Skirmishes at the Barriers A Remark on Mr. Stow. The King resolves for Bretagne intending to return to the Siege before Paris at a better season The Great Miseries of France whereby the Dauphin finds himself obliged to make certain Offers to King Edward for Peace The King being moved by a strange Tempest accepts the French Offers A Treaty ensues A Copy of the Famous Peace made at Bretigny The two Eldest Sons of England and France sworn to uphold the Peace King Edward returns for England and sends King John over to Calais The Pope quickens him to finish the Peace which he does The Copies of both the Kings Letters The Names of the Grandees sworn on both sides Other things relating to the Consummation of the Peace Endeavours to reconcile the two Pretenders to Bretagne The Mutual Friendship of the two Kings King John goes to Boulogne King Edward returns to England The Death of the Earl of Oxford of the Earl of Northampton also of the Earl of Hereford and Essex of the Earl of Kent of the Earl of Warwick's Brother and of the King of Cyprus From p. 575. to p. 607. Chap. VII The Methods of the two Kings to establish the Peace King John's Reception at Paris The unwillingness of the Frenchmen to admit of the English Government King Edward makes the Lord John Chandos his Lieutenant in Aquitaine The said Lord's Praise and Character The Disbanded Souldiers turn Robbers and overthrow the Lord James of Bourbon The Pope gets them to be drawn off into Italy A second Plague in England The Death of the Good Duke of Lancaster of the Lord John Moubray and others with six Bishops and the Archbishop of Armagh The Black-Prince Marries the Countess of Kent Prince Lionel made Lieutenant of Ireland with his behaviour there King Edward restores unto the Priors Aliens what he took from them in the Eleventh Year of his Reign From p. 608. to p. 619. Chap. VIII Ambassadors from the Kings of Armenia and Cyprus entertain'd by the King with Justs and Tourneaments King Edward Creates his Son the Black-Prince Prince of Aquitaine The Copy of his Charter The Prince prepares to go over with his Family An occasional Prophesie concerning King Edward's immediate Successor The Prince his Reception in Aquitaine He settles his Court at Bourdeaux A Parliament at Westminster The Jubilee of King Edward's Age. He Creates his Son Lionel Duke of Clarence John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and Edmund Earl of Cambridge His Acts of Grace to all his Subjects He holds a Solemn Hunting The Lord Fauconberg dies Sr. John Copland Murther'd From p. 620. to p. 626. Chap. IX King John of France on the Death of the Duke of Burgundy without Issue takes Possession of that County and goes to visit the Pope at Avignon Pope Innocent VI dies Urban V succeeds The King of Cyprus comes to Avignon A Combat fought there A Croisade proclaimed The King of France being the Head thereof The King of Cyprus visits the Emperour The Emperours Opinion concerning the Holy War. The King of Cyprus goes to other Christian Princes The Duke of Anjou being one of the French Hostages makes an Escape The Kings of Cyprus and Denmark and the Duke of Bavaria come into England King Edward's answer to the King of Cyprus when he ask'd his Company to the Holy War. A Parliament at Westminster A Convocation which retrenches the Excessive Number of Holy Days The Death of the Dutchess of Clarence of Edward Bailiol once King of Scotland and of the Bishop of Bath and Wells A Man who after Execution at the Gallows recover'd is pardon'd by the King. The King of Cyprus rob'd King David of Scotland comes into England A long and hard Frost From p. 626. to p. 633. Chap. X. King John comes into England King Edward welcomes Him. An Alderman of London entertains Five Kings at once The King of Cyprus returns into France and visits the Black-Prince then Prince of Aquitaine King John sickens and dies in England The King of Navarre stirs again Sr. Bertram of Clequin sent for to oppose him A Story of his Original He takes Mante and Meulan by stratagem The King of Navarre sends the Captal of Busche against Him. Sr. Bertram reinforced The Lord Beaumont de la Val taken Prisoner by Sr. Guy of Granville King John's Funeral Rights performed in England His Body buried in France A Day appointed for the Coronation of the Duke of Normandy The Famous Battle of COCHEREL wherein the Captal of Busche is overthrown and taken Prisoner by Sr. Bertram of Clequin Sr. Guy of Granville redeems his Father by Exchange for the Lord Beaumont de la Val. Charles Duke of Normandy Crown'd King of France at Rheims He makes his Brother Philip Duke of Burgundy Sr. Bertram of Clequin buys the Castle of Rolebois The Duke of Burgundy sent to reduce the rest The Army divided Acts separately Prince Lewis of Navarre grows strong about Bourbonnois A Party of his surprises la Charité The Duke takes in several Places Prince Lewis and his Garrison of la Charité do as they please The Duke of Burgundy goes to oppose the Earl of Monbelliard La Charité besieged and taken From p. 634. to p. 650. Chap. XI The King of France helps Charles of Blois and the King of England John of Monford both who prepare for Battle The French Order their Men. The Lord John Chandos orders the English and gives a Reserve to Sr. Hugh Calverley The Lord of Beaumanoir obtains a short Truce in order to an Agreement The Lord Chandos breaks off the Treaty The Famous Battle of AURAY in Bretagne with the Death of Charles of Blois and the Number of the slain and Prisoners on both sides Earl Monford weeps over Charles his Body the Character and Praise of the said Charles Earl Monford gives a Truce to the Country and returns to the Siege of Auray which he soon takes A Treaty for a Match between the Daughter and Heiress of Lewis of Flanders and Edmund Earl of Cambridge is dash'd by the French King's subtlety The Christians obtain a Cadmaean Victory against the Turks From p. 651. to p. 661. Chap. XII John of Monford reduces all Bretagne With King Edward's leave he holds the Dukedom of the French King. Peace made between the French King and the King of Navarre The Captal of Busche set at Liberty Is tempted to renounce the English Interest in vain The Death of the Lord Lewis of Navarre A Parliament at Westminster King Edward's Buildings and Foundation of Kings-Hall in Cambridge now called Trinity-College The Pope demands King John's Fee-Farm Rent King Edward refers the Matter to his Parliament The Lady Isabella Daughter to the King given in Marriage to the Lord Ingleram de Coucy The King punishes sundry of his Judges for Male-Administration The King of Cyprus takes Alexandria in Egypt but leaves it again Dr. Thoroton twice corrected The Earl of Warwick returns into England with the King of Lithuaniâ—'s Son to
a due State Counsel and a Treatise thereupon had with the Earls Barons and other Wise Men of our said Realm And for because We never consented to the making of the said Statute but as then it behoved Us We dissembled in the Premises by Protestations of Revocation of the said Statute if indeed it should proceed to eschew the Dangers which by denying of the same We feared to come forasmuch as the said Parliament otherwise had been without any Expedition in Discord dissolved and so our earnest business had likely been which God prohibit in Ruine And the said pretenced Statute We promised then to be Sealed It seemed to the said Earls Barons and other Wise Men that sithence the said Statute did not of our Free Will proceed the same should be void and ought not to have the Name nor strength of a Statute And therefore by their Counsel and Assent We have Decreed the said Statute to be void and the same inasmuch as it proceeded of Deed We have brought to be annulled Willing nevertheless that the Articles contained in the said pretenced Statute which by other of Our Statutes or of Our Progenitors Kings of England have been approved shall according to the form of the said Statute in every point as convenient is be observed And the same We do only to the Conservation and Redintegration of the Rights of Our Crown as We be bound and not that We should in any Wise aggrieve or oppress Our Subjects whom We desire to rule by Lenity and Gentleness And therefore We do command You that all these things You do to be openly proclaimed in such places within your Bayliwick where You shall see expedient Witness my self at Westminster the First day of October the XV Year of Our Reign This is the Famous Revocation which thô put among the Printed Statutes was meerly the Result of the Kings Prerogative Royal and yet in those days Esteemed of sufficient Force and as so afterwards confirmed by Act of Parliament as We shall see two Years hence CHAPTER the NINETEENTH The CONTENTS I. King Philip of France wins the Emperour to his side II. The Emperours Letters of Revocation to King Edward III. King Edwards answer thereto IV. The sudden Death of the Duke of Bretagne without Issue With the several Pretences of the Earl of Montford and Charles of Blois to that Dukedom V. Earl Montford seises his Fathers Treasure calls a. Parliament and goes forth with an Army to conquer his Inheritance VI. He goes into England does Homage to King Edward as true King of France for that Dukedom and implores his Protection VII On Charles of Blois his Complaint to King Philip Earl Montford is Summon'd to appear in the Chamber of France He comes to Paris but being in doubt gets secretly away again VIII The Dukedom adjudged to the Lord Charles of Blois IX King Philip promises unto him his Assistance and confiscates the Earldom of Montford which King Edward requites by giving the Earldom of Richmond unto the said Earl. X. Charles of Blois descends into Bretagne besieges Nantes and takes the Earl of Montford who is sent Prisoner to Paris XI The Countess of Montford prepares to renew the War. XII King Edward keeps his Christmas at Melros Abbey and the Earl of Darby at Roxborough whither certain Scotch Knights come to exercise Feats of Arms. XIII Queen Philippa deliver'd of her Fifth Son called Edmund of Langley His Christening solemnized with a Feast and Turneament Which is falsly said to have been for love of the Countess of Salisbury XIV A small Digression concerning Francis Petrarch the Italian Poet. XV. The Lord Douglas besieges Striveling and takes it King Edward goes against Scotland with a Royal Army The Scotch Lords offer Conditions to obtain a Truce which are accepted XVI King David of Scotland returns home again raises an Army and enters England lays Siege to Newcastle but leaves it again XVII The Captain of Newcastle rides post with the News to King Edward who prepares for Resistance XVIII King David takes and destroys the City of Durham XIX He lays Siege to the Castle of Werke the Story of King Edwards Amours with the Countess of Salisbury exploded XX. The Captain of the Castle passes thrô the Scotch Host in the Night to hasten King Edward to his Relief On Knowledge whereof the King of Scotland Retires XXI King Edward comes before the Castle of Werke and the next Day follows the Scots XXII A Truce taken between the two Kings with the several Reasons inducing them thereto The Earls of Murray and Salisbury acquitted their Ransoms I. ALL this while thô the Truce between France and England had more than Two Years to continue King Philip knowing that Truces are but Opportunities for Wise Enemies to improve to their Advantage like a Politick and Wary Prince thought good to take this time to recruit himself and to provide more strongly against a War which the Competition for a Crown seem'd to Entayl to future Ages And first after King Edward's own Method he desired to Establish himself with the Accession of some Powerfull Friends The Flemings he could by no means expect to prevail with while Jacob van Arteveld bore any Authority among them and the Earl of Hainalt was too much incensed to be wrought upon and the Duke of Brabant and other Lords of the Empire were still hamper'd in the Triple League made at Villenort Nor indeed did it seem feasable to gain any great footing in the Empire till the Emperour himself might be brought over The Emperours Friendship therefore seem'd as more considerable so upon many Accounts more attainable Lewis the Emperour had now to Wife the Lady Margaret Eldest Daughter to Jane of Valois King Philips Sister Besides he knew him extream desirous to be Reconciled to the Church if he might obtain Absolution from the Pope on no Dishonourable Conditions and King Philip had at that time the Popes Keys under his Girdle the Court of Rome being at Avignon in France The Emperour therefore he now secretly and effectually plyes by the Popes Letters and his own Ambassadors offering him both Temporal and Spiritual Advantages great Gifts and Pensions together with a Frank and easie Absolution from his long-continued Excommunication These things took with him so well that he presently sent unto King Edward these his Letters of Revocation II. a Walsingh hist p. 146. n. 30. Fox Acts and Monum p. 351. Stow p. 238. Odâ—ric Rainald ad hunc annâ—m §. 12. c. Lewis by the Grace of God Emperour of the Romans always Augustus to Edward King of England his Beloved Brother Greeting and unfeigned Love. Althô innumerable and arduous Affairs do lie upon our shoulders and We are variously and perpetually encumbred about them yet notwithstanding when the Discord arisen between You and Philip King of France our Beloved Cosin which unless it be appeased may for the future bring forth both to You and to your
at his Funeral Where his Son afterwards erected to his Memory a Fair Tomb on the Northside of the High Altar in the Collegiate Church of our Lady called the New-Warke But there is no Coronet on his Head. II. About this time there happen'd a memorable Revolution in Flanders which may teach us how uncertain Popular Favour is and how suddain the Fall of those Great Ones proves who are not fixed on a sure Foundation We have frequently had occasion to speak of Jacob van Arteveld of Gaunt who had long govern'd all Flanders with a more absolute Sway than ever the Earls themselves had done This Man whether thrô hopes of raising his Family to future Time or whether out of Inclination or of meer Policy to secure his own Greatness by the Aid of England was all along a fast Friend to King Edward and had again as much respect and favour from that Prince as his Heart could desire He now d Frois c. 115. Giov. Villani l. 12. c. 46. p. 854. in Confidence of his boundless Authority among the Commons of the Country grew so presumptuous as some while before this to entertain a Resolution of Disinheriting his Natural Lord Lewis Earl of Flanders and to put the Government thereof into the Hands of King Edward of England On Condition that He the said King should endow his Eldest Son the Prince of Wales therewith and make a Dukedom of the Earldom of Flanders These things being thus privately agreed on beforehand about the Feast of St. John Baptist King Edward having e Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 167. left his Son Prince Lionel of Antwerp his Lieutenant at Home during his Absence took Shipping at Sandwich and came before Scluse with a great Navy the Young Prince Edward his eldest Son being with him and Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Thomas Lord Vghtred John Lord Seagrave John Lord Leiburn and many Others attending Him. The King lay at Anchor in the Haven of Scluse and there kept House on Board whither his Friends the Chief Men of Flanders came to visit him One Day the Flemish Burgesses being invited into the Kings Ship called the Catherine after a f Mezeray p. 23 ad hunc ann most Magnificent Collation bestowed on them by the King Jacob van Arteveld rose up and made a most plausible Oration extolling the King of England's great Power either to protect his Friends or to punish his Enemies he set forth also the notable Good-will which he had all along bore to his Allies and Subjects of Lower Germany That the Young Prince of Wales his Son did no way come short of his Fathers Steps but rather promised if God gave life to reach the very Height of all his Vertues That their own Lord Lewis unmindfull of the Welfare of his People had confederated with King Philip their Mortal Enemy and had himself made War against them and done unto them many great Inconveniences and Dammages Wherefore if they judged it fit to requite their Haters with Neglect and to pay unto their Lovers and Protectors Friendship and Service He must needs advise them either to make the Earl of Flanders pay his Homage unto King Edward to whom as to the Rightfull King of France it was only due or if thrô his Stubborn Obstinacy they could not prevail with him herein then wholly to cast off the hatefull Yoke of a Tyrannous and an Unkind Lord and submit to the pleasant and honourable Government of King Edward and his Son who would advance the Earldom of Flanders into a Dukedom and make them flourish above all other People in Trade and Prosperity III. When the Burgesses had all heard what secret Poison lurked in the Breast of this subtle Orator in their Hearts they utterly abominated his Perfidious Treason and firmly resolved never to be Guilty of so black and base a Deed as to disinherit and depose their own Natural Lord and his Young Son Lewis from their proper Right and Title But however to get off handsomly and make fair weather for the present after a little private Conference they gave this Answer to the King. Sir said they there is proposed unto us a Matter of no small Importance which may some Ages after very nearly concern the whole Country of Flanders and our Heirs for ever as well as our Selves And thô surely we know no Person in the World at this time whose Promotion and encrease of Wealth and Honour We so heartily desire as We do your Majesties Yet this Business we dare not of our selves determine unless the Commonalty of Flanders yield their Consent thereto Wherefore Sir for the present we crave leave to return every Man to his own City and there we shall confer with the Generality of every Town and Corporation and as the Major Part shall agree we shall act most willingly Within a Month at farthest we will all return hither again and bring your Majesty we doubt not such an Answer as shall be agreeable IV. The King and Jacob van Arteveld urged them much to make a more speedy Return but they could obtain no other Reply at that time wherefore they were all dismist to their own several Homes But Jacob tarried still with the King bearing him all along in hand that he would not fail to bring this Purpose to good Effect But King Edward who was not apt to be blinded with Prosperity and had a more piercing Judgment in publick Affairs doubted much not only lest this Business should miscarry but his Friend also incurr some Danger thereby Wherefore at parting he gave him great Caution in the Management of that Affair and allow'd him g Holinshead Engl. Chron. p. 926. also for a Guard 500 Welchmen under the Command of Sr. John Maltravers senior and Sr. William Sturry Sr. John Maltravers was indeed a Baron of the Realm and the same Person we mention'd to have been concerned together with Sr. Thomas Gournay in the barbirous Murther of King Edward the Second wherefore also as we shew'd he fled upon that Act and was three Years after condemned in Parliament to be put to Death wherever he should be found with the price of 500 Marks for his Head or a 1000 for any one that should bring him in alive For fifteen Years after he had lived in great Penitence and very privately in and about Flanders and either finding some hopes from the Kings Mercy or being not so guilty as he was represented or in Confidence of having merited something by his late Services for he had lost h Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 101. 102. all his Goods and suffer'd much hardship upon the Kings Account in Flanders he came now voluntarily to the King and rendred himself into his Hands Whereupon especially since he had never undergone a legal Trial he was respited now and by the King set over these Welchmen and six years after fully pardoned But to return This Guard some i Holinshead ibid. p. 926. say that
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 HENGIST ESTHER FRANCIADOS EURIPIDES K. EDWARD III. ECCLIAST HIST. Vera Effigies JOSUAE BARNES S.T.B. EMANUELIS Collegij apud CANTIBRIG Socij maxime Senioris Etat Suce 40. 1694. R. White ad vivum fecit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 THE HISTORY OF THAT Most Victorious Monarch EDWARD IIId. KING of ENGLAND and FRANCE and LORD of IRELAND AND First Founder of the Most Noble Order of the GARTER Being a Full and Exact Account Of the LIFE and DEATH of the said KING Together with That of His Most Renowned SON EDWARD Prince of WALES and of AQVITAIN Sirnamed the BLACK-PRINCE Faithfully and Carefully Collected from the Best and most Antient Authors DOMESTICK and FOREIGN Printed Books Manuscripts and Records By JOSHVA BARNES Batchelor of Divinity and One of the Senior Fellows of Emmanuel College in Cambridge Licensed by Authority Pulchrum imprimis videtur Non pati occidere Quibus Aeternitas debeatur C. Plin. Caec Secundi Epist l. 5. Ep. 8. p. 210. CAMBRIDGE Printed by John Hayes for the Author MDCLXXXVIII TO The Most Serene Majesty OF JAMES the Second KING of ENGLAND SCOTLAND FRANCE and IRELAND c. AND SOVERAIGN OF The most Noble Order OF THE GARTER GREAT SIR HAving under the Happy Influence of Your Majesty's Gracious Government had the leisure to write the History of the Life of One of the most Glorious of Your Royal Predecessors King EDWARD the Third to whom should I dedicate the same but to Your Majesty who are the Inheritor of those Realms which He governed the Soveraign of that most Noble ORDER which he Founded and the lively Resemblance of all those Vertues which He so eminently possessed Whose Immense Goodness to all Your Subjects in general whose Heroick Inclinations to Military Honour and whose Princely Love and Respect to Learning do render You as Gracious at Home and as Terrible abroad as King EDWARD was in his Days It is Your Majesty's Delight and Glory Graciously to accept of the well-intended Endeavours of the meanest of Your Subjects particularly of those which are employed in Recollecting the Glorious Memoires of Your Renowned Ancestors Monarchs of this Isle And no doubt succeeding Generations will rise up to the Memory of that Prince by whose Favour and Liberality the Remembrance of former Ages hath been brought to Light. Wherefore heartily wishing unto Your Sacred Majesty a Fruitfull Consort a Flourishing Family a Long Life a Quiet and Secure Government Victorious Armies Obedient Subjects and Wise and Loyal Parliaments besides Eternal Felicities I humbly Dedicate this Work to Your Great Name as being GREAT SIR Your Majesty's Most Humble and Loyal Subject JOSHVA BARNES THE PREFACE I Undertake a Work of so much Difficulty that nothing but a Sense of the Honour and real advantage thereof could animate me to it For the Obscurity of our Histories being so great and the Mistakes and Opposition of them one with another being so frequent it must needs seem a Labour not small to go about to give a Just account of the whole Series of all Publique Actions for the continuance of Fifty Years and upwards at such a long distance of Time as more than Three Centuries But my Resolution hath been to shew so much diligence in the Collecting and so much integrity in the Composing that if I cannot obtain to know all the most Momentous Truths yet I shall purposely decline all Fabulous Narrations all Groundless Opinions all Popular Errors Partiality and Prejudice and seriously conform my self to those Rules and decencies which belong to a Faithfull Historian The Subject Matter of my Discourse is the Honour of my Country the Life and Actions of one of the Greatest Kings that perhaps the World ever saw the Rights of the English Crown and how well our Ancestors were able to vindicate them Nor shall I confine my self wholly to the Relation of King Edward's Exploits or to those of his Invincible Son the Black-Prince and the rest of his Noble and Victorious Children but whatever Name I find memorable of his Subjects in either of his Kingdoms whether they were fam'd for Arts of War or Peace I shall endeavour to pay them that just duty which it shall seem to me they deserve Because I think it altogether fit that those who then shared with their Sovereign in his Grand affairs of War or Government should by no means now be deprived of a Participation with Him in his Glorious Memoires Especially since not a Few are still remaining derived from those Famous Ancestors whose Minds may be more strongly affected with due Incentives of Honour when they shall understand by what Methods their Forefathers attain'd such Estates or Titles which They now as worthily enjoy It is an old Observation That Subjects usually conform themselves to their Prince And here certainly if ever any Great and Martial Monarch was Lord of any like Himself We shall find this King to have been so Many Great and Renowned Heroes and Captains Bold in Attempts Wise in Conduct and Fortunate in Success being Thick almost in every Page of this History Wherein will appear the greatest Variety of Adventures the most hazardous Enterprises of War the most exact Counsels and Politick Negotiations and the most frequent Instances of Courage Piety Generosity and Princely Conduct with the most Wholsom Laws and Rules of Government that perhaps the whole World can furnish us withall in so short a Period of Time. Of which Work I shall say no more than that if it suffer not for the sake of the Authors Meanness it is like to Live and to prove not unpleasing to those who have any Love or Veneration for England or English Heroes or who indeed delight either to do Bravely themselves or to read the Account of Noble Actions faithfully painfully and accurately recorded to Posterity From Emmanuel College Easter-Monday i. e. 16 April 1688. The CONTENTS BOOK I. CHAP. I. EDWARD the Son of Edward the Second is born Made Prince of Wales His Father's Deposition and his Coronation He gives a General Pardon Has 12 Guardians appointed him Is defied by the King of Scotland Makes an Expedition into Scotland His Father is murder'd The Death of sundry other great Personages From p. 1. to p. 26. Chap. II. King Edward the Third takes a Wife Makes a dishonourable Peace with the Scots Mortimer's Insolence provokes the Lords of England to Arms. Matters reconcil'd Mortimer made Earl of March. The Lord Beaumont of England's Pedigree Mortimer entertains the King. From p. 26. to p. 33. Chap. III. King Edward does Homage to the King of France for Aquitain Queen Philippa in great danger at a Tourneament The Queen Mother and Mortimer compass the Death of Edmund Earl of Kent the King's Vncle King Edward goes privately into France The Birth of Edward the Black-Prince Mortimer taken and executed A Parliament From p. 34. to p. 54. Chap. IV. Henry Earl of
Lancaster founds an Hospital at Leicester The Pope's Opinion about the Souls of the Departed The Lord Douglas dies in Spain Edward Bailiol claims the Crown of Scotland Hector and Buchanan found tardy King Edward represses certain Outlaws A Parliament The Earl of Oxford dies John of Luxemburgh King of Bohemia conquers in Italy From p. 55. to p. 65. Chap. V. A Parliament The true Grounds of the Scotch War. A Recapitulation of the Scotch Affairs The Scots Preparations against the War from England King Edward's preparations against Scotland A Parliament at York The Earl of Gueldre marries King Edward's Sister Edmund the young Earl of Kent dies Queen Philippa deliver'd of a Daughter From p. 65. to p. 70. Chap. VI. The Lord Robert of Artois flies into England King Edward summons the Scotch King to his Homage and on his refusal defies him and lays siege to Barwick The Ancestry of James Cecil the present Earl of Salisbury A Combat The Battle of HALIDOUN where King Edward obtains a mighty Victory King Bailiol prosecutes the War in Scotland King David flies into France King Bailiol plays the King in his Absence The Death of an Archbishop a Bishop and a Lord. From p. 70. to p. 83. Chap. VII A Parliament at York King Bailiol does Homage to King Edward as likewise the Duke of Bretagne A Council at Nottingham A Parliament at Westminster King Edward designing for the Holy Land sends Ambassadors to the French King. King Bailiol displeases his Friends and growing weak thereupon reconciles them and recovers King Edward goes towards Scotland The Lord Edward Bohun drown'd From p. 83. to p. 88. Chap. VIII King Philip of Valois undertakes the Croisade but doubting King Edward sifts Him first He rejects K. Edward's Conditions The first Seeds of the French War. Hugh Courtney made Earl of Devonshire A Parliament at York King Edward's Scotch Expedition The Earl of Namur taken by the Scots and the Earl of Murray by the English John Earl of Cornwall's Success in Scotland King Philip of Valois tryes King Edward again The Scotch Nobles submit to King Edward King Philip makes frustrate their Agreement David Earl of Athol slain Two Prodigies with the Death of two great Barons From p. 89. to p. 101. Chap. IX Certain English Lords besiege Dunbar but in vain King Edward orders King Bailiol to take the Field and soon after joyns him King Philip sends a Fleet against England King Edward commissions his Admirals to defend the English Seas He heaps up Money for the War but makes fair Overtures for Peace His Considerations on the French War and the Opinion of his Council thereon His Embassy to the Earl of Hainalt The two Kings put themselves in a Posture John Earl of Cornwall dies A Scotch Tale of his death refuted The Earl of Lincoln dies The Queen of England deliver'd of her Second Son William of Hatfield A Comet with other Prodigies From p. 101. to p. 108. Chap. X. King Edward's second Embassy to the Earl of Hainalt Five hundred English Voluntiers under a Vow King Edward's Methods to reduce the Flemings The Rise and Power of Jacob van Arteveld King Edward makes his Son the Black-Prince Duke of Cornwall and creates seven Earls A Parliament Affairs of Ireland All Aliens Lands seised into the Kings Hands and let to Farm. The Earl of Hainalt dies King Edward challenges the Crown of France and makes Friends in the Empire King Philip attempts the Flemings in vain He sets a Garrison in Cadsant which King Edward beats out King Edward treats with King Philip but finding no good there treats with his Allies The Pope interceeds From p. 108. to p. 120. Chap. XI A Parliament The Cardinals with King Edward's Commissioners return into France Their Overtures rejected King Edward at Antwerp summons his Allies with whom he holds a Parliament and another at Halle He sends to the Emperour and invites his Queen over She is deliver'd at Antwerp of her Third Son Prince Lionel Thomas of Brotherton the King's Vncle dies Naturalization An Enterview between the Emperour and King Edward who is made Lieutenant of the Empire King Edward holds a Parliament in Brabant A Day limited for the Confederate Lords to joyn King Edward who keeps his Court at Antwerp The Duke of Brabant makes fair with the French King. The Black-Prince holds two Parliaments in his Father's Name and obtains a mighty Aid for him The English Navy reinforced From p. 120. to p. 125. Chap. XII King Edward prepares to open the Campaign His Letters to the Pope and Cardinals setting forth his Right to the Crown of France The Pope's Answer thereto From p. 126. to p. 133. Chap. XIII King Edward summons the German Lords to meet at Mechlin They altogether send their Defiances to King Philip. The Lord Walter Manny begins the War. The Earl of Salisbury makes an Incursion into the Bishoprick of Liege The French King's Preparations The French burn Southampton K. Edward lays siege to Cambray And on King Philip's approach rises to meet him The two Kings face one another at Vironfoss A Day appointed for a Decisive Battle King Philip steals away King Edward returns to Antwerp sends for his Eldest Son and keeps Christmass there The Pope's Letters to King Edward The King's Answer Two Parliaments at Westminster From p. 134. to p. 153. Chap. XIV King Edward holds a Parliament at Brussels where he assumes the Arms and Style of France The Reasons why he did so The Queen of England deliver'd of her Fourth Son at Gaunt King James the Second his Pedigree from him by the Mothers Side A Copy of King Edward's Letters Monitory to his French Subjects He returns into England informs the Pope of his Reasons for using the Style and Arms of France The Pope's Answer From p. 154. to p. 162. Chap. XV. The Lord Oliver Ingham routs a French Army King Philip reinforces his Navy and sends to wast the Lord John of Hainalt's Lands The Lord Walter Manny's Brother slain The French King orders an Invasion upon the Lands of the Earl of Hainalt who therefore sends him a Defiance and having revenged himself on the French makes an Allyance with King Edward John Duke of Normandy invades Hainalt King Philip procures the Pope to interdict Flanders Jacob van Arteveld invites the Earl of Salisbury to joyn him before Tournay the said Earl and the Earl of Suffolk's Eldest Son taken Prisoners sent to the French King their Lives saved by the Old King of Bohemia The Duke of Normandy's Success in Hainalt he returns to Cambray Mutual Inreads into France and Hainalt The Duke lays siege to the Castle of Thine l'Evesque The Earl of Hainalt goes to raise the Siege From p. 162. to p. 177. Chap. XVI A Parliament King Edward being inform'd of the strength of the French Navy makes himself strong takes the Sea and engages the French Fleet. His Victory at SCLUCE Neale Loring Knighted for his Valour King Edward's Letters to his Clergy How King
Philip heard first of this Loss Arrows prefer'd to Guns The Armies of France and Hainalt break up from before Thine l'Evesque King Robert of Sicily procures the Pope to write to King Edward to move him to Peace From p. 177. to p. 186. Chap. XVII King Edward in a Council of his Foreign Allies resolves to besiege Tournay and St. Omers He sends a Challenge to King Philip with Philip's Answer He sits down before Tournay where he is joyn'd by his Allies The Earl of Hainalt's Exploits and an Assault of the Flemings upon Tournay King Philip prepares to raise the Siege and encamps near the Town The various Rencounters during the Siege A Parliament at Westminster Scotland recovers Breath The English Allies before St. Omers possest with a Panick Fear The Difficulties of both the Kings The Pope and the Lady Jane de Valois procure a Treaty and that a Truce Both Armies break up The Truce prolonged for 2 Years The Death of sundry Great Personages The King of Spain's Victory over the Moors Queen Philippa deliver'd of a Daughter From p. 187. to p. 211. Chap. XVIII King Edward comes over in great displeasure into England where he displaces and imprisons several of his Chief Ministers of State. The state of his Quarrel with the Archbishop The Archbishops Letters to the King and to the Lord Chancellor His Remonstrance to the King and Council His Letter to the Bishop of London His Articles of Excommunication The King justifies his Proceedings in a Letter to the Bishop of London The Archbishop makes his Defence to the King. The King's Reply to the Archbishop's Defence A Parliament at Westminster The Archbishop pardon'd The Revocation of a Statute From p. 212. to p. 235. Chap. XIX King Philip brings over the Emperour to his side The Emperours Letters of Revocation to King Edward His Answer The Duke of Bretagne dying without Issue John of Monford and Charles of Blois lay claim to the Dutchy Earl Monford seises his Fathers Treasure calls a Parliament and takes in many places He goes into England and makes Homage to King Edward thereby to gain his Protection Being summon'd to appear in the Chamber of France he comes to Paris but steals away again The Dukedom adjudged to Charles of Blois King Philip confiscates the Earldom of Monford which King Edward requites with the Earldom of Richmond Charles of Blois takes his Rival and sends him to Paris The Countess of Monford renews the War. Queen Philippa deliver'd of her Fifth Son Edmund of Langley Francis Petrarch crown'd Laureat Poet. The Lord Douglas takes Striveling King Edward marches into Scotland brings the Scots to Conditions King David of Scotland returns home invades England lays siege to Newcastle but rises King Edward prepares to oppose him Durham destroy'd King David lies before the Castle of Werk The Story of King Edward's Love with the Countess of Salisbury exploded The Captain of the Castle passes by night thrô the Scotch Host to acquaint King Edward with the matter On knowledge whereof the Scots retire King Edward comes before Werk and follow the Scots A Truce between the two Kings The Earls of Murray and Salisbury acquitted From p. 236. to p. 255. Chap. XX. Charles of Blois lays siege to Rennes The Countess of Monford sends to King Edward for Succour Charles takes Rennes and besieges the Countess in Hennebond A famous Exploit done by the Countess Charles leaves half his Army with Don Lewis before Hennebond and goes with the other half to Auray Sr. Reynald of Dinant's Success against those of Rosternan Just as Hennebond is upon the point of Yielding the Lord Walter Manny arrives with the English Succours The Bishop of Leon falls off from the Countess The Lord Manny breaks the Enemies biggest Engine and beats up their Quarters Don Lewis rises in despair and goes to Charles of Blois who sends him to Dinant He takes Comper in his way The Lord Manny having retaken Comper returns to Hennebond The Men of Dinant having murder'd their Captain Sr. Reynald of Dinant yield to Don Lewis who takes and sacks Guerande Auray taken by Charles of Blois He takes Vannes and besieges Karhais The Lord Manny routs Don Lewis He attacks Rosternan the Captain of Favoet carries away two English Knights whom the Lord Manny follows but cannot recover He takes Gony en la Forest and returns to Hennebond The Countess sends to England for a Reinforcement Karhais yields to Charles of Blois who renews his siege before Hennebond Don Lewis vows to cut off the Heads of the two English Knights who were taken by the Captain of Favoet But the Lord Manny rescues them Charles leaves the Siege in despair but takes Jugon A Truce being taken between Charles and the Countess the latter comes with her Son into England The Earl of Salisbury is made King of Man by King Edward Pope Benedict XII dies Clement VI. succeeds From p. 256. to p. 267. Chap. XXI King Edward provides for the Campaign Sends the Lord Robert of Artois along with the Countess of Monford And resolves himself to pull down the Scots He enjoyns his Clergy to pray for the Success of his Arms. A Biennial Truce between England and Scotland The Lord Robert of Artois engages with Don Lewis of Spain but a storm parts them The Lord Robert of Artois lands in Bretagne and takes Vannes by stratagem The English lay Siege to Rennes The Bloisian Lords retake Vannes by storm The Lord Robert of Artois dies of his Wounds King Edward vows to revenge his Death A Parliament King Edward creates his Eldest Son Prince of Wales The Commons in Parliament complain of the Pope's Reservations The two Houses Address to the Pope The Pope writes to the King and his Council The King 's Notable Answer King Edward goes into Bretagne lays siege to Vannes Charles of Blois prepares to oppose him The King besieges him in Nantes and takes in divers Towns. The Lords of Clisson and Leon taken by the English before Vannes Don Lewis distresses King Edward's Navy John Duke of Normandy comes with an Army against King Edward The two Armies confront A Truce taken King Edward returns into England The Treaty fully ratified The Death of King Robert of Sicily of King Philip of Navarre and others The Foundation of Trinity-Hall Pembroke-Hall and Gonvill and Caius College in Cambridge From p. 267. to p. 287. Chap. XXII The Agents of France and England meet at Avignon Some Heads of the two Kings several Pleas which yet are more fully handled in the Fourth Book the fifth Chapter Paragraphs the VI VII VIII IX à p. 747. ad p. 758. but nothing done The Pope gains ground in the matter of Provisions King Edward begins his Round Table at Windsor With the Description Antiquity and gradual Encrease of that Castle King Philip sets up another Round Table at Paris But King Edward's Round Table being the Seminary of the Order of the Garter which was instituted Anno 23. Ed. 3. The
John Copland an Esquire of Northumberland The Third and last Battalia of the Scots discomfited The time and place of this Battle certainly Assign'd A Gross Mistake of Hector Boëtius the Scotch Historian How long the Fight lasted the Loss on both sides The Names of the Scotch Nobility slain and taken John Copland bears away the King of Scotland the Queen sends to him for the King She returns to York and King Bailiol and the English invade Scotland John Copland being sent for to Calais by King Edward is Knighted and Royally rewarded King David secur'd in the Tower of London The Earls of Menteith and Fife executed The Earl of Lancaster returns into England and the Queen goes over to the Siege at Calais The Pope endeavours for Peace in vain From p. 376. to p. 385. Chap. VI. A Parliament at Paris Another at Westminster The Pope writes to King Edward to perswade him to Peace King Edward's answer Odoricus Rainaldus refuted King Philip seeks to bring over the Flemings but misses his Aim The Earl of Flanders confin'd by his Subjects because he will not match with a Daughter of England King Edward reinforces the Siege of Calais The Earl of Flanders escapes into France Two Frenchmen put to Death for favouring King Edward's Right The Duke of Normandy receives a Foil before Cassel The frequent Attempts to relieve Calais frustrated The Losses and Difficulties of the English Camp. Sr. Robert of Namur enters King Edward's service before Calais An account of the Scotch Affairs since the Battle of DURHAM An account of the Affairs of Bretagne Sr. Charles of Blois taken Prisoner at the Battle of ROCHE D'ARIEN by Sr. Thomas Dagworth Roche d' Arien taken by the French and the English Garrison murder'd by the Commons of the Country The French Navy defeated Five hundred more poor People thrust out of Calais The Calisians send an Account of their Case to King Philip. The Earl of Lancaster leading a Detachment towards Amiens upon News of King Philip's March returns to Calais The French Kings strength he desires leave of the Flemings to pass thrô their Country but is refused The Flemings Besiege Aire but upon King Philip's approach rise King Philip comes to Sangate and demands Battle of King Edward with the Answer Two Cardinals obtain a Treaty which comes to nothing King Philip goes off in Despair The manner how Calais was yielded Calais settled by King Edward A Truce between the two Kings King Edward returns for England A Brush between the English and Scots of the Borders Lewis the Emperour dies King Edward chosen Emperour refuses Charles King of Bohemia succeeds The Death of William Occam and Walter Hemingford A Law-Case From p. 385. to p. 415. Chap. VII The Glory and Prosperity of King Edward's Reign corrupts the Nation A Parliament Justs and Turneaments How Avignon came to belong to the See of Rome Philip of Valois and Edward of England could cure the Kings Evil. An Order concerning the Kings Purveyors The Truce between England and France prorogued for another Year King Edward solemnises the Translation of St. Thomas c. The Earl of Flanders does Homage to King Edward but afterwards rebelling is beaten King Edward being inform'd of a Design to betray Calais goes over privately and beats the Frenchmen He presents a Rich Chaplet to the Lord Eustace de Ribemont and sets him free Having settled Calais he returns for England The Death of the Queen of France and of the Dutchess of Normandy The two Royal Widowers Marry again From p. 416. to p. 428. Chap. VIII Treats of the Great Plague that happen'd in the Year 1348. From p. 428. to p. 442. Chap. IX King Edward Founds the Chappel of St. George at WINDSOR with the Copy of his Letters for that purpose The Pope furthers the Matter by two Bulls The Progress in Building Enlarging and Beautifying the Castle of WINDSOR The Institution of the most Noble Order of the GARTER Henry Earl of Lancaster Leicester and Darby made Earl of Lincoln and sent into Gascogne The Lord Thomas Dagworth slain in Bretagne Earl Henry's Exploits in Gascogne He brings the French to Terms A Famous Combat between 30 English and 30 French. Of certain who arrived to Great Wealth and Splendour by the Wars Of Sr. Thomas Rokeby Deputy Lieutenant of Ireland and of Sr. Robert Savage and his Son Henry Savage who lived in Ulster A Grant of the Black-Prince's to the Lord Henry Eam of Flanders confirmed at this time by the King he being then newly chosen one of the First Knights of the GARTER From p. 442. to p. 448. Chap. X. Pope Clement reduces the Bonifacian Jubilee from the 100th to the 50th Year The Original of Jubilees King Edward forbids his Subjects to go to Rome on that occasion with his Answer to the Pope's Expostulation thereon The Sect of Whippers rises and is supprest King Edward's Victory over the Spaniards at Sea. King Philip of France dies King John succeeds A Duel fought before King Edward between a Knight of Cyprus and the Bastard of France King John puts the Bastard of France and the Earl of Eu and Guisnes to Death Some steps towards a Peace with Scotland in Order to King David's Redemption From p. 449. to p. 455. Chap. XI A Parliament wherein King Edward advances sundry of his Grandees to Honour The Lord John Beauchamp Captain of Calais being taken Prisoner is succeeded by Sr. Robert Herle Sr. Robert's Acts. A Truce with France Another with Spain The Lord Guy de Nesle taken Prisoner Twenty four Christians Martyr'd by the Governour of Damascus who is therefore put to Death by the Soldan of Babylon King John of France renews the Order of the STAR The Castle of Guisnes taken by the English King John seeks to recover it in vain Sr. Charles of Blois set at Liberty upon his Parole The Lord Guy de Nesse slain by Sr. Walter Bentley The Earl of Stafford Lieutenant of Gascogne beats the French. The Death of Sr. Thomas Wale Knight of the GARTER King Edward provides for the Defence of the Seas William Earl of Hainalt Marries Mathilda Daughter of the Duke of Lancaster The Duke of Lancaster gets Honour of the Duke of Brunswick King Edward prepares against the French. Pope Clement dies and the Earl of Kent Two Malefactors beheaded at London From p. 455. to p. 467. Chap. XII An Hard Winter Storms Drought and Dearth A Riot at Chester The Black Prince's Munificence King Edward Founds a College at Westminster A Treaty with Scotland A Treaty and Truce with France A Parliament The Names of the Lords summon'd thereto Another Parliament A Treaty at Avignon which begets a short Truce The Foundation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge A Quarrel between the Town and Vniversity of Oxford Two Fryars burnt at Avignon And a Third recants at Paris From p. 468. to p. 477. Chap. XIII The King of Navarre Murders the Constable of France and Invites the Duke of Lancaster to his Assistance
whom he is Godfather From p. 662. to p. 669. Chap. XIII A Parliament at Westminster wherein notice is taken of the Pope's foremention'd Demand of the King Peter-Pence forbid to be paid The Quarrel between the Fryars Mendicants and the two Vniversities taken up by the King. The Lord of Coucy made Earl of Bedford A Treaty of Marriage between Prince Lionel and the Lady Violantis Daughter to Galeas Duke of Milain Archbishop Islip dies his Foundation of Canterbury College in Oxford now called Christ-Church Dr. Langham Bishop of Ely translated to Canterbury On the French King's Complaint of the Companions King Edward prepares an Army against them But on the French King's being jealous desists The French King and the Pope endeavour to draw off the Companions into Hungary but it will not do From p. 669. to p. 672. BOOK IV. CHAP. I. DON Pedro's Character The Pope excommunicates him and legitimates his Bastard Brother The Companions joyn Sr. Bertram of Clequin and march against Don Pedro who being forsaken of all flies from place to place and absconds in Galizia Don Henry the Bastard is made King of Spain Don Pedro implores the Protection of the Black-Prince and arrives at Bayonne Prince Edward receives him with much Humanity The Reasons Pro and Con why the Prince should or should not assist him The Prince has his Fathers leave to undertake his Quarrel The King of Navarre is won The Copy of a Famous Grant of Don Pedro to King Edward and to the Prince and the Kings of England and their Eldest Sons for Ever Prince Edward sends for his Captains who were then in the Bastards Service The Bastard's surprise at the News of the Prince's Design Sr. Bertram goes back into France to raise Friends Divers Opinions touching this undertaking of the Prince's The Bastard renews his Alliance with the King of Aragon c. The Prince's Zeal for this War. The Lord of Albret engages to bring a 1000 Spears The Companions being besieged in Montabuan beat the French. James King of Majorica comes to Bourdeaux to implore the Prince's Aid against the King of Aragon The Prince by Advice of his Council countermands 800 of the Lord Albret's 1000 Spears From p. 674. to p. 694. Chap. II. A second Son Born to the Black-Prince named Richard. The Prince begins his March is joyn'd by the Duke of Lancaster He passes the Pirenaean Mountains the Order of his Army the Names of his Chief Captains Don Henry sends his Expostulation and Defiance to him The Lord Thomas Felton takes Navaret Salvatierra yields to the Prince The Lord Thomas Felton beats up the Bastard's Quarters and sends Intelligence to the Prince Don Henry goes forward but halts at St. Miguel The Prince expects him at Victoria The Earl of Sancelloni beats up the Prince's Quarters and takes the Lord Thomas Felton and all his Company The Discourse thereupon had in the Spanish Camp. The Prince passes the Ebro and answers Don Henry's Letters Don Henry's Resolution The two Armies move forward The Order and Number of the Spaniards The Lord Chandos made a Banneret The Prince's Prayer before the Fight The Famous Battle of NAJARA in Spain where the Bastard receives a Mighty overthrow The City of Najara taken The time and place of the Battle The Number of the slain on both sides The Prince obliges Don Pedro to grant a General Pardon All Spain comes in and submits to Don Pedro and the Prince The Prince demands his Souldiers pay of the King who goes to Seville but sends none The Great Renown of the Black-Prince after this Victory The Black-Prince returns home without his Money The first Change of King Edward's Fortune The Danish Fleet beaten by the English The Death of Don Pedro King of Portugal sirnamed the Justiceer From p. 695. to p. 718. Chap. III. Prince Lionel is Married to the Lady Violantis He falls sick and dies A Parliament at Westminster The Archbishop of Canterbury made Cardinal A Sea-Woman taken in the Zuyder-zea Sr. Bertram by a Fineness obtains to be ransom'd The Companions wanting their Pay prove troublesome to the Principality But at the Prince's Command they go away and do much Mischief in France The Prince taxes his Subjects which occasions a Revolt From p. 718. to p. 725. Chap. IV. Don Henry the Bastard finding the Prince of Wales embroyl'd returns into Spain surprises the King Don Pedro beats him takes him and kills him with his own Hands The King of France being urged by the Discontented Gascogne Lords Summons the Prince of Wales to appear before him William of Wickham made Bishop of Winchester c. The Prince of Wales falls sick of an incurable Disease He sends the Lord Chandos against the Gascogne Lords The French King surprises Ponthieu and defies King Edward Who in Parliament resumes his Title to France and obtains a Mighty Aid for his Wars The Black-Prince makes the Captal of Busche Earl of Bigorre which Creation is confirm'd by the King his Father From p. 725. to p. 742. Chap. V. The War begins in the Principality Mutual Losses and Gains The two Kings set forth an Account of their several Causes their Rights argued The Pedigree of the Kings of France King Edward's Reasons for his Right and Title to France From p. 743. to p. 758. Chap. VI. The Duke of Burgundy Marries the Earl of Flanders his Daughter Mutual Losses and Gains The Earl of Pembroke's Danger The Death of Queen Philippa The Duke of Lancasters Expedition The Earl of Warwick dies The Duke of Lancaster a Widower The Death of the Earl of Suffolk and of the Bishop of Excester The French King raises a Tax From p. 759. to p. 782. Chap. VII The Death of the Lord John Chandos The War hot in Gascogne The Death of David Bruce King of Scotland The Genealogy of his Successor Robert STUART An Old Error concerning King Robert's Children confuted Sr. Robert Knolles his Expedition into France The Black-Prince sacks Limoges and Sr. Bertram of Clequin made Constable of France Pope Urban dies Maximus Planudes flourishes From p. 783. to p. 812. Chap. VIII The Death of the Lord Eustace Dambreticourt The Danger and Escape of the Lord Raimond of Marvejols The Black-Prince his Eldest Son dies He returns into England sick The War in Gascogne A Parliament at Westminster King Edward beats the Flemings at Sea. James King of Majorica dies The Duke of Lancaster and the Earl of Cambridge Marry the Two Daughters of Don Pedro late King of Spain The Pope's endeavours for Peace The Duke of Lancaster and the Earl his Brother return with their Ladies into England From p. 812. to p. 826. Chap. IX The Death of the Earl of Northampton and the Lord Walter Manny The War hot in Gascogne The Earl of Pembroke taken by the Spaniards Poictiers and Rochelle yielded to the French. Thoüars besieged King Edward sets sail to raise the Siege but the Wind will not serve so Thoüars is lost The Duke of Bretagne made
to Favour and seemingly pardon'd but the Lord Henry Beaumont Sr. Thomas Rosselin Sr. William Trussel and Sr. Thomas Withers as not being included in this Pardon or not daring to trust to it were fain to fly the Land till the Death of Mortimer For to these Men he was implacable they being the first Persons who began boldly to challenge him for the Death of the Old King tho some of them had been concern'd in his Deposal for which this new Earl of March would gladly have had a full Revenge upon them But however upon this their flight he got many good parcels of their Lands and Possessions to be siesed on for the King's Use in name but for his own in reality V. Here because the foresaid Henry Lord Beaumont is not only mention'd on these great Accounts already but must challenge much more to be said of him hereafter as also that it may be seen what kind of Men this proud Mortimer levell'd his aim at and that I may at the same time do right to the Posterity of that Noble Personage I shall not here think it amiss briefly to touch at his Original Most of those that mention his Pedigree bring his Descent from Lewis Son to Charles Earl of Anjou t Dugd. Bar. 2 Vol. p 50. 〈◊〉 a younger Son to Lewis the Eighth King of France which Lewis Son of Charles being Lord of Beaumont in France begot of his Lady Agnes de Beaumont this valiant Lord Henry Beaumont and his Sister Isabell who was wife to John Lord Vesci of Alnwick in Northumberland and is called Kinswoman to Queen Eleanor that vertuous Consort of King Edward the First This Lord Henry married the Lady Alice one of the Cozens and Coheirs to John Cumin Earl of Boghan or Bucquain and Constable of Scotland in whose Title he afterwards obtained that Honour But whereas there are some who by mistake bring this Worthy much later into England in the company of Queen Isabella King Edward the Third's Mother this their error arose we presume from those passages of Froisard which make such frequent mention of the Lord Beaumonts assisting that Queen when it is plain that he means there the Lord John of Heinalt who was also called Lord Beaumont from another place of that name in Heinalt and besides this Lord was u Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 51. Claus 20. Ed. 2. m. 12. confin'd in England upon Suspicion at the time of Queen Isabell's Arrival And yet * Dugd. ibid. p. 50. others derive this noble Vicount Beaumont from Lewis de Brenne second Son to John de Brenne or rather Bremen the last King of Jerusalem VI. But now this Noble Lord with othes of Mortimers Enemies was fain to yield to the iniquity of the Times and to retreat into France till the Storm should be blown over Mortimer in the mean while securely basking in the sun-shine of his Prosperity as great as Heart could wish if Ambition knew any Limits to its Desires Soon after the Young King to do him further honour x Monast Angl. 2 Vol. p. 225. takes a progress toward the Marches of Wales where he gives this new Earl a visit He for his part as he was indeed descended of a very ancient and Noble Family from y Catal. Honor. p. 574. Hugh de Mortimer a Norman Baron who came into England with William the Conqueror and received of him in reward of his good Services the Castle and Lands of Wigmore was besides his natural Ambition very glorious and singularly magnificent in all his Publique Appearances But now upon this Visit 't is incredible what sumptuous Entertainments he gave his Royal Master in his Castles of Ludlow and Wigmore what Sports and Diversions in his Parks and Forests what Gallantry and Expence he exhibited in his Tiltings Tournaments and other Military Pastimes much whereof thô it might proceed from an honourable Disposition and a sense of Gratitude and dutifull Respect to his Soveraign yet as was thought not a little was upon the account of the Queen Mothers presence and that all of it in general smelt rank of a Popular Air and a vain-glorious Humour Whether it was really so or that Pride is so loathsom to all who are at a distance from it that it causes even our best Actions to be misrepresented and be view'd from the wrong Prospect CHAPTER the THIRD The CONTENTS I. King Edward summon'd to do Homage to the King of France for his Dukedom of Aquitain and the Lands of Ponthieu and Monstroile II. A solemn Just held in London for three Days together AN. DOM. 1329. An. Regni III. with the Queen's danger by the Falling of a Scaffold III. The Old Queen and Mortimer compass the death of Edmund Earl of Kent the King's Vncle with the Manner and other Circumstances IV. King Edward goes privately into France V. Soon after his Return a Son born unto him called Edward afterwards sirnamed the Black-Prince VI. Mortimer taken and executed a Parliament I. NOW was a Froisâ—c 24. M. S. Ang. C. C. C. ibid. c. 219. Philip of Valois the French King well settled in his new-acquired Throne having received all the Homages and Fealties of his Subjects and Others who held under him as Peers of France or otherwise except only of the Young King of England his Cozen who by right had ow'd him homage for his Dukedom of Aquitain and the Earldom of Ponthieu and Monstroile had not himself been Heir to the Crown of France and so Supream Lord not only of those Parts but of the Whole But King Philip being too much elevated with his good Fortune never consider'd any such thing or at least had no great apprehensions of King Edward's Courage or Conduct and therefore finding himself now in full and quiet Possession of so flourishing a Kingdom by the advice and consent of his whole Council he resolves to summon our King Edward to make his Personal Appearance before him in France there to do Homage unto him as to his Supream Lord for the Lands which he held of that Crown He therefore soon after dispatches into England the Lord of Ancenis and the Lord of Beausalt with Monsieur Peter of Orleans and Monsieur Peter of Massieres two famous Civilians which Four with all their Retinue after provision made departed from Paris directly for Whitsant where they took the Sea and arrived safely at Dover Here having tarried one day as well to refresh themselves as to unship their Horses and Baggage they rode the next day toward the Court which they heard to be as then at Windsor Being at last come thither in respect to their Master that sent them they were soon admitted to the Royal Presence where they gave the King a full account of their Errand His Majesty answer'd with good Deliberation That the Matter required advice that as for his Part very few of the Lords of his Council were then about him but if they would withdraw to London he
such manner as shall be by the Kings of England and Scotland devised 9. Item That the Lord Eustace de Lorrain shall have his Lands and Tenements which he ought to have within the Realm of Scotland and if any man hath trespassed against him he shall have his Recovery by Law. Dat. at St. Johnston in Scotland the 18 of August Anno Dom. 1335. Now whereas it was before remembred that these Commissioners were empowred not only from the Earl of Athol but also from the Lord Robert Stuart himself it is not so much to be admired that so great a Man as Prince Robert who was now sole Governour of Scotland for King David his Kinsman should yield so far as to admit of an Agreement so much to his Masters Detriment with the King of England I say it is not so greatly to be admired if we but consider the extream Necessity that drove him to it in that juncture he himself being very sick at Dumbriton and his late Partner in the Government the Lord John Randall Earl of Murâ—â—y being at the same time prisoner at London and likely to continue in that Condition because he had both before and now also refus'd to accept of King Edwards Peace Thô indeed no great sincerity was on the Scots Party but the wonderfull Streights they were in required a little Dissimulation and outward Compliance till a better Opportunity Nay 't is said by a very e Knighton p. 2568. n. 10. ancient and authentick Historian that the greatest part of the Scotch Nobility among whom the foresaid Lords no doubt are included being wearied out by these continual Harassings and Desolations came in voluntarily and submitted themselves entirely to the King of England on these Conditions That they should obey the Bailiol as their King during his Life the mean while King David with his Queen to live privately but honourably at London and upon the Death of King Bailiol who as yet had no Children to succeed That they would oblige King David to come to the Parliament which was to be at London the next Michaelmas and to stand to the King of Englands Awardment and Arbitration In the mean while they yielded their Homage to him as to their Superior Lord. VIII But the King of France having knowledge hereof out of Envy to King Edward's Glory or because he found it more conducible to his own Affairs to have the Interests of Scotland and England still divided dealt so assiduously with the Scots by promising himself to stand by them that all this came to Nothing nor did King David appear at all in that Parliament as they had engaged he should do The mean time King Edward thô he had great hopes that the Scots would at last stand to this their own Agreement however thought it not becoming the Wisdom of a King to repose himself too much on the Faith of others especially considering the Mutability of that People and their strong Inclinations to France Wherefore he resolves so to strengthen himself that if they should be False they should not be over Dangerous and so having already f Holinshead Scotl. p 236. Ashmole p. 646. fortified St. Johnston he now goes to Striveling where on the plat of ground on which the late Castle had stood he built a strong Fortress called the Pile thence he proceeded to Bothwill where he added much strength and a Garrison to that Castle appointing Thomas Lord Barkley to victual it from Edinburgh who was so good a Convoy to what he brought thither that he discomfited one night the Lord William Douglas who lay in Ambush for him with little or no loss to himself but with such an entire Victory that Douglas himself with only three more could hardly escape and that by the Benefit of the Night too Edinburgh also about this time is rebuilt and committed to the g Buchan p. 297 Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 143. Custody of Sr. John Striveling afterwards a Baron of this Realm And having thus provided for the Peace of Scotland the King returns in Health and Honour into England leaving a good part of his Forces behind him with King Bailiol and other his Captains for the better Security of his Affairs that way A little before which the Famous Warrier the Lord h Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 327. Richard Talbot was Redeemed from his Imprisonment for 2000 Marks by the Favour of Prince Robert Stuart who highly Respected Worth thô in an Enemy IX But the Lord i Walsing Hyped p. 113. Holinshead Scot. p. 236. Buchan l. 9. p. 295 Hector Boeth l. 15. p. 319. David Strabolgi Earl of Athol having now fully obtain'd a Pardon from King Edward as we shew'd before that he might again purchase his good Opinion resolves to be in Action for him with the foremost Having therefore provided himself with competent Forces Horse Foot and other Necessaries he presently lays Siege to the Castle of Kildrummy on the River Done that held still for the Bruceans The mean while certain of the Brucean Lords as Patrick Earl of Dunbar the Lord Andrew Murray William Douglas and others prepar'd to go against him as well to punish his Revolt and Perjury as to Relieve the Besieged Of this the Earl having timely notice seemingly Raises the Siege but indeed Marches directly forth in good Order of Battle to meet the Enemy Both Armies joyned in the fields of Kilblaine where began a very fierce Encounter for generally in Civil Dissentions when mens Minds are mutually exasperated the Animosity wherewith they contend is greater than that of different Nations As the fallings out of old Friends are usually more fierce than those of Strangers But at length the Earl of Athol who was Superior in number and no way Inferior in Skill or Courage to his Enemies had carried away a Compleat Victory had not Sr. John Crab the Captain of Kildrummy Castle instructed either by secret Notice or his own Conjecture issued out of his Castle with 300 fresh Men who coming suddenly on the Backs of the Atholians in the very Instant of their Victory and falling on with great Fury Noise and Clamour so terrified them and added such Courage to the almost Conquer'd Bruceans that the Victory now presently enclin'd the other way Upon this Earl David disdaining to fly or to be taken alive to suffer a Publique Execution or perhaps not dispairing by a Vigorous Opposition to wrest back the Victory again with a Select Troop of his Best Friends makes a Desperate Impression upon the Enemy Where Fighting a while Valiantly he was notwithstanding finally slain by the Hands of Sr Alexander Gurdon There fell with him of the Nobles k Buchan p. 295 Sr. Robert Brady and Sr. Walter Cumin whose Brother Sr. Thomas being taken alive was the next day condemned to lose his Head Some few escaped into the Castle of Camoron with the Captain thereof Robert Menneth who yet were compelled to yield the next day for want
of Provision This Victory thô not of it self considerable did yet prove a Mighty Refreshment to the dejected Minds of the Scots especially since the Numbers of each Party were so unequal that the English exceeded the Scots almost three times in Number For l Fourden one says that the Earl of Athol had 3000 Men the Bruceans being but 1100 beside those 300 fresh Men who by their sudden Sally quite turn'd the Scale of Victory Thô the most Resolute Men in the World being so surprised from behind in the heat of an Engagement when nothing is certain and as little can be deliberated may well be frighted into a Fatal Confusion Yet m Walsâ—nâ—â— Hyped p. 113. others report the matter something otherwise saying that upon this sudden Sally of the Scots the Earl of Athols Men thrô Treason or Panick fear fled all from him except about 13 who being content to partake of the same Honourable Fortune with their Valiant Leader were all slain with him This Earl David Strabolgi whom Hector and Buchanan erroncously call by the Name of David Cumin was a Baron also of England where he had large Possessions for he died n Dâ—â—â— 2 Vol. p. 96. b. seised of the Mannor of Gainsborough in Com. Linc. Bulindon in Com. Buck. Posewyke West-Lexham Styvely and Holkellam in Norfolk as also of the Castle of Mitford with two parts of the Mannors of Pont-Eland and Calverdon and certain Lands in Mollesdown in Northumberland beside what he held in Scotland leaving behind him David his Son and Heir then three Years of Age and Catherine Beaumont Daughter to the Lord Henry Beaumont his Wife surviving he himself being but eight and twenty Years of Age at his Death This Battle was struck on the last day of December from whence the distressed Bruceans Raised themselves with Hopes that the succeeding Year would prove more favourable to their Cause X. This Year o Wilingh hâ—st p. 118. there was found in the Forest of Wolmer a young Mule with two Heads and two Necks of equal bigness in other parts nothing different from another She was kept alive for some time after in the yard of Sr. Edward St. John Warden of the said Forest It is also p Id. ibid. Odoâ—ic Rainald cenâ—in ad Bâ—enium An. 1335. n. 58. reported that a young Woman named Joane living in the Parish of Kingsley in the Diocess of Winchester and the Decanate of Aulton being on the fourth of June at Night advised by a voice to go and meet her Sweet-heart William in the Forest of Wolmer aforesaid early in the Morning met with an Incubus in his Shape who then and there carnally knew her At her return home she fell into a grievous Malady and then upon Conference with her Sweet-heart William it appeared that she had been seduced to her Confusion by an Evil Spirit Whereupon with great Contrition and Lamentation she bewailed and confessed her sins all the house being filled with an intolerable and noisome Savour In this deplorable Condition she held for three days and then died having her whole Body extreamly swoln and her bosome and privy Parts most dismally Black and Dreadfull and so prodigiously heavy that eight lusty Men could hardly bear the Body to the Grave I know not how far it may please God sometimes for the Punishment of Impure thoughts and Unchast desires as well as for Example to others to permit Satan to Tyrannize by his Illusions Many Grave Authors have not doubted to attest Instances of the like Nature However be this true or not I leave it to the Decision of others and the credit of the Author King Edward this Year q Pat. 9. Ed. 3. par 1. Sandford Genealthist p. 109. Speed p. 539. §. 106. §. 107. confirmed to his Cozen Henry de Torto Collo Earl of Lancaster the County of Provence in France being the Inheritance of Queen Eleanor Wife of King Henry the Third of England and Second Daughter of Raimend Earl of Provence Grandmother to the said Earl Henry which Inheritance the said Queen Eleanor granted to her second Son Edmund sirnamed Crouchback Father to Thomas Earl of Lancaster who dying without Issue this Henry the younger Brother became his Heir I know not how valid this Grant of the Kings might be but sure at this time Provence was in other Hands as we shall shew hereafter This Year the Lord Ebulo le Strange who in Right of his Wise Alice Daughter and Heir of Henry Lascy Earl of Lincoln obtained the Title of Earl of Lincoln r Sâ—ndsâ—â—d p. 109. Dâ—â—d 1 Vol. p. 668. departed this Life in Scotland His Relict the said Lady Alice of whose Lasciviousness I shall say nothing here immediately upon his Death Married a certain Knight called Hugo de Frenes who likewise in her Right was entitled Earl of Lincoln but he also died the next Year in Scotland as we shall see in due place Ebulo's Heir was the Lord Roger le Strange of Knokin Senior his Cosin Besides there died the Thrice-Noble Lord John Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex and High-Constable of England he deceased Å¿ Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 184. at Kirby-Thure in Westmoreland on the Feast of St. Fabian and Sebastian and was buried at Stratford near London but leaving no Issue behind him was succeeded in his Honours and Estate by his next Brother Humphry a Man Famous for Military Affairs as we shall have Occasion to take Notice CHAPTER the NINTH The CONTENTS I. In the Revenge of the Earl of Athols Death the English Lords in Scotland lay Siege to Dunbar but are not able to take it II. King Edward sends word to King Bailiol to keep the field with his English Forces and himself leaving the Parliament sitting follows them in Person with his Exploits there III. King Philip endeavours to divert him from an entire Conquest of Scotland and sends out a Fleet against him with King Edward 's Commission to his Admirals about the Defence of the English Seas IV. King Edward furnishes himself with Money divers ways yet again makes overtures for Peace V. His Considerations about the War with France and the Advice of his Gouncil thereupon VI. He sends an Embassy to the Earl of Heinalt with the Result thereof VII The two Kings put themselves in a Posture VIII Prince John of Eltham King Edward 's Brother dies a Scotch Tale of his Death refuted The Earl of Lincoln dies The Queen deliver'd of a Son. IX A Comet forerunner of the French War with other Prodigies I. UPon the News of the Earl of Athols Death the Lord William Montague AN. DOM. 1336. An. Regni X. and the Lord Henry Beaumont his Father in Law were greatly displeased as were also the two Kings of England and Scotland For he was a Man of Considerable Power Valour and Conduct But especially the Lord a Hector l. 15. fol. 320. n. 50. Holinshead Scotland p. 237 n. 60. Beaumont
de Flisco and Andrew his Son with the Gentleman their Servant were brought back and restored to the Pope whereupon he return'd his Thanks to the King of France and took off the Interdict but as the Author of his Life says hang'd all those of his own Family who had a hand in the matter before the Doors of the House which they had broke open But as for his own Master of the Horse who was consenting to the Deed when being in Prison for anguish and shame he had slain himself after it was found willfull Murder he gave Order that his Body should be expos'd on a Gibbet to be devour'd by the Birds of the Air. II. But to return to the King of England who had lately taken upon him the Arms and Title of King of France as we shew'd He the mean while presently found the expected Effects of this Contrivance of Jacob van Arteveld's for now immediately upon the same all the People of Flanders n Knighton p. 2576. and Stâ—w p. 236. yielded unto him as True and Rightfull King of France and consequently their Superior Lord their Homage and Fealty and submitted themselves and their Country to his Government and were long after in all matters obedient unto him as to the King of France both by Right and Conquest After things thus done it was determin'd in this Parliament that o Frois c. 43. the next Summer the War should be hotly pursued in France being to be begun with the Siege of Tournay Which was the thing chiefly desired by the Flemings For they made sure to be able to get it and then they hoped easily to recover Lille Douay and Bethune with the Appurtenances With this Resolution the Council brake up and the King within a few days returned to Antwerp But the Queen who was then big with Child remain'd still at Gaunt where she was very honourably entertain'd and visited especially by Jacob van Arteveld Walsingh hist p. 133. and Stow p. 236. and the chief Lords and Ladies of Flanders And within a while after was happily deliver'd of a Lovely and Lively Boy her Fourth Son who was named John and sirnamed of Gaunt from the place of his Birth This John of Gaunt in time became a Noble and Mighty Prince himself being both Duke of Lancaster and King of Castille and Leon his Son Henry of Bolingbrook was afterwards King of England by the name of Henry the Fourth who was Father to the Conquerour Henry the Fifth but that Kingly Dignity was extinguish'd in his Son Henry the Sixth However from John of Gaunts Loins q Sandford Geneal Hist p. 248 by the Mothers Side was descended Henry the Seventh who was the Son and Heir of r Mill's Catal. Nobility p. 613. Edmund of Hadham Earl of Richmond by his Lady Margaret the only Daughter and Heir of John Beaufort Duke of Somerset Nephew of John of Gaunt by his Son John Beaufort And he marrying the Lady Elizabeth Daughter of King Edward the Fourth who had the Blood and Right both of Prince Lionell and Edmund of Langele Third and Fifth Sons of King Edward the Third got of her the Lady Margaret his Eldest Daughter from whom the Kings of Scotland is descended our most Gracious Soveraign James the Second King of England Scotland France and Ireland whom God grant long and happily to reign III. But it must not be omitted that before King Edward left Gaunt Å¿ Rot. Franc. 14 Ed. 3. m. 1. and Ashmole p. 651. he sent his Letters Patents to the Prelates Peers and Commons of France thereby signifying that Charles late King of France his Mothers Brother being Dead the said Kingdom was devolved to him by manifest Law. And that Philip of Valois Son to the Uncle of the said King had by Violence and Injustice intruded into it during his Minority and even yet wrongfully detain'd it Lest therefore he should seem to neglect his own Right He now thought good to own the Title of France and take upon him the Defence and Government thereof and having offer'd the said Philip divers Friendly Conditions of Peace to which he refufed all Condescention he was therefore necessitated to defend himself and recover his Right by Force of Arms And therefore all such Subjects as would submit to him as True King of France by Easter then next ensuing should be received into his Royal Grace and Protection AN. DOM. 1340. An. Regni Angliae XIV Franciae I. But here the Stile of France is set first and the Title of Duke of Aquitain omitted it being immerged in the more General Title of King of France This is the Summ of his Letters which he caused to be sent t Speed p. 572. a. to the Frontiers of the French Dominions and to be fixed upon the Doors of Churches and in other Publique Places But to satisfie the Curious I shall adjoin a full Copy of the Letter it self the Tenour whereof was this EDWARD by the Grace of God King of France and of England Lord of Ireland unto all Prelates and Ecclesiastical Persons and to the Peers Dukes Earls Barons and to the Commons of France Greeting u u Fox Acts and Monum p. 346. The High Lord and King above althô his Will be in his own Power yet is pleased to make that Power Subject unto Law commanding every thing to be given unto Him which is His thereby declaring that Justice and Judgement ought to be the Preparation of a Kings Throne Wherefore seeing the Kingdom of France thrô the Providence of God is by the Death of Charles last King of France of Famous Memory Brother German to Our Lady Mother devolved and fallen unto Us by plain and manifest Law forasmuch as the Lord Philip of Valois Son of the Uncle of the foresaid King and so remov'd from that Crown by a farther Degree of Consanguinity thrô Force and Usurpation hath intruded himself into the foresaid Kingdom while We were yet in Our Minority and so contrary both to God and Justice doth still detain and occupy the same Now least We should seem to neglect Our own Right and the Gift which God hath given Us or not to submit Our Will to Gods Ordinance We have thought Good to acknowledge the Title of France and by support of the Almighty King have taken upon Us the Defence and Government of the said Kingdom firmly purposing within Our Selves as every Good Man ought to do Graciously to Administer Justice to every One according to the Rights and Laudable Customs of the foresaid Kingdom Also to Renew the Good Laws and Customs which have been in the time of Lewis Our Progenitor moreover adding thereto what shall seem Expedient according to the Condition and Quality of the time But as for any Change of Coin or any Inordinate Exactions We intend not to seek Our Profit by Your Detriment Because the Almighty be Praised We have enough and abound And as concerning the Affairs of the
that of the Wise Man g g Ecclus c. 11. v. 5. Many Tyrants have sat on the Throne and a Man unthought on hath wore the Diadem The Sword being thus in the Hands of Madmen not thrô any proud Arrogance or Disobedience but by wisely * * Currenti cedende Furori yielding to the Course of Fury we have hitherto defer'd our Access to You that just Fear excusing us which might fall upon the most Resolute being notwithstanding ready to obey your Majesty in all things the Honour of God and of Holy Church and of our own State and Order being always in all points preserved But truly in the mean while during the Power of these Tyrants to the rooting out whereof let Him that ariseth from on high vouchsafe to assist You that the word of the Wise Man may be fulfilled h h Wisd c. 16. v. 4. For it was requisite that upon them exercising Tyranny should come Penury which they could not avoid Lest the clamour of our Infamy should grow higher to the manifesting of our Innocence we answer to the Articles contained in those Letters or infamous Libels not sophistically but truly in form following viz. For the Beginning of your foresaid Letters The Archbishops Answer to the first Article or of the foresaid infamous Libell being full of Reproach containeth That your Majesty being formerly exalted to the Royal Throne in the Years of your tender Youth and desiring at your first Vndertaking that Princely Charge to be directed by wholesom Counsel did make use of our Spiritual Advice in matters concerning the Health of your Soul and also of our Temporal in Affairs relating to the Augmentation and Conservation of your Kingdom And that afterwards when by Right of Succession the Realm of France was devolved unto You and by the Lord Philip of Valois de facto manifestly usurped we perswaded You by our Importunities to make a League with the Lords of Almain and Others for the Recovery of your Right and that You should only take care to provide Men of Courage and Skill sufficient for the War because we would effectually supply you with Monies for the Necessities of You and Yours and for Wages for the Army And because You altogether wanted this due Assistance you were fain to submit to the heavy burthen of Vsury To these things most Excellent Prince even thô we hold our Tongues and speak not a word the notoriety of the Fact knows how to give a fit Answer For in the beginning of your Reign while we presided over the Church of Winchester by whose Counsel your Majesty was directed is known to the whole Kingdom For He who is ignorant of nothing knows that when the Question about the Kingdom of France after the Death of King Charles the Brother of your Serene Mother i i Vid. l. 1. c. 2. §. 2. p. 28. was handled and discussed in the Parliament then held at Northampton and it was thereupon ordained that the Bishops of Worcester then now of Winchester and of Coventry and Litchfield should go into France and in your Name claim that Kingdom and as much as in them lay hinder the Coronation of the said Philip of Valois who according to this Ordinance taking then upon them the Legation enjoyned them went into France which very Embassy gave the greatest Occasion of this present War we had at that time no concern in the Government of You or of your Youth as others had who directed You both in Spirituals and Temporals because neither as then did we any ways intermeddle in the Kings Business but remained at Court for what cause God knows hated by all the Courtiers But afterwards in times of Unity since it pleased Your Majesty that We also together with others of Your Council should confer about Your Affairs toward the Establishing of Peace between the two Realms of England and of France considering the Perils of Souls Bodies and Goods that were impending from the Devouring Gulf of War We labour'd with all Our Power and to that end frequently crossing the Sea not without many Dangers Toyls and vast Expences We together with other Prelates and divers Peers of Your Realm have sought the Personal Presence of the said Philip and have effectually offer'd him We say not Measure sufficient enough but even running over as before this it hath been known for the obtaining of Peace But the said Philip like the Deaf Adder stopping his Ears and not willing to hearken unto Us there were sent unto him on Your Part two Spiritual Ambassadors to wit the Bishop of Durham and of Worcester then now of Winchester for the obtaining of his Peace And another time the Lords Henry of blessed Memory Bishop of Lincoln and William Mountagu and William Clinton now Earls of Salisbury and of Huntingdon who yet could neither obtain Peace nor any delay from War But while the said Ambassadors were yet in the Parts beyond Sea the the said Philip of Valois presently sent divers Commissions to all his Maritime Coasts to kill and destroy the Men and Ships of England wheresoever they could be found at Sea and with all Expedition sent an Armed Band to Invade your Country of Gascoign And so the War being begun by the said Philip and not by Us according to the deliberation of Your Parliament at Westminster Summon'd on that Occasion and not on Our Account only but on the Account of the great Cruelty and Obstinacy of the Haughty Mind of the said Philip who Invaded the English and refus'd all manner of Agreement and for the obtaining of Your Right in the Realm of France which was wickedly Usurped by the said Philip it was Ordained and Agreed that an Alliance should be struck up with the Almains and others But as for the Wages in this part to be paid to Your Forces in a certain Council then for that end called at Stamford there were certain Agreements made with certain Merchants of Your Land We being present the Form whereof may plainly appear in Your Chancery Which if they had been observed together with other Subsidies given by the Clergy and People to the Aid of Your War and the great Customs of Woolls not only in our Opinion but in the Judgement of all Your Counsellours would have sufficed for this whole War. And Your Majesty well knows that the foresaid Agreements were neither Violated nor Changed by Us and that the Subsidies by no means came to our Hands If then any Misfortune happen'd for want of Money for which We are sorry this is to be wholly imputed to those who brake the said Agreements and wickedly wasted and embesel'd the said Subsidies and not to Us who bore the Burthen and Heat of the Day and especially for this Cause that after Your first Crossing the Seas We have made no long abode in this Kingdom But with the Reverend Fathers the Lords Cardinals and the Bishop of Durham We went into France for the Reformation of the
were forsworn throughout the Land. Then they shew'd how several of the Clergy were imprison'd by the Kings Officers without due Process and that therefore they may be deliver'd To which the King answer'd That he intended not any Clergyman should be attached against Law and that he would be ready to hear if any was in that Manner Imprison'd either against Magna Charta or the Statute of Northampton They complain'd further that several of the Kings Officers had entred divers Religious Houses and have by Oath extorted a Confession of things deposited in those Houses and them so found have carried away The King answer'd that he would not his Officers should do thus But that if Laymen to defraud Him do conceal their Goods in such places then the Privilege should not avail For so the King is wronged On Saturday following the King thus answer'd the Petition of the Lords which Petition was That Magna Charta might in all points be observed so as such Persons who are neither appealed nor indited nor presented at the Suit of any and yet have their Goods Lands or Possessions taken away may be restored thereto again R. The King granteth for Him and his Heirs for ever that if any Person commit any Act contrary to the form of Magna Charta or any other Good Law he shall be lyable to answer it in Parliament or else where he ought by Law. The same answer he gave the Commons whose further Petitions with their Respective Answers follow Com. That the Chancellor and other Officers of State there named in the Records may upon their Entrance into the said Offices be sworn to observe the Laws of the Land and Magna Charta K. The King willeth the same Com. That every Man for Debts due to the Kings Ancestors may have therefore Charters of Pardon of Course out of the Chancery K. The King granteth Com. That Certain by Commission may hear the Accounts of those who have received Woolls Monies or other Aid for the King and that the same may be enrolled in the Chancery K. It pleaseth the King so as the Treasurer and Lord Chief Baron may be joyned in the Commission Com. That the Ordinance made at Northampton That Men of evil Life and Conversation should be attached may be repealed Because on Pretence thereof many Honest Men have been arrested K. The King doth revoke it Com. That many Commissions whereby sundry Men have been fined outragiously by the Commissioners may be revoked and New ones granted to Others K. The King is pleased that the same shall be done in the Presence of Him of the Lords and certain of the Commons Com. That the Chancellor and all other Officers there named may be chosen in open Parliament they at the same time to be openly sworn to observe the Laws aforesaid K. The King yieldeth onely thus much that if any such Office by the Death or other Failure of the Incumbent become void the Choice to remain solely in the King he taking therein the Assent of his Council but that every such Officer shall be sworn at the next Parliament according to the Petition and that every Parliament following the King shall resume into his Hands all such Offices so as the said Officers shall be left liable to answer all Objections Hereupon at the request of the whole Three Estates made unto the King these Articles were Statutes as on the Back of the Roll doth appear Which Statutes with the Conditions were after read before the King his Officers being present as the Chancellor Treasurer Justices of both Benches Steward of the King's Chamber and Others all which Officers were sworn on the Cross of Canterbury to perform the same Only the Chancellor Treasurer and certain of the Justices refused the said Oath as being repugnant to their former Oath and the Laws of the Realm However for that time the Statutes and Conditions aforesaid together with the Commissions to enquire after Oppressions were exemplified under the Great Seal and deliver'd to the Lords and Commons Althô afterwards the King judging them to entrench upon his Prerogative Royal and consequently to be in themselves illegal did absolutely revoke and annull them declaring them void and of no force Because the King before Michaelmas then next ensuing was to transport 20000 Sacks of Wooll it was at this time provided that no Subject should before that time pass over any Wooll on peril of treble Loss viz. of Wooll Life and Member Also that during the War with France the King may charge Religious Aliens Robert Stratford Bishop of Chichester the Lord Robert Wake and Sr. Robert Sodington were appointed to proportion the Wooll according to the Assesment of the Fifteenth lately made by the direction of such as had perfect Knowledge of each County Which particular Rates being accordingly made were deliver'd and enter'd upon Roll in Chancery and thereupon Commissions issued out for Collecting the same And this is all I thought fit to observe of this Parliament they that would know more may have recourse to the Printed Books of Statutes which in this Year agree exactly with the Record except in one Point touching the Revocation of the Statute aforesaid to which some Officers would not agree thô in the n Statute Book 15 Ed. 3. p. 85. Print it is set here there is no mention in the Record Nor is it likely that it was Revoked till two Years after as the o Ed. 3.17 n. 23. Revocation of a Statute Record places it As to what Sr. Robert Cotton observes immediately before that there is no mention of the Revocation of the Statutes aforesaid in the Record of this Year but for that he refers Us to the Seventeenth of this King it is to be noted that indeed the Statutes aforesaid were not revoked during this Session for then they were made and that in a Parliamentary way they were not revoked till the time fixed by him viz. the 17 of Ed. 3. But that shortly after according to the Printed Book of Statutes the King of his meer Prerogative without any Parliament only by Advice of his Council did abrogate what formerly he had as he judg'd unadvisedly Enacted and this being done this Year was two Years after confirmed by Act of Parliament But for the Rarity of the Case I shall subjoyn the Form of the Kings Revocation which is this EDWARD by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to N. N. Sheriff of Lincoln Greeting Whereas at Our Parliament Summoned at Westminster in the XV of Easter last past Certain Articles expresly contrary to the Laws and Customs of our Realm of England and to our Prerogatives and Rights Royal were pretended to be granted by Us by the manner of a Statute We considering how that by the Bond of our Oath We be bound to the Observance and Defence of such Laws Customs Rights and Prerogatives and Providently Willing to Revoke those things which be so improvidently done to
with her young Son John took the Sea and went for England under the Conduct of the Earl of Northampton about the Middle of December and arrived in safety at Plimouth whence She was honourably convey'd to the King who received her graciously and for a long while after took Care of her Son here in England For her sake King Edward renewed those publique Rejoycings which were usual in his Days with his accustomed Magnificence All the Christmass Holydays there were daily Tournaments Running at the Ring Dancings Balls Splendid Collations and Princely Banquets so that the Countess look'd upon the Court of England as another Paradise And here for many Years her Son was exercised in those honourable Methods of Education which fitted him for the Character he was afterwards to bear and enabled him to purchase the Glorious Sirname of Valiant XIX This Year the Renowned Earl of Salisbury is said to have Conquer'd the Isle of Man in consideration whereof and because x Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 644. his Father was Married to one of the Sisters of Orry King of Man descended from Orry Son to the King of Denmark he y Id. ibid. p. 646. was now by King Edward his Gracious Master Crowned King of the said Island which was in like manner enjoy'd by his Son till he sold it to the Lord Scroop in King Richard the Seconds days thô it is certain z Id. ibid. p. 648. that he bore the Title of Lord of the said Isle unto the Day of his Death On the a Labbe Chronol Tech. ad hunc annu◠Odoric Rainald ad hunc an §. 1. 25 of April this Year Pope Benedict the XII died at Avignion after he had sat 7 Years 4 Moneths and six Days Clement the VI succeeded him a Man of great Learning but as 't is said very Prodigal especially of what was not his own For he took up by way of Provision as well throughout England as elsewhere most of the best Spiritual Preferments which he b Vid. Walsingh hist p. 149. conferr'd on his Cardinals and others till he forced King Edward flatly to oppose this his Tyrannous Usurpation as We shall see hereafter CHAPTER the TWENTY FIRST The CONTENTS I. King Edward prepares on all hands against the next Campagne but chiefly embraces the Countess of Montford's Interest to whose Aid he commands the Lord Robert of Artois in all haste to address himself But not finding the Scots sure he resolves forthwith to bring them down II. He enjoyns his Clergy by Proclamation to make Publique Prayers for the Success of his Arms. III. A Truce for two Years taken between the English and Scots to which the French King gives his Consent IV. The Lord Robert of Artois Admiral of the English Fleet Engages with Don Lewis of Spain Charles of Blois his Admiral but a Tempest parts them V. The Lord Robert of Artois Landing in Bretagne lays Siege to Vannes and takes it by Stratagem VI. The English lay Siege to Rennes VII The Bloisian Lords come suddenly before Vannes and retake it by Storm VIII The Lord Robert of Artois dies in England of his Wounds received at Vannes King Edward vows to revenge his Death IX A Parliament wherein Edward the Kings Eldest Son is created Prince of Wales X. The Commons in Parliament complain of the Popes Provisions and Reservations of Benefices in England whereupon by the Kings leave the two Houses send an Address to the Pope with the Event XI The Popes Letter to the King about the Premises XII Another of the Popes Letters to the same purpose directed to his Council XIII King Edwards notable Answer unto the Pope in behalf of the Liberties of the Church of England with his Proceedings thereupon XIV The King goes in Person into Bretagne and lays Siege to Vannes with Charles of Blois's Preparations to resist him and King Edwards march against him whereupon he Besieges him in Nants And at the same time takes in Dinant Ploermel Malestroit and other Towns. XV. The Lord Clisson and the Lord Henry du Leon taken by the English before Vannes Don Lewis of Spain distresses the Kings Navy which being Succoured for the more security is removed part to Brest and part to Hennebond XVI John Duke of Normandy comes into Bretagne with an Army against King Edward XVII The two Armies confront without offering Battle on either side by the Mediation of the Pope a Truce agreed on and a time limited for a further Treaty King Edward returns into England XVIII The Treaty fully Ratifi'd whereupon some English Lords go to the Holy War. XIX The Year concludes with the Death of King Robert of Sicily of King Philip of Navarre and others The Foundation of Trinity-Hall of Pembroke-Hall and Gonvill and Gaius College in Cambridge I. NOw while King Edward was keeping his Christmas with great Solemnity and entertaining the Fair Countess of Montford and the Lords of Bretagne he a Frois c. 89. received sundry Letters of great Importance from several places From Gascogne and Bayonne his Captains desired a supply of Men to secure the Frontiers From Flanders Jacob van Arteveld sent him Letters importing how He hop'd shortly to bring it about AN. DOM. 1343. An. Regni Angliae XVII Franciae that his Eldest Son Edward Duke of Cornwall should marry the Daughter of the Earl of Flanders for him and his Son they intended to expell and so should be Lord and Duke of Flanders with many other Politick Devices which I pass over because they never took effect From Scotland at the same time King Bailiol who was Governour of Barwick for King Edward the Lord Ros of Hamlake and the Lord Henry Piercy of Northumberland sent also their Letters signifying to the King that the Scots did not hold the Peace over punctually but that they made great Trainings and Muster'd many Souldiers to what intent as they knew not his Majesty might easily guess Besides all this his several Captains in Ponthieu Xaintogne Rochel and Bourdelois sent him Word how the French made vast Preparations for the ensuing Campaigne and that therefore the Truce made at Arras being well-nigh expired it would become his Majesties Wisdom to look about him And so He did and answer'd all these Letters distinctly promising to provide a timely Remedy for all their Doubts But in especial manner notwithstanding all these Avocations he was b Frois c. 90. fol. 46. resolv'd to embrace the Interests of the Countess of Montford who was then at London with her Son in the Queens Company Wherefore he commanded his Cousin the Lord Robert of Artois with such a Number of Archers and so many Men of Arms to undertake this Expedition He also c Frois ibid. Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 74. sent the Lord Thomas Holland and Sr. John Darvel to Bayonne with 200 Men of Arms and 400 Archers to defend the Frontiers there But as for the Scots thô the King intended to War upon them in
to Calais where they took the Sea all together and Landed at Dover where at that time the King was with certain of his Council ready to receive them and to Treat further with the Earl of Flanders about the Consummation of the foresaid Affair This was the occasion of the Kings being there at that time when the foremention'd Pursuivant came and brought him the News of the Victory near Auray Whereat the King was wonderfully pleased and all the Court the Earl of Flanders being no less glad than any of them because of the Advancement of his Cousin German the Earl of Monford which must needs happen thereby Thus King Edward tarried with the Earl of Flanders at Dover for the space of Three Days which were spent in Royal Feastings and Princely Recreations And then Matters concerning which they met being adjusted He took his solemn leave of the King and sailed back for Flanders being attended to Bruges by the Duke of Lancaster and Earl Edmund his Brother But yet this Intended Match was soon after d Walsing hist p. 128. n. 40. broke off by the French Kings envious Policy he craftily hindring the Pope from granting a Dispensation and then he never left Courting the Earl of Flanders till he had given his Daughter in Marriage to that Kings Brother Philip Duke of Burgundy Notwithstanding which it appears e Rot. Franc. 39. Ed. 3. m 9. Vid. Dagd 2 Vol. p. 154. that the Year following Sr. Nicolas Tamworth Knight and John Wyn Esquire were sent by King Edward to all the Nobles and other his Friends beyond the Seas to sollicit their Help for expelling those Strangers who had invaded the Lands of Burgundy Nivers and Reth of Right belonging to the Countess of Flanders and her Son which were to return unto Edmund Earl of Cambridge and to the Dutchess of Burgundy Daughter to the same Earl of Flanders in regard of that Matrimonial Contract made betwixt them as the Record doth manifest XIII This Year on the Feast of All-Saints f Walsingh hist p. 174 n. 20. there was fought a great Battle on the Plains of Turkey between the Christians and Pagans where the Christians after a long and doubtfull Fight obtain'd a Bloody and Cadmean Victory For on their side there fell the Great Master of the Hospital of Rhodes and one or two Kings and of the meaner sort to the Number of 5210 But of the Infidels there were slain more than 40000 of their Men of Arms besides an incredible Number of the Common Souldiers The Chief Captains of the Heathens were the Soldan of Babylon and the King of Turkey Kinstut or Keystut the King of Lithuania Janibech King of Tartary King Baldoc and King Belmarine three whereof were slain in the Field and the King of Lithuania's Son g Dugd. 1 Vol. Bar. p. 233. id in Warwickshire p. 317. a. was taken Prisoner by Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick who afterwards brought him into England and made him a Christian calling him Thomas after his own Name as being at that time his Godfather But whereas Walsingham says that among other Christian Princes I King of Hungary was slain at this Fight there is a double mistake for it should be written L in stead of I that King's Name being Lewis and it is most certain that he lived many Years after h Vid. Odor Rainal Câ—ntin Baron Tom. XVI Tom. XVII as will appear to any that shall enquire CHAPTER the TVVELFTH The CONTENTS I. John of Monford having taken Auray goes before Jugon which yields thence to Dinant which at last yields also then he invests Quimpercorentin II. The Prisoners taken in the Battle of Auray secur'd for fear of new stirs while Earl Monford takes in all Bretagne III. The French King perswaded to admit John of Monford for true Duke of Bretagne AN. DOM. 1365. An. Regni Angliae XXXIX sends unto him to try him He has King Edwards leave to hold the Dukedom of France and so Bretagne is settled in Peace and John Monford sirnamed the Valiant own'd Duke thereof IV. Peace made between the French King and the King of Navarre by Vertue whereof the Captal of Busche is acquitted his Prison the French King endeavours to win him but in vain V. The Death of the Lord Lewis of Navarre VI. A Parliament at Westminster VII King Edwards Buildings and the Foundation of Kings-Hall in Cambridge now called Trinity College VIII The Pope Demands the Annual Fee which King John of England engag'd to pay to the Apostolick Chamber and orders King Edward upon his refusal to be cited to answer the Contempt at the Court of Rome Which Matter the King refers to his Parliament IX The Lady Isabella Daughter to King Edward given in Marriage to the Lord Ingleram de Coucy X. The King punishes the Lord Chief Justice and others his Justices for Male-Administration of the Laws XI The King of Cyprus takes Alexandria in Egypt but is forced to leave it again XII Dr. Thoroton twice corrected XIII The Earl of Warwick returns into England with the King of Lithuania's Son his Prisoner whom he makes a Christian and stands his Godfather naming him Thomas after his own Name I. BEing now enter'd upon the Thirty Ninth Year of King Edwards Reign it will be necessary for the understanding of what follows to set down an account of Matters which happen'd in the close of the foregoing Year namely after the Battle of Auray And we shall find that the Earl of Monford upon that notable and entire Victory return'd a Frois c. 228. fol. 128. unto the Siege of that Fortress which he follow'd with greater application than ever before and made a Vow not to Rise thence till he had the Besieged at his Devotion And surely those within were much diminished in Courage thô not in Provision for they had lost in the late Battle their Captain Esquire Henry of Tintineac together with Fourty Men of Arms the very Flower of all their Garrison Wherefore since now they could not expect any further Succour they at last resolved to yield while they might hope to obtain tolerable Conditions and so they began to enter a Parly with the Earl to that purpose The Earl was not willing to lose much more time here and besides he knew not how other Places stood affected to him and he had a mind to try the Country while the Terrour of his Arms was fresh on which Considerations he received them to Mercy and gave them leave to depart with their Goods for they would not yet own his Authority or submit to his Government Having now placed in Auray a good Garrison of his own he rode on with his Army which encreased daily Men of Arms and Archers continually flocking to him Nay the very Bretons who before rejected his Yoke being now won by the Reputation of his Sword came in to him apace especially the Bretons Bretonant or those of Lower Bretagne First he marched
c. 236. Caxton c. that not long before the King had sent the Ambassadors aforesaid to Avignon to require of Pope Gregory that as to the Reservation of Benefices of England made in his Court he would supersede Medling for the future that Clergymen might freely enjoy their Elections to Episcopal Dignities and that it might be sufficient for them to be confirmed by their Metropolitans as was the Antient Custom Upon these and the like Abuses they required Remedy of the Pope concerning all which Articles the said Ambassadors had certain Answers from his Holiness touching which the Pope enjoyned them upon their Return into England to certifie him by their Letters of the King's Will and of his Realm and also that they would press the King to let him first know what he and his Council design'd to do before they proceeded to determine any thing as to the Premises The Result whereof we shall refer to the next Year However in this Parliament it was Enacted That Cathedral Churches should enjoy their own Elections and that for the future the King should not write against the Persons so Elected but rather by his Letters endeavour their Confirmation if need were But this Statute availed not much afterward The o M.S. Ret. Par. ut ante Sr. Rob. Cotton ibid. Burgesses of Bristow in this Parliament require that the said Town with the Suburbs thereof may be a County of it self and that the Perambulation of the same with the Bounds thereof returned into the Chancery with all the Liberties and Charters thereto granted may be confirmed by Act of Parliament The King is content to grant that the Charters Liberties and Perambulation aforesaid may be confirmed under the Great Seal That no French Prior Alien be permitted to dwell within twenty Miles of the Sea-Coast for several Reasons there specified The King by his Council will provide therefore That Remedy may be had that Men be not called into the Exchequer upon Suggestion without Process contrary to the Statute made in the 42 Year of the King. Let any particular Man complain and he shall find Remedy After this the Lord Chancellor in the Kings Name gave great Thanks to the Lords and Commons and so this Session ended It is to be observed that the Printed Statute touching the Assize of Broad Cloath Cap. 1. agreeth with the Record As also that Cap. 2. touching Scottish Silver Coin. XVIII This Year it is reported p Mezeray ad hunc ann p. 92. Odor Rainal ad an 1374. §. 13. ex Chron. Belg. Job Leyd c. that there happen'd in Italy France and England especially in the Lower Countries a certain Maniack Passion or Frenzy unknown to former Ages for those who were tormented therewith which for the most part were the Scum of the People stript themselves stark naked put Garlands of Flowers on their Heads and taking one another by the Hands went about in the streets and into the Churches dancing singing and turning round with such vehemence that they would fall down to the ground quite out of Breath This Agitation made them swell so prodigiously that within an Hours time they would burst unless some-body took care to bind their Bellies about with strong Swathing-bands Those who looked on them too earnestly were often tainted with the same Malady It was thought to have come by some Diabolical Operation and that Exorcisms did much prevail against it The Vulgar called it St. John's Dance XIX There died q Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 70. b. about this time a valiant Baron of England named the Lord Miles Stapleton one * Vid. Lib. 1. c. 22. §. 7. p. 298. of the Founders of the most Noble Order of the Garter leaving behind Thomas his Son and Heir then of full Age who yet died also this same Year without Issue leaving his Sister Elizabeth his next Heir she being then married to Sr. Thomas Metham Which Sr. Thomas having at that time Issue by her and doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance There died r Walsing hist p. 183. Vid. Godwins Catal. Bish c. also this Year Dr. John Thoresby Archbishop of York and Dr. John Barnet Bishop of Ely besides the Bishop of Worcester of whose Death we spake at the beginning of the last Parliament Alexander Nevile succeeded in the See of York Thomas Fitz-Alan younger Son to the Earl of Arundel in that of Ely and Henry Wakefield in that of Worcester CHAPTER the ELEVENTH AN. DOM. 1374. An. Regni Angliae XLVIII Franciae XXXV The CONTENTS I. King Edward inquires into the Livings then in the Hands of Aliens with his Letters to the Bishop of Winchester for that purpose II. He sends Commissioners to treat with the Popes Legates about the Premisses with the Copy of their Commission and the Effect of their Treaty III. The Duke of Anjou's Expedition into Gascogne IV. A Truce between the Dukes of Lancaster and Anjou V. The Lords of High Gascosgne yield to the Duke of Anjou who takes in all 40 Towns and Castles from the English VI. Becherel for want of succour yields VII Sr. Hugh Chastillon Master of the Crossbows of France is redeem'd with an Adventure between him and the Lord of Gomegines Captain of Ardres for King Edward VIII A Treaty at Bruges concerning a Peace between the two Crowns wherein Care is had of the Earl of Pembroke and others taken formerly by the Spaniards with the Death of the said Earl of Pembroke and some Observations thereon IX The Death of Francis Petrarch Laureat Poet of Italy and some other Considerable Persons of England X. An Account of Madam Alice Perrers who was falsly said to be King Edward's Concubine I. KING Edward being perpetually alarum'd as well in Parliament as otherwise by his Subjects who complain'd of the many great Abuses done unto Him and his Authority by the See of Rome as of their Reservations and other Arts whereby they entrenched upon his Prerogative Royal and the Liberties of the Church of England exhausting his Kingdom to enrich Strangers and such as were his Enemies the King I say being now throughly awaken'd at these Cries of his People among other notable Ways whereby he encountred these Usurpations began a Fox Acts Monum p. 560. at this time to require an exact Survey of all Benefices and Dignities Ecclesiastical throughout his Dominions which were then in the Hands of Italians Frenchmen or other Aliens with a true Valuation of the same and sent unto all his Bishops his Royal Commission to make such Enquiry the Tenor whereof followeth EDWARD by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to the Right Reverend Father in God William by the same Grace Bishop of Winchester Greeting Being willing for certain Reasons Us thereunto moving to be certified what and how many Benefices as well Archdeaconries and other Dignities as Vicarages Parsonages Prebends and Chapters within your Dioecese there be
Natural Repose either make him fast or give him meats not such as he desired but quite Contrary often unsavoury always unwholesome and sometimes temper'd with loathsome Sauces and even Poison it self But the strength of his Excellent Constitution preserv'd him vigorous healthy and entire among all these Attempts and Difficulties For it is the Opinion of Galen that some strong Bodies may by the course of Nature evacuate such poisons as usually destroy those of a less firm and solid Vigour and contexture Howbeit we had rather attribute this to the Goodness of God lest had he died thrô excess of Grief and Melancholy or by these secret and lingring Poisons their Cruel Treason had not been so apparent to humane Notice Besides all this that they might the sooner provoke him to despair or impatience for these Devils incarnate not content to put him to a simple Death delighted also to torment his Soul whatever he said they would contradict or deride and scoff at telling him that he was a doting Fool and f Sr Tho. de la More distracted which might well have been true in these his Vexatious Sufferings but that the Divine Grace gave him Strengeth and Patience proportionable to his Miseries When therefore 't was understood at Court that his Health was not impair'd by all these hard Usages and that what was already done secluded the Authors from Mercy if by any means he should ever recover Liberty they send very smart Letters to his Keepers blaming them for giving him too much freedom and for allowing him too costly and delicate Fare adding some slight intimations that however he should be taken off it would not be unacceptable to those whose Lives were not safe till his Death was certain But who were of Power sufficient to requite any considerable Service And here that subtle Bishop of Hereford the ungracious Adam Orleton made use of that Famous Sophistical Sentence g Sr Tho. de la More Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est Quā tamen eandem sententiam contra Johannam Philippi Pulchri uxorem ante haec tempora usurpatam memorat Gaguin l. 7 p. 125. Reginam occidere nolite timere bonam est Kill Edward never fear 't is Good. Which being pointed thus Kill Edward never fear 't is Good. Commands his Death But if thus Kill Edward never fear 't is Good. It Deterrs them from it For by this ambiguous while unpointed Phrase he hop'd as indeed he did to give sufficient Confidence to these Impolitick Villains to work his Death but yet to leave Room for his own Defence if ever he should be call'd in question Without this Sentence to intimate what they were to do and an Epistle from h M.S. Vet. Angl. in Bibl. C. C. C. c. 215. Mortimer himself who directed them how and in what manner they should dispatch him together with broad Intimations from the Queen Hereford and other Grandees whose concern it was to hasten the imprison'd King's Death with all their Seals annexed thereto they durst never have undertaken violently to have rid him of his Life since it was his Son that now Reign'd and that very Parliament that depos'd him had Enacted that no Violence should be offer'd to his Person But when his Keepers had these Authentick Abettors on their side they imagin'd all was safe and are presently possess'd with Diabolical Resolutions First they command the Lord Barkley to withdraw from his own Castle with all his Servants and whomsoever they were not well assured of Then they remove the poor Prince who was now well aware of his End and 't is reasonably presum'd by his Patience and Christianlike Deportment as well prepared for it into an high Turret of the said Castle This i Sr Tho. de la More p. ult l. 22. Room they surrounded with all sorts of Carrion and stinking Carcases piled upon the Leads and round about his Windows and on the Battlements either so by corrupting the Air he drew in to dispatch him or at least to keep their hands in by these Devilish Exercitations till they had pitch'd on some more exquisite way to destroy him Nor was this a poor Invention neither but argues the wicked Ingenuity of his Murderers who saw that nothing could be more loathsome to one of so refined and delicate a sense and Education And accordingly several Workmen who were labouring about the Castle heard him often with most passionate bewailings complain of this as the most insupportable affliction he ever yet had met with in all his Life But when the Tormentors saw that none of these Methods had any power to impair his Health or break his Patience much less to take him off they now set about the work in good Earnest On the 11 Calends of October that is after our Account the 21 of September and St. Matthews day when they had the most barbarous Design in the World against his Life they put on the best Countenance that ever they had yet shew'd him before They not only as on a Festival treated him well at Dinner but also k Graston p. 218 M.S. Vet. Ang. in Bibl. C. C. C. in Cantab. c. 215 made very good cheer with him at Supper to make him less apprehensive of their intended Treason But at midnight they came softly into his Chamber where they found the Innocent Prince lying half asleep in his Bed. Here no less than fifteen sturdy fellows suddenly clap an huge Table upon his upper parts at the first apprehension whereof the affrighted King awaking turned his body so that then he lay groveling being in this manner held forcibly down by these wretches The mean while others raised the Bedcloaths from the Feetward up to his Body when they go about such an Execrable Fact that I am both sorry and asham'd to declare that ever this Nation could produce such Monsters For l M.S. ibid. c. 215. John Harding c. 177. Sr Tho. de la More emnes first they force a certain smooth hollow Pipe or Horn into his Secret Parts thrô which they immediately thrust a long red-hot Instrument of Iron which they turned and rowled about to his most inexpressible torment as his loud and bitter groanings which were heard by many did testifie till they had in this manner forced his Royal Soul to seek for quiet in another World. This they did to the intent that no wound should appear outwardly in the Princely Body whereby they or those who set them on might be lyable to any question And indeed none as yet appeared thô they had the Impudence to expose the Royal Corps to publique View many n Speed p. 566. b Abbots Priors Knights and Burgesses of Bristow and Glocester being sent for to see the same Such confidence had they in this their new-contrived Art of Murder But thô the Ordinary sort who saw the skin all over whole and unbroke concluded his Death to be no other than Natural yet Wise men could not
upon them if they did As for more circumstances of this Martial Sport they are neither fit to be minutely handled nor can I find them any where particularized But this is very likely that the Actions were performed with Gallantry enough and that the Undertakers on both sides were considerable Persons For some say p Holinshead Engl. Chron. p. 893. the Young King himself with 12 more in his Company thô disguised were the Challengers ready to answer all Defendants that should come At least the King Queen and whole Court were Spectators with many thousands of the City But in the height of this Recreation there happen'd an accident which had like to have proved Tragical For the Stage q Stow's Survey of London p. 280. Hist p. 230. R. Baker p. 143. whereon the Queen and her Ladies were placed suddenly brake under them to the great affrightment of all the Company thô by the wonderfull Goodness of God it happen'd that no harm at all was done But the King was thereby so incensed at the Master-Workmen that it would have proved very difficult for them to have avoided a severe Punishment had not the Noble-minded Queen her self upon her knees requested their pardon Which besure the King would never have granted on any other consideration to those who had occasion'd the hazard of a Lady so dear unto him And indeed this vertuous Princess was of a most Generous and Compassionate Nature always desirous to do good but especially to the Afflicted and those who were brought into any undeserved Misfortune so that all along she Reign'd in the hearts of the People whose Welfare and Convenience she continually endeavour'd with all her Power III. About this time the Queen Mother who bore an Inveterate hatred against Edmund Plantagenet Earl of Kent one of the Kings Uncles chiefly for the Earl of Marche's sake to whose Unreasonable pride the Noble Princes Courage scorn'd to yield began earnestly to inform the Young King her Son against him as guilty of matters into which the subtle Mortimer had craftily insnared the Open-hearted Gentlman r Frois c. 23. fol. 13. a. Fox Acts Mon. p. 345. Some say that being the next Heir Apparent he was accused to have conspired the Death of the King his Nephew by poyson which might not perhaps sound so improbable but that at this time and for above six years after the Kings own Brother John of Eltham Earl of Cornwall was ſ Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 146. alive thô Froisard and from him others by mistake say he was then newly dead besides this Earl of Kent had himself an Elder Brother then living which was Thomas of Brotherton Earl of Norfolk and Marshall of England and yet above all this there were two Ladies Joan Queen of Scotland and Princess Eleanor the Kings own Sisters surviving So that he could not by any means pretend to be the next Heir nor even his Enemies with any sense pretend it for him Moreover in the Records we find no mention of Poison nor that he was so much as accus'd of Designing to compass the King his Nephew's Death Unless that was obliquely insinuated as a consequence of his Delivering the Old King which it was lay'd to his charge that he endeavour'd 'T is certain the Poor Prince was first trepan'd into a Sham-plot and afterwards speciously by way of Friendship undermin'd so as to yield to make a confession of matters not seeming Treasonable which afterward his Enemies aggravated much higher upon the Assurance of a Pardon Instead whereof before he was brought to any legal Tryal or confronted by his Accusers a Warrant was suddenly sign'd for his Execution But lest it should be admired how any Man should now be accus'd of endeavouring to deliver the Old King who had been murder'd as appears almost two Years before I will exactly set down by what arts this Innocent Gentleman was train'd on to his utter Ruine Mortimer therefore and his Complotters with a design to make his Enemies obnoxious to him which he could no other way do they were Men of such known Loyalty and Integrity cunningly scatters it abroad that the Old King Edward the Second was still alive notwithstanding the late Rumour of his Death and Burial and that he now resided in the Castle of t Stow p. 229. ◠Corfe in Dorsetshire but was not to be seen in the day time by any means with much difficulty in the Night for fear he should hasten his own Death thereby Now to carry on this incredible Tale the better for those were cauteous and discreet Men whom Mortimer aim'd to catch there were several Knights appointed to make Shows and Masks and other Diversions upon the Battlements and Leads of the Castle which the Country People observing could not but imagin some great Prince or King to be there for whose pleasure and honour those Solemnities were so performed Hence the rumour of the Old King 's being still alive was spread far and near so that at last it came as was first design'd with some kind of Authority to the Earl of Kents Ears who desiring only as he thought to sift the Truth out entangled himself more strongly in an errour To the Castle of Corfe he privily sent one of his Confidents a Preaching Fryer with a charge to dive into the Matter He at last under much caution with a great deal of doe obtaining to be admitted into the Castle was even then out of pretended Fear kept close all the day in the Porters Lodge But at night being for more security as they held him in hand disguised in Lay-habit he was brought into the great Hall where he beheld one cloathed in Royal Habiliments to personate a King so that the Fryer himself either deceived by the glimmering of the Lamps or the Distance which he was forced to keep or the strength of prejudice working upon his Fancy did really take him for the Father of the Young King as he sat with seeming Majesty and Princely Attendants at a Royal Supper This Account the Fryer brought back to the Earl of Kent and whether himself also corrupted or really in mind perswaded did as really perswade the Unfortunate Prince that he had seen the King his Brother alive and well and at supper with his own Eyes Whereupon the Earl declared with an Oath that he would make use of all the Means and Interest he could to rescue the King his Brother from that unworthy Confinement u M.S. vet Ang. in Bibl. C. C. C. c. 220. Now when first this Rumour began to go abroad with some Authority Earl Edmund having some occasions at the Court of Rome held a Discourse with Pope John XXII at Avignion and said How Almighty God had many times for the love of Thomas of Lancaster done many fair Miracles upon severall both Men and Women who were through divers Maladies undone as to this World till thrô his Prayers they were restored unto their Health
the Attaindure which pass'd upon him at the death of his Father and Grandfather For p Cart. 4. Ed. 3. n. 71. himself also and Joan his Wife Daughter of q Mill's Catal. Honer p. 575. Sr. Peter Jenevill in Fee divers ample Liberties and Jurisdictions to be exercised at his Castle of Trim in Ireland besides the Inheritance of all the Territory of Danahmain in Ireland with very large Priveleges thereto annexed Besides all which he procured a r Cart. 4. Ed. 3. n. 67. Grant to Geoffry his Son of the Castle of Donnington in Leicestershire as also the Mannors of Lechelade and Sodington in Glocestershire the Mannor of Wokking in Surry Byeby and Castre in Lincolnshire Ashburn in the Peke in Darbyshire Ryehale in Rutland and Kinely in Wiltshire late the possessions of Edmund Earl of Kent attainted and executed as we have shewn Also the Wapentake of Ryssey in Darbyshire the Wapentakes of Plumtre and Alreton in Norfolk the Mannor of Reseby in Leicestershire and the Mannor of Alreton with certain Lands in Drayton in Norfolk all parcel likewise of the Lands of the said Edmund late Earl of Kent from whose Fall he gather'd this fruit to himself and Family Being therefore so great in Authority and possessions he now drew after him more Attendants than the King himself nay ſ Stow p. 229. n. 20. he was so sottishly blinded with false Ambition that he would expect his Lord and Master to rise-first to him and if offer'd permit it nor would he in the least scruple to walk fast by the King as his Fellow nay sometimes walk on in state before him as his Lord looking back and more than familiarly laughing upon his Soveraign He had beside the fore-mentioned Round-Table at Bedford kept another t Leland Cellect 1 Vol. p. 685. Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 145. M. S. vet Angl. in Bibl. C.CC. c. in Wales in imitation of the Famous King Arthur For which and other too daring Tokens of his proud Spirit he was by his own Son Sr. Geoffry called in derision The King of Folly Which certainly was true since nothing appears more supreamly foolish and ridiculous than Pride and Arrogance Among others of his large Retinue he is said to have no less than u Draytons Bar. Wars l. 6. Stan. 16. M. S. id ibid. 222. ninescore Knights as his Attendants besides Esquires Serjeants at Arms and Footmen a Company well suiting with his ambitious Spirit and seemingly sufficient for his Security if long to remain secure was possible for those who are blinded with Ambition And besides this his unsufferable Insolence whereby he undervalued all the World but himself and esteemed no Lord of the Realm his Peer he was also extreamly given to heaping up Moneys and therefore he still follow'd the Court of Isabell the Queen Mother and had his Provision bought by the Officers of the Queens Houshold in the same manner as the King's Officers purvey'd for him and so he took up all things both as to his Victuals and Carriages after the King's Rates to the great enriching of himself but the no less Grievance and oppression of the People Wherefore all the great Lords of the Land both hated and feared him and the King and his Council took notice of all his Insolencies and ordained among themselves to pull him down at a Convenient Opportunity by the pure force of Law and Reason For it was now apparently manifest that King Edward the King's Father was through him traitrously murd'red in the Castle of Berkley But this their Design was discover'd to Mortimer by the Treachery of some Creatures of his in the Privy Council whereat he stormed and raged exceedingly against those of the Council that had accused him to the King of the Death of his Father and swore that he would be Revenged on them whatsoever befell him And indeed he wanted but little of bringing his purpose about For at this Parliament at Nottingham by his advise the Queen Mother took into her Hands the Keys of the Castle so that none might go in or out after such an Hour but at the Pleasure of him and of the Queen Mother neither any of the King's Council nor the King himself When the Vice-Constable Sr. Edward y Stew ibid. Bohun came at this Parliament to appoint Lodgings in the Castle of Nottingham for the King 's own Cozen Henry Earl of Lancaster a Prince of the Royal Blood he took him up at a high Rate roughly demanding how he durst presume without his Direction to prescribe Lodgings for any of the Nobles whatsoever especially in a place so near the Queen Mothers Person Whereat the Vice-Constable either for the Earl of Lancaster's Security or to raise Envy to Mortimer thereby appointed his Lodgings a Mile out of the Town where also John Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex High-Constable of England and the Vice-Constables Elder Brother with many other Great Men were lodged This very thing undid Mortimer by giving his Enemies Opportunity to confer Notes together and to advise one with another how to undermine him at this Distance which nearer at hand they durst never have undertaken to do for the Multitude of his Spies and Dependants planted about them But now immediately it was discours'd among the Nobles and privately whisper'd among the Common People That Mortimer the Queen Mothers Paramour The Old King's Murderer and the Young King's Governour sought by the Ruine of the Royal Family and by trampling the Nobility under Foot to aspire to the Regal Power It was also the more to enflame Mens minds privily rumour'd that the Queen Mother was impregnate by Mortimer thô never any effect appear'd after to that purpose However this with other Matters was handsomely convey'd to the Young King's Ear by some of his Faithfull Servants who upon his demurr at the Danger encouraged him boldly not any longer to endure such dishonour from a Man that had Murdered his Father Mislead his Mother and cut off his Uncle vowing in Defence and Vindication of his Royal Dignity to stand by him to the last drop of their Blood. The King hereat taking high Indignation and as High Courage at their promised assistance resolves forthwith to level this Bold Encroacher on Soveraignty and bring him to a severe Account for all his former Ill Services William z Dugd. Bat. 1 Vol. p. 641. Lord Montacute or Montagu for 't is the same was the Chief in this Concern and the Man that most Boldly lay'd open the whole matter before the King who immediately thereupon a Dugd. Bar. 1 Vol. p. 146. gave him Command to take to his Assistance some other Trusty and Resolute Persons which he did accordingly And the Names of his Associates as many as I have met with are these Sr. Humphry Bohun next Brother to Earl John the Constable Sr. Edward Bohun the Vice-Constable and Sr. William Bohun afterwards Earl of Northampton a Martial Man of that Age but
in the late Rebellion humbly prayeth to be restored to his Blood and to the Lands and Goods of his Father considering that the said Earl his Father had been put to Death without being Tryed by his Peers according to the Law and Tenour of Magna Charta But because the said Attaindure was z An. Reg. 2. Ed. 3. afterwards confirmed by Parliament at Northampton the said Richard Corrects his Former Petition and prayeth to be Restored of the King 's meer Grace and Bounty Whereupon by the King he was accordingly Restored together with the Castle of Arundel which had been given to Edmund Late Earl of Kent upon promise by him made to pay the Value of the said Castle to Edmund Son of the Late Earl of Kent the said Earl Richard paying the usual Rents to the Crown and saving to the King all such Additional Lands as were too lavishly given to the Late Earl of Arundel by King Edward the Second Nor was the Young King at this time unmindfull of those whose faithfull Friendship had thus asserted his Royal Prerogative and deliver'd him from the over-awing Tyranny of his Enemies For in this Parliament a M.S. §. 15. Sr Rob. Cotton he gave to the Lord William Montagu for his Loyal Service against the Late Earl of March and his Favourers the general Entail of a Thousand Pounds per annum and for one Thousand Marks thereof both the Castle Town and Mannor of Denbigh and the Cantreds of Roos Rewyinoc and Kaermer with the Commot of Dinmal and the Appurtenances in North Wales all late belonging to Roger Earl of March Moreover he granted unto him the Castle of Shireburne in Dorsetshire with the Customs of Ale and Beer in that place On the like Consideration b §. 16. c. he granted unto Sr. Edward Bohun who was Vice-constable under his Eldest Brother the Earl of Essex and prov'd the first occasion of Broaching this Matter as well as a Resolute Assistant in it four hundred Marks per annum in general Entail Together c Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 184. with the Lordships of Vphavene and Sende in Wiltshire to hold to himself and the Heirs Male of his Body Lawfully begotten Further at the same time he gave unto Sr. Robert Hufford there Hundred Marks in Special Entail d Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 47. with a Grant of the Mannors of Causton and Fakenhambden in Fee besides a Grant for Life of the Town and Castle of Orford in Suffolk as also another in Tail Special of the Mannors of Gravesend in Kent Burgh and Coffesey in Norfolk and two parts of the Mannor of Gesting-thorp in Essex Lastly to Sr. John Nevil e §. 16. p. 12. of Horneby he granted 200 Marks in Tail Special and to others other Rewards proportionably In a Plea of the Crown holden before the King this Parliament f M. S. ibid. 4.12 § 17. 18. Sr Rob. Cotton c. Thomas Lord Barkley in whose Castle as we shew'd before the Old King had been Murder'd was Arraign'd for the Death of the said King for g Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 356. that the said King had been committed by Henry Earl of Lancaster to the Custody of the said Thomas Lord Barkley with an allowance of five Pounds per diem for his Expences that notwithstanding soon after he was inhumanly Murder'd in the said Castle To which the said Thomas saith that being forced to Resign his Castle and Charge to John Lord Maltravers and to Thomas Gournay Knight he retired to his Mannor House at Bradley that at the time of the Death of the said King he lay sick at Bradley and was not within the Castle of Barkley nor was witting nor consenting to the Death of the said King and so he put himself upon the Tryal of Twelve Knights his Peers whose Names are there Recorded and by whom the said Sr. Thomas was found not Guilty he not having fled nor withdrawn himself thereupon But only that he had Resign'd his Castle upon peremptory Command to Sr. Thomas Gournay and Sr. William Ogle who then and there did Murder the said King Edward the Second Upon all which thô he was acquitted in Parliament yet there h Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 357. are some Circumstances which make it very suspicious that he was at least a Favourer of the Action as his Conniving at Gournay therein and sheltering him privately for a while after Several others were now Restored to their Lands and released of those Forfeitures imposed on them by the Late Earl of March as Sr. i M.S. p. 13. §. 19. Ebulo le Strange of Knoking and his Lady Alice who was Daughter to Henry Lascey once Earl of Lincoln and first Wife to Thomas Late Earl of Lancaster these had Lands Restored to them to the Yearly Value of 1200 Marks And Sr. William k §. 20. Lord Zouch of Mortimer with his Lady Eleanor was Restored to his Lands in Glamorgan or Morganow in Wales For avoiding other Inconveniences that might arise from private Distastes the King enjoyn'd the new Earl l §. 24. of Arundel to pardon Sr. John Charlton Lord of Powis and son in Law to the Late Earl of March who was one of those that apprehended his Father Edmund Earl of Arundel and commanded them both henceforth to keep the Peace mutually It was also Enacted m §. 26. that William Lord Montagu and all others with him at the Apprehension of the Late Earl of March and others in Nottingham since what they did was Authorized by the King's Command should be wholly acquitted thereof and of all Murders and Felonies there done From whence we cannot but observe that the n Ant. Weed's Antiqu. Oxon. l. 1. p. 176. b. Laws of England do so abhor Murder and Bloodshed that even He who spills Blood thô in his own most just Defence nay thô in his King's Behalf and at his Command seems yet in a manner to stand in some need of a Pardon from the King before he can be fully Restored to the state of Innocence Several other just Gracious and Profitable things were done this Sessions but these shall suffice as being the Chief nor could I be less large unless I should have left out many things necessary to the clearing the Story and have conceal'd something that makes for this Young Monarch's Honour I find nothing in the Records of this Parliament relating to the Queen Mother all this while whether in respect to the King they Dutifully declin'd to call her in Question or whether the King himself forbad them to concern themselves in a matter so nearly touching him which is more likely And surely whoever considers the Inequality of this Queens Age with that of Mortimer's She being little more then Thirty and He at least more then Fifty for we find o Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 144. that he received the Order of Knighthood from this King's Grandfather will rather believe that by his
with the said Emperour the Year following V. Thus strongly did King Edward prepare before he would Commence a War against so Powerfull a Monarch all which thô it prov'd in a manner unprofitable and thô little or nothing of all his Glorious Actions was really performed but by his own Forces as we shall shew hereafter Yet his great Prudence appears sufficiently from these Instances of his Foresight and Conduct and that he was not Rash nor Presumptuous but Resolute with Deliberation Yet next to God he reposed his chief Confidence in the Valour of his own Subjects and now as well to Reward past Services as to give Encouragement to new Ones in a Parliament held at Westminster * Knighton p. 2568. n. 50. about the Feast * â— e 12 Martii of St. Gregory the Pope and Confessor he converted the Earldom of Cornwall void by the Death of the Lord John of Eltham his Brother into a Dukedom and confer'd it on his Eldest Son and Heir Prince Edward who was now but six Years of Age x Ashmole p. 671. investing him by the sword only together with the County Palatinate of Chester adding shortly after such Mannors and Priviledges to this Title y Dugd. Warw. p. 90. which were for the future to be inseperable and to descend perpetually to the Eldest Sons of the Kings of England his Successors but upon the Death or Non-existence of such Dukes to revert unto the Crown And z Ashmole ibid. this was the first Precedent for the Creation of the Title of Duke with us in England The Charter of this Creation bears date the 17 of March but other particulars of this Matter I have already spoken of when I was about the Birth of this young Prince On the day preceding the King created the Lord Henry a Vid. Dugd. Bar. ad horum singulerum nâ—nana c. Knighton p. 2568 n. 60. Adam Muriâ—â—uth Will. Shâ—psteed Sr Tâ—â— de la Mâ—re Plantagenet Son to the Earl of Lancaster Earl of Darby and the Lord William Montague at the same time he made Earl of Salisbury with a grant of the yearly Rent of 20 l. out of the Profits of that County also the Lord William Clinton Earl of Huntingdon with a grant of a 1000 Marks Land per annum for him and his Heirs-male for ever besides 20 l. Rent also issuing out of the Profits of that County for his better support in that Dignity At the same time the Lord Hugh Audley Cosin to the Lord James Audley was created Earl of Glocester the Lord Hugh Courtney an old tough Souldier of almost Fourscore was now created Earl of Devonshire thô he was made so by Writ two Years before as we have shewed Besides these the Lord Robert Hufford was made Earl of Suffolk and the Lord William Bohun Earl of Northampton to the Earl of Northampton shortly after the King gave a Grant of the Castle Mannor and Town of Stamford with the Lordship of Grantham in Lincolnshire which John Warren Earl of Surrey held for Life also of the Castle and Mannor of Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire and of the Castle and Mannor of Okeham in Rutland with the Sheriffalty of the said County to hold to himself and the Heirs-Male of his Body under certain conditions in the said Grant expressed The extent whereof may be f Esc 14. Ed. 3. n. 67. Linc. seen in the Record To the Earl of Suffolk the King gave over and above an annuity of twenty pounds sub nomine honore Comitis pro tertio Denario Comitatûs illius which anciently belonged to all Earls the Honour g Mill's Catal. Honor. p. 528. of Eay in Suffolk and the Mannor of Base-Court in the Parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate in London commonly called the Barbican * Stow's Survey of Lond. Hist p. 233. because of old it had been a Burgkenning or Watch-Tower for the City Many like Advantages together with their Honours the King at this time heap'd on the rest of these Noble and Valiant Earls at which time also the young Duke of Cornwall afterwards Prince of Wales made h 24. Adam Marim Stow p. 233. Holinsh p. 900. twenty new Knights to wit Sr. Edward Montague Brother to the Earl of Salisbury and Simon i Godw. Catal. Dpps. p. 268. Montague Bishop of Ely Sr. Thomas Somerton Sr. John Lisle Son to Robert Lord Lisle Sr. Richard Darcy Sr. Damorie Sr. John Poultney Sr. Peter de la Mere Sr. Roger Banant Sr. Roger Hilary Sr. Bolingbroke Sr. Buterell Sr. Simon Swanland Sr. William k Weevers Fun. Monum p. 269. Scott Sr. William Basset Sr. Robert Sodington Sr. William de la Zouch Sr. Cogshall Sr. Roger Sangraville Sr. John Strachie and Sr. Thomas de la More who wrote in French the Life and Death of Edward the Second and also of our Edward the Third both which are Extant in Latine thô the latter is not yet published What we said of the Woollen Manufacture in the Fourth Paragraph of the preceding Chapter some will have to have been done in this Parliament the matter is all one let the time be now or then for by these l Vid. Statute Book An. xi Ed. 3. p. 77. Laws which gave so great Encouragement to Foreign Clothworkers to come hither and also prohibited that none should buy any Cloth made beyond Sea the occupation of Cloth-Weevers soon came in quest more than ever before in this Nation Sr. John Charleton m Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 72. Senior Lord of Powys a Man highly Esteemed for his Fidelity Prudence and Valour was at this time constituted Justice of Ireland the Lord n Id. 1 Vol. p. 371 Darcy being then Steward of the Kings Houshold and otherwise employ'd in the Kings Affairs and accordingly in October following o Chron. Job Clinne i.e. 14 Octob. E Dom. Lit. on the Festival of St. Calixt the Pope and a Tuesday he arrived safely there with his Brother Thomas Bishop of Hereford Chancellor and Thomas Rice Treasurer of Ireland and two Hundred lusty Welchmen But whether for any just cause or no in the Year following the Bishop p Godw. Catal. Bpps. p. 458. Holinshead Ireland p. 71. his Brother complaining to the King by Letters of Sr. Johns Misgovernment was himself appointed in his Room and further made Guardian or Deputy of that Realm But the Affairs of Ireland I shall not prosecute because I haste to more Considerable and Weighty Matters referring the Reader to Holinshead and others who may satisfie them of those things And forasmuch as there were sundry q Ex Bundello Pricrat Alienigenarum Ano. 11. Ed. 3. fisco applicaterum Vid. Clem. Reyneri Apâ—stel Benedictinerum in Appen Par. 2. p. 71. Weever's Fun. Monum p. 328. Priories at that time in England belonging to Foreign Abbeys and thereupon called Aliens because they were Cells to some Monastery or other beyond the Seas the Number whereof
Prisoner and at that time had the Custody of him to deliver him up to the Bishops of Durham and Caerlile to William Earl of Northampton the Lords Henry Piercy and Ralph Nevill or to any Four Three or Two of them and at the same time another Command was issued out to them to deliver him under the form and upon the Conditions agreed on And so toward the latter end of October King David being at liberty upon Parole went into Scotland in hopes by his Presence to quicken his Subjects to come to a Composition with King Edward but not being able to accomplish his intention so soon as he had design'd x Knighton p. 2603. n. 1â— c. the Scots refusing also to redeem him on such Conditions as King Edward propounded he return'd into England about half a Year after at which time a Command bearing date y Râ—t Scâ—tâ—â— 26. Ed. 3. n. 3. 28 March an 26. Ed. 3. was sent to the Sheriff of Yorkshire to conduct the Hostages of Scotland to Barwick they to be there in Quindena z Pasha 17. Aprâ—s B. Dom. Lit. Paschae it being the Day fixed for King Davids return to that Town And so he remain'd a Prisoner still in England CHAPTER the ELEVENTH The CONTENTS I. A Parliament at Westminster AN. DOM. 1351. An. Regni Angliae XXV Franciae XII wherein the King advances several Great Men to Honour II. The Lord John Beauchamp Captain of Calais being taken Prisoner is succeeded by Sr. Robert Herle His Acts a Truce III. A Truce with Spain The Lord Guy de Nesle taken Prisoner before the Truce with France IV. Twenty four Christians Martyr'd by the Governour of Damascus who is therefore put to Death by the Soldane of Babylon V. King John renews the Order of the Star. VI. The Manner how the Castle of Guisnes was taken by the English of Calais VII King John of France endeavours to recover it in vain VIII The Lord Charles of Blois set at Liberty upon his Parole IX The Lord Guy de Nesle slain in Battle by Sr. Walter Bentley X. The Earl of Stafford created Lieutenant of Gascogne wins a Victory over the French the Death of Sr. Thomas Wale Knight of the Garter XI King Edward provides for Defence of the Seas William Earl of Hainalt Marries the Eldest Daughter of Henry Duke of Lancaster XII The Duke of Lancaster gets Honour of the Duke of Brunswick XIII King Edward prepares to resist the French. XIV Pope Clement dies and the Earl of Kent Two Malefactors beheaded at London I. ON the a M.S. Record Parl. p. 71. c. Sr. Rob. Cottâ—n's Abridgment p. 73. c. Seventh of February being the Monday in the Vtas of the Purification of our Lady at the Opening of this Year King Edward held his High-Court of Parliament at Westminster Over which at first Prince Lionel the Kings Third Son was commission'd to preside because the King and his Eldest Son Prince Edward were then preparing to cross the Seas thô afterwards that Voyage being defer'd we shall find them both present at this Sessions Thô the Parliament began so early to sit yet by reason of several Continuations from Day to Day because many of the Lords were not yet come it was not open'd till Tuesday the 15 of February At which time Receivers being appointed to gather and Tryers to consider of the several Petitions from England Wales Gascogne Scotland Ireland Bretagne and other Foreign Isles and Places the Reasons for the Calling of the Parliament were declared in Presence of the King and his Nobles As first because the King having in the Twenty second Year of his Reign summon'd a Parliament was both hindred to continue that Session and also to b From hence it appears that the Printed Statutes pretended to be made anno 23 Fd. 3. are falsly dated call them to another by reason of the late dreadfull Plague untill this time Also that the Business of his Wars required their Concurrence because the Peace was not punctually observed and Domestick Matters were likewise to be taken into Consideration for that Labourers refused to do their Service at reasonable and usual Rates and lastly because the Treasure of the Realm was exported For these Considerations was the Parliament convened and hereupon to consult the King did especially command and require them and Sr. William Shareshull Knight the Kings Chief Justice repeated the Substance of all this to the Commons willing them to weigh all things well and provide for them effectually The whole Process and Matter following as it is to be seen at large in the Record was deliver'd by Dr. John Thoresby Bishop of c Ita emendo Winchester in M. S. Sr. Bob. Câ—ttâ—n ea I hâ—lpets Catal Chaccell Worcester then Lord Chancellour to John Codington Clerk of the Parliament at the Kings Command to be entred into the Rolls of the same Parliament In this d Godw. Catal. Bâ—sin Câ—nter §. 54. p. 14. Parliament the old Controversie between the Archbishops of Canterbury and York concerning Bearing their Crosiers began to be renew'd with the usual Heat but at last it was wholly referred to the King 's Hearing Who set down this final Rule to be observed for the future That the Archbishop of York might bear his Cross in the others Province saving the Preeminence to Canterbury but that in token of Subjection every Archbishop of York at his Entrance into that Bishopâ—â—ck should offer an Image of Gold to the value of Fourty Pounds at the Shrine of Thomas of Canterbury The same Image to be sent by some Knight or Doctor of the Law within the space of two Months after his Inthronization In this Parliament Richard Fitz-Alan the Great Earl of Arundel by his Petition prayeth that his Restitution granted in the e Vid. Lib. 1. c. 3. §. 6. p. 52. 53. Fourth of Edward the Third may be now better declared and confirmed Which the King in Consideration of the Equity of his Request and also of his many worthy Services done to the Crown most ready granted Whereupon the said Act made in the Fourth of Edward the Third Tit. 14 touching this Earl was read over and afterwards this Clause thereto adjoyned That it is by the King and Parliament Agreed that the said Restitution be Confirmed and shall remain of such full Force and Effect that John now Earl of Kent and his Heirs shall neither Challenge nor Obtain against the said Richard Earl of Arundel in any Court of England or in Wales by Writ or otherwise by any Petition in Parliament any of the Possessions or Titles that the said John or Edmund his Eldest Brother long since deceased ever had in or to the said Castle of Arundel or of any Part or Parcel thereof So as by this Restitution the said Earl Richard shall have the like Estate and Title as he should have had by Descent of Inheritance as well to all other Hereditaments whereof
Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantab. c. 232. in the Month of June there appeared in the Northern Sea a great Navy of Danes who purposed to come into England and overrun rob and slay as their Ancestors had done in the time of the Saxon Kings But they were encountred and met with at Sea by a good Fleet of English Mariners and other Valiant Men who overthrew and scatter'd them and made them return inglorious into their own Country But among others there was a Mighty and Strong Ship called the Denmark which being oversailed by the Englishmen was taken and sunk and in her was found the High-Steward and other Great Officers and Lords of Denmark who being brought into England were by Order from the King and Council cast into Prison Shortly after there came certain Danish Deputies to negotiate for the Delivery of the foresaid Lords of their Country with their Goods but receiving an answer no way pleasing unto them they return'd home again having left behind them in their Inns written on Scrolls and Walls this threatning Verse Yet shall Danes Ering you n Despair or Loss ab AS Wanian to Diminish wanes Which Rhymes being seen by an English Poet he immediately wrote underneath them Here shall Danes o i.e. Fetch or find Frett their * Destruction Banes. XXIV And now We shall close close up this Active Year when We have first made mention of the Death of a Person whose Memory ought not to be forgotten This was Don Pedro Son of Alphonso the Brave King of Portugal who for his love to Equity obtain'd the Honourable Sirname of The Justiceer This Man that p Joseph Teixera de Origin Regum Portugallix he might remove the Fuel of Contention compell'd the Lawyers Pleaders and Proctors of his Kingdom to till the Land thô he himself was a most strict Observer and Maintainer of the Laws He punished two Forsworn Traytors by causing the Heart of One to be thrust out at his Breast and of the other out at his Back both which at his Command were torn in pieces It is attributed unto him as his Familiar saying q Vid. Marian. l. 17. c. 9. Odor Rainald ad hunc ann §. 19. that a Prince did seem unworthy of the Name of a King on what day he had done no Grace or Kindness to any Body AN. DOM. 1368. An. Regni Angliae XLII He died this Year having Reign'd Nine Years as many Months and Eight and Twenty Days and left behind him his Son Hernando or Ferdinando who r Odor Rainald ibid. soon after sent his Complement to the Pope after the Custom of Christian Kings newly come to the Crown and received an answer full of Good Counsel and Ghostly Admonitions CHAPTER the THIRD The CONTENTS I. Prince Lionel is married to the Lady Violantis Daughter of Galeacius Duke of Milain with the Magnificence and Splendor of the Nuptials II. He falls sick his Testament Death and Burial III. A Parliament at Westminster IV. The Archbishop of Canterbury made Cardinal V. A strange Relation of a Sea-Woman taken in the Zuyderzee VI. Sr. Bertram of Clequin by a pretty Conveyance obtains to be admitted to Ransom VII The Companions waiting for their pay prove troublesome to the Principality But at the Prince's Command they depart and go into France where they do much Mischief VIII The Prince to recruit his exhausted Stores ordains a Tax throughout Aquitain which occasions a Revolt of some Malecontents I. IN the Fourtieth Year of King Edward it may be remembred how We spake of an Overture made by Galeacius the second Duke of Milain unto the said King about a Match to be struck up between the Daughter of the said Duke and Prince Lionel second Son living to the said King Edward The Negotiation concerning this Affair had been carried on till this time when all Conditions were fully adjusted on both sides among which these were not the least considerable a Paul. Jovius in Galeacio 11. p. 151. That together with the Lady Violantis Prince Lionel should receive 2000000 Florens of Gold together with the Cities of Mons Regalis or Mondovi and Alba Pompeia by the Name of a Dowry I shall not here be particular in relating how the two Brethren Dukes of Milain Galeacius and Bernabo recover'd from those troubles whereunto John Marquess of Monferrato had some Years before cast them Nor shall I insist on the Eminent Worth and Military services which Sr. John Hawkwood an English Knight performed for them in those their Wars with such considerable Advantage that Duke b Paul. Jovius in Barnabâ p. 159. Bernabo gave unto him the Lady Donninia one of his Natural Daughters in Marriage with a Portion of 1000000 Florens Let it suffice for this place that the two Brethren Dukes being assisted by this Valiant Knight Sr. John Hawkwood began again to flourish in great Prosperity which that they might the better preserve to their House and Family it was thought fit to enter Affinity with King Edward of England at that time by many Degrees the most Powerfull and Renowned of all the Princes in the World. And so when all things were fully adjusted the Marriage c Sandford's Geneal Hist p. 220. was concluded at Windsor on the 25 of April at which time the King acquitted the Duke of Milain of 10000 Florens by him paid in consideration of the said Treaty and then with all speed the Prince made his Preparations to go over the Sea and to consummate his Nuptials It is said d Joh. Harding c. 186. fol. 186. that the two Dukes of Milain the Marquess of Monferrato the Dukes of Venice Mantua and Florence the Lords of Genua Pisa and other chief Princes of Italy had with the unanimous Consent of the whole Senate of Rome sent their Ambassadors to King Edward before this to assure him that upon this Marriage of his Son Prince Lionel with the Duke of Milain's Daughter all the Princes and States of Italy should own him for their Lord and by their joynt Interest at last raise him to the Title and Dignity of Emperour For besides the Reputation of the King his Father's Glory he himself was generally fam'd and extoll'd for one of the most Accomplish'd Personages in the World. Of Stature he was beyond the Ordinary Proportion of Men Tall and streight as a Palm-Tree exceeding Well-set Shap'd and Featur'd in his Chamber Modest and Gentle as a Virgin Affable Sweet and Pleasant in Conversation but Bold and Fierce as a Lion in the Field So that for all Accomplishments of Mind and Body he had not his Fellow in all England except only his Elder Brother the Prince of Wales than whom he was yet eight Years younger being now in the very Flower of Manhood in the Thirtieth Year of his Age. Thus about the latter end of April the Lord Lionel Duke of Clarence and Earl of Vlster Third Son born but the Second living of King Edward the Third
when the News of this Treason was brought to the Lord Thomas Felton and the Captal of Busche These two Lords were mightily surprised at this Treachery of Sr. Thomas Batefoile but they said however they would be present at the Delivery of the Town by the Grace of God. And so before it was light they rode from Bergerac towards la Linde whither they came by break of Day and having caused the Gate to be open on that side rode quite thrô the Town in silence till they came to the other Gate where the Frenchmen were to enter at which very instant the Gate was opening for the French and Sr. Thomas Batefoile stood ready to receive them Then Sr. John Greilly Captal of Busche alighted from his Horse and stept forward with his Sword in his Hand to the Gate and said Ah! thou Perfidious Traitor Batefoil thou shalt first die by my hand and never more commit Treason against thy Good Lord and Master And with those Words gave him so sure a Blow that he fell Dead to the Earth When the Frenchmen perceived the Captal and his Banner and Sr. Thomas Felton with him they saw plainly how their Plot was discovered whereupon they hastily withdrew from the Gates like one that found a Lion in his way and then turn'd their Backs and fled to their main Host Then were the Gates closed again for none pursued them because of their great Army which lay near and so the Town continued English but was in great Danger of being plunder'd and burnt by these Captains who were enclin'd to do so and to put all the Inhabitants to the Sword because they consented to this Treason But they excus'd themselves by laying all the Fault upon Sr. Thomas Batefoile who they said over-aw'd them to it by Threats and how they did nothing but for Fear being compelled thereto and so at last they were pardon'd But these two Lords tarried there till the Duke of Anjou had remov'd his Siege and taken another way as we shall shew when we have cleared our Hands of other Matters which naturally fall in at this Place XIV On the h Hector Boet. l. 15. f. 327. n. 50. Buchan l. 9. p. 306. Holinsh Scotl. p. 244. Odor Rainal ad hunc ann §. 27. Favine le Paris Theatre of Honour l. 5. c. 3. p. 89. Seventh Day of May David Bruce King of Scotland departed this Mortal Life at his Castle of Edenburgh leaving no Lawfull Issue behind him wherefore the Lord Robert Stuart Eldest Son of the Lady Margaret aliàs Margery his Eldest Sister by True Right of Succession came to the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland Which have ever since continued in that Glorious Family down to our Most Gracious Sovereign His Present Majesty King JAMES the Seventh of Scotland and of England the Second To whom may God Almighty grant a Long Happy and Victorious Reign and of his Race and Name to wear the United Crowns of Great Brittain till all Earthly Kingdoms shall be swallowed up in the Eternal Kingdom of Heaven The Original of this Illustrious Family is thus traced by i Favine le Paris l. 5. c. 3. p. 89. c. Favine in his Theatre of Honour Banquho who was Thane i. e. President or Governor of Loquhaber in Scotland being slain by the Tyrannical Usurper Mackbeth his Son Fleance made shift to escape into Wales where of the Daughter of Prince Griffith he begat a Son named Walter and Sirnamed also Banquho as his Grandfather was At that time the Arms of this Family are said to have been Or a Fefs Checkie Argent and Sable of Four Pieces This Walter long after the Death of Mackbeth returning into Scotland fought valiantly for his King against the Island Rebels and the Savages of Scotland and was in recompence of his extraordinary Vertue and eminent Services made Great Provost and Treasurer of the Houshold Royal which the Scots signifie by the Name of Stuart or Steward And he so faithfully discharged the Trust reposed in him without the least Reproach or Embezling of the Kings Money that the Sirname of Stuart was imposed on him and transmitted to all his Posterity Walter begat Alan Stuart who was in the Expedition of Godfrey of Boulogne Alan begat Alexander I his Son was Walter who begat Alexander II and Robert Stuart by whom the Family ran into many Noble Branches Alexander the II Eldest Son of Walter the II begat John Stuart James and other Children by whom Scotland hath been replenished with a Numerous Encrease of Generous Souls John Stuart Eldest Son of Alexander the Second left one Daughter named Jane Stuart who brought unto her Husband the Lord of the Isle of Bute Walter Stuart Third of that Name who taking to Wife the Lady Margery Eldest Daughter to King Robert the First and Sister to King David Bruce gat of her this Robert Stuart King of Scotland by the Name of Robert the Second But because there is a gross Error in all the Scotch Historians concerning the immediate Successor of this King Robert of which many Wicked Men have in our days thought to make Advantage for the sake of Truth and Justice and the Honour of Majesty We shall here fairly state the Matter and faithfully and truly settle it It is the Assertion of all the Scotch Writers whom I have seen thô in some particulars they differ one from another that this Robert before he was King had by a certain Mistress named Elizabeth More Three Sons and Two Daughters that after by his Wife Euphemia Ross who was also Queen he had two Sons and a Daughter that upon the Death of his Queen his Former Mistress being then also by the Death of her Husband Giffard at Liberty was by him taken to Wife her Children legitimated and the Right of Succession by Act of Parliament settled first upon them This is the Effect of what the Scotch Writers say wherein there are many abominable Falsities as We shall make appear for We shall most evidently prove that the Lady Elizabeth More was his First and Lawfull Wife and died before he Married Euphemia that John who succeeded him by the Name of k When he came to the Crown he laid by the Name of John as unfortunate to two Kings of England and France and took upon him that of Robert Fortunate to his Father and Great Grandfather Robert Bruce Robert was his true and lawfully begotten Eldest Son and so reputed both by his Father and King David himself all along and that this Act for settling the Succession was only a Declaration of what was Right and Equity and done in the Life time of Queen Euphemia as is abundantly * P. 189. ad p. 201. made out in Sr. George Mackenzies Jus Regium and l Dr. Brady's True c. p. 309. ad p. 311. Dr. Brady's True and Exact History of the Succession of the Crown of England to whom I shall refer the Reader for the Original Record
shall find Complaint made in Parliament the Year following by the Owners of the said Vessels X. On the r Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 96. Tenth of October this Year there departed this Life the thrice-Noble and Valiant Lord David Strabolgi Earl of Athol leaving only two Daughters his Heirs behind him And the most Honourable Heroe Richard Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel Å¿ Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 318. Catal. Henâ—â— p. 650. died on the Ninth of the Calends of February this same Year in a good old Age leaving behind him three Sons and three Daughters Richard the eldest of his Sons succeeded him both in his Honours and Vertues Helming t Stow's Survey of London p. 217. Legat Esquire having obtained Licence of the King gave at this time one Tenement with a Cartelage or Yard thereto belonging and a Garden with an Entry leading thereto unto Mr. John Hariot Parson of Fen-Church and to his Successors for ever the House to be a Parsonage-House and the Garden to be a Church-yard or Burying-place for the Parish And about the same time u Dugd. Warw. p. 781. a. Ralph Lord Basset of Drayton founded an House at Atherston in Warwickshire called the Fryars-Hermits of St. Augustin over the Gate whereof is yet to be seen his Coat of Arms cut in a fair Shield of Stone CHAPTER the THIRTEENTH The CONTENTS I. Ingleram Lord Coucy makes an Expedition a second time into Austria but to no purpose II. Another Treaty at Bruges which only produces a short Truce and that another At which time King Edward offers largely for the Redemption of the Captal of Busche but cannot obtain it III. The Jubile of King Edward's Reign A Parliament at Westminster IV. During whose Sessions the Black-Prince dies his Will Character AN. DOM. 1376. An. Regni Angliae L. Franciae XXXVII Burial and Epitaph V. The Captal of Busche takes his Death to Heart and pines away VI. The Black-Prince's Character again his Children VII The Continuation of the foresaid Parliament at Westminster VIII A Censure thereof who the First Speaker of the House of Commons IX The Death of an English Cardinal and of the Lord John Peche X. Pope Gregory returns the Papal Chair to Rome I. IN these Days Ingleram de Guisnes Lord of Coucy Earl of Bedford and King Edward's Son-in-Law a Frois c. 314. fol. 195. Gallicè f. 266. De bello inter Bernabonem Pentifices gesto vid. Odor Rainal ab Ano. 1360. n. 6. c. returned into France from the Wars in Lombardy which at the Instance and on the Behalf of the Pope he had maintain'd together with John Galeas Earl of Vertus Son of Duke Galeas against his Uncle Duke Bernabo and his Allies the Recital whereof would be Foreign to the Matter now in Hand This Lord of Coucy was Son to the Lady b Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 761. a. Catherine of Austria who was Sister to c Catal. Hener p. 440. Peter Duke of Austria last deceased so that the said Duke dying without Issue lawfully begotten the Lord of Coucy was of Right to succeed in that Dukedom to his Uncle Peter aforesaid But the d Pannones olim dicti People of the Country had already given the Dukedom to another further removed than he whereof he had before this made frequent Complaints to the Emperour Charles the Fourth Who very well knew the Right which he had but durst not interpose too vigorously on his Behalf because the Austrians were a considerable Nation and Hardy in War. Wherefore the Lord of Coucy seeing he could not be righted otherwise had his last recourse to Arms wherein thô assisted by his Aunt Sister to the late Duke and his Mother he nevertheless had but small Success wherefore having afterwards exercised his Arms for some time in Lombardy he now returned as We have shewn into France where he was received very gratiously of the King who highly esteem'd him for his Valour and imagin'd by what means he might win him over from King Edward unto himself The Lord of Coucy understanding that there was a Truce at that time between England and France which was in a fair way to be prolonged and that there were many Men of War then in France without any Employment who as he thought might prove very serviceable to him in Recovering his Right in Austria began now to request of King Charles that he would permit those Bretons and Companions who during the Truce were like to be but a Burthen to his Realm to go along with him into Austria to help him to recover his Right The King as well to rid himself of that Charge and Trouble as to oblige him granted this his Request and besides that either gave or lent him 60000 Franks to bestow among his Followers Wherefore several French Lords themselves when they saw how well their King himself wish'd to this Cause joyned themselves with the Lord of Coucy as the Vicount of Meaux the Lord of Aunay Sr. Ralph de Coucy the Baron of Roye and the Lord Peter de la Bar with many other Lords and Knights of France Bretagne Artois Vermandois Picardy and Hainalt all desirous to advance their Bodies in Quest of Military Honour With these Forces the Lord of Coucy rode forth towards Austria about the Feast of St. Michael in the Year 1375 the Companions that were with him after their manner doing much Mischief all the way But when the Austrians and the Almaignes with their New Duke whom they had chosen understood for certain that the Lord of Coucy was coming against them with such Forces they immediately burnt and destroy'd for three Days journey along by the River Danube after which they retired into the Mountains and other Places hard of Access So that the Lord of Coucy and his Men who had expected to have met with Victuals could find none at all whereby they suffer'd that Winter infinite Loss and Trouble for not knowing where to get Forage or Victuals for themselves or their Horses many of both Sorts died what with Hunger Cold and Sickness These Afflictions put an end to this Expedition so that in the Spring the poor Remainders of the Army returned into France where they divided into several Quarters to refresh themselves But the King sent the most part of the Companions into Bretagne and Low Normandy to quarter there till he should have occasion for them which he expected shortly For there was only a Momentary Truce taken between the Realms of England and France of which we shall now speak a little II. When the Feast of e Vâ—d l. 4. c. 12. §. 7. p. 876. All-Saints drew near which was the Time appointed for a Meeting at Bruges in order to prolong the Truce beyond the forelimited time of the First of April or if possible to settle a lasting Peace there came again to Bruges for the French King the Duke of Burgundy the Earl of Salebruse and the Bishop of Amiens but the