all and his Son Jesus Christ he alone by right obtained this honour by the will of God to have that which was buried in death to reign among men Howe 's of the Romans f. 45. In the 20. year of this Constantine was held as saith Mr. Howes the Councel of Nice with great Solemnity wherein were condemned and suppressed the damnable Heresies of Arius Bigot the vain-glorious and dissembling Minister whereof the Arian Heresie took the Name and for a long space after much troubled Christendom And at this time the Nicene Creed was commanded to be sung and said in all Churches And the forenamed Arius pretending to make a Retract of all his Heresies took his leave of the Emperor The fearfull end of an arch Heretick as if he had great necessity to take Physick to purge his Body which Purgation never ceased working till it had purged him of all his bloud and bowels and so he died most miserably and shamefully How es ibid. About this time saith the same Author Octavius whom Constantine left Governor in Brittain rebelled against whom Constantine sent Traherne his Uncle with a Legion of Romans who after divers Conflicts was slain Old English Chronic. f. 34 p. 4. The old English Chronicle saith When Constantine went from this Land to Rome he took all his lond to keep to the Earl of Cornwall that was called Octavian And anon as this Octavian wist that his Lord dwelt at Rome incontinent be ceased all the lond into his hands and therewith did all his will among hy and low and they held him for King But other Historians both Brittish and English Domestical and Foreign affirm that Constantine at his going from Brittain to Rome committed the Government of this Countrey to the Roman Proconsuls and the named Octavian or Octavius took arms against them slew them and so obtained to be King here The Monk of Westminster saith this Octavius was a King before a Regulus or Prince of the People in and about Worcestershire Harding saith he was Duke of West Sex he must mean where the West Saxons after ruled for they came not into Brittain till a long time after this But after his day came one Octavius Duke of West sex that crowned was for King That slewgh the Werdins of Constantinus Which that he set for Brittain governing In his abscence to keep it in all thing Besides this there be other difficulties among the Historians about this Octavius and such as will discredit him for having had many great and chief and long Commands as a King in this Nation Math Westm setteth down his conquering the Roman Proconsul here in the year of Christ 314 when divers more ancient and received Historians say that S. Helen our Queen and Empress continued here long after that time Br. fol. 543. 4. And her Son Constantine Emperor now at the highest of his Glory Power and Victories and having so many Brittish Soldiers without imployment in France so near unto us cannot be immagined to have suffered any Enemy in his own native Countrey so to have prevailed or how could such a man as Octavius is supposed to be assemble such an Army in Brittain where that victorious Emperor was undoubted King and whence he had so great an Army of Brittains so lately before that by them as our Historians write he vanquished all most innumerable Companies of his most potent Enemies And as these Relators of Octavius his proceedings themselves are Witnesses the power with Constantine was so great that the Romans which came hither unto him seeing his power said No Prince in the world was comparable to him for strength Where then in Brittain could Octavius gather an Army so soon to encounter and overthrow three Legions of Roman Soldiers besides their Adherents as these men say And Eusebius saith that Constantine himself came hither again and was here longer after this pretended Revolt and at his death gave Brittain the ancient Patrimony to his Eldest Son Again these men say Octavius was King here until Maximus his time and married his only Daughter and Heir unto him when it is a common consent in Antiquities that this Maximus or Maximinianus was not King in Brittain till after the 380. year of Christ Therefore he must needs be granted to be very young of too few years at the going of Constantine hence for him to commit the Government of Brittain unto him or for himselfe to have so soon Usurped against it so rightfull and potent King and Emperour Our most ancient and best Historians S. Gildas S. Bede Marianus Florentius Wigorniensis Ethelwardus Henry of Huntington and William of Malmsbury although as diligently as they could recounting our Kings of Brittain never mention any such Octavius or Octavian but the chiefest and most ancient among them S. Gildas plainly saith that this Island was at this time and until Maximus or Maximinian a Brittain took upon him the Empire a Roman Island Insula nomen Romanum tenens And divers Historians both late and ancient do particularly set down our Kings after Constantine the Great and Roman Leivtenants here until these daies as Constantine Constantius Julian Valentinian Gratian Emperors or Kings Martinus Lupicinus Nectaridius Theodosius Fraomarius and other Roman Lievtenants and Governors here And when the Councel of Ariminum was kept about the year of Christ 360 and the 23. year of Constantius son of Constantine the Great it is certain that this Constantius was our King in Brittain and bore the charge of the poorest Bishops of this Kingdom as then under his Government which were present there and he was so far from losing Brittain or any other Countrey of his Empire then as Sozomen and others testifie that Councel thus wrote unto him Epist Arimin Conc. ad Constant Imp. apud Sozoni Hist l. 4. c. 47. at this time this Empire so encreased that all the World was under his Government this was above twenty years after the death of the great Constantine in whose time this Revolt of Brittain from him is thus supposed and above twice so long time of the imagined usurpation here by Octavius And Zonaras writeth that this Constantius in the fourteenth year of his Empire banished or rather carried with him Athanasius into Brittain at his coming hither Therefore I dare not assent that in this time of the greatest flourishing Estate of the Roman Empire and the power thereof in Brittain Harding Cron. c. 63. f. 51. Galf. Mon. Hist Reg. Bri. l. 5. cap. 9. Pont. Virun Hist l. 5. Math. West an 379. especially from whence the glory of it grew to that greatness either Octavius or any other so much prevailed here to bar the Emperors of that honour But he might towards the time of Maximus or Maximianus when the Empire had more Enemies and less power prevail in some such sort as these Historians have written of him although they differ also in Maximian as well as in Octavius one saith he
Masbrook Chitbury Caurs Clonn which are now in Shropshire Ewyas Lacy Ewyas Harold Clifford VVinsorton Yardley Huntington VVhitney Loghardneis in Herefordshire Also this country of Southwales as all the rest of Brittain was first inhabited by the Brittains which remain there to this day saving that in divers places specially along the sea shore they have been mingled with Saxons Normans which the VVelsh history calleth Frenchmen and Flemings For that the Princes of VVales since the conquest of the Normans could never keep quiet possession thereof but what for strangers and what for disloyalty of their own people vexation and war were for the most part compelled to keep themselves in Caermardhenshire This shall suffice for the description of the Country After this great King had as it is said before disposed of his affairs had had war with Burchved King of Mercia which by the aid of Ethelwaph entred Northwales with a great power and destroyed Anglesey fought with the VVelshmen divers times and slew Meric a great Prince amongst them 846. Math. West Kongen P. of Pendieth at Rome 871. The year 846. was Ithel King of Gwent or Wetland slain in fight by the men of Brechnoch and in the year 854 Kongen King of Powis died at Rome being slain or choaked as some say by his own men Much about this time dyed Gwyan King of Cardigan This was that noble Gwyan ap Mevric ap Dunwal ap Arthen ap Sitsylt King or Prince of Cardigan who as some Brittish books have was at this time drowned by misfortune The Danes having entred the land being with shame and ignominy beaten and repulsed and compelled to abjure the Isle they bent whether equivocally or perfidiously their force against Wales and entred the Isle of Môn with a great army in the year of Christ eight hundred seventy three where Roderick gave them two battails one at a place called Menegd in Anglesey Dav. Powel fol. 34. 879. I find also saith my Authour that about this time Halden and Hungare two Captains of the Danes arrived in Southwales and overrun the whole Countrey destroying all before them with fire and sword neither sparing Churches nor Religious houses but within a while after they received their deserved reward at the hands of the West Saxons who awaiting for them on the coasts of Devonshire slevv both Halden and Hungare vvith 1200 of their people At this time Endon Bishop of Menevia or St. Davids died and Hubert was installed in his place And within two years after Dungarth King of Cornwal was drowned by a mischance In the year 876 the Englishmen entred into Anglesey and fought with the Welshmen a sore battail who in the year following slew Roderike King or Prince of Wales and Gwyriad his brother or as some say his son This Roderike had by his wife Enharad the daughter of Meyric the son of Difnwal or Dunwal the son of Arthen ap Sytsylt divers sons as Anarawd his Eldest son to whom he gave Aberfraw with Northwales Cadelh the second son vvho had Dinevour vvith Southvvales and also took Mathraval and Powis land by force from his brethren after the death of Mervin the third son to whom the father had given the same A Welsh manuscript which I have saith Rodri the great did bear G. a cheveron between three Roses arg Quarterly Gules and Or four Lions passant gardant Counterchange The Authour who sets down this coat as belonging to this King or Prince Mr. Mills catologue of honour fol. 209. compendiously gives us this relation Roderike the great in Welsh called Rodero Mawr Prince of all Wales a man of much strength and courage the son Essilt begotten by Mervin King of the Isles whose Grandfather by the Mothers side was Conan the son of Roderike the son of Idwall the son of Cadwallader the last King of the Brittains This Idwall conveyed the miserable Brittains that were oppressed and afflicted with the invasions and inroads of the Saxons into Cambria now called Wales and worthily governed them under the name and title of Prince of Wales Some are of of opinion that the Cambres were called Welshmen by this Idwallo as in old time the Brittains took their name from Brute But this is of no more truth then theirs is that would have them of one Wallo their Duke and governour or of Wendola a Queen of whom there is no mention made among them This Roderike of all the Princes of Wales The Authour also put Camber before Albanact preferring Wales before Scotland was the first that caused the histories of the Brittains to be written He renewed good Lawes he caused strong Castles to be built and procured that Churches or Temples should be kept and maintained for Divine Service at his decease he left the Principality of all Wales to be divided unto his three sons following the example of Brute who made Locrine Camber and Albanact Kings This matter of division was the very true and first Originall of the Welsh mens ruine as being divided into three Kingdomes which they called Principalities For allbeit whilst they lived one man held and maintained his own with much stoutness and magnanimity yet their posterity being distracted and falling to war among themselves were enforced every each to defend his part as well from their general enemies the English as from their Neighbours and Countreymen the Welsh by which the whole Kingdome of VVales was wrackt and overthrown Roderike ended his life in the eighty ninth year of his Age Mr. Wills ut ante and in the year of Christ eight hundreed seventy seven Alured the son of the godly King Ethelwolph being then King of the English Saxons He was buryed at Keyby Castle in Anglesey Engharad Princesse of VVales Wife of Roderike the great was daughter and heir to Meirich the son of Dyfnwal the son of Arthen ap Sytsilt King of Cardigan Their Issue Mervin Prince of Venâ—dosia or North-Wales of whom more hereafter Anarandus was second Son to whom his Father gave the 105. Cantreds or hundreds of Powis Land and for that of all his Brethren he was the most valiant and approved Warriour he seated him in the Marches or Borders of VVales his principal Seat and Mannour was at Mathraval The patrimony of this Anarandus namely the Principality of Powis in process of time devolved and came into the hands of a Woman named Hawis as her Right and Inheritance She being married to one John Chorlton an Englishman enfeoffed him with her Right and made him Lord of Powis From this Family it descended at last to the Greys of the North and thereby utterly lost that Name and Title of Principality For Andornus or Owen the Father of Hawis or Avis being called and sent for to a Parliament which King Edward the First held at Shrewsbury by the Decree and Judgment of the King and Barons took his Lands to be held in Capite under the Title and Tenure of Free Baronage of England and
Brittain was imprisoned and Edwal Voel the Son of Anarawd and Elise his Brother were slain in a battel which they fought against the Danes and Englishmen This Edwal had six sons Meiric Janaf or Jenan Jago which is James Conan Edwal Vachan and Roderick after whose death Howel Dha his Cosin German ruled all VVales during his life Elise also had Issue Conan and a Daughter named Trawst which was Mother to Conan ap Sitsylht Gruffith ap Sitsylht and Blethin ap Covyn which two last were afterwards Princes of VVales Howel Dha This Howel Dha King or Prince of Southwales and of Powis long before this time after the death of Edwal Voel his cosin took upon him the rule and government of all VVales about the year of Christ 940. who notwithstanding the sons of Edwal did something murmur against him was for his godly behaviour discreet and just rule beloved of men This Howel constituted and made Laws to be kept through his Dominions which were used in Wales till such time as the Inhabitants received the laws of England in the time of King Edward the First and in some places thereof long after These laws are to be seen at this day both in VVelsh and Latine Howel Dha perceiving the laws and customes of his country to have grown unto great abuse sent for the Arch-Bishop of Menenia and all the other Bishops and chief of the Clergy A pious example for all Princes to the number of one hundred and forty Prelates and all the Barons and Nobles of VVales and caused six men of the wisest and best esteemed in every Comote to be called before him whom he commanded to meet altogether at his house called Y Tuy Gwyn Taf that is The white house upon the River Taf. Thither he came himself and there remained with those his Nobles Prelates and Subjects all the Lent in prayer and fasting craving the Assistance and direction of Gods holy Spirit that he might reform the Laws and Customes of the Country of VVales to the honour of God and quiet government of the people About the end of Lent he chose out of that company twelve men of the wisest gravest and of the greatest experience to whom he added one Clerk or Doctour of the lawes named Blegored a singular learned and perfect wise man These had in charge to examine the old lawes and customes of Wales and to gather of such as were meet for the government of the Country which they did retaining those that were wholesome and profitable expounding those that were doubtful and ambiguous and abrogating those that were superfluous and hurtful and so ordained three sorts of Laws The first for ordering of the King or Princes Houshold and his Court. The second of the affairs of the Country and Common-wealth The third of the special customes belonging to particular places and persons Of all the which being read allowed and proclamed he caused three severall books to be written one for his dayly use to follow his Court an other to lye in his Palace at Abersfrew and the third at Dinevour that all the three Provinces of Wales might have the use of the same when need required The King and Princes of Brittain much observant of the See Apostolike And for the better observation of these lawes he procured of the Archbishop of St. Davids to denounce sentence of excommunication against such of his Subjects as refused to obey the same whithin a while after Howel because he would omit nothing that could bring countenance and authority to his said laws went to Rome taking with him the Archbishop of St. Davids the Bishop of Bangor and Asaph and thirteen other of the learnedst and wisest men in VVales where the said lavves being recited before the Pope vvere by his authority confirmed then having finished his devoted pilgrimage he returned home again vvith his company 1. By these lawes they might not morgage their lands but to one of the same family or kindred which were de eadem Parentela 2. Every tenant holding of any other then his Prince or Lord of the Fee paid a fine pro defensione Regia which was called Arian Ardhel in Latine Advocarii 3. No Legacy of goods by Will was good otherwise then those which were given to the Church to the Lord of the Fee or for payment of debts 4. Every man might destrain as well for debts as for rent of Lands any goods or Cattel saving horses which were counted to serve for a mans necessary defence and were not destrainable without the Princes licence 5. Causes of Inheritance were not heard or determined but from the ninth of November till the ninth of February or from the ninth of May until the ninth of August the rest of the year was counted a time of vacation for sowing in the spring and reaping in the harvest This also is to be observed that all matters of inheritance of Land were determined and adjudged by the King or Prince in person or his special Deputy if he were sick or impotent and that upon the view of the said Land calling unto him the Freeholders of the same place two Elders of his Councel the Chief Justice attending alwaies in the Court the ordinary Judge of the Country where the Land lay and the Priest The manner of their proceeding was thus the King or Prince sat in his Judicial seat higher then the rest with an Elder on his right hand and an other on his left and the Freeholders on both sides next unto them which for this cause as I think were called Vchelwyr Before him directly a certain distance off and a little lower sat the Chief Justice having the Priest on his right hand and the ordinary Judg of that Countrey on the left The court being set the Plaintiff came in with his Advocate Champion and Rhyngyth and stood on the right side and last of all the Witnesses on both parties came which stood directly before the Chief Justice at the lower end of the Hall untill they were called up to testify the truth of their knowledge in the matter in varitance The figure of which I thought good here to lay down as ye see Vnderneath Uchelwyr An Elder The King An Elder Uchelwyr The Priest THE Chief Justice The Judge The Defendant  The Plaintiff Rhyngyth  Rhyngyth Advocate  Advocate Champion The VVitnesses Champion After the hearing of this book read the depositions of the witnesses and full pleading of the cause in open Court upon warning given by the Rhyngyth the chief Justice the Priest and the Ordinary Judge withdrew themselves for a while to consult of the matter and then secundum Allegata probata brought their verdict the Court sitting Whereupon the King or Prince after consultation had with the Elders or Seniors which sat by him gave definitive sentence except the matter was so obscure and intricate that right and truth appeared not in the which case it was tryed by the two Champions and so
and Englishmen made war against such as succoured and defended his Uncle Jago and spoyled the Countries of Lhyyn and Kelynnoc Vawr whereby shortly after Jago was taken by Howels men who enjoyed his part of the land peaceably year 979 About the year 979. Edwal Vachan the son of Edwal Voel was slain by his Nephew Howel At this time Custenym Dhu that is Constantine the black son to Jago which then was prisoner hired Godfryd the son of Haroald with his Danes against his Cosin and they both together destroyed Anglesey and Lhyyn whereupon Howel gathered his army together and setting upon them at a place called Gwath Hirbarth overthrew them where Constantine was slain year 981 The year 981. Godfryd the son of Haroald gathered a great army and entred West Wales where spoyling all the Land of Dynet with the Church of St. Davids he fought the battail of Lhanwanoc Likewise in the year next ensuing Duke Alfred with an army of Englishmen spoyled and destroyed Brechnock and great part of the lands of Owen Prince of Southwales against whom Eneon the son of the said Owen and Howel King of Northwales did raise all their power and overthrow them in battail where the greatest part of Alfreds army was slain and the rest put to flight The year following the Gentlemen of Gwentland rebelled against their Prince and cruelly slew Eneon the soâ— of Owen which came thither to appease them This Eneon was a worthy and noble Gentleman who did many notable acts in his fathers time and left behind two sons Edwin and Theodor or Tewdor Mawr of whom came afterwards the Kings and Princes of Southwales In the year 984. Howel the son of Janaf King of Wales entered England with an army where he was fought and slain valiantly fighting This Howel had no son but his brethren reigned in his place Cadwallon the Son of Janaf After the death of Howel his Brother Cadwallon the second Son of Janaf took in hand the government of Northwales and first made War with Jonaval his Cofin the Son of Meyric and right heir to the Land and slew him but Edwal the youngest Brother escaped away secretly The year following Meredyth the Son of Owen King or Prince of Southwales with all his People entred into Northwales and in fight slew Cadwallon the son of Janaf and Meyric his Brother and conquered the land to himself wherein a man may see how God punished the wrong which Jago and Janaf the Sons of Edwal Voel did to their eldest brother Meyrick who was first disinherited and afterwards his eys put out and one of his Sons slain for first Janaf was imprisoned by Jago then Jago with his Son Constantine by Howel the Son of Ianaf and afterward the said Howel with his brethren Cadwallon and Meyric were slain and spoiled of their Lands Meredyth the Son of ap Howel Dha year 986 This Meredyth ap Owen havingslain Cadwallon obtained the Rule and government of Northwales in the year 986. Godfrid the Son of Haroald the third time entring the isle of Anglesey where having taken Lywarck the Son of Owen with two thousand prisoners besides he cruelly put out his eys whereupon Meredyth the Prince with the rest escaped and fled to Cardigan and the same year there was a great murrain of cattel throughout all Wales year 987 In the year 987. dyed Ianaf the Son of Edwal who had lived many years a private life The same year also dyed Owen the son of Howel Dha prince of Southwales This Owen had three Sons Eneon which dyed in his Fathers life time Lhywarck which lost both his eyes and Meredyth which as â—â—fore is declared had won Northwales and after his Fathers death took also into his possession all Southwales having no respect to his Brother Eneon his Sons Edwin and Theodor or Tewdor About the same time the Danes sailed from Hampton alongst the Sea coast The Tribute of the black Army spoiled Devonshire and Cornwall and so at last landed in Southwales and destroyed Saint Davids Lanbadarn Lhanrystid and Lhandydock which were all places of Religion and did so much hurt in the country besides that to be rid of them Meredyth was fain to agree with them and to give them a penny for every man within his land which was called the Tribute of the black Army year 989 The year 989. Owen the son of Dyfnwal was slain within a year after Meredith King of Wales destroyed the Town of Radnor at which time his Nephew Edwin the son of Encon having to his aid Duke Adelf and a great army of Englishmen and Danes spoiled all the land of Meredith in Southwales as Caerdigan Dynet Gwyr Kydwch and Saint Davids where Edwin took pledges of the chief men of those Countries In the mean time this Meredith with his people did spoil Glamorgan so that no place was free from Sword and fire but at the last Meredith and Edwin fell to an agreement and were made Friends Soon after Cadwalhon the son of Meredith dyed Meredith being thus imployed had so much to do in Southwales that Northwales lay open for the enemy which thing when the Danes perceived they arrived in Anglisey and destroyed the whole Isle Matth. West pag. 383. Jâ—a Castor 992. whereupon the Inhabitants of that country received Edwal the son of Meyric the right heir of Northwales for their Prince in the year 992. After these great troubles there followed within a year after such famine and scarcity in Southwales that many perished for want of food Edwal ap Meyric the son of Meredith This Edwal being in possession of the principality of Northwales studied to keep and defend his people from injuries and wrongs But Meredith gathered together all his power intending to recover again Northwales with whom Edwal met at Lhagwm and overthrew him in plain battel where Theodor or Tewdor Manor Meredith his Nephew was slain who left behinde him two Sons Rees and Rytherck and a Daughter called Elen. A little after this Swain the son of Haroald destroyed the Isle of Man and entring into Northwales slew Edwal the prince thereof who left behinde him a son called Jago In the year of Christ 998. the Danes came again to Saint Davids destroying all before them and there they slew Morgency or rather Vrgency Bishop of that See the same year also dyed Meredith the son of Owen King or Prince of Wales leaving behinde him one only Daughter called Angharad which was married to Lewellin ap Sitsylht and after his death to Convyn Hirdref or as other do think to Convyn ap Gwerystan who had children by either of them which was the cause of much war and mischief in Wales as shall appear hereafter Aedan the Son of Blegored The death of both these Princes forsomuch as Meredith had no Issue male and Edwal left behinde him a childe within years not able to take the charge of a Common-wealth did cause much trouble to ensue for in Northwales divers did aspire
Angharat daughter to Meredith King of Wales did govern Northwales Conan the son of Jago being all this time with his Father in law in Ireland Caradock ap Gruffith ap Rytheryc was the first that procured Haroald to come into Wales against Gruffith ap Lhewelyn hoping by him to attain unto the Government of Southwales but it fell ontotherwise for when Haroald understood that he should not get that which he looked for at the hands of Caradock which was a certain Lordship within Wales nigh unto Hereford and knowing also Caradoc to be a subtile and deceitfull man compounding with Meredith ap Owen for that Lordship he made him King or Prince of Southwales and banished Caradoc out of the Countrey Afterward Haroald having obtained that Lordship builded there a stately and princely house at a place called Portashlyth and divers times earnestly invited the King to come and see the same and at length the King being then at Glocester not far of granted him his request whereupon Haroald made such preparation as was most wonderfull and as much abused Soon after this the said Caradoc ap Gruffith came to the same house and to be revenged upon Haroald killed all the workmen and labourers that vvere at vvork and all the servants and people of Haroald that he could finde and defacing the vvork carried avvay those things that with great labour and expences had been brought thither and set out and beautified the building William commonly called the Conquerour was now King of England and Edrik Sylvaticus the son of Alfrike Earl of Mercia refusing to submit himself as ohers had done when he saw that the King was departed to Normandy rose against such as were left in his absence to keep the Land in obedience whereupon those that lay in the Castle of Hereford Richard Fitz Scroop and others oftentimes invaded his Lands and wasted the goods of his Tenants but as often as they came against him they alwaies lost some of their own men at length he calling to his aid the Kings of VVales Blethyn and Rywalhon wasted the Country of Hereford even to VVye bridge and then returned with great booty This year also 1068. Meredith and Ithel the sons of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn raised a strong army against Blethyn and Rywalhon Kings of Northwales and met with them at a place called Mechain where after a long fight there were slain upon the one part Ithel and upon the other Rywalhon and Meredith put to flight whom Blethyn pursued so straitly that he starved for cold and hunger upon the mountains and so Blethyn son of Convyn remained the only King of Powis and Northwales Carodoc the son of Gruffith ap Rytherck ap Jestyn caused a great number of Frenchmen for so the Brittish book calleth the Normans to enter Southwales to whom he joyned his power of Gwentland and gave Meredith the King of that countrey an overthrow and slew him upon the River Rympyn About this time the Normans brought great forces into Westwales by sea and destroyed Dynet and the Country of Caerdigan and carried away much spoil and did so likewise the year following Bleythyd Bishop of Menevia or Saint Davids died about this time and Sulien was Bishop in his place Radulf Earl of East Angles his Mother came out of Wales which was the cause of the Welshmens assisting him against William the Conquerour Matth. West lib. 2. fol. 6 Math. Parker p. 11. for Ranulf sent for many of his Mothers friends and kinsmen to come unto him meaning through their aid and procurement to get the Princes and people of VVales to joyn with him in his enterprise but VVilliam having notice of this plot and coming before he was sent for he hanged some of the VVelshmen among others put our the eyes of many and banished the rest In the year 1073. Blethyn ap Convin King of VVales was traiterously and cowardly murthered by Rees ap Owen and the Gentlemen of Ystrad Tywy after he had governed VVales thirteen years This man was very liberal and mercifull doing Justice and Equity all his Reign he had divers weomen and many children First Meredith by Haer daughter to Gythyn Lywarck and Cadogan by another woman Madâ—e and Ryrid by the third Jorwerth by the fourth Trahern the Son of Caradoc After the death of Blethyn Trahern ap Caradoc his cosin German took upon him the rule of Northwales and Rees ap Owen with Rytherck ap Caradoc did jontly rule Southwales Then Gruffith son to Conan son to Jago or James right Inheritour of Northwales came from Ireland with succour with his brethren Encumalhon King of Vltonia and Ranalht and Mathawn had delivered him and landed in the Isle of Môn or Anglesey and brought it to his Subjection At this time Kynwric ap Rynalbon a noble man of Maelor or Bromfield was slain in Northwales This year also Gronow and Lhewelin the sons of Cadogan ap Blethyn did joyn their powers with Caradoc ap Gruffith ap Rytherck to revenge their Grandfathers death and then fought at a place called Camdhwc where the Sons of Cadogan obtained the Victory shortly after Gruffith ap Conan passed over the water from Môn to the main land and Trabern ap Caradoc met with him at Bronyrew where Gruffith was put to flight and retired back to the Isle year 1074 In the year 1074. Rytherc ap Caradoc was slain by Treason of his own cosin German Meyrchaon ap Rees ap Rytherc and Rees ap Owen ruled Southwales alone Nevertheless the sons of Cadogan gathered their powers and came against him and fought with him the second time at Gwaynyttyd where he was put to flight but yet he gathered new forces and kept the land still Then Trahern ap Caradoc King of Northwales moves his forces against Rees who boldly met him with all the power of Southwales at a place called Pwlhgwttic where after long fighting Rees was put to slight and after great slaughter of his men he fled from place to place fearing all things like a stagg that had been lately chased which mistrusteth every noise but at the last he with his Brother Howel fell into the hands of Caradoc aâ— Gruffith who slew them both in revenge of the wise and noble Prince Blethyn ap Convyn At this time Sulien Arch-Bishop of Saint Davids did forsake his Bishoprick and Abraham was chosen Bishop in his place year 1077 In the year 1077. Rees the son of Theodore the son of Eneon the son of Owen the son of Howel Dha as right Inheritor to the Kingdome of Southwales claimed the same and the people received him with much joy and made him their Prince The next year Menevia was all spoiled and destroyed by strangers and Abraham the Bishop died after whose death Sulien was compelled to take the Bishoprick again In the year following Gruffith the son of Conan did bring a great Army of Irishmen and Scots into Wales and joyned with Rees ap Theodore as two right heirs of the
undermine the walls which when the garrison discovered and knowing that their enemies were three to one they were content to yield up the Castle upon condition that they might depart with their armes freely whichafter the Archbishop took suffering them to pass quietly fortifying the Castle strongly to the Kings use and placing therein a garrison for defence thereof departed into England But immediately VVenwinwin or Gwenwinwin begirt it again and in short space reduced it upon the same conditions that his men had surrendred it and kept the same to his own use P. Rees dieth Hol. p. 534. The next year after the fourth of May Rees the son of Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodore P. of Southwales died the only hope and stay of all that part of VVales as he that brought them out of the thraldom and bondage of strangers and set them at liberty and had defended them divers times in the field manfully Mr. Powel Fol. 249. daunting the pride and courage of their cruel enemies whom he did either chase out of the land or compelled by force to live quietly at home The Encomiums of prince Rees woe to that cruel destiny that spoyled the miserable land of her defence and shield who as he descended of noble and princely blood so he passed all other in commendable qualities and laudable vertues of the mind He was the overthower of the mighty the setter up of the weak the overturner of the holds the separater of troopes the scatterer of his foes among whom he appeared as a wild bore among the whelps or a Lyon that for anger beateth his tail to the ground See more of him in Polychronicon and Grafton The Kings of England descend from this P. Rees This Prince had many sons and daughters as Gruffith who succeeded his father Cadwalhon Maelgon Meredyth Rees and of his daughters one called Gwenlhian was marryed co Ednivet Vachan who was ancestor of Owen Theodore or Tudor that married Queen Katharine the widow of K. Henry the fifth and the rest were marryed to other Lords in the country After the death of Rees Gruffith his son subdueth all the country to himself and enjoyed it in peace untill Maelgon his brother whome his father had dis-inherited made league with Gwinwynwyn the son of Owen Civelioc Lord of Powis who both together levied forces and came suddainly upon Gruffith and slaying many of his people took him prisoner and so recovered all the Country of Caerdigan with the Castle Thus Maelgon having taken his brother sent him to be imprisoned with Gwinwynwyn who in despite delivered him to the English Then Gwenwynwyn gathered his power and entred Arustlie and subdued the same to himself About this time there was a great war in Northwales for the late Prince David ap Owen came with a great army as well English as Welsh purposing to recover the land again but Lhewelin his Nephew who was the lawful heir and then in possession thereof came boldly and met him Powis Wenwynwyn why so called add gave him battail and putting his people to flight took him prisoner and secured him by which means he injoyed his country in quiet tranquillity Towards the end of this year Owen Cyvelioc prince of higher Powis died and left his territories to Gwenwinwin his son after whom that part of Powis was called Powis Gwenwinwin for a difference from the other called Powis Vadoc which was in the possession of the Lords of Bromfield At this time also dyed Owen the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield and Brichtyr the son of Howel ap Jevaf likewise Maelgon the son of Cadwalhon ap Madoc Lord of Melienyth Not long after Traherne Vachan a man of great power in the Country of Brecknock as he came to Lancors to speak with William Bruse Lord thereof was suddainly taken A cruel murther and by the Lords command tyed to a horse tail and drawn through the town of Aberhodny or Brecknock to the gallows and there beheaded and his body hanged up by the feet three dayes This cruelty shewed upon no just cause caused his brother wife and Children to avoid the Country The year ensuing Maelgon the son of Prince Rees after he had imprisoned his elder brother got his Castles of Aberteini and Stratmeiric also the youngest son of P. Rees wan the Castle of Dinevowr from the Normans The Summer following Gwenwinwin intending to extend the limits of VVales to the old Meers gathered a great army and laid siege first to the Castle of Paine in Eluel which was of the possessions of VVilliam de Bruse making a Proclamation that as soon as he had won the Castle he would burn all the whole Country to Severne without mercy in revenge of the murder of Traherne Vachan his Cosen but because he had not Engins and Miners he lay three weeks at the Castle whilst the murderer sent to England for aid whereupon Jeffrie Fitz Peter Lord Chief Justice of England raised forces and joyning with him all the Lords Marchers came to raise the seige And because Fortunes in battails are various and uncertain he sent first Gwenwinwin to have a treaty of peace concluded but he and his adherents would by no means condescend thereunto but answered that they would that journey revenge their old wrongs The Welsh still made instruments to one anothers ruine Whereupon the English Lords did first enlarge Gruffith the son of Prince Rees of Southwales whom they knew to be an enemy to Gwenwynwyn which Gruffith gathered a great power and joyned with the English Lords and so they came towards the Castle against whom Gwenwinwin advanced very stoutly and there began a cruel fight with much slaughter on either side but at the last the English carryed the victory and Gwenwynwyn lost most of his men among whom were Anarawd son of Eneon Owen ap Cadwalhon Richard ap Jestin and Robert ap Howel also Meredith ap Conan was then taken prisoner with divers others Matthew Paris saith that this battail was fought before Mauds Castle and that of the Welshmen were then slain 3700. 3700 Welshmen slain A. Lhoyd Mat. Paris pag 259. and after this victory the English Lords returned with great honour And forthwith Gruffith son to P. Rees recovered by force and favour of the people all his land except the two Castles Aberteini and Stratmeiric which his brother Maelgon by the aid of Gwenwinwin had wrongfully taken from him This his brother Maelgon fearing his displeasure took a solemn Oath before both noble and religious men which endeavoured to make peace betwixt them that if his brother Gruffith would give him pledges for assurance of his own person he would deliver him by a Day the Castle of Aberteini whereupon Gruffith did so Perjury never prospers but as soon as Maelgon got the pledges he fortified the Castle and manned it to his own use and sent the pledges to Gwenwinvvin who hated Gruffith to death there to be kept in
the said Prince should accomplish the age of 14. years which was performed by them accordingly in all leases dispositions and grants of the revenues of the said prince The said K. Edw. by another Charter composed in English and bearing date 10 of Novem. 13o. regni appointed the said E. Rivers being brother unto the Queen to be governour of the person of the said prince and to have the education and institution of him in all vertues worthy his birth and to have the government and direction of his servants King Edward the fourth having reigned full 22. years left this mortal life 24. regni at VVestminster and was enterred at VVindsor Edward his Son and Heir then being at Ludlow neer the Marches of Wales for the better ordering of the Welsh under the Government of the Lord Rivers his Unkle on the Mothers side and upon the death of his Father drawing towards London to prepare for his Coronation fell into the hands of his Unkle by the Fathers side Richard D. of Glocester and the said Lord Rivers being upon his way to London Dulce vennum regnum was intercepted and lost his head at Pomfret for what cause I know not other then this that he was thought to be too great an obstacle between a thirsty Tyrannous desire and the thing that was so thirstily and Tyrannously desired Edward the 5. King of England for so he was although he enjoyed it not long being thus surprised under the power of his natural or rather most unnatural Unkle and mortal enemy was brought to London with great solemnity and pompe and with great applause of the People flocking about to behold his person as the manner of the English Nation is to do whose new joyes cannot endure to be fettered with any bonds His said Unkle calling himself Protector of the King and his realm but indeed was a wolfe to whom the lamb was committed for having thus surprised the Kings person he laboured by all means to get into his possession also the younger brother being D. of Yorke knowing that they both being sundered Vindex nocentes sequitur a tergo Deus the safety of the younger would be a means to preserve the elder and therefore by all sinister perswasions and fair pretences having obtained the younger D. from his mother the King and the D. both for a time remained in the Tower of London Ed. v. upon his return to England and there shortly after both in one bed were in the night smothered to death and buried in an obscure and secret place unknown how or where untill one of the Executioners thereof after many years being condemned to dye for many other his manifold crimes confessed also his guilty fact in this tragical business and the circumstance thereof of which by reason of the secresie and incertainty divers had before diversly conjectured And by this means all for the Coronation of Innocent Edward served the turn to set the Crown upon the head of Tyrannous Richard Out of which by the way I cannot but observe how hatefull a bloody hand is to Almighty God the King of Kings who revenged the bloodshed of those civil broyles whereof Edward the Father had been the occasion and the breach of his oath upon these his two Innocent Infants Edward Son of Richard III. This Tyrant and stain of the English story Inter warr ad magnum sigillum in Cancellaria Henricus rosas Richard D. of Glocester usurped the Kingdom by the name of Richard the third and became King yet as our Records of Law witness de facto non de jure and in the first year of his reign created Edward his son being a child of ten years of age Prince of Wales Lieutenant of the Realm of Ireland But for that the prosperity of the wicked is but as the florishing of a green tree which whiles man passes by is blasted dead at the roots and his place knoweth it no more so shortly afterwards God raised up Hen. Earl of Richmond the next heir of the house of Lancaster to execute justice upon that unnatural and bloody Usurper and cast him that had been the rod of Gods Judgment upon others into the fire also for in the third year of his reign at the battail of Bosworth whereunto the said Richard entered in the morning crowned with all Kingly pomp he was slain and his naked carkass with as much despight as could be devised was carried out thereof at night and the said Henry Earle of Richmond the Solomon of England Reigned in his stead by the name of King Henry the Seventh Arthur Son of K. Henry VII Henry the VII took to wife Elizabeth the eldest daughter and after the death of her brothers the Relict heir of King Edward IV. by which marriage all occasions of contention between those two noble Families of York and Lancaster were taken away and utterly quenched and the red Rose joyned with the white The said K. Henry the seventh by his letters patents dated the first day of December 5. regni created Arthur his Eldest son heir apparent being then about the age of three years Prince of Wales But before we proceed any further treating of the Princes of Wales let us consider from whence this Arthur descended and admire the goodnesse and providence of the highest and great God towards the VVelsh nation to bring the honour and principality to one descended of the Ancient Welsh or British blood I will bring the pedegree ascendent the noble Prince Arthur was son to Henry the VII Arthur The King of England from the Welsh blood first thus Henry VII Elizabeth Eldest Daughter to K. Edward IV. Edmund Earle of Richmond Margaret Daughter and Heir to John Duke of Somerset Sr. Owen Tudor Katherine Queen Dowager to K. Henry the V. Meredyth son to Tudor Tudor son to Grono Grono son to Tudyr Tudyr son to Grono Grono son to Ednivet Ednivet Vachan married Gwenlhian daughter to Rees Prince of Southwales Gruffith King of Southwales Rees ap Tudyr King of Southwales Whose Armes were Gules a Lyon Ramp within a border indented Or. I could deduce this family from several English matches as Holland Tuckets Norris but I should be too prolix and seem to exspaciate beyond my bounds and therefore I will return to our Prince of whom we now speak Dodridge fol. 28. Also there was a Charter of the Grant of the Lands of the said principality Earledom of Chester and Flint dated the 20 of February in the said fift year of the said King made unto the said Prince The said King Henry the VII by his Charter bearing date the 20. day of March in the eight year of his reign did constitute and appoint the said Prince Arthur to be his Justice in the County of Salop Inter war ad magnum sigillvm in Cancellaria Hereford Glocester and the Marches of Wales adjoyning to the said Shires to enquire of all liberties priviledges and
now it is called a name when Locrinus entered into Soveraignty unknown Locrinus thus invested in his Principality as much as could be in a Land not formerly or at least by savage People or Gyants inhabited made ready to his hand His Brother with such Regiments as were allotted to him to Colonize and people his Part being retired into his own Quarters or Patrimony whilst by his own Industry and Advice of such as he made use of in a matter of so great importance was endeavouring to frame a modell how to Govern and Uphold this his new Plantation an unexpected Enemy appears Humber with a Navy arrives and having with him a sufficient Army of war-like Huns sets upon Albanact whose thoughts were more busied how to settle his People and frame his Commonwealth then to oppose an Enemy distressed Albanact is put to his shifts whilst the Scythian King for so most ancient Writers onely call him takes occasion by the Foretop and making use of his opportunity fiercely assaults the Albanian Prince and with bloody slaughter and the death of Albanact makes way for himself and Followers to intrude into his Possessions who as yet had scarce time to call them his own Fame whose vigilant eyes never sleep with an exasperating Trumpet quickly blowes this unfortunate Newes into the Eares of Locrinus he to revenge the Dishonour done and the Death of his Brother and also to enjoy that which now by right was fallen unto him but above all to remove so dangerous and powerful a Neighbour or rather Enemy summons all his Nobles and gathers together all the force he possibly could make and with a mind full of Revenge Resolution and Courage Advanceth and with speedy Marches setteth forwards to Fight the Scythian before he take to Deep root in Albania Camber is not slow to second this action as a thing which he conceives deeply to concern himself and therefore unites his Forces with his Brothers that thereby the Victory may be more certaine and the losse lesse considerable Desire quickens actions and resolute souls seem rather to flye then walk The Armies meet the Brittains inflamed with revenge for the Death of Albanact who was their fellow Souldier and Traveller Son of their Deceased King brother to the present breath nothing but Death and Confusion The Scythian with like Valour and Courage thinks no danger too great to make good by the sword what he already purchast and gotten by the same Terrible is the conflict on both sides but fortune after long debate with victory Crowns the Brittaines the Scythians are put to Flight and flying are so hotly pursued that many are drowned and the King himself and as the Poet saith of Icarus Icarus Icarias nomine fecit aquas put to such a straite that he was Drowned in that Famous River which from his name hath ever since been called Humber of which Mr. Cambden saith Est certe totius Britanniae aestuarium amplissimum piscosissimum the largest and most full of Fish throughout Britannie Ex aestuantis oceani accessibus adauctum iisdem retro remeantibus suas illiusque aquas vehementissime vasto cum murmure non sine magno navigantium periculo agit unde Nichanus Fluctibus aequoreis nautis suspectior Humber Submersis nomen contulit Humbris aquae And another Poet much to the same purpose saith Dum fugit obstat ei flumen submergitur illic Deque suo tribuit nomine nomen aquae Mr. Cambden in his Britannia setteth down these two Distichons but speaks not a word of the cause or the battel and the reason is easie to be imagined for should he expresse the death of Albanack and the just revenge of Locrine and Camber in behalf of their brother he must needs grant Brute to be Progenitor of the Britains and consequently of the Welsh a Nation which are very little beholding unto him Locrinus is now a Conqueror no fear of further supplies to affront him the day is absolutely his own but unfortunate Prince what a proud Foe clad in steel and with a courage equalizing that of Mars could not effect is done by an Amorous Glance of a Female Creature Estrild Humbers Daughter casts forth such piercing darts from her Charming Eyes that maugre both steel and coat of Male Locrine is wounded to the Heart he sighs complains beggs compassion from her who is his Captive and in conclusion becoms her slave she his Mistress in these bewitching Fetters he reposeth his happiness her enriching Arms he deemes the Trophees of his Victories but fond-man Gwendolena thy abused Lady disgests not a Corrival shee will make thee know quidfoemina possit irata she complains to her Father he acquaints his deerest Friends and all enter into an Association to be revenged Locrinus awakes out of his effeminate dalliances Armes himself to oppose the storme at hand and beat back the threatned danger but too late his Enemies are too powerful the abused Gwendolena too well befriended and leaves justice not to be controuled and thus Locrinus a Conqueror after he Reigned by account of most Authors Twenty Years through his intemperate lust and wanton affection was deprived at one time both of Life and Kingdom leaving his body to be interred in Treynovant Gwendolena Queen Regent of Brittain LOcrinus for his unjust and unlawful Love being thus justly punished the States and Counsellors of the Kingdom elect and chuse Gwendolena the abused and injured Queen during the Nonage and Minority of her Son to fit at the Helm and manage the Affairs of the Kingdome this Lady was daughter to Corinaeus who joyned his navy and came along with Brute and he who Encountered with Gogwagog on the Hills by Dover as some write others say neer Plimmouth in Devon-shire which place this day is called the HAW a hill betwixt the Town and the Sea on whose brow is a spacious and pleasant down yeilding a delightful prospect in which is a Sea mark called the Compasse to direct and guide Navigators passing that way of this conflict betwixt Corineus and Gogmagog Thus writeth a certain Poet Hos avidum belli robur Corinaeus Averno Precipites misit cubitis ter quatuor altum Gogmagog Herculeo suspendit in aere luctu Antaeumque suum scopulo detrusit in aequor Potavitque dato Thetis ebria sanguine fluctus Divisumque tulit mare corpus Cerberus umbram Gwendolena to the eternal memory and glory of her Name and Sex governed this Iland for the space of Fourteen years and then her Son coming to maturity and fit age to undertake so great a burden with the general applause and acclamations of all resigned her Trust and Authority to Madan Madan Son to Locrine and Gwendolena Succeeds in the KINGDOME MAdan Son to Locrine and Gwendolena and Grandchild to Brute being now past his minority his Mother joyfully resignes her Regency and is with generall applause and acclamations seated in his Throne and with all solemnity acknowledged King about the year from the worlds Creation
Stumpuis partly by petitioning and supplications but without doubt not without emptying his bags obtained that the Church might stand which is now the Parish-Church This Town saith a new Author Anonymus was by Antoninus in his Itinerarium called Cunetio from the River Kennet and Marleburgh as being seated in a Chalkie soyle which in some places still well called by the name of Marle Here Hen. 3. held a Parliament in which were many statutes and as the preamble saith right necessary for the peace and tranquility of the people now a title of honour and hath given stile of EARLE to 1. James L. Ley L. Tr. Created Earle of Marlborough 1. Car. Feb. 7. 2. Henry Ley. 3. James Ley E. of Mal. Argent a cheveron between 3 Bears Heads Couped Sable The next place which Mulmutius Dunwallo built was The-Vies which Florentius Wigorniensis calls Divisio another De vies and Nubrigensis Divisae Here was a Castle built by Roger the rich Bishop of Salisbury for scituation and workmanship giving place to none but Fortune is a Goddesse both blind and fickle for he who even now was the second Head in the Kingdom by the frowns or rather avarice of K. Stephen is not only plunder'd of his vast and almost inexhaustible Treasure but also cast into a loathsome Gaol where the poor old Man with Hunger and what with Afflictions and Miseries betwixt the fear of death and torments of his life would feign have died yet knew not how to die Mulmutius Dunwallo having with great honour rul'd the Brittains by the space of forty years yielded to death what was mortal and was buried in the Temple of Troynovant which he had built leaving his two Sons Bellinus and Brennus joyntly to succeed in the Kingdome BELLINVS and BRENNVS BEllinus and Brennus the two Sons of Mulmutius began to Reign joyntly as Kings of great Brittain in the year of the World four thousand eight hundred and eight To Bellinus according to the agreement of Partition fell Loegria Cambria and Cornwall that is to say England Wales and Cornwall and to Brennus by the same accord all the Land beyond the River of Humber This Partition according to Policron and others pleased and gave full content to both the Brothers for the space of five years The reason why Bellinus had the bigger and better share was Quia erat primogenitus Vitus fol. 209. Trojana consuetudo requirebat ut dignitas Haereditatis perveniret ad eum Hanc vero fuisse consuetudinem Trojanorum scribens Herodotus ad Alexandrum ait non erat perventurum Regnum cum Hector major natu Herodotus virtute praestantior quam ille Regnum defuncto Priamo suscepturus esset Idem scribit Messala Corvinus in libello de Augusti Progenie Troem à quo dicta Troja est Regem Trojanorum habuisse duos filios Ilum Assaracum atque Ilum defuncto patre quod ipse major natu esset obtinuisse Regnum Messala Corvinus Denique is qui dicitur Dares Phrygius in libro de excidio Trojae narrat Priamum commone fecisse filios quos habebat multos ut majores natu minoribus Imperarent ex quo sequitur ut minores majoribus subderentur Adeoque Legem hanc latam in Anglia esse propter ius istud Trojanae consuetudinis atque servatam esse scribit Andreas Taraquellus in praesatione primogenitorum Andreas Taraquellus Bartolus Bartolus ad l. 1. Codicis de summa Trinitate Consuetudinis est in Anglia inquit ut primogenitus succedat in omnibus bonis Because he was eldest and the Trojan custome was that the Inheritance should fall to the Eldest and this to have been the Trojan custome sheweth Herodotus saying that the Kingdom of Troy after the death of Priamus was not to fall to Alexander but to Hector who was both the more Valiant and also the Eldest by birth and Messala Corvinus in his Book of the Progeny of Augustus confirms as much saying that King Tros from whom Troy took its Name had two Sons Ilus and Assaracus and that Ilus his Father being dead for that he was the Eldest enjoyed the Kingdom and he also who is called Dares Phrygius in his Book of the Destruction of Troy tells us That Priamus who had many Sons admonished them that the Elder should have Power over the Younger c. and this Law to have taken root in England as being derived from the old Trojan Custome affirmeth Andreas Tarquellus After five years thus in brotherly love and amity expired Brennus supposing himself injured and intending to enlarge his Territories raised Forces and in hostile manner sets upon his brother Bellinus but as his quarrel was unjust so the sequel proved Fatal for he was totally Routed and to save his life compelled to fly into Armorica now called Little Brittain or as Gaufride will have it into the Country of the Allobroges others affirm that without the knowledge or consent of his Brother he sailed into Norway and there married the Daughter of Elfunge or Elfinge Duke of that place which tydings when they were brought to Bellinus he seized into his hands all the Lands of Brennus and fortified his Cities Castles and other strong Holds with his own Garrisons Fame quickly brought these Rumours to Brennus who neglected no time but gathering a strong Army of Norwegians ships himself for his own Principality where by the way he was met by Guilthdacus or Guiclidacus King of Denmark who being inflamed with the Love of the Lady whom Brennus had espoused awaited his coming and being now met the two Fleets strongly encounter each other and in short time come to grappling a most bitter and bloudy Conflict ensueth But the Danish King having surprized the Vessel in which the Object both of his love and anger was imbarked though he had totally dispersed his Enemies Navy pursued no further thinking himself highly rewarded with the beautiful prize which he had already taken and there withal resolves as a most victorious Conqueror to return to Denmark yet whether Fortune to shew her accustomed fickleness and cross the Designs of such as think themselves most fortunate and her darlings or rather Neptune incensed to see so violent a Rape committed within his watery Kingdom with his revenging trident turned up and undermined the calm waves and ploughed them into hideous ridges such a tempest arose that the Heavens were darkned the winds blustered the billows roared and made such a hideous noise that Guilthdacus each minute expected to be swallowed up in the mercilesse surges of the angry Ocean this death-threatning storm continued for the space of five dayes at the end whereof the skies began to clear the winds and waves to leave their Violence and the Danish King to understand he was driven upon the coasts of his Enemies Country for his tattered Fleet so much as was left of it was now arrived in Northumberland Belâ—inus to make good that he had already begun and
quite environed with the Sea excepting the passage on the North side thereof Candida Casa vocatur locus in extremis Angliae juxta Scotiam finibus ubi beatus Confessor Niva requiescit Natione Brito qui primus ibidem Christi praedicationem Evangelizavit Nomen loco ex opere inditum quod Ecclesiam ibi ex lapide polito Britonibus miraculum fecerit The Count Palatine will have this King to have reigned fifteen years alone and speaks some thing favourably in his behalf Regina Martia saith he gubernaculum 7 annorum accepit cum filio unico adhuc puero qui Sisillius eo nomine secundus appellatur feliciter insequutus vestigia patris administrat quindecim annos postea solus mortuus Caerleili sepelitur To this account of fifteen years agreeth the English History saith Fabian but the Flower of Histories alloweth unto his Reign onely seven years howsoever Death demanded his due and summoned this King into another world Sisillius burled at Caerleon whose Body as Mr. Howes saith was buried at Caerleon and not at Caerlile but the nearnesse of the Names questionlesse breeds the mistake He left behind him his Son Kimarus to succeed him KIMARVS KIMARVS Son of Sisilius after the death of his Father was with all solemnity advanced to the Throne and Crown of Brittain in the year of the worlds Creation four thousand eight hundred fourscore and six The English Chronicle calleth him Kymor Fabian saith that there is no mention made of this King either concerning his deeds and course of life or concerning the length of his Reign yet he alledgeth an old Chronicle to aver that he was a wild young man and lived after his pleasure wherefore as he was at his disport of Hunting he was by his Ill-willers slain when he had ruled scarcely three years but the Count Palatine saith he was killed by wild Beasts Illius filius saith he speaking of Sisilius Chimarus in imperando successit moribus adolescens improbus suique in rebus omnibus agendis arbitrii ac voluntatis adeo ut post tres annos quibus rexit à feris bestiis dum venabatur occisus est Kimarus succeeded a young man of most dissolute life and behaviour who swayed all things according to the humour of his own vain and fantastick imagination and not according to the rule of reason and judgement insomuch that after the three years of his Reign he was devoured of wild Beasts It behoves Princes as well as others to have a care how they live For the holy Writ tells us Fire hail famine and death Eccles c. 39. all these things are created for mans punishment the Teeth of Beasts for the utter extermination of the wicked It is great reason that Princes should regulate their lives after the true square of vertue for a Prince cannot with reason expect that the severity of Laws or other Politick means shall represse in his Commonwealth any Vice which shall be Authorised by the Example of his own Practice For as the Poet saith Totus componitur Orbis Regis ad exemplum nec sic inflectere sensus Humanos edicta valent ut vita Regentis That is to say all the World is framed after the modell of the King and no Laws or Edicts can so move the mind of men as doth the life of the Governour which Plutarch confirmeth notably saying That even as a Square or Rule must be streight in it self before it can make other things streight so the Prince who is as it were the Rule of his Subjects ought first to rectifie himself before he go about by Laws or other means to rectifie his Commonwealth for he that is falling saith Plutarch is not fit to uphold others nor he that is ignorant to teach nor he that is incorrigible to correct nor he that is himself disordered to put others in order ELIANVS ELIANVS the Son of Kimarus whom some also call Danius as the Flower of Histories affirmeth but Gaufride saith he was Kimarus Brother was Crowned King of Brittain in the year of the worlds Creation four thousand eight hundred fourscore and nine This Prince by the English Book is called Howan one Chronicle will have Kimarus and Elianus to be one and the same person though others think otherwise and that he reigned two years little or nothing being left to posterity of any memorable Acts of his either good or bad only the Count Palatine tells us Frater eum sequitur Elianus natura stupidior legum spretor quocirca rem administrabat imprudenter bellis seditionibus undecunque vexatus neque pacem habere potuit vel publice vel privatim illis decem annis quibus imperabat Elianus his Brother succeeded him of a most stupid nature and a contemner of all Laws which was the cause that he governed with great indiscretion his Kingdome and Commonwealth being continually vexed and troubled with insurrections and seditions insomuch that during the ten years of his Reign he could never enjoy either privately or otherwise one hour of peace this was one amongst the Brittish Princes for whose sake as Gildas the wise writeth the whole Nation suffered MORINDVS MORINDVS the Bastard-son of Elianus as Gaufride affirmeth with others took upon him the Crown and Government of this Island of Great Brittain in the year of the worlds Creation four thousand eight hundred and ninety Elianus begat this Prince upon Tanguestula his Concubine who proved as Bastards commonly doe being gotten in the heat of Courage a most resolute and couragious Chieftain but so over-swayed by his own passions especially that of anger that in his fury no mans life was secure To the matchlesse strength of his body Nature added all those features which might make him the most handsome and accomplisht Gentleman in all his Kingdome these his admirable endowments he beautified with a most Princely liberality being very open-handed when the least merit required During the Reign of Morindus there arrived out of Mauritania which Country according to Strabo is seated between Hungaria and Fohemia a war-like and most cruel people which with Fire and Sword consumed all before them Morindus having tidings brought to him of those insolences and misdemeanours with all speed Levied an Army and with speedy Marches encounters his Enemy and after a most bloody Conflict compels the greatest part of the unwelcome Intruders back to their Ships the rest he sacrificeth to his own anger causing some to be dismembred others cast into the fire some chopt in pieces not a few strangled death acted several parts in this most horrid execution no manner of torment imaginable to Morindus was left uninflicted so great was the tyranny of his blood-thirsting revenge After this great overthrow and most cruel Massacre this Brittish King progressing a long the Sea coasts for his Recreation chanced to discry a most hideous Monster coming out of the Irish Ocean Morindus is overjoyed at this presented occasion to try the edge of his
' Imperator victoriam suam gaudenter attribuit And this I take to be the chiefest occasion of the mistakings in some Historians or their Scribes setting down so many and several times when King Lucius received the Christian Faith or professed it many saying it was in the year of Christ 156. Others in the year 164. and others 185 as William of Malmesbury and others Henry of Hartford 169. and others in other and later times That such was the state of Brittany for spiritual Affairs in this Idolatry and superstition daily diminishing and decaying and Christian Religion in all places and persons increasing and multiplying both Authority and the known certain effect it self the surest testimony in such cases shall witnesse And this was the condition thereof until about the beginning of the Papacy of St. Soter or in the end of the first year thereof about the year of our Redemption 175. when as it appeareth by the Edict of Marcus Aurelius Emperor before the strange delivery of him and his Army by the Christians miraculous prayers he suffered many Christians to live in quiet and had a great number of them about him Invenique magnam eorum multitudinem and seeing himself and his Army in distresse sent for them and intreated them to pray for his delivery Eos qui apud nos Christiani dicuntur ac accersivi ac rogavi Which he would not have done being a wise and learned Emperor but that either by the Apology of Athenagoras the Vertues and miracles of many Christians or some other invincible Argument his judgement was then wholly or almost convicted that their Religion was holy and they also and therefore likely to be powerable with God to procure his safety which his own prayers and sacrifices to his Pagan gods were not able to doe ' Deos patrios votis ' susceptis rogavi sed cum ab eis negligerer as himself publickly professed and therefore preferring the prayers of the Christians appealed unto them But after God by the prayers of the Christians which he procured them to make had so miraculously delivered him and his Army consisting but of four Legions not 27 thousand Men environed almost with a thousand thousands of Enemies as the common reading is ' Hostium nonagintorum septuaginta ' septem millia and his people distressed with thirst and hunger not having drunk in five days by sending a most cooling and comforting Rain into the Camp of the distressed Emperor and Hail like fire and lightning among his Enemies confounding and discomfitting them he presently sent out his Imperial Letters and Edict charging the Senate of Rome to confirm them with their Decree wherein wholly ascribing this Delivery of his Army and himself and confusion of his Enemies to the God of the Christians and their prayers unto him wherein he gave free Liberty for any man to be a Christian Concedamus talibus ut sint Christiani And no Man should be molested for being a Christian for Religion censeo neminem quod CHRISTIANVS sit esse in Crimen vel Judicium vocandum And he that should accuse any Christian for Religion should be burned alive and that he that shall professe himself to be a Christian shall be freed from all danger intended against him for that cause and no Governour of any Province shall punish any such for his Religion or deprive him of Liberty Volo eum qui Christianum accusarit vivum exuri illum vero qui se Christianum esse professus fuerit periculo omni quod ob eam rem intendebatur liberatum Is cui provincia commissa est nequaquam ad poenitentiam adigat aut libertatem ei adimat And he willed these things to be confirmed by the Senates decree and this his edict to be proposed in open market place to be read and that the prefect of the City then Vetrasius Pollio should cause it to be sent to all Provinces and no man should be forbidden to write it out Haec autem Senatus consulto etiam sanciri volo atque hoc meum edictum in foro Divi Trajani proponi ut legi possit curae autem erit Vetrasio Pollioni praefecto urbis ut ad omnes provincias haec constitutio mittatur neque quisquam qui eam exscribere vel ipse uti voluerit prohibeatur This was sent to the whole Senate of Rome Senatui Populoque Romano and by the Emperours publick charge and command as into other Provinces so likewise sent into Brittany for the priviledge of all Christians there by the Emperours publick Officer in such Affairs the Ruler of the Ctiy of Rome ad omnes Provincias haec constituo mittatur Any man that would might freely be a Christian and no man under pain of cruel death to burnt be alive might call any into question for that cause And to give greater testimony of those things in Brittain and see this Imperial edict for the freedom of Christians here take place and effect whereas our English Antiquaries and others tells us Floren. Wigorn. Chronic. anno 159. 181. that Trebellius and Pertinax the Roman Lieutenants here about this time were Christians our Countryman Florentius VVigorniensis plainly affirmeth that Pertinax was a chief Commander in the Emperours Army when this miraculous victory was by the Christians prayers and this edict written and decreed for their freedome and liberty and probably was then converted to the faith by this miracle and the Emperour himself who in his publick cited edict doth say of Christians that in equity he must think them now to be defended by God whom before he accounted for wicked men and alienated from God must needs be a Christian in Conscience and Judgement and he must needs at the least believe that true God whom he said the Christians did bear in their conscience And in no wise a learned Emperour could or would in Judgement Reason Equity and Conscience make a Law to condemn men to so cruel a death as burning alive which he afflicted upon the accusers of Christians except he knew or probably thought their accusation was unjust and the cause of the accused Lawful Just and Holy COILLVS COILLVS the Son of Marius was after his Fathers decease made King of Brittain in the year of our Lord 125. K. Coillus brought up at Rome saith Holinshed Fabian saith 126. This Coillus or Coill had his youthful education amongst the Romans in the very Imperial City it self who being of a Martial spirit applyed his time to warlike exercises in which he so excelled that he was both admired and beloved by the Romans and to requite their favours and to continue towards him their good affections he payed without any grudging or seeming discontent their accustomed Tribute by which means he spent his dayes in peace and tranquillity he so far excelled in bounty liberality that he drew unto himself the hearts and good wills both of the Nobles and Commons The building of Colchester is ascribed to this King which is the
Brook in K. John begotten on Agatha daughter of William Earl Ferrers and Derby 1204. with whom her father gave in marriage the Castle and Lordship of Ellinsmere or Ellesmere in the Marches of Southwales which deed beareth date at Dover 17. April 6. Johannis this Llewellin and Agatha had issue David Prince of Northwales sans issue Roger Lord Mortimer Gladis sister of the whole blood to David Prince of Northwales and his heir Powel fol. 314 Roger L. Mortimer and by right of inheritance Prince of Northwales Maud daughter to William de Bruse L. of Brecon Edmund Lord Mortimer Margaret Fendlesse Roger L. Mortimer created Earl of March by K. Edw. III. Joane daughter and heir to Sir Peter Genivill or Jenevill Edmund Mortimer Earl of March Daughter and co-heir of Bartholomew Badelsmere L. of Leeds in Kent Roger Mortimer restored in blood Earle of March an 29. Edw. III. Philippa daughter of William Montague Earl of Sarum Edmund Mortimer Earl of March Philippa sole daughter and heir of Lyonel D. of Clarence Sir H. Percy Knight son and heir to Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland Eliz. daughter to Edm. Mort. E. of March Philippa heir to Lyonel D. of Clarence Henry Percy Earl of North. Elinor daughter to Ralph Nevil first Earle of Westmerland of that name Henry Percy Earl of North. Elinor D. and h. of Richard Lord Poynings Henry Percy Earl of North. Maud daughter of Will. Herbert E. of Pembroke by which match this honourable family descends from divers Welsh branches as shall appear in the pedegree of the Earle of Pembroke Henry Lord Percy Earl of North. Mary D. to George Lord Talbot E. of Salop. Tho. Lord Percy E. of North. nephew to E. Henry Anne d. to H. Somerset E. of Worcester where again this family descends from the Welsh as in the genealogy of Worcester Sir Henry Percy brother to Earle Thomas Earle of North. Katherine one of the daughters and co-h of J. Nevil L. Latimer which family of the Nevils streams from the Welsh as in the pedegree of Abergavenny Henry Lord Percy Earle of Northumberland Dorothy daughter to Walter Devereux Earle of Essex Algernon Percy Earl of Northumberland Anne d. of Will. Cecil E. of Salisbury by which this right honourable Family to whom God grant a long and prosperous posterity descends from many Brittish progenies as in the pedegrees of Salisbury and Exceter The Earle of SHREVVSBURY John L. Talbot E. of Sbrewsb descended from Gilbert L. Talbot temp H. 3. who married Gwenllian d. to Rees ap Gruffith P. of Southw Maud d. and sole heir to Thomas Nevil L. Furnival which family of Nevil descends from the Welsh as in Abergavenny John L. Talbot E. of Shrewsbury L. Furnival and Verdon Eliz. daughter of James Butler Earle of Ormond By this match of Verdon by which the title of Lord Verdon came appears an other stream of Welsh blood for Theobald Lord Verdon married Maud daughter of Edmund Mortimer descended from Llewellyn Prince of Southwales ut ante in Oxford John Lord Talbot Earle of Salop. Katherine d. to Humphrey D. of Buckingham George Lord Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Anne d. of William Lord Hastings descended from the Prince of Wales Francis Earle of Shrewsbury Mary d. to Thomas L. Dacres of Gilesland George Earle of Shrewsb Gertrude daughter to Thomas E. of Rutland descended from the Welsh line Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury Mary daughter of Sir William Cavendish Edward Earle of Shrewsbury Joan daughter and co-h of Cuthbert L. Ogle George Talbot son and heir to Talbot of Grafton Esq heir male of Sir Gilbert Talbot of Grafton Knight Banneret and Knight of the Garter second son to John Lord Talbot second Earle of Shrewsbury of that name was by King James admitted to the Earledom of Shrewsbury but he dying without issue the Earledome fell to the issue of John Talbot Esquire his brother  John Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Mary daughter to Sir Francis Fortescue Kt. George Lord Talbot daughter of Sir Percy Herbert L. Powis by which match many Welsh branches devolve unto this honourable family THE ANTIENT MODERN BRITTISH AND WELSH HISTORY Beginning with BRUTE and continued until King CHARLES the first The Fourth Book CARAVSIVS a Brittain of unknown birth Matth. West an 286. was of the Brittains made Ruler Anno Dominicae Incarnationis 218. Hollenshed also placeth Carausius next to Bassianus though others name him not Galf. Mon. Hist l. 5. c. 4. Pont. Virun l. 5. Matth. West an 292 293. 294. Harding Chron. c. 56 57. Galf. Mon. lib. 15. Pont. Virun l. 5. Hard. Chron. c 59. Matth. West 302. Cat. Reg. Britt alii Matth. West an 286. Harrison Discr of Brit. Hollenshed Hist of Eng. l 4. c. 23. The learned Mr. Broughton searcheth this business to the quick and therefore to give more life to this History you shall hear what he saith Bassianus being as before murthered Macrinus a Mauritanian or Moriscan by Nation with his son Diadumenus or by some Diadumenianus obtained the Empire but they were both slain by their own Souldiers rebelling against them when they had been Emperours but one year and two moneths after whom Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Heliogabalus or Elagabalus son of Bassianus Caracalla before spoken of was chosen Emperour by the Army his mother was named Soemiades or Semiamira the daughter of Mesa sister of Julia the Empress the second wife of Severus and this Soemiades or Semiamira or Semiamides was sister to that renowned Christian Lady Mamea mother to Alexander the Emperour Henry of Huntington and Florigerus ascribe four compleat years to the Emperour Heliogabalus Martinus alloweth him not fully so long a reign yet Martinus saith with Roman Writers that he was Emperour four years and eight moneths Florentius Wigorniensis hath the like words both for that continuance of his Empire and authority of the Roman History affirming it that he was true and immediate next King of Brittain not onely during the time of his Empire but in that space also when Macrinus and his son Diadumenus were Emperours even from the death of Antoninus Bassianus Caracalla his father the undoubted King of Brittain both by his fathers and mothers title For although Martinus saith that Severinus son of Bassianus was Emperour with his father yet seeing this Authour who so writeth consenteth with all others that Macrinus immediatly succeeded to Bassianus Caracalla and Heliogabalus to Macrinus he must needs too justifie that his Testimony of Severinus being Emperour with his father Matth. West an 213. Otto Frising Chron. l. 3. c. 29. Floren. Wigorn an 204. 226. Marian Aetat 6 an 218. in Cara alla Galf. Mon. Hist Reg. l 5. c. 3. Pont. Vir. l. 5. that this Severinus died with his father or before or was the same son of Bassianus which others do call Heliogabalus Marcus Antoninus and other names which Heliogabalus is stiled by in Histories While these things were acted with the Romans the State of Brittainy was
in them as in Verulam were now onely inhabited by Christians and not a Pagan to be seen and this by the Omnipotent working of God and the Idolatrous Judge and Prince himself that ruled here under the Pagan Romans and persecuted by their power even to the utmost bounds of Brittany was made that he was unable to Rule and Govern any longer but needed be Ruled and Governed himself by others This Judge King and Roman Lieutenant as the Scottish Historians with others call him was King Asclepiodotus thus grievously either of malice or for fear of the Romans then persecuting and for so doing hated of God and Man Coel. King Coel who began his reign in the year of our Lord 262. having now both Warrant and Way to advance the Title to the Crown of this Kingdom and help to free the afflicted Christians thereof from the miseries of their so long and grievous persecution as it seemeth most probable at this time and upon these occasions he took Armes against Asclepiodotus reputed King in this persecution slew him and was crowned King as our Historians deliver unto us Harding also plainly saith that Coel took Armes against Asclepiodotus by reason of this great persecution For which Duke Coel against him rose in Armes Asclepiodotus for the first ten years of his reign was just and ruled with the general applause of all but after fell into wickedness and cruelty so that King Coel might justly pursue his right to Brittain in hope thereby in better manner to redeem the afflictions of his Countrey Christians being more potent and able and likely more willing than Asclepiodotus was not so forward in any Judgements as he should have been in defending innocence if he had not been an actual persecutor which Harding himself thus in these plain terms expresseth Harding Chron. cap. 58 fol. 57. This persecution as some Chronicles fain The ten years war of Asclepiodote For which Duke Coel again him rose full hot The Duke Caer Colun that hight Coilus Which City now this day Colchester hight Then crowned was that slew Asclepiodotus For cause he came not forth with all his might The Tyramite fell to a canstand as he hight Wherefore Brittains were all full glad and fain Of King Coilus that succoured all their pain And howsoever Asclepiodotus concurred with the Roman persecutors and pleased them in vexing and tormenting Christians here in Britany yet otherwise he was very unpleasing unto them He troubled the Roman power in all things and therefore they were glad of his death Ponticus Virunnius himself a Roman saith they did esteem him their great enemy and as for such an one rejoyced at his death and this joy was not onely of particular Romans but of the whole Senate which ruled chiefly in matters of Estate Therefore when our Antiquities assure us that Coel obtained the Kingdom and was crowned and as an old French manuscript speaketh regna sur Britaniae ruleth over Brittain and was thus inabled and made powerful to redresse what he found offensive and wicked being absolute King and joyfully so received of the Brittains as our Historian said before Wherefore Brittains were all full glad and faine Of King Coelus that succoured all their pain And he himself taking acception to Asclepiodotus next to his charging him with usurping the Crown for being to backward in resisting the Roman persecutors would not fall into the like error with him but as is proved already succoured all their pain and utterly ceased the persecution against Christians of Brittain which were thus joyful of his coronation and thereby relieved and redeemed them from their afflictions all his time which both by our own and forreign Historians continued to the end of the third hundred of years Mr. Broughton The Romans having no power here either to persecute Christians or to any other purpose But as our Brittish and other Historians testify wholly lost their government here untill after the death of King Coel or the comming of Constantius his son in law hither the second time very little before King Coel his death Our Scottish Historians say that King Coel utterly destroyed both Romans and all the Brittains also which were their favourers and set forth a severe edict to search forth all Romans and Brittains which had followed them here and caused them to be punished and put to death and so with most joyful and general applause of the people Nobles and others that the crown of Brittain was thus restored to the true heir of their regal blood was crowned King and he established the Kingdom in the Brittish government So that now so severe a law being made and executed both against the prosecuting Romans and all such Brittains as had joyned with them against the Christian inhabitants of this nation and all this done by the authority of our King and with the consent both of the nobility and people we must needs end the persecution here with the beginning of King Coels reign And it would not be singular in this point if we should hold that King Coel was actually a christian and not only a friend to such for first all they which affirm him to have been Kinsman or Heir to our first christian King St. Lucius easily prove him a christian for such a man would not leave either child or kinsman which by him had that title to have any other education Secondly by the time of his age whether he was to King Lucius so near or no we must needs confesse he lived most part of his life when christianity flourished in this Kingdom being an aged man before Dioclesian his persecution began Thirdly our Historians say that his daughter St. Helen which had her education by his direction was instructed and taught in the christian faith A late Authour thus speaketh of this Helena she was first instructed in the faith of Christ by Coel her father as Petrus de Natalibus saith and yet if we encline to this opinion we may easily answer them that will object the public and universal restitution of christian religion as building Churches Monasteries and such holy foundations was not in his time For by the common opinion his reign was short little and not above four years a great part whereof was spent in extirpating the persecutors and the rest in preparation to resist a new invasion of the Romans not reigning in quiet and security from these troubles and fears the space of two moneths by any writers and so after so great and terrible a tempest of persecution it was a wonderful comfort and happiness for the Brittish christians to enter into such a calme and quiet to live in security and rest freed from their former miseries under so renowned a King which was all he could do or they expect in such times and circumstances The Roman Emperours after the death of Heliogabolus until Constantius married first or after received again Helena daughter of Coel had little command in this Kingdom therefore
the lawfull son of Constantius and Helen and born in Brittain and that his Father Constantius was compelled by Herculius the Emperour to be divorced from Helen his true wife to take Theodora Daughter in Law of that Emperor Eutropius plainly saith that Constantine was son of Constantius in true marriage Constantinus Manasses saith St. Helen was the wife of Constantius and a most blessed Woman Hunibaldus above 1000. years since relateth the History of the composition between Constantius and our Brittish King Coel as our writers do As soon as Coel heard that Constantius was arrived he sent Embassadours desiring peace and promised to pay the tribute so that he might enjoy his Kingdom to which Constantius agrees this thus composed Coel within 40. dayes dyed whose Daughter Helen to whom for beauty and loveliness knowledge in the liberal sciences and rare skill in musick Theoph. Ceram in Chron. Egbert Albas Ser. 3. de mere manif Catho fidei Berengosus Abbas l. de in vent laud. S. Crucis c. 1 Brittain never bred the like Constantius took to wife by whom he begat Constantine who not only succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Brittain but also prevailing against Maxentius in the Empire Victor Eutropius Eusebius and other ancient Authors are witnesses that when Dioclesian made Constantius and Galerius Cesars he compelled then to put away both their lawful wives Constantius to put away St. Helen and to take Theodore his daughter in law and Galerius Veleria his own daughter which account of theirs that St. Helen was thus put away in the year 294. invincibly proveth how according to Eusebius and many others before setting down the age of Constantine to have been about 60 years that St. Helen had been the wife of Constantius 20. years Severus Sulpitius doth not only call St. Helen the true wife of Constantius but saith she was Empresse both in her husbands and sons time which proveth her daughter and heir to Coel our Brittish King by which title only she reigned with Constantine Theophilus Cepameus an old Greek writer saith there were Arrian Hereticks and Pagans which denied Constantine to be legitimate and that the lyed therein mentiuntur Egbertus saith she was Queen and mother of Constantine Beringosus an eyewitnesse of the most things writing of her saith first she was a Queen and so the lawful wife of Constantius for a Concubine of the greatest Emperour that ever was is not thereby a queen as the Authors name her Queen to Rule to Governe nor can the lawful true wives of Kings be termed Queens by such worth Authours except they were Queens by title of Inheritance or such like as our Antiquaries write of Queen Helen that she was daughter and heir to her father King Coel this worthy author doth also though a stranger to us confirme when he proveth she was of most noble parentage and by experimental arguments because he had seen the old buildings of her stately pallace continuing to in his time the pavement whereof was marble and Touchstone the most Regal Palace in all those parts the walls were gilded with old her chamber was so sumptuous that the like was not in the World Stately building of St. Helen Q. of Brittain and to free her from all slanders the chamber of her heart and soul was far more pure in all things she was obedient to the will of God and yet externally pleasing to her husband Constantius although more pleasing to God then to her husband Thus we see how far this most blessed and noble Queen and Empresse Bernigosus ibid. was in all times from being base either by birth or conversation such sanctify of life could never agree with that foule name by which some have so wrongfully termed her such parentage Pallaces and Revenues able to entertain the greatest Princes according to their state and dignity must denominate their noble owners with better termes and attributes The Hostesse Inkeeper Stabularia except we will expound them in so large a sense that we shall so stile Abraham and Lot that lodged the Angels those that entertained Christ all receivers of Kings Princes and Emperours and all Harbourers or Exercisers of Hospitality for so both St. Helen and King Coel entertained Constantius the one a husband the other a son in law as Princes use It seemeth this Pallace and lands in and about Trevers to have descended to St. Helen by her mother or some Ancestour of that Country for both Beringosus saith St. Helen was brought up at Trevers and Otho Frigensis saith she was by some of her Ancestours come from thence And Trevers being at that time the most renowned place of those countries for Nobility Learning and Christianity and she the only child of her father King Coel and to succed him in the Kingdom of Brittain he sent her thither to have the most noble education and there it was probably where she first came to be acquainted with Constantius then living in those parts And this made the Attonement between the Romans and K. Coel to be so soon and peacebly effected without any effusion of blood as our Antiquities tell us The marriage of Constantius and Helena is by what is said so clear that it is needlesse to speak any more of that subject I will only add this for the present The old Inscription of the Church of St. Gereon at Cullen founded by her proveth her to be a Queen and an example to Kings Regibus exemplum sacroque chrismate plena Condidit hoc Templum Sancti Gereonis Helena A patterne unto Kings this heavenly light St. Helen shining with all vertue bright In honour of St. Gereon here did raise This stately Church to her eternal praise At the agreement betwixt Constantius and Coel besides paying the Tribute Galf. Mon. H. Reg. Brit. l. 5. c. 6. Pont. Virun and Coel to enjoy the Kingdom during his natural Life it was further agreed that Constantius should take again his wife St. Helen daughter and her to King Coel and by her right be King after the death of her father By which covenant and article agreed upon and truly executed as it was the first marriage between Constantius and Helen was even by Roman Pagan lawes themselves proved and declared to be true and lawfull and the children therein begotten legitimate and the taking of Theodora living with her and children by her to be adulterate and utterly unallowable in any sense even by their own Pagan constitutions for although those Pagan wicked decrees did allow to the Presidents of Provinces which were unmarried without penalty to keep Concubines prophanely thinking as some new seeming Christians have done that men unmarried could not live chast yet they never permitted it to married Praefects and Presidents such as Constantius was Elius Lamprid in Alex. Sever. as their own Historians witness By which Heathenish Roman Law Helena was not only the Concubine and no wife of Constantius but a Concubine prohibited
of the persecution during ten years and addeth that then the church of St. Alban was built to his honour within ten years of his martyrdom in the quiet of Christian times here which by that is said before must needs be in the time of Constantius Likewise we find in the antiquitie of the old Church of Winchester that being destroyed with the rest in this late persecution it was perfectly re-edified in the year of Christ 309. and so either was in building or warranted to be built in the dayes of Constantius then so or lately before by all accounts living and reigning here that it could not be done without his warrant or allowance The like we say of the Churches of St. Julius and St. Aaron and other Martyrs of that time and all both Cathedral churches and others destroyed here by Maximian the most horrible fact-man as Henry of Huntington calls him after whose leaving the Empire Christians were quiet here as he saith and restored to their former liberties and as Regino writteth not only in Brittain but generally where he ruled both Bishops were restored to their private Sees and many other things granted for the profit of Christian Religion and particularly saith that the Monastery of Trevers was begun in his time then much more in Brittain where he was both absolute Emperour and King to command and no man daring to resist him to this our late Antiquaries have given sufficient allowance when they grant that Constantius abolished the superstition of the Gentiles in this Dominions especially in Brittain where he now lived King and Emperour as also in abolishing the Pagan rights and observances for dislike of them and love to Christian Religion must needs for his short time be an extraordinary advancer thereof Stow Howes in Constant But when he had happily begun this holy work in repairing the ruines of the Church of Christ in this Kingdom and before he could bring it to due and his desired perfection he fell sick at the City of York where soon after he deceased Yet in this short time of his sicknesse his greatest care was to leave and commit this his charge both concerning his Empire and this Kingdom to his Eldest son Constantine Son of St. Helen who as he hoped for many reasons would be most ready and willing to maintain and defend true Religion and with Justice govern his Subjects And to this happy choice as both Zonoras and Pompeius Laetus do plainly testify Zonoras Annal Tom. 2. in Constant Pomp. Laetus Rom. Hist Camp in Const max. Eseb l. 1. de vita Const mag c. 18. Grin amart in cum locum and Eusebius and others sufficiently insinuate he was admonished and instructed by Gods direction and an Angell which is confimed by the effect and event it self not only of the general establishing of Christian religion in the world by Constantine in the time of his Empire but his extraordinary and miraculous preservation before he came to it and at this very time of his fathers sicknesse strangely escaping the Tyrants hands in Italy and coming safely unto his sick Father Constantius at York in our Brittain by the great providence of God as Eusebius noteth who had often preserved him to bring him thither so long and dangerous a journey at that very time to succeed his Father And this Author immediately addeth For presently when Constantine had escaped the stratagems of the deceits he came with all speed to his Father Euseb in vita Const l. 1. c. 14. and after a long space of time which he had been absent from him presented him to his sight at that moment Constantius was ready to die but when contrary to all hope he saw his sonne leaping out of bed he embraced him saying that he had now cast that out of his mind Cap. 15. which only troubled him at the point of death which was the absence of his Son and therefore did earnestly pray and give thanks for it to God affirming that now he rather desired to die then live and setting himself in the midst of his Children and in his place lying upon his Kingly bed giving over the inheritance of his Kingdom to his Eldest Son he departed this Life Thus hath Eusebius then living in that time Our Moderne Writers citing other ancient Authors not differing from Eusebius Hollenshed Hist of England l. 4 c. 28. 27. cit Euseb Sext Aurel. vict Nicep Tripart Hist thus Translate and Epitomate this History from them Whilest Constantine remained at Rome in manner as he had been a pledge with Gallerius in his Fathers time fled from hence and with all post hast returned to his Father in Brittain killing and hewing by the way all such horses as were appointed to stand at Inns ready for such as would ride in Post least being pursued he should have been overtaken and brought back again by such as might be sent on purpose after him Constantius whilest he lay on his death bed somewhat before he departed this life hearing that his son Constantine was come and escaped from the Emperors Dioclesian and Maximian with whom he remained as a pledge he received him with all joy and raising himself up in his bed in presence of his other sons and Councellours with a great number of other people and strangers that were come to visit him He set the Crown upon his sons head and adorned him with other Imperi-Robes and garments executing as it were himself the Office of an Herald and with all spake these words unto his said son and to his Councellours there about him Now is my death come unto me more welcome and my departure hence more pleasant I have here a large Epitaph and Monument of buriall to wit mine own son and one whom in earth I leave to be Emperour in my place which by Gods good help shall wipe away the tears of the Christians and revenge the cruelty exexercised by Tyrants This I reckon to chance unto me instead of most felecity Thus careful was this holy Emperour even at his death to advance the honour of Christ This he did prophesying how his son after him should advance Christian Religion now by his father declared Emperour but as Esebius writeth long before designed to that dignity by God the King of all This renowned Emperour Constantius died by divers in the year 306. by others 307 and by some 308. and by all at such time as it is already proved it must needs be he which among the Roman Emperours first gave order and warrant for the restoring and re-establishing Christian Religion here in Brittain after the desolation thereof by Dioclesian and Maximian and died happily and most blessedly And was so renowned that even by the Pagans he was accounted a God and had after his death all honour given unto him which belonged to an Emperour he was most honourably and Christian like buryed in the City of York Constantine his son the new Emperour present
it to be recorded to the end the same of that fact might ever live to his eternal honour and renown of the noble order 9. That if any complaint were made at the Court of this mighty King of perjury or oppression then some Knight of the order whom the King should appoint ought to revenge the same 10. That if any Knight of forrain Nation did come unto the Court with desire to challenge or make shew of his prowess were he single or accompanied those Knights ought to be ready in armes to make answer 11. That if any Lady Gentlewoman or VVidow or Maid or other oppressed person did present a petition declaring that they were or had been in this or that Nation injured or offered dishonour they should be graciously heard and without delay one or more Knights should be sent to take revenge 12. That every Knight should be willing to inform young Princes Lords and Gentlemen in the orders and exercises of armes thereby not only to avoid Idleness but also to encrease the honour of Knighthood and Chevalrie Divers other Articles inciting to magnanimous actions of honour in armes those Knights were sworn to observe Sir William Segar ib. which for brevity I omit nevertheless being used to lose my labour I will adventure to say this little and the rather because this order of Knighthood is ancient I do not read of any Robe or habit prescribed unto these Knights nor with what ceremonie they were made The place of meeting and Convocation was the City of Winchester where King Arthur caused a great round table to be made and at the same the Knights at Pentecost or VVhitsunday did sit and eat the proportion thereof was such as no room could be thought of more dignity then the rest yet as some writers say one seat thereof was called the Sea Perilous reserved for that Knight that did excel the rest in vertue That place by thet consent of all the rest of the Knights was allotted to King Arthur who for his valour surpassed all other Knights and professors of armes Of Officers and Ministers belonging unto this order I do not read but of a Register whose duty was to enter and keep records of all and every action enterprised attempted or performed by any of all those Knights which records were read and sung publickly to the eternizing of their honour and fame Whether the number of these Knights was many or few I do not find but it seemeth imparted to a great many all persons of high dignitie and much prowess for unto King Arthur at Caerleon in Monmoth-Shire resorted at one time ten Kings Caerleon more honoured then any City of Brittain and thirteen Earls besides many Barons and other Knights of meaner qualitie As the conquests of the King were many so was his bounty notable for it is written that unto his chief Scheneshal or Steward called Kay he gave the province of Avion on his Butler Bedwere he bestowed Normandy and to his Cozen Berel he granted the Dutchy of Buriundy and unto many other Lords and valiant Knights he allotted other magnificent gifts according to their vertue Sir John Hayward fol. 4. in Will Conq. Some are of opinion the truth whereof I will not dispute that this most victorious King was not born in lawfull wedlock some make the like quere of Alexander others of Julius Caesar many such have been brought into the World to the great admiration and astonishment of Posterity and that bastards should inherit Kingdomes Principalities and other Seigniories it was no unusual thing Sir John Hayward writing the life of William the Conquerour who is commonly called William the bastard tells us it was a generall custome at that time in France that bastards did succeed even in dignities of highest degree and condition no otherwise then children lawfull begotten Thierry bastard of Clovis had for his partage with the dutifull Children of the said Clovis the Kingdom of Austrasie now called Lowain Sigisbert bastard to King Dagobert the first had his part in the Kingdom of France with Clovis the twelfth lawfull Son to Dagobert Loys and Carloman bastards to King Loyis le Begue succeeded after the death of their Father so likewise in England Alfride bastard Son to Oswine succeeded his Brother Egfride So Adelstane the bastard Son of Edward the Elder succeeded his Father before Edmund and Eldred his younger Brothers notwithstanding they were lawfully begotten So St. Edmund the Martyr bastard Son to King Edgar succeeded him in the state before Ethelbred his lawfull issue Afterward Harold surnamed Harefoot bastard to Canutus succeeded him in the Kingdom before Hardi Canutus his lawfull son The like custome hath been observed in Spain in Portugall and in divers other Countries And it is probable that this use was grounded upon often experience that bastards begotten in the highest heat and strength of affection have many times been men of excellent proof both in courage and understanding this was verified in Hercules Alexander the great Romulus Timotheus Brutus Themistocles Arthur in Homer Demosthenes Bion Bartholus Gracian Peter Lumbard Peter Comestor John Andreas and divers of most florishing name but this custome now concerning succession of bastards in Kingdomes Royalties and other inheritances is obsolete and quite abolished Concerning the Coronation of King Arthur some Authours have written thus the appointed time of the solemnity approaching The Coronation of King Arthur and all being ready assembled in the City of Caerleon the Archbishops of London and York and in the City of Caerleon the Archbishop Dubrick were conveyed to the place with royal solemnity to Crown King Arthur Dubritius therefore because the Court lay within his Diocesse He was crowned at Lanturnam an ancient Abbey but now the house of St. Edward Morgan Baronet furnished him accordingly to perform and solemnize this charge in his own person The King being crowned was with all pompe brought to the Cathedral Church of that Metropolitan See on either hand of him both right and left did the Archbishops support him and four Kings to wit Angusell King of Albania Cadvall King of Venedotia Cador Kings of Cornewall and Sater King of Demetia went before him carrying four golden swords The Companies also and concourse of sundry sorts of Officers played before him most melodious and heavenly harmony On the other part the Queen was brought to the Church of professed * St. Julians now the house of the Lord of Cherbery Nuns being conducted and accompanied by Archbishops and Bishops with her armes and titles royally garnished and the Queens consorts to the four Kings aforesaid carryed before her as the order and custome was four white Doves or Pigeons At a solemnity held by this renowned King upon the feast of Pentecost which was the usual day for the Knights of the Round-table to convene a challenge was brought to King Arthur from a King of Northwales the Copy whereof was given me by the right honorable Richard
contains in it 248. Parishes and in them 18. Market Towns the chief whereof is Dorchester as that which doth denominate the whole County A Town not much famous for much else then that it hath long been and doth still continue the honorary title of those noble Personages which have been severally Marquesses and Earls OF DORSET 1 Osmond de Sees E. 2 John Beaufort Marquess L. Adm. 3 Thomas Beaufort Earl Duke of Exceter Lord Chancellor and Lord Admiral 4 Edmund Beaufort E. and Marque 5 Henry Beaufort Marq. 6 Edmund Beaufort Marq. 7 Thomas Grey Marq. 8 Thomas Grey Marq. 9 Henry Grey Marq. D. of Suffolk 10 Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst created Earl of Dorset 10 Jacobi Lord Treasurer and Chancellour of Oxford 11 Robert Sackvile E. 12 Richard Sackvile E. 13 Edward Sackvile E. Lord Chamberlain to the Queen 14 Edward Sackvile now Earl of Dorset 1661. The Earles of Salisbury and Exceter RObert Sitsylt came into Wales with Robert Fitz Hamon who conquered Jestin Prince of Glamorganshire an inheretrix by whom he had Halterennis and other lands in Herefordshire and Glocestershire James Sitsylt Esq  Iohn Sitsylt Esq The Lady Maud de Frenes Eustace Sitsylt Esq Elianor daughter to Sir VVill. Pembridge Knight Sir Baldwin Sitsylt Knight temp Hen. secundi daughter to Maurice de Brampton Esq Gerald Sitsylt Esq Mavil daughter to Sir Moygne Knight Robert Sitsylt Esq Alice daughter to Sir Rob. Trogois Knight James Sitsylt Esq Isabell daughter to Sir John Knell Knight Gerald Sitsylt Esq Margaret Daughter to Stephan de Ber. John Sitsylt Esq Sibil daughter to Robert of Ewyas Esquire Sir John Sitsylt Knight Alicia sister to Sir Richard Baskervile Knight Iohn Sitsylt Esq Jone daughter to sir Richard Monington Knight Thomas Sitsylt Esq Margaret daughter and heir to Gilbert de Winston Esq Philip Sitsylt Esq Margaret daughter to Iohn Philips Esq Richard Sitsylt Knight Cecil Esq Margaret daughter to Philip Vaughan Esq David Cecil Esq  Sir William Cecil Baron Burley Knight of the Garter c. Mary sister to Sir Iohn Cheek Kt. Rob. Cecil E. of Salisbury Elizab. d. to W. Brook L. of Cob. Will. Cecil E. of Salisbury 1661 Katherine d. to Tho. Howard E. of Suffolk Charles Lord Cranbourne Iane daughter to Maxwell Esq groom of the bed-Chamber to K. Charles of glorious memory Tho. Cecil E. of Exceter Dorothy d. and co-h to I. Nevil L Latimer Will Cecil E. of â—xceter Eliz. d h. of Ed. Mannors E. of Rutland D. Cecil now E of Exceter 1661 descended from a younger son of William L. Burley Eliz. d. to Iohn Egerton Earl of Bridgwater SALISBURY Salisbury is the chief City of Wilts it was at first seated high upon an hill as being a place designed for strength and war yet honoured for a while with a Bishops See and a fair Cathedral But the Bishops and the Clergy finding no good quarter amongst the Soldiers which were there in Garrison and being destitute of water upon so high an hill about the time of Rich. I. began to leave it and plant themselves down lower by the water-side being once setled there and raising a new Cathedral for Gods publick service the people also followed after and left old Sarum to it self which in short time became so totally deserted that now the ruines of it are hardly visible but for new Salisbury that grew up presently to a great renowne pleasantly seated on the river with water in every street thereof and for the populousness of the place plenty of provision and spacious market place and a fair Town hall is esteemed to be the second City of all that Tract and which adds no small lustre to it a place that hath been very fortunate in those eminent persons on whom the Kings of England have bestowed the title of Earls of Salisbury Earles of Salisbury Patrick d' Eureux Will. d' Eureux VVill Longespee base son to K. Henry 2. who married Ella daughter of VVill. d' Eureux VVilliam Longespee VVill. de Montacute VVill. de Mont. John de Mont. Tho. de Mont. Richard Nevil who married Elianor daughter of Thomas Mont. Lord Ch. Richard Nevil Earl of VVarwick George Duke of Clarence who maried Isabel daughter of Richard Earl of VVarwick Edward eldest son of King Richard 3. and Anne the second daughter of Richard Nevil Margaret daughter of George Duke of Clarence created Countess of Salisbury by King Henry 8. Robert Cecil Viscount Crambourne created Earl of Salisbury 3. Jacob. VVilliam Cecil now Earl of Salisbury 1661. EXCETER Exceter is now the chief City of Devonshire a fair and goodly seat it is placed upon the Eastern bank of the River Ex from whence it had the name of Exceter In circuit it contains within the walls about a mile and a half besides the suburbs which every way stretch out to a great length and in the circuit there are numbered fifteen Parish Churches besides the Cathedral the whole environed with deep ditches and very stronge wals having many Towers therein very well disposed and yet the animosity of the Inhabitants is a greater strength unto it then the walls or ditches whereof they have given notable proof in these later times to their great honour here followeth a Catologue of the Dukes Marquesses and Earles John Holland E. of Huntington made Duke of Exceter by Richard 2. Thomas Beaufort E. of Dorset Lord Ch. and Adm. made Duke of Exceter by King Henry 5. Iohn Holland Duke Lord Adm. Henry Holland Duke Lord Adm. Henry Courtney E. of Devon created Marquesse of Exceter by K. Henry 8. Thomas Cecil Lord Burley created Earl of Exceter 3. Jaco VVilliam Cecil David Cecil now Earl 1661. THE SECOND BOOK Arma Paterna year 877 ANARAWD the Son of Roderick began his Reign over VVales in the year of Christ 877. year 878 The year 878. died Fedan the son of Melht a noble man of VVales and the second year following there was a great Battel fought by the Danes and the Englishmen of Mercia against the Welshmen upon the River Conway where the VVelshmen had the Victory and this was called the Revenge of the Death of Roderick year 879 About this time Eveneth the Son of Bledrid a Baron of VVales died Forrain and alwaies pernicious and Anarawd King or Prince of North-Wales came with a great Army of English-men and made War against his Brother Cadeth and spoiled the country of Caerdigan and Ystradgwy The Danes being put hard to their shifts by Alfred left their Wives and children in Essex and passed spoiling the Land to * Forsan Cowbridge Quadbridge upon Severn and so passed the River and spoiled the countries of Brechnock Gwentland and Gwenthwg About the year 900. Igmond with a great number of Souldiers came to Anglesey and the Welshmen gaue him a Battel at Molerein There be some Brittish Copies of this History which affirm that this battel between Igmond Captain of the black Nations and the Brittains wherein Mervin was slain was
to the Government and sought the rule of the Land as Conan the son of Howel and Aedan the son of Blegored who tried the matter in open field where Conan was slain in the year 1003. I do not know saith my Author neither could I ever finde what colour or pretence of Title this Aedan ap Blegored had to the principality of Northwales nor yet of whom he de cended or who descended from him whereas all the other Princes are notoriosly known of what families they did descend and who from them neither yet do I read of any Blegored whose son he was except it be that Doctor of Law of whom mention is made in the Laws of Howel Dha whose estate was too mean to challenge a principality he is reported to have governed about twelve years Of his Acts by him atchieved there is very little written saving of those two battails the one wherein he overcame Conan ap Howel and the other wherein he was overcome himself and slain with his four sons by Lhewellin ap Sitsylht In the year 1015. Lhewelin the Son of Sitsylht raised a great power against Aedan who by force had taken upon him the rule of Northwales and slew him with his four sons in battel and having no respect to Jago or James the son of Edwal the right heir took upon him the name and authority of King of Wales This Lhewellin was descended from the Kings of Wales by his mothers side whose name was Trawst daughter to Elise second son to Anarawd which was eldest son to Roderik the great who also had to wife Angharac the only daughter of Meredith Prince of Southwales and so by these means he claimed and enjoyed the right of either country as hereafter shall be shewed Lhewellin the son of Sitsylht and Angharat the Daughter of Meredith After that Lhewellin son of Sitsylht had taken into his hands the government of Wales all things did prosper in the Land for the earth brought forth double to the time before passed the people prospered in all their affairs and multiplyed wonderfully the cattel encreased in great number so that there was neither begger nor poor man from the South to the North sea but every man had plenty every house a dweller and every Town inhabitants In the year 1019. Meyric the son of Arthpoel did raise a great army against Lhewelin King or Prince of VVales which met with him in the field and manfully slew him and discomfited his people In the year 1020. a certain Son of low birth came to Southwales and named himself Run the son of Meredith their late King whom the Nobility which loved not Lhewelin exalted to the regal Throne and took him for their King which thing when Lhewelin heard he gathered his power in Northwales and came towards the supposed Run who had gotten all the strength of Southwales together at Abergwili where with great pride he abode the coming of Lhewelin but when both the armies met and were ready to joyn Run full of brags and cracks encouraged his people to fight promising them the Victory yet he himself following the Proverb which biddeth a man to set on his dog and not to run after him set on his people to fight it to the uttermost and withdrew himself privately out of the way whereas upon the contrary part Lhewelin like a bold and couragious Prince came before his people calling for the vile Scot Run that durst so bely a Princes Blood and so both the Armyes joyned together with much malice and hatred for the one party was so couragious to defend the quarrel of so worthy a Prince of their own blood as the other was obstinate in the cause of a stranger in the end after great slaughter upon either part the Northwales men remembring their old Victories and encouraged by the prowess of their Prince put their enemies to flight and pursued Run so narrowly that all his Scottish shifts could not save his life and returned home with great spoil and prey Then Lhewelin ruled all the land quietly till the year following he was slain by Howel and Meredith the Sons of Edwin leaving behinde him a son named Griffith ap Lhewelin After the death of Lhewelin Jago or James the son of Edwal took upon him the rule of Northwales as right heir thereof and Rytherick the son of Jestin governed Southwales by strong hand year 1031 About the year 1031. the Irish Scots entred Southwales by the means of Howel and Meredith the sons of Edwin ap Eneon ap Owen ap Howel Dha who hired them against Rytherick ap Jestin whom they discomfited and slew and by that means attained unto the government of Southwales which they two ruled jointly but yet with small quietness for the sons of Rytherick gathered a number of such as were their fathers friends to avenge his death with whom Howel and Meredith met at Hyarthwy and after long fight put them to flight But in the year following Meredith was slain by the sons of Conan the Son of Sitsylt brother to the worthy Prince Lhewelin to revenge their fathers death whom Meredith and his Brother had slain The year next ensuing certain Englishmen entred the Land of Gwent with whom Rytherick ap Jestin fought and was by them slain In the year 1037. Gruffith the son of Lhewelin ap Sitsylt sometime King of Wales raised a great number of people against Jago then enjoying the Principality or Kingdom of Northwales whom Jago likewise provided for as well as he could but the more part better souldiers were of Gruffiths side for the love they bare to his Father which afterward well appeared for the Armies meeting Jago was soon overthrown and slain This Jago left behind him a son called Conan by his wife Avandred daughter to Gweir the son of Pilh Gruffith ap Lhewlyn ap Sitsylt and Angharat Gruffith ap Lhewlin after he had slain Jago governed Northwales worthily in all things following his fathers steps who overcame both the Danes and the Englishmen divers times and defended his Country and people manfully all his reign In the first year of his government he fought with the Englishmen and Danes at Crosford upon Severn and put them to flight and from thence he led his army to Lhanpadarn Vawr in Caerdiganshire and destroyed it utterly and from thence passed all Southwales throughout and received the people to his subjection for Howel ap Edwin their King fled before his face and forsook the land This Howel procured Edwin the brother of Leofrike Earl of Chester or Mercia to come with an army of Englishmen and Danes to his aid against Prince Gruffith who met his enemies in the field and overcame them and slew the said Edwin but Howel escaped by flight after the which victory Gruffith made sundry invasions upon the Marshes toward Hereford and alwayes returned with great spoyles year 1038 When Gruffith had brought all Wale under his dominion he returned to Northwales again The year ensuing
1038. Hernon Archbishop of Menevia or St. Davids died a man both learned and godly the next year following Howel King of Southwales gathered a great power of his friends and strangers and entered the land intending to overcome it again wherefore Gruffith like a worthy Prince came with all speed to succour his people and meeting with Howel at Pencadair after he had incouraged his Soldiers gave him battail and overthrew him and pursued him so narrowly that he took Howels wife whom he had brought to the field to see the overthrow of Gruffith which chanced otherwise whom Gruffith liked so well that he kept her for his Concubine year 1041 In the year 1041. Howel came again to Southwales and remained there a while and shortly after a number of strangers landed in Westwales and spoyled the Country against whom Howel gathered his forces and fought with them and drove them to their ships with much loss At this time Conan the son of Jago who had fled to Ireland to save his life with the power of Alfred King of Develin whose daughter Ranulph he had married entered Northwales and by treason had taken Gruffith the King and carried him towards the ships but when it was known the Country upon a suddain followed the Irishmen and overtaking them rescued their Prince requiting their foes with much slaughter forcing them to their ships who returned with Conan to Ireland The year following Howel the son of Owen Lord of Glamorgan dyed being a man full of years Then Howel ap Edwin called to his succour Danes and Englishmen with all the power he could make in Southwales whereof Gruffith being certified gathered his power together in Northwales and came couragiously to meet his enemies whom he had twice before discomfited and overcame them and chased them as far as the spring of the River Towy where after a long and dangerous battail Howel was slain and his army routed and so narrowly pursued that few escaped alive After whose death Ritherck and Rees the sons of Ritherck ap Iestyn aspiring again to the rule and government of Southwales which their father had once obtained gathered a great army as well of Strangers as out of Gwentland and Glamorgan and met with Gruffith King of Wales who after his accustomed manner detracting no time but couragiously animating his men with the remembrance of their former fortune and divers victories under his standard joyned battail with his enemies whom he found disposed to abide and to win again the honour they had lost wherefore when they met the fight was cruell and bloody and continued till night which easily departed both armies being weary with fighting and either fearing other returned to their Countreys to gather more strength This year Ioseph Bishop of Teilo or Lhandaf died at Rome The Bishop of Landaff dyeth at Rome The land being thus quieted Gruffith ruled all Wales without any trouble till about two years after the Gentlemen of Ystrad Towy did by treason kill 140 of the Prince his best Soldiers to revenge whose death the King Gruffith destroyed all Dinet and Ystrad Towy Here is also to be noted that such snow fell this year that it lay upon the earth from the Kalends of Ianuary to the fourteenth of March. In the year 1050 Conan the son of Iago did gather an army of his friends in Ireland minding to recover his inheritance again as he sailed towards Wales there arose such a tempest that it scattered his navy abroad and drowned the most part of his ships so that he was disappointed of his purpose and lost his labour This Earl Godwin that wicked Earl of Kent whose lands were swallowed up by the Sea and as this day called Godwins sands pernicious and terrible to Navigators as late experience hath taught us About this time Godwin being summoned to appear and answer before King Edward Conf. at Glocester the guilty Earl Godwin fearing the Kings displeasure who could never brook him since the death of his brother Alfred gathered an army out of Kent and other Countries where his sons ruled or had power and so came tovvards Glocester reporting abroad that all his preparation was made to resist Gruffith Prince of Wales who as they affirmed was ready with an army to invade the Marches but King Edward being certified by the Welshmen that there was no such thing in hand commanded Godwin to send back his army Matth. West writeth that about this time to wit anno 1053. Rees the brother of Gruffith King of Wales was slain in a place called Balendane which place since was called Pen Rees and lately belonged to Sir Ed. Morgan Baronet but sold from the house as he did much more to the ruin of his family though the fault be laid upon upon his son I say no more but God knows how 〈◊〉 whose head was presented to the King at Glocester the day before the Epiphany According to the computation of Authours neer these times Machbeth King of Scotland caused a noble man named Bancho to be cruelly murthered whereupon Fleance the son of the sad Bancho escaping the hands of Macebeth fled to Gruffith ap Lhewelyn Prince of Wales where being joyfully received and entertained courteously he grew into such favour with the said Prince that he thought nothing too good for him But in processe of time Fleance forgetting the courtesy to him shewed fell in love with the Princes daughter and got her with child which thing the Prince took in ill part that he in rage caused Fleance to be killed holding his daughter in most vile estate of servitude for so suffering her self to be de flowered by a stranger At length she was delivered of a son which was named Walter who in few years proved a man of great courage and valour in whom from his childhod appeared a certain noblenesse of mind and ready to attempt any great enterprise This Walter on a time fell out with one of his companions who in that great heat of contention objected unto him that he was but a bastard begotten in an unlawful bed which reproach so grieved Walter that he fell upon the other and slew him whereupon fearing the punishment of the law he fled into Scotland and there fell into the company of those Englishmen which were come thither with Queen Margaret the sister of Edgar Edeling amongst whom he shewed himself so discreet and sober in all his demeanour that he was highly esteemed of all men and so attaining to higher reputation and credit was afterwards imployed in the affairs of the Commonwealth at length made Lord Steward of Scotland receiving the King revenues of the whole realme Of the which Office he and his posterity retained that Sirname of Steward ever after from whom descended the most noble Kings of Scotland besides many other Dukes Marquesses Earls and Barons of great fame and honour Whosoever desireth to be more fully satisfyed in this matter let him read and peruse E. Holenshed and he
shall find James King of England to have descended from the Welsh blood year 1054 In the year 1054 Gruffith the son of Rythrick ap Iestyn did gather a great army as well of strangers as of others against Gruffith ap Lhewelyn King or Prince of VVales but commonly called King of Northwales who detracting no time meeting him fought with him and slew him Shortly after Algar Earl of Chester being convicted of Treason against the King fled to Gruffith into VVales who gathered his power to revenge the Wrongs which he had received at the Englishmens hands who ever succoured his enemies against him Therefore he together vvith Algar entred Herefordshire and spoiled all the vvay vvith fire and svvord to the City whether all the people had fled and they boldly issued forth Earl Randulf being their leader and gave him battel which Gruffith wished for above any other things as he that had won five set battels and couragiously receiving his Enemies fought with them which fight was long and doubtfull till such time as Gruffith encouraged his people with the remembrance of the prowess and worthy Acts of the ancient Brittains their forefathers saying that they were the same enemies whose backs they had so often seen formerly which doubled their strength and force and so they pressed forwards that their foes were compelled to forsake the field and trust to their feet and thought to have taken the Town for their defence but Gruffith and his men pursued them so hard that they entred with them and after a great slaughter returned home with many worthy prisoners great triumph and rich spoiles leaving nothing in the Town but blood and ashes and the Walls razed to the ground There be some that think that King Edward by evil counsel as it is thought banished Algar the son of Earl Leofrike whereupon he got him into Ireland and there providing eighteen ships of Rovers returned and joyned himself with Gruffith King or Prince of Wales who both together invaded the Country of Mercia about Hereford where Earl Ranulph Earl of that Country who was Son to King Edwards Sister named Ioda by her first husband Walter de Maunt came against them with a great army and met them above two miles from Hereford where after a sore fight for the space of three houres Ranulph and his army were overcome and five hundred of them slain the rest being totally routed whom Gruffith and Algar pursued to Hereford and entring the Town set the Cathedral Church on fire and slew the Bishop named Leoger A barbarous act amongst Christians an Act fitter for Pagans then Christians with seven of the Canons spoyled and burnt the Town miserably whereupon King Edward being advertised hereof gathered an Army and sent Haroald the Son of Earl Godwin against them who pursuing the enemies to Northwales passed through Stradelwyd to Snowdon but Gruffith and Algor being afraid to meet Harâ—ald got them again into Southwales whereof Haroald having notice left one part of his army in Northwales to resist the enemies there and returning with the residue to Hereford caused a great Trench to be cast round about the Town with a high Rampire strongly fortifying the Gates of the same After this by means of a Parly had with Gruffith and Algar at a place called Beligelhag a peace was concluded whereupon Algar being pardoned by the King and restored again to his Earldome returned home to Chester About two years after Algar was accused again of Treason so that he was the second time exiled the land and repaired to his old friend Gruffith Prince of Northwales by whom he was joyfully received and restored again to his Earldome by the aid of certain strangers which came by chance from Norway whereupon King Edward being highly offended with Gruffith sent Haroald again with an army into Northwales to do revenge upon him who coming to Ruthlen burned the Pallace of Gruffith and his Ships and then returned to the King at Glocester Not long after these Transactions Roderick Son to Haroald King of Denmark came with a great army to Wales and there being friendly received by Gruffith joyning his power to King Gruffiths entred England and cruelly spoiled and burned great part of the Land but shortly after Roderick was compelled to return to his Ships and to sail to Denmark and Gruffith came to Wales loaden with spoiles Mr. Powel fol. 101. This year saith Mr. Powel died Owen the son of Gruffith ap Rytherick Also Haroald and his Brother Tosty by the procurement of Caradoc ap Gruffith ap Rytherick and others gathered a great Power and entred Southwales and subdued a great part thereof and wrought so with those that were about Gruffith the King that as soon as he had gathered his people in Northwales and began his journey to meet with Haroald he was cruelly and traterously slain by his own men and his head brought to Haroald who appointed and placed Meredith the son of Owen ap Edwin Prince and Ruler of Southwales and he with his brother Tosty returned home Some do report that Haroald about Rogation week by the Kings commandement went against the Welshmen and taking the sea sailed by Bristol round about the Coast compassing in a manner all Wales His brother Tosty that was Earl of Northumberland met him by appointment with an host of horsemen and so joyning together they destroyed the Countrey of Southwales in such sort that the Welshmen were compelled to submit themselves to deliver hostages and conditioned to pay the ancient Tribute which before time they had payd Southwales submits to the English The people of that Countrey because Gruffith their Prince fled at the coming of Haroald and left them to be a prey to the enemies hated him so that as soon as he returned again unto them they slew him and sent his head to Haroald which he sent to the King After whose death King Edward granted the Principality of Northwales to Blethyn and Rywalhon the sons of Convyn brethren to Gruffith by the Mothers side who did homage unto him for the same This Gruffiuh ap Lhewelyn governed Wales thirty four years valiantly and worthily he never fough but that he departed out of the field victorious he was gentle and affable to his Subjects and cruel to his foes beloved of the one and feared of the other liberal to strangers costly in apparrel and princely in all his doings and unworthy of that cruel death that the ambitious desire of Rule did provoke his unkinde Subjects and unnatural â—osins to prepare for so noble a Prince and so gentle a Master as he was Blethin and Riwalhon the Sons of Convyn After the decease of King or Prince Gruffith Meredith the son of Owen ap Edwin which Edwin was son as some Writers say to Howel Dha did take upon him the government of Southwales and Blethin and Riwalbon the sons of Convyn and half Brothers to King Gruffith ap Lhewelyn as they which were born of
whole Countrey Gruffith of Northwales and Rees of Southwales descending both lineally from Roderic the Great against whom came Trahern ap Caradoc and Caradoc Gruffith and Mailer the sons of Rywalhon ap Gwyn his cosin Germans for Gwyn ap Blethin was their Grandfather who in those daies were the chief Rulers of all Wales and after they had met at the Mountains of Carno they fought a cruel battel and were the more eager because upon that daies work lay the lives and honour of either party but at length the victory fell to Gruffith and Rees and Trahern with his cosins were all slain and most part of their people then the Kingdomes of Wales came under the rule of the right heirs again At this time also a noble man in VVales called Vrgency ap Sitsylht was slain by the sons of Rees Sais i. e. Rees the Englishman for so they used to name all such as had served in England or could speak English Gules three Lyons pass Gardant or other say onely passant which I rather approve of Gruffith the Son of Conan The Welsh Princes do homage to VVilliam the Conquerour After the death of Trahern Gruffith ap Conan did quietly rule Northwales and Rees ap Theodore Southwales In the year 1079. William commonly called the Conquerour entred VVales with a great Army and passed as far as Saint Davids where he offered and took homage of the Kings of the Land And not long after the Sepulchre of VValwey King Arthurs Sisters Son was found upon the sea shore in the Countrey of Ros the body by estimation upon viewing of the bones was thought to be fourteen foot in length VValwey in his life time was a right noble and valiant Warriour of very good reputation who ruled that Country which to this day from him is called VValwethay Caerdiff built And this year Sulion forsook his Bishoprick the second time and VVilfrid was enstalled in his place and in this time also the Town of Caerdyff was built year 1087 About the year 1087. the sons of Blethyn ap Convyn sometime King of VVales gathered their strengths together against Rees of Tewdor who not being able to meet them fled to Ireland and there he purchased to himself great friends and got an Army of Irishmen and Scots to whom he promised great Rewards when he should obtain his Kingdome and so landed in Southwales with those strangers which when his friends heard of they drew to him and the other came in all haste thinking to fight with him before his power should encrease and at Lhechryd they gave him battel where they were overthrown and two of the Brethren slain to wit Madoc and Riryd and the other fled and forsook the Countrey As soon as Rees was in quiet possession of his Kingdome he sent home his strangers with great rewards About this time the Shrine of Saint David was stollen out of the Church and when all the Jewels and Treasures were taken away the Shrine was left where it might be found again About this time the Earls of Hereford and Shrewsbury with the VVelshmen burned all VVorcestershire and Glocestershire to the very gates of VVorcester And in the year 1088. there was a terrible Earthquake through all the land and the year following dyed Sulien the godliest and wisest man and the greatest Clerk in all Wales being 89. years old About this time certain strangers which were Rovers upon the seas landed at St. David and robbed it and burned the Town at which time also Cadinor the the son of Colhoyn Lord of Dinet dyed whose sons Lhewelyn and Eneon moved Gruffith the son of Meredyth to make war against their Lord and Prince Rees ap Tewdor and so joyning all their strength together came against him to Lhandydoc where Rees was who gave them battail and putting them to flight pursued them so sore that he took Gruffith ap Meredith and put him death but Eneon son to Cadinor ap Colhoyn fled to Jestin Lord of Morganwc who likewise rebelled against Rees ap Theodor and promised upon condition to have Jestins daughter in marriage and certain other covenants then agreed upon between them to bring to their succours an army of Normans for he had served in England before and was well known and acquainted with all the English Nobility which things being thus concluded they were fully determined to be revenged upon Rees And so Eneon went to England and wrought such means that he procured Robert Fitzhamon in the reign of William Rufus which twelve other Knights to gather a great army of Frenchmen and Normans to come to their aid who shortly after landed in Glamorganshire where Jestin ap Gurgent Lord of the Land received them with much honour and joyning his power to theirs burned and spoyled Prince Rees it grieved him exceedingly whereupon he suddainly gathered his people and met him not far from Brecknock where after a terrible fight he was slain with whom fell and decayed the Kingdom of Southwales This Rees had by his wife the daughter of Rywalhon ap Convin a son called Gruffith who at his fathers death was but a very child and one Grovo that was in the Kings prison These Normans after they had received their promised Salary and great rewards of Jestin returned to their ships When Eneon burthened Jestin with the promise of his daughter in marriage Jestin laughed him to scorn and told him that he would bestow his daughter otherwise whereupon Eneon full of anger and despite followed the Normans and when he came to the shore they were all a shipboard Then he shouted to them and made a sign with his cloak to call them back and they returned again to know his meaning Then he went to the chiefest of them and shewed his abuse at Jestins hands declaring withall how easie it was for them to win that fair and pleasant Country from Jestin whom for his treason to Rees none other Prince of Wales would succour whereunto they easily perswaded turned all their power against him for whose defence they had come thither and at whose hands they had been well entertained and recompenced with rich gifts and rewards And first they spoyled him of his country who mistrusted them not and took all the fertile and valley land to themselves and left the barren and rough mountains for Eneon his part the names of Robert and the twelve Knights and parcels which fell to each ones share were these Azure a Lyon rampant gardant Or encensed gules Those men whose Coats are mentioned and their Heirs have enjoyed the Country to this day who were the first strangers that ever Inhabited Wales since the time oâ— Camber Of this King or Prince Master Mills saith Griffin Prince of Northwales son and successour of Conan the Prince between this Griffin or rather Gruffith and Blethyn Prince of Powis and Rees the son of Theodore Prince of Demetia there was a great search and enquiry made concerning their Armes and military Ensigns as
Montgomery had begun a Castle before And shortly after Madoc ap Riryd returned from Ireland because he could not well brook the Manners and conditions of the Irishmen and being arrived came to the Country of his Unkle Jorwerth who hearing that and fearing the loss of his Lands as his Brother Cadogan had done made a Proclamation that no Man should aid him but take him as an Enemy which when Madoc understood he enticed many unthrifts and outlaws and kept himself in the Rocks and Woods contriving how he might be revenged on Jorwerth for so great a discourtesie as he imagined and thereupon concluded a friendship privately with Lhywarch ap Trahearn who hated Jorwerth to death and having intelligence that Jorwerth lay one night at Caerneon they two gathered all their strength and environ'd the house about midnight which Jorwerth and his Men perceiving armed themselves and defended the place till their foes set it on fire which when Jorwerth's Men perceived every one shifted for himself so that some were slain others burnt few escaping Jorwerth having the true heart of a noble Prince chose rather to adventure and manfully to dye with sword in hand then to be burnt without a glorious action came out but his merciless Enemies received him with the point of their spears and violently cast him into the flames of the raging fire where that gallant man payed what was due to nature death yet by which his name is eternized As soon as the King understood this he called Cadogan before him and gave him his brothers Land which was Powis and promised Owen his pardon willing his Father to send him to Ireland When Madoc saw his other Unkle Cadogan rule the Country he hid himself in rough and desert places and adding one mischief upon an other determined also to murder him by one way or an other Therefore after Cadogan had brought the Country to some stay of quietness and administred Justice therein having ever an eye and respect to the King he came to Trallwug now called Pool and the elders of the Country with him and determining to dwell there began to build a Castle But Madoc hatching nothing but mischief hearing this came suddainly upon him and Cadogan thinking no hurt was slain before he could either fight or fly After this Madoc sent incontinently to the Bishop of London the Kings Lieutenant at Shrewsbury and entreated him to remember what he had promised when he chased Owen out of his Land for the Bishop hated Owen and Cadogan and gave Madoc all such Lands as his brother Ithel was possessed of Meredyth the Son of Blethyn hearing of the death of both his brethren posted to the King desiring of him the Lands of Jorwerth which Cadogan had lately obtained and the King gave him the rule thereof till such time as Owen Son to Cadogan should come from Ireland who came shortly after and went to the King who received him to his peace and gave him his Lands whereupon Owen promised to the King a great Fine and gave pledges for payment of the same likewise Madoc did fine to the King for his peace and lands nevertheless the King wisht him to take heed of the Kinsfolks of such as he had murdered upon his own peril year 1112 In the year 1112. Meredyth ap Blethyn sent a party to make an Inroad into the Country of Lhywarch ap Trahearn ap Gwyn who was Meredyths and Owens Enemy as he that succoured Madoc to kill his Unkles Jorwerth and Cadogan Meredyths brethren These Men as they passed through the Country of Madoc in the night met with a Man which belonged to Madoc The welsh despairing one of another make way for their enemy to subvert them all whom they took and examined where his Master was he at first said that he could not tell but being threatned with death he confessed that he was not far from thence Therefore they lay quietly all that night and in twy-light next morning they came suddainly upon Madoc and his men where they slew many of them and taking Madoc prisoner they brought him to their Lord who was right glad thereof and secured his person till he had sent word to his Nephew Owen who immediately upon the news repaired thither A great curtesie no question to put out a mans eyes and save his life then Meredyth delivered Madoc unto him And albeit he had slain Owens Father his own Unkle yet Owen remembering the friendship and Oath that had been betwixt them in times past would not put him to death but putting out his eyes let him go Then Meredyth and Owen divided the Lands betwixt them which was Caerneon Aberhiw and the third part of Devthwr year 1113 The year following King Henry prepared an Army against Wales being thereunto provoked by such as would have the Welshmens Lands to wit Gilbert Strongbow Earl of Strigyl to whom the King had given Caerdigan who made grievous complaints against Owen ap Cadogan declaring that he received and maintained such as robbed and plundered the Country Also Hugh Earl of Chester said no less by Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales A rash and unchristian oath how that his men and the Men of Grono ap Owen ap Edwyn Lord of Tegengl wasted the Country of Cheshire adding to aggravate the matter that Gruffith did neither acknowledg to owe service nor pay tribute to the King whereupon the King swore that he would not leave one living Creature in Northwales and Powis Land but new colonize them Then dividing his army into three parts the leading of the first he committed to Gilbert Earl of Strygull Two great Kings against two petty princes a great conquest no doubt wherein was the whole power of all the fourth part of England and Cornwall against Southwales Alexander King of Scotland had the leading of the second division with Hugh Earl of Chester wherein the power of Scotland and the North was which went against Northwales and the King led the third himself wherein was the strength of midle England Then Meredith ap Blethyn fearing this came and yielded himself to the King But Owen fearing to commit himself to them who were so greedy of his Lands fled to Gruffith ap Conan to Northwales whereupon the King turning all his strength that way came himself as far as Murcastelh and the King of Scots as far as Pennant Bachwy but the people fled to the mountains and woods and carried all their victualls and cattel with them so that the King could not follow them and such of his Men as entered the Land were either slain or galled in the Straits Then the Scottish King sent to the Prince to come and yield himself to the King and promised him the Kings peace but he was acquainted with such promises and would not The King therefore because he would not return without doing something sent to Owen to come to him and to forsake the Prince who was not able to defend
written of the same as also by the names of the tunes and measures used amongst them at this day The third sort called Atteneaid as those who do sing to the Instrument whilst an other doth play and those as yet be in use in Wales This statute or decree here mentioned doth not only prescribe and appoint what reward every of the said Minstrils ought to have and at whose hands but also of what behaviour and conversation they ought to be to wit to make no debates no vagabonds nor Ale-house hunters no drunkards nor brawlers nor Whoremongers no thieves nor companions of such In which things if they offend every man by the said statute is made and officers are authorised to arrest and punish them yea and take from them all that they have then about them and they are also in the same statute forbidden to enter into any mans house or to make any song of any man without special licence of the party himself And this statute or decree hath been oftentimes allowed by publick authority of the chief Magistrates of that Country as appeareth by sundry commissions directed to divers Gentlemen in that behalf Owen Gwyneth soâ— of Gruffith ap Conan The name of King ceaseth in Wales After the death of Gruffith ap Conan his sons divided his lands betwixt them after the manner of Wales And Owen surnamed Gwineth the eldest son was made Prince of Northwales for the name of King is no further used in the Brittish book who in the beginning of his reign Caermarthyn and three castles destroyed together with his brethren made their expedition into Southwales and overthrew the Castle of Strad Meyric and Castle Stephan and Humphreys Castle and burned the town of Caermarthyn and returned home with much honour At this time dyed John Archbishop of Lhanbadarn who for his godly life is canonized amongst the Saints In the year 1140. Cynwric the son of Owen was slain by the men of Madoc ap Meredyth ap Blethyn ap Convyo About the year 1141 Madoc ap Ednerth a man of great estimation in Wales died and the sons of Blethyn ap Gwyn slew Meredyth ap Howel Two noble Welshment slain by the treason of the Flemmings In the year 1142. Howel-ap Meredyth ap Rytherc of Cantref Bychan and Rees ap Howel were slain by treason of the Flemmings likewise Howel-ap Meredyth ap Beethyn was slain by the treachery of his own men Then also Howel and Cadogan the sons of Madoc ap Enerth did kill each other And shortly after there fell a variance betwixt Anarawd son to Gruffith ap Rees Prince of Southwales and his father in law Cadwalader the son of Gruffith ap Conan and brother to Prince Owen Gwineth By homebred quarrels the Welsh destroy one another and make way for the Norman who from words grew to blowes where Anarawd was slain the hope and prop of Southwales for the which thing Prince Owen took such displeasure at his brother that he and his son Howel gathered an army against him and destroyed all his country and burnt his Castle of Aberistwith for Cadwalader himself had fled to Ireland and had hired Octer son to Octer and the son of Turkel and the son of Cherulfe with a great number of Irishmen and Scots for 2000 markes to his succour and landed at Abermenay in Caernarvonshire against whom the Prince came with great forces but before the armies met there was a peace concluded betwixt the brethren which when the Irishmen understood they detained Cadwalader as prisoner for their wages he delivered unto them 2000 heads of cattle Wales plentiful of Cattel besides many prisoners and spoyles that were taken in the Country But as soon as the Prince had notice that his brother was set at liberty he fell upon the Irishmen and slew a great number of them and recovered all the cattel with the prisoners and other spoyles as many as escaped alive returned home with great losse and shame Flemmings Normans defeated by the Welsh About the year 1143 Howel and Gadogan the sons of Prince Owen gathered an army against the Flemmings and Normans and gave them an overthrow at Aberteini and keeping the town returned home with great honour also this year dyed Sulien ap Rythmarck a man of great knowledg one of the Colledge of Lhanpardarn Carmarthen Castle built Neer this time Gilbert Earl of Clare came with a great power to Dynet and built the castle of Carmarthen and the castle of the sons of Vtchtryd Then also Hugh Mortimer slew Meiryc ap Madoc ap Ryrid and Meredyth ap Madoc ap Edwerth Cadelth the son of Gruffith ap Rees Prince of South Wales won the castle of Dynevowr which Earl Gilbert had built and after he and his brethern Meredyth and Rees gathered their powers and laid seige to the castle of Carmarthen which was yielded unto them reserving only the lives to them of the Garrison Carmarthen Castle yielded to the Welsh And from thence they conducted their army before the castle of Lhan Stephan where the Normans and Flemmings meeting with them had a great overthrow and so the castle was reduced Whereupon the Normans and Flemmings inhabiting that country all about The Normans Flemmings overthrown by the Welsh gathered their power their captains and leaders were the sons of Girald and William de Hay who laid seige to the same castle without discovery But Meredyth ap Gruffith to whose custody the castle was committed encouraged his men to fight and defend the place and that which was wanting in him in strength for he was very aged he supplied in courage and discretion he suffered his enemies to scale the Walls and when the Ladders were full he gave the Watch word and signal A politick stratagem of the Welsh and his Souldiers did both manfully and with great dextery over-turn the Ladders with certain Engines contrived for such purposes and maimed many both armed men and expert Souldiers putting the rest to flight Shortly after died Run the son of Prince Owen of North VVales a fair and goodly young man whose death when it came to his fathers ears did so trouble him that no kinde of pleasure could comfort his heavy heart so that he spent the night in tears and the day in sadness till God who took compassion upon the poor remnants of the Brittains Mould Castle a curb to the Welsh even as he had discomforted the Prince with the death of his son so he did glad his sorrowful heart with the overthrow of his enemies for there was a Castle at the Mould very strong and well manned which did trouble the whole Countrey and had been oftentimes assaulted but never won Prince Owen levied an Army and beleaguered it yet the Garrison defended it and endured many assaults Mould Castle utterly dismantled by the Brittains at last maugre all their endeavours the presence of the Prince did so encourage his men that they
great Army to Caerdigan and first he fortified the Castle of Stratmeryc and afterwards the Castle of Humphrey of Dyny of Dynerth and Lhanristyd when these Castles were well manned and fortified VValter Clifford who had the Castle of Lhanyndhyfir made a road to the roads of Rees and returned with a booty after the slaughter of some of Rees his men Upon this Rees sent to the King to complain and to have a Redress who had only fair words and nothing else for the King winked at the faults of the Englishmen and Normans and punished the Welshmen cruelly Rees seeing this begirt the Castle of Lhanyndhyfri and in short space wan it And Enedon the son of Anarawd Rees brothers son being a lusty Gentleman and desirous to make his Countrey free from servitude and perceiving his Unkle to be discharged of his Oath to the King laid siege to the Castle of Humphrey and by force wan it putting the whole Garrison to the sword wherein he found Horses and Armour to furnish a great number of men Likewise Rees seeing he could enjoy no part of his inheritance but what he obtained by the sword gathered his power and entred Cardigan left not a Castle standing in the whole Countrey of those which his enemies had fortified and so brought all under his subjection Wherewith the King being highly offended returned to South Wales and when he saw he could do no good he suffered Rees to enjoy all that he had gotten and took pledges of him to keep the peace in his absence and then returning into England he sailed into Normandy and made Peace with the French King But the next year Rees Prince of South Wales did lead his power to Dynet and destroyed all the Castles that the Normans had fortified there and afterward laid siege to Caermarthyn which when Reignold the Earl of Bristoll the Kings base son heard he called to him the Earl of Clare and his brother in law Cadwalader the brother of Prince Owen with Howell and Conan Prince Owens sons and two other Earls and came to raise the siege with a great Army whose coming Rees stayed not but betook him to the Mountains called Kefu Rester and there kept himself and they camped at Dynwyl hîc and built a Castle there who after they could not heard of Rees returned home without doing any notable act year 1160 In the year 1160 dyed Madoc ap Meredith ap Blethyn Prince of Powis at Winchester This man was ever the King of Englands friend and was one that feared God and relieved the poor his body was conveyed honourably to Powis and buryed in Mynot He had by his wife Susanna the daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales three sons Gruffith Maylor Owen Elise and a daughter also called Marred he had base sons Owen Brogynton Kynric Evelh and Endon Evelh which base sons were not basely esteemed for with the other they had part of their Fathers inheritance and so had others through Wales if they were stout and of noble courage And here I think it convenient to declare how Powis land came to be divided into so many parcels and thereby weakned and brought under the Normans before the rest of Wales Meredyth son to Blethyn ap Convyn Prince of Powis had two sons Madoc of whom we spake and Gruffith between whom Powis was divided Madoc had that part which was called Powis Vadoc which part again was subdivided into three parts betwixt his three sons Gruffith and Maylor had Bromfield Yale Hope Dale Manhewdwy Mochnant ù Rhayard Chirk Glynlhayth and Glyndoverdwy Owen Vachan had Mechain Iscoyd And Owen Brogynton had Dynmael and Edeyrneon The other part of Powis called after Powis Wenwynwyn was the part of Gruffith ap Meredyth after whose death his son called Owen Civilioc enjoyed it The Lordship of Powis before King Offa's time reached Eastward to the Rivers Dee and Severn from a right line from the end of Broxen hills to Salop with all the Country betwen Wy and Severne whereof Brochwel Yscithroc was possessed but after the making of Offa's ditch the plain Country toward Salop being inhabited by Saxons and Normans Powis was in length from Pulford bridge Northeast to the confines of Caerdiganshire in the parish of Lhanguric in the Southwest and in breadth from the furthest part of Cyvilioc Westwards to Elsmere on the Eastside This Country or principality of Powis was appointed by Roderike the great for the portion of his third sons Anarawd and so continued entirely untill the death of Blethyn ap Convyn After whom although the Dominion was diminished by limiting parts in severality amongst his sons Meredyth and Cadogan yet at length it came wholy to the possession of Meredyth ap Blethyn who had issue two sons Madoc and Gruffith between whom the said Dominion was divided Madoc married Susan the daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales and had that part which was after called from his name Powis Vadoc which dominion and signiory was divided and so forth see Mr. Powel fol. 216. The same year Cadwalhon ap Madoc ap Ednerth was taken by his brother Eneon Clyd and delivered to Owen Prince of Northwales A help to English History printed by Abel Roper MDCIL who sent him to the Kings Officers to be imprisoned at VVinchester from whence he escaped presently after and came to his country The year next following dyed Meiric Bishop of Bangor Bangor another of the Bishopricks of VVales is of antient standing but by whom founded saith this Author not yet known the Cathedral there is dedicated by the name of St Daniel who was Bishop there about the year 516 Bangor which being cruelly defaced by the wretched Rebel Owen Glendour was afterward repaired by Henry Dean who was once there Bishop The ruine of this bishoprick came in the time of bishop Bulkhey a blessed Reformer questionlesse who not content to alienate and let out lands Sacriledge by miracle punished made a sale also of the bells and going to the Seashore to see them shipt in his return was stricken with a suddain blindnesse This Diocess containeth in it the entire Country of Carnarvon wherein Bangor standeth and the whole Isle of Anglesey together with parts of Denbigh Merioneth and Mongomery and in them to the number of 107 Parishes whereof 36 impropriated It hath moreover in it three Archdeaconries viz. of Bangor Anglesey and Merioneth one of which is added to the bishoprick for support thereof This Bishoprick was valued in the Kings books 131 l. 16 s. 4d. and answereth for the Clergies tenth 151 l. 14s 3d. q. Bishops of Bangor An. Ch.  516 1 St. Daniel  2 Hernaeus translated to Ely 1120 3 David 1139 4 Maurituis  5 Gulielmus  6 Guido alias Gwianus 1195 7 Albanus 1197 8 Robertus de Salopia 1215 9 Caducan alias Cadogan 1236 10 Howel 1267 11 Richardus 1306 12 Anianus  13 Cadogan II. 1306 14 Griffith 1320 15 Lodovicus 1334 16
did now move many to laugh at those things who seeing that costly and sumptuous building to be laid even with the earth said that Hubert was a prophet and much more then a prophet so much out of Paris About the year 1230 Lhewelyn the son of Maelgon deceased and was entombed at Conwey Adultery punished by death Abergaveny businesse revenged Prince Lhewelin caused William Bruse to be hanged being as t is reported taken in adultery with his wife who was the Sister of K. Henry About this time Maelgon was buried at Stratflur whose patrimony young Maelgen his son inherited after his father This year the King led a great army to Wales and after he had remained in the Marshes a while he returned into England and left Hubert de Burge Earle of Kent with his army to defend the Marshes and hereby his spies understood where certain Welshmen had entred the Marshes to plunder and set upon them by Montgomery killing many of them The Prince herewith being much troubled gathered his forces and to revenge his men A gallant revenge entering the Marshes he destroyed all with fire and sword who withstood him and burnt the Castles and Garrisons without mercy year 1231 and first the Castle of Montgomery for the Earle withdrew himself for fear then the castle of Radnor Aberhodny Rayader Gwy and so he went to Caerlheon and after long fight and loss of many of his men got the Town and left nothing therein but Ashes the like he did with the Castles of Neth and Cydwely The utter destruction of Caerlheon Therefore the King came to Hereford with a mighty army and sent a great number of his nobles with the most part of his army to VVales who using the direction of a Fryer of Cymer met with a company of VVelshmen which at the first encounter sled whom the Englishmen followed to the Straits where the ambushments lay which fell upon them A Fryer ventureth his life in behalf of his country Maud Castle built by K. Henry the III. The Welsh well enough required for deâ—erring their own Countrymen and slew a great number of the best Souldiers the rest escaped by flight Therefore the King would have burnt the house of Cymer yet the Prior redeemed it by paying 300 marks and so the King returned into England after he had built the Castle of Maud whilst these things were in agitation Maelgon the son of Maelgon ap Rees laidsiege to Aberteini and got the Town and destroyed it to the Castle gates putting all the inhabitants to the sword And shortly after he returned with his cozen Owen son to Gruffith ap Rees with certain of the Princes Captains and brake down the bridge upon the River Teini and laid siege to the Castle and with engines and mines threw down the same and so with much honour returned home The next year this gallant and heroick Brittain Lhewelyn entered England and brought back a rich spoyle both of goods cattel and men which forced the King to impose a subsidy to subdue the Brittains About this time John Earle of Chester surnamed Le Scot from the place of his birth Mr Brook York Herald fol. â—5 The murder at Abergaveny punished in the Family of de Bruse Earl of Huntington and Cambridge c. son of David brother to the King of Scots who bore for his armes Or three garbs Gules married Helin daughter to Lhewelin P. of Northwales also Ephraim Bishop of Lhanelwy died and John de Bruse falling off his horse his foot sticking fast in the stirrup was drag'd till he dyed most miserably The year following Richard E. of Cornwal fortified the Castle of Radnor which the Prince had lately destroyed Shortly after Prince Lhewelin came with an army to Brecknock and destroyed all the towns and castles of the Country and lay a moneth at the siege of the Castle of Brecknock P. Lhewelin a scourge to the English adherents but yet went without it and burning the town retreated home with great plunder In his journey by the way he burned the Town of Clun and recovered all the Country called Diffrin Teneidiat which was the possession of John Fitz Allen but he could not get the Castle After that he overthrew the Red Castle in Powis now the house of the Right Honourable Sir Percy Herbert Lord Powis a right worthy Gentleman Red castle in Montgomery shire a Garrison formerly for the Parliament and at this present and burned the town of Oswestre and so came home And about this time Richard Marshal fell at variance with the King who with Huber de Burge that escaped out of the castle of Devises where the Bishop of Winchester intended to have starved him came to Wales and joyned with the prince against the King Then the Earle with Owen ap Gruffith ap Rees came to Menevia or St. Davids The English with the Welsh against their King Abergavenny with other Castles taken K. Henry by Grismont lost 500. Horse and killed and spoiled all the Kings Friends within the Town Also Maelgon and Rees Gryc with the power of the prince joyned with them who in that voyage wan all these Castles Caerdiff Abergaveny Pencelhy Blaynlhefyini and Bwlchy Dynet which they razed all except Caerdif This so incensed the King that he raised a mighty army as well Flemmings Normans and Gascoines and Englishmen and entred VVales thinking to destroy the whole Country and encamped at Grismont where the Earle with the power of Wales encamped hard by him and as the Kings men would have entred further they were met withall and lost 500 horse and so upon better consideration returned home after whose departure the Earl with the power aforesaid lay before Caermarthyn three moneths but it was so manfully defended that they went without it and at last there came in the Kings ships and manned and victualed the town which caused the besiegers to rayse their siege and depart About this time Rees Gryc Son to the Lord or prince Rees dyed at Lhandeilo vawr and was buried honourably by his Father at St. Davids and then also Maelgon the son of Maelgon finished the Castle of Tresilan which his father had begun John of Mermeth forced to â—y In the year 1234. John Lord Monumetensis a noble warriour Captain or General of the Kings Army being made Ward of the marches of Wales levied a power and came against Earl Marshall and the Welshmen but when he had once entred Wales he came back in post leaving his Men for the most part slain and taken behind Maâ— Paris p. 520. This History is reported by Mathew Paris after this manner About the feast of St. John Baptist John of Monmoth a noble and expert warriour who was with the King in his wars in Wales gathered a great army meaning to invade the Earl Marshal at unawares but he being certifi'd thereof hid himself in a certain wood by the which lay the way of his Enemies
Howell Sais Lord of St. Clere y moch Esq Llewellin ap Ivor Lord of S. Clere Esq Lleykye d to Griffith ap Eli Lord of Gilfeild in Powis Ivor ap Llewellin Lord of S. Clere Esq Nest daughter to Cadwgan and Great Grandchilde to Elistan Pr of Ferlix Llewellin ap Ivor Lord of S. Clere and Tredegar Esq Augharand daughter and heir to Sir Morgan Meredith Knight Lord of Tredegar Morgan ap Llewellin Lord of Tredegar Esq Maud daughter to Rhun ap Grono ap Llwarch Lord of Kybor Esq Llewellin Morgan of Tredegar Esq Jonet daughter to Dd. Ychan of Rydodyn Esq Evan Morgan of Tredegar Esq Denis daughter to Tho ap Howell Ychan Esq Sir John Morgan of Tredegar Kt. Jonet daughter and heir of John Matthewes of Landaff Esq Thomas Morgan of Machen Esq his Brother Sir John dying Sans Issue Rowland Morgan of Manghan Esq Thomas Morgan of Maughan and Tredegar Esq Sir William Morgan of Tredegar Knight Daughter to Wintour Kt. Com. Glonc. Thomas Morgan of Maughan and Tredegar Esq now living 1661. Daughter and Heir to Windham Com Somer William Morgan Esq Heir apparent I Have seen a Pedegree of this noble Family deduced even from Brute but because I affect brevity I have only selected what serves for my purpose giving you to understand that all Morgans or of what Name else soever who either bear for their Armes Argent a Lion Rampant gardant sable or else Or a Griffon Sergreant sable for their Paternal Coat must acknowledge themselves to descend from this ancient Family THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE Antient and Modern Brittish and Welsh HISTORY The Princes of VVales of the blood Royal of England collected for the most part out of the Records of the Tower Edward of Caernarvon KIng Edward albeit he had brought all Wales under his subjection and by a statute made at Ruthland An. 12. Edw. I. incorporated and united the same to England in the which Statute there be many good lawes concerning the division of Wales into Counties and concerning divers Offices and Officers and concerning Trial and the divisions of actions and the the formes of many writs and the proceeding therein much like to the lawes of England yet he could never win the good will of the common people of the Country to accept him for their prince except he were of their own nation for the Welshmen having experience of the government of the English Officers and knowing that the King would rule the Country by his Deputies could not abide to have any English man to be their Rulers who often times upon the Kings motion answered that they were content to take for their prince any man whom his Majesty would name so that he were a Welshman and no other answer could he ever get from them by any means whereupon the King sent for Q. Elianor out of England in the deep of Winter being then great with child to the Castle of Caernarvon and when she was nigh to be brought to bed the King went to Ruthlan and sent for all the Barons and best men in Wales to come unto him to consult concerning the Weale publick of the Country And when they were come he deferred the consultation till he was certified that the Queen was delivered of a son then sending certain Lords to the Christening of his child and informing them how he would have him named he called the Welshmen together declaring unto them that whereas they were oftentimes suiters unto him to appoint them a Prince he now having occasion to depart out of the Country would name them a prince if they would allow and obey him whom he should name To the which motion they answered that they would so do if he would appoint one of their own Nation to be their prince whereunto the King replyed that he would name one that was born in Wales and could speak never a word of English whose life and conversation no man was able to stain and when they all had granted that such an one they would obey he named his own son Edward born at Caernarvon Castle a few dayes before Then the King having the whole country at his will gave whole Towns and Lordships in the midst of Wales unto English Lords as the Lordship of Denbigh to Henry Lacy Earle of Lincolne the Lordship of Ruthin to the Lord Reginald Grey second son to J. Grey of Wilton and other lands to many of his Nobility This Hen. Lacy Lord of Denbigh was the son of Edmund Lacy the son of John Lacy Lord of Halton Pomfret and Constable of Chester who married Margaret the Eldest Daughter and one of the heirs of Robert Guincy Earl of Lincolne the said Henry married Margaret the daughter and sole heir of William Longesped Earl of Sarum and had Issue Edmund and John which both dyed young of whom the one perished by a fall into a very deep well within the castle of Denbigh and a daughter named Alicia married unto Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster who was in the right of his said wise Earl of Lincolne and Sarum Earl of Denbigh Halton Pomfret and constable of Chester After the death of the said Thomas King Edward the second gave the Lordship of Denbigh to Hugh Lord Spencer Earl of Winchester After whose death the said Lordship was given by King Edward the third Anno regni sui primo as it appeareth on record to Roger Mortimer Earl of March with divers other Lordships in the Marches in performance of the Kings promise while he remained in France with his mother for the provision of 1000 l. lands of a reasonable extent for the said Roger as soon as by Gods grace he should come to the possession of the crown and Kingdom of England which in few years after the Earl of March being attainted the said Lordship of Denbigh was given by the said King to the Lord Mortague Earl of Sarum but shortly after Anno 29. Edward 3. it was restored again with the Earldom of March to the Mortimers in the which family the same remained untill the whole inheritance of the Mortimers came with a Daughter to the house of York and so to the crown A help to English History fol. 263. and it was given by Queen Elizabeth Anno regni 610. to Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester who was created Baron of Denbigh it is accounted one of the greatest and best Lordships of England This Town is well seated on the banks of the River Istrad which from thence runneth into the Cluyd the fairest River of this Country a Town well peopled and inhabited especially since it became the head of the Country which was not till the 27. of Hen. 8. what time the 5. new shires were added to the rest of Wales of which this was one but before that it was the head Town of the Barony of Denbigh being conceived to be one of the goodliest Territories of all England as having more Gentlemen holding thereof in Fee and by service then any other
was coming towards Shrewsbury upon the hills of Cefn Digolh not far from Caurus Castle where after a long fight Madoc was taken and his men discomfited and put to flight Then he was sent to the Tower of London there to remain in perpetuall prison Some there be who affirm that Madoc was not taken but rather after many adventures and sundry conflicts when the VVelshmen were brought into great extremity the said Madoc came in and submitted himself to the Kings peace and was received upon condition that he should pursue Morgan till he had taken him and brought him to the Kings prison which was done and so all things were quieted and many hostages of the chiefest Nobility of Wales were delivered to the King who sent them to divers Castles of England where they were safely kept almost to the end of the wars which followed in Scotland In the 29th year of K. Edw. 1. Edw. Prince of Wales came to Chester where he received the homage of the Free-holders of Wales as Henry Earl of Lancaster did homage and fealty for Monmoth Regynald Grey for Ruthyn Fulk Fitz Waren for his lands in Wales The Lord William Martin for his lands in Cemais Roger Mortimer for his lands in Wales Henry Lacy Earl of Lincolne for the land of Ros and Ryveneoc in Wales Robert Lord Montalt for his land in Wales Gruffith Lord of Poole for the Lordship of Powis Sr. Gruffith Lhoyd Knight Tuder ap Grono of Anglesey Madoc ap Tuder Archdeacon of Angelsey Eneon ap Howel of Caernarvon Tuder ap Gruffith Lhewelyn ap Edninet Gruffith Vachan the Son of Gruffith ap Jorwerth Madoc Vachan d'Englefield Lhewelyn Bishop of St. Asaph Mr. Richard de Pnelesdon this man as appeareth by the Records in the Tower was made Sheriff of Caernarvonshire during his life with the stipend of 40 l. staring yearly Anno. 12. Ed. 1. Gruffith ap Tuder Ithel Vachan Ithel ah Blethyn c. The Lord Richard Sutton Baron of Malpas did homage and fealty to Edward Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester for the said Barony of Malpas apud Ruthlan 27. die Aprilis Anno supradicto Aniamis or Eneon Bishop of Bangor and David Abbot of Maynan did homage and fealty to the said Edward Prince of Wales apud Conwey 28. April An. sup dict Lewis de Felton the son of Richard de Felton did homage and fealty to Prince Edward for the Lands which the said Richard held of the Prince in Maelor Saesneg John Earl Warren did homage and fealty to Edward Prince of Wales in the Chappel of the Lord John de Kerby sometime Bishop of Ely at London 25. die Julii Anno. 30. Ed. 1. for the Lordships of Bromfield and Yale The same John Earl Warren swore fealty unto the said Ed. P. of Wales for the lands in Hopedale The Lord Edmund Mortimer the 6th day of November an 30. Ed. 1. in the house of the Bishop of Ely at London did homage and fealty to Edward P. of Wales before his Councel for his lands in Cery and Cydewen About the year 1322. one Sr. Gruffith Lhoyd Knight gathered a great number of Welshmen and took divers Castles in Wales which were kept by the people of the Lord Mortimer the Elder he took also the Castles of Mould Chirk c. The keepers whereof coming to P. Edward at Shrewsbury who then was King of England submitted themselves to him and were shortly after sent to the Tower of London year 1822 This Edward of Carnarvon was known by the name of Edward the second King of England living in a turbulent time between him and his Barons was after deposed for his ill Government and came to a violent death in the Castle of Berkeley nevertheless in his life time he created his son P. of Wales Hol. p. 863. Edward of Windsor The same year being the 15. of K. Ed. the second Edward de Windesore the Kings Eldest Son was in a Parliament holden at York created Prince of Wales and Duke of Aquitane Edward of Woodstock surnamed the Black Prince Mr. Mills ut ante Edward born at Woodstock Son and Heir to King Edward was created Prince of Wales 12. of May anno 17. Ed. patris when he was fourteen years of age who in time grew to be the flower of Chivalry of all Europe he took John the French King prisoner at the battail of Poyteirs and dyed his Father yet living the eighth of July in the 46. year of his age and the 50. of his Fathers Reign a Prince of such excellent demeanour so valiant wise and politick in his actions that the very and perfect representation of Knighthood appeared most lively in his person for such was his towardness or rather perfection in Princely Government that if he had lived and attained the crown every man Judged that he would surely have exceeded all his predecessors Sr. John Dodridge fol. 6. Edward the third saith Judge Dodrige at a Parliament holden at Westminster 15. regni created Edward his eldest Son Ex. harta creationis in Parliamento a. 15. Ed. 3. surnamed the black Prince Prince of Wales being then of tender years and invested him in the said principality with these ensignes of honour as in the Charter is contained Per sertum in Capite anulum in digito aureum virgam argenteam juxta morem by a Chaplet of gold made in manner of a garland for so the word sertum importeth by a gold ring set on his finger and by a Verge rod and Scepter of silver howbeit in the investure of succeeding Princes this Rod or Scepter as appeareth by the Charters of their several Creations was changed into a Verge of gold The said King for the better maintainance of the said Prince his Son in honourable support according to such his State and dignity gave unto him by his Charter Dated 12. of May in the 17. year of his Reign of England and in the 4. year of his reign of France and inrolled in the Exchequer in the Term of St. Hillary in the 18. year of the said King Edward the Third the said principality and the mannors Lordships Castles and land ensuing to appertain to the said principality Viz. All his lands and Lordships in Northwales Westwales and Southwales 1. The Lordship Castle Town and County of Caernarvon 2. The Lordship Castle and Town of Convey 3. The Lordship Castle and Town of Crucketh 4. The Lordship Castle and Town of Beaumarish 5. The Lordship Castle and Town of Hardlagh 6. The Lordship Castle and Townes and Counties of Anglesey and Merioneth 7. The Lordship Castle and Town and County of Caermaden 8. The Lordship Castle and Town of Lampader vawr 9. The Lordship and Stewardship of Canter mawr 10. The Lordship Castle Town and County of Cardigan 11. The Lordship Castle and Town of Emelyn 12. The Lordship Castle and Town of Buelht 13. The Lordship Castle and Town of Hâ—verford 14. The Lordship Castle and Town of Montgomery
franchises being possessed or claimed by any person or persons and which were to be seized into the Kings hands and of all escapes and Fellons and those inquisitions so from time to time to be taken to certifie into the Chancery And by the same Charter gave him power to substitute and appoint others under him for the better execution of the same which afterwards by Commission was executed accordingly And the said King also by his Charter bearing date 14 Junii 8º regni made and constituted the said Arthur Prince of Wales and Governour and Warden of the Marches towards Scotland and substituted as his Lieutenant and Vice-Warden under him Thomas Earle of Surrey for the due execution thereof Likewise the said King by his letters Patents dated 5. Novemb. 9. regni in augmention of the Revenue of the Prince did grant unto the said Prince the Honour Castle and Lordship of Wigmore and divers other Castles Mannours and Lands which some time had been belonging to the Earldom of March which came to the Crown by King Edward the IV. who was himself Earle of March before he assumed the regal estate To have and to hold during the pleasure of the King yielding yearly the Rent of 200 l. A Councel assigned the P. The Prince was sent unto the Marches of Wales for government of that Country and in the 17 regni Henry VII had a Counsell of wise and very worthy men assigned unto him as namely Sr. Richard Pool chief Chamberlain of the said Prince Sir Henry Vernon Sir Richard Crofts Sir David Philips Sir William Vdal Sir Thomas Inglefield and Sir Peter Newton Knights John Wilson Henry Marian Doctor William Smith after Bishop of Lincolne where he was buryed President of the Councel and Doctour Charles where not long afterwards the said Prince died in the Castle of Ludlow without issue I may not let passe what Mr. Lhoyd writeth concerning Sir Owen Tuder he saith that Sir William Stanley then Lord of Cromfield Mr. Lhoyd fol. 391. Yale and Chirkland aided Henry VII being followed by the Welshmen and that the said Henry knowing and pittying the thraldom and iniuries of that Nation from whom he descended took order to reform the same and granted vnto them a Charter of liberties The bondage of Hen. IV. taken from the Welsh by Hen. VII whereby they were released of that oppression wherewith they were afflicted by lawes I have set down before more heathenish then christian and here I cannot omit but some thing answer the reproachful and slanderous assertions of Joannes Bernardus Pontus Henlerus and others I my self have seen a manuscript where he is called a Shereman but rather ignorantly I hope then maliciously who go about to abase the noble parentage of Owen Tuder the Kings Grandfather following more their own affections then any good proof or authority for if they would read that noble work of Matthew Paris they shall find in page 843. of the printed book that Ednivet Vachan one of his Ancestours was the chiefest of Councel to Lhewelin ap Jorwerth otherwise called Leolenus Magnus and to David ap Lhewelin Princes of Wales as formerly They may also find in the Records of the Tower of London in an 29. Edward I. in the general homage done to Prince Edward of Caernavon first prince of Wales of the English bloud that Tuder ap Grono another of the Ancestours of Owen did his homage among the Nobles of Wales Owen Tuder descended from the K. of England as appeareth in the said Records Further the said Owens Grandmother the wife of Tuder ap Grono was Margaret the daughter of Thomas the son of Elianor which was the daughter of the County of Barr by Elianor his wife daughter to Edward I. King of England Besides all this there was a Commission at this time directed by King Edward VII to the Abbot of Lhan Egwest Doctor Owen Pool Canon of Hereford and John King Herald to make inquisition concerning the parentage of the said Owen who coming to VVales travelled in that matter and used the helps of Sir John Levof Guttin Owen Bardh Gruffith ap Lhewelin ap Evan Vachan and others in the search of the Brittish or Welsh books of Pedigrees out of the which they drew his perfect Genealogy from the Antient Kings of Brittain and the Princes of VVales and so returned their Commission which return is extant to be seen at this day And I God willing will set forth what I have in a compendium which I intend to annex to this present treatise of many things which cannot be well digested in method of History yet much conduce to the Glory of the Welsh the several princely stems from whence Owen Tuder and consequently the succeeding Kings of England descended Henry Duke of York After the death of Prince Arthur King Henry VII Charta creationis P. Wal. by his letters patents dated the 18 of February 19 regni in a parliament created Henry then his only son who after was King Henry VIII and whom before that in the 11. he had made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by an other Charter of the same year Constable of the Castle of Dover to be Prince of Wales Earle of Chester being then about the age of twelve years To have and to hold to him and his heirs Kings of England for ever being the like limitation of Estate and with the like investure as in former times had been acustomed But whether the King did grant the lands and revenues belonging to the said principality unto the said Henry or no as he had done unto Prince Arthur his brother doth not appear by any Charter therof that as yet can be found After the death of King Henry VII the said Prince Henry was King of England by the name of King Henry VIII he had a issue son called Henry who dyed very young he likewise had issue the Lady Mary afterwards Queen and the Lady Elizabeth and lastly prince Edward the youngest in years who first reigned after the death of his said father by the name of Edward the Sixt. Mary The Lady Mary daughter to the same King Henry the VIII Mr. Lhoyd fol. 393. by the Queen Catherine his first wife was Princesse of Wales and in the 17. year of King Henries reign he sent John Voiseie Bishop of Exeter to be Lord President of the Councel of the said Princesse in the Marches of Wales Elizabeth Elizabeth daughter to King Henry the VIII Mr. Lhoyd fol. 394. was in a Parliament begun the 15 day of January in the 25 regni declared Princesse and Inheritrix of the Crown of England with all the Dominions to the same belonging in default of issue male of the body of the said King Henry Sr. John Dodridge doth not approve of King Edward VI. Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth to have been Prince or Princesse formally for he saith there cannot be found any Charter among the records whereby it may appear that any of
Black Prince about 300 years ago without deductions amounted to 4681 l. 12 s. 5 d. q. is now worn and wasted to the sum of 1865 l. 8 s. 10 d. ob q. and with the ordinary deductions and reprizes taken out of it at this present in charges fees to Officers and other Reprizes is brought to the sum of 1335 l. 2 s. 3 d. ob q. Which small sum also as the Revenue was to Queen Eliz. was much lessened for that a greater sum in the whole amounting yearly to 1789 l. 13 s. 2 d. which did partly arise by reason of the allowance of the diet of the councel of the Marches being yearly 1106 l. 13 s. 4. the fees of the Barons of the Exchequer in Wales the Auditors fees Woodwarps fees Receivers fees Surveyers fees and for the portage of money was charged as well upon this Revenue of the Prince as upon other Lands or Revenues belonging to the Crown within the several Counties of Wales Prince Henry Mr. Holl. pag. 247. James King of Scotland onely son and heir of Henry Stewart King of Scotland the name of Stewart here first presenting it self as concerning the right of succession to the Crown of England I think is convenient to shew unto my Readers out of Mr. Hollenshed the descent of that Noble Antient and Regal Family which hath much of the Welsh blood in it Mackbelih after he had obtained the Crown of Scotland by indirect means fearing the posterity of Banquho a Nobleman whose children and off-spring the three women told should enjoy the Crown and sway the Regal Scepter invited the father Banquho with his son Fleance to his Palace to supper but caused certain of his wicked adherents and Ministers treacherously to murther them before they entred his Court which assascination fell too heavy upon the father for there he lost his life the son by the Divine assistance escaped the massacre and having intelligence by some private friends in the Palace that his life was sought after to avoid the further peril he fled into Wales where by reason of his carriage proportion and Court-like behaviour he found such courteous entainment that better he could not desire from the Prince the Courtiers admire his gallantry the Ladies his person his pleasing and charming behaviour the Princes daughter is so ensnared with Cupids bewitching allurements that she admits him privately into her most secret closet where what hearts content they enjoyed unseen by any but themselves appeared openly to the world in a short time by the encrease and exuberance of Her belly in revenge whereof Fleance is slain and the poor Lady kept in miserable condition for having thus suffered her self to be deflowred by a stranger at the last she was delivered of a son named Walter who within a few years proved a man greater in courage fortitude than any commonly was found although he had no better bringing up by his Grand-fathers command than amongst the baser sort of people howbeit he shewed ever from his infancy that there reigned in him a certain stoutness of stomack ready to attempt high enterprises It chancing that falling out with one of his companions after many taunting words which passed between them the other to his reproach objected that he was a Bastard and begotten out of lawful Wedlock which so incensed him that he slew him forthwith This sad accident forced him to leave Wales and betake himself to Scotland to seek some rising fortune there where he happened into the company of certain Englishmen which came thither with Queen Margaret and behaved himself so soberly in all his actions that within a while he grew into high esteem amongst them Not long after by such means raising high esteem he was sent with a great power of men into the Western Isles and other places of the Realm to free the same from the Tyranous and Injurious oppressions there Walter made Steward of Scotland exercised by divers misgoverned persons which enterprise according to his Commission he atchieved with such prudent policy and manhood that immediately upon his return to the Court he was made Lord Steward of Scotland with assignment to receive the Kings Rents and Duties out of all parts of the Realm This Walter Steward had a son named Allan Steward who went after with Godfrey of Bulloin Duke of Loraine and Robert Duke of Normandy Alan Steward son to King William Conquerour into the Holy Land at what time they with other Western Princes advanced thither An. 1099. Allan had issue Alexander Steward that founded the Abbey of Pasley of St. Benedicts Order who had issue Walter Steward Alex. Steward Walter Steward whose valour was notable in the battail of Largis This same Walter had issue two sons the one named Alexander who fought right valiantly at the foresaid battail in defence of his father Alexander and Robert brothers from whence the Earles of Iénox and Dernly John James Walter inhetor of Bonkil The Crown of Scotland comes to the family of the Stewards John Steward alias Robert Rex Duke of Albanie and the other named Robert Steward got the lands of Terbowtoun and married the heir of Cruckeistoun from whom descended the Earles of Lenox and Dernly Moreover the abovenamed Alexander that founded Pasley had divers other sons as John Iames c. howbeit they took new sirnames by the names of those lands unto the which they succeeded The abovenamed Iohn Steward after the death of his brother Iames married the heir of Bonkil a virgin of great beauty and had by her Walter Steward that inherited the lands of Bonkil Runfrew Rothsay Bute and Stewardrown after that his father Iohn was slain at Fulkyrk He married Margery Bruce daughter to K. Robert Bruse by whom he had issue K. Robert the second of that name This Robert the second took to wife one Isabel Mure a Damosel of excellent beauty she was daughter to Sr. Adam Mure Knight and brought forth issue three sons three daughters the eldest son called John Steward and by some Robert who succeded immediately after his fafathers death in the Kingdom The second called Robert was made Earle of Fyfe and Mentrith also he was created Duke of Albanie and ruled the realm of Scotland under the name of Governour by the space of XV. years The third son named Alexander was Earle of Buchquane and Lord of Bondzenot The Earle of Buckquane a Steward The eldest daughter was married to James the son and heir of William Earle of Dowglas the second daughter was maried to John Dunbar brother to George Dunbar Earle of March and was made to his more honour Earle of Murray He got on her one only daughter that was married to the Dowglas and so Dowglas came to be Earle of Murray The third daughter was married to John Lyoun that was made afterward Lord of Glammis Moreover the foresaid Robert that was the first of the Stewards The Earle of Athol and
Stratherne Stewards which ware the crown of Scotland married Eufamia daughter to the Earle of Ross and had by her two sons Walter E. of Athol and David E. of Stratherne This Walter solicited Robert D. of Albanie to slay David Steward D. of Rothsay After that James the first was returned out of England Nec lex est justior ulla Quam necis artifices arte perire sua he did what he could to move him to put to death all the lineage of the said Duke still being in hope after the dispatch of his Kinsmen to come to the crown himself which hope moved him to procure his Nephew Robert Steward and Robert Graham his daughters son to murder K. James the I. also for the which crime the said Walter was convicted and destroyed with all his sons His brother David Earle of Buchquane died without issue and so the lands of both those brethren returned again to the crown without any memory of their blood Sir Robert Steward Duke of Albanie married the E. of Lenox daughter and had by her 3 sons Walter Alexander and James Duke Murdo himself with his first two sons were slain at Striveling by K. James I. and the third brother James in revenge thereof burnt Durbertane and was after chased into Ireland where he deceased without issue Robert the third of that name married Annabel Drommound daughter of Sir John Drommound of Stobhal Knight and had by her David and James the first dyed in Faulkland and the other attained the Crown and was called James the first and married the Lady Jane daughter to John Beauford Earle of Somerset in England he had by her two sons born at one birth Alexander and James the first died young the second reigned by the name James the second James the first had also 6 daughters James the 1. his issue the eldest whereof was given in marriage to the Dolphin in France the second to the Duke of Brittain the third to the Lord Feir the fourth to the Lord of Dalkeith the fifth to the Earle of Hantley and the sixt had no succession James the II. married Margaret daughter to the Duke of Gelderland and begot on her three sons and two daughters The first succeeded him in the Kingdom and was called James the III. the second named Alexander was Duke of Albanie and married the Earle of Orkneys daughter and had by her Alexander that was after Bishop of Murray and then parting with her went into France where he married the Countesse of Bullogne and begot on her John Steward D. of Albany who was Governour of Scotland many years in the minority of James V. The 3 son John Steward was E. of Marr whose chance was to be slain in the Cannogat in a Bath-fat The first daughter of James the second was married to the Lord Boyd who had by her a son that was slain by the Lord Montgomery and a daughter that was married to the Earle of Cassels After the death of the Lord Boyd she was married to the Lord Hamilton and by that means was the house of Hamilton decorate with the Kings blood which they have well requited in the late transactions The other sister was married to the Lord Creichton James III. married Margaret daughter to the K. of Denmark of which marriage was born James IV Alexander Bishop of St. Andrews and D. of Albanie and John Steward E. of Marr which two died without issue James the IV. married Margaret daughter to K. Henry VII of England and by her had James the fifth who marrying first the Lady Magdaline daughter of Frances the French King had no issue by her for that she dyed in the year next after her coming into Scotland and then shortly after the said James the fifth married the Lady Mary de Lorayne Dutchesse of Longuile a widdow and by her had he issue Mary Queen of Scotland that took to husband Henry Darnely alias Steward by whom she had issue Charles James after King of England only son as I said before of Henry King of Scotland and of Queen Mary his wife Dowager of France and heir of Scotland who married Anne daughter of Frederike the second King of Denmark by whom he had Issue Henry Frederike created Prince of Wales at whose creation Charles Duke of York Sir Rab. Bartu Lord Willoughby of Earesby after Earle of Lindsey and General for K. Charles at Edgehil and there slain Sir William Compton Lord Compton after Earle of Northampton Sir Grey Bridges Lord Shandos Sir Francis Norris Lord Norris of Ricot after E. of Berks. Sir Will. Cecil after Earle of Salisbury Sir Allan Percy brother to Henry Earle of Northumberland Sir Francis Mannors after Earle of Rutland Sir Thomas Somerset brother to the Earle of Worcester and Viscount Cassel after in Ireland Sir Thom. Howard second son to the E. of Suffolk after E. of Berks. Sir John Harrington son to John Lord Harrington of Exton Prince Charles Charles Duke of Albanie Marquesse of Ormond Earle of Roth and Lord of Ardmanoch the third son of James King of great Brittain was created Duke of York at Whitehal on Tueseday the sixt of January 1604. and after on the 4 of November 1616. he was likewise at Whitehal created Prince of Wales Earle of Chester c. at whose Creation these Knights of the Bath were made James Lord Matravers eldest son to Thomas Earle of Arundel Algernon Lord Percy after Earle of Northumberland James Lord Writchesly eldest son to the Earle of Southampton Kt. Theophilus Lord Clinton after Earle of Lincolne Edward Seymore L. Beauchamp grandchild to the Earle of Hertford George Lord Berckley after Lord Berckley Henry Lord Mordant after Earle of Peterborough The Earle of Mar his eldest son after Lord Fenton Sir Henry Howard after Lord Matravers c. Sir Robert Howard fift son to the Earle of Suffolk Sir Edward Sackvile after Earle of Dorset Sir William Howard sixt son to the Earle of Suffolk Sir Edward Howard seventh son to the said Earle after Lord Escricke in Yorkshire Sir VVilliam Seymor second son to the Lord Beauchampe after Earle of Hertford Sir Montague Bartu son to Robert Earle of Lindsey and after Lord VVilloughby and Earle c. Sir VVilliam Sturton son to the Lord Sturton Sir William Parker after Lord Morley and Monteagle Sir Dudley North after Lord Morth Sir Spencer Compton after Earle of Northampton Sir William Spencer after Lord Spencer Sir Rowland St. John brother to Oliver Earle of Bullingbrook Sir John Cavendish second son to William Earle of Devon Sir Thomas Nevel son to Henry Lord of Abergavenny Sir John Roper after Lord Tenham Sir John North brother to the Lord North. Sir Henry Cary Viscount Faulkland Prince Charles This Prince had the title of Prince of Wales but not the Investure and Creation as had his father and Uncle a thing formerly practised as before is shewed and is also of the Welsh blood though born in England by the line of King James from
contracted and intermingled by the daily commerce of the English some out of Caesar will infer a consequence that the Gallic and Brittish language were the same when he saith Gallis in more positum ut qui Druidum disciplinam diligentius cognoscere vellent in adversam Britanniam ad Druides proficiscerentur quod eis nihil profuisset nisi idem his cum illis fuisset sermo cum Druides libris non uterentur sed omnia viva voce explicarent but this signifies little to perswade that the language of these two Nations was the same for the language in which the Druides taught their mysteries was that of Greece Carmina multa millia interdum viginti annorum studio cogebantur ediscere qui eorum disciplinae se tradidissent quae Graeca fuisse non temere quis conjecerit so that the inference is that those of Gallia learned from the Brittish Druides the use and speech of the Greek tongue only It is no sufficient proofe to alledge that the continent was first inhabited and that from thence the Islands took their language for it is very probable that some Islands as being the most safe and securest places were even with the first inhabited VVhich Theophilus seems to intimate concerning Brittain and sacred writ tells us that the Islands towards the North were allotted to the off-spring of Japhet amongst which some learned Authors place Brittain Those who endeavour to make good that the Brittains borrowed their language from the Latines let them stop their mouths with this Prisca Italiae lingua sub priscis Italiae regibus quicunque fuerint usurpata Doricae similis fuisse dicitur ejusque initio magna fuit stirilitas quae a poetis Eunio Plauto Pacuvio aliis ab Histiorographis maxime ab Oratoribus detersa est facta a vicinis mutuatione vel novis excogitatis vocibus And again sed veteres Latini summa linguae inopia laborantes tum ob aliorum populorum in jus civitatis admissorum linguis infinita sumpsisse dicuntur tum maxime a Graecis Etruscis quos Aramaea vel Syriaca olim usos credunt voces Latinas quae hodie habentur non errarit si quis censeat esse Tuscae originis So that we see the Latines more fit to borrow then to lend some may say that many Brittish words sound Latin like t is true Est natura hominum novitatis avida The Brittains call that Rhoud which the Latines call Rota in English a wheel not that they wanted a significant word in their own language for they have two Troel and Olwyn they call that Porth which the Romans call Portam yet can they if they please call it as properly Moreb As for their borrowing words from the Greeks the like reason may be given Moreover Bladud when he went to Athens to apply himself to the study of Philosophy at his return brought with him many learned Graecian Philosophers who being conversant with the Druides communicating with them in points of doctrinalls many greek words might become familiar with the Brittains The most constant opinion is that before the confusion of Babel the Hebrew was the sole and only language and in that grand confusion the Brittish questionless was one probably used in Phrigia where Troy stood and from thence conveyed unto this our Island There was a People in Italy in those places which we now call Calabria and Naples called Brutii from the name of Brutus whose nomenclation and language differed very little from that of the Ancient Brittains this people after the destruction of Troy was brought into Italy by Nestor where the Pylians built a City called Metapontus the Brutii built another naming it Nova Troja after by the Tarentines call'd Heraclea So our Brittains in this our Island built Troy Novant now London both taking their name from Brutus and both having the like affection to the memory of old Troy As concerning Brutus his coming hither having more at large spoken of it in the ensuing History I will only here insert this out of our own records In the time of King Edward I. at Lincolne where held a Parliament after much diligent search of Antiquities and due examination as the greatest matter of right of a Kingdom required Apologitical letters were sent to the Pope of Rome sealed with an hundred seals and witnesses thus Rex Angliae ex deliberato concilio apud Lincolniam convocato pro jure suo declarando literam hujus tenoris rescripsit centum sigillis signatam wherein is declared and justified that in the time of Hely and Samuel the Prophet Brutus a Trojan landed here and by his own name called the Country Britannia before named Albion De nomine suo Britanniam sociosque suos Britones appellavit and having three Sons Locrinus Albanactus and Camber at his death devided the Island into three parts or provinces Loegria now England though VVelsh keep the old name was given to Locrinus the eldest Son Albania Scotland to Albanact the second Son Cambria now miscalled Wales to Camber his third Son Locrino primogenito dedit illam partem quae quondam Loegria nunc vero Anglia nominatur Albanacto filio Secundo dedit Albaniam quae nunc Scotia Vocitatur Cambrio vero tertio filio dedit Cambriam quae wallia appellatur reservata Locrino regia dignitate this conjecture may suffice for this business it being testified by so many Domesticall and forrain private and publick witnesses that this his tripartite division was here from the begining and the first name of Brittain given by Brutus Other remarkable things might have been added to this History as that of St. Winefreds well and many more note worthy which I leave to other pens who happily may write the descriptions of each County in particular as God willing I do speedily intend to publish that of Monmothshire had I been near the press to have perused every sheet as it past I would have affixed an Alphabetical index at the end of this work of all memorable passages but I intreat the courteous Reader to accept in good part my weak endeavours and what Errata's he shall find not mended by the Printer to dash them lightly with his quill and not impute them to me who desire to be esteemed by all From my Chamber at Lantarnam in Monmothshire 16. of May 1661. Their faithful friend and Servant PERCY ENDERBIE THE ANCIENT AND MODERN BRITTISH and WELSH HISTORY Beginning with BRVTE and continued untill KING CHARLES the First The First Part. THe state of every Kingdom well managed by prudent government seems to represent a humane body guided by the soveraignty of a reasonable soul the Country and the Land representing the one the Actions and State-affairs the other The Island of Great Brittaine containeth the Kingdoms of England and Scotland and is of many counted the greatest Island in the world though Justus Lipsius gives that praise to Cuba in America as the Oriental Navigators unto Sumatra taken from Ptolomey's
cloaths was deemed prejudicial lest thereby those pictures should be hid A Nation most warlike and thirsty after blood and slaughter content with a small Shield and Javelin yet having a sword appendent to their naked bodies brest-plate or helmet they undervalue as obstacles and impediments to the passing over Fords and Rivers Plinius de Magia Plinie treating de Magia or Art Magick saith that the Brittains so admirably honoured it with uncough Ceremonies that they may seem to have sent it unto the Persians Another Author saith that the Brittains far exceed the French in Stature and bigness of body affirming Strabo apud cundem that he himself had seen Brittish youths in Rome to surpass their tallest men in height at least half a foot Diodorus Siculus saith Brittains spend their time after the custom of their ancient Forefathers and in wars used Chariots as did the Grecians in time of the Trojan war and who knows The honesty of Brittains commended by Diâ— Siculus Mr. Camb. denies not Brute Mr. Broughton fol. 289. The Brittains called Gens Bruti Leges S. Ed Reg. apud Guli Lamb. l. d. priseu legi fol. 36. Gildas apud Galf. l. 1. c. 17. Vic. l. 1. Pont. Nen. Hist Antiq. Land Eccles Isiadâ—r l. Etâ—m Thom. Eliot apud Stow. proof for Brute Thaliesnanus apud pris p. 27 Gal. Manus apud eundem Hâ—n Hunting Hist de Reg. Brit. cum maltis aliis ibidem Brute landed here in the time of Holy Samuel the Prophet Brittannia so called from Brutus Gualt Oxor. apud Hard. c. 16. Bal. 2. cent Sigib Gembl hist de regn Britt Mariam apud Hard. c. 10. Literâ— defensoris Ed Reg 1. ad â—apam apud Th n Walsin Hist 〈…〉 Yâ— lib. Neustr Aâ— 1301. Griâ— apud Hi. eaâ— M. S. chrâ— c 47. Galf. Mâ—n l 1. Hist Britt but that custom might be continued from their first founder Brutus Their houses compact of wood reed or thatch their sheafs of Corn they stored under dry roofs threshing out every day as much as served for present use honest and just in conversation much differing from the subtilty and cunning of our men content with ordinary and indifferent Diet detesting the gurmandizing of gluttons and Epicures the Isle replenished with multitude of men In matters concerning the Inhabitants of this Isle Mr. Cambden is very copious producing several opinions but I finde no Commander in chief whether King Duke or General named Brute excepted of whom he saith shall I so mean a man give a determinate sentence in so weighty a matter I leave it to the Senate of Antiquaries undecided In the mean time I deny not Brute but leave every one to his own best liking and opinion So that it is manifest Mr. Cambden naming no other principal Commander or Guide of that people who first Colonized and Inhabited this Land doth not altogether deny Brute but leaves it to the Counsell Consent and Decree of the Learned Parliament and Senate of Antiquaries Let us hear what others write Mr. Broughton out of an old Brittish History saith Having thus invincibly proved by all Antiquities that there were among the Gentiles especially in this Kingdom of Brittain not only Flamens but Arch-flamens and they seated in the principal governing Cities in several Provinces and how after the coming of Christ even from the Apostles time and by their Ordinance and Institution their Residences were to be changed into Archiepiscopal or Metropolitan chief commanding Sees in the Christian Religion If we had no other particular proof in this but in general terms St. Edwards Laws the testimony of Gildas Nonnius the Antiquities of Landaff St. Isiodore who as Pope Eleutherius also calleth this Nation Gens Bruti the off-spring and Nation of Brute Thomas Archbishop of York a Norman by birth in time of King VVilliam the first Thaliessianus above a thousand years since VVilliam of Malmesbury Henry of Huntington Gualterus Calenus Sigibertus with many others before Galfrid Mon. wrote and Vicunnius himself with innumerable after both of this and other Nations and publick Parliament as that in the time of Edward the first at Lincoln who after most diligent search of Antiquities and due examination as the greatest matter the right of a Kingdom required sent his Apologetical Letters to the Pope of Rome sealed with an hundred Seals and Witnesses wherein is declared and justified that in the time of Hely and Samuel the Prophets Brutus the Trojan landed here and by his own name called the Country Britannia before named Albion And having three sons Locrinus Camber and Albanact did at his death divide the Land into three parts or portions Leegria now England to Locrinus his eldest Son Cambria Wales to Camber and Albania Scotland to Albanact This might suffice for this business but being testified by so many Domestical and Forreign private and publick witnesses that the Tripartite division was here from the first nâ—me and beginning of Brittain we must needs for every several part and Province assign a several Government and order therein as their Rulers and Governers were divers and distinct But our Antiquaries carrie us further and inform us that not only London Caerlegeon and York were the several chief Cities in this division but the Kings which founded them for such ordained them likewise to be the Seats and Residencies of three several Archflamens or Prâ—â—â—â—amens for the glory and nobleness of London thereupon named Augusta it is the common opinion of Antiquities that it is the most ancient Citie of this Iland builded by Brutus as not only the Brittish History Galfridus Vicunnius and our English Antiquaries after them but Gâ—ldas Sigibertus and others sufficiently witness And except Mr. Stow be deceived in his Authors Aethieus an old Pagan Philosopher testifieth no less affirming that Brutus named this Kingdom Brittannia and John Harding in his plain Verses with others Recordeth how he there from the very first beginning Instituted an Archflamens Seat At Troynovant he made full especially An Arch-flamine his See Harding Chr fol. 16. cap. 14. Cathedral certain A Temple thereof A policy to obtain By Trojan Law This is commonly written to have been a thousand years before Christ and it is a common received opinion among our Antiquaries that Ebrincus son to Mempricius builded the City of York of which more hereafter in its due place That this Island was called Albion before the coming of Brute all Authors seem to agree though there seem to be some difference the just and most rational Writers call Albion ab albis Rupibus from the high and white Cliffs and Rocks discovered by Navigators as they sailed by it yet some will be more quaint and fetch it further as if far fetcht and dear bought were always good for Ladies and tell of a Damasella called Albone or Albina daughter of Dioclesian King of Syria and this some of our Histories seem to aver notwithstanding no Authentick Writer as yet ever produced any such King to
the prophesie is fulfilled which was made good in Constantine the Great who as both King of Great Brittain and son of Hellen the daughter of Coillus a Brittish King born in this Isle and Emperour of Rome which is as much as to say of the whole world Rome being stiled Totius terrarum orbis Regina or Domina Lady and Queen of the whole world Vitus sets down the order and succession of the Kings of Brutus his Lineage with the terms and continuance of their Reigns but differs much from the account of Fabian and other Writers for he saith 1. Rex Brutus Priscus began in the year from the worlds Creation 2855. and Reigned four and twenty years 2. Locrinus 2879. and reigned 10. 3. Madanus 2889. and reigned 40. 4. Membritius 2929. and reigned 20. 5. Ebrancus 2949. and reigned 40. 6 Brutus Junior 2980. and reigned 12. 7. Leilus 3001. and reigned 25. 8. Rudibras 3026. and reigned 39. 9. Fladus 3065. and reigned 20. 10. Leir 3085. and reigned 60. 11. Cordeilla 3145. and reigned 5. 12. Morganus Cunedagius began to reign 3150. 13. Rivallo 3185. and reigned 46. 14. Gurgustius 3231. and reigned 38. 15. Sisillius 3269. and reigned 49. 16. Jago 3318. and reigned 25. 17. Chynemarces 3343. and reigned 54 18. Gorbodio 3397. and reigned 63. 19. Ferrex Porrex 3460. and reigned 5. Which computation as he tells us compleats six hundred and ten years during all which time the Progeny of Brute held the Scepter of Brittany and then followed the Pentarchy Epilogus Libri Primi BY reason that divers and various are the opinions of Authors and Antiquaries concerning the computation of years since the Creation of the world and framing of the first Adam the overthrower of mankinde and his whole posterity unto the birth of the second Adam that sacred Messias that long lookt for Emanuel and most blessed Jesus who repaired that loss by his Incarnation death and passion opening to the sons of Eve the gates of the Celestial Paradice which untill his glorious Ascension were close lockt up against all mankinde It will not be amiss to give a brief Compendium and abridgement of the variety of opinions The Hebrews account from the said Term three thousand nine hundred and fourty three The seventy Interpreters assign five thousand one hundred ninety and nine others there are who number five thousand two hundred and twenty eight In the third or fourth Book of Policronicon there are other conceits and judgements shewed concerning calculation of these years whereof saith Fabian the most certain is five thousand and two hundred years there are not wanting others whereof some reckon some more some less some account from the first building and structure of Rome some from the overthrow and subversion of the most famous City of Troy others from the founding of Troynovant or London and not a few from divers Edifices and Foundations But since that the account of the Septuagint or seventy Interpreters both by venerable Bede and other Learned Writers is esteemed as most authentick I will follow their judgement and accordingly give you to understand in what year of the world Brute first entred this Isle then called Albion now England First therefore from Adam to Noe was two and twenty hundred and fourty two years From Noe to Abraham was nine hundred and fourty two years From David to the captivity of the Jews three hundred and five years And from the Captivity to the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ five hundred fourscore and ten The which in all make 5199 years After which accompt although divers Authors have their several Computations the ancient and glorious City of Troy was subverted and felt its dismal Catastrophe by the hands of the Conquering Grecians as Learned Eusebius and others testifie in the year of the worlds Creation four thousand and twenty three It was the first year of Achas and before Hezekias xvi years after Eusebius iiii M cccc xliii And according to the same Eusebius the foundations of Rome were laid in the eleventh year of Hezekiah then King of Judah the which year maketh after the computation of the said Authors 4470. who also affirm that the said City was edified after the destruction of Troy four hundred and fourty seven years so that it must by consequence follow that it was built Anno mundi as before Peter Pictaniensis and others testifie that Brute entred first this â—sle of Albion called now England in the eighteenth year of the Priest and Judge of Israel named Hely and Hely as divers Writers avouch began to rule the Israelites the year of the third Age that is from Abraham to David eight hundred and fourty one years which maketh the years of the world four thousand and five Whereunto if there be joyned the abovesaid eighteen years then must it follow that Brute entred this Land Anno mundi four thousand sixty three to this agreeth the Author of Policronicon who saith that Brute entred Albion fourty years after the subversion of Troy which forty years joyned to the former saying of Eusebius iiii M. lxii xlii compleat the number of four thousand and fourty three years Another Historian called Jacobus Philippus saith that Troy was taken by the Grecians in the third year that Abdon or Labdon judged the Israelites who began his Rule over the said Israelites iiii M. xviii after the accord of most Writers Anno mundi four thousand and twenty whereunto if there he added three years for the third year of his rule in which year as before is declared iiii M. xviii Troy was sacked and destroyed and forty years which passed before Brute entered Albion It must follow that Brute came into this Island in the year of the worlds Creation xlii four thousand threescore and three MVLMVTIVS DVNWALLO MVlmutius Dunwallo or as others please Dunwallo Mulmutius the Son of Glotene Duke or King of Cornwall as the English book and also Gaufride affirm after he had fully subdued and conquered the five petty Kings or Princes before mentioned and had brought the Iland into a Pentarchy took upon him the Government of Brittany in the year of the worlds creation 1748. This Prince in some Histories is called Donebant iiii M. vii C. lxix and was of a Noble and Heroick Spirit but much after he came to be fully setled in his Government inclined to peace insomuch that in the City of Troynovant in a place which now as some are of opinion is called Blackwell-Hall he builded a Temple calling it the Temple of Peace or Concord The Laws which he made and established were of such Authority and esteem that holy Gildas translated them out of the Brittish Language into Latine and Aluredus King of England out of Latine into English Vitus tells us that these Laws or at least the heads of them were Vt deorum templa tantam dignitatem consequantur nequis illo confugiens extrabi possit prius quam
to prevent all opportunities which might help and further his Brother at his landing was now in Northumberland and having intelligence of the Danish Kings Arrival with so small a Company he commanded his person with the rest of his Followers to be secured and committed to safe Custody upon which discovery Brennus sends peremptorily to his brother not only to surrender his territories injuriously as is complained taken from him but also his then in his possession a prisoner violently ravisht from him by Guilthdacus the King of Denmark These Proposals or rather Demands Bellinus absolutely denies insomuch that Brennus having gathered together his scattered and dispersed Navy new rigs his Fleet reinforceth his Army and with fresh Supplies and strong Recruits once more puts forth to Sea and with more prosperous gales and auspicious fortune arrived in Albania and having given a short refreshing to his Souldiers marcheth towards his Brother already resolved to give him a hot Entertainment near Calaterium a well known and famous Wood there these two incensed Brothers meet the Officers and ordinary Souldiers equally bent to live and die in their Commanders quarrel The signal is given to battel and a strange confused noyse from both the Camps pierceth even the skies terrible was the Encounter and with Martial and Heroick mettle and courage maintained on both sides the groans of dying men whose souls as the phrase now goes left their bodies in the beds of Honour were hideous and so great a destruction and havock was made that day that forty thousand bodies wanted Forms to give them being Victory at length decided the businesse and crowned Bellinus with a trimphant Laurel compelling Brennus with his forreign Adherents and Assistants to fly from his native Soil Bellinus now thinking himself to have run through all his Disasters applies his mind to rectifie things and settle his people and in the first place casting his eye upon the Danish King and his beloved Lady as then his Captives he released Guilthdacus upon Articles of Agreement and Composition That he should hold and do Homage for the Kingdome of Denmark unto the King of Brittany and pay a yearly Tribute of one thousand pounds Upon this accord Hostages being given the captive King had free liberty to depart for his own Country and Bellinus prosecutes and makes good that which his deceased Father had designed and begun to wit the finishing of the four High-Wayes the first of which was named Foss stretched out of the South into the North and began at the Corner of Totness in Cornwall and passed forth by Devonshire Somersetshire and so by Tutbury upon Cotteswold beside Coventry and Leicester and from thence to Newark and endeth at the City of Lincoln The second Way was named VVatling-street the which stretcheth overthwart the way of Fosse over the South East into the Northast this began at Dover and passeth by the middle of Kent over Thames besides London by West of VVestminster and so forth by St. Albans in the West side of Dunstable of Stratford of Touceter and of VVedon and by South Killingborne or Killebourne by Athriston unto Gilberts Hill that now is named VVrekin and so forth by Seuarum passing by VVorcester and thence to Stratton and so to the middle of VVales unto a place called Cardigan The third Way was named Erming-street the which stretcheth out of the West North-west unto the East South-East and beginneth at Menevia at St. Davids in VVales and so stretcheth forth unto Southhampton The fourth and last Way was called Kikeneldis-street the which stretcheth forth by Worcester by VVickham by Bermingham by Lichfield by Derby by Chesterfield by York and so forth unto Tinemouth the which was sufficiently made Belinus granted or confirmed unto these places all such priviledges as formerly Mulmutius had done which together with other Lawes made by the King are translated out of the Brittish tongue by Gildas but are here for brevity sake omitted Whilst Belinus thus imployed his time in providing for his Countrey and Subjects necessary conveniences Brennus after his late and almost irrecoverable overthrow like a forlorne Pilgrime spends his time in Gallia and there summons all his wits to Counsel how he may in some sort recover his Countrey and former Glory and Renown and as great spirits will leave nothing unattempted to bring their designes to the wished period so he resolves being accompanied only by twelve Cavaliers to addresse himself unto a Duke who had great power and command in those parts where it is to be observed by the way that as Vtropius and other writers affirm the Galli at that time possessed divers Counries upon which ground Titus Lavius who writ the Acts of the Romans tells us that those Souldiers who followed Brennus when he sacked Rome were Galli Senonenses to wit those who inhabited the Countrey where the City Sena stood and yet doth as testifyeth the Author of Cronica Cronicorum and others in a part of Italie in succeeding ages known by the name Etruria which Sena as divers affirm was built by Brennus when he there inhabited before the Incarnation of our Saviour Jesus Christ iii. C. lxxx and vi years Brennus finding favourable admittance into the Court of Duke of Seginus of Allobroge for so Gaufride calls him which after was called Armorica and now little Brittaine according to Policronicon and the English Chronicle the Duke beholding the comely person manly proportion and princely carriage and behaviour of Brennus and much condoling and compassionating the calamity of his Fortunes which he with a singular grace had declared set out in the most lively colours and flowers of Eloquence entertained him in a most friendly manner and observing that he delighted and was most expert in hunting and hawking and was fully accomplisht with all the parts belonging to a Gentleman cast such favours upon him that in short time he became the most eminent man in the Court and the only favorite of the Duke insomuch that Seginus being in admiration of his endowments and gallant behaviour resolves to make him his Son in law with this promise also that if the Gods shall call for him hence without other Heir that then the issue of Brennus should succeed in the Dukedome or at least in case the Duke should be made happy by the birth of a Son that then he would use all possible endeavours to reestablish Brennus in his own Possessions and upon these Conditions and Articles the Duke espouseth his only Daughter and Heir to this Heroick Brittish Prince these Nuptials are no wayes displeasing to the Nobles of Allobroge they all jointly giving their approbation and full consent Not long after death summons Seginus to appear before a greater Tribunal then his own and a convenient space being allowed to the Dutchesse Dowager the term whereof expired she was found not to have conceived nor to be with child all sorts did Homage to Brennus as their lawful Leige and Supreme Brennus being not only a
where the Flamens were seated in our times it is a Garrison where in King James his time Sir Cornewallis was Captain The third and last place which this Fortunate Prince built was Warwick Cambden saith Warwick built by Gurgaint That the Saxons called this place Warryng-wyc Mennius and the Brittains Cair Guarvie and Caer leon all which Names seem to take their derivation from the Brittish word Guarth which signifieth a Garrison Sconce or place of Defence Hoc illud oppidum est quod praesidium Romanis in Brittannia dicebatur ubi ut est in provinciarum Notitia praefectus equitum Dalmatarum sub dispositione Ducis Brittanniorum egit The situation of this place is most pleasant upon a Hill rising from the River over which is a strong and fair stone Bridge and her sharp stream upon the Town side checked with a most fair and sumptuous Castle It seemeth this Town hath been walled about as appeareth by the Trench in some places seen and two very fair Gates whose passages are hewed out of the Rock as all other into the Town are over which two beautiful Chappels are built that towards the East called St. Peters and on the South-west St. James two fair Churches are therein seated called St. Maries and St. Nicholas beside these in and about the Town suppressed St. Laurence St. Michaels St. John Baptist and St. John of Jerusalem and the Nunnery in the North of the Town the Castle which we named was ruinous but was of late Repaired at the great cost and charges of Sir Fulk Grenil the late Lord Brook who therein dwelt so was it anciently the Seat and abiding Place of the Dukes and Earles of Warwick 1 Henry de Newburgh E. 2 Roger de Newburgh 3 William de Newburgh 4 Walleran de Newburgh 5 Henry de Newburgh Lâ—sengè Or and Azure on a border Gules 8 plates 6 Thomas de Newburgh Chechy Or Azure and a Cheveron ermin 7 John Marshall first Husband of Margery Sister and Heir of Thomas de Newburgh Gules a bend fusile Or. 8 John de Placetis second Husband of the said Margery Ar 6 annulets Gules 321. 9 Walleran de Newburgh Uncle and Heir of Thomas de Newb. Losengè Or and Azure on a border gules 8 plates 10 William Manduit Son of Alice Sister and Heir of Walleran Ar 2 bars Gules 11 William Beauchamp Son of the Lady Isabella Sister and Heir of William Manduit 12 Guido Beauchamp 13 Thomas â—eauchamp E. Marst 14 Thomas Beauchamp 15 Rich Beauchamp Reg. of France 16 Henry Beauchamp D. of Warwick Gules a fess between 6 cross croslets Or. 17 Richard Nevill who married Anne sister of Henry Beuchamp D. of Warwick Gules a saltoir arg a label of three gob A B. 18 George D. of Clarence who married Anne D. of Ri. Nevill England and France quartered on a label of 3 points arg as many cantons G. 19 Edw. Plant. Son of George arma paterna 20 John Dudley descended from the Lady Margaret Daughter of Rich. Beauchamp E. of War 21 Ambrose Dudley Or a Lyon rampant his tail double-sorked veet 22 Robert Lord Rich created E. of VVarwick 16 Jac. Aug. 2. 23 Robert Rich. Gules a cheveron between 3 cross croslets Or. Gurguntius buried at Caerleon After Gurguint had ruled this Kingdom by the space of twenty nine years in great peace and tranquillity he departed out of this transitory life and was buried at Caerleon leaving to succeed him his Son Guinthelinus or Guintellius GVINTHELINVS GVINTHELINVS or Guintellius the Son of Gurguint his Father being dead took upon him the Government of this Island and was crowned King of Great Brittain in the year of the World four thousand eight hundred fifty and three The English Chronicle calleth this Prince Gwentoline a man of singular Parts and Education understanding exactly both the Greek and Latine Language he governed his Subjects with such moderation and judgement that his Memory deserveth to live for ever and to make him the more glorious the heavenly Providence bestowed upon him a Lady for his wife who equalized him in all the Excellencies that can be exprest in her Sex she was so transcendent being but a woman that she had beautified her intellectual parts with the knowledge and perfection of many Sciences insomuch that she might justly be stiled learned but above all these rich Treasures of her mind she imployed not to ostentation or vain-glory that thereby she might be praised but made use of them for the common good and utility of the Kingdome Martiae who was the Paragon of her time and nature also she composed a Law so conducing to the good of all that in memory of her it was called the Martian Law and continued in full force and power many years and so well approved of by Aluredus the Saxon Prince that he thought it an honour to him to translate it himself out of the Brittish Language for the good of his Subjects into the Saxon Tongue and called it Mathehelage that is the Law of Martia great was her assistance to her Kingly Consort in the Administration of the Republick insomuch that after his decease their Son being in his minority and very young all Orders of the Kingdome as well Nobles as Commons for her great Wisdom and Discretion made choice of her to be Queen Regent till her Son came to full Age and in this condition she ruled for the space of some years though they be not numbred by reason that her Son had the Title of King yet the Count Palatine tells us That Deinceps Martia uxor ejus Vitus à qua conditae sunt Martiae Leges regnat annis septem cum Filio suo and then viz. after the death of her Husband Martia his wife who made the Martian Law reigned jointly with her Son seven years De quo Polidorus Polidorus Nutu Dei factum inquit est ut Guintolinus ad Regnum civilibus dissensionibus quassatum perveniret quod reduceret illud in pristinum statum id quod graviter fecit Eo enim potitus Rempublicam Brittanicam ejus Legibus ac moribus velut de integro condere ac ornare maxime studuit sed ante omnia civiles discordias quae adhuc tanquam reliquiae factionum durabant penitus sedavit Huic uxor erat nomine Martia mulier praeter caeteras pulchra sapiens quae peperit unicum filium Sicilium iste mortuo patre cum nondum esset maturus imperio Martia multarum rerum perita Regni curam interim suscepit quod Reipublicae erat id imprimis sibi faciendum rata leges tulit quas posteri Martianas appellarunt This King was called by some Guttelinus and by others after the Roman Dialect Guintelinus who after he had ruled six and twenty year left this world and was buried at Troynovant or London leaving his onely Son Sisillius to succeed him in his Kingdome SISILLIVS SISILLIVS or Cecilius Son to Guinthelinus began his Reign over the
Lancastrian Family placed upon a Hill and fortified with an ancient Castle unto which many neighbouring and adjacent Villages belong being called the Leith Liberty and Forrest of Pickering which Hen. the Third gave unto his Son Edmund Earl of Lancaster Guido contrary to all other Writers saith that Peredurus was cruel and tyrannous to the Brittains and slew and murthered many of the Lords he caused him to become so odious that they rebelled and slew him ELIDVRVS ELIDVRVS now the third time is made King 4941 and ruled four years in the same equity and Princely demeanor as formerly and then died and was buried at Caerleil or Karlile The Count Palatine gives this Character of him Vir omni genere virtutum praestantissimus animi magnitudine superans ipsam fortunam adeo neque prosperis rebus elatus neque adversis dejectus esse voluit diceres fortunam cum eo certasse ut Rex esset neque tamen animum ejus infractum constantemque vincere potuisse quo magis abnuebat eo frequentius ad regendum vocabatur sic honor gloria persequentes fugit fugientes persequitur ut umbrae Corpus after his death he left a son named Gorgonianus or Gorbomannus to succeed him Fabian in the beginning of his Chronicle hath a Caveat for the Computation of years from Elidure to Lud which I thought convenient here to insert To make Histories agree and to keep the order of years begun we must observe as Ranulph of Chester tells us with divers others that Julius Caesar made Brittain Tributary to Rome anno 48 ante Christum natum or in the year of the World 4150. which was in the ninth year of Cassabilane From whence taking from the time of Cassabilane before the Tribute paid nine years and for the time of the Reign of Lud eleven years it followed evidently that King Lud did begin his Reign in the year of the World 5131. and so from the last year of Elidure unto the beginning of the Reign of Lud or in the time of the 33 Kings there passed 186 years GORBOMANNVS GORBONIANUS or Gorbomannus the Son of Regni and Grandchild to Elidure was Crowned King of Brittain in the year of the World 4945. The Count Palatine speaking of Elidurus saith Ei Gorbonias filius Gorboniani succedit Patri similis in rebus prudenter agendis mira fuit in omnes benevolentia ejus atque modus ipse quo in administratione rerum utebatur fecit illum universis esse gratissimum Itaque cum post annos decom quibus optime regit moreretur publico luctu plangebatur honoréque funeris publico majore quam caeteri Sepulchro condebatur Gorbonias the Son of Gorbonian succeeded his Uncle in the Kingdome treading in the same paths of good Government his Benevolence was admirable and his Decorum in managing his Affairs so plausible that he was generally beloved of all men Thus when he had ruled with universal good liking of every one he departed this life whose death was lamented with a general and most doleful mourning and his Funerals celebrated with greater pomp and solemnity then any of his Predecessors MARGAN R. Vitus f. 204. MORGAN or Margan succeeded in the Kingdome he was a younger Son of Archigallo and governed this Land for the space of fourteen years in great Peace and Tranquillity following the Example of his Forefathers EMERIANVS EMERIANVS Brother to Margan succeeded sed longe diversis moribus but of quite an other temper and disposition for he swayed all things after his own Will and Pleasure and not according to Reasons law and dictamen practising Tyranny towards both Nobles and Commons which rendered him so odious unto all that after the space of seven years he was deposed and quite thrust out of all Government and Princely Authority YDWALLO YDWALLO or Ivall the Son of Vigenius was promoted unto the Regal Throne who being admonished by the evil Example of Emerianus had learn'd a better Lesson he was very indulgent to his Subjects avoiding Tyranny as the very bain of Princes and administred justice and equity to all men bonos in officio continebat upholding honest men in their places malos qua debuit indignatione persequebatur correcting the wicked with condigne punishment and like a good Steward relieved as well the one as the other in their wants and necessities After thus he had Reigned twenty years he forsook this World and left to succeed him RIMO RIMO the Son of Peredurus a Prince adorned with true and perfect Nobility and ambitious of Honour who after he had most happily Reigned sixteen years highly renowned for his heroick Spirit and activity and glory in martial Affairs he gave way to Geruntius to ascend the Regal Throne GERVNTIVS GERVNTIVS the Son of Elidure with the general good liking of all is Crowned King of Great Brittain a great lover of goodnesse Peace and justice he commanded a strict observation of the Laws by which means he preserved Unity and Concord among his people and became highly honoured of them yet for all this after he had reigned twenty years death seized upon him to the great grief and sorrow of all the Kingdome leaving to succeed him his Son CATELL or CATELLVS CATELL or Catellus the Son of Geruntius is solemnly invested with the Royal Ensigns of the Brittish Monarchy a great Benefactor to the poor and distressed insomuch that he caused all Oppressors to be taken and hanged Were such justice put in Execution in these our dayes such heavy Oppressions would not break the hearts of honest-meaning men This King Reigned in great peace ten years and then died COILVS COILVS Reigned ten years in great peace and quiet PORREX PORREX the second a vertuous and gentle Prince Reigned five years CHIRIMVS CHIRIMVS or Chirinus through his drunkennesse Reigned but one year drunkennesse is a vice so far unbeseeming a Prince that we commonly say As drunken as beggers yet in our potting times it is now come to that passe that we say as drunk as a Lord drunkennesse hath been the overthrow of Chieftaines Armies and Kingdomes as we may read in sacred writ of Holofernes that great General Borro Holofernes jacebat in lecto nimiae ebrietate sopitus when Judith percussit bis in cervicem ejus abscidit caput ejus and the Army of the Gaules under the command of Breunus was full of wine when Camillus totally routed it neither had our Brittains so foolishly been Massacred and lost their Kingdome to the Saxons had they not been drunken at the entrapping banquet on Salisbury Downes or Plaines for as there are three things which do maintain and uphold a Common-wealth and for the which God doth blesse and prosper it the first Religion and Piety towards God the second Justice and Equity amongst men the third good Discipline in Life and Manners so there are three other things contrary to those which do subvert Common-wealths and provoke the wrath of God against them The first is
all sorts of false Religion Superstition Idolatry Heresy and Schisme and such sins as do belong thereto The second is all sort of Injustice as Rapine Immoderate exactions Oppression of the poor effusion of innocent blood and calumniation or slander and such like for the which God punisheth Kingdoms and States at the Holy Ghost signifyeth in Ecclesiasticus saying Regnum de gente in gentem transferetur c. A kingdome is transferred from Nation to Nation for injustice injuries calumniations or slanders and divers deceits The third kind consisteth of Licentiousness Drunkenness and dissolutness of life and manners This Drunken King left after him three Sons Fulgenius Eldad and Androgeos who successively Reigned in this Kingdome FVLGENIVS FVLGENIVS the Eldest Son of Chirimus was Crowned King of Great Brittain but enjoyed his Kingdome only two years ELDRED or ELDREDVS ELDRED the second Son of Chirimus and brother to Fulgenius was Crowned King but enjoyed that honour but one year ANDROGEOS ANDROGEOS the third Son of Chirimus and brother to the two precedent Kings was Crowned but lived only one year after VRIANVS URIANVS the Son of Androgeos wholly gave himself to lust and the sin of the flesh homo saith Comes P. voluptati deditus more pecudum he was King only three years lust hath been the overthrow of many Countries and cause of much blood shed had not Paris seen Helena in the Isle of Cythera in the Temple of Venus whether this Lady out of curiosity to behold the Trojans under pretence of performing some vowes was come and Paris hearing of her presence and beauty entered into the Temple in all Princely bravery as they mutually beheld each other they became so enamoured with the scorching flames of unlawful love or rather lust that presently being now linked together in equal desires and haud caret effectu quod voluere duo they embark together which lustful act caused not onely a ten years siege but also the utter destruction and subvesion of Troy Hereunto I may add another notable example of the overthrow of the Lacedemonians and the losse of the Empire of Greece by the just judgement of God as both Diodorus Siculus and others affirm the story is this Two Lacedemonians passing over the plain of Leuctra were lodged and courteously entertained in the house of one Scadasus who had two handsome Women to his daughters and returning that way shortly after and finding the two young Women at home and their Father absent first ravisht one after kill'd them both their father at his return finding his daughters slain and understanding who had been the doers of it went to Lacedemon to crave justice against the Malefactors but so potent were they and their friends there that he could by no means obtain it whereupon after infinite maledictions poured forth in the sorrow of his heart against them and their state he went home and desperately kil'd himself upon the grave of his Daughters Not long after Wars growing between the Thebans and the Lacedemonians the soul of Scadasus appeared to Pelopidas one of the chief Captaines of the Thebans and encouraged him to give battel to the Lacedemonians in the plain of Leuctra where he and his daughters were buried telling him that their death should be there revenged and so afterwards it fell out for the Lacedemonians lost not only the battel but also the Empire of Greece we will omit the burning of Sodome and Gomorah for the sin of lust and also the rape which those of the town of Gabaa committed upon the wife of a Levit for which percussit eos Dominus in conspectu filiorum Israel who killed of them 25100 men that bore Armes But come a little nearer to our times concerning the punishment of the sins of the flesh we have a notable and fearful example thereof in the Kingdom of Spain conquered by the Moors and possessed by them 700 years for that offence For when the Kingdome had flourished as well in religion as power from the time of K. Recared the first Catholick King thereof the space of 120 years the wicked King Vitiza being a man like this our Vrianus given over to lust and carnality infected and corrupted all Spain not only with the bad example of his own dissolute life having divers Wives at once besides many Concubines but also with abominable Laws whereby he gave leave to all sorts of men to have as many Wives Concubines as they listed yea and forced Priests and such as would have lived chast to marry by which means all Spain became within a while to be no better then a common Stew or Brothel And although Almighty God according to his accustomed mercy expected their conversion and amendment all the time of that Kings Reign and laid onely the penalty thereof upon him whom he deprived both of his Crown and his eye-sight by the means of Roderick who succeedeed him in the Kingdome yet when the said Roderick followed his steps as well in his vicious life as in the maintenance of his abominable Laws it pleased God of his justice to permit him to give the occasion both of his own ruine and also of the overthrow of all Spain by the sin of the flesh wherewith the whole Kingdome was as it were overflowed For whereas King Roderick had sent a Kinsman of his own Count Julian Embassador into Affrick and in the mean time ravished his Daughter or as some write his wife the Count understanding it at his return was so incensed therewith against the King that in revenge thereof he practised with the Moores to bring them into Spain who with his assistance conquered it speedily and with such destruction of the people that the punishment of God was evidently seen therein For having first overthrown King Roderick whose body could never after the Battail be found they subdued almost all Spain in eight Months or in fourteen as some say and slew 700000 of all sorts of people besides great numbers of Captives which they sent Prisoners into Barbary and from that time forward remained in the possession of that Kingdome or of some part thereof for the space of 700 years ELIVD ELIVD Reigned five years he was a great Astronomer Astrologiae peritissimus Rex This vain study especially of judicial Astrology in these our dayes is much in request even amongst Troopers disbanded some of whom I know so ignorant that they cannot write true English nay scarce read The Professors of this Science especially such as would seem to be learned would make it very ancient fetching the Original from the Egyptians and Babylonians the most ancient of all Mortals Jactabant olim Astrologi Chaldaeos quadringinta septuaginta annorum millia in periclitandis experiendisque pueris quicunque nascerentur posuisse To have spent forty and seventy thousand years and yet the Chaldeans had their beginning at the destruction of the Tower of Babel And Picus Mirandulanus in his second Chapter of his 12. Book to
Author that he both was a Christian and Converted by St. Joseph and plainly alledgeth Nennius Authority Thus he writeth Joseph converted this King Arviragus By his Preaching to know the Law divine And baptized him as written hath Nennius The Chronicler in Brittain Tongue full fine And to Christ's Law made him incline The Antiquity of the Crosse for England And gave him then a Shield of silver white A Cross end long overthwart full perfect Thus writeth this Author but without Warrant of any thing I can find for whereas as he citeth Nennius to have written thus in the Brittish Language it is evident by all Antiquities that Nennius which wrote in that Tongue was long before the Birth of Arviragus or St. Joseph and dead 50 years before the Nativity of Christ and was Brother to King Lud and Cassibelin and was named Nennius Helius and he could not write any such thing the other Nennius called Bancharensis as all Authors agree wrote onely in Latine and consequently could not write so in the Brittish Tongue as that Author thinketh or our best modern Authors affirm they find no such thing in any copy of Nennius Codices ii quos consuluisse me Nennii antiquos contigit hnjusce rei parum sunt memores Neither is King Arviragus or St. Joseph named by him The places which he allowed to St. Joseph and his companions were propter munitiones Arundineti fluminis paludis so compassed and invironed with Reeds River and Fens that they builded a poor Oratory themselves of such base Elderwands as that Fenny wildernesse afforded which giveth sufficient testimony how far Arviragus was from being a Christian that had nothing but such abject and outcast things to allow to Christ and his servants when for the maintenance of the Pagan Idolatry which he professed both as the Brittish History Matthew of Westminster Ponticus Virunnius and as well Modern as Ancient are witnesses he was Author of stately and sumptuos buildings and so far from diminishing any honour that was then given to the false gods of the Brittains that he added more unto them namely worshipped the wicked Emperor Claudius whose bastard-Bastard-daughter he had taken as wife as god dedicated a costly Temple unto him soon after his death yet after this his acquaintance with S. Joseph for as I find in an old Manuscript-history and others do not dissent the City of Gloucester then Caer Glou Anonymus his Maps in Glocestershire the City of Claudius was built by King Arviragus in the year of Christ 66. This City was first won from the Brittains by Chenlin the first King of the West Saxons about the year of Christ 570. and afterwards under the Mercians it flourished with great honour where Offirick King of Northumberland by the sustenance of Ethelred of Mercia founded a most stately Monastery of Nuns whereof Kinelburgh Eadburgh and Eve Queens of the Mercians were Prioresses successively each after other Edelfled a most renowned Lady Sister to King Edward the Elder in this City built a fair Church wherein her self was interr'd which being overthrown by the Danes was afterwards rebuilt and made the Cathedral of that See dedicated unto the honour of St. Peter in this Church the unfortunate Prince King Ed. 2. under a Monument of Alabaster doth lie who being murdered at Berkley Castle by the cruelty of the French Isabell his wife was there intombed And not far from him an other Prince as unfortunate namely Robert Curthose the eldest Son of William the Conqueror lyeth in a painted wooden Tomb in the midst of the Quire whose eyes were pluckt out in Cardiff Castle where he was kept Prisoner twenty years with all contumelious indignities until through extreme anguish he ended his life and before any of these saith our Brittish Historian the body of Lucius our first Christian King or rather at Caerleon in Monmouthshire was Interred and before his days the Brittain Arviragus This City hath given Honourable Titles to these Dukes and Earls 1 Robert Base Son to K. Hen. 1 Earle Gules three rests Or. 2 William 3 John Sansterre Son to K. Hen. 1 who Married Isabell Daughter and Coheir of Will E. of Gloucester England a bend Azure 4 Geofry de Mandevile E. of Essex 2d Husband of Isabell Quarterly Or and Gules over all an Escurbuncle Pomet and Flory Sable 5 Almerich de Evereux Son of Mabell another Coheir of E. William some put this Almerich before Geofry but erroneously as I conceive Partly perpale endented Arg. and Gules 6 Gilbert de Clare Son of Annice another of the Coheirs 7 Rich. de Clare 8 Gilbert de Clare who Married Joan of Acres Daughter to King Edw. 1. Or 3 Cheverons Gules 9 Ralph de mont Hermen 2 d. Husband of Joan of Acres Or an Eagle displayed Vert membred and leaked Gules 10 Gilbert de Clare Son of Gilbert and Joan. Or three Cheverous Or. 11 Hugh de Audley Married Isabell sister and Coheir of Gilbert Gules Alfret Or. border argent 12 Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester and Lord Constable Quarterly France and England a border arg 13 Thomas Lord Spencer Grand-son to Elinor Coheir of Gilbert Earl Quarterly the 1. and 4. or 2. and 3. Gules there on a fret Or a bend sable 14 Rich. Plantagenet Brother to K. Edw. 4. Lord Adm. and Constable D. Quarterly France and England a Label of 3 Ermine as many Cantons Gules 15 Humphrey Plantagenet son to King Hen. 4. This Hump. place immediately before Rich. Quarterly France and England a border argent 16 Henry 3d. Son of the late King Charles declared by his Royal Father Duke of Gloucester Anno 1641. but not create And to demonstrate that he both lived and died a Pagan this King Arviragus was and that by his own order buried in that Pagan Temple in the year of our Lord Christ 73. ten years after St. Josephs coming hither Arviragus ut dies suos explevit sepultus est Claudiocestriae in quodam templo quod in honore Claudii dedicaverat ut construxerat And Scut Virunnius further addeth that he did every month offer sacrifice in that Temple after the Pagans manner so much be loved him singulis mensibus sacrificabat tanto eum amore prosequibatur And it is further evident by many Antiquities that Arviragus did many publick acts besides this which Christian Religon could not permit as that after he had been long time Married to Voada sister to Cataracus King of the Scots and had divers Children by her he disinherited the Children put away and imprisoned the Mother and Married Genuisse the supposed Bastard Daughter of Claudius and kept her the other yet living and left the Kingdome to Marius her Son and was so far from repenting this barbarous act contrary to Christian Religion that being challenged for that impiety he wrote a book in defence of this his wickednesse Mr. Bron. fol. 132. affirming therein that it was lawful for him to have plurality of Wives because
hath been whether this Marius was a Christian or not Harding and other witnesse that he was of a Child brought up at Rome with the Emperour Claudius and his Mothers kindred Who nourished was at Rome in his Juventâ— With his Mothers Kin the best of the Empire Harding Chro. in Marius c. 49. fol. 41. With Claudius also that was his own Grandfire And not returning into Brittain untill the death of Arviragus his Father to inherit the Kingdome after him for any thing we read in History and by the common computation of Antiquaries King Arviragus and St. Joseph dying within three years together it is not a thing to be easily believed that Marius did or could learn Christianity of St. Joseph Neither did or could Christian Religion allow Marius a notorious known Bastard to inherit the Kin dom of Brittain as Heir to K. Arviragus he having divers legitimate children by his lawful Wife Voada Daughter of King Caraâ—â—cus Ex qua filium unum duas filias susceperat All which by Christian Religion should have inherited before him and he whether they had been living or dead by that could not claim Title to inherit or possesse the crowne of Brittainas he did And the Scottish Historians who had best reason to keep these things in memory do tell us that he was so far a Roman as by all Antiquities by his Mother and Education he truly was They stile him Marius the Roman Marius nobilis Romanus And he was so far from having any true Title to the Crown by being the bastard son of Arviragus that he was declared King by the Emperors Authority Caesaris autoritate Britonum Rex appellatus and to take all controversie away was forced to marry his own Sister by his Father the eldest Daughter of Arviragus and his lawfull wife Queen Voada Harum natu majorem ut jam Insulae status pacatior foret Matrimonis sibi copulavit which all men know no Christian could doe And yet this was after the great Victory of Marius against the Scots and Picts with their Captain Rodericke which was as Matthew Westminster and others write not above a year before the death of St. Joseph that chancing in the 75. and in the 76. year of Christ In which battel the two Daughters of Queen Voada their brother as it seemeth being dead were taken Prisoners and the oldest the next Heir of Brittain after the matters pacified which was not in any probability before St. Joseph's death was as is said before married to Marius her bastard-brother which Marriage if I may so term it was still continued and by them was begotten in it Coilus after King and Father to our first Christian King Saint Lucius So that if we speak properly and strictly of Christians and name them onely such which actually and really both in Faith and Profession do hold onely the Christian Religion and no other it is evident that none of these three Kings of Brittain Arviragus Marius or Coillus was a Christian much less converted or baptized by St. Joseph But if we speak of Christianity in an ample and extended sense as Tertullian and some Ancients have done of Tiberius Caius and some other Emperors not actually Christians but so affected especially in some points as as he doth of Pilate which washed his hands and said he was innocent of the putting of Christ to death Innocens sum à Sanguine justi bujus I am innocent of the blood of this just person that he was in conscience a Christian pro sua conscientia Christianus We may speak the like of these Kings and go so far with Harding's Author as to say with him Joseph converted this King Arviragus By his preaching to know the Law Divine For it is not unprobable but he was perswaded the Law and Religion which St. Joseph professed was true But whereas Harding addeth And baptized him as written hath Nennius A Chronicler in Brittain Tongue fall fine Except we take Baptizing in a very large and amplifying construction and say Harding a Poet did thereby understand the true knowledge of Baptisme and not the receiving thereof neither Nennius nor any approved Author doth or can prove any such thing By this also we are sufficiently assured that neither St. Joseph of Arimathea nor any of his company though otherwise most Holy and most Renowned Saints and excellently deserving of this Nation none of them converting either the King Nobles or People of Brittany as so many worthy Authors and Antiquaries have told us may be named the Apostles which converted this Kingdome to the Faith of Christ Mr. Bro. f. 166. or first founded Christian Religion here Marius King of Brittain by the opinion of all was both a Friend and Benefactor unto Christians confirming unto the Eremits of Avalon St. Joseph and his Associats those donations liberties and immunities which his Father Arviragus had formerly granted unto them and the Emperour Vespasian was so friendly and favourable unto holy Christians that when he was in Brittain before he was Emperour as Harding from more ancient Authors hath testifyed he procured those immunities and exemptions for S. Joseph and his company which King Arviragus endowed them with and I do not doubt but that he was so far a Christian in judgement that I may recount him in the number of those first Emperours of whom Tertullian writeth Tert. Apol. contr gentil c. 21. The Emperours themselves would have believed in Christ if the Emperours had not been necessary to the woâ—ld or Men that were Christians might have been Emperours Sed ' Caesares credidissent super Christo si aut Caesares non essent saeculo necessarii aut si Christiani potuissent esse Caesares This King Marius as Matth. Westm and divers others do testifie died the 78. year of Christ Math. West ao 78. and left Coillus his Son his Successor in the Kingdome Anno gratiae 78. Marius Brittannorum Rex ab hoc saeculo transiens Coillum Filium habuit successorem by whom he reigned but a short time not above six years Others affirm that he reigned a far longer time the Publisher of the Brittish History ascribe Mr. Bro. f. 169. 52 years Harding avoucheth that he died When he had Reigned sixty years and three His Tribute paid full well to Roman City Hard. in Chron. in Reg. Marius c. 50. fol. 42. Of Christs Faith somewhat he was informed But much more he needed to have been reformed But howsoever the question about his Regiment long or short be resolved certain it is that he was a Friend to Christians and if he Reigned long longer was their peace by his permission Fabian in the life of this King tells us that the Chronicle of England calls him VVestmer and that during his Reign a certain Chieftain whom Gaufride calleth Londricus of the Picts Landing with a great Navy in the Province of Albania now Scotland began to make havock with fire and sword which ungrateful
the Emperor Prasutagus Prince of the Icenians Voadica the Valiant his Wife In the time of Julius Agricola's Government under Domitian the Emperor Galgacus Prince of the Caledonians In the time of Sulustius Lucullus Government under Domitian the Emperor Arviragus This was the state of the Affairs in Brittain when Claudius the Emperor died leaving the Roman Monarchy to Nero his adopted Son who after his first five years spent being given over to all kind of Vice neglected the Government both at home and abroad not daring to enter into any military Action And it was thought that he would have revoked the Army out of Brittain if very shame in detracting from his Fathers glory and losing that which he had won had not withheld him About that time Veranius was Governour in Brittain where the shortnesse of his continuance suffered him not to effect any great matter for he died in the first year of his Government and then was the Province assigned to Suetonius Paulinus one of the most famous Men of that Age for military Affairs His good Successe at his first entrance in subduing Nations and establishing Garisons where need required made him bold to assail the Isle of a Anglicey Mona lying in the West part of Brittain as having been a common receptacle for Fugitives during the War in his passage thither he left the Country behind him as he marched unfurnished in divers places laying it thereby open to all opportunites of Annoyance At his arrival the Natives meanly armed standing upon the shore made shew of their purpose to Resist The Women in mourning Attire their hair about their ears shaking burning fire-brands like Furies of Hell ran up and down and the Druids lifting up their hands towards the Heavens filled the Air with cries and cursings These Druids of whom mention is formerly made were certain Priests had in great Reverence by the Brittains they kepe their residence for the most part in shady and dark Groves as fittest places for devotion Amongst all Trees they most esteemed the Oak as hallowed and without the which they could not perform their superstitious Rites Their Sacrifices were both private and publick they instructed the youth of Brittain and decided Controversies Civil and Criminal if any man refused to stand to their award he was forbidden to be present at their Sacrifices which was accounted the greatest punishment that might be for thereby he was reputed a notorious Offender exempt from the ordinary protection of the Laws uncapable of any preferment and all men would fly his company The strange behaviour of these religious or rather irrelegious Priests and the out-cries of the people of Mona so amazed the Roman Souldiers that like men inchanted they stood still without motion till the Captain spake unto them and encouraged them to adventure not fearing a flock of silly women or frantick people and then boldly giving the Charge he soon disordered and dispersed them making himself Master of the Field which done the Roman Souldiers entered the Towns and placed Garrisons there felling the Woods which the Inhabitants superstitiously reputed holy by reason of the Altars whereupon they sacrificed the blood of Captives and prophesied of the Successe of their own Affairs by viewing the entrails of men whom they had killed Marcellus the Disciple of St. Peter a Britain This Emperor Nero was the Tyrant who put Saint Peter to death and after most miserably murdered himself The Body of this blessed Apostle and to whose preaching the Inhabitants of this Isle owe their first Conversion was buried by Marcellus his Disciple by Birth a Noble Brittain ' Marcellus quidam Discipulus Sancti Petri accepit corpus Apostoli ' lavit illud tali unguento quod nunquam posset putrescere postea misit illud in monumento True there was another Marcellus in this time a Roman born ' Marci Vrbis Romae praefecti ' filius that sometimes followed Simon Magus and was converted to the Faith of Christ by St. Peter and wrote among other Works the Acts of St. Peter and St. Paul but this man being thought to be Martyred by Nero cannot so well be adjudged to have been the Burier of St. Peter seeing St. Peters Martyrdome was one of Nero's Actions And we may not doubt but our Brittains that first received St. Peter in their house at Rome and were ever afterward most faithful and true unto him both at liberty and in prison as we are taught by their love unto St. Paul in like case testified by himself St. Praxedes a Noble Brittain Eminent in the Primitive Church and brought up their children in such sort that among other Acts of Christian piety we find as in St. Praxedes that they buried the Bodies of the holy Martyrs Imperatore Christianos persequente eos facultatibus opera consolatione omni charitatis officio prosequebatur nam alios domi occultabat alios ad fidei constantiam hortabatur aliorum corpora sepeliebat iis qui in carcere inclusi erant qui in ergastulis exercebantur nulla re deerat The wicked Emperor persecuting the Christians she relieved them with her worldly Substance with her own travels and labour with sweet consolations and assisted them with all charitable Offices some she concealed and hid under her own roof others she animated and exhorted to prove constant in their faith she interred the Bodies of those which died or were Martyred and to such as were imprisoned and kept in Dungeons she was never wanting in any thing In the mean time Prasutagus Prince of the Icenians a Man renowned for his Riches did by his last Will make the Roman Emperor his Heir joyntly with two of his Daughters supposing that thereby his Principality and Family should have been maintain'd in good Estate and protected from Violence after his death all which fell out contrary to his hopes for his Kingdome was made a prey to the Souldiers Voadica his Wife whipped his Daughters defloured such as were of the Family made slaves and the wealthiest Men of his Country either by open force or surmised pretences deprived of their goods and dispossessed of their inheritance besides that Seneca one of Nero his Counsellors having forced divers of the better sort of the Brittains to take great Sums of Mony of him upon Usury did then for his private gain exact the payment of the Principal upon a sudden to the utter undoing of his Debtors and Decianus Catus the Procurator in Brittany renewed the Confiscation of their Goods which Claudius the Emperor had pardoned The Souldiers placed in the Colony at Camalodunum had thrust the owners and ancient Inhabitants out of their Houses terming them slaves and drudges and abusing them in all shameful manner The Temple erected in honour of Claudius was an eye-sore and a continual burning unto them while the Priests Augustales that attended there wasted the Wealth of the Inhabitants under the pretext of Religion To these common grievances of the afflicted
may seem by such acclamations against his own Inclination to have given way to persecution And the rather because the Gnostick Hereticks given then over to all filthiness that as Irenaeus Nicephorus and others write they did publickly profess and so practise that all which would come to perfection of their Sect which they onely allowed must commit all wickedness These Heretiques being accounted Christians with the Pagans might sooner provoke the Emperour by such mens informations against the most holy Professors of Christian Religion which were so free from being such as they were falsly reputed with those their enemies to be Athenagoras Orat. pro Christian that as Athenagoras in his Oration for them in the name of the Christians desired no mercy or favour but to be utterly rooted out if those impious slanders could be proved true against them Nicephorus saith Christianity flourished in his time and Tertullian then living affirmeth That Severus also himself father to Antoninus was kind to Christians for he sought for Proculus a Christian who had some time before cured him with Oyl and kept him in his Pallace with him so long as he lived Tertul. li. ad Scap. c. 4. he was exceedingly well known to Antoninus that was nursed by a Christian woman and Severus knowing both renowned women as also most honourable men to be of this profession was so far from doing them any hurt that he commended them and openly resisted even to their faces the raging people Therefore if Severus the Emperour was of his own disposition so great a Lover of Christians in general if he honoured Proculus in his Pallace so long as he lived gave allowance that his son and heir Antoninus Bassianus King of Brittain and Emperour after his father should both be nursed by a Christian woman and be so familiar with such known professed Christians as Proculus was and was the Overseer of Evodus the Tutor or Bringer up of Bassianus his son as may be gathered both by Tertullian Dio and others and both Severus himself so great an honourer both of renowned Christian men and women and his Lady and Empress Martia of Brittain so far affected and disposed to Christian Religion that if she did not profess it in act yet in affection and desire did so honour it that she would not permit her son and heir to be nursed by any but a Christian woman and the Overseer of so great a charge to be a Christian so famous and renowned for Faith as Proculus was known of all men to be These considered I dare not boldly say that Severus did in any time or place of his own inclination wittingly or willingly without great incitation condescend to such persecutions as are remembred in Histories to have been in his Empire And after his coming into Brittain we do not find the least suspition in our Antiquities that he did of himself or suffer any other to persecute any for Christian Religion but rather both of himself and at the instance of his Brittish Empress at the least a Christian in affection and both powerable with him and their son Bassianus his heir and successor and for that love and trust he found in the Brittish Christians of all that part of Brittain South to the Wall and Trench which Adrian and he made joining with him against his enemies to possess him of the Crown of Brittain he was a grateful friend to them and their holy profession And all our Histories are clear that Religion was here in quiet without molestation and affliction until the Empire of Dioclesian that great persecutor yet we cannot deny but all places in Brittain being now full of war-like miseries and the Christians here both in Albania Loegria and Cambria mixed and joined both with Roman and Scythian Infidels many of them fell both to wickedness and Paganism also which occasioned holy Gildas to write that Christianity was received but coldly of the Inhabitants of Brittain and with some continued perfect but not so with others before Dioclesian his persecution And not onely in the time of Dioclesian his persecution following in this age we find even whole Cities and Towns as Verulamium and others wholly destitute of Christians but long before or about this time we are assured that there were very many Brittains not of mean estate but such as were publickly employed about the affairs of the Kingdom sent from hence to Rome about it that either were fallen from Christianity or never forsook their Pagan Religion for we read both in antient Manuscripts and other Authours in the life of St. Mello after Archbishop of Rhoan in Normandy sent thither by St. Stephen Pope not onely that he and his Brittish Companions which were then sent to Rome to pay the tribute of Brittains there were Pagans and Sacrificed in the temple of Mars but it was then the custom of the Brittains coming thither about that Office so to do which to be a custom could not be younger than these dayes time short enough between this and that time to make a custom And it seemeth this custom had been from the first submission of the Brittains to the Romans for both late Writers and others affirm that in Octavius Augustus time Ambassadors came from Brittain to Rome swearing sealty in the temple of Mars offering gifts in the Capitol to the gods of the Romans and we have testimony in our Histories that after the death of King Lucius and this very time which we have now in hand it was the use custom of our Brittains here when any of their Nobility 〈…〉 were to obtain the dignity of Knighthood to send them to Rome to receive that honour there and after such Pagan rights and ceremonies that Christians could not in Conscience so accept thereof And yet such multitudes even in this time flocked thither from hence so to be created Severus of himself was not addicted to a wicked life but much renowned not onely for warlike affairs but also for learning and knowledge in philosophy and so great an enemy to incontinency that he punished adultery by law with death with such severity that Dio writeth that when he was Consul he found by record that 3000 had been put to death for that offence He was after his death made a God among the Pagans and Herodianus saith he died rather of grief for his childrens wickednesse then of sicknesse which grief for the sins of his sons as also of his own in permitting the Christians in many places be to most grievously persecuted I would not deny but that he dyed in any such grief is untrue being most certain that he after so many conquests in other Countries when he came to fight against this Country Christians was enforced dishonourably to make a wall and trench above 130 miles in length to keep his enemies back from invading him and slain in battail by Fulgenius or as others call him Fulgentius brother to his first lawful true wife the
punishment towards their adversaries was justly interpreted to be a revenger of their wrongs and former calamities The common opinion is that he reigned between six and seven years although I find in an old Manuscript French History entreating much of the affairs of this Kingdom written above 400 years since that he was King of Brittain 29. years Bassian tenoit le Roilme d Brittanie 29. ans Jacob. Senuon Epis in Caral Sanctor in S. Amphibalo Author of the English martyrologie Joan Lydgate Monac Buriensis in ejus vita Gerard Leigh in his Accidence of Armory Verumne apud Hect. Boerius Scot. Hist l. 6. f. 102. Hollins of Scotland in Cyathlint Jacob. Genuen in vita St. Amph. Harris Manusc Hist Brit. l 3. c 35 Girald Camb. Item Camb. l. 1. c. 5. David Powell Annot. 16. in c. 4. disc Cambriae Dio in Macrino Dio in Caracalla Spartian in Caracalla Manusc Gall. Antiq. c. 14. Compilatio M. S. de gest in Carausio Fab. in Bass fol. 47. b. In this Emperours time St. Zepherine was Pope who converted our renowned countriman St. Amphibalus who won by his preaching life and death after so many thousands of this Nation to Christ of whom a late Authour citing divers antiquities thus writeth St. Amphibalus being a noble young man of Brittain and going to Rome with Bassianus son to Severus was there by Pope Zepherinus instructed secretly in the Christian faith baptised made Priest and sent back into Brittain there to preach unto others Neither may we with prudence judge that so great a concourse of our Brittish Nation and Nobility being then at Rome and St. Amphibalus thus converted a great Noble Man and termed in antiquities the son of a Prince and so not without attendance that he alone was thus converted and employed by that holy Pope at this time and not unprobable but some of those holy Apostolick men which are yet remembred in Histories to have assisted St. Amphibalus afterward in preaching Christ in these parts or received their Ordination and instruction from the same at Rome now about this time such as were Modicus Priscus Calanus Ferranus Ambianus and Carnocus there is no repugnancy in the time for these were old men when the persecution of Dioclesian raged here and St. Alban was martyred Jacobus Bishop of Genua and so to be termed of that City in Italy a Roman writer writing fourscore years or thereabouts before Matthew West who calls this Saint Clericus only not expressing his name testifies that his name was Amphibalus a Brittain of this Kingdom and son to a Prince thereof relating his History and life at large But our Monck might without blame be ignorant of that Author And this forreign bishop addeth that he went from hence to Rome with Bassianus in the time of Severus and was there Knighted amongst that noble company most part of this Nation recounted in number 1540. of which St. Alban was also one and that St. Amphibalus was there made priest by the Pope of Rome and sent home into his Country Giraldus Cambrensis saith he was borne as Caerlegeon the renowned City and School in Wales So have divers others the old manuscript History of the Church of Winchester saith he was an holy Monck and Doctour in the Church of Caermardyn in Wales And this is the last certain place of his Residency which that Antiquity giveth him before his persecution and going to the Scots and so it seemeth not unprobable but he was also Bishop of that city Caermardin or without question of some other City there for otherwise how could he be consecrated Bishop among the Scots by whose Annals he is accounted the first Bishop they had resident among them but more of him hereafter About the year of our Lord 220. or a little before Bassianus Emperour and King of Brittain was murdered between Edissa and Carras by Mardianus a Centurion he marrying with the sister of the holy christian Lady Mammea left their son Heliogabalus behind him who soon after was Emperour An old French Manuscript History saith that Bassianus was slain by Carausius who after reigned 38 years The same hath the manuscript compilation in these words Et tandem faventibus Britonnibus Carausius demicavit cum Bassiano interfecit eum sic gubernaculum regni in sese suscepit of this opinion also is Fabian Howes saith Bassianus was cruelly given to sensuality and lust insomuch that he espoused his mother-in-law Juba others call her Julia as Hollenshed Fabian Juliana who saith that Bassianus on a certain time breaking in to his brother Geta's chamber slew him even in his mothers lap and that himself was after slain at Edissa by one of his souldiers but names him not as he was about to untruss his points Now the affairs of Brittain for the space of almost fifty years together were passed over in silence as being either omitted through negligence of Writers in that age or perishing through the calamity of the times that ensued under the Emperours following namely Popilius Macrinus the successor of Bassianus Varus Heliogobalus Alexander Severus Maximinus Gordianus the first second and third Philippus Arats Decius Valerianus These are the words of the Authour of the Brittish History but we will leave him a while to try what other Authours say Fabian tells that Carausius c. Finis Libri Tertii To the Right Honourable HENRY Earle of Oxford Lord Bulbeck Samford Badlesmere Scales Knight of the Garter c. ALGERNON Earle of Northumberland and Lord Percy Lucy Poynings Fitz Pain Bryan and Latimer Knight of the Garter c. JOHN Earle of Shrewsbury Lord Talbot Furnival Verdon and Lord Strange of Blackmore The Earle of OXFORD Henry Very the Eighteenth Earl of Oxford of that name Lord Bulbeck Samford c. Descended as Mr. Brooke York Herald fol. 162. and others say from Aubrey de Vere who married Mabel Daughter of Robert Consull Earl of Glocester and natural Son to Henry the first by Nest daughter to Rees Prince of Southwales which Rees married Gladis D. and sole heir of Rees ap Kenvin Prince of Powis whose successor Robert de Vere third of that name and sixth Earl of Oxford of that family married Margaret daughter of Roger Lord Mortimer son of Edmund Lord Mortimer descended from Roger Lord Mortimer who married Gladis sister and heir of the whole blood to David son to Llewellyn Prince of Northwales and Joane daughter to K. John which Llewellyn was son to Jorworth the son of Owen Gwineth the son of Gruffith the son of Conan the son of Jago the son of Edwal the son of Meiric the son of Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd the son of Rodery Maur the son of Esylht daughter and sole heir of Conan Tyndaythwy the son of Roderike Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrch the son of Cadwallader last King of the Britains Mr. Powel fol. 224 NORTHUMBERLAND Llewellin ap Jorworth Prince of Northwales married Joane natural daughter to K. John Mr.
unquiet and although Heliogabalus and his brother Severinus also if Bassianus had any such son was next true King of Brittain yet neither of them enjoyed it for by all Writers one named Carausius was King of Brittain not onely after Bassianus but by divers Authours sometime also while he lived giving an overthrow to Bassianus the Emperour or rather some Lieutenant or General of his of the same or the like name here in Brittainy and so made himself King of Brittain after whom by our Brittish History and Ponticus Virunnius Asclepiodotus Duke of Cornwall was made King deposing Alectus sent hither against Carausius with three Legions and Matthew of Westminster and Harding write was King three years untill Asclepiodotus deposed him next to Asclepiodotus was King Coelus Father to the most renowned Empress St. Helena married to Constantius Emperor and Mother to great Constantine their son our most glorious King and Emperor after which time our History will not be so obscure and confused as now it is for as in the succession of these I have now remembered there is question so concerning the time of their Government and their conversation also whether it were Christian or otherwise it is not free from difficulty Antiquaries say that Carausius was next King to Bassianus Therefore when Matthew West and some others would not have Carausius to be King till about the 286. year of Christ it must needs be an error either in them their Scribes or Printers for it is evident and all the Roman writers prove that Bassianus was dead many years and divers Emperors had succeeded long before this time and Math. Westm himself saith that Bassianus making war against the Parthians was circumvented and slain of his Enemies between Edissa and Carras in the year of Christ 213. which was above 70. years before he bringeth Carausius to attempt any thing for the crown of Brittain Florentius Wigorne followeth the same account and setteth down the very place of his death there to be Osdroena and Mercinus affirmeth the same with the Roman Histories saying it was in the year of Christ 218. And both our old Brittish History and Ponticus Virunnius Hect. Boeti Scot. Hist l. 6. ol 88 89. who gave the greatest light in this matter say plainly that Carausius lived in the time of Bassianus And add further that Carausius joyning with the Picts which Fulgenius had got together against Severus Father to Bassianus sought with his army and overthrowing it Galf. virun was made King of Brittain And these Picts and Scots must needs be those of which the Scottish Historians write when they say Bassianus made peace with them and the Brittains which followed Fulgenius Hect. Boe. ut supra fol. 100. Holenshed in Grathlint and so went from hence to Rome And whereas the Brittish History and Virunnius say that Carausius did kill Bassianus this was not Bassianus our King and Emperor son of Severus and Martia but one Quintus Bassianus a Legate of the Romans Now being the common Opinion received both of the Roman and other writers Catal. Reg. Britainie Hist Galf. Mon. that Severus dyed in the year of Christ 213. The Author of the Catalogue of our Brittish Kings thus setteth down their successions and Regiments with their continuance Bassianus Ceracel six years Carausius seven years Alectus six years Asclepiodotus thirty years Coelus twenty seven years After whom Constantius his son in law by marrying his Daughter St. Helena succeeded in the crown by which accompt we have between the death of Severus and Constantius his reigning here 76. years and from Carausius his death and the begining of Constantius his reign 65. years Harding maketh the distance shorter ascribing to Bassianus seven years to Carausius 4. to Alectus 3. Asclepiodotus 10. to Coel 11. years yet by this accompt also Carausius was dead many years before that time wherein Hector Boetius and some others make him to have first advanced any title to the Crown of Brittain Yet we may make some part of attonement between these opinions if we shall say with the Brittish and other Histories Math. West an 286. that Carausius was but a young man in the time of Bassianus or Heliogabalus the true Kings of Brittain And he went to Rome to procure his Commission there of the Senate to be Admiral to keep the Brittish Seas Howe Hist Titul The Romans an 285. And after he was thus admitted Admiral long time and divers years must needs be spent before he could come to that power by Sea and Land with Brittains Picts and Scots to be King of Brittain although he was as divers hold of the Kingly race Ex regio Stemate and Unkle to that renowned Christian King of Scots Grathnitus Carausius of Kingly race though some stile him to have been of base lineage unprobable in a man obtaining such honour of the Roman Senate Hect. Boet. Scot. Hist l. 6. and renown among Princes Kings and Emperors and divers of them Christians But to go no further out of my way whether Bassianus or his Son Heliogabalus both Emperors and Brittains by parentage or Carausius was in Brittain at this time we are by this which is said assured Hâ—lenshed in Scot. in Grathlint that the Christians here were in quiet and peace for if Bassianus still continued King he had made peace with all Christians here whether Brittains Picts or Scots before his departure hence to Rome And although Heliogabalus Hoel Boet alii sup Harding c. 53. was otherwise a Man of such wicked conversation that I had rather refer any man desirous to know the manner both of his own and his Fathers life to forrain writers then fill my pen with the dishonour of their race in them yet no History maketh mention that he any way was a persecuter of Christians if Carausius was King it is not unprobable but he was a Christian advanced chosen and honoured with that Kingly dignity by the Christians confederate with and assisted by the Christian Scots and Picts their Kings or Rulers and against the Pagan Romans a professed Patron and Propugnator of the Right and Priviledges and Revenger of the wrongs and Injuries of the Christians here contending by all means he could even with the adventure of his life loosing in that quarrel to restore the Christians of this Kingdom to that quiet and honourable Estate to be free from the Thraldom of forraign Pagans which they happily enjoyed in the Government of King Lucian and the Roman Senate began now to infringe and violate This was the pretended end and scope of his designes although by some writers not with a little design of his own greatness and exaltation no strange disease amongst great Princes in any age Hollenshed saith that Alectus was sent from Rome with three Legions Hollenshed Hist of Engl. and slew him in the field Fabian tells us that in a Book which in French is called Merc de Histories
27 ut supra Baron an 321 Acta Sylvest Niceph. l. 7. c 34 Egbertus Ab. Flor. Sem. 3 de Increm manifest cath fidei And Constantine himself did not only send his Imperial Edicts into all Countries both East and West for embracing Christian Religion but made his publick perswading Orations to that purpose as namely in the Church openly to the Senate and People of Rome whereupon as Nicephorus a Grecian writeth in the only City of Rome there was converted and baptised above twelve thousand men besides women and young people in the same year Egbertus from old antiquities seems to deliver that all the Senators were then converted to Christ for he plainly saith that Constantine gave the honour of the Senate of Rome to the Christian Clergy thereof and he with all the Senators departed thence to Bisantium Therefore a wonder it is how some Greek Writers should or could plead Ignorance of so concerning and memorable a thing so publickly acted with so many circumstances which could not be concealed in the great commanding City of the World by the sole Emperor thereof Jodoc Cocc in the saur Cath. Tom. 1. lib. 7. art 9. and S. Sylvester the highest Ruler in the Church of Christ and testified by almost all Ecclesiastical Historians too many to be remembred being accounted to be above 40 Classical Christian Authors and Writers of this matter omitting many of great name antiquity and authority The Pagans themselves even of the same age as Amianus Marcellinus Zosimus Amia Marcel l. 27. c. 2. and others give plain testimony unto it the first expresly speaketh of Constantines Font in Rome The other setteth down the whole History at large after his Ethick manner Zosimus also testifieth that this History was common among the Pagan Writers in his time Mr. Br. f. 4â—7 5. Zosom l. 2. de Constan Zosom Hist Eccle. l. 1. c. 5. R. Abraham Levit. in Chr. Judaic R. Abra. Ezra in c. 11. Dan. Glycas Pal. 4. Annal. Meno Graecor Calend. Janu. Nich. Pap. Epist ad Michael Imper. And the Jewes also even then most malicious against Christians as R. Abraham Levita and R. Abraham Aben Ezra do confess and prove the same So do the best Greek Historians Theophanes Metaphrastes Zonarus Cedrenus Glycas Nicephorus and others Some of these as Michael Glycas calling them Arian Hereticks who say he was baptized at Nicomedia by the Arian Bishop thereof and saith it is out of doubt that he was baptized at Rome his Baptistery there continuing to confirm and prove it invincibly true so have the rest and Theophanes plainly saith this was one of the Arian Hereticks fictions and lies against Constantine to stain his glory untruly with And their authentical and publickly received Menologion of the Greek Church doth not only say that Sylvester baptized Constantine at Rome clensing him from his Leprosie both of Soul and Body but also it receiveth and enrolleth this glorious Emperor in the Catalogue of holy Saints and so he is generally honored among them and in the Latine Church his name was ever Enrolled in the Ecclesiasticall Tables called Dyptica and publickly recited at Masse which was not allowed to any but Orthodox and holy Christians Therefore he must needs be free from all such suspicion wherewith those suspected Grecians have charged him the chiefest of them making Constantine a professed Christian receiving Sacraments many years before the pretended Baptism at his death Therefore I may worthily say of this renowned Emperor with our learned and ancient Historian That he was the flower of Brittain a Brittain by Countrey before whom Henr. Hunt hist l. 1. in Cistit Harding Chro. c. 63. f. 50. and after whom never any the like went out of Brittain And another in his old Poem of the same our glorious King and Emperor first testifying that he was Christened at Rome by Pope Sylvester and there cured of his Leprosie addeth He dyed after that at Nichomeide In Catalogue among the Saints numbred Of May the twentieth and one day indeed Vnder Shrine buried and subumbred Whose day and feast the Greeks have each yeer Solemnly as for a Saint full clere Our old English Chronicle also testifieth of this Emperor Old English Hist part 4. f. 38. S. Adelm lib. de Laud. Virg. c. 12. Nicep l. Hist 7. c. 35. l. 8. c. 5. This Constantine was a glorious man and victorious in battaile In governing of the Commyn people he was very wise and in necessity of byleve he was without comparison devote his pietie and his holines be soe written in the books of holy Doctors that without doubt he is to be numbred among Saints And the Greeks say that in the end of his life he was a Monk S. Adelm saith Great Constantine was corporally and spiritually cured in Baptism at Rome by St. Sylvester and as Nicephorus a Grecian writeth this in the consent of the whole Church This our triumphant Emperor and glory of Brittain having thus victoriously conquered his spiritual as well as corporal Enemies and by Baptism thus happily made so glorious and profitable a Member of the Church of Christ the joyfull newes and tidings thereof was soon diffused and known to the holy Christians though far distant from Rome as that thing they most desired to be effected and as much rejoyced to hear it was so religiously performed And among the rest his blessed Mother St. Helen then living here in Brittain her native Countrey after the death of her Husband Constantius who had in the best manner she could instructed her Son Constantine in the true Christian Religion and desired nothing more than to understand he publickly and with so great zeal now openly professed that which she had so often and earnestly exhorted him unto was not a little joyed with the certain notice hereof And with all haste she could prepared herself for so long a journey by her corporal presence to be both more effectuall partaker and encreaser of such Christian comforts and to give arguments of her joyes by messengers in the mean time writing unto him from Brittain as our Antiquaries do affirm and among other things to expresse her great zeal in Christian Religion and to exhort her Son to the like understanding of the great malice of the Jewes against Christians especially at that time the Emperour being so solemnly and so miraculously baptized Floren. Wigo Chron. an 306 328. Marian. Scot. lib. 2. aetat 6. anno 321. perswaded him to persecute those Jewes which denyed Christ Marianus Scotus writeth also that St. Helen did write out of Brittain when she heard he was baptized by St. Sylvester But his Publisher as he is charged with many other things by Harkesfield to have done either hath mistaken him in that which followeth or published some Copy not so to be approved for he bringeth in St. Helen in the next words to request her Son to deny Christ and follow the Jewes which cannot be the
an Officer entituled by him with a limitation of place and restriction of that power which the ancient Praefectus Praetorio had under the first Emperors Then Constantine intending to make war in Persia either to defend or enlarge the limits of the East Empire removed the Emperial Seat from Rome to the City of Bizantium which he re-edified and caused the same to be called of his own Name Constantinople drawing thither the Legions in Germany that guarded the Fronteers of the Western Empire which was thereby laid open to the Incursions of those barbarous People that afterwards assayed it and in the end possessed the greatest part thereof The borders also of the Province in Brittain were weakened by removing the Garrisons there into other Cities and Towns which being pestered with Soldiers for the most part unruly Guests were abandoned by the ancient Inhabitants There be Authors that write Hollin Hist of Engl. f. 92. that Constantine conveyed over Sea with him a great Army of Brittains by whose Industry obtaining Victory as he wished he placed a great number of such as were discharged out of pay and licensed to give over the War in a part of Gallia toward the West Sea coast where their posterity remain unto this day and marvellously encreased afterwards somewhat now differing from our Brittains the Welshmen in manners and language Among those Noblemen which he took with him when he departed out of this Land as our Writers do testifie were the three Uncles of his Mother Helen Hoelus Trabernus and Marius whom he made Senators in Rome After the wars betwixt Constantine and the Persians Mr. Br. fol. 532. the King of Persia sent Embassadors unto Constantine to procure peace and he writ back unto King Sapores that the Christians in his Dominions which were there in great numbers might live at liberty and freedom for their Religion And if we may believe Eusebius then living Euseb lib. 4. Sozom. lib. 2. Hist cap. 14. and best knowing the affairs and proceedings of this most noble Emperor after all these things were compassed and brought to an end he began that glorious and renowned work and Foundation of the most sumptuous Church of the twelve Apostles in Constantinople where it is evident by this then living Author and witness that he did not begin to build this Church till long after his triennial Feast And yet the glory and stateliness of that work as it is described by the same Writer was such that it could not be effected and finished under many years and yet that it was finished before his death it is certain for he there erected a Tomb for his own body to be buried in and there was interred There he erected saith Eusebius twelve Monuments to the honour and memory of the twelve Apostles and in the midst between them he placed his own Tomb with six Apostles encompassed on either side surely as I have said before considering with discreet Councel Euseb ut sup that the Tabernacle of his dead body should worthily and decently rest there when he had considered these things long time before he dedicated the Church to the Apostles thinking that their memory would bring much profit to his soul And both Baronius and Spondanus confess that Constantine did not begin this great and wonderfull work until the 336. Baronius Spond Annal. in ann 336. year of Christ and after his concluding peace with the Persians had not before so much as resolved it Therefore this Church being so costly and magnificent as these men confess and Eusebius at large proveth and yet Constantius lived to see it roofed and quite finished he must needs live a longer time than until the next year the 337. of Christ which they limit unto him to live and much more longer than Socrates their Author continueth his life for by his reckoning setting down his death the same year wherein the Persian Embassadors came to him for peace we must be forced to say this admirable Church was quite finished in the space of seven weeks or if we should adventure as Baronius doth to make Socrates our Author and yet add unto his account a whole year as he doth it must needs be yielded unto by such calculation that it was not begun or any materials prepared for it and yet quite finished within the space of one year and seven weeks for as before it was not begun at the Feast of Easter and yet ended the same year by Socrates before the Feast of Pentecost when by Eusebius Constantine died and by Socrates about the eleventh of the Calends of June the 22. day of May and by Baronius before the Feast of Pentecost and the 22. day of May the year following which is morally impossibly to be true for besides the amplitude thereof and Ornaments therein Euseb lib. 4. de Vit. Const c. 64. Socr. l. 1. c. ult Eusebius who had seen it and knew the building of it saith that Constantine erected it to an infinite altitude and made it from the ground with all variety of Stones even to the top the Roof was curiously wrought and within covered with Gold throughout and covered above with Brasse and much Gold And therefore Nicephorus also a Greek Author who had diligently examined Socrates and citeth his very words of this matter before related affirmeth plainly and constantly notwithstanding that opinion that Constantine did not die until the 342. year of Christ in the Feast of Pentecost Euseb lib. 4. de vit Const c. 64. Cap. 66. sup towards the end of it about noon time of the day to speak in Eusebius his words this Emperor was received to his God leaving his mortal part like to other mortal men to the earth but joyning his Intelligence and Divine part of his Soul unto God He dying in Bethinia his Soldiers enclosing his Body in a Golden Coffin covered it all over with Purple and conveyed it to Constantinople and placed it in the Emperial Palace adorned with Emperial Robes Purple and a Diadem Lights set upon Golden Candlesticks round about it which gave such an admirable shew unto the Beholders as was never seen All the Nobles of his Army which worshipped him whilst he lived kept their old manner and custom at certain times entring in and prostrating themselves on the ground saluted the Emperor after his death lying in his Coffin as if he had been still living The Senate and all other Magistrates worshipped his Body with like reverence All sorts of people even Women and Children in infinite number came to see the solemnity and these things were performed many daies This blessed Emperor was he alone which reigned when he was dead Euseb Ca. 66. and to him alone God himself being Author thereof all honors which were wont to be given when he lived were given after his death For he being the only Emperor which in all the actions of his life piously and religiously worshiped God the King of
was the Son of Traherne the Uncle of St. Helen Maximian King Trahern his Son next Heir to Constantine others say he was Son of Leolinus another Uncle of St. Helen Great Uncle to Constantine and one of them Gal. Mon. l. 5. c. 12.15 Pont. Virun lib. 5. Math. West an 390 392. Manus Anti. in vit S. Nin. Capg in eod Bal. li. de Scrip. Cent. 1. in Nin. saith Octavius was King but 14 yeares ending with the beginning of Maximian his Reigne And so we may well allow such an Octavius to have the name of a King in Brittain in those troublesome daies of the Romans ruling here divers petty Kings being probably at that time in this Nation as well by the Testimony of these Authors which then make Octavian King as others So they terme Conanus a King and that Maximian took his kingdom from him So was Dionotus King in Cornwall So was his brother Carodocus before him and yet under one chief King and Emperor Maximian at that time And St. Nimen who lived Bishop here in the end of this age had Kings for his Ancestors and yet the great distance of the place of his birth from King Coel argueth he was not of their line And all these Kings or Regents here were most certainly by our Antiquaries Chatholick Christians Constantinus After the death of Constantine the great Constantinus his eldest Son injoyed Brittain as a portion of his Dominion till making some attempts upon his brother Constans for the enlarging of it Brittish Hist fol. 239. he was by him slain Then was the Empire divided between Constans and Constantius the two younger brethren Constans seised upon the Provinces which Constantinus his brother had held and made a voyage into Brittain where Gratianus a Hungarian by birth had then charge of the Army This Gratianus was surnamed Funarius for that he being a young man was able as it is written of him to hold a Rope in his hand against the force of five Souldiers assaying to pull it from him But Constans afterwards following ill counsel the ready way to Princes ruines and giving himself over to all kind of vice was slain by Magnentius Taporus the Son of a Brittain who then invaded the Empire usurping the Government of Gallià and Brittain till after three years warr with Constantius the successor of Constans his brother finding himselfe unable any longer to uphold his greatnesse Mr. Br. fol. 548. 1. he murdered himself This Constantius in processe of time was infected with the Arian heresy but neither so as to endanger Brittain or any other Nation under his command He consented to the recalling of St. Athanasius out of exile and sometime to his continuing his dignity at Alexandrea And whether it was for the love of St. Athanasius or fear of his brother Constans writing expresly unto him in favour of St. Athanasius is uncertain he also consented to the calling of the great general Councel of Sardyce 10 or 11 years after the death of his Father as Socrates and Sozomen affirm wherein St. Athanasius was proved innocent and as he then present with many others proveth the Nicon faith was confirmed and utterly forbidden to be questioned Mr. Bro. fol. 548. Socr. l. 2. c. 16. Soz. l. 3. c. 11 12. Athan. Apol. 2 cont Arianos Divers Bishops of Brittain 5 at the least present at the Councel of Sardyce Baro. Spon an 347. Sex Ruff. Brem Rev. gest po Ro. ad Valent. And at the calling of this Councel the same renowned Doctor called this said Constantins as also his brother a known Cacholick Emperour and a Religious Prince and we are sure that at this time our Kingdome of Baittain detained the former glorious estate and glory of Religion it had before in the daies of Constantine and was still free from Arianisme For the same glorious Athanasius present in that Councel faith that amongst more than 300 Bishops assembled there which freed him and professed the Nicen faith the Bishops from the Provinces of Baittain were there And as the Roman writers testifie there were from the division of the Empire by Constantine and as many suppose before five provinces here in Brittain Maxima Caesariensis Valentia Baittannia prima Brittania secunda Flavia Caesariensis So that if we should allow but one Bishop out of every of those provinces to have been at the Sardyce Councel and there to have subscribed for the rest of Brittain their Provinces or Dioceses we must grant five Brittish Bishops to have been there and supplyed this duty and Office for the rest of Brittain That this our Country of Brittain flourished after this with great numbers of worthy Bishops no City then vacant here of such a Pastor and Rider we may gather from divers Antiquities Epist Concilii Arimini ad Const apud Socr. l. 2. Hist c. 29. Soz Hist Eccl. l. 4. c. 16. Sever sulp sacra Hist l. 2. c. 21. Lib. Notitia Epis orb Chr. sive Cod. Provin Rom. as from the Epistle of the great Councel of Ariminum in Italy not long after this time written to Constantius the Emperour where our Bishops were present testifying unto him that they were assembled there forth of all Cities towards the West most properly and significantly to be applyed to this Kingdom most West from thence And the words All Bishops out of the Western Cities cannot carry any other true construction but our Episcopal Cities in Baittain were then so furnished and many or most of them present at that Councel This is confirmed by the number of Western Bishops above 400 as Sozomen and others write assembled at Ariminum besides 160 from the East at the same time gathered together at Seleucia in Isauria when it is manifest in the old Manuscript Catalogue of Bishops that Brittain and all the Western Nations present in the Councel of Ariminum had not at that time many more than 400 Bishops Therefore we must needs grant that the Bishops of all Cities as well of Brittain as other Countries of the West which had not excuseable lets and impediments were there present in such sence as the Epistle of that Councel is cited and Severus Sulpitius is sufficient witnesse that this our Brittain in particular that it had many Bishops there for relating the number to have been above 400 out of the West And the Emperour the better to incline them to the Arian heresie as it seemeth commandeth that provision should be made for them at his cost But the Bishops of France Aquitaine and Brittain refused it and rather made choice to live at their own charges than to be maintained by the Emperour and this refusal was general to all the Bishops of Brittain Aquitaine and France except three only of Brittain which received allowance from the Emperour and refused maintenance by the other Bishops themselves being poor And the same Authors prove that our Bishops were drawn or forced to come to that Councel by the Officers of Constantius
And the next year after he gave the Brittains an other overthrow and then departed this life About this time died Theodor the Son of Belin a Man of great estimation among the Brittains Not long after there was a great battail fought betwixt the Brittains and the Picts at a place called Magedawc where the King of the Picts was slain About this time Rodri or Roderike Molwynoc was driven by the Saxons to forsake the West Country and to come to seek his own inheritance in Northwales where ruled at that time the Children of Bletius or Bledericus Prince of Cornwall and Devonshire who was one of them that gave Adelred and Ethelbert the overthrow at Bangor upon the River De and injoyed the Government of Northwales ever since Cadvan was chosen King of Brittain untill this time Powels Chronic fol. 16. By this history it should seem saith my Author that the Brittains continued their Government in the VVest part of Lhoegria untill this time But surely the consent in a manner of all writers is that the Brittish Kingdom ended in Cadwalader after whom the Brittains had nothing to do beyond Severne being constrained to keep themselves within the Countries of Cambria and Cornubia It is also written by divers that Ivor and Inir at their first arriving in Brittain were expelled by the Saxons and driven into Wales where Ivor ruled as Prince many years whom this Rodri the Son of Edwal the Son of Cadwalader succeeded VVhen Rodri or Roderike the King of the Brittains had reigned above 30. years he died leaving two Sons after him Conan Tindaythwy and Howel Conan Tindaythwy the Son of Roderike Conan Tindaythwy began his reign over the Brittains Anno Domini 755. About two years after there was a great battail fought at Hereford between the Brittains and the Saxons where Dyfnwal the Son of Theodor was slain Jo. Castorius In the year 776 the men of Southwales destroyed a great part of Mercia with fire sword and the summer following all the Welshmen gathered together and entered the Kingdom of Mercia and did much harm The Saxons which bordered upon the Country of Cambria or Wales did daily encroach upon the Lands of the Welshmen beyond Severn especially towards the South part of the Country Wherefore the natives put themselves in armour and set upon the Saxons and chased them over Severn again and then returned home with great prey and booty and thus they did oftentimes killing and destroying all before them and alwaies bringing home with them much Cattel which thing caused Offa to conclude a peace with other Saxon Kings and to bend his whole force against the Welshmen Whereupon Offa King of Mercia caused a great ditch to be made large and deep from Sea to Sea Powel John Castor Math. West betwixt his Kingdom and Wales whereby he might the better defend his Country from the incursions of the Welshmen And this ditch is to be seen in many places as yet and is called Clawdh Offa Viz. Offa's ditch at this day Offa's ditch Shrewsbury the ancient Court of the Welsh Princes of Powys After Offa had made this deep ditch and chased the Welshmen from the plain Countries unto the Woods and Mountains the seat of the Kings of Powys was translated from Pengweru now called Salop or Shrewsbury to Marthrual where it continued long after About the year 795 there was a battail fought at Ruthlan between the Saxons and the Welshmen where Caradoc King of Northwales was slain This Carodoc was the son of Gwin the son of Golhoyn the son of Ednowen the son of Blethin the son of Bletius or Cledericus Prince of Cornwal and Devonshire Nole In the year 800. died Arthen the son of Sitsylth the son of Clydawc King of Cardigan and Run King of Dinet and Kadelch King of Powis died in the year 808. This was a troublesome time and as yet no staid government in Wales and therefore such as were chief Lords in any country were called Kings In the year 810. the Moon was Ecclipsed on Christmas day and the same year St. Davids was burnt by the Saxons There was also a general murrain and death of Cattel throughout all Wales the next year ensuing Owen the son of Meredith the son o◠Terudos died the Castle of Degaunwy was destroyed with thunder Conan Prince of Wales and his brother Howel fell at variance in somuch that they tryed the matter by battail wherein Howel had the victory This Howel the brother of Conan King or Prince of Northwales did claim the Isle of Môn or Anglesey for part of his fathers inheritance which Conan refused to give him and thereupon they fell at variance and consequently to make war the one against the other The next year there was much hurt done by thunder in divers places many houses burnt to the earth The same year dyed Gruffith the son of Run and Griffri the son of Kyngen was slain by the treason of Elico his brother Howel gave his brother Conan another battail and slew a great number of his people whereupon Conan levied an army in the year 817 and chased his brother Howel out of Anglesey compelling him to fly into Man And a little after died Conan chief King of the Brittains or Welshmen leaving behind him a daughter called Esylht who was marryed to a Noble man called Mervin Vrich the son of Gwyriad or Vriet the son of Elidur and so forth in the right line to Belinus the brother of Brennus King of the Brittains and his mother was Nest the daughter of Cadelth King of Powis the son of Brochwel Yscithroc that fought with the Saxons at Bangor who was Prince of Powis This Brochwel is called by the Latine writers Brecinellus and Brochmaelus of whom Galfride J. Cast Math. West Mr. Powel fol. 22. saith Mr Powel I find thus written in Historia Divae Monacellae Fuit olim in Powisia quidam princeps illustrissimus nomine Brochwel Yscithroc Consul Legecestriae qui in Vrbe tunc temporis Pengwern Powis nunc vero Salopia dicta est habitabat cujus domicilium seu habitaculum ibi steterat ubi Collegium Divi Ceddae nunc situm est That is There was sometimes in Powis a Noble Prince named Brochwel Yscithroc Consul or Earl of Chester who dwelt in a town then called Pengwern Powis and now Salop whose dwelling house was in the very same place where the Colledge of St. Chad now standeth This man with Cadvan King of Brittain Morgan King of Demetia and Bledericus King of Cornwall gave an overthrow to Ethelfred King of Northumberland upon the river Dee an 617. of whom the Ancestours of divers in Wales living at this day are known by ancient books and records to have descended Mervin Vrich and Esylht the Daughter of Conan The first year of the reign of Mervin Vrich and Esylht his wife Egbert King of the Saxons entered into VVales with a great and puissant army and destroyed the whole Country unto
resigned to the King his Heirs and to the Crown of England the name and Title of Principality Cadel the youngest son and Prince of Demetia or South-VVales which the VVelshmen call'd Dehenbarsh that is the Right Side or South part this Country although it be very fruitfull and far greater then North Wales yet was it alwaies esteemed the worser part and the reason was for that the Nobles thereof refused to obey their Princes and the sea-coast was evermore infested and troubled with the invasion of the English men Normans and Flemings by which the Prince was enforced to leave his royal Seat at Marydune and place the same at Dynefar in Cantremaur And although these Princes had great Authority in VVales yet after Rhese the Son of Theodore the great was by Treason of his own people slain in the time of VVilliam Rufus Anno Domini 1093 they were no more called by the names of Dukes or Princes but onely Lords until at last by civil Wars amongst themselves and the Lands divided among strangers and many others the English seeking to possess all the Principality was so weakned and brought so low that after the death of Rhese the Son of Griffith a most worthy man they lost both Name and Authority of Principality and Lordship And all this while the Lines of the Princes of Venedosia or North-VVales did prosperously continue and held on their course as shall hereafter be specified by that which followeth THE SECOND BOOK TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ANTHONY GREY Earl of Kent Lord Grey of Ruthen Hastings and Valence John Mannors Earl of Rutland Lord Ross of Hamlake Trusbut and Belvoir Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery Lord Herbert of Cardiff Ross of Kendal Par Marnnon and Saint Quintin Edward Sackvil Earl of Dorset Lord Buâ—khurst William Earl of Salisbury Viscount Crambourn Lord Cecil of Essenden David Earl of Exeter Lord Burley THE EARLES OF KENT GRiffith ap Meredith ap Blethin Owen Cynelioc Gwenwynwyn Griffith of Gwenwynwyn Owen ap Griffith Lord Powis John Charleton Lord of Powis by the gift of King Edward the first to whom he was Valectus Regis jure uxoris Lord of Powis Hawis Gardan i. e. the Hardy Son and Heir to Owen ap Griffith Lord of Powis John Charleton second Lord of Powis of that name John Charleton third Lord of Powis of that Name One of these Johns married a daughter to Roger Lord Mortimer by which means this Family descended from the Brittish blood Edward Charleton fourth Lord of Powis of that Name Alianor daughter and one of the heirs of Thomas Holland Earl of Kent Edward Charleton the last John dying without Issue fifth Lord of Powis and last of that Family who left onely two daughters his heirs  Sir John Grey Knight Jane daughter and co-heir to Edward Charleton Lord of Powis Henry Grey Lord Powis created Earl of Tankervile Antigone natural daughter to umphery Duke of Glocester Edward * Or Edmund Grey Lord of Ruthine descended from the Lord Grey Lord of Powis created Earl of Kent Katherine daughter to Henry Percy second Earl of Northumberland by which match the Brittish blood descended George Grey Earl of Kent Anne Daughter to Richard Woodvile Earl Rivers Richard Grey Earl of Kent sans Issue Elizabeth Daughter to Sir VVilliam Hussey Knight Lord chief Justice Reiginold Grey grand-child to George by his second Wife daughter of VVilliam Herbert Earl of Pembroke by which match comes in the Brittish blood sans Issue  Henry Grey Brother and Heir to Reginold Earl of Kent Sans Issue Mary daughter to Sir George Cotton of Cheshire Knight Charles Grey Brother to the two former Earls and their Heir Susan daughter to Richard Cotton of Hantshire squire Henry Grey Earl of Kent sans Issue Elizabeth daughter and co-heir to Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury Anthony Grey of Burbage Com. Leic. son of George son of Anthony Grey of Branspath son of George Hrey Lord Grey of Ruthin second Earl of Kent by his wife Daughter to William Herbert Earl of Pembroke continueth the Brittish line Henry Lord Grey KENT Kent is a very rich and pleasant Country lying between the Thames and the narrow Seas A country very good for Corn and fit for pastorage according to the several Plots and parts thereof and wondrous full of fruitfull and well ordered Orchards from whence the City of London is supplyed with most sort of Fruit the Villages and Towns stand exceeding thick being in all three hundred ninety eight parishes besides lesser Hamlets which make up the two Diocesses of Canterbury and Rochester It hath also divers safe Roads and sure Harbours for Ships and those exceeding well defended with Forts and Castles Caesar when he arrived in Kent found here four Kings for so they called the chief of the principal Families and gives this Testimony of the People that they were the most courteous and civil of all the Brittains in the declining of whose Empire Vortiger gave this County unto the Saxons who being Heathens when the rest of the Isle were Christians gave an occasion to the Proverb Kent and Christendome at that time it was made a Kingdome as in the entrance of the Normans it was made an Earldome and so it hath continued in the persons of these Earles of KENT Odo Bishop of Baieux half Brother to the Conquerour Lord chief Justice and Lord Treasurer William of Ypres Hugh de Burg Lord chief Justice Edmund of Woodstock Son to King Edward the First Edmund Plantagenet John Plantagenet Thomas Holland Thomas Holland Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey Edmund Holland Lord Admiral Edmund Grey Lord Ruthin Earl of Kent George Grey Richard Grey Reginald Grey Henry Grey Charles Grey Henry Grey Anthony Grey now living 1661 Henry Lord Grey heir apparent The Earle of Rutland Owen ap Griffith Lord of Powis who left one only daughter and heir who married as followeth Iohn Charleton born in Appley near Wellington was Valectus Regis Hawis Guardan i. e. the hardy sole daughter and heir to Griffith L. of Powis formerly a Prinpality Iohn Charleton L. of Powis  Iohn Charleton L. of Powis  Iohn Charleton L. of Powis  Edward Charleton his brother dying without issue Lord of Powis who left two daughters his heirs Elinor one of the daughters and coheirs of T. Holland E. of Kent Iohn Lord Typtoft of Worcester Ioyce D. and Co-h. to Ed. L. Powis Iohn L. Typtoft E. of Wocester sans issue left his four sisters his co-heirs  Thomas L. Ross of Hamlack which line devolved into the family of Mannours E. of Rutland by the marriage of Elianor sister and heir of Ed. L. Ross of Hamlack Belvoir Trusbut to Sr Roger Mannours Grandfather to Thomas first E. of Rutland of that name Philip the eldest daughter and coheir to Iohn L. Tiptoft E. of Worcester Thom. Mannours first E. of Rutland Elinor daughter to Sr. Will. Paston of Norfolk Sir Iohn Mannours second son Kt. Elizabeth daughter and co-heir of George Vernon of Haddon in
the cause ended This shall be sufficient for this time Some Authors write that Lhewelin ap Sitsylht who was after Prince of Wales assisted Edmund a Saxon King and entered Cumberland taking the two sons of Dummaille King of the Province put out their eyes and then gave that Country to Malcolme to be holden of him with condition to keep the North part of the Realm from incursion of enemies the which condition was afterwards but slenderly peformed This Malcome was the son of Donald King of Scotland and was the next King after Constantine the third being in number the 76. In the year 942. died Hubert Bishop of St. Davids and the year following Marclois Bishop of Bangor and Vssa the son of Lhavyr died the year 944. the Englishmen entered Wales with a stronge army and spoyled Strad Clwid and returned home At which time Conan the son of Elise was put in danger of death by poyson and Everus Bishop of St. Davids died In the year 948 died Howel Dha the noble and worthy King or Prince of Wales whose death was much lamented by all men for he was a Prince that loved peace and good order and that feared God he left behind him four sons Owen Run Roderike and Edwin betwixt whom and the sons of Edwal there ensued great wars for the chief rule of Wales as shall appear in the history following After the death of Howel Dha his sons did divide Southwales and Powis betwixt them And Janaf and Jago the second and third sons of Edwal Voel ruled North VVales because their elder brother Meyric was not a man worthy to rule who coming of the elder house would have had the chief rule of all Wales which the sons of Howel Dha denyed them And thereupon Jago or James and Janaf entred Southwales with a great power against whom came Owen the son of Howel and his brethren and fought together at the hills of Carno where Jago and Janaf had the victory And the year following the said brethren did twice enter into Southwales and spoyled Dinet and slew Dwnwalhon Lord thereof And within a while after dyed Roderike one of the sons of Howel Dha year 952 In the year 952. the sons of Howel gathered their strength together against Janaf and Jago and entred their land at the river of Conwy where they fought a cruel battail at a place called Gurgustu or Lhanrwst as some think where a great number were slain upon either side as Anarawd the son of Gwyriad or Vriel the son of Roderike the great and Edwin the son of Howel Dha in the which battail were overthrown the sons of Howel whom Janaf Jago pursued to Caerdigan destroyed their Country vvith fire svvord About this time Yarthyr the son of Mervyn vvas drovvned In the year 958 was a wonderful hot summer when Gwyan the son of Gwiriad the son of Roderike dyed After the which heat there followed a great plague in March ensuing In those dayes Jago and Janaf by force and strength ruled all Wales as they thought good And yet for all their power Abloic King of Ireland landed in Môn and having burnt Holyhead spoyled the country of Lhyyn year 961 In the year 961 the sons of Edwin the son of Colhoyn were slain after they had destroyed all the country to Towyn About this time Meyric the son of Cadvan Rytherch Bishop of St. Davids and Cadwalhon ap Owen departed out of this transitory life Not long after the country of Northwales was exceedingly spoyled by the army of Edgar King of England The cause of this was the not payment of the tribute that the King of Abersfraw by the lawes of Howel Dha was to pay to the Kings of London in the end there was a peace concluded Jo. Cast Holl. pag. 232. Wolves destroyed by the Prince of W. for King Edgar understanding what hurt the Countrys of England and Wales received daily by reason of the great multitude of Wolves that then abounded especially in Wales which destroyed much sheep and otherwayes did great harme released the tribute of money appointed by the said lawes of Howel Dha and bound the Princes of Northwales to pay him yearly certain Wolves for his tribute so to be released of the other tribute in mony which the said Prince performed untill he had left never a Wolf in all Wales or England year 966 In the year 966. Roderike the son of Edwal Voel was slain by the Irishmen by whom Abersfraw was destroyed The next year after fell a great debate betwixt the two sons of Edwal Jago and Janaf which had ruled joyntly together from the death of Howel Dha till that time and shortly after Jago having taken his brother Janaf by force very cruelly kept him in prison a long time about the which time Eneon the son of Owen Prince of Southwales wan seised to himself the land of Gwyr And in the year â—69 Machis the son of Haroald with an army of Danes did enter into Anglesey and â—poyled 〈◊〉 year 969 Theâ—â— â—â—â—nes were suffered by Edgar to inhabit quietly through all England till they â—â—re as strong as the Englishmen and then they fell to such ryotousness and drinking that â—â—ch mischief ensued thereof A law against immoderate drinking whereupon Edgar made a law that every man should drink by measure and caused a certain mark to be set in every pot how deep they should drink and so by these means he somewhat stayed the immoderate ingurgation Not long after that Godfryd the son of Haroald did subdue to himself the whole Isle of Anglesey which he enâ—oyed not long year 972 King Edgar likewise in the year 972 did send a great army to Gaâ—â—â—â—on upon Vsk which shortly turned back without doing any notable act Caerleon upon Vsk The next year following Howel the son of Janaf raised a great power against his Uncle Jago for the deliverance of his father out of prison and overcame his Uncle in fight whom he chased out of the land and took his eldest Unckle Meyric the son of Edwal and put out both his eyes and kept him in prison where he dyed shortly after leaving behind him two sons Edwal and Jonaval of the which Edwal came afterwards the most worthy Princes of Wales Howel notwithstanding he had set his father at liberty yet took upon himself the whole rule of the land for his lifetime He had three brethren all men of great estimation Meyrich Janaf and Cadwallon whose lines shall ensue hereafter Howel Son of Janaf After that Howel the son of Janaf had expelled his Uncle from the land Dunwalhon goes to Rome he took the rule to himself And at that time Dwnwalhon Prince of Strad Cwlyd took his journey to Rome Then dyed Edwalhon the son of Owen year 976 The year 976 Eneon the son of Owen King of Southwales destroyed the land of Gwyr the second time the year ensuing Howel the son of Janaf with a great army both of Welshmen
well hired ships of Ireland as his own and upon the suddain he brake up his Camp and gave both ships and men leave to depart The same year Rees Prince of South Wales laid siege to the Castle of Aberteini Aberteini Castle won by the Welsh and wan it and laid it flat with the ground and likewise wan Pilgeran and razed it At which time he took prisoner Robert the son of Stephen his cozen German son to Nost his aunt who after the death of Girald had married Stephen Constable and so returned home with great honour and rich spoil About the same time died Lhewelin son to Pr Owen a worthy Gentleman and of great towardness In the year ensuing the Flemmings and Normans came to West Wales with a great power against the Castle of Cilgerran which Rees had fortified and laid siege unto it assaulting it divers times but it was so manfully defended that they returned home as they came and shortly after they came before it again where they lost many of their best men and so departed The same year Owen Pr. of North Wales laid siege to the Castle of Basygwerke which the King had fortified and in short time wan it and dismantled it About the same time Jorwerth Goch was spoiled of his lands in Powis by Owen Cyvelioc the son of Gruffith ap Meredyth Lord of Powis by Owen Bachen second son to Madock ap Meredyth which lands they divided betwixt them so that Owen Cyvelioc had Mochant above Rayader and Owen Vachan Mochnant beneath Rayader In the year 1167 Owen Prince of North Wales Cadwalader his brother and Rees Prince of South Wales brought an Army into Powis against Owen Cyvelioc and wan all his lands and chased him out of the Countrey and gave Caereneon to Owen Vachan the son of Madoc ap Meredyth to hold of Prince Owen and the Lord Rees had Walwern because it stood within his Countrey but within a while after Owen Cyvelioc returned with a strength of Normans and Engleshmen to recover his Estate and laid siege to the Castle of Caereneon and winning the same burnt it to the ground Also the same year the aforesaid Princes Ruthlan Castle taken by the Welsh which King Henry had built Owen Rees and Cadwalader laid siege to the Castle of Ruthlan which the King had lately built and fortified where the Garrison defended it most valiantly yet the Princes would not depart until they had won it which they did at two months end and razed it After that they gat the Castle of Prostatyn and destroyed it and then brought all Tegeugl to Owens subjection and returned home with much honour In the year following Conon the son of Prince Owen slew Vrgeney Abbot of Lhwythlawr and Lhawthen his nephew In this year also Robert the son of Stephen the Constable was released out of his cozens the Lord Rees his prison and was sent to Ireland with great Forces to Dermot the son to Murchart who landed at Lochgarmon and won it and so went forward In the year 1169 Meyric ap Adam of Bueltht was murthered in his bed by Meredyth Bengoch his cozen german A Giants body 50 foot found Also this year there were found the bones of a Gyant cast up by the Sea of such length that his body seemed to contain after fifty foot in height This year Owen Gwyneth the son of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of North Wales passed out of this life he had Governed his Countrey well and worthily 32 years This Prince was fortunate and victorious in all his affairs he never took any enterprise in his hand but he atchived it he left behind him many children begotten by divers women which were not esteemed by their mothers and birth but by their prowess and valiantness first he had by Gladus the daughter of Lhywarch ap Trahevern ap Caradoc Jorwerth Drwyndwn that is Edward with the broken nose Conan Maelgon and Gwenlhian by Christian the daughter of Grono ap Owen ap Edwin he had David Roderik Cadwalhon Abbot of Bardsey and Augharat wife to Griffith Maylor he had besides these Conan Lhewelin Meredyth Edwal Run Howell Cadelh Madoc Enâ—on Cynrwric Philip and Riryd Lord of Clocharn in Ireland by divers women of whom Run Lhewelyn and Cynwric died before their father the rest you shall hear of hereafter THE Third Book OF THE ANTIENT MODERN BRITTISH AND WELSH History TO THE Right Honourable JOHN Earle of Bridgwater Baron of Elsmere Viscount Brackley Earle of Carnarvon Lord Dormer RICHARD Earle of Carburie Baron of Emlyn ANTHONY Viscount Montague c. JOHN Lord Abergavenny WILLIAM Lord Sturton c. HENRY Lord Arundel Count of the sacred Roman Empire and Baron of Wardor The Earles of BRIDGWATER Edward Earle of Derbie Dorothea Daughter of Tho. Howard Duke of Norfolk by which Match this Honourable Family of the Egertons by Frances Daughter and Coheir to Ferdinando Earl of Derbie descends from the Brittish line as appears at large in the Pedegree of the D. of Norfolk Henry Earle of Derbie Margaret Daughter to Henry Clifford Earle of Cumberland and Elinor his wife Daughter and Coheir of Charls Brandon Duke of Suffolk and his wife Mary Queen of France Daughter to K. Henry VII and Elizabeth Heir general to the house of York and Lord Mortimer whose Ancestour Ralph Lord Mortimer married to Gladis sister and Coheir  to David and Daughter to Llewelin Prince of Northwales and K. Henry VII was Grand-childe to Owen Tudor lineally descended from the Princes of South Wales Ferdinando Earle of Derbie Alice Daughter to Sir John Spencer Knight Sir John Egerton Knight of the Bath Lord President of Wales Earle of Bridgwater Baron of Elsmere Frances Daughter and Coheir of Ferdinando Earle of Derbie John Egerton Baron of Elsmere Viscount Brackley Earle of Bridgwater now living 1661. BRIDGWATER but more properly in old Records Burgh-walter that is VValters Burgh so called of VValter de Duaco who came in with the Normans and had fair Lands given him in those parts by the Conquerour is a Town in Sommersetshire A great and populous Town descending by the Chawworths to the Dutchy of Lancaster and was by King Henry VIII Heir of the Lancastrian line adorned with the Title of an Earldom which he bestowed on Sir Henry Daubeney son of that Giles Daubeney who came in with King Henry the Seventh from Brittain in France and was by him made Lord Chamberlain and Knight of the Garter which Henry dying without issue this Title lying long asleep was afterwards awakened in another Family ordained to be a Seminary for the Earles of Bridgwater Henry Lord Daubeney created Earle of Bridgwater 30. Hen. John Egerton Viscount Brackley created Earle of Bridgwater May 15. Lord President of Wales c. John Viscount Brackley created Earle of Bridgwater now living 1661. The Earle of CARNARVON THis Right honourable Earle now living is the worthy Heir of that most worthy and Heroick Robert Lord Dormer and Earle of
of the Empire and Baron of VVardor Blanch Daughter of Edward Earl of VVorcester by which Match this Honourable Family severall wayes descends from the Brittish bloud Royol Henry Arundel Count of the Empire and Baron of VVardor now living 1661. Cicely Daughter to Sir Henry Compton Knight of the Bath Thomas Arundel Heir Apparent THE THIRD BOOK OF THE Antient and Modern Brittish and Welsh HISTORY THis Owyn with five of the chiefest of Wales did homage to Henry the second and likewise to his eldest son Henry at Woodstock in the eighth year of Henry the father Anno Dom. 1165. Quarterly Gules and Or 4 Lyons pass gard Counter-change David the son of Owen Gwyneth AFter the death of Owen his sons fell in debate who should inherit after him for the eldest son born in Matrimony Edward or Jorwerth Drwndwn was counted unmeet to Govern because of the maim upon his face Howell base son of Owen slain and Howell who took upon him all the Rule was a base son begotten upon an Irish woman Therefore David gathered all the power he could and came against Howell and fighting with him slew him and afterwards enjoyed quietly the whole land of North Wales until his brother Jorwerths son came to age as shall hereafter appear Madoc another of Owen Gwyneths sons Mahoc betakes himself to Navigation left the land in contention betwixt his brethren and prepared certain ships with men and ammunition and sought Adventures by Sea sailing West and leaving the cost of Ireland so far North that he came to a land unknown where he saw many strange things This land must needs be some part of that which the Spaniards affirm themselves to be the first Finders of H. Lhoyd since Hanno's time for by reason and order of Cosmography this land to which Madoc came must needs be some part of Nova Hispania or Florida whereupon it is manifest that the Countrey was long before by Brittains discovered India first discovered by the Brittains before either Columbus or Americus Vespasius conveyed any Spaniards or Portugues thither Of this Voyage and return of this Madoc there be many fictions as the common people do use in distance of place and length of time rather to augment than diminish but sure it is that there he was And after he had returned home and declared the pleasant and fruitful Countreys that he had seen without inhabitants and upon the contrary part for what barren and wild ground his brethren and nephews did murther one another he prepared a number of ships and got with him such men and women as were desirous to live in quietness and taking leave of his friends Madocs second voyage to the Indies took his journey thitherward again Therefore it is to be supposed that he and his people Colonized part of those Countreys for it appeareth by Francis Lones that in Ancusanus and other places the people honoured the Cross whereby it may be gathered that Christians had been there before the Spaniards but because this people were not many they followed the manners of the land unto which they arrived and used the Language they found there This Madoc arriving into that Western Countrey unto which he came in the year 1170. Mr. Powel left most of his people there and returning back for more of his own Nation Acquaintance and Friends to inhabit that fair and large Countrey went thither again with ten Sails as I find noted by Gutyn Owen I am of opinion that the land whereunto he came was some part of Mexico the causes which makes me think so are these 1. First The common report of the Inhabitants of that Countrey who affirmed that their Rulers descended from a strange Nation that came thither from a far Countrey which thing is confessed by Mutezuma King of that Province in an Oration made for quietting of his people at his submission to the King of Castile Hernando or Fernando Curtâ—â—â— being then present which is declared in the Spanish Chronicles of the conquest of these Indies Evident proofs that the Welsh first discovered the West Indies 2. Secondly The Brittish words and names of places used there even unto this day do argue the same as when they talk together they use this word Gwrando which is hearken or listen Also they have a certain Bird which they call Pengwin that is Whitehead but the Island of Corroeso the Cape of Bryton the River of Gwyndor and the white Rock of Pengwyn which be all Brittish or Welsh words do manifestly shew that it was that Countrey which Madoc and his people inhabited About this time Rees Prince of South Wales came with great power into Powis and subdued Owen Cyvelioc the Lord thereof and took Pledges of him and then returned home with honour K. Henry and P. Rees attoned Rees supplyeth the King in his journey towards Ireland When King Henry prepared for the Conquest of Ireland Prince Rees came and met him who received him courteously and confirmed all what formerly had been accorded insomuch that Rees promised the King towards his expedition into Ireland 300 Horses and 400 Oxen and gave him 14 Pledges Thus done the King came to South Wales and entring Caerlheon upon Vsk took the formerly sumptuous City from the Lord thereof Jorwerth ap Owen ap Caradoc keeping the same to his own use The Arms of of this Lord were Gules 3 Towers Arg. now quartered by the Morgans wherefore Jorwerth departed from the King and calling to him his two sons Owen and Howell who was called Howell of Caerlheon and bare for his Arms Gules 3 Towers Argent which Coat is now quarted by the Morgans of Mahan and Lantarnam c. and his sisters son Morgan ap Sylsit ap Dyfnwal gathered forces and upon the Kings departure entred the Countrey spoiling and burning as they went and took the Town of Caerlheon and destroyed it saving the Castle now ruined by time which they could not get The destruction of the once famous Caerlheon The King kept on his journey to Pembrock and there he gave Rees all Caerdigan Stratywy Aberustly and Eluel Rees coming to Aberteini which he had won from the Earl of Glocester and lately fortified removed from thence to Pembrock in the Kalends of October and spake with the King returning the day after and then culled out of his Horses the promised number or at least 86 and sent them to the King who chose out 36 and sent the rest back with many thanks K. Hen. 2. offereth at St. Davids The same day the King went to St. Davids and offering there dined with the Bishop the son of Girald cousin german to Rees Whether Rich. Strongbow Earl of Strigull an antient Castle formerly in Monmothshire part of whose ruines yet remain came from Ireland to confer with the King and after dinner the King returned to Pembrock within a while after the King being at the white house rendred to Rees
Howell his son who had for a long time been pledge with him and then also he gave him day for the other Pledges and for his tribute till his return from Ireland The next day being the morrow after St. Lukes day the King took shipping there and had fair passage into Ireland where he landed at Dublin and there lay quiet that winter In the year 1172 there fell a great Plague among the Kings souldiers in Ireland by reason of the change of the air and victuals K. cometh to Pembrock and the solemnizeth the feast of the Resurction of our B. Saviour which caused the Kings return who landed in VVales in Passion week if such a week be now remembred and remained at Pembrock on Easter day which did it not constantly fall upon Sunday would be as well forgot or at least disesteemed as the Birth-day of our most Holy and Blessed Saviour and Reedeemer For he who honours not that blessed Nativity can we think that he reverenceth his glorious Resurrection and the day following and on Tuesday took his journey towards England the Lord Rees careful to comply with the King waits his coming at Talacharn and there presents his duty Caerlheon Castle anew repaired not built by King Hen. 2. The King as he passed from Caerdiff by the new Castle upon Vsk sent for Jorwerth ap Owen ap Cadogan to come and speak with him under safe conduct for him his sons and friends meaning to conclude a peace with him and so to quiet all Wales upon these summons or message Jorwerth took his journey towards the King and sent word to Owen his son being a lusty young Gentleman to meet him by the way but as he came at his fathers command the Earl of Bristolls men by this Earl of Bristoll I know not whom Mr. Powell means Reynold Earl of Cornwal and Bristoll as Mr. Mills calls him base son of Hen. 1. for in our usual accounts of Earls Mr. Mills fol. 69. John Lord Digby of Sherborne is accounted the first of that place being created Earl of Bristoll Sept. 15. Jac. 20. but in those dayes many were stiled Earls of places as Strongbow Earl of Strigull which are not numbred in the Catalogue of Earls hearing of it came out of the now Castle of Caerlheon upon Vsk and laid wait for him by the way being under the Kings safe conduct and trusting to his promise and suddenly set upon and murthered him traiterously and cowardly A most unworthy act being unarmed and having but a few in his Company Which hard and unchristianly act when his father understood by some of his followers that escaped he was much perplexed and returned home with all his friends and his son Howell A just revenge and would never afterwards trust neither the Kings promise nor any Normans but forthwith gathered all his power and friends that he could make and without mercy destroyed all the Countrey with fire and sword to the Gates of Hereford and Glocester to avenge the death of his son Howsoever K. Henry made Lord Rees chief Justice of all South Wales by Commission Usual then as now for the Welsh to have By-blows and look upon them as sons Abergavenny Castle suprised and took his journey into Normandy In the same year died Cadwalader ap Gruffith ap Conan Prince of North Wales who had by his wife Alice daughter of Richard Clare Earl of Glocester Cunetha Radulph and Richard and by other women he had Cadvan Cadwalader Eneon Meredyth Goch and Cadwalhon Towards the end of this year Sytsilt ap Dyfnwall and Jevan ap Syrsilt ap Riryd got the Castle of Abergavenny by surprise and took the Kings Garison prisoners and the year ensuing was the fairest winter that ever was seen About this time Rees Prince of South Wales sent unto King Henry his son Howell with a goodly Company of men to serve him which much pleased the King Hol. pag. 437. who returned cordial thanks to Prince Rees If I mistake not this Prince Rees as also other Princes of South Wales bore for his Ensignes of honour Mars The Arms of P. Rees a Lyon rampant and border endented Sol incensed Jupiter In the mean time Jorwerth ap Owen brought his Forces against Caerlheon and they of the Town fought with him whom he overthrew and took many prisoners of them and wan the Town and laid siege to the Castle Caerlheons Town and Castle taken which was yielded him forthwith in exchange for prisoners Then also Howell his son brought all Gwent ît Coed the Castle onely excepted the Castle here meant by Mr. Powell I conceive was Strigull which belonged to Earl Strongbow under his obedience and took Pledges of the Inhabitants Also at that time David ap Owen Gwyneth Prince of North Wales made war against his brother Maelgon who kept the Isle of Môn or Anglesey and brought his people over Mênai for so that arm of the Sea is called which separateth that Isle from the main land and chasing his brother out of the Isle to Ireland brought all the Isle under subjection also he expelled all his brothers and cousins out of North Wales A Turkish policy and took all their lands to himself and taking his brother Maelgon as he came from Ireland detained him close prisoner Then Conan his brother died In the year 1175. The Welsh much addicted to geld their kindred Howell the son of Jorwerth ap Owen of Caerlheon took his unkle Owen Pen Carne prisoner and putting out his eyes gelded him least he should beget children to inherit Caerlheon and Gwent but God provided a punishment for him for upon the Saturday following there came a great Army of Englishmen and Normans before the Town Caerlheon taken by the English and wan it with the Castle Maugre Howell and his father who was not privy to his sons lewd deed This year also David Prince of North Wales being bold of the King affinity did imprison his own brother Roderike in bolts because he desired part of his fathers lands This year also Rees Prince of South Wales came to the Kings Court at Glocester and brought with him such Lords of South Wales as had offended the King to do him homage which pleased his Majesty exceedingly whose names were these Cadwalhon ap Madoc of Melyenyth Reeses cousin german Eneon Clyt of Eluel Eneon ap Rees of VVerthrynion which two had married two of his daughters Morgan ap Caradoc ap Jestin of Glamorgan Gruffith ap Ivor ap Meyric of Senghennyth Silsyt of higher Gwent Caerlheon restored to Jorwerth by the K. of Engl. which three had married his sisters and Jorwerth ap Owen of Caerlheon whom the King received under his protection restoring to him Caerlheon again and so they returned home well satisfied But shortly after VVilliam de Bruse Lord of Brecknock desired Silsyt ap Dyfnwall Geffry his son and a great number of the Gentry and best men of
chased to their ships and thus the King being not able to do any more Mat Paris p. 917. manned and victualled his Castles and so returned home Of this Voyage a certain Nobleman being then in the Kings Camp wrote thus to his friend about the end of Septemb. 1245. year 1245 The King with his army lyeth at Gannock fortifying of that Strong Castle and we lie in our Tents thereby Gannoc castle watching fasting praying and freezing with cold we watch for fear of the Welshmen who are wont to invade and come upon us in the night time we fast for want of meat for the half penny loaf is worth five pence The Welshmen teach the Englishmen three excellent vertues of watching fasting praying we pray to God to send us home again speedily we starve for cold wanting our winter Garments and having no more but a thin linnen cloth betwixt us and the wind there is an arme of the sea under the Castle whereunto the tide cometh and many ships come up the haven thither and bring victuals to the Camp from Ireland and Chester this arme of the sea lyeth betwixt us and Snowdon where the Welshmen abide now and is about a flight shot over when the tide is in There came to the mouth of that haven a certain ship from Ireland with victuals to be sold upon Munday before Michaelmas day which being negligently look't unto Maâ— Par. p. 924. was set on drie ground at the low ebb at the further side of the water over against the Castle which thing when the Welshmen saw they came down from the hills and assaulted the vessel being now upon drie ground whereupon we on the otherside beholding the same sent over by boats 300 Welshmen of the borders of Cheshire and Shropshire with certain Archers and armed men to the rescue of the said ship whereupon the Natives withdrew to their accustomed places in the rocks and woods whom our men followed as far as two miles being on foot by reason they could transport no horses and slew many of them Our men being over geeedy and covetous spoiled the Abbey of Aberconwey and burned all the houses of Office belonging to the same Which doing caused the Welshmen to run thither Aberâ—onwey Abbey plundered by the English who like desperate men set upon our Souldiers being loaden with spoyles and slew a great number of them following the rest to the water side of whom some got to the boats and so escaped and some cast themselves into the water and were drowned and such as they took they hanged and beheaded every one In this conflict we lost many of our men The Welsh revenge the sacriledge especially of those that were under the conduct of Richard Earle of Cornwal and Sr. Alen Buscel Sr. Adam de Maio Sr. Geffry Estuemy one Raymond a Gascoyne whom the King highly fancied and divers others besides 100. of common Soldiers In the mean time Sr. Walter Bisset worthily defended the said ship untill the tide came and then came away with the same manfully wherein there were 60 Tuns of wine besides other provision c. Many other things are contained in the said writing of the hard shifts that we made in the Kings camp for victuals and the dearth of all things that were to be eaten In the beginning of the year 1246. David Prince of Wales after he had gotten the love of his subjects and atchived many notable victories dyed and was buryed at Conwey by his father after he had ruled Wales five years leaving no issue of his body to the great discomfort of the Land Mr. Mills speaking of this David saith he was disquieted with a number of cares in his life time he wasted and destroyed his Country he did many slaughters and after perjury and killing of his brother was overwearied with sundry tribulations He left Wales most miserably desolate and disquiet so as they found this saying true Every Kingdom divided in it self shall be made desolate he caused the Nobles to swear fealty unto him and so continued Prince 6. years and died Anno 1246. Lhewelyn and Owen the sons of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn When all the Lords and Barons of Wales understood of the death of their prince they came together and called for Lhewelin and Owen Goch the sons of Gruffith son to Prince Lhewelyn brother to David as next Inheritors for they esteemed not Roger Mortimer son to Gladis Râ—g Mortimer right heir put by his right sister to David and right inheritor by order of Law and did them homage who divided the principality betwixt them two The King hearing of the death of prince David sent one Nicholas de Miles as Justice of Southwals to Caermarthin and with him in commission Meredyth ap Rees Gryc K. H. 3. makes another attempt against Wales but in vain and Meredyth ap Owen ap Gruffith to dis-inherit Maelgon ap Vachan of all his lands wherefore the said Maelgon fled to the princes into Northwales for succour with Howel ap Meredith whom the Earle of Clare had by force spoyled of all his lands in Glamorgan against whom the King came with a great army who after he had remained a while in the Country and could do no good returned home again The Prince of Northwales was a superiour prince of all Wales to whom the other princes of Southwales and Powis did pay a certain tribute yearly as appeareth by lawes of Howel Dha and in divers places of this history and was the right heir of Cadwalader as is evident by all writers whose line of the heir male from Roden Mawr endeth in this David the son of Lhewelin the son of Jorwerth the son of Owen Gwineth the son of Gruffith the son of Conan the son of Jago the son of Edwal the son of Meiric the son of Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd the son of Roderi Mawr the son of Eselht the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindathwy the son of Roderike Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrich the son of Cadwalader the last King of the Brittains Lhewelin ap Jorwerth prince of Northwales father to David married two wives the first Jone Daughter of K. John by whom he had David who dyed without issue and Gladis married to Mortimer from which match the Kings of England are descended by the mothers side from Cadwalader About this time Harold King of Man came to the Court and did homage to K. Henry M. Paris p. 938 The K. of Man doth homage to the K. of England and he dubbed him Knight the Summer following Rees Vachan son to Rees Mechyl got the Castle of Carvec Cynnen which his mother of meer hatred conceived against him had delivered to the Englishmen The Abbots of Conwey and Stratflur made sute to the King for the body of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn which he granted unto them and they conveyed it unto Conwey where he was honourably buryed In the year 1254.
a staff being unarmed and knew him not and his men being but a few stood and fought boldly ever looking for their prince till the Englishmen by force of Archers mixt with the horsemen wan the hill and put them to flight and as they returned Francton went to spoyle him whom he had slain and when he saw his face he knew him very well and struck off his head and sent it to the King at the Abbey of Conwey who received it with great joy caused it to be set upon one of the highest Turrets of the Tower of London This was the end of Lhewelyn betrayed by the men of Buelht who was the last prince of the Brittains blood who bare dominion and rule in VVales so that the rule and government of the Brittains over continued in some place of Brittany from the first coming of Brutus Mr. Powel fol 374. which was as Mr. Powel saith in the year before Christs incarnation 1136. to the year after Christ 1282 by the space of 2418. years Varium mutabile semper vulgus Shortly after that the King had brought all the Country under his subjection the country men themselves brought to him David the princes brother whom he kept in Ruthlan Castle and after put him to death at Shrewsbury Then the King built two strong castles in Northwales Conwey and Carnarvon castle built by K. Edw I. the one at Conwey and the other at Caernarvon when Rees Vachan heard how all things went he yielded himself to the Earle of Hereford who at the Kings commandement sent him to the Tower of London to be imprisoned there and so the King passed through all VVales and subjected the whole Country to the Kingdom of England Mr. Mills fol. 310. Two religious men the one a VVelshman the other an Englishman have written late in Verses in praise and dispraise of this Lhewelyn not unworthy to be remembred the substance whereof is this The VVelshman thus The Englishman thus Here lyeth he that terrifieth the English men and Wales he did as valiantly defend Lhewelyn the Prince of Northwales the bulwark the jewel of his time a flower of Kings past a pattern of future ages the Captain the light the beauty and law of the People Here lyeth the Prince of error the spoyle of men traitor to England bright firebrand of the guilty the VVelshmens God a traitor Captaine and death of the godly the scum of Trojans a lying stock and cause of much mischief His Issue Katherine Lackland or without land married to Malcome Earle of Fyke in Scotland Madoc was his bastard son who in the latter time of K. Edward I. raised war in Northwales but where the King came he builded the Castles of Beaumarish and cut down there woods which yielded them succour and refuge in time of war he fortified the Castles about the sea coast Shortly after he was taken from that time the Welshmen ceased to make war and the King gave to his eldest son the Principality of Wales and with it the Earldom of Chester THE Fourth Book OF THE ANTIENT MODERN BRITTISH AND WELSH History TO THE Right Honourable Sir PIERCY HERBERT Lord Powis EDWARD HERBERT Baron of Cherbery in England and Castle-Iland in Ireland Sir CHARLES SOMERSET Knight of the Bath and Son to the Right Honorable Edward Earl of Worcester Sir EDWARD STRADLING alias ESTERLING of St. Donats Baronet Sir EDWARD MORGAN of Lantarnam Baronet Sir TREVOR WILLIAMS of Langibbie Com Mon Baronet WILLIAM LEWES of the Van Esq RICHARD LEWES of Edigton Esq THOMAS MORGAN of Maughan Esq The Lord POWIS Sir EDWARD HERBERT of Red-Castle Montgomeryshire descended lineally from Brittish Progenitors as in the Geneology of the E. of Pembrock largely appears Sir William Herbert created Lord Powis Elianor Daughter to Henry Earl of Northumberland by which match this honorable Family descends from the Brittish line as appears in the Genealogy of the Earl of Northumberland Sir Piercy Herbert Lord Powis sister to the Lord Craven William Herbert Esq Heir apparent Elizabeth Daughter to Edward Marquesse of Worcester by which the Brittish bloud is again renewed and conjoyned as appears in the Pedegree of the Marquess of Worcester The Lord HERBERT Baron of Cherbery and Castle-Iland Edward Lord Herbert of Cherbery Anne Daughter of Sir Thomas Middleton of Cherck Castle descended anciently from Brittish noble Progenitors Richard Lord Herbert c. Mary Daughter to John Egerton Earl of Bridgewater by which match the honourable Family is linked into the Brittish bloud as appears in the Genealogy of the Earl of Bridgewater Edward Lord Herbert c. Mary Daughter and Heir to Sir William Herbert of St. Julians Com Monmoth Here take natice that these two honorable Families both Male and Female by a long continued Series and Genealogy descend from Noble and Princely Brittish Progenitors The first whereof Herbert Lord of the Forrest of Dean married Lucy Daughter and Coheir of Milo Earl of Hereford who married Sibil Daughter and Heir of Bernard Newmarsh Lord of Brecon and his Wife Nest Daughter and Heir of Griffith ap Llewellin Prince of Southwales the first of this Family who setled in Wales was Peter ap Herbert who married Alice Daughter and Heir of Blethin Broadspear he was Lord of Llanthloell in Monmouthshire and Beachley in Glocestershire and from this branch are sprung The Earl of Pembrock and Huntington the Marquess of Worcester The Earl of Pembrock and Montgomery the Lord Powis and several Noble ancient and mighty Families who do and have born several honorable Offices in this Kingdom Sir CHARLES SOMERSET of Troy in the County of Monmouth Knight of the Bath SIR Charles Somerset Knight of the Bath at the creation of Henry Prince of Wales third Son to Edward Lord Herbert of Chepstow Ragland and Gower Earl of Worcester and Elizabeth Daughter of Francis Hastings Earl of Huntington and Katherine his Wife Daughter and Heir of Henry Poole Lord Mountague descended from the Brittish line married the sole d and h of Sir William Powel of Troy Knight extracted from an ancient and long continued series of Brittish Progenitors and hath three Daughters and Coheirs the eldest married to Squire Anderton of Lostock Com Lan Esq and hath Issue Male the other two as yet unmarried I shall need to say no more concerning the extraction of this honorable and most vertuous Knight from the Brittish line the Genealogy of the Marquess of Worcester will make it appear only I shall dayly pray that Almighty God will prolong his life for the good of the poor and at his departure crown him with a crown of glory bless his posterity Sir EDWARD STRADLING Baronet SIR Edward Esterling was one of the twelve Knights who came into Wales for the subduing of Glamorganshire and for his good service had St. Donats Castle and Mannor given him where this Knightly and Noble Family hath hitherto continued Sir John Esterling Knight Sir Morris Esterling Knight Sir Robert
did take out of the several profits of those years and did cast them all into one summe which they again divided into three several parts equally esteeming one of the said three parts to be the just yearly value of the said Revenues Communibus annis that is one year with an other And in this account we find no other charges allowed then the Justics Fees only This survay and account made about 200 years past is here inserted to the end it might appear what the Revenues of this Principality alone was The said prince of VVales surnamed the Black prince Mr. Mills fol. 315. after many fortunate victories atchieved by him having subdued a great part of France and having taken John the French King prisoner at Poyteers in France and after that also having vanquished Henry at Naveroit in Spain and restored Peter King of Aragon dyed in June Sr. John Dodridge fol. 15. leaving behind him Richard his Son and Heir born at Burdeux and thereof sirnamed Richard of Burdeux Richard of Burdeux Richard son of Edward Prince of VVales was after the death of his father created prince of VVales at Havering at Bower the 20. day of November in the 50. year of King Edw. III. his Grandfather he was after the death of his said Grandfather K. of England by the name of K. Rich. II. This Richard saith Judge Dodridge sirnamed of Burdeux son and heir of Edward the black prince was created prince of VVales ut supra being about the age of XI years and upon Christmas day next following the said King Edward the third caused the said prince being his Nephew or Grandchild to sit at the table in high estate above all his Uncles being the Kings sons as representing the personage of the heir apparent to the Crown and gave to him the two parts of all the said principality Counties Lordships Castles and the most of the said Lands which belonged to the said black prince and the reversion of the third part thereof the possession of the third part there of then being to the mother of the said Rich. to her dowry with an 113 l. 6 s. 8 d. yearly rent payable by the Earle of March as a Fee Farm for the Lordship and Lands of Buelht and 85. marks for the fee farm of the Castle Lordship and Land of Montgomery with the vacations of Bishopricks excepting the Fees of the Baron Marchers of VVales who do alwaies hold of the Crown in Capite and excepting the avoydance of the Bishoprick of St. Davids in VVales which anciently also belonged to the Crown with the like limitation to the estate viz. To the said Richard and his heirs Kings of England It seemeth that these Lordships of Buelht and Montgomery being formerly granted to Edw. the black prince were before this time given away in Fee Farm After the death of the said K. Edw. III. which was in the 51 year of his reign the Kingdom of England descended to the said Richard being his grandchild and he was crowned King thereof by the name of Richard the second and in the 23 year of his reign he resigned his Kingdom or to speak more truly was deposed against his will and after by a violent death departed this life without issue Henry of Monmoth Henry of Bullingbrock a Town or Castle in Lincolneshire and heretofore belonging to the Lacies Earles of Lincolne and by the marriage with Alice daughter and heir of Henry Lacy Earle of Lincolne to Thomas Earle of Lancaster this with the residue of the lands of Lincolne became united and incorporated with those of Lancaster It hath been almost ever since this time one of the honours as we call them of the Crown of England but never made any honorary title unto any family untill King James conferred it on Sr. Oliver Saint John who possibly might affect to be thence denominated as fetching his descent from the Lady Margaret Beauchamp Grandmother to King Henry the seventh the heirs of the Lancastrian family by which descent likewise as well as otherwayes he is descended of the Welsh blood and beareth for his armes Argent on a chief gules two mullets Or but to our former matter this Henry of Bullingbrock by the name of Henry IV. who was formerly Duke of Lancaster and Hereford Earle of Derbie Leicester and Lincolne son and heir of John of Gaunt the fourth son to K. Edward the third by his Charter dated at Westminster 15. Octob. in the first year of his reign created Henry his eldest son prince of Wales and invested him in the said princely Ornaments viz. the chaplet gold ring verge or rod of gold To have and to hold unto him and his heirs Kings of England And by another Charter of the same date gave to him and his heirs Kings of England the said principality with the Lordships Sr. John Dodridge fol. 17. Castles and Lands before mentioned in the Charter made to the black prince together with four Comots in the county of Caernarvon viz. the comots of Ifaph Vghaph Nantconwey and Crewthin not named before and the reversion of the Lordship of Haverford with the prices of Wines there and of the Lordships of Newin and Pughby in Northwales which Thomas Percy then Earle of Worcester held for term of life of the demise of King Richard the Second together also with the reversion of the county and lordship of Anglesey in Northwales and the castle of Beaumarish and the comots lands tenements and hereditaments belonging thereunto which Henry Percy son of the Earle of Northumberland then held for terme of his life of the demise of the said K. Hen. IV. and by an act of Parliament made in the first year of K. H. IV. whereby the Dutchy of Lancaster is severed from the Crown of Engl. the stile of the said P. is declared to be this P. of Wales D. of Aquitane of Lancaster of Cornwal E. of Chester for the said K. H. IV. having been himself D. of Lancaster before his assumption to the Crown and knowing that the name of Duke being an inferiour dignity would extinguish and be surrounded in the crown as in the superior desired as by that Act of Parliament appeareth not only to separate the said Dutchy of Lancaster and the lands thereof from the Crown to the intent he might still hold the said Dutchy as his antient patrimony if he were put from the Crown it being but his new acquired dignity but also to preserve the said stile Mr. Lhoyd fol. 385. title and name of Duke of Lancaster in his posterity which as the said act affirmeth his ancestours had so worthily borne and sustained In the time of K. Rich. II. there was one Owen ap Gruffith Vachan descended of a younger son of Gruffith ap Madoc Lord of Bromfield This Owen was first a Student at the Lawes of the Realme and became an utter Barrister or an apprentise of the law as they term it and served King Richard in
militum instructorum quatuordecim Millia quorum contemptu Brennus prae numero suorum de victoria non dubitat sed ad acuendos animos militibus ostendit ubertatem praedae statuasque cum quadrigis fusas auro solido quarum rerum animadversione Galli magis incitati ac pridie vino pleni ruunt in bellum sine ulla cogitatione periculorum Delphi contra plus in Deo quam in viribus suis subsidii ponunt Gallosque scandentes de summo vertice montis Parnassi quo templum Apollinis est partim Saxis partim Armis obruunt maximoque terrae motu parte montis ejusdem erupta Gallorum Exercitum prostravit confertissimique cunei vulneribus dissipati cadebant Dux ipse Brennus cum non poterat amplius ferre dolorem vulnerum suorum vitam pugione finivit Brennus having vanquished the Inhabitants of Pannonia and hearing of the Victory which his Souldiers had obtained under the Command of Belgius their Commander against the Macedonians who fled away leaving the booty and spoils behind them rallying up fifty thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse he suddenly and with great violence enters Macedonia where whilst he plundered ransackt and destroyed both Fields and Villages Sosthenes with an Army well appointed made Head and Resistance against him but being far fewer in number and overwhelmed with multitudes of his Enemies he was forced to Retreat and give way to his present Fortune the Macedonians being thus put to the worst by necessity are compelled to hide and secure themselves under the protection of their walled and fortified Townes and Castles mean time Brennus having none to oppose him fleeceth and wasteth the Countries round about and seeing these spoils too slender for his avaricious and aspiring mind he devours and swallows up in his all-devouring thoughts the opulency of the Gods deridingly and as he thinks wittily though profanely saying The wealth-abounding Gods must supply the indigent wants of poor distressed mortals and therefore bends all his power for Delphos preferring their rich and massie oblations and consecrate golden offerings before the just and most deserved anger of the Gods saying The Gods could never want busying himselfe with these imaginations he comes within the sight and view of great Apollos Temple where he pauseth considering with himself whether it were better suddenly to assault or rather give that nights rest unto his wearied Souldiers to refresh their tired bodies Euridanus and Thessalonus Captains of great skill and experience who had associated themselves meerly for lucre and spoil advise him by all means to cut off delays as dangerous and suddenly to set upon the attempt the Enemy as yet being altogether unprovided in regard whereof a sudden motion would strike them into a terrible fear But the Gauls having suffered hunger and hard marches finding the Country well furished with Wines and other welcome Provisions leaving their Colours disperse themselves every one according to his own pleasure and liking and as if already all were their own like Conquerors they strut it up and down This remisnesse gives opportunity to the Delphians by the Auxiliary Forces of their Friends and Neighbours to fortifie their Town and reinforce their Garrison which Brennus perceiving sends out Command for every man speedily to repair to his Colours whose minds were set upon nothing but looking to their bellies and quaffing lusty bowls The Army of the Gauls consisted of sixty thousand Foot the Citizens of Delphos had only fourteen thousand fighting Men Brennus undervaluing this slender handfull of Men in respect of the numerous Troops of his Souldiers made himself cock-sure of the Victory and therefore to encourage his Men the more he wish'd them to behold and consider the richness of the Treasure and greatness of the Spoil which was like to fall unto their share the Statues and Images together with their Chariots if not made at least covered over with pure and solid Gold The greedy Souldier easily swallowed up his golden Bait and elevated and inebriated with the blood of the lusty grape without either Order or command being sufficiently armed with Bachus to set all danger at defiance runs headlong into Battel on the contrary the wary Delphians confiding more in the protection of their God than strength of their humane Forces from the high and towring Top of the cloud kissing Parnassus where stood Apollos stately Temple with stones and other such Materials besides the help of their Weapons beat down and headlong precipitated the aspiring Gauls this their endeavour was seconded by a sudden and hideous Earthquake which so broke the Ranks of the amazed yet furious Assailants and so disordered their best ordered Squadrons that what with a sudden fear what with those unwonted kinds of wounds they were totally disperst and overthrown Brennus whose haughty spirit not long before was puft up with presumption of winning golden Mountains is now no longer able to endure his late received wounds and therefore with one stroke to put a period to all his miseries he sheatheth his fatal Dagger with a more then manlike thrust in the most remote angle of his own entrails Bellinus together with his brother began their Reign anno Mundi according to Fabian four thousand eight hundred and eight according to which Author jointly and alone ellinus reigned twenty six years leaving a Son after him called Gurguintus Gurguint Brabituc or after some Writers Gurguint Barberous that is to say Gurguint with a red Beard Finis Libri primi To the High and Mighty PRINCES THOMAS HOWARD Duke and Earl of Norfolk Earl of Arundel and Surrey Lord Howard Fitz Alan Mowbrey Matravers Segrave Bruse and Clun SEYMOUR or De S to Mauro Duke of Somerset Marquesse and Earl of Hertford Baron Beauchampe and Seymour c. GEORGE VILLIERS Duke Marquesse and Earl of Buckingham Viscount Villiers and Baron of Whaddon Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter CHARLES STEWART Duke of Lennox and Richmond Earl of March and Lichfield Lord Awbigney Darneley Tarbolton and Nethven in Scotland and Baron of Leighton Bromswould in England GEORGE MONCK Duke of Albemarle Earl of Torrington Baron Monck of Potherige Beauchampe and Teyes Capt. General and Commander in Chief of all his MAJESTIES Land Forces in his Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland and all other his Majesties Dominions and Territories Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter Master of his Majesties Horse one of the Lords of his Majesties most honble privy Councel The Duke of Norfolk ROBERT commonly called Consull Earl of Glocester Son to King Hen. 1. by Nest Daughter to Rees ap Tewder K. or Prince of South-Wales which Rees married Gladis Daughter and sole Heire of Rees ap Kenvin Prince of Powis Randolph sirnamed De Gernoniis E of Chester Matildis or Maud Daughter of Robert E. of Glocester Hugh Kavilioc Earl of Chester Bertrude Daughter of Simon Earl of Montford William de Albeneio Earl of Arundel Mabell Daughter to Hugh Kavilioc and Sister and
Co-heir to Randolph Blundevill her Brother John Fitz Alan Lord of Clun and Owalstre two Lordships in Wales Isabell D. and Coh after the death of her brothers William and Hugh to William de Albeneio or Albany Richard Fitz Alan Grandchild to John 1. E. of Arundel of that Name Alizan D. to the Marquesse of Sluce in Italy Edmund Fitz Alan E. of Arundell Alice D. of William and Sister and Co-h. of John E. Warren and Surrey Richard Fitz Alan E. of Arundel c. Lord of Yale Bromfield Chirkland and Dinas Bran in Northwales Elinor D. to Henry Plantagenet E. of Lancaster Richard E. of Arundell c. Eliza. D. to William de Bohun E. of Northampton Thomas E. of Arundell c. Beatrix base D. to John King of Portugall Thomus E. of Arundell c. sans Issue so the Lands of the Earldome of Surrey were divided betwixt the Sisters and the Earldome of Arundell fell to John Fitz Alan being entailed John Fitz Alan E. of Arundell Knight of the Garter great Grand-child to John Maud. D. and H. of Robert Lovell and Eliz. his wife D. and Co-h. to Sir Guy Bryan To John Fitz Alan and Elinor his wife sister and Coh of Henry Lord Maltravers Humphrey Earle of Arundell sans Issue William Fitz Alan Uncle and Heir to Humphrey Margaret D. of Richard Woodvile E. Rivers Sister and Co-h. to E. Rich. her Brother William Fitz Alan Earl of Arundell Ame D. of Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland by which Match this Honourable Family also descends from the Welsh Line as in that Pedegree shall appear Henry Lord Maltravers sans Issue Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Mary D. and Co-h. of Henry Fitz Alan Earl of Arundell Philip Howard eldest Son of D. Thomas did assume the Name and Title of Earl of Arundell Anne D. of Thomas Lord Dacres of Gilestand and Sister and H. of George Lord Dacres Thomas Howard Earl of Arundell Alathen D. and Co-h. and at last sole H. to Gilbert Talbot E. of Shrewsbury by which Match the Honourable Family descends from the Welsh Line as in its proper place shall appear Henry Earl of Arundell c. Eliz. D. to Elsme Stewart D. of Lennox by which Match this House again springs from the Welsh blood as the Princely Line of the Stewarts do shew Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Henry Howard second Son Heir apparent Anne Daughter to Edward Marquesse and Earl of Worcester c. by which Conjunction the Welsh Alliance is strengthned NORFOLK is the greatest County of England next to Yorkshire but far more populous then that as comprehending in the whole 660 Parish Churches of which 27 are Market Townes The soyl according to the variety of places is of different nature some fat rank and full of moisture in others very light and sandy yet so that one contributing to the other and the Sea giving help to both it is a very plentifull County for Corn Sheep and Fish It is observed by a great Antiquary of this Kingdome that in this County are 100 Families of ancient Gentry were never attainted of High Treason The Dukes and Earls of Norfolke have been as followeth year 1070 1070. 1 Ralph de Ware Earl of Norfolk 2 Hugh Bigot 3 Roger Bigot 4 Hugh Bigot 5 Roger Bigot 6 Roger Bigot 7 Thomas de Brotherton Son of K. Edw. 1. E. of Norfolk 8 Margaret Daughter of Thomas de Brotherton Duch. of Norfolk 9 Thomas Lord Mowbrey Son of Marg. D. of Norfolke Duke of Norfolk 10 John Mowbrey D. 11 John Mowbrey D. 12 John Mowbrey D. 13 Richard D. of York and Norfolk 14 John Lord Howard Descended from the Lady Marg. Daughter to Thomas Duke of Norfolk 15 Thomas Howard D. Lord Treasurer and Admirall 16 Thomas Howard D. L. Treas 17 Thomas Howard D. of Norfolk 18. Thomas Howard D. of Norfolk 1660. The Duke of Somerset THis Honourable Family hath been Seated formerly in Wales whose Habitation was Penhow in Monmouthshire where I find their Arms cut in stone and depicted in glasse in the Church Windows which Church was Dedicated to St. Maurus from which Name questionlesse that illustrious Family took the Name De S to Mauro and yet to this day there is a Piece of Ground called Park Seymour and to confirm this I judge it not amisse to shew you parcel of an ancient Record The Saturday after the Feast of St. Michael in the full Court of Strigull in the 55. year of Hen. the Son of K. John before William de Walste then Steward of Strigull who ought to have House Bote and Hey-bote in Wentwood The JVRY The Abbot of Tynterne the Prior of Strigull Lord Robertson of Pagan William Bloet William Denford of Creeke Richard de More Robert de St. Maure Bartholomew of More Knights Matthew Denbane Robert de More and John Morbell who say in their Faith that William Lord Bloet ought to have to his House at Langston House Bote by complaint or request Lord William de St. Maure to his House or Castle of Penhow by the same means c. Henry Gray Marquess Dorset and Duke of Suffolk Descended from Sir John Gray Kt. Lord Powis who married Jane Daughter and one of the Heirs of Edward Charleton Lord Powis Son of John of another John Charleton who married Hawis Daugh. and sole Heir of Howel ap Griffith lineally descended from the Princes of Powis Frances D. and Co-h. to Charles Brandon D. of Suffolk and Queen Mary D. to Hen. 7. who by Owen Tudor descended lineally from the Princes of Southwales and from Rees ap Tewdor King of Demetia who died 1090. and was buried at St. Davids Edward de S to Manro Earl of Hertford Joan D. to L. Hen. Piercy E. of Northumberland by which Match this Family is the 3. time descended from Wales Edward Seymour E. of Hertford and Duke of Somerset Katharine D. to Henry Grey and Frances D. and Co-h. to Charles Brandon D. of Suffolk and Mary Queen of France William Seymor Duke of Somerset who married Sister and Co-heir to Robert Earle of Essex Seymor Lord Beauchampe Daughter to the Lord Capell that Loyall and Heroick Spirit who lost his life on the Kings behalf SEYMOR now DUKE of SOMERSET 1660. Somersetshire is a Country of a fertile Soyl both for Corn and Pasture exceeding populous as comprehending in the whole 385 Parish-Churches whereof 33 are Market Towns and furnished also with commodious Havens for Trade and Traffick in the parts towards Wilts it is hilly and stony which places about Mendip especially afford rich veins of Lead the rest of the Country is very fertile abounding with rich Meadows and Pastures it hath formerly been known by the name of Somertonshire but now it is ordinarily called Somersetshire by which name it hath given the Honorary Title of Dukes and Earles of Somerset 1 William de Mohun E. 2 William Longespe E. of Salisbury and Somerset 3 Reynald de Mohun 4 John Beauford eldest Son of John of Gaunt by his 3. wife
prison but shortly after by Gods help they broke the prison and escaped home In the year 1199. Maelgon son to prince Rees laid seige to the Castle of Dinerth and getting it slew all the Garrison which his brother Gruffith had left to defend it But at the same time Gruffith won the Castle of Cilgarran and fortified it This year as King Richard did view the Castle of Chalens in France The end of K. Rich. and beginning of K. Johns reign he was strucken with a quarrel and sore wounded whereof he dyed the ninth of Aprill and left by his Testament John his brother Inheritor of all his lands having no respect to Arthur who being son of an elder brother was right heir The year after Gruffith son of Conan ap Owen Gwineth a noble man died Noblemen buried in Monks habits and was buryed in a Monks Cowle at the Abbey of Conwey and so were all the Nobles for the most part of that time buried This year Maelgon ap Rees seeing he could not well keep Aberteini The Key of Wales sold treacherously of very spite to his brother and hatred to his Country sold it to the Englishmen for a small summe of money being the very key of VVales The same year Madoc the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield did build the Abbey of Lhannegwest called in English commonly Vale Crucis The year 1201 Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth Prince of North Wales being a proper young Chivalier banished out of the land his cozen Meredyth the son of Conan ap Owin Gwyneth suspected of Treason and seized the Cantref of Lhyyn and Evvyonyth to his own hands which were Conans lands Then shortly after Meredyth the son of P. Rees was slain at Carnwelhion by Treason year 1202 whose elder brother Gruffith seized upon his Castle in Lhanymdhfri and all his lands this Gruffith was a wise and discreet Gentleman and one who was like to bring all South Wales to good order and obedience who in all things followed his Fathers steps whom as he succeeded in Government so did he in all Martial prowess and nobility of mind but cruel fortune which frowned upon that Countrey suffered him not long to enjoy his land this Prince died on St. James day ensuing and was buried at Stratflur with great solemnity he left behinde him a son called Rees as right Inheritor of South Wales whose mother was Maud the daughter of William de Bruse Gwerthryneon Castle destroyed The next year after certain Lords of Wales got the Castle of Gwerthryneon which was Roger Mortimers and laid it plain with the ground Then Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth P. of North Wales calling to memory his Estate and Title and how all the other Princes by the Ordinance of Roderike the great and by the lawes of Howell Dha ought of right to acknowledge the King or P. of North Wales as their liege Lord and hold their lands of him and of none other notwithstanding that of late years by negligence of his predecessors they had not used their accustomed duty but some held of the King of England A Parliament called by the P. of Wales others ruled as Supreme power within their own Countries wherefore he called a Parliament of all the Lords in Wales which for the most part appeared before him and swore to be his liege men but Gwenwynwyn Lord of Powis would not come thither nor take the Oath of Allegiance which disobedience the Prince declared to all his Lords and they all thought that it was requisit that Gwenwynwyn should be constrained by force to do his duty or else to lose his lands yet one of his Lords named Elise ap Madoc would not condescend to hurt Gwenwynwyn in any case but departed away suddenly Then Lhewelyn came with an Army to Powis but by the means of certain learned men Gwenwynwyn and the Prince were made friends and Gwenwynwyn became the P. his liege man and confirmed that both by Oath and Writing Then Lhewelyn remembring how Elise ap Madoc had served him seized upon all his lands and Elise fled the Countrey but afterward yielded himself to the Princes mercy who gave him the Castle of Crogen and 7 townships withal Concerning the by-name Crogen And here I think it not amiss to declare the cause why the English call the Welsh Crogens as a word of reproach and despite but if they knew the beginning they should find the contrary for in the voyage which K. Henry the 2d. made against the Welshmen to the Mountains of Berwin as he lay at Oswalstred certain of his men that were sent to try the passages as they would have passed Offas ditch at the Castle of Crogen at which place there was and is at this day a narrow way through the same ditch these men I say as they would have passed the strait Adwy'r bedhev were met withal and a great number slain as doth appear by their graves there yet to be seen whereof the strait beareth the name Therefore the Englishmen after not forgetting the slaughter used to cast the Welshmen in the teeth in all their troubles with the name of Crogen as if they would signifie unto them thereby that they should look for no favour but rather revenge at their hands which word in process of time grew to be taken in another signification Balani Castle fortified Lhanymdhyfri Castle taken Now when Lhewelyn had all those parties in good order he returned to North Wales and by the way fortified the Castle of Balani Penlhyn about the same time Rees son of Gruffith ap Rees by right P. of South Wales got the Castle of Lhanymdhyfri upon Michael-Mass day The Prince of Wales marrieth the King of Englands Daughter About this time Lhewelyn Prince of Wales took to wife Jone daughter of K. John with whom the said King gave the Lordship of Elsmere in the Marches of Wales The year next ensuing the aforesaid Rees ap Gruffith ap Rees got the Castle of Lhangadoc and fortified it to his own use but shortly after Maelgon his Unkle with his friend Gwenwynwyn came with a stronge power before the Castle of Lhanymdhyfri and wan it and from thence they removed to Lhangadoc year 1204 got the same likewise suffering the garrison to depart Gwenwynwyn From thence Maelgon went to Dinerth and finished the Castle which he had begun there About this time David sonne of Owen Gwyneth after that Prince Lhewelyn his nephew had set him at liberty fled to England and got an Army to restore him to his antient estate in North Wales but all in vain for his nephew met him and overthrew him in the way whereupon he returned into England and there shortly after died for very grief and sorrow The next year to this Howell the son to Prince Rees being blind was slain at Cemaes by his brother Maelgons men and buried by his brother Gruffith at Stratflur Although this Maelgon in those dayes bare