parts adjoyning to the Sea are called the Hundreds of Essex and Vulgar Wits will 〈◊〉 you that the Stock of poor people in these part is Five Hundred Cows which is no more than five The Natural Commodities are Saffron about Wâ—â—den Oysters the best in England bred near â—â—â—â—…hester King Ja. was wont to say he was a 〈◊〉 at Man that first adventured on the Eating of them â—…ops which are said to grow best where Vines will â—â—t grow and are wholesome if unmixed c. acâ—…ording to Stat. 1. Jac. c. 18. Puits in the Puit-Island â—â—ar Harwick a kind of Birds which are delicate â—…ood when fatted As for Manufactures Bays â—…ays and Serges are made in Colchester Coxal c. â—…nd there is Gun-powder made in Mills erected on â—â—e River Ley between Waltham and Lond. Of â—…uildings 1. Audley-End built by Th. Howard Earl â—…f Suff. is the best Subjects House in this Island 2. â—…ew-hall built by the Ratcliffs Earls of Suss â—…ought by Geo. Villiers D. of Buck. surpasses for the â—…leasant approach thereunto and the adjoyning Parks â—… Copt-Hall or Coppice-Hall seated on a Hill in â—…he midst of a Park was built by the Abbot of Walâ—…am and enlarged by Sir Th. Heneage In which â—…here is the most Proportionable Gallery in England An. 1639. a Hericano forced the Stones of the great East-Window like Pellets quite through this Galâ—…ery in length 56 Yards Dr. Jackson about the same â—…ime observed the like Wind as Ominous and Preâ—…aging our Civil Dissentions To proceed to more Wonders the huge Bones which were digged out â—…t the Ness near Harwich were generally thought to be Bones of Men tho it be more probable they were Bones of Elephants brought over by the Emperor Claudius The Story of the Anatomy of Bones in the Abbey of Waltham-Cross which being touched in one part fell all into Powder is confirmed by Publick Fame with several instances of the like Nature Proverbs I. Essex miles that is very long Miles Comparatively to those of Middlesex II. Essex Calveâ—… the fattest fairest and finest in Engl. III. The Weavers Beef of Colchester That is Sprats the Weavers Food such Beef-eaters and such Beef being numerous in and about that City IV. Jeering-Coxhall it was true by way of Catachresis in Queen Maries daies for then the Inhabitants of that Town were very serious some in suffering and others in shifting Martyrdom V. He may fetch a flitch of Bacon fâ—â—â— Dunmoe It was a Custom formerly that whoever did swear before the Prior of the Convent a Dunmoe That they never made any Nuptial Transgression might demand a Gammon of Bacon Princes Hen. Fitz. Roy Natural Son to H. 8. and the Lady Talbois was born at Black-more Mannor An. 1519. He was created Earl of Nottingham and D. of Richmond Bastard in him was not Boes art i. e. an abject Nature but Besteaerd the best disposition since he purchased a Reputation by his Martial Activity and Learning He Married Mary Daughter to Th. D. of Norf. and dyed An. 1536. and was buried in Framlingham in Suff. Saints St. Helen was born at and Daughter to Coel King of Colchester She was Mother of Constantine the first Christian Emperor and is famous to all Posterity for finding out Christs-Cross on Mount Calvary Hence the Arms of Colchester a Cross enragled between our Crowns By the Pagans she was Nick-named â—…abularia she having found the Stable of Christs-Nativity Whose Son St. Constantine was born at Colchester V. Eccl. â—…ist St. Ethelburgh Sister to Erkenwald Bishop of Lond. â—…as Abbess of the Nunery of Barking where she â—…d an Austere Life and dyed 676. Whose Sister Hildetha succeeded her and dyed 700. Theorithoid a Holy Nun of the same place dyed 678. Edilburge â—â— Wife to Ina King of the West Saxons a Nun at Barking was reputed a Saint after her Death An. â—…40 Wolfhild a Barking Nun dyed An. 989. This Nunery was valued at 1000 l. yearly rent at the Dissolution St. Ofith Daughter to the King of the E. Angles was abbess of a Monastery of her own founding at Chich. She was beheaded by the Danes about 870. â—…fter which she was able to carry her own head no further than 3. furlongs and if St. Deni's carried â—…is head further you may imagine his was the lighter Head of the two St. Neots firstan Eremite in Cornw. then a proâ—…itable Preacher of the Gospel a Zaccheus for Staâ—…ure and Piety He moved King Alfred to found or restore the University of Oxf. for which his Memory is sacred to all Posterity He dyed An. 883. â—…nd was buried at Eynsbury since St. Neots in Hunt Martyrs Jo. Lawrence being very feeble had a Chair at the Stake the little Children crying God strengthen â—…ou Th. Hawkes Gent. having promised to give his Friends a Token of the comfort of his Conscience whilst burning raised himself up and clapped his Hands over his Head to the Admiration of all the beholders Rose Allin a Virgin endured the Burning of her Wrists with incredible Patience as afterwards the burning of her Body with a Christian Constancy These are the most Noted of 44 Martyrs in the Shire Confessors Rich. George Labourer of West-Barfold Of thâ—â— several Wives he had two of them were Burâ—â— and himself the third imprisoned for Religion Hâ—â— Burning was prevented by Queen Maries Death Cardinals Th. Bourcher Brother to Hen. first Earl of Eâ—â— was successively Bishop of Worc. Ely Arch-bishop 〈◊〉 Cant for 51 years by the Title of St. Cyriâ—â—◠〈◊〉 the Baths He married H. 7. to the Daughter â—â— E. 4. and applyed himself Politickly to the Powâ—â— of that Prince Yet 't is said Praestitit hic praesul nil tanto sanguine dignum What was 100 pounds and a Chest given by 〈◊〉 to Camb. He saw the Civil Wars between York aâ—â— Lanc. begun continued and concluded Many Noble Prelates were his Contemporaries and after his decease Cardinal Pole a Man of Noble Extraction Prelates Rich. de Barking became Abbot of Westminster and â—…ouncellor to Hen. 3. Ch. Baron of the Exchequer â—â—d Lord Treasurer of England He dyed An. 1246. â—â—d was buried in Westm Church Jo. de Chesill was Bishop of Lond. and twice Chanâ—…ellour and afterwards Lord Treasurer of Engâ—…and Jo. Waltham Mr. of the Rolls Keeper of the Pr. â—…eal and Bishop of Salisbury was Excommunicated â—…y Courtney Arch-bishop of Cant. for refusing to be â—…isited by him after the Popes death Yet he dyed â—…ord Treasurer and was by R. 2. his Order buried â—…mongst the Kings in Westm. 1395. Roger Walden a poor Mans Son was Dean of York â—…nd at last Treasurer of England during the Exile of Th. Arundel Arch-bishop of Cant. he called Synods c. in that See till the Arch-bishops Restorationâ—… â—…hen being poor he was made by Arundels means Bishop of Lond. and dyed 1404. Since the Reformation Rich. Howland born at Newport-Ponds consecrated Bishop of Peterborough dyed June 1600. Jo. Jegon born at Coxhall Mr. of Bennet-Coll and thrice
at this day composed an English and Welsh Dictionary Printed 1547. He dyed 1560. Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation Sir Thomas Son of Sir Richard Exmew was born at Rithin and bred in London a Goldsmith and was Lord Mayor thereof 1517. Besides Benefactions in his own Country and to St. Mary Magdalens in Milk-street London where he lyes buried he made the VVater-Conduit by London VVall at Moor-Gate Gabriel Goodman Son of Edward Goodman Esq was born at Rithin afterwards D. D. in St. Johns-Colledge in Cambridge and Dean of VVestminster for forty years The Bible was Translated into VVelsh on his cost He founded a School-house in Rythin with a competent Salary and erected an Almshouse therein for 12 poor people He repaired the House for the Minster there called the VVarden of Rythin furnishing it with Plate c. which were to descend to his Successors He purchased a fair House thereunto at Cheswick in Middlesex where with his own hands he set a fair row of Elmes for a Retiring place to the Masters and Scholars at VVestminster He was made one of the Executors of the Will of our English Nestor the Lord Treasurer Cecil for the disposing of great sums to charitable uses He dyed 1601. and is buried in the Collegiate Church of VVestminster whereof he so well deserved as of all England Mr. Cambden performing his perambulation about it on his Expences Sir Hugh Middleton Son of Sir Richard Middleton was born at Denbigh and bred in London This is that worthy Knight who fetcht into London VVater on his own cost more then 24 Miles encountring all the way with an Army of Oppositions grapling with Hills strugling with Rocks fighting with Forests till in defiance of difficulties he had brought his Project to Perfection A potent person and an idle Spectator struck in and by his greatness possessed a Moiety of the profit whilst the Honour thereof will remain Eternally fixed to the Memory of Sir Hugh Middleton Note Robert Earl of Leicester by his bounty advanced the Building of a new Church in Denbigh FLINT-SHIRE FLint-shire named from Flint formerly an eminent place therein hath the Sea on the North Shrop-shire on the South Cheshire on the East and Denbigh-shire on the West The smallest Shire in VVales Flint the Shire-Town is no Market Town no nor St. Asaph a City and Bishops See till made so very late But it is near to Chester the Market General of these parts and besides every Village hath a Market in it self as affording all necessary Commodities This County was Parcel of the County Palatine paying 2000 Marks called a Mize at the Change of every Earl of Chester until the year 1568. For then upon the occasion of one Thomas Radford committed to Prison by the Chamberlain of Chester this County disjoyned it self from the Earldom of Chester and united it self to the Principality though I cannot see how the one or the other could be done without an Act of Parliament Proverbs I. Mwy nag un bwa yro Ynghaer That is More then on Yugh-Bow in Chester Cheshire men have been very famous for Archery It is applyed to such who take other folks Goods for their own being mistaken with the similitude and resemblance Princes Elizabeth the 7th Daughter of King Edward 1. and Queen Lleanor was born at Ruthland Castle where antiently a Parliament was kept an Edward 1. This Princess at 14 years of Age was Married to John first of that Name Earl of Holland Zealand c. and after his death to Humfrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex High Constable of England by whom he had a numerous Issue She dyed 1316. and was buried in the Abby-Church of Saffron-Walden in Essex Saints Congellus or Comgallus is challenged by the Welsh for their Country-Man as being first Abbot of Banchor in this County though Arch-Bishop Usher makes him the first Abbot of Bangor in the North of Ireland He was one of a pious Life who wrote Learned Epistles and dyed an 600. Aet 85. St. Beno Instructor to St. Wenefride was it seems a good Chirurgeon to a Miracle who when VVenefride was beheaded by the Lustful Caradocus set her Head on again she living 15 years after Asaph born of Right Honourable Parentage was bred at Llan-Elvy under Mungo the Scotch Bishop of that place who had a Convent of 663 Monks almost the number of the Beast whereof 300 being more unlearned then the rest were employed in Husbandry Amongst the rest who attended Divine Service St. Asaph was eminently conspicuous for Piety and Learning insomuch that Mungo in Latine Quentigernus being called into his Country resigned both his Convent and Cathedral to him Here he demeaned himself with such Sanctity that Llan-Elvy was after his death 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 He is thought by some to have dyed about 569. After which his See was Vacant above 500 years until Jeffrey of Monmouth was placed there Prelates since the Reformation Richard Parry D. D. born at Ruthin was bred in Christs-Church in Oxford whence he was preferred Dean of Bangor and at last Bishop of St. Asaph consecrated December 30. 1604. Bishop Godwin being near to him in time and in his studies desireth to be his equal in other Episcopal Qualities Bishop Parry dyed 16. Souldiers Owen Glendower born in his ancient Patrimony of Glendower-Wye was bred in London a Student of the Common Law till he became a Courtier and Servant to King Richard 2. After whose death being in the wrong side of preferment he retired into Wales where there arose a difference between him and the Lord Gre of Ruthen about a Common which Owen by force recovered from Gre whom he killed Many spur'd his posting Ambition by telling him he was the true Heir to all North-Wales and now or never the time to regain it whereupon he brake into open Rebellion Being angry with the King his Revenge fell upon God burning down the fair Cathedrals of Bangor and St. Asaph Doing mischiefs to others he did no good to himself King Henry 4. found it more easie to depose King Richard then subdue this Owen who had taken Roger Earl of March and next Heir to the Crown Prisoner Writers Elvodugus Probus was Vir sui Nominis he lived 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 Amongst many eminent Men whom he had for his Scholars there was the Learned Nennius commonly called Nennius Elvodugi This Elvoduge flourished 950. Since the Reformation Meredith Hanmer D D. was born in this County where a good Family of his Name flourish at Han-meer at this day He was Treasurer of Trin-Colledge in Dublin He Translated the Eccles Histories of Euseb Socrates Evagrius c. into English wrote an
and after his return was preferred Dean of Westminster then Bishop of Salisbury He was Hospital and Generous He dyed and was buried An. Dom. 1622. Th. Son to Will. Westfield D. D. born An. Dom. 1573. in Ely bred at â—…es Coll. in Camb. where he was Fellow He was Assistant to Bishop Felton whilst Minister of St. Mary-le-Bow in Cheapside after Rector of Horsney and great St. Barth Lond. where in his Preaching he went through the 4 Evangelists He was afterward made Arch-Deacoh of St. Albans and at last Bishop of Bristol The Parl. had a good Opinion of him as appears by this Order 13. May 1643. From the Committee of Lords and Com. for Sequestration of Delinquents Estates Upon information in the behalf of the B. of Bristol That his Tenants refuse to puy him his Rents it is ordered by this Committee that all profits of his Bishoprick be restored and a safe Conduct be granted him to pass with his Family to Bristol being himself of great Age and a Person of great Learning and Merit Jo. Wylde By his Will he desired to be buried in the Cathedral-Church near the Tomb of Paul Bush the first Bishop And as for my Worldly Goods the words of his Will which as the times now are I know not well where they be nor what they are I give c. to my Wife Eliz. He dyed June 28. 1644. and lyeth buried according to his own desire An Anagram made on him by his Daughter was Thomas Westfield I dwell the most safe Statesmen Jo. Tiptoft Son and Heir of Jo. Lord Tiptoft and Joyce his Wife Daughter and Coheir of Edw. Charlton Lord Powis by his Wife Eleanor Sister and Coheir of Edmund Holland Earl of Kent was born at Everton in this County He was bred at Baliol-Coll in Oxf. where he attained to great Learning and by H. 6. was afterwards created first Viscount then Earl of Worcester and Lord High Constable of England and by E. 4. Knight of the Garter The Skies began to Lowre and Threaten Civil Wars and the House of York fell sick of a Relapse Mean time this Earl could not be discourteous to Hen. 6. who had so much advanced him nor disloyal to Edw. 4. in whom the Right of the Crown lay For an Expedient he quitted his own and visited the Holy-Land At Rome in his passage by an Elegant Latin Speech he drew the Admiration of all the Auditors and Teart from the Eyes of the Pope Pius II. He returned from Christs-Sepulchre to his own in England in as unhappy time if sooner or â—â—ter he had found Edward on that Throne to which now H. 6. was restored and whose Restitution was only remarkable for the Death of this Worthy Lord. Treason was charged on him for secretly siding with King Edw. On this account he lost his life The Ax then did at one blow cut off more Learning in England then was left in the Heads of all the Surviving Nobility His Death hap'ned on St. Lukes day 1470. Edw. Lord Tiptoft his Son was restored by Edw. 4. Earl of Worcester but dying without Issue his Inheritance fell to his three Aunts Sisters to the Learned Lord aforesaid viz. 1. Philip married to Th. Lord Ross of Hamlake 2. Joan Wife of Sir Edm. Inglesthrop of Borough green in this County 3. Joyce married to Sir Edw. Sutton Son and Heir of John Lord Dudley from whom came Edw. Sutton Lord Dudley and Knight of the Garter Jo. Cheeke Knight Tutor to Ed. 6. and Secretary of State born in Camb. Of him see our Church-History Souldiers When the rest of the East-Angles cowardly fled away in the Field from the Danish Army the Men of the County of Camb. did manfully resist whence it was that whilst the English did rule the praise of the People of Cambridgeshire did most eminently flourish At the coming of the Normans they made so stout a Resistance that the Conqueror who did fly into England was glad to creep into Ely Cambridgeshire-men commonly passed for a Proverb tho now like old Coyn almost grown out of request Indeed the Common-people have Robust bodies able to carry 8 Bushels of Barley on their Backs whereas 4 are found a sufficient Load for Men of other Counties and I doubt not but if there were occasion their Arms and Hands would appear to be as good as their Backs and Shoulders Writers Math. Paris probably born in this and bred in the next County where the Name is right Ancient long before they were setled at Hildersham which accrued to them by their Marriage with the Daughter and Heir of the Buslers He was a Monk at St. Albans skilled in Poetry Oratory and Divinity as also in Painting Graving c. But his Genius chiefly disposed him to 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 Sistetui metas studii Matthaee quietas Nec ventura petas quae postera proferat atas Matthew here cease thy Pen in peace and study on no more Nor do thou aim at things to come which next Age hath in store Yet resuming the Work he continued it to 1259. A catching disease with Authors my self being concerned to obey the importunity of others contrary to their own inclination His History is impartially and judiciously save whereby he indulgeth too much Monkish Miracles and no Writer so plainly discovereth the Pride Avarice and Rapine of the Court of Rome so that he seldom kisseth the Popes toe without Biting it The Papists insinuate a suspicion that such Reflections are forged but all the Candour imaginable has been used in the Editions of that Author first by Math. Parker and then and especially by Doctor Will. Wats This Matthew left off living and writing An. 1259. Tho he had sharp Nailes he had clean Hands strict in his own and striking at the loose Conversation of others and for his Eminent Austerity was not only employed by Pope Innocent 4. to visit the Monks in the Diocess of Norwich but also was sent unto Norway to reform the Discipline in Holui a fair Covent Helias Rubeus in Engl. Rous or Red bred D. D. in Camb. A great Courtier and Gracious with the King Wrote a Book contra Nobilitatem inanem T is thought he flourished about the year 1266. Jo. Eversden was bred a Monk in Bury-Abby whereof he was Cellerer or Caterer but his mounting above this mean Employ he buried himself in Poetry Law and History whereof he wrote a fair Volume from the beginning of the World Being a Monk he was not fond of Fryars And observeth that when the Franciscans first entred Bury An. 1336. there hap'ned a hideous Hericano levelling Trees Towers c. Yet went they out with a Calm at the time of the Dissolution This John flourished under King E. 3. and dyed about the year 1338. Rich. Wetherset commonly called of Cambridge where he was Chancellour A great
nothing for Superstition was begun 1541 an 33. and finished 1544 36 Henry 8. at the sole cost of Sir William Hollis Lord May or of London great Grand-father to the Right Honourable the Earl of Clare The wonders of this County are that at Lemington within two Miles of Warwick there issue out within a stride of the Womb of the Earth two Springs the one salt and the other fresh On Friday April 17 1607. there happened in Coventry such an inundation no considerable Rain preceding that continued for the space of three hours wherein it overflowed more then 250 dwelling houses to the great dammage of the Inhabitants vanishing away as quickly as it did rise and note the City has no River near it save a small Brook over which generally one may make a Bridge with a stride As for Medicinal Waters there is at Newenham a Spring the water whereof drunk with Salt loosneth with Sugar bindeth the Body It is sovereign against Ulcers and Imposthumes and the Stone though Mr. Speed affirms that it turned Wood into Stone Proverbs I. He is the black Bear of Arden By this is meant Guy Beauchamp Earl of Warwick a grim person and surly of Resolution who in spite of all opposition caused the death of Pierce Gaveston that Minion of Edward 2. at a Hill within two Miles of Warwick Arden is a Forrest anciently occupying all the Wood-land part of this County 'T is applyed to such who without any other Authority then that of their Countenance or Disposition strike terrour into others II. As bold as Beauchamp Though there was a series of successive undauntedness in the Noble Family of the Earls of Warwick yet I conceive that Thomas first of that name gave the chief occasion to this Proverb He being arrived with King Edward 3. at Hogges in Normandy 1346. was the first man who landed and being followed by one Esquire and six Archers is reported to have fought against a 100 Armed men and in hostile manner to have overthrown every one who withstood him having at one shock slain 60 Normans and removed all resistance so that the Kings whole Army landed in safety The Heirs Male of this name are long since extinct though some deriving themselves from the Heirs general are extant at this day Ill. The Bear wants a Tail and cannot be a Lion This abated the jealousie the Dutch had of Robert Earl of Leicester descended from the ancient Earls of Warwick Governour of the Low-Countries being suspected to hatch a design of making himself Sovereign Commander over the Low-Countries whilst he diffused his own Coat of the green Lion with two Tails and sign'd all instruments with the Crest of the Bear and Ragged Staff Then it was that this Proverb was written under his Crest set up in publick places Ursa caret caudâ non queat esse Leo. The Bear he never can prevail To Lion it for lack of Tail It is applyed to such who aspire to what is above their power to atchieve IV. He is true Coventry-blew It seems the best Blews are dyed in Coventry It is applyed to such an one who is a faithful Friend Princes Anne Nevil Daughter and coheir to Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick was probably born in Warwick Castle She was Married to Edward Prince of Wales sole Son to Henry 6. afterwards murdered by Richard Duke of Glocester who took to Wife the same Anne She died for grief 1464 though others suspect a Grain was given her for the greater dispatch to another World Edward Plantag Son to George Duke of Clarence was the last Male Heir of the Royal Family His Mother was Isabella eldest Daughter to Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick and he was born in Warwick-Castle Being kept close Prisoner by Edward 4. Richard 3. and Henry 7. he was rendred weak in his Intellectuals Upon the proposal of Marriage for Prince Arthur with Katharine Daughter of Ferdinand King of Spain this Edward was taken out of the way to the end all Titles might be cleared The Lady Katharine Dowager was wont to acknowledge the death of her two Sons an ill success of her match as Heavens judgment on her Family for the murdering of this Earl which happened 1499. Saints St. Wolstan born in Long Jetington was Bishop of VVorcester a man of great Candour and an opposer of the French fickleness and the Italian pride for which he was hated by VVilliam the Conqueror and Lanfrak Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and by them commanded to resign his Episcopalibus Upon this the Honest Bishop repaired to the Monument of Edward the Confessor and there offered up his Episcopal Habiliments These said he from you I received and to you I resign them This his plain dealing not only recovered his Bishoprick but also purchased to him the reputation of a Saint He was active in promoting VVilliam Rufus to the Kingdom in prejudice of his eldest Brother Robert Martyrs Laurence Saunders a Priest was Martyred in Coventry February 8. 1555. Robert Glover born at Mancetor Gentleman was Martyred in Coventry September 0. 1555. Cornel. Bongey born at Coventry a Capper was Martyred at Coventry September 20 1555. Jo. Carles born at Coventry a Weaver was Martyred at the Kings Bench London Julius Palmer born at Coventry and bred in Magdalens-Colledge in Oxford was burnt in Newbury Confessors John Glover Brother to the aforementioned Robert escaped miraculously whilst his Brother without the intention of his enemies fell into their hands Cardinals VVilliam Macklesfield born 't is said in Coventry was made B. D. in Paris Dr. at Oxford and became General of the Dominican Order He was by Pope Benedict 11. created Cardinal with the Title of St. Sabine but dyed in London before his Cap was brought him yet this chief part of a Cardinal I mean the Cap was with great solemnity set on his Tomb. Peter Petow of an ancient Family flourishing for a long time at Chesterton was a Franciscan afterwards Cardinal being created by Pope Paul 3. 1557. who also made him Legat a Latere and Bishop of Salisbury Queen Mary in favour to Cardinal Pole prohibited this Legats entrance into her Court He dyed in France 1558. Prelates John Stratford Son of Robert and Isabel was born at Stratford and preferred by the Pope Bishop of VVinchester whereupon falling into the displeasure of Richard 2. for a time he took it in so ill part that he forsook that King whilst in his extremity This cost him the displeasure of Queen Mother and Edward 3. till at last converted by his Constancy they turned their frowns into smiles upon him When Arch-Bishop of Canterbury he furnished the King with great sums at his first setting forth for France but when the King afterwards sent for another supply instead of Coyn the Bishop sent him Counsel whereat the King returning into England was so highly offended that the Bishop was fain to pass his publick Purgation in Parliament by which he was restored to the Reputation of his innocence He
at the battel of Aâ—…in-Court and brought him over to England where he held him in honourable restraint at Grome-Bridge He was a Benefactor to the repair of Spelherst Church The Prince assigned to him and his Heirs an Additional Crest viz. the Arms of France hanging by a Label on an Oak with the Motto Hiâ—… prâ—…ctus Virtutis From this Richard Sir William Waller is lineally descended 23. Will. Crowmer was taken by Jack Cade the Rebel and committed by his Worship to the Fleet in London because as Jack said he was guilty of Extortion in his Office Jack having catch'd him would not leave him so but being attended with other venturous Lads brought him to Mile-End and there reformed the Gentleman by cutting off his Head which they set upon a long Pole on London Bridge John Scot Arm. was Knighted and was much trusted and employed by E. 4. who made him one of his Privy Council and Knight Marshal of Callis and sent him with others Ambassadour to the Dukes of Burgundy and Brittain to bring back the Earls of Pembrook and Richmond He lyeth buried in the Church of Braborne An. 3. Rich. Blakenbury was nearly allied to Sir Rob. Constable of the Tower who dipped his fingers so deep in the Blood of King Ed. 5. and his Brother An. 5. William Boleyn Mil. was made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of R. 3. He married a Daughter and Coheir of Th. Butler E. of Ormond by whom he had among others Sir Th. Boleyn E. of Wiltshire 10 Jo. Peach with the Kentish Gentry made Perkin who landed then in Sandwich shrink his Horns back again into the shell of their Ships and brought 150 of Perkin's men up to London He was Knighted for his good service An. 5. Jo. Norton Mil. went over a Captain with the 1500 Archers under the Conduct of Sir Ed. Poynings to assist Marg. Dutchess of Savoy against the D. of Guelders where this Sir Jo. was Knighted by Charles Young Prince of Castile and afterwards Emperour He lyeth buried in Milton Church 7. Th. Cheyney Arm. Knighted by H. 8. was a Spritely Gentleman living and dying in great Honour a Favourite and Privy-Councellor to four successive Kings and Queens viz. H. 8. E. 6. Q. Mary and Q. Elizabeth 11 Jo. Wiltshire Mil. was Comptroller of Calis An. 21. H. 7. He founded a Chappel in the Parish of Stove An. 3. Moile Finch Mil. married Elizabeth Daughter and Heir to Sir Th. Heneage Vice-Chamb to Q. Elizabeth and Chancellour of the Duchy of Lancaster She in her Widowhood by the Special favour of K. James was honoured Viscountess Maidston and afterwards by the great grace of K. Charles 1. created Countess of Winchelsey both Honours being Entailed on the Issue Male of her Body To which her Grandchild the right Honourable Heneage lately gone Ambassadour to Constantinople doth succeed Canterbury CAnterbury an ancient City during the Saxon Heptarchie was the chief Seat of the Kings of Kent Here Becket had his death here Edward the Black Prince and K. Hen. 4. had their Interment The Metropolitan Dignity first conferred by Gregory the Great on Lond. was for the Honour of Augustine afterwards bestowed on this City It is pleasantly Situated being surrounded with a fertile Soil well Wooded and commodiously Watered by the River Stoure called Durrwhen in Brit. i. e. a swift River tho it needs scouring Of Buildings Christ-Church first dedicated and after 300 years Intermission to Th. Becket restored to the Honour of our Saviour is a Stately Structure being the performance of several successive Arch-Bishops it is much adorned with Glass Windows painted with excellent Colours tho none of the best Figures Yet 't is said a Forraign Ambassadour proffered a vast price to transport the East Window of the Quire beyond the Seas As Pictures are the Books painted Windows were in time of Popery the Library of Laymen V. Somners Antiquities Proverbs 1. Canterbury Tales a Book of Chaucer so called it is applied to all Feigned and Pleasant Stories c. such as the Miracles of Becket some helpfull as when perceiving his old Palace at Otford to want water he struck his staff into the dry ground still called St. Thomas his Well whence Water runneth plentifully to serve that House Others spitefull as when because a Smith dwelling in that Town had clogged his Horse he ordered that no Smith afterwards should thrive in that Parish Prelates Steph. Langton born in England bred in Paris was one of the greatest Scholars of the Christian World in his Age. He was consecrated Cardinal of St. Chrysogone and then by the Pope intruded Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in desiance of King John He wrote Comments on all the Old and some on the New Testament He first divided the Bible into Chapters which Robert Stephens a Frenchman subdivided into Verses Others attribute the Division into Chapters to that able Antiquary Sir Henry Spelman who was the Improver but not the Inventor Langton divided also the Kingdom of England reducing King John to sad extremities He died and was buried at Canterbury 1228. Souldiers William Prude Esq Lieutenant Collonel in the Low Countreys was slain July 12 1632 at the Siege of Mastricht His body was brought into England and buried in the Cathedral of Canterbury part of his Epitaph being Stand Souldiers ere you march by way of Charge Take an Example here that may inlarge Your Minds to noble Action He fear'd not Death midst all Harms He bare as much of Piety as Arms. 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 his surviving Son Searles Prude having erected his Monument Writers Osbern of Canterbury an admirable Musician and therefore a great Favourite to Lanfrank the Arch-Bishop He was the English ju-bal as to the curiosity of Musick 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 the Judges He wrote the Life of St. Dunstan in Latine flourished under William the Congueror An. 1070. Simon Langton Brother to Stephen Arch-Bishop was Arch-Deacon of Canterbury who Carne Sanguine revelante encreased both the Revenues and Jurisdiction of that Place to him and his Successors A troublesome Man he was and a great Adversary to King Joh. and would not be reconciled to that King tho he was urged both by the Command under the pain of Excommunication and Example of his Holiness This caused him to trudge to the Court of Rome where he found little favour For such who will be the Popes White Boys must watchfully observe his signals and charge when he chargeth and retreat when he retreateth He wrote besides other a Book of the Penitence of M. Magdalene in relation it seems to himself tho she found more favor in the Court of Heaven then
Germ. where he wrote a Comment on Ecclesiastes and both the Epistles of St. Peter After his return he was preferred an 1. Eliz. B. of Durham And 9 years after the Northern Rebels came to Durham and tore the English Liturgy The Bishop had fared no better if they had found him When the Rebellion was suppressed the Bishop commenced a Suit against Q. Eliz. for the Lands and Goods of the Rebels attainted in the Bishoprick as due to him But the Parliament interposing on special consideration pro hoc tempore Adjudged them to the Queen He died 1576. Edwin Sandys was born at Conisby v. Eccl. Hist Rich. Barnes born at Bolde and bred in Oxf. was Suffr B. of Nott. then B. of Carlile 1570 and at last of Durham A Man of good Nature but abused by his Credulity and Affection to his Brother Jo. Chancellor of his Diocess who permitting base and dishonest persons to escape Scot-free for a piece of Money was the cause of good Mr. Gilpins's suspension yet the Bp. restored him afterwards and thus accosted him Father Gilpin I acknowledge you are fitter to be B. of Dur. then my self to be Parson of this Church of yours I ask forgiveness for my 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 Bp. of Dur. be secure no man shall injure you He died in 88. Jo. Woolton born at Wiggin fled in Q. Maries daies and after his Return was made Bishop of Exeter 1579. He endited Letters full of Wisdom and Piety not 2 hours before his death An. 1593. His daughter was married to Fr. Godwin Bishop of Hereford Mathew Hutton Marg. Professor and B. D. 1561 was chosen Bishop of Durham 1589. Translated to York 1594. He died 1605. V. Eccl. Hist He gave 100 marks to Trinity College in Cambridge and Founded a Hospital at Wareton in this County A learned and Pious Prelate Martin Heton Canon of Christ Church was made Bishop of Ely by Q. Elizabeth 't is supected he used Simoniacal compliance He was the best House-keeper in that See within Mans remembrance He died 1609. leaving two Daughters married in those Knightly Families of Fish and Filmer Rich. Bancroft bred in Camb. was made by Q. Elizabeth B. of Lond. by K. James Arch-bishop of Cant. A great Statseman and grand Champion of Church Discipline He was so habituated to the Poisons of malicious Tongues that they became Food unto him Once a Gentleman presented to him a Libel which he found pasted on his Door Who nothing moved thereat Cast it said he to 100 more which lye here on a heap in my Chamber Many a Lye-bel or loud Lye was made upon him He cancelled his first Will wherein he left much to the Church whereof a Scurrillous Pen He who never repented of doing Ill Repented that once he had made a God Will. Whereas indeed suspecting a popular violence on Cathedrals and fearing an Alienation of what was bequeathed unto them he thought sit to cancell his own to prevent others cancelling his Testament For by his second Will he gave the Library at Lambeth to the University of Cambridge in case the Archiepiscopal See should be extinct Which Clause secured that Library in the late Wars He died An. 1610. and lyeth buried at Lambeth Th. Jones bred in Cambridge commenced D. D. in Dublin and was made B. of Meath 1584. and one of the Privy Council to Q. Elizabeth in Ireland He was translated to be Arch-bishop of Dublin 1605. and by K. James made Chanc. of Ireland Sir Roger his Son was by K. Charles created Viscount Renelaugh Rich. Parr bred in Oxford was preferred B. of Man by the E. of Darby Lord thereof He died 16 Souldiers Sir Will. Molineux Knight of Sefton was at the Battel of Navarret in Spain made Knight Banneret by Ed. the Black Prince An. 1367. He died at Cant. 1372. Whose descendant Sir Will. Molineux Junior flourishing under H. 8. brought the strength of this County to the Succour of the D. of Norfolk with whom he performed signal service in Flodden-field Writers Hugh of Manchester first a Dominican then a Franciscan having discovered an Impostor wrote a Book de Fanaticorum deliriis dedicating the same to E. 1. who sent him Ambassador to Philip K. of France to demand Lands which were detained from him in Aquitain He died 1294. Rich. Ulverston a great Antiquary bred at Oxford wrote a Book entituled the Articles of Faith He died probably about 1434. Th. Penketh D. D. in Oxford so deep a Scotist and of so great a Memory that had all the Books of Scotus been lost he was reported by Forraigners able to restore them every word He was Professor at Padua and after his return Provincial of the Augustinians in England He died and was buried in London 1487. Jo. Standish wrote a Book against the Translation of the Bible into English and presented it to the Parliament He died 1556 near the end of Q. Mary Since the Reformation Th. Leaver B. D. in Cambridge fled in the Marian days and became Pastor of the English Exiles at Arrow in Switz He wrote a Book entitled The right path way to Christ He died after his return into England 1558. Will. Whitaker born at Holme died 1596. V. Eccl Hist Alexander Nowell born at Read of a Knightly Family and bred in Oxford narrowly escaped being catched by Baner whilst he himself was catching of Fish being conveyed beyond the Seas by one Fr. Biwyer Merch. and leaving behind him a Bottle of Ale on the Grass which afterwards was found no Bottle but a gun such the sound at the opening thereof which is believed the Original of Bottle-Ale in Engl. Returning An. 1 Elizabeth he was made Dean of St Pauls and for his Meekness Learning Prudence and Piety the then Parliament enioyned him to make a Catechisme for publick use He was Confessor to Q. Elizabeth He gave 200 l per An. to maintain 13 Scholars in Brazen-nose College He died at 90 years of age not decayed in sight 1601. Joh. d ee Dr. in Oxford was an excellent Mathematician and well skilled in natural Magick and therefore by ignorant people suspected to be a Conjurer which occasioned the seising of his Library and his leaving of the Land After his return he was again haunted at Mortlack with the same scandal but he gave such satisfaction of the lawfulness and usefulness of his Studies that the Queen besides many New-years gifts presented him Warden of Manchester All his Books speak him a Learned Man He died about 1 year of King James Roger Fenton D. D. in Camb. was a Pious Minister in St. Steph. Walbrook London He wrote a Treatise against Usury He had set about studying Dr. Felton's Funeral Sermon who lay at the point of Death Yet it pleased God this Dr. recovered and preached Dr. Fenton's according to a former mutual agreement betwixt them that the Surviver
Charleton composed a Speech of competent length without any R therein which he could not pronounce his Speech having no Room for ERROURS seeing there was an errour in his Speech Proverbs 1. Bean-belly Leicester-shire for Plenty 'T is a merry saying Shake a Leicester-shire Yeoman by the Collar and you shall hear the Beans rattle in his Belly tho at the same time they may have good Silver ringing in their Pockets 2. If Bever have a Cap You Churles of the Vale look to that That is when Clouds hang over Bever-Castle it is a signe of much Rain c. Princes Jane Grey eldest Daughter of Hen. D. of Suff. by Fr. Bandon eldest Daughter to Mary second Sister to K. Hen. 8. was born at Broadgate near Leicester She lived many pious but few pleasant days whose Soul was never out of the Non-age of Afflictions till death made her of full years to inherit Happiness Whilst a Child her Father 's was to her an House of Correction nor did she write Woman sooner than she did subscribe Wife and in obedience to her Parents was unfortunately matched to the Lord Guilford Dudley a pious Gentleman but Son to an Ambitious Father She was Proclaimed but never Crowned Queen living in the Tower longer a Captive than a Queen Her Family by snatching at a Crown which was not lost a Coronet which was their own She suffered on Tower-hill 1554 5 Feb. 12. Kath Grey 2d Daughter to Henry D. of Suffolk was married to the Lord Herbert Son to the Earl of Pembroke who knowing the Case altered with that Family brake the Marriage quite off Thus she became a Heraclita or Lady of Lamentation The Roses of whose cheeks looked very wan and pale thoÌ„ they wanted not for watering Afterward Ed. Seymour E. of Hertford married her privately without the Queens Licence and concealed it till her pregnancy discovered it The English Proverb It is good to be near a Kin to land holdeth in private Patrimonles not Titles to Crowns Q. Elizabeth beheld her with a jealous eye unwilling she should match either Forreign Prince English Peer or any person whatsoever The E. of Hartford being fined 15000 l. was imprisoned with his Lady in the Tower and severely forbidden her company By bribing the Keeper he bought what was his own his Wives Embraces and had by her a surviving Son Edw. Ancestor to the Right Honorable the D. of Som. She died Jan. 26. a Prisoner in the Tower 1567 after 9 years Durance therein Whose Sister Mary Grey the Youngest Frighted with the infelicity of her two elder Sisters forgot her Honour to remember her Safety and married one whom She could love and none need fear Martin Kayes of Kent Esq Serjeant Porter and died without Issue 20 An. 1578. Martyrs Hugh Latimer born at Thurcaston in his first Sermon before King Ed. 6. declared his own Pedigree to this effect My Father was a Yeoman who had a Farm of 3 or 4 l. a year kept 100 Sheep and six Servants and my Mother miâ—…ked 30 Kine He did find the King an HARNESS which I remember I buckled on with himself and his Horse when he went to Black-heath field He kept me to School or else I had not been able to Preach before the King's Majesty now He married my Sisters with 〈◊〉 piece so that he brought them up in Godliness and the fear of God He kept Hospitality for poor Neighbours and some alms and all this did he of the same Farm where he that now hath it payeth 16l p. an and more and is not able to do any thing for his Prince for himself nor for his Children or give a cup of Drink to the Poor He was bred in Cambridg and converted under God by Mr. Bliney from a violent Papist to a zealous Protestant He was afterwards made Bishop of Worc. and 4 years after outed for refusing to subscribe the 6. Art He onely of the Bishops of the new Learning in the time of H. 8. urged that two Abbeys at the least in every Diocess of considerable Revenues might be preserved for the maintenance of Learned Men therein And swiming a good while against the stream he was at last carried away with the Current He was Martyred at Oxford 1555. Prelates Gilb. Segrave born at Segrave and bred in Oxford succeeded a Kinsman who on his death-Bed recommended him in the Provost's place of St. Sepulhers in York and afterwards was Bishop of Londdon He died 1317. Walt. de Langton born at West-Langton made by E. 1. Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and Treas of English He lost the Favor of E. 2. for reproving him when as yet but Prince for his debauchery and tho he never wholly regained that Princes good Will 't is said the surplusage of the People's affection to him did fill up that blank Prodigious his bounty in building and endowing his Cathedral He died 1321 and was buried in the Chappel of St Ma. of his own erection Rog. de Martival Son of Sir Aukitell Mar. whose Arms were Ar. a cinque-foil S. was born at Nowsley He was First Arch-Deacon of Leic. then Dean of Linc and at last Bishop of Salisbury in the Reign of E. 2. 1315. He was the last heir male of his Race and Founded a Colledge at Nowsley for a Warden and certain Brethren His Estate descended to Joyce-de Mart. his Sister married to Sir Ralph Hastings lineal Ancestor to the now Earl of Hunt and the Hazleriggs are at this day Possessors of the Mannor of Newsley He died 1329. Rob. Wivil well descended born at Stanton Wivil was made Bishop of Salisbury 1329. tho both a Dunce and a Dwarfe He impleaded William Montague E. of Salisbury in a Writ of Right for the Castle of Salisbury and it had been tried by a Combat of their two Champions had not the King interposed and ordered that the Bishop should pay 2500 marks for the quiet Possession of the Castle Since the Reformation Joseph Hall born at Ashby de la Zouch and bred in Em. Colledg in Cambridg maintained there with a Flourishing wit That the World groweth Old He was Minister at Halsted in Suffolk where his Little Catechisme did much good He became D. D. and was at the Synod of Dort and was preferred first Dean of Worc. then Bishop of Ex. then of Norwich then of no place surviving to see his Sacred Function buried before his eyes He may be said to have died with the pen in his hand He was commonly called our English Seneca For his pure plain and full stile Not ill at Controversies more happy at Comments very good in his Characters better in his Sermons best of all in his Meditations In his Will he affirms that he does not hold Gods House a meer Repository for the dead bodies of the greatest Saints He died 1656. Statesmen Geo. Villiers born at Brooksby fourth Son to Sir Geo. being debarred by his late Nativity from his Fathers Lands was maintain'd in France by his Mother till he returned
There is a Heath in this County nigh to Stamford which hath variety of very rare Plants growing upon it The Natural Commodities besides Grass Corn c. are Salt-Peter most whereof is found in Dove-Houses and most Dove-houses in this great Corn-County Then Pigeons in Hebrew Jonah which comes from a Root which signifies to spoil and destroy They are thought to be the Causers of Dearth and are indeed devouring Innocents This Shire needs no Manufactures yet the Town of Northampton may be said to stand chiefly on other Mens Leggs where if not the best the most and cheapest Boots and Stockins are bought in England Upon Trial of the Cloth Manufacture in this County their Cloth ran very course tho their Wool be fine Among Buildings the Cathedral of St. Peter challengeth the precedency of all in England for a Majestick Western Front of Columel-work The Cloysters of this Cathedral were lately pulled down to repair the Body thereof As for civil Structures Holdenby-House built by Sir Christopher Hatton once a stately Structure is now demolished Next Burleigh-House nigh Stamford built by W. Lord Cecil is a House of great State and Magnificence Withorpe built by Th. Cecil E. of Exeter to retire to as he pleasantly said out of the Dust whilst his great House of Burleigh was a sweeping Castle-Ashbey the Noble Mansion of the E. of Northampton was most beautiful before a casual Fire deformed part thereof Besides these there be many others no County in England yielding more Noblemen no Noblemen in England having fairer Habitations The Wonder of this Shire is that within the Demesnes of Baughton the Barony of the Right Honorable Edward Lord Montague there is a Spring which is conceived to turn Wood into Stone As for Medicinal Waters Wellinborough-Well was very famous in the daies of Queen Mary who lay many weeks thereat Proverbs I. The Mayor of Northampton opens Oysters with his Dagger This Town being 80 miles from the Sea Sea-Fish may be presumed stale therein II. He that must eat a buttered Faggot let him go to Northampton Because it is the dearest Town in England for fuel Princes Elizabeth Daughter of Sir Richard Woodvill by the Lady Jaquet his Wife formerly the Relict of Jo. D. of Bedford was born at Grafton-Honour She was Widow to Sir Jo. Grey who lost his life for the House of Lancaster and petitioned King Edward to take off the sequestration from her Joynture She afterwards became the Royal confort of that King tho it was not long before the Tempest of his lust drove him to another Shore which had a greater share in his Affections This Lady lived to see the Death of her Husband Murder of her 2 Sons and the rest of her Children and tho her Daugh. was afterwards married to H. 7. that King was not over dutiful to her nor over-loving to her Daughter She died An. 14 She finished Queens College in Cambridge where I had my first breeding begun by Queen Marg. Wife to Henry 6 an implacable Enemy to her Husband so that the 2 Houses of York and Lancaster had their first Amity in that Foundation Rich. Plantagenet Crook-back Son to Rich. D. of York was born at Fothinghay Castle Valour and Eloquence met in his Person He compassed the Crown by Cruelty and the Killing of his Nephews the 2 Sons of Edward 4. When King he made good Laws He lost the Crown and his life in the Battle of Bosworth An. 1435. having performed in the Fight all the Offices of a Wise General and Valiant Souldier He knew it was all one for him to die as to survive success Kath. D. to Sir Th. Par and last Wise to Henry 8. was probably born in this County See Westmorland Saints Werburgh D. to Wolpher Prince of Merica was a Nun at Ely whence returning to Wedon formerly her Father's Palace she turn'd that place into a Monastery She had also Juridiction over the Monastery of Trekinghan in Linc. where she was buried the Gates of which place are fabulously reported to have open'd of themselves when the Men of Hamburge which was also within her Jurisdiction came for her Corps to bury it according to the direction given in her Will. 'T was presumed that Werburgh al. Wardburgh would prove a Tatelary Patroness of the Town or place which possessed her body Some have reported that she hath driven awry all Geese from Weden that they shall destroy no Grain thereabout She died An. 675. her body was afterward translated to Chester where H. Lupus built the Monastery of St. Werburghs converted into a Cathedral by Henry 8. Martyrs Jo. Curd a Shoemaker burnt in Northampton An. 1557. whose Blood was not chargeable on the Bishop but his bloody Arch-Deacons account Cardinal Henry Chichley born at Higham Ferrers is said to have been made Cardinal by the Title of St. Eusebius Prelates Rich. and Adam of Northampton were both Bishops in Ireland the former Consecrated Bishop of Fernose 1282. died 1304. The later Consecrated 1322. died 1346. having first seen his Cathedral burnt by the Rebels W. le Zouch Son to Lord Zouch was born at Haringwort from Dean he became Arch-Bishop of York to whose care Edward 3. going into France committed the care of the North. This Arch-Bishop soon after bid Battle to David King of Scots at Durham on St. Luke's Eve whereon the Scotch King found such a Fast that he had little lift to feast the day following being routed and taken Prisoner Hence a Poet of that Age Est Peter invictus sicco do Stipite dictus Zouch in French signifying the dry stump of a stick However his Family flourished as a Green-tree till withered in our memory when Edward the last Lord Zouch died without Issue male in the beg of King Charles This P relate began a beautiful Chappel on the South-side of his Cathedrial He died and was buried before the Altar of St. Edmond 1352. Rob. Braybrooke was made Bishop of London 1381. and afterward Chancellour of England He died 1404. and was buried in the Chappel of St. Mary Lionell Woodvill or Wydevill born at Grafton bred in then Chanc. of Oxford was made B. of Salisbury 1482. His Memory is supported rather by the Buttresses of his great Relations than the Foundation of his own Deserts For he was Son to Jaques Dutchess of Bedford and Rich. Wydevill Earl of Rivers Brother to Elizabeth Queen of England and Brother in Law to Edward 4. Heart-broken with grief with the Tragedies he beheld in his owns Family caused by the Cruelty of King Richard 3. he died about 1484. Since the Reformation Ja. Montague Son to Sir Rich. Knight was born at Boughton bred in Christ-college in Cambridge was after Mr. of Sidney-college which he freed from a debt of 20l. yearly payable to Trin. College He expended 100 Marks to bring running water into the Kings-ditch in Cambridge He was afterwards Bishop of Bath and Wells then of Winchester being highly in favour with King James whose Works he
was Tutor to his Nephew King Edward 3. In whose Reign he was beheaded at Winchester March 19. for that he never dissembled his Brotherly affection towards his Brother deposed and went about when he was murdered before not knowing so much to enlarge him out of Prison perswaded thereunto by such as covertly practised his Destruction Edward Eldest Son of King Edward 3. was born at Woodstock and bred under his Father in Martial Discipline He was afterwards called the Black Prince from his Atchievements dismal and black as they appeared to the eyes of his Enemies whom he constantly overcame He married Joan Countess of Salisbury and Kent whose Garter which now flourisheth again hath lasted longer than all the Wardrobes of the Kings and Queens of England since the Conquest continued in the Knighthood of that Order This Prince died before his Father at Cant. An. 46. Aet An. Dom. 1376. whose Maiden success attended him to the Grave as never soiled in any undertakings He left 2 Sons Edward and Richard afterward King both born in France Th. of Woodstock Youngest Son of E. 3. and Queen Philippa was Earl of Buck. and Duke of Gloc. created by his Nephew King Rich. who summoned him to Parliament He married Isabel Daughter of Humphrey Bohun E. of Essex in whose Right he became Constable of England He observed the King too nearly and checked him too sharply whereupon he was conveyed to Calis and there Strangled By whose Death King Richard being freed from the causless fear of an Unkle became exposed to the cunning Plots of his Cosen German Henry Duke of Lancaster who at last deposed him This Th. founded a fair Colledge at Playsie in Essex where he was afterwards buried his Body having been since translated to West minster Anne Beauchamp born at Cavesham was Daughter to Rich. Beauchamp Earl of Warwick and married to Rich. Nevil Earl of Sarisbury and Warwick commonly called the Make-King In his own and her Husband 's right she was possessed of 114. Mannors Isa her eldest Daughter was married to Geo. Duke of Clarence and Anne her younger to Edward Prince of Wales Son of H. 6. and afterwards to King Richard 3. Her Husband being killed at Barnet fight all her Land by Act of Parliament was setled on her 2 Daughters Being attainted on the account of her Husband she was forced to flye to the Sanctuary at Beauly in Hant-shire and thence to the North where she lived privately and in a mean condition Saints St. Frideswide was born in Oxford being Daughter to Didan the Duke thereof 'T is said that one Algarius a young Noble man was struck blind upon his attempting her Chastity She was afterwards Abbess of a Monastery erected by her Father in the same City which since is become part of Christs Church where her body lyeth buried An. 1. Eliz. the Scholars of Oxford took up the body of the Wife of Pet. Martyr who formerly had been disgracefully buried in a dung-hill and interred it in the Tomb with the dust of this Saint with this Inscription as Saunders affirms Here lyes Religion with Superstition and there was more than 800 years betwixt their several deaths St. Frideswide dying 739 and is remembred in the Romish Calender on 19 Oct. St. Edwold Younger brother to St Edmond King of the E. Angles so cruelly Martyred by the Danes and after his death Edwold being his right Heir declined the Crown and retired to Cornhouse-Monastery at Dorchester where he was interred and had in great veneration for his reputed Miracles after his death which happened 871. St. Edward the Confessor was born at Islip He was afterwards King of England whose Reign was attended with Peace and Prosperity Famous for the first founding of Westminster Abbey and for many other worthy Atchievements He lived and dyed Single never carnally conversing with St. Edith his Queen which opened a Door for forreign Competitors and occasioned the Conquest of this Nation He died 1065. and lyeth buried in Westminster-Abbey Cardinals Robert Pullen or Bullen came over from Paris in the Reign of Henry 1. when Learning ran low in Oxford He improved his utmost power with the King and Prelates for the restoring thereof He is said to have begun to read the Scriptures at Oxford which were grown out of fashion in England Afterwards Pope Innocent courteously sent for him to Rome Celestine created him Cardinal of St. Eusebius 1144. Lucius 2. made him Chancellor of the Church of Rome He died about 1150. Th. Joyce or Jorce a Dominican and D. D. in Oxford became Provincial of his Order Afterwardes Pope Clement 5. created him Cardinal of St. Sabine He had 6 Brethren Dominicans who altogether were by one uncharitably resembled to the 7 Sons of Sceva which were Exorcists however they may be termed a Week of Brethren whereof this Rubricated Cardinal was the Dominical Letter There want not those who conceive great Vertue in the youngest Son of these seven and that his touch was able to cure the Popes Evill Th. flourished 1310. and he lyes buried in his Convent in Oxford Prelates Herbert Losing born in Oxford Son of an Abbot gave 1900 l. to King William Rufus for the Bishoprick of Thetford having also purchased his Fathers preferment Hence the Verse Filius est Praesul Pater Abbas Simon uterque both being guilty of Simony Herbert afterwards went to Rome no such clean washing as in the water of Tyber and returned thence as free from fault as when first born Thus cleansed from the Leprosie of Simony he removed his Bishoprick from Thetford to Norwich laid the first Stone and in effect finished the fair Cathedral therein and built 5 beautifull Parish Churches He died 1119. See Suff. Owen Oglethorp Pres of Magdalen Colledg Dean of Windsor and Bishop of Carlile in the Reign of Queen Mary crowned Queen Elizabeth which the rest of his Order refused to do and by her deprived for his ensuing Stubbornness distilled in him by other Popish Bishops who abused his good Nature He died of an Apoplexy 1559. Since the Reformation Jo. Underhill born in Oxford and bred in New Colledg was Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth and by her made Bishop of Oxford after that See had been Vacant 22 years He died 1592. and lyeth buried in Christ Church Jo. Bancroft born at Ascot was Mr. of University College in Oxford and setled the ancient Lands of that Foundation Being afterward Bishop of Oxford he renewed no Leases but let them run out for the Benefit of his Successor He obtained the Royalty of Shotover for and annexed the Vicaridge of Cudsen to his Bishoprick where he built a fair Palace and a Chappel at the cost of 3500 l. But that Palace was reduced to its first Principles being burnt in the late Civil Wars He died 1640. Statesmen Sir Dudley Carleton Knight bred in Oxford was Secretary to Sir Ralph Winwood Ambassador in the Low Countries when King James resigned the Cautionary Towns to the States Here he
dat qui justa negat For which he suffered He wrote an excellent Book of the difference of the Ages of Man Jo. Harrington Knight had a fair Estate at Kelston near Bath was Master of St. John's Colledge and afterwards one of the most ingenious Poets of the English Nation witness his Translation of Orlando Furioso out of Italian c. Being at an Ordinary in Bath with some Gentlemen of greater Estates than himself the Maid that waited at Table attended him with a particular observance and being demanded the reason I understand said she you are a very witty man and if I should displease you in any thing I fear you would make an Epigram of me He made an Addition to Bishop Godwins Catalogue of Bishops He lest a fair Estate to a Learned and Religious Son and dyed about the middle of the Reign of K. James His Father suffered Imprisonment and lost One Thousand Pound for carrying a Letter to the Lady afterward Queen Eliz. from whom his Mother was sequestred as an Heretick and all by Gardiner's means Samuel Daniel born near Taunton was an exquisite Poet and a Judicious Historian witness his Lives of the English Kings since the Conqueror untill Edw. 3. He was servant in Ordinary to Q. Anne In his old Age he rented a Farm in VVilt-shire and dyed about the end of K. James Humphrey Sidenham born at Dalverton of an Ancient and Worshipful Family was bred a Fellow in Wadham Colledge So eminent a Preacher that he was commonly called Silver-tongued Sidenham He wrote learned Sermons of which that called the Athenian Babler was most remarkable He dyed 1650. Romish Exile Writers Jo. Gibbon leaving the Land was by Pope Greg. 13. made Canon in the Church of Bonn he was afterwards Rector of the Jesuits-Colledge in Triers He wrote a Book in which he endeavoured to prove that the Pope was not Antichrist He dyed 1589. Rob. Person bred in Oxford whence he was expelled for his Viciousness went to Rome whence he returned with Campian to preserve this Nation 1589. Some of his own party offended with his ill-nature intended to resign him to the Queens Officers He was Satyrical and so much of a Politician as to provide for his own safteâ—…y who would look on direct give ground abet on other Mens hands but never plaid so as to adventure himself into England He wrote a shrewd Book of the Succession to the English Crown setting it forth under the Name of Dolman He had an Authoritative influence on all the English Catholicks He was 23 years Rector of the Colledge at Rome where he dyed 1610. Jo. Fen born at Montacute and Batchelour of the Laws in Oxford fled into Flanders thence into Italy whence returning he fixed at Lovain He wrote many and Translated more books and dyed 1613. Note there lived a rigid Non-Conformist of his Sirname about Coventry who in his latter Will and Testament rail'd against the Hierarchy Jo. Collington bred in Oxford was taken with Campian and Condemned but being Reprieved after some Travel he advanced his Religion in England for 30 years together He was alive 1611. Benefactors to the Publick The Lady Mohun obtained from her Husband Jo. Lord Mohun of Dunstor so much ground for the Commons of the Town of Dunstor as she could in one day compass about going on her naked Feet She dyed as is conjectured in the Reign of Hen. 5. Since the Reformation Nich. Wadham of Merrifieild Esq having great length in his Extraction breadth in his Estate and depth in his Liberality Marryed Dorothy Daughter to the Secretary Sister to the first Lord Peters His Hospital house was an Inn at all times a Court at Christmas This worthy Pair being Issuless Erected the Colledge of VVadham in Oxford His Estate after his Death descended to Strangwayes Windham VVhitt c. He was buried in the Church of Ilminster Phil. Biss of a worthy Family at Spargrave Commenced D. D. in Magdalens-Colledge in Oxford and was Arch-Deacon of Taunton He bequeathed his Library consisting of so many Folio's as were valued at One Thousand Pound to VVadham-Colledge then newly Founded One Epitaph made on him begins Bis suit hic natus c. in allusion to his Name He dyed about 1614. Memorable Persons Sir Jo. Champneis born at Chew bred Skinner in London and Lord Mayor thereof 1535. was the first private Man who in his house next Cloth-VVorkers Hall built a Turret to oversee his Neighbours in the City which delight in his Eye was punished with blindness some years before his Death Tho. Coriat born at Odcombe and bred in Oxford A great Grecian carried Folly which the Charitable call Merriment in his Face and had a Head in form like an inverted Sugar-loaf He lay alwayes in his Cloaths to save both labour and charge in shifting Prince Henry allowed him a Pension and kept him for his Servant Sweet-meats and Coriat made up the last course at all Entertainments being the Courtiers An. vil to try their Wits upon sometimes he returned the Hammers as hard knocks as he received His Book called Coriat's Crudities is not altogether useless Being hardy he undertook to travel on foot to the East-Indies and dyed in the midst of his Journey Noted Sheriffs An. 14. Jo. Paulet Arm. an Accomplisht Gentleman and bountiful House-keeper was by King Charles I. Created Baron Paulet of Hinton St. George in this County whose Right Honourable Son and Heir Jo. Lord Paulet now succeedeth in that Barony Modern Battles The Skirmish at Martials-Elm 1642. made much noise in Mens Ears a Musket gave a greater report then a Canon since and is conceived to have first broken the Peace of the Nation As for the Encounter at Lang-Port where the Kings Forces under the Lord Goring were defeated July 12 1645 it was rather a Flight than a Fight And hence forward the Sun of the Kings Cause declined versing more and more VVestward till at last it set in Cornwal and since after a long and dark night rose again by Gods goodness in the East when our Gracious Sovereign arrived at Dover Note that an 1607 there happened an Inundation by the irruption of the Severn-Sea which over-flowed this County almost 20 Miles in length and four in breadth though by Gods special Providence it drowned no more then 80 Persons BRISTOL BRistol or Bright-stow i. e. Illustrious Dwelling is divided by the River Avon and pleasantly Scituated on the Rising of a Hill The Buildings are fair and firm the Streets cleanly kept The City answereth its Name chiefly for having bred many Eminent Persons It is a Liberty of it self though it standeth both in Sommerset-shire and Glocester-shire There are Diamonds though somewhat dim produced at St. Vincents Rock near to this City Of Manufactures Gray Sope was anciently made only in this City As for Buildings Ratcliff-Church is the best Parish Church in England It was first Founded by Cannings first a Merchant then a Priest St. Augustines Church
King Henry 8. in his Progress to York a Valley near Doncaster the richest as he affirmed that ever he observed in all his Travails through Europe for within 10 Miles of Haselwood the Seat of the Vavasors there were 165 Mannor-houses 275 several Woods some of them containing 500 Acres 3 Parks and Chases of Deer 120 Rivers and Brooks whereof 5 be Navigable 76 Water-Mills 25 Coal Mines 3 Forges for making of Iron The natural Commodities of this County are Geat found in the Clefts of the Rocks towards the Sea side being naturally of a reddish and rusty colour it grows black with polishing It may pass for the Embleme of our Memories attracting trifles and letting pass matters of more moment Alume first found nigh Gesburgh some 60 years since by Sir Thomas Chaloner Tutor to Prince Henry The Mine thereof being afterwards managed by three prime Workmen brought not to say stoln over in Hogsheads from Rochel in France was adjudged a Mine Royal who paid yearly to the King 12500 pounds to the Earl of Moulgrave 1640 pounds to Sir William Penniman 600 pounds and though he had in pay at one time no fewer then 800 Men he complained not of his Bargain Selling the Alume whereof he had the sole Sale at 26 pounds the Tun. This the late Long Parliament Voted a Monopoly and restored the benefit thereof to the former Proprietaries who now pursue the work at five several places viz. Sands-end and Ash-holme belonging to the Earl of Moulgrave Slapy-wath Sir William formerly Penniman's Darcey's Dunsley Mr. Thomas Fairfax's Whitlay Sir Hugh Chomley's The Commodity is now fallen 13 pounds the Tun. Lime is made near Pontfract no less as I am credibly informed then 20000 pounds worth yearly This County doth breed the best Race of English Horses which generally are not so slight as the Barbe nor so slovenly as the Flemish nor so Airy as the Spanish Gennets especially if as reported they be conceived of the Wind nor so Earthly as those in the Low-Countries and Germany But being of a middle Stature and Strength are both seemly and serviceable Well may Philip be so common a Name among the Gentry of this Country who are generally so delighted in Horsemanship The Manufacture of Cloathing is vigorously followed in this County As for edged and pointed Tools Sheffeild is the Staple Town for Knives and many and good Pins are made in this County But come we now to the Medicinal Waters about a Mile and a half from Knares-borough Westward there is a Spring of Vitrioline tast and odour discovered by one Slingsby about 1620 and is conceived to run parallel with the Spaw Waters in Germany Not far oft is a Sulphur-Well the stench whereof is great but the vertues greater In the same Parish there is the Petrifying Well because it converteth spungy substances into a stone or crusteth them over round about St. Mungus his Well is famous for the Sovereign Vertue of the Waters thereof and for four Springs near in Scituation and distant in Operation It has its Name from St. Mungo a Scotch Saint See Dr. Dean's Spadsacrena Anglica As for Buildings the Church of Beverly is a fine Fabrick of which more when I shall have occasion to speak of the Collegiate Church of Rippon Then Wresel-Castle is seated in the Confluence of Derwent and Owse built of square Stone with four fair Towers at each corner with a Gatehouse wherein are Chambers five stories high and Gardens without the Walls It had a Study made with great Art in an eight square Tower called Paradise all which beautiful Building belonging to the Earl of Northumberland is much impaired if not wholly defaced by time Proverbs I. From Hell Hull and Halifax deliver us This is part of the Beggars or Vagrants Letany Hull is terrible to them as a Town of good Government Halifax is formidable to them for the Law thereof whereby Thieves taken in the very act of stealing Cloath are instantly beheaded with an Engine without any further Legal Proceedings II. A Scarborough Warning that is none at all but a sudden surprize when a mischief is felt before it be suspected It took its Original from Thomas Stafford who in the Reign of Queen Mary 1557. with a small Company siezed on Scarborough Castle before the Townsmen had the least notice of his approach However by the industry of the Earl of Westmorland Sir Thomas Stafford was within 6 dayes taken brought to London and beheaded Others affirm this Proverb to be of more ancient Original fetching it from the custom of Scarborough Castle in former times in shooting of Ships which strook not sail warning and damnifying them both together III. As true Steel as Rippon Rowels The best Spurs of England are made at Rippon the Rowels whereof may be enforced to strike through a shilling and will break sooner then bow It is applyed to Men of Metal faithful in their Employments IV. An York-shire Wee-Bit That is an overplus not accounted in the reckoning which sometimes proveth as much as all the rest V. Merry Wakefield This Town is seated in a fruitful Soyl and cheap Country where there is good Chear and good Company and therefore why should not the Town be merry Princes Henry youngest Son to William Duke of Normandy but eldest to King William the Conquerour was born at Selby 1070. where his Father Founded an Abbey and afterwards gained the Crown from D. Roberts his eldest Brother He was bred in Cambridge and Paris where he so profited that he attained the Sirname of Beau-Clerke He Reigned 35 years and upwards remitted the Norman Rigour and restored to his English Subjects a great part of the English Laws and Liberties His Princely Vertues were attended with some Amorous Extravagancies as appears by his numerous Natural Issue no fewer then 14 all by him publickly owned the Males highly advanced the Females richly Married His Sobriety otherwise was admirable whose Temperance was of proof against any Meat objected to his Appetite Lampreys only excepted on a Surfeit whereof he dyed 1135. He had only two Legitimate Children William dying before and Maude surviving him both born in Normandy Thomas fifth Son of King Edward 1. and the first that he had by Margaret his second Wife was born at and Sirnamed from Brotherton a Village in this County June the 1st 1300. He was created Earl of Norfolk and Earl Marshal of England He left no Male Issue but from his Females the Mowbrays Dukes of Norfolk and from them the Earls of Arundel and the Lords Berkley are descended Richard Plantag Duke of York commonly called Richard of Connisborough from the Castle in this Shire of his Nativity was Grandchild to King Edward 3. He Married Anne Daughter and sole Heir to Edward Mortimer the true Inheritrix of the Crown But tampering too soon and too openly to derive the Crown in his Wives Right to himself by practising the death of the present King he was taken and beheaded for Treason in the
suddenly deprived of his sight and dyed 1555. William Glyn D. D. bred in and Master of Queens-Colledge in Oxford was an 2. Mary preferred Bishop of Bangor An excellent Scholar being constant to his own and not cruel to opposite judgments he caused no persecution in his Diocess He dyed an 1. Elizabeth whose Brother Jeffrey Dr. of Laws built and endowed a Free School at Bangor Since the Reformation Rouland Merrick Dr. of Laws was born at Bodingan bred at Oxford where he became Principal of New-Inn-hall and afterwards a Dignitary in the Church of St. Davids He procured the imprisonment of Robert-Ferrar his Diocesan in the dayes of King Edward 6. who was afterwards Martyred in the Reign of Queen Mary Mr. Merrick was Consecrated Bishop of Bangor an 2. Elizabeth 1559. He was Father to Sir Gilly Merrick Knight who lost his life for engaging with the Earl of Essex 1600. Lancelot Bulkley was born of a then Right Worshipful since Honourable Family one of whose fair Habitations is near Beumaris He was bred in Brazen-Nose-Colledge in Oxford and afterwards became first Arch-Deacon and then Arch-Bishop of Dublin October 3. 1619. Soon after he was made by King James one of his Privy Counsel in Ireland He dyed about 16. Seamen Madoc Son to Owen Gwineth ap Griffith ap Conan and Brother to Dav. Prince of North-Wales was born probably at Aberfraw then the principal Palace of their Royal residence He 1170. made a Voyage Westward and probably those names of Cape de Breton Norvinberg and Pengwin in part of the Northern America were Reliques of his discovery BRECKNOCK-SHIRE BRecknock-shire hath Radnor-shire on the North Cardigan and Carmarthen-shire on the West Glamorgan-shire on the South Hereford and Monmouth-shire on the East In length 28 and in breadth 20 miles The fruitfulness of the Vallies in this Shire maketh amends for the barrenness of the Mountains Brecknock the chief Town hereof doth at this present time afford the Title of an Earl to James Duke of Ormond the first that ever received that Dignity About 400 years since a Daughter of Gilb. and Maud Becket and Sister to Thomas Becket was by King Henry 2. bestowed in Marriage on one Butler an English Gentleman Him King Henry sent over into Ireland and endeavouring to expiate Beckets blood rewarded him with large Lands so that his Posterity were created Earls of Ormond In this County there is plenty of Otters in Brecknock Meer the Wool whereof is much used in making of Beavers As for Wonders 't is reported by Speed that Cloaks Hats and Staves cast down from the top of an Hill called Mouchy Denny or Cadier Arthur and the North-East Rocks would never fall but were with the air and wind still returned back and blown up again nor would any thing descend save a Stone or some metallin substance When the Meer Lynsavathan within two Miles of Brecknock hath her frozen Ice first broken it yields a thundering noyse and there is a Tradition that where that Meer spreadeth its waters stood a fair City till swallowed up by an Earthquake which is not improbable first because all the Highways of this County do lead thither secondly Ptolemy doth place in this Tract the City Loventrium which Mr. Cambden could not recover and therefore likely to be drown'd in this Pool the rather because Levenny is the name of the River running by it Saints St. Canoch Cadock Sons and Keyne Daughter to Braghan King builder and namer of Brecknock who had 24 Daughters all Saints though only St. Keyne survived flourished about 492. of whom St. Cadock is reported a Martyr and all had in high Veneration amongst the people of South-Wales St. Clintanke was King of Brecknock It happened that a Noble Virgin gave it out That she would never Marry any man except the said King who was so zealous a Christian A Pagan Souldier purposely to defeat her desire killed this King who left behind him the reputation of a Saint Prelates Giles de Bruse born at Brecknock was Son to William de Bruse Baron of Brecknock a prime Peer in his time This Giles became Bishop of Hereford and in the Civil Wars sided with the Nobility against King John on which account he was banished but at length returned and recovered the Kings favour His Paternal Honour and Inheritance was devolved upon him and from him after his death transmitted to his Brother Reginald who Married the Daughter of Leoline Prince of Wales His Essigies on his Tomb in Hereford Church holdeth a Steeple in his hand whence it is concluded that he built the Belfree of that Cathedral He dyed 1215. Since the Reformation Thomas Howel born at Nangamarch bred Fellow of Jesus-Colledge in Oxford became a most meek man and excellent Preacher His Sermons like the waters of Siloah did run softly gliding on with a smooth stream King Charles I. made him Bishop of Bristol He dyed 1646. leaving many Orphan Children behind him I have been told that the Honourable City of Bristol hath taken care for their comfortable Education Statesmen Henry Stafford Duke of Buckingham set up King Richard on the Throne endeavouring afterwards in vain to depose him the King compassing him into his clutches through the treachery of Humphrey Banister the Dukes own Servant the Sheriff siezing him in Shrop-shire where he was digging of a Ditch in a disguise He was beheaded at Sarisbury without any Legal Tryal 1484. Memorable Persons Nesta Daughter to Gruffin Prince of Wales and Wife to Bernard of Newmarch a Noble Norman and Lord by Conquest of this County was an Harlot to a young Gentleman Mahel her Son having got this Stallion into his hands used him very hardly wherewith Nesta being madded came into open Court and on her Oath before King Henry 2. publickly protested that Mahel was none of Newmarch his Son but begotten on her in Adultery This if true spake her dishonesty if false her porjury true or false her Peetless impudency Hereby she disinherited Mahel and setled a vast Territory on Sybil her sole Daughter Married afterwards to Milo Earl of Hereford Note that when Mr. Speed in pursuance of his Description of England passed this County 8 persons who had been Bayliffs of Brecknock gave him courteous entertainment CARDIGAN-SHIRE CArdigan-shire is washed on the West with the Irish Sea and parted from Merioneth-shire by the River Dovi from Brecknock-shire by Tovy and on the South from Carmarthen and Pembroke-shire by Tyvy Being in form like a Horn wider towards the North and has a Cornu-copia universal plenty This County though remotest to England was soonest reduced to the English Dominion as being nearer to the Sea which afforded a more convenient passage to the English who were potent in Shipping and invaded this County in the Reign of VVilliam Rufus and Henry 1. bestowed the same entirely upon VVilliam de Clare In former times plenty of Bevers did breed in the River Tyvy in this County Proverbs I. Talaeth Talaeth that is Fine Fine