for that in so doing he had endeavored to deprive his eldest Son Ethelbald of his Right to succeed him and partly because in his return he had wedded Iudith Daughter to Charles then King of France Earls of Dorset THe first Earl of this Province that I find is Aethelhelme who in the year 838. King Egbert then Reigning after an honorable Victory which he had upon the Danes that then invaded this Land in pursuing them farther than was safe lost his life ¶ The next is Osric or Osred who in the year 845. in the time of King Ethelwolph joyning with Earnulf Earl of Somersetshire and Alstane Bishop of Shireburne encountred the Danes in Battle at Pedredesmuth slew a multitude of them and obtained a signal Victory This is that Osric whom some of our Historians do call Earl of Hantshire ¶ After him scil in the Reign of King Edgar Egelward of whom I have not seen any other memorial than his being Founder of the Abbey of Pershore in Worcestershire Earls of Devon THe first Earl of this County that I read of was Karl who in the year 851. Athewulph being then King of the West Saxons fought valiantly against the Pagan-Danes which did then much infest this Kingdom and obtained a great Victory against them at Winborne in Dorsetshire The next was Odda who in the year 878. King Alfred Reigning was besieged in a certain Castle by those Pagan-Daneâ— After him Edred of whom I find no other mention than that he died in the year 901. a Moneth before the death of King Alured and that he had been a faithful assistant to him in many Battles Then Ordgar in the time of King Edgar of whose beautiful Daughter called Alfrida there is a notable Relation first of her marriage with Ethelwolfe Earl of the East Angles and afterwards with King Edgar himself whereof I shall take notice at large when I come to speak of the said Ethelwolfe Of this Ordgar this is cheifly memorable viz. That he Founded the Abbey of Horton in Dorsetshire which was a Cell to Shireburne and likewise Tavestoke in Devonshire in the year 961. And dying in the year 971. was buried in that Abbey where he had a fair Tomb as also that he had a Son called Edulf of a Giant-like stature and wonderful strength of whom it is reported That coming to Exeter with King Edward Son and Successor to King Edgar and finding the Gates of the City shut up and barred he with his hands and fâ—â—t burst them open and that this Edulf had a Monument also in the same Abbey of Tavestoke in proportion suitable to the immensity of his Bulk This 〈◊〉 is sometimes called Ordulf and by some reported to have been the Founder of that Abbey of Tavestoke After Ordgar a certain Norman Earl called Hugh was made Earl of this County by Queen Emme which Hugh partly by his negligence and partly treachery suffered Sweine King of Denmark to enter Exeter and make great spoil there To him succeeded Ailmâ—â—â— who being also Earl of Cornwal is under the Title of that County spoke of And to him Odo unto whom King Edward the Confâ—ssor gave also the Earldoms of Somerset and Dorset Earls of Kent OF Kent the first Earl whereof I have seen any mention and that upon a memorable occasion was Ealhere viz. A Victory against the Danes in this County in the year of Christ Dccclii Who arriving in the Mouth of Thames with 350 Ships landed a great Army wasted the City of London and foiled Beortulph King of the Mercians in open fight But at length coming to Sandwich were encountred by King Ethelstan Son to Athelwulph the West Saxâ—n King and by the help of this Earl Ealâ—ere after great slaughter totally put to flight nine of their Ships being then also taken About two years after this valiant Earl with the assistance of Wada Earl of Surrey gave them Battle again in the Isle of Shiâ—ey where though at the first onset he had the better of the day yet at last the Danes prevailing he lost his life The next Earl of this County that I meet with was Ceolmund so constituted by King Aelfred in the year of Christ Dcccxcvii to withstand the incursion of those Pagan-Danes which then much infested this Land In the time of King Canutus Godwyne a person of great note in those days and of a most Noble Extraction was Earl viz. Son of Wolnoth Son of Egelmar Son of Egelrick Brother to that great Edric-Streona Earl of Mercia in the days of King Ethelred commonly called the Vnredy In the year 1024. this Earl Godwyne was General of the English Forces in that expedition made by King Canutus with his Army consisting of English and Danes against the Swedes in which he performed most signal service for discerning the King to have great loss in the first days fight he privily assaulted the Enemies Camp in the night following slew a multitude of them and routing the rest compelled Vlfe and Eiglafe Kings of that Nation to peaceable terms But the next thing memorable of him that I have met with was a most perfidious and ignoble Act which much clouded the honor he gained by that brave and heroick exploit the Story whereof is briefly this The year following the death of King Canutus who was in truth no other than an Invader here Aelfred Son to Etheldred late King of England by just Succession having remained in Normandy with Duke Richard his Uncle for a long time made sail hither with Five and twenty Ships full of stout Soldiers to challenge his rightful Inheritance and arriving at Sandwich advanced to Canterbury whereof Earl Godwyne having notice he went and met him and having assured him of his Fidelity feasted with him that Evening But soon after in the night time when Aelfred and his followers were asleep in their Beds at Guilford in Surrey he rushed in upon them with a multitude of armed Men and binding their hands behind them set them on a row causing them all to be beheaded except the tenth man and not satisfied with that decimated them once over again so that â—â—w were left alive After which he bound the Royal Aelfred himself a young Prince of great honor and carried him to the City of London unto Harold Son to Canutus by the power of this Earl then made King who upon sight of him commanded that he should forthwith be carried to the Isle of Ely and his eyes put out which being performed he soon died The substance of this most perfidious action of Earl Godwine doth Simoen Dunelmensis also relate but with instances of greater barbarity taking notice that upon the death of young Aelfred at Ely as is above exprest his Body
I neither sentence any Clerk or Bishop but my own Earl whom I made my Vicegerent in my Kingdom resolving That he shall give account of that his trust Whence he carried him into Normandy and in the Castle of Roan kept him prisoner to the end of his Reign which was four years but then was he set at liberty by King William the Second commonly called Rufus and this his Earldom of Kent restored to him Howbeit though he was thus enlarged and favored by K. William Rufus when he discerned that he had not the whole sway in disposing of all things as formerly for William de Karilepho Bishop of Duâ—ham was made Justice of England he fell off from his Allegiance and seduced many others inciting them to set up Robert Curthose in the Royal Throne as a person of a more gentle disposition and who was past his youthful Vanities And in order thereto began an Insurrection in Kent where he burnt divers Towns belonging to the King and Lanfranke then Archbishop carrying the Plunder of them to Rochester bearing an immortal hatred to that Archbishop in regard that by his Councel he had been cast into prison by King William the First with that nice distinction as he was Earl of Kent for as a Clergiman and Bishop it was not justifiable From Rochester he marched to Pevensey in Sussex and betook himself to his Castle there unto which the King presently marched and laid siege but at the end of six weeks being for want of Food forced to render it up he promised by Oath to quit the Realm and never to return until the King should command him as also to deliver up the Castle of Rochester before his departure Howbeit when he came to Rochester with those Soldiers of the Kings unto whom he was to render it he and they were all shut up at Rochester by the Garrison which he had left in that Castle Some were then of opinion that this was done by his own contrivance for there were then in that Castle many gallant Men and almost the whole Nobility of Normandy There was also young Eustace Earl of Bolein and divers Noblemen of Flanders But no sooner was the news hereof brought to the King than that he marched with his Army to Rochester and besieged the City so that within a short space those that were there rendred themselves And Odo losing all his Honor for ever abjured the Kingdom and went into Normandy where being received by Robertâ— Curthose then Duke he had the whole care of that Province committed to him The principal persons who joyned with Odo in this Conspiracy against King William Rufus on the behalf of Robert Curthose were Geffrey Bishop of Constance Robert Earl of Moreton Brother to this Odo Roger Earl of Shreasbury Robert de Molbray Earl of Northumberland and Roger Bigot Robert de Belesmo William de Owe Robert fil Baldwini de Excestre Hugh de Grentmaisnill Bernard Newmarch Roger de Lacy and Ralph de Mortimer But of these Roger Earl of Shrewsbury first fell off Being thus received in Normandy and in such high esteem with Curthose he had the whole Government of that Dukedome committed to his charge and was thereupon made his Counsellor To conclude with the words of mine Author He was Eloquent and magnanimous courtly and to speak according to the World couragious He was a great honorer of Religious Men his Clergy he stoutly defended with his Tongue and Sword and furnished his Church with rich Ornaments as his Buildings Vestments and Plate of Gold and Silver which he gave thereto do testifie In his youth in regard he was Brother to the Duke he was advanced to the Bishoprick of Bayeux in which he sate more then fifty years His carnal affections being sometimes predominant he begot a Natural Son named John who was afterwards by reason of his eloquence and ingenuity of great esteem in the Court of King Henry the First And though he was a person sometimes addicted to Secular Levities yet he had a great regard to Ecclâ—siastick Matters The Church of our Lady at Bayeux he built from the Ground and decked it with divers costly Ornaments In the Church of S. Vigor sometime Bishop of Bayeux which is situate near the Wall of that City he placed Monks and constituted the Religious and Prudent Robert de Tumbalene Prior there who amongst the rest of his learned Works left a short clear and profound Coment upon the Canticles Which Monastery he made a â—ell to the Abbey of Dijon He also sent young Schollars to â—iege and other Cities where he knew the study of Philosophy to flourish and gave them large exhibitions for their support in Learning of which so by him educated were Thomas Archbishop of York and Sampson his Brother Bishop of Worcester William de Ros Abbot of Fiscamp in Normandy Thurstan Abbot of Glasâ—onbury and many other then living So this Bishop Odo though much entangled with worldy cares yet he did many landable things and what he got indirectly be bestowed upon the Church and Poor Howbeit at length leaving the World he took a journey to Rome with Duke Robert his Nephew but died at Palermo in Sâ—câ—ly and had Sepulture in the Church of our Lady there The Lands and Possessions which he had here in England were wonderful great all which were given him by the bounty of King William his Brother for in Kent he had no less than an Hundred eighty four Lordships or the greatest part of them in Essex Thirty nine in Oxfordshire Thirty two in Hartfordshire Twenty three in Buckinghamshire Thirty in Worcestershire Two in Bedfordshire Eight in Northamptonshire Twelve in Nottinghamshire Five in Norfolk Twenty two in Warwickshire Six and in Lincolnshire Seventy six Earl of Cornwal TO this Earldom was Robert Earl of Moreton in Normandy Brother to King William by the Mother shortly after the Conquest advanced and had other great Honors given him in this Realm In the time of King William Rufus taking part with his Brother Odo Earl of Kent in that Insurrection on the behalf of Robert Curthose he held the Castle of Pevensey on that account but so soon as the King laid siege thereto rendered it up to him and made his peace This Earl having had the Standard of Saint Michael carried before him in Battle as the words of his Charter do import under which it is to be presumed he had been prosperous did out of great devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin for the health of his Soul and the Soul of his Wife as also for the Soul of the most glorious King William for those are his expressions give the Monastery of S. Michael at the Mount in Cornwal unto the Monks of S. Michael de Periculo Maris
reveal this left the credit thereof should suffer through the emulation of Vnbelievers whereunto he obeyed But to the end that the truth of this Miracle might not be concealed from posâ—â—rity wrote the particulars thereof in a Schedule and delivered it to a Monk of Worcester with command That it should be put into a Shrine and not opened until after the death of himself and the King This good Earl Leofric took to Wife Godiva a most beautiful and devout Lady Sister to one Thorold Sheriff of Lincolnshire in those days and Founder of Spaâ—ding Abbey as also of the stock and lineage of Thorold Sheriff of that County in the time of Kenulph King of Mercia which Countess Godeva bearing an extraordinary affection to the City of Coventry often and carnestly besought her Husband that for the love of God and the Blessed Virgin he would free it from that griâ—vous servitude whereunto it was subject But he râ—buking her for importuning him in a matter so inconsistent with his profit forbad her to move any more therein Nevertheless she out of her Womanish pertinacy continued to sollicite him insomuch that he told her if she would ride on Horsback naked from the one end of the Town to the other in the sight of all the people her request should be granted whereunto she returned But will you give me leave so to do And he replying Yes The noble Lady upon an appointed day got on Horsback naked with her Hair loose so that it covered all her body but the Legs And thus performing the journey returned with joy to her Husband who thereupon granted to the Inhabitants of that City a Charter of Freedom from Servitude Evil Customs and Exactions A servitute Malis Custumis 〈◊〉 saith Iorvallensis Which Immunity I rather conceive to have been a kind of Manumission from some such servile Tenure whereby they then held what they had under this great Earl than meerly a Freedom from all manner of Tâ—ll except Horses as H. Knighton affirms and as the vulgar Tradition is in memory whereof the Picture of him and his Lady were set up in a South Window of Trinity Church in that City about King Kichard the Seconds time in his right hand holding a Charter with these words written thereon I Luriche for the love of thee Do make Coventrey Toll free This excellent Lady Godâ—va was cheifly instrumental in the Foundation of that Monastery at â—oventrey so performed by Earl Leâ—fric her Husband as hath been observed for Ingulphus saith that it was Instigante 〈…〉 At the instance of his Wife And her self so 〈◊〉 thereto that she gave her own whole Treasure and sent for skilful Goldsmiths who with all the Gold and Silver she had made Crosses Images of Saints and other curious 〈◊〉 which she devoutly disposed thereto Nor did her zeal to Gods Service terminate here For besides this she Founded the Monastery of Sâ—ow near Lincoln dedicating it to the Blessed Virgin and endowed it with the Lordships of Newark Flatburgh and Martinewelle giving possession of them by a fair Jewel and rich Bracelets curiously wrought as her Charter imports whereunto were witnesses King Edward the Confessor himself Aldred Archbishop of York Wlfwi Bishop of Dorchester Earl Leofrick her Husband with divers more great Earls and others The death of this Noble Leofric was at his Mannor of Bromseage in Com ... upon the second Kalends of September in the year 1057. 13 Edw. Conf. and his Sepulture in that Monastery at Coventrey of his own Foundation unto which he bequeathed his Body to be buried giving therewith a great quantity of Gold and Silver Of his Lands I find no other mentioned in the Conquerors Survey than these only viz. Aâ—tone Nunetune and Witechesâ—aw in Com. Saloâ— Nor of the Noble Lady Godeva his Wife then these Newerch Normantone Estoches and certain Lands in Fladburg in Nottinghamshire Brotune in Worcestershire Brantestone Penne and Molesley in Staffordshire Nortone Bildestone and Appleby in Leicestershire Aâ—lespede Aderstone Ardâ—eshille Hansley Chinesbery Anesty Fochewell and Coventrey in Warwickshire To him succeeded in this Earldom his eldest Son Algar of whom I may not omit what is memorable whilst his Father Earl Leofric was alive In An. 1053. 10 Edw. Conf. Harold Son to Earl Godwyne coming to enjoy the Earldom of the West Saxons upon his Fathers death quitted his interest in the Earldom of the East Saxons to this Algar Moreover about two years after this Algar was upon deliberation had in a great Council held at London banished by King Edward for what particular cause is not said but for Treason in general Whereupon he wafted over into Ireland and soon after returning with Eighteen Ships as a Pirate incited Griffin Prince of Wales to take part with him Whereunto Griffin consenting they invaded Herefordshire with a Rebellious Army slew and routed all those Forces which Ralph Earl of Hereford had raised to oppose them and having so done marched to Hereford where by Fire and Sword they did no little mischeif Of which the King having notice he presently sent Hardd Earl of the West Saxons against them with a great power but by mediation of such as interposed all being quieted Algar was admitted to the Kings presence and had his Earldom seised on for this his Rebellion restored to him again After this about two years Earl Leofric his Father departing the World he succeeded in this Earldom howbeit the next ensuing year being banished again he lost it but by the help of Griffin Prince of Wales and the Norway Fleet which came to him unexpectedly he reobtained it and within a Twelve Moneth after departing this life was buried in the Monastery at Coventrey near to the Grave of his Father leaving Issue but by whom I have not seen two Sons Edwyne who succeeded him in this his Earldom as also Morkar Earl of Northumberland of whom I have spoke elswhere and two Daughters Algitha Wife of Harold Earl of the West Saxons and afterwards King of England and Lucia who was at length sole Heir to her two Brothers first Married to Ivo Talbois a potent Norman Earl of Anâ—ou secondly to Rogere de Romare Son of Gerold and thirdly to Ranulf Earl of Chester the first of that name Of the Lands which this Earl Algar did possess in King Edward the Confessors days these are Recorded in the Conquerors Survey viz. Clive Wiclei Boctone and Ferendone in Northamptonshire Brotone in Nottinghamshire Celdeford Phincingefeld Westrefeld Phenstade Badwen Donmanna and Glestingethorp in Essex Merlaw in Buckinghamshire Grantesdene in Huntingdonshire Alrewas Scandone Certeley Wlstanstone Pinchetel Rowcestre Crachemers Wotocheâ—hed Bertone Lee Rugely Medeveld Mera Chenet Eleford Chenevare Patingham Clistone Drayton Opewas Herulvestone Claverlege Nordlege Alvidelege Wrfeld Seglesley and Penne in Staffordshire Lidlintone Mordune Scelgy Melleburne Evresdone and Badburgham in
a Castle in those places or within those Precincts each to assist other for the demolishing it And for the better observance of this Accord they engaged themselves each to other by Oath in the presence of the Bishop of Lincoâ—n That if either of them should recede therefrom and not make satisfaction within fifteen days upon request that the Bishops of Lincoln and Chester should do justice upon them as Faith-breakers Moreover it appears that this Earl granted unto Robert Earl of Leicester and his Heirs the Lordship of Cerneley and all the Woods adjacent thereto adjoyning to his Forest of Leicester as well those of his Fee as his own proper Woods excepting his Park at Barow to hold and enjoy the same as Forest in as ample manner as he held the Forest of Leicester of the King So also whatsoever he had in the City of Leicester both in Demesn and of his Fee And as the Earl of Leicester and he did thus capitulate as hath been observed so most certain it is that King Stephen himself at length came to a good accord with him and received him into no little favor and trust for by his special Charter it appears that he bestowed on him the Castle and City of Lincoln to enjoy until he should be restored to his Lands in Normandy and Castles there And thereupon gave him leave to fortifie one of the Towers in Lincoln Castle and to have the command thereof until he should deliver unto him the Castle of Tikhill in Yorkshire Which being done then the King to have the City and Castle of Lincoln again excepting the Earls own Tower which his Mother had fortified as also the Constableship of that Castle and of the whole County which belonged to him by Hereditary right as are the words of the Charter Moreover besides all this the King then granted to him the Castle of Belvoir with the whole Barony thereto belonging and all the Land of William de Albini Lord of Belvoir of whomsoever he held it and likewise Graham with the Soke And though the Heirs of Graham should come to an Agreement with the King yet the Barony to remain to this Earl the King giving them exchange for it By this Charter also the King granted to him and his Heirs Newcastle in Staffordshire with all the Appurtenances the Soke of Roeley in Leicestershire Torkesey in Lincolnshire the Town of Derby with the Appurtenances Mansfield in Com. Nott. with the Appurtenances Stonely in Warwickshire with the Appurtenances the Wapentake of Oswarbeck in Nottinghamshire and all the Lands of Roger de Busly with the whole Honor of Blithe as it is set forth Likewise all the Lands of Roger de Poictou from Northampton to Scotland excepting that which belongeth to Roger de Montebegon in Lincolnshire Likewise all the Lands betwixt the Rivers of Ribble and Merse in Lancashire and the Land which he had in Demesne in the Mannor of Grimesby in Com. Linc. As also the Lands which the Earl of Glocester had in Demesne within that Mannor of Grimesby And lastly for the special respect that the King bore unto him he not only restored to Adelais de Condie all her Lands viz. Hornecastre in Lincolnshire when the Castle should be demolished but all his own other Lands Yet notwithstanding all hath been said this Earl was so real an honorer of Henry Duke of Normandy that he often adventured his life and fortune on his behalf And that the said Duke did highly esteem of him this memorable Charter which he Sealed at the Devizes in Wiltshire will abundantly manifest whereby heâ—granted unto him all his Inheritance in Normandy and England as freely as any of his Ancestors held the same viz. The Castles of Uire and Barbifleet with such Liberty that through the whole Precinct thereof he might take his forfeits as also the Wood of Fosses and Alebec and that for which â—e was Sheriff of Abrincis and in S. James whereof he had made him Earl Likewise whatsoever he had in Abrinchem he thereby gave unto him excepting the Bishoprick and the Abbacy of Mount S. Michael and what belonged unto them Moreover all the Honor id est the Barony of Earl Roger de Poictou wheresoever it lay and all the Honor of Blithe wheresoever in England As also the whole Honor of Eye which Robert Malet his Mothers Vncle did ever enjoy Furthermore he gave him Stafford and the whole County of Stafford and whatsoever he had of Inheritance there except the Fees of the Bishop of Chester of Earl Robert de Ferrers of Hugh de Mortimer and of Gervase Paganell and excepting also his Forest of Canoâ— which he retained in his own hand Likewise he gave unto him the Fee of Alan de Lincolne his Mothers Vncle and the Fee of Ernise de Burun as his own Inheritance and the Fees of Hugh de Scotiney Robert de Chalz Raphe Fitz-Oats Norman de Verdun and Robert de Staford wheresoever any of them lay Besides all these he gave to him and his Heirs Thirty pound Lands in Grimesby as also Nottingham Castle with the Borough and whatsoever he had in Nottingham And all the Fee of William Peverell wheresoever it lay excepting Higham unless he could acquit himself of his wickedness and treason by a fair tryal in Court Moreover if Ingelram de Albemarle would not take his part nor Earl Simon he gave Higham to this Earl Ranulph in case he would accept thereof as also Torchesey and Oswardebeck Wapentake Derby with all its Appurtenances Mansfield with the Soke Roeley with the Soke and Stanley near Coventrey with the Soke promising him farther that so soon as he should be in power he should have a tryal for Belvoir Besides all this he gave unto Six of his Barons whom he should chuse One hundred pound Land per annum to each viz Of that which should happen to be gained from his enemies And to all their Parents that Inheritance which was in his power and what was not at present he promised to do them right in whensoever he should be able Vnto which Charter these were Witnesses viz. William the Chancellor Reginald Earl of Cornwall Roger Earl of Hereford Patrick Earl of Salisbury Umfrey de Buhun Sewer ... Fitz-Gilbert Richard de Humet Constable Warin Fitz-Gerold Robert de Curcey Sewer Manasser Bisseâ— Sewer Philip de Columbers And on thâ— part of Earl Ranulph William Earl of Lincolne Hugh Wac G. Castell de Fines Simon Fitz-William Thurstan de Montfert Geffrey de Costentine William de Verdun Richard Boteler Roger Wac and Simon Fitz-Osbert This Earl gave to William Earl of Lincoln his Brother by the Mother the Lordship of Watteley to hold by the Service of two Knights Fees Having now done with his Secular Actions I come lastly to his Works of Piety which were great and many He was the devout Founder of a Monastery for Cistercian Monks in a place called Radmore
the Mannor of Ledes in Yorkshire as part of that Inheritance Agnes the third sister with her Husband William de Ferrers Earl of Derby being both then living had for her part the Castle and Mannor of Chartley in Staffordshire assigned for her capital Seat with the Castle and Town of West Derby in Com. Lanc. and all the Lands belonging to the said Earl of Chester which lay betwixt the Rivers of Ribble and Merse together with the Mannor of in Buckbroek in Northamptonshire and Navenby in Lincolnshire And Hawise the fourth sister Wife of Robert de Quincy for her share the Castle and Mannor of Bolingbroke in Com. Linc. for her principal Mansion and all the other Lands which belonged to Earl Ranulph her Brother situate in the Provinces of Lindsey and 〈◊〉 in the said County of Lincoln for which she then gave fifty pounds for her relief Unto which Hawise the said Earl in his life time granted the Earldom of Lincoln that is to say all he could grant thereof to the end she might be Countess and that her heirs might also enjoy it whereof it seems the King did not disallow insomuch as at her desire he conferred the Honor upon Iohn Lacy Constable of Chesâ—eâ— and the heirs of his Body by Margaret her Daughter As for the Knights Fees which were assigned to each of these Sisters or their Descendants in the several Shires of England I shall for brevity spare their recital referring my Reader to the Record where they are particularly exprest in case he desire satisfaction therein There now only remains something to be said of Iohn Scot the last Earl Son to David Earl of Huntendon by Maud the eldest Sister of the said Earl Ranulph as hath been already observed For after his death this Earldom came to the Crown his Sisters who were all very nobly matched having in recompence thereof many fair Lordships as I shall shew by and by In An. 1233. 17 Hen. 3. upon that great difference betwixt the King and Richard Earl Marshal divers of the Nobility then adhering to the Earl this Iohn Earl of Chester with Iohn Earl of Lincoln were so corrupted by Peter de Rupibus then Bishop of 〈◊〉 who gave them a thousand marks that notwithstanding their former engagements to the Earl Marshal they fell off and took part with the King At that great solemnity of King Henries marriage to Alianor the Daughter of Reimund Earl of â—rovince which was performed with extraordinary pomp and state at London and Westminster about the 14 Kal. of February in the Twenty eighth year of his Reign this Iohn Earl of Chester carried the Sword called Curtana before the King in token that being an Earl Palatine he had power to restrain the King if he should be exorbitant as saith my Author the Constable of Chester then waiting upon him and with his Wand keeping off people from disturbing the proceeding And the same year with many other Nobles took upon him the Cross for a Voyage to the Holy Land but whether he performed the journey or not I make a question for the next year following I find he died without issue at Oernhall in Cheshire about Whitsontide 7 Id. Iunii poysoned by Helene his Wife Daughter to Leoline Prince of Wales whom he had married in his Uncle Earl Ranulph his days to the end there might be a firm Peace betwixt that Earl and Lewelin and was buried at Chester Whereupon in regard that Regal Prerogatives belonged to this Earldom the King assumed it into his own hands Ne tam praeclara dominatio inter colos faeminarum dividi contingeret Least so fair a Dominion should be divided amongst Women and gave unto his Sisters and Heirs other Lands instead thereof viz. To Iohn de Baillol and Dervorguil his Wife one of the Daughters and Heirs to Alan of â—alâ—owaâ— by Margaret the eldest Sister of this Iohn Earl of Chester the Mannors of Luddingland and â—orkesay in the County of Lincoln with the Ferme of Yarmouth in Norfolk And to Christian the other Daughter and Coheir of the same Alan and Margaret the Mannor of Driâ—â—ield in Yorkshire and the Mannor of â—hingden with the Advowson of that Church in Northampconshire To Isabel the Second married to Robert de Brus of Anandale the Mannors of Wrâ—ttel and Hathfield in Essex And to Ada the Fourth then the Wife of Henry de Hastings for Maud the Third was dead without issue the Mannor of Bromâ—sgrove in Worcestershire the Mannor and Castle of Bolesovore in Derbishire the Mannor and Soke of Mansfield in Nottinghamshire and the Mannor of Oswardbec in the same County the Mannors of Wurfield Stratton and Cunedoure in Shropshire with Wigginton and Wulrune Hampton in Staffoâ—dshire Moreover for Helen his Wife who soon after married to Robert de Quency command was given by the King that she should forthwith have Livery of these Lordships hereafter named whereof Iohn Earl of Chester and Huntendon her late Husband died seised to hold until such time as by a perfect Extant of all his Lands she should have a sufficient Dowry assigned unto her viz. Fordringhey and Iarewel in Com. Northampt. Keweston in Com. Bedf. Totenham in Com. Midd. Brampton Cunnington and Limpays in Com. Hunt Badew in Com. Essex and Erron in Com. Rutl. And after this viz. in 31 Hen. 3. was this Earldom of Chester with the Castles of 〈◊〉 and Dissard annexed to the Crown for ever Earls of Britanny and Richmund THe first Earl of Richmund was Alan sirnamed Rufus or Fergaunt by reason of his Red Hair Son to Eudo Earl of Britanny in France Which Alan coming over into England with Duke Wilâ—iam of Normandy commanded the Rear of his Army in that memorable Battle near Hastings And after that signal Conquest was advanced to this Earldom of Richmund it having been the Honor of Earl Edwyne of whom I have already spoke under the title of Mercâ—â— having therewith all that Northern part of the County of York vulgarly called Richmundshire given unto him by King William at the time of his siege of that City This Earl Alan was in his very youth not a little famous for his valor insomuch as he feared not that heroick spirited William then Duke of Normandy his near Neighbor who challenged Britanny as his hereditary Right from Gisla with whom Charles the Great bestowed it in marriage to Rollo his Lineal Ancestor but gave him rather cause of provocation After his Possession of this Earldom of Richmund he began the Building of a strong Castle and Fort near unto his capital Mansion at â—iâ—â—ing for the better safeguard of himself and his Tenants in that part of the Countrey against the attempts of the English then every where
de Breause of the Castle and Town of Haverford part of the Lands Hereditarily descending to them from Walter Mareschal sometime Earl of Pembroke Brother of Eve their Mother By which Eleanor he left issue Humphrey de Bohun the Seventh who succeeded his Grandfather in these Earldoms of Hereford and Essex Another Wife he had called Ioan Daughter of Robert de Quency as is manifest by that Grant of King Henry the Third to Humphrey Earl of Hereford his Father in 50 Hen. 3. before recited but whether she was his first Wife or not I cannot determine This Humphrey the Grandson in 2 Edw. 1. had the Castle and Town of Haverford which were of his Inheritance then restored to him as also Livery of all his other Lands the next ensuing year doing his homage upon the death of his Grandfather And in 10 Edw. 1. being appointed to make his abode in the Parts of Brecknock deputed Iohn de Bohun his Uncle to attend the King for performance of the Office of Constable of England in his absence In 14 Edw. 1. he was with the Kings Army in Wales and had thereupon Scutage of his Tenants But in 20 Edw. 1. being convicted of some misdemeanor before the King and his Council his Royalties for his Lands in Brecknock were seised on and committed to Roger de Burghul In 25 Edw. 1. he was sent into Holland with Iohn Son to the Earl of Holland who had married the Daughter of King Edward when he went to challenge the Inheritance of his Father about that time slain In the same year it was that the King caling a Parliament at Salisbury required this Earl and some others to go into Gascoigne To whom they answered that if he did go himself in person they would attend him But the King threatning them with high words that he would compell them to goe without him they put themselves in Arms. Which being discerned that business was prosecuted no farther In that year likewise he was one of those who boldly prohibited the Lord Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer to levy that Tax upon the People of the eighth peny then granted to the King in the Parliament held at S. Edmunds-bury and incited the Londoners to stand with them for recovery of their Liberties The same year command being given to this Earl and some others to provide themselves with Horse and Armes to attend the King into Flanders not obeying he was discharged from his Office of Constable of England Also the King being then beyond Sea Edward his Son left Custos Regni in his absence sending unto him and to the Earl-Marshal to repair to his Parliament at London on the tenth of October they came with five hundred Horse and a multitude of Foot-Souldiers but would not adventure within the City Walls unless their own men might keep the Gates Nor consent to any thing then proposed except the King did confirm the Great Charter with some Articles thereunto added as also the Charter of the Forest and grant that no Ayd should thenceforth be exacted from the Clergy or Laity but by consent of the Lords as also that they themselves and all theirs who had refused to go into Flanders with him should be pardoned All which was yeilded to and performance made accordingly Moreover in that year he was with the K. in Scotland when he obtained that great Victory near Roxborough but upon their return to Carlisle got leave to come home At or about this time it was that he passed the Mountains of Scotland with Thomas Earl of Lancaster and beseiged the Castle of Rindromi in Marre which they took This Earl married Maud Daughter of William de Fienles and endowed her at the same time by the consent of Humphrey E. of Hereford his Grandfather with the third part of all his Lands Moreover Queen Alianore in consideration of this marriage with that her Kinswoman obliged her self to pay unto him a thousand pounds of Silver And besides all this the King to manifest his kindness to her thereupon granted them the Castle and Mannor of Haye in the Marches of Wales He departed this life at Plessy in ann 1298. 26 Edw. 1. and lieth buried with his Wife in the Chapel of our Lady at Walden in Esser To whom succeeded Humphrey de Bohun the eighth his Son and Heir who in 27 Edw. 1. doing his Homage had livery of his Fathers Lands In 30 Edw. 1. this Earl by a formal conveyance gave and granted unto the King the inheritance of all his Lands and Lordships in this Realm as also of his Earldomes of Hereford and Essex and Constableship of England After which viz. in 32 Edward 1. he was in Scotland in his service And the same year attended Prince Edward beyond Sea having Livery out of the Kings Wardrobe for his expences But upon his marriage of Elizabeth the Kings Daughter about that time the King regranted to him all his Lands Castels Lordships c. wheresoever both in England or Wales as also the right of this his Earldom of Hereford with the Constableship of England which he thereupon entailed upon the issue of his Body lawfully begotten and for want of such issue from and after the death of himself and his said Wife covenanted that the Lordship of Plessets in Essex with the Hamlets of High-Estrey and Great-Waâ—tham with the appurtenances as also the Mannors of Walden Quendon Depedene and Shenfeld in Essex Stakes and Fobbing in Hertfordshire Enfeld in Middlesex Kynebauton in Huntendonshire and the Constableship of England should wholly remain to the King and his Heirs for ever Moreover that the Mannors of Agmondesham in Buckinghamshire Wolesey in Wiltshire Sutham and Whitenhurst in Gloucestershire the Castle and Mannor of Huntinton in Herefordshire the Castles of Brecknock Haye and Caldecote in Nether-Went within the Marches of Wales together with all his Lands in Newton within the same Marches should remain to his right Heirs In 34 E. 1. the K. granted to this Earl being then in Scotland in his service and to Elizabeth his Wife in tail the whole Territory of Anandale in Scotland but for want of issue betwixt them to remain to the King and his Heirs This Earl in 35 Edw. 1. being with the King in his Scotish Warrs departed thence without leave for which offence at the instance of Q. Margaret he obtained his pardon In 1 Edw. 2. he entred into a solemn agreement by Covenant under his Seal with Henry Earl of Lincoln Iohn Earl Warren and Surry Aymere de Valence Earl of Pembrokâ— Robert de Clifford and some other Barons to defend the Kings person and the rights of his Crown and to redress what was amiss as by a special Instrument bearing date at
meeting him so that from three of the clock till night they had scarce time to pass the Bridge At his entrance he saluted all the people and rode to the Popes Palace where alighting from his Horse without the Gate he made his approach to his Holiness with all due reverence which he knew well how to perform and after some brief discourse with him went to his own Lodgings where he kept such Hospitality for the time he staid that all the Court admired it having laid in an hundred Tuns of Wine before his coming being so courteous to all persons especially to the Pope and Cardinals that they said he had not his fellow in the whole world And though upon his return the French laid their designs to surprise him he escaped them all and came into England with safety and honour In 29 E. 3. being in Scotland he gave intelligence to King Edward that the Scots prepared for Battel And in 30 E. 3. was constituted Lieutenant and Captain-General for the King and for Iohn de Montfort Duke of Bretaigne in the Dukedom of Bretaigne that Duke being then in minority and after Whitsontide went with him thither passing first through Normandy over the Lands of the King of Naverne whom the King of France had by fraud surprized and put in prison because he adhered to King Edward he came to Mountebrigge in the Isle of Constantyn thence to Caranten and so to the Castle of Pont d'Audomer belonging to the King of Naverne and then besieged by the French The Souldiers in which hearing of his approach fled leaving all their military Engines and other necessaries behind them Whereupon having mann'd it and victuall'd it anew he march'd to Bretoil belonging likewise to the King of Naverne then likewise belcaguer'd by the French and removing that Siege victuall'd it also Thence to Uernoil a strong City on the skirt of Normandy and took it by storm the first day that he came before it After which he assaulted the Castle thrice and on the third day took it having a special Engine wherewith he did wonders in demolishing the Walls of Castles But it being told him on the morrow that the King of France was within five leagues he drew out his Army and preparing for Battel staid in expectance of him till he had intelligence that he would neither fight nor come nearer In this Interim the King of France sent two Heralds of Arms unto him to let him know he observ'd that he had for a long time been in his Country and done great spoil to his people there so that he thought he had a mind to give him Battel and if so that he would fulfil his desire Whereunto he returned answer that he was come into those parts upon special business which he had already in part effected and that he was then going back to some other parts where he had somewhat to do Adding that if the King of France or any one of his Subjects should endeavour to hinder him he was ready to make his way by force resolving to do nothing obscutely And that he would cause a Lantern to be carried behind him that the King of France might know which way he bent his course But the King of France forbore to follow him expecting his return until he had accomplish'd what he had design'd against the Prince of Wales having a purpose to vanquish them both and so going back made towards the Prince Hereupon the Duke march'd towards Arâ—entoile to Turri and so by the Abby of St. Freâ—und where he past over a dangerous River the Bridge being broken by the French and Sixty seven armed men left there to hinder his passage but Eighteen English going before slew and wounded all those so that none of them came off Thence he march'd to Caratan and so to Mantebourgh no day passing wherein he did not take some strong Hold and divers Prisoners Winter therefore drawing on by means whereof he discerned that he could not keep the Field he marched to the City of Reynnes in Britanny about Alhallow-tide and laid Siege to it with a thousand men at Arms and five hundred Archers And though he lay before it nine moneths wasting the Countrey adjacent yet durst not Charles de Bloys with his Army of ten thousand men encounter him Which being observ'd by the Inhabitants they desired a Treaty with him and thereupon giving him an hundred thousand Scutes forthe charges he had been at yielded it to him with condition to enjoy their goods And so giving security to render it up whensoever it should be required on the King of Englands behalf he placed a Governour in it and departed At this Siege of Reynnes he issued from the Army and won Otry and Semay lying on the River of Aine on the march of Lorein In 33 E. 3. being sent with his Retinue to Calais to bring forth with him the Marquis of Mise and those Almains who tarried for the arrival of King Edward he march'd with them over the River of Soume to besiege the Town of Bray Where passing behind the Walls he caused his men to wade up to the shoulders and failing of his purpose return'd to Calais After which ere long King Edward himself coming with a potent Army he joyn'd his Forces thereto and so dividing it into three Bodies march'd towards Reymes in Champaign where being peaceably received with the Earls of Richmond March and the famous Sir Iohn Chandos he went out in the night being the Festival of S. Thomas of Canterbury to storm the Town of Cerney in Dormoys a place of great strength with a double Ditch and a huge Wall with many Turrets full of armed men On the morrow coming within a League thereof the Allarm was given to the Town but notwithstanding this on they march'd and being come near to it alighted from their Horses and stoutly passing the Ditches scaled the Wall killing all that resisted and having thus gotten the Town made preparation to storm the Castle but that being discerned they soon yielded it up Thence he march'd about three Leagues farther to Auby in Dormoys lying upon the River Dayne being stronger then Cerneye but before they got thither the Inhabitants fled and left it to him Thence the same day to Menray in Champaine a fortified Town also whence the Inhabitants upon his approach fled also whereupon he return'd safe to the King In 34 E. 3. the King keeping his Christmas near unto the said City of Rhemes thence disposed of his Army into nine parts and made four hundred Knights Having so done being upon his march towards Paris he sent this Duke to the Gates of Paris offering Battel to the
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
H. 6. by reason of his constant assistance to the King in those turbulent times obtain'd a grant of the Keepership of the Forest or Park of Pederton in Com. Somers then in the Crown by the forfeiture of Richard Duke of York as also of Craneburne-Chase lying in the Counties of Wilts and Dors. And was made Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter After which the same year coming with the Lords Scales and Hungerford to Newbery a Lordship belonging to the Duke of York and there making Inquisition for those who had adhered to that Duke he caused some to be hang'd drawn and quartered and plundered the rest Thence went to Southampton where under colour to surprize the Earl of Warwick he arm'd five great Carricks of Genoa and mann'd them with Souldiers taking up Victual at the Kings price without paying any money And so carrying a great part of his Treasure with him sailed into the Netherlands Howbeit after this before the end of that year he return'd and was in the Battel of Wakefeild where the Duke of York being slain the Lancastrians obtain'd a very great Victory But soon after that being in the Battel at Mortimers Crosse against the Earl of March where the victory fell to the other side he fled So Likewise upon the lots of the day at â—owton-field which hapened within a short space after But was taken by Richard Salkeld Esq and thereupon beheaded at Newcastle upon the first of May being then siesd of the Mannour of â—orre Brian in Com. Devon also of the Mannours of Mere Hondesworth Clent Cannowe Old-Swynford Snodesbury and Haggeley in Com. Staff and of the Mannour of Ashby de la Zouche in Com. Leic. leaving Thomas his Broâ—her afterwards Earl of Ormond his next Heir For he had no issue though he married two Wives First Avice Daughter to Iohn Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel Sister and Heir to Humphrey her Brother and secondly Alianore Sister and coheir to Edmund Beaufort Duke of Somerset After which viz. in the Parliament begunâ— 4 Nov. 1 E. 4. he was attainted Bonvile 28 H. 6. IN 35 H. 3. William the Son of Nicholas de Bonvile having all accoutrements prepared at the Kings charge solemnly received the honour of Knighthood on the Festival of our Saviours Nativity the same year And upon his Fathers death in 49 H. 3. had livery of his lands lying in Com. Somers To this William succeeded Nicholas who died in 23 E. 1. being then seised in right of Hawyse his Wife of the Mannours of Shete Cumbe and Lydyard Punchardon But from that time I have not seen any thing farther of him or of his descendents till 4 R. 2. that Sir William de Bonevile Knight was constituted Sheriff of the Counties of Somers and Dors. which trust he also held the next ensuing year and in 13 R. 2. had the like for the County of Devon This Sir William by his Testament bearing date upon Saturday preceding the Feast of our Ladies Assumption an 1407. 8 H. 4. bequeath'd his body to be buried before the high Cross in the Church of Nywenham in Com. Devon and gave unto it xl l. in money for licence of Sepulture therein to himself and his Wives and to pray for their Souls By this his Testament he also ordained that his Executors should give CCC Marks for leave to amortize lands of fifty Marks per annum value for the endowment of an Hospital situate in Combe street within the City of Eeter for twelve poor Men and Women there to be maintained forever He likewise bequeathed thereto for the honour of God and the better support thereof all his Rents within that City excepting his own Mansion-house there Which House he gave unto Alice his Wife to hold during her life but afterwards to the Heirs Male of his body with five hundred Marks in money and the one half of all his Silver vessels To Anne his Sister a Nun at Wherwell he gave ten Marks and to William his younger Son CC Marks towards his marriage Shortly after which he died for the Probate of this his Testament bears date 18 Apr. An. 1408. 9 H. 4. To whom succeeded William his Grandson viz. Son of Iohn his eldest Son who died in his life time which William making proof of his age in 2 H. 5. had livery of his lands his Homage being respited And in 5 H. 5. being then a Knight and in that expedition then made into France was of the Retinue with Thomas Duke of Clarence the Kings Brother In 1 H. 6. this William was made Sheriff of Devonshire and in 4 H. 6. as Cousin and Heir to Iohn Bonvile Esq deceased viz. Son of Iohn Bonvile Brother of Thomas Father of the said Iohn doing his Homage had livery of the Mannour of Meryeâ— in Com. Somers whereof he the said Iohn died seized Moreover in 21 H. 6. he was by Indenture reteined to serve the King for one whole year in his Wars of France with twenty Men at Arms and six hundred Archers being at that time also made Seneschall of the Dutchy of Aquitane And meriting so well for his services in those Wars and otherwise in 28 H. 6. had summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm as also afterwards till his death And in 31 H. 6. in consideration of his further services was constituted Governour of the Castle at Exeter for life In 32 H. 6. being then called Lord Bonvile of Chuton he was made Lieutenant of Aquitane And in 33 H. 6. had a sharp skirmish on Cliff-heath near Exeter with Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire wherein he prevailed But in 38 H. 6. favouring the title of the House of York he was one of those to whom the custody of King Henry the sixth taken Prisoner at that time in the Battel of Northt was committed After this upon the defeat given to the Lancastrians in the second Battel of St. Albans which happened 17 Febr. being Shrove Tuesday the next ensuing year when the rest of the Lords who then also being there were entrusted with the like custody of that King fled away to their party he would have withdrawn himself had not the King assured him that he should receive no bodily hurt But such was the indignation of the Queen towards him as also of the Duke of Exeter and Earl of Devon being thus in their power that though the other side was then Victorious they rested not till they had taken off his Head Being thus fatally destroy'd Cecilie his Great grandchild scarce ten years old viz. Daughter of William Son of William Son to him the said William became his next Heir her Father and Grandfather being both dead
after that called a Parliament wherein he attainted this Earl with all other persons who were fled out of the Realm for fear or otherwise as Enemies to him and to their Native Country Likewise foreseeing his future danger he did not only make peace with the Scots but sent over new Embassadors to the Duke of Britanny with ample rewards for the getting this Earl within the limits of his own power if possible or at least to prevail that the Duke would keep him and those of his friends which then were within his Territories in perpetual prison promising that in consideration thereof he should receive the yearly revenue of all their lands in this Realm But the Duke at that time being much out of order by reason of some infirmity Landoise his Treasurer managed all business of State and thereupon for his own private lucre accepted the offer Which being discovered by the Bishop of Ely at that time sojourning in Flanders he imploy'd Vrswyke into Brittanny to hasten this Earl out of those parts Whereupon being then at Uannes he sent immediately to King Charles the 8. desiring his leave to come into France which being granted he hasted his Nobles before to the Duke of Britanny who then lay for change of air near the borders of France under colour of a friendly visit privately giving charge to his Uncle the Earl of Pembroke the Conductor of his company that when they approacht the skirts of Britanny they should presently get into the adjacent parts of France as they accordingly did and so into Anjou where they staid this Earls coming who departed not from Uannes till two dayes after with only five servants in his company as though he had gone to make a private visit to a friend in some small Village no man suspecting that he had absolutely left the Country in regard so many Gentlemen of his followers were still in that City But after he was ridden five miles on his way turning into a solitary wood he put on the Apparel of one of his servants and as a Page rode on so till he came to Angiers By which means he escaped out of the hands of Landose who the fourth day after not knowing of his departure had provided a certain number of Souldiers under colour of serving him to have laid him fast Of which design when the Duke of Britanny heard being not a little displeased he sent for those English Gentlemen which were so left behind at Uannes and gave them money to defray the charge of their journey from thence to Angiers Being therefore thus supplied with his own Retinâ—e he took his journey to King Charles then at Langes upon the River Loyre of whom he had an Honourable reception with promise of aid And thence removed with him to Montargis Where long he had not been but that Iohn Earl of Oxford a trusty friend to the House of Lancaster who had been kept prisoner in the Castle of Hammes in Picardy getting thence by the favour of Sir Iames Blount the Governour repaired to him After this following the King of France to Paris divers English Gentlemen fled thither for fear or being there to study good literature came also and offered their service to him amongst which was Richard Fox afterwards Bishop of Winchester the Castle of Hammes being likewise delivered up to him by Blount Whereupon King Richard caused the Garrison of Calais to be sent to besiege it Which proved of no inconvenience to this Earl the Souldiers within it making their conditions to march out with Bag and Baggage which somewhat increased his Field-forces Having also obtained some few men and certain money for the payment whereof he left Thomas Marquess Dorset and Sir Iohn Vaughan in pledge he went to Roan making preparation at Harâ—lew an Haven at the mouth of Seine for his adventure into England And having soon after received intelligence out of Wales that Sir Ries ap Thomas a person of great interest in those parts and Sir Iohn Savage an expert Commander would engage themselves in his quarrel Also that Reginald Bray had gotten large sums of money for the payment of his Souldiers wishing him to make all possible speed and to land in some part of that Country Accompanied with two thousand Men he set sail from Harflew in the month of August and on the seventh day ensuing arriv'd at Milford-Haven in Pembroke-shire Whence he marcht to Dalle and so to Haverford-West where he had a joyful reception And before he went thence having News that the Town of Pembroke would assist him he marcht to Cardigan where some Welch Gentlemen came to him with all the power they could make Hereupon he sent messengers to the Lady Margaret his Mother as also to the Lord Stanley her Husband to Sir William Stanley his Brother Sir Gilbert Talbot and other his trusty friends signifying to them his intention to pass the Seâ—erue at Shrewsbury and thence directly to advance for London desiring that they would meet him by the way with all their strength In which passage to Shrewsbury Sir Ries ap Thomas whom he had promised to make Governour in chief of all Wales coming in to him with considerable Forces they marcht from Shrewsbury to Newport Where encamping his Men on an Hill near hand Sir Gilbert Talbot brought to him all the Men and Arms that the young Earl of Shrewsburies interest could make which were about two thousand Thence to Stafford where Sir William Stanley fell in with his Men. Next to Litchfield whence the Lord Stanley hearing of his approach had diâ—lodged about two days before and remov'd to Atherston being somewhat fearful to join with him too soon in regard that King Richard being then at Notingham had his Son the Lord Strange in Hostage and hearing of this Earls advance removed to Leicester Passing from Litchfield to Tamworth there came to him Sir Walter Hungerford and Sir Thomas Bourchier Knights with divers other Men of note who forsook their Captain Sir Robert Brakenbury near Stony-Stratford then on his march towards Notingham Being thus at Tamworth to make sure of the Lord Stanley he rode privately from his Army to Atherston and there meeting in a little close consulted with him in what manner to give Battel to King Richard The same day also came to him Sir Iohn Savage with divers other persons of quality King Richard therefore having intelligence of his motions marcht forthwith from Leicester to Bosworth and about two miles South of that Town marshall'd his whole Army for Battel whereof Iohn Duke of Norfolk and Thomas Earl of Surrey his Son led the Van. This Earl therefore hasting up with his Forces and placing