Parkes in this County and but two Market Townes for commerce of commodities which causeth the Inhabitants for their better aduantage to trauell to others in the Shires next adioyning but of the two Okâ—ham is the best and fairest which stands not farre from Burley that famous and stately house of the right honourable the Lord Harrington who in this Lordship of Okeham had such an extraordinary Royaltie that if any Noble man came at any time within the precinct of it he was to forfet an homage horse-shooe from the Steed whereon he rode or else to redeeme it at a price in money and for a true confirmation thereof a man may see many horse-shooes fastened on the doore of the Shire-Hall whereof some are large and of ancient fashion The Towne is large and the Church faire And here also hath beene a Castle of defence which seemes by the ruines to haue beene of great strength The Eleuatiâ—n of the Pole is here 52. 45. and the Longitude 23. 48. King Edward the Confessor gaue this County to Eâ—dgâ—th his Queene and after her death to the Monasterie at Westminster but William the Conqueror cancelled it and bestowed the lands vpon others The Coritani according to Ptolemy were the ancient Inhabitants of this County which for aire and health is as good pleasant and delightfull as any other place of the Land and for the quantitie hath as fertile a Soile which for tillage may compare with the best Woods are here good store and both hills and pleasant bottomes watered with many fresh Springs are not wanting which bring forth abundance of Corne and with stocks of sheepe and herds of Neat are plentifully stored RUTLAND SHIRE Leicester-shire THis Shire for the bounds hath Lincolne and Rutland-shires on the East and on the West the way called Watling-street diuides it from Warwicke-shire Nottingham-shire imbordereth on the North and Northampton-shire on the South It is neere as broad as long for the full length in her greatest Longitude from East to West is not altogether thirty miles and the bredth from North to South is twenty foure which makes the whole circumference much vpon 196 miles The diuision of it is into six Hundreds namely Sparkingho Framland Goodlaxton Gartrey East Goscote and West Goscote which doe containe in them 200 Parish-Churches This Shire is watered but with one Riuer of note besides small brookes namely Stowre yet hath ten Bridges and in it are also contained two Forests and fifteene Parkes A dosen of Market Townes are here and there dispersed in this County for the Inhabitants traffique and commerce whereof the chiefest is the Shire-Towne Leicester which as our old Histories record in ancient times was called Legecestria and by Ninus Caer-Leriâ—n being built 844 yeeres before the birth of our Sauiour by King Leir who there erected the Temple of Ianus and in it placed a Flamine and after as it is recorded was therein himselfe interred But long after this did Ethelred the King of the Mercians make it an Episcopall Sea wherein he made Sexwulph the first Bishop But in processe of time the Bishopricke being thence translated and the Towne brought to a low ebbe Edelfred repaired and fortified it with a strong wall whereof there is now no memoriall but by some of the old ruines for Henry the second both vtterly rased the Castle and fired the Towne It is situate on the Riuer Stowre neere the very midst of the Shire And the Eleuation of the Pole is there 52. 41. and the Longitude 23. 32. In the yeere 1485 the 22 day of August neere Market Bosworth was King Richard the Third slaine with 4000 men in a battell fought by King Henry the seuenth who thereby happily ended the long and wofull contention betweene the two Houses of Yorke and Lancaster and the Vsurpers body despightfully mangled laid naked on a horse backe and so carried to Leicester and was there buried in the Gray Friers The Aire in this County is milde pleasant and healthfull The Soile towards the South and East which is most Champion is not so wooddie as the North where Pit-cole for fuell is gotten in abundance yeeldeth great store of Corne So as the chiefe commodities here are Cattell Corne and Pit-cole And yet for other necessaries they are nothing wanting LEICESTER SHIRE Stafford-shire THis County which wee call Staffâ—rd-shire was so called also by the Englâ—sh Saxons and is inclosed on the East with the Riuers of Dowâ— and Trent which diuide it from Darby-shire and on the West with Shroâ—shire Châ—shire and Daâ—by-shires confine it on the North and Warwicke and Worcester-shires on the South The length is measured from North to South 44 miles and the bredth from East to West 27 making the whole circumference to containe 140 miles It is diuided into fiue Hundreds and they are subdiuided into 130 Parishes There is in it also one Citie one Chase one Forest and 38 Parkes Thirteene Riuers doe irriguate this County which haue ouer them nineteene Bridges And for commerce and traffique it is traded in thirteene Market Townes whereof Stafford the Shire-Towne is accounted one of the chiefest which was anciently called Bethâ—ney from the holy Hermite Bertlin that there liued It hath in times past on the East and South sides beene fortified both with a Wall and Trench and on the opposite sides had a stâ—ange defence of water which now by time is transformed into faire and pleasant meadowes Foure Gates according to the foure Cardinall points doe make way for passage into this Towne which is seated on the North side of the Riuer Sowe and is ciuilly and orderly gouerned by two yeerely elected Bailisses out of the Common Counsell consisting of 21 Assistants The Pole is here eleuated to 52. 53. and the Longitude 22. 29. In this Shire also is seated Lichfield which is both of greater antiquitie and farre more famous than Stafford and which by Beda was called Licedfeld signifying a field of dead carkasses which as some hold was so termed of a great number of Saints there slaine by Dioclesian In this Citie did Oswn King of Northumberland build a Church and made it a Bishops Sea which afterwards was by meanes of King Ossa and Adrian the Pope aduanced to the dignitie of an Archbishopricke and in this Church were the bodies of Wolphere and Celred two Mercian Kings interred This Citie at this day is gouerned by two Bailiffes and one Sheriffe which from 24 Burgesses are annually elected By Ptolemy the ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Corâ—aâ—ij but afterwards it became part of the Mercian Saxons possession whose Kings palace was then seated at the Towne of Tamworth Many famous and faire Religious Houses that a long time flourished haue beene raised vp in this County but in continuance of time as well as others in other Shires haue beene rased downe and buried in their owne â—uines And with thirteene strong Castles also was it once guarded whereof now but few remaine so much as for an
the broadest betweene Tong in the East and Oswestre West 25 making the whole circumference to containe about 134 miles The diuision of this County is shared into 15 Hundreds whose subdiuision into Parishes is 170. It is well watered with 18 Riuers which haue 13 large Bridges for passage And in this Shire are found 7 Forests and 27 Parks In 14 Market Townes haue the Inhabitants commerce and traffique wherof that of most note is the ancient Shire-Towne of Shrewsbury which is both large and wealthie containing many faire Streets adorned with beautifull buildings wherein are many rich and wealthie Inhabitants who honestly attaine thereto by their trading for the most part in Wools Cloth and Freese It is strongly walled hauing a Bulwarke descending from the Castle to the side of Seuerre on the North banke whereof is the Towne most pleasantly situate and for passage on the East and West sides are built two faire Bridges of stone and another entrance on the North ouer which stands the ruinous remainder of the old Castle The gouernment of this Towne is committed to two annually elected Bailiffes with 24 Burgesses and a Recorder The height of the Pole is here 52. 49. and the Longitude 21. 38. This County in times past hath beene much troubled with many grieuous broiles which caused the Inhabitants to fortifie themselues with diuers walled Townes and 32 strong Castles whereof now most of them are vtterly decayed but that at Ludlow was made by King Henry the Seuenth the Court of his eldest Palace for the Lord President who with diuers Counsellors a Secretary Atturney Sollicitor and foure Iustices of the Welch Counties he appointed in their Termes to plead heare and determine of causes Neere Clune Castle in this Shire is yet remaining the Fort of Caraâ—tacâ—â— a Prince of the Sâ—lures about the yeere of our Lord 53 which was won by P. Ostorius the Româ—n In which Towne of Clune amongst other memorable passages I saw a Pardon for one Iohn Clune Esquire seruant to King Henry the Eighth for reseruation of his name and bloud who accidentally slew one of the Burgesses thereof in the Church-yard which Pardon was granted and signed by Pope Iulian the second and was shewed to mee by mâ— good friend Master Edmund Clunâ— the sonne of Maurice Clunâ— of the same House and Familie â—â— eally descending The Aâ—re in this County is both healthfull and pleasant the Soâ—le rich and fertile yâ—â—lding Wheat Barly Pit-cole Iron and Woods in abundance SHROPSHIRE Hereford-shire THis County which wee call Hereford-shire was named by the Britaines Ereinuc It is bordered vpon on the North with Worcester and Shropshires on the South with Monmouth-shire on the East it is diuided from Glocester-shire by Maluerne Hills and the West is bounded by Brecknock and Radnor-shires The forme of it is circular containing in length from Maluerne Hills on the East to Michael Church West about 26 miles and in bredth from Lanruthell South to Ouer Sapie North 24 miles causing the whole circumference to amount to 102 miles or thereabouts It is diuided into 11 Hundreds and those are subdiuided into 176 Parishes It containes one Citie one Bishopricke thirteene Riuers passable by eleuen Bridges one Chase two Forests and eighteene Parks And for commerce and trade the Inhabitants haue eight Market Townes whereof the principall is the Citie of Hereford which worthy M. Camden is of opinion to haue sprung from the ruines of old Ariconium but is delectably seated amongst pleasant Medowes and plentifull Corne-fields and almost round about encircled with the Riuer of Wye and another on the North side whose name is not knowne It grew first famous for the supposed sanctitie of King Ethelbert who was there entombed after he had beene murthered by King Offaes wife when he came to wooe her daughter and in honour of him did Mildred a petty King of that County build the Cathedrall Church which afterward was consumed by fire but reedified by Bishop Reiuelin and the Towne inclosed in a wall with six Gates and fifteene Towers and is ciuilly gouerned by a Maior yeerely elected out of 13. Citizens and his Brethren whereof foure of the ancientest are Iustices of Peace and a Recorder The Latitude being there 52. 7. ½ and the Longitude 21. 50. In this Citie King Athelstane as Malmesbury reports caused the Lords of Wales to pay an annuall Tribute besides Hawkes and Hounds of twenty pounds of Gold and 300 pounds of Siluer by weight The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Silures a fierce hardy and valiant people as appeares by their nine yeeres opposition to the Romans And afterwards the Saxons made this County a part of their Mercian Kingdome and Sutton was their Royall Court kept of their great King Offa. Before the Conquest this County was accounted vvith those of Wales against England but when it was ioyned to the English with diuers Castles was it fortified against the Welch for wee reade that in times past it hath beene strengthned with 28 strong and faire Castles most of which are now low buried in the heapes of their owne ruines Of remarkable things in this Shire the Spring called Bone Well neere Richards Castle is famous for Fish-bones and no Fish which though it be cleerely cleansed thereof will shortly after be furnished afresh with the like But the great wonder was the admirable motion of Marcley Hill containing about 26 acres within our owne memorie Anno 1571 which with a great noise remoued it selfe from its owne place and went continually for three dayes together carrying with it sheepe in their coats hedge-rowes and trees and ouerthrowing Kinnaston Chapell and diuers trees turning two high waies neere 100 yards from their vsuall Road and bearing the earth before it the space of 400 yards With very many Religious Houses hath this Shire beene adorned but in the time of King Henry the Eighth were vtterly ruinated as many others in all other Counties The Aire is here pleasent healthfull and temperate and the Soile as fertile and fruitfull as any other in England yeelding Corne Cattell Wooll Wheat and almost all other necessary commodities for the vse of the Inhabitants HEREFORD SHIRE Radnor-shire RAdnor-shire in the British Sire Maiseueth being in forme threesquare is on the South side separated from Brecknok-shire by the Riuer Wy on the North it bordereth vpon Montgomery-shire on the South-east vpon Hereford-shire The East and South parts of this Shire be farre more fruitfull than the rest It hath in it two and fiftie Parishes and three Townes of note the principall whereof is Radnor in British Maiseueth which in times past was firmely fenced with a wall but after that Owen Glendowre had burnt it it began to grow to decay It is probable that this Maiseueth or Radnor was that ancient Citie Magi which Antonine the Emperour calleth Magnos where the Gouernour of the Pacensian Regiment lay in garrison vnder the Lieu-tenant of Britaine in the reigne of Theodosius the younger for
Writers of the middle age call the Inhabitants of this coast Magesetae and make mention of Earles Magesetenses also the distance if it be counted from Gobannium or Abergeuenny or from Brangonium i. Worcester differeth not from Antonines computation Three miles Eastward from this Towne lieth Prestaine in British Lhan Andrew i. St. Andrews Church which of a very little Village by the meanes of Richard Martin Bishop of St. Davids is of late yeares growne to be so great and faire a Mâ—rket Towne that it dimmeth the light of Radnor Scarce foure miles from Prestaine standeth Knighton a Towne not inferiour to the former it is called in the British Trebuclo in stead of Trefyclaudh of a famous Ditch lying vnder it which Offa King of the Mercians caused to be cast from Dee mouth to Wye mouth to separate the Britaine 's from his English-men In the South-west of this Countrey lieth a wide wildernesse into which Vortigerne whose memory the Britaines may wish damned withdrew himselfe when he had called the Saxons into this Land and in horrible incest married his owne daughter and here was he with his Citie Treguortigâ—rn burnt with fire from heauen And not farre from the place where this Vortigerâ— the last absolute Monarch of the Britaines perished was Lhewellin the last Prince of Wales of the British race slaine by Roger Francton The Mortimers not long after the Conquest wonne a great part of this little countrey and after that they had beene a long time eminent aboue others in these parts King Edward the Third created Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore Earle of these Welsh limits or according to the common speech Earle of March RADNOR SHIRE Brecknock-shire THis Countie of Brecknock was called Brechineau in the British tongue of one Brichauius a Prince that as the Inhabitants report had foure and twentie daughters and all of them Canonized for Saints It is bounded on the East with Monmouth and Radnor-shires on the West with Carmarden and Cardigan on the South with Glamorgan and the North side by the Riuers Wye and Clarwen is diuided from Radnor The length of it from Istragunles South to Llanuthel North is 28. miles and the extent of the broadest part from Pentrisso East to Llywell West 20. the whole compasse containing much vpon 102. miles Into six Hundreds is this Shire severed and those are subdiuided into 61. Parishes with 27. Riuers is it interlaced ouer which in diuers places are 13. Bridges for passage And for Traffique and trade amongst the Inhabitants it is stored but with three Market Townes namely Hay Bealt and the Shire Towne Brecknock which is now accounted the principall though the other two in former times would haue beene preferred Hay pleasantly seated on Wye and Dulas in Owen Glendowrs rebellion was vtterly ruinated and Bealt though still in some frequencie yet is now nothing to what in antique Ages it hath beene but Brecknock at this time is the best which being pleasantly seated on the Riuers Vske and Howthy is fortified with a faire strong wall that besides ten Towers hath 3. Gates for entrance with a stately Castle situate on the West part of the Towne and is moreouer beautified with diuers faire buildings It is ciuilly gouerned by two Bayliffes fifteene Aldermen two Chamberlaines two Constables where the Pole is eleuated 52. 8. and the longitude 21. 11. The Inhabitants of this Countie that anciently possessed it were the Silures who greatly opposed the Romans whereto they were much aduantaged by the huge Mountaines wherewith the Shire is replenished one of them neere Brecknock which in Welsh they call Mounch-denny is of an vncredible height in so much as nothing without it be some metalline substance or stone can be cast from the top of it but with the aire and wind it will be blowne vp again and neuer fall to the ground Llynsauathan also which is neare to Brecknock is also admirable for there by report stood a sumptuous Citie which suncke downe in an earthquake And with nine Castles hath this Countie beene accommodated The Aire being cold sharpe and piercing and the Soile though for the most part hilly sterill and barren yet the fresh Riuerers issuing from the Mountaines make the Valleyes so fruitfull as they yeeld both Corne and Grasse in abundance BRECKNOCK SHIRE Monmouth-shire FOr the Riuer Mounowe is this Towne Monmouth so termed and from that Towne we call this Countie Monmouth-shire which on the East is bordered vpon by Glocester-shire on the West by Brecknock and Glamorgan-shires The South is bounded by the Seuerne Sea and the North by the Riuer Monnowe diuided from Hereford-shire The extent of the greatest measure between North and South is about twenty foure miles in length and at the widest between East and West not aboue nineteen the whole circumference being much vpon 76. miles The diuision of it is into six Hundreds wherein are contained 127. Parish Churches and with the pleasant streames of fifteene Riuers passable by fourteene Bridges is it interlaced besides which for more delight in this Shire is there one Chace and eight Parks and for Trade and Traffique of buying and selling six Market Townes whereof that of the greatest note is the ancient Shire Towne of Monmouth which betweene the two Riuers Wye and Monnowe is very delectably situate wherein is yet remaining a faire Church and thirteene Gates besides the Towre vpon the Bridge But that which was called the Monkes Church and was in times past most curiously edified in the East end of the Towne is now vtterly ruined as well as the Castle on the North which yet will be euer memorable for the birth of the famous and victorious King Henry the Fifth The gouernment of this Towne is committed to a Maior two Bayliffes fifteene common Councellours and a Towne Clerke The eleuation of the Pole being there 15. 53. and the Longitude 21. 39. The Silures were the ancient Inhabitants of this Countie who had Caerwent for their principall place of abode where the British St. Tathaie made an Academie And at Caer-Lion lay the second Romane Legion called Augusta whereof yet are found many antique Romane testimonies And here also did the great King Arthur keepe his Royall Court which then was a most magnificent Citie but is now intombed in the heapes of her owne ruines And so also are diuers Religious Houses sometime that beautified and fourteene strong Castles that someâ—â—me fortified this famous Prouince where the Aire is pleasant and healthfull and the Soile though hilly yet rich fruitfull and full of Woods yeelding plenty of Corne Grasse Cattell and many other nenessary Commodities MONMOUTH SHIRE Glamorgan-shire THis Province which is called Glamorgan-shire is supposed by some to deriue the name from one Morgan a Prince that possessed it but others hold that it hath it from the Abbey Morgan which on the South side of this Shire neare the Sea did Earle William of Glocester build And it is seuered by the Riuer Remner on the East from
Castle hauing entrance into it but only at the East West sides it is now tilled and beareth Corne but it is thought in times past to haue beene some fort of defence for the Roman Garisons The soile of this Country is very fruitfull producing many necessary commodities the Aire very wholsome and the situation most pâ—easâ—â—t both for Champion and Woods hauing in it 2. Forrests 12. Parks and one Chase The chiefe commoditie being here Wood Wooll and Corne. This Shire hath also beene beautified with many faire Monasterieâ— and Religious Houses which are now transformed to heaps of Ruines like that old decayed Castle of Badburg which was inuironed with a triple Trench and had beene sometime the seat of the West-Saxon Kings DORSET SHIRE Sommerset-shire SOmmerset-shire is so called of an ancient Towne named Sommerton which in former ages was the chiefest and most famous in all the County It is bounded with Deuon and Dorset-shires on the South the Seuerne Sea on the North Wilt-shire and Glocester-shire on the East and North-east and Deuon-shire on the West The length of it from Brackley East to Oure West being 55. Miles and bredth from Chard South to Porshut-point North about 40. Miles the whole circuit containing much vpon 204. Miles It is diuided into 42. Hundreds wherein are 305. Parish Churches It is furnished with commodious Hauens and Ports hauing 9. Riuers and 45. Bridges It is strengthened with 4. Castles and hath beene fairely adorned with many Religious Houses whereof the Abbey of Glastenburg was of greatest note both for quantitie and quality the antiquitie whereof was deduced from Ioseph of Arimathea whole body as the report goes was there interred So likewise was Witham Nunnery erected by King Henry the 3. and Hinton which were afterwards the first and second Houses of Carthusian Monkes that euer were in England but now with diuers other like they lie pressed with their owne ruines This County is traffiqued with 24. Market Townes and 3. famous Cities namely Bristow Bath and Wells the first whereof though vnequall in bignesse to some others in England yet for beautie and pleasant situation will hardly yeeld vnto any The next is Bath so called from the Hot-Bathes and medicinable springs which to the exceeding comfort and wonderfull cures of infinite diseased persons of all sorts by Gods prouidence doe there continually boyle and bubble vp The third is Wells which as some hold hath the name from certaine Wells which there spring up insomuch as in former times that Sea hath beene called Fontanensis Ecclesia It is gouerned by a Maior 7. Magistrates 16. Burgesses and a Recorder The Latitude being there 51. 12. degrees and the Longitude 21. 36. degrees This County as it is most delightfull in Summer the Aire being mild temperate and pleasant yet is it as myry moist and wet in Winter insomuch as it is then exceeding troublesome for Trauellers But the soile is most fruitfull and fertile yeelding in abundance most of our necessary commodities yet chiefly doth it excell for the goodnesse of Corne and fatnesse of Cattell wherein it exceedeth the most of our other Prouinces Neither is it without rich Mines of Lead which haue beene and are very gainfull to the County and at Saint Vincents Rocke are gotten great store of Diamonds which for beautie and luster doe parallel the best but are defectiue in the hardnesse In this Shire haue beene fought many bloudy battells as that neere Pen when King Canutus was pursued by Edmond named Ironside and that which was performed by Ealstaw Bishop of Sherborne vpon the Danes neare to Bridge-water with diuers others SOMERSET SHIRE Wilt-shire WIltshire which the old English-Saxons called Wilsetta hath Barkeshire on the East Glocester and Somersetshires on the West Glocestershire alone on the North and Dorset and Hampshire on the South The length from Burgate South to Ingl sham North being about 40. miles and the bredth from the Shire-stones in the West to Buttermer East which is the broadest part of the Shire spreadeth 29. miles making the compasse of the whole Shire much vpon 140. miles This County is diuided into 29. Hundreds wherein are 304. Parish Churches and it is well watered and irriguated with 5. Riuers ouer which is conuenient passage by 31. Bridges It hath beene fortified also with 8. Castles of strength viz. Malmesbury Castlecombe Lacocke The Deuises Lurgishall Warder-Castle Salisbury and Marlingsborough It is traffiqued for commerce with 21. Market Townes the chiefe whereof is the Citie of Salisburie which in time past was placed some what higher than it is now but was changed to a farre fitter place where it is plentifully accommodated with pleasant Riuerets of fresh running water passing thorow many of the streets It is adorned with many beautifull buildings hauing a most sumptuous Cathedrall Church wherein are as many doores as there are moneths as many windowes as there are dayes as many marble pillaâ—s as there be houres in the yeare This Church was begun by Richard Poore a Bishop being 40. yeares before it was finished And as my selfe haue read in an ancient Record yet remaining in the Treasurie there amongst all the workmen that were at the building thereof he that had the greatest wages had but three halfe pence a day and found himselfe This Citie is placed for Latitude 51. 5. and for Longitude 22. 35. Not farre from this but somewhat higher stands old Salisburie which was anciently the seat of the Romans but now is transformed to ruines This County is decked with many faire edifices and in times past hath had the foundations of many Monasteries and Religious Houses whereof that at Malmesburie was of great note for William the Monke of Malmesburie who with great industrie recorded the historie of this our Land and another at Ambresburie where Queene Eleanor wife to King Henry the Third spent her widowhood as a Nunne besides diuers others which would be here too tedious to recite This Shire is both pleasant and fertile being situate in a temperate clime and most wholesome The North part commonly called North-Wiltshire is both hillie and wooddie which besides many other delectable Riuerets is watered with the famous Riuer Isis But the South being not so hillie thorow which passe the Riuers Wâ—ly Adder and Alton is inriched most plentifully with grasse and corne And the middle part situate betweene them both very leuell and euen called Salisbury Plaines whereon doe graze an infinite number of sleecie sheepe At a little village in this County called Calne Ann. Dom. 977. was assembled a Synod about the mariages of the Clergie where by the sudden breaking of the floore of the roome wherein they were very many both of the Nobles Prelates and Commons were slaine and sore hurt but Dunstan the President was only vntouched WILT SHIRE Hamp-shire THis Shire by the Saxons was called Handerchyr hauing his North side butting vpon Barkshire his East vpon Survey Sussex with the Brittish Seas bounding his South side and
Dorset and Wilt shires with the I le of Wight opposing his West The length of this County from Bascomb South to Blaâ—kwater North containeth 54. Miles the bredth from Petersfield East to Tedworth West about 29. or 30. Miles making about 155. the whole circumference It is diuided into 37. Hundreds wherein are contained 253. parish Churches It is watered with 4. Riuers ouer which for passage are 31. Bridges and it is commodiously furnished with faire Hauens for ships as at Southampton Portsmouth Tichfield and Hamble c. It is fortified with diuers strong Castles as at Southampton Calshot Hurst Saint Andrewes Porchester Worth and the South Castle with diuers other places of strength which are situate on the Sea coast for defence of the County Besides at Winchester Malwood and Odiam which are seated within Land Marker Townes for commerce are in this Shire 18. wherof the Citie of Winchester is the chiefe which by the Britans was called Caer Gwent by the Romans Venta Belgarum and the Saxons Windanearder it was built by Rudbudibras before our Sauiours natiuitie 900. yeares and after it had beene twice consumed by fire in the time of the Saxons was reedified the walls raised and made the chiefe seat of the West-Saxon Kings and the Metropolitane Sea of their Bishops wherein were crowned Egbert and Elfred and Henry 3. was borne In the time of King Edward 3. this Citie was made the staple for Cloth and Wooll and in the Cathedrall Church of this Citie haue diuers English Kings beene interred The situation of this City is in a bottome vnder hills very pleasant and fruitfull hauing the Castle on the one side and the Riuer on the other the walls which ingirt it containing neare two English Miles hauing 6. Gates for entrance and 7. Churches within it besides the Cathedrall but heretofore it hath beene adorned with many others which now remaine nothing but Ruines The graduation of this Citie for Latitude is 51. 5. and for Longitude 23. 10. The next to this in this Shire is the Towne of Southampton from which the whole Shire hath the name it is both beautifull and rich walled with a strong stone wall wherein are 7. gates and 29. Towers and two faire Hauens for ships 5. Churches and an Hospitall and on the West side of this Towne standeth a fairâ— strong double walled Castle vpon the Top of a very faire high hill making a most delightfull prospect both by Sea and Land The aire in this Shire is very temperate though sometimes somewhat foggy which proceeds from the Seas adioyning to it and the Riuers passing thorow it which notwithstanding doe store the Countrey with plentie of fish And for the soile it is both rich and pleasant producing plenty of Corne Cattell Woods and Pasture bountifully storing the Inhabitants with Woolls Cloths Iron and almost all kinde of profitable commodities both by Sea and Land HANT SHIRE Barke-shire THe English Saxons called this Shire Berrocscyre which on the North is diuided from Buckingham and Oxford-shires by the Riuer of Thames on the South it butteth on Hamp-shire the East is bounded with Surrey and the West with Wilt-shire and Glocester-shire The length from Inglesham West to old Windsor in the East being about 40. Miles and the bredth from Inkpen South to Wightham North 24. Miles maketh the compasse much vpon 120. Miles This County is parted in 20. Hundreds which containe in them 140. Parish Churches It is interlaced with 3. Riuers which for conuenient passage haue 7. Bridges 13. Market Townes are also dispersed in it for the commoditie commerce of the Inhabitants whereof Reading is the chiefe where the Danes An. 866. setled and fortified themselues But it was built by King Henry 1. who adorned it both with a faire Monasterie and strong Castle which the first Henry raised and the 2. Henry razed and turned to Ruines The Latitude here is 51. 31. degrees and Longitude 23. 34 In this Shire is seated that famous and stately Castle of Windsor which sometimes did belong to the Abbot of Westm till William the Conquerour by composition obtained it and made it his Regall Palace In it was borne King Edward 3 who afterwards held there as his prisoners Iohn King of France and Dauid King of Scots In this Castle is also celebrated the famous and memorable institution of that most honourable order of the Garter and in the Chappell thereof lie interred the bodies of K. Henry 6. Edward 4. and Henry 8. Wallingford Watham in the East and Sinodum in the North in this Shire were all places of residence for the Romans as appeareth by their moneys which very often are found in those places And Mr Stow writeth that at Finchamsted in the yeare of grace 1100. did a wonderfull spring boyle vp for the space of 15. dayes sending forth streames of bloud This County is adorned with many faire and stately buildings 6. faire Castles 3. of his Maiesties houses and in times past had diuers Religious houses and Monasteries at Aâ—â—â—gton Reading Bysham Bromhall Hernly Hamme and Wallingford The aire is pleasant temperate and wholsome the soyle bringing plenty of Corne and pasturage yeelding an abundance of increase especially in the Vale of Whâ—â—ehorse But generally the whole County both for profit and pleasure producing Corne and Cattell with woods waters and very delightfull prospects is inferiour for the quantitie to no other Shire in England BARKE SHIRE Surrey SVrrey was called by the Saxons Suthrea and by Beda Suthri It is bounded on the North with the Counties of Buckingham and Middlesex and diuided from them by the River of Thames Sussex and Hampshire inclose it on the South Kent on the East and Hampshire and Barkshire on the West This Shire is as it were square in forme yet the length extending from Frensham to Redrith containeth 34. miles and the bredth from Aufold Southward to the Thames by Stanes Northward is 22. miles which makes the Shires circuit about 112. miles It is diuided into 13. Hundreds which containe in them 140. Parish Churches and 8. Market Townes for traffique and commerce In this County is no Citie nor great Towne and yet may it compare with any for faire buildings and stately houses whereof 5. are his Maiesties magnificent Palaces Ptolemy affirmeth that in this County an ancient people called the Regni had their residence and after that Ella with the South-Saxons made it their Kingdome At Lambeth which was founded by Archbishop Baldwin and is now a Palace for the Archbishops of Canterburie and famous for being the seat of the Metropolitans of England Canutus died who was the last King of the Danes And at Kingston in this County were crowned King Athelstan Edwin and Ethelred And at the ancient Towne of Guildford whose Pole for Latitude is eleuated 51. 15. and Longitude 24.59 was seated the royall Palace of the English-Saxon Kings This Shire hath beene adorned with the foundations of many faire and rich Religious Houses as at
Shene Chertsey Newarke Rigate Merton Wauerley and diuers others And also 8. strong Castles at Brenchingley Goseford Guilford Farnham Rigate Darking Starburg and Addington but of most of them is nought now to be seene but heaps of old ruines This County is seated in a very delectable pleasant and wholesome aire and though it be not large and altogether so commodious as others for profit yet is it pleasurable and healthie yeelding sufficient store of corne fruit and pasture SURREY Middlesex THis County was so called for being seated betweene the East and West Saxons and is bounded on the East by the Riuer Lea where it butteth vpon Essex and on the West by Colne is diuided from Buâ—kingham The Thames parts Surrey from it on the South and Hartford-shire incloseth it on the North. The length from Stratford in the East to Moâ—ehall in the West containes of our English Miles 19. and the bredth from Hampton Court South to South-Mines in the North about 16. measuring the whole circumference about 90. Miles It is distinguished into these 7. Hundreds viz. Edmonton Osulslon Finnesbury Gâ—re Isâ—eworth Spelthorne and Elthorne in all which are contained 73. Parish Churches besides those in London This County though smaller in quantitie than many other is the chiefest of all the Land both for beauty and ability wherein are 2. Cities and is watered with the most famous Riuer of Thames being plentifully stored with Ships of great burthen which continually send out and bring in all manner of wealthy commodities for the abundant enriching of all these his Maiesties Dominions which Riuer carries her course all along the South side of the farre renowned and euer famous Citie of London which for antiquity hath almost worne out her Records yet we reade she was first called Troy-Nouant from Bruâ—e and Ludstone from King Lud by the Britans Londaine by the Saxons London Cearder and now by vs London It is the rich Seat and Royall Chamber of the English Kings whereto from all parts of the world are brought all sorts of commodious Merchandize Shee was first compassed with walls by the first Christian Emperour Constantine the Great wherein besides other passages are now built 7. most Magnificent Gates for entrance and in it with the Suburbs are contained 121. Churches besides the Cathedrall of Saint Paul which as by tradition is receiued was first the Temple of Diana This Cities graduation is 51. 32½ of Latitude and in Longitude 24. 27. It is diuided into 26. wards which by a Lord Maior two Sherifes and 26. Aldermen is most religiously in all good order gouerned In the time of King Iohn was the stone Bridge built ouer the Thames which for strength length bredth and beauty exceeds all others in the world Close adioyning to this London is the Citie of Westminster famous as well for the seats of Iustice as for the rich and stately Sepulchers of many Kings Queenes and other the Nobilitie of England But if I should insist any longer in the particular descriptions of these Cities I should exceed my limits and therefore generally for the County thus It is adorned with very many rich and magnificent edifices whereof 5. are his Maiesties princely Palaces The forme of this Shire is square-like The Aire delightfull pleasant and healthfull and the Soile rich and fruitfull yeelding great plenty of full Corne of all kindes anâ— fat Pasture in abundance MIDDLESSEX Kent THis County of Kent which by Ptolemy and diuers other Writers was called Cantium is bounded on the East with the Germane Sea on the West with Sussex and Surrey on the North with the Riuer of Thames and on the South with the narrow Seas and Sussex It runneth in length from Langley West to Ramsgate East about 53. Miles from Rother South vnto the Northern Isle of Graine about 26. Miles whereby the whole circuit containeth much vpon 160. Miles It is diuided into 5. Lathes and they into 66. Hundreds wherein are counted 398. Parish Churches The Inland of it is watered with 11. faire Riuers ouer which is passage by 14. Bridges and diuers of them are nauigable whereof Medwey which diuideth the Shire in two parts is principall It is fortified with 27. Castles and hath in it 2. Cities 2. Bishops Seas and for commerce and traffique 24. Market Townes bâ—ing besides garnished and fairely adorned with diuers stately and sumptuous buildings whereof 8. of them are his Maiesties Houses The chiefest Citie is Canterbury which is the Metrapolitan and Archbishops Sea It was built 900. yeares before the birth of our Sauiour as we read in the ancient Brittish Histories but afterwaâ—d it became most famous by Austen the Monke his conuerting the Saxons to Christianity and for the Cathedrall Church wherein is the Tombe of Thomas of Becket which in the time of Idolatrie became infinitely rich by superstitious offerings In it was King Iohn with Queene Isabel his wife crowned King Henry the 3. maried and Henry the 4. buried Henry the 3. granted it afterwards priuiledges and Charters Richard the 2. fortified and entrenched it and Archbishop Sudbury walled it The graduation for Latitude being there 50. 18. and the Longitude 25. 41. This Shire is well stored with faire Hauens for ships some of them being strongly fortified as Winchelsey Rumney Sandwich and Douer which with the Castle there is accounted the Locke and Key of the Realme The Inhabitants of this County doe account themselues the freest of any other in England because they were neuer conquered but by Conquering Williâ—m were compounded withall The Christian faith was first planted in this County and as ancient Records doe testifie the fiâ—st Church dedicated to the seruice of Christ was founded in Douer Castle by Lucius the first Christian King of the Brittaines In this Shire haue beene seated 23. Religious Houses which now by time are conuerted to Ruines The Aire of this County is temperate and healthfull though sometimes mist-clouded with vapours from the Sea The East side of the Shire is Hilly but the West more plaine euen wooddy yeelding generally great store of all profitable commodities but is most remarkable for Broad cloths fruits and feedings for Cattell KENT Sussex THis Shire which of vs is called Sussex was written by the Saxons Suthrex sâ—gnifying as if it were their South Kingdome in the time of their Heptarchie It is confined on the North with Surrey and Kent on the West with Hampshire the Brittish Seas ingirting both the East and South It is formed long and narrow stretching in length from West-harting in the West to the Ditch that diuides it from Kent called Kent Ditch 64. Miles but where it is broadest it containes not aboue 20. making the compasse of it about 158. Miles This Shire diuideth it selfe into 6 Rapes viz. Chichester Arundell Bramber Lewes Peuenscy and Hastings and euery of these haue seuerall Hundreds an cunting in all to the number of 65. which containe in them 312. Parish Churches Industrious Mr. Speed also
writes that euery of these Rapes containe in them a Riuer a Castle and a Forest The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Regni in time of the Romans who were subdued by the Lieutenant of the Emperour Claudius and after the Romans departure this Shire and Surrey became the Kingdome of the South-Saxons Diuers places of note are registred in this County but the chiefest of all is the City of Chichesâ—er which by the Saxons was written Cissan-Ceasder built by Cissa the South-Saxon King who therein kept his Court. It is large faire and well fortified with a wall and was made the Bishops Sea by William the Conquerour The Pole being there eleuated 50. 52. and hath Longitude 23. 50. This Shire hath beene both strengthened and beautified with 10. Castles and many Religious Houses which were built for pious uses but are now dissolued into Ruines 18. Market-Townes for trâ—ffique of the Inhabitants are fitly seated in this County whereof Chichester formerly spoken of is the chiefe although Lewes both for bignesse and faire buildings seemeth to compare with it The aire in this Shire is both temperate and pleasant though sometimes darkned with mists arising from the Seas The Soyle is rich yeelding great plentie of necessary commodities though in Winter it is both vnpleasant and vnsafe for Trauellers by reason of the deepe and dangerous wayes in it It yeeldeth great plenty of Fish and Sea-Fowle with Coâ—ne Cattell and Woods and so doth it of Iron and Glasse good store which are the two deuourers of those faire Woods The middest of this Shire is decked with many faire Meadowes Pastures and Corne fields But towards the Sea side are seated diuers Hills called the Downes which produce abundance of Corne and Grasse The rest of the Shire being yet stored with plenty of pleasant Groues and Woods SUSSEX Essex THis County which by the Saxons was called East-seaxa by the Normans Exssesa now by vs Essex containes in length from Horsey Island East to Haydon West 40. Miles and from Sturmere on the Riuer Stow North to East-ham vpon Thames South 35. Miles making the forme somewhat circular and the circumference to beare about 146. Miles It is confined on the East with the Germane Seas on the West with Hertfordshire and Middlesex The Thames diuides it from Kent on the South and Suffolke and Cambridgshires bind it on the North. The diuision of it is into 20. Hundreds which containe in theÌ„ 415. Parish Churches It hath 7. Riuers ouer which is passage by 28. Bridges and for delight is furnished with 46. Parkes one Chase well stored with game The Inhabitants here haue intercourse for traffique and commerce in 21. Market Townes the chiefest wherof is now the City of Colchester which was built by the Brittish Prince Coilus Ann. Dom. 124. and in it was borne Constantine the first Christian King and Emperour in the world It is seated on the South side of the Riuer Colne therof beares the name It hath beene fortified with a wall wherein are 6. Gates besides 3. smaller Posterns for passage and 9. Towers within and without the walls hath it 10. faire Churches besides diuers other foundations of Religious Houses which are now vtterly decaied as well as the old Castle which by the Ruines appeares in times past to haue beene of very great strength This Citie is gouerned by 2. Bailiffes 12. Aldermen and a Recorder The Latitude being there 51. 52. and the Longitude 25. 37. In the ancient Towne of Malden in this County Cuno-belin that was King of the Trinobants held his Court about the time of our Sauiours birth and was afterwards a garison for the Romans till Queene Budo with the slaughter of 70000. Romans laid it leuell with the foundation This County is very populous and hath beene beautified with many faire and rich Religious Houses and strengthened with 5. strong Castles It is accommodated also with 5. conuenient Hauens for ships The Aire except by the Sea side is both temperate and pleasant the Soile most fertile yeelding very many excellent commodities as Corne Cattell Woods Fish Fowle and that rich merchandize of the best Saffron which where it groweth so fatneth the ground that after three yeares gleabe thereof the land for 18. yeares after brings forth Barly in abundance Here are also many faire flocks of fine fleeced sheepe which in this County they vse to milke as they doe their Kine whereby is made much cheese which besides the furnishing of their owne Country is transported and vttered in diuers other parts abroad THE COVNTY OF ESSEX Hartford-shire HAâ—â—ford-shirâ— so called from the Shire-Towne Hartford which some haue named Herudford is of a circular forme making 2. Diameters almost of an equall Longitude crosse each other in the Center for the one giuing the length from Cheston Nunnery in the East to Putnam West containes but 28. miles and the other North South measuring the bredth from Roâ—ston to Totteridge is full 27. making the whole circumference to containe neare about 130. Miles It is bounded on the East side by Essex and on the West with Buckingham and Bedford-shires the North butteth â—pon Bedford and Cambridge-shires and the South vpon Middlesex This Shire is watered but with one Riuer yet hath it many Riuerets and 24. Bridges and 120 Parish-Churches are contained in these 8. Hundreds Odsey Edwinstree Branghing Brodewater Hitching Dacor Hertford and Caâ—sho whereinto this Shire is diuided And it is traded for the vtterance of commodities and traffique amongst the Inhabitants with 18 Market Townes whereof though Hartford be the Shire-Towne and hath gotten her Officer in chiefe to be altered from a Burgesse to a Maior who associated with nine Burgesses and a Recorder doth gouerne it yet is Ware and others for abilitie the better by reason of the continuall passage of people that make therein their thorow-fare almost into all the Northerne parts of this Realme Here in this Towne was sometime seated a faire and strong Castle which now appeares to haue tasted the scourge of Time as well as diuers other famous and richly endowed Religâ—ous Houses that in former times haue gorgeously adorned this County The Longitude is here 24. 25. and the Latitude 51. 22. â— Neere to Saint Albans that ancient Towne made famous for diuers Battels there fought in this Shire was seated that strong and magnificent Citie of Verulam which was ouercome by the Romans and endowed with the priuileges of Rome but now lies dead and buried vndâ—r the heaps of her owne ruines The aire in this County is temperate delightfull and healthfull the soile commodious rich and fruitfull plentifully producing store of Cattell Corne Grasse and Wood with diuers other commodities most vsefull for the Inhabitants HARTFORD SHIRE Buckingham-shire THis Shire is supposed to deriue the name from the Saxon word Bucken which in that language signifieth Beech-trees whereof this County is plentifully stored It reacheth in length from Bradfield in the North to Waisburie the
furthest part South 39. miles and the bredth from Ashridge East to the Forest of Brenwood West 18. miles whereby the whole circuit is about 138 miles The bounds of this Shire are Northampton and Bedfordshires on the North part of Bedford and Hertford-shires on the East Barkeshire on the South and Oxfordshire on the West This Prouince is parted into 8 Hundreds which are furnished with 185 Parish-Churches It is watered with two Riuers which haue 14 Bridges for passage And for conuenient traffique of their commodities it is interspersed with 11 Market Townes whereof the chiefe is Buckingham the Shire-Towne which is situated vpon the Riuer Ouse which compasseth the Towne on all sides but the North. In times past it hath beene fortified by King Edward the elder with Sconces on both sides of the Riuer ouer which are built three faire stone Bridges and vpon a high hill in the middest of the Towne was sometime raised a strong Castle which is now vtterly rased to dustie ruines A Bailiffe with 12 Burgesses doe now very orderly gouerne this Towne where the eleuation of the Pole is 52. 2. and the Longitude 23. 30. At Stony Stretford an ancient Towne in this Shire standing vpon the Causey called Watling-street which passeth thorow England is a Crosse built by King Edward the first for a memoriall of Eleanor his Queene because there her dead corps rested as it was brought from Herdby in Lincolne-shire to be buried at Westminster and the like did he doe in euery place where it rested This Shire hath beene strengthned with 4 Castles viz. at Buckingham Newport Launden and Hampsleepe and was also beautified with many Religious Houses which time hath now ruined and conuerted to other vses The Aire in this County is temperate wholesome and pleasant and the Soile by reason of his fatnesse is both rich and fruitfull yeelding Corne Grasse and Marle in abundance The middle part of the Shire being high called the Chilterne Hills hath beene and still is well stored with woods and the Vallies lying plaine are very fruitfull for medowes tillage and pastures feeding infinite numbers of fleecie sheepe BVCKINGHAM SHIRE Oxford-shire THe Histories of our English-Saxons say that the Citie of Oxford deriueth the name from the Foord of Oxen from which Citie the whole County is called Oxfordshire which is enuironed on the North side with Warwicke and Northampton-shires on the East with Buckingham the West with Glocester and the South by Barkshire It containeth in length from Cleydon North-west to Cauersham South-east neere forty miles and in bredth from the aforesaid Cleydon North to Farringdon vpon the Riuer Isis in the South which is the broadest of the Shire almost 26. miles causing the circumference to come neere to 130 miles This County is diuided into 14 Hundreds and they haue 280 Parish Churches contained in them It is interlaced with 3. Riuers which are fitted with 26. Bridges Foure Forests and 9 Parks doe also beautifie this County and for commerce and traffique of commodities there are dispersed 10 Market Townes the chiefe whereof is the faire Citie and euer renowned Vniuersitie of Oxford which for the infinite numbers of most learned reuerend and famous Fathers Doctors Scholers it hath produced and enriched this Kingdome withal hath made it selfe not only glorious in this our Nation but purchased an euer-liuing fame and memorie thorow all the Kingdomes of Christendome This Citie hath beene walled and strongly fortified with a Castle which though time hath now vtterly ruined yet is it adorned with 17 most stately Colleges 8 Halls and many other most beautifull buildings The Pole is there eleuated 51. 47. and the Longitude 23. 15. About six miles from this Citie is seated Woodflocke where King Hen. 2. built a Labyrinth to keepe his faire Concubine Rosamond who was afterward poisoned by the Queene and buried in the Nunnery at Godstow neere thereto adioyning This County is adorned with many faire Mannors and beautifull buildings wherein as by their ruines doth appeare haue beene many stately and richly endowed Religious Houses as Oseney Godstow Tame Burchester Euisham Beuerne and diuers others The Aire in this County is both sweet pleasant and healthfull The Soile rich commodious and fruitfull yeelding to the Inhabitants great plenty of Wood Wooll Cattell Corne Pasture and in a word almost all vsefull commodities in abundance OXFORD SHIRE Glocester-shire GLocestershire in the Saxon tongue was called Gleaucesderschyre fetching the name from the chiefest Towne the Citie of Glocester It is ingirt with Worcester and Warwickeshires on the North Somersetshire on the South Oxford and Wiltshires on the East and Hâ—refordshire on the West The length of it reaching from Bristow vpon Auon South to Clifford vpon Auon North is much vpon 48 miles and the bredth extending from Lechlad East to Preston West 28. which causeth the whole compasse to containe about 138 miles The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Dobuni and in some part the Silures This Prouince is diuided into 30 Hundreds which containe in them 280 Parish-Churches It hath three faire Riuers ouer which a man may passe by 22 Bridges the chiefe whereof is Seuerne which for store of Fish bredth of Channell and swiftnesse of Streame excelleth any other in the Land It is conueniently sprinkled with 25 Market-Townes for trade and traffique whereof two are famous Cities whereof the first and most ancient is Glocester which about the middle of the Shire is situate vpon the Riuer Seuerne It was built by the Romans and was the Garrison Towne for their Colonia Gleuum It hath beene strongly walled on all parts but that towards the Riuer as may appeare by the ruines yet remaining in many places There was the stately Nunnerie built by Osrick King of Northumberland wherein three of the Mercian Queenes succeeded one another being Prioresses The Cathedrall Church first built by Edelsâ—ed King Edward the elders sister was ruinated by the Danes but afterwards reedified and dedicated to S. Peter where King Edward the second who was murdered at Barkley Castle lies intombed The Graduation of the Pole in this Citie is 51. 54. and Longitude 22. 17. The other Citie which standeth but part in this Shire and part in Somersetshire is Bristow seated vpon the two Riuers Froome and Auon and as is formerly said the quantitie excepted for qualitie is parallel to the chiefest in England In the Iland Alney neere Glâ—cester Edmund Iron-side combatted hand to hand with Canutus the Dane And at Barkley Castle King Edward the second had a red hot spit thrust thorow his fundament into his belly The foundations of many Religious Houses haue beene both raised vp and rased downe in this County where the Aire is very pleasant and delectable the Soile being so fruitfull by nature that the very Hedge-rowes of their owne accord bring plenty of excellent fruits and in times past hath yeelded abundance of most pleasant Vines but now it produceth store of Corne Fruits Fâ—ne Wools and Iron
ornament to the County The â—ire here though toward the North somewhat fresh and sharpe is very healthfull and the Soile on the South faiâ—e and â—â—uitfull but on the North more barren by â—eason of Moores and Hills there seated yet is the middle both well woodded and watered with many pleasant Riuers yeelding great plenty of Fish as well as the whole County doth of Flesh and other necessary commodities as namely of Corne Cattell Woods Pit-cole Iron and Alablaster STAFFORD SHIRE Darby-shire DArby-shire which the old Saxons called Deorbyrscire is on the East inclosed with Nottingham-shire on the South with Leicester-shire on the West with Stafford-shire and with Yorke-shire on the North the Riuer Derwent as it were diuiding it falleth into Trent which ouerthwarteth the South point of the Shire The East and South parts are very fruitfull hauing many Parkes in them but the West called the Peake which is hillie stonie and craggie is more barren yet hath it much Lead Iron and Coles and is very good for the keeping of sheepe On the West side of Derwent is seated Darby the chiefest Towne of the Shire which by the Danes was called Deoraby of the Riuer Derwent contracted from Derwentby as ancient Athelward records This Towne is of a reasonable bignesse hauing good trade and resort vnto it the Riuer hauing a beautifull stone Bridge ouer it in the North-East of the Towne whereupon was erected a faire Chapell which is now decaying besides which there are fiue Churches in the Towne the greatest whereof called All-Hallowes is famous both for the height of the Tower and the excellencie of the workmanship And close by it the Countesse of Shrewsbury hath founded an Hospitall for the maintenance of eight men and foure women This Towne is gouerned with two Bailiffes chosen out of 24 brethren and as many Burgesses and a Towne-Clarke The Eleuation of the Pole being there 55. 5. and the Longitude 23. 7. This was the Rendeuous for the Danes till Ethelfleda the Mercian Lady by surprising and slaughtering of them became Mistresse of it And in the time of King Edward the Confessor it had 143 Burgesses This Shire is in forme of a Triangle the length from North to South containing 38 miles and the bredth in the broadest part neere 29 miles the circumference being about 130 miles It is diuided into six Hundreds wherein are 106 Parish-Churches It hath commerce with eight Market Townes and hath had seuen Castles with eight foundations of Religious Houses and Monasteries It hath store of Woods Cattell and Corne with Mines of Lead Milstone Cole and Stibium At a place called Buxtons in eight yards compasse arise nine Springs eight warme and one cold neere which also is another hot Spring from a Well called S. Anne of Buxtons and close by it another cold Spring the waters of all which are reported to performe many strange Cures Not farre hence is a place called Elden Hole being of a huge widenesse very steepe and of a wonderfull depth And about seuen miles from it is an old Castle called The Castle in the Peake vnder which is a hole tearmed The Deuils Arse which in the entrance is very wide hauing many turnings and retiring roomes in it and is accounted for one of our English wonders In Peake Forest neere Buxtons is a Well which ebbeth and floweth foure times an houre DARBY SHIRE Nottingham-shire NOttingham-shire is so called from Nottingham the chiefe Towne and it is bounded on the North and North-west with the County of Yorke on the East with Lincolne-shire the South side being confined with Leicester-shire and with Darby-shire on the West It is extended from Fimingly North to Steanford in the South 38 miles and from Teuersall West to Beesthorpe East about 20 miles the whole compasse being 110 miles This Shire is diuided into two parts called by the Inhabitants The Sand and The Clay and these are subdiuided into eight Wapentacks which containe in them 168 Parish-Churches This County is traffiqued with eight Market Townes for commerce whereof the best and greatest is Nottingham which is most pleasantly situated on a high hill adorned with stately buildings and for many faire streets much excelling diuers other greater Cities The Market-place is large and faire Many Caues and Vaults are in the Towne which are hewen out of the Rocke but the most famous of them are those vnder the Castle whereof one hath the story of Christs passion engrauen on the walls by Dauid the Second King of Scots being there held prisoner and another wherein Lord Mortimer was surprised by King Edward the Third for which cause it is still called Mortimers Hole The Roomes and Staires of these are made out of the Rock the Castle it selfe being strong King Edward surnamed the Elder compassed this Towne with a Wall whereof but a little doth now remaine the rest being turned to ruines The compasse of this Towne according to M. Speed is 2120 pases And it is gouerned by a Maior two Sheriffes two Chamberlaines and six Aldermen The Pole being there eleuated 52. 58. and Longitude 23. 35. This County is pleasant and wholsome for Aire Clayie Sandie and rich for Soile very fruitfull both for Corne and Grasse being plentifully stored with Wood Water and Cole In this Shire groweth a Stone which being not so hard as Alablaster maketh a Plaster harder than Plaster of Paris wherewith they vse to floore their vpper roomes At a place neere Worksopp in this Shire is planted much and very good Liquorice And at Stoke neere Newarke was fought a great Battell by Iohn de la Poole in the reigne of King Henry the Seuenth This County hath 5 Riuers interfluent to water and fertilize it of which Trent is the greatest It hath also 17 Bridges and 18 Parkes NOTINGHAM SHIRE Yorke-shire THis is the greatest County in all this Land and by the Saxons was called Effroc-scyre and Eborascyre but now by vs Yorke-shire which is bounded on the East with the German Seas on the West with the Counties of Westmerland and Lancashire on the South with Cheshire Darby Not ingham and Lincolne shires and on the North it is parted by the Riuer Tees from the Bishopricke of Durham In length from Harthill in the South to the beginning of Tees in the North is contained about 70 miles and the bredth from Flamborough head to Horne Castle on the Riuer Lun 80 making the whole compasse much vpon 308 miles It is diuided into three parts called Ridings viz. the East West and North Ridings and they are subdiuided into Hundreds whereof the West Riding containes ten the North Riding twelue and the East Riding fiue making in all 27 Hundreds which containe in them 563 Parish-Churches besides very many Chapels of ease It is interlaced with 36 Riuers ouer which a man may passe by 62 Bridges It hath but one Citie and one Bishops Sea but is delighted with foure Chases eight Forests and 72 Parkes It hath beene fortified with fifteene strong Castles and
the Countie of Monmouth and on the West by the Riuer Loghor from Caermarden-shire The South is inclosed with the British Sea and the North is bounded vpon by Brecknock It containes in length from East to West almost forty miles and in the breadth from South to North almost twenty making the whole compasse to containe 112. miles which are distinguished into twelue Hundreds and those are subdiuided into 118. Parishes This Shire is well watered with sixteene Riuers and containes for Commerce and Trade six Market Townes whereof the chiefest is Cardiffe which the Britaines called Caerdid being pleasantly situated on the East side of the Riuer Taue and in King Rufus time was strengthened with a wall hauing foure Gates and a strong Castle built by Fitz-Haimon but afterwards the Normans wan it and Rufus made it his Royall Court. This Towne is Gouerned by a Maior annually elected out of twelue Aldermen who are assisted with as many other Burgesses a Towne Clerke and foure Constables The eleuation of the Pole being there 51. 32 ½ and the Longitude 20. 21. And neare to this is the Citie Landaffe where nothing but the Cathedrall Church and Castle is worthy obseruance Minyd-Margan is a Hill in this County on the top whereof is a Monument that hath such strange Characters that as the countrey people report and beleeue hee that readeth them shall shortly after die This Countie in times past hath beene strongly fortified with fiue and twentie Castles whereof the most part are quite consumed to ruines as are also some Religious Houses which in former ages did adorne this Countrey The Aire is cheerefull pleasant and temperate And the Soile though the more North the more Hilly yet Southward is plaine euen and fruitfull yeelding to the Inhabitants good store of Corne and Cattell GLAMORGAN SHIRE Caermarden-shire THis Countie of Caermarden hath the name from the Towne of Caermarden which the ancient Britaines called Caer-Firdhin and is inuironed on the East with Brecknock and Glamorganshire on the West with Pembrook-shire on the South with the British Sea and on the North with Cardigan-shire The length of it from point to point in the longest part being not aboue fiue and thirty miles and the widenesse from the broadest part twentie so as the measure of the whole circumference containes about an hundred and two miles It is parted into six Hundreds which are againe diuided into 87. Parishes It is irriguated with eight and twenty Riuers which may be passed by sixteene Bridges and it containeth two Parkes and foure Forests In six Market Townes haue the Inhabitants Traffique and Commerce the chiefe whereof is the Shire Towne Caermarden which in Ptolomies time was called Maridunum and is very delectably situate on the Westerne side of the Riuer Towy which diuideth the whole Shire in the middest ouer which water is a faire strong built Bridge of stone for passage to the Towne wherein vpon a Rocke is seated a large Castle from whence a wall enuironeth the Towne where by report wee haue it was borne the famous Welch Prophet Merlin being the sonne of an Incubus spirit This Towne hath formerly bin the Exchequer for all South Wales The gouernment wherof is now committed to a Maior who euer after is a Iustice of Peace with two Sheriffes and sixteene Burgesses The Pole being there eleuated 50. 50. the Latitude 20. 16. The ancient Inhabitants of this Countie were the Dimetriae yet some thinke they were part of the Silures and that this Shire was afterward the strong Fort of the Romans where lay their Legions as appeareth by their Coines lately found at Kilmanlloyd Some seuen or eight mile Eastward from Caermarden are the ruines of Castle Carreg on the top of an high Hill which is famous for spacious holes and wide Caues that are within it and also for a Well which ebbes and flowes twice euery foure and twentie houres The Aire is here pleasant temperate and healthfull The Soile not so Hilly and more fertile than in some adioyning Shires And for Commodities produceth Corne Cattell Grasse Woods and Pit-coale with plentie of Fowle and Fish whereof the Salmon is there caught in very great abundance CARMADEN SHIRE Pembroke-shire THis Shire which as learned Mr. Cambden reports was in old books named the Lawfull Countie of Pembroch is bounded on the East side by the County of Caermarden on the West and South by the Irish Seas and on the North with the Riuers Keach and Tyuy is diuided from Cardigan And the length of the Shire from Cardigan North to St. Gowers point South containes 26. miles and the bredth from Landeny East to St. Dauids point West about twenty whereby the whole compasse is accounted much vpon 93. miles The diuision of this Shire is into seuen Hundreds wherein are dispersed the number of 145. Parish Churches There being interfluent in this Countie six Riuers that haue seuen Bridges In it also are two Forests and three Parkes And for the Inhabitants intercourse for Trade and Traffique they are furnished in this County with siue Market Townes whereof that which is accounted the chiefe is Pembroke the Shire Towne and Denominator of the Countie which is pleasantly seated on the Banke of a Creeke where the water ebbeth and floweth euen vp to the walls which hauing three Gates in a long forme and now decaying doe inclose the Towne which on the West end hath a Castle that hath beene large and strong And a Causey locked which is the way to Monton Priory now suppressed Within the walls are two Parish Churches and the Towne at this day gouerned by a Maior assisted with Bayliffes and Burgesses the height of the Pole being there 51. 47. and the Longitude 19. 40. Another Towne note-worthy in the West of this Shire is ancient St. Dauids which is barren and vnfruitfull standing open to all kinde of ill weather and yet from thence came St. Patrick the Irish Apostle whose parents were the British Priest Calphurnius and his wife Concha that was Sister to St. Martin This Citie though ill stored with houses and Inhabitants hath yet a faire Cathedrall Church in the Quire whereof is intombed Edmund Earle of Richmond King Henry the Seuenths father for whose sake King Henry the Eighth spared the pulling downe of this Church in the time of Suppression The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Dimetriae but long after King Henry the First planted Flemings there Monto Priory and St. Dogmells were the Religious Houses that I finde were erected in this Shire and in the dissolution were suppressed yet with sixteene strong Castles and two Block-houses at the mouth of Milford Hauen was it well fortified The Aire being temperate and wholesome and the Soile fat fertile and full of Marle yeelding plentie of Corne Cattell Fowle and Fish PENBROKE SHIRE Cardigan-shire THis Countie of Cardigan called by old Latine Writers Geretica and in British Sire-Aber-Tius is bordered vpon on the East by Montgomery and Brecknock-shires on the