bad success He exhorted them to be Pious to God Dutifull to their King Piâ—…full to all Captives to be Carefull in making Faithfull in keeping articles with their enemies After the death of Strafford he was made Arch-bishop of Canterbury and at Avenion where the Pope then resided received his Consecration Here he was accounted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 somewhat Clownish by the Romish Court partly because he could not mode it with the Italians but chiefly because money being the generall Turn-key to Preferment in that place he was meeâ—…ly advanced for his merit But that which most recommended his memory to posterity is that worthy book he made de Causâ Dei wherein speaking of Pelagius he complaineth in his second Book that Totus paenè mundus ut timeo doleo post hunc abiit erroribus ejus faveâ—… I fear and lament that almost the whole world runs after him and favours his errors Bradwardine therefore undertook to be Champion for Grace and Gods cause against such who were not defensores sed deceptores sed inflatores sed praecipitatores liberi arbitrâ—… as Augustine calleth them and as the same Father saith of Cicero dum liberos homines esse volunt faciunt sacrilegos He died at Lambâ—…th in October Anno Dom. 1349. THOMAS ARUNDELL was the fourth Arch-bishop of Canterbury who was born in this County Son he was to Robert Brother to Richard Fitz-Alen both Earls of Arundâ—…ll Herein he standeth alone by himself that the Name Arundell speaks him both Nobleman and Clergy-man the Title of his fathers honor and place of his own birth meeting both in the Castle of Arâ—…ell It was â—…ither his Nobility or Ability or Both which in him did supplere aetatem qualifying him to be Bishop of Ely at twenty two years of age He was afterwards Archbishop of York and at last of Canterbury 1396. and three severall times Lord Chancellor of England viz. In the Tenth of Richard the second 1386. in the Fifteenth of Richard the second 1391. the Eleventh of Henry the fourth 1410. By King Richard the second when his Brother the Earl of Arundell was beheaded this Thomas was banished the land Let him thank his Orders for saving his Life the Tonsure of his hair for the keeping of his Head who otherwise had been sent the same path aâ—… pase with his Brother Returning in the First of K. Henry the fourth he was restored to his Arch-bishoprick Such who commend his Courage for being the Churches Champion when a powerfull Party in Parliament pushed at the Revenues thereof condemn his Cruelty to the Wicklevites being the first who persecuted them with Fire and Fagot As for the manner of his death we will neither carelesly wink at it nor curiously stare on it but may with a serious look solemnly behold it He who had stop'd the mouths of so many servants of God from preaching his Word was himself famished to Death by a swelling in his Throat But seeing we bear in our Bodies the seeds of all Sicknesses as of all sins in our souls it is not good to be over-bold and buisie in our censures on such Casualties He died February 20. 1413. and lieth buried in his Cathedral at Canterbury HENRY BURWASH so named saith my Author which is enough for my discharge from Burwash a Town in this County He was one of Noble Alliance And when this is said all is said to his Commendation being otherwise neither good for Church nor State Soveraign nor Subjects Covetous Ambitious Rebellious Injurious Say not what makes he here then amongst the worthies for though neither Ethically nor Theologically yet Historically he was remarkable affording something for our Information though not Imitation He was recommended by his kinsman Bâ—…rtholomew de Badilismer Baron of Leeds in Kent to K. Edward the second who preferred him Bishop of Lincoln It was not long be fore falling into the Kings displeasure his Temporalities were seized on and afterwards on his submission restored Here in stead of new Gratitude retayning his old Grudge he was most forward to assist the Queen in the deposing of her husband He was twice L. Treasurer once Châ—…ncellor and once sent over Ambassador to the Duke of Bavaria He died Anno Domini 1340. Such as mind to be merry may read the pleasant Story of his apparition being condemned after Death to be viridis viridarius a green â—…rester because in his life time he had violently inclosed other mens Grounds into his Park Surely such Fictions keep up the best Park of Popery Purgatory whereby their fairest Game and greatest Gaine is preserved Since the Reformation WILLIAM BARLOW D. D. My industry hath not been wanting in Qaest of the place of his Nativity but all in vain Seeing therefore I cannot fix his character on his Cradle I am resolved rather then omit him to fasten it on his Coffin this County where in he had his last preferment A man he was of much Motion and Promotion First I find him Canon Regular of Sâ—… 〈◊〉 in Essex and then Prior of Bisham in Barkshire Then preferred by K. Henry the eighth Bishop of St. Asaph and consecrated Febr. 22. 1535. Translated thence the April following to St. Davids remaining 13. years in that See In the Third of King Edward the sixth he was removed to the Bishoprick of Bath and Wells Flying the Land in the Reign of Queen Mary he became Superintendent of the English Congregation at Embden Coming back into England by Q. Elizabeth he was advanced Bishop of Chichester It is a Riddle why he chose rather to enter into new First-fruits and begin at Chichester then return to Bath a better Bishoprick Some suggest that he was loth to go back to Bath having formerly consented to the Expilation of that Bishoprick whilst others make his consent to signify nothing seeing impowred Sacriledge is not so mannerly as to ask any By your leave He had a numerous and prosperous female-Issue as appeareth by the Epitaph on his Wifes Monument in a Church in Hant-shire though one shall get no credit in translating them Hic Agathae tumulus Barloi Praesulis inde Exulis inde iterum Praesulis Uxor erat Prole beata fuit plena annis quinque suarum Praesulibus vidit Praesulis ipsa datas Barlows Wife Agathe doth here remain Bishop then Exile Bishop then again So long she lived so well his Children sped She saw five Bishops her five daughters wed Having sate about ten years in his See he peaceably ended his Life Dec. 10. 1569. WILLIAM JUXTON was born at Chichester in this County bred Fellow in Saint Johns-colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Bachelour of Law very young but very able for that degree and afterwards became Doctor in the same Faculty and President of the Colledge One in whom Nature hath not Omitted but Grace hath Ordered the Tetrarch Humour of Choler being Admirably Master of his Pen and his Passion for his Abilities
marryed by a Proxy a naked sword being in bed interposed betwixt him and her body to Alphons King of Arragon with all Ceremonies of State And indeed they proved but Ceremonies the substance soon 〈◊〉 the said King Alphons dying Anno Dom. 1292. before the Consummation of the Mâ—…rriage But soon after this Lady found that a Living Earl was better then a Dead King when Marryed to Henry the 3d. Earl of Berry in France from whom the Dukes of 〈◊〉 and Kings of Sicil are descended This Lady deceased in the seven and twentieth of her Fathers Reign Anno Dom. 1298. MARGARET third Daughter of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor was born at Windsor in the 3d. year of her Fathers Reign 1275. When fifteen year old she was Marryed at Westminster July 9th 1290. to John the second Duke of Brabant by whom she had Issue John the third Duke of Brabant from whom the Dukes of Burgundy are descended MARY sixth Daughter of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor was born at Windsor April the 12. 1279. being but ten years of Age she was made a Nun at Amesbury in Wilt-shire without her own and at the first against her Parents consent meerly to gratify Queen Eleanor her Grand-mother Let us pity her who probably did not pity her self as not knowing a vaile from a kerchief not understanding the requisites to nor her own fitness for that profession having afterwards time too much to bemoan but none to amend her condition As for the other Children of this King which he had by Eleanor his Queen probably born in this Castle viz. HENRY ALPHONSE BLANCHE Dying in their infancy immediately after their Baptism it is enough to name them and to bestow this joynt Epitapb upon them â—…leansed at Font we drew untainted Breath Not yet made bad by Life made good by Death The two former were buryed with their Brother John of whom before at Westminster in the same Tomb but where Blanche was interred is altogether unknown Edward the Third Son to Edward the Second and Queen Isabel was born at Windsor October 13. 1312. and proved afterwards a pious and fortunate Prince I behold him as meerly passive in the deposing of his Father practised on in his Minority by his Mother and Mortimer His French Victories speak both of his Wisdom and Valour and though the Conquests by King Henry the fifth were thicker atchieved in a shorter time His were broader in France and Scotland by Sea and Land though both of length alike as lost by their immediate Successours He was the first English King which Coined* Gold which with me amounts to a wonder that before his time all yellow payments in the Land should be made in foreign Coin He first stamped the Rose-Nobles having on the one side Jesus autem transiens per medium illorum ibat And on the reverse his own image with sword and shield sitting in a ship waving on the Sea Hereupon an English Rhymer in the Reign of King Henry the sixth For four things our Noble she weth to me King Ship and Swerd and Power of the See He had a numerous and happy issue by Philippa his Queen after whose death being almost seventy years old he cast his affection on Alice Pieâ—…ce his Paramour much to his disgrace it being true what Epictetus returned to Adrian the Emperour asking of him what Love was In puero pudor in virgine rubor in soemina furor in juvene ardor in sene risus In a boy bashfulness in a maid blushing in a woman fury in a young man fire in an old man folly However take this King altogether at home abroad at Church in State and he had few equals none superiours He dyed Anno Dom. 1378. WILLIAM sixth Son of King Edward the third and Queen Philippa was born at Windsor Indeed his second Son born at Hatfield was of the same name who dyed in his infancy and his Mother had a fond affection for another William because her Fathers Brothers and a Conquering Name till his short Life also dying in his cradle weaned her from renewing her desire As for King Edwards female Children Isabel Joan Blanch Mary and Margaret there is much probability of their French and no assurance of their English Nativity HENRY the sixth Son to Henry the fifth was born in Windsor-Castle against the will of his Father by the wilfulness of his Mother He was fitter for a Coul then a Crown of so easie a nature that he might well have exchanged a pound of Patience for an ounce of Valour Being so innocent to others that he was hurtful to himself He was both over-subjected and over-wived having marryed Margaret the Daughter of Reinier King of Jerusalem Sicily and Arragon a Prince onely Puissant in Titles otherwise little able to assist his Son in Law Through home-bred Dissentions he not onely lost the foreign acquisitions of his Father in France but also his own inheritance in England to the House of York His Death or Murder rather happened 1471. This Henry was twice Crowned twice Deposed and twice Buryed first at Chertsy then at Windsor and once half Sainted Our Henry the seventh cheapned the price of his Canonization one may see for his love and buy for his money in the Court of Rome but would not come up to the summe demanded However this Henry was a Saint though not with the Pope with the People repairing to this Monument from the farthest part of the Land and fancying that they received much benefit thereby He was the last Prince whom I find expresly born at Windsor It seems that afterwards our English Queens grew out of conceit with that place as unfortunate for Royal Nativities Saints MARGARET ALICE RICH were born at Abbington in this County and were successively Prioresses of Catesby in Northampton-shire They were Sisters to St. Edmund whose life ensueth and are placed before him by the Courtesie of England which alloweth the weaker Sex the upper hand So great the Reputation of their Holiness that The former Dying Anno 1257. The latter 1270. Both were honoured for Saints and many Miracles reported by crafty were believed by Credulous people done at their shrine by their Reliques St. EDMUND Son to Edward Rich and Mabel his Wife was born at Abbington in Bark-shire and bred in Oxford Some will have Edmunds-Hall in that University built by his means but others more probably nam'd in his Memory He became Canon of Salisbury and from thence by the joynt-consent of Pope King and Monkes three cords seldom twisted in the sa ne Cable advanc'd Arch-Bishop of Canterbury where he sate almost ten years till he willingly deserted it partly because offended at the power of the Popes Legate making him no more then a meer Cypher signifying onely in conjunction when concurring with his pleasure partly because vexed at his polling and peeling of the English people so grievous he could not endure so general
must be more in it to give him that denomination seeing many had that office besides himself He was a great Scholar and deep Divine it being reported to his no small praise That he conformed his Divinity to Scripture and not to the rules of Philosophy He flourished under King Edward the third anno 1350. WILLIAM CAXTON born in that Town a noted stage betwixt Roiston and Huntington Bale beginneth very coldly in his commendation by whom he is charactered Vir non omnino stupidus aut ignavia torpens but we understand the language of his Liptote the rather â—…ecause he proceedeth to praise his Diligence and Learning He had most of his Education beyond the Seas living 30. years in the Court of Margaret Dutchesse of Burgundy Sister to King Edward the fourth whence I conclude him an Anti-Lancastrian in his affection He continued Polychronicon beginning where Trevisa ended unto the end of King Edward the fourth with good judgment and Fidelity And yet when he writeth that King Richard the second left in his Treasury Money and Jewells to the value of seven hundred thousand pounds I cannot credit him it is so contrary to the received Character of that Kings Riotous Prodigality Caxton carefully collected and printed all Chaucers works and on many accounts deserved well of Posterity when he died about the year 1486. Since the Reformation RICHARD HULOET was born at Wishich in this County and brought up in good learning He wrote a book called the English and Latine A B C and dedicated the same to Thomas Goowrich Bishop of Ely and Chancellor of England Some will condemn him of Indiscretion in presenting so low a subject to so high a person as if he would teach the Greatest States-man in the land to spell aright Others will excuse him his book being though of low of generall use for the Common people who then began to betake themselves to reading long neglected in the land so that many who had one foot in their grave had their hand on their primer But I believe that his book whereof I could never recover a sight though entitled an A B C related not to Literall reading but rather to some Elementall grounds of Religion He flourished Anno Domini 1552. JOHN RICHARDSON was born of honest parentage at Linton in this County bred first Fellow of Emanuell then Master of Saint Peters and at last of Trinity-colledge in Cambridge and was Regius Professor in that University Such who represent him a dull and heavy man in his parts may be confuted with this instance An extraordinary Act in Divinity was kept at Cambridge before King James wherein Doctor John Davenant was Answerer and Doctor Richardson amongst others the opposers The Question was maintained in the negative concerning the excommunicating of Kings Doctor Richardson vigorously pressed the practice of Saint Ambrose excommunicating of the Emperour Theodosius insomuch that the King in some passion returned profecto fuit hoc ab Ambrosio insolentissimè factum To whom Doctor Richardson rejoyned responsum vere Regium Alexandro dignum hoc non est argumenta dissolvere sed desecare And so sitting down he desisted from any further dispute He was employed one of the Translators of the Bible and was a most excellent linguist whose death happened Anno Dom. 1621. ANDREW WILLET D. D. was born at Ely in this County bred Fellow of Christs-colledge in Cambridge He afterwards succeeded his father in the Parsonage of Barley in Hertford shire and became Prebendary of Ely He confuted their cavill who make children the cause of covetousness in Clergy-men being bountifull above his ability notwithstanding his numerous issue No less admirable his industry appearing in his Synopsiâ—… Comments and Commentaâ—…ies insomuch that one considering his Polygraphy said merrily that he must write whilst he slept it being unpossible that he should do so much when waking Sure I am he wrote not sleepily nor oscitantèr but what was solid in it self and profitable for others A casuall fall from his horse in the high-way near Hodsden breaking his leg accelerated his death It seems that Gods promise to his children to keep them in all their ways that they dash not their foot against the stone 'T is as other Temporall promises to be taken with a Tacit clause of revocation viz. if Gods wisdome doth not discover the contrary more for his glory and his childrens good This Doctor died Anno Domini 1621. Sir THOMAS RIDLEY Kt. Dr. of the Laws was born at Ely in this County bred first a scholar in Eaton then Fellow of Kings-colledge in Cambridge He was a general scholar in all kind of learning especially in that which we call melior literatura He afterwards was Chancellor of Winchester and the Vicar generall to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury his memory will never dye whilst his book called the view of the Ecclesiastical Laws is living a book of so much merit that the Common Lawyers notwithstanding the difference betwixt the professions will ingeniously allow a due commendation to his learned performance in that subject He died Anno Domini 1629. on the two and twentieth day of January ARTHUR HILDERSHAM was born at Strechworth in this County descended by his mothers side from the Bloud-Royal being great-great-grand-child to George Duke of Clarence brother to Edward the fourth Yet was he not like the proud Nobles of Tecoa who counted themselves too good to put their hands to Gods work But being bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge he entred into the Ministry How this worthy Divine was first run a ground with poverty and afterwards set a float by Gods Providence how he often alternately lost and recovered his voice being silenced and restored by the Bishops how after many intermediate afflictions this just and upright man had peace at the last is largely reported in my Ecclesiastical History to which except I adde to the truth I can adde nothing on my knowledge remarkable He died Anno Domini 1631. R. PARKER for so is his Christian name defectively written in my Book was born in Ely therefore Place-nameing himself Eliensis was son as I am confident to Master Parker Arch-deacon of Ely to whom that Bishoprick in the long vacancy after the death of Bishop Cox was profered and by him refused tantum opum usuram iniquis conditionibus sibi oblatam respuens Our Parker was bred in and became Fellow of Caius-colledge an excellent Herauld Historian and Antiquary Author of a short plain true and brief Manuscript called Sceletos Cantabrigiensis and yet the bare Bones thereof are Fleshed with much matter and hath furnished me with the Nativities of severall Bishops who were Masters of Colledges I am not of the mind of the Italian from whose Envy God deliver us Polidore Virgil who having first served his own turn with them burnt all the rare English Manuscripts of History he could procure so to raise the valuation of his own works But from my heart I wish some
Staffondshire The meaning is the Genâ—…ry in Cheshire find it more profitable to match within their County then to bring a Bride out of other 〈◊〉 1. Because better acquainted with her birth and breeding 2. Because though her Portion perchance may be less the expence will be less to maintain her Such 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 County have been observed both a prolonger of worshipfull families and the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them seeing what Mr. Camden reported of the Citizens of 〈◊〉 is verified of the Cheshire Gentry they are all or an Alliance Cardinals WILLIAM MAKILESFIELD was saith my Author 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishop Godwin 〈◊〉 little 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Civitate 〈◊〉 However I conceive him born in this 〈◊〉 finding a 〈◊〉 Market-town and Forrest therein so named though he was reputed a 〈◊〉 because 〈◊〉 in that Age was in the 〈◊〉 of Coventry and Lichfield But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not swim against the stream I Remit the Reader to his Character in Warwickshire 〈◊〉 WILLIAM BOOTH was first bred in 〈◊〉 Inn in London in the studie of our Municipall Laws till he 〈◊〉 that profession on the proffer of a 〈◊〉 Place in Saint Pauls and took Orders upon him It was not long before he was 〈◊〉 Bishop of Letchfield and six years after translated to 〈◊〉 He expended much money 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 died and was buried in Saint Maries Chappell in Southwell 1464. LAURENCE BOOTH Brother but by another Mother to William aforesaid was bred and became Master of 〈◊〉 hall in 〈◊〉 and was Chancellour of that University He made the Composition 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 colledge to their mutuall advantage and was an eminent 〈◊〉 to his own Colledge bestowing thereon all the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church amongst which was St. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Colledge of a Pension of five pounds which he redeemed and and Conferred there on the 〈◊〉 and Patronage of Overton-Waterfield in Huntingtanshire As it is Gods so it is all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 method in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Servants Be faithfull in a little and thou shalt rule over much Doctor Booth well performing his Chancellors Place in Cambridge was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 the fixth Well 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of King 〈◊〉 the fourth made Lord High Chancellor 〈◊〉 seems his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishop of York and deserving well of both Sees For he built in the first the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 colledge and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It must not be forgotten than this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 till the day of his death and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Bishop 〈◊〉 not that they were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the place but the place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with them as it is this day by the Right Reverend Father in God Benjamin Lany Lord Bishop of Peturborough This Arch-bishop died Anno Dom. 1480. JOHN BOOTH Brother to Laurence aforesaid Bachellor of Laws was consecrated Bishop of Exceter in the sixth of King Edward the fourth 1466. He built the Bishops Chair or Seat in his Cathedral which in the judicious Eye of Bishop Godwin hath not his Equall in England Let me adde that though this be the fairest Chair the soft Cushion thereof was taken away when Bishop Vescy alienated the Lands thereof The worst was when Bishop Booth had finished this Chair he could not quietly sit down therein so troublesome the times of the civil wars betwixt York and Lancaster So that preferring his privacy he retired to a little place of his own purchasing at Horsley in Hampshire where he dyed April the first 1478. and was buried in Saint Clements Danes London We must remember that these three Prelates had a fourth and eldest Brother Sir Roger Booth Knight of Barton in Lancashire Father of Margaret Wife of Ralph Nevill third Earl of Westmerland And may the Reader take notice that though we have entred these Bishops according to our best information in Cheshire yet is it done with due reservation of the right of Lancashire in case that County shall produce better Evidence for their Nativities THOMNS SAVAGE was born at Maklefield in this County his Father being a Knight bred him a Doctor of Law in the University of Cambridge Hence was he preferred Bishop of Rochester and at last Arch-bishop of York He was a greater Courtier then Clerke and most Dextrous in managing Secular Matters a mighty Nimrod and more given to Hunting then did consist with the Gravity of his Profession No doubt there wanted not those which taxed him with that Passage in Saint Jerome Penitus non invenimus in scripturis sanctis sanctum aliquem Venatorem Piscatores invenimus sanctos But all would not wean him from that sport to which he was so much addicted His provident Precedent spared his Successors in that See many pounds of needless expences by declining a costly instaulation being the first who privately was instauled by his Vicar Yet was he not Covetous in the least degree maintaining a most numerous Family and building much both at Scroby and Cawood Having sate seven years in his See he died 1508. his Body being buried at York his Heart at Maklefield where he was born in a Chapel of his own Erection intending to have added a Colledge thereunto had not death prevented him Since the Reformation WILLIAM CHADERTON D. D. Here I solemnly tender deserved thanks to my Manuscript Author charitably guiding me in the Dark assuring that this Doctor was ex praeclaro Chadertonorum Cestrensis comitatus stemmate prognatus And although this doubtfull Direction doth not cleave the Pin it doth hit the White so that his Nativity may with most Probability not prejudicing the right to Lancashire when produced here be fixed He was bred first Fellow then Master of Queens and never of Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge as Reverend Bishop Godwin mistaketh and chosen first the Lady Margarets then Kings Professor in Divinity and Doctor Whitacre succeeded him immediately in the Chair He was Anno 1579. made Bishop of Chester then of Lincoln 1594. demeaning himself in both to his great commendation He departed this life in April 1608. His Grand-child a virtuous Gentlewoman of rare accomplishments married to Mr. Joceline Esquire being big with child wrot a Book of advise since Printed and Intitled the Mothers Legacie to her unborn Infant of whom she died in travail WILLIAM JAMES D. D. was born in this County bred a Scholar in Christs-church in Oxford and afterwards President of the University Colledge He succeeded Bishop Mathews in the Deanary and Bishoprick of Durham He had been Chaplain to Robert Dudly Earl of Lecester and I hope I may lawfully transcribe what I read Sir J. Harrington view of the Church of England pag.
is he who afterwards designed the Maps and composed the History of England though much help'd in both no shame to crave aid in a work too weighty for any ones back to bear by Sir Robert Cotton Master Camden Master Barkham and others He also made the usefull Genealogies preposed formerly to English Bibles in all Volumes having a Patent granted him from King James in reward of his great Labours to receive the benefit thereof to him and his This was very beneficiall unto them by Composition with the Company of Stationers untill this Licentious age neglecting all such Ingenious helps to understand Scripture and almost levelling if not prevented the propriety of all Authors of Books He dyed in London Anno 1629. and was buried in Saint Giles without Criplegate in the same Parish with Master John Fox so that no one Church in England containeth the Corps of two such usefull and voluminous Historians Master Josias Shute Preach'd his Funerall Sermon and thus we take our leaves of Father Speed truly answering his name in both the acceptions thereof for Celerity and Success JOHN DOD was born at Shottliedge in this County where his Parents had a competent Estate bred in Jesus-colledge in Cambridge by Nature a Witty by Industry a Learned by Grace a Godly Divine successively Minister of Hanwell in Oxford Fenny-Compton in Warwick Cannons-Ashby and Fausly in Northampton-shire though for a time silenced in each of them A Father who shall pass nameless is censured by some for his over-curiosity in his conceit rather then Comment Math. 5. 2. And he opened his mouth and taught them For Christ saith he taught them often when he opened not his mouth by his Example Miracles c. Here I am sure accordingly Master Dod when his mouth was shut prohibited preaching instructed almost as much as before by his holy demeanour and pious discourse A good Chimist who could extract Gold out of other mens lead and how loose soever the premises of other mens discourse piety was always his naturall and unforced conclusion inferred thereupon For the rest I refer the Reader to Master Samuel Clark by whom his life is written wherein are many remarkable passages I say Master Samuel Clark with whose pen mine never did nor shall interfere Indeed as the flocks of Jacob were distanced three days journeys from those of Laban so to prevent voluntary or casuall commixtures our styles are set more then a Months journey asunder The Jewish Rabbins have a fond and a false conceit that Methuselah who indeed dyed in the very year and his death a sad prognostick of the deluge had a Cabin built him in the outside of Noahs Ark where he was preserved by himself But most true it is that good Father Dod though he lived to see the flood of our late Civil Wars made to himself a Cabin in his own contented conscience and though his cloths were wetted with the waves when plundred he was dry in the deluge such his self-solace in his holy meditations He dyed being eighty six years of age Anno 1645. When thieves break in a house and steal the owner thereof knows for the present that he is robbed but not of what or how much till some days after he finds out by the want of such things which were taken from him The Vicenage of Fausly where Mr. Dod dyed knew then they were bereaft of a worthy treasure though ignorant in the perticulars of their losses till daily discovery hath by this time made them sensible thereof Benefactors to the Publique Sir RICHARD SUTTON was born at Presbury in this County he is generally believed a Knight though some have suspected the same but suppose him but Esquire He was one of a Plentifull Estate and Bountifull Hand It happened that William Smith Bishop of Lincoln began Brasen-Nose-Colledge but dyed before he had finished one Nostrill thereof leaving this Sutton his Executor who over-performed the Bishops Will and compleated the Foundation with his own liberall Additions thereunto When the following Verses were composed in the Person of Brasen-Nose-Colledge the Muses seemed neither to smile nor frown but kept their wonted countenance But take them as they are Begun by one but finish'd by another Sutton he was my Nurse but Smith my Mother Or if the Phrase more proper seem say rather That Sutton was my Guardian Smith my Father 'Cause equal Kindness they to me exprest Better I neither love love both the best If Both they may be call'd who had one will What One design'd the Other did fulfill May such Testators live who Good intend But if they dye Heaven such Exec'tors send This Worthy Knight being born in this County deservedly reflected upon his own Country-men making them and those of Lancashire most capable of Preferment I collect his death to have happened about the middle of the Raign of King Henry the eighth Since the Reformation ROBERT BRASSY was born at Bunbury contracted for Boniface-Bury in this County bred D. D. in Kings-colledge in Cambridge whereof he was elected the 13. Provost He being a Learned and Stout man publickly protested against the Visitors of the University in the Raign of Queen Mary as to his own Colledge Say not he onely opposed Superstition with Superstition pleading Popish Exemptions For considering the times he Drave the nail which would best go and thereby took off the edge of those Persecuting Commissioners But let none Envy him a place under this title who deserved so well of Cambridge For when many Doctors therein whose Purblind souls saw onely what was next them for the present and either could not or would not look far forward to Posterity had resolved to sell their Rights in Sturbridge-fair for a trifle to the Towns-men which if done the Vice-Chancellor might even have held the Stirrup to the Mayor he only opposed it and dash'd the designs He dyed Anno Domini 1558. and lyes buried on the South-side of the Chappell GEORGE PALIN was as I have Cogent presumptions born at Wrenbury in this County bred a Merchant in London free of the Company of Girdlers Indeed we may call his Benefactions Aureum Cingulum charitatis the Golden Girdle of Charity With our Saviour he Went ABOUT doing good compleating the Circuit of his Bounty continuing till he ended where he began 1. To Wrenbury where we believe him born two Hundred pound to purchase Lands for the relief of the poor 2. Nine Hundred pound for the building of Almes-houses in or about London 3. To Trinity-colledge in Cambridge three hundred pound 4. To the Colledge of Saint Johns the Evangelist in Cambridge three Hundred pounds 5. To the Hospitall of Saint Thomas in Southmark fifty pounds 6. To the Preachers at Pauls Cross towards the bearing of their charges two Hundred pounds 7. Toward the making a sweet Chime in Bow-church one Hundred pounds 8. To six Prisons in and about London sixty pounds 9. To Brasen-Nose-colledge in Oxford two
as when perceiving his old Palace at Otford to want water he struck his staff into the dry ground still called Saint Thomas his well whence water runneth plentifully to serve that house lately re-built unto this day Others spightful as when because a Smith dwelling in that Town had clogged his Horse he ordered that no Smith afterwards should thrive within that Parish But he who shall go about seriously to confute these Tales is as very a Fool as he was somewhat else who first impudently invented and vented them Prelates STEPHEN LANGTON Here we are at a perfect losse for the place of his birth his surname affording us so much direction in effect it is none at all Inopes nos copia fecit finding no fewer than twelve Langtons though none very near to this place which makes us fly to our marginal refuge herein Stephen born in England was bred in Paris where he became one of the greatest Scholars of the Christian world in his age He was afterwards consecrated Cardinal of Saint Chrysogone and then by Papal power intruded Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in defiance of all opposition which King John could make against him Many are his learned Works writing Comments on all the Old and on some of the New Testament He was the first that divided the whole Bible into Chapters as Robert Stephens a French-man that curious Critick and painful Printer so ne six score years since first subdivided into Verses A worthy Work making Scripture more managable in mens memories and the passages therein the sooner to be turned to as any person who is â—…ooner found out in the most populous City if methodized into Streets and Houses with signs to which the Figures affixed do fitly allude Say not this was a presumption incurring the curse denounced to such who adde to Scripture it being no Addition but an Illustration thereof Besides God set the first pattern to mens industry herein seeing the distinction of some Verses may be said to be Jure Divino as those in the Lamentations and elsewhere which are Alphabetically modelled As causless their complaint who cavil at the inequality of Chapters the eighth of the first of Kings being sixty six the last of Malachy but six verses seeing the entireness of the sense is the standard of their length or shortness It is confessed some few Chapters end and others begin obruptly and yet it is questionable whether the ateration thereof would prove advantageous seeing the reforming of a small fault with a great change doth often hurt more than amend and such alterations would discompose Millions of Quotations in excellent Authors conformed to the aforesaid received divisions Here it must not be concealed that notwithstanding this general tradition of Langtons chaptering the Bible some learned men make that design of far ancienter date and particularly that able Antiquary Sir Henry Spelman This I am confident of that Stephen Langton did something much material in order thereunto and the Improver is usually called the Inventor by a complemental mistake However though I believe Langton well employed in dividing the Bible he was ill busâ—…ed in rending asunder the Church and Kingdom of England reducing King Iohn to sad extremities He died and was buried at Canterbury Anno Dom. 1228. Souldiers WILLIAM PRUDE Esquire vulgarly called Proud was born in this City where his stock have continued for some hundreds of years bred a Souldier in the Low Countreys where he attained to be Lieutenant Colonel He was slain Iuly 12. 1632. at the siege of Mastrich His body which I assure you was no usual honour was brought over into England and buried in the Cathedral of Canterbury in Saint Michaels Chappel on the South side of the Quire with this Inscription on his Monument Stand Souldiers ere you march by way of charge Take an example here that may enlarge Your minds to noble Action Here in peace Rests one whose Life was War whose rich encrease Of Fame and Honour from his Valour grew Unbegg'd unbought for what he won he drew By just desert having in service been A Souldier till near sixty from sixteen Years of his active Life continually Fearless of Death yet still prepar'd to die In his Religious Thoughts for midd'st all harmes He bare as much of Piety as Armes Now Souldiers on and fear not to intrude The Gates of Death by th' example of this Prude He married Mary Daughter of Sir Adam Sprackling Knight and had Issue by her four Sons and three Daughters to whose memory his surviving Son Searles Prude hath erected this Monument Writers OSBERN of CANTERBURY so called because there he had his first birth or best Being as Chanter of the Cathedral Church therein An admirable Musitian which quality endeared him though an Englishman to Lankfrank the Lordly Lombard and Arch-Bishop of Canterbury He was the English Jubal as to the curiosity thereof in our Churches An Art which never any spake against who understood it otherwise Apollo is in a sad case if Midas his ears must be his Judges However in Divine Service all Musick ought to be tuned to edification that all who hear may understand it otherwise it may tend to delight not devotion and true zeal cannot be raised where knowledge is depressed This Osbern wrote the life of Saint Dunstan in pure Latine according to that age flourishing under William the Conquerer Anno 1070. SIMON LANGTON was by his Brother Stephen Langton the Arch-Bishop preferred Arch-Deacon of Canterbury who Carne sanguine revelante saith the Record made the place much better both to him and his successors in revenue and jurisdiction A troublesome man he was and on his Brothers score a great adversary to King Iohn even after that King had altered his Copy and became of a fierce Foe a Son-Servant to the Pope by resigning his Crown unto him But our Simon could not knock off when he should having contracted such an habit of hatred against K. Iohn that he could not depose it though commanded under the pain of excommunication This caused him to trudge to the Court of Rome where he found little favour For such who will be the Popes white Boyes must watchfully observe his signals and not only charge when he chargeth but retreat when he retreateth This Simon beside others wrote a Book of the penitence of Magdalene in relation it seems to himself though she found more favour in the Court of Heaven than he at Rome He died Anno Dom. 12 Benefactors to the Publick JOHN EASDAY was Alderman and Mayor of this City Anno 1585. He found the Walls thereof much ruined and being a man but of an indifferent estate began the reparation thereof at Ridingate and therein proceeded so far as his name is inscribed on the Wall whose exemplary endeavours have since met with some to commend none to imitate them THOMAS NEVILE born in this City of most honourable extraction as his name is enough to notifie
she was a Kings Daughter none I hope will grudge his memory a room in this Book were it only because he was an Earles Brother He dyed Anno 1515. HEâ—…RY STANDISH was as I have just cause to conclude extracted from the Standishes of Standish in this County bred a Franoiscan and Dr. of Divinity in Cambridge and afterwards made Bishop of S. Asaph I neither believe him so Good as Pitz doth character him pietate doctrina clarum nor so bad as Bale doth decry him making him a doteing Fool. Sure I am there was Impar congressus betwixt him and Erasmus as unequal a Contest as betwixt a Childe and Man not to say Dwarf and 〈◊〉 This Standâ—… is said to have fallen down on his knees before King Henry the Eighth petitioning him to continue Religion established by his Ancesters and 〈◊〉 into Maâ—…ers of Divinity he cited the Colâ—…s for the Corinthians which being but a Memory-mistake in an Aged Person needed not to have exposed him so much as it did to the laughter of the Standers by After he had sate 16 years Bishop of St. 〈◊〉 he died very aged 1535. JOHN CHRISTOPHERSON was born in this County bred first in Pembrook Hall then Fellow of St. Johns and afterwards Master of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge an excellent Scholar and Linguist especially I have seen a Greek Tragedy made and written by his own hand so curiously that it seemed printed and presented to K. Henry the eight He no lesse eleganly if faithfullly translated Philo and 〈◊〉 into Latine Besides his own benefaction to the Masters Lodgings and 〈◊〉 he was highly instrumental in moving Queen Mary to her magnificent bounty to Trinity Colledge In the visitation of Cambridge he was very active in burning the bones of 〈◊〉 being then Elect Bishop of Chichester scarcely continuing a year in that Place All expected that at his first coming into his Diocesse he should demean himself very favourably For why should not the Poets Observation of Princes be true also of Prelates Mitissima sors est Regnorum sub Rege novo Subjects commonly do finde New made Soveraigns most kinde But he had not so much mercy as Nero to begin courteously having no sooner put on his Episcopal Ring but presently he washed his hands in the blood of poor Martyrs whereof in due * Place In the First of Qu. Elizabeth he was deprived and kept in some restraint wherein he dyed about the Year 1560. Since the Reformation JAMES PILKINTON D.D. was the third Son of James Pilkinton of Rivington in this County Esq. a Right ancient Family being informed by my good Friend Master William Ryley Norrey and this Countryman that the Pilkintons were Gentlemen of repute in this Shire before the conquest when the chief of them then sought for was fain to disguise himself a Thresher in a barn Hereupon partly alluding to the 〈◊〉 of the flail falling sometime on the one sometime on the other side partly to himself embracing the safest condition for the present he gave for the Motto of his Armes Now thus Now thus This James bred fellow of St. Johns in Cambridge was in the First of Qu. Mary forced to fly into Germany where he wrote a Comment on Ecclesiastes and both the Epistles of St. Peter after his return in the First of Qu. Elizabeth he was chosen Master of St. Johns and March the 2d 1560. was consecrated Bishop of Durham Nine Years after the Northern Rebels came to Durham and first tore the Bible then the English Liturgy in pieces Unhappy though most innocent Book equally odious to opposite parties such who account the Papists Heretiques esteeming it popish whilest the Papists themselves account it heretical The Bishop had fared no better than the book could he have been come by But when the Rebellion was suppress'd the Bishop commenced a Suit against Qu. Elizabeth for the Lands and Goods of the Rebels attainted in the Bishoprick as forfeited to him by his Charter and had prevailed if the Parliament had not itnerposed and on special consideration pro hoc tempore adjudged them to the Queen He dyed Anno Dom. 1576. EDWIN SANDYS was born at Conisby in this County whose good actings great sufferings pious life and peaceable death 1588. are plentifully related in our Church History RICHARD BARNES was borne at Bolde near Warrington in this County bred in Brasen-Nose Colledg in Oxford and afterwards advanced Suffragan Bishop of Nottingham thence he was preferred to Carlile 1570. and seven years after to Durham He was himself One of a good nature as by the sequele will appear but abused by his Credulity and affection to his Brother John Barnes Chancellour of his Diocesse A Man of whom it is hard to say whether he was more Lustfull or more Covetous who where as he should have been the man who ought to have reformed many Enormities in the Diocess was indeed the Authour of them permitting base and dishonest Persons to escape scot-free for a piece of mony so that the Bishop had a very ill report every where By the suggestion of this ill instrument the Patriarchall man Mr. Gilpin fell into this Bishops Displeasure and by him was suspended from his Benefice But the good Bishop afterwards restored him and visiting him at his house took him aside into the Parlour and thus accosted him Father Gilpin I acknowledge you are fitter to be Bishop of Durham then my self to be Parson of this Church of yours I ask forgiveness for Errors passed forgive me Father I know you have hatched up some Chickens that now seek to pick out your Eyes but so long as I shall live Bishop of Durham be secure no man shall injure you This Bishop sate about Eleven years in his See and dyed a very aged man a little before the Spanish Invasion Anno Dom. 1588. JOHN WOOLTON was born at Wiggin in this County of honest Parents and worshipful by his mothers side He was bred a short time in Oxford and in the reign of Queen Mary attended his Unkle Alexander Nowell in his flight beyond the Seas Returning into England he was made first Cannon Residentiary and after Anno 1579. Bishop of Exeter being an earnest assertor of Conformity against opposers thereof He met whilst living with many hard speeches but after his death when mens memories are beheld generally in their true colours he was restored to his deserved esteem even by those who formerly had been his adversaries He indited Letters full of Wisdome and Piety becoming the strength of one in health not two hours before his death which happened March the 13. Anno 1593. It is a part though not of his Praise of his happiness that his Daughter was married to Francis Godwin Bishop of Hereford whose Learned pen hath deserved so well of the Church of England MATTHEVV HUTTON I have given a large account of him formerly in my Ecclesiastical History However having
him renow'd throughout the Christian world Yet such the bafeness and ingratitude of the French that concluding a Peace with O. C. the Usurper of England they wholy forgot his former services and consented to the expulsion of this Prince and his royal brothers out of that Kingdome 〈◊〉 valour cannot long lye neglected soon was he courted by Don John de Austria into Flanders where in the action at Dunkirk he far surpassed his former deeds often forgetting that he was a Prince to shew himself a true souldier such his hazarding his person really worth ten thousand of them to the great molestation of his true friends Since God out of his infinite love to the English hath safely returned this Duke to his native Country where that he may long live to be the joy and delight of the whole Nation I shall constantly beg of God in my daily devotions ELIZABETH second daughter of King Charles the first and Queen Mary was born at Saint James's Anno 1635. on the 28. day of December She proved a Lady of parts above her age the quickness of her mind making recompence for the weakness of her body For the remainder of her life I will my hold peace and listen to my good friend Master John Buroughs thus expressing himself in a letter unto me The Princess Elizabeth with her Brother Henry Duke of Glocester being by order of parliament to be removed to Carisbroke-castle in the Isle of Wight where his Most Excellent Maiesty was lately a Prisoner were accordingly received by Mr. Anthony Mild may from the Earl and Countess of Leceister at Penshurst in Kent and began their unwilling journey on Friday 9. of August 1650. On the 16. of the same Month they were first lodged in Carisbroke-castle aforesaid The Princess being of a melancholy temper as affected above her age with the sad condition of her Family fell sick about the beginning of September following and continuâ—… 〈◊〉 for three or four days having onely the Advise of Doctor Bignall a worthy and able 〈◊〉 of Newport After very many rare ejaculatory expressions abundantly demonstrating her unparalelled Piety to the eternal honour of her own memory and the astonishment of those who waited on her she took leave of the world on Sunday the eighth of the same September Her body being embalmed was carefully disposed of in a Coffin of Lead and on the four 〈◊〉 twentieth of the said Month was brought in a Borrowed Coach from the Castle to the Town of Newport attended thither with her few late Servants At the end of the 〈◊〉 the Corps were met and waited on by the Mayor and Aldermen thereof in their formalities to the Church where about the middle of the East part of the Chancel in Saint Thomas 〈◊〉 Chappel her Highness was interr'd in a small Vault purposely made with an Inscription of the date of her death engraved on her Coffin The 〈◊〉 of Norway where a Winters day is hardly an hour of clear light are the 〈◊〉 of wing of any Foul under the firmament nature teaching them to bestir themselves to lengthen the shortness of the time with their swiftness Such the active piety of this Lady improving the little life alloted her in running the way of Gods Commandeâ—… 〈◊〉 third daughter to King Charles the first and Queen Mary was born at 〈◊〉 James's March 17. Anno Domini 1637. She was a very pregnant Lady above 〈◊〉 and died in her infancy when not full four years old Being minded by those 〈◊〉 her to call upon God even when the pangs of death were upon her I am not able saith she to say my long prayer meaning the Lords-prayer but I will say my short one Lighten mine eyes O Lord lest I sleep the sleep of death this done the little lamb gave up the ghost KATHARINE fourth daughter to King Charles the first and Queen Mary was born at White hall the Queen-Mother then being at Saint James's and survived not above half an hour after her baptizing So that it is charity to mention her whose memory is likely to be lost so short her continuance in this life The rather because her name is not entred as it ought into the Register of Saint Martins in the fields as indeed none of the Kings children save Prince Charles though they were born in that Parish And hereupon a story depends I am credibly informed that at the birth of every child of the King born at Whitehall or Saint James's full five pounds were ever faithfully paid to some unfaithful receivers thereof to record the names of such children in the Register of Saint Martins But the money being embâ—…iled we know by some God knows by whom no memorial is entred of them Sad that bounty should betray any to such baseness and that which was intended to make them the more solemnly remembred should occasion that they should be more silently forgotten Say not let the children of mean persons be written down in Registers Kings children are Registers to themselves or all England is a Register to them For sure I am this common confidence hath been the cause that we have been so often at a loss about the nativities and other properties of those of Royal extraction CHARLES STUART son to the Illustrious James Stuart Duke of York by Anne daughter to the Right Honourable Edward Hide Earl of Clarendon and Lord Chancellour of England and Frances his Lady descended of the Ancient Family of the Aylesburies High-sheriffs for many years together of Bedford and Buckinghamshire in the reign of King Edward the second and third was born at Worcester-house 22. day of October 1660. and christened by the Right Reverend Father in God Gilbert L. Bishop of London his Majesty and George Duke of Albemarle being his God-fathers and Mary the Queen-mother his God-mother He was declared Duke of Cambridge a title which to the great honour of that University for these four hundred years hath been onely conferred either on forraign Princes or persons of the Royal Bloud This Princely infant dyed May 5. 1661. Saints Saint WULSY being a man reputed when living and reported when dead of great vertue and innocency Was by Saint Dunstan created the first Abbot of Westminster where he lived many years very exemplary for his conversation untill his death which happened Anno Dom. 960. Then was his body buried in the same Monastery and the 26. day of September was kept by the Citizens of London with great Veneration of his miracle-working memory Martyrs I meet with none in this City and in my mean Judgment it is most observable that London having two Pages as I may term them attending it viz. Westminster and Southwark both joyned to it in buildings should be so different from it in condition in London we have no room to hold Martyrs in the other two no Martyrs to take up any room Inquiring the cause thereof we find these three places though contiguous not to say
Statutes of Ruthland made in the year of King Edward the first This Lady Elizabeth at fourteen years of age was married to John the first of that name Earl of Holland Zealand c. And after his death remarried to Humfreâ—… Bohune Earle of Hereford and Essex High Constable of England by whom he had a numerous issue She died Anno Dom. 1316. and was buried in the Abby-Church of Saffron Walden in Essex Saints CONGELLUS or COMGALLUS I perceive a storm a coming and must provide a shelter against it The omitting this Writer will make Wales angry and the inserting him will make Ireland offended with me whom a good Antiquary makes the first Abbâ—…t of Banchor in this County and a better though living later first Abbot of Bangor nigh Nockfergus in Ireland What is to be done herein When the Controversie was started whether the Isle of Man belonged to England or Ireland it was adjudged to the later because no venomous Creature will live therein But this controverted nativity is not capable of that discrimination Indeed if the difference was betwixt Wales and England my Native Country concerning Congellus we would according to our premised principles freely resign him not daring to be so bold with an outlandish Interest let him stand here so long till better evidence be brought to remove him For if those be beheld as the worst of Felons who steal stragling Children in London streets from their Parents and spirit them over unto forraign Plantations high also is their robbery who deprive Countries of their true Natives as to their Memories after their deaths and dispose them elsewhere at their pleasures As for Congellus it is agreed on all hands that he was one of a pious life who wrote learned Epistles and being aged eighty five years died Anno Dom. 600. St. BENO was instructer to Saint Wenefride committed by her Father to his careful Education now it happened when the head of the said Wenefride was cut off by Cradocus Son to Alane King of North Wales for not yielding to his unlawful lust This Beno miraculously set it on again she living fifteen years after But if the tip of his tongue who first told and the top of his fingers who first wrote this damnable lye had been cut off and had they both been sent to attend their cure at the Shrine of Saint Beno certainly they would have been more wary afterwards how they reported or recorded such improbable untruths ASAPH was born in these parts of right honourable parentage and bred at Llan-Elvy in this County under Kentigernus or Mongo the Scotch Bishop in that place Here the said Kentigerâ—…us had a Convent consisting of 663. Monks whereof 300. being unlearned in the nature of Lay-Brethren were employed abroad in Husbandry as many busied about work at home the rest attended Divine service in the Convent so divided that some were always officiating therein Amongst these Asaph was eminently conspicuous for piety and learning in so much that Kentigernus being called into his own Country resigned both his Convent and Cathedral unto him Here this Bishop demeaned himself with such Sanctity that Llan-Elvy lost its name and after his death was called from him St. Asaph He was an assiduous Preacher having this Speech in his mouth Such who are against the preaching of Gods Word envy mans salvation Bishop Godwin confesseth himself ignorant of the certain time of his death though another not more knowing but more confident assigneth the first of May but with this abatement about 569. I say not out possibly a randome date may hap to hit the mark Here I would be thankful to them who should expound unto me that passage in J. Bale concluding the life of this Saint with these words Primus hic erat qui d Romano Pontifice Unctionem accepit He was the first who received Unction from the Pope of Rome This neither Pits owneth ready enough to steal out of Bale especially to improve what might sound to Papal advantage nor any other Romanist writing his Life whom I have seen so that it seems to me a Note 〈◊〉 scattered After the death of Saint Asaph his See stood void above 500. years until Jeffery of Monmouth was placed therein Prelates since the Reformation RICHARD PARRY D. D. was born at Ruthin in this County bred in Christ Church in Oxford whence he was preferred Dean of Bangor and at last Bishop of Saint Asaph consecrated Decemb. 30. 1604. Bishop Godwin passeth on him this Complement take it in the best derivation of the word from Completio mentis that he desireth being so near unto him in time and his Studies to be his equal in other Episcopal Qualities I crave the Readers leave to forbear any further Character of him Pictures present buildings presumed at great distance very small whilest such things which are supposed near the eye are made in a greater proportion Clean contrary I may sasely write largely on mens lives at far distance whilest as I may say I must make Landskips of those near hand and touch little on them who lived in later times Bishop Parry died Anno Dom. 16. ... Souldiers OWEN GLENDOWER-WYE was born in his ancient Patrimony of Glendower-Wye in this County then bred in London a Student in the Common Law till he became a Courtier and servant to King Richard the second After whose death this Owen being then on the wrong side of preferment retired to this his Native County where there arose a difference betwixt him and his neighbour the Lord Gre of Ruthen about a piece of Common which Owen by force recovered and killed the Lord Gre. There wanted not many to spur his posting Ambition by telling him that he was the true Heir to all North Wales and now or never the time to regain it That the injuries he had already offered the English were above pardon and no way left to secure himself but by committing greater There needeth no Torch to light Tinder where a Spark will do the deed and hereupon Owen brake out into open rebellion The worst was being angry with the King his revenge fell upon God burning down the fair Cathedrals of Bangor and Saint Asaph His destructive nature delighted in doing mischief to others though no good to himself King Henry the fourth found it more facile by far to depose King Richard than subdue this Owen who had taken Roger Mortimer Earl of March and next Heir to the Crown prisoner Writers ELVODUGUS surnamed Probus and no doubt it was true of him what was said of Probus the Emperor he was Vir sui nominis was a Cambrian by birth and this Country-man by habitation for he lived most of his days at Bangor Monachorum in that age the Cambridge and Oxford of all Britain He wrote many Books and particularly a Chronicle of his Nation which the envy of time hath denied to posterity He had many eminent men for his Scholars amongst
Gods grace may prove sober Christians and eminent in their generations The last Port to which I traffiqued for intelligence towards our insuing Work was by making my addresses by letters and otherwise to the nearest Relations of those whose Lifes I have written Such applications have sometimes proved chargable but if my weak pains shall find preferment that is acceptance from the judicious Reader my care and cost is forgotten and shall never come under computation Here I cannot but condemn the carelessness not to say ingratitude of those I am safe whilst containing my self in general terms who can give no better account of the Place where their fathers or grand-fathers were born then the child unborn so that sometimes we have been more beholden to strangers for our instructions herein then to their nearest Kindred And although some will say Sons are more comfortably concerned to know the time of their Fathers death then place of their birth yet I could almost wish that a moderate fine were imposed on such heirs whose Fathers were born before them and yet they know not where they were born However this I must gratefully confess I have met with many who could not never with any who would not furnish me with information herein It is observable that men born an hundred years since and upwards have their nativities fixed with more assurance then those born some eighty years since Mens eyes see worst in the Twilight in that intervale after the Sun is set and natural light ended and before candles are set up and artificial light begun In such a crepusculum oftime those Writers lived who fall short of the history of Bale and Leland yet go before the memory of any alive which unhappy insterstice hath often perplexed us and may easier be complained of then amended To conclude should I present all with Books who courteously have conduced to my instruction the whole Impression would not suffice But I remember the no less civil then politick invitation of Judah to the Tribe of Simeon Come up with me into my Lot to Conquer the Cananites and I likewise will go with thee into thy Lot if such who have lent me theirs shall have occasion to borrow mine assistance my Pains Brains and Books are no more mine then theirs to command which besides my prayers for them and thanks to them is all my ability in requital can perform CHAP. XXIII A double Division of the English Gentry 1. According to the Nation whence they were extracted 2. According to the Profession whereby they were advanced THis discourse I tender the Reader as a preparative to dispose him for the better observing and distinguishing of our English Gentry in our ensuing Lives and Catalogue of Sheriffs We begin with the Britains the Aborigines or Native Inhabitants of the South of this Island but long since expelled by the Saxons into the West thereof None then remaining in some since returning into our Land of whom hereafter We confess the Romans Conquered our Country planted Colonies and kept Garrisons therein but their descendants are not by any character discernable from the British Indeed if any be found able to speak Latine naturally without learning it we may safely conclude him of Roman Extraction Mean time it is rather a pretty conceit then a solid notion of that great Antiquary who from the allusion of the name collecteth the noble family of the Cecils more truly Sytsilts descended from the Cecilii a Senatorian Family in Rome The Saxons succeed whose Of-spring at this day are the main bulk and body of the English though not Gentry Nation I may call them the whole cloath thereof though it be garded here and there with some great ones of foreign Extraction These Saxons though pitifully depressed by the Conquerour by Gods goodness King Henry the first favour their own patience and diligence put together the plankes of their Shiprack'd Estates and aferwards recovered a competent condition The Danes never acquired in this Land a long and peaceable possession thereof living here rather as Inroders then Inhabitants the cause that so few families distinguishable by their Surnames are descended from them extant in our age Amongst which few the respected Stock of the Denizes often Sheriffs in Devon and Gloustershire appear the principal As for Fitz-Hardinge the younger son of the King of Denmark and direct ancestour of the Truly Honourable George Lord Berkeley he came in long since when he accompanied the Conquerour I must confess that at this day there passeth a Tradition among some of the Common People that such names which Terminate in Son as Johnson Tomson Nicolson Davison Saunderson are of Danish Origination But this fond opinion is long since conâ—…uted by Vestegan that ingenious and industrious Antiquary Yea he urgeth this as an argument which much prevaileth with me why those Surnames were not derived from the Danes because they had no such name in use amongst them as John Thomas Nicholas David Alexander from whence they should be deduced Yea he further addeth that it is more probable that they made the Childs name by adjecting the syllable Son to the Appellation of the Father a custome which is usual even at this time amongst the Vulgar sort of the Dutch Yet is there not remaining any sign thereof amongst the names of our Age which probably might have been Canutson Ericson Gormoson Heraldson Rofolson c. The Normans or French under the Conquerour swarmed in England so that then they became the only visible Gentry in this Nation and still continue more then a Moity thereof several Catalogues of their Names I have so largely exemplifyed in my Church-history that some have taxed me for tediousness therein and I will not adde an new obstinacy to my old error But besides these we have some Surnames of good Families in England now extant which though French are not by any diligence to be recovered in the lists of such as came over with the Conquerour and therefore we suppose them to have remained of those Gentlemen and others which from Henault attended Queen Isabel wife unto King Edward the second Of this sort was Deureux Mollineux Darcy Coniers Longchamp Henage Savage Danvers with many more Of the British or Welsh after their expulsion hence by the Saxons some signal persons have returned again and by the Kings Grant Matches Purchases c. have fixed themselves in fair possessions in England especially since the beginning of the reign of their Country-man King Henry the seventh rewarding the valour of many contributing to his Victory in the battle of Bosworth Of the Welsh now re-estated in England and often Sheriffs therein some retain their old Surnames as the Griffins in Northamptonshire the Griffiths and Vaughans in Yorkshire some have assumed New ones as the Caradocks now known by the new Name of the Newtons in Somersetshire Many Scotch long before the Union of the two Kingdomes under King James seated themselves
Catalogues begin and end at such times And I do believe that they will prove Satisfactory to such ingenuous Readers that come with no cavilling premeditation Exception 13. In your Catalogue of Learned Writers you have omitted many as may appear by Pitseus his Appendix Illustrium Angliae Scriptorum For of the four hundred by him mentioned not fifty appear in your List of them Answer Pitseus himself shall plead for me who in his Preface to his Appendix ingenuously confesseth Eos adhuc efficere non valeo dignos qui inter illustres Scriptores locum obtineant So that one may call them Obscuros illustres little being known of the books which they wrote less of the times when they lived nothing of the places where they were born However seeing some persons of eminence have stragled amongst them I have selected such with my best care and presented them in my Catalogue Exception 14 Of some men you have little save their Name Life and Death and yet you tearm such eminent persons Answer Surely they were so in themselves and deserve more should be then is left written of them through the injury of time All that I will plead in my own Defence is this There is an Officer in the Exchequer called Clericus nihilorum or the Clerk of the Nichils who maketh a Roll of all such sums as are nichill'd by the Sheriff upon their Estreats of the Green wax when such sums are set on persons either not found or not found solvible This Roll he delivereth into the Treasurers Remembrancers office to have execution done upon it for the King and thus the Clerk hath done his duty leaving it to them to see if they can make any thing of his Return I conceive in like manner I have performed my utmost in that I return such persons to have nothing more to be said of them findable by all my endevours However I consign them over to more able Historians whose pains I will neither prejudice nor discourage but if they be pleased to begin where I ended I wish them more happy success in their discoveries Exception 15. Your Book is surcharged with Scripture observations and reflections in Divinity even when no necessity leadeth you thereunto Answer The Reader hath Conâ—…itentem but I will never acknowledge Reum pleading Custome and Conscience in my just excuse Custome being habited by my profession therein The Learned observe of St. Luke that being a Physician by his function and describing the great difference between Paul and Barnabas he made use of an expression in his own faculty and there was betwixt them a Dissention in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the height and heat of a burning Feaver So that the Spirit of God guiding his Pen permitted him to make use of the Language proper to his Vocation And I presume the same favour will be indulged to me by all ingenuous persons to have I will not say a partiality but an affection to the expressions of and excursions into my own Calling Secondly I plead Conscience that seeing some may Cavil this Work to be a Deviation from my function and I my self perchance sensible of some truth therein I will watch and catch all opportunity to make a fair Regresse to my profession Exception 15. You lay down certain Rules for the better regulating your work and directing the Reader promising to confine your self to the observation thereof and break them often your self For instance you restrain the Topick of Lawyers to Capital Judges and Writers of the Law yet under that head insert Judge Paston and others who were only puny Iudges in their respective Courts You limit Statesmen to Lord Chancelours Treasurers English Secretaries of State c. and put in Sir Edward Waterhouse who was Secretary but in Ireland In a word few heads are preserved pure according to their constitution without the mixture of improper persons amongst them Why did you break such Rules when knowing you made them why did you make such Rules when minding to break them And this is an Exception of Exceptions against you Answer I never intended to tye my self up so close without reserving lawful Liberty to my self upon just occasion Indeed we read of St. Egwin the third Bishop of Worcester that he made for himself a pair of Iron Shakels and locking them close unto his Leggs cast the Key thereof into the Severn desiring never to be loosed till he had made satisfaction for his Sins Returning from Rome a Fish leaped into the Ship in whose Belly was found the Key and so Egwin was miraculously restored to his Liberty Had I in like manner fettered my self to the Topicks propounded on presumption of so strange a release none would have pitied my restraint wilfully contracted on my self But the best is I resolved to keep the Key in my own hands to enlarge my self when I apprehended a just cause thereof However I have not made use of this Key to recede from my first Limitations save where I crave leave of and render a reason to the Reader such anomalous persons being men of high merit under those heads where they are inserted Exception 16. You have omitted many Memorable persons still surviving as meriting as any you have inserted Answer The return of Martial in a case not much unlike may much befriend me herein Miâ—…aris Veteres Vacerra solos Nec laudas nisi mortuos poet as Ignosâ—…as petimâ—…s Vacerra tanti Non est ut placeam tibi perire Deceased Authors thou admir'st aloâ—…e And only praisest Poets dead and gone Vacerra pardon me I will not buy Thy praise so dear as for the same to dye All men being like-minded with Martial herein none surviving will distaste their omission in a work for reasons afore-alledged save in some cases confined to the memories of the departed Exception 17. Speaking of the Commodities of several Counties you say the Wool of Hereford shire is best and yet Gloucester-Shire is best the VVheat of Hereford-shire is best and yet Middlesex best the Lead of Darby-shire best and yet Somerset-shire best the Iron of Sussex best and Stafford-shire best The same may be observed in your praising of persons making several men at the same time the best Poets Divines Schoolmen c. and this must be both falshood and flattery together Answer Impute it I pray to my peaceable disposition unwilling to occasion discord betwixt Eminencies the rather because things of the same kind may severally be the best in sundry Qualities Some Wool best for Cloath other for Hats some Wheat best for yeilding of most other finest flower some Lead best for Bullets other for Sheeting Houses some Iron best for Ordnance other for Nails Keys and smaler Uâ—…ensils Neither is it without precedent in Scripture to Character several men best in the same Profession both 〈◊〉 and Josiah being commended to have had none like unto them neither before nor after them Exception 18. During the
their order who passed by the name of Historicus Regius the Kings Historian to write the remarkable passages of his time Our Roger was by King Henry the third selected for that service and performed it to â—…is own great credit and the contentment of others He flourished in the year of our Lord 1235. ROBERT RICH Son to Edward and Mabell his Wife Brother of St. Edmund Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was born at Abbington in this County he followed his Brother at very great distance both in Parts and Learning though accompanying him in his Travells beyond the Seas and wrote a Book of the Life Death and Miracles of his Brother being much to blame if he did not do all right to so near a Relation He dyed about the year of our Lord 1250. RICHARD of WALLINGFORD was born in that Market Town pleasantly seated on the River Thames wherein his Father was a Black-Smith He went afterwards to Oxford and was bred in Merton Coll then a Monke and at last Abbot of St. Albans where he became a most expert Mathematician especially for the Mechanical part thereof and retaining somewhat of his Fathers Trade was Dexterous at making pritty engines and Instruments His Master-piece was a most Artificial Clock made saith my Author Magno labore majore sumptu Arte verò maxima with much Pain more Cost and most Art It remain'd in that Monastry in the time of John Bale whom by his words I collect an Eye-witness thereof affirming that Europe had not the Like So that it seemed as good as the famous Clock at Strasburg in Germany and in this Respect better because ancienter It was a Calendar as well as a Clock Shewing the fixed Stars and Planets The Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea Minutes of the Hours and what not I have heard that when Monopolies began to grow Common in the Court of France the Kings Jester moved to have this Monopoly for himself viz. a Cardescue of every one who carried a Watch about him and cared not how he employed his Time Surely the Monks of Saint Albans were Concerned to be carefull how they spent their hours seeing no Convent in England had the like Curiosity This their Clock gathering up the least Crum of Time presenting the Minutary fractions thereof On which account I conceive Richard the maker thereof well prepared for the time of his dissolution when he died of the Leprosie Anno Dom. 1326. Since the Reformation HENRY BULLOCK was most probâ—…bly born in this County where his ancient name appears in a worshipful estate He was bred Fellow and Doctor of Divinity in Queens Colledge in Cambridge A good Linguist and general Scholar familiar with Erasmus an Evidence of his Learning it being as hard to halt before acriple as to deceive his Judgement calling him Bovillum in his Epistles unto him By the way our English Writers when rendring a Sirname in Latine which hath an Appellative signification content them to retein the Body of the Name and only disguise the termination as Cross Peacok Crossus Peacocus c. But the Germans in such a Case doe use to mould the meaning of the name either into Latine as I. Fierce they translate I. Ferus Bullock Bovillus or into Greek as Swarts they render Melanthon Reeck-lin Capnio T is confessed our Bullock compelled by Cardinal Wolsy wrote against Luther but otherwise his affections were biased to the Protestant Party The Date of his death is unknown WILLIAM TWIS was born at Spene in this County which was an ancient Roman City mentioned by Antonine in his Itinerary by the name of Spinae This mindeth me of a passage in Clemens Alexandrinus speaking of sanctified afflictions Nos quidem è Spinis uvas colligimus and here in another sense Gods Church gathered grapes this Good man out of this thornie place Hence he was sent by Winchester-School to New-Colledge in Oxford and there became a general Scholar His plaine preaching was good solid disputing better pious living best of all He afterwards became Preacher in the place of his nativity Spinham lands is part of Newberry and though generally our Saviours observation is verified A prophet is not without honour save in his own country chiefly because Minutiae omnes pueritiae ejus ibi sunt cognitae yet here he met with deserved respect Here he laid a good foundation and the more the pity if since some of his fancifull auditors have built hay and stubble thereupon And no wonder if this good Doctor toward his death was slighted by Sectaries it being usuall for New-lights to neglect those who have born the heat of the day His Latin Works give great evidence of his abilities in controversial matters He was chosen Prolocutor in the late Assembly of Divines wherein his moderation was very much commended and dying in Holborn he was buried at Westminster Anno Dom. 164. WILLIAM LYFORD was born at Peysmer in this County and bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Bachelour of Divinity 1631. He was also Fellow of that foundation on the same token that his Conscience Post factum was much troubled about his resigning his place for money to his Successor but as his friends have informed me he before his death took order for the restitution thereof The modesty of his mind was legible in the comeliness of his countenance and the meekness of his Spirit visible in his courteous Carriage He was afterwards fixed at 〈◊〉 in Dorset-shire where his large Vineyard required such an able and painfull Vine-dresser Here he layed a good foundation before the beginning of our Civil Wars with his learned Preaching and Catechising and indeed though Sermons give most Sail to mens souls Catechising layeth the best Ballast in them keeping them stedy from being carriâ—…d away with every wind of Doctrine Yet he drank a deep Draught of the bitter Cup with the rest of his brethren and had his share of Obloquie from such factious Persons as could not abide the wholsome words of sound Doctrine But their Candle without their Repentance shall be put out in darkness whilst his memory shall shine in his Learned works he hath left behind him He died about the year of our Lord 1652. Romish Exile Wâ—…iters THOMAS HYDE was born at Newberry in this County and bred a Master of Art in New Colledge in Oxford he was afterwards Canon of Winchester and chief Master of the school therein He with â—…ohn martiâ—…l the second Master about the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth left both their School and their Land living long beyond the Seas This Hyde is charactred by one of his own perswasion To be a man of upright life of great gravity and severity He wrote a book of Consolation to his fellowexile And died Anno Dom. 1597. Bâ—…nefactors to thâ—… Publick ALFREDE the fourth Son to K. Athelwolph was born at Wantage a market-town in this County An excellent scholar though he was
past twelve years of age before he knew one letter in the Book and did not he run fast who starting so late came soon to the mark He was a Curious Poet excellent Musician a valiant and successeful Souldier who fought seven Battles against the Danes in one year and at last made them his Subjects by Conquest and Gods servants by Christianity He gave the first Institution or as others will have it the best 〈◊〉 to the University of Oxford A Prince who cannot be painted to the Life without his losse no words reaching his worth He Divided 1. Every natural day as to himself into three parts eight hours for his devotion eight hours for his imployment eight hours for his sleep and refection 2. His Revenues into three parts one for his expences in War a second for the maintenance of his Court and a third to be spended on Pious uses 3. His Land into Thirty two shires which number since is altered and increased 4. His Subjects into Hundreds and Tythings consisting of Ten persons mutually Pledges for their Good behaviour such being accounted suspitious for their Life and Loyalty that could not give such Security He left Learning where he found Ignorance Justice where he found Oppression Peace where he found Distraction And having Reigned about Four and thirty years He dyed and was buried at Winchester Anno 901. He loved Religion more then Superstition favoured Learned men more then Lasie Monks which perchance was the cause that his memory is not loaden with Miracles and He not solemnly Sainted with other Saxon Kings who far less deserved it Since the Reformation PETER CHAPMAN was born at Cokeham in this County bred an Iron-monger in London and at his death bequeathed five pounds a year to two Scholars in Oxford as much to two in Cambridge and five Pounds a year to the Poor in the town of his Nativity besides threescore pounds to the Prisons in London and other Benefactions The certain date of his death is to me unknown JOHN KENDRICK was born at Reading in this County and bred a Draper in the City of London His State may be compared to the Mustard-seed very little at the beginning but growing so great that the birds made nests therein or rather he therein made neâ—…ts for many birds which otherwise being either infledged or maimed must have been exposed to wind and weather The Worthiest of Davids WORTHIES were digested into Ternions and they again subdivided into two Ranks If this double Dichotomie were used to methodize our Protestant Benefactors since the Reformation sure I am that Mr. Kendrick will be if not the last of the first the first of the second Three His Charity began at his Kindred proceeded to his Friends and Servants to whom he left large Legacies concluded with the Poor on whom he bestowed above twenty thousand pounds Reading and Newbury sharing the deepest therein And if any envious and distrustfull Miser measuring other mens hearts by the narrowness of his own suspecteth the truth hereof and if he dare hazard the smarting of his bleered eyes to behold so bright a Sun of Bounty let him consult his Will publickly in Print He departed this life on the 30. day of September 1624. and lyes buried in St. Christophers London To the Curate of which Parish he gave twenty pounds per annum for ever RICHARD WIGHTWICK Bachelor of Divinity was Rector of East Isley in this County What the yearly value of his living was I know not and have cause to believe it not very great however one would conjecture his Benefice a Bishoprick by his bounty to Pembroke Colledge in Oxford to which he gave one hundred pounds per annum to the maintenance of three Fellows and four Scholars When he departed this life is to me unknown Memorable Persons THOMAS COLE commonly called the rich clothier of Reading Tradition and an authorless pamphlet make him a man of vast wealth maintaining an hundred and fourty meniall servants in his house besides three hundred poor people whom he set on work insomuch that his Wains with cloth filled the high-way betwixt Reading and London to the stopping of King Henry the first in his Progress Who notwithstanding for the incouraging of his Subjects industry gratified the said Cole and all of his profession with the set measure of a Yard the said King making his own Arme the standard thereof whereby Drapery was reduced in the meting thereof to a greater certainty The truth is this Monkes began to Lard the lives of their Saints with lies whence they proceeded in like manner to flourish out the facts of Famous Knights King Arthur Guy of Warwick c. in imitation whereof some meaner wits in the same sort made description of Mechanicks powdering their lives with improbable passages to the great prejudice of truth Seeing the making of Broad-cloath in England could not be so ancient and it was the arme not of King Henry but King Edward the first which is notoriously known to have been the adequation of a yard However because omnis fabula fundatur in Historia let this Cole be accounted eminent in this kind though I vehemently suspect very little of truth would remain in the midst of this story if the grosse falshoods were pared from both sides thereof JOHN WINSCOMBE called commonly Jack of Newberry was the most considerable clothier without fancy and fiction England ever beheld His Looms were his lands whereof he kept one hundred in his House each managed by a Man and a Boy In the expedition to Flodden-field against James King of Scotland he marched with an hundred of his own men as well armed and better clothed then any to shew that the painfull to use their hands in peace could be valiant and imploy their Armes in War He feasted King Henry the eighth and his first Queen Katharine at his own house extant at Newberry at this day but divided into many Tenements Well may his house now make sixteen Clothiers houses whose wealth would amount to six hundred of their estates He built the Church of Newberry from the Pulpit westward to the Tower inclusively and died about the year 1520. some of his name and kindred of great wealth still remaining in this County Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Parveis John Parveis Erlgeston Fishmonger 1432 2 Nicholas Wyfold Thomas Wyfold Hertley Grocer 1450 3 William Webbe John Webbe Reading Salter 1591 4 Thomas Bennet Thomas Bennet Wallingford Mercer 1603 The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the Sixth 1433. Robert Bishop of Sarum Commissioners to take the Oaths William Lovel Chivaler  Robert Shotsbroke Knights for the Shires William Fyndern  Johan Prendegest Praeceptor Hospitalis St. Johan Jerus in Anglia de Grenham Johannis Golefre Armigeri Willielmi Warbelton Ar. Willielmi Danvers Ar. Johannis Shotesbrooke Ar. Thomae Foxle Ar. Phi. Inglefeld Ar. Thomae Rothewell
occasion for this Proverb at the Originall thereof which then contained Satyricall truth proportioned to the place before it was Reformed whereof thus our great Antiquary It was altogether unpassable in times past by reason of Trees untill that Leofstane Abbot of St. Albans did cut them down because they yeilded a place of refuge for thieves But this Proverb is now Antiquated as to the truth thereof Buckingham-shire affording as many maiden Assizes as any County of equall populousness Yea hear how she pleadeth for her self that such High-way-men were never her Natives but fled thither for their Shelter out of Neighbouring Counties Saints St. EDBURG daughter unto Redwald King of the East-Angles embraced a Monasticall life at Alesbury in this Counâ—…y where her Body was deposited and removed afterwards to Edburgton now Edburton in Suffolk her Native Country It seems her person would make one County proud which made two happy Alesbury observing her Memory on the day of whilst Edburton was renowned for her Miracles By the way it seems wonderfull that in Scripture we onely meet with one PosthumeMiracle viz. the Grave-fâ—…llow of Elisha raised with the touch of his Bones whilst most of Popish miracles are reported born after the Saints death meerly to mold mens minds to the Adoration of their Reliques St. RUMALD was the same with St. Rumbald commonly called by Country people St. Grumbald and St. Rumwald as others spell him but distinct from another St. Rumwald of Irish extâ—…action a Bishop and Martyr whose Passion is Celebrated at Mâ—…chlyn in Braband This Criticisme Reader I request thee to take on my credit for thy own ease and not to buy the truth of so difficult a trisâ—…e with the trouble I paid for it Entring now on the Legend of his life I writ neither what I believe nor what I expect should be believed but what I find written by others Some make him Son of a British King which is sufficiently confuted by his own Saxon name More probable their tale who relate him Son to a King of Northumberland by a Christian daughter of Penda King of Mercia Being born at Kings Sutton in this County as soon as he came out of his Mothers womb he cryed three times I am a Christian. Then making a plain Consession of his faith He desired to be baptized chose his Godfathers and his own name Rumwald He also by his fingers directed the standers by to fetch him a great hollow-stone for a font which sundry of his fathers servants essayed in vain as much above their strength Till the two Priests hisâ—… designed Godfathers did goe and fetch it easily at his appointment Being Baptized He for three days discoursed of all the Common places of Popery and having confirmed their truth he bequeathed his body to remain at Sutton one year at Brackly two and at Buckingham ever after This done he expired Reader I partly guess by my own temper how thine is affected with the reading hereof whose soul is much divided betwixt severall actions at once 1. To frown at the impudency of the first inventors of such improbable untruths 2. To smile at the simplicity of the believers of such improbable untruths 3. To sigh at that well-intended devotion abused with such improbable untruths 4. To thank God that we live in times of better and brighter knowledge Now although St. Rumwald was born in this County he was most honoured at Boxley in Kent and thereon a story depends There was in the Church of Boxley a short Statue of St. Rumwald as of a boy-saint smal hollow and light so that a child of seven years of age might easily lift it The moving hereof was made the Criterion of womens chastity Such who paid the Priest well might easily remove it whilst others might tugg at it to no purpose For this was the contrivance of the cheat that it was fastned with a Pin of wood by an invisible stander behind Now when such offered to take it who had been bountifull to the Priest before they bare it away with ease which was impossible for their hands to remove who had been Close-fisted in their Confessions Thus saith my Author it moved more laughter then Devotion and many chast virgins and wives went away with blushing faces leaving without cause the suspicion of their wantonness in the eyes of the Beholders whilst others came off with more credit because with more coyn though with less chastity The certain time of his life is unknown but may be guessed about the year 680. Martyrs JOHN SCRIVENER was Martyred at Amersham Anno Dom. 1521. on whom an extraordinary piece of cruelty was used his own children being forced to set the first fire upon him for which the law Deut. 13. 6. was most erroneously pretended as will appear by the perusing thereof If thy brother the son of thy mother or thy son or thy daughter or the wife of thy bosome or thy friend which is as thy own soul entice thee secretly saying let us go and serve other gods Thou shalt not consent unto him nor hearken unto him But thou shalt surely kill him thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death See we here how in the case of Idolatry one is to spare none related unto them either as Equalls or Inferiors But this Law injoines not children to accuse or execute their own parents as Scrivener his children were compelled to do A barbarous cruelty especially seeing the Civil law among the heathen Romans did provide that filius non torquetur in caput parentis A son shall not be examined on the rack to accuse his father in such cases wherein his life is concerned Others besides Scrivener were martyred and more Confessors 〈◊〉 in this small County Anno 1521. then in all England elsewhere for twenty years together Pâ—…elates RICHARD de WENDOVER a place well known in this Shire was Rector of Bromley in Kent where the Bishop of Rochester hath a Palace and that See being vacant he was lawfully chosen the Bishop thereof But Edmond Arch-bishop of Canterbury afterwards Sainted refused to give him consecration because he was rude and unlearned Hereupon Wendover appealed to the Pope whom he found his better friend because Edmond a bitter inveigher against Papal extorsions was a Foe unto him and so was consecrated Now none will grâ—…dge him his Place amongst our Worthies seeing what he lack'd in learning he had in holiness and such his signal sanctity that after his death he was by speciall Mandate of King Henry the third buried in the Church of Westminster as another Jehojadah for his publick goodness Anno 1250. JOHN BUCKINGHAM for so his Name is truly written alià s Bokingham and Bukingham took his Name and Nativity no doubt from Buckingham in this County a-la-mode of that Age. He was bred at the University of Oxford and although since by some causelesly slandered for want of Learning was a
Lord. Thus those who when the house of the State is on fire politickly hope to save their own chamber are sometimes burned therein Treason was charged upon him for secret siding with King Edward who before and afterward de facto and always de jure was the lawfull King of England on this account he lost his life Then did the axe at one blow cut off more learning in England then was left in the heads of all the surviving nobility His death happened on Saint Lukes-day 1470. Edward Lord Tiptoft his son was restored by Edward the fourth Earl of Worcester But dying without Issue his large Inheritance fell to his three Aunts sisters to the learned Lord aforesaid viz. First Philip married to Thomas Lord Ross of Ham-lake Second Joâ—…ne wife of Sir Edmund Ingoldsthorp of Borough-green in this County Third Joyce married unto Sir Edward Sutton son and heir of John Lord Dudley from whom came Edward Sutton Lord Dudley and Knight of the Garter JOHN CHEEKE Knight Tutor to King Edward the sixth and Secretary of State was born over against the Market-cross in Cambridge What Crosses afterwards befel him in his course of life and chiefly before his Pious death are largely related in our Church-History Souldiers The courage of the men in this County before the Conquest plainly appeareth by this authentick passage in a memorable author who reporteth that when the rest of the East Angles cowardly fled away in the field from the Danish army Homines comitatus Cantabrigiae viriliter obstiterunt The men of the County of Cambridge did manfully resist Our author addeth Unde Anglis regnantibus laus Cantabrigiensis Provinciae splendidè florebat Whence it was that whilst the English did rule the praise of the people of Cambridge shire did most eminently flourish Nor lost they their reputation for their manhood at the coming in of the Normans who partly by the valour of their persons partly by the advantage of their fens made so stout resistance that the Conqueror who did fly into England was glad to creep into Ely Yea I have been credibly informed that Cambridge-shire men commonly passed for a current proverb though now like old coine almost grown out of request Indeed the Common People have most Robustious Bodies insomuch that Quartersacks were here first used men commonly carrying on their backs for some short space eight bushels of Barly whereas four are found a sufficient load for those in other Counties Let none say that Active valour is ill inferred from Passive strength for I do not doubt but if just occasion were given they would find as good Hands and Arms as they do Backs and Shoulders Writers MATTHEW PARIS is acknowledged an English-man by all save such who mistake Parisius for Parisiensis and may probably be presumed born in this as bred in the next County where the name and family of Paris is right ancient even long before they were settled therein at Hildersham which accrued unto them by their marriage with the daughter and Heir of the Buslers Sure I am were he now alive the Parises would account themselves credited with his and he would not be ashamed of their affinity He was bred a Monke of Saint Albans skilled not only in Poetry Oratory and Divinity but also in such manual as lye in the suburbs of liberal Sciences Painting graving c. But his Genius chiefly disposed him for the writing of Histories wherein he wrote a large Chronicle from the Conquest unto the year of our Lord 1250. where he concludes with this distich Siste tui metas studii Matthaee quietas Nec ventura petas quae postera proferat aetas Matthew here cease thy pen in peace and study on no more Nor do thou rome at things to come what next age hath in store However he afterwards resuming that work continued it untill the year 1259. This I observe not to condemn him but excuse my self from inconstancy it being it seems a catching disease with Authors to obey the importunity of Others contrary to their own resolution His history is unpartially and judiciously written save where he â—…geth too much to Monkish Miracles and Visions and no writer so plainly discovereth the pride avarice and rapine of the Court of Rome so that he seldome kisseth the â—…opes toâ—… without biting it Nor have the Papists any way to wave his true jeeres but by suggesting haec non ab ipso scripta sed ab aliis falsò illi ascripta insinuating a suspicion of forgery in his last edition understand them in what â—…ome 80. years â—…ince was set forth by Mathew Parker whereas it was done with all integrity according to the best and most ancient Manuscripts wherein all those Anti-papal passages plainly appear as since in a latter and exacter Edition by the care and industry of Doctor William Wats This Mathew left off living and writing at the same time viz. anno 1259. I will only adde that though he had sharp nailes he had clean hands striâ—…t in his own as well as striking at the loose conversations of others and for his eminent austerity was imployed by Pope Innocent the fourth not only to visit the Monkes in the Diocess of Norwich but also was sent by him into Norway to reform the discipline in Holui a fair Convent therein but much corrupted HELIAS RUBEUS was born at Triplow in this County bred D. D. in Cambridge Leland acquainteth us that he was a great Courtier and gracious with the King not informing us what King it was nor what time he lived in onely we learn from him that this Rubeus conceive his English Name Rouse or Red seeing many who were Nobilitatis Portenta so that as in a Tympany their very greatness was their Disease boasted if not causelesly immoderately of their high Extraction wrote a Book contra Nobilitatem inanem He is conjectured to have flourished about the year 1266. JOHN EVERSDEN was born at one of the Eversdens in this County bred a Monk in Bury-Abbey and the Cellerer thereof An Officer higher in sense then sound being by his place to provide diet â—…or the whole Convent assigning particular persons their portions thereof But our Eversdens mind mounted above such mean matters busied himself in Poetry Law History whereof he wrote a fair volume from the beginning of the world according to the humour of the Historians of that age starting all thence though they run to several marks Being a Monk he was not over fond of Fryers And observeth that when the Franciscans first entred Bury Anno 1336. there happened a hideous Hericano levelling trees and towers and whatsoever it met with The best was though they came in with a Tempest they went out with a Calme at the time of the dissolution This John flourished under King Edward the third and dyed about the year 1338. RICHARD WETHERSET commonly called of Cambridge saith Bale because he was Chancellour thereof But there
Egmund Leland for a reason immediately following nameth him William of Stamford but Egremont is the Orthography of his name from a small Market-town yet a Barony of the late Earls of Sussex in this Shire where he was born Quitting this cold Country he took his Progress into the South and fixing himself at Stamford became an Augustinian Eremite and proceeded Doctor of Divinity Going beyond the Seas he was by the Pope made Episcopus Pissinensiâ—… some poor pitifull Bishoprick so that one would scarce trouble himself to find it out to have the profit thereâ—…f and therewith held the Suffragane-ship under Henry Beaufort Bishop of Lincoln Indeed that voluminous Diocess a full fourth part of England before Eli Peterborough and Oxford were cantoned out of it required a Co-adjutor Many are the learned works written by him and seeing he is Doubly qualified I thought fitter to repose him under the Topick of Writers then of Prelates being confident that he got more credit by his Books then profit by his Bishoprick He flourished under King Richard the second anno 1390. JOHN SKELTON was a younger branch of the Skeltons of Skelton in this County I crave leave of the Reader hitherto not having full instructions and preserving the undoubted Title of this County unto him to defer his character to Norfolk where he was Beneficed at Diss therein Since the Reformation RICHARD CRAKENTHORP D. D. was descended of an Ancient Family in this County as appeareth by their frequent being Sheriffs thereof He was bred Fellow of Queens-colledge in Oxford and afterwards in the first of King James went over Chaplain to the Lord Evers sent Embassadour to the King of Denmark and other prime Princes of Germany Here by use he got an easiness in the Latine tongue and correspondency with several persons of eminent Learning He was an excellent Logiciaâ—… witness his work in that kind and became Chaplain in Ordinary to King James Rector of Black-Notley in Essex greater preferments expecting him had not his death prevented it Pliny observeth that Posthume Children born after the death of their Father and Caesars understand such who are cut out of the womb of their Mother prove very happy in success What reason soever Naturalists assign hereof Divines justly impute it to Gods goodness graciously remembring those Orphans which cannot remember their own Parents The Observation may be applyed to the Books of this worthy Doctor set forth after his death one called Vigilius Dormità ns in defence of the Emperour Justinian and a generall Councill held by him Anno 553. set forth by his Brother George Crakenthorp the other being an answer to the Manifesto of the Arch-bishop of Spalato set forth by that Learned Antiquary Dr. John Barkham and both of these Books finding an universall and gratefull reception among the Learned and Religious I cannot certainly fix the date of his death and be it here solemnly entred that Westmerland shall be unprejudiced if he were born as a most credible person hath informed me at NewBiggin in this County SALKELD was a branch of a Right Worshipfull Family in this County bred a Divine beyond the Seas but whether 〈◊〉 or Secular Priest I know not Coming over into England to Angle for Proselites it seems his Line broke and he was cast into prison Hence he was brought out and presented to K. James by whose Arguments and a Benefice bestowed on him in Somersetshire he became a Protestant This he used in all companies to boast of that he was a Royall Convert Nobisque dedit solatia victor And was it not a Noble thing Thus to be conquer'd by a King Indeed His Majesty in some of his works styleth him the Learned Salkeld which the other much vaunted of often telling it to such who well knew it before for fear they might forget it His preaching was none of the best and he retained some Popish though not Opinions Fancies to the day of his death I have heard much of his discourse more of his own praise then to his own praise in my judgement But his true character may be taken out of the Book he wrot of Angells He died about the year 1638. GERARD LANGBAIN D. D. was born at Kirk-Banton in this County bred first Fellow in then Provost of Queens-colledge in Oxford A skilfull Antiquary ingenious industrious and judicious in â—…is Writings as by his Works will appear Who so shall read over the History of thâ—… Councill of Trent translâ—…ted out of Italian by Sir Nathaniel Brent will conceive it so compleat a Narration of all the concernments in that Council that nothing of consequence can be added thereunto Yet this his mistake will be confuted by perusing the Works set forth by Doctor Langbain of the dissent of the Gallican Churches from severall conclusions in that Council As his Brain was the Mother of some so was it the Midwife to other good books which he procured to be published Especially a book made by Sir John Cheeke concerning Rebellion and Loyalty seasonably reprinted in the beginning of our Civil Wars But alas such then was the noise of mens Animosities that the Still voice of Truth could not be heard amongst them More Excellent Tracts were expected from him particularly an Edition of Brian Twine with Additions concerning the Antiquity of Oxford when God was pleased almost in the midst of his days to put an end to his life Anno 1657. Benefactors to the Publick ROBERT EAGLESFIELD born in this County was a pious and learned man according to the rate of that age Chaplain and Confessor to Philippa Queen to King Ed ward the third He founded a fair Colledge in Oxford by the name of Queens-colledge for a Provost and twelve Fellows whom he ordered to sit in the Hall in purpura and that they should be attended on more Curiali He appointed that those of Cumberland and Westmerland should be proper for perferment in his Foundation rendring this reason why he reflected most on those Northern Counties Propter insolitam vastitatem melioris literaturae infrequentiam But prevented by death he finished not his intentions leaving onely to the Colledge the Mannor of Renwick in this County with the impropriation of Burgh under Stanmore and which I assure you was considerable most excellent Statutes To shew himself both Courtier and Scholar he ordered that in the Hall they should speak either Latine or French He bequeathed his Colledge to the honorary Patronage of the Queens of England and his Sur-name is still extant in this County in persons of quality but how to him related to me unknown He dyed about the year of our Lord 1370. Memorable Persons MAUD the Daughter of Thomas Lord Lucy Sister and Heir of Anthony Lord Lucy and Baron of Cokermouth the Widow of Gilbert Humfrevile Earl of Angus was the second Wife of Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland Who when she saw that she should dye without Issue gave to Earl Henry her husband the Castle and Honour of
observe that when Arch-Bishop of Canterbury his Metropolitical Visitation charged through and through every Diocesse in his own Province no resistance being of Proof against him all Opposers giving some trouble to him but disgrace to themselves soon suppressed by his high bloud strong brains full purse skill in Law and plenty of powerful friends in the English and Romish Court The difficulty which he underwent herein made the work easie to his Successors ever after He deceased July 31. Anno Domini 1396. Prelates ROBERT CHICHESTER Here I had been at a perfectlosse had I not met with a good Guide to direct me For I had certainly from his Sirname concluded him born at Chichester in Sussex according to the Custome of other Clergy-men But this single swallow which makes no Summer had a Flight by himself retaining his Paternal Name descended from a Noble and Ancient Family saith my Author* Still flourishing at Rawleigh in this County He was first Dean of Sarisbury then Anno 1128. Consecrated Bishop of Exeter highly commended by many VVriters for his Piety though the Principal thereof consisted in his Pilgrimages to Rome and procuring Reliques thence He bestowed much money in building and adorning his Cathedral and having sate therein two and twenty years died and was buried 1150 on the South side of the High Altar nigh a Gentleman of his own Sirname whose inscribed Arms are the best Directory to this Bishops Monument GILBERT FOLIOT was born at Tamerton Foliot in this County Abbot of Glocester Bale saith Exeter then successively Bishop of Hereford and London He was observed when a Common Brother of his Covent to inveigh against the Prior when Prior against the Abbot when Abbot against the pride and lazinesse of Bishops but when he himself was Bishop all was well and Foliots mouth when full was silent Whether because all things do rest quiet in their center or because Age had abated his juvenile Animosity or because he found it more facil to find faults in others then mend them in himself Indeed oft times meer Morosâ—…ness of Nature usurps the reputation of Zeal and what is but a bare disgust of mens persons passeth for dislike of their vices However our Foliot the lesse he had in Satyrs the more he had of Elegies afterwards secretly bemoaning the badnesse of the Age he lived in Hear a Passe betwixt him and a strange voice Satans Challenge O Gilberte Foliot Dum revolvis tot tot Deus tuus est ASHTAROT Foliots Answer Mentiris Daemon qui est Deus Sabaoth est ille meus He finds little favour from our Historians of his Age because they do generally Becketize whilst Foliot was all for the King being a professed Enemy to the not person but pride of that Prelate* This wise and learned Bishop died Feb. 18. 1187. ROBERT FOLIOT Arch-Deacon of Oxford was neer Cosen and therefore is placed Country man to Gilbert aforesaid He was bred first in England then in France where he got the Sirname of Robertus Melundinensis probably from the place of his longest abode He was first Tutor to Becket and Becket afterwards was Patron to him by whose procurement he succeeded his Kinsman in the See of Hereford He wrote several Books whereof One of the Sacraments of the Old Law is most remarkable Hitherto we have followed Bale with blind obedience until Bishop Godwin whom we rather believe hath opened our eyes in two particulars 1 That Robert de Melune Bishop also of Hereford was a distinct person from our Robert 2 That our Foliot was advanced Bishop after the death of Becket probably for the affection he bore unto him not the assistance he received from him His deah happened Anno 1186. Nor must we forget there was also one Hugh Foliot Arch-Deacon of Shrewsbury afterwards Bishop of Hereford of whom nothing remains but his Name and the date of his Death 1234. WILLIAM BREWER was born in this County or in Somerset-shire whereof William his Father was several years Sheriffe under King Henry the Second where we shall insist on the occasion of his Sirname Bishop Godwin informeth us that he was Brother to Sr. William Brewer Knight if there be not an errour therein seeing Two Brethren surviving their Parents together both of a Name are seldome seen in the same Family He was preferred Bishop of Exeter Anno 1224. A Great Courtier and employed in such Embassies proper for a Person of Prime Quality as when he was sent to conduct Isabel Sister to King Henry the Third to be married to Frederick the Emperour whom he afterwards attended to the Holy Land Returning to his See he set himself wholly to the adorning and enriching thereof founding a Dean and 24 Prebendaries allowing the later the Annual Stipend of Four Pounds which they receive at this day But I am lately informed that the Dean and Residenciaries of Exeter have since augmented the Salary of all the Prebendaries at large to twenty pounds a year Which Intelligence if false they are not injured if true they are courteously used This Bishop died Anno Domini 1244. WILLIAM de RALEIGH was born at that well known Town in this County preferred first Canon of St. Pauls then successively Bishop of Norwich and Winchester The last of which cost him much trouble his Election being stiffely opposed by King Henry the Third intending a Valentinian Uncle to the Queen for that Bishoprick whom the Monks of Winchester refused terming him Vir Sanguinum A man of Bloud Whether in that sense wherein David is so termed and on that account prohibited the building of the Temple because a Martial Man or whether onely because descended of high bloud whose Descent was all his Desert so that they ridgidly adhered to the election of Raleigh King Henry who seldome used to be angry and more seldome to swear sware in his anger That he would have his will at last or they should never have Bishop and how his Conscience came off vvithout Perjury herein his own Confâ—…ssor vvas best able to satisfie him Raleigh had beâ—…ides his own merits two good friends his Purse and the Pope the former procuring the later He presented his Holynesse with six thousaâ—…d Mark which effected his Work Here two persons were at once deceived the Pope not expecting so great a sum should be tendred him and Raleigh not suspecting he would take all but leave at least a morsel for manners But his hands will take what ever is tendred him if not too Hot or too Heavy Raleigh thus runin debt could never creep out thereof though living very privately and dying very penitently For when the Priest brought the â—…uchrist unto him lying on his Death-Bed Raleigh expressing himself in language like to that of John Baptist I have need to come to thee and comest thou to me would rise out of his Bed to meet him His death happened Anno Dom. 1249. RICHARD COURTNEY was one of
of his estate to pious uses viz. For the building of Alms-Houses in Pool 333 l. For the relief of poore Prisoners neither Atheists nor 〈◊〉 each man at the sum of twenty Nobles 150 l. For poor Preachers allowing to each man ten pound 100 l. To decaied Artificers charged with wife and children 100 l. To the Merchant Adventurers for the relief of old and support of young freemen 400 l. To Christs Hospital 500l To erect Alms-Houses in and about London 600 l. For a weekly dole of bread to the poor 200 l. For the maintaining of two Scholars in each University intrusting the Leather-sellers with the managing thereof 400 l. I have only gathered the greatest clusters of his Charity which the top boughs thereof did produce purposely concealing the smaller bunches of his bounty growing on the under branches He died Anno Dom. 1601. and lieth buried in Christ-Church in London Memorable Persons THOMAS de la LYND a Gentleman of a fair Estate in this County killed a white Hart in Blackmore Forrest which King Henry the third by expresse will had reserved for his own chase Hereupon a mulct was imposed upon him and the whole County as accessary for not opposing him which is paid called White-Hart Silver to this day into the Exchequer My self hath paid a share for the sauce who never tasted any of the meat so that it seems Kings Venison is sooner eaten than digested Let the Latine Proverb Albo gallo c. in Dorset-shire be turned into Albo cervo ne manum admoliaris ARTHUR GREGORY of Lyme in this County had the admirable Art of Forcing the Seal of a Letter yet so invisibly that it still appeared a Virgin to the exactest beholder Secretary Walsingham made great use of him about the Pacquets which passed from Forraign parts to Mary Queen of Scotland He had a pension paid unto him for his good service out of the Exchequer and died at Lyme about the beginning of the reign of King James WILLIAM ENGLEBERT born at Sherborne was an incomparable Ingeneere and much used in the Eighty eight Queen Elizabeth an excellent House-wife of her Treasure allowed him a pension of one hundred Marks per annum which was paid him until the day of his death He requested of King Iames his Privy Councel leave to serve Foreign Princes and States long peace rendring him useless in England proffering to wave his Pension on that condition but they utterly denied him licence to depart who lived and died in Westminster about the year 1634. The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth William Bishop of Bath and Wells Chancellor of England Commissioners to take the Oaths William de Botreaux Chivaler  John Chedyok Knight Knights for the Shire  William Turbervill Knights for the Shire  Humf. Stafford Chiv Ioh. Newburgh sen. Radulph Bush Iohan. Latymer Iohan. Neburgh jun. Williel Bronning Roberti Frampton Nicholai Latymer Walteri Gonis Thome Manston Iohan. Cammel Iohan. Frantleroy Henrici Sherard Will. Anketill Iohan. Hering Iohan. Carent Roberti Turbervile Richardi Fitton Iohannis Mone Iohannis Peterel Rich. Strode Iohannis de la Lynde Roberti Rempston Will. Gerrard Will. Godwyn Will. Dakcombe Roberti Savage Roberti Bannet Edw. Stone Roberti Larkestoke Iohannis Frampton de Dorchester Rogeri Rochford Iohannis Stampford Roberti Hymerford Stephani Russel Henrici Russel Roberti Tredosa Willi. Chetil Walt. Hayngstrigge Ioh. Talbot Simonis Talbot Richardi Byle Williel Hornsbow Radulphi Belton Iohannis Phillippe Thome Anketill Willielmi Clavil de Ferne Willielmi Morton de Chestesbury Willielmi Cole Willielmi Bontley Iohan. Butt Rogeri Grogge de Lyme Willielmi Warner de Pole Roberti Bertram de Dorchester Tho. Tinam de Lyme Rob. Abbot de Melcombe Regis Richardi Kaynell Iohan. Hillary de Shirborn Iohan. Scryveyn de Shirborn Sheriffs of Dorset and Somerset Shires HEN. II. Anno 1 Warinus Anno 2 Rich. de Raddona Anno 3 Warinus de Lisoris Rich. de Raddona Anno 4 Anno 5 Rich. de Raddona Warinus de Lisoris Anno 6 Anno 7 Warinus de Lisoris Anno 8 Idem Anno 9 Robertus de Bello Campo Anno 10 Gilbertus Percy Anno 11 Rich. de Raddon Gilb. de Percy Anno 12 Rob. de Pucherel for four years Anno 16 Alud de Lincolne for six years Anno 22 Rob. de Bello Campo for seven years Anno 29 Will. de Bendenger Anno 30 Idem Anno 31 Rob. filius Pag. Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Idem RICH. I. Anno 1 Hugo Bardulph Anno 2 Rob. Anno 3 Willielmus de Chahaignes Rad. de Chahaignes for 4. years Anno 7 Will. Chahaignes Walt. de Giffardus Anno 8 Anno 9 Will. de Chaignes Pet. de Schidemore Anno 10 Will. de Cahaignes Reg. JOHAN Anno 1 Pet. de Schidemore Anno 2 Rob. Belet Hen. de Stokes Anno 3 Hubert de Burge Alanus de Wigton Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Will. de Monte Acuto for four years Anno 10 Will. Briewre Rad. de Brey Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Will. Mallet sive Malet for four years Anno 16 Rich. de Marisco Rog. de Pealton HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Pet. de Malo Lacu Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Rog. de Forda Ralph Clericus Anno 6 Rog. de Forda Ralph Clericus Anno 7 Sheriffs of Dorset-Shire Radus Germein Ermegundus de Wenham Sheriffs of Somerset-Shire Rob. de Ford. Rich. Abbas de Michelem Anno 8 Sheriffs of Dorset-Shire Radus Germin Rich. Episcopus Saresb. Gilbert de Staplebigg Sheriffs of Somerset-Shire Johan Russel Radus Russel Joscelin Bathon Episcopus Lucas Rupel Anno 9 Sheriffs of Dorset-Shire Ricus Episcopus Saresb. Gilbert de Staplebig Sheriffs of Somerset-Shire Joscelin Bathon Episcopus Lucas Russel Anno 10 Sheriffs of Dorset-Shire Rich. Episcopus Saresb. Gilbert de Staplebigg Sheriffs of Somerset-Shire Joscelin Bathon Episcopus Will. de Schorewell Anno 11 Will. filius Henerici Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Tho. de Cirencester Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Idem Hen. de Campo Florido Anno 16 Tho. de Cirencester Hen. de Campo Florido Anno 17 Tho. de Cirencester Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Idem Hen. de Campo Florido Anno 20 Tho. de Cirencester Hen. de Campo Florido Anno 21 Tho. de Cirencester Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Idem Anno 24 Jordan Oliver Anno 25 Hugo de Vinon for six years Anno 31 Hugo de Vinon Barth Peach for four years Anno 35 Hen. de Derleg Anno 36 Elias de Cabian Anno 37 Idem Anno 38 Idem Anno 39 Idem Walterus de Burges Anno 40 Steph. de Hasseton Anno 41 Idem Anno 42 Walt. de Burges Anno 43 Williel Everard Humf. Chaehet Will. Lecombe Clericus Anno 44 Phil. de Cerve Anno 45 Idem Anno 46 Johan Basset Anno 46 Johan Basset Hen. Aultun Anno 47 Phil. Basset Hen. Aulton for five years Anno 53 Tho. de
after so many years distance and a colder suit being to encounter a Corporation of Learned Lawyers so long in the peaceable possession thereof Bishop Nevil was afterwards canonically chosen by the Monks and confirmed hy King Henry the third Arch-bishop of Canterbury being so far from rejoycing thereat that he never gave any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or reward for their good news to the two Monks which brought him tidings nor would allow any thing toward the discharging their costly journey to Rome foreseeing perchance that the Pope would stop his Consecration For some informed his Holiness that this Ralph was a Prelate of High Birth haughty Stomach great Courtship gracious with the King and a person probable to disswade him from paying the Pension promised by his Father K. Iohn to the Court of Rome then no wonder if his Consecration was stopped theron But was it not both an honor happiness to our Nevil thus to be crost with the hands of his Holiness himself yea it seems that no Crosier save only that of Chichester would fit his hand being afterwards elected Bish. of Winchester then obstructed by the K. who formerly so highly favor'd him He built a Chappell without the east gate of Chichester dedicated to S. Michael and having merited much of his own Cathedral died at London 1244. ALEX. NEVIL third Son of Ralph Lord Nevil was born at Raby became first Canon then Arch-Bishop of York where he beautified and fortified the Castle of Cawood with many Turrets He was highly in Honour with King Richard the second as much in hatred with the party opposing him These designed to imprison him putting Prelates to death not yet in fashion in the Castle of Rochester had not our Alexander prevented them by his flight to Pope Urban to Rome who partly out of pity that he might have something for his support and more out of policy that York might be in his own disposal upon the removal of this Arch-Bishop translated him to Saint Andrews in Scotland and so dismissed him with his Benediction Wonder not that this Nevil was loth to go out of the Popes blessing into a cold Sun who could not accept this his new Arch Bishoprick in point of credit profit or safety 1. Credit For this his translation was a Post-Ferment seeing the Arch-Bishoprick of Saint Andrews was subjected in that age unto York 2. Profit The Revenues being far worse than those of York 3. Safety Scotland then bearing an Antipathy to all English and especially to the Nevils redoubted for their victorious valour in those northern parts and being in open hostility against them Indeed half a loaf is better than no bread but this his new translation was rather a stone than half a loaf not filling his Belly yet breaking his Teeth if feeding thereon This made him preferre the Pastorall Charge of a Parish Church in Lovaine before his Arch-noBishoprick where he died in the fifth year of his Exile and was buried there in the Convent of the Carmelites ROB. NEVIL sixth Son of Ralph first Earl of Westmerland by Joane his second VVife Daughter of Iohn of Gaunt bred in the University of Oxford and Provost of Beverly was preferred Bishop of Sarisbury in the sixth of King Henry the sixth 1427. During his continuance therein he was principal Founder of a Convent at Sunning in Berkshire anciently the Bishops See of that Diocess valued at the dissolution saith Bishop Godwin at 682 l. 14 s. 7 d. ob which I rather observe because the estimation thereof is omitted in my and I suspect all other Speeds Catalogue of Religious Houses From Sarisbury he was translated to Durham where he built a place called the Exchequer at the Castle gate and gave in allusion of his two Bishopricks which he successively enjoyed two Annulets innected in his Paternal Coat He died Anno Dom. 1457. GEO. NEVIL fourth Son of Rich. Nevil Earl of Salisbury was born at Midleham in this Bishoprick bred in Baliol Colledge in Oxford consecrated Bishop of Exeter when he was not as yet twenty years of age so that in the race not of age but youth he clearly beat Tho. Arundel who at twenty two was made Bishop of Ely Some say this was contrary not only to the Canon Law but Canonical Scripture S. Paul forbidding such a Neophyte or Novice admission into that Office as if because Rich. the make-King Earl of Warwick was in a manner above Law this his Brother also must be above Canons His Friends do plead that Nobility and Ability supplyed age in him seeing five years after at 25. he was made Lord Chancellor of England and discharged it to his great commendation He was afterwards made Arch-bishop of York famous for the prodigious Feast at his Installing wherein besides Flesh Fish and Fowle so many strange Dishes of Gellies And yet amongst all this service I meet not with these two But the inverted Proverb found truth in him One GluttonMeal makes many hungry ones for some years after falling into the displeasure of King Edward the fourth he was flenderly dyetted not to say famished in the Castle of Calis and being at last restored by the Intercession of his Friends died heart-broken at Blyth and was buried in the Cathedral of York 1476. Besides these there was another Nevil Brother to Alexander aforesaid chosen Bishop of Ely but death or some other intervening accident hindered his Consecration Since the Reformation ROBERT HORN was born in this Bishoprick bred in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge Going thence under the raign of King Edward the sixth he was advanced Dean of Durham In the Marian days he fled into Germany and fixing at Frankford became the head of the Episcopal party as in my Ecclesiastical History at large doth appear Returning into England he was made Bishop of VVinchester Feb. 16. 1560. A worthy man but constantly ground betwixt two opposite parties Papists and Sectaries Both of these in their Pamphlets sported with his name as hard in Nature and crooked in Conditions not being pleased to take notice how Horn in Scripture importeth Power Preferment and Safety both twitted his person as dwarfish and deformed to which I can say nothing none alive remembring him save that such taunts though commonly called ad Hominem are indeed ad Deum and though shot at Man does glance at Him who made us and not we our selves Besides it shews their malice runs low for might though high for spight who carp at the Case when they cannot find fault with the Jewel For my part I mind not the Mould wherein but the Metal whereof he was made and lissen to Mr. Cambden his Character of him Valido foecundo ingenio of a sprightful and fruitful wit He died in Southwark June 1. 1589. and lyeth buried in his own Cathedral near to the Pulpit And now Reader I crave leave to present thee with the Character of one who I confess falls not under my Pen
fortnight in stocks in the Bishop of Londons Cole house with Irons upon him chained again by Sir Thomas More to a post two nights cruelly handled for a seven-night at Fulham scourged for a fortnight in the Tower and at last sent to a second Tree of Truth I mean to the Stake Whereat he was burned in Smithfield April 30. 1532. Here Mr. Fox reports a passage which I cannot with credit insert or omit but take it as I find it When his Armes and Legs were half consumed in the fire he spake these words O â—…e Papists behold ye look for miracles and here now you may see a miracle for in this fire I feel no more pain than if I were in a Bed of Downe but it is to me as sweet as a Bed of Roses Soft and sweet both to please the touch and smell a double wonder I believe it might be a falshood but no lye in the Author reporting it who possibly might be abused in his intelligence Secondly it is possible that this good man feeling so much pain before might through Gods goodnesse have none at his death Thirdly this story may be kept on the deck to counterpoise the scales against that of Father Briant a Popish Priest who reported himself cruelly racked in the Tower and yet se nihil quicquam doloris sensisse That he felt not any pain at all Lastly though our Saviour juâ—…ly taxeth those who were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 slow in heart to believe such things as were revealed in the Scripture yet neither God nor Man wâ—…ll be offended with the incredulous in such reports attested onely with Humane suspicious Authority Prelates TIDEMAN de WINCHCOMBE was born in this County at the Market Town formerly famous for a rich Abbey now for plenty of Poore therein He was preferred first Abbot of Benle then Bishop of Landaffe and lastly of Worcester by King Richard the second his importunity to the Pope notwithstanding one John Green was fairly elected thereunto This Tideman was the Kings Physician and very well skilled in that Faculty Be it observed by the way that I am dayly more confirmed in my opinion that till the last two hundred years Physick in England was not a distinct profession from Divinity and the same persons Physicians and Confessors to Princes Say not these Functions were inconsistent the former uâ—…ually departing the later commonly coming to dying men for the several Professions did not justle but succeed one another so that when Potion did end Unction did begin A practice continued by Popish Priests in England at this day gaining commodity and concealment by being such Pluralists in their profession having the most best and last privacy with their Patients This Tideman died Anno Dom. 1400. JOHN CHEDWORTH was born in this County and bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge being the third Scholar that came thereinto by election from Eaton Schoole though some I confesse for a short time make him admitted into Merton Colledge in Oxford He afterwards was the third Provost of Kings Colledge possessing the place six years till at last he was elected Bishop of Lincoln He was joyned in Commission by King Henry the sixth with Bishop Wainfliet of Winchester to revise and regulate the Statutes of Eaton and Kings Colledges He sate Bishop about eighteen years and dying 1471. lies buried in his own Cathedral under a Marble Monument JOHN CARPENTER was as my Author rationally collecteth born at Westbury in this County bred in Oriall Colledge in Oxford whereof he became Provost and Chancellor of the University thence preferred Prefect of Saint Anthonies in London and at last Bishop of Worcester He was so indulgent to Westbury the place of his Nativity that of a mean he made it a magnificent Convent more like a Castle than a Colledge walling it about with Turrets and making a stately Gate-house thereunto He had an humorous intent to style Himself and Successors in imitation of Bath and Wells Bishops of Worcester and VVestbury which Title though running cleverly on the tongues end never came in request because therein Impar conjunctio the matching of a Collegiate and Cathedral Church together He died Anno Dom. 1475 and was buried in his Native Town of VVestbury His Tomb since his Death I will use my Authors words hoping their ignorance if alive understands no Latine A stolidis quibusdam nebulonibus pudendum in morem mutulatur As for the Colledge of VVestbury it is the inheritance of the Right VVorshipful and Hospital House-keeper Ralph Sadler Esq and was in these Civil Broils unhappily burnt down though those who esteemed themselves judicious in war apprehended neither necessity thereof noâ—… advantage thereby THOMAS RUTHAL born at Cicester in this County bred in Cambridge where he commenced Doctor of the Laws was by King Henry the Seventh for his great Abilities preferred to be Bishop of Durham King Henry the Eighth made him of his Privy Councel notwithstanding the hatred which Cardinal VVolsey bare unto him It happened King Henry employed him as a politick person to draw up a Breviate of the State of the Land which he did and got it fairly transcribed But it fell out that in stead thereof he deceived with the likenesse of the cover and binding presented the King with a Book containing an Inventory of his own Estate amounting to an inviduous and almost incredible summe of One hundred thousand pounds VVolsey glad of this mistake told the King he knew now where a masse of money was in case he needed it This broke Ruthall his heart who had paid the third part of the cost of making the Bridge of New-Castle over Tyne and intended many more Benefactions had not death 1523. on this unexpected occasion surprised him Since the Reformation EDWARD FOX was born in Duresley in this County bred first in Eaton then in Kings Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was chosen Provost which place he kept until his death He was afterwards Almoner to King Henry the Eighth He first brought Doctor Cranmer to the knowledge of the King which Doctor first brought the King to the knowledge of himself how he stood in matter of marriage with the Widow of his Brother This Doctor Fox was after Bishop of Hereford and was saith my Author Reformationis Ecclesiasticae illius tempore coeptae clanculum fautor Let me adde he was the principal pillar of the Reformation as to the managery of the Politick and Prudential part thereof being of more activity and no less ability then Cranmer himself Martin Bucer dedicated unto him his Comment on the Gospels yea this Bishop wrote many Books whereof that De differentia utriusque potestatis was his Master-piece He was employed by the King on several Embassies into France and Germany and died to the great loss of Gods Church May 8. 1538. States-men Sir RALPH BUTLER Knight of the Garter and Lord Sudeley in this County was Lord Treasurer of England
that is Give all kind kind signifying a Child in the low Dutch This practice as it appeares in Tacitus was derived to our Saxons from the ancient Germans Teutonibus priscis patrios succedit in agros Mascula stirps omnis ne foret ulla potens 'Mongst the old Teuch lest one o'retop his breed To his Sire's land doth every son succeed It appeareth that in the eighteenth year of King Henry the sixth there were not above fourty persons in Kent but all their land was held in this tenure But on the petition of divers Gentlemen this custome was altered by Act of Parliament in the 31. of King Henry the eighth and Kentish-lands for the most part reduced to an uniformitie with the rest in England DOVER-COURT All speakers and no hearers There is a Village in Essex not far from Harwich called Dover-Court formerly famous for a Rood burnt in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth But I take it here to be taken for some Tumultuous Court kept at Dover the Consluence of many Blustering Sea-men who are not easily ordered into awful attention The Proverb is applyed to such irregular conferences wherein the People are all Tongue and no Eares parallel to the Latine Proverb Cyclopum Respublica being thus charactered that therein 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Father to the Bough The Son to the Plough That is though the Father be executed for his Offence the Son shall neverthelesse succeed to his Inheritance In this County if a Tenant in Fee-simple of Lands in Gavel-kind commit Felony and suffer the judgement of Death therefore the Prince shall have all his Chattels for a forfeiture But as touching the Land he shall neither have the Escheat of it though it be immediately holden of himself nor the Day year and Wast if it be holden of any other for in that case the Heir notwithstanding the offence of his Ancestor shall enter immediately and enjoy the lands after the same Customes and services by which they were holden before In assurance whereof the former Proverb is become Currant in this County But this Rule holdeth in case of Felony and of Murther onely and not in case of Treason nor peradventure in Piracy and other Felonies made by Statutes of later times because the custome cannot take hold of that which then was not in being It holdeth moreover in case where the offender is justiced by Order of Law and not where he withdraws himself after the fault coÌ„mitted and will not abide his lawful trial TENTERDENS Steeple is the Cause of the Breacâ—… in Goodwyn Sands It is used Commonly in derision of such who being demanded to render a reason of some inportant Accident assign Non causam pro causa or a Ridiculous and improbable cause thereof and hereon a story depends When the Vicinage in Kent met to consult about the Inundation of Goodwyn sands and what might be the Cause thereof an Old man imputed it to the building of Tenterden Steeple in this County for those sands said he were firme Lands before that steeple was built which ever since were overflown with Sea-water Hereupon all heartily laughed at his unlogical Reason making that the effect in Nature which was only the consequent in time not flowing from but following after the building of that steeple But One story is good till another is heard Though this be all whereon this Proverb is generally grounded I met since with a * supplement thereunto It is this Time out of mind mony was constantly collected out of this County to fence the East bancks thereof against the eruption of the Seas And such Sums were deposited in the hands of the Bishop of Rochester But because the Sea had been very quiet for many years without any encroachings The Bishop commuted that money to the building of a Steeple and endowing of a Church in Tenterden By this diversion of the Collection for the maintenance of the Banks the Sea afterwards brake in upon Goodwyn Sands And now the old man had told a rational tale had he found but the due favour to finish it And thus sometimes that is causelesly accounted ignorance in the speaker which is nothing but impatience in the Auditors unwilling to attend the end of the discourse A Jack of Dover I find the first mention of this Proverb in our English Ennius Chaucer in his Proeme to the Cook And many a Jack of Dover he had sold Which had been two times hot and two times cold This is no Fallacy but good Policy in an houshould to lengthen out the Provision thereof and though lesse toothsome may be wholsome enough But what is no false Logick in a Family is false Ethicks in an Inn or Cooks-shop to make the abused Guest to pay after the rate of New and Fresh for meat at the second and third hand Parallel to this is the Latine Proverb crambe bis cocta crambe being a kind of Colewort which with vinegar being raw is good boiled better twice boiled noysome to the Palat and nauceous to the stomach Both Proverbs are appliable to such who grate the ears of their Auditors with ungratefull Tautologies of what is worthlesse in it selse tolerable as once uttered in the notion of Novelty but abominable if repeated for the tediousnesse thereof Princes JOHN of ELTHAM Second Son to King Edward the Second by Isabell his Queen was born at Eltham in this County He was afterwards created Earle of Cornwal A spritely Gentleman and who would have given greater evidence of abilities if not prevented by death in the prime of his age He dyed in Scotland in the tenth yeare of the reign of King Edward the Third Be it observed that hitherto the younger Sons to our English Kings were never advanced Higher than Earls Thus Richard Second son to King Iohn never had higher English Honour then the Earle of Cornwel though at the same time he were King of the Romans But this Iohn of Eltham was the last Son of an English King who dyed a plain Earl the Title of Duke coming aâ—…erwards into fashion Hence it was that all the younger Sons of Kings were from this time forwards Created Dukes except expiring in their infancy BRIDGET of ELTHAM fourth Daughter of K Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Q. was born at Eltham in this County Observing her three eldest Sisters not over happy in their husbands she resolved to wed a Monastical life and no whit ambitious of the place of an Abbess became an ordinary votary in the Nunnery at Dartford in this County founded by K. Edward the 3. The time of her death is uncertain but this is certain that her dissolution hapned some competent time before the dissolution of that Nunnerie EDMUND youngest Son to King Henry the 7. and Elizabeth his Queen bearing the name of his Grand-father Edmund of Haddam was born at Greenwich in this County 1495. He was by his Father created Duke of Somerset and he dyed before he was full
went from thy flock astray Yet thou good Lord vouchsafe thy Lamb to win Home to thy Fold and hold thy Lamb therein That at the day when Goats and Lambs shall sever Of thy choice Lambs Lamb may be one for ever The exact time of his death I cannot meet with but by proportion I conjecture it to be about 1580. FRANCES SIDNEY Daughter of Sir William Sister to Sir Henry Lord Deputy of Ireland and President of Wales Aunt to the renowned Sir Philip Sidney was born and probably at Pensherst the ancient seat of the Sidneys in this County A Lady endowed with many Virtues signally charitable expending much in large Benefactions to the Publick She bestowed on the Abby Church of Westminster a salary of twenty pounds per annum for a Divinity Lecture and founded Sidney Sussex Colledge in Cambridge of which largely in my Church-History She was Relict of Thomas Ratcliff the third Earl of Sussex This worthy Lady died Childless unlesse such Learned Persons who received their Breeding in her Foundation may be termed her Issue on the ninth day of May Anno 1588. as appeareth by her Epitaph Sir FRANCIS NETHERSOLE Knight born at Nethersole in this County was bred Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards became Orator of the University Hence he was preferred to be Embassador to the Princes of the Union and Secretary to the Lady Elizabeth Queen of 〈◊〉 it is hard to say whether he was more remarkable for his doings or sufferings in her behalf He married Lucy eldest Daughter of Sir Henry Goodyear of Polesworth in Warwick 〈◊〉 by whose encouragement being free of himself to any good design he hath founded and endowed a very fair School at Polesworth aforesaid and is still living Memorable Persons SIMON Son of William Lynch Gent. was born at Groves in the Parish of Staple in this County Decemb. 9. 1562. But see more of his Character under this Title in Essex where his Life and death were better known MARY WATERS was born at Lenham in this County and how abundantly intituled to Memorability the ensuing Epitaph in Markeshall Church in Essex will sufficiently discover Here lieth the Body of Mary Waters the Daughter and Co-heir of Robert Waters of Lenham in Kent Esquire wife of Robert Honywood of Charing in Kent Esquire her only Husband who had at her decease lawfully descended from her Three hundred sixty seven Children sixteen of her own body one hundred and fourteen Grand-children two hundred twenty eight in the third Generation and nine in the fourth She lived a most pious life and in a Christian manner died here at Markeshall in the ninety third year of her age and in the forty fourth year of her Widowhood the eleventh of May 1620. Thus she had a Child for every day in the though Leap year and one over Here we may observe that generally the highest in Honour do not spread the broadest in posterity For time was when all the Earls in England and those then seventeen in number had not put together so many Sons and Daughters as one of them had viz. Edward Somerset Earle of Worcester And yet of both Sexes he never had but * thirteen But to return to Mistresse Waters she since hath been much out-stript in point of fruitfulnesse by one still surviving and therefore this worthy Matrone in my mind is more memorable on another account viz. for patient weathering out the tempest of a troubled conscience whereon a remarkable story dependeth Being much afflicted in mind many Ministers repaired to her and amongst the rest Reverend Mr. John Fox than whom no more happy an instrument to set the joynts of a broken spirit All his counsels proved ineffectual insomuch that in the agony of her soul having a Venice-glass in her hand she brake forth into this expression I am as surely damn'd as this glasse is broken which she immediately threw with violence to the ground Here happened a wonder the glasse rebounded again and was taken up whole and entire I confesse it is possible though difficult so casually to throw as brittle a substance that lighting on the edges it may be preserved but happening immediately in that juncture of time it seemed little lesse than miraculous However the Gentlewoman took no comfort thereat as some have reported and more have believed but continued a great time after short is long to people in pain in her former disconsolate condition without any amendment Until at last God the great Clock-keeper of Time who findeth out the fittest minutes for his own mercies suddenly shot comfort like lightning into her soul which once entred ever remained therein God doth no palliate cures what he heals it holds so that she led the remainder of her life in spiritual gladnesse This she her self told to the Reverend father Thomas Morton Bishop of Duresme from whose mouth I have received this relation In the days of Queen Mary she used to visit the Prisons and to comfort and relieve the Confessors therein She was present at the burning of Mr. Bradford in Smithfield and resolved to see the end of his suffering though so great the presse of people that her shooes were trodden off and she forced thereby to go barefoot from Smithfield to Saint Martins before she could furnish her self with a new pair for her money Her dissolution happened as is aforesaid Anno 1620. NICHOLAS WOOD was born at Halingborne in this County being a Landed man and a true Labourer He was afflicted with a Disease called Boulimia or Caninus Apetitus insomuch that he would devour at one meal what was provided for twenty men eat a whole Hog at a sitting and at another time thirty dozen of Pigeons whilest others make mirth at his malady Let us raise our gratitude to the goodness of God especially when he giveth us appetite enough for our meat and yet meat too much for our appetite whereas this painful man spent all his estate to provide Provant for his belly and died very poor about the year 1630. We will conclude this Topick of Memorable Persons with a blanck mention of him whose name hitherto I cannot exactly attain being an Ingenuous Yeoman in this County who hath two Ploughs fastened together so finely that he plougheth two furrows at once one under another and so stirreth up the Land twelve or fourteen Inches deep which in so deep ground is very good Scholars know that Hen-dia-duo is a very thrifty Figure in Rhetorick and how advantagious the improvement of this device of a Twinne-Plough may be to posterity I leave to the skilful in Husbandry to consider Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1. Will. Sevenock William Rumshed Sevenock Grocer 1418 2. Thomas Hill William Hill Hillstone Grocer 1484 3. Rich. Chawry William Chawry Westram Salter 1494 4. Andrew Jud. John Jud. Tonbridge Skinner 1550 4. John Rivers Richard Rivers Pensherst Grocer 1573 6. Edw. Osburne Richard Osburne Ashford Clothworker
and returning in the Raign of King Edward the sixâ—… became a Preacher of London He and Mr. Hooper were the two greatest Sticklers against Ceremonies though otherwise allowing of Episcopal Government He was the first Martyr who suffered in Smithfield in Queen Maries dayes and led all the rest of whom we may truly say that if they had not beâ—…n flesh and blood they could not have been burnt and if they had been no more then flesh and blood they would not have been burnt The Non-Conformists account it no small Credit unto them that one of their Opinion as who would not flinch from the faith was chosen by Divine Providence the first to encounter the fire Such may remember that no Army is all FRONT and that as constant did come behinde as went before Had those of an opposite judgment been called first they had come first to the stake and in due time the defenders of Ceremonies were as substantial in their Sufferings This John Rogers was martyred Febr. 4. 1555. JOHN BRADFORD was born at * Manchester in this County and bred first a Lawyer in the Inns of Court and for a time did solicite Suits for Sr. John Harrington afterwards saith my * Authour ex Rixoso Causidico mitissimus Christi Apostolus going to Cambridg a man in maturity and ability the University by special Grace bestowed on him the Degree of Master of Art and so may he be said to Commence not only per saltum but per volatum The Jesuit doth causlesly urge this his short standing for an Argument of his little understanding whereas he had alwayes been a hard Student from his youth and his Writings and his Disputings give a sufficient Testimony of his Learning It is a demonstration to me that he was of a sweet temper Because Parsons who will hardly afford a good VVord to a Protestant saith that he seemed to be of a more soft and milde nature than many of his fellowe 〈◊〉 Indeed he was a most holy and mortified man who secretly in his closet would so weep for his sinnes one would have thought he would never have smiled again and then appearing in publick he would be so harmlesly pleasant one would think he had never wept before But Mr. Fox his pains have given the pens of all Posterity a VVrit of ease to meddle no more with this Martyr who suffered Anno Dom. 1555. GEORGE MARSH was born at Dean in this County bred a good Scholar in a Grammer-School and then lived in the honest condition of a Farmer after the death of his wife he went to Cambridge where he followed his Studies very close and afterwards solemnly entring into Orders became a profitable Preacher and Curate to Mr. Lawrence Sanders the worthy Martyr Causlesly therefore doth Parsons asperse him that he of a Farmer turned a Preacher as if he had done it immediately with many of our Age leaping from the plough to the pulpit concealing his Academical breeding such is the Charity of his jesuitical reservation As little is his Charity for condemning him for answering 〈◊〉 and fearfully at first to such who examined him about the Sacrament of the Altar seeing the said Marsh condemned himself for doing it as therein too much consulting carnal Respects to save his life as appears in Mr. Fox whence the Jesuite fetcheth all his Information But Marsh made amends for all these failings with his final constancy being both burnt and scalded to death having a barrel of pitch placed over his head an accent of cruelty peculiar to him alone when he was martyred at VVestchester Apr. 24. 1555. Cardinals WILLIAM ALAN was born in this County saith my Authour nobilibus parentibus of 〈◊〉 Parentage He was bred in Oriel Colledg in the University of Oxford and became Head of Sâ—… Maries Hall therein Then going beyond the Seas he became Kings 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 Cannon of Cambray and Rhemes and at last by Pope Sixtus Quint us made Cardinal priest of Martins in Rome 1587. and deserved his Red Hat by his good Service the year after against his Native Country But hear what Different Characters two Authours of several perswasions bestow upon him PITZEU 〈◊〉 ANO. Script page 792. GODWIN in his Catalogue of Cardinals page 479. He was somewhat above an ordinary man in Stature comely of Countenance composed in his Gaâ—…e affable in all Meetings and for the Gifts of his Mind Pious Learned Prudent Grave and though of Great Authority Humble modest meek patient peaceable in a word beautified and adorned with all kinds of Virtues He was the last of our English Cardinals in time and first in wickedness deserving not to be counted among English men who as another Herostratus to atchieve himself a name amongst the Grandees of Earth endeavoured to fire the Church of England the Noblest without envy be it spoken in the Christian World so that his memory deserveth to be buried in oblivion He collected the English Exilâ—…s into a Body and united them in a COLLEDG first at Doway then at Rhemes so great an Advancer that we may behold him as Founder of that Seminary He â—…yed at Rome Anno 1594. and preferred rather to be buried in the English School than in the Church of St. Martins which gave him the Title of Cardinal Prelates HUGH OLDHAM born in this County at Oldham a Village some fix miles from Manchester bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge was no ill Scholar and a good Man most pious according to and above the Devotion of the Age he lived in he was afterwards Bishop of Exeter a Foe to a Monkish Superstition and a Friend to University Learning Brazen-Nose Colledge in Oxford and Corpus-Christi Colledge therein will for ever bear witnesse of his bounty to advance Religion and Learning Besides the Town of Manchester have good cause to remember him who founded and endowed a School therein with large Revenue appointing the Warden of the Colledge therein Caput Scholae This Bishop having a tough contest with the Abbot of Tavestock was excommunicated for refusing to stand to the decision of the Court of Rome He had formerly built a Chapel in the South side of his Cathedrall and dying excommunicate on the aforesaid account was Buried not in the very Church but brink thereof and body of the Wall He dyed Anno Dom. 1520. JAMES STANLEY D. D. brother of Thomas Earl of Darby was born in this County and was by K. Henry the seaventh his kinsman by marriage preferred Bishop of Ely 1506. a man more memorable than commendable who never resided at his own Cathedral I can partly excuse his living all the Summer with the Earl his Brother in this County but must condemn his living all the Winter at his Mannour at Somersham in Huntingtonshire with one who was not his sister and wanted nothing to make her his Wife save mariage However if Jehu allowed a Burial to his most profest Enemy on this account that
plentiful in Corn and Pasture but wanting Wood forceing the Inhabitants to make use of Straw Coweâ—… c. For the most part Hard and Barren yielding Fruit not without labour and expence but well stored with Wood Pit-cole Good Soyle apt to bear Corn and Grass and sufficiently provided with Fuell Much like the last for fruitfulnesse of the two better furnished with Fuel However these four Quarters being put together into the Body of one Shire competently supply their mutual defects Natural Commodities Beans Plenty of these in this County especially about Barton in the Beans in the Hundred of Sparkhen-Hoe where they appear like a Forrest toward the time of Harvest Wherefore the Scouts of Charles Duke of Burgundie who mistook a Field full of high thistles near unto Paris for the Army of the King of France with their lances held upright might here commit the like mistake with more probability Though Beans be generally beheld but as horse and hog-graine yet were they mans * meat even in the plentiful Country of Canaan called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pholl in the Hebrew whence some deduce the word Pulse though none dare affirm that Daniel his Pulse was made thereof But more of this Grain hereafter Cole These are digg'd up plentifully at Cole-Orton in the Hundred of West Goscot I say Cole-Orton for there is another Village called Cold-Orton in this Shire An addition which no lesse truly than sadly would be prefixed to most Towns in this County if not warmed in VVinter with this under-ground-fewell that above-ground is so much decayed I confess 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Treasure of Coles passeth both in the Greek and Latine Proverb for a frustrated Expectation and his hopes fall very low who looking for Gold either in Specie or in Oarâ—… lighteth only on a heap of Coles which anciently used to be buryed in the Earth for boundaries or limits of lands However such Mines of Coles as these without any help of Alcumy are quickly turned into Gold and Silver sold at good rates to the Countryes round about Manufactures in this County are not to be expected for where the Husbandmans Acre-Staffe and the Shepheards-hook are as in this County in Staie there they engross all to themselves and command Manufactures to observe their distance from them The Buildings This County afordeth no Cathedralls and as for the Parish-Churches therein they may take the Eye not ravish the admiration of the beholder Bottsford is one of the primest very fair and large with a high Spire Steeple At the Suppression of Abbeys many ancient Monument of the Albanies and Rosses were removed hither out of the Priory of Beaver by the command of Thomas Earl of Rutland and pity it was that his commendable care was not imitated in other places As for ciâ—…il Structures there is a seeming parity betwixt many fair Houses in this Shire only something Monarchical above the ordinary Aristocracy of Fabricks apppears in the heigth strength and workmanship of the Stone Tower built by William Lord Hastings at Ashby de la-Zouch Also the fair large and beautiful pallace built at Broadgate by Thomas Grey Marquess of Dorset challengeth the preheminence above the rest The Wonders There is a Village in this County named Charleton sirnamed Curley and all that are born therein have an harsh and wratling kind of Speech uttering their words with much difficulty and wharling in the Throat and cannot well pronounce the Letter R. Surely this proceedeth not from any natural imperfection in the Parents whence probably the Tribual Lisping of the Ephramites did arise because their children born in other places are not haunted with that Infirmity Rather it is to be imputed to some occult quality in the Elements of that Place Thus a learned Author informeth us that some Families at Labloin in Guyen in France do naturally stut and stammer which he taketh to proceed from the nature of the Waters As for the inability distinctly to pronounce R. it is a catching disease in other Counties I knew an Essex man as great a Scholar as any in our age who could not for his life utter Carolus Rex Britanniae without stammering The best was the King had from him in his hearty prayers what he wanted in his plain pronunciation My Father hath told me that in his time a Fellow of Trinity Colledge probably a Native of Charleton in this County sensible of his own imperfection herein made a Speech of competent length with select words both to his Mouth and for his Matter without any R. therein to shew that Men may speak without being beholding to the Dogs Letter Proverbs Bean-belly Leicester-shire So called from the great plenty of that grain growing therein Yea those in the neighbouring Counties use to say merrily Shake a Leicester-shire Yeoman by the Collar and you shall hear the Beans rattle in his belly But those Yeomen smile at what is said to rattle in their bellies whilst they know good silver ringeth in their Pockets Indeed I read a Latine Proverb A Fabis abstineto Forbear beans whereof some make a civil interpretation meddle not with matters of State because anciently men cast in a Bean when they gave their Suffrages in publick elections others expound it physically because Beans are windy and discompose the tranquillity of mens minds by their slatuous evaporation the reason assigned for the general report that Pythagoras prohibited the eating of them to his Scholars Yet an excellent Authour informs me that Pythagoras had his repast on Beans more than on any kind of pulse However nothing will put Leicester-shire men out of conceit of their beloved Beans the rather because their plenty argueth the goodnesse of their ground For whereas lean land will serve for puling pease and faint fetches it must be a strong and fruitful soyle indeed where the masculine Beans are produced If Bever have a capp You Churles of the Vale look to that That is when the Clouds as he expoundeth it hang over the Towers of the Castle it is a prognostick of much rain and moisture to the much indamaging of that fruitful Vale lying in the three Counties of Leicester Lincoln and Nottingham But alas though the cap may be there still the head or the crown thereof I am sure is not there I mean Beaver Castle it self being lately demolished in our Civil Wars though I hear some part thereof is in rebuilding I wish the Workmen good success though I suspect the second Edition to use a Scholars Metaphor of this Castle will not be â—…o full and fair as the former Princes IANE GREY eldest Daughter of HENRY GREY Duke of Suffolk by Francis 〈◊〉 Eldest Daughter to Mary second Sister to King Henry the eighth was born at Broadgates near unto Leicester No Lady which led so many pious lived so few pleasant Dayes whose soul was never out of the Non-age of Afflictions till Death made her of full years
with small successe to do good offices betwixt the two Kingdomes Coming into England to visit her Brother K. Edward the third she deceased here without issue Anno 1357. and lyeth buried in Gray-Friers London It will not be amiss in Reference to her Name here to observe that Joan which is Feminine to John was a frequent name in the Royal Family of England as also amongst Foreign Princes and no wonder seeing we find a worthy woman of that name Benefactresse to our Saviour himself However seeing in later times it hath been counted but a Course and homely name and some Proverbs of Contempt have been cast thereon it hath since been m ollified into Jane sounding finer it seemes to an English eare though this modern name will hardly be found in any English writer three hundred yeares ago KATHERINE youngest Daughter to K. Henry the 7. and Elizabeth his Queen was born in the Tower of London on the 2 day of February Anno Dom. 1503. deceasing few dayes after It is a sad and probably too true an account of an Antient man which is given in his Epitaph Here lies the man was born and cry'd Liv'd sixty yeares fell sick and dy'd What was a bad Character of his aged unprofitablenesse is a good one of this infant Ladies innocence of whom we know nothing save that she sucked fell sick and deceased Only let me adde she was the last Princesse born in the Tower our English Kings hereafter removing their residence to Bridewel and White-hall and using the Tower not so much as a Palace for the State as Prison for the strength thereof ANNA BOLLEN Daughter of the Lord Thomas Bollen Earl of Wiltshire was as some of her Honourable relations still surviving do conjecture born in London and became second Wife to K. Henry 8th Indeed he passionately affected her when but a Lords Daughter but did not marry her till she was a Princesse Created by him Marchionesse of Pembroke partly to make her the more proportionable Match and partly to try how she would become a â—…oronet before she wore a Crown The Papists much disparage her memory malice will lye or must be dumb making all her Wit to consist in Boldnesse her Beauty in a French garb and her Modesty in a Cunning â—…oynesse whereas indeed she was a Lady accomplished in Body was it likely K. Henry would love what was not lovely and Vertuous in Mind and whilst a Favourite of the Kings a Favourer of all good men and great Promoter of the Gospel The Inconstancy of her husbands affections is conceived by most moderate men what else soever was pretended her chiefest crime and cause of her death which happened Anno 1536. KATHERINE HOWARD Daughter to the Lord Edmond Howard son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk was though her father had large lands and houses in many places probably born in London and at last became fifth wife to K. Henry the eighth Such as desire to know the names number and successe of all six may conceive K. Henry thus speaking on his death bed Three Kates two Nans and one dear Jane I wedded One Spanish one Dutch and four English Wives From two I was divorc'd two I beheaded One died in childbed and one me survives Of this Katherine Howard little is reported and yet too much if all be true of her incontinency which cost her her life The greatest good the Land got by this match was a general leave to marry Cousin-Germans formerly prohibited by the Canon and hereafter permitted by the Common-law A door of lawful liberty left open by God in Scripture shut by the Pope for his private profit opened again by the King first for his own admittance this Katherine being Cousin-German to Anna Bollen his former Wife and then for the service of such Subjects as would follow him upon the like occasion This Lady was beheaded Anno Domini 1540. Saints Not to speak of St. Sedd born in this City and afterwards Bishop thereof of whom we find nothing reported save that he was very instrumental to the converting of the Mercians we begin with WULSINE who was born in this City of worthy Parents breeding him up in the Devotion of that age and became a Benedictine Monk till at last by his fast friend St. Dunstan he was preferred first Abbot of Westminster whence he was afterwards removed to be Bishop of Sherburne in Dorsetshire A mighty Champion he was for a Monastical life and therefore could not be quiet till he had driven all the secular priests out of Sherburne and substituted Monks in their room I read not of any Miracle done by him either whilst living or when dead save that in the juncture of both he is said with St. Stephen to have seen Heavens opened c. He had contracted great intimacy with one Egeline a virtuous Knight who died on the same day with him and he injoyned his Monks that they should both be buried in one Grave their joynt death happened January the 8th Anno 985. THOMAS BECKET son to Gilbert Becket Merchant and Maud his wife was born in this City in the place where now Mercers-Chappel is erected I have Reader been so prodigal in the large description of his life in my Ecclesiastical History that I have no new observable left to present you with Onely when I consider of the multitude of vows made by superstitious Pilgrims to his Sbrine where the stones were hallowed with their bended knees I much admire at their Will-worship no vowes appearing in Scripture but what were made to God alone And therefore most impudent is the attempt of those Papists tampering to corrupt Holy Writ in favour of such vowes reading in the Vulgar Latine Prov. 20. 25. Ruina est homini devotare Sanctos post vota retractare Instead of Ruina est homini devorare Sancta post vota retractare It is a snare to a man who often maketh vowes to Saints and after vowes retracteth them It is a snare to a man who devoureth that which is holy and after vowes to make enquiry This Becket was slain as is notoriously known on Innocents-day in his own Church of Canterbury 1170. Martyrs WILLIAM SAUTRE alià s Chatris Parish-Priest of the Church of St. Osiths London was the first Englishman that was put to death by fire for maintaining the opinions of Wicliffe In the Primitive times pardon Reader no impertinent digression such the lenity and tendernesse of the Fathers of the Church towards Hereticks that contenting themselves with condemning their blasphemous opinions they proceeded to no penalty on their persons Yea in after ages when the Christian Emperour would have punisht the furious Donatists with a pecunlary mulct the Holy men of those times so earnestly interceded as to procure the remission And St. Augustine himself who was most zealous in his writing against those Donatists professeth he had rather be himself slain by them than by detecting them be
ready for hearing being finally determined Whereon a Rhythmer When More some years had Chancelor been â—…o more suits did remain The same shall never more be seen Till More be there again Falling into the Kings displeasure for not complying with him about the Queens divorce he seasonably resigned his Chancellours Place and retired to his House in Chelsey chiefly imploying himself in writing against those who were reputed Hereticks And yet it is observed to his Credit by his great friend Erasmus that whilest he was Lord Chancellor no Protestant was put to death and it appears by some passages in his Utopia that it was against his mind that any should lose their Lives for their Consciences He rather soyled his Fingers then dirtied his hands in the matter of the holy Maid of Kent and well wiped it off again But his refusing or rather not accepting the Oath of Supremacy stuck by him for which he was 16. Months imprisoned in the Tower bearing his afflictions with remarkable patience He was wont to say that his natural temper was so tender that he could not indure a philip But a supernatural Principle we see can countermand yea help natural imperfections In his time as till our Memory Tower Prisoners were not dyetâ—…d on their own but on the Kings charges The Lieutenant of the Tower providing their Fare for them And when the Lieutenant said that he was sorry that Commons were no better I like said Sir Thomas Your Dyet very well and if I dislike it I pray turn me out of Dores Not long after he was beheaded on Tower hill 153. He left not above one hundred pounds a year Estate perfectly hating Covetousnesse as may appear by his refusing of four or five thousand pounds offered him by the Clergy Among his Latin Books his Utopia beareth the Bell containing the Idea of a compleat Common-wealth in an Imaginary Island but pretended to be lately discovered in America and that so lively counterfeited that many at the reading thereof mistook it for a real truth Insomuch that many great Learned men as Budeus and Johannes Paludanus upon a fervent zeal wished that some excellent Divines might be sent thither to preach Christs Gospel yea there were here amongst us at home sundry good men and Learned Divines very desirous to undertake the Voyage to bring the People to the Faith of Christ whose manners they did so well like By his only Son Mr. John More he had five Grandchildren Thomas and Augustin born in his Life time who proved zealous Romanists Edward Thomas and Bartholomew born after his Death were firm Protestants and Thomas a married Minister of the Church of England MARGARET MORE Excuse me Reader for placing a Lady among Men and Learned Statesmen The Reason is because of her 〈◊〉 affection to her Father from whom she would not willingly be parted and for me shall not be either living or dead She was born in Bucklers-bury in London at her Fathers house therein and attained to that Skill in all Learning and Languages that she became the miracle of her age Forreigners took such notice hereof that Erasmus hath dedicated some Epistles unto her No Woman that could speak so well did speak so little Whose Secresie was such that her Father entrusted her with his most important Affairs Such was her skill in the Fathers that she corrected a depraved place in St. Cyprian for whereas it was corruptly writen she amended it Nisi vos sinceritatis Nervos sinceritatis Yea she translated Eusebius out of Greek but it was never printed because I. Christopherson had done it so exactly before She was married to William Roper of Eltham in Kent Esquire one of a bountiful heart and plentiful Estate When her Fathers head was set up on London Bridge it being suspected it would be cast into the Thames to make room for divers others then suffering for denying the Kings Supremacy she bought the head and kept it for a Relique which some called affection others religion others Superstition in her for which she was questioned before the Council and for some short time imprisoned until she had buryed it and how long she her self survived afterwards is to me unknown THOMAS WRIOTHESLEY Knight of the Garter was born in Barbican Son to William Wriothesley York Herauld and Grandchild to John VVriothesley descended from an heir general of the ancient Family of the Dunsterviles King of Arms. He was bred in the University of Cambridge and if any make a doubt thereof it is cleared by the passage of Mr. Ascams Letter unto him writing in the behalf of the University when he was Lord Chancellour Quamobrem Academia cum omni literarum ratione ad te unum conversa Cui uni quam universis aliis se chariorem intelligit partim tibi ut alumno suo cum authoritate imperat partim ut patrono summo demisse humiliter supplicat c. He afterwards effectually applyed his Studies in our municipal Law wherein he attained to great eminency He was by King Henry the Eighth created Baron of Titchborne at Hampton Court January the first 1543. and in the next year about the beginning of May by the said King made Chancelor of England But in the first of King Edward the Sixth he was removed from that place because a conscienciously Rigorous Romanist though in some reparation he was advanced to be Earl of Southampton He dyed at his House called Lincolns place in Holborn 1550. the 30. of Iuly and lyes buryed at St. Andrews in Holborn WILLIAM PAGET Knight was born in this City of honest Parents who gave him pious and learned education whereby he was enabled to work out his own advancement Privy-Councellour to 4 successive princes which though of different perswasions agreed all in this to make much of an able and trusty Minister of State 1. King Henry the Eighth made him his Secretary and imployed him Embassador to Ch. the Emperor and Francis King of France 2. King Edward the Sixth made him Chancellor of the Dutchy Comptroller of his Houshold and created him Baron of Beaudesert 3. Queen Mary made him â—…eeper of her privy Seal 4. Queen Elizabeth dispenced with his attendance at Court in favour to his great Age and highly respected him Indeed Duke Dudley in the dayes of King Edward ignominiously took from him the Garter of the Order quarrelling that by his extraction he was not qualified for the same Bur if all be true which is reported of this Dukes Parentage he of all men was most unfit to be active in such an imployment But no wonder if his Pride wrongfully snatched a Garter from a Subject whose Ambition endevoured to deprive two Princes of a Crown This was restored unto him by Queen Mary and that with Ceremony and all solemn accents of honour as to a person who by his prudence had merited much of the Nation He dyed very old anno 1563 and his Corps as
revenge of the most high God suddenly arising by breaking asunder the buildings of the houses brake their cruel assaults and weakned their forces This if literally true deserved a down-right and not only so slenting a mention But hitherto meeting it in no other Author I begin to suspect it ment Metaphorically of some consternation of mind wherewith God's restraining grace charmed the adversaries of the truth Bankinus flourished under King Richard the second Anno 1382. ROBERT IVORY was saith Leland none of the meanest Natives of this City a Carmelite and President General of his Order D. D. in Cambridge He wrote several books and Prece Precio procured many more wherewith he adorned the Library of White-Fryars in Fleet-street He dyed November the fifth 1392. JULIANA BARNES was born ex antiquâ illustri domo Understand it not in the sense wherein the same was said of a certain Pope born in a ruinous Cottage where the Sun did shine through the Rotten Walls and Roof thereof But indeed she was descended of a respective Family though I not able to find the place am fain to use my Marginal Mark of greatest uncertainty She was the Diana of her Age for Hunting and Hawking skilful also in Fishing and wrote three books of these Exercises commending the practise thereof to the Gentry of England The City of Leyden is scited in the very bottom of the Low-Countries so that the water setled their would be soon subject to putrefaction were it not by Engins forced up that it might fall and so by constant motion kept from corruption Idleness will betray Noble mens minds to the same mischief if some ingenious industry be not used for their imployment Our Julian also wrot a book of Heraldry Say not the needle is the most proper pen for the woman and that she ought to meddle with making no Coats save such as Dorcas made for the widows seeing their Sex may be not only pardoned but praised for such lawful diversions No Gentleman will severely censure the faults in her 〈◊〉 but rather imitate Julius Scaliger who passing his verdict on all Poets and coming to do the like on Sulpitia a Roman Poetress living under Domitian thus courteously concludeth Ut tam 〈◊〉 Heroinae ratio habeatur non ausim objicere ei judicii severitatem She flourished Anno Domini 1460. under King Henry the sixth ROBERT FABIAN was born and bred in this City whereof he became Sheriff 1493. Treating his Guests with good chear and wellcome he doubled his dishes with pleasant discourse being an excellent Historian witness two Chronicles of his own writing 1. From Brutus to the death of King Henry the second 2. From the first of K. Richard to the death of K. Henry the seventh He was also an excellent Poet both in Latine French and English A Modern Master wit in the contest betwixt the Poets of our age for the Laurel maketh Apollo to adjudge it to an Alderman of London because to have most wealth was a sign of most wit But had the Scene of this competition been laid seven score years since and the same remitted to the umpirage of Apollo in sober sadness he would have given the Laurel to this our Alderman As for his Histories if the whole strain of them doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it must be indulged to him that followed the genius of his own education He died at London 1512. and was buried in the Church of All-hallows where he hath a tedious and barbarous Epitaph as commonly Reader I should be glad to have my observation confuted who hath worse Poetry then Poets on their Monuments After his death Cardinal Wolsey caused so many Copies of his Book as he could come by to be burnt because therein he had opened the Coffers of the Church too wide and made too clear discovery of the Revenues of the Clergy THOMAS LUPSET was born in this City and was related to most English and some forraign learned eminencies of his age 1. Bred a child in the house of Dean â—…olet 2. Under W. Lilly in St. Pauls School 3. Sent to Oxford where he became Greek Professor 4 Resigns his place to his friend Ludovicus Vives 5. Travailed into Italy and at Padua was familiar with C. Pole 6. Was known unto Erasmus who giveth him this Character Hujus ingenio nihil gratius nihil amantius 7. Intended Divinity diverted by Cardinal Woolsy 8. At Paris was Tutor to Th. Winter a ward to the Cardinal 9. Returning into England was known to King Henry the eight 10. Began to grow into his favour when cut off with a Consumption 1532. in the prime of his life He died in London and lieth buried in the Church of Saint Alphage nigh Cripplegate without a monument Since the Reformation JOHN RASTALL was a Citizen and Printer of London by marriage a kin to Sir Thomas More and when the said Sir Thomas and Bishop Fisher wrote in defence of Purgatory to prove it by Scripture Rastall undertook to maintain it by reason Surely he that buy 's the two former books deserveth to have this last given him to make him a saver Some will say the former two indeavoured to prove the fire and Rastall the smoak of Purgatory But to pass by his works in Divinity he 〈◊〉 a good Mathematician and made a Comedy of Europe Asia and Africa which my Author saith was very witty and very large and I can believe the later seeing he had three parts of the world for his subject and how long would it have been had America been added He wrote a book against John Frith but afterwerds convinced with his adversaries arguements recanted it of his own accord the cause why we have placed him since the Reformation He wrote a book of the terms of Law and made an Index to Justice Fitz Herbert yea I behold this John as father to Rastall the famous Lawyer of whom before He died and was buried at London 1536. EDWARD HALL We may trace him from his cradle to his coffin as followeth 1. He was a Citizen of Londâ—…n by his birth 2. He was bred a Scholar at Eaton 3. Thence he removed and was one of the Foundation of Kings-colledge 4. Thence he went to Grays-Inn and studied the Municipal-law 5. He became common Serjeant of London for the well discharging whereof he 6 Was advanced to be one of the Judges in the Sheriffs Court 7. Wrote an elegant history of the wars of York and Lancaster from K. Henry the fourth till the end of King Henry the eight 8. Died a very aged man 1547. He was as by some passages in his book may appear in that age well affected to the Reformation He lieth buried in the Church of Saint Sithes contracted I think for Saint Osiths where I cannot recover any Epitaph upon him WILLIAM FULKE D. D. was born in this City bred first Fellow of
15 Hen. Rainford ar   16 Will. Babington m.  Ar. ten Torteauxes 〈◊〉 -3. 2. 1. 17 Mich. Molyns ar   18 Rob. Doyle mil. Ioh. Coop ar ut infra ut infra  19 Will. Hawtry ar   20 Ric. Corbet ar  Or a Raven proper 21 Edm. Bray ar   22 Ric. Hudleston ar  Gul. Frettee Arg. 23 Tho. Denton ar   24 Anth. Cope ar Hanwell Arg. on a Chev. Az. betwixt 3. 25 Ric. Fines ar ut prius Roses G. slipped and leaved 26 On. Oglethoâ—…p ar a Newingt Vert 3. Flower de luces Or. 27 Ioh. Doyle ar b  a Arg. a Chev. varry Or and 28 Idem ut prius Vert betwixt 3. Boyes heads 29 Mich. Blount ar c Maph Du. sable cut of G. 30 Ioh. Danvers ar ut prius b Or two Bends Arg. 31 Will. Clarke ar  c Barry Formy Nebâ—…le of 6. 32 Will. Spencer ar d Yardingt Or and Sable 33 Anth. Cope mil. ut prius d Quarterly Ar. G. a Fret 34 Ro. Chamblayn a. e  Or. on a Bend sab 3. Escalops of the first 35 Fran. Stonard ar f Stonard  36 Ric. Fenys mil. ut prius e Gul. a Cheveron Arg. betwixt three Escalops Or. 37 Oni. Oglethorpe ar ut prius  38 Will. Freer ar g Water E. f Az. two Bars Dancettee Or a Chief Arg. 39 Gorg. Broome ar   40 Mich. Blount ar ut prius g Gul. two Flanches Or three VVheat-ears erect in Fess counterchanged 41 Fran. Curson ar   42 Will. Greene ar   43 Will. Pope ar Wiscot Per pale Or Az. on a chev betw 3. Griffins heads erazed 4. Flower de luces all counterchanged 44 Ric. Farmer mil. *  * Arg. a Fess sab twixt three Leopards heads erazed Gul. JACOB   Anno   1 Anth. Cope mil. ut prius  2 Gorg. Tipping ar   3 Iac. Harrington m.  Sable a Fret Arg. 4 Tho. Temple mil. Buckin Arg. on two Bars sab 6. 5 Roland Lacy mil.  Martlets Or. 6 Hen. Samborne ar   7 Mich. Dormer mil.  Az. ten billets 4. 3. 2. 1. 8 Bene. WinchcoÌ„be a  Or in a Chief of the second a Lion issuant sable 9 Tho. Moyle ar † †Gul. a Mule passant Arg. 10 Will. Clerke mil.   11 Hen. Lee bar Dichley Arg. a Fess betw 3. cressants S. 12 Edw. Dunch ar  S. a chev betw 3. Towers Arg. 13 Tho. Read ar  G. a saltire twixt 4. Garbs O. 14 Th. Spencer m. b. ut prius  15 Ioh. Curson mil.   16 Edw. Fenner ar   17 Will. Cope m. b. ut prius  18 Ric. Baker mil.   19 Fra. Stoner mil. ut prius  20 â—…owlan Lacy ar   21 Will. Aishcombe m   22 Walt. Dunch ar ut prius  CAROL I.   Anno   1 Ric. Blount mil. ut prius  2 Ric. Lovelace mil. modo dom Lovelace Cope Doyley mil. Berk-shire ut prius Gul. a Chief indented sable 3. Martlets Or. 3 Ric. Wenman mil. modo dom Wenman ut prius ut prius  4 Rob. Dormer mil. ut prius  5 Will. Cobb mil. Adderbury  6 Ioh. Lacy mil.   7 Ioh. Harborne ar   8 Tho. Coghill ar modo Miles Bleâ—…hing Gules on a Cheveron Arg. 3. Ogresses a Chief sable 9 Ioh. Mellor mil.   10 Pet. Wentworth Miles Baranit  Sable a Cheveron betwixt 3. Leopards heads Or. 11 Fran. Norris mil.  Quarterly Arg. Gâ—…a a Fret or with a Fess Az. 12 Will. Walter ar * Saresden * Az. 3. Eagles displayed Arg 13 T. Peniston m. b. † †Arg. 3. Cornish-choughs prop. 14 Ioh. Doyly ar ut prius  15 Rad. Warcoppe ar   16 Ric. Libb ar   17 Tho. Tippin ar   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   Q. Elizabeth 11. WILLIAM TAVERNER Arm. This was he who in the year of his Sherivalty came to Oxford and went up into the Pulpit at St. Maries with a sword by his side and a gold chain about his neck where he made a Sermon or an Oration rather to the University the stuff or rather bombace whereof we have set down in our Ecclesiastical History Now though this was an odde act wherein his zeal was conceived by most to trespass on his discretion yet was it born the better in those darker dayes from a person well-affected in Religion and abhorring to invade the Ministerial Function 18. ROBERT DOYLE Mil. This year if I mistake not were the black Assizes at Oxford wherein contrary to the common course the Prisoners caused the death of the Judge Chief-Baron Bell the Sheriff some of the Lawyers many of the Justices and most of the Jury besides other persons of Quality there present It was generally imputed to the stench of the prisoners clothes and bodies for whereas other offensive smells are open enemies and violently assaulting the brain warn men in some sort to avoid or resist them a Gaolstench trecherously pretendeth alliance as made of man-sweat and so insinuates it self with the less suspicion and more danger into the spirits 31. WILLIAM CLARKE Arm. He was son or if the same with Sir VVilliam Clarke Sheriff in the 10. of K. James grand-child to Sir John Clarke of Northampton-shire in the 21. of K. Henry the eight whose Armes with the honourable augmentation and the worthy cause thereof are there largely described 36. RICHARD PENYS Mil. He was a worthy Gentleman and bred Fellow being the Founders Kinsman of New-college in Oxford He was also lineally descended from James Lord Say and Seal Tresurer of England in the reign of K. Henry the sixth and in consideration thereof was 1. Jacobi created Lord Say and Seal He dyed Anno Dom. 1612. William Fenys his eldest son was since created Viscount Say and Seal and is still alive K. Charles I. 3. RICHARD WENMAN Mil. This worthy Knight was by K. Charles the first created first Baron Wenman of Chilmaynam in the County of Dublin and then Viscount Wenman of Tuant in the County of Galloway both in the Kingdom of Ireland by Letters Patents dated at Cambrey the 25. of July 1628. 4 Caroli The Farewell As for the poorer sort of Husbandmen in this County I wish there may be more Sir Henry Kebles for their sakes This Knight though a Native of London and Lord Mayor thereof had such an affection for this and Warwick-shire that he singled out an hundred and fifty of the poorest Husbandmen therein and gave each of them a new Plough-share and a new Coulter of Iron and in my mind that is the most charitable Charity which inableth decayed industry to follow its Vocation RUTLAND-SHIRE is by a double Diminutive called by Mr. Cambden Angliae Provinciola
on thee all spent in vain See this bright structure till that smart Blind thy blear-eyes and grieve thy heart Some Cottage-Schools are built so low The Muses there must groveling go Here whilst Apollo's sharp doth sound The Sisters Nine may dance around And Architects may take from hence The Pattern of magnificence Then grieve not Adams in thy mind 'Cause you have left no Child behind Unbred unborn is better rather If so you are a second Father To all bred in this School so fair And each of them thy Son and Heir Long may this Worthy person live to see his intentions finished and compleated to his own contentment Memorable Persons THOMAS PARRE son of John Parre born at Alberbury in the Parish of Winnington in this County lived to be above one hundred and fifty years of age verifying his Anagram Thomas Parre Most rare hap He was born in the reign of King Edward the Fourth one thousand four hundred eighty three and two moneths before his death was brought up by Thomas Earle of Arundel a great lover of Antiquities in all kinds to Westminster He slept away most of his time and is thus charactered by an eye witness of him From head to heel his body had all over A quick-set thick-set nat'ral hairy cover Change of Air and Diet better in it self but worse for him with the trouble of many Visitants or Spectators rather are conceived to have accelerated his death which happened Westminster November the 15 1634 and was buried in the Abbey-Church all present at his burial doing homage to this our aged Thomas de Temporibus Lords Majors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Roger Acheley Thomas Acheley Stanwardine Draper 1511 2 Rowland Hill Thomas Hill Hodnet Mercer 1549 3 Thomas Lee Roger Lee Wellington Mercer 1558 4 Thomas Lodge William Lodge Cresset Grocer 1562 5 Rowland Heyward George Heyward Bridg North Clothworker 1570 6 Robert Lee Humphry Lee Bridg North Merchant Tailor 1602 7 John Swinnerton Tho. Swinnerton Oswestry Merchant Tailor 1612 8 Francis Jones John Jones Glaverley Haberdasher 1620 9 Peter Probey Not Recorded White-church Grocer 1622 10 Allen Cotton Ralph Cotton White-church Draper 1625 11 George Whitmore Will. Whitmore Charley Haberdasher 1631 12 Thomas Adams Thomas Adams Wem Draper 164. See we here a Jury of Lords Majors born in this which I believe will hardly be paallel'd in a greater County All no doubt Honestmen and true The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of Henry the Sixth 1433. A VVilliam Bishop of Coven Leichf Commissioners to take the Oaths B John de Talbot Knight C Richard Laken Knights for the Shire VVilliam Boerley Willielmi Malory Militis Johannis Fitz-Piers Willielmi Lodelowe Thomae Hopton de Hopton Richardi Archer Johannis Wynnesbury Thomae Corbet de Ley Thomae Corbet de Morton Johannis Bruyn senioris Thomae Charleton Richardi Peshale Thomae Newport Georgii Hankeston Johannis Brugge Thomae Banastre Hugonis Harnage Leonardi Stepulton Hugonis Cresset Johannis Skryven Willielmi Poynour Richardi Neuport Richardi Horde Nicholai Sandford Griffin Kynaston Johanuis Bruyn junioris Hugonis Stepulton Simonis Hadington Alani Wetenhull Richardi Sonford Johannis Otley Edwardi Leighton de Mershe Edmundi Plowden Thomae Mardford Rogeri Bromley Richardi Lee Humfridi Cotes VVillielmi Leighton Richardi Horton Willielmi Welascote Richardi Husee Johannis Wenlok Willielmi Mersheton Walteri Codour Ricdardi Gerii VVillielmi Bourden A This VVilliam was VVilliam Hieworth Bishop of Coventry and Leichfield of whom here after B Sir John Talbot though here only additioned Knight was the Lord Talbot and eight years after created Earl of Shrewsbury of whom before C Richard Laken the same Family with Lacon whose Seat was at VVillily in this County augmented both in Bloud and Estate by the Matches with the Heirs of 1 Harley 2 Peshal 3 Passilew 4 Blunt of Kinlet My hopes are according to my desires that this Ancient Family is still extant in this County though I suspect shrewdly shattered in Estate The Commissioners of this Shire were neither altogether Idle nor very Industrious having made but a short and slender return only of 45 principal persons therein Sheriffes of Shropshire HEN. II. Anno 1 Anno 2 Will. filius Alani for 5 years together Anno 7 Guido Extraneus for 5 years together Anno 12 Gaufrid de Ver for 4 years together Anno 16 Gaufrid de Ver Will Clericus Anno 17 Guido Extraneus for 9 years together Anno 26 Hugo Pantulfe for 8 years together RICH. I. Anno 1 Will. filius Alani Reginal de Hesden Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Will. filius Alani Will de Hadlega Anno 4 Will. filius Alani for 4 years together Anno 8 Will. filius Alani Reginald de Hedinge Anno 9 Will. filius Alani Wido filius Roberti Anno 10 Will. filius Alani Masculum JOHANNES Anno 1 Will. filius Alani VVarrus de VVililegh Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 VVill. filius Alani Reiner de Lea. Anno 4 G. filius Petri Richardus de Ambresleg Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Thomas de Erolitto Robertus de Alta Ripa Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Thomas de Erdington for 9 years together HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Ranul Com. Cestriae Hen. de Aldetheleg Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Ranul Com. Cestriae Philippus Kinton Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Ranul Com. Cestriae Anno 9 Johannes Bovet Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Hen. de Aldithle Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Hen. de Aldithle VVill. de Bromley Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Idem Anno 17 Petr. Rival Rob. de Haye for 4 years together Anno 21 Johannes Extraneus Robertus de Acton Anno 22 Johannes Extraneus for 11 years together Anno 33 Thomas Corbet Anno 34 Idem Anno 35 Robertus de Grendon for 5 years together Anno 40 Hugo Acover Anno 41 Idem Anno 42 VVillielmus Bagod Anno 43 Idem Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Jacobus de Audeley for 7 years together Anno 52 VValterus de Hopton Anno 53 Idem EDW. I. Anno 1 Roger. de Mortuo Mari. Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Bago de Knovile Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Rogerus Sprengehuse for 8 years together Anno 15 Dominus de Ramesley Anno 16 Idem Anno 17 Robertus Corbet Anno 18 VVill. de Tickley â—…ive Tittle for 6 years together Anno 24 Radulphus de Schirle Anno 25 Idem Anno 26 Idem Anno 27 Tho. Corbet Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Richardus de Harleigh Anno 30 Idem Anno 31 VValter de Beysin Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Johannes de Acton Anno 34 Johannes de Dene Anno 35 Idem EDW. II. Anno 1 Rogerus Trumvine Anno 2 Johannes Extraneus Hugo de Crofts Hugo de Crofts Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Hugo
a place for persons of a different perswasion Whilst we leave the invisible root to the Searcher of hearts let us thankfully gather the good fruit which grew from it He died before his Colledge was finished his Estate by Co-heirs descending to Strangwayes Windham White c. and he lyeth buried with his wife under a stately Monument in the fair Church of Illminster PHILIP BISS was extracted from a worshipful Family in this County who have had their habitation in Spargrave for some descents Being bred Fellow and Doctor in Divinity in Magdalen-Colledge in Oxford he was afterwards preferred Arch-Deacon of Taunton A Learned Man and great lover of Learning Now though it be most true what Reverend Bishop Hall was wont to say Of Friends and Books good and fâ—…w are best Yet this Doctor had good and many of both kinds And at his death bequeathed his Library consisting of so many Folio's as were valued at one thousand pounds to Wadham Colledge then newly founded This Epitaph was made upon him wherein nothing of wit save the Verbal-Allusion which made itself without any pains of the Author thereof Bis fuit hic natus puer Bis Bis juvenisque Bis vir Bisque senex Bis Doctor Bisque Sacerdos I collect by probable proportion that his death happened about the year 1614. Memorable Persons Sir JOHN CHAMPNEIS son of Robert Champneis was born at Chew in this County but bred a Skinner in London and Lord Major thereof 1535. Memorable he is on this account that whereas before his time there were no Turrets in London save what in Churches and publick structures he was the first private man who in his house next Cloth-workers Hall built one to oversee his neighbours in the City which delight of his eye was punished with blindness some years before his death But seeing prying into Gods secrets is a worse sin than over-looking mens houses I dare not concurre with so Censorious an Author because every consequent of a fact is not the punishment of a fault therein THOMAS CORIAT Though some will censure him as a person rather ridiculous than remarkable he must not be omitted For first few would be found to call him Fool might none do it save such who had as much Learning as himself Secondly if others have more Wisdom than he thankfulnesse and humility is the way to preserve and increase it He was born at Odcombe nigh Evil in this County bred at Oxford where he attained to admirable fluency in the Greek tongue He carried folly which the charitable called merriment in his very face The shape of his head had no promising form being like a Sugar-loaf inverted with the little end before as composed of fancy and memory without any common-sense Such as conceived him fool ad duo and something else ad decem were utterly mistaken For he drave on no design carrying for Coin and Counters alike so contented with what was present that he accounted those men guilty of superfluity who had more suits and shirts than bodies seldom putting off either till they were ready to go away from him Prince Henry allowed him a pension and kept him for his Servant Sweet-meats and Coriat made up the last course at all Court-entertainments Indeed he was the Courtiers Anvil to trie their Witts upon and sometimes this Anvil returned the Hammers as hard knocks as it received his bluntnesse repaying their abusinesse His Book known by the name of Coriat's Crudities nauceous to nice Readers for the rawnesse thereof is not altogether useless though the porch be more worth than the Palace I mean the Preface of other mens mock-commending verses thereon At last he undertook to travail unto the East-Indies by land mounted on an horse with ten toes being excellently qualified for such a journey For rare his dexterity so properly as consisting most in manual signs in interpreting and answering the dumb tokens of Nations whose language he did not understand Besides such his patience in all distresses that in some sort he might seem cool'd with heat fed with fasting and refresh'd vvith weariness All expecting his return with more knowledge though not more wisdom he ended his earthly pilgrimage in the midst of his Indian travail about as I collect the year of our Lord 1616. Lord Majors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Champneis Robert Champneis Chew Skinner 1535 2 George Bond Robert Bond Trul Haberdasher 1588 Know Reader this is one of the Ten pretermitted Counties the Names of whose Gentry were not by the Commissioners returned into the Tower in the 12 of K. Henry the sixth Sheriffes This County had the same with Dorsetshire until the ninth year of Queen Elizabeth since which time these following have born the Office in this County alone Name Place Armes ELIZ. Reg.  Crosses Formee Argent 9 Maur. Berkley mil. Bruiton Gules a Cheveron between 10 10 Geo. Norton Mil.   11 Hen. Portman ar Orchard Or a flower de Luce Azure 12 Thâ—… Lutterel ar Dunst. Ca. Or a Bend betwixt 6 Martlets S. 13 Geo. Rogers arm Cannâ—…gton Arg. a Cheveron betwixt 3 Bucks currant Sa. attired Or. 14 Joh. Horner arm Melles Sable 3 Talbots passant Arg. 15 Io. Sydenham arm Broâ—…pton Argent 3 Rams Sable 16 Ioh. Stowel Miles Stawel Gules a Cross Lozengee Argent 17 Christop Kenne ar Conâ—…swick Ermin 3 half Moons Gules 18 Tho. Mallet arm Enmore Azure 3 Escallops Or. 19 Geo Sydenham ar ut prius  20 Joh. Colles arm   21 Ioh. Brett   22 Maur. Rodney ar Rodney Sâ—…ke Or 3 Eâ—…glets displayed Purpure 23 Hen. Newton arm  Arg. on a Cheveron Az 3 Garbs Or. 24 Ioh. Buller arm  Sa. on â—… plain Cross Arg. quarter pierced 4 Eaglets of the field 25 Ar. Hopton arm VVitham Argent 2 Barrs Sable each with 3 Mullets of six points Or. 26 Gaâ—…r Hawley ar †  27 Nic. Sidenham ar ut prius †Vert a Saltir ingrailed Or. 28 Ioh. Clifton miles Bâ—…rringtoÌ„ Sable Semee of Cinquefoils a Lion rampant Arg. 29 Hen. Berkley mil. ut prius  30 Edw. Sainthorp ar   31 Sam. Norton arm   32 Hugo 〈◊〉 ar ut prius  33 Ioh. Harington ar  Sable a Frâ—…t Argent 34 Geo. Speke aâ—…g 〈◊〉 Argent 2 Barrs Azure over all an Eagle displayed Gules 35 Geo. Lâ—…erel arm ut prius  36 Hen. Walrond  AMP. 37 Ioh. Francis arm Combe flouree Argent a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mullets Gules pierced 38 Ioh. Stowel mil. ut prius  39 Ioh. Colles arm   40 Ioh. Gennings ar â—…urron Azure a Châ—…veron Or betwixt 3 Bâ—…zants on a Chief Eâ—…min 3 Cinquesoils Gules 41 Gâ—…o Rodney arm ut prius  42 Hugo Portman mil. ut prius  43 Ioh. Mallet aâ—…mig ut prius  44 Joh. May aâ—…mig Charterhouse Hâ—…yden Sable a Câ—…everon Or betwixt 3 Roses Argâ—… a Chief of the second 45 Edw. Râ—…gers 〈◊〉 ut prius  IAC
Fathers Lands the more he enjoyed of himself It was not sullenesse or revenge but free choice which made him betake himself to his studies wherein he became eminent I place him confidently not a trans but Cis-reformation-man for translating the Book of Dr. Fox Bishop of Hereford a favourer of Luther into English Of the Difference of the power Ecclesiastical and Secular A Subject profitable in all seasonable not to say necessary in our Times For as the Water and Earth making but one Globe take their mutual advantages to enlarge themselves so these two powers united under one King in our land wait their opportunities to advance their respective Jurisdictions the right stating whereof would conduce much to the publick Peace This Lord died I dare not say the more the pitty some moneths before the beginning of Queen Elizabeth Anno 1558. SAMPSON ERDERSWIK Esq. was born at Sandon near Stafford in this County of a Right Worshipful and ancient Extraction He was a Gentleman accomplished with all Noble qualities affability devotion and Learning 'T is hard to say whether his Judgement or Industry was more in matters of Antiquity Bearing a tender respect to his native Country and desiring the honour thereof he began a description â—…ntituled A view of Stafford-shire Anno Domini 1593 conteining the same till the day of his death A short clear true impartial work taken out of ancient evidences and Records the Copies whereof in Manuscripts are deservedly valued for great Rarities This is he who when I often groped in the dark yea feared to fall in matters concerning this County took me by the hand Oh! for the like Conductors in other Counties and hath led me safe by his direction He was much delighted with decency of Gods House which made him on his own cost to repaire new Glaze the Church of Sandon wherein to prevent neglect of Executors he erected for himself a goodly Monument of Free-stone with his proportion cut out to the life and now lieth therein interred He died April the 11 1603 and let his Elogie of Mr. Camden serve for his Epitaph Venerandae Antiquitatis fuit Cultor Maximus THOMAS ALLEN was born in this County deriving his original from Allanus de Buckenhole Lord of Buckenhole in the reign of King Edward the 2d He was bred in Glocester-Hall in Oxford a most excellent Mathematician where he succeeded to the skill and scandal of Frier Bacon taken at both but given I beleeve by neither accounted a Conjurer Indeed vulgar eyes ignorant in Opticks conceit that raised which is but reflected fancy every shadow a spirit every spirit a Divel And when once the repute of a Conjurer is raised in vulgar esteem it is not in the power of the greatest Innocence and Learning to allay it He was much in favour with Robert Earl of Leicester and his admirable writings of Mathematicks are lâ—…tent with some private possessors which envy the publick profit thereof He died a very aged man towards the end of the reign of King James HENRY and ROBERT BURTON Brethren and eminent Authors in their several kinds were as some say born at Fald in this County But Leicester-shire pretending some probability to their Nativities hath by the Alphabetical advantage prevented this Shire and carried away their Characters therein Besides these deceased WRITERS Reader I have Three in my eye who are and long may they be alive as different as eminent in their liberal inclinations Edward Leigh of Rushwel-Hall Esq. whose Critica Sacra with many other worthy works will make his Judicious Industry known to posterity Elias Ashmole Esq. born in Litchfield critically skilled in Ancient Coins Chymistry Heraldry Mathematicks what not John Lightfood D. D. who for his exact insight in Hebrew and Rabbinical Learning hath deserved well of the Church of England But forgive me Reader I have forgot myself and trespassed on my Fundamental Rules Romish Exile Writers WILLIAM GIFFORD Though this Ancient and Worshipful Name be diffused in several Counties I have satisfied my self in fixing him here as an Extract of the Family of Chillington He was a man of much Motion and my Pen is resolved to follow him as able to Travel with more Speed less Pain and Cost 1 From his Fathers house he went to and lived four years in Oxford 2 Thence with his School-master he went over to Lovain where he got Lauream Doctoralem in Artibus was made Master of Arts. 3 Then studying Divinity there under Bellarmin was made Batchelour in that Profession 4 Frighted hence with War went to Paris 5 Removed to Rheams where he eleven years professed Divinity 6 Doctorated at Pont-Muss in Lorain 7 Highly prized by Henry Duke of Guise and Cardinal Lewis his brother who gave him a Pension of two hundred Crowns a year 8 After their death he went to Rome where he became Dean of St. Peters in the Isle for ten years 9 Returning to Rheams he was made Rector of the Vniversity therein 10 At fifty years of Age bidding farewel to the World he became a Benedictine at Delaware in Lorain Thus far Pitseus acquainting us that he was alive 1611 on whose Stock give me leave to graft what followeth This Dr. Gifford was afterwards advanced Arch-bishop of Rheams by the favour of the Duke of Guise who is shrewdly suspected to have quartered to heavily on the profit of that place However our Gifford gained so much as therewith to found not only a Covent for English Monks at St. Mallowes in France but also at Paris for those of the same profession Remarkable Charity that an Exile who properly had no home of his own should erect Houses for others Benefactors to the Publick This County I confess is exceeded by her Neigbours in this particular and I meet with few either ancient or eminent Benefactions therein Yet besides a â—…air School at Wolver-Hampton built by Sr. Stephen Jennings Lord Major of London and another erected by Mr. Thomas Allen at â—…tceter I am credibly informed that MARTEN NOEL Esq. born in the Counâ—…y-Town of Stafford bred Sâ—…rivener in London hath fairly built and largely endowed an Hospital in Stafford aforesaid The Crown Muâ—…al amongst the Romanâ—… waâ—… noâ—… given to every Souldier who scaled the Walls but onely to him who footed them first on which account a Garland of Glory is due to this Gentleman whose Foundation as I am certified is the first considerable Fabrick of that kind in this County Iâ—… is to be hoped that as the zeal of Achaia provoked many â—…o this good Leader will invite maâ—…y Followers to succeed him living in London this present 1660. Memorable persons THOMAS TARLTON My intelligence of the certainty of his birth-place coming too late confessed by the marginal mark I fix him here who indeed was born at Condover in the neighbouring County of Shrap-shire where still some of his Name and Relations remain Here he was in the field keeping his Fathers Swine
County hath been much greater and those of that Trade far richer I perswade my self heretofore than in these times or else the Heirs and Executors of the deceased were more careful that the Testators dead Corps should be interred in more decent manner than they are now a-dayes Otherwise I should not find so many Marbles richly inlaid with Brass to the memory of Cloathiers in fore-going Ages and not one in these later seasons All the Monuments in the Church of Neyland which bare any face of comliness and Antiquity are erected to the memory of Cloathiers and such as belong to that Mystery Some perchance would assign another reason viz. Because Monuments formerly were conceived to conduce much to the happiness of the deceased as bespeaking in their Epitaphs the Suffrages of the living in their behalf which errour is vanished away since the Reformation all which being fully beleeved weakneth not the observation but that Suffâ—…lk Clothiers were Wealthier in former than in our Age. Buildings This County hath no Cathedral therein and the Parochial Churches generally fair no one of transcendent eminency But formerly it had so magnificent an Abbey-Church in Bury the Sun shined not on a fairer with three lesser Churches waiting thereon in the same Church-yard Of these but two are extant at this day and those right stately structures And if the Servants we so much commend What was the Mistriss whom they did attend Here I meet with a passage affected me with wonder though I know not how the Reader will resent it It is avouuched by all Authors That Mary youngest sister to King Henry the Eighth Relict to Lewis the Twelfth King of France afterwards married to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk died on Mid-summer Eve 1533 and was buried in the Abbey Church in Bury But it seems her Corps could not protect that Church from demolishing which in few years after was levelled to the ground I read not that the Body of this Princess was removed to any other place nor doth any monument here remain to her memory though her King-Brother and second Husband survived the destruction of that Church A strange thing save that nothing was strange in those dayes of confusion As for the Town of Bury it is sweetly seated and fairely built especially since the year 1608. About which time it was lamentably defaced with a casual Fire though since God hath given them Beauty for Ashes And may the following Distich set up therein prove Prophetical unto the place Burgus ut antiquus violento corruit igne Hic stet dum flammis terra polusque flagrent Though furious fire the old Town did consume Stand This till all the World shall flaming fume Noris the School a small Ornament to this Town founded by King Edward the Sixth being itself a Corporation now as well as ever flourishing under Mr. Stephens the able Master thereof Amongst the many fair houses of the Gentry in this County Long Melford must not be forgotten late the house of the Countess Rivers and the FIRST FRUITS of PLUNDERING in England and Sommerley Hall nigh Yarmouth belonging to the Lady Wentworth well answering the Name thereof For here Sommer is to be seen in the depth of Winter in the pleasant walks beset on both sides with Firr-trees green all the year long besides other curiosities As for Merchants houses Ipswich Town corrival with some Cities for neatness and greatness affordeth many of equal handsomness Proverbs Suffolk Milk This was one of the Staple-Commodities of the Land of Canaan and certainly most wholesome for Mans Body because of Gods own chosing for his own People No County in England affords better and sweeter of this kind lying opposite to Holland in the Netherlands where is the best Dairy in Christendom which mindeth me of a passage betwixt Spinola and Grave Maurice The Spanish General being invited to an entertainment by the afore-said Prince at Breda as I take it when Lemons and Oranges were brought in for sauce at the first Courâ—…e What a brave Country is my Masters quoth de Don affording this fair fruit all the year long But when Cream was brought up to close the Feast Grave Maurice returned What a brave Country is ours that yeildeth this fruit twice every day Suffolk fair Maids It seems the God of Nature hath been bountiful in giving them beautiful complexions which I am willing to believe so far forth as it fixeth not a comparative disparagement on the same Sex in other Counties I hope they will labour to joyn gracious hearts to fair faces otherwise I am sure there is a Divine Proverb of infallible truth As a Jewel of gold in a Swines snout so is a fair Woman which is without discretion Suffolk sâ—…iles It is a measuring cast whether this Proverb pertaineth to Essex or this County and I believe it belongeth to both which being inclosed Countries into petty quillets abound with high stiles troublesome to be clambred over But the owners grudge not the pains in climbing them sensible that such severals redound much to their own advantage You are in the high way to Needham Needham is a Market-Town in this County well stokt if I mistake not with poor People though I believe this in no degree did occasion the first denomination thereof They are said to be in the high way to Needham who do hasten to poverty However these fall under a distinction some go others are sent thither Such as go embrace several wayes some if Poor of Idleness if Rich of Carelesness or else of Prodigality Others are sent thither against their wills by the powerful oppression of such who either detain or devour their Estates And it is possible some may be sent thither by no Default of their own or visible cause from others but meerly from Divine Justice insensibly dwingling their Estates chiefly for trial of their Patience Wherefore so many wayes leading to Needham from divers quarters I mean from different causes It is unjust to condemn all persons meeting there under the Censure of the same guiltness Princes EDMUND MORTIMER son to Roger Mortimer Earl of March Grand-child of Edmund Mortimer Earl of March and of Philippa sole daughter of Lionel Duke of Clarence may passe with the charitable Reader for a Prince since he paid so dear for the same as will appear I confess it impossible to fix his Nativity with assurance having not hitherto read any record which reached it the rather because of the vastness of his patrimony and several habitations In England In the Marches of VVales whence he had his honour In Ireland Clare-Casâ—…le with many other Mannors in Suffolk VVigmore in Hereford-shire Trim Conaught with large Lands in Ulsier  Ludlow in Shrop-shire  But most probable it is that he was born where he was buried at Clare After the death of King Richard the Second he was the next heir to the Crown Happy had he been if either nearer to it so as to
till sent to St. Johns then to Trinity Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was Fellow and there chosen Regius Professâ—…r one of the most profound School-Divines of the English Nation Afterwards by the Queens absolute mandate to end a contention betwixt two Corrivals not much with his will he was made Master of Katharine-hall For when Archbishop Whitgift joyed him of the place he returned that it was Terminus diminuens taking no delight in his preferment But his Grace told him That if the injuries much more the less courtesies of Princes must be thankfully taken as the Ushers to make way for greater as indeed it came to passe For after the death of Dr. Nowel he was by the especial recommendation of Sr. Fulke Grevil made Dean of St. Pauls Being appointed to preach before the Queen he profess'd to my Father most intimate with him that he had spoken Latin so long it was troublesome to him to speak English in a continued Oration He frequently had those words of the Psalmist in his mouth VVhen thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth surely every man is vanity I cite it the rather out of the new Translation something different from the old because he was so eminent an Instrument employed therein King James made him Bishop of Norwich where he was a discreet presser of Conformity on which score he got the ill will of many dis-affected thereunto and died Anno 1618. LEONARD MAW was born at * Rendlesham in this Connty a remarkable place Iassure you which though now a Country Village was anciently the Residence of the Kings of the East-Angles Where King Redwald a Mongrel Christian kept at the same time Altare Arulam the Communion Table and Altars for Idols He was bred in Cambridge where he was Proctor of the University Fellow and Master of Peter-house after of Trinity Colledge whereof he deserved well shewing what might be done in five years by good Husbandry to dis-ingage that Foundation from a great debt He was Chaplain to King Charles whilst he was a Prince and waited on him in Spain by whom he was preferred Bishop of Bath and Wells He had the Reputation of a good Scholar a grave Preacher a mild man and one of Gentil Deportment He died Anno Domini 163. RALPH BROUNRIG D. D. was born at Ipswich of Parents of Merchantly condition His Father died in his Infancy and his Mother did not carelesly cast away his youth as the first Broachings of a Vessel but improved it in his Education at School till he was sent to Pembroke-hall in Cambridge and afterwards became Scholar and Fellow thereof King James coming to Cambridge was amongst others entertained with a Philosophy Act and Mr. Brounrig was appointed to perform the Joco-serious part thereof who did both to the wonder of the Hearers Herein he was like himself that he could on a sudden be so unlike himself and instantly vary his words and matter from mirth to solidity No man had more ability or less inclination to be Satyrical in which kind posse nolle is a rarity indeed He had wit at will but so that he made it his Page not Privy Councellour to obey not direct his Judgement He carried Learning enough in numerato about him in his pockets for any Discourse and had much more at home in his chests for any serious Dispute It is hard to say whether his loyal memory quick fancy solid judgement or fluent utterance were most to be admired having not only flumen but fulmen eloquentiae being one who did teach with Authority When commencing Bachelour in Divinity he chose for his Text Vobis autem c. It is given to you not only to beleeve but suffer in the behalf of Christ. A Text somewhat Prophetical to him who in the Sequele of his life met with affronts to exercise his Prudence and Patience being afterwards defied by some who almost Deified him before in whose Eyes he seemed the blacker for wearing white sleeves when 1641 made Bishop of Exeter I was present at his Consecration Sermon made by his good Friend Doctor Younge taking for his Text The waters are risen O Lord the waters are risen c. wherein he very gravely complained of the many invasions which Popular violence made on the Priviledges of Church and State This Bishop himself was soon sadly sensible of such Inundations and yet by the Procâ—…rity of his parts and piety he not only safely waded thorough them himself but also when Vice-Chancellour of Cambridge by his prudence raised such Banks that those overflowings were so not destructive as otherwise they would have been to the University He continued constant to the Church of England a Champion of the needful use of the Liturgie and for the Priviledges of Ordination to belong to Bishops alone Unmoveable he was in his principles of Loyalty witness this instance O. P. with some shew of respect unto him demanded the Bishops Judgement non plus't it seems himself in some business to whom he returned My Lord the best counsel I can give you is Give unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are Gods with which free answer O. P. was rather silenced than satisfied About a year before his death he was invited by the Society of both Temples to be their Preacher admirably supplying that place till strong fits of the Stone with Hydropical Inclinations and other distempers incident to phletorick Bodies caused his death I know all Accidents are minuted and momented by Divine Providence and yet I hope I may say without sin his was an untimely death not to himself prepared thereunto but as to his longer life vvhich the prayers of pious people requested the need of the Church required the date of Nature could have permitted but the pleasure of God to which all must submit denied Otherwise he vvould have been most instrumental to the composure of Church differences the deserved opinion of whose goodness had peaceable possession in the hearts of the Presbyterian party I observed at his Funeral that the prime persons of all Perswasions were present whose Judgements going several wayes met all in a general grief for his decease He was buried on the cost of both Temples to his great but their greater honour The Reader is referred for the rest to the Memorials of his life written by the Learned Doctor John Gauden who preached his Funeral Sermon and since hath succeeded him both in the Temple and Bishoprick of Exeter His dissolution happened in the 67th year of his Age Decemb. 7 1659 and was buried the week following in the Temple Church States-men S â— NICHOLAS BACON Knight was born in this County not far from the famous Abbey of St. Edmunds Bury and I have read that his Father was an Officer belonging thereunto His name I assure you is of an Ancient Gentry in this Shire as any whatsoever He was
Serenitatem facere liceat peramanter rogamus Vestra interea omnia fortunas valetudinem Imperium Deo commendantes Optimo Maximo Datum è Regia nostra Albaula die Julii 8 Anno 1623. Serenitatis Vestrae Frater Amantissimus JACOBUS Rex I perceive that Princes when writing to Princes subscribe their names and generally superscribe them to subjects But the K. of Denmark detained him all that Summer none willingly part with a Jewel to perfect a piece which he had begun for him before This ended then over he comes and settled with his Family in London where he received a Gratuity of an hundred pounds per annum well paid him until the beginning of our Civil Wars And now Fervet opus of Tapestry at More-clark his designing being the soul as the working is the body of that Mystery Buildings There are two most beautiful Palaces in this County both built by Kings First Richmond by King Henry the Seventh most pleasantly seated on the Thames A building much beholding to Mr. Speed representing it in his Map of this County Otherwise being now plucked down the form and fashion thereof had for the future been forgotten None-such the other built by King Henry the Eighth whereof our English Antiquary hath given such large commendations Indeed what Sebastianus Cerlius most skilful in building spake of the Pantheon at Rome may be applyed to this Pile that it is Ultimum exâ—…mplar consummatae Architecturae But grant it a Non-such for building on which account this and Windsor Castle are onely taken notice of in the description of Sebastian Braune yet in point of clean and neat situation it hath Some-such not to say some Above-such Witness Wimbleton in this County a daring Structure built by Sir Thomas Cecil in eighty eight when the Spanjards invaded and blessed be God were conquered by our Nation Medicinal Waters Ebsham They were found on this occasion some two and fourty years since which falleth out to be 1618. One Henry Wicker in a dry Summer and great want of water for Cattle discovered in the Concave of a Horse or Neats-footing some water standing His suspicion that it was the stale of some Beast was quickly confuted by the clearness thereof With his Pad-staffe he did dig a square hole about it and so departed Returning the next day with some difficulty he recovered the same place as not sufficiently particularized to his memory in so wide a Common and found the hole he had made filled and running over with most clear water Yet Cattle though tempted with thirst would not drink thereof as having a Mineral tast therein It is resolved that it runneth through some veins of Alume and at first was only used outwardly for the healing of Sores Indeed simple wounds have been soundly and suddenly cured therewith which is imputed to the Abstersiveness of this Water keeping a wound clean till the Balsome of Nature doth recover it Since it hath been inwardly taken and if the Inhabitants may be believed diseases have here met with their Cure though they came from contrary causes Their convenient distance from London addeth to the Reputation of these Waters and no wonder if Citizens comming thither from the worst of smoakes into the best of Airs find in thâ—…selves a perfective alteration The Wonders There is a River in this County which at a place called the Swallow sinketh unto the Earth and surgeth again some two miles off nigh Letherhead so that it runneth not in an intire stream but as it can find and force its own passage the interjacent distance under the Earth I listen not to the Country people telling it was experimented by a Goose which was put in and came out again with life though without feathers But hearken seriously to those who judiciously impute the sudden subâ—…dency of the Earth in the interstice aforesaid to some underground hollowness made by that water in the passage thereof This River is more properly termed Mole then that in Spain is on the like occasion called Anas that is a Ducke or Drake For Moles as our Surrey-Riv er work under ground whilst Ducks which Anas doth not dive under water So that the River Alpheus may more properly be intituled Anas if it be true what is reported thereof that springing in Peloponesus it runneth under the Sea and riseth up again in Sicily Nor may we forget a Vault wherein the finest sand I ever saw nigh Rygate capable conveniently to receive five hundred Men which subterranean-Castle in ancient time was the Receptacle of some great Person having several Rooms therein If it be meerly Natural iâ—… doth curiously imitate Art if purely Artificial it doth most lively simulate Nature Proverbs The vale of Holms-dale Never won ne ever shall This proverbial Ryme hath one part of History the other of Prophecy therein and if on examination we find the first to be true we may believe the other the better Holms-dale lieth partly in this Shire and partly in Kent And indeed hath been happy in this respect that several battles being fought therein and thereabouts betwixt our Saxon Kings the true owners of the Land and the Danes the former proved victorious Thus was not Holms-dale won pro una altera tertia vice But I. hope I may humbly mind the men of Holms-dale that when King William the Conqueror had vanquished King Harold at Battail in Sussex he marched with his Army directly to London through the very middle and bowels of Holms-dale and was it not Won at that time However if this Vale hath not been Won hitherto I wish and hope it never may be hereafter by a Forreign-Nation invading it Princes HENRY eldest son of K. Henry the Eighth and Queen Kathariâ—…e Dowager was born at Richmond in this County Anno Domini 1509. on the first of January As his Parents were right glad for this Newyears-gift of Heavens sending so the greater their grief when within two moneths he was taken away again The untimely death of this Prince as also of another son by the same Queen which lived not to be Christ'ned was alleaged by King Henry the Eighth in the publick Court held in Black-Friars London about his Divorce as a punishment of God upon him for begetting them on the Body of his Brothers wife This short-liv'd Prince Henry was buried in Westminster the twenty-third of February HENRY of OATLANDS so I have heard him called in his Cradle fourth and youngest son of King Charles the First and Queen Mary was born at Oatlands in this County Anno 1640. This I thought fit to observe both because I find St. James's by some mistaken for the place of his Birth and because that house wherein he was born is buried in effect I mean taken down to the ground He was commonly called Duke of Glocester by a Court Prolepsis from the King manifesting his intentions in due time to make him so before any Solemn Creation Greatness being his only guilt that
how soon for their own safety they may have need to make use thereof Many other Charities he bestowed and deceased Anno 1496. Since the Reformation ............. HALES Esquire He purchased a prime part of the Priory of Coventry Now either out of his own inclination or as a Condition of his Composition with King Henry the eighth or a mixture of both he founded and endowed a fair Grammer-school in Coventry Herein I have seen more abate the Three English schools of the first Magnitude and as well learned Scholars be it spoken that the Master Usâ—…er and Scholars may according to their Proportions divide the praise betwixt them as in any School in England Here is also an Infant which may be an Adult Library when it meeteth with more Benefactors JOHN Lord HARRINGTON son to James Lord Harrington was born at Combe Abby in this County accruing unto him by his Mother Heiress of â—…elway as by a property of that Family lately or still surviving I have on very strict enquiry been certainly enformed He did not count himself priviledged from being Good by being Great and his timely Piety rising early did not soon after go to Bed as some young Saints beheld under an other Notion but contiuned watchfull during his life He was one of the first who began the pious fashion since followed by few of his Quality of a Diary wherein he registred not the Injuries of others done unto him a work of Revenge not Devotion but of his Faâ—…lings and Infirmities toward his Master Thus making even with the God of Heaven by Repentance in Christ at the end of every day he had to use the Expression and Counsell of the Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh but one day to repent of before his death He lived out all 〈◊〉 days in the appointment of Divine Providence not half of them according to the course and possibility of Nature not Half a Quarter of them according to the hopes and desires of the Lovers and Honourers of Virtue in this Nation especially of the society in Sidney-colledge in Cambridge whereto he was a most 〈◊〉 Bénefactour He was the last Male of that Honourable Family as one justly complains JOHANES DOMINUS HARRINGTONIUS Anagramma INSIGNIS ERAT AH UNUS HONOR DOMI The Reader is referred for the rest unto his Funerall Sermon preached by Master Stock of London who though he would not to use his own Phrase Gild a Poâ—…sheard understand him Flatter unworthyness yet giveth him his large and due Commendation He died unmarried Anno 161. leaving his two Sisters his Heirs Lucy married to Edward Earl of Bedford and Anne who by Sir Robert Chichester had a daughter Anne married to Thomas Earl of Elgin and Mother to Robert L. Bruce who is at this day Heir Apparent to no small part of the Lands but Actually possessed of a larger of the Vertues of his Honourable Great-uncle Memorable Persons THOMAS UNDERHILL Esquire was born at Neaher-Eatendon in this County It is pity to part him from Elizabeth his wife seeing the Poetical fiction of Philemon and Baucis found in them an Historical performance with improvement * Sed pia Baucis anus parilique aetate Philemon Illâ sunt annis juncti juvenilibus illâ Consenuere casâ paupertatémque ferendo Effecere levem nec iniqua mente ferendam But good old Baucis with Philemon matchd In youthfull years now struck with equal age Made poorness pleasant in their cottage Thatch'd And weight of want with patience diâ—… aswage Whereas this our Warwick-shire-Pair living in a worshipfull equipage and exemplary for their hospitality did teach others not how Poverty might be born but Wealth well used by their Example for the owners and others good The Ovidian-couple appear issueless whereas twenty children viz. tâ—…teen sons and seven daughters were begotten and born by this Thomas and Elizabeth living sixty five years together in marriage Indeed the poeticall-pair somewhat outstrip'd them in the happiness of their death their request being granted them Et quoniam concordes egimus annos Auferà thora duos eadem nec conjugis unquam Busta meae videam nec sim tumulandus ab illa Because we liv'd and lov'd so long together Let 's not behold the funeralls of either May one hour end us both may I not see This my wife buried nor wife bury me However these Underhills deceased in one year she in July he in October following 1603. Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Coventry William Coventry Coventry Mercer 1425 2 John Olney John Olney Coventry Mercer 1446 3 Robert Tate Thomas Tate Coventry Mercer 1488 4 Hugh Clopton John Clopton Stratford upon Avon Mercer 1491 5 John Tate Thomas Tate Coventry 1496 6 William Cockain William Cockain Baddesley Skinner 1619 7 John Warner John Warner Rowington Grocer  The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the 〈◊〉 year of King Henry the sixth 1433. William Bishop of Lincoln Commissioners to take the Oaths Richard Earl of Warwick John Cotes Knights for the shire Nicholas Metley Knights for the shire Radul Nevill mil. Ioh. Colepeper mil. Will. Mounford mil. Edw. Oddingsselles m. Tho. Bâ—…rdet mil. Rich. Otherston Abbatis de Camba Will. Pole Abbatis de Alyncestre Joh. Buggeley Abbatis de Miravalle Edw. Bronâ—…ete de Farnburgh ar Bald. Mountford de Hampton ar Râ—…d Brasebrugg de Kinnesbury ar Will. Lucy de Charlecote ar Tho. Hugford de Emescote ar Tho. Erdington de Erdington ar Rob. Arden de Bromwich ar Will. Pucfrey de Shiford ar Rog. Harewell de Morehall ar Rich. Hyband de Ippesley armig Will. Botoner de Wythybroke Ioh. Midlemore de Eggebaston ar Thome Porter de Escote ar Tho. 〈◊〉 de Tonworth ar Tho. Waryng de eadem ar Rich. Verney ar de Wolverton Tho. Gâ—…ene de Solyhull ar Joh. Chelwyn de Alspath ar Ioh. Waldiene de eadem ar Nich. Ruggeley de Donton ar Will. Holt de Aston ar Rich. Merbroke de Codbarow ar Galf. Allefley d eparva Lalleford Tho. Greswold de Solyhull Tho. Haynton de Napton Will. Parker de Tonworth Edm. Starkey de Stretton Ranul Starky de eadem Will. Derset de Thurlaston Rich. Hall de Stretford Ioh. Mayell de eadem Simon Forster de Althercton Clemen Draper de â—…adem Iohan. Darant de Berston Rog. Mullward de Nuneton Iohan. Omfrey de eadem Iohan. Waryn de eadem Hum. Iacob de Tamworth Tho. Neuton de eadem Math. Smalwode de Sutton Rich. Dalby de Brokhampton Rich. Eton de Warwick Hum. Corbet Iohan. Aleyn de Berford Tho. Iakes de Woner Rog. Clerk de Tatchbrook Rich. Briches de Longedon Will. Reynold de Attilburgh Ioh. Michell majoris civitatis Coventrae Will. Donington unius Ballivorum civitatis Predictae Rob. Southam alterius Ballivorum civitatis Predicte Egidii Alles sley Magistri Gildae Sanctae Trinitatis de Coventrae Lauren. Cook de Coventrae Merchant Rich. Sharp de eadem Merchant Rich. Boton de eadem Fishmonger Ioh. Lychefeld de eadem Grasier
Rayes they report he hung his Veâ—…ment which miraculously supported it to the great admiration of the beholders Coming to Rome to be Consecrated Bishop of Sherburn he reproved Pope Sergius his fatherhood for being a father indeed to a Base Child then newly born And returning home he lived in great Esteem untill the day of his death which happened Anno Dom. 709. His Corps being brought to Malmesbury were there Inshrined and had in great Veneration who having his longest abode whilst living and last when dead in this County is probably presumed a Native thereof EDITH Naturall daughter of King Edger by the Lady Wolfhild was Abbess of Wilton wherein she demeaned her self with such Devotion that her Memory obtained the reputation of Saint-ship And yet an Author telleth us that being more curious in her attire then beseemed her profession Bishop Ethelwold sharply reproved her who answered him roundly That God regarded the Heart more then the Garment and that Sins might be covered as well under Rags as Robes One reporteth that after the slaughter of her brother Edward holy Dunstan had a design to make her Queen of England the Vail of her head it seems would not hinder the Crown so to defeat Ethelred the lawfull Heir had she not declined the proffer partly on Pious partly Politick diswasions She died Anno Dom. 984. and is buried in the Church of Dioness at Wilton of her own building she is commonly called Saint Edith the younger to distinguish her from Saint Edith her Aunt of whom before Martyrs It plainly appeareth that about the year of our Lord 1503. there was a persecution of Protestants give me leave so to Antedate their name in this County under Edmund Audley Bishop of Salisbury as by computation of time will appear Yet I find but one man Richard Smart by name the more remarkable because but once and that scentingly mentioned by Mr. Fox burnt at Salisbury for reading a book called Wicliffs Wicket to one Thomas Stillman afterwards burnt in Smithfield But under cruel Bishop Capon Wiltshire afforded these Marian Martyrs Name Vocation Residence Martyred in Anno John Spicer Free-Mason    William Coberly Taylor Kevel Salisbury 1556 Apr. John Maundrell Husbandman    Confessors Name Vocation Residence Persecuted in Anno John Hunt Husbandman Marleborough Salisbury 1558 Richard White Husbandman    These both being condemned to die were little less then miraculously preserved as will appear hereafter ALICE COBERLY must not be omitted wife to William Coberly forenamed charitably presuming on her repentance though she failed in her Constancy on this occasion The Jaylors wife of Salisbury heating a key fire hot and laying it in the grasse spake to this Alice to bring it in to her in doing whereof she pitiously burnt her hand and cryed out thereat O said the other if thou canst not abide the burning of a key how wilt thou indure thy whole body to be burnt at the stake Whereat the said Alice revoked her opinion I can neither excuse the Cruelty of the one though surely doing it not out of a Persecuting but Carnall preserving intention nor the Cowardliness of the other For she might have hoped that her whole body encountering the flame with a Christian resolution and confidence of Divine support in the Testimony of the truth would have found lesse pain then her hand felt from the suddain surprize of the fire wherein the unexpectedness added if not to the pain to the fright thereof This sure I am that some condemn her shrinking for a burnt hand who would have done so themselves for a scratched finger Cardinals WALTER WINTERBURN was born at Sarisbury in this County and bred a Dominican-fryer He was an excellent Scholar in all Studies suitable to his age when a Youth a good Poet and Orator when a Man an acute Philosopher Aristotelicarum doctrinarum heluo saith he who otherwise scarce giveth him a good word when an Old-man a deep Controvertial Divine and Skilfull Casuist a quality which commended him to be Confessor to King Edward the first Now news being brought to Pope Benedict the eleventh that William Maklesfield Provincial of the Dominicans and designed Cardinall of Saint Sabin was dead and buried at London before his Cap could be brought to him he appointed this Walter to be heir to his Honour The worst is as Medlers are never ripe till they are rotten so few are thought fit to be Cardinals but such as are extreamly in years Maklesfield had all his body buried and our Winterburn had one foot in the grave being seventy nine years of age before he was summoned to that dignity However over he went with all hast into Italy and though coming thither too late to have a sight of Pope Benedict the eleventh came soon enough to give a suffrage at the choice of Clement the fift This Walter his Cardinals Cap was never a whit the worse for wearing enjoying it but a year In his return home he died and was buried at Genua but afterwards his Corps were brought over and Re-interred most solemnly in London Anno 1305. ROBERT HALAM was saith my Author Regio sanguine Angliae natus born of the bloud Royal of England though how or which way he doth not acquaint us But we envy not his high Extraction whilst it seems accompanied with other Eminences He was bred in Oxford and afterwards became Chancelour thereof 1403. From being Arch-deacon of Canterbury he was preferred Bishop of Salisbury On the sixt of June 1411. he was made Cardinal though his particular title is not expressed It argueth his Abilities that he was one of them who was sent to represent the English Clergy both in the Council of Pisa and Constance in which last service he dyed Anno Dom. 1417. in Gotleby Castle Prelates JOANNES SARISBURIENSIS was born at and so named from old Sarum in this County though I have heard of some of the Salisburies in Denby shire who Essay to assert him to their Family as who would not recover so eminent a person Leland saith that he seeth in him Omnem 〈◊〉 Orbem all the World or if you will the whole Circle of Learning Bale saith that he was one of the first who since Theodorus Arch-bishop of Canterbury living five hundred years before him oh the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Barbarisme in England indeavoured to restore the learned languages to their Originall Purity being a good Latinist Grecian Musician Mathematician Philosopher Divine and what not What learning he could not find at home he did fetch from abroad travelling into France and Italy companion to T. Becket in his Exile but no partner in his protervity against his Prince for which he sharply reproved him He was highly in favour with Pope Eugenius the third and Adrian the fourth and yet no author in that age hath so pungent passages against the Pride and Covetousness of the Court
come and learn of me Come we now to his sad Catastrophe Indeed the curious had observed that in the Scheme of his Nativity not onely the Dragons-tail was ready to promote abusive aspersions against him to which living and dead he hath been subject but also something malignant appears posited in Aquarius which hath influence on the leggs which accordingly came to pass For being twice imprisoned for what misdemeanor I know not by Radulphus the Emperor he endeavoured his escape out of an high window and tying his sheets together to let him down fell being a weighty man and brake his legg whereof he died 1595. I believe him neither so bad as some nor so good as others do character him all know how Separation is of great use amongst men of his profession and indeed if his pride and prodigality were severed from him he would remain a person on other accounts for his industry and experience in practical Philosophy worthy recommendation to posterity Writers FLORENCE of WORCESTER was probably born near certainly bred in that City one eminent in learning as any of his age and no less industrious Many books are extant of his making and one most usefull beginning at the Creation and continued till his death This he calleth Chronicum Chronicorum which some esteem an Arrogant Title and an Insolent defiance of all Authors before and after him as if as the Rose is flos florum so his were the Superlative Chronicle of all that are Extant But others meet with much modesty in the Title Chronicum Chronicâ—…rum as none of his own making but onely gathered both for Matter and Language out of others he being rather the Collector then the Originall Composer thereof He died Anno Domini 1119. JOHN WALLIS or WELSH is confessed natione Anglus which I observe to secure his nativity against Welch-claimes thereunto onely grounded on his Sur-name Yet I confess he might be mediatly of Welch-extraction but born in this County where the family of the Walshes are extant at this day in a worshipfull equipage where he became a Franciscan in Worcester Leaving Oxford he lived in Paris where he was common ly called Arbor vitae The tree of life Non absque insigni Servatoris blasphemia With no small blasphemy to our Saviour saith our Author But to qualifie the matter we take the expression in the same sense wherein Solomon calls a wholesome tongue a Tree of Life Yet might he better be termed the tree of knowledge of good and evil whose books amounting to no fewer then twenty volumes are not so practicall for their use as curious in their speculations In the ancient Libraries of Baliâ—…l and Oriel-Colledge most of his Manuscripts are reported extant at this day He died and was buried at Paris Anno Dom. 1216. ELIAS de EVESHAM was born in this County of good Parentage from whom as it seemeth by J. Bale he had expectancy of a fair estate This did not hinder him from being a Benedictine in the Abby of Evesham where he became a great Scholar and wrote an Excellent Chronicle Bale knoweth not where to place him with any certainty But Pitz not more knowing but more daring assigneth him to have flourished in the year 1270. WILLIAM PACKINGTON I confess two Villages the less and greater of this name in Warwick-shire and yet place this Packington here with no discredit to my self and greater grace to him For first I behold him as no Clergy-man commonly called from their Native Places but have reasons to believe him rather a Layman and find an Antient Family of his Name not to say Alliance still flourishing in this County He was Secretary and Treasurer to Edward the Black Prince and his long living in France had made the language of his Nurse more naturall to him then the tongue of his Mother Hence it was that he wrot in French the story of five English Kings King John Henry the third Edwards first second and third and a book of the Atchievements of the Black Prince He flourished Anno Dom. 1380. Since the Reformation Sir EDWIN SANDYS Son to Edwin Sandys D. D. was in all probability born in this County whilst his father was Bishop of Worcester He was bred in Cambridge and attained to be a most accomplished person I have known some pitifull in Affection but poor in Condition willing but unable to relieve one in greater want then themselves who have only gotten an empty Purse and given it to others to put their charity therein for the purpose aforesaid Such my case I can only present the Reader with a Place in this my Book for the Character of this worthy Knight but can not contribute any Coine of MEMOIRES or Remarkables to the furnishing thereof Only let me adde he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 right-handed to any great imployment and was as constant in all Parliaments as the Speaker himself being beheld by all as an Excellent Patriot faithfull to his Country without being false to his King in all transactions He was the Treasurer to the undertakers for the Western Plantations which he effectually advanced the Bermudaes the firmest though not the fairest Footing the English have in the West-Indies owing their happiness to his Care and Sandys Tribe is no contemptible Proportion therein He had a commanding Pen witness his work of the Religion of the Western World many in one Book so much matter is Stowed therein I have been informed that he bequeathed by his Will a Considerable Summe to the Building of a Colledge in Cambridge but Debts not coming in according to Expectation his good Intention failed in the performance thereof He died much lamented of all good Men about the year 1631. Romish Exile Writers RICHARD SMITH D. D. was born in this County bred in the University of Oxford where he became Kings Professor and was fit for that place in all things if as one of his own perswasion avoweth Non obstitisset Laterum debilitas Vocis exilitas The weaknes of his Sides and lowness of his Voice had no hindred him King Edward the sixth afterwards sent for Peter Martyr over to be his Professor in this University betwixt whom and Doctor Smith so great the Contest that waving all ingagements it is best to State it to the eye of the Reader as it is represented by Authors of both sides Pitz. de Script in Anno 1563. Petrum Martyrem apostatam Monachum Haeresis Zuvinglicanae sectatorem a Rege Edwardo sexto Oxonii in Cathedram Theologicam intrusum in publicis disputationibus haeresis convicit Cathedrâ—…m suam victor repetiit sed Rege obstante non impetravit In publick disputations he convicted Peter Martyr the Apostate Monke and a follower of the Zwinglian Heresie thrust in by King Edward the sixth into the Divinity Chair in Oxford and being Conquerer did require his own Chair to be restored him which he obtained not because the King
found in the name of ALCUINUS LUCIANUS Thus these Nominall Curiosities whether they hit or miss the Mark equally import nothing to Judicious Beholders He was made first Abbot of Saint Augustines in Canterbury and afterward of Saint Martins in the City of Towers in France and dying Anno 780 he was buried in a small Convent appendant to his Monastery He is here entred under the Topick of Saints because though never solemnly canonized he well deserved the Honor His Subjects said to David Thou art worth ten Thousand of us and though I will not ascend to so high a Proportion many of the Modern Saints in the Church of Rome must modestly confess that on a Due and True estimate our Alcuinus was worth many Scores of them at least so great his Learning and holy his Conversation SEWALL had his Nativity probably in these Parts But he was bred in Oxford and was a Scholar to St. Edmund who was wont to say to him Sewald Sewald thou wilt have many Afflictions and dye a Martyr Nor did he miss much of his mark therein though he met with Peace and Plenty at first when Arch-bishop of York The occasion of his Trouble was when the Pope plenitudine potestatis intruded one Jordan an Italian to be Dean of York whose Surprised Installing Sewald stoutly opposed Yea at this time there were in England no fewer then three Hundred Benefices possessed by Italians where the People might say to them as the Eunuch to Philip How can we understand without an â—…nterpreter Yea which was far worse they did not onely not teach in the Church but mis-teach by their lascivious and debauched behaviour Asfor our Sewald Mathew Paris saith plainly that he would not bow his Knee to Baal so that for this his contempt he was excommunicated and cursed by Bell Book and Candle though it was not the Bell of Aarons Garment nor Book of Scripture nor the Candle of an Unpartiall Judgement This brak his heart and his Memory lyeth in an Intricate posture peculiar almost to himself betwixt Martyr and no Martyr a Saint and no Saint Sure it is â—…ewall though dying excommunicated in the Romish is reputed Saint in Vulgar estimation and some will maintain that the Popes solemn Canonization is no more requisite to the making of a Saint then the Opening of a Manâ—… Windows is necessary to the lustre of the Sun Sewald died Anno Dom. 1258. Bale who assumeth liberty to himself to surname Old-writers at his pleasure is pleased to Addition this worthy man Sewaldus Magnanimus Martyrs VALENTINE FREESE and his Wife were both of them born in this City and both gave their lives therein at one Stake for the testimony of Jesus Christ Anno Domini 1531. Probably by order from Edward Lee the cruell Arch-bishop I cannot readily call to mind a man and his wife thus Marryed together in Martyrdome And begin to grow confident that this Couple was the first and laâ—… in this kind Confessors EDWARD FREESE brother to the aforesaid Valentine was born in York and there a Prentice to a Painter He was afterwards a Novice-Monke and leaving his Convent came to Colchester in Essex Here his hereticall Inclination as then accounted discovered it self in some sentences of Scripture which he Painted in the Borders of Cloths for which he was brought before John Stoaksley Bishop of London from whom he found such cruell usage as is above belief Master Fox saith that he was fed with Manchet made of Saw-dust or at the least a great part thereof and kept so long in Prison Manicled by the wrests till the Flesh had overgrown his Irons and he not able to kembe his own head became so distracted that being brought before the Bishop he could say nothing but my Lord is a good man A sad sight to his Friends and a sinfull one to his Foes who first made him mad and then made mirth at his madness I confess distraction is not mentioned in that list of losses reckoned up by our Saviour He that left his House or Brethren or Sisters or Father or Mother or Wife or Children or Lands for my sake c. But seeing his wits is nearer and dearer to any man then his wealth and seeing what is so lost may be said to be left no doubt this poor mans distraction was by God gratiously accepted on his enemies severely punished and to him mercifully rewarded We must not forget how the wife of this Edward Freese being big with child and pressing in to see her husband the Porter at Fulham gave her such a kick on the belly that the child was destroyed with that stroke immediately and she died afterwards of the same Prelates JOHN ROMAN so called because his Father was born in Rome though living a long time in this City being Treasurer of the Cathedrall therein and I conjecture this John his Son born in York because so Indulgent thereunto For generally Pure Pute Italians preferred in England transmitted the gain they got by Bills of Exchange or otherwise into their own Country and those outlandisâ—… Mules though lying down in English Pasture left no Hairs behind them Whereas this Roman had such Affection for York that being advanced Arch-bishop he began to build the Body of the Church and finished the North Part of the Cross-Isle therein Polydore Virgil praised him no wonder that an Italiaâ—… commended a Roman for a Man of great Learning and Sincerity He fell into the disfavour of King Edward the first for Excommunicating Anthony Beck Bishop of Durham and it cost him four thousand marks to regain his Princes Good Will He died Anno Domini 1295. And let none grudge his Buriaâ—… in the best Place of the Church who was so Bountifull a Builder thereof ROBERT WALBEY born in this City was therein bred an Augâ—…stinian Friar he afterwards went over into France where he so applied his studies that at last he was chosen Divinity Professor in the City of Tholouse he was Chaplain to the black Prince after his death to his Father K. Edward the third Now as his Mr. injoyed three Crowns so under him in his three Kingdoms this his Chaplain did partake successively of three Miters being first a Bishop in Gascoine then Arch-bishop of Dublin in Ireland afterwards Bishop of Chichester in England not grudging to be degraded in Dignity to be preferred in profit At last he was consecrated Arch-bishop of York and was the first and last Native which that City saw the least of Infants and in his Time when Man the greatest therein Yet he enjoyed his place but a short time dying May 29. Anno Domini 1397. Since the Reformation THOMAS MORTON was born Anno 1564. in the City of York whose father Richard Morton allyed to Cardinall Morton Arch bishop of Canterbury was a Mercer I have been informed the first of that calling in that City sure of such repute that no Mercers
under K. Henry the seventh Anno 1490. Since the Reformation RICHARD STOCK was born in this City bred Scholar of the house in Saint Johns-Colledge in Cambridge and designed Fellow of sidney though not accepting thereof He was afterwards Minister of All hallows Bredstreet in London by the space of thirty two years till the day of his death Where if in health he omitted not to Preach twice every Lords day with the approbation of all that were Judicious and Religious No Minister in England had his Pulpit supplyed by fewer Strangers Doctor Davenant afterwards Bishop of Sarum whose father was his parishioner was his constant Auditor while lying in London His Preaching was most profitable Converting many and Confirming more in Religion so that appearing with Comfort at the Day of Judgement he might say behold I and the Children that God hath given me He was zealous in his life a great Reformer of prophanations on the Sabbath prevailing with some companies to put off their wonted Festivalls from Mundays to Tuesdays that the Lords-day might not be abused by the preparation for such entertainments Though he preached oft in neighbouring Churches he never neglected his own being wont to protest That it was more Comfortable to him to win one of his own Parish then twenty others Preaching at Saint Pauls Cross when young it was ill taken at his mouth that he reproved the inequality of Rates in the City burdening the Poor to ease the Rich and he was called a Green head for his pains But being put up in his latter days to preach on the Lord Mayors Election and falling on the same subject He told them That a Gray head spake now what a Green-head had said before He dyed Aprill 20. Anno Domini 1626. with a great lamentation of all but especially of his Parishioners Memorable Persons JOHN LEPTON of York Esquire servant to King James undertook for a wager to ride six days together betwixt York and London being sevenscore and ten miles stylo vetere as I may say and performed it accordingly to the greater praise of his strength in acting then his discretion in undertaking it He first set forth from Aldersgate May 20. being Munday Anno Domini 1606. and accomplished his journey every day before it was dark A thing rather memorable then commendable many maintaining that able and active bodies are not to vent themselves in such vain though gainfull ostentation and that it is no better then tempting Divine Providence to lavish their strength and venture their lives except solemnly summoned thereunto by just necessity Lord Mayors Expect not Reader that under this Title I should present thee with a list of the Lord Mayors of this City born therein Onely to make this part conformable to the rest of my book know that I find one Native of this City Lord Mayor of London viz. Name Father Place Company Time 1 Martin Bowes Thomas Bowes York Goldsmith 1545 The Farewell To take our leaveof this Loyall City I desire that some Lucrative Trade may be set up therein to repair her former losses with advantage Mean time I rejoyce that the Archiepiscopat See is restored thereunto not despairing but that in due time if the Supream Authority adjudge it fit the Court of the Presidency of the North may be re-erected therein presuming the Country will be Eased and City Inriched thereby as the Loadstone which will atract much Company and by consequence Commodity thereunto Let me adde I am informed that Sir Thomas Widdrington a person accomplished in all Arts as well as in his own Profession of the Laws hath made great Progress in his Exact Description of this City Nor doe I more congratulate the happiness of York coming under so Able a Pen then Condole my own Infelicity whose unsuccessfull attendance hitherto could not compass speech with this worthy Knight Sure I am when this his work is set forth then indeed YORK SHALL BE what a City most compleatly Illustrated in all the Antiquities and Remarkables thereof FINIS THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES PSAL. 95. 4 5. In his hand are the deep places of the Earth the strength of the Hills is his also The Sea is his and he made it PROV 27. 25 26. The herbs of the Mountains are gathered The Lambs are for thy clothing and the Goats are the price of thy fields A NECESSARY PREFACE TO THE READER IT bare a debate in my serious consideration whether a Totall Omission or Defective Description of this Principality were to be preferred finding my self as Unable to do it Exactly as Unwilling to Pretermit it For First I never was in VVales and all know how necessary 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to accurateness herein Secondly I understand not their Language and cannot go to the Cost nor dare take the State of having an Interpreter King James was wont pleasantly to say that he cared not though he was poor himself so long as his Subjects were Rich as confident he could command their wealth on good conditions and a just occasion But indeed it matters not how meanly skil'd a Writer is so long as he hath Knowing and Communicative Friends my happiness in England who here am quite destitute of such assistance However on the other side a Totall Omission seemed very unhandsome to make a Cypher of this Large Principality Besides England cannot be well described without VVales such the Intimacy of Relation betwixt them three of our English Kings being born and many of Our Prime Atchievments being acted in VVales Wherefore I resolved to endeavour my utmost in the description thereof though sadly sensible in my self that my desires were as high as a Mountain but my performances would fall as low would they were half so fruitfull as the Vallies And here I humbly desire that the many faults by me committed may be like a Ball cast down and deaded on a soft Floor even to be buried in my own weakness to my own shame without the least Ripling or Rebounding to the disgrace of the VVelsh Country or Nation And my hope and desire is that these my weak pains will provoke others of more Ability to substitute a more Exact Description in the room thereof I had rather the Reader should take the name of that worthy Knight from Master Camden then from me who designing to build according to the Italian Mode of Architecture plucked down a good and convenient English-house preposterously destroying the one and never finished the other I hope the Reader will not be so uncharitable I will not say undiscreet but will allow our grains a subsistence till they will willingly vanish at the substitution of another In Doubtfull Nativities of Worthy Persons betwixt England and Wales I have not call'd for a sword to divide the controverted Child betwixt the two Mothers but have wholy resigned it to VVales partly out of desire of quietness not engage in a contest partly because I conceived England might better spare then
but why saith Bishop Godwin Rationem non capio and I will not hope to understand what he could not He was bred a Franciscan and was chosen very young for that place their General the nineteenth in succession Anno Domini 1339. Afterwards he was made Bishop of Massile then Arch-Bishop of Ravenna next Patriarch of Grado and by Pope Innocent the sixth was made Cardinal Anno Domini 1361. But being extremely aged he was so unhappy that before the Cardinals Cap could come to him he was gone out of this world Many Books he wrote of his Lectures Quodlibets but chiefly he is eminent for his Comment on Saint Austin De civitate Dei He died at Padua in Italy and was therein buried in the Church of Saint Anthony Prelates MARBOD EVANX I had almost read him Evans a noted name in Wales was born in this Country and bred in the study of all Liberal Sciences In his time the Danes wofully harassed the Land which caused him to ship himfelf over into little Britain in France the inhabitants whereof may be termed Cosin-Germans to the Welch as Sons to their younger brethren much symbolizing with them in manners and language Here Marbod though abroad was at home worth is the worlds Countriman and his deserts preferred him to be Episcopus Redonensis Bishop of Renes Praelatus non Elatus such his humility in his advancement We may conclude him a general Scholar by the variety of his works writing of gems and precious stones and compounding profit and pleasure together in his book called Carmina Sententiosa much commended Italian praise of British Poetry is a black swan by Lilius * Giraldus an Italian in his life 's of Poets We will conclude all with the Character given unto him by Giraldus Cambrensis Marbodus bonarum literarum magister eruditus colores rhetoricos tam verborum quam sententiarum exornationes versibus egregiis declaravit He flourished 1050. WALTER de CONSTANTIIS Who would not conclude him from his Surname born at Constance on the Boden Zee in Switserland But we have a Constat for his British Nativity He was preferred first Arch-Deacon of Oxford then Bishop of Lincoln then Arch-Bishop of Rohan by King Richard the first A man of much merit besides his fidelity to his Soveraign whom he attended to Palestine through many perils by Sea and by Land 〈◊〉 somuch that there want not those who will have him named De Constantiis from the Expressive Plural relating to his Constancy to his Master in all conditions No doubt he had waited on him in his return through Austria and shared with him in the miseries of his Captivity if not formerly remanded into England to retrench the Tyranny of William Longcampt Bishop of Ely which he effectually performed He had afterwards a double Honour first to interr King Richard at Font-Everard then to invest K. John with the Principality of Normandy as being the Prime Prelate therein His death may be collected about the year 1206. CADUCANUS a Welsh-man by birth was a very skilful Divine and Bishop of Bangor Leaving his Bishoprick he became a Cistercian Monk in Monasterio Durensi sive Dorensi which for the present I am unwilling to English Here I find two learned Antiquaries the one the lender the other the debtor I had almost said the one owner the other stealer much divided in their judgements about this his retrograde motion from a Bishop to a Monke the one commending the other condemning him herein J. Leland cited by Bale J. Bale Rarum hoc equidem exemplum est ut quis optimas fortunas macra commutet tenuitate This indeed was a rare example that one should willingly exchange the best fortunes for a lean meannesse Qui EpiscopatuÌ„ appetit ait Paulus perfectum opus desiderat Non sic de monachatu otioso quum sit plantatio quam non consolidavit Pater coelestis Whoso desireth a Bishoprick desireth a good thing saith St. Paul It cannot be said so of Monkery which is a plant whâ—…h the Heavenly Father hath not planted It is past my power to comprimise a difference betwixt two so great persons in so great a difference at so great a distance onely to hold the ballance even betwixt them give me leave to whisper a word or two First for Leland whereas he calleth the Bishoprick of Bangor Optimas fortunas it was never very rich and at the present very troublesome by reason of the Civill Wars so that Caducanus turning Monk in most mens apprehension did but leave what was little for what was less As for John Bale he himself under King Edward the sixth was Bishop of Ossory in Ireland and flying thence in the days of Queen Mary did not return in the raign of Queen Elizabeth to his See but contented himself rather with a Canons place in the Church of Canterbury so that by his own practise a Bishops place may on some considerations be left and a Private though not Superstitious life lawfully embraced The best is even Bale himself doth consess of this Caducanus that after â—…e turned Monk Studiorum ejus interea non elanguit successus He was no less happy then industrious in his endeavours writing a book of Sermons and another called speculum Christianoâ—…um He dyed under the raign of King Henry the third Anno Domini 1225. Since the Reformation HUGH JOHNES born in Wales was bred Batchelour of the Laws in the University of Oxford and made Bishop of Landaff which See it seems for the poorness thereof lay Bishopless for three years after the death of Bishop Kitchin May 5. 1566. Memorable no doubt on other accounts as well as for this that though this 〈◊〉 be in Wales he was the first Welch-man who for the last three hundred years viz. since John of Monmouth elected 1296. was the Bishop thereof He was buried at Matherne November 15. 1574. Doctor ......... PHILIPS was a native of Wales had his education in Oxford and was afterward preferred to be Episcopus Sodorensis or Bishop of Man Out of his zeal for propagating the Gospell he attained the Manks tongue and usually preached therein Know by the way Reader that the King of Spain himself notwithstanding the vastness of his Dominions had not in Europe more distinct languages spoken under his command then had lately the King of great Britain seven tongues being used in his Territories viz. 1. English in England 2. French in Gersey Guernzey 3. Cornish in Cornwall 4. Welch in Wales 5. Scotch in Scotland 6. Irish in Ireland 7. Manks in the Isle of Man This Doctor Philips undertook the translating of the Bible into the Manks tongue taking some of the Islanders to his assistance and namely Sir Hugh Cavoll Minister of the Gospell and lately if not still 〈◊〉 of Kir-Michael He perfected the same work in the space of twenty nine years but prevented by his death it was never put to