for her purpartie and the next year following became the Wife of Sir Thomas Percie Knight a younger Son to the before-specified Henry Lord Perci being then sixteen years of age and her sister Philippa of Sir Raphe Perci Knight Brother of the same Sir Thomas Which Philippa had for her purpartie an assignation of the Mannor of Gaynesbrough in com Linc. West-Lexham and Stykanay in Com. Norff. Mitford with the custody of the Castle Framlyngtone Esheldeworth Bechfeld and North Milleburne with two parts of the Mannor of Pont Eland the Hamlet of Little Eland the Towns of Calverdon Valence and Merdesfen and Rent of Six pence from Iohn de Mitford for the Hamlet of Mollesdon as also of the Mannor of Henteshalgh with the Forest of Lowes and divers Scalings in Hunt Eland in com Northumb. And surviving him afterwards Married to Sir Iohn Halsham Knight As did also Elizabeth her elder sister her husband and wedded Sir Iohn Scrope Knight Andrew de Harcla E. of Carlisle 15 E. 2. THis Andrew was son of Michael de Harcla Sheriff of Cumberland from 13 till 16 E. 1. inclusive As also Governor of Carlisle in 24 E. 1. But until 32 E. 1. that he attended that Victorious King into Scotland in which year he totally subjected that Realm to his own Power I have not seen any other mention of him After which viz. in 4 E. 2. he served again in the Scotish-wars being then of the Retinue with Iohn de Segrave And in 6 E. 2. was constituted Governor of the Castle of Carlisle In 8 E. 2. being Warden of the Marches he was soon after made Governor of the City of Carlisle and in 11 E. 2. Sheriff of UUestmorland as also of Cumberland and Governor of the Castle at Carlisle having at that time a special commission to receive all such of the Scots to protection as should submit to the King's Obedience being likewise the next ensuing year constituted Governor of the Castle at Cokermouth And in 12 E. 2. again Governor of the City of Carlisle In 15 E. 2. he had summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm and the same year upon that dangerous Insurrection made by Thomas Earl of Lancaster who then advanc'd out of Staffordshire to Burrough-brigg in Com. Ebor. being still Governor of Carlisle-Castle he Marcht thither with considerable Forces and after a sharp dispute wherein the whole strength which that Earl had there was routed and Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford slain Ibid. he took him Prisoner and carried him to the King at York whereupon he suffered death at Pontfract shortly after as did divers others Lords and persons of quality at York and other places at that time likewise taken prisoners In consideration of which service he obtain'd a special Charter to himself and the heires-Male of his body of an Annuity of Twenty pounds to be received out of the Issues of the County of Cumberland from the Sheriff of that Shire for the time being by the name and Title of Earl of Carlisle being then so created by cincture with a Sword By which Charter it was also covenanted that for the better support of the same Dignity he should have to himself and the heires-Male of his body Lands and Rents in the Counties of Cumberland and UUestmorland of a Thousand Marks per annum value and Five hundred Marks per annum more in the Marches of UUales And until such provision should be made that he should receive a Thousand Marks per annum out of the Exchequer at four times in the year viz. within the Clause of Easter the Quindesme of St. Iohn Baptist the Quindesme of St. Michael and the Octaves of St. Hillary This being the first Patent of Creation unto Honour wherein any Preamble importing the merits of the person so dignified was ever used and beareth date at Pontfract 25 Martii 15 E. 2. Besides all this he likewise obtain'd a Grant to himself and the heires-Male of his Body of the Mannor of UUerke in Tinedaâ—â— to hold by the service of one Knights Fee and paying a Sore-Goshhawke yearly into the Exchequer As also of the Castles and Mannors of Brouham Malestrung Meburne Regis Kirkby Stephen and Langeton with the Wood of UUhynnefeld the Cornage reserved to the King all in Com. Westmorl late part of the possessions of Roger Clifford and forfeited by his Rebellion Being therefor from a mean condition thus raised for he was merely a Knight of a small fortune he grew so lofty that he began to manifest that hatred publickly which he had for a long time privily borne towards Hugh le Despenser the greatest and most powerful Favourite of his time whom the King had advanced to the dignity of Earl of UUinchester in May next following And finding that the King did in such sort
Adington and Guldene with the Patronage of the Abby of Burnham And in the Month of September the same year was sent with all the Men at Armes and Archers which he could well raise to Sandwich in Kent for the defence of that Port against the power of the French Besides all these ample concessions in farther testimony of that Kings favour he had summons to Parliament in 21 E. 3. amongst the Barons of this Realme but never after In which year also he procured another Charter for a Faire every year on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle at his Mannor of Wendovere in Com. Buck. And the like at Brehull on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Feast of St. Thomas the Martyr In 24 E. 3. he obtain'd a Confirmation from Q. Philippa of that Grant which he had from King Edward the Third to cut and carry away what Woods he might have occasion for in the Forests of Bernwood Witlewood and Windsore And in 26 E. 3. had such esteem with that Queen Wife to King Edward the Third that she made him Steward of all her Lands and Lordships with power to supervise her Castles and to repaire them in case of need In 29 E. 3. this William was in that Expedition then made into France So likewise in 33 E. 3. being then a Knight As to his works of piety besides what have been already mention'd he bestow'd on the before-mention'd Canous of Burnham his Mannor of Silveston in Com. Northampt. as also Twenty Acres of Wood Twenty Acres of Pasture and Five Marks seven shillings farthing yearly Rent in fulmere and the City of London for the support of three Chaplains to celebrate Divine Service one in the same Abby at the Altar of St. Catherine another in the Church of Stoke pogeys at the Altar of St. Thomas the Martyr and the third in the Chappel at Ditton annext to the same Church of Stoke pogeys to pray for the good estate of himself and Egidia his Wife during this mortal life for the said Iohn de Molins and Egidia his wife during their lives on earth and for the Souls of Vincenâ— de Molin his father and Isabell his Mother as also to distribute unto poor people at their respective Anniversaries one Marke in Money and upon the several festivals of St. Blase St. George and St. Mary Magdalen the like sum Also upon the deceases of the same Iohn de Molins and Egidia his wife Twenty shillings And that the said festivals of St. Blase the Bishop St. Mary Magdalen and St. George might be celebrated in that Monastery as double festivals Likewise that the Anniversarie of the said Vincent and Isabell should be celebrated yearly on the Fifteenth of October with mention of the Father and Mother of Egidia Wife of the said Iohn de Molins And that four Tapers should be provided to burn on that day during the time of Divine Service at those Anniversaries The time of his death I have not certainly found but that Egidia his Wife surviv'd him and died in 41 E. 3. being then seised in Fee-taile of the Mannors of Aâ—â—on Bernard and 〈◊〉 in Com Buck. held of the King by the service of Falconrie and formerly granted to her and her said husband and the heis of their two bodies from Iohn the son and heir of Sir Iohn Blukâ—â— Knight To this Iohn Lord Mâ—lins succeeded William his son and heir who married Margery the daughter and heir of Edmund Bacoun And in 41 E. 3. upon the death of Egidia his Mother doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance As also License to travel beyond the Seas In 46 E. 3. this Sir William Molins was by Indenture retein'd to serve the King in Britanny under the command of Iohn of Gant the Kings son then Duke of Britanny with seven men at Armes and twelve Archeâ—s But departed this life in 4 R. 2. as it seemes for then had Richard his son and heir Livery of his Lands his Homage being respited by reason of his being at that time beyond-Sea in the Kings service Which Richard died Richard shortly after viz. in 8 R. 2. leaving William his son and heir seven years of age Who being afterwards a Knight departed this life 8 Iulii 3 H. 6. being then seised of the Mannors of Hente Aâ—ton Bampton Broughton and a fourth part of the Mannor of Stanlake in Com. Oxon. Stoke puges Ditton Foulniere Ilmere Ludgaâ—sale UUeston Turvile Cherdesle Chipenham and Dachet in Com. Buck. UUhittelee Box Tissebury Funtell Trowe farnhull Somerford Gore and la Lee in Com. Wiltes leaving William his son and heir Nineteen yeares of age Which William being also a Knight died 8 Maii 7 H. 6. slain at the siege of Orleans in France as it seems being then seised of the Mannors of Somerford Lee UUhittelee Box Trow Farnhill and Gore in Com. Wiltes Broughton Henley upon Thames Aston Bampton and a fourth part of the Mannor of Stanlake in Com. Oxon Stoke pugeis Ilmere Aston Barnard alias Aston Molins Foulmere Ditton Ludgarsale Cherdesley Chippenham Daâ—her and UUeston Turvile in Com. Buck. Also of the Mannors of Plengeâ—â—y Polruen Molins and Trengef in Com. Cornub. leaving Alianore his daughter and heir three yeares of age Which Alianore in 19 H. 6. was Wife to Robert Hungerford Esquire who making proof of her age at that time and performing his Fealâ—y had Livery of the Lands of Inheritance Dagworth 21 Edw. 3. IN 19 E. 2. upon the death of Lora the Widow of William Peyforer which Lora died seised of the third part of the Office of Huisher in the Exchequer Court and Crier in the King's Bench Iohn de Dagworth being found her Grandson and next heir doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance To this Iohn succeeded Thomas de Dagworth who in 19 E. 3. was in the Wars of France and in 20 E. 3. being then a Knight and Commander of the Kings Forces in Britanny like another Macchabaeus saith my Author in two several fights both in one day conquered Charles de Rloys who then usurped the Title of Duke in right of his Wife notwithstanding his Army consisted of Fifteen hundred Horse Eight thousand Balistars and Thirty thousand Foot And the next ensuing year viz. 21 E. 3. with no more than Three hundred Men at Armes and Four hundred Archers upon Wednesday preceding the Feast of St. Iohn Baptist coming to the reliefe of Roche-dirlan besieged by the same Charles who had with him Twelve hundred Knights and Esquires near Six hundred Horse besides Two thousand Balistars and a numerous body of Foot gave Battel to him and by the help of the Inhabitants who then sallied out routed his whole Army took Thirty
next ensuing whereupon he had burial accordingly To whom succeeded Edward his Brother and Heir who married Frances Daughter to Sir Thomas Treshan of Liveden in Com. Northt Knight and by her had issue four Sons and two Daughters viz. William Stourton made Knight of the Bath at the Creation of Charles Prince of Wales in An. 1616. Thomas Francis and Edward His two Daughters were these Margaret married to Sir Thomas Sulyar of Wetherden in Com. Suff. Knight and Mary to Walter Norton of ... in the same County Esq And departing this life at Clerkenwell in the Suburbs of London 7 Maii 1632. 8 Car. 1. was buried at Stourton with his Ancestors Which Sir William so succeeding him married Frances Daughter to Sir Edward More of Odypham in Com. Sutht Knight and had issue r by her three Sons Edward William and Thomas a Monk as also two Daughters Mary married to Iohn Weld of Lulworth-Castle in Com. Dors. and Frances a Nun at Cambray Which Edward faithfully adhering to the late King Charles the first of Blessed Memory in those woful times of his late unhappy troubles departed this life in the Garrison of Bristol in Ianuary An. 1644. his Father then living leaving issue by Mary his Wife Daughter to Robert Lord Petre William his Son and Heir now living whom by Mary his Wife Daughter of Iohn Preston of Furnesse-Abby in Com. Lanc. Esq hath issue Widvile 26 H. 6. THE First mention I find of this Family is in 37 E. 3 Richard de Wydvill being then constituted Sheriff of Northampton-shire and Governour of the Castle there After which in 39 E. 3. he had the like trust and in 43 E. 3. was made Eschaetor for that County and Rutland Again in 44 E. 3. Sheriff of Northampton-shire as also Governour of the Castle at Northampton To this Richard succeeded Iohn de Wydevill Sheriff of the same Shire and Governour of the Castle in 4 R. 2. Likewise in 6 R. 2. Eschaetor for those Counties of Northampton and Rutland and in 9 R. 2. again Sheriff of Northampton-shire To whom succeeded another Richard which Richard in 7 H. 4. had the Shrivalty of the same County and Governourship of the Castle conferred upon him and in 8 H. 5. being then one of the Esquires for the Body to that Heroick King was constituted Seneschall of the Dutchy of Normandy and other the parts of France within that Kings obedience to superintend all the Captains and Lieutenants of the Cities fortifyed Towns and Castles within those Precincts In 3 H. 6. he was made Constable of the Tower of London and in 4 H. 6. Knighted by the King at Leicester upon Whitsunday the King himself having then received that Honour at the hands of his Uncle the Duke of Bedford In 5 H. 6. being Lieutenant of Calais to the Duke of Bedford governour of that Garrison he continued there for the better defence thereof In 7 H. 6. he was reteined by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of France and Normandy for half a year with C Men at Arms and CCC Archers and in 14 H. 6. having then his residence for the most part in Northampton-shire and sometimes at Maydston in Kent was again in the Wars of France being of the Retinue with William Earl of Suffolk In 15 H. 6. having without licence married Iaquet de Luxembourgh Daughter to Peter Earl of St. Paul widow of Iohn Duke of Bedford he gave a thousand pounds fine for that transgression and for livery of those Castles Mannours and Lands which were of her Dowry and in 17 H. 6. was sent into Normandy with a thousand stout men for the better defence of those parts In 19 H. 6. being challenged by a Knight of Spain to perform certain feats of Arms in Smithfield they there met accordingly upon the xxvi of November but after the third stroke the King prohibited them to go on Before the end of which year he accompanied Richard Duke of York then Lieutenant-General and Governour of the Realm of France and Dutchy of Normandy into those parts and in 26 H. 6. in respect of his valour in Arms great integrity and acceptable services was advanced to the degree of a Baron of this Realm by the title of Lord Rivers as by the Kings Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster 29 Maii appeareth it being no name of any place but of an antient Family ☜ sometimes Earls of Devon And for his better support of that Honour had thereby granted to him and to the Heirs male of his Body in reversion after the death of William Burton one of the Grooms of the Kings Chamber the annual rent of xiv s. iv d. due to the Keeper of the Castle of Northampton As also all the Knightsâ—ees and services whatsoever belonging to the Honour of Chokes and likewise those of Bryans-fee Iohn de Bayeux fee Maundevill fee Lexington-fee or of the Baronies of Rivers and Ledet's fee with all Advowsons Eschaets Forfeitures and Liberties by reason of the Tenure of those Honours Baronies and Fees In 27 H. 6. in further consideration of his services in the wars of France and Dutchy of Normandy he obtained a grant in special tail of the Mannour of West â—â—urrek called West-Hall in Com. Essex in reversion after the death of Iaquet Dutchess of Bedford his Wife And about that time had a Charter for Free-Warren in all his demesn-lands within his Lordships of Grafton Patshull and Wyken in Com. Northt though they were within the precincts of the Forest In 28 H. 6. he was installed Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and in 29 H. 6. constituted Seneschal of Aquitaine with power to receive into the Kings obedience all Cities Towns and Forts therein which were then willing to yield thereto In 38 H. 6. being sent to Sandwich for the defence of that Port and those great Ships which lay at Anchor there against the power of Nevil Earl of Warwick who had raised new forces on the behalf of the Duke of York he was in the night time surprized in his Bed with Anthony his Son by certain persons sent from that Earl who carried him with those Ships to Calais But though he stood firm to King Henry the sixth against the house of York yet after King Edward the fourth had obtained the Crown and been captivated with the beauty of Elizabeth his Daughter Widow of Sir Iohn Grey so that he made her his Queen all his precedent Actings for the Lâ—ncastrian interest were forgot great Honours and Trusts being then conferred upon him by that King First viz. 4 Martii 6 E. 4. the office of Treasurer of his Exchequer and upon the 24 of May next ensuing the title of Earl Rivers Also the
your most perfidiously betraying this innocent young Gentleman into the hands of bloody Butchers to be destroy'd and murthered therefore all that love you whereof I am one cannot but infinitely grieve to see that your sometime great reputation should now be stained with such a perfidious blot Whereunto the Duke replied Hold thy peace my dear John there is no such danger at all for King Edward resolves to make him his Son in Law But to this he suddenly returned Believe me Most Illustrious Duke he is already very near death and if you permit him to be carryed one step out of your Dominion no Mortal Man can preserve him from it At which pathetical expressions the Duke being not a little troubled not at all suspecting that King Edward would deal thus forthwith dispatcht Peter Landose his chief Treasurer to St. Malos to bring this Earl back Who hasting thither detained the Embassadours with a long speech until his Servants had convey'd him to a Sanctuary in that City which could not be violated and thence conducted him with safety back again After which he continued secure in those parts during the whole time of King Edward's Reign But when King Richard had attain'd the Crown the like danger as before in short space befell him for Thomas Hutton being then sent Embassador into Britanny with money and good oratory obtain'd a promise from the Dâ—ke that he should be strictly restrain'd as King Edward had formerly desired High time indeed it was that King Richard should look to his own station for besides the general odium which that cruel murther acted upon his Brothers Sons had brought upon him from all good Men the Duke of Buckingham the chiefest instrument for raising him to that height growing not a little discontented so far disclosed himself to Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely then in the nature of a Prisoner with him at Brecknocke-castle in Wales as that they there projected the pulling him down by the bringing in of this Earlâ— and linking him in Marriage with Elizabeth the eldest Daughter to King Edward by which means those long divided interests of York and Lancaster which had been the occasion of such bloudshed and misery to this Realm might be knit together and all animosities betwixt the favourers of either side be happily quieted Which being thus auspiciously design'd Reginald Bray a trusty servant to the Lady Margaret Mother to this Earl then the Wife of Thomas Lord Stanley was sent for thither by the Bishop and thence imploy'd back to acquaint her therewith Whereupon by the help of one Lewis a Welchman who as a Physitian had recourse to them both unsuspected she imparted it to Queen Elizabeth the Widdow of King Edward Both of them therefore concurring therein they privately by the same Reginald communicated the business to such of the Nobility and others as were deemed well-wishers thereto resolving to imploy Christopher Vrswike the Lady Margarets Priest into Britanny there to impart the same to her Son But before Vrswike began his journey altering her mind she dispatch Hugh Conway thither upon that errand with a large sum of money Who declaring to him what was intended advised him to land in Wales where he should find ready aid on his behalf Whereupon discovering the whole to the Duke of Britanny notwithstanding all the sollicitation of King Richard by Hutton he promised him his aid Thus far from Polydore But our other Historians do somewhat vary from him herein and tell us that when King Richard first understood from his Embassador Hutton that the Duke of Britanny did not only refuse to keep this Earl as a prisoner but promised to supply him with Men Money and all necessaries for his landing here he rigg'd and sent out divers men of war to scoure the Seas betwixt this and that Coast. Nevertheless that this Earl having got together five thousand stout Briâ—ons and forty Ships well fitted set â—ail for England upon the 12 of October which by a violent Tempest happening that night were all dispersed and that about Noon the next day the Tempest ceasing that Ship wherein this Earl himself was approached the Haven of Poole in Dorsetshire where he found the Shore full of Souldiers to oppose his arrival Also that upon his putting forth a Boat to enquire the cause of their appearance in that warlike posture they answered as they were instructed with purpose to entrap him that they were thither sent by the Duke of Buckingham to receive him and to conduct him to his Camp he being with a mighty Army not far off so that joining their Forces they might fall upon King Richard Whereas in truth Buckingham was but a little before beheaded at Salisbury But that this Earl suspecting the fraud seeing none of his own Ships in view hoised fail and diverting his course landed in Normandy whence he sent Embassadors to Charles the 8. King of France with desire of safe-conduct back into Britanny through his Territories Which he readily granted and not only so but furnish'd him with a large sum of money to defray the expence of so long a journey Whereupon he â—archt by land thither sâ—nding his Ships to meet him there Into which parts he was no sooner comâ— but he had tidings that the Duke of Buckingham had lost his Head and that the Marquiss Dorset with other of the English Nobles who were his friends having been there to look him were return'd to Uannes Notwithstanding which iâ—l news of Buckingham's death despairing not at all in his purposed adventure he went to Rhemes and sent some of his servants to the Marquiss Dorset and those his friends then there to conduct them to him Being therefore thus happily met together again where they staid the Festival of our Saviours Nativity he went to the chief Church of that City and there taking a solemn Oath that soon after his attaining the Crown of this Realm he would marry the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to King Edward the 4. they all did Homage to him and swore Fealty as if he had been already Crowned King Vowing to adventure both Life and Fortune with him against King Richard All which he communicated to the Duke of Britanny desiring his aid with more Forces and to land him in his own Countrey whereunto most of the English Nobles were desirous he should come assuring him that what sums of money he had already borrowed of him or might do should be faithfully repaid whereupon the Duke promised to supply him King Richard therefore hearing of these preparations seised upon divers who were friends to this Earl and put them to death some at London and some at Exeter causing also a Sessions to be kept at Exeter wherein many others were indicted of High Treason and soon
of Richmund at his landing Which was really his intent though he durst not shew it till he came near Bosworth but had Conference with him at Atherston about six Miles short of that place coming thither with great privacy to him the day before the Fight Approaching therefore near the Field he openly appeared notwithstanding the King's Message to him letting him know that unless he did forthwith repair to his presence he would put his Son the Lord Strange to Death and marcht with him in the Rear of all his Forces with one Troop of Horse and some few Foot until the whole Army was fully marshall'd Whereupon the Battel soon after ensued in which King Richard being slain and his Crown he that day wore found amongst the spoils he set it upon the Earl of Richmund's Head and Proclaim'd him King by the name of Henry the Seventh After which upon the 27th of October he was advanced to the dignity of an Earl by the Title of Earl of Derby and Constituted one of the Commissioners for exercising the Office of Lord High Steward of England upon the thirtieth day of that month which was the day of his more solemn Coronation as also soon after that made one of his Privy Council And in 3 H. 7. one of the Commissioners to exercise the Office of High Steward of England upon the day of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth Wife to that prudent King He Married two Wives First Eleanore the fourth Daughter to Richard Nâ—vil Earl of Salisbury by whom he had issue six Sons and four Daughters viz. Thomas and Richard who died young George called Lord Strange of whom I shall speak farther by and by William died young Edward afterwards Lord Mont-Egle and Iames elected Bishop of Ely in 22 H. 7. Which Iames being also Warden of the Collegiate-Church at Manchester in Com. Lanc. lyeth buried in the Chapell of St. Iohn Baptist on the North side of that Church by him built with this Inscription on his Tomb Of your Charity pray for the soul of James Stanley sometimes Bishop of Ely and Warden of Manchester who deceased this transitory world the xxii of March in the year of our Lord God 1525. upon whose soul and all Christian souls Iesu have mercy His four Daughters were these Ioan Catherine and Anne who died young and Margaret married to Sir Iohn Osbaldeston of ... in Com. Lanc. Knight His second Wife was Margaret Daughter and Heir to Iohn Duke of Somerset Widdow of Edmund Earl of Richmund before mentioned the happy Mother to King Henry the seventh but by her he had no issue By his Testament bearing date 28 Iulii an 1504 19 H. 7. bearing then the title of E. of Derby Lord Stanley Lord of Man and great Constable of England he bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the midst of the Chapell in the North Isle of the Church of the Priory of Bourâ—cough near Lathom in Com. Lanc. of his Ancestors foundation where the Bodies of his Father Mother and other of his Ancestours lay buried having provided a Tomb to be there placed with the personage of himself and both his Wives for a perpetual remembrance to be pray'd for and likewise appointing that the personages which he had caused to be made for his Father and Mother his Grandfather and Great-grandfather should be set in the Arches of the Chancell within that Priory in the places provided for the same And though he had formerly given to the Prior and Covent of that House large gifts in money Jewels and Ornaments and likewise made great reparations there he farther bequeath'd unto them xx l. to the intent that they should be obliged by their Deed under their Covent Seal to cause one of the Canons of that house duly to say Mass in the before-specified Chapel for his Soul as also for the Soul of his Lady then living after her decease Likewise for the Soul of Alianore his former Wife and for the Souls of his Father Mother Ancestors Children Brethren and Sisters Also for the Soul of William late Marquess Berkley and for the Souls of them who died in his or his Fathers service or that should die in his service And at every Mass before the Lavatorie audibly to say for the said Souls appointed by name and all other in general De profundis clamavi and such Oriâ—ons and Collects as are used to be said therewith Furthermore he willed that his Son Sir Edward Stanley should have and enjoy the Castle of Hornby so long as he lived And departed this life within the space of three months after as may seem by the Probate thereof which bears date 9 Nov. next ensuing To whom succeeded Thomas his Grandson and Heir by George his eldest Son who died in his life time Of which George before I proceed it is proper to take notice that having married Ioan the Daughter and Heir to Iohn Lord Strange of Knokin he had summons to Parliament by the title of Lord Strange in 22 E. 4. and afterwards until the twelfth of H. 7. inclusive Also that before his said marriage he was one of those noble persons which receiv'd the Honour of Knighthood by Bathing c. with Prince Edward the Kings eldest Son 18 Apr. 15 E. 4. and that in 1 H. 7. he was made one of the Lords of the Privy-Council Likewise that in 2 H. 7. being one of the principal Commanders in the Kings Army at the battel of Stoke juxta Newark he shared in the honour of that Victory which was then obtained against Iohn Earl of Lincoln and his adherents and was made one of the Knights Companions of the most noble order of the Garter Furthermore that in 9 H. 7. upon the siege of Norham-Castle by the Scots he advanced with Thomas Earl of Surrey and many other of the Nobility against those bold Invaders but performed nothing of consequence at that time the enemy retreating before they wrought thither And departing this life 5 Dec. 3 H. 7. his Father then living was buried in the Parish Church of St. Iames Garlik-hythe in the City of London leaving issue by the said Ioan his Wife two Sons viz. Thomas and Iames and two Daughters Iane married to Robert Sheffeild Esq and Elizabeth Which Thomas had livery of those lands whereof his Father died seised 9 Iulii 19 H. 7. And in 5. H. 8. his Grandfather being dead attended King Henry in that great expedition by him then made into France at which time he won Therouene and Tournay By Anne his Wife Daughter of Edward Lord Hastings Sister to George the first Earl of Huntington of that name and with whom he had four thousand Marks he had issue three Sons Iohn who died in his life time Edward his Successor in his honours and Henry as also one Daughter
Edwardo Comiti Oxoniae Elizabetham Guâ—ielmo Wentworth filio primogenito Baronis Wentworth Leaving issue by Mary his first wife daughter of Peter and sister to that great Scholar Sir Iohn Cheeke Knight Thomas his Son and heir And by Mildred his second wife daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke of Giddy-Hall in com Essex Knight another son called Robert and two daughters Anne married to Edward Earl of Oxford and Elizabeth to William son and heir of Thomas Lord Wentworth Which Thomas Lord Burleigh in 41 Eliz. was constituted Warden of Rokingham-â—orest and Constable of the Castle there for life And in 43 Eliz. upon that Insurrection then made by Robert Earl of Essex went into the City of London with Garter principal King at Arms and proclaimed him and his adherents Traytors In 3 Iac. he was by Letters Patents bearing date 4 Maii created Earl of Exeter which is observed to be the first President whereby it appears that any Man was advanced to the title of Earl of the principal City when another had the dignity of Earl of the same County Charles Blount being then Earl of Devonshire This Thomas had two wives first Dorothy second daughter and one of the heirs to Iohn Nevill Lord Latimer and by her had issue five sons and six daughters viz. William who succeeded him Sir Richard and Sir Edward both Knights Thomas and Christopher drowned in Germany His six daughters were these Lucie married to William Marquess of Winchester Mildred first married to Sir Thomas Read Knight and afterwards to Sir Edmund Trafford of Trafford in com Lanc. Knight Mary to Edward Lord Denny Elizabeth first to Sir William Hâ—tton Knight and afterwards to Sir Edward Coke Knight Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench Dorothy to Sir Giles Allington of Horfheath Knight and Francis to Sir Nicholas Tufton of Hothfeild in com Kanc. Knight afterwards Earl of Tanet To his second wife he wedded Frances daughter of William Lord Chandos widdow of Sir Thomas Smith Knight but by her had no other issue then only one daughter called Sophia who died young And departing this life 7 Feb. An. 1622. was buried in the Chapel of St. Iohn Baptist in the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster where there is a fair Monument erected to the memory of him and his two wifes I now come to William Earl of Exeter his son and heir This William had two wives first Elizabeth sole daughter and heir to Edward Mannours Earl of Rutland by whom he had issue one only son called William who bore the title of Lord Ros. Which William marryed Elizabeth daughter of Sir Thomas Lake Knight principal Secretary of State and was sent Embassador to the Emperor Matthias in 13 Iac. But the next ensuing year this his title of Lord Ross was disputed by the Earl of Rutland though the King had afforded it to him in his Letters of Credence Whereupon the arguments on each part being heard before the Lords Commissioners for the office of Earl Marshal they adjudging that title unto him he had the Kings Declaration thereupon dated 22. Iulii 14 Iac. Shortly after which viz. in An. 1617. 15 Iac. he travailed out of England and died at Naples in Italy without issue but not without suspition of poyson The second wife to this William Earl of Exeter was Elizabeth sister and coheir to Sir Robert Drury of Dalsted in com Suss. Knight by whom he had only three daughters Elizabeth wife of Sir Thomas Howard Knight of the Bath afterwards created Lord Howard of Charltâ—n Vicount Andâ—ver and Earl of Berkshire Diana first married to Henry Earl of Oxford and afterwards to Thomas Lord Bruce Earl of Elgin in Scotland and Anne to Henry Lord Grey of Grâ—by afterwards created Earl of Stanford this William was made Knight of the Garter in ... Car. 1. and departing this life in An. 1640. was buried in the Abby Church at Westminster The issue Male of William being thus extinct David Cecill son and heir to Sir Richard Cecill second son to Thomas Earl of Exeter by ... his wife daughter to Sir Anthony Cope of Hanwell in com Oxon. Knight succeeded in the honor Which David by Elizabeth his wife daughter to Iohn Earl of Bridgwater had issue Iohn now Earl of Exeter and Frances a daughter married to Anthony Lord Ashley now Earl of Shaftsbury Which Iohn by the Lady Frances his wife daughter to Iohn Earl of Rutland hath had issue Iohn now Lord Burleigh and David who died young as also one daughter called Frances married to ... Vicount Scudamore in the Realm of Ireland Cecill Vicount Wimbleton ¶ HAving thus deduced the chief line of this Family to this present I come to Sir Edward Cecill Knight third son to the before-specified Thomas Earl of Exeter This Sir Edward being a person of a military disposition followed the Wars in the Netherlands for the space of thirty five years being first Colonel of Foot and at the Battle of Newport commanded the English Horse He was also Marshal Lieutenant and General of the Forces sent by King Iames and King Charles the first against the Spaniard and Imperialists and in 2 Car. 1. was advanced to the dignity of Baâ—on Cecill of Putney and Vicount Wembleton Moreover after his return from the Wars he was made one of his Majesties Privy-Council Lieutenant of Surry and Governor of Portsmouth He married three wives first Theodosia daughter of Sir Andrew Noel of Dalby in com Leic. Knight by whom he had issue four daughters first Dorothy secondly Albinia married to Sir Christopher Wray of Barlings in com Linc. Knight thirdly Elizabeth to Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham and fourthly Frances to Iames son and heir of William Vicount Say and Sele his second wife was Diana daughter to Sir William Drury of Halstede in com Suff. Knight one of the coheirs to Sir Robert Drury of Halstede Knight by whom he had issue one sole daughter called Anne who died in her infancy his third wife Sophia daughter to Sir Edward Zouche of Woking in com Sur. Knight by whom he had Issue one son called Algernon who likewise died in his infancy And dying at Wymbleton 16 Nov. An. 1638. 14 Car. 1. was there buried Cecill Earl of Salisbury ¶ I Come next to Robert son to the before-specified William Lord Burghley by Mildred his second wife This Robert in 38 Eliz. being then a Knight was made one of the Queens Principal Secretaries of State and in 41 Eliz. Master of the Wards in which year he was sent into France with some other Commissions to mediate a Peace betwixt the Spaniard and the French In 1 Iac. 3. Maii he was created Lord Cecill of Esingdon in com Rotel at the Tower of London and upon the thirteenth
procured a Grant of five Bucks and ten Does to be taken out of the Kings Forests in Northumberland to store his Park at Alnwike and that he paid to the King upon collection of the Aid for marrying his Daughter Twelve pounds for his Twelve Knights Fees in Northumberland But surviving Isabel he married Agnes one of the Daughters of William de Ferrers Earl of Dervy And in 32 Hen. 3. upon Partition of those Lands in 〈◊〉 which did belong to William Mareschal Earl of Pembroke he had in right of the same Agnes an assignation of the Purparty belonging to her And departed this life in 37 Hen. 3. seised of these following Lordships whereof his Barony in Northumberland did consist viz. â—uncwike Aunemuwe Denwy Haverhall Bilton Leteâ—yr Scippling-Bothil Newton on the More Heysandan Gynis Ruggeley â—orewic Chivington del East Great Houton Little Houton Howyc Remmington Rock Charleton del North Charleton del South Falwedon Burneton-Batail Newton on the Sea Preston Tughal Swinton Newham-Eumin Lukrey with â—opum a member thereof Hetheriston Spinlistan Bodhill Ewrth Dodington with Nesebit also a member thereof Horton-Turbervil Hesilrig Leum Chattan Feleber Wetwod Cald-Merton Yherdhill Angerham with Reveley Hertetheved with its members scil Randon-Batail Prendewic Alneham Chirmundesden Bidlesden Clenhill Nedderton Burweton Alwehton Heton Ambhell Gharberton Thimum Srevenwood Havckislaw Chevelington and Hibâ—urne Whereupon his Castle of Alnwike was committed to Peter de Savoy Agnes his Widow having for her Dowry an assignation of the Lordships of Malton and Langton in Com. Ebor. and Tughale in Com. Northumb. To this William succeeded Iohn de Vesci his Son and Heir in minority at his Fathers death whose Wardship was committed to Peter de Savoy above-mentioned Of this Iohn that which I first find memorable is That he was one of the Kings cheif Commanders in his Wars of Galcofgne but afterwards scil in 47 Hen. 3. adhered to Montfort Earl of Leicester and other the Rebellious Barons then in Arms who resolved to compel the King to maintain those Ordinances made in the Parliament at Oxford so derogatory to His Royal Authority and when they had taken the King prisoner in the Battle of Lewes was summoned to the Parliament by them then held And being personally in Aâ—ms with Montfort Earl of Leicester and the rest was himself taken prisoner in that memorable Battle of Evesham where Prince Edward being victorious delivered his Father out of the hands of those insolent Rebels But after this being by vertue of that Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth admitted to composition as most other were he assumed the Cross and with divers persons of note took a pilgrimage into the Holy Land Whence being safe returned he was in 2 Edw. 1. made Governor of Scarborough Castle and married Mary Sister of Hugh de Lezinian Earl of March and Engolesme Covenanting in case she should die without any issue of her body begotten by him that he would restore unto the said Hugh Four thousand five hundred pounds Tournois For payment of Two thousand five hundred pounds whereof William de Valence became his surety Which Mary lived but a while for the next year after these Covenants were made Queen Eleanor gave unto him in marriage Isabel de Beaumont her Kinswoman Whereupon he obliged himself in case he should not have issue by her or that the issue which he should have should die without issue to pay unto the said Queen her Heirs or Assigns the sum of Five hundred and fifty pounds of Silver Which marriage being solemnised he obtained a Grant from King Edward of certain Lands in Northumberland Kent and other places whereof Eltham was part of they yearly value of Two hundred forty eight pound four shillings and eight pence In 10 Edw. 1. this Iohn was in the War of Wales and in 12 Edw. 1. procured a Charter for a weekly Market at Eltham aforesaid on the Tuesday and a Fair yearly on the Eve of the Holy Trinity and two days following This was that Sir Iohn de Vesci who returning hither from the King of Arragon brought a great number of Gascoignes to King Edward to serve him in his Welsh Wars And having given to the Monks of Râ—fâ—ord in Com. Nott. his whole Lordship of Roderham with eight Ox-gangs of Land there as also the Advowson of the moity of the Church departed this life without issue in 17 Edw. 1. leaving William his Brother and Heir at that time Forty years of Age and Isabel his Wife Sister of Henry de Beaumont surviving him Which Isabel in 25 Edw. 1. did her homage to the King for the Barony of Casal in the County of â—ife in Scotland whereunto she had title by the Quit-claim of Queen Eleanor Mother to King Edward the First and the same year attended the Dutchess of Brabant Daughter to King Edward into that Countrey In 33 Edw. 1. she obtained a Grant for her life of the Castle of Bamburgh in the case she did not marry again and in 5 Edw. 2. had the Castle of Scarborough committed to her custody Thus much touching this Isabel I now come to William Brother and Heir to the last mentioned Iohn de Vesci This William was a person in great esteem with that King for in 13 Edw. 1. he was constituted Justice of all his Forests beyond Trent and the next year after one of his Justices Itinerant touching the Pleas of the Forests Moreover the next ensuing year matching Iohn de Vesci his Son and Heir with Clementia a Kinswoman to Queen Eleanor he Covenanted to endow her at the Church door with Two hundred pounds Lands per annum lying in Newsham Sprouston and other places And because he could not be at the Wedding by reason of some special imployment in the Kings business he afterwards obliged himself if his Son should happen to die leaving her alive That he would make Livery unto her of Two hundred pound per annum out of those Mannors and Lands in the name of her Dowry Which Iohn was the same year constituted Justice of the Forests on the South of Trent But I return of William his Father In 17 Edw. 1. doing his fealty he had Livery of all the Lands which by the death of his Brother Iohn without issue descended to him and the same year was constitued Governor of Scarborough Castle The next year following doing his homage he had Livery of all those Lands in Ireland which were of the Inheritance of Agnes his Mother one of the Daughters to William de Ferrers Earl of Derby and likewise made Justice of Ireland During the time of the trust scil In 21 Edw. 1. he was in open Court in the City of Dublin in the presence of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester and
others accused of Felony and challenged to the Combate by Iohn fitz-Fitz-Thomas But shortly after this viz. in 22 Edw. 1. he was imployed in the Wars of Gascoigne Iohn his Son accompanying him thither And the same year commenced his suit against the above specified Iohn Fitz-Thomas at Dublin before the Cheif Justice there and other the Kings Council for so defaming him as abovesaid viz. in saying That this William de Vesci had sollicited him a Confederacy against the King Which charge being denied by Fitz-Thomas and a Schedule by him delivered into the Court containing the words which he acknowledged he was thereupon challenged to the combate by this William and accepted thereof But the King being advertised of this proceeding forthwith directed his Precept to the Treasurer and Escheator of that Realm requiring them That instead of the Combate they should Summon them both to appear before him at Westminster on the morrow next after the Feast of the Holy Trinity then next ensuing then and there to be prepared for the Combate At which time this our William de Vesci came thither accordingly mounted upon his great Horse covered as also compleatly armed with Lance Dagger Coat of Male and other Military accoutrements and proffered himself to the fight But Fitz-Thomas though called appeared not Whereupon this William required judgment against him But instead thereof the further hearing of the same was referred to the next Parliament at Westminster viz. Upon the morrow next after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in 23 Edw. 1. At which time both of them appearing and full debate thereupon had there was no default imputed to Fitz-Thomas in regard of certain Errors which were found in the proceedings So that they were then both at liberty to begin their Actions a new Whereupon Fitz-Thomas declining to revive the quarrel totally submitted himself to the King Who by the advice of his Council ordained That he the said Iohn Fitz-Thomas should be obliged by a certain writing to stand to his Award therein But what was done thereupon appears not In 23 Edw. 1. this William was again in the Wars of Gascoigne but returned sick from thence being then summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm In 24 Edw. 1. he was again imployed by the King in his Wars of Gascoignc The same year also he had a Grant of the custody of all those Lands in England and Scotland which were held of him and then seised into the Kings hands by reason of the Rebellion of his Tenants And in 25 Edw. 1. granted to that King his Castle Mannor and Country of Kildare in Ireland as also his Lordship of Sprouston in Scotland in consideration whereof the King pardoned all the Debts due from him to his Exchequer as also those due from Iohn his elder Brother deceased or any of his Ancestors This William took to Wife Isabel the Daughter of Adam de Periton Widow of Robert de Welles but having no lawful issue Iohn his Son being dead in his life time he did by the Kings License Infeoff that great Prelate Anthony Beke Bishop of Ourham and Patriarch of Ierrâ—alem in the Castle of â—luwiâ—e and divers other Lands with trust and special confidence that he should retain them for the behoof of William de Vesci his Bastard-son begotten in Ireland at that time young until he came of full age and then pass them to him whereupon that Bishop had Livery of them accordingly But the Mannor of Hotoâ—-Buscel in Com. Ebor. he setled absoutely on his said Bastard-son and the Heirs of his Body with Remainder to his right Heirs constituting Thomas Plaiz of Neâ—â—on and Geffrey Gyppysmer Clerk his Guardinas he being then in minority And departed this life at Malton upon the Eve of S. Margaret the Virgin in An. 1297. 25 Edw. 1. leaving no other issue than the before specified William his Bastard-son Which William commonly called William de Vesci of Kildare in 4 dw 2. was in that expedition then made into Scotâ—and and married Maud the Widow of Thomas Nevil of Cherham but reaped no benefit of that trust which was by William his Father so committed to that Bishop For he being irritated by some slanderous words which he had heard that the Bastard spoke of him by his Deed bearing date 19 Nov. An. 1309. 3 Edw. 2. Sold the Castle and Honor of Alâ—wike to Henry de Percy a great Man in the North from whom the Earls of Northumberland still Possessors thereof are descended Nor did this William long enjoy what was so given him being slain in the Battle of Stâ—â—veâ—in in Scotland commonly called the Battle of Bannocksburne in 8 Edw. 2. leaving no issue having been summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm in Six and seventh as also in the eighth of that Kings Reign he so lost his life Whereupon those Lands in Yorkshire which for lack of issue by him were to return to the right Heirs of William de Vesci his Father descended to Gibert Aton as his nearest Kinsman and Heir viz. Son and Heir of William Aton Brother and Heir of Gilbert Son and Heir of William Son and Heir of Gilbert Aton of Aton in Pickering 〈◊〉 in Com. Ebor. by Margery his Wife sole Daughter and Heir to Warine de Vesci Brother of Eustace de Vesci Father of William Father of Iohn and William Which last mentioned William having no other issue but the before specified William the Bastard who died without issue as hath been observed the title of Lord Vesci descending to Aton came through Bromfleet to the Family of Clifford late Earls of Cumberland Laci NExt to this of Vesci I have thought fit to proceed with Laci in regard that from Eustace Fitz-Iohn a Principal Branch of that Stock is sprung as the Descent annexed will shew Of this ancient Family there were two who came into England with Wilâ—iam the Conqueror viz. Walter de Laci and Ilbert de Laci but how near allied I find not Of these I shall begin with Walter After the King William had subdued those great opponents who most disturbed the peaceable fruition of what he had by his signal Conquest acquired Edwine Earl of 〈◊〉 being slain and Morcar his Brother cast in prison of his nearest Norman Soldiers he made great and powerful Commanders and inriched them with ample Gifts and Territories Of which this Walter de Laci for his expertness in Arms being one when the Welsh in 3 Conq. armed themselves against him he was amongst others sent to restrain their bold incursions Who first entring the parts of Brecknock subdued Rese Caducan and Mariadoth three of their Princes making great slaughter there And not long after assisted Wolstan Bishop of Worceâ—â—er